Tuesday, may 31, 2016 binder1 by Newtelegraphonline

FG approves $80bn nuclear plants' construction Adeola Yusuf

lRussia firm starts 4,800MW plants October 2017

he Federal Government has taken a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the construction of $80 bil-

lion nuclear plants to be constructed and operated by a Russia nuclear energy firm, Rosatom, New Telegraph has learnt.

A shared document between the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission and the Ministry of Power sighted by New Telegraph

indicated that the FID was taken after the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the sites and the comple-

menced, the document showed. "The agreement with Rosatom gave the company the right to veto the nation doing business with any other nuclear

tion of design for the plants. The sites have been approved, while the design for the financing had com-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Sanctity Of Truth

NIGERIA’S MOST AUTHORITATIVE NEWSPAPER IN POLITICS AND BUSINESS /newtelegraph /newtelegraph

Vol. 3 No. 832

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Al-Mustapha: My book’ll reveal what killed Abacha, Abiola }4

Herdsmen kill 10, raze 25 houses in Benue }43

@newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com @newtelegraph1 www.newtelegraphonline.com

Afe: I hated school because I wanted to inherit my father’s farm }33

Fayose to FG: You can't stop my foreign trips

N150

Biafra: Scores feared dead, 400 arrested Al-Mustapha

Ortom

Babalola

Fayose

…soldiers, police, protesters in deadly clashes lPolicemen thrown inside River Niger, two killed }2 Enugu

ASABA

Onitsha

Enugu

Owerri

Various scenes of protests organised by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigeneous People of Biafra (IPOB) …yesterday.

I’ve great respect for Jonathan –Buhari

‘

‘New eye implant could stop age-related blindness

For him to have conceded defeat even before the result was announced by INEC, I think it was an act of generosity and patriotism. This is where I pay my respect to Jonathan }10

NEWS

TUESday, May 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Biafra: Scores feared dead, 400 arrested

Our Correspondents

cores of people were yesterday feared dead as proBiafran agitators under the auspices of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and security agents clashed in some South-East states and Delta State. The clashes broke out following plans by the two separatist groups to organise the 49th anniversary of the declaration of the sovereign State of Biafra in 1967 by the late Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Police arrested over 400 pro-Biafran agitators in Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Delta states. Some clergymen, who conducted inter-denomi-

national service for the agitators were also arrested. In Delta, two policemen lost their lives during the protest. One was stabbed to death while one got drowned after being thrown into River Niger by pro-Biafran agitators. Police said the group killed a police corporal and took his AK47 riffle at Okwe Junction in Abraka area of Asaba. Also, another officer was attacked along the Dennis Osadebey Way in Asaba. The protesters, according to police, wounded the officer and took his anti-riot gun. A pregnant woman was hit by a stray bullet during the fracas in Asaba. In Onitsha, Anambra State, the anniversary turned bloody with eyewitnesses claiming that about 32 people, including a soldier were killed, while over 10 persons were arrested. The event was billed to take place all over the

South-East. But on Sunday, signs of trouble appeared when five buses loaded with MASSOB members were intercepted and taken to an unknown destination by soldiers. The Biafra agitators were returning from a conference in Owerri, the Imo State capital. But yesterday in Nkpor, a neighbouring town to the commercial city of Onitsha, it was gathered that the mayhem started about6a.m., when members of the IPOB took to the streets with some of them nude and were confronted by soldiers of the 312 Artillery Brigade. The confrontation allegedly led to scores of people losing their lives. The pro-Biafra group blocked most of the major streets and roads in Onitsha and the Niger Bridge head, which made most people to remain indoors with all the markets in Onitsha also shut.

Most of the killings occurred at Nkpor, where IPOB had chosen as a celebration point for the Biafra Day. MASSOB leader, Mr. Uchenna Madu, said in a telephone interview that his group was not involved in the protest, explaining that he had earlier issued a statement that this year’s Biafra Day should be celebrated quietly and that all MASSOB members should stay at home. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra State, Mr. Alli Okechukwu, said the police was very busy clearing all the blocked roads in Onitsha. “We are not counting the number of casualties at the moment, but to ensure that normalcy returns in Onitsha,” he said. The deaths were said to have occurred near a Catholic Church. Police said some mem-

L-R: France's Ambassador for International Investment and CEO of Business France, Mrs. Muriel Penicaurd; Chairman, UBA Plc., Mr. Tony Elumelu; Chairman, Senate Inter parliamentary Committee on France-West Africa, Senator Charles Revet and French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denye Gauer, at the French Senate, Palais Du Luxembourg, Paris…on Friday.

Buhari seeks speedy passage of money laundering bill, others Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari has urged the National Assembly to facilitate accelerated consideration and passage of the Money Laundering and Prevention Bill 2016 that will support the war against corruption in the country. The president, who stated this yesterday when he hosted members of the Senate and House of Representatives to a dinner at the presidential villa, also appealed to the lawmakers to pass the Bills for Acts for domestication of agreements for avoidance of double taxation between Nigeria and South Korea, Spain and Sweden respectively. He said other bills that needed the attention of the lawmakers are the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2016; the Federal Capital Territory

Appropriation Bill, 2016 and Statutory Budget of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), 2016. Buhari explained that the Federal Capital Territory and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) cannot execute their statutory mandate or incur expenditure for the year unless their budgets are approved by the lawmakers. He commended the lawmakers for painstakingly working in consensus with the executive in passing the 2016 budget. "It is on record that this is one rare occasion where the Appropriation Act was assented to with the schedule (the details). This is a good start in our journey of change," he said. According to the president, the several bills passed have enabled the government to function according to the law. He pledged to uphold the principle of separation of powers among the Executive, Legislature and

the Judiciary. His words: "I hereby restate the commitment of this administration to observe the principles of separation of powers which defines and delineates the functions and powers of each arm of government. Thus far, we in the executive have restricted ourselves to our constitutional roles. "Therefore, as the president, and we as the executive arm of government will not interfere in the functions, functioning and process of the legislature and the judiciary. In the same vein, I urge other arms of government to please appraise and ensure that each action conceived and taken by it is in strict accord with its constitutionally limited powers. "I urge you as legislators and the legislature to take out time and communicate with your constituents and other Nigerians, the policies of the government which are based on laws approved by the Na-

tional Assembly." In his remarks, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who thanked the president for invitation to dinner, said it was not easy for the country to go through 17 years of uninterrupted democracy. "It shows that our democracy has matured. We will request for more and more of this kind of interaction, now that the budget has been released the food will be more sumptuous. It will strengthen our relationship with the executive and solidify the democracy of our country," he said. Other notable persons in attendance were the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; former vice president, Atiku Abubakar; and APC deputy national chairman (South), Segun Oni, among others.

bers of the IPOB and MASSOB were arrested in different locations by the police and JTF. In Asaba, the Delta State capital, and its environs, commotion followed after the murder of two persons, including a policeman, during the anniversary celebration by IPOB. As early as 5:30a.m, the agitators, numbering about 10,000, clad in red and black attires, had trooped out and marched towards the defunct TollGate, adjacent the River Niger Bridge, chanting solidarity and freedom songs to celebrate the 1967 declaration. Motorists travelling along the route had hectic time negotiating their ways through short cuts within Asaba metropolis before escaping the heavy gridlock caused by the agitators. Security operatives battled for hours, including paving the way through with guns, before the agitators vacated the expressway. While one of the victims, a policeman, was stabbed to death in the stomach on the ever busy Asaba-Onitsha Expressway by the agitators for spraying tear gas on them, another victim was thrown into the River Niger for constituting threat to their demand. In Abraka, a community that is highly populated by northerners in Delta State, the agitators attacked another policeman, before they left several others injured. Traders fled the vicinity, even as residents of the locality ran for dear lives. The celebration was, however, peaceful at Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South, where the foundation stone of BIM-MASSOB Secretariat was laid by the presiding Bishop of Jesus the Shepherd Ministry, Dr. A.S. Mogekwu. The Acting PPRO in Delta, SP Charles Muka, who confirmed the death of seven persons in the state, added that the police recorded two casualties. He said five MASSOB members were killed by military officers, who had confrontations with the group along the AsabaOnitsha Expressway in Asaba. He stated that the military arrested and brought eight members of MASOB to the police and “are now in custody in Asaba.” According to him, the protesters turned violent and attacked the policemen deployed to monitor the protest, killed two and injured two others. “We had to deploy our officers to ensure that the protest was peaceful but

we were surprised that the people turned violent. “To our surprise, they started attacking our men and at Okwe Junction in Abraka area of Asaba, the group killed a police corporal and took his AK47 riffle. “Also along the Dennis Osadebey Way in Asaba, they wounded a police officer and took his anti-riot gun. “This group also attacked and wounded two policemen, suspected to be marine police, and threw them into the River Niger at Cable Point in Asaba and, in the process, one died and one was rescued. “This brings the casualty number to two with two others injured on the side of the police. “The protesters also attacked military vehicles along the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway which left four members of the group dead and eight others arrested." It added that a pregnant woman was hit by a stray bullet during the fracas, but receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba. In Ebonyi State, over 320 members of MASSOB were arrested in Abakaliki, the state capital, by the State Police Command during the celebration. The agitators were arrested during a prayer session to mark the Biafra day. Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the Zonal Leader of MASSOB in charge of Ebonyi North, John Nwifuru, alleged that policemen numbering over 200, stormed the Nkaliki Primary School field, Abakaliki, venue of the celebration and arrested over 320 members of the group. He said the policemen seized items of the members worth millions of naira including vehicles, over 93 motorcycles and others. He alleged that some of the arrested members of the group were clergymen, who were conducting inter-denominational church service as part of activities marking the celebration. The state PPRO, ASP George Okafor, said about 92 MASSOB members were arrested. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

984.5m

The estimated total population of South Central Asia in 1980. Source: Un.org

23.98%

The percentage of the club-trained players by Spanish clubs in 2011-2012. Source: Football-observatory.com

NEWS

TUESday, May 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

L-R: National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu; ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; President Muhammadu Buhari and Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, during a dinner for members of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday.

Why I have great respect for Jonathan –Buhari Anule Emmanuel Abuja

resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that he has great respect for his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, by the singular act of conceding defeat even before the final results of the 2015 presidential election were announced by the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC). He said Jonathan presented himself by that action as a true patriot. Buhari spoke yesterday when he hosted members of the State House Press Corps at the presidential villa, Abuja to a lunch to mark this year's Democracy Day celebration. According to Buhari, he was shocked by the call from the former president who had phoned to con-

Onu: FG to build 6 science, technology museums

he Federal Government yesterday said it would build a Science and Technology museum in each of the six geo-political zones of the country. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Onu explained that the idea was to stimulate children’s interest in science and technology. “The science museum is very important. We want our young people to have interest in science and technology. “A Science and Technology and Innovation Museum will do a lot for us. One, all the natural phenomena that happen – lightning, rainfall – we will have explanations on them there. “All these little equipment and so on, we will put it in a way that children will start developing interest from early age. “Then adults will also like to go in because we also showcase major achievements of science and technology across the country.

$22.4m

The total pay (including salary/ winnings & endorsements) of Geno Atkins (Football) for 2014. Source: Forbes.com

“It will take us time to get it built, but it is very important; there is no major country that does not have many of those. So, we need to start again with one; then as funds become available, we do more. We will start in Abuja,” he said. On SHESTCO Silicon Valley, he said the Federal Government would soon begin work at the site as funds had already been allocated for the project. “We are going to start a technology village. The money allocated is not much, but we thank President Muhammed Buhari and we are assuring of more support,” Onu said.

gratulate him. His words: "He called me at 5:15p.m. He said good evening Your Excellency Sir and I said good evening. “He [Jonathan] said I have called to congratulate you that I have conceded defeat. "Of course, there was dead silence on my end, because I did not expect it. I was shocked. The president then asked; are you there? "I did not expect it because for 16 years the man was a deputy governor, governor, vice president and was president for six years. For him to have conceded defeat even before the result was announced by INEC, I think it was an act of generosity and patriotism. So, I thank him for that. "This is where I pay my respect to former President Goodluck Jonathan. This is actually privileged information for you.” Buhari further explained that former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) also recognised the generosity of Jonathan to concede defeat and requested that they both go and thank him immediately. "That was the first time

I came here (Aso Rock),” he said. The president, who also spoke about his experience after taking over the helm of affairs, said he underrated the influence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for 16 years watching from outside. He said: "The experience of the staff, their commitment and zeal is different from what it is now. Sixteen years of development in the life of a developing nation is a long time. "When we came, there were 42 ministries, we cut it to 24. We had to do it on our own. We found out that government could not continue with 42 ministers and the paraphernalia of office. So, we cut it down to 24. "We had to cut down half the number of permanent secretaries and then do some cross postings. "The permanent secretaries that were there for the past five to seven years; the only thing that they know is how things were done in the previous years. "Whatever we did in the campaign, in fact we were saying rubbish and that made it very difficult for us.” Buhari noted that

"things were even more difficult during the budget, which you all know about. For somebody like me, for the first time I heard what is called padding. I think we will recover by the fourth quarter of the year.” The president said the experience in the past one year has been challenging. "So, really it was a nasty experience for us. It was also a nasty experience for some of the ministers who were never in government, for them to sit down day and night to work. I saw them. Some of them literally lost weight because they were sleeping less and eating less working on every kobo to be spent. “We became a monoeconomy nation depending only on oil. Everybody relied on oil and forgot about solid minerals, agriculture, making and exploring things. We recently just found out that we are poor because we don't have anything to fall back to. “This is the condition we found ourselves and this change mantra had to go through hell up till yesterday. "One of the men I pitied is Lai Mohammed. Everyday he is on television explaining our performance or lack of it.

"Most of the permanent secretaries were sent out because it was time for some of them to go and for others, one thing or the other. Because we were not part of those 16 years, this is where we found ourselves and this is no joke," the president said. The president also spoke on plans to recover stolen funds. His words: "People were trusted and the most recent one which we haven't recovered from is the $2.1 billion meant for the military to buy hardware to fight the insurgency which had taken over part of the country and they sat just the way you are sitting now and shared the money into their own accounts. "They didn't even bother. So, we are still trying to get the cooperation of the international community and so on and we have to do it with a lot of respect to the judiciary. "We can't go out and talk too much. We have to allow the judiciary to do their work. We give them the facts, the name, country and bank account. If you talk too much, technicalities will come in, then we will realise less than what we want to realise," Buhari added.

Porous borders, ECOWAS protocol responsible for killer herdsmen – FG Onwuka Nzeshi ABUJA

he Federal Government has blamed the influx of alien herdsmen into Nigeria on porous borders and the ECOWAS Protocol, which allows free movement of persons from member countries to other coun-

127m

The number of fixed (wired)broadband subscriptions of developing countries in 2007. Source: Itu.int

tries in West Africa. Minister of Interior, Lt.Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazzau, said Nigeria has a large expanse of international boundaries spanning over 4,500 kilometres and was finding it difficult to monitor the movement of persons across the various border posts. Danbazzau, who was a guest on a Radio Nigeria programme monitored in Abuja, also said that the porosity of the borders have been compounded by the ECOWAS Protocol which made the movement of persons across these

borders legitimate. Article 59 (i) of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty provides that citizens of the ECOWAS community shall have the right of entry, residence and establishment, and Member States undertake to recognise these rights of community citizens in their territories in accordance with provisions of the protocols relating hereto. The article tacitly provides legitimacy for cross border transhumance including the movement of herdsmen from other countries into Nigeria.

According to Danbazzau, it will take a lot of human and financial resources to adequately police the borders, adding that the government was already considering the deployment of modern technology to salvage the situation. "I have conducted visits to some border posts and what we realised is that there is absolutely no way we can use the traditional method of monitoring our borders that is physically man the borders. It's impossible. Therefore, we must employ modern tech-

nology to be able to cover the borders as much as possible. But not only in terms of coverage, but we must also have the capacity to respond in case of emergency,” he said. On the influx of alien herdsmen who lead their cattle into Nigerian communities armed with assault rifles, Danbazzau warned that the Federal Government will not tolerate a situation where herdsmen bear arms, adding that whoever is arrested in such an illegal act would be prosecuted.

NEWS

TUESday, May 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Al-Mustapha: My book’ll reveal what killed Abacha, Abiola

Temitope Ogunbanke

ormer Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza AlMustapha, yesterday, stated that his proposed threevolume book and memoir will contain revelations on how Abacha and the late acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, died. Al-Mustapha, who spoke to journalists in Lagos, said the book also documents the roles some prominent Nigerians played before, during and after the election’s annulment. The book, according to him, will be released immediately after his case at the Supreme Court case is dispensed with. Al-Mustapha said that his arrest on October 21, 1999 at Enugu and incarceration in different prisons

in Nigeria over allegations of being in possession of Abacha loot, gun running between Libya and Enugu, alleged security breach and subsequent allegation of masterminding the killing of Abiola’s wife, Kudirat, was as a result of the toes the Abacha regime stepped on and his commitment to protecting the late Head of State. ‎He also debunked the allegation that he set up a killer squad for Abacha, saying that the squad he set up then was an elite force which comprised of some of the best hands from various security agencies. He added that the conspiracy that led him to prison was orchestrated by those who felt slighted by his decision not to join them in tarnishing the image of late Head of State. Also, he absolved his principal of corruption, describing alleged loot linked to him as savings

for the country. Al-Mustapha said it was only those who wanted to get back at Abacha that accused him of looting the treasury because he stepped on toes while in power in his quest to steer the ship of state successfully. Al-Mustapha also disclosed that Abacha left $9.732 billion in government coffers before his death and therefore urged Nigerians to ask questions about how the money was mismanaged rather than focusing on $500 million Abacha was alleged to have looted. His words: “During Abacha’s four years and seven-month regime, he had numerous attacks. Apart from the few that

were mentioned, there was collaboration between some notable Nigerians and international powers to move him out of office. “General Abacha is dead, but those he stepped upon decided to revenge by smearing his name and till date, they have not yet forgiven General Abacha even at death. “Sometimes, there were some threats upon Nigeria and the sustainability of the government then to my knowledge was a key thing. So, there was a decision at one point in time, where some stakeholders of Nigeria; traditional rulers, politicians, businessmen from North and South, were invited to converge in Abuja, when Chief Tom Ikimi was For-

150.66m £31.5m

The total number of active lines of Nigeria in September 2015. Source: Ncc.gov.ng

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

eign minister. “When sanctions were threatened on Nigeria, at the request of some notable Nigerians, some modalities were taken to allow some money go to some accounts abroad, so that if the sanction comes, that money would be able to keep Nigeria afloat. That time oil was $7 or $8 per barrel. No money was taken to run Nigeria, but policies were taken to run Nigeria, including PTF so that Nigeria could grow. “When Abacha was in government, loans were not taken even when oil was being sold for $7 per barrel and yet, he was able to have left $9.732 billion out of nothing and within 11 months, the money disappeared. Nigerians should ask Chief Olusegun Obasanjo how much

Biafra: Policemen thrown inside River Niger CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

L-R: Executive Director Commercial, Dangote Flour Mills Plc., Halima Dangote; President/ Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Gora General Enterprises Limted, Alhaji Ali Balarabe, at Dangote Flour Mills 2015 Customer Forum\ Distributors awards in Kano

FG approves $80bn nuclear plants' construction CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

vendor," the document stated. Chief Executive Officer of Rosatom, according to the document, has signed a document on financing with the government, which stipulates that the Russian company "will hold a majority controlling stake in Nigeria’s nuclear facility, while the rest will be owned by the country, with roles to be specified in contracts. The government will enter a powerpurchasing agreement for the nuclear plant.” The plants, according to the document, would be "financed by Rosatom, which will then build, own, operate and transfer them to the government.” The pilot project, which is the first of the four plants, is to add 1,200 megawatts of capacity by the end of the decade. Neither the Federal Government nor Rosatom has disclosed the specific locations of the sites, but New Telegraph learnt that the nuclear plants would

be in Akwa Ibom and Kogi states. Both sites are planned to house two plants each. The first plant is planned to be constructed in Kogi State. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had earlier said that Nigeria had secured the necessary certification from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “We have gone through the training level; we have produced 25 graduates of master’s level under certification by the IAEA,” he said. “We have found the sites; the sites have been approved. We have started the design for the financing. “That is the stage we are now; once we conclude that, we move to the design for the construction. If all things go well, by quarter four of next year – that is the schedule that I met – we should have started construction.” Fashola urged industry players to focus on the

gains and safety of nuclear energy, as obtained in other countries. He pointed out that the project will make electricity cheap in the country, stressing that diversifying the nation’s energy mix would lead to the utilisation of the various forms of renewable energy sources in the country. “We are thinking longterm solutions, solutions that will endure for generations to come,” he said. Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Erepamo Osaisai, who first in 2014 unveiled the talks between Rosatom and Nigeria, said that a joint coordination committee was in place and negotiations are ongoing for financing and contracting. Nigeria, Osaisai said, signed an agreement with Rosatom to cooperate on the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of a facility in 2012. Three other nuclear plants are being planned,

which would take total capacity to 4,800 megawatts by 2035, with each facility costing $20 billion. The first Nigerian plant will be operational in 2025. Compared to coal and natural gas power plants, which discharge carbon dioxide into the air and cause environmental hazards, experts say nuclear energy would not rely on fossil fuels and is not influenced by fluctuations in the prices of oil and gas. What that means is that the operation and pricing of nuclear energy system will not depend on vagaries of the oil and gas market. However, experts have warned that to achieve this, Nigeria needs to stick to a disciplined regime to manage the nuclear energy system. They also point to the huge financial demands of the energy system, insisting that countries that had adopted the idea are already scaling down on the use of nuclear technology due to the high cost.

he met in government coffers when he came to power in 1999. Nigerians should ask more questions rather than asking about the $500 million that is called Abacha’s loot.” Speaking on the present administration, the former CSO said President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to the progress of Nigeria and the well being of Nigerians. “Buhari is a man who has a well-established character. He is an upright person. He was dragged into politics and he is transparent, sincere, committed and cares for the country. His love for Nigeria and Nigerians cannot be questioned by anybody; even if his enemies are sincere to God, they will say the truth that he really cares about the people,” he said.

In Enugu, over 52 members of MASSOB were arrested as they clashed with police for unlawful assembly. As early as 7:30a.m., the group had assembled along Zik Avenue and Edinburgh Junction roundabout before marching to the adjoining streets. The protesters carried placards with inscription such as: "Biafra has come to stay”, “We want Biafra now”, “No to Nigeria government again”, “No going back from Biafra” and “Biafra is our last hope.” Before they were intercepted and arrested by the police, they had already briefed newsmen about the activities lined up to celebrate their anniversary, which started on Sunday with a church service. Speaking to journalists shortly after the rally, leader of the group and one of the arrested persons, Elder Eugene Eze, said the peaceful rally was to celebrate and honour the fallen heroes of Biafra especially, Odumegwu-Ojukwu and others. Enugu State Command spokesperson, ASP Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the arrests. In Abia, the PPRO for Abia State, SP Onyeke Udeviotu, confirmed that only four people were arrested in Umuahia. He also said that the police did not use any live ammunition and nobody was shut. But the BIM/MASSOB Abia Central Information Director, Anselm Ogbonna, said one of its members identified as Okezie Okonkwo, was shot and several others wounded by the police, who chased them to their Asaba Road secretariat after dispers-

ing them with tear gas at Uzuakoli Road in Umuahia. He added that 10 of their members were being held by the police. In Imo, 25 members of MASSOB were arrested in various parts of Owerri, the state capital, by the Imo State Police command for alleged indulgence in illegal and unauthorised procession in support of a State of Biafra. While MASSOB members insisted that the police brutalised, teargassed and arrested about 27 members of their group, the state PPRO, DSP Andrew Enwerem, said only 17 members of the group were arrested. According to Enwerem, the arrested members not only displayed Biafran flags with caps bearing Biafra insignia, but also chanted Biafran solidarity songs and behaved in a manner capable of breaching the peace and tranquility in the state. Also in Cross Rivers, agitators shut down Ikom in the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State. According to the leader of the group, Mr. Samuel Okah, the rally was a resolve by members in the state to join their counterparts in other parts of the country to press for the actualisation of the sovereign State of Biafra. The rally attracted large crowd of members, who came from different parts of the state, cutting across the three senatorial districts. The protesters wore uniforms and waved Biafran flags while walking from the Ikom Stadium to the New Okomo layout in the town.

TUESday, May 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

News|NATIONAL

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Wike: I inherited the worst govt from Amaechi Wale Elegbede

ivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has said that he inherited the worst government in the history of the state from his predecessor and current Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi. Speaking yesterday at a stakeholders Town Hall Meeting held at the Obi Wali Conference Centre,

Port Harcourt, to give account of his one year stewardship, the governor said the previous government left huge debts for his administration. “We inherited the worst government in the history of this state as the previous government left huge debts and boasted that they will see where we will get money to pay salaries and run the government,” he stated. While noting that his

administration has spent about N160billion within the past one year to develop all sectors of the economy, the governor stressed that despite the obvious challenges, the government has recorded giant strides in building roads, houses, power, economic empowerment and education, thereby stabilizing the economy. Wike pointed out that the said amount was used

for infrastructural development, payment of arrears of salaries owed by the previous administration and creation of jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state. The governor called on political parties to stop politicizing crime, stressing that no criminal should lay claim to supporting the government because his administration has zero tolerance for crimi-

nal activities that affect the economy. As a show of his love for the less privileged, the governor directed the State Head of Service and the Chairman, Civil Service Commission to give automatic employment to two less privileged youths with School Certificate and Bachelors Degree respectively. Wike also pledged that work would soon commence on the Unity Road

and Trans-Kalabari Road after due consultations with various stakeholders and contractors. Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani, commended Wike for running a transparent and open government that has ushered in rapid development in all sectors. The Chairman of the occasion, retired Chief Judge of the State, Justice Iche Ndu, described the Town hall meeting as an accountability forum that would promote participatory governance.

Recovered loot: SERAP files contempt charge against FG, others L-R: Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, Rahul Colaco; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Chief Executive Officer, FrieslandCampina, Mr. Roelof Joosten, during Ogbeh’s visit to Royal FrieslandCampina, Netherlands… recently

Dogara introduces electronic voting, e-parliament in Reps Philip Nyam Abuja

peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has introduced electronic voting system in the conduct of activities of the House. Dogara, who last Thursday announced the adoption of the e-voting system, said it was in compliance of the 8th Assembly Legislative Agenda. Consequently, forms have been distributed to individual members to collate their data ahead of production of e-voting cards to all the 360 MPs. The implication of the new system is that records of each member’s punctuality and voting patterns can easily be accessed by his/her constituents and members of the public. According to details of the Legislative Agenda as adopted by the 8th Assembly early in its life last year, “the 8th House commits to the use of ICT in the daily conduct of legislative activities of the House. E-parliament and e-voting platforms will be made a regular feature of the House.” “E-voting will be used

regularly during voting to properly reflect voting records of Members and parliamentary accountability. The House shall collaborate with relevant stakeholders to achieve the goal of an eparliament.” According to Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Turaki Hassan, “The e-parliament initiative will operate on the platform of modern, up

to date digital technology. “Internet and intranet access supported by computerized legislative information management system will be put in place” He said other initiatives that will be intro-

duced include the establishment and equipping of a Parliamentary Information Centre where information and documents of the National Assembly will be made available. “Doing this will further increase citizens access to the legislature and solve the problem of public access to authentic documents of parliament”

£98.99m $22.3m

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

The total amount of salary/ winnings of Geno Atkins (Football) for 2014. Source: Forbes.com

Ndokwa leader vows to check herdsmen Sony Neme

he President General of Ndokwa National Union (Ndokwa Neku), Chief Johnson Opene, has vowed to stop rampaging herdsmen encroaching into the community farmlands, just as he described them as terrorists. Opone spoke exclusively on Sunday with New Telegraph after his victory against three prominent opponents on Saturday. He also promised to ensure that his people benefited from the 600megawatz Okpai Power plant step down promised since the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo regime. . The chartered accoun-

tant, who did not reveal his details of action against the herdsmen menace, said, “Though the issue of herdsmen is presently with the Federal Government, however, we will be at the forefront to encourage the Federal Government to have a program that will check their excesses.” He recalled that, “Cattle rearing did not start today but they have become more dangerous because they are being armed. When I was growing up, they come around, but they don’t destroy people’s farms. Today, they are let loose because they are armed. “So, we will want the Federal Government to

disarm them because it is dangerous for them to be parading with AK47.” When you say people are militants, is it not because they are armed? I see this people as terrorists “ The Ndokwa leader further stressed: “However, we will ensure that those settlements they are talking about do not encroach in the farmlands of our people, especially as the Federal Government is planning to settle them in ranches. Because all over the world, it is the man that own cattles that provides his ranches.” His message to his people is that, “As a servant leader, my people can count on me in terms of transparency, honesty.

Tunde Oyesina Abuja

he Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has commenced contempt proceedings against the Federal Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris over their failure to comply with the judgment ordering publication of the spending of recovered stolen funds since return of democracy in 1999.” The group had through its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumini, filed the form 48 contempt suit before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. Form 48, which is the notice of consequence of disobedience of court orders reads in part: “Unless you obey the orders of the court contained on the reverse side of this process, you shall be deemed to have disobeyed the orders of the court and shall be liable to committed to prison for contempt.” The group, in a statement issued by Mumini, noted that despite the service of the certified true copy of the judgment on

both the Attorney General of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation, they have failed and neglected to acknowledge the judgment let alone obey it. He further stated that it was unacceptable to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. “A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function, if the government ignores and/or fails to abide by Court orders”, he added. New Telegraph recalls that SERAP had earlier secured a judgement in the suit it filed seeking the court to compel the Federal Government to make public how it spent the recovered loot from 1999. In his judgement in the suit, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, held that transparency in the decision making process and access to information upon which decisions have been made, can enhance accountability. He further held that obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the Constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law.

AirNiamey to begin flights to Nigeria Wole Shadare

he number of international carriers operating into Nigeria is set to increase by one as Niger Republic national carrier; Air Niamey commences operations into the country very soon. A source close to the Ministry of Transport told New Telegraph yesterday that officials from the ministry, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, (legal department and a director from the agency) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, were in Niamey last week to perfect the papers that would enable the airline operate into Nigeria. Nigeria and Niger Re-

public had in 2012 signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, which would allow carriers from the two countries fly directly into each other’s space, but since the signing of the agreement, no airline from the two countries operates direct flight into each other. Also, apart from the flight agreement between the two nations, Nigeria and Niger Republic also entered into agreement on maritime, agriculture and rail line services. With the agreements, there would be exchange of expertise between the two countries while both governments are looking at the possibility of operating rail line services into each other’s countries as is the practice in Europe and America.

national | news

tuesday, may 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

to publish Buhari can't prevent my foreign trip – Fayose FGrecovered looted

kiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has dared the Federal Government to carry out the alleged plot of preventing him from travelling out of the country. He said: “Under the federal system of government, state governors are not appendages of the President and as a leading opposition figure in Nigeria, he cannot be cowed by President Muhammadu Buhari and his agents.” The governor, who reacted to reports that two gov-

ernors, one from the SouthWest and another from the South-South, have been placed on travel restriction on President Muhammadu Buhari’s order, in a press conference addressed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said: “Whenever he wishes to travel out Nigeria, he would do so in the full glare of the public. “I am not surprised or disappointed by this latest plot of the Buhari’s government because the President

Buhari that we know is a man without any atom of respect for the rights of Nigerians as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and this he demonstrated as a military dictator and now demonstrating as a democratically-elected president.” The governor said he was however amazed that “this dangerous dimension of compelling a sitting governor that enjoys Consti-

tutional Immunity like the President to obtain clearance from the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) before travelling out of Nigeria can ever be contemplated.” He said President Buhari and his agents should be mindful of the fact that under a federal system of government, the states and national government both enjoy some autonomy, with sovereign power formally divided between the national government and the states such that each state retains some degree of con-

L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Zamfara State Governor, Abubakar Yari, at the wedding fatiha of the daughter of Jarman Sokoto, Ms Shafa'atu in Sokoto…at the weekend.

Makarfi, others may assume duty this week

Onyekachi Eze ABUJA

here are indications that the seven-man National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might assume duty this week. The seven-man caretaker committee, led by former Kaduna State Gover nor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, is yet to assume office since its appointment by the National Convention on May 21 because of the crisis arising from the convention. There have been two conflicting court orders arising from the convention, which further com-

plicated the leadership problem of the party. The PDP national secretariat was also sealed off by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) since May 22, denying workers access to their offices. But a source disclosed that the secretariat might open for business today. The source also added that the caretaker committee members will formal be at the national secretariat later in the day or by Wednesday. The former National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and few members of the former National Working Committee (NWC) had obtained a court order from a Lagos Federal

High Court, restraining the caretaker committee from assuming the leadership of the party. Makarfi's committee had equally obtained a court order from a Port Harcourt Federal High Court, restraining Sheriff and other former NWC members from parading themselves as officials of the party. The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), which intervened in the crisis last week, directed that all cases in court should be withdrawn immediately "as an indication of good faith and commitment to party discipline and party unity." The BoT, which convened an enlarged meeting that same day,

comprising the PDP Governors' Forum, the National Assembly Caucus, the former Ministers' Forum and Concern PDP stakeholders' Forum led by Professor Jerry Gana, however, accorded recognition on the Makarfi-led caretaker committee. Sheriff was absent at the meeting, but a committee has been set up to meet with him with the aim of resolving the crisis in the party. The PDP Reconciliation Committee led by Bayelsa State Governor, Sierake Dickson, has since visited Makarfi and former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, who is believed to be sympathetic to Sheriff ’s cause.

trol over its internal affairs. Olayinka, who was supported by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi said: “Few days ago, when Governor Ayodele Fayose was reliably informed that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that he should be banned from travelling outside Nigeria, he simply took the information as mere rumour, concluding that disrespect for the constitution of Nigeria and Buhari’s dictatorship would not be extended to the most ridiculous level of preventing a governor elected just as the president from travelling out of the country. “The thinking of Governor Fayose was that even though the Buhari’s presidency was capable of even attempting to prevent those opposed to the President from breathing the air, it must still be sane enough to be conscious of the consequences of placing any Nigerian under travel ban without an order of the court, not to talk of a sitting governor that enjoys constitutional immunity like the President."

funds Thursday – Presidency Anule Emmanuel Abuja

he Presidency yesterday said that the Federal Government will this week publish the amount of looted funds that have been recovered by the present administration from those who had allegedly looted the nation’s treasury. Government said that it has not rescinded its decision to publish. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this while speaking on a television programme to mark this year's democracy day celebration. Garba, who spoke on the topic, 'Assessing Buhari’s One Year In Office’ responded to several controversies generated by the President’s national broadcast on Sunday.

Strike: Trade unions appeal to Ekiti workers

orkers in Ekiti State have been urged to sheath their swords and show understanding with Governor Ayodele Fayose as their colleagues in other states of the federation have done. A group, under the aegis of concerned trade unions in Ekiti, which comprises the state's chapters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, (RTEAN) Ajegboro Association, Cooperative Drivers Union, Okada Riders Association, NATA, and

£12.52m

The amount of money received by Leicester City as facility fees for the 2015/2016 season. Source: Goal.com

artisans among others, made the call yesterday with a promise to stage a solidarity rally in support of the governor today. In a statement cosigned by the leaders of the unions, who included Clement Adekola; state chairman of NURTW, Agbede Gbenga; Mr. Agbede Gbenga, RTEAN chairman; Mr. Tosin Atowoja, Ajegboro Association; Elder Johnson Abioye, Cooperative Drivers Union; Mr. Niyi J.O, Okada Riders Chairman, Mr. Alo Babatope, Chairman, NATA, Mr. J.O Adu, chairman, Artisans, the unions said: "We appeal to the striking labour, Ekiti State, to immediately suspend the strike and we want them to see reasons with the government.

Elumelu: Nigeria remains Africa’s top investment destination EFCC: Dudafa's family raises alarm over his health

ntrepreneur, philanthropist and promoter of Africaptalism, Tony O. Elumelu, has told members of the French Business Community that Nigeria remained the biggest and best business destination in Africa. Elumelu, spoke in Paris, France, where he addressed the French business community. Elumelu, who is the Chairman of Pan-African banking group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and proprietary investment firm, Heirs Holdings delivered the speech as a guest speaker at

the 1st ‘Colloque Nigeria', a colloquium on doing business and investment in Nigeria, which was organised by the French Senate at the exquisite Palais de Luxembourg in Paris, France. Speaking at the conference, the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation said that like every part of the world, investors in Nigeria and Africa were faced with a myriad of challenges, but amidst these challenges, no other destinations provided more opportunities and return on investment as does Nigeria and Africa. "Nigeria remains a very

viable, attractive and important investment and export destination for French companies. As a matter of fact, I would argue that now is a good time to come and invest in Nigeria, because it is an investor’s market. The fundamentals of the Nigerian economy remain strong," he said. According to Elumelu, some of the trends supporting long - term growth in Nigeria are the increased use of technology by the Nigerian population, high consumerism, young demographic and increasing urbanization.

here are serious concerns over the health of a former presidential aide, Dr Waripamowei Dudafa, who is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His family yesterday raised the alarm that his health was failing. The family alleged that the anti-graft agency had denied Dudafa access to proper medical attention. Speaking for the first time since the arrest of the former presidential aide, who was Dr Good-

luck Jonathan's Special Assistant on Domestic Matters in April this year, spokesman for the family, Eng. Thomas Akpoebi, alleged that family members and the personal physician of the detained Bayelsa born politician do not have access to him. In a statement issued yesterday, Akpoebi said Dudafa 's health began to deteriorate about two weeks ago. ''We, members of the Dudafa family are frightened at the level of deliberate neglect and abandonment Dr Wari-

pamowei Dudafa has been subjected in the EFCC custody since his incarceration about 50 days ago. ''This is the first time we are constrained to say something to the world since the arrest and detention of our brother and this is deliberate in order for the law to take its full circle despite the media trial that has been orchestrated. ''In the last 12 days, Dudafa has suffered series of health issues that required medical attention."

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

METRO Five die as task force, vandals clash in Ogun ...CRIME, CITY WATCH, COURTS

Dayo Ayeyemi and Camillus Nnaji

t least five persons, among them a policeman, have being killed while two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were burnt when a combined military anti-vandal team and oil pipeline vandals engaged in a gun duel at Ebute, Ibafo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The clash, which broke out on Sunday, snowballed into a major confrontation yesterday. The anti-vandal team comprising soldiers, police and naval officers were said to be on the Federal Government mandate to reclaim all oil installations in the area and flush out militants who are also vandals. Witnesses said since Sunday afternoon, the entire Ibafo had been like a war zone. The shootout created confusion and pandemonium which forced residents to run helterskelter. In the ensuing commotion, stray bullets hit some people, who later died. One of the victims was said to be a policeman. It was learnt that the vandals attempted to torch Ibafo Police Station but they were resisted and chased away by the police surveillance team, which barricaded the Ebute Road.

Stationed APC at Ibafo Police Station... yesterday

It was also learnt that the vandals were trying to secure the creeks and fight back, while the anti-vandals team has been given the ultimatum to reclaim and protect oil installations. When our correspondent visited the area yesterday, gunshots resonated everywhere while the ever-busy Ibafo market was deserted. Three APCs and five patrol police vans were stationed at Ibafo Police Station, while the road leading to Ebute creek was

manned by over 30 armed members of the military anti-vandals task force. An armed policeman, who refused to give his name, said they got the information on radio and moved in to protect Ibafo Police Station from attack. He said: “We heard the information as you heard it. We are here to protect our station from attack.” Several residents have also deserted their homes, especially those leaving at Ebute, for fear of

another round of attacks on the community. A resident, who identified himself simply as Uche, said people had fled their homes while traders had closed shops since Sunday. He said: “I am resident in Ibafo and I have my shop on Ebute Road where I sell building materials. We have been on the run since yesterday (Sunday). You can see where I am now. Nobody can do business because the place is like a war

ABIODUN BELLO abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com 08023938212

zone. Some people, about four, have died from stray bullets since this fight started. The soldiers are only shooting into the sky to scare the people away but when the militants approach, the two camps will start shooting at each other. It is in this battle for supremacy that innocent people’s lives have been lost.” Another resident said that strangers and visitors should be cautious not to walk into ambush. She said: “We are calling our relatives and friends on the phone not to come to Ibafo now because these militants have been ambushing strange faces.” Another witness, who gave his name as Okon, said vandals had invaded the community at night two days earlier to attack oil pipelines but were repelled by armed policemen. This, according to him, led to several hours of gun battle. Okon said nobody in the community was able to sleep while no one was able to move at dawn. He said: “Fear of being hit by bullets made many house owners and tenants in the area to vacate their houses and run for their lives.” Another female resident, who had travelled to Ibadan for the weekend and just returned yesterday, could not go to her house on Ebute Road. She said that she had no option but to return to Ibadan. Last month, two people were killed in the clash between the joint task force on anti-vandalism and the militants. The encounter also occurred at the same Ebute area, when the team went to reclaim the oil installations. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, denied there was shooting at Ibafo. He said: “ There is no news of such. It is a lie.”

City Briefs

Oyo PPRO gets promotion Sola Adeyemo Ibadan

olice Service Commission (PSC) has promoted the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, from Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to Superintendent of Police (SP). Ajisebutu was among many other officers promoted and decorated ‎with their new ranks by the state Police Commissioner, Mr Leye Oyebade, at a colourful event witnessed by many other policemen and women. The exercise was held last Thursday at the Officers Mess of the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, the state capital.

After the decoration, Oyebade said: “My PPRO is a very disciplined officer. He is committed to the job. Ask him to do anything, he is already there performing it. There was a time I was to go to Bayelsa State and I told him he had to go with me. In spite of the inconvenience, he showed readiness. He is courageous. He always puts in his best. He is very good. I thank God for this promotion.” Reacting to the elevation after he was decorated by the commissioner and the Deputy Police Commissioner, Asuquo Amba, the PPRO expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Solomon Arase. He said: “I am very happy and I want to thank the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-

General of Police for this promotion. “The promotion is an encouragement. It will spur me to be more committed to duty, as well as make me rededicate myself to the service of this nation and humanity in general. “I also appreciate the general public and the media for their wonderful support so far.”

Ajisebutu being decorated by Oyebade (left) and Amba

Police arrest suspects, recover N5m cashew nuts Juliana Francis

etectives attached to the Isolo Police Station, Lagos State, have arrested a gang of thieves and recovered N5 million worth of cashew nuts from them. A police source said the thieves specialised in breaking and entering into warehouses located at Cele on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. The suspects were arrested after information reached the police about the burgling of the warehouse, where cashew nuts were stored. Police investigation led to the arrest of three suspects. The bags of cashew nuts were also recovered. In another development, a man identified simply as Idallah,

who allegedly used to snatch vehicles from owners at Isolo area, is now in police custody. Idallah was arrested for selling a stolen Toyota Car to a businesswoman for N1.8 million. During interrogation, Idallah couldn’t explain how he got the car, which he sold to the woman. Police are, however, working on the theory that Idallah is a carsnatcher. The vehicle, marked KTU422CX, was seen on the premises of Isolo Police Station. A police officer, who pleaded anonymity, said the acting Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr Timothy Falowo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, had ordered that the car be transferred to Area ‘D’ Police Command, Mushin, while the cashew nuts thieves should be arraigned.

METRO

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

LUTH doctor killed over N50,000 owo ile –Source Appolonia Adeyemi and Kunle Olayeni

resh facts emerged yesterday on how the slain doctor with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Thomas Adekoya-Cole, was killed on Sunday at Itele area of Ijebu, Ogun State. It was learnt that the doctor was murdered over his alleged refusal to pay N50,000 land charges called “owo ile”. The hoodlums were said to have demanded the money as “settlement” for the traditional Ogun festival held in the town over the weekend. Adekoya-Cole, a 60-yearold consultant orthopaedic surgeon, was killed in his hometown of Itele, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State when a clash erupted among traditional worshippers. The doctor was inflicted with severe machete cuts around 7:30am on Sunday.

He was rushed to a private hospital in the town where he was confirmed dead. One of the traditional worshippers, identified as Omotayo Ogunbowale, had earlier on Saturday been hacked to death by the hoodlums. Findings by our correspondent revealed that the late doctor, who had usually attended the annual festival in the past, was asked to pay “owo ile”. A highly placed source

told our correspondent that an argument later ensued between Adekoya-Cole and some areas boys over the N50,000 demanded. “The hoodlums were sympathetic to one of the traditional worshippers that was killed (Ogunbowale) earlier. They were angry when the doctor rejected their demand for N50,000 as ‘owo ile’ and they attacked him, leading to his death,” the source said.

Adekoya-Cole

When contacted on the telephone yesterday, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said eight suspects had already been arrested in connection with the murder cases. Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the suspects would be transferred to the state police headquarters for further investigation. He said: “There are no new developments on the matter yet. What I can only say is that we have eight suspects in police custody and they will be transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence, Eleweran, Abeokuta for further investigation.” When contacted, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), LUTH, Prof Chris Bode, said the consultant was not killed in the hospital. He said: “It is Ogun State Police that have jurisdiction over the case as it happened there.”

Nigerian arrested in India for rape

lNigerian students commit crime on purpose –Indian minister

olice in the Goa Province of India said yesterday that they arrested a Nigerian for allegedly kidnapping and raping a 31-year-old woman on Saturday night. Superintendent of Police Umesh Gaonkar told journalists that the

accused, one of two suspects who were accused of committing the crime, was nabbed in a train at Panvel Railway Station in Maharashtra. He said: “I do not have any more details about the accused. He has been arrested. He will be brought to Goa later tonight.”

Ramirez

Emmanuel Masha Port Harcourt

unmen have shot dead a cult leader, identified as Nkemka, who had terrorised communities and villages in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni in Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas of Rivers State. Nkemka aka Major General was also a kidnapper and one of the leaders of Icelanders cult group. He was killed around 3pm on Sunday at Abarikpo community in Ahoada East Local Government Area. Abirikpo is a hotbed for kidnapping by cult members, especially during burial and marriage ceremonies. The high level of crime has impacted on economic activities in the area. According to a native

The victim, according to dnaindia.com, has claimed that two Africans had abducted her at knifepoint and later raped her at a rented room at Assagao village, 20km north of Panaji. Police were on the lookout for the accused since late Saturday night, when the complaint was registered. Meanwhile, Goa Tourism Minister, Dilip Parulekar, said yesterday that Nigerian nationals “don’t just create problems” in Goa, but across the country, too. The minister’s comment came as Africans in New Delhi staged a pro-

test against rising attacks on them while a group of African students also met Foreign Secretary, S. Jaishankar. According to Parulekar, when asked to comment on accusations of rape and abduction against two Africans levelled by a woman at Mapusa police station on Sunday, Nigerian students commit crimes on purpose to prolong their stay, sell drugs and indulge in “unwanted things”. The minister also said that a strict pan-India law should be enacted to deport them within a month.

Gunmen kill cult leader terrorising Rivers of Ede community in Egi Clan in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area, Nkemka was said to have gone to Abarikpo on a mission, but was ambushed by gunmen. Sources said the 26-yearold Nkemka was also the supplier of arms and ammunition to other criminal gangs in about four local government areas. The Nigerian Army has also deployed soldiers to flush out cult members who regularly embark on killing missions. One of the youth leaders in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, who pleaded anonymity, said there were three versions about Nkemka’s killing. One of the versions is

that he was in the community to pick up a ransom paid for a kidnapped victim, while the second version is that he was there to pick up cash for supplied arms. He said that there were unconfirmed reports that

Rivers Gov. Wike

some community leaders, who were fed up with Nkemka, hired the gunmen to eliminate him. The youth leader added that shortly after Nkemka was killed, his men carried his body for burial, but the burial was postponed while his body was deposited in a mortuary. He said: “We are not supposed to celebrate the killing of a human being. But the fact that Nkemka is no more is a relief for the people of Ede community and the entire Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area.” When contacted, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Captain Lazarus Eli, said he would call back to confirm the killing.

Abducted market leader regains freedom Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

olice yesterday rescued the Iyaloja of Kajola-Ijesha in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State, Alhaja Adunni Adegbokun, from her abductors. Adegbokun had been in the den of the kidnappers for two weeks, before she was found by the police where she had been abandoned by her abductors on Ibadan Road at Ikire. She was given medical treatment before she was handed over to the Iyaloja-General of Osun State, Mrs. Awawu Asindemade. It was learnt that the victim had been reunited with her family. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Olufemi Oyeleye, said Adegbokun was in the custody of four unidentified gunmen before she regained her freedom. The commissioner disclosed that she was rescued by a police pa-

Osun Gov. Aregbesola

trol team attached to Ikire Divisional Police Headquarters where she was abandoned by the kidnappers. He said: “The victim, after she was rescued, was immediately rushed to Oluyoro Private Hospital at Ikire and to Police Clinic, Osogbo, for medical attention before she was later released to Iyaloja-General of Osun State, Mrs. Awawu Asindemade. “The police are on the trail of the abductors and we assure you that we will get to the root of the matter.”

Hoodlums pose as lodgers, kill hotelier

Lagos CP, Owoseni

Juliana Francis

our men have been arrested in connection with the murder of the Managing Director (MD) of Allozie Hotel, located at Owutu area of Ikorodu, Lagos State. The MD, Michael Ogunlusi, was said to have been killed last Tuesday by four gunmen, posing as lodgers. Witnesses said that the gunmen stormed the hotel around 11pm. The hoodlums allegedly booked into different rooms, but rather than head to their rooms, they made a beeline for the MD’s office. Ogunlusi was said to have been shot several times at close range. After making sure he was dead, the gunmen escaped. “The four gunmen went to Allozie Hotel around 11pm. One of them was outside, waiting in their operational car. The car was parked outside the hotel.

Others came on one motorcycle. They pretended to be lodgers. They booked into rooms and were given keys to their separate rooms,” a witness said. But after collecting their room keys, the men went to the MD’s door. One of them knocked and pretended that he was one of the hotel staff. When the MD opened the door, they pointed guns at him. They pushed him back into his office and shot him at close range. The state Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (DPPRO), Chukwuma Ozoani, confirmed the story. He said: “We received the report. What happened was that some people came on a motorcycle, pretending to be lodgers at the hotel. When they got in, they traced where the owner of the hotel was and shot him dead. They equally escaped on the motorcycle. All we know is that it is a murder case. It happened last week. “The hotel is located on Isawo Road, Owutu, Ikorodu. We can’t say for now if they made away with cash or not. Someone alerted the police. We don’t know how many times he was shot. Investigation would tell. But we have four suspects in our custody and the matter is under investigation at the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.”

NEWS | national

Obinna Odoh Abuja

he Federal Government yesterday said with the several initiatives embarked upon by the present administration, the country's economy will soon be on track. This is even as the government assured the nation that more than eight million Nigerians will benefit directly, and millions more indirectly, from its social intervention fund. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave this assurance in Abuja at the meeting between a group of ministers and members of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), when they jointly addressed the state of the nation. Among the ministers, who was at the roundtable with the Minister of Information and Culture, were the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Bello, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechuwkwu Enalameh and Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige. Mohammed said the Muhammadu Buhari administration is aware that it was not elected to make excuses, but to put the nation back on a sound

CONFIRMATION/ change OF NAME

Busari

I formerly known and addressed as Akibu Busari now wish to be known and addressed as Akibu Moyunsayo Busari. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Elvis

I formerly known and addressed as Attah Wisdom Itofa now wish to be known and addressed as Attah Wisdom Elvis. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Eze

This is to notify the general public that my correct name is William Maduabuchi Eze and not William Maduabuchi Augu as wrongly written. All former documents remain valid. First bank Plc and the general public should take note.

Omeje

I formally known and addressed as James Oriyi Ukwuma now wish to be known and addressed as James Oriyi Omeje. All former documents remain valid. first Bank plc and Zenith Bank should please take note.

Sunday

I formally known and addressed as Babalola Sunday Abiodun now wish to be known and addressed as Babalola Abayomi Sunday. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Rabiu

I formally known and addressed as Miss. Abdul Salami Ohunene Jumat now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rabiu Ohunene Ayijimoh. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

tuesday, may 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Nigeria's economy will bounce back, says FG economic footing, ensure the security of lives and property and banish corruption. According to him, this meeting is coming ahead of Sunday’s first year anniversary of the administration. He said: Many Nigerians have been asking, to what extent has this administration fulfilled its electoral promises? My answer is simple, we are on track! Recall that we campaigned on three major issues: Tackling insecurity, fighting corruption and revamping the economy. "Any dispassionate observer of the activities of

government in the past one year will admit that the administration has made great strides towards fulfilling its promises. "Let me assure Nigerians that the change we promised is real, despite the tough situation we are in at the moment. It is real, because there is no shortage of political will, commitment, discipline and prudence on the part of government, under the dedicated and visionary leadership of President Buhari. "Through our massive social intervention programme this year alone, we are catering for the

weak among us through the conditional transfer of N5, 000 to the vulnerable, we are creating jobs as we move to employ 500, 000 graduates and 100, 000 non-graduates, we are offering soft loans to market women, men and traders, we are ready to feed 5.5 million school children once daily, and we are providing scholarships to 100,000 students studying Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics."

8.012m

The total surface area (in sq. km) of Australia and New Zealand in 2012. Source: Un.org

Afe Babalola endorses Gadzama for NBA presidency Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

enior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, yesterday threw his weight behind the election of Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), as the next president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). NBA would be holding an election to fill its leadership positions at its Annual General Conference in August. Babalola spoke yesterday at the sixth Afe Babalola Annual Lecture of the NBA, Ado-Ekiti Branch, where Gadzama delivered a keynote address on the subject "Up-

Nigerians task FG on economic challenges

L-R: Prince Doyin Sijuwade; Chief Security Officer (CSO) to General Sani Abacha, Hamza Al-Mustapha and President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Shettima Yerima, during an interractive forum in Lagos

Chukwu David Abuja

s the country marks 17 years of uninterrupted democracy and one year of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari in office, Nigerians have tasked the Federal Government to find immediate and lasting solutions to the agonising economic situation in the country. In a random poll conducted by our correspondent in the nation's capital, Abuja, residents expressed serious concern on the deteriorating state of the economy and urged government to quickly embark on drastic measures to resuscitate and boost the economy. Most of the respondents noted that the era of using negative and unsustainable propaganda to keep the electorate in suspense while nothing was actually being done to address the enormous difficulties facing Nigerians. However, while some of them commended the achievements of the government in one year, others criticised the administration, saying that there was no tangible exploits on ground to attract praises. But in between these two positions were those with passive opinions, who were only concerned with improving the economy in order to improve the quality of life of the people. Mr. Julius Odeh, for instance, who is a civil servant with the Federal Ministry of Education, urged Buhari to do whatever he could to stimulate the economy.

holding the Rule of Law - Strict Adherence to the Rule of Law, A Veritable Machinery for National Growth." He said Gadzama was the most suitable of all possible contenders for the NBA leadership, given his qualities which he described as 'sterling and unmatchable.' According to him, "Gadzama is experienced, humble, honest, industrious, knowledgeable, learned, resourceful, innovative and grows with changes. "He is a clearly detribalised Nigerian, having in his chambers over 40 lawyers. He believes in the rule of law, influential, well-connected and with an intimidating physical stature."

‘New eye implant could stop age-related blindness’ Appolonia Adeyemi

hospital in Manchester, England, has become the first to offer a new treatment using a tiny telescope to restore sight, a procedure that would offer hope to thousands of people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of sight loss in people over 55 years old. According to a report in mailonline, the device, which is roughly the size of a pea, can be implanted during surgery lasting just an hour.

The disease gradually robs people of their central vision and about four million Britons have it, including 500, 000 with late-stage AMD in which there are significant problems with sight. AMD is deterioration of the macula, which is the small central area of the retina of the eye that determines our central visual acuity. The health of the macula determines our ability to read, recognise faces, drive, watch television, use a computer and perform any other visual task that requires us to see

fine detail. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and the number of people affected by AMD is expected to increase significantly in the years ahead despite advances in medical science. Available data shows that there are 100 million blind people globally in Asia, Africa and Latin America, accounting for 98 per cent of the figure. Worse still, the number of blind people swells by over one million yearly. Although drug treatments can slow the disease's progress, there is

Tambuwal: My frequent trips abroad for good of Sokoto, Nigeria Umar Abdullahi Sokoto

okoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday said his many trips abroad is for the good of the state in particular and that of the country in general. He was reacting to critics on his frequent trips

outside the country, saying ‘let anyone come out and challenge me if the governance of the state suffers any setback as a result of my trips abroad.’ Tambuwal said his trips were not for leisure, but for the rapid advancement of the state and the nation at large. Critics within and out-

side the state described the immediate past House of Representatives Speaker, Tambuwal, as more of a visiting governor than a resident governor. "I want to state categorically that these trips have not in any way imparted negatively in the governance of Sokoto State," Tambuwal said.

no cure. Now the implant, which costs about £12, 000, has been made available on the NHS in the United Kingdom. However, the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital has announced it could offer its patients the lifechanging procedure. But it is hoped it could lead to hospitals in developing countries to also offer the procedure. The surgery involves removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with a tiny telescopic lens - this is done under local anaesthetic. This lens magnifies objects by three times and also projects images onto a healthy part of the retina instead of the areas damaged by the disease. The patient then uses the eye with the telescope for detailed central vision and the other eye for peripheral vision. Speaking in response to MREH's decision to make the treatment available on the NHS, Cathy Yelf, chief executive of the Macular Society, said it could help thousands.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Edo guber Obaseki takes the bold step

Politics CHUKWU DAVID reports on the controversy that trailed the Frivolous Petitions Bill immediately it was introduced in the Senate and how the Upper Chamber succumbed to pressure from the public and withdrew the proposal

Governance Ambode: Silencing opposition with performance

FELIX NWANERI

GROUP PoLITICAL EDITOR nwanerif@newtelegraphonline.com

ÂŠ Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited

The bill that failed to fly

he Frivolous Petitions (Prohibition, etc) Bill, 2015 (SB.143) was sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah (APC, Kebbi South), and passed first reading on November 24, 2015. It also passed a second reading on December 2 of the same year after extensive deliberations, and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative work. However, it is pertinent to note that the bill became contentious immediately it was introduced on the floor of the Senate, as it attracted public criticisms from the diverse strata of the polity. The major problem the bill faced was the insinuations, perception and apprehension that it was designed as a subtle instrument to gag freedom of speech and the press. It was indeed media practitioners who brought it to the front burner. Civil society groups, human rights bodies and public affairs analysts and commentators also made critical analyses of the bill and arrived at a conclusion that it had sinister motives against the press, describing it as an orchestrated the legislation to muzzle the media, if passed into law. To compound the problem of the Senate on the matter, it coincided with a time when some online media platforms and national dailies came hard on the Senate President Bukola Saraki and the entire Senate on issues bordering on car purchase, wardrobe allowance and other allegations of corruption against the institution of the legislature.

Ekweremadu

The Senate made concerted and desperate efforts to convince the public that the intention of the bill was never to suppress the press in anyway or gag freedom of speech but the already suspicious prospective victims of the proposed legislation would not be convinced. According to the draft copy of the document, the objectives of the bill are: to prohibit the submission and/or use of any petition or statement concerning the conduct of a person except same is accompanied by an affidavit, duly deposed to at either the High Court of Justice of a state or the Federal High Court. The bill also seeks to prohibit the use of print or electronic media or any other medium to publish or cause to be published any allegation, statement or petition that are maliciously intended to discredit or set the public against any person, group of persons or institutions of government. It also seeks to prohibit posting of false, inciting and abusive statement as tweets, whatsapps or through any social media; and to prescribe various penalties for infractions. The Senate Committee on Justice, Human Rights and Legal Matters adopted a legislative framework to consult widely on the justifications for the passage of the bill, and also to conduct a public hearing in order to collate

Na'Allah

Nigeria, being a democratic society, must not make any law that could stifle freedom of speech

views of stakeholders and members of the general public on the proposed legislation. Accordingly, the committee conducted a public hearing on March 7 at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, where stakeholders from various interest groups in the country attended. Specifically, 22 different stakeholders were in attendance and made presentations. Seventeen out of the 22 made written submissions, while five members of the public made oral presentations. Out of the 17 written submissions, 15 of them expressed opposition to the passage of the bill, while two supported its passage. Therefore, it became obvious that majority of the members of the public were against the bill. Those who kicked against the bill argued that, the seeming positive objective of the proposal notwithstanding, which is to prevent frivolous petitions, its implementation would unduly constrain the right of citizens to report crimes as well as fetter the discretion of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes and the internal administrative mechanisms of government agencies. Antagonists to the bill also said that the requirement that a petition, statement or complaint should be accompanied by an affidavit, could be a disincentive or discouragement to potential whistle blowers, especially with

the level of illiteracy in the society and the limited number and location of federal and state High Courts. The report of the Senate committee on the public hearing was considered on the floor of the Chamber last week Tuesday, where it was eventually withdrawn by the overwhelming support of members. The committee in its report noted among other things, that passing the bill in its present form would negatively affect the anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government. It also observed that some existing laws in the country such as the Penal Code, Criminal Code, Cybercrime Act and others, have sufficient provisions to tackle the issues the bill sought to address. The committee also stated that passing the bill into law would also bring about, conflicts between its content and other existing laws, which would not augur well with the nation's legal/judicial systems. It further echoed the position of the stakeholders, that the passage of the Frivolous Petitions BiIl would bring about hardship to citizens, living in places distant from the courts as they would be required to first incur transportation costs and also pay for drafting, typing and filing of affidavits, before they could report breaches of peace. The committee also noted that the forms of communication such as text messages, tweets, whatsapp or other social media platforms, that the bill seeks to restrain, were already regulated by the Nigerian Communication Act of 2003, stressing that its application will Iead to role conflict. After reading out the findings of the committee to the members of the Senate by its chairman, Senator David Umaru, the committee therefore, recommended that the Upper Chamber should withdraw the bill based on the issues raised against it. Commenting on the report, Senator Shehu Sani (APC Kaduna Central), said that Nigeria, being a democratic society must not make any law that could stifle freedom of speech, pointing out that freedom of speech is the soul and spirit of democracy. When the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the session, put the recommendation that the bill be withdrawn to voice vote, it was overwhelmingly supported by members; and it was accordingly withdrawn. In his remarks, Ekweremadu said that the withdrawal of the bill was a clear indication to Nigerians, that it was not every bill introduced to the chamber that would be automatically pass to law.

POLITICS

It was pomp in Benin recently, when the chairman of the Edo State Economic Team, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, declared his interest for the governorship of the state. CAJETAN MMUTA reports

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Obaseki takes the bold step

he political atmosphere in Edo State is becoming more intriguing and interesting by each day as the clock ticks to the September 10 governorship election in the state. Hopes of the people are rising each minute while it is optimism for the top contenders in the race for the big shoes of Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The governorship aspirants are not allowing any opportunity to slip as they relentlessly intensify lobbies, consultations, sensitisation and mobilisation of delegates and party leaders across the 192 wards, 18 local government areas and nine federal constituencies in the three senatorial districts of the state. The delegates both real and imaginary, no doubt, have suddenly turned the beautiful brides for the aspirants. With the build up to the June 18 party primaries and the high expectations of the people, there is no mincing word that the path to the tall dreams the various aspirants have set for themselves is tortuous and breathtaking too. For the incumbent Governor Oshiomhole, the ovation has for eight years remained loudest and it is time to leave the stage. The testimonial of over seven years of the administration of the former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on the saddle at the Osadebay Avenue Government House is revealing. He has indeed written his name on the sand of time. What is however the rumble within the ruling party is Oshiomhole ‘rightful’ choice of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the tasking job against others who have lined up for his big shoes. It is however solely not about the shoes but possession of ideal vision, mission, drive and ideas. While the governor has restated his irreversible stand of choice of the chairman of his economic team even in the face of undue criticisms, Obaseki at the popular Urhopota hall, penultimate week reeled out what put most of his critics and opponents in the race mouth-gaping. The milling crowd of APC faithful and fans who graced his formal declaration for the governorship race, were instructive of the direction of the political pendulum. It was as though the battle has been fought and won as individuals, groups including members of the Oshiomhole’s cabinet, lawmakers, elders, youths, market women and traders endorsed Obaseki’s ambition for the state’s number one seat. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, pledged to take over from where

Obaseki (middle) being endorsed by party officials.

Governor Oshiomhole stops at the end of his eight years in office. He said the present problems confronting the nation and the states need “a leadership with fresh and original ideas to help us face these challenges, so that we can build on the success of the Oshiomhole led administration.” Obaseki tasked Edo people on the importance of being “courageous and determined to achieve the goals we (his team/government) want for our people.” He also expressed the strong desire and commitment to put Edo State on the front burner in terms of development and growth through empowerment of women, youths and artisans so that they can compete favourably to further rebuild the state. His words: “I announce to you all that I am seeking the ticket of the APC so that I can fly the flag of the party come September 10. I pledge to build Edo State that has a strong economy and I will continue to build the infrastructural revolution that we have started.” He noted that the state for so long witnessed lack of development occasioned by bad and irresponsible governments, stressing that the resources and opportunities squandered in the past are inexcusable. He also observed with deep concern that this ugly trend was what led some professionals and the indigenes in Diaspora and at home to take up the challenge of participation in the governance of the state. He explained further that the opportunity for him to serve his state came shortly after Oshiomhole decided to contest for the position of governor, maintaining that he has supported the governor in diverse ways as part of the renewed effort to build and reconstruct the state, which according to him was “vandalised and almost dislocated by previous administrations.” Obaseki, who listed some of his roles in the success of Oshiomhole’s government, said he has worked as chairman of the Edo State Economic Team without any salary or compensation. “We have been able to manage

Edo DECIDE

We need a leadership with fresh and original ideas... so that we can build on the success of the Oshiomhole-led administration

the finances of Edo State better and ensured that there is transparency in government. We have improved service delivery to our people through the use of ICT,” he said. He added that the state government has executed several projects in all aspects, noting that it is because of transparency that Edo State remains one of the few states that have been able to pay salaries of workers. On his vision for the state, Obaseki said: “As this administration comes to an end, we are faced with new challenges, as you all know the price of crude oil has reduced significantly, therefore Nigeria is not able to earn enough foreign exchange to import its goods and services. So, we need a leadership with fresh and original ideas to help us face these challenges, so that we can build on the success of the Oshiomhole-led administration. “We must be courageous and determined to achieve the goals we want for our people. I therefore stand before you today, on the shoulders of the successes built by the current administration over the last seven and half years that we have transformed Edo State in all aspects. However, the Edo project is still work in progress and we are now in the most delicate part of the journey. “We cannot afford any reversal in the achievements we have made. There are a lot more we still need to do. We still have to construct thousands of kilometres of roads into our rural communities and into farms. We still need to improve our school infrastructure. We need to further strengthen our service delivery to our people; we need to address the unemployment problem which is facing us. “It will be a huge risk for all of us if we reverse political powers to those who lack the deep understanding of how we got to where we are and how we have achieved what we have achieved and how we will make the link between what we have achieved and our future. If we make the mistake of giving power to such people, we

will go back and suffer more than we have ever suffered before. By the grace of God, that will never happen in Edo State.” Obaseki pointed out that he was very proud and happy that he is an integral part of the success achieved by the Oshiomhole administration in Edo State. His words: “The knowledge I have gained in the last seven and half years have put me in a unique position to understand what is required to take Edo to the next level. I believe that I can fly Edo higher. What Edo State needs today is a leader, who in addition to political sagacity has the managerial and intellectual experience to manage the state in this difficult time. “Over the last 16 weeks, I have consulted extensively with elder statesmen across the state, with my colleagues in government, with my family and friends and with delegates in the 192 wards of Edo State, I stand before you today with the commitment to ensure that what we have achieved is not only sustained but to guarantee the future of our children by empowering our women, pensioners, civil servants, market women, artisans as well as have a deeper involvement with our traditional institutions.” The mammoth crowd at venue of the event was overwhelmed when the Director-General of the Obaseki Campaign Organisation, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, said: “You cannot build your house and abandon it for a tenant to take over. People are shouting continuity what are you going to continue, it is Oshiomhole’s work.” He admonished the people and APC delegates to reflect on “who is the best person to do the work, adding: “The game has just started, we will not abuse anybody but anybody that abuses us, we will reply. I speak for the Oshiomhole political family as we have endorsed Obaseki.” No doubt, the Oshiomhole’s political family is a complex one and has its structure spread across the state but it must be cohesive to make its dream winning the governorship poll come true.

POLITICS

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Wale Elegbede reports on the several accomplishments of the Akinwunmi Ambode administration in Lagos State in the last one year, which even his critics cannot dispute

Ambode: Silencing opposition with performance

t the early stage of the administration in Lagos State, the discourse in the public space was about the competence and capacity of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. But for a man who knows his own onions very well, having reached the zenith of the civil service before voluntarily retiring, he chose rather not to join issues with anyone but concentrate on his mandate to deliver good governance to Lagosians irrespective of what part of the state they reside. Fresh from an election where Lagos residents voted en mass for him and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor knew that his major challengers at the poll are still lurking around to cast aspersion on his policies, but interestingly, one year after, the very opponents have been wowed by the sterling achievements of the former Accountant General of Lagos. A scenario that has been aptly tagged silencing opposition with achievements. For those who know how to read issues, the governor’s current goodwill and popularity didn't just spring up overnight. It was a case of diligence; hardwork and the ability to listen to the very people you want to serve. Unlike those who will still take time to revel after being sworn-in as governor, Governor Ambode took up the gauntlet immediately and by May 30, 2015, a day after his inauguration, he delved into work. Regarding them as the live wire of the civil service, the governor convened a meeting with the body of Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service to share his to reposition the Civil Service as a more efficient and service oriented organisation which will involve streamlining some ministries, departments and agencies to cut cost of governance, as well as creation of new offices to cater for the emerging needs of the people in the next four years. To bring this to light, the governor realigned the Ministry of Rural Development, Parastatals Monitoring Office as well as Political and Legislative Powers Bureau, while he had earlier announced the establishment of the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global), Office of Civic Engagement as well Ministry of Wealth Creation. Governor Ambode also scrapped the Office of the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Debt Management Office while he merged the office of Works and Office of Infrastructure; Office of Drainage Services and Office of Environmental Service. This aside from improving the process and procedure of service delivery has also created opportunities for global competitiveness.

L-R: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Governor Ambode; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, during the inauguration of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit recently.

Not done on that same day, Governor Ambode also received the President of Namibia, Dr Hage Geingob, whom he had productive discussions with about the desirability of Lagos State as investors’ destination. Since then, the governor has met several groups of local and foreign investors including President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, investors from Dubai, United States of America, as well as envoys from several European and Middle East countries promising them an enabling environment for willing investors, stressing that his ambition is to improve on the ease of doing business in the state. In some of those meetings, possible partnerships in areas of power, healthcare and capacity building have been ignited. Less than a month in the saddle of leadership, residents in the state started experiencing his milk of kindness. Interestingly, a baby girl, Miss Oluwajomiloju Goodness, was the first to come in contact with the bowel of kindness of Governor Ambode. The 2015 baby of the year in Lagos State had been diagnosed with a heart defect and required surgery. The governor on his second day in office got wind of the condition. He immediately approved that the baby be flown to India at the expense of the state government. The surgery was successful and today, baby Oluwajomiloju is living healthy. Next in line was Mrs. Ruth Uche, whose husband had fled their Agege home, when his wife gave birth to three sets of twins. Coming in contact with her story on the pages of newspapers, Governor Ambode immediately directed the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, to provide official assistance to the family. Seeing that unusual succor had come the way of his ‘abandoned’ family, Mr. Uche came out from his hideout and returned home to his family. When the governor made an

One year after, the very opponents have been wowed by the sterling achievements

announcement urging the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to adopt new strategies in its operations, some motorists misconstrued it for a leeway to get away with traffic offences. With his commitment in his inaugural speech that his administration would be committed to the State Development Plan (2012 – 2025) built on four pillars namely; Social Development and Security; Infrastructural Development; Economic Development and Sustainable Environment, which he narrowed down to a tripod of Security, Job Opportunities and Infrastructure, Governor Ambode believes that task of governing Lagos is not a 100-metres dash that requires hasty decision making, but a four-year journey that requires a careful, thorough and coordinated policy and decision making process. For a governor who is adept with the importance of a safe and secured state for businesses to thrive, Governor Ambode gave no second thought to address the issue of insecurity like petty crimes, cultism and armed robbery. In response to the public outcry over the increase in spate of crime at the early part of his adminsitration, governor rebranded the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Nigerian Police, and in an unprecedented gesture donated equipment worth N4.765 billion for the Police. The items include 100 4-Door Salon Cars, 55 Ford Ranger PickUps, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Ups, 15 BMW Power Bikes, 100 Power Bikes, Isuzu Trucks, 3 Helicopters, 2 Gun Boats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, Revolving Lights, Siren and Public Address System, Vehicular Radio Communicators, Security Gadgets including Bullet Proof Vests, Drones Helmets, Handcuffs, etc, Uniforms, Kits and Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers. The governor also donated 48 Patrol Vans, 385 Walkie Talkies, 11 Base and Repeater Stations, 1,150

Uniforms, 570 Handcuffs, 1,150 Belts, Berets and boots to boost the operation of the Neighbourhood Watchers to keep all the communities in Lagos safe. Since then, the equipment has gone a long way to reduce the spate of traffic robberies, aided in recovering vehicles stolen at gun point and securing lives and property of residents in the state. Making his thought known on the gesture, the Minister of Interior, Lt. General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.) said the move is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria and a sign of seriousness about the premium the state government under Governor Ambode attached to security of lives and property of residents. To back up the equipping of the police, Governor Ambode also made a gallant move which has now become the talk of the town, the governor directed that the “Light Up Lagos” project should be spread across the three senatorial districts in the state. To achieve this, the governor set up an Advisory Council chaired by the deputy governor to come up with modalities on how to light up every nook and cranny of the state. Less than five months after the team was set up, major highways in Lagos have been lit up and that has improved driving experience for motorists at night and has incredibly gone a long way to reduce criminal activities at night which was rampant before the project kick started. Presently, there is no difference between day and night driving on major highways like Berger to Lekki, Third Mainland Bridge, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and many others. In April, the governor commissioned a 36km stretch of Street Lights from Ile-Zik to Sango Toll Gate, while the entire stretch of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road has also been lit CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Opinion Atiku’s solution for farmers-herdsmen conflicts Louis Okoroma

griculture plays a very important role in the life of every nation. Infact, agriculture is so important that most powerful nations on earth and throughout history have been strong in that field. Those nations that did not have strong agriculture or food production capabilities were often at the mercy of their neighbours or adversaries who used the food weapon against them. The importance of agriculture to the greatness of a nation lies in the fact that it provides food and raw materials which are indispensable in the life of nations. Nations whose agriculture can feed their population talk of having food security and if they can also export the surplus to needy countries or even donate to needy countries, their status in inter-state relations becomes very high. Second, if a nation with a thriving agriculture produces raw materials for export, these raw materials feed agro-allied and other industries enabling the nation in question to produce a variety of products for export. Thus a strong, sustainable and productive agricultural sector gives a nation leverage in international affairs where it harnesses the respect and goodwill of other nations and the less endowed. There was a time that Nigeria had a strong and productive agricultural sector. During the colonial and post-colonial years when the nation’s economy was healthy and depended in the main on a variety of agricultural products both for food and national revenue. Then Nigeria was a happy and confident country and was respected in the comity of nations as a Middle income country. All that is now history. Agriculture is a diverse sector with many subsectors. There is farming, forestry, livestock, horticulture and fishing. Livestock is also known as animal husbandry. It includes the rearing of cattle, goats, rams as well as birds or poultry. While in the main, the nation’s agricultural sector has declined over the years leading to Nigeria acquiring the unenviable status of a food importing country, recent con-

flicts over space and right of way involving farmers in many parts of the country, and herdsmen who move from place to place in search of pasture for their cattle, has introduced veritable threats to the future of these subsectors. The frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers all around the country in recent times are an ill wind that will portend only loss and regression for what is left of the agricultural sector in the country. This would threaten not only peace and harmony but food production and food security in the long run reducing the ability of the nation to feed its people and hold its own in the comity of nations. Also at a time when the nation’s economy is in the doldrums and all effort and attention is being directed to revitalizing all aspects of agriculture and harnessing these for national development and growth, civil strife and violent confrontation between herdsmen and farmers will defeat the plan for economic diversification. Diversification is a must for the nation’s economy and even the international financial institutions have all applauded the Buhari administration urging him on in this regard. Therefore the nation’s agriculture must come alive again and for good or else, Nigeria would become an awfully beggarly nation. When the clashes between herdsmen and farmers reared their ugly heads in many parts of the country, the fear, bitterness and sense of permanent loss engendered by the loss of lives tended to introduce politics rather than clear thinking into the search for solutions. Happily, at the political level, the Federal Government has given firm instructions to the security forces to ensure that the clashes are halted while those apprehended fomenting trouble or carrying dangerous weapons are brought to book. Beyond the security approach of halting the clashes between farmers and herdsmen, is the urgent need to address the need of both groups of agricultural workers for the good of the nation. While restraining and limiting the movement of herdsmen would safeguard farmlands and crops, the nutrition requirements of millions of cattle that move from mostly the Northern part of the country to the forest belt of the South of the country in search of pasture need to be addressed. The cattle need pasture on one hand, and unobstructive grazing areas on the other hand. The need

Chief Audu Ogbeh, has even toyed with the idea of importing and re-planting grazing grass from Brazil

for pasture is so great in view of the relentless march of desertification in the North, such that the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has even toyed with the idea of importing and re-planting grazing grass from Brazil. While the idea of grass from Brazil could be one of the long term solutions as part of the re-grassing and re-forestation efforts to check the march and advance of the desert, an immediate solution which could subsist for a long time with both local and foreign inputs, is the production of livestock or animal feed. Animal feed produced in reasonable quantity in the country can go a long way in solving the pasture needs of the nation’s cattle population and at the same time reduce the need for herdsmen to move hundreds of miles across the length and breadth of the country in search of pasture. With animal feed taken care of, it would be possible to confine herdsmen and their cattle to a reasonable geographical space within the country, where they would cease to be a threat to farmers on whom we depend for food and cash crops. It would be possible to now carve out cattle ranches in the Northern and Central parts of the country in such a way that no group of farmers would feel threatened. The above situation has challenged one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs and businessman, Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President to float an animal feed factory in Abuja. This company, Rico Gardo Nutrition is a joint venture between Gesse Derdirabe farms, belonging to Atiku, a long time farming enthusiast, and his foreign partners. Rico Gardo already has in operation, a factory in Numan, in Adamawa State, Atiku’s home State and according to industry experts, is solving the animal feed needs of the NorthEastern part of Nigeria, as it produces 50,000 metric tonnes of high quality animal feed per annum. This means that with its operations, the company creates jobs for hundreds of Nigerians, earns foreign exchange, conserves foreign exchange and enables the government to obtain foreign exchange as the company pays its taxes. •Louis Okoroma writes from Abuja and can be reached on iheokoroma@yahoo.co.uk

Unending fumbling with Nigeria’s tourism policies (2) Andy Osa Ehanire CONTINUED FROM LAST TUESDAY

e are equally challenged by the need to put culture and tourism awareness in the educational curriculum from the primary levels. These are some of the fundamental issues in tourism development in this clime that are not what can be assigned to hoteliers, who have now positioned themselves to be more visible in tourism policy discourse.

9. The preponderance of our tourism leaders, not to talk of new office holders freshly coming on the scene, obviously cannot fathom this difference between professionals in Tourism and Tourism professionals. With such jumbled perspective, there are huge knowledge and coordination gaps, so the path usually see taken is the convening of a motley crowd of stakeholders to brainstorm on a tourism roadmap, which when measured against the highly technical issues at stake, ends up being more of a parade of impostors. 10. For a very serious matter as a roadmap for tourism, reason demands that it

is a select group of experts who should first be assembled to come up with positions papers on what are needed to jumpstart and drive the various subsectors in tourism, before the wider stakeholders would be brought in for sensitization and deliberation on the various policy options. A process can be employed to synthesize the technical road maps from those that have the flair for the highly creative and complex enterprise of tourism development. 11. With a “call for papers”, the various viable intellectual properties would be acknowledged, documented, reviewed and tested, so that those that meet the practicable demands of the industry are adopted and the owners engaged for the needed consultancy services. This is the only way to separate the wheat from the chaff among the bidders for consultancy positions or those to form a select group for configuring our various policy options. We cannot expect experts to think out solutions through an engagement process in which the parameters for selection are illogical or non-transparent. It is meant to be a contest of profound thoughts and ideas that should start with those who have original submissions on a roadmap - not mere academic discourse, before wider stakeholders and hustlers are brought into the equation. Importantly, it should provide rewards for

creativity, since the easiest way to kill enterprise is not to attach value to the ideas from which they are developed. 12. This above formula is also what should have been used to determine how members of any select committee appointed to develop the outcome of such a Summit are picked. To any keen observer, logic and transparency demand that the value of individual submissions or what were actually brought to the thinking process, are what can be used to decipher what each committee member has to offer. In the quest to identify a process for receiving and evaluating submissions for such a tall order as a tourism roadmap, there should be an advertised provision for tapping from a wide pool of experts, not a selection from preconceived or biased knowledge about some persons. While hoping that the Committee members are not merely chosen to safeguard the interest of certain constituencies, there is clear urgency that stakeholders do not have to wait for long to see if they will deliver on any serious practical results. Moreover, it is the outcome of their work that is expected to set the Government on its new policy direction for the Sector and as such the outcome should make the public domain sooner than later. 13. The juncture we are in now is exactly where consultations also began at the com-

mencement of the tenure of High Chief Edem Duke, whereby stakeholders were convened for brainstorming and at the end of the day there was neither a Roadmap nor any Action Plan to be sequenced within a realistic timeframe. Strident calls for this anomaly to be corrected were totally ignored and what ensued was a somewhat deceptive or dubious approach of leaving stakeholders with policy guesswork, while high profile “noisemaking with all motion no movement” aimed more at self promotion, was the order of the day. This act of flying blind has apparently become a permanent trait in our tourism leadership and experience. There is a high level of desensitization in the polity as the so-called informed stakeholders have hardly ever reacted to such grave anomaly in spite of the lone voices of dissent. The vast majority prefer to coast along for the sake of political correctness, in the expectation of what drops off the table. We hope this Honourable Minister will note this potential pitfall, as Nigeria’s tourism stakeholders have been more on this hypocritical route for long, only to later cast incumbents in the dustbin of history. Concluded • Ehanire wrote in from Benin City

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

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Time to retrain our soldiers

ociety is dynamic it does not matter who bears the cross. The more c iv i l i s a t i o n s a dva n c e , t h e m o r e change takes place. What was in vogue yesterday may not exactly be what the future wants therefore things will continue to evolve. The military in Nigeria will lose a lot if yesterday’s doctrines do not give way to neo-technology. Recently, soldiers operating under the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the creeks of the Niger Delta showed how ill-prepared they were for the operation against militants when some of them lost their lives in two separate incidents. The first was around Taylor Creek, Okordia, Yenogoa when one them drowned while escorting workers of Agip Oil Company. Less than 24 hours later, two more soldiers died while on patrol around Egwa 1,near a Shell flow station in the Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State. It is disturbing that the soldiers did not die in battle. They perished in circumstances that were not bad enough if they could swim. And their job was to go and confront militants who from the cradle are not at sea in the creeks. One of the military men slipped while cleaning his boots and before rescue could come, he was gone with his rifle. Divers later retrieved the body and the gun. Defence has gulped so much resources from the national purse. All along, there was the feeling that the military had been re-focused to meet the challeng es of moder n war-

fare. The Army brigades in Port Harcourt and Calabar became Amphibous formations to suit their location. Expectations are that troops drawn from such stations should be well trained to do their job. The Civil War should have taught government and the military high command a lot of lessons. Ill-prepared for battle in the creeks, the Nigeria Army hurriedly assembled the Third Marine Commando Division (3MCD) under Col. Benjamin Adekunle in 1967. Apar t from a few officers like C ap t a i n To ny Ochefu, Alabi Isama and Lts. Ted Hamman and Shehu Yar’Adua, most of the soldiers were street urchins from the streets of Lagos. It took the support of Izon free-

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Williams. If during the Civil war, there was need to create special units to battle relevant fronts, it is difficult to understand the rationale behind sending soldiers from an Infantry battalion to patrol the creeks in the year 2016, over 40 years after the crisis.And this comes at a time the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) is a degree awarding institution. It does appear emphasis is on the procurement of arms and

The Navy is in the same boat. There are seamen who wear sea blue, but cannot swim

dom fighters like Isaacs Adaka Boro, Nottingham Dick, Bodman Nyanayo and George Amangala for the commandos to understand the numerous complex creeks that dotted the Niger-Delta. Even the Navy gun-boats were not as destructive as the intelligence of the locals. The Biafrans not ready to be beaten also set up a Commando Division (CODO)sending some of their young men to Tanzania for training.At a time,the German, Rolf Steiner was the Commander before a nervous breakdown led to his deportation to Gabon. In his place came Welshman Taffy

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not the training of the individuals that should bear the weapons. Of what use is a soldier wielding an AK-47 rifle on a boat on the River Nun when just sea w ave s are enough

to drown him without firing a shot? Questions should be asked. Are we giving our troops the training they deserve or are some of them being sent to battle without the necessary experience? It does not only have to do with the army. The Navy is in the same boat. There are seamen who wear sea blue, but cannot swim. The situation is that bad. This is a country that found it worthy to establish the Police Mobile Force (PMF) in 1962. Emmanuel Adu Olawaiye led three officers and three men to Ma-

laya to be gin the nucleus of what is today known as MOPOL. What the NPF did was to send officers on specialist courses abroad. Isa Saidu Adejo was in the United Kingdom thrice between 1962 and 1969. This training paid off when he moved to Niger Republic and successfully tackled rebels there ear ning the Police Medal for Meritorious service in 1963. The year we established the PMF was also the year the United States set up the US Navy Sea, Air and Land Teams (SEALS). The Frogmen are majorly involved in Counter Terrorism, Underwater Demolition, Drug fight and Foreign Service protection with the slogan ‘the only easy day was yesterday’. The government and military high command should do a rethink. Modern warfare goes beyond wielding rocket propelled g renades and displaying armoured tanks on the streets of Abuja. It is more than military drills around Kachia. We demand a modern military where brain takes precedence over brawn. The Nigerian Army has a Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Minna Niger state. One of the finest officers produced by the post Civil War military, Major General Ishola Williams put in his best serving as the Commander. It is also heart warming that the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonishakin, passed through Minna. Our hope is that something drastic has to be done about military training and deployment, fast.

POLITICS

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ugwuanyi’s Igbo mythology of ‘omenuko’ Uwakwe Abugu

iewed from every ramification, Gover nor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state has within his first year in office cut for himself the image of the Igbo mythic personage of “omenuko.” That is, one who achieves feats even as ravaging hardships bog others down. In Igbo folklores, characters who assume the halos of “omenuko” are phenomenal in their actions of delivering outstanding results when their peers can hardly find their footing within the same milieu. Certainly, the Enugu governor aptly fits into this description by the overwhelming evidence of practical delivery of services to the people of the state in the past one year. Since May 29, 2015 when Ugwuanyi, assumed office, the landscape of the Coal City state has continued to witness uncommon transformation, especially viewed against the present harsh economic situation weighing down our Nigeria. Therefore, as the present administration in Enugu state marks its one year in office, it is heart-warming that in spite of the said debilitating economic melt-down caused by the glut in the global oil market, the state is celebrating a harvest of capital and other people-oriented projects executed within the period. No doubt, the pleasant turn of event ushered in by the administration even in the era of national economic difficulty has been made possible by Governor Ugwuanyi’s ability to manage human and material resources very prudently. The long list of achievements recorded by the governor’s administration just within one year in office has become more particularly a giant stride, considering the fact that in the monthly Federation Account allocation, Enugu is one of the states taking the very distant rear positions, about the third from the bottom. Yet, apart from standing out as one of the very few state governments in the country that

Ugwuanyi

have continued to pay salaries of their workers, Enugu State government under the leadership of Governor Ugwuanyi has taken governance by storm in his delivery of capital projects to better the lot of the residents of the state. The achievements of Ugwuanyi’s administration so far have been in line with his promises in his inaugural address on May 29, 2015 when he told the people of the state gathered at the historic Michael Okpara Square, that “I recommit myself to employment generation, enhanced social services and good governance. Enugu State under us will pay a special attention to rural development because the bulk of our people live in the rural areas. We will create more urban areas to boost economic growth.” So far, the governor has walked his talk. And this could be seen in the projects executed and other on-going projects it em-

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

up. Governor Ambode has also affirmed that the project will extend to other areas of the state in due course. Not forgetting his campaign promises to ensure rehabilitation of inner roads in the state, Governor Ambode approved the construction of two roads each across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas, totaling 114 roads. He gave a six-month time frame for the completion of the road projects which is expected to elapse by the end of June. With the massive rehabilitation of roads going on across the state, the governor initiated intervention geared towards boosting public transportation with the injection of 434 New BRT Buses for the Ikorodu Corridor during the commissioning of the Mile 12-Ikorodu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Extension Project. There was also a re-launch of the Blue Line Rail Project by the governor. The project, when completed would see over 500,000 passengers conveyed daily between Marina and Okokomaiko. The educational sector has not been

Ugwuanyi has taken governance by storm in his delivery of capital projects

barked upon in the past one year. Certainly, in the infrastructure development projects already done and more in the offing, the Ugwuanyi administration has within one year gone far in fulfilling his pledge of paying a special attention to rural development since the bulk of the people of the state live in rural areas. In the roads infrastructure, eight roads among which is a cluster of roads grouped as Udenu Ring Roads were awarded. Out of these, an important by-pass at the intractable Ninth Mile Corner near Enugu metropolis has been completed just like the very important Nike Lake Road in the metropolis. In the university town of Nsukka which has suffered years of neglect, work has reached an appreciable advanced stage on the Opi – Nsukka road, Obuechara-Ikenga Junction to Odenigbo Roundabout to Post Office Roundabout and then Orba road. Similarly, on the Udenu Ring Roads, work has reached advanced stage. It has also been heartwarming for the residents of Abakpa Nike in Enugu metropolis as Abakpa Nike Road reconstruction work has been in progress, being among the first eight roads awarded by the administration. These are not all there is to show on the road infrastructure. As the state Commissioner for Works, Dr. Patrick Ikpenwa, explained: “We also continued with the on-going road projects like the Airport Roundabout to Orie Emene Road in Enugu which has been completed. Then, the Orie Emene Adoration Ground Road brought it to number 10 roads we have embarked upon.” Besides, within this period, there are some other ongoing roads too in Enugu metropolis like Nawfia Street, the Court Avenue, Holy Trinity Road and the adjoining Bishop Eneja Street, among others that have been completed. Yet, in furtherance of his pledge during his inauguration to open up rural areas and create new urban towns, Ugwuanyi’s administration has just adver-

tised 25 new roads billed for reconstruction and rehabilitation across the state. The announcement for the set of new 25 roads came with the decision also do five new boreholes for needy residential areas even as the state government would by June this year convene a town hall meeting on provision of water for its residents. Process of bidding for the new road contracts in the offing has commenced. In social services and good governance, Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration trails behind none of its peers in the country. Not minding the state’s aforesaid rear position in the volume of revenue received from the federation account, Enugu State government under his watch has continued to pay the monthly salaries of workers on the 25th of every month. This feat has not been attained by some oil producing states while a good number of the states as less endowed as Enugu have since resigned to fate in their inability to settle their workers’ monthly wage bills. In his case, the Enugu governor has gone extra miles by helping junior public servants (grade levels 1-10) to obtain apartments in ELIM Housing Estate, Enugu by paying over 30 per cent of their equity contributions to qualify them to own the facilities after they emerged from a balloting system he personally witnessed. In his eventful governance, the governor is spreading development to all sectors. Education, agriculture, security (he donated 18 vehicles to security agencies within the first 100 days in office), among others, received ample attention within this first year in office. Recently, Governor Ugwuanyi told the people of the state that the journey has just begun. His administration hopes to reap abundantly from the recent investment summit hosted by the state in a burning zeal to diversify its economy and then pave the way for more delivery of services to the people. •Abugu is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ugwuanyi

Silencing opposition with performance left out as well. In a move to permanently resolve the protracted crisis at the Lagos State University (LASU), Governor Ambode came up with an Executive Bill proposing a five-year single tenure for the institution’s Vice Chancellor and signed same into law after passage by the House of Assembly. The new law pegs at 70-years, the retirement age for professors just as it also makes the institution a residential campus. Top of the efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the State’s higher institution of learning was the appointment and inauguration of Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun as the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor of the Institution, and who has since hit the ground running. The saying, “catch them young” is one Governor Ambode firmly believes in. Thus it was not surprising when he approved that 1,300 qualified teachers be recruited to teach in the public primary schools across the state. For him, motorable roads will go a

long way to reduce the number of man hours spent by Lagosians in traffic. But aside improving the road condition, the construction of flyover bridges at Abule Egba junction and Ajah round about, two of the State’s high-density traffic zones was approved by the Lagos State Executive Council. The projects already awarded and work already in progress is expected to be completed within a period of 16 months. Not done yet, Governor Ambode recently signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge. The project, which is designed to cover a distance of 38 kilometres, would be built under a under a build, operate and transfer (BOT) concession and the state’s public-private partnership programme for a period of 40 years. The consortium, which agreed to fund and construct the bridge at N844 billion, comprises Visible Asset Limited, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Hi-tech Construction Limited, J.P. Morgan, Eldorado Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Westminster Dredging

and Marine, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Access Bank. The signatories to the new venture include AFC Chief Investment Officer, Africa Finance Corporation, Mr. Andrew Alli; Group Managing Director OF Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe and Executive Chairman, Visible Assets Limited, Mr. Idowu Iluyomade, Senior Country Officer, J.P. Morgan Nigeria, Mr. Tosin Adewuyi and Consultant, Advanced Engineering Consultants, Mr. Ger Horgan. The governor noted at the signing of the MoU that the increase in the population of the state and expanded commercial activity “has led to frequent traffic congestion. This has made it imperative for us to construct 4th Mainland Bridge that will serve as an alternative route to the Eastern axis and decongest traffic in the state.” Clearly, in one year, Governor Ambode has redefined governance in Lagos State and he has shown the dexterity, commitment and capacity to take Lagos to the next level.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Transportation Gridlock returns to Abuja/ Keffi Road

Inside Abuja

BBOG Once upon a joyful sit-out

18 19

Infrastructure: Estate developer, residents reach truce Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

fter a protracted tussle over claims of noncompliance to terms of agreement in provision of housing infrastructure, the management of Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB) has brokered a truce between C2Q Property and Investment Company Limited and residents of Engr. Ebele Okeke Housing Estate, Lugbe, Abuja. The residents association in the estate had alleged that the estate developer failed to complete the provision of basic infrastructure such as the access roads, water and perimeter fencing, allegations C2Q Property and Investment Company Limited has denied. Inside Abuja had on Tuesday March 8 published a story, chronicling the complaints of the residents as well as those of other estates occupied by federal civil servants. The publication apparently stirred the hornet's nest as both parties threatened legal action against each other, culminating in the intervention of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board. However, Inside Abuja authoritatively gathered that an agreement has been reached with both parties undertaking to fulfil its portion of the agreement to enable the completion of all outstanding infrastructure works at the estate. A copy of the agreement endorsed by the parties and exclusively obtained by Inside Abuja, revealed that the agreement was sequel to a meeting conveyed by officials of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board who toured the Engr. Ebele Okeke Estate, to ascertain some of infrastructural deficits that were the basis of the complaints by residents of the estate. According to the agreement, the estate development firm has

Onwuka NzeshI

ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF nzeshi@newtelegraphonline.com

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One of the houses in Kobi Makaranta

agreed to complete the outstanding infrastructural works on the estate which include, construction of the access roads, provision of drainages on the said roads and rehabilitation of the surface water reservoir in the estate. The firm has also committed to levelling the boundary block fence to equal two meters of other sides of same fence. On their part, the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association of the estate undertook to pay their outstanding balances of their loans to enable the estate development firm to commence remedial work on the infrastructure defects. Documents sighted by Inside Abuja revealed that, it will cost N30 million for the rehabilitation works to be completed in the estate while residents on the estate still have an outstanding balance of N57 million to pay to the developer. Managing Director, C2Q Property and Investment Limited, Mr. Akande Adeshina Omoniyi, confirmed to our correspondent that the truce was brokered by the loans board, adding that each party was expected to fulfil its own part of the bargain. Omoniy,i however, maintained that his firm never handed over uncompleted structures to residents of the estate. "The estate was handed over in 2012 and every allottee having inspected his block signed that they were satisfied. We have the signed copy of the allocation papers of every resident in our file. Some of them started doing illegal erection after we had handed over and in

An agreement has been reached with both parties undertaking to fulfil its portion of the agreement

the process some electrical underground cables were cut and apparently led to power failure which is one of their complaints. We provided a brand new 500kv transformer which from our research was sufficient to power 175 houses in the estate. Part of the problem is that we told them to contact us before they erect anything but some of them ignored our advice and they started illegal construction," Akande told Inside Abuja. C2Q Property Development Company Limited had earlier denied abandoning any aspect of its job at the said estate. In a swift reaction to Inside Abuja's report on the issue last March, the real estate firm had threatened legal action, maintaining that it handed over the estate to the allottees without any blemish. In a letter written by J.O. Olukunle & Co, counsel to C2Q Property Development Company Limited, the estate developers said the flats at the Ebele Okeke Estate were duly completed and commissioned by the then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, on 19th of June, 2014. According to the firm of legal practitioners, their client (C2Q Property) completed work on the estate about four years before it was handed over to the beneficiaries. Low income earners in the Federal Capital Territory have been having a running battle with estate developers over procurement of decent shelter at an affordable price. Worse hit by the accom-

modation crisis, are the civil servants whose incomes are depleted annually by shylock landlords. It is also a double jeopardy because the annual income of the average civil servant is far too meagre to purchase a piece of land and build a house. In a bid to tackle this challenge, the Federal Government has toyed with many options and developed several models with a view to giving civil servants the needed relief. One of such government efforts is the collaboration with real estate developers to build and deliver decent and affordable houses on owner-occupier-basis to the civil servants who subscribe to the scheme. The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board was established to provide financial assistance in the form of loans to enable them build their own houses. It is usually a tripartite arrangement whereby the civil servant obtains a loan which the Loans Board disburses to an accredited Estate Development Company to build the house. The houses vary in size and cost but the ultimate goal was to ensure that more civil servants were able to secure decent accommodation in the territory. Beautiful as this arrangement might be, some beneficiaries of the scheme have cried out, describing it as a huge rip-off considering the amount of money they are required to pay and the quality of houses delivered to them at the end of the day.

Inside ABUJA | SLUMS

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Chukwu David Abuja

he reprieve which residents of communities along the Abuja/ Keffi Expressway enjoyed from the head-turning gridlock on that road since the beginning of May has suddenly vanished. Residents mainly affected are those living in the suburbs of Nyanya, Mararaba, One-man Village, Ado, New Nyanya, Masaka, and other adjoining settlements up to Keffi in Nasarawa State. These are settlements where most of the civil servants working in the nation's Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, reside. Keffi is about 50 kilometres from Abuja. It was the major demolition carried out by former Minister of the FCT and current governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir ElRufai, that compelled most of the low and middle income earners in the territory to embark on a mass exodus from the city to make alternative abodes in these suburbs between 2003 and 2006. Gridlock Over the years, these residents of these areas have suffered a lot of inconveniences as they struggle through agonizing traffic situations that can best be described as a daily nightmare. The situation has gone so bad that even people in other parts of the country, who have neither lived in or visited these areas have a mental picture of what the pathetic situation is like once Mararaba / Nyanya expressway is mentioned anywhere. Although the traffic situation was originally caused by overbloated human population within the area, the matter was made worse by the incursion of the Boko Haram insurgents, who invaded Abuja several years ago and blew up the Nyanya motor park twice, with bombs that left devastating and indelible effects on the residents. This resulted in the deployment of soldiers who mounted road blocks on the highway with its resultant impact on vehicular movement. Motorists and other road users plying the route are therefore being subjected to untold hardship on a daily basis as the gridlock could keep people on the road for over two to five hours, depending on location of joining the gridlock. It is the stop-and-search operations of security operatives along the road which causes heavy traffic jam, stretching over five kilometres. Most of the residents of the Abuja/ Keffi Road axis sacrifice sleep as they have no choice than to wake up as early as 3a.m. to go to work, because they are expected to resume at 8a.m. on a daily basis. Big relief The gridlock, however, reduced from the beginning of May this year, when the security operatives relaxed their roadblocks, and the commuters enjoyed some reprieve from the sickening traffic condition. Unfortunately, this holiday was ephemeral as the gridlock thickened and resuscitated the groaning of the road users. The soldiers at the Kugbo area of Nyanya have

Traffic jam along Abuja/Keffi road

Gridlock returns to Abuja/Keffi Road narrowed the road again, causing serious traffic jam that stretches sometimes to One-man Village. Apart from the traffic on the expressway, residents of Mararaba and Nyanya have very terrible roads. The poor state of the roads in Nyanya, for example, makes a very sharp contrast with other places in the FCT that boast of a good network of roads and other basic amenities. It is usually a smooth drive from the City Centre to Karu Bridge, Nyanya terminals and Mararaba bus-stop when the traffic is free. But, as soon as a motorist faces Old Karu, Jikwoyi and Karu site, it becomes a different story, with bad roads everywhere.

Worsening scenario The traffic condition worsens by the day as more vehicles and persons come into or leave Abuja through the expressway. Many motorists coming into the city usually divert to the Karu by-pass to beat the checkpoints mounted by security operatives. Commercial motorcyclists operating between Mararaba and Nyanya have taken advantage of the situation and raised fares from the normal N70 to N150. Some commuters who leave home as early as 5a.m. do not get to the City Centre until about 7a.m. Expressing their displeasure with the gridlock, motorists plying the road urged the government to use technology to detect bombs. Joseph Ikpeazu, a taxi driver, who spoke to our correspondent, said government should buy more sophisticated equipment to detect explosives and save the people from the menace of daily traffic jam. He said: "The world is advancing; we should grow beyond creating barricades to check explosives

The road is too narrow and most Abuja workers reside in these localities

and other security threats. We know that the last administration imported equipment but we need more of that to support the efforts of security operatives. “Also the road is too narrow and most Abuja workers reside in these localities and all of them go to work almost at the same time. Government should create an alternative road for motorists or a by-pass to ease the traffic on the road.’’ Moreover, Taiwo Biodun, a civil servant with the Ministry of Agriculture, described the situation as unfortunate, adding that it caused psychological trauma to residents who had to endure the traffic while going to the city and while coming back from work every day. Biodun said: "Government has not paid attention to this road. Both the federal and state governments should partner and create double roads like Kubwa and the airport road. If that is done, the people living within this axis will go to work at a convenient time. "It is not easy for people to wake their children up before daybreak and dress them up for school because they want to go to work. This will affect the children’s performance because they will be sleeping in the classroom instead of listening to their teachers or reading their books." Also speaking to Inside Abuja, Johnson Agada, a businessman at Wuse Model Market, called on relevant agencies to put the road in order. He said some motorists also contributed to the gridlock by their wrong driving habits. "Most motorists, especially commercial bus drivers park on the road without observing traffic rules. They have turned the road into their personal business environment. If the security men start arresting them it will help reduce the gridlock," he said.

Karshi/Apo Bypass Inside Abuja investigations revealed that the solution to the gridlock on this road lies in the completion of the Karshi/Apo bypass which has been under construction for several years. The proposed road was designed to be alternative route into Abuja but work on it has been quite slow. At the moment, the Nyanya/ Keffi road is the only route to Abuja for those coming from the North-East gateway of the city. It was the chaos on that road that made the Federal Government to initiate the Karshi-Apo alternative to ease the traffic particularly for those living in Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo, Gidan Mangoro, Gidan Daya, and Karshi settlements. The contract for construction of this road was awarded in 2011 to a construction firm, Mangrovetech now Kakatar Construction Company. It was learnt that the change of government coupled with the current economic crunch have contributed to the delay in the completion of the road. However, there are fears that even when the Karshi-Apo road is completed, it might not make much difference as Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) which is supposed to be the receiver of the excess traffic is already congested due to the rapid development on that axis of the city. Inside Abuja, however, gathered that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has plans to expand the Apo road to accommodate the expected traffic growth. Under the city master plan, it was learnt, the OSEX is a 10-lane highway that would terminate at Gwagwalada, on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway. The FCDA has also proposed to construct a second bypass from Masaka in Nasarawa State to the Tipper Garage in Mpape, to ensure that motorists and commuters travelling from the eastern parts of the country to places like Minna, Kaduna and Kano would simply cross over to the Kubwa/ Kaduna highway without passing through the city of Abuja.

Inside ABUJA

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BBOG: Once upon a joyful sit-out The Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) has come a long way in the last two years. It's journey began two years ago after the unfortunate abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by terrorists in Chibok, Borno State. Recently, the narrative has begun to change from tales of despair to enduring hope. ONWUKA NZESHI reports

hey operated much more like professional mourners, wailing ceaselessly for some persons they've never met and may never meet in all their lives. Their gathering every evening at the Unity Fountain, Abuja was always viewed with curiosity and suspicion as some Nigerians struggled to understand their motivation. They were once labelled as political jobbers recruited by an opposition party desperate to unseat an incumbent by whatever means possible. At some point, even some members of the group had had cause to ask themselves if they were in their right senses. But the rescue of Amina Ali, one of the schoolgirls kidnapped two years ago at the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State , has changed the story. Sorrow has given way to joy and mourning to dancing in the camp of those who endured scorn and insults for several months on end. The mood in the camp of the Bring Back Our Girls ( BBOG) has become electrifying as faces have become brightened with smiles. The group of volunteers has suddenly become reinvigorated. They have kept faith with their dream of a possible rescue of the girls and their joy knows no bounds. They are the de facto Chibok community in Abuja having volunteered to keep vigil on behalf of the parents of the abducted schoolgirls until they were brought back. So far only one out of the 219 of the missing girls have been found and Amina, the first to be rescued from the fringes of the Sambisa Forest had in the course of preliminary interrogation, disclosed that six of her colleagues died while in captivity. Inside Abuja attended the sitout activity of the BBOG a day after the rescue of Amina and discovered that for once, the atmosphere was filled with laughter. Although, there were feelers that parents of the remaining missing girls had become more anxious about the fate of their daughters, the BBOG folks were in high spirits . Former Minister of Education and one of the arrowheads of BBOG, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, de-

BBOG in session at Unity Fountain

scribed Amina as the best credible clue that the federal government needed to find the remaining 218 missing girls. In her address to the gathering, Ezekwesili said that Amina's rescue coupled with the earlier proofs of live videos showing that the gris were alive, the government had no choice but to rescue them. "God gave us a miracle and a young woman from the enclave of the terrorists has come out. Let nothing hold us back at all. We need countries to analyse the option available to act on it with determination at rescuing them so that none of them will stay an extra day. She is a human intelligence. We must not allow inertia to set in again. We must not forget the others even when she has been rescued. We want momentum. Our government should act accordingly and reach out to all centres of the world. We urge leaders of the world that it is high time they acted to rescue these girls. We don't want excuses. No one failure is accepted. Hope endures. Hope needs not to be ashamed. We keep standing," she said. A member of the Strategic Committee of the BBOG movement, Olatunji Olanrewaju, said that the return of the first girl has renewed hopes in the hearts of the parents of the Chibok girls despite the news of the death of six girls under captivity. According to him, the mood among the parents was more of hope than despair because they know that six out of 219 was not too bad considering the length of time these girls have been in the custody of the terrorists. "The mood among parents of the Chibok girls is a mixture of hope and apprehension. The news of the rescue has refired hopes in these parents, hopes of seeing their daughters again. Even though they heard the news of the death of six of the girls, many parents know that the chances of

For the past two years we have been shouting and demanding the rescue of these girls and now something tangible has happened to encourage us to continue with our campaign

their own daughters being among the dead is slim because of the sheer large number. It is really low by the time you spread the risk across all of them it will be like in the ratio of 10:100 and that has refired their hopes and expectations. Their hope is now renewed that at least almost all the girls are still alive and held up in Sambisa forest. Now they are looking up to the government to go all out to rescue the remaining," he said. Olanrewaju described the return of Amina as a validation of all that the BBOG had stood for all these past months. "It has been mad excitement. It's been very emotional for lot of people since the news was broken. However, finding the girl is one thing, rehabilitating her is another thing. You know the rescue of Amina is a validation of all we've stood for, the validation of our commitment and our humanity. Above all, the return of Amina is a validation of our daily sacrifices. You know sometimes, we felt like asking ourselves: Are we insane for being here every evening. At the end of the day, the end has justified the means. So we are grateful. "Two years in captivity and of continuous abuse is too horrifying to capture in words. You can now imagine what it would take to put that girl back in a proper shape mentally, physically and emotionally. Right now what we expect is for the government to create a ring around her; ensure that she is with her mother and siblings and move them as a family to somewhere for rehabilitation. "We need to make an example of Amina in terms of how we intend to treat the rest of the girls when they come back. Now we have an opportunity to use her as a template to design a rehabilitation plan, post trauma care and I hope government will do the needful. We expect more action now on the part of the government and secu-

rity agencies on the rescue of the rest girls. At least she has provided the most credible intelligence the government has been waiting for over the last couple of months. "Earlier in the year, the government said they never had any credible intelligence, but she has identified to them that most of the girls are in one location and only about six of them have died in the course of the last two years. That alone should provide all the lead that the military needed to conduct a rescue operation. At least we now know that the other girls might not be too far away from where she was found. They may probably be a few hours walk away from where Amina was found. I think this is what government should work on and we know they are not sleeping. "There was a man that was found with her. The man is also a well of intelligence and the military should be able to mine out a lot of information from him. They need to know what role he played and how important was he to the Boko Haram organisation that he was rewarded with our Amina Ali," he said. He described the man found with Amina as a sex predator who needed to be thoroughly investigated by the security agencies to ascertain his true identity and level of involvement in the activities of Boko Haram. "I am not saying they should just hang him. I am saying that he should be investigated because we also know that some of those fighting as Boko Haram were forcefully conscripted sometimes at gunpoint. We need to create a corridor for such persons. I know that the military has created a corridor for about 800 of them. But before such a man can be rehabilitated, information should be mined out of him," Olanrewaju said. Another member of the BBOG, CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

INSIDE ABUJA

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mobile schools for IDPs unveiled in Abuja Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

hildren whose education has been disrupted due to the insecurity occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram in the North East, may soon have cause to smile as a mobile school has been launched to take education to them at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Victims of Violence (VOV), a charity foundation, launched the initiative through its alternative schooling intervention programme designed to provide

education to millions of children of IDPs in their various locations across the country. Chairman of VOV, Engr. Sulaiman Gumi, who flagged off the programme at a ceremony held at the Education Resource Centre, Abuja, urged well-meaning Nigerians to take the responsibility of providing education at the IDP camps seriously to fill the vacuum created in the lives of these children. He stressed that besides food, shelter and clothing which are the basic necessities of life, providing education for children of school age at

the IDP camps was very vital. According to him, those persons creating insecurity were a very infinitesimal portion of the population and their activities must not be allowed to cause permanent damage to the lives of others such as the children. "If you put the number of people causing violence in Nigeria, they are not up to one million,

but you have over 10 million of people displaced with their children out of school. In the North-East, alone where the activities of insurgent members of Boko Harram hold sway, you have over two million children out of school. These children are already traumatised in their condition. So guess what could happen in couple of years to come if these children are denied

access to education?" he said. A director at the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Dr. Lawal Yusuf, who was the guest lecturer at the occasion said Nigerians should begin to classify education as one of the basic needs of man after food, clothing and shelter. Lawal enjoined every organ involved in education development in

Nigeria to come up with a special policy geared towards taking care of the education needs of children living in IDP camps across the country. He said that those that have teaching experience among the IDPs could be mobilised to become teachers at the camps. The occasion witnessed distribution of reading and writing materials to IDPs.

44 countries storm Abuja for Africa's housing conference Caleb Onwe Abuja

reparations are in top gear as Abuja hosts the 35th Annual General Meeting/ Symposium of Shelter Afrique. The event, which will attract about 44 Housing Ministers from the member countries, is said to be a platform for brainstorming on innovative strategies towards sustainable housing delivery in Africa. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who is the chief host, is expected to assume the chairmanship of the bureau of the organisation for the next one year by virtue of Nigeria hosting this year’s Annual General Meeting. The Abuja meeting, with the theme, "Housing Africa's Low Income Urban Population”, is expected to offer an opportunity for additional investments in housing

and infrastructure development as well as build a network of partnership with member countries and international institutions for sustainable housing delivery and urban improvements. The event slated for tomorrow in Abuja, will attract renowned experts and panelists which include: Co-ordinator, Slum Dwellers International, East and West Africa, Joe Muturi; former Executive Director, UN Habitat, Madam Anna Tibaijuka; Professor of Architecture, University of Lagos, Olumide Okusanya; Olivia Cadwell of Affordable Housing Institute, Boston, United States of America and a host of other speakers. The annual meeting, according to a statement made available to newsmen, will gives shareholders the privilege of discussing key issues that concern its operational and financial activities in order to enhance service delivery in the housing and urban development sector.

EU announces €19m support for women empowerment Ebere Ameh

he European Union (EU) has rolled out a 19 million euro package to support gender-driven projects for women and girls' across the world. The new financial contribution is aimed at strengthening women's empowerment and will benefit women and girls in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It is also in line with the new Gender Action Plan (GAP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven

Mimica, made the announcement at the ''Women Deliver'' Conference, one of the world's largest events on women and girls' rights to health and wellbeing which took place in Copenhagen, Denmark. The grants will provide support to three projects implemented with the help of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children's Rights and Emergency Relief Organisation (UNICEF), targeting the sustainable end to child marriage, improving the sex ratio at birth and fighting female genital mutilation (FGM).

One of the participants, displaying the Nigerian flag, during the graduation of children to the teenage church to commemorate the 2016 Children’s Day celebrations at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Utako, Abuja…at the weekend.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Khadija Ibrahim (second-right), with the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mr Akinremi Bolaji, during the presentation of some relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at their Wassa Camp in Abuja…at the weekend.

BBOG: Once upon a joyful sit-out C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 9

Mohammed Keana, also told Inside Abuja that the rescue of Amina has brought a big relief to the movement which has been seriously castigated for its campaigns demanding the release of the girls. The rescue of Amina, he said, has put paid to all the mockery members of the group had been subjected to over the last two years. "As you can see it is an exciting mood for everyone. Everyone is very happy, everyone is very delighted. At least for the past two years we have been shouting and demanding the rescue of these girls and now something tangible has happened to encourage us to continue with our campaign.

"After two years, some people do not still believe that these girls are missing. They still think it is a fraud, they still think that those of us coming out here to demand the rescue of these girls are mad. But thank God that one of the girls has been rescued, it goes a long way to show that we are not crazy after all," he said. He expressed sadness that some of the girls have reportedly died in captivity but said it was not a big surprise given the long period they have been in captivity and the fact that they were exposed to a lot of danger in the forest. "Over these months we were hopeful that the girls would be safe but we also did not put aside the possibility of losing some of them

because it has been a long time and anything can happen. Even if they were in their homes, something could still have happened. So the news that six of them were dead is not a big surprise to some of us because we had envisage the possibility of that happening," he said. According to Keana , 18 of the parents of the missing girls have also died during the last two years. He disclosed that the news of the death of some of the girls, though painful might even bring the much awaited relief to some of these parents who are still alive but have been looking forward to knowing the fate of their daughters with a view to bringing the entire saga to a close.

INSIDE ABUJA

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Festus Adebayo is the Chief Executive Officer, FESADEB Communications Limited, a multidisciplinary media organisation that specialises in promoting housing development in Africa. He spoke with CALEB ONWE on why there are many empty estates without occupants in Abuja There are so many estates built and completed but empty without occupants in Abuja. As a stakeholder in the housing sector, what do you think can be done to change the situation? There are many dimensions to the issue of unoccupied estates in Abuja. Some of them are built not to be occupied, because they were used for money laundering; the owners did not have the opportunity of taking the money to the bank, because they can be apprehended. The only option for these people who apparently have looted the public treasury is to use the money and invest in property that even if they are not occupied for years they are not worried. You know that the value of houses are always going up, it appreciates, so they are not bordered about the houses been empty. Another prong of the issue is the category of those who built the estates to look for buyers, but cannot get buyers. They cannot get buyers apparently because the houses are not affordable; obviously, the purchasing power has gone down. When a two-bedroom apartment is put at N14 million, how can it be affordable, and even when you are asked to pay 20% or 30% of the amount, it is still not easy for many people to afford. I think the government should do something about the cost of building materials, which is affecting the cost of building, the cost of acquiring land and the cost of processing land title documents should also be checked. I can tell you that if government does that, the cost placed on housing in Abuja will definitely be forced down. I am seeing serious danger in Abuja. The danger is this; these too many houses that are standing without buyers due to lack of purchasing power, the prices of houses may crash. According to simple law of economics, when the supply is high and demand is low, prices will be forced to crash. Some of the owners of those estates that are not being occupied got the money from somewhere. I must be very candid, it is not all of them they are public treasury looters, and some got the money from banks, so they cannot continue to hold the banks’ money, considering the high interest rate while the houses are standing. So, I foresee prices coming down. Another way of handling the issue of those idle estates is for governments to begin to impose taxes on the properties, right from the time you are getting approval

Why housing estates are unoccupied in Abuja – Adebayo for your building, there should be clauses indicating what the tax will be for buildings that exceed a specific period of time without being occupied. Take, for instance, when you have a law stating that a house must be occupied within a period of six months or thereabout after being completed or there will be tax imposed on it. I think that will prevent the developers from putting too exorbitant prices on their developed properties. So, imposition of taxes is one veritable instrument that any serious minded government can use to regulate the kind of situation we have in Abuja and few other cities in Nigeria

What is your take on the merging of three ministries of Power, Works and Housing? It is not working. For housing to get the right attention, for housing to get the right value, and for the economic importance of housing to be enhanced; then housing must be separated so that somebody can give it a total attention. I am saying that the economic value and importance of housing is so much that it cannot be merged or reduce to a department in the ministry. Today I can authoritatively report to you that the housing problem is lingering, one year has gone and the present administration has not done the needful in housing, not even in policy formulation, no clear statements have been made. Today, we are talking of getting the Nigerian model of housing, so what does that mean, we don’t understand that. Is the model of housing upstairs or duplexes? This thing is not about talking; it is about making it happening. When it is happening, all the stakeholders in the sector must feel the impact.

Some of them are built not to be occupied, because they were used for money laundering

Can you tells us what you intend to achieve by organising the Abuja Housing Show? The 10th Abuja Housing Show with the theme: “Expanding Access to Affordable Housing in Africa” is our own way to contribute to the development of the housing sector. It is not an ordinary talk show, but a platform for decision makers in the sector to meet the public. We intend to create opportunity for stakeholders and decision makers to interface. The vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will be present to tell us about the government’s policy in the housing sector, while the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, is also going to be talking about legislative barriers to the development of the sector. As a legal practitioner,what are your views on the Land Use Act which many people are saying needs urgent reform? When we say that government is paying lip service to housing problems, that area is an evidence of the lack of political will which I talked about. Both the executive and the legislative ought to have taken some reasonable actions towards reforming the land Use Act and other laws in Nigeria that have become

Adebayo

an impediment to the effective running of the housing sector in Nigeria. The government is supposed to have put the legislation on the front burner. The Land Use Act alienates all lands to the government. How does this reflect the realities on ground? How many Certificates of Occupancy are being signed by our various state governors? Even the processes leading to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy is infested with unnecessary bureaucracy. If the Land Use Act is amended with all the offensive provisions expunged, more spaces will be created for business; the states and local governments will be opened for business. There are investors who want to invest in the sector but there is no access to land. Imagine the situation in Abuja here where you pay for land, you will also pay the indigenes compensation, you pay fees to Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) you will also be required to pay Development Control. How can you tell me that they are promoting housing development with all these encumbrances. A serious-minded government that wants the economy of its country to work in the area of housing definitely will not be using the type of Land Use Act that is operational in Nigeria. Beyond that, the mortgage financing for housing must be reformed. Our mortgage banks are not performing, they are taking short term loan to finance long term loan. Mortgage banks in Nigeria will come up today and go into oblivion tomorrow. So, the government should come to the rescue. The National Housing Act that allows the civil servants to pay some money into the

mortgage banks, to what extent has the National Housing Scheme delivered, how many people have benefited? A lot of people have abused that window of opportunity. A government that is interested in housing should look into that. What about Federal Housing Authority (FHA), is it still operational or dead? It is unheard of that such an agency like FHA is depending on government’s grant for survival. As a major player in this sector, what do you think that government can do to bring rent down? There is really nothing the government can do to force rent down in Nigeria, because they cannot control what they do not own. Government does not have the right to force rent down over properties that are solely developed by investors. The only thing the government can do is to make policies that will create a conducive environment for investors to build affordable houses. Take for instances, the Lagos State Rent Edict has not really produced the desired results. There are many fraudulent estate developers who are taking advantage of people’s ignorance in Abuja and other places to collect money from subscribers without delivery homes to them. What can be done to sanitise the sector? How to sanitise the sector is for the stakeholders to build strong synergy with the security agencies to track down those who have no business parading themselves in the sector just to defraud people. I have advised Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) to ensure better organisation of their members and get all the legal backing to professionalise all their activities, so that those who are not qualified will not come close, while members who have the ulterior motives and are capable of denting the image of the association will also be checked. Another cogent effort which they ought to make at their level is to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in particular, to weed out the bad eggs that have issues with people’s mortgage contributions in the sector. They also need to up-scale their technology so that all their activities can be accessible online for those that want to do genuine business with them to know how to get them. The public will also get genuine information on any housing scheme that is genuine and also know who they are dealing with.

FEATURES

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

The church. Inset: Members during the protest

Protest and in-fighting rocking the Cathedral Church of Christ (Anglican Communion), Ilaro, Ogun State over leadership crisis persist as reconciliation moves flop, reports AKEEM NAFIU

raditionally, the religious leaders are seen as representatives of the Almighty. This probably explains why some usually confess their sins to the priests who in their godly judgement chastise the sinners and ask them to go and sin no more. Also, in secular relationships friction often arises which may ‘defy’ solution. The issues at stake are taken to the religious leaders because of their divine wisdom. But the leadership crisis rocking the Cathedral Church of Christ (Anglican Communion), Ona-Nla Quarters, Ilaro, in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, which has polarised the congregation, is as confounding as embarrassing. The gains of the reconciliation meeting held on April 12 lasted only a few days. In the morning of Sunday May 1 when true followers of Christ were expected to be peaceful, sober and heavenly-minded, peace took flight through the window when some members protested the presence of Venerable Nathaniel Oluwatade at the service contrary to agreement reached at the peace meeting. According to the protesters, it was agreed at the parley that Oluwatade would be redeployed as members were said to have been averse to his leadership

Cathedral Church of crisis style. A worshipper, who was part of the peace meeting, confirmed that it was resolved that the venerable should hands off every duty in the church as part of conditions for a lasting peace. “It was a total betrayal of trust, deceit and ungodliness to go back on the resolutions. The bishop has not told us what he shares in common with Venerable Oluwatade,” the visibly angry source said. It was gathered that among his many ‘sins’, were his sack of all administrative staff members of the church and perceived discreet moves aimed at transforming himself into the provost of the church against the people’s wish. However, the protest of May 1, was halted by a detachment of policemen from Ilaro Police Division, who had mounted guards as early as 7am, in anticipation of crisis as the church was opening for Sunday worship service having been shut since February 24. Before things got to a head, early signs of brewing trouble started when Oluwatade allegedly acting on the orders of Bishop of Yewa Diocese, Right Reverend Michael Oluwarohunbi, changed all the locks leading into the church and refused, as it was the tradition of the church, to return the keys to the sexton, whose duty it is to prepare and open the church for the day’s activities. The prospect of peace at the cathedral was diminished further as about eight worshippers opposed to Oluwatade, among them a 60-year-old woman, Mrs. Oluyemisi Ogunnubi, Chief Solomon Adeniji (77) and his wife, Kikelomo (67), were given the beating of their lives, manhandled and hauled into a waiting police Hilux van with regis-

tration number NPF 6562C and driven away. “These policemen are working for the bishop. Since the crisis started, they have always aimed at those opposed to the way things were done in the church and with what happened today, nobody is in doubt anymore about who they are working for,” a resident said after the people were arrested. Meanwhile, after the police had made arrests in and outside the church hall and threatened to shoot anyone who refused to leave the church vicinity, about 30 congregants later settled down for normal church service. That was about 9.55am. On resumption of ‘service’ at exactly 10:24am, after the uproar, Oluwatade rained curses on the perceived enemies of the church. He said: “Today is the final day this kind of thing will be tolerated in this church. Those of you that are present but have sympathy for them should go and tell them that we are ready to do battle. Except they come before this church and prostrate and ask for forgiveness, the power of God will come upon them.” Oluwatade, who spoke amidst worship songs such as: “Arise O’ Lord Let Your Enemy Be Scattered,” “Our God is the God of War,” enjoined the congregants to pray fervently against enemies of the church. Quoting copiously from the Book of Ephesians, he urged members to put on the armour of God and be prepared for the battle ahead. He spoke for about 26 minutes. “This cathedral is the church of God and not of man. Anyone who attempts to take it over will fail in Jesus name. “I am ready for them. I never asked to be posted here but now

Now that I am here, I am prepared for whatever battle

that I am here, I am prepared for whatever battle. They should be told that their juju failed to work,” the man of God said. He further enjoined members not to be weary or be discouraged by what took place earlier in the day, but to always make their presence felt at every service. Efforts to reach Oluwarohunbi and Oluwatade for their comments were not possible. They neither picked their calls nor responded to text messages sent to their mobile lines. Meanwhile, speaking on the telephone, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ilaro Police Station, Mr. Lukman Raheem, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), disclosed that his men were simply trying to maintain the peace. Raheem said they were not invited by any member of the church but made arrests when they saw people were fighting on the street. He also denied that his men manhandled anyone. However, when this reporter informed him that he was present at the church, he exclaimed: “You again, you again!” At the weekend, it was learnt that those arrested and detained at Ayetoro Police Station have been taken to Ilaro Magistrates’ Court. Hell’s gate was literarily opened in March, when some members discovered during a revival programme that unauthorised pillars were erected at the four corners of the church, as well as inside the worship hall. The discovery led to a breakdown of the peace. The church building entrance was also welded until after the peace meeting to end the crisis. Now that the matter is in court, does is not contradict the injunctions in 1 Corinthians Chapter 6 verses 1 to 7?

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Energy

Business What's new Foreign airlines set to restore fare categories

2016 Budget: Walking a tight rope

Aviation How ineptitude fortified case for airport privatisation

25 29

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE April 2016..................................13.7% March 2016...............................12.8% February 2016............................11.4%

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

EXCHANGE RATE

(BDC as at May 26)

(Interbank as at May 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N351 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N495 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N389

l Foreign Reserves – $26.606bn as at 23/5/2016

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

Source: CBN

p.24

OPS: Industries lose over N200bn in one year

p.24

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Winner of the first prize in painting, Emmanuel Richard; Head, Consumer Banking, Diamond Bank Plc, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, during the Vision of the Child (VOTC) award in painting and literacy art Completion in Lagos. PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

SLIDE Renewed militancy in Niger Delta dips power revenues targets and endangers boost in investments Adeola Yusuf

The Business Desk Ayodele Aminu

Deputy Editor (Business)

Bayo Akomolafe

Asst. Editor (Maritime)

Sunday Ojeme

Asst. Editor (Insurance)

Tony Chukwunyem

Asst. Editor (Money Market)

Dayo Ayeyemi Property Editor

Adeola Yusuf Energy Editor

Wole Shadare Aviation Editor

Chris Ugwu

Capital Market Editor

Abdulwahab Isa Finance Editor

Taiwo Hassan

Industry, Agric & Brands Editor

Kunle Azeez

Senior Correspondent

Chuks Onuanyin Energy

Nnamdi Amadi Reporter

Johnson Adebayo

Asst Production Editor

he shortage of technical skills rocking the power sector has been accentuated by the drought of N360 billion ($1.8 billion) investment caused by poor power generation and weak national grid. Investigation by New Telegraph showed that the chain of electricity, which covers generation, transmission and distribution has about 20,000 staff after privatisation, 85 per cent of who are non-technical staff. A source at the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) told this newspaper that the new power investors had earlier submitted a blue print to the commission on how to correct this anomaly and many others. The blue print submitted before privatisation also included planned investments of $1.8 billion (N360 billion) across the power distribution chain. He said: “The investors were, under the privatisation agreement between the federal government and the private investors, required to invest a total of $1.8 billion in the

Power: N360bn investment deficit worsens skills’ gap companies at an average of $357.663 million yearly from 2013 to 2017. “New investments were promised in the areas of proper metering of all customers, reduction in number of customer interruptions due to network failures, rolling out of new customer connections, network expansion programmes and balancing the lopsidedness in the ratio of nontechnical staff to technical staff.” Efforts being made to correct these abnormally have, however, suffered setback with the drought of investments by the investors who now blamed the situation on weak national grid, poor power generation due to gas shortage and government’s ministries, departments and agencies’ refusal to pay debts, as well as the un co-operative staff union. The poor generation on its own is also being worsened recently with the renewed militancy and bombing of gas installations in the Niger Delta. “Some of us have embarked on training and employment of fresh graduates in engineering, but right now little is being done in the area of technical staff. “This is because we have a peg of how much we can spend as investors into our businesses by the

N93bn Being the estimated electricity debts owe by military and MDAs in Nigeria

government. This, coupled with other factors like the recent dip in revenues caused by worsened power generation, have made a lot of us to decide to still manage what we have in our workforce for now and focus the little investments on metering and upgrade of equipment,” chief executive officer of one of the distribution firm told this newspaper on the side-line of a world press conference in Lagos. Meanwhile, efforts by the new owners to cut jobs by disengaging non-productive staff have been rebuffed by the labour union, which recently threatened to sue the investors to court This union had earlier collected N8 billion from the Federal Government as part of condition for allowing the sack of the staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The investors that planned to invest $1.8 billion to boost electricity in Nigeria are now worried about the move by the staff union to scuttle the plan. The total indebtedness of ministries, department and agencies (MDAs), military and security agencies inclusive, for electricity, stood at approximately N93 billion.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS |news

Foreign airlines set to restore fare categories TRAPPED

Foreign airlines have been finding it difficult to repatriate over $575 million trapped in the country

Wole Shadare

he withdrawal of categories of fares was what triggered what people referred to as increase in airfares, international airlines operating to Nigeria have said. The carriers’ top officials, who spoke to New Telegraph but craved anonymity, however, stated that the fluctuating naira exchange rate against the dollars made them to restrict fares to just one category, just as they refuted insinuations that the firms increased airfares. They noted that only a clear policy on foreign exchange would help to solve the problem. They lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s flexible exchange rate policy that was handed down by the apex bank last Tuesday. A flexible exchange-rate system is a monetary system that allows the exchange rate to be determined by the forces of supply and demand. They stated that devaluation of the nation’s currency, the naira, would have been the solution to the problems airlines operating to Nigeria are currently facing, adding that it would lead to reduction of what many considered to be astronomical rise in air fares. The situation, they reiterated, would lead to restoration of categories or segments of fares foreign carriers withdrew as

Deny hike in fares a result on uncertainty in foreign exchange policy of the Nigerian government. They insisted that “devaluation of naira against the United States dollars will bring down and stabilise air fare prices. Investors are holding on to their funds. Once it is done, the country would witness injection of funds into the economy. We did not increase air fares. What we did was to withdraw some segments of fares and restrict to only one fare category. “For instance, we had over 10 categories of fares. But when we started having issues pertaining to exchange rate and delay in repatriating our funds, we now removed all other segments. This is what many airlines did. But they will be restored once the situation

normalises,” the sources added. Foreign airlines had, since the beginning of the year, deployed smaller airplanes on the country’s route due to low capacity occasioned by shrinking seat capacity triggered by the tough economic reality. For instance, British Airways, which has operated the B747 to Nigeria for over three decades, has since last February, operated the smaller B777. Some others, such as Air France, KLM and others have followed suit. The uncertainty in the foreign exchange policy of government coupled with the inability of the foreign airlines to repatriate their $575 million trapped in the country forced operators to cancel over 10 categories of air fares.

Airlines have, for months, struggled to repatriate revenue from ticket sales due to delays in both Nigeria and the South American nation’s 12-yearold exchange controls, with trapped cash peaking at around $4.1 billion over the summer. As a result of the problem, international airlines in Nigeria resorted to selling their tickets in dollars because of their inability to access their monies trapped in the CBN. International airlines normally sell their tickets in naira and then approach the CBN for the dollar equivalent to take back to their respective countries. However, the banking watchdog has, in recent times, been reluctant to give the airlines the dollar equivalent of their naira ticket sales at the official rate, as it seeks to conserve its fast dwindling exter-

nal reserves for only what it considers essential imports or payments by Nigerians. The carriers were said to offer one single category of fares, which did not give passengers the option of cheap fares. The airline chiefs said foreign airlines never increased fares, explaining that what happened was the taken off of categories of fares, adding that what was published in the media was erroneous. Before now, these airlines made fares flexible with intending passengers choosing different categories of fares that suit them. For instance, two people travelling on the same economy class could have different fares, depending on the condition attached to the ticket. The difference could be as high as 40 per cent, depending on the time of booking and duration of stay.

L-R: President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, with the Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Waheed Olagunju, at AfDB’s annual meeting in Lusaka, Zambia.

OPS: Industries lose over N200bn in one year JOBLESSNESS Job cuts increased Nigeria’s unemployment rate to about 46 per cent

Taiwo Hassan

igeria’s industrial sector lost over N200 billion in profits in the last one year under President, Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the organised private sector (OPS) has said. The nation’s small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) also recorded about 57 per cent job cuts, as manufacturing firms continued to layoff workers due to the harsh economic woes, which has plunged the nation into recession. Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Small and Medium-scale Enterprise Group

(SMEG), John Kachikwu and President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Tony Ejinkeonye, disclosed these to New Telegraph in Lagos. The OPS is the umbrella body of the private sector operators in the country, comprising of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Economic Consultative Association (NECA) and other various states’ chambers. President, ACCI, Tony Ejinkeonye, said the private sector body agreed with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)’ verdict that the nation’s economy was on the verge of slipping into recession. He said the current state of the country’s economy has remained worrisome to the OPS, which has been at the receiving end of the harsh economic

situation. Ejinkeonye said that it was alarming that the country’s industrial sector did not contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter, noting that the volatility in the Nigerian economy was evidence that economic recession is looming. He said: “First, I agree with the CBN governor because in reality, the economy is near recession. The volatility of the Nigeria economy cannot be over-emphasised, given that the epileptic power supply, uneasy access to foreign exchange (FX) for importation of raw materials and equipment for manufacturers, Infrastructure deficiency among others, have affected businesses drastically. This is evident in the negative growth the nation’s GDP recorded in the Q1 of 2016.” Besides, he said: “If proper investigation is carried out, the industrial sector would

have lost close to N200 billion in the last one year as some businesses that could not continue operation laid-off their workers, which practically increased the unemployment rate to about 46 per cent, which is not healthy for the country’s economic growth. Ejinkeonye noted: “During the recent National Economic Council retreat, the government promised to pay attention to the real sector though no clear framework and roadmap for implementation was made known to stakeholders. Infrastructure deficiency, high rate of lending and lack of long term funding have affected the real sector seriously. Therefore, the government has a lot to do in order to position the real sector.” Kachikwu said the nation’s SMEs was facing the hardest economic challenge under President Buhari’s administration due to the persistent neglect of the sector, thus fuelling uncertainties in businesses

and dwindling public confidence in Nigeria’s economy by investors. He said that at LCCI SMEG meeting in Lagos, last Wednesday, index revealed that SMEs operators had recorded 57 per cent in job cuts, owing to rise in cost of operations and declining in industrial capacity utilisation. “At our group’s meeting on Wednesday in Lagos, we discovered that our members have reduced about 57 per cent in their workforce to be able to remain in business. “So, this 57 per cent in job cuts will further heighten unemployment rate in the country on the long run. Besides, Kachikwu noted: “The current business environment is harsh for SMEs operators. So, President Muhammadu Buhari and his economic team must know how to rescue the economy, which is in dire need of economic interventions or else it will plunge into recession.”

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Energy

2016 Budget: Walking a tight rope Nigeria records $35 million daily budget deficit induced by the renewed attacks that have dipped crude production by over 700, 000 barrels daily. ADEOLA YUSUF reports that 2.2 million barrels daily production projection may be more difficult to achieve President Buhari lays the 2016 budget proposal before a joint session of the National Assembly.

n a series of attacks that marked the third straight month of bombing of oil and gas installations in Niger Delta, the militants, last Saturday, blew up a 21,000 barrels per day capacity pipeline operated by the subsidiary of Italian oil major, Eni and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC). The new attacks marked the 15th on Eni’s major facilities since the beginning of hostilities by different militant groups, including the Niger Delta Avengers, this year. The Bayelsa State government, which confirmed the attack in a statement, said that it condemned in its entirety the attack on a trunk line belonging to Agip (ENI) by a new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers. Output slide Nigeria’s oil output has fallen to a 20-year low due to attacks on pipelines in the southern swamps, home to much of its hydrocarbon resources, which have compounded the impact of low oil prices on Africa’s largest economy. The Avengers, who have been targeting oil and gas facilities for the last three months, had earlier said on Twitter that they had attacked the Nembe pipelines 1, 2 and 3, pumping Royal Dutch Shell’s Bonny Light crude and an Agip facility, at 0215 local time (0115 GMT). “Something Big is about to happen,” the group later tweeted. A Bayelsa spokesman said later the Nembe pipelines had not been hit. Nengi James, a chairman of the Nembe Oil and Gas Committee that liaises with oil firms, said vandals had targeted that Agip pipeline, which had been attacked before. Shell and ENI were not immediately available for comment. Shell declared force majeure on Bonny Light loadings after a previous attack on the Nembe creek trunk pipeline, but some exports had been continuing with delays. Fire for fire Meanwhile, the army raided the Oporoza community, home to Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, a former militant leader, whom security officials have linked to the Avengers, residents said. He has, however, denied any connection to

the group. “Men, women and children, everybody has fled Oporoza because the military invaded our village around 0145 this morning,” said Eric Omare, spokesman for the Ijaw Youth Council, which represents one of the largest ethnic groups in the region. “They are harassing people, arresting some boys and they wounded one of our chiefs,” he said. “Traditional places of worship and houses are being destroyed now by the military.” A source close to the group said soldiers had arrived at the community, located in the swamps of the Delta, on seven gunboats. The army could not be immediately reached for comment but a military source said seven people had been arrested, adding that explosives had been found in their possession. The military has moved more troops into the Delta. British Foreign Minister, Philip Hammond, a few weeks ago, cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari that he needed to deal with poverty and anger over pollution from oil spills in the region. The budget burden As a result of these attacks, the 2016 budget was hit by a deficit of $35 million daily, as the total attacks on oil facilities by Niger Delta militants sank the country’s production by over 700,000 barrels per day. One of the latest of the attacks was bombing by the Niger Delta Avengers of crude oil and gas pipelines operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the Niger Delta, which sunk the output of the hitherto biggest producer in Africa further. Nigeria, which has a projection in the 2016 budget to produce 2.2 million barrels everyday during the 2016 budgetary year, has for days been left with daily production of less than 1.4 million barrels. The country is now producing

As a result of these attacks, the 2016 budget was hit by a deficit of $35 million daily

less than Angola and well below the 2.2 million bpd assumed in the budget. Based on a benchmark of $38 per barrel, the expected surplus of $12 per barrel due to $50 pb new price of crude could not be felt as a result of the slide in production. “Another crude pipeline was attacked last Thursday night near Batan oil field in Warri,” Eric Omare, spokesman for the Ijaw Youth Council, which represents one of the largest ethnic groups in the vast delta in southern Nigeria, said. “There were two simultaneous attacks on (state oil firm) PPMC and NNPC pipelines,” he said, referring to the marketing arm of the NNPC. The militant group tweeted later that they had blown up a gas and crude pipeline near the town of Warri that was protected by soldiers and operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). “At 11:45pm on Thursday @ NDAvengers blew up other #NNPC Gas and Crude trunkline close to Warri,” the group said on its Twitter feed. It had claimed on the same platform an attack on Chevron’s main power feed in the Delta, which shut down the US firm’s onshore operations, according to a company source. The Avengers, who have given oil firms until end of the month to leave, say they want independence for the Delta and have intensified attacks in recent weeks, pushing oil output to its lowest in more than 20 years and compounding Nigeria’s economic problems. Avenging for poverty Delta residents, some of whom sympathise with the militants, have long complained of poverty in an area producing oil, which accounts for 70 per cent of national income. The government has responded by moving in army reinforcements but Hammond said this month, that Buhari needed to

deal with the root causes of poverty and anger about oil spills. $50 a barrel Last Thursday, the price of oil, Nigeria’s biggest revenues earner, rose above $50 a barrel for the first time in 2016. This came, as supply disruptions in the country dipped global supply of the commodity. Increased global demand also continued to fuel a recovery. Benchmark Brent crude hit $50.22 per barrel, its highest level since early November. The rise followed US data showing that oil inventories had fallen after supply disruptions due to fires in Canada. Brent crude had then risen 80 per cent since it hit 13-year lows of below $28 a barrel at the start of the year. US crude oil inventories fell by 4.2 million barrels to 537.1 million barrels last week to May 20, according to US Department of Energy data. Canada is the biggest supplier to the US and wildfires in the western provinces had reduced supplies by about a million barrels per day. Talks in recent months between the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia about freezing oil production had already encouraged a price rise. Short-term disruptions to oil supplies have also lifted the price, offsetting higher production from Iran and Saudi Arabia. As well as the disruption to key oil production facilities in Canada, attacks by militant groups also continue to restrict oil pipelines in Nigeria. Demand has also been better than expected from major economies such as China, India and Russia. Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, said: “We do now appear to be seeing the effects that the decline in US output is having, and while supCONTINUED ON PAGE 26

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Energy

MODUS OPERANDI How 24 power investors got CBN’s N55.46 billion -Emeifiele

Stories by Adeola Yusuf

anufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) demanded at the weekend, an end to the epileptic power supply nationwide, just as the latest disbursement under the Electricity Stabilisation Funds initiative shared to power investors in generation and distribution chains rose to N120.2 billion. The figure, according to

Firms seek improved power as stabilisation funds hit N120.2bn a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statement, presented at tranche distribution facility sighted by New Telegraph, represents 57 per cent of the total amount budgeted for the scheme. MAN, which referred to electricity supply from the national grid as horrible, maintained that the manufacturing sector must not be overlooked. Reiterating that its members have been spending an average of N9 billion everyday to generate power in their vari-

ous factories for production, the association, on its website, lamented the effect of the poor supply of electricity. Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, said that the apex bank has disbursed N55.46 billion to 24 power operating companies in the country as electricity market stabilisation facility. “N8.67 billion was shared to power distribution companies, (Discos) while 14 generating companies and the Nigerian

Independent Power Project, NIPP got N35.83 billion. “Service Providers and six gas companies got N459.68 million and N10.49 billion respectively,” the statement said. Emefiele said that the disbursement would also feature the signing of Power Purchase Agreement, PPA by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Traders, NBET. The electricity market had welcomed new entrants lately particularly in Benin and Jos, and also said that the signing of the PPA would signal the acL– R: Head: Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric, Felix Ofulue, presenting items to the Matron-in-charge of the Children’s ward at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Mrs. Ajibola Osanyinlusi, during a visit to celebrate Children’s Day with hospitalized kids on May 27, 2016. They are flanked by Engr. Christopher Lawal, Business Manager, Ikeja Business Unit and Titi Aikhomu, Brand and Events Manager, both of Ikeja Electric.

2016 Budget: Walking a tight rope CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

plies remain elevated, the glut does now appear to be diminishing.” Against this backdrop, analysts are starting to raise their forecasts. Goldman Sachs said earlier this month that it now expected oil prices to consistently hit $50 a barrel in the second half of 2016 and $60 by the end of 2017. Finally FG succumbs In the first signal that government might try a less heavy-handed approach, Oil Minister, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, said last Thursday that an amnesty programme for former militants, signed in 2009 to end a previous insurgency, needed to improve. A committee set up by Delta State leaders warned last Thursday that a military approach would not work and saw “an apparent consensus” that the Federal Government and oil companies have neglected the grievances of local communities. The Federal Government and stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have resolved to work together to stop the recent upsurge in attacks on critical oil and gas installations and ensure security, stability and economic development of the area.

Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who said this, expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to check the resurgence of pipeline sabotage in the region. Dr. Kachikwu, according to a statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs division, Mallam Garbadeen Mohammed, said all the stakeholders resolved that solutions to the incessant attacks on oil and gas pipelines are within the communities. He said that communities were now saddled with the responsibility of ensuring protection of pipelines within their domain. He added that all the states in the region would nominate four or five representatives that would work hand-inhand with security agencies to secure oil facilities in their respective states. The minister further stated that it was resolved that violence was not an option in resolving the problems of the Niger Delta and that all threats from the region should end henceforth. He stated that there was need to reach out to all other stakeholders who were not part of the meeting to embrace peace and dialogue. According to him, there was need to restructure the amnesty programme so as to address the critical issue of neglect by government and international oil companies.

“The Niger Delta governors must be involved in providing lasting solutions to the resurgence of pipeline vandalism and there is urgent need to create business opportunities for the locals in the region,” Dr. Kachikwu stated. Gov. Adams Oshiomole and other leaders of the Niger Delta region who spoke at the meeting, urged the agitators to drop their arms and embrace dialogue, as the Federal government was committed to the development of the area. All the stakeholders who spoke at the meeting reassured that they would take the message of peace back home in order to provide a win-win situation for the Federal Government and the Niger Delta region. The meeting was attended by high level government functionaries such as the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. General Mohammed Babagana Monguno (Rtd.); Minister for Niger Delta, Usani Uguru and Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heneiken Lokpobiri. Others are Coordinator Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (Rtd.) and stakeholders from Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Ondo States.

tivation of industry contracts for power generation in a contract-based market. “Total disbursements to the Discos will be N49.73 billion, representing 91.7 per cent, Gencos with N54.29 billion, representing 62.5 per cent. Gas companies got N15.73 billion, representing 36.9 per cent and service providers N0.46 billion, representing 1.7 per cent,” the governor said. The latest disbursement under the initiative brings the total money shared to N120.2 billion, representing 57 per cent of the total amount. Meanwhile, the manufacturers had earlier said, through their national chairman, that nothing had changed in the power sector since last year. The nation’s slow economic growth in the face of looming recession has, he said, widely been linked to poor power supply in the country. “From last year, nothing has changed in the sector; we all know that in terms of generating power, our members spend billions of naira and this is going up daily because we are daily increasing capacity. I think, it is more than N9 billion daily,” Dr. Jacobs said when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, in his Abuja office.

Oil, gas revenue slides below 35% –Vision 2020 initiative

he Return On Investment (ROI) in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has crashed below 35 per cent, Vision 2020 initiative, has said. Principal Consultant for the initiative, Dr. Ibilola Amao, a petroleum engineer, disclosed this at the 2016 workshop organised by Vision 2020 youth empowerment and restoration initiative for over 1,000 science and technology students from various secondary schools, in Lagos. She called for less dependence on oil and gas for youth employment and country’s economic reliance. Amao said: “Sadly, Nigeria is a mono economy, with less than 35 per cent Return On Investments (ROI) from her hydrocarbon industry. The $15-25 billion per annum is expected on related activities with less than 5 per cent direct and indirect employability potential. “At about $48 per barrel, the high-tech multi-billion dollar industry needs to be linked to other parts of the economy. Unfortunately, entrepreneurship, technical and vocational education is not the education in focus. However, this is where employability number exist.” With over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population being youths, according to Amao,

youth empowerment must be an issue of national security. Nigeria, she said, is, in terms of poverty and unemployment, ranked 38 out of 76 on GHI and 152 out of 187 on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2014 human index development. Unemployment, she added, remains a major concern in Nigeria, with rates rising from 6.4 per cent in 2006 to 24.20 per cent in the first quarter of 2015. She noted: “Out of about 1.8 million graduates that Nigerian universities produce annually, only 35 per cent get employed in Nigerian organisations, whilst 15 million youths are jobless and a greater number under-engaged. “Nigeria has a population of over 170 million and an estimated number of 100 million youth, a land area (924. 000 sq km), natural resources including timber, cotton, cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (manioc, tapioca), yams, rubber, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, fish, hides and skin. I am hopeful that if each state governor focuses on the natural resources of the state, mobilises the brightest and best youth to harness such, there would be no need to depend on a monthly revenue sharing formulae.”

TUESDAY, may 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Homes&Property

Housing experts insist that unless the country adopts modern housing construction processes, the dream of bridging the 17 million housing shortfall will remain a mirage. DAYO AYEYEMI reports

orried by the huge housing deficit in the country, coupled with the current economic recession, built environment professionals have drummed up support for the adoption of several housing delivery models to harness homeownership among low-income Nigerians. Currently, the nation has between 16 million and 17 million housing deficit, and will require the construction of one million houses yearly for the next 20 years to bridge the gap. Speaking with New Telegraph, the experts warned that it might be difficult to meet the housing needs in term of quality and affordability if the conventional (brick and mortal) method continues. Former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos State, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, a town planner stated that government should concentrate on how to achieve housing construction in order to reduce the current deficit. Specifically, he said the government should adopt several housing delivery models that had been adopted by other countries. He cautioned: “The use of block and mortar is okay, but slow in terms of delivery.” Modern housing delivery models Modern building technologies include modular prefabrication and building systems among others. They are deployed for large scale housing production at faster rates. The models are cost effective, easy to assemble, time saving and encourage faster construction of houses. Ayinde stated that industrialised system of construction should be adopted especially those that have been used for multi-level building in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. He said: “The idea is that they are faster and cheaper on the long run though the initial capital outlay can be expensive. “We have to combine these different methods in different locations simultaneously if we intend to reduce the worrisome deficit in housing and thereby provide houses for Nigerians.” Ayinde, a former Chairman of Lagos chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), urged government to discourage the construction of bungalows in the cities in order to maximise the use of land.

Units of flats built with building system technology in Royal Sanderton Estate, Ikeja, Lagos

Support for multiple housing delivery gathers steam He said: “We must discourage the building of bungalows in our cities to fully utilise the scarce land resources. If this can be made into a policy, it will seriously create room for provision of housing in our highly populated cities. “We must start thinking of using housing as a platform for creating a harmonious family values. It is only within a family living together that values and good conduct can be fostered.” Second Vice President, Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Kunle Awobodu, also said that government need to hasten the implementation of its affordable housing programmes. He commended government for the template set for the execution of the housing programme, saying, “it is quite encouraging. “If provision of 7,068 houses can be achieved by the Ministry of Housing during this tenure, it will contribute significantly to alleviating housing shortage.” Experts’ view A former President, NIOB, Mr. Chuks Omeife, described the housing sector as one of the key areas where the government could impact directly on welfare of Nigerians. He advised the authorities to do more in terms of housing provision, saying that the government must have a strong policy thrust that would put in place a framework for housing value chain from the planning stage to delivery to end users. According to him, there must be a database to capture

Government should adopt several housing delivery models that had been adopted by other countries

available housing stock. Such data must constantly be updated to reflect volume of the national housing volume at any point in time. Besides, he urged that the policy thrust of government in the area of housing must be very comprehensive so that agencies and parastatals responsible for housing make it must of necessity and key into such so that on a six monthly/yearly basis, “We can have an idea of new addition to the volume of national housing stock.” Omeife said: “These are serious and critical developmental indication for any country because it adds up to the national asset accumulation. There must be a target of how many houses will be built on a yearly basis, this will serve as an assessment criteria for agencies responsible for housing provision. “Also, these agencies and parastatals must be restructured to be professionally driven with core mandate and emphasis on housing delivery for Nigerians. These houses however, must be such that it can be affordable to Nigerians.”

grappling with the provision of basic infrastructure like roads, power and transportation, many countries are using infrastructural development to showcase their level of development and as tourist attraction in generating revenue. “A lot of development in other sectors of the economy is hinged on the provision and availability of good infrastructure. “You can imagine the entrepreneur potential that will be unleashed in the economy if power in Nigeria becomes stable.” He reminded the Minister of Power, Works and Housing , Mr Babatunde Fashola, that Nigeria had been waiting to see the implementation of the master plan he announced recently to usher in a new era in the Nigeria developmental agenda. In terms of infrastructure, for example, Ayinde said he was reliably informed that many projects were locked in litigations. According to him, there are new proposals that must pass through the processes of reconnaissance studies, detailed studies and functional designs before approval and subsequent construction can start. “There is sense in being patient sufficiently to allow these plans to be worked through and not to truncate every plan even before they are hatched. If we want enduring solutions to our housing and infrastructure sectors we must allow processes to take place,” he said.

Infrastructure development The erstwhile president of NIOB noted that infrastructure, as a strong indication of the level of a country development must be given priority. According to him, if government could make housing and infrastructure its cardinal focus in the next three years, Nigeria, he said, would no doubt be bet- Past efforts Omeife said it was sad to note ter for it. Reeling out the importance that successive government has of infrastructure to economic never taken housing seriously as development, he said: “While CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 Nigeria is still struggling and

TUESDAY, may 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Business | Homes & Property

FG mulls housing design standardisation REGULATION

Fashola lists best ways urban design can impact on housing policy Dayo Ayeyemi

erturbed by the low-level of home-ownership in Nigeria, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said his ministry had commenced work on the standardisation of housing design in collaboration with some private sector volunteers. Fashola stated this during a forum organised by Young Planners’ Forum in Lagos.

Support for multiple housing deliveries gather steam

The essence is to develop a national housing design acceptable to different cultural settings in Nigeria. While encouraging people to invest in moulds in order to accelerate mass production, the minister explained that through the initiative, the nation could now standardise many parts of housing. He added that with the standardisation of doors, fittings, iron rods, cable and other accessories, the government hoped to create a strong incentive for small and medium enterprises to invest and manufacture components. “This is the way we think design can influence the diversification of our economy and accelerate the delivery of housing,” he said. On how the nation’s urban design could impact its national

housing policy, Fashola, noted that there was a common agreement on the need to increase the supply of housing for the growing population. He however, added that what had not been agreed upon was the type of house that would be acceptable to at least a majority of those who could not build for themselves. He said: “We have had a few housing initiatives but they have not been sustained partly because the design has always changed, the specifications have varied. It has been difficult to build them en-masse because production cannot be automated or industrialised for anything that is not uniform.” Citing an example, the minister pointed out that automobiles were more complex to manufacture than houses but that mass production had been possible

“because of standardisation; length, chassis design, wheel size and battery size among others.” Citing companies such as Dunlop, Bosch, Toyota and others, who have standardised their products for mass production, Fashola said the nation must adopt such approach in its housing if it meant to deliver en-masse and on a sustainable basis. Speaking on the need for sustainable urban design, he stated that many experts had attributed flood disasters that ravaged Haiti and Japan largely to the poor urban planning in these two countries. According to him, in developing nations where planning is sub-optimal, it has been difficult to find straight roads, which are a common feature in more developed nations.

One of the reasons is that in developing nations, the land for personal use is first apportioned before the land for public use, like roads, is apportioned. “The result is that roads are built around existing buildings, and are therefore not straight,” he said. He therefore called for a change of attitude in the area of urban design, saying that public interest must be prioritised over private interests. In countries where planning is more effective, he said the road would be first set out, before personal land is apportioned. “The result is a grid-like layout, with straight roads and straight drains that discharge water more efficiently. We must adopt this practice in our urban planning and design,” Fashola said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

expected. In the past one year that the new government has come on board, Omeife said that not much has been achieved except that “a comprehensive assessment of the various existing housing policies is being under studied and scrutinised to enable the new government come up with a harmonious policy position.” On the performance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration after one year, Awobodu said it was practically impossible to carry out an assessment on housing and infrastructure at federal level when the budget had just been approved. ”It seems this government wasted a year on governance preparation,” he said. Ayinde is of the opinion that one year is not enough to judge the present administration due to the stunted growth the nation had experienced over the years. He said: “It is not a time of celebration but rather a time of reflection over where we are coming from, where we are and where we expect to be. “In the housing sector, we are said to be in deficit to the tune of 17 million units or thereabouts. We won’t recover from this in one year.” He noted that a lot of activities had been taking place on the drawing table, trying to evolve specifications, standards and standardisation of components, which will precede actual construction. “This will lead to creating a housing industry, which will service the effort to supply. We are not a process people. We must learn and believe in processes, then we will eventually reach our goal,” he said. Conclusion It is high time that housing’s policy makers got their acts together by partnering with private developers to facilitate the adoption of modern housing delivery models to increase supply.

L-R: Head of Oxfam GB in Nigeria, Constant Tchona; Permanent Secretary, Kebbi State, Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal Sheu and Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, during an exploratory visit to EU/ Oxfam livelihood project in the state.

Time to invest in housing is now, says expert

Housing: 44 ministers converge on Abuja tomorrow

Dayo Ayeyemi

Caleb Onwe

n order to improve affordable housing delivery, foreign investors have been urged to prioritse their options and invest in Nigeria’s housing sector now. Chief Executive Officer, Fesadeb Communications, Mr. Festus Adebayo, made this call in Abuja, while speaking with representatives of Ghana Home Loan Board. Adebayo called on investors from Turkey, China, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, Ghana and others, which are billed to attend the 2016 Abuja Housing Show (AHS), to invest in Nigeria’s housing sector. He gave assurance to them that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had rolled out good plans to revolutionalise the sector for economic prosperity. Adebayo urged those who will be attending the yearly forum to bring along their

resources to invest in the housing sector. He gave assurance that these investments would create jobs and give good returns to stakeholders. Themed: “Expanding Access to Affordable Housing in Africa,”, the event will be declared open by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Adebayo sought investments in affordable housing, stressing, ”It is an area with huge and untapped potential.” The housing promoter maintained that Nigeria needed support from international financial organisations so as to reengineer the mortgage system, pointing out that estate developers should be able to access loans that are not more than one digit. He decried the underdevelopment of mortgage sector in the country, saying that developers of housing estates would require loans that have long tenors for sustainability.

Abuja

orty-four housing ministers will converge on Abuja tomorrow to brainstorm on innovative strategies towards sustainable housing delivery in Africa. According to information, the ministers will be attending the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM)/ Symposium of Shelter Afrique, a Pan-African development finance institution. The organisers stated that the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who is the chief host, would also assume the chairmanship of the Bureau of the organisation for the next one year by virtue of Nigeria hosting this year’s AGM. Themed: “Housing Africa’s Low Income Urban Population” the forum is expected to offer opportunities that will attract additional

investments in housing and infrastructural development as well as build a network of partnership with member countries and international institutions for sustainable housing delivery and urban improvements. The AGM will attract renowned and international panelists, which include: Coordinator, Slum Dwellers International, East and West Africa, Joe Muturi; Former Executive Director, UN Habitat, Madam Anna Tibaijuka; Professor of Architecture, University of Lagos, Professor Olumide Okusanya; Affordable Housing Institute, Boston, United States of America, Olivia Cadwell, and a host of other speakers. The annual meeting provides shareholders the privilege of discussing key issues that concern its operational and financial activities in order to enhance service delivery in the housing and urban development sector.

TUESDAY, may 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

AVIATION

Poor service delivery despite huge taxes accruing from levies may have forced the Federal Government to privatise four of the big airports in Nigeria. Experts have, however, warned of pitfalls if the process is not well managed, writes WOLE SHADARE The plot The disclosure by the Federal Government to privatise some of the country’s aerodromes could have been helped by its disappointment over growing concern of the state of Nigerian airports and the need for private sector involvement in the management of the aerodromes for better service delivery, improved revenue generation, and increased contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). The worldwide trend to privatise airports led the Congress to direct the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to experiment with privatisation. Because there always will be a public interest in the operation of major commercial airports, that are both vital assets to the community and potential monopolies, it is generally impractical to transform airports into wholly private businesses. Most privatisation projects involve substantial regulation of the private investors, detailing the design of their services, the prices they may charge and their openness to users. The trend The privatisation trend has definitely affected airports. Major privatisations of airports have occurred since the 1980s across the world, the most notable being in Australia, Britain and Canada. Other significant privatisation efforts have occurred or are in process in Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Chile, Hungary, Italy, Macao, Mexico, The Netherlands, Philippines, South Africa etc- the list keeps expanding. Although, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) could be said to have tried its best in putting some of the airports running up till now, the Federal Government is still not convinced that the authority has the wherewithal to turn around the fortunes of the facilities. Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, at the just concluded IATA Day Aviation in Abuja, said the government’s policy on it would be executed to make the airports more efficiently run. Support for initiative Participants at the summit lauded the initiative, saying it would help the sector to improve in terms of service delivery. A former Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Au-

MMA2 terminal

How ineptitude fortified case for airport privatisation thority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, lauded the idea, saying it is the best way to go. He stated that despite the hiccups with the first case of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the country, which gave birth to MMA2 terminal, the benefits cannot be quantified. Managing Director of Nigeria’s biggest airline by fleet size and operations, Arik Air, Chris Ndulue, who lamented the high taxes and charges at most of the aerodromes in the face of parlous service delivery, also backed the move. His words: “Nobody is happy with the charges and taxes at our airports without commensurate service delivery. We have talked about PPP. The issue of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited has not been fully resolved, but I pray it is resolved quickly.” A former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, could, at least, be credited with the idea of airport remodelling. She tried to reposition the sector through her ambitious airport remodelling and Aerotrpolis projects, which were badly executed and cost tax payers so much. A few years after her departure, the airports are still not run efficiently and effectively, forcing the new administration to seek the best way out. Most of the terminals - especially the Lagos International airport are old and have outlived their usefulness. The only option left is to bring them down for a state of the earth facilities. The airport authority is saddled with too much task that it may not be able to focus on providing the required services, and at the same time run the terminals profitably.

Nobody is happy with the charges and taxes at our airports without commensurate service delivery

MMA2 gets global rating Piqued by the state of most of airport terminals, former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka ranked MMA2 the best run terminal in Nigeria. He disclosed this during one of his visits to inspect facilities at the MMA2. He was particularly impressed with the new self-in kiosks, pilots/crew briefing rooms, the general ambience of the terminal and its efficient service delivery. Currently, only the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, is being run by the private firm of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited. Other airport terminals are owned and operated by the Federal Government through FAAN. About eight of the airport terminals are built and run by state governments. The states are: Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Bauchi, Katsina, Gombe, Taraba, Jigawa, and Kebbi. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI) at different fora during their visits described the facilities in the terminal as world class. They were particularly impressed with the seamless facilitation processes and the cleanliness of the terminal. But the management of these state-owned airport terminals has come under public scrutiny. Not a few experts and stakeholders insist that the running of the terminals by government, federal or state, has left sour taste in the mouth of airport users most of who enjoy everything but cost-effective and efficient service delivery. The thinking is that going by global trends, state management of airport terminals is no longer

the fad; many countries across the globe have either embraced concession or privatisation. Solution With regards to resuscitating the airports, experts recommend two radical solutions, especially for airports with a minimum annual traffic of five million passengers. The first is full privatisation while the second is leasing (concession). The Conservative Government in Britain adopted the first model in 1987 by privatising the British Airports Authority, raking in $2.3 billion from the sale. In 2009, Heathrow and Stansted generated combined revenue of $4.27 billion. The other workable model, which the government could consider, is a partial privatisation or leasing. Examples here include the Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France, and Frankfurt, Germany. While the airport in France generated $3.66 billion in 2009, the one in Germany receipted $2.74 billion. The Madrid Airport, Spain, which is in the process of privatisation, raked in $4.16 billion the same year. As a result of the move to make airports viable, the Centre for Aviation, an Australian consultancy, estimates that there are currently “450 airports globally with some form of private-sector participation either in management or ownership.” Even Russia is jettisoning the state-run model, going by its 2014-2016 privatisation plan, which aims to cede operations at Moscow’s Sheremetyeva and Vnukovo airports completely to the private sector. Around the world, privatisation has proven to be an efficient way of managing infrastructure CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

TUESDAY, may 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | AVIATION

NAMA to stakeholders: Nigerian airspace is safe ASSURANCE The agency has deployed facilities for air travel safety in the country

Wole Shadare

he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has given assurance to stakeholders that the nation’s airspace remains one of the safest on the continent of Africa for air navigation. Acting Managing Director, NAMA, Emma Ana, gave this assurance while declaring open the demonstration of Aircraft e-Clearance User Acceptance Test Module to National Air Defence Corp, Security Agencies and other stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He noted that the agency in the recent past had deployed sophisticated technology and navigational infrastructure intended to enhance efficiency in its operations as well as safety of air travel in the country. He stated that the deployment of Aircraft e-Clearance Solution was another innovation by NAMA to automate its operations and also ease the process of aircraft flight clearances, which used to be very tedious and cumbersome in the past. Anasi, who was represented

L-R: IATA’s Aviation Solutions Manager, South West Africa, Mrs. Ewemade Atake; Head, Human Resources, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd, (BASL), Mrs. IkeOluwa ErinOluwa; Chief Financial Officer, BASL, Mr. Olatunji Olayinka; Director, E & F Services, IATA, Mr. Manfred Blondeel; Head, Aeronautical Services, BASL, Mr. Ralph Uchegbu; and Account Specialist, E & F Services, IATA, Mrs Christine Charlier, during the IATA’s team’s visit to the management of BASL, operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), in Lagos.

by the Port Harcourt Airspace Manager, Mr Gabriel Akpen, explained that the huge investment NAMA was making in automating its processes is in line with global best practices. He gave assurance that the agency was ready to accommodate all the views and

suggestions from stakeholders on how the system could be made to function better. Earlier in his address, Deputy General Manager, Aircraft Clearance Office, Mr Patrick Nebe, recalled apart from its inherent vulnerability to manipulations detrimental to national security,

How ineptitude fortified case for airport privatisation CONTINUED FROM PAG E 29

assets, and transparent privatisation can liberate the government from appropriating money annually for airport operations. The nation’s seaports privatised in 2006 have shown practical instances of how privatisation can help save economic infrastructure and sectors from decay. Expert’s views Aviation consultant, Chris Aligbe, who spoke in an interview recently on the state of Nigeria’s aviation, said the federal government must take a holistic look at the industry, in all ramifications, not just the airports. “None of our airports is world class, not even the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), even with the terminals that the Chinese are helping to build; those are tolls, small terminals. They may not put us where we should be. If we want to be where we should be, we should immediately, in the next one or two years, concession our airports in order to develop the airports. The MMA2 managed by Bi-Courtney is the only airport worthy of mention in Nigeria,” he said. Case against privatisation Critics, however, argued that privatisation often creates lo-

cal monopolies, especially in utilities, who often exploit their market power to harm consumer welfare by reducing output and raising prices or profits. They also point to other market failures associated with privatisation such as public good, negative externalities, and imperfect information. It is also claimed that, in many nations (and especially developing), divested assets are acquired by foreigners, who funnel bulk of their profits outside the country without making any significant local investments, socially and economically in effect, adding no real benefits to the economy. Conclusion Most of the airports such as the Changi International Airport, Singapore, have, in the past two decades, been rated as the best in the world. Private sector and not governments of those countries manage these airports. Experts are of the view that airports should be placed in the hands of private investors, saying it is a way of curtailing corruption to fast-track development in the industry. To them, private investors should run the facilities in order to rake in more revenue, rather than leaving everything to collapse in the hands of the government officials, to the detriment of the entire economy.

the old system of manually granting aircraft clearances was fraught with other challenges such as unnecessary bureaucracy leading to loss of valuable time. He stressed that the urgency with which some flights operate necessitated a quicker system of processing

flight clearances for them. Nebe also explained that the Aircraft e-Clearance Solution has inbuilt security and tracking device, which helps users to keep track of their request for flight permit as well as the general aircraft movement within the nation’s airports.

IATA: Africa’ll be fastest-growing aviation’s hub

frica is set to be one of the fastest-growing aviation regions over the next 20 years, with annual expansion averaging nearly five per cent, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said. This, it said, opens up incredible economic opportunities for the continents’ 54 nations. By transporting some 70 million passengers annually, the clearing house for global airlines, stated that aviation already supports some 6.9 million jobs and $80 billion of economic activity on the African continent. The body however, called on African governments to prioritise the development of aviation nationally and at a pan-Africa level to bolster economic growth and development. “Aviation has the potential to be a much greater strategic catalyst for growth if governments would stop milking the industry for

taxes and enable it with smarter regulations focused on safety and the development of connectivity. “The commitments are already there with the Abuja Declaration and the Yamoussoukro Decision. It’s time to achieve them in partnership with industry,” said IATA Regional Vice President Africa & Middle East, Hussein Dabbas. The clearing house for global airlines urged African governments to tackle the excessive surcharges on fuel, which can make fuel purchases on the continent up to 20 per cent more expensive than the global average. Airlines operating to Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana and Kenya are particularly affected by above market fuel costs. These surcharges increase airlines’ cost burden when they are already operating in a challenging environment. They also hinder growth in an industry that delivers extensive socioeconomic benefits.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Interview I hated school because I wanted to inherit my father’s farm –Afe

Education

Campus UNIBEN students offer medical care to traders

33 35

ABUAD: A dream for a total student The Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) is a private varsity conceived out of anger by its founder and legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN). As a former Pro-Chancellor of a government university, he observed the lapses in the system and went out to make corrections by setting up his own university, where he heavily invested to producing world-class graduates. New Telegraph recently visited the school and was conducted round the model of an integrated academic environment. GEOFFREY EKENNA reports

he Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) is a private university conceived out of anger by its founder and legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola. As a former Pro-Chancellor of a government university, he observed the lapses in the system and went out to make corrections by setting up his own university, where he heavily invested towards producing worldclass graduates. New Telegraph recently visited the school and was conducted round the model of an integrated academic environment. GEOFFREY EKENNA reports. For a man, whose world view in the early stages of life, was to work in the farm, inherit his father’s farm and farming implements, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), renowned lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Ekiti State, is still living the dream. He did not inherit the farm as he had dreamt because accident of fate led him

kayode olanrewaju Editor, education

kayode olanrewaju@ newtelegraphonline.com

The Law faculty building

to school, which he had accepted reluctantly, when the lot fell on him among the large polygamous family. Recalling the event of his early life, Babalola, who established the university to serve as a model of what integrated academic environment should be, still keeps touch with farming with large expanse of farms across different parts of the state, which has today placed him as the biggest farmer in the State of Fountain of Knowledge and perhaps, in the country by some measures. Apart from setting the pace in the knowledge industry, Babalola’s farm, which ranges from piggery, snail farm, fishery, mango and Moringa plantations, chicken, turkeys, teak trees (over one million), vegetables and Guinea fowl, among others is an integrated investment that dovetails into saw milling, honey production, tea, chips, eggs and every other ancillary product that comes with large commercial farming. Few years ago, under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afe became the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, where, according to him, he saw the lapses in the school system, such as incessant strikes by lecturers, lackadaisical attitude of students to education, poor moral standard among the students and seeming unseriousness on the part of the students and lecturers. However, Babalola had another

We make sure that they do not leave here with just the certificate of study alone

dream that gave rise to the establishment of ABUAD. Today, his law firm (Afe Babalola Chambers), agriculture and university are all integrated into one goal - to produce not just well learned students, but those who are multi-skilled with good character. Apart from making students learn a bit of agriculture, which though most of them do hesitantly, they upon graduation with proficiency in either the Mandarin (Chinese) language or French. They must also have a certificate in another skill, which could be catering, dancing, bead making, fashion designing, football, basketball or any other skill that catches their fancy. According to Mr. Modupe Babalola, the university Bursar, it is compulsory that students leave the institution already equipped with skills in vocations which they are more interested other than their courses of study. “We make sure that they do not leave here with just the certificate of study alone. They must always leave with something extra; be it in fashion, music, artwork or games. It is not enough for the students to study their courses and graduate. Nigeria today does not require one direction graduates. The jobs are not just out there,” he said. The bursar, however, added that the businesses are integrated in a way that it would expose the students to the vagaries of real

life. To achieve the aim of having multi-skilled students, the university established a Talent Discovery Centre, where in the words of the Proprietor, students go after lectures to test themselves on other areas of life that might interest them outside their parents’ fantasies of producing lawyers, medical doctor, engineers and other elite professions. Chief Babalola said: “Parents send their children to school because they want the child to study a particular course or career. But the truth is that the child may not be interested in that particular course because they have better talents. So, I decided to set up the Talent Discovery Centre, where after lectures, the students do that which their parents want them to do. The centre is structured that the students can do that which vocation they like. We have about 24 different vocations there, including bead making, catering, music and what have you. They are all there for the students to one skill or the other so that, they can earn quality in the classroom and at the same time, use their hands to do other things they have learnt.” But the university is not stopping at that. Currently, it is building a University Teaching Hospital, which New Telegraph gathered, would be inaugurated between September and October, CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

education

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Varsity system gets $4m e-journals

Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Nigerian university system e-library project has received $4million worth of e-book from the EBSCO host E-CONTENT foreign development partners towards strengthening research in the universities. The Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, who disclosed this in Abuja, while addressing del-

egates from the EBSCOHOST E-Content International, noted that the Federal Government had secured access to over 100,000 high quality e-journals that will be made available to Nigerian universities and research institutes through the Nigeria Research and Educational Network (NgREN). He explained that the resources contain over 27,000 full text journals, over 18,000 indexed and abstracted journals and about 10,000,000 searchable cited references. Okojie said: “The NgREN

FG urged to address attacks on unity schools Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

he Federal Government has been urged to address the increasing frequency of attacks on students in Federal Government Colleges across the country. The call was made by members of the Unity Schools Old Students Association in Abuja, while addressing journalists on recent killings of two students of Federal Government College, Okposi in Ebonyi State. The association led by its President General, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, said there was the need for Federal Government to urgently address issues of perimeter fencing and security of the unity schools, quality pastoral care and unsettled land boundaries to end the increasing rate of attacks on the colleges. “In many cases, the land on which some unity schools are built are poorly demarcated, and as a result, school land are not fully surveyed while many schools suffer encroachment on their premises and which usually results to injuries to staff and students.”

Absence of perimeter security fence makes it difficult to control unlawful or unauthorised access to our schools and even to the children,” Odinkalu added, saying that the trend of unresolved attacks endangers the attainment of the Goal 4 of Education For All (EFA) in the Sustainable Development Goals to which Nigeria is a signatory. “It makes parents unwilling to allow their children explore the incredibly rich diversity of Nigeria, which is why the unity schools were estbalished in the first place, but these killings therefore endanger education in the country. “No one has been held accountable for the attacks on FGC, Kano and FGC Bunu Yadi, as USOSA expects and will insist that this pattern will not be repeated in the most recent killings.” On the recent development at Federal Government College, Okposi, the association said it was willing to give bounty to anyone who has useful information on the killings of the two JSS III students, who were gruesomely murdered after their examination.

Gregory Varsity, Igbo group partner on development

lans have been concluded by the Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), Abia State to partner the World Igbo Summit Group, to become a reservoir of knowledge for the development and growth of Igbo nation. According to the Chancellor and Founder of the university, Dr. Gregory Ibe, the partnership was cemented during the meeting with the Coordinator of the group, Dr. Ifedi Okwenna in his office at the university. Ibe, who hinted that the partnership arrangement had already been endorsed, however, noted that Ndigbo has “groped long enough in the dark and the time has come for the intellectual and elite class to come together, dialogue and offer credible and practicable ideas for the growth of the Igbo race.

He reiterated that the university is determined to support and partner the World Igbo Summit Group in the laudable project of building a renewed consciousness among the Ndigbo. The Chancellor said the leadership emergence pattern in Igboland must change and that the disconnect between Igbo Intelligentsia and the Igbo leadership needed to be bridged in order to move forward. Ndigbo, according to him, should reorder their investment priorities and ensure that projects and investments that can reduce poverty and create employment are sited in Igboland, even as he said that considering quick profit in determining the choice of investment could not change the Igbo economic landscape.

has secured access to Ebsco host e-books collections and 7Ebsco host research databases among which are full text e-journals, periodicals and magazines of several academic disciplines and professional specialisations.” “These will be available for free to many Nigerian universities until December 31, 2016. The resources contain more than 100,000 high quality e-book titles; 27,100 full text journals;18,430 indexed and abstracted journals; 9,041,400 searchable cited references daily updates and 630 videos with transcripts and related articles.” The NUC scribe added that these would go a long way in growing the number of available resources in the nation’s university libraries and will also

heighten research activities in the university system. He stressed that the e- journals will facilitate more collaboration, access and easy sharing of resources across national and international boundaries, adding that accessing these resources, the universities and research institutes will have access to more impactful collaboration resources and facilitates accreditation of programmes. While saying that the provision of the e-journals will improve ranking of Nigerian universities, Okojie, however, urged the universities to utilise the resources which are available on the NgREN at no cost until the end of this year. Meanwhile, plans are underway to ensure that the universities continue to access these EB-

Okojie

SCO, as well as other e-resources beyond the expiration of the current service. Representative of the EBSCO Host E-CONTENT, Colleen Mills, said the aim is to assist the country in enriching its research content and strengthening research institutes.

Mrs. Opeke presenting a plaque to Omole at the event

OAU alumni honours Omole, outgoing VC Kayode Olanrewaju

t was time last week for the alumni association of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife to honour the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bamitale Omole. The event, which took place during a valedictory dinner, was organised by MainOne in Lagos in recognition of his sterling contribution in deepening the academic standard and infrastructural development of the ivory tower. According to the Public Relations Officer for the university, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, the Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, Ms Funke Opeke, who set the tone of the event, extolled the leadership style and virtues of the outgoing vice-chancellor for bringing unprecedented developments to the university through improved infrastructural facilities. She lauded Omole for raising the standard of teaching and learning, research output, training and retraining of academic, administrative and tech-

nical staff which, she added culminated in the Webometric raking of “our alma mater” as the best university in Nigeria for five consecutive years. “Anytime I read news about Obafemi Awolowo University, I feel extremely happy because this is a university, which made us what we are today. The people, particularly the alumni must support the university, so that we can give back to the institution which implanted in us the intellectual arsenal that has made us the best continentally,” Opeke stressed. She, however, expressed disenchantment that the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, which produced the best brains in the ICT world, does not have a building of its own; more than 50 years after the establishment of the university. Ms Opeke, therefore, called on those who are graduates of Elect/Elect to rally round and put resources together to construct a befitting structure for the department. “Those working for big ICT or other technology organisa-

tions should contact their different Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers and plead on our behalf to make generous donation for the realisation of this lofty objective,” she said, appealing to participants at the event to donate generously towards completing the Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering building, which is still at the foundation level in the past 32 years. Other eminent alumni at the occasion were Sir Ademola Aladekomo, Chief Gboyega Fatimilehin and Dr. Emmanuel Ekuem, who spoke glowingly about the outgoing vice-chancellor. According to them, Prof. Omole had exhibited the traits of good leadership early in life, which made it much easier for him to turn things around and excel as the Head of Department of International Relations; Dean of the Faculty of Administration; Deputy Director, Directorate of Linkages and Sponsored Research; member of the Governing Council before assuming the leadership of “Great Ife” as the university is fondly called as its 10th ViceChancellor. They, then, called on all the stakeholders to rally round the University by appointing somebody that would not only continue but improve on the good works of Professor Omole, as the next Vice-Chancellor.

Interview | education

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Before I got to this place, I knew you as Afe Babalola, a great lawyer and the owner of Afe Babalola University. I did not know that you are also a big commercial farmer. At what time did you develop interest in farming? Well, I grew up on the farm. I love farming. I come from a polygamous family, one of many children. Our farm was very far from the family house, about seven miles. In those days, we used to trek. That was the order of the day and there was nothing special about that. It was by accident that I went to school. How? One missionary came to my father and urged him to send one of his children to school. It was my lot and I didn’t like it.

I hated school because I wanted to inherit my father’s farm –Afe Aare Afe Babalola is a legal luminary and founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, (ABUAD) Ekiti State. He is also a legal icon with over 1,000 lawyers who have passed through his chambers and his fame. He did not start out, as he did not have the ambition to go school to acquire education, but to stay on the farm for life to inherit his father’s farm, hoes and cutlasses. objectives was that my students should learn from there. Unfortunately, they did not like that. Other courses were fully applied for and over-subscribed, but nobody applied for agriculture. I never gave up. In the second year, we tried and third year, I decided to establish a commercial agriculture and now, everybody is interested and even the government is interested, farmers are interested. It will also interest you to know that I am the patron of the Farmers Association of Nigeria and Ekiti State.

You did not want to go to school? No! What were you thinking of that you did not want to go to school? I wanted to inherit some of my father’s farms, hoes and cutlasses. That was my dream. There was nobody in the family that was going to school then. There was nothing at all that was attractive in going to school at that time. However, he insisted. My mind was always on the farm. Whenever we were on holiday, I would quickly run to the farm until the last day of resumption. Somehow, before the end of the sixth year in the school, I became interested because I was doing well. And ever since then, part of my mind is always on the farm, while the other half is elsewhere. Unfortunately, I had to stop my education in Standard Six because there was no fund to go further. I had to study privately for my Cambridge School Certificate, GCE, B.Sc Economics and LLB in London University and eventually I became a lawyer. Let me tell you this. All the time that I was either teaching at secondary schools or working, I had a farm, either at the back of my house or a plot of land somewhere, where I planted some crops. I have been in legal practice now for about 53 years now, and I have always had a farm for all the vegetables I eat regularly and many other things I plant. Since I came back, I have always had a farm, where I plant all I need and more at Ado Ekiti. About 20 years ago, I had acquired a large expanse of land at Ado-Ekiti, along Akure Road, where today I have over one million Teak trees. You know what that means.

Afe Babalola

With what I saw, it appears that you are even a bigger farmer than a lawyer? I don’t think so. I have been in law practice for over 50 years. I have produced over 1,000 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). No other law firm is that big with about 15 offices all over the country. Many of my lawyers have even become Attorneys General of the Federation and States, Judges and of all callings. I am a bigger lawyer than a farmer. But certainly, I am a big farmer also. That is a fact.

Is it the one at Ajibandele? Yes! We have about 600 ponds. The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) came and said we should merge some of them and we have so far constructed about 50 lakes and I have about 80 ponds for fishery and all the other things you saw during the tour of the farm, including the piggery, snail farm, poultry, Moringa tree plantation, the feed mill, the mango plantation as well the products and all other ancillaries. Of course, I wanted my students to learn from them. So, when we applied for licence for a private university, one of my principal

Why do you want your students to learn agriculture in addition to their courses and why did you establish the Talent Discovery Centre in the university because I could see some students doing different things at the centre? You remember, I was the ProChancellor of the University of Lagos and I discovered in that place the deficiencies in our school system and I decided to establish a university, which will be a model. The university is a place you send a child to be trained in a particular way. Parents send their children to school because they want the child to study a particular course. But the

The university is a place you send a child to be trained in a particular way

truth is that the child may not be interested in that particular course because they have better talents. So, I decided to set up the Talent Discovery Centre, where after lectures, where a student could do that which his or her parents want him to do. They can go to the centre and do that which they like. We have about 24 different vocations there, including bead making, catering, music and what have you. They are all there so that they can earn quality in the classroom and at the same time, use their hands to do other things they have learnt. For example, in our university a student must study either French or Chinese. They must have a certificate in either of the languages before they leave the university. Similarly, a student must have a certificate in one skill, other than what he came to the university to study. It keeps their future. When you talk about your experience at the University of Lagos and the deficiencies that you observed in the university system, what exactly did you see? Yes, strike was almost a norm. Here, it is abominable, it is not permissible. You can be sure that we have what you can call credible and ascertainable calendar. A four-year course is a four-year course. Two, I believe in dressing. Dressing makes a man. In public universities nobody bothers about what the students wear. You can come to the lecture halls in bathroom slippers. Nobody cares. You can’t do that here at ABUAD. You must be corporately dressed. Again, time is very important. You must be punctual in everything you do. Character is very important. You must have time for character moulding because you are awarded a degree based on character and learning. I saw people in the university coming in at any time they liked and all sorts of things. Here, they live very close. It is a very small, close knit campus. Time is very, very important. In fact, it is a place for proper learning and character building.

Nurturing a model of integrated varsity

One of the gyms at the talent centre C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

this year. Already, the university is partnering with the John Hop-

The school’s Basketball court

kins University in the United States of America to see the dream come through. According to Babalola, who conducted New Telegraph

round the facilities, it would be a reference point, not only in Nigeria but in Africa. He said: “It is conceived to cater for all classes of individu-

als as a one-stop facility. It will have 400 beds with some private wards that will cater for high end individuals. It will also have a helipad of its own for

emergencies. Everything that is going to be installed here in terms of equipment will be imported as the building will be built to specifications.” Being a university founded by a legal icon, the university has a strong Law Department. Therefore, it is equipped to hilt with a law library, which is regarded as the best in the country by different assessment bodies, such as the National Universities Commission (NUC) and similar ones. But the broad view of Chief Babalola is to have a university that is an engine for churning out a complete student, who is morally, academically and well groomed for the task ahead.

education | public discourse

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Children’s Day: Any hope for Nigerian children?

Buhari: Sound future awaits Nigerian children President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement on the occasion of this year’s celebration of Children’s Day

heartily greet and felicitate with all Nigerian children on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebration. I seize the opportunity of this year’s celebration, which comes just two days before the first anniversary of the present administration, to reassure our children and youth that we remain fully committed to fulfilling our promise of a better Nigeria for all of our people. On this happy occasion for our children, I reaffirm my belief that it is the right of every Nigerian child to have access to quality and affordable education, as well as healthcare and other basic necessities for a good life, in a peaceful and secure environment. The good health and well-being of Nigerian children remain a top

priority on our agenda for national development and we have demonstrated our strong commitment in this regard with the allocation of N12.6 billion in the 2016 budget for vaccines and programmes to prevent childhood killer diseases such as polio, measles and yellow fever. Other measures in the 2016 budget, such as the school feeding programme for children at a cost of N93.1 billion, will ensure that more children go to school and enjoy the fun of learning and growing together with their peers. Despite the current economic and funding challenges facing our dear nation, my administration will continue to do all within its powers to achieve better living conditions and greater access to quality healthcare and education for

all our youth. It is a thing of joy that on this year’s Children’s Day, we can also celebrate the safe return of one of the Chibok girls, Amina Ali Nkeki and many other abducted women and children who have been freed from the clutches of Boko Haram by our gallant troops. I assure all Nigerians and friends of the country, once again, that my administration will not rest on its oars until the ungodly terrorist sect is totally eliminated from our country. As peace gradually returns to the insurgencyravaged North-Eastern States, the Federal Government will continue to work diligently to ensure the rapid and full reintegration and rehabilitation of all internally displaced persons, including orphaned children in the region.

Olagoke: Nigerian child faces multiple challenges Mr. Olagoke Oke is a deputy registrar and former public relations officer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka

hildren’s Day is a day set aside to draw attention to the children of the world, their challenges, achievements and what can be done to improve their general well-being. It is a day meant to treat the concerns of children globally, including issues of their safety, education, health, and particularly an appraisal of the conditions of those going through difficult times such as child labour, domestic violence

and abuse, rape and exposure to dangerous conditions like carrying arms. In this part of the world, the Nigeria child is facing a lot of issues, from domestic violence, lack of education, inadequate access to basic needs. The missing Chibok girls’ case is still fresh in our mind and only one of the 219 abducted school girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, has been confirmed to have been

rescued. And, what did we even witness with her return; she had been abused, impregnated and made an unwilling mother already. Nigeria, as at today still experiences high infant mortality rate and sexualized crimes against them, as we can recall child-bride cases. That is why the day serves as a wake-up call to us to do what is right and just to the children, because they are the future of the world.

Oke: There’s hope for Nigerian children Miss Oluwatosin Oke is a teacher with Lagooz Schools, Lagos

s globally recognised, Children’s Day is a special day set aside to celebrate the leaders of tomorrow. It is also a day meant to appraise issues surrounding the protection of

the rights of our children. The day is also meant to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world’s children. In the school where I teach, that is, Lagooz School, we take the children to a place outside the academic environment to enjoy themselves, for fun with lot to eat, drink,

dance, play games and display their talents. I strongly believe that Nigerian children have a future especially if the new administration is truly committed to its change mantra. This will be better achieved if our government, academic institutions, religious institutions and even our homes uphold the child right laws and put an end to all forms of child abuse.

Arowosegbe (middle) with parents

Fee hike, father’s accident threats to my dream – LASU’s best graduate Mojeed Alabi

e stood tall among his peers, as a bevy of cameramen struggled to take his photograph, while mounting the podium to deliver his valedictory speech on behalf of other graduating students. This is the story of 24-year-old Michael Arowosegbe, a graduate of Biochemistry and the best graduating students of the Lagos State University (LASU) during the institution’s 20th convocation ceremony. His father, a disengaged guard on the campus, Mr. Ajibade Arowosegbe, was still an ordinary spectator sandwiched among the teeming crowd at the upper floor of the institution’s new auditorium, venue of the ceremony, until his son urged him to stand up for recognition. With gratitude to God Almighty, who had saved the life of the Elder Arowosegbe, a retired Airforce warrant officer, from a life-threatening accident, while on duty on the campus on November 9, 2012, Michael Arowosegbe, thanked him for his fervent belief in his ability. In his emotion-laden speech, the best graduating student said his journey to academic success was inspired by the need to reward his parents’ toil and struggle with life. Arowosegbe, who revealed that his father had been stoned by students in 2011 during a protest, added that he had thought that with the old man’s predicament, his academic programme would have suffered. “But my father kept on pushing me even on his sickbed,” he said. “As if the stoning was not enough, another incident occurred on November 9, 2012, which changed his life till date. He had an accident on a bike while on duty here on campus where he hit his head and some part of his back against the university gate. He could not move any of his limbs initially, some even thought that was the end of him, and that it might affect my academics, because there was no succour from the appropriate authorities. But, glory to God, he is recuperating and I am also already a graduate,” he added. After his retirement in 2002 from the Airforce, and his pension and the wife’s proceeds from her petty trades could hardly keep the family, the couple had taken part in menial jobs, helping builders at various sites. “Sometimes they do this till late in the night,” the young Arowosegbe told New Telegraph, adding that: “It was while working at one of the sites that he got the information that he could apply to LASU as a ‘contract staff’ and he was employed as a watchman.” The 24-year-old Arowosegbe, who

had his primary education at Airforce Primary School III, Ikeja, also attended Isasi Grammar School, Ojo, where he completed his secondary school education in 2008, with average results in his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). “I was an average student in my secondary school days. I only made B2 in Economics, I made Credit in every other subject,” he said. The third and lastborn of the family noted that through his father’s support and encouragement, he had aspired to study Medicine at either the Obafemi Awolowo University or the University of Ibadan. His words: “I attempted UI once and OAU twice. In 2011, I scored 287 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and 278 in the post-UTME conducted by OAU, but I could not secure admission. “In fact, LASU was my second choice and it was after I was not admitted into OAU that I reluctantly agreed to pursue my admission to LASU, where I was eventually offered Biochemistry.” To worsen the situation, it was that period that the Lagos State Government jerked up LASU school fees by more than 700 per cent. “Yet, my father struggled to raise the required N258,000 to pay my fee. It was the jolt I needed to excel.” He added that on daily basis, his parent gave him N500 as feeding, transportation and pocket money. “Most times I go on empty stomach throughout the day because transportation alone would have taken up to N350 and there could be photocopies of materials to be made. Yet, I was determined,” he stated. Speaking exclusively with New Telegraph, the Elder Arowosegbe said the moments were difficult, but the family had to pay all necessary sacrifices to produce the first graduate. Speaking about his time on campus, the young Arowosegbe, who had graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.68 points in the Faculty of Science, said two of his lecturers; Mr. Ali-Balogun Ganiyu and Dr. Segun Adeola inspired him. He thanked his other siblings Mrs. Mary Ajibade Arowosegbe and Mr. Oluwatosin Arowosegbe for their support and contributions towards his education, particularly since 2012 when his father was down. Meanwhile, the university has promised to offer all the eight First Class graduates automatic employment, but the young Arowosegbe said he would seek God’s guidance in his career choice. “But, it is my wish to become a renowned professor of professors,” he had told New Telegraph.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

campus

NCC chair advocates renewable energy development

Don cautions against impulse purchase

Oladele Oge

UNN

he development of renewable energy has been described as one of the factors that will proffer solutions to the telecommunications industry as well as stabilised quality services in every sector of the country. The Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, disclosed this at the sixth annual conference of the Renewable & Alternative Energy Society of Nigeria (RAESON), held at the National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Danbatta, who in his opening address at the conference, decried the inability of the telecommunications industry to offer quality services at all times, said that erratic power supply had not only contributed to poor service delivery, but also increased operational cost. Represented by the Director Technical Standards of NCC, Mr. Fidelis Onah, he noted that the society is a critical stakeholder in telecommunications industry since its contributions would help telecoms providers to deliver effective and efficient services to rural areas that lack power and access. Speaking on the theme of the conference: “Renewable Energy in the National Energy Mix,” Danbatta said: “Renewal and alternative energy sources have been in the forefront in proffering solutions to the challenges and crises of global energy demands. It is one easy way of achieving cheap energy source and penetration. Indeed, this is not only about cost, but also about its availability and sustainability.”

NANS aspirant makes case for free education Temitope Yakubu Ado Poly

ne of the candidates aspiring for the position of Vice-President in its forthcoming election of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olalekan Ayeni, has called on the government to make education free at all levels. He wondered why the leaders of the country who benefitted from qualitative and free education, have failed to reciprocate and extend the gesture they enjoyed to other generations. Olalekan, a Final Year undergraduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, disclosed this at the polytechnic’s Students’ Union Building, while declaring his intention to contest the post of NANS National Vice President (External Affairs) using the polytechnic’s ticket. He said education was being seen as a privilege, a development, which according to him, makes management of higher institutions increase tuition fees without considering the plight of the students.

Saratu Waziri UNIMAID

lecturer at the Department of Economics, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Borno State, Dr. Danladi Tukur, has advised customers against making impulse buying. Tukur, who defines impulse purchase as unplanned transactions occurring as a result of factors such as insignificant price changes, favourable dis-

posed attitude to consumers, influence and the issues of class, noted that when an individual engages in impulse or unplanned buying, certainly there are economic implications that will follow it. He listed some of the consequences to include budget distortion, deviation from the proposed goods and services, misdirection of priority, budget deficit and financial difficulties, among others, saying with such decisions the logical sequence of the

consumer’s action is usually replaced with irrational moments of self-gratification. He added that research has revealed that many people engage in impulsive buying and that feelings play a decisive role in making the purchase “triggered by seeing the product or upon exposure to such product as well-crafted promotional messages and such purchase ranges from small (candy, gums, chocolates, mints, clothing) to substantially large ones such as

UNIBEN students offer medical care to traders

jewelry, vehicle, works of art or automobiles.” Also speaking, a student, Victoria Bature, said she didn’t know the reason, but that she always finds herself engage in impulsive buying and before she realises, she ends up deviating from her intended purchase of goods and services when she goes to market. Another student, Silas David, said there is no doubt that almost everyone engages in impulsive buying.

Children’s Day: Group mentors pupils Joy Okorie YABATECH

One of the students attending to a patient

Ezekiel Efeobhokhan UNIBEN

s part of activities marking the 37th annual Health Week of the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS), University of Benin (UNIBEN), the students have conducted free medical services on children, market men and women at Oliha Market, Benin-City, Edo State. Tagged: “Ethikos 2016,” the medical outreach, according to the students, was targeted at over 10,000 people in the state, including students, traders and residents at Oliha and its environs. One of the main objectives of the programme, which drew participants among students across all levels of the Faculty of Pharmacy, is to help members of the society, who could not for one reason or the other, afford to undertake routine medical check-ups to ascertain their state of health. The central theme of this year’s edition of the outreach is “Addressing Urinary Tract Infection and Obesity.” The programme, which was segmented into two sessions, was flagged off on Monday at Oliha Market, while on Wednesday it was the turn of the popular Hall 2 Car Park,

Ugbowo campus of the university. While addressing the crowd in Pidgin at Oliha Market, one of the leaders of the association, Hope Onyemaechi, enlightened the traders on the need to always watch what they eat, as eating the wrong food could increase their propensity to obesity. His words: “Do not say because you have no money and resorted to drinking soft drinks and eat egg roll or some stuff like that, instead of spending such money to prepare or cook better meals for yourself. Before going to the market, you can prepare good food at home and bring it to the market for you to eat.” Onyemaechi discouraged the market women and men from taking too much soft drink ridden with sugar as this could lead to diabetes, owing to their sedentary lifestyle. Expressing delight over the medical outreach, one of the beneficiaries, who simply identified himself as Mr. Innocent, however, thanked the students for what he described as laudable gesture. Innocent, who also spoke in Pidgin said: “I came to see my wife in her store, when I heard that some doctors were in the market providing health services to the traders. But, as I got here, they checked my BP

(Blood Pressure), gave me free medicine and the students advised me very well about what to eat and how I should be eating so that I would not develop big stomach. I thank God for the students.” Speaking at the event, the President of PANS, Benjamin Idiakhoa, expressed satisfaction over the huge turnout of traders for the exercise, even as he pointed out that without the traders, the exercise would not have been a success. He said of the programme: “The Health Week is an annual event by UNIBEN Pharmacy Faculty. But, this year’s edition is with difference as we decided to increase the number of those to be reached and provided free drugs during the exercise.” The PANS Week Organising Committee chairperson, Gift Onororakpene thanked the sponsors of the outreach programme and those who contributed in one way on the other, especially towards provision of free drugs that were distributed to the traders. “We want to profoundly express our gratitude to May and Baker, Evans pharmaceutical, GlaxoSmithKline, GPS Pharmacy and Swipha for their support and contributions to the success of the exercise.” She said.

ome pupils from various schools across Lagos State have been mentored on different themes including career choice, future aspirations and how to overcome accompanying challenges on their way to the top of the ladder of life. It was at this year’s Children Day celebration, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Inspiring Nigeria Vanguard of Exceptionally Noble Talents (INVENT), as part of activities making the day, which took place at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos. The event featured many guest speakers including Mrs. Hope Ovie Thomas, Mr. Ladipo Adeyi, among others. Some of the mentees, who had at one time or the other been trained by various resources personalities since the organisation introduced the initiative in 2012, were also on hand to share their experiences to inspire the participants. Attended by tens of pupils, the lead guest speaker, Mrs. Thomas, who spoke on the theme: “Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potentials,” said what is common to man is potential, gifts and talents, saying the ability to achieve purposes are innate. She added that for the pupils to achieve their potential, they must cultivate the habit of reading and praying fervently “in order to have your talents fully maximized.” She said they must be faithful, diligent and seek for encouraging surroundings to boost their potentials. Similarly, Adeyi, who addressed the topic: “Achieving Your Set Goals,” said the best way to achieve greatness is to stand up against negative thoughts, adding that goals are set to enhance a brighter future. “And you must be SMART, meaning that you must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and be time-bound.”

education

VC commends ANUPA for empowering members

dekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA) ViceChancellor, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has lauded the institution’s chapter of the Association of Nigerian Universities Professional Administrators (ANUPA) for honing the skills of its members. This was even as Ajibefun assured the association of the university management’s support, especially in the training and welfare of its members. The vice-chancellor gave the commendation while declaring open a one-day inhouse training workshop, organised by the association for some of its members from Administrative Officers I and II. Ajibefun said: “Your initiative to train your members is of crucial importance to the development of the university administration. This is one of the functions of the university, which you are carrying out as an association. It is commendable and we are proud of you.” While responding to some of the requests made by the Chairman of the association, Mr. R. Owamoyo, seeking the

support of the university for the association, the vice-chancellor assured him: “We will continue to support you as an association and your membership. Any time your members want to attend conference, let us have your request on time so that we can offer the necessary support.” Meanwhile, he urged the trainees to maximize the opportunity offered by the workshop to improve themselves so as to be successful administrators, stressing the need for them to be hardworking, eschew laissez-faire attitude to work and to show more commitment to their jobs. Owamoyo had earlier stressed the pivotal roles of Administrative staff in a university system, without which he said the university would make no tangible progress. Thus, the Chairman encouraged the trainees to continue to be upright and to adhere to the ethics of the administrative profession, saying: “Administrative officers, who are striving to pollute the integrity of the administrative career, should volun-

tarily withdraw or else they will be exposed and shown the way out. The administrative career is a noble one and discretionary. It is not just an alternative.” He added: “As Administrative Officers, you must be conversant with the rules and regulations guiding your operations in the university and you must also improve on your reading ability.” The keynote address was delivered by the Acting Registrar of the university, Mr. Sunday Ayeerun, while the Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs), Mr. Adedayo Adedeji, spoke on “Developing Compliant Administrative Skills.” “The Role of Ethics in University Administration,” was delivered by the Head of the Department of Philosophy, Prof. Nkeonye Otakpor, while the Principal Assistant Registrar/Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit, Mr. Sola Imoru, spoke on “Effective Management of the University and its Publics: Duties and Responsibilities of Administrative Officers”.

L-R: Acting Bursar, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Mr. Abraham Fabusuyi; Director, Advancement and Documentation, UNIMED, Dr. Abimbola Akintade; King Sunny Ade; Vice Chancellor, UNIMED, Prof. Friday Okonofua; and Sasere of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Olusola Akinduro, during KSA’s visit to the institution...on Tuesday .

College advocates stakeholders’ greater focus on education Kayode Olanrewaju

call has gone to stakeholders, especially parents and guardians to ensure that they place priority on the education and intellectual well-being of their children and wards. This was as the management of Vale College Ibadan, Oyo State, called for greater focus on building and sustaining educational best practices in the country. Besides, the school reaffirmed commitment to offering excellent learning curricula to its teeming students, with a view to positioning them for the challenges of the 21st Century. Established in November 1994 by Solemilia Educational Trust, the school has reaffirmed its 22 years’ commitment to the provision of what

the management described as “superior educational services.” The college, which has consistently maintained a class ratio of 25 students per class, hinted that in order to ensure that students receive the very best in learning curricula, well trained teachers are recruited to provide core subjects in the Physical Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts, as well as specialised vocations such as elocution/public speaking, ICT, photography, animal husbandry, which aimed at the wholesome development of the students. The Director of the college, Mrs. Funso Adegbola, who made the call, said: “It’s imperative that parents and guardians ensure that priority attention is given to the education and intellectual well-being of their children

and wards.” She added: “We cannot underestimate the necessity and influence of good education and the transformational impact it has on the holistic growth of children as they develop to become worthy ambassadors after school in whichever environment they might find themselves. “The establishment of The Vale College is a fulfillment of our vision to provide superior educational services with a strong focus on the intellectual, emotional and physical growth of all our students. “Our desire is to become the first choice of parents and children, who seek an excellent, modern education, boarding or day in a co-educational environment based on a rich curriculum, sound discipline, independence of mind and service to the community.”

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

EDUPEACE

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

for Peace and Strategic Studies, Unilorin

Tackling terrorism

ast week, precisely on May 25 and 26, 2016, the Nigeria Summit on National Security 2016, themed “Confronting and Containing Threats from Terrorism and Sectarian Insurgency”, was held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, as part of the measures aimed at addressing the nation’s critical security challenges. An excellent result of the partnership between the Council on African Security and Development (CASADE), University of Wisconsin Research Park, USA, under the leadership of Prof. John Ifediora and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under its dynamic Director-General, Prof. Oshita Oshita, the summit provided vistas into understanding the dynamics of insecurity and approaches to solving its hydra-headed problems. The wide array of expertise that the summit attracted was crowned by global figures two of whom presented keynote addresses that set the tone of the discussions each day. While the former Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and ex-Prime Minister of Denmark, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, gave the keynote address on the first day, the second day was stimulated by the keynote address of the esteemed Under-SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim A. Gambari. Given that Mr Rasmussen superintended over NATO’s operational hyperactivity with six operations in three continents including Asia (Afghanistan), Europe (Kosovo) and Africa (Libya), apart from counter-piracy along the Somali Coast, a training mission in Iraq and counter-terrorism operation in the Mediterranean, his approach dwelt more on sheer force. However, this approach is not considered to be effective as evident in the aftermaths of such interventions in Afghanistan and Libya. Besides, as the rationale for the summit further indicated, “relying on counterterrorism measures in near exclusion of diplomacy, dialogue and effective intelligence gathering misses the bigger picture of containment and stabilization…” Rather than counter-terrorism that is reactive, a proactive approach that prioritises dialogic engagement offers a more suitable paradigm for achieving sustainable peacebuilding and enduring conflict transformation. It was actually the submission of Prof. Gambari last Thursday that resonated more with many stakeholders. One of the salient points made by the keynote speaker, who holds the record of the longest-serving Nigerian Ambassador/ permanent representative to the United Nations, is that we must invest heavily in education in order to overcome the current challenges. Without providing education and creating employ-

He, who opens a school door, closes a prison ment opportunities for the teeming youth, the problems of terrorism and insurgency would still be our national headache. This simple but profound submission bordering on education and employment struck me. As Victor Hugo said, “He, who opens a school door, closes a prison”. The vast mass of the uneducated young people that populate Nigeria constitutes a potent recipe for disaster. An uneducated mind cares little for itself, not to talk of others; it is vulnerable to all kinds of influences. In other words, ignorance is a major driver of crime, which terrorism basically is, and the more educated people are, the more secure and developed the society is. Yet, education without any gainful employment is also dangerous as it only breeds clever criminals. We are in a situation where 101 million Nigerians are literate, meaning that the remaining 80 million are illiterate, based on the figure provided by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Mass Literacy Education, Adult and Non-Formal Education, Jibrin Paiko, last year. When education is accorded its right priority and opportunities are provided for the youth, there is no doubt that there will be a drastic reduction in crime rates. But when unemployment rates continue to increase, from 10.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 12.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2016, according to the figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics, we have at least 9.485 million idle minds that are real or potential devil’s workshop. This figure does not include millions that are under-employed and the additional 200,000 graduates that our tertiary institutions churn out each year. Besides education and employment, to tackle terrorism and the growing spectre of insurgency, serious efforts should be made to rein in small arms and light weapons in the hands of unauthorised groups. This important point was stressed by Ambassador Emmanuel E. Imohe, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons. If there is a census of all weapons in Nigeria, with those in authorised hands well documented, it would be easy to isolate sources of illegal weapons that are many in the market through our porous borders. Since it is when people have weapons that they are motivated to fight, blocking access to weapons is a crucial step to take in order to overcome the challenges.

BUSINESS |Money Line

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

VAGUE CBN promised to release details ‘at an appropriate time’ Stories by Tony Chukwunyem

resident Muhammadu Buhari has given the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) the go-ahead to introduce flexibility in the naira’s exchange rate, his spokesman said yesterday. “The President is opposed to devaluing the naira, he has said so repeatedly,” the Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to the President, Garba Shehu, said in an interview on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). “He has given them leeway to introduce what he has called ‘flexibility in managing’” the currency’s value, Shehu said, referring to the CBN. President Buhari said at the weekend he supported a stable currency, though he would keep “a close look at how recent measures affect the naira and the economy.” The comments, made four days after the CBN said it planned to introduce a more flexible exchange-rate regime, left traders guessing whether he supported those measures. Nigeria has held the naira at N197-N199 per dollar since March 2015, even as other oil exporters from Russia to Colombia and Malaysia let their currencies drop amid the slump in crude prices since mid-2014. Foreign reserves dwindled as

CBN gets Buhari’s nod on new forex regime ●Analysts urge release of guidelines the central bank of Africa’s largest oil producer defended the peg, while foreign investors, fearing a devaluation, sold Nigerian stocks and bonds. Meanwhile, financial analysts have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to quickly release guidelines for the implementation of the new foreign exchange regime it announced last week, saying that this would clear up uncertainties surrounding the move. The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had told journalists at the end of the apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) two-day meeting in Abuja, last Tuesday, that in line with the Committee’s decision, the regulator had resolved to introduce greater flexibility in the interbank foreign exchange market structure and to retain a small window for critical transactions for prospective investors. He said the move was aimed at staving off an imminent recession, adding, however, that the CBN would release details of the operation of the market, “at an appropriate time.” According to analysts and forex dealers, the delay by the CBN in releasing the guidelines may have sent mixed signals on its readiness to implement the new policy especially given the concerns that analysts had raised over the retention of a window for critical transactions. Principal Consultant, Henates & Associates, Mr. Hen-

ry Atenaga, said, “Once again, the naira, after months of being rationed at controlled exchange rates, is to be sold and bought at the open market although with two major question marks still looming large above it. “The first question mark has to do with apparent unpreparedness of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the change of direction before the announcement on Tuesday after the monthly monetary policy meeting of the bank. This is hoping that this not yet again another knee jerk decision taken more in anticipation of expected or promised forex inflow as against reality of the Nigerian supply situation.” Besides, he said, “The second question mark has to do with the infidelity buried in the plan to retain a special window for so called critical transactions. This is the window on a larger scale the CBN is actually closing and it is surprising that they expect to travel right by boarding two ships at the same time. It is either the Nigerian foreign supply situation is too critical to leave to market forces alone to value and allocate or it is robust enough for this.” Similarly, a Lagos-based forex dealer, Mr. Martin Ahonsi, said, “The delay in announcing details of how the new policy will be implemented could mean that the CBN may not have finalised plans on the issue. So, it should have waited

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

N19,142,526.05m N18,579,219.49m 13.7 12 10.77 US$49.64 US$26,506,667,908

Mar, 2015 Mar, 2015 April, 2016 23/03/2016 Mar 2015 27/5/2016 23/5/2016

Source:CBN

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

FGN Bonds

TTM

Price 104.54 114.58 111.91 120.62 109.79 100.32 83.54 97.16

1.06 3.23 3.86 5.81 7.94 9.80 14.30 18.29

NIBOR

Rate (%) 4.2500 8.2420 10.1127 11.7162

Bid Yield 10.45 10.54 11.61 11.43 12.23 12.43 12.49 12.54

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

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

Price 104.69 114.88 112.21 120.92 110.09 100.62 83.84 97.46

Tenor (Months)

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

NITTY

Rate (%) 5.1731 6.4137 7.3300 8.8857 9.6247 10.5416

1 2 3 6 9 12

Treasury Bills

Offer Yield 10.30 10.44 11.52 11.36 12.18 12.38 12.44 12.50

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

Money Market

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

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.14

Offer 199.24

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

NIFEX

Spot($/N)

Bid 199.0000

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

196.00

197.00

0.00 ↔

Offer 199.1000

Change (%) -0.08 ▼ -0.08 ▼

Change (%) 0.00 ↔

until everything was ready before making the announcement. Now, there is a lot of uncertainty about how the policy is going to be implemented and this is not good for the market.” Also commenting on the CBN’s failure to provide details on the new forex plan especially in view of the fact that the MPC did not hike interest rates as was widely predicted, Chief Africa Economist at Standard Chartered in London, Razia Khan, said, “Any real liberalisation would be accompanied by some tighten-

ing, as a stabilisation measure, at least in the short term. That does not appear to have been considered. This is at best curious, at worst very worrying.” It would recalled that following the announcement by the CBN that it had decided to adopt a flexible exchange rate, the naira fell from N340 to N351 against the dollar on the parallel market. Investors point out that the CBN’s de facto peg of N197 per dollar had become increasingly unsustainable due to a shortage of hard currency stemming from the slump in oil revenues. According to them, a liberalisation of the forex market is key to boosting economic growth.

CBN Cashless CardExpo to focus on retail payment

he annual CBN Cashless CardExpo Africa, scheduled to hold on 14 – 16 June 2016 at the Eko Hotel and Suites Victoria Island, Lagos will focus on the future of retail payment and e-commerce and how innovation will drive this process, according to statement issued by the organizers. Also, the conference and exhibition will focus on new users as well the service delivery strategy that will deliver the future of retail payments and ecommerce. According to the statement, top retail payment and e-commerce experts will provide strategies on how to position and enhance businesses to guarantee their position in the ever changing retail and ecommerce industry. “The CBN Cashless Card Expo Africa Exhibition continues its tradition of showcasing the most exciting development in the payment industries. With a variety of new innovation technologies, it’s never been more important to keep

pace with industry developments. With banks, payment companies and other industries as well as new entrants as they all are vying for their place at the center of the ecosystem,” the statement added. During the industry awards ceremony, members of the audience will win up to N1,000,0000 (One Million Naira) in shopping vouchers available for lucky winners. Exhibitors on parade this year include both ecommerce and epayment companies from Nigeria, South Africa, Dubai, France, China, Germany etc including over 3,000 visitors and delegates being expected from various professional leanings and industries. An array of experts, analysts and decision makers scheduled to take part in the event. They include the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Deputy Governor Operations, CBN, Mr. Suleiman Barau and Director, Shared Services, CBN, Mr. Chidi Umeano.

Skye Bank provides free Breast Cancer screening

n line with its efforts to stem the scourge of breast cancer amongst women, Skye Bank Plc, in conjunction with its NGO, partner Care. Organization. Public Enlightenment. (C.O.PE), provided free breast cancer screening for over 160 women in Lagos over the weekend. Aside the free screening, beneficiaries also received education on the causes of breast Cancer and how to administer self-check on themselves. They also had private examination sessions with the lead Oncologist and other medics present at the session. During the education session, which preceded the screening exercise, participants were advised by the National Co-ordinator of C.O.PE, Mrs. Ebun Anozie on the need for regular screening and self-awareness, stressing that ‘health is wealth’. She noted that early detection is the key to winning the fight against breast cancer, Anozie advised the women to engage in regular health check, at least

twice a year, in addition to regular self-check. Explaining the reason for the exercise, Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo said as a caring organization desirous to add significant value and improve the health status of its stakeholders, the bank decided to expand the scope of this screening exercise to accommodate its customers, starting with those signed up to Skye Pearl. StanChart, USAID’s $60m partnership boosts Zambia’s power grid Standard Chartered has partnered with the U. S. Government, through USAID, to deliver a term loan worth USD 60 million to Zambia’s Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), making this one of the largest facilities that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has delivered within President Obama’s ‘Power Africa’ partnership since the campaign’s launch in 2013.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

BUSINESS | Financial Market News FMDQ Daily Quotations List

27-May-16

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

Bonds FGN Bonds

Price

Rating/Agency

Issuer

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

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

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

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

581.39 480.13 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 584.43 605.31 719.99 286.02 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 1075.92 105.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

6,459.96

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

6,285.61

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

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

0.22 0.92 1.17 1.26 2.01 3.09 3.41 3.71 5.67 7.80 9.66 12.50 12.98 13.48 14.15 18.14 19.81

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

8.17 11.00 11.46 11.54 12.16 13.05 13.29 13.53 13.65 13.57 13.27 13.36 13.38 13.39 13.42 13.54 13.29

7.52 10.83 11.32 11.41 12.07 12.94 13.17 13.43 13.58 13.51 13.22 13.32 13.33 13.33 13.36 13.49 13.25

101.00 103.46 98.26 97.47 97.47 107.27 83.18 105.66 110.51 102.92 95.82 109.82 94.59 69.82 78.56 90.63 93.75

101.15 103.61 98.41 97.62 97.62 107.57 83.48 105.96 110.81 103.22 96.12 110.12 94.89 70.12 78.86 90.93 94.05

6414.957269

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

1.20

03-Apr-17

0.43

2.94

12.08

102.10

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

0.09 0.09 0.90 0.62 1.60 1.41 1.42 1.39 1.39 1.58 2.00 3.49 1.96 4.50 4.59 2.63 2.66 3.22 3.44 3.47 3.58 6.46 3.73

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

11.43 10.45 11.92 15.56 14.20 12.66 12.67 15.46 15.21 15.62 14.17 15.36 13.12 14.88 17.34 15.20 13.69 14.67 17.33 14.34 15.92 15.43 16.49

100.18 100.41 98.39 98.95 99.68 101.60 101.60 98.86 98.57 99.77 102.13 97.72 102.68 95.59 92.73 98.55 102.67 101.94 97.94 105.41 103.93 105.84 101.32

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

0.34 0.41 0.53 0.90 1.11 1.34 0.80 1.12 1.29 1.29 2.34 1.39 1.47 1.60 2.45 4.47 2.97 5.48 5.59 5.96 4.13 8.34 8.34 9.47

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

9.80 10.42 10.53 16.41 16.66 13.49 12.43 14.57 17.91 12.56 13.60 16.07 17.83 15.10 16.99 14.58 16.50 16.15 14.64 14.64 16.33 14.48 14.48 14.30

100.98 101.46 102.75 100.02 99.78 99.38 104.87 101.34 99.97 103.80 100.72 99.55 100.15 101.14 96.29 102.14 97.77 93.25 106.70 107.14 99.04 108.53 94.09 102.92

10-Oct-20

2.49

3.37

15.92

97.71

Agency Bonds Nil

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1.20

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1.23

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

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

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

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

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

1.30 2.05 57.00 16.45 25.00 23.44 4.22 10.98 8.14 21.68 12.55 80.00 21.65 87.50 5.00 4.03 4.04 14.37 4.39 4.53 27.10 3.00 7.34

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

445.77 441.39

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

536.21

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

540.38

Sukuk BBB-/Agusto

10-Oct-13

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

*OSUN

14.75

9.40

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

9.40

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

9.19

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

11-Feb-18

1.71

1.00

11.30

98.30

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

*AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

12.95

01-Feb-21

2.93

1.00

12.81

96.35

Maturity Date

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

24.95 24.27 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Outstanding Value ($’mm)

Coupon (%)

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

7.19

6.97

98.27

99.14

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

12-Jul-13

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

5.63

5.20

99.00

99.84

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

12-Jul-13

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

7.39

7.22

94.47

95.36

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

1,458.74

Corporate Eurobonds B+/S&P

ACCESS BANK PLC

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

9.16

7.76

97.94

99.43

B/Fitch; B/S&P

FIDELITY BANK PLC

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

22.10

19.98

77.00

79.75

B+/Fitch; B+/S&P

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

7.10

97.56

B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P

ZENITH BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

8.53

94.25

B/Fitch; B/S&P

DIAMOND BANK PLC

8.75 May 21, 2019

21-May-14

8.75

200.00

21-May-19

18.02

16.96

79.36

81.43

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

FIRST BANK PLC ACCESS BANK PLC II FIRST BANK LTD

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

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

8.25 9.25 8.00

300.00 400.00 450.00

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

13.82 16.05 17.16

13.82 15.27 16.78

82.25 76.76 68.99

82.25 79.01 69.99

B-/S&P

ECOBANK NIG. LTD

8.75 AUG 14, 2021

14-Aug-14

8.75

250.00

14-Aug-21

12.23

11.76

84.88

86.63

Maturity Date

DTM

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Discount Rate (%)

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION Rating/Agency

3,150.00 2,670.44 Description

Issuer

Issue Date

Yield @ Issue (%)

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Commercial Papers Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

GUINNESS CP III 29-JUL-16

04-Nov-15

13.75

2.77

29-Jul-16

6.18

13.90

13.58

Bb-/Agusto

UACN COMPANY PLC

UPDC CP 18-OCT-16

18-Apr-16

11.00

16.80

18-Oct-16

144

2.03

11.03

10.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

19.57

**TREASURY BILLS^ DTM 13 20 27 34 48 55 62 69 76

FIXINGS Maturity 9-Jun-16 16-Jun-16 23-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 14-Jul-16 21-Jul-16 28-Jul-16 4-Aug-16 11-Aug-16

Bid Discount (%) 6.28 7.06 6.64 6.80 6.20 7.01 7.14 7.59 7.48

Offer Discount (%) 6.03 6.81 6.39 6.55 5.95 6.76 6.89 7.34 7.23

Bid Yield (%) 6.30 7.08 6.67 6.85 6.25 7.08 7.23 7.70 7.60

Money Market Tenor

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 5.7500 9.9313 11.9021 13.5537

Rate (%)

OBB

4.83

O/N

5.50

Tenor Call 1M 3M

REPO

Rate (%) 5.00 5.83 6.33

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

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

198.84 199.13 199.70 201.04 201.71 206.40 214.72

198.94 199.65 200.03 201.46 202.26 207.07 215.77

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

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

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

581.39 480.13 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 584.43 605.31 719.99 286.02 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57 1075.92 105.00

0.22 0.92 1.17 1.26 2.01 3.09 3.41 3.71 5.67 7.80 9.66 12.50 12.98 13.48 14.15 18.14 19.81

8.17 11.00 11.46 11.54 12.16 13.05 13.29 13.53 13.65 13.57 13.27 13.36 13.38 13.39 13.42 13.54 13.29

7.52 10.83 11.32 11.41 12.07 12.94 13.17 13.43 13.58 13.51 13.22 13.32 13.33 13.33 13.36 13.49 13.25

101.00 103.46 98.26 97.47 97.47 107.27 83.18 105.66 110.51 102.92 95.82 109.82 94.59 69.82 78.56 90.63 93.75

101.15 103.61 98.41 97.62 97.62 107.57 83.48 105.96 110.81 103.22 96.12 110.12 94.89 70.12 78.86 90.93 94.05

BUSINESS |Financial Market News 6414.957269

CSCS gets positive outlook rating 6,285.61

UPGRADE Rating/Agency

Issuer

The new capital requirement reduces TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION counterparty risk Sub-National Bonds exposures in the market Agency Bonds

Description

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

03-Apr-12

17.25

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

1.20

03-Apr-17

0.43

2.94

12.08

102.10

1.20

tive impact on Counterparty BBB+/Agusto *BENUE BENUE 30-JUN-2016 Risk,14.00 Asset Safety Risk, OperaA/Agusto *IMO 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 tional Risk Financial Risk. A+/Agusto; A+/GCR LAGOS 10.00 LAGOS and 19-APR-2017 A-/Agusto *BAYELSA 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 Commenting on the well-deA-/Agusto EDO 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 A/Agusto; A+/GCR *DELTA 14.00rating, DELTA 30-SEP-2018 served Managing DirecA-/Agusto; A-/GCR *NIGER 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 A/Agusto‡ ; A-/GCR† *EKITI 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 tor and Chief Executive Officer Stories by Chris Ugwu A-/Agusto *NIGER 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 of CSCS, Mr. Kyari Bukar said: A-/Agusto; A-/GCR *ONDO 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 BBB+/Agusto; A-/GCR *GOMBE 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 “The upgrade from A- to A is a 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 BBB-/Agusto; BBB+/GCR† he Central*OSUN Securi- significant milestone towards Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR LAGOS 13.50 LAGOS 27-NOV-2020 ties Clearing System being aKOGI globally respected and Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro KOGI 15.00 31-DEC-2020 A/Agusto‡ 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 (CSCS) Plc *EKITI has been leading central06-JAN-2021 securities deposA-/GCR *NASARAWA 15.00 NASARAWA A-/Agusto *BAUCHI 9-DEC-2021 upgraded from A- to A, itory15.50 inBAUCHI Africa. The key upgradA-/Agusto *OYO 16.50 OYO 16-FEB-2022 Bbb-/Agusto indicates ‘Low *BENUE 16.50 BENUE 27-FEB-2022 which Overall ed areas further indicate that we Bbb+/Agusto *PLATEAU 17.50 PLATEAU 30-MAR-2022 Risk’ by Thomas Murray Data made notable improvements in Bbb+/Agusto KOGI 17.00 KOGI II 31-MAR-2022 A-/GCR *CROSS RIVER 17.00 CROSS RIVER 27-MAY-2022 our market’s overall Services, the UK specialist cus- managing TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE tody rating, risk management risks to low level in line with TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION and research firm. best practices. I am glad that Corporate Bonds 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR The overall ratingNAHCO of ‘A’ ac- the efforts made in this regard 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 A-/Agusto FSDH 0.00/16.00 LCRM 08-DEC-2016 Nil over the years is of significant cording to a statement from ***LCRM 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 19-APR-2017 Nil 0.00/16.50 LCRM 06-JUL-2017 Nil CSCS, reflects a weighted aver- impact due toIII the collective ef13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 A/GCR UBA age of seven risk components. fort of our committed staff.” 18.00all C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 BBB-/GCR *C & I LEASING MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 Nil *DANA The rating for Asset *TOWER Servicing Chief Risk and Ratings OfMPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 A-/DataPro†; CCC/GCR TOWER 9-SEP-2018 AAA/DataPro†; ficerMPR+5.25 of Thomas Murray Data Risk hasB/GCR been omitted *TOWER from 14.00 UBA II 30-SEP-2018 A+/Agusto; A/GCR UBA the Overall Risk Rating since Services, Nick Bradley, said: 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 Bbb+/Agusto†; BBB+/GCR† *LA CASERA MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 BBB-/DataPro†; BB/GCR *CHELLARAMS overall rating upgrade CSCS takes no active part in “The 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 Nil *DANA 15.00 FCMB 6-NOV-2020 A-/GCR entitlement calculation the acknowledges actions taken by *FCMB 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020 A+/Agusto; A-/GCR NAHCO or processing of corporate acCSCS over the past few years 15.50 TRANSCORP 4-DEC-2020 Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR *TRANSCORP HOTELS PLC 14.25 FCMB I 20-NOV-2021 BBB/GCR *FCMB tions in the market. UBA to mitigate risks. This is the 16.45 UBA I 30-DEC-2021 A/GCR 16.48 of FIDELITY 13-MAY-2022 BBB/GCR The outlook of CSCS rating result CSCS’s continuous FIDELITY 16.00 TRANSCORP 26-OCT-2022 Bbb/Agusto; A-/GCR HOTELS PLC is ‘Positive’ owing *TRANSCORP to develefforts toward adopting inter182D T.bills+1.20 STANBIC IA 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR STANBIC IBTC 13.25 STANBIC IB 30-SEP-2024 A/GCR STANBIC IBTC national best practices.” opments taking place in the 14.90 NMRC 29-JUL-2030 AAA/GCR *NMRC course of 2016-17, with a posiIn a statement from CSCS, TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

#{r}

the three risk components up30-Jun-11 Commitment 14.00 graded are: Asset 30-Jun-09 15.50 Risk from A19-Apr-10 to AA-, based 10.00 on 30-Jun-10 the shifting 31-Dec-10 of settlement 13.75 value 14.00 30-Sep-11 14.00 ratio in favour of OTC bond 04-Oct-11 14.00 09-Dec-11 14.50 transactions, which overall 12-Dec-13 14.00 have a shorter asset commit14-Feb-12 15.50 02-Oct-12 15.50 ment period22-Nov-12 than on-exchange 14.50 12-Dec-12 Operational 14.75 transactions; 27-Nov-13 13.50 31-Dec-13 15.00 Risk from Ato A, reflecting 31-Dec-13 14.50 improvements in internal con06-Jan-14 15.00 09-Dec-14 15.50 trols, operational procedures 17-Feb-15 16.50 27-Feb-15 and business continuity16.50 plan30-Mar-15 17.50 ning and disaster pro01-Apr-15 recovery 17.00 27-May-15 17.00 cedures; and Governance and Transparency (G&T) Risk from A- to A, on account of better 13.00 disclosure of29-Sep-11 corporate and sta25-Oct-13 14.25 09-Dec-11 0.00/16.00 tistical information on CSCS’s 20-Apr-12 0.00/16.50 website, and06-Jul-12 improved 0.00/16.50 perfor30-Sep-10 13.00 mance management standards 30-Nov-12 18.00 09-Apr-11 16.00 and user group arrangements. 09-Sep-11 18.00 09-Sep-11 16.00 Other major developments, which have30-Sep-11 contributed 14.00 to re18-Oct-13 15.75 17-Feb-12 18.00 ducing settlement risks in the 01-Apr-14 16.00 06-Nov-15the new15.00 market include SEC 14-Nov-13 15.25 minimum capital 04-Dec-15 requirement 15.50 20-Nov-14 14.25 for brokers/dealers (NGN300 30-Dec-14 16.45 13-May-15 16.48 million, approx. USD 1.5 million) 26-Oct-15 16.00 and the shifting of cash settle30-Sep-14 16.29 13.25 ment for on30-Sep-14 exchange transac29-Jul-15 14.90 tions from the afternoon to the

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

BOC Gases reports 11% growth in Q12016 pretax profit Sukuk

BBB-/Agusto

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

6,459.96

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Nil

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

*OSUN

14.75 OSUN II 10-OCT-2020

10-Oct-13

14.75

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

Supranational Bond

AAA/S&P

IFC

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

11-Feb-13

10.20

Aaa/Moody's; AAA/S&P

*AfDB

11.25 AFDB 1-FEB-2021

10-Jul-14

11.25

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION

OC Gases Plc has reported 11.12 per cent growth Rating/Agency Issuer in profit before tax for FGN Eurobonds the first quarter ended March BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P 31, 2016. BB-/Fitch; FGN BB-/S&P The unaudited first quarter BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&Pfinancial results released 2016 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE to the Nigerian Stock Exchange TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION (NSE) showed that the compaCorporate Eurobonds ny’s Profit Before TaxACCESS (PBT) for B+/S&P BANK PLC B/Fitch; B/S&P FIDELITY BANK PLC the period rose to ₦47.569 milB+/Fitch; B+/S&P GTBANK PLC lion, representing aZENITH 11.12 per B+/Fitch; BB-/S&P BANK PLC B/Fitch;y/y B/S&Pgrowth whenDIAMOND BANK PLC cent compared B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK PLC to ₦42.806 million in Q1 2015. B-/Fitch; B/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC II B-/Fitch; B/S&P FIRST BANK LTD However, Profit After Tax B-/S&P ECOBANK NIG. LTD (PAT) was down marginally TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION by 0.22 per cent y/y to ₦32.347 million in Q1 2016 from ₦32.347 Rating/Agency Issuer million in Q1 2015 Commercial Papers Gross earnings for the period Nil

GUINNESS NIGERIA

Bb-/Agusto

UACN COMPANY PLC

under review stood at ₦506.268 inability to meet the March million in Q1 2016, aDescription decline of 31 deadlineIssue forDate the filing of (%) its Coupon 3.09 per cent y/y from ₦533.435 2015 Audited Financial Statemillion in Q1 2015.6.75 JAN 28, 2021 ments (AFS)07-Oct-11 with the Nigerian 6.75 BOC Gases reported 47 per Stock Exchange (NSE). 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 12-Jul-13 5.13 cent decline in profit after tax The company, in a state6.38 JUL 12, 2023 12-Jul-13 6.38 for the full year ended December ment to its stakeholders signed 31, 2015 to ₦121.190 million from by the Finance Director, Mr. ₦227.201 million a year ago. Adeshina Alayaki, said: “Due Profit before tax7.25 dropped by to an outstanding matter on JUL 25, 2017 25-Jul-12 7.25 MAY 09, 2018 09-May-13 6.88 the treatment of the Service 58 per cent during6.88the period 6.00 NOV 08, 2018 08-Nov-13 6.00 under review, from ₦310.207 Level Agreement (SLA) 6.25 with 6.25 APR 22, 2019 22-Apr-14 8.75 May 21, 2019 21-May-14 8.75 million in 2014 8.25 to AUG ₦131.042 our parent company, Linde 07, 2020 07-Aug-13 8.25 million recorded inLIBOR+7.677 2015, while 9.25/6M USD JUN 24, 2021 AG of Germany 24-Jun-14, which is 9.25 be8.00/2Y USD SWAP+6.488 JUL 23 2021 23-Jul-14 8.00 revenue equally decreased by ing resolved14-Aug-14 with the Financial 8.75 AUG 14, 2021 8.75 10 per cent to ₦1.987 billion in Reporting Council of Nigeria 2015 from ₦2.212 billion a year (FRCN), we would not be able earlier. to file our 2015 AFS with the NiDescription Issue Date Yield @ Issue (%) The management of BOC gerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Gases Plc had explained its before March 31, this year”. GUINNESS CP III 29-JUL-16

04-Nov-15

13.75

UPDC CP 18-OCT-16

18-Apr-16

11.00

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1.23

morning of settlement date (SD). 1.30 0.09 The new 30-Jun-16 capital require2.05 30-Jun-16 0.09 ment, from NGN 57.00 (increased 19-Apr-17 0.90 70 16.45 30-Jun-17 0.62 million), reduces counterparty 25.00 31-Dec-17 1.60 23.44 30-Sep-18 1.41 risk exposures in the market; 4.22 04-Oct-18 1.42 10.98 1.39 to however, it is09-Dec-18 not sufficient 8.14 12-Dec-18 1.39 warrant a Counterparty Risk 21.68 14-Feb-19 1.58 12.55 02-Oct-19 2.00 rating upgrade. Cash settlement 80.00 22-Nov-19 3.49 21.65 Central12-Dec-19 1.96 at the Bank of Nigeria 87.50 27-Nov-20 4.50 5.00 31-Dec-20 4.59 (CBN), for on exchange transac4.03 31-Dec-20 2.63 tions, around 9.00am 4.04 now occurs 06-Jan-21 2.66 09-Dec-21 3.22 SD 14.37 (changed from 3.00pm SD), 4.39 16-Feb-22 3.44 4.53 is about 27-Feb-22 3.47 sewhich an hour after 27.10 3.00 7.34

30-Mar-22 31-Mar-22 27-May-22

3.58 6.46 3.73

0.34 0.41 0.53 0.90 1.11 1.34 0.80 1.12 1.29 1.29 2.34 1.39 1.47 1.60 2.45 4.47 2.97 5.48 5.59 5.96 4.13 8.34 8.34 9.47

curities settlement at CSCS. This 4.46 11.43 100.18 commove has reduced the asset 3.48 10.45 100.41 mitment period for sales, but 1.00 11.92 98.39 5.71 15.56 98.95 there is still no interdependence 2.39 14.20 99.68 101.60 of1.00 the cash12.66 leg and securities leg 1.00 12.67 101.60 3.82 15.46 98.86 settlement, i.e. no delivery ver3.56 15.21 98.57 sus 3.82 payment 15.62 (DVP) settlement. 99.77 2.02 14.17 102.13 Thomas Murray Data Ser2.01 15.36 97.72 1.00 13.12 102.68 vices maintains proprietary 1.30 14.88 95.59 3.76 17.34 of over 130 92.73 CSDs assessments 2.53 15.20 98.55 globally as13.69 part of the102.67 Thomas 1.00 1.52 14.67 101.94 Murray Depository Risk As4.01 17.33 97.94 1.00 14.34 sessment services. 105.41 2.52 1.79 3.04

15.92 15.43 16.49

103.93 105.84 101.32

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

9.80 10.42 10.53 16.41 16.66 13.49 12.43 14.57 17.91 12.56 13.60 16.07 17.83 15.10 16.99 14.58 16.50 16.15 14.64 14.64 16.33 14.48 14.48 14.30

100.98 101.46 102.75 100.02 99.78 99.38 104.87 101.34 99.97 103.80 100.72 99.55 100.15 101.14 96.29 102.14 97.77 93.25 106.70 107.14 99.04 108.53 94.09 102.92

6.18

13.90

13.58

2.03

11.03

Bonds fall with emerging markets as dollar gets lift 445.77 441.39 15.00 5.53 112.22 116.70 66.49 20.00 0.46 3.60 1.82 0.50 35.00 1.50 0.27 4.50 20.87 2.05 9.76 26.00 30.50 30.00 10.00 0.10 15.44 7.90

he Federal factor dominated global markets, battering bonds and developing-nation currencies. According to Bloomberg News, treasury 10-year futures slid the most in almost two weeks and German bonds declined after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, said an interest-rate increase is likely in coming months. Emerging-market curren536.21 540.38 cies headed toward the worst month since August and gold fell 9.40 for a ninth10-Oct-20 day in its longest 2.49 9.40 streak in a year. Eurolosing 9.19 pean stocks rose, with trading volumes less than half the daily 12.00 11-Feb-18 1.71 average amid01-Feb-21 market closures 12.95 2.93 in 24.95 the U.S. and U.K. Brazil’s 24.27 benchmark index fell to its lowOutstanding Value est($’mm) in more than sevenBid weeks, Maturity Date Yield (%) while oil advanced amid fighting500.00 in Libya and before an OPEC 28-Jan-21 7.19 meeting this week in Vienna. 500.00 12-Jul-18 5.63 The Bloomberg Dollar Spot 500.00 12-Jul-23 7.39 Index was poised for its biggest 1,500.00 monthly jump since Septem1,458.74 ber 2014, having surged as Fed Funds futures25-Jul-17 showed the9.16 odds 350.00 02-May-18 22.10 by of 300.00 a U.S. interest-rate hike 400.00 08-Nov-18 7.10 the500.00 end of July more than8.53 dou22-Apr-19 200.00 bled to 59 per21-May-19 cent. Yellen18.02 said 300.00 07-Aug-20 13.82 that an improving 400.00 24-Jun-21 American 16.05 450.00 23-Jul-21 economy would probably17.16 war250.00 14-Aug-21 12.23 rant another increase in bor3,150.00 2,670.44 costs “in the coming rowing months,” Outstanding Valuea view also expressed DTM Maturity Date by (₦’bn) several regional Fed chiefs in recent weeks. 2.77

29-Jul-16

16.80

18-Oct-16

144

“What Yellen said confirmed the Fed is open for a June rate increase, and it’s now data dependent,” said Carl Hammer, chief currency strategist at SEB A/B in Stockholm. “The Fed might be on hold next month due to Britain’s European Union referendum, but then make it explicit there will be an increase in July. Our view is that there’s more room to add to positive dollar bets.” Yellen spoke after data showed U.S. economic growth picked up15.92 more than 97.71 was pre3.37 viously estimated in the first quarter. Reports scheduled for this week include April per1.00 11.30 98.30 sonal income and spending, 1.00 12.81 96.35 and May payrolls. Ten-year Treasury futures contracts for September Offer Yield (%) Bid Price Offer Price delivery slid 12/32, or $3.75 per Prices & Yields $1,000 face98.27 amount, to 129 10/32, 6.97 99.14 based on electronic trading at 5.20 99.00 99.84 the Chicago Board of Trade. 7.22 94.47 95.36 German 10-year bunds fell, with yields rising three basis points to 0.17 per cent, erasing their three-basis point99.43 drop in 7.76 97.94 19.98 previous 77.00 week. Yields 79.75 the on 7.10 97.56 97.56 similar-maturity French 8.53 94.25 94.25bonds 16.96 81.43 rose three79.36 basis points to 0.50 13.82 82.25 82.25 per 15.27 cent. 76.76 79.01 16.78 68.99 69.99 Germany’s annual inflation 11.76 84.88 86.63 rate rose to zero in May, the Federal Statistical Office said Risk Monday , beating Valuation Yield the minus 0.1 Discount Rate (%) Premium (%) per (%) cent forecast in a Bloomberg survey of analysts. #

10.57

27-May-16

19.57

The DQL contains data relating to, amongst other things, market and model prices, rates of foreign exchange products, fixed income securities and instruments in the financial market (the “Information”). not constitute professional, financial or **TREASURY BILLS^ FIXINGS Money MarketThe Information does Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) investment advice. Information is accurate; however, the Information is provided “AS IS” and AVAILABLE” basis and mayNIBOR not be accurate or up to date. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, performance DTM We attempt to ensure the Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) on an “AS Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) 13 9-Jun-16 6.28liability for the results of any 6.03 6.30 of the Information. or fitness for a particular purpose of any of 16-Jun-16 the Information, neither do we accept action taken on the basis OBB 4.83 Tenor Bid ($/N) Offer ($/N) 20 7.06 6.81 7.08 Tenor Rate (%) 27 34 48 55 62 69 Rating/Agency 76 83 97 104 118 132 139 146 153 160 174 188 195 202 NA 223 237 251 265 279 293 300 314 328 342

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

FGN Bonds

6.64 6.80 6.20 7.01 7.14 7.59 Description 7.48 7.46 13.05 16-AUG-2016 8.30 8.22 15.10 27-APR-2017 8.52 9.85 27-JUL-2017 8.66 8.85 9.35 31-AUG-2017 8.89 10.70 30-MAY-2018 9.05 ^16.00 29-JUN-20198.70 9.08 7.00 23-OCT-2019 9.02 ^15.54 13-FEB-20209.37 ^16.39 27-JAN-20229.59 10.00 ^14.20 14-MAR-2024 10.07 ^12.50 22-JAN-202610.02 15.00 28-NOV-2028 10.23 10.16 12.49 22-MAY-2029 9.89 8.50 20-NOV-2029 9.88 ^10.00 23-JUL-203010.52 10.23 ^12.1493 18-JUL-2034 10.42

6.39 6.55 5.95 6.76 6.89 7.34 Issue 7.23Date 7.21 8.05 16-Aug-13 7.97 27-Apr-12 8.27 8.41 27-Jul-07 8.60 31-Aug-07 8.64 30-May-08 8.80 8.45 29-Jun-12 8.83 23-Oct-09 8.77 13-Feb-15 9.12 9.34 27-Jan-12 9.75 14-Mar-14 9.82 22-Jan-16 9.77 9.98 28-Nov-08 9.91 22-May-09 9.64 20-Nov-09 9.63 10.27 23-Jul-10 9.98 18-Jul-14 10.17

^12.40 18-MAR-2036

18-Mar-16

6.67 Bonds 6.85

6.25 7.08 7.23 7.70 Coupon 7.60 (%) 7.58 8.49 13.05 8.42 15.10 8.76 8.94 9.85 9.16 9.35 9.22 10.70 9.41 9.04 16.00 9.50 7.00 9.46 15.54 9.86 10.13 16.39 10.66 14.20 10.77 12.50 10.76 11.05 15.00 11.02 12.49 10.74 8.50 10.75 11.57 10.00 11.26 12.1493 11.55

12.4000

O/N 1M 3M 6M

5.7500 9.9313 11.9021 13.5537

Tenor 581.39 1M 480.13 2M 3M 20.00 6M 100.00 9M 300.00 12M

6,459.96 6,285.61

Rating/Agency

Description

Issuer

Issue Date

FMBN

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Modified Duration Buckets

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

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

Coupon (%)

Rate (%) 5.00 5.83 Bid6.33 Yield 6.83

(%)

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

<3 3<5 >5 Market

17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017

Porfolio Market Value (₦’bn)

986.43 1,409.90 1,439.80 3,836.13

Total Outstanding Volume (₦’bn)

03-Apr-12 Weighting by Outstanding Volume

928.23 1,325.30 1,667.49 3,921.02

23.67 33.80 42.53 100.00

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

17.25 Weighting by Mkt Value 25.71 36.75 37.53 100.00

14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50

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

0.22 8.17 7.52 NOTE: 0.92 11.00 10.83 :Benchmarks 1.17 11.46 11.32 * :Amortising Bond 1.26 11.54 11.41 µ :Convertible Bond 2.01 Management Corporation 12.16 12.07 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria FGN: Federal 3.09Government of Nigeria 13.05 12.94 FMBN: Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria 3.41 13.29 13.17 IFC: International Finance Corporation 3.71Contractors Receivables 13.53 Management 13.43 LCRM: Local NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 5.67 13.65 13.58 O/N: Overnight 7.80 13.57 13.51 UPDC: UAC Property Development Company 9.66Africa Portland 13.27 WAPCO:West Cement Company13.22 12.50 13.36 13.32 12.98 13.38 13.33 13.48 13.39 13.33 14.15 13.42 13.36 18.14 13.54 13.49 19.81 13.29 13.25

198.84 199.13 199.70 201.04 201.71 206.40 Bid Price 214.72 221.39

198.94 199.65 200.03 Price 201.46 202.26 207.07 Offer 215.77Price 221.71

101.00 103.46

101.15 103.61

109.82 94.59 69.82 78.56 90.63 93.75

110.12 94.89 70.12 78.86 90.93 94.05

Valuation Yield (%)

Modelled Price

NA :Not 98.26 Applicable 98.41 ^ : Market Prices 97.47 97.62 # : Floating Rate Bond 97.47coupon bonds 97.62 ***: Deferred DTM: Days-To-Maturity 107.27 107.57 TTM: Term-To-Maturity 83.18 83.48 ‡ : Bond rating under review 105.96 †: Bond105.66 rating expired N/A :Not110.51 Available 110.81 {r} :Issuer in receivership 102.92 103.22 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 95.82Bank for Africa 96.12 UBA: United

6414.957269

Outstanding Value (₦’bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX

Agency Bonds Nil

Rate (%) 16-Aug-16 6.5289 27-Apr-17 7.2534 8.0075 27-Jul-17 9.4509 31-Aug-17 11.0657 30-May-18 11.9974

351.30 29-Jun-19 233.90 23-Oct-19 NIFEX 584.43 13-Feb-20 Current Price ($/N) 605.31 27-Jan-22 BID($/N) 199.0000 719.99 14-Mar-24 OFFER ($/N) 199.1000 286.02 22-Jan-26 75.00 28-Nov-28 150.00 22-May-29 200.00 20-Nov-29 591.57 23-Jul-30 1075.92 18-Jul-34 105.00 18-Mar-36

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

5.50

REPO

Outstanding Value Maturity Date (₦’bn) NITTY

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

O/N

1.20

Bucket Weighting

1.20 1.23

1.30 2.05 57.00 16.45 25.00 23.44 4.22 10.98 8.14 21.68 12.55

0.24 0.34 0.43 1.00

03-Apr-17 % Exposure_ Mod_Duration 12.68 29.24 58.09 100.00

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

0.43

Implied Yield

13.36 13.60 13.50 13.51

0.09 0.09 0.90 0.62 1.60 1.41 1.42 1.39 1.39 1.58 2.00

# Risk Premium (%)

2.94 Implied Portfolio Price 134.5672 147.5907 112.6161 129.6340

4.46 3.48 1.00 5.71 2.39 1.00 1.00 3.82 3.56 3.82 2.02

12.08

INDEX

1,224.25 1,279.52 1,357.70 1,234.45

11.43 10.45 11.92 15.56 14.20 12.66 12.67 15.46 15.21 15.62 14.17

102.10 YTD Return (%) 10.5069 26.3636 34.8243 16.9895

100.18 100.41 98.39 98.95 99.68 101.60 101.60 98.86 98.57 99.77 102.13

NEWS | south-west

Global fund’s audit: NGOs task FG on citizens’health Sola Adeyemo IBADAN

coalition of Nigerian Health Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has challenged the Nigerian government to be more committed to issues affecting the health of the nation’s citizens. The appeal was sequel to the recent declaration by the Global Fund for HIV/ AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) that there were challenges of grants not achieving targets, there was poor quality of health services, treatment disruptions and fraud, as well as corruption and misuse of funds in Nigeria. The call was made in a special release jointly signed by the coordinators of the organisations including Oluwakemi Gbadamosi (AIDS Healthcare Foundation), Ibrahim Umoru (Good Health Educators Initiative) and Steve Aborisade (Projekthope) and made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday. The groups advocated that Nigeria must lead by example by committing tangible resources of her

own to treating the sick and putting in place credible measures to safeguard investments in the health of her people, to consolidate on the gains recorded through the interventions of the GFATM over the years. These, the coalition said, also include "provision of HIV care and treatment to 750,000 Nigerians, treatment of 310,000 TB cases and distribution of 93.4 million mosquito nets to Nigerian families," adding that "the country remains the highest beneficiary of the funds as it has accessed up to $1.43 billion of varying levels of assistance within the last 13 years". The coalition commended government for proactively responding to the instance of fraud and lack of funds performance as recently revealed by Global Fund’s audit, "with the immediate drafting of our anti-corruption body, the EFCC to investigate the claims of the Fund and with the immediate setting up of two national committees to review associated governance issues, as well as the effort of our parliament in same regard".

tuesday, may 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Adams to Yoruba leaders: Set up militia to defend your territories

Babatope Okeowo AKURE

he National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, yesterday asked communities in the South-West geo-political zone to set up ethnic militia to defend them against ramping Fulani herdsmen destroying crops and lives. He said OPC alone should not be saddled with the responsibility of defending Yoruba interest. Adams also pushed for the rework of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in such a way that would allow for each state of the federation to have its own police to defend the citizens.

Delivering a lecture, titled: “Farmers/Herdsmen attacks; what implications for ethnic Nigeria”, organized by the State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to mark this year’s Democracy Day, Adams faulted President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement that the 2014 National Conference would be kept in the archive. Speaking to array of people including monarchs, commissioners, top government officials, security personnel and members of the OPC drawn from 18 local government areas of the state, Adams said he may not be in a position to restrain his members if the incessant killing of the people in the zone by the Fulani herdsmen persists. He faulted the nation’s

federalism that allows the states to go to Abuja every month for federal allocation that cannot pay civil servants’ salaries. According to him, Nigeria’s federalism as it is presently operated is not sustainable and must be reworked to reflect true federalism, unlike the present unitary system. His words: “Nigeria is supposed to be a federal republic but it operates a unitary constitution where the states, like children, simply go to Abuja at the end of every month to collect food. They cannot even feed themselves. Is it not an utter shame that the descendants of the Oyo Empire, Kanem-Bornu Empire, Benin Empire, and so on, have to go cap in hand to Abuja, to collecting allocation that cannot

even pay workers’ salaries when the traditional system which guaranteed full employment and a decent standard of living can be recreated through proper federalism like we have in the United States.” On the need for state police to tackle the menace of herdsmen, Adams said: “If, for instance, there is state police, would the herdsmen have found it easy to attack farmers, rape women and slaughter them afterwards, burn down entire villages, and even carry out major robberies on major highways while the security agencies look the other way? “For how long shall we have Chief Security Officers (governors) of states who do not even have the police under their control?"

My emergence as governor, an actagos of God –Ambode State Governor, have tried as much as posMr. Akinwunmi Am- sible not to misplace that L bode, yesterday said that opportunity. his emergence as governor of the state is an assignment from God, even as he vowed not to relent in offering selfless service to humanity. Speaking at a thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja in commemoration of his first year anniversary, the Governor said his election despite many challenges, was a clear indication that God was involved right from the beginning. Ambode, who stated that he never thought he would come this far in politics, also said that he would continue to draw strength and inspiration from the Almighty. His words: “Exactly a year ago today, I stood before a larger congregation trying to commit myself to the opportunity that you gave me to serve you and I

“I just want to thank everybody for believing in me. When I became a politician, I used to call myself a techno-politician, that is a technocrat and a politician. I never believed that I could ever survive up till this moment if not for the grace of God. “I believe so much that this is an assignment from God, and that is why I am doing it with all my effort, and give back to humanity. God has been too kind to me, and for that reason, I have decided that I will serve the people selflessly to the will of God.”

£98.5m

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

L-R: Managing Director of Eurobel International Limited, Alhaji Rufai Bello; Chairman House Committee on National Orientation, Hon. Segun Odebunmi; Special Adviser to Dr. Orji Kalu, Prince Kunle Oyewumi; Chairman House Committee on ICT, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, and Managing Director, Beckyville Limited, Mr. Niyi Fehintola, at Soun's 90th birthday celebration in Ogbomoso …on Friday.

Lagos plans information centre to drive inclusive governance Muritala Ayinla

s part of strategies to enable the estimated 22 million Lagos residents have a say in governance, the Lagos State Government has said it is presently considering setting up Citizens’ Information Centres across the state to serve as a one-stopshop for all residents to access public information. Briefing journalists on the role of his ministry in information management

in the state, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who disclosed this, said beyond disseminating the information about government policies to the grassroots, an avenue would be created to reach out to government in addition to the quarterly town hall meetings of the governor with residents. Ayorinde said this is in recognition of the crucial role that information management plays in the success or failure of any

administration, and the commitment of Governor Ambode to carry residents along on his administration's policies. Hence, the commissioner said, the state's information management bureau is exploring all the social media to reach out to majority of the residents, particularly the youths. He said: "The Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led government is determined to run an all-inclusive government in which everyone would have a voice.

The need to make this exhilarating model of government a success calls for creativity and innovation in the management of public information. “Though the task of managing public information and perception in a cosmopolitan place like Lagos, where over 80 percent of the nation’s media has more than a presence, is a complex one, but the unwavering support of Governor Ambode has, however, made the job an exciting one."

Leave Fayemi out of your deceit PDP must restructure before Edo, Ondo guber polls –Olanipekun to pick credible governorship I am sure the leadership will competent and acceptable BabatopeOkeowo in Ekiti, APC tells Fayose candidates that would deliver resolve it very soon. Already, candidate for the election.” AKURE he All Progressives Con- and mindless treatment of to the party in the elections. they are resolving it. There On the threat of APC, T gress (APC) in Ekiti State Ekiti workers while Fayose Olanipekun, who was a is no big problem about that. Olanipekun said: “Sincerehas warned Governor Ayo- enjoys lavish lifestyle”. Peoples Democratic Par- commissioner for Youths “I can assure you PDP is ly, APC is no threat to us in dele Fayose to stop malignPraising Ekiti workers Aty (PDP) governorship and Sports in Ondo State, going to win the November Ondo State; they can have ingformerGovernorKayode for their steadfast resolve aspirant in Ondo State, Al- expressed optimism that 26 governorship election in the Federal might, but that Fayemi, over his inability to pay workers’ salaries. It said blaming the former governor for purportedly plunging the state into debts is a wicked manipulation of the ignorance of the people to justify “an unconscionable

to continue their strike over Fayose’s way to deny them their entitlement, the party explained that just like in 2003 during his first term, “Fayose is here again with his lies with intent to defraud”.

haji Yekini Olanipekun yesterday asked the leadership of the party to put its house in order before the elections coming up in Edo and Ondo State later in the year. He also advised the leadership of the PDP in the states

the PDP would defeat its rivals in any election in the state because of the record of achievement of Governor Olusegun Mimiko. His words: “There is no crisis in PDP, what we have is conflicting interest of people.

Ondo State. I am 100 percent sure about that because of what Governor Mimiko has done in the state. He has set the template of governance and to me he has done well. “I belief our party will put forward a popular,

does not have anything to do with us in this state. I am not from Abuja, Lagos or Osun, we are talking of Ondo State; we know one another, we know what we want, and Federal might is never a threat to us in this state.

News|SOUTH-EAST

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Ebonyi PDP suspends youth leader Uchenna Inya ABAKALIKI

bonyi State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday suspended its youth leader, Mark Onu, for causing public disorder and attempt to disrupt the 2016 democracy day celebration in the state. Onu had on Sunday at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, engaged in free for all which saw the leader of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the state, Elder Sam Igwe, beaten up along with members of his group during the democracy day celebration. Igwe and other youths were injured during the incident which led to the dispersing of all the youths in the stadium by security agents. Angered by the incident, Governor Dave Umahi ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of Onu. He said: “I condemn in its entirety the actions of

members of the Akubaraoha Consultative Assembly this afternoon. When they were trying to make trouble, I sent somebody to warn them. “And because our words must be matched with action, I hereby proscribe the Assembly; it will no longer exist in Ebonyi State. “Because I am the leader of the PDP in Ebonyi State, the PDP working committee must meet and remove Mark Onu as the PDP youth leader. ‘’The Commissioner of Police must arrest him and prosecute him for public disorder and trying to disrupt the democracy day celebration, I so move’’. He urged the people of the state to willingly pay their taxes to enable the government continue in its resolve to develop the state. Governor Umahi assured that no one will be harassed to pay the taxes and assured that he will complete all the abandoned projects in the state.

Okorocha disowns presidential posters Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

over nor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has distanced himself from the posters bearing the image of the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2019 presidential election, pasted in some parts of Owerri, the state capital. In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, the governor said the poster saga was another act of mischief by elements cowed by what he had achieved as governor of Imo State and what he represents in the politics

of the South-East and Nigeria in general. “Those behind this mischief first invaded the social media with the fake posters and when they discovered that the comments by decent men and women had all doubted the source and the genuineness of the posters, they decided to paste them in Abuja”, the statement read in part. The statement said it was difficult to tell what the characters behind the posters wanted to achieve. Onwuemeodo averred that it seemed the mischief makers’ only intention was to sow seeds of discord in the relationship existing between President Muhammadu Buhari

and Governor Okorocha. Continuing he said, “Interestingly, Governor Okorocha has for some times now been reported to have told those willing to hear that he won’t run for the 2019 presidential election because of President Buhari. By repeatedly saying that, he succeeded in disarming the little minds who had used that issue to blackmail him. And now they have begun to publish Okorocha being the Vice-Presidential running mate to Governor Shettima.” Noting that the poster plot cannot fly, Onwuemeodo, maintained that Governor Rochas Okorocha is not known for double-standard.

Ebonyi wins 2016 Democracy Day school debate

bonyi State has won the 2016 Democracy School Debate. It defeated Taraba and Police teams at the finals of the championship organised by the President’s School Debate Nigeria (PSDN) a nongovernmental organisation from May 24 to May 28 in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PSDN comprised private and public sector stakeholders. Dr. Adaeze Nwauzor, Ebonyi Centenary Debate team leader, told NAN on Monday that Ebonyi would represent Nigeria in an international school debate competition in Indonesia. She commended Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, and his wife for their support and commitment to human development. Nwauzor, who is the Senior Special Adviser to Umahi on Higher Education, said that the governor’s support and passion for educational development of the state contributed to the team’s victory. She also thanked the organisers, especially, Dare Olotu, PSDN’s National Coordinator and all the members of the committee, for a well organised debate. NAN recalls that Olotu had at the opening ceremony, said that the essence of the competition was to bring Nigerian students to debate on motions affecting the country.

MASSOB members in their acclaimed celebration of BIAFRA day at Edinburgh Road, Enugu… yesterday.

HURIWA demands Kanu, others’ release

uman Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and the former National Security Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki, as well as others being tried for various offences by the Federal Government. The group said the continued detention of Kanu and the former NSA was a flagrant disobedience of court orders. HURIWA, said the failure of the Buhari’s administration to respect due process in the cases involving political opponents like erstwhile Director of Media of the PDP, Olisa Metuh,

as well as the former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, was against the principle of democracy. “In January this year, two courts granted Kanu bail including a Federal High Court in Abuja but the president’s statement during a media chat intimidated judges to steer clear of granting bails to the duo of Kanu and Dasuki for purportedly committed ‘very serious offences’ and cannot be released in his words’’, the group said. In a press statement, HURIWA said: “Ever since Mr. President’s media chat, the courts and the judges have consistently failed to use their powers under Section 6 of the constitution to compel the executive

to comply with the bail orders. “Just as the Court of Appeal has followed the body language of Mr. President by affirming the denial of bail to Kanu whose so-called offence is for calling for the actualisation of a separate state out of Nigeria to be called Biafra to be composed of the South East if a refer endum agrees with this aspiration”. HURIWAR, said it considered Kanu as well as the others as political prisoner who should be released forthwith. It maintained that the Universal Declaration of Human rights guarantees the rights to freedom of speech including the rights to agitate for separate statehood.

Atiku to chair book launch on Biafra Johnchuks Onuanyim Abuja

ormer Vice-President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar is to chair the launching of a book: “We are all Biafrans”, written by a renowned journalist and author, Mr. Chido Onumah. The launching will take place today at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Center in Abuja. According to Atiku media office, the book was a collection of essays written over a three year period on the national question in Nigeria by Onumah. The statement explained that Onumah in this book contended that most, if not all of the problems of Nigeria today were as a result of the way the country was structured. As he did in his previous books, he made an eminently logical case for an urgent socio-political restructuring of Nigeria by way of genuine federalism, in order to ward off a looming catastrophe that could endanger the nation’s collective wellbeing. He argued that the country needed to engage episodic political convulsions that threaten its very foundation, including Biafra, June 12, Boko Haram, the “National Question”, citizenship rights and militancy. Also, in the book, according to the statement, he raised fundamental questions such as, what is Nigeria and who is a Nigerian? If Nigeria was a Federal Republic, what constitutes or should constitute the federating units?

Increasing violence against children worries UNICEF ficer, Media and External Kenneth Ofoma ENUGU

he United Nation’s International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the rising level of violence against children in Nigeria. The international agency stated that the nation has witnessed, and continue to witness grave violations of children’s rights such as killings, abductions, sexual violence and use in suicide bombings by Boko Haram. The organization noted that in the North East for instance, more than 1.2 million children have been displaced; more than half of them below the age of five. “It’s time to take action – renewing efforts to end violence against children,” it said. UNICEF in statement issued by Ijeoma Onuoha Ogbe, Communication Of-

Relations, UNICEF Enugu, noted that the theme of the just celebrated 2016 Children’s Day, “Protect the rights of the child in the face of violence and insecurity: End child marriage” helps to shed a much needed light on the plight of children. UNICEF stressed that even those living away from the crisis in the North East are also at risk of violence, especially as it concerns herdsmen-farmers related bloody clashes. “The Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey (carried out by the National Population Commission, with the support of UNICEF and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), launched by Government of Nigeria in September 2015, highlighted the prevalence of sexual, physical, and emotional violence suffered by children in Nigeria.”

NEWS | south-south

tuesday, may 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

My life’s in danger, Gbaramatu monarch cries out

he Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba, has raised the alarm that his life is in danger following last Saturday's invasion of Oporoza community, his home town, by the military. The monarch raised the alarm when the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, BrigadierGeneral Paul Boroh (rtd), paid an unscheduled visit to his palace in Oporoza, calling on government to come to his rescue. Our correspondent, who was in the entourage of the Special Adviser, reports that Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, was now a ghost town as the once bubbling coastal community have been deserted, following the onslaught by the military, who took over the community in search of re-invented militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). The monarch, who was visibly touched by the unfolding episode of persistent invasion of his

kingdom and the unpalatable experience of the 2009 bombing by the military, said he feels threatened by the presence of the military in his community as nobody knows the fate that would befall them as the military had occupied houses vacated by his subjects. "They came with a large number of soldiers, beat up people, loot our houses, descended on our

A’Ibom APC members defect to PDP

Dominic Adewole

Tony Anichebe Uyo

o fewer than 1, 000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Our correspondent learnt that the defector APC members were supporters of Mr. Victor Ini Okon, who was the party’s House of Assembly candidate for Oron/Udung Uko state constituency during the 2015 general elections before he decamped to the PDP a day to his rerun election into the state constituency seat that was declared vacant by the Appeal Court. Speaking during a meeting at Eyo Abasi, Oron Local Government Area, the leader of a political group, Oron Liberation Coalition, Mr. Benedict Ekpe, who also served as the campaign manager for the APC House of Assembly candidate during the 2015 elections, said they decided to return to their former party, the PDP, having seen the quality leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel and his interest for Oron nation.

people, humiliated my people and even injured an 80-year-old chief. Some women are even looking for their children. I sit down here seeing the military parade my people as if they are criminals. I am in deep pains. I cannot move out of this palace. In fact, I am under arrest. All my chiefs are nowhere to be found. I am here alone and I don’t know what will happen to

me next. The soldiers are now the owners of this kingdom." "We are a peace loving kingdom, but I don’t know why the government will treat me this way. You don't have to judge a kingdom from Abuja or Lagos. You have to come down, like the way you are here now, come down and see for yourself. But they are judging us from Abuja and Lagos.

Deserted Oporuza Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State following military invasion …yesterday.

ASABA

elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has banned Fulani herdsmen from carrying offensive weapons in the state while grazing their flocks. The governor, who spoke during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting with heads of Fulani settlements in the state tagged; “Fostering Peaceful Co-existence Between Farmers, Host Communities and Herdsmen in Delta State,” decried a situation whereby farm produce were destroyed by the herdsmen. The meeting, attended

Okowa bans herdsmen from carrying offensive weapons

by traditional rulers’ council, communities heads, farmers’ association, local government chairmen, Miyetti Allah, Miyetti Allah Kautu Hore, Cattle Dealers Association, Cattle Breeders Association, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslim leaders, Civil Society Organisations, the military, police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well as Nigeria Immigration Service,

Sacked NIMASA workers seek reinstatement Bayo Akomolafe

o fewer than 16 workers sacked by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), have appealed to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene in their matter and ensure their reinstatement. The appointment of the aggrieved workers was terminated by the former Director General of the agency, Mr. Raymond Temisan Omat-

“Help us rescue that old man and myself, I am in danger as you can see. You met me here in the dark. I am in the dark. Before this time, I told them that we are prepared to work with government. We have been working with government before now and I don't know why they are treating us this way. “I am in danger. I am in the dark; they switched off the generating set that supplies electricity. No water, even I have not taken my bath. I am afraid. No member of my community is around. They have invaded my palace, claim some houses. I want to say that I am in danger," the Gbaramatu monarch lamented. While saying that they are not criminals to deserve such inhuman treatment, he said the military have bluntly turned down efforts to get them discuss with him. He said: "I want government to come to my rescue. I know that they are here by an order, but that does not mean they should not discuss with me. We are not happy. We are not Niger Delta Avengers. We are not hiding militants in Gbarama-

seye, who is currently serving a five-year jail term over alleged fraud. Omatseye, who was suspended from office by former President Goodluck Jonathan on allegations of fraudulent activities in December 2010, was found guilty of the offence by a Federal High Court in Lagos two weeks ago. In a letter signed by one Rapheal Omojo, the sacked workers accused Omatseye of vindictiveness and nepotism.

also frowned at the offensive activities of the herdsmen. Okowa while declaring the event open, urged participants to speak freely about the way out of the quagmire to ensure a peaceful state, where people can co-exist and carry out their businesses without fear. He said: “Issues of misunderstanding between the herdsmen and our communities have become worrisome in recent times and we don’t

want it to continue, Deltans are hospitable people, but would-be visitors to the state should know that they should live in peace with the people. “The communities are beginning to lose patience and I hope we will be able to speak frankly and in a peaceful manner for us to proffer ways forward.” The meeting, however, resolved that security agents should be proactive and arrest anybody caught with AK 47 rifle and prosecute such persons.

Agip’s force majeure cuts oil production by 5,200 bpd Chris Ejim Yenagoa

ni, the parent company of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) yesterday said that it has declared a force majeure on oil exports from the Brass Oil Export Terminal off Bayelsa shoreline. Force majeure is a legal concept that absolves companies from liabilities of contractual obligations due to factors

outside its control. Eni also said that the oil firm’s production was cut by 4,200 barrels per day following attack on its pipeline in Bayelsa State. An earlier attack in the area on May 18 had resulted into a shutdown of some 1, 000 barrels bringing a cumulative production loss to 5, 200 barrels of the oil firm’s share of oil output. Eni spokesperson confirmed the developments in a short e-mail response last week.

tu Kingdom." But Boroh, noted that the military was in Oproza to search for arms and other military-related items in the hands of the people as well as keep the peace, ensure stability and not to molest them in view of the recent pipeline bombings the Niger Delta Avengers. Boroh, who was flanked by his Chief of Staff, Dedis Abel, described the activities of the NDA as ‘economic sabotage,’ saying that such sabotage was affecting the nation’s economy. He added that investors and their investments were being threatened by the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers, adding that investors were being driven away by hostilities in the region.

£24.8m

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

Edo guber aspirants settle for violence-free election Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

overnorship aspirants from the various political parties in Edo State yesterday resolved to ensure that the September 10 gubernatorial election in the state holds without violence, killings and destructions. The parties agreed during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin, shortly after a peace march and sensitisation campaign along major roads organised by the governorship aspirants of all participating political parties in collaboration with members of the Alumni Association of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), EKpoma chapter and the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) aimed at enthroning a free, fair and credible election. In attendance at the meeting were the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant and former NNPC Executive Director, Chris Ogiemwonyi, representatives of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Charles Airhiavbere, Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant, Amos Osahumese Areloegbe and the representative of the state Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) while the aspirants from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), shunned the exercise.

News|north

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Benue killings: NGO, businessman donate N30m hospital to Agatu Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

Non-Governmental Organization in Benue State, the Kelly Izuwa Nwogu Vanguard, yesterday donated a N30 million hospital to victims of fulani herdmen attack in the Agatu Local Government Area of the state. The hospital is to help in addressing the medical challenges confronting the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who were victims of the incessant attacks by the herdsmen. The ultra-modern hospital is located at Aila, one of the densely populated communities destroyed by the herdmen. Handing over the medical facilities at a ceremony in Aila, the Chief Executive Officer of KIN, Mr. Kelly Nwogu said the rationale behind the establishing the project was his sympathy for the deplor-

able condition of the displaced persons and that it was a mark of charity. Nwogu explained that the hospital was built in memory of those that were killed by the Fulani insurgents, saying many of the IDPs were suffering from different ailments that required urgent medical attention. The businessman noted that he would liaise with expatriates to ensure the development of the damaged Agatu communities, adding that schools and other infrastructure would be built in the area. He said: “In 2009, I could hardly feed, but today I am a billionaire and that is why it is imperative to donate to the needy. The hospital project in Agatu is in loving memory of those that were gruesomely killed and this is to enhance healthcare service delivery in the affected areas.”

Nasarawa to create grazing reserves for herdsmen Cheke Emmanuel LAFIA

asarawa State Governor, Tanko AlMakura has said that creating of grazing reserves is the best method to curb the age-long clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the subSahara Africa. This was as he argued the idea of creating ranches for the herdsmen should be discussed because it would be difficult to bring grazers together in ranches in some designated places and move them elsewhere after grazing the grass. According to him, grazing reserves is the most suitable and flex-

284m

The number of fixed (wired)broadband subscriptions of the world in 2006. Source: Itu.int

Sabiu Mustapha JALINGO

he Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Taraba State chapter, yesterday declared that primary school teachers in the state would begin a three-day warning strike today to press homee the demand of their three months’ salaries. The Chairman of the union, Alhaji Aliyu Mafindi, disclosed this during a media briefing

ible traditional method of checkmating the agelong clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the country and subSahara Africa. Al-Makura spoke yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, during a media chat, where he reiterated that his administration was on track in keeping faith with the social contract he had with the people of the state. The governor assured the people of the state that his administration was determined to give dividends to democracy to the people of the state, even as he urged the people to have confidence in his administration and support it towards delivering its mandate.

£6.7m

The total amount received by West Brom in the whole 2015-16 season. Source: 101greatgoals.com

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 (left), with the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Iliyasu Basher, at the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (Jni) meeting on guidelines for the conduct of Islamic preaching and tafseer in Nigeria in Kaduna … yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Herdsmen kill 10, raze 25 houses in Benue Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

eavily armed gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen yesterday invaded six communities in the homestead of the immediate past governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, leaving at least 10 people dead and over 25 houses razed. Yesterday’s attack was coming barely few hours to the dedication of the state to God by Governor Samuel Ortom, over the general insecurity situa-

tion in the state. The programme was organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in conjunction with the state government. Following the attack, hundreds of people including women and children were displaced. However, New Telegraph gathered that the killers stormed the villages in the early hours and started shooting sporadically during which 10 people were massacred in cold blood. The former Special Adviser to the former governor on Media and Publicity, Chief Joseph Anawa

who also hails from the area, told New Telegraph that corpses of the victims had since been deposited at the morgue of NKST Health Centre at Anyiin, headquarters of Logo Local Government Area of the state. One of the villages that were first attacked, according to Anawa, is Tse Ikyoor, located along Anyiin-Wukari Road. He said attempts by him and other farmers to access their village proved abortive as the herdsmen were still on rampage. Anawa stated that the presence of the police and soldiers stationed in the

Ortom: I never signed grazing reserve agreement with Lalong Cephas Iorhemen MAKURDI

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom yesterday refuted media reports credited to his Plateau State counterpart, Governor Simon Lalong that they had signed a grazing reserve agreement in order to secure World Bank loans. Ortom categorically stated that he did not at

any time either overtly or covertly signed any such agreement and that he was not even aware of the existence of such deal. The governor, in a statement by his Adviser on Media and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, expressed the belief that his Plateau State counterpart might have been misquoted because since their assumption of office, they had been working closely as colleagues, but that he

had never signed any such agreement. He recalled that when Governor Lalong with other All Progressives Congress governors paid him a sympathy visit over the incessant Fulani herdsmen invasion of the state last Thursday, he reiterated his stand on the establishment of ranches as the permanent solution and as the best global practice in cattle rearing as well as panacea

area to maintain peace and order by the governor in the wake of the attacks, did not help matters, even as he added that no arrest had been made. The Police Public Relation Officer, Moses Yamu, however, said that he was yet to receive signals on the matter, but promised that as soon as that was done; he would release the information to journalists. At the dedication of the state to God for spiritual rejuvenation, which took place at the Ibrahim Babangida Square, Ortom said the dedication was to handover and devote the state to God for spiritual direction.

for herders and farmers’ clashes. Specifically, Ortom recalled that during the meeting with his colleagues at the Benue Government House in Makurdi, he made his stand on the invasion of the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen explicitly known. “That in those days when we had the land and the population was less. Just like I keep emphasizing, people who propose that we should do grazing areas and grazing routes, I tell them, yes, it can be done in other states, maybe.”

Taraba teachers begin strike Kwara Grand Khadi tasks Buhari on looted funds Studies, Islamic Village, He said further: “Let Niover non-payment of salary Biodun Oyeleye Gerewu, Ilorin, the state gerians see food on their in Jalingo, lamenting that their outstanding salaries were for March, April and May 2016. “Teachers in Taraba State public primary schools will embark on a three-day warning strike beginning from tomorrow (May 31 to June 2),” the NUT chairman said. He added: “You may recall that all civil servants

in Taraba State have been paid their salaries for April, except primary school teachers, who are still being owed three months’ salary arrears of March, April and May 2016. If nothing tangible is done to address our demands after the warning strike, the teachers shall embark on full-blown indefinite strike with prayers and fasting.”

Ilorin

rand Khadi of Kwara State, Justice Saliu Olohuntoyin Mohammad has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to inject the recovered looted funds into the nation’s economy in order to stimulate growth. Besides the jurist, while speaking at the graduation ceremony of Baraje Centre for Arabic and Islamic

capital, challenged the President not to delay further the implementation of his change mantra as his government enters the second year. “Before the second quarter of his second year, Nigerians should begin to feel the impact of the president’s change mantra in practical terms and not in theory,” the jurist noted.

tables, let us see water flowing, let us see electricity, let us see effective and efficient transportation system because the time is now and not tomorrow.” The Grand Khadi, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustee of Baraje Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the government.

WORLD \ NEWS

had’s ex-ruler Hissene Habre has been convicted of crimes a g ainst human ity and sentenced to life in prison at a landmark trial in Senegal. The judge convicted him of rape, sexual slavery and ordering killings during his rule from 1982 to 1990. Victims and families of those killed cheered and embraced each other in the courtroom after the verdict was given. It was the first time an African Union-backed court had tried a former ruler for human rights abuses. Habre, who received strong backing from the US while in power,

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Chad’s ex-ruler, Hissene Habre convicted of crimes against humanity has been given 15 days to appeal. Survivors from the Habre era welcomed the verdict. “This is a historic day for Chad and for Africa. It is the first time that an African head of state has been found guilty in another African country,” Yamasoum Konar, a representative of one of the victims’ groups, told the BBC. “This will be a lesson to other dictators in Africa,” he added.

After he was sentenced, Habre remained defiant, raising his arms and shouting to his supporters as he was led from the courtroom. “Down with France-Afrique!” he shouted, using a term which is critical of France’s influence in its former colonies. Throughout the ninemonth trial, he refused to recognise the court’s legitimacy, frequently disrupting proceed-

ings. The ex-president denied accusations that he ordered the killing of 40,000 people during his rule from 1982 to 1990. His critics dubbed him “Africa’s Pinochet” because of the atrocities committed during his rule. Survivors had recounted gruesome details of the torture carried out by Habre’s feared secret police. One of the most notorious

detention centres in the capital N’Djamena was a converted swimming pool. His critics dubbed him “Africa’s Pinochet” because of the atrocities committed during his rule. Survivors had recounted gruesome details of the torture carried out by Habre’s feared secret police. One of the most notorious detention centres in N’Djamena was a converted swimming pool.

Luton carnival: Four stabbed, as police arrest six

our people were stabbed during “ugly” scenes of disorder after the end of Luton Carnival, police have said. Officers formed cordons to keep groups of youths apart when trouble broke out in the town centre at about 20:15 BST. Missiles were thrown at officers, who also used batons to break up fights, and six people were arrested. The carnival itself passed off peacefully. Bedfordshire Police appealed for information and video footage, some of which has been posted

The verdict against Habresparked celebrations inside the court... yesterday.

online. Police said the carnival, in Wardown Park, finished without incident at about 18:00 BST. But a large fight broke out later in the St George’s Square area and four people were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Several others were less seriously injured and required treatment. Ch Supt David Boyle said: “The carnival itself passed peacefully and safely, as it has done for several years, and it is completely unacceptable that some people have attempted to ruin that.

EU Commission criticised over appointment Tearful end to 11-year US

top EU watchdog has strongly criticised the European Commission over the appointment of a special adviser. European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly said the appointment of Edmund Stoiber in 2014 was a case of “maladministration” because the Commission had bypassed conflict of interest checks. Mr. Stoiber, a former prime minister of Bavaria, headed a team that sought to cut the cost of EU regulations. Ms O’Reilly has now widened her inquiry into EU special adviser appointments. The Commission has about 40 such advisers, who have high-level access to EU politicians and often work for other private sector clients, the BBC’s Nick

Beake reports from Brussels. In December 2014 the Commission failed to make public Mr Stoiber’s disclosure that he also held positions with a big insurance company. Commenting on the question of EU transparency in such appointments, Ms O’Reilly said that “culturally, there is not sufficient acceptance of why this is an issue”. “I get the sense people don’t think it’s a big deal. The Commission needs to get a lot more serious. It is not taking it sufficiently seriously.” The ombudsman investigates allegations of EU maladministration - sometimes made by ordinary citizens. She can call officials to account, but does not have any judicial powers. Commission President Jean-

Claude Juncker brought the German politician in because of his experience in cutting bureaucratic costs for small and medium-sized businesses in the EU single market. For seven years he headed an expert High-Level Group advising the 28 member states on efficient ways to implement EU regulations. The Commission says Mr Stoiber’s group managed to cut administrative costs for businesses by more than 25%, giving a saving EUwide of more than €33bn (£25bn; $37bn). Mrs O’Reilly also accused the Commission of an ongoing lack of transparency in its dealings with the tobacco industry. And she said the Eurogroup - the group of eurozone finance ministers - ought to be more open.

Turkey plans to reopen Tripoli embassy

urkey’s foreign minister said during a visit to Tripoli yesterday that his country hoped to be the first to reopen its embassy in the Libyan capital, following the arrival of a UN-backed unity government at the end of March. Security in Tripoli remains fragile and the unity government’s leadership has been operating out of a heavily guarded naval base as it gradually tries to gain control of ministries. Tunisia and several Western European states including France and Britain said shortly after the unity government’s leadership moved to Tripoli that they hoped to reopen their embassies, but no dates have yet been announced.

“God willing, we will be the first country to resume our embassy’s work in Tripoli,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, after meeting his Libyan counterpart Mohammed Siyala and Prime Minister Fayez Seraj at the naval base. He also pledged Turkish support for the government’s efforts to restore stability and security to Libya, and said Turkey hoped to boost its economic presence in the North African state. “Turkish companies are looking forward with determination to continue their work and resume their activities in Libya in the sectors of transport and energy,” he said. Libya’s oil-dependent economy has been hit hard by con-

flict and political chaos, with production dropping to about one fifth of the level it stood at before the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Most foreign employees working in the oil sector have left the country, and most Western diplomatic staff were evacuated from Tripoli in 2014 amid heavy fighting between rival factions. As a result of the fighting, Libya’s parliament and government moved to the east of the country, whilst a rival set of institutions were set up in the west in Tripoli. Islamic State militants took advantage of a security vacuum to establish a foothold in Libya, seizing control of the coastal city of Sirte last year.

church protest

arishioners in Massachusetts have admitted defeat in their efforts to keep their church open, bringing to a tearful end their 11-year protest. A group of about 100 worshippers at St Frances X Cabrini Church in Scituate have kept an around-the-clock vigil. This month, the US Supreme Court refused to hear their final appeal against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston’s decision to close it. But on Sunday the protest came to an end at an emotional final service. It was described as a “celebration of faith and transition” and many of the parishioners shared an embrace and cried. As the service came to an end, quilts depicting each year of the vigil were taken from the walls of the church and carried down the aisles and out of the

church door. The archdiocese decided to close St Frances X Cabrini and more than 75 other parishes due to dwindling attendances, a shortage of clergy and buildings in decline. Several of the churches earmarked for closure held vigils in protest but St Frances X Cabrini was the last church to keep up its occupation. In parallel with the sit-in was a legal challenge that went through civil courts and even reached the Vatican, but all in vain. A judge at the state’s Superior Court ruled that the archdiocese was legally able to evict the protesters, as the legal owner of the property. That ruling was upheld by the Massachusetts Appeals Court. An archdiocese spokesman said he hoped the protesters would be able to attend another church within the district.

Hopes and fears for jobs as Afghan cement factory reopens

fter a break of 20 years, Afghanistan’s first cement factory is once more clanking noisily in the countryside near Kabul as crushed-up limestone rocks rattle along a battered conveyor belt to the newly restored kiln. In an area desperately short of industry and jobs, workers hope the relaunch of the plant, built by Czech engineers in 1957 and shut by the Taliban in 1995, heralds the revival of an industry shattered by decades of war and destruction. “By

selling our products and improving the factory’s production, we can avoid having our young generation go abroad,” said Amir Mohammad. “If there are job possibilities, they can stay with their families and look after their children.” But the outdated state-owned plant 75 km (47 miles) outside Kabul also shows how far there is to go before that promise can be achieved and there are serious questions whether the plant has a viable future unless it is thoroughly modernized.

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Sport News

Did you know?

Sport

Flamingos get October 1 date with Brazil

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford scored a goal with his first short in the Europa Cup, the EPL and in the colours of England

International Mourinho wants Ferdinand as Man United coaching staff

46 47

Yusuf: Eagles won’t underrate Luxembourg Ambrose (left)

Ajibade Olusesan

uper Eagles interim Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf, on Monday said that Nigeria would not underrate Luxemburg in the friendly encounter billed for Tuesday. Luxembourg have scored only four goals in their last 10 matches, conceding 20. But Coach Yusuf said his boys would take the match seriously

The Sport Team Adekunle Salami Group Sport Editor

Emmanuel Tobi Assistant Sport Editor

Ajibade Olusesan Sport Correspondent

Charles Ogundiya Sport Correspondent

against the Europeans at the Stade Josy Barthel. “There are no longer small teams in international football. You could get a sucker punch if you underestimate any team. We will go out there and play to win,” Yusuf said. Eagles prevailed over one of Africa’s strongest teams, Mali, at the Stade Robert Diochon in

Yusuf

Rouen, France on Friday with Englandbased Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the only goal 13 minutes from time. The team spent longer than the 40 minutes earmarked for Sunday’s first training session, shaking off travel fatigue and generally enjoying the atmosphere. On Monday morning, defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi arrived the team’s Alvisse Parc Hotel camp in Luxembourg City, bringing the number of players in camp

to 21. Former U-17 and U-20 star Ndidi, who helped his Belgian club, KRC Genk to qualify for the UEFA Europa League following a 5-1 defeat of Charleroi on Sunday, could start in midfield alongside stand-in captain Ogenyi Onazi and Shehu Abdullahi. Coach Yusuf and his assistants are also likely to start Turkey-based Kenneth Omeruo in central defence, and South Africa-based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, m a y r e placeCarl Ikeme as the coaches intend to take a look at all the players in camp. Luxembourg, coached by Luc Holtz, will rely on the fast breaks of winger Daniel Alves da Mota and the potency of Stefano Bensi in attack. Bensi scored 21 goals in the Luxembourg Premier League in the just concluded season. But there is also David Turpel, who netted 26 goals in 32 matches for Fola Esch in the Luxembourg top flight. The Red Lions have won only two of their last 10 matches.

Serena

French Open:

Rain cancels play as Djokovic, Serena wait

eavy rain yesterday one Murray’s meeting with forced day nine of the France’s Gasquet not starting French Open to be can- before 13:00pm celled, meaning top seeds Novak However, more rain is foreDjokovic and Serena Williams cast in the French capital on must wait to play their fourth Tuesday. It is the first time round matches in Paris. i n 16 years the rain Monday’s play was delayed has caused a before being called off at about whole day’s play 12:45 pm. to be abandoned Djokovic’s match against at the tournaSpanish 14th seed Roberment. to Bautista Agut Murray, seeded has been resecond, is already scheduled through to the for 10:00am quarter-finals on Tuesday. after beating Wi l l i a m s American then meets 15th-seed Ukraine’s 18th John Isner in seed Elina Svitostraight sets lina, before Andy on Sunday. Murray’s last-16 tie Ninth seed against Richard Gasquet is the Djokovic Gasquet. only home All three matchplayer left es are scheduled in either singles for Court Philippe Chatrier - draw, reaching his first Roland the main show court at Roland Garros quarterfinal by beating Garros - with British number fifth seed Kei Nishikori.

SPORT NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup:

Ajibade Olusesan

lamingos have been handed a tough pairing in the preliminary stage of the FIFA U-17 Women World Cup in Jordan after they were drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, England and Korea DPR. According to a draw which took place at the Al-Hussein Cultural Centre in the city of Amman on Monday, the coach

Flamingos get October 1 date with Brazil Bala Nkiyu’s side will open their campaign on a toughest possible note as they face Brazil on October 1 at the King Abdullah II International Stadium in Amman. The Nigerian team will confront England in their second

NTF names six players for Davis Cup Ajibade Olusesan

he Nigeria Tennis Federation Monday named a sixman team for the 2016 ITF World Junior Davis Cup and World Team Tennis Junior Championships holding June 3rd - 10th in Tunis, Tunisia. The trio of Christopher Itodo, Christopher Bulus and South Africa-based Emmanuel Mordi will play in the Junior Davis Cup (U16), while Michael Osewa, Saminu Abubakar and Musa Sani will feature in the World Team Junior Tennis Championship (U-14). National junior tennis head coach, Mohammed Ubale, disclosed that the players, who had been in close camping in Abuja for some weeks justified their selection by dominating the Central Bank of Nigeria Junior Tennis Championship concluded last weekend in Kaduna.

Nigeria will be making its debut in the Junior Davis Cup qualifiers and last featured in the World Team Championships qualifiers in 2012 and Ubale believes the chances of clinching tickets for the tournaments, scheduled to hold respectively in Hungary and the Czech Republic later in the year, is bright. “We are fully prepared for the challenges in Tunisia based on what happened at the CBN Juniors in Kaduna where the finals of the 18&under was played by Itodo and Bulus and as well as the 16&under which featured Osewa and Abubakar in the final. We plan to arrive early so that we can settle down and acclimatize,” he said. The team is scheduled to depart Abuja Wednesday aboard Moroccan Air to connect another flight to Tunis where Mordi, 15, who will be making his Nigeria debut, will join the rest of the team same day from South Africa.

game on October 4 at the Prince Mohammed Inter national Stadium in Al Zarqa while they will play their last group match against Korea DPR on October 8 in Amman. Hosts Jordan are in group A alongside Spain, Mexico, New Zealand while Venezuela, Germany, Cameroon and Canada are in Group B. United States, Paraguay, Ghana and Japan make up

Captain of the Nigerian female U-17 team, the Flamingoes, Chinwendu Ihezuo (left)

We’ll send signal to Rio from Korea, says Awoniyi Adeolu Johnson ABUJA

Eaglets’ officials hopeful as camp opens in Abuja Adeolu Johnson

ABUJA

he Secretary of the country’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, Mr. Tayo Egbaiyelo, has said the coaching crew led by Manu Garba is about to unravel another Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Osihmen as newly-invited players arrived camp yesterday ahead of the African U-17 qualifier away to Niger in August. Egbalayo said the process to select under aged players for the Golden Eaglets will be transparent especially when the players were coming from the grassroots. He said what usually gave him and the coaching crew joy was the amount of talents Nigeria had been able to unleash on the football world. “The players now making waves all over the world started from the same FIFA Goal Project pitch some four or five years ago and this is what gives us joy not what we are getting in terms

Garba

of naira and kobo,” he said. The secretary said over 40 players were expected in camp with others who feel they could make it expectedly with proof of their age. Also speaking on the preparation, Coach Garba said that he was already behind schedule in the task of building a winning U-17 team for the nation. “We don’t have much time to waste and we are going to use just three weeks for open screening in order to have a close look at the 40 invited players. “It will also be an opportunity for us to see others since many uninvited players may also turn up, based on our previous experience.”

ational U-23 striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, has said that the team will use the Korea four-nation tournament to pass a message to their opponents at the football event of the Rio Olympics Games taking place in August. The Siasia boys will lace boots against Sweden, Colombia and Japan in Rio and Awoniyi told our correspondent after training last Friday that they would use the Suwon Invitational tournament in Korea to send signals in to them. He thanked Coach Samson Siasia for giving him the opportunity to wear the country’s colours at the stage and promised that he and his colleagues

Babatunde

igeria international Babatunde Michael has agreed to join Qatari club Qatar SC, his Moroccan club Raja Casablanca have confirmed. According to the Moroccan giants, they will earn $1.1m from the transfer, while Babatunde will pocket a whopping $2.1m as signing on fee once the deal goes through. He flew out of the Eagles training camp in France on Saturday to return to Morocco

would repay him by making sure they excel at the tournament in Korea Republic. “It is like a prelude to the Olympics we will play our best and reserve the rest for the main stage in Brazil in August, Our main aim is to ensure that we repeat the Dream Team I performance of 1996 and come back with gold from Brazil,” he explained. Taiwo who is on loan at FSV Frankfurt from Liverpool said he did not know if he would remain with the Anfield side next season or go back to Germany. “Right now, I am back to Liverpool for the pre-season tour and who knows I might be asked to stay back which I will really appreciate,” the striker said. Siasia steered the team to a silver medal silver medal in Beijing in 2008.

Enyimba players attack Wolves’ boss Aba side fines ‘Mosquito’, others

nyimba trio of Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Abu Azeez and Joseph Osadiaye allegedly attacked Warri Wolves General Manager, Moses Etu, on Sunday evening in Umuahia shortly after their 2-1 home win in a

Babatunde agrees big-money move to Qatar Charles Ogundiya

Group D. Nigeria have never failed to qualify for the tournament. The Nigerian ladies could not progress beyond the group stage at the inaugural tournament in New Zealand 2008, but built on this experience to top their section and reach the quarterfinals at Trinidad and Tobago 2010, Azerbaijan 2012 and Costa Rica 2014.

in connection with the transfer. Babatunde, 23, joined Raja in January after leaving Dnipro of Ukraine and has gone on to be a very influential figure for the ‘Greens’, helping them climb to third in the Moroccan Botola League, following a poor start to the season. The left-footed forward was part of the Nigeria team who beat Mali 1-0 last Friday in a friendly in France, as he came off the bench to be involved in Kelechi Iheanacho’s winner.

rescheduled NPFL tie. The People’s Elephant defeated the Seasiders 2-1 and even though the game was tough, there was no premonition that a brawl of such magnitude was in the offing at the end. Shortly after the match, the three former Wolves players - Ibenegbu, Azeez and Osadiaye - were seen having heated exchange with the General Manager Etu and this led to a brawl with the trio beating up the former journalist before he was rescued by the security. Goal learnt that the bone of contention was the outstanding debt owed the players by Warri Wolves. The players were miffed at the decision of the Seasiders’ management not to pay them match bonuses from last season’s campaign as due, allowances that had been paid to their

ex-team mates. Goal also got from one of the players called Etu to ask for their money but were shocked when they were told they would not be paid because they had left the team despite being owed backlogs of unpaid signing-on fees. However, the Enyimba management has wielded the big stick by fining the trio N300,000 each. “I want to say that we, in strong terms dissociate ourselves from the act exhibited by three of our players [on Sunday] after our league match with Warri Wolves. The game ended peacefully without any problem with both sides playing the game of their lives before we scored the winning goal. It could have gone either way,” chairman Felix Anyansi Agwu said.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 NEW TELEGRAPH

Mourinho wants Ferdinand as Man United coaching staff As Rashford, Borthwick-Jackson sign new deal

ose Mourinho reportedly wants former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand to form part of his coaching staff at Old Trafford for the 2016-17 campaign. Ferdinand enjoyed a glittering career with Man United between 2002 and 2014, before hanging up his boots in 2015 after a forgettable spell at Queens Park Rangers. Since retirement, the 37-year-old has worked as a television pundit, but according to The Sun, Mourinho is keen for the former England captain to form part of his new backroom staff. It is understood that Ferdinand, who is currently taking his coaching badges, is aware of the interest and will consider his future over the next week. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford alongside Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have

both signed new long-term Manchester United contracts until 2020. Rashford, 18, burst onto the scene at Old Trafford in the second half of the season and scored eight times in 17 firstteam appearances after making his debut against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League. The teenager’s form earned him a spot in Roy Hodgson’s provisional England squad for Euro 2016 and the striker netted just three minutes into his international debut against Australia on Friday night. Rashford has penned a new contract until at least 2020, which has the option to run for an additional year. “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I have always been a Manchester United fan, so to be playing in the first team really is a dream come true.”

Mourinho

PSG’s player arrested in Paris

Terry (left)

Chelsea will return stronger – Terry

ohn Terry is hopeful Chelsea can challenge for top honours again under Antonio Conte after a disappointing 2015-16 campaign. The Stamford Bridge side had to settle for a 10th-place finish in the Premier League as they missed out on European football, while also prematurely crashing out of the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. Terry is optimistic about their chances next season as Antonio Conte prepares to take over, though, in what could be his last season at Chelsea after recently signing a one-year renewal. “I’m delighted to have signed for an-

other year. It will be my 22nd year at Chelsea, so I’m obviously delighted. I’ve been there an awfully long time,” Terry told Sky Sports. “I’m looking forward to working under the new manager as well, it’s exciting times for all of us and hopefully we can improve on what was a disappointing season this year. “At a big club like Chelsea, like all the other big clubs, you want to win trophies and be in competitions right until the last minute. “This season we weren’t, so we have to learn from that and hopefully come back and be in the fight for a lot of trophies next year.”

aris Saint-Germain right-back, Serge Aurier, has reportedly been arrested in Paris following an alleged altercation with police. The 23-year-old was taken into police custody following an incident in the early hours of Monday morning. The arrest was made shortly after the footballer left a nightclub in the Champs Elysees area, according to BBC Sport. Aurier is no stranger to controversy as he was hit with a short suspension by PSG in February after insulting head coach Laurent Blanc, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel di Maria via an online video.

Koeman

Juanfran promises Atletico fans Champions League success

tletico Madrid defender Juanfran has promised that his side will one day win the UEFA Champions League in a heartfelt letter to the club’s fans. Juanfran struck his penalty against the post in his side’s shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid in Saturday’s final at San Siro, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to secure the win from 12 yards. A tearful Juanfran was applauded by fans inside the stadium after the match, and the 31-year-old has vowed to repay that support by delivering the Champions League trophy after two final defeats in three years. “Hello Atleticos,” a message posted via Atleti’s official website began. “I have asked the club to address all of you with this letter to tell you everything I feel. “I will never forget your displays of affection when I came to ask for your forgiveness. Seeing my tears reflected in the faces of the thousands of Atleticos that packed that end of the stadium helped me cope with the tremendous sadness I felt in those hard times. As well as the support of my team-mates, coaches, and all the people that makes this big family. “I also want to thank you for always believing in us and, above all, for proving that being an Atletico is something very special, different, and that our heart beats stronger than any other. “Two years ago, I told you that we would return to a final, now, I tell you that Gabi, our captain, will lift the Champions League sooner or later, and we will celebrate it all together in Neptuno [the

Juanfran (left)

Mexico police rescue abducted footballer

Alan

Hamilton praises mechanics for Monaco win ewis Hamilton has thanked his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg’s former mechanics following his win in the Monaco Grand Prix, one which has put his ambition for a fourth Formula One world title back on track. Rosberg won the first four races of the season after it was announced that the two drivers’ teams had virtually swapped for the year, with five changes on each side. But Hamilton’s suc-

cess on Sunday, his first since last October’s US Grand Prix in Austin, cut Rosberg’s lead from 43 points to 24 with the German driver only able to finish seventh. Hamilton said: “I think this will be a boost for my mechanics, who have been nervous all year. It’s not easy coming from one side of the garage to the world champion’s car. It’s the same if you’re given Fernando [Alonso] or Sebastian [Vettel] as a driver.”

nternational football player Alan Pulido has been rescued in north-east Mexico hours after he was kidnapped, officials say. Pulido, 25, appeared with a bandaged hand and told reporters he was “very well”. Officials said the rescue operation was carried out on Sunday night, without giving more details. T he striker plays for the Greek team Olympiakos and h a s m a d e s eve r a l appearances for M e x i c o ’s n at i o n a l team. Pulido was kidnapped in Ciudad Victoria, in Tamaulipas state, on Saturday

night, officials said in a statement. Earlier reports said his abduction had taken place in the early hours of Sunday. He had left a party with his girlfriend when their car was surrounded by several trucks, local media reported. Six masked men reportedly took the striker away “by force” while his girlfriend was left unharmed in the car park where the incident took place, reports the BBC. Authorities did not give details of the rescue operation, which included federal and local officials.

On Marble For unity to be meaningful, it has to

be creative, not the unity of Jonah in the whale, but the unity of holy matrimony. The first can only lead to defecation, the second to procreation.

World Record

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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016

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The distinction did not go to the two most populous countries, India and China, both notorious for pollution and whose capital cities in particular take turns atop the global air pollution rankings (depending on whom you ask), but to the United Arab Emirates.

Public arena T he column you write

Stemming harbingers of climate change Olubunmi Aboderin

l Gore, a former United States Vice-President, must be oscillating between glee and gloom. Glee that his prognostications about climate change have largely been vindicated, and gloom that his prognostications about climate change have largely been vindicated. When his book and documentary entitled, An Inconvenient Truth, came out in 2006, he was viewed as everything from a well-meaning but false alarmist to a destabilising quack propagating a conspiracy theory. He was one of the first public figures with international face-recognition to sound the warning on the impending doom we’ve come to know as global warming. Few believed him at the onset, but now 10 years later, history has proved him to be, most unfortunately, more right than wrong. Both 2014 and 2015 were declared the hottest years on record. 2016 may well be hotter still, judging by the unusually high temperatures we’ve been experiencing particularly since February. In Nigeria, the undue temperatures and changes in weather patterns are causing year-by-year shrinkage of fertile acreage in the northern parts of the country. This warmer-weather phenomenon and its attendant consequences are being felt in other parts of the world too. In December 2015, the former second largest lake in Bolivia, Lake Poopo, irreversibly evaporated. In April this year, thousands of tons of dead sardines washed up on the banks of the Queule River in Chile. In May, a wildfire started near Fort McMurray in Canada and spread across more than 505,000 hectares, forcing the mandatory evacuation of an entire town. According to NASA, the global temperature in April 2016 was the warmest ever recorded in any April since 1880. This across-borders rise in temperature is caused by both naturally-occurring and man-made factors. El Nino, the periodic movement of large chunks of warm water across the Pacific Ocean, is the primary naturally-occurring cause of climate change. Greenhouse gases, such as fossil fuel-induced carbon dioxide, are the predominant man-made instigants of global warming. Climate change has an impact on the availability of water, the food supply chain, and of course, the environment. Our production of fossil fuels (like oil) and our overdependence on its derived products (like diesel, kerosene or petrol) are not helping. The quantum of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is said to have reached its highest recorded level in 2015. Mankind is producing more carbon dioxide than the earth can naturally process. Most of us would list better roads and constant power supply as absolute necessities for Nigeria’s economic growth. However, our quest for development must be conducted sustainably. For example, while it’s splendid that there are plans to build a multi-lane, superhighway in Cross

Al Gore

River State, it should only be done after taking time to properly assess the long term, environmental impact of cutting through a national park, felling countless trees and irreparably altering certain ecosystems. When viewed through a climate change prism, such a trade off may prove to be ultimately retrogressive and costly in ways that may only become apparent 30 years from hence. Having constant power supply is a boon to commercial competitiveness. The country’s current power generating capacity is said to have fallen below 2,500MW. There is a possibility that capacity for an additional 2,000MW will be restored by the end of 2016. The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing forecasts that our peak power demand in Nigeria is around 12,800MW and hopes to generate up to 40,000MW by 2020. However, there are those who believe that that goal is too modest because our needs could in actual fact be as high as 1,000MW per one million people. So, how do we balance this vital requirement for electricity with the pressing need to halt drastic climate change? Right now, the power shortfall is made up principally by gas-turbined private power projects or the individual use of generators fuelled by diesel or petrol. Perhaps, it is time for us to be earnest about catching up with the rest of the world and shifting away from relying mainly on fossil fuel to generate our power. It is instructive that the construction of a 10MW wind farm in Katsina State has not been completed 10 years after inception. Meanwhile, the

The sooner we can switch to using renewable energy like solar, wind or water, the better the chance we have...

Gansu Wind Farm in China started in 2009 and seven years later it can generate more than 7,900MW. Their goal is to generate at least 20,000MW from this wind farm alone by the year 2020. We seriously need to up our game. Thankfully, there are indigenous social utility companies in Nigeria, which have figured out how to provide 24 hour electricity to rural communities at an affordable rate using solar energy. Incentives should be provided so that more entrepreneurs will be motivated to develop alternative energy solutions. Institutional investors with excess liquidity should consider ploughing their money into renewable energy projects (instead of building yet another block of unoccupied luxury apartments). Individuals with extra funds earning a pittance in savings accounts can also figure out how to invest in viable enterprises dedicated to providing clean energy. These are ways that we can replicate, for example, the community-owned wind farm system practised in the German region of North Frisia. The wind farms in North Frisia have the capacity to generate approximately 700MW, which is more electricity than the residents can use. Imagine that. Constant power supply without the noise or atmospheric pollution of generators. The sooner we can switch to using renewable energy like solar, wind or water, the better the chance we have for minimising the damaging effects of environmental anomalies within our borders. Though the chances of Nigeria becoming a zerocarbon economy are minuscule, those who insist that we can pursue development at a pace and in a manner that is “in harmony with nature”, are not necessarily tree-hugging lefties and should not be ignored. A healthy planet would undoubtedly be one of the greatest legacies that we can give to the next generation. At a personal level, we can do what little we can to slow down or even reverse global warming. We can reduce, reuse and recycle if at all possible. Turning off lights and air conditioning when no one is in the room reduces emissions. Even just raising an air-conditioning system’s thermostat by two degrees in warmer climes (or two degrees lower in colder climes), creates less carbon dioxide. Using LED or CFL bulbs also helps. Opting for cars run by renewable energy or car pooling, or biking to your destination if you are able to, can make a difference. Planting trees or finding ways to incorporate existing trees into your building design is beneficial too because trees absorb carbon dioxide. This reminds me of a US-based NGO known as the Centre for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technology for the Environment (CREATE!). CREATE! provides training to interested groups in rural communities on how to start and maintain year-round, sustainable vegetable gardens and tree nurseries without the use of any fossil fuel. The trees double as living fences, and reverse the trend of deforestation. The foliage provides shade, and the produce provides nutrition, as well as a source of income.

One wonders if Gore sees 2015 as the year the world got serious about tackling the apocalypse of climate change. That year saw the signing of the Paris Agreement and a shift in investment priorities away from fossil energy, in favour of renewable energy. The Agreement has so far been signed by at least 175 countries. It commits the participants to reducing emissions or halting emissions growth. Signatories have also pledged to take actions to keep the temperature from rising 2C above “preindustrial levels”. They are actually aiming to cap it at 1.5C which seems like a lost battle already considering that in 2015 the global temperature reached as high as 1.11C hotter than the selected benchmark. Climate scientists believe that if global temperatures rise above 3.5C, small island developing states such as Sao Tome and Principe or Cape Verde will almost certainly be sunk under rising tidal waves. The sweltering heat wave of the last few months, the southward creeping desert and the drying up of Lake Chad are harbingers of climate change in Nigeria. The last two effects are in turn compounding the problem of urban migration, which as we have seen, has engendered conflicts between hosts and settlers. It behoves us to make adaptive correction, and it will be interesting to know if Nigeria will reconsider its decision not to be a signatory to the Paris Agreement. Even if we don’t sign, hopefully, we have our own plans to cause our emissions to reduce rapidly, so that we are not negligent contributors to an Solution to puzzle 14 avoidable calamity that could render parts of the world unfit for any life form to dwell. • Ms. Aboderin, an economist, is a member of the Institute of Directors.

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