1st March 2016 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,447

TUESDAY, 1 MARCH, 2016

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N5,000 to unemployed youths

Buhari free to review electoral promises —Nasarawa gov •FG to pay one way or another —Imo gov —P4

NDDC contractors disappeared with N70bn mobilisation fee —Auditor-General •It's N11bn not N70bn —NDDC —P42

I won't stay in office beyond deadline —Modu Sheriff

Nigeria's economic challenges, blessing in disguise —Saraki —P40

—P13

Ese, 14-yr-old abducted 'wife'

How Nigerians used social media to force her release •I don't want to return to Bayelsa, says Ese

—P12

From left, chairman on the occasion and former president, Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Mr Vincent Maduka; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Rahaman Ade Bello; former head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; guest speaker and Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; his wife, Dr (Mrs) Onu; General Oladipo Diya; Pro-Chancellor, UNILAG, Professor Jerry Gana and others, during the convocation lecture of UNILAG, at the main auditorium of the institution, in Lagos, on Monday.

Will Nigerians shun banking halls today? Court remands Abba Moro in Kuje Prison —P10

—P40

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

news

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

N5,000 to unemployed youth: Buhari free to review his electoral promise —Nasarawa gov •FG to pay one way or another —Okorocha Leon Usigbe-Abuja

O V E R N O R Tanko al-Makura of Nasarawa State has observed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s right to alter his policy on paying N5,000 to unemployed graduate is not ‘challengeable.’ Fielding questions from State House reporters after a meeting with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, he said only the president could tell how best he could deliver on his election promises. He said: “The president is the person that can tell you precisely how he is working on promises and interventions he has created by his ingenuity. “And if at any point in time the president is reviewing that issue, I think he is the only person to do that because what he is doing is in the best interest of the country and so, it is not challengeable by anybody whatever his position.” He was responding to a question on President Buhari’s remark in Saudi Arabia, at the weekend, where the president posited that he would not pay N5,000 ‘largesse’ to people that don’t work, but would rather invest the money on infrastructure and job creation.

Also speaking on the issue after meeting with the Vice-President, chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha, said the promise would be implemented one way or the other. He said: “Well, you see, to be honest with you, it is a great idea, but there are many ways to give that support, sometimes it could be in cash which has its own challenges. Han-

dling of that is also in itself a wonderful and great idea. “Take for instance, in Imo State now, I have introduced what is called empowerment. They buy motorcycles and give people N5,000 or N 10,000. For me, that is not my style. My style is to declare free education, from primary, secondary to university, nobody pays one Naira in Imo State. “The very poor people

who have to ensure a lot of social inconveniences to pay school fees are no longer doing that, what has happened is that he has saved that money to produce further wealth, so if you keep money through that system, it creates more impact than physical cash. “Physical cash sometimes creates more problems, so it is a great idea, we have to do it one way or the other as time comes.”

Governor al-Makura said he was at the vice-president’s office to brief him on the security situation in Nasarawa State, following last week’s deadly clashes between Fulanis and farmers in Agatu communities in Benue State sharing boundary with his state. He added: “I have also discussed with Mr Vice-President about the security situation in my state and what

President Muhammadu Buhari, with parade of guards on his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after his official visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Dickson’s sister regains freedom from abductors •Gov to prohibit payment of ransom Austin Ebipade-yenagoa

MISS Nancy Dickson, the abducted sister of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, has been freed by her abductors, the government has said. The 26-year-old Nancy, a student of the Niger Delta University, Ammasoma, said to be the last child of the Dicksons, regained her freedom after spending 70 days in the kidnappers’ den. Nancy was abducted on December 19, 2015 by gunmen, who seized her at her shop on Okaka Road, Yenagoa, by gunmen who reportedly drove in an Ash Lexus Jeep. Her captors were said to have trailed her to her shop and whisked her away to an unknown place about 2:50p.m on the fateful day. A statement issued on Monday, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said Nancy was rescued on Sunday evening from her abductors without any payment of ransom.

Though Iworiso-Markson did not indicate which of the arms of the security agencies effected her release, he said the victim was freed by a combined team of security operatives. The governor’s spokesman said: “Some of the kidnappers took to their heels while others were apprehended, following a tipoff on their hideouts. “The kidnappers were rattled and overwhelmed to forcefully surrender their kidnapped victim, following intense pressure mounted by the security agencies to track down the kidnappers.” Iworiso-Markson quoted Governor Dickson as calling on the people of the state not to succumb to the demands of ransom made by kidnappers. He said Dickson had assured the people that plans were underway to amend the Bayelsa State Secret Cult, Kidnapping and other Related Offences Prohibition Bill 2012 to proscribe payment of ransom in the state.

Iworiso-Markson said: “The governor has stressed that the Bill, when passed into law, would go a long way in putting a stop to the incidence of kidnapping in the state. “Dickson urged Bayelsans to take a cue from his personal experience

with kidnappers when his aged mother was abducted in 2009 and efforts were made to secure her release without payment of ransom. “The governor has maintained that as part of efforts to stem criminal activities in the state, a

comprehensive security strategy would be launched soon to boost government’s policy of zero tolerance to crime and criminality. The spokesman for Bayelsa State police command, Asinim Butswat, said the command had not been fully briefed on the release.

effort we are making to bring everything to sanity. “Also, I am making effort with my colleague, the governor of Benue State, in having a joint effort to see what we can do to ensure that these long-standing communal clashes between Fulanis and farmers and the Agatu in Nasarawa and Agatu in Benue to see that we find a lasting solution to it.” He revealed that Osinbajo had assured that the Federal Government would act to stem the situation. “It was very fantastic and he assured us that they will see what the Federal Government can do to quickly ameliorate the problem and about the power, I got assurance from the Vice-President that we will,” he said. The governor said he also discussed the issues of power and energy in Nasarawa State and how it could benefit from the power initiative of the Federal Government. He noted that it was important for the state to have enough power for domestic and industrial purposes, because of its sophistication owing to its proximity to the federal capital. He said: “I raised a lot of demands for power and energy for domestic and industrial purposes given the sophistication of this area in terms of different kinds of activities. “And ironically, the state, which was first connected to power in 1978, is still within 33KV which is not even enough for the state capital not to talk of other local governments. “So, I have come specifically to request and plead with Mr Vice-President and the chairman of NIPP about the impending power initiative in the country to consider Nasarawa State as one of the states that will benefit from the 330KV.”

Boko Haram: FG to evacuate over 60,000 refugees from Cameroon •Donates food, essential items to them Clement Idoko-Abuja

THE Federal Government has pledged to evacuate over 60,000 Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon and relocate them to their various communities in Nigeria. Thousands of Nigerians, especially from the NorthEast, had to flee Nigeria to take refuge in some neighbouring countries at the peak of horrendous Boko Haram attacks in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. But the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdurahman Dambazau, said following the liberation of communities hith-

erto occupied by the armed terrorists and the gradual return of civil authorities, steps would be taken by the government to relocate the refugees back to Nigeria. Dambazau gave the Federal Government’s commitment when he visited 60,000 Nigerian refugees in the Minawao camp, Maruoa in far North Region of Cameron, as part of his three-day official visit to the country. A statement by the Press Secretary to the Minister, Mr Osaigbovo Ehisienmen, in Abuja, on Monday, said Dambazau used the occasion of the visit to donate food and other essen-

tial items to the displaced Nigerians in Cameroon, on behalf of the Federal Government. He was accompanied on the trip by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase; the Comptroller General, Immigration Service, Mr Martins Abeshi; Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Representative of National Refugee Commission and other government officials. In a related development, the Minister of Interior jointly signed a communiqué at the end of a bilateral meeting with

officials of Cameroon Interior Ministry on issues related to exchange of information on the organisation and duties of Interior Ministry of both countries, arrangement towards gradual return of Nigerian refugees back home which would involve a tripartite agreement between Nigeria, Cameroon and United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Maritime Piracy, as well Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of regular consultation mechanisms between authorities of the Cameroonian regions and states in Nigeria located along the common border.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Our economic challenges, blessing in disguise —Saraki Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

RESIDENT of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and his colleagues in both chambers of the National Assembly, on Monday, informed by a team of consultants under the auspices of the Department for International Development (DFID), that 54 of the country’s existing laws have to be either amended or repealed if the country is to make progress in her quest to attract investors and become business-

friendly. The experts spoke while presenting the 168-page report entitled: “Comprehensive Review of the Institutional Regulatory, Legislative and Associated Instruments Affecting Businesses in Nigeria” as Saraki also said the present economic challenge facing the country presented an opportunity for its leaders to show leadership, courage and ingenuity. The Senate President said the nation should use the present economic situation

to set the stage for a post-oil era, in which the private sector would steer the ship of the economy while government provided the enabling environment. “The National Assembly, through the legislative agenda, seized on the moment to chart a new course for the nation’s economy. The legislative agenda we have adopted is one framed largely around good governance, accountability, opening up of the economy for greater investment, ease of doing business and security of

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki receiving a report of the review of Legal Institutional and Regulatory Instrument from the head of the team, Professor Paul Idonnigie, during a courtesy visit to the Senate President, in Abuja, on Monday. With them are representative of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Tijani Yusuf (second right) and Special adviser to the Senate President on Legislative Matters and Strategies, Honourable Kingsley Amaku.

Shi’ite to boycott commission of inquiry Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna THE Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as the Shi’ite, has threatened to boycott proceedings at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) investigating the recent crisis between the Army and the sect. Chairman of the commission, Justice Lawal Muhammad, had on Monday, adjourned the sitting for another one week, to resume on March 7. In a press briefing in Kaduna, on Monday, the sect, which accused the commission of bias, declared that it would only appear before the commission if the leader of the movement, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky was unconditionally released. They made their position known on Monday, in a news conference at the Secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna. Spokesman for the sect, Dr Abdullahi Danladi, stated that the leader of the movement should lead the movement to the commission and not be held incommunicado while the com-

mission was sitting. The sect also called for “the reconstitution of the commission as it is set by the Kaduna State government, which it described as an aggressor in the incident, saying it was unjust to deny the movement representation in the commission. “The sect also called for the immediate release of hundreds of their members who were civil servants, including children and women. “We have previously alerted the Nigerian people of the fact that hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement

in Nigeria are currently in detention at the Kaduna Central Prison and many scores more are being held in several other detention centres.”

lives and property,” he said. He added that the eighth National Assembly would give priority to the amendment of obsolete laws and since some of the affected laws required constitutional amendment, the planned process would be expedited to ensure that all stakeholders concerned make the changes happen as soon as possible. Saraki said the collaboration with the private sectors, development partners, professional groups like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as well as the academia in the ongoing process to review laws affecting doing business would give birth to a new business environment that would boost the economy, solve the problem of unemployment, curb social vices and restore our national values and pride. He stressed that the Senate and the House of Representatives were on the same page with President Muhammed Buhari’s policy on diversification of economy. “Our president has laid out a vision to fully diversify the economy beyond oil and has been committed to the actualization of the project. “The overarching objec-

tive of the agenda targets private sector investment and business development as a major plank of the plan. This is because of our belief in the ingenuity, creativity, entrepreneurship of our people and that in order to create jobs, give our people better opportunities, the private sector remains our best option. “This is at the heart of the clamour for diversification; from agriculture business support, to credit, economic reform bills, to MSMEs, taxation, conflict resolution, regulatory reform bills, our agenda is firmly rooted on increased participation, diversification and capital formation,” Saraki assured. Leader of the team of experts sponsored by DFID, Professor Paul Idornigie, said apart from 54 laws reviewed, they also did a comprehensive analysis of 50 other bills pending before the two chambers of the National Assembly. Idornigie said the priority rating list would help the legislature to focus on some areas that require urgent intervention and recommended nine bills that if passed into law in the life of the eighth National Assembly, it would have been deemed

to have comprehensively reformed the business environment. The bills recommended by the expert as requiring urgent attention are the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2015, Federal Roads Authority Bill 2015, National Inland Waterways Authority Bill 2015, National Roads Funds Bill 2015, National Transport Commission 2015, Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority Bill 2015, Nigeria Postal Commission Bill 2015 and Nigeria Railway Authority Bill 2015. The team also recommended the establishment of a Federal Legislative Clearing House to be scrutinising and reviewing bills before they are presented to the respective legislative chambers for first reading. “One principle we believe the National Assembly in considering the bills before the need to avoid the setting up of multiple agencies with overlapping or competing mandates. Consequently, there is need to follow a cost benefit approach in deciding when and where a new agency is required,” he said. Nigeria ranks 169 out of 189 economies in the World Bank Doing Business Report for 2016.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Lagos

Pick-pocket lands in court over Nokia phone Gbemi Solaja A 22-year-old man identified as Chimezie Uzugwu has been arraigned before an Ebute Metta Magistrate’s Court over allegations of theft. The suspect allegedly stole a Nokia mobile phone valued at N7, 000 and a wallet containing N10, 000 belonging to one Tijani Idris. Chimezie allegedly committed the crime at about February 27, at Orile bus stop. The offence is punishable under Section 285 of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011 Upon his not guilty plea, the Magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N10,000 and two sureties who must be gainfully employed.

The police officer (in mufti) arrested for parking on the walkaway close to Jabita Hotel. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Arepo pipeline vandals who roasted 9 policemen jailed 22 years Ayomide owonibi Odekanyin

INE people accused of pipeline vandalism and also murdering nine policemen have been sentenced to 22 years imprisonment. The convicts were charged by the police on 14 counts bordering on pipeline vandalism, illegal transportation and sale of refined petroleum products and unlawful murder of nine policemen. In his judgment, Justice

Okon Abang of a Federal High Court sentenced the accused to a term of 10 years imprisonment on count 1, and a term of 12 years imprisonment on count 2, 3 and 4 respectively, while he discharged them on counts five to 14. The judge added that the term of imprisonment shall run concurrently, beginning from the date of delivering same. “While reviewing evidence in this matter, I came to a conclusion that the following convicts Felix Yayu,

Present state of a part of School of Nursing, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, taken over by overgrown flowers. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Ijoufaya Legbe, Yakubu Ebiwei, Tuesday Filatei, Owei Atile and Augustine Ebiwei, have no sympathy for the corporate existence of this country and her citizens. “In spite of the efforts made by the Federal Government and the Lagos state government to protect NNPC pipelines, they felt that vandalising the pipeline and killing the policemen sent to guide pipeline, was best. “The facts of this case are miserable, sordid, shameful

to remember and ghastly to believe; Even though they have not been convicted of killing the nine policemen, it is not in doubt that they all conspired to do so. “Imagine one of the convict Tuesday Filatei, taking photographs of how the po-

licemen were burnt to ashes. The conduct of the convict has reflected the moral decay we find ourselves; the convicts sowed the wind and they must harvest the whirlwind,” Justice Abang said. In the charge, the accused

were said to have committed the offence on May 24, 2014, at Arepo near Ikorodu, Lagos, by breaking oil pipeline and engaging in illegal transportation and sale of refined petrol, as well as maliciously setting ablaze the pipeline.

Popular Mushin thug, Muda Adigun, sentenced to death •Reprisal tension grips communities

TENSION has continued to grip residents of Akala in Mushin and Onipanu areas of Lagos State following a court judgment that condemned to death, a notorious gang leader, Muda Adigun, who was arrested in 2013 for alleged role in the bloody clashes that led to the death of more that 10 in the area. An Igbosere High Court, on Monday, condemned Muda to death, after about three years of legal proceedings, which saw his case file being referred to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Muda had reportedly on the day of his arrest gone to the South Africa Visa Application Centre in Oregun

area of Ikeja with the intention of running away from Nigeria, when the policemen arrested him. However, the news of Muda’s condemnation to death has filled some residents of Mushin with panic, following fears that some of his gang members might go on rampage. They called on the state police commissioner, Fatai Owoseni to put adequate security presence around Mushin to forestall any clash between Muda’s boys and his opponent. A resident of the area, who simply identified himself as Taofeek said that “the fact is that we all live in fear as we expect some of his boys to go on rampage, anytime from now.

There is tension in the air. Muda has become the topic on everybody’s lips. He has been condemned to death and we know that his boys will not fold their arms and watch him go just like that.” Another resident, who pleaded anonymity, also expressed her fears following the Monday judgment, which according to her, had gone contrary to the expectations of some of the gang members. “The police and OP MESSA should be on ground from now to prevent any breakdown of law and order from his boys and their rival. There is serious tension in Mushin,” the resident added.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

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Nigerian Tribune

Edited by

Lanre Adewole

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0811 695 4647

DSS officer Ladipo Market: Bakassi section shut, to be demolished O O nabbed •It’s a witch-hunt — Traders for traffic offence for trial today lalekan

labulo

THE tension at the Ladipo Auto Spare parts market was heightened over the weekend as officials of the Lagos State Government shut down the Bakassi section of the market. Lagos Metro gathered that the shutting down of

the market was sequel to a demolition order given by the state government to the traders and that more sections of the market might be shut down before Friday.

Armed policemen and soldiers were also present to prevent any breakdown of law and order. A source at the Lagos State Ministry of Urban Planning confirmed to La-

gos Metro that the market was actually shut down by officials of the ministry and insisted that the traders were served prior notices before the closure of the market.

Meanwhile the traders have described the closure of the market as “witch hunting from the state government officials. How can they close only the Bakassi section, when others are allowed to do their business? This is not fair, they are witch-hunting us,” a trader Chibueze said.

Bola Badmus LAGOS State Task Force headed by SU Olubola Abe, on Monday, arrested a police officer, Denny Chukwudi, around Ikeja for allegedly parking on the walkway close to Jabita Hotel. Chukwudi, who is believed to be a spy police, according to the Task Force Public Affairs Officer, Mr Taofik Adebayo, is billed to appear on Tuesday before the Mobile Court sitting in Ikeja and headed by Magistrate Olalekan Aka-Bashorun to defend himself. Meanwhile, Lagos State Mobile Court on Monday convicted 14 private car owners, who violated the state traffic laws, with each of them paying fines ranging from N25, 000 to N40, 000. The offenders, Mr Timi Oluwafemi, Okoye Kenny, Akande Olayitan, Semi Adeniyi, Okechukwu John, Mrs S. Okenwa and others, were arrested by the State Task Force and charged before Magistrate Aka-Bashorun. According to Aka-Bashorun, the private cars owners were fined to serve as deterrent to other private road users and to tell Lagos residents that Mobile Court is not after commercial buses only.

Commercial bus driver, who fought with officials of Traffic Task Force, when he was arrested at Jibowu. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Danfo driver to sweep police station for 5 days for driving against traffic Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A commercial bus driver, Kolawole Olumide, who admitted driving against traffic, has been ordered

by an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, to sweep the Ogudu police station. He was ordered to sweep the police station for a minimum of two hours for

the duration of five days and to pay N5,000 to the Lagos State government. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs O. Sule Amzat, gave the sentence after the

driver pleaded guilty to the three-count charge including driving without a licence and causing wilful obstruction on the highway.

Lawmakers call for investigations into Oshodi murder Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos THE Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, called on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, to investigate the murder of Mr Anene Otazie, on Thursday, at Ladipo Market, Oshodi. It will be recalled that Otazie’s death followed the clash between security agents and traders during

a protest against alleged extortion by one Monday Ijoba. Ijoba and his gang members were reportedly employed by the Local Government authority in the area to collect charges from the traders. According to information gathered, policemen and soldiers were promptly mobilised to the scene, but some of the protesters re-

portedly fired gunshots to chase them away before Otazie was hit by a stray bullet and died, while others were injured. The call followed a motion moved by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo II, Mr Jude Idimogu, under matters of public urgent importance on the floor of the House. Idimogu said the incident

needed to be investigated to prevent further destruction. According to him, one Awoyemi family which has been laying claims to the ownership of a portion of land in Ladipo Market came to the market with armed thugs to destabilise it. He said that the thugs destroyed a lot of property at the market and killed the victim in the process.

The lawmaker therefore called for a quick passage of Land Grabbers Bill on the floor of the House to help check all land-related issues. Responding, the Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa said the incident was not good for the image of the state and said that the matter should be investigated by the police to curb future occurrence.

The magistrate said if the driver fails to comply with the community service imposed, he would be taken into custody for at least six months and also ordered that the vehicle, a Volkswagen LT bus with Registration number: KRD 833 XH should be released to the convict upon completion of his sentence. “He also didn’t have a valid road worthiness document and a fire extinguisher in his vehicle when he was arrested,” the police said. The offences committed contravene Schedule 3, items 1, 24 and schedule 1, item 45 of the Lagos State Traffic.

businessnews

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

NNPC, oil marketers join forces to end emerging •Begins operation ‘one cargo per day’ fuel queues Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has stepped up collaboration with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, (MOMAN) and other downstream industry players to end the resurgence of fuel queues in some major cities across the country especially in Lagos and environs. The NNPC, in a release on Monday, said it had secured the commitment of the leadership of MOMAN for effective collaboration in this regard and assured that the queues will disappear in the days ahead as supplies are ramped up across the country. The statement, which was signed by Ohi Alegbe, said to achieve this, truck-out to filling stations in the Lagos area has been increased from the regular 245 to 295 trucks per day (9.7 million) while truck-out to fuel sta-

tions in Abuja from Suleja depot has been stepped up to 210 trucks per day (6.9million litres) from the regular supply of 160 trucks per day. The NNPC explained that similar increment in supply volume has been activated in the Port Harcourt, Calabar, Kano and Kaduna areas to ensure seamless availability of petroleum prod-

ucts across every nook and cranny of the country. While appealing for understanding and support from members of the public, the NNPC assured that it was doing everything possible to end the prevailing challenges experienced by motorists, commuters and the general public in accessing petrol. “Within the last 48 hours

we have received six cargoes of petrol (270 million litres) and beginning from March 1, 2016, we shall begin to receive one cargo of petrol every day (45 million litres),’’ the statement read. The NNPC also announced that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has directed the full activation of an Intra-Ministerial Joint Moni-

toring Task Force made up of officials of Department of Petroleum Resources, (DPR) Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, (PPPRA)and the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, (PPMC) to ensure and enforce compliance to laid down rules and regulations governing the supply and distribution of petroleum products.

CBN, NIBSS kick off award scheme to promote cashless policy Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

CENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said that the Electronic Payment Financial Incentives Scheme (EFIS), Efficiency Award is aimed to enhance competition among operators in the electronic payment industry. Meanwhile Guaranty Trust Bank emerged the leader in the maiden edition of the award winning in six categories. The bank won six of the 11 bank based award. These include Cashless Instant Payment; Cashless PoS issued cards; Instant Payment Transaction Efficiency; Electronic Reference; Automated Direct Debit Mandate; and Customer Experience Satisfaction award. Zenith Bank followed with two awards namely Cashless Bulk Payment Award and PoS Transaction Acquirer. Speaking at the award ceremony held in Lagos, Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, Alhaji Suleiman Barau said that the awards indicate that GTBank and Zenith Bank have done well and other banks should emulate them. “The two banks have done very well. We like all the banks to emulate what the three or four banks have done. What the efficiency awards seek to do is to encourage competition so that next year you will see more banks competing and that is the essence of award ceremony like this,” he said.

From left: Director of Energy, Cranfield University, United Kingdom, Professor Feargal Brennan; Director of Gas, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Armaya’u Kurfiand and acting Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Ahmed Aminu, during a seminar with the Management of Cranfield University, United kingdom on “Addressing Future Challenges of the Energy Sector: The Renewable Energy Path,” in Abuja, on Monday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

Electricity tariff: Court dismisses contempt suit against NERC A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, dismissed a contempt suit against the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) over alleged disobedience of its order. A lawyer and human rights activist, Toluwani Adebiyi, had filed the suit, challenging the hike in electricity tariff. He had sought an order of court, committing

NERC’s Chairman and the Chief Executive Officers of the Distribution Companies (Discos) to prison for allegedly flouting a subsisting order of the court. Justice Mohammed Idris had on May 28, 2015, directed NERC to suspend all actions relating to any increment in electricity tariff pending the determination of a suit filed by Adebiyi.

Adebiyi had argued that despite the subsisting order, NERC in conjunction with the Electricity Distribution Companies commenced the implementation of the new electricity tariff on Feb.1, 2016. He said the implementation of the new tariff by the defendants indicated that the substantive suit meant nothing to them. Delivering his ruling

Nigerians set to shun banking halls

•As consumer rights groups urge bank users to join protest AkinAdewakunwithAgency Report

NIGERIAN bank users are set to shun banking halls today, Tuesday, to protest infringements on their rights by operators in country’s financial sector. A consortium of consumer rights groups, led by the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) had, few days ago, called on Nigerians to go on ‘bank fast’ to protest banks’ excessive charges in the country. “We’ve been in bondage for so long, and the more individuals and groups begin to protest these things, the better,” argued Kadri.

According to him, despite the fact that his small scale fishery farming had not attracted the required financial support from the banks, his corporate account had always experienced different surcharges from his bankers. Corroborating Kadri’s claims, the convener of the action, Sola Salako, explained that the action is not intended to run any financial institution down; since their existence is crucial to the survival of the nation’s economy. Meanwhile, the National President, Constance Shareholders Association of Nigeria (CSAN), Shehu

Mikail, has urged all bank users to join ‘No Banking Day’ protest today. Mikail made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Monday. “Apart from the above, there are other silent charges administered by Nigerian banks,” he said. He said there was need to alert the Federal Government on these excessive charges by Nigerians banks. In preparation for the protests, some banks have already put measures in place to ensure that the protest goes smoothly.

on Monday, Justice Idris held that the procedure for committing a party for contempt outside the face of the court must be strictly adhered. “Before a party can be committed for contempt it must be shown that he is aware of the order or judgment because a person cannot be said to be in contempt of an order he is not aware of. “The best way to notify the alleged contemnor of the pending order or judgment is to serve him with the order personally. “In the light of the law, it is clear in this case that the purported service of form 49 without service of form 48 is premature. “In the circumstances, I hold that the defendant’s objection have merit. The form 49 and the motion for order for committal are hereby set aside,” he said Idris held that he set aside the contempt proceeding due to procedural irregularities. “However, let me warn that where the disciplinary jurisdiction of this court is properly invoked, anyone found to have neglected the order of court will be dealt with.

Nigerian Tribune

N86.2bn debt: Seaport investors broke —Investigations Tola Adenubi-Lagos

INVESTIGATIONS have revealed that the N86.2bn debt being owed the Federal Government by maritime concessionaires at the seaports is unconnected with the inability of the private investors to purchase Dollars from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to an impeccable source at the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) who declined to have his name in print, refusal of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to collect lease and cargo throughput fees in Naira, and the inability of the private investors to obtain Dollars from the CBN is majorly the reason the private investors are indebted to the FG to the tune of N86.2bn. “The major cause of this N86.2bn debt is the drop in cargo throughput at the seaports coupled with the skyrocketing rate of the Dollars against the Naira. The CBN is not selling Dollars to would be buyers and we cannot buy at the black market because the rate is just too high, yet the NPA insist these fees must be paid in Dollars. Where do we go from here? “Even if we decide to buy from the black market, which black market will sell Dollars to us for a figure as high as N86.2bn? This are the issues and it is placing constrain on private investors. “We have enough Naira but cannot get Dollars, and the NPA has refused to collect Naira. So where do we go from here?” Terminal operators running various terminals across Nigeria’s seaports are currently indebted to the Federal Government to the tune of N86.2bn for lease and cargo throughput fees as at December 2015 The terminal operators indebted to government are APMoller Terminals, Five Star Logistics, BUA Limited, ENL, Apapa Bulk Terminal, Greenview Development Nigeria. Others are Josephdam Terminal, Tin Can Island Container Terminal, Port and Cargo Handling Services and Port and Terminal Multi-purpose Services Limited. The debts are accumulated fees, charges and rentals that are yet to be paid into the purse of the federal government, owner of the ports that were concessioned to terminal operators in 2006.

businessnews

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Stock market instability: Operators seek equities with strong potenial •As market starts week with N117bn increase KehindeAkinseinde-Jayeobawith Agency Report

OME capital market operators, on Monday, urged prospective investors to invest in equities with strong earnings potential and high paying dividend record to mitigate risk. They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the market would be driven by the strength of earnings and payouts by listed companies as the market awaits 2015 audited results. Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, Investdata Consulting Ltd., said investors needed to invest in equities with strong earnings in line with present economic realities to reduce risk. Omordion said “the market this week will be driven by the strength of earnings and rewards given by listed companies.” He added that investors needed to be guided by experts given the falling economic fundamentals and

indices. “At the current low prices, the market present opportunities for investors to position in dividend paying stocks with strong potential to grow their earnings in the future,’’ Omordion said. Also, Malam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Ltd., said late passage of the budget would worsen the already difficult situation in the country. Kurfi said the problems of the economy should not be compounded with delayed budget,” he said. “The economy is faced with dwindling public revenue, tighter monetary policy, higher interest

and exchange rates and uncertainties in the government’s economic blueprint.” NAN reported that the All-Share Index lost 203.72 points or 0.83 per cent to close at 24,228.79 from 24,432,51 achieved in the preceding week. Also, the market capitalisation which opened at N8.403 trillion lost N67 billion to close at N8.336 trillion due to price loses. The equities market closed on a positive note as All Share Index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) appreciated by 1.41 per cent to close at 24,570.73 basis points, compared with the 0.77 per cent appreciation recorded on

Friday at 24,228.79 basis points. With the increase in equities measures, market capitalisation added N117 billion to close at N8.45 trillion as against N8.34 trillion it opened trading with. Market breadth also closed positive as Dangote Cement Plc led 18 gainers against 18 losers topped by Wema Bank Plc at the end of today’s session- an improved performance when compared with previous outlook. Market turnover closes positive as volume moved up by 66.6 per cent against 3.23 per cent uptick recorded in the previous session.

Zenith Bank Plc (24,179,925 shares), Access Bank Plc (138,970,740 shares) and WAPIC (207,113,867 shares) were the most active to boost market turnover, measured by volume. Access Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc top market value list having staked total of N831.5 million worth of shares. WAPIC led the list of active stocks that recorded impressive volume spike at the end of Monday session as it traded 207,113,867 shares worth N103.6 million in 11 deals. At the end of the trading, investors exchanged 467,239,221 shares worth N1.5 billion in 2,549 deals.

Table water producers pleads with govt THE Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), Oyo State chapter has appealed to the state government to prevail on nylon manufacturing companies for downward review of the price of nylon, a major material used in packaging satchet pure water, which witnessed astronomical increase recently. Oyo State chairman of the association, Ademola Abbas Adigun, who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in OlfnadabI, at the weekend, lamented that the hike in the price of nylon had adversely affected members of ATWAP who had to pay huge amount to procure the material. According to him “the price of nylon has risen from N120,000 per 1,000 kg to N980,000 while the nylon for packaging bag has equally risen from N1,200 to N3,500 for 1,000 pieces. This is apart from huge amount expended on diesel to power our generators and other expenses incurred in the course of production of pure water, all of which account for sudden increase in price” he said. The ATWAP chairman apologised to members of the public over the increase in sachet watere, saying that it was not a deliberate plan but a reaction to market forces. He added that the price at which pure satchet water is sold was dependent on the cost of nylon used in packaging it.

From left: Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Director, Market Strategy, Pricing/ Insight, Etisalat Nigeria, Adebisi Idowu, during a visit by Etisalat Nigeria Group to the Ooni of Ife in his palace, Ile Ife, Osun State.

NCC affirms receipt of N50bn from NTN

May sanction telecoms operators for migrating subscribers to PAYGO THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Monday, affirmed the receipt of N50 billion towards settlement of the fine imposed on MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd by the Commission, and its withdrawal of Suit No FHC/1923/2015 – MTN Vs. NCC & HAGF. The NCC made the affirmation in a statement to the press, signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo. “The official information to the commission to that effect, was received from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, today, February 29, 2016. “The amount is an unconditional good faith payment, on the basis that this sum would be applied towards eventual settlement agreement for payment of the fine imposed by the Commission, where the ongoing negotiations

between the Federal Government and the company reaches a final resolution. “The Federal Government’s team for the negotiations is being led by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, while MTN team is led former U.S Attorney General, and Head of Covington & Burling LLP, Washington DC, Mr Eric H. Holder, Jr. “The receipt of the amount, and withdrawal of the suit is without prejudice to the final decision of government on the terms of payment being proposed by the company. On the basis of out of court settlement, the Federal Government team, is expected to deliberate on the merits and demerits of the terms of payment of the fine imposed on MTN by the commission for its failure to deactivate invalid SIM Cards as directed by the Commission, thereby contravening the

provisions of the regulation on SIM card registration,” the statement read. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) may take regulatory action on telecommunications operators over migration of subscribers to Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) data plan, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The regulatory body gave the indication in its “2015 Q4 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Reports’’, made available to NAN on Monday in Lagos. It said the commission had been inundated with complaints from telecommunications consumers regarding the current practices by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The report said MNOs were automatically migrating subscribers from their data plan account to PAYG account, upon the depletion of their data account, thus leading to cases of bill

shock to the subscribers. The commission had issued a directive to all MNOs against automatic migration of subscribers’ data services to PAYG billing platform upon data depletion with effect from Aug. 24, 2015. According to the report, this is pursuant to section 53 (1) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. It said that NCC directed that where a subscriber’s data bundle account was fully depleted before the due date, service providers should notify the subscriber via Short Messaging Service (SMS). It added that the operators should give subscribers information regarding the tariff/billing rate for migration to PAYG billing. The report said all service providers should henceforth stop auto-migration of subscribers’ data service to PAYG account upon depletion of their data bundle account.

Africa: Elumelu emphasises increased opportunities in trade, investment By Ruth Olurounbi

THE Chairman, Heirs Holdings, UBA Plc and Transcorp Plc, Tony Elumelu, has once again emphasised the need for increased collaboration and integration in promoting trade and investment opportunities in Africa. Elumelu had always spoken passionately about African development through entrepreneurship, trade and investment promotions. At the 4th International African Development Forum in Casablanca, organised by the Attijariwafa Bank since 2010, the 2016 forum, held in collaboration with the Moroccan Government institution, Maroc Export with focus on ‘Agriculture and Electrification: Harnessing Energies’, Elumelu stressed that sustained investments in agriculture and energy can lead to and sustain economic transformation across the continent. Speaking on the role of the African private sector in the continent’s and regional integration to a gathering of over 1,500 African business leaders at the forum, which held between February 24 and 25, 2016, Elumelu said: “African unity should be about shared bonds and trade. As we grow closer we will address the challenges caused by our trade barriers. “I believe in Africa, and I believe in the power of entrepreneurship to deliver the future we all want for the continent- a future of stability and prosperity, with sustainable energy and food for all!” Stressing the importance of investments and of providing the right infrastructure for development across the continent, Elumelu said “the private sector has the capacity and must acknowledge and embrace its role in the development of our continent. We have common challenges. We need investment and we need development in Africa. I decided that I needed to be here to participate in such a forward moving initiative. I call this Africapitalism.” Africapitalism proposes that the African private sector has the power to transform Africa through long-term investments, creating both economic prosperity and social wealth; a belief that he has backed by launching the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme - a 10-year, $100 million commitment to empower the next generation of African entrepreneurs and generate $10 billion in annual revenue, creating at least one million jobs across Africa.

12 news

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Abducted, forced into marriage 14-yr-old Ese rescued I don’t want to return to Bayelsa –Ese From Chris Agbambu, Kola Oyelere and Austin Ebipade, with Agency Report

HE police, Monday afternoon, rescued 14-year-old Ese Oruru, the school girl abducted in Bayelsa and taken to Kano. Force spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, told the Nigerian Tribune that the girl was rescued on the orders of the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase. According to her, the team that rescued her was led by the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina. Kolawole disclosed that the girl would be brought to the Force Headquarters today on the orders of the IGP, where she would be reunited with her parents.

Return Ese to her parents, Emir of Kano orders Earlier, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, had ordered immediate repatriation of the 14-year-old girl, said to have been married and converted to Muslim by a Keke operator. His words: “I ordered the Kano State Shariah Commission to liaise with the Assistant Inspector General ( AIG) Zone 1 and take her back to her parents in Bayelsa, through the AIG who oversees Bayelsa axis, for her safety.” Disclosing this at a press conference in his palace, the Emir expressed dissatisfaction at the way BBC called him from South Africa to know his side of the story, which he said was crafted to simply tarnish the Emirate Council and Islam. “Since August last year, the District Head of Kura came to the palace with a young girl of about 15 years, alongside somebody from the area, whom we were told was married to him after she was converted to Islam,” the Emir said. Sanusi said he solicited the intervention of the police authorities because the girl was said to have made a statement that she was afraid that her parent could harm her if she returned home. “In Islam, she has no right to just go ahead and decide things for herself. She is still young. She is not matured enough. And no where in Islam can such young girls just make up their minds and give the hands in marriage just like that. “It’s not permitted in Islam. That is why we said she must be taken back to her parents, “ Sanusi explained. Sanusi said to his surprise, he just saw online stories alleging that he ordered that the girl should remain in his

palace. He added that he did not know the story had gone that far until he was called from South Africa. “To my utter surprise, since the time we ordered that the girl be taken to her parents in Bayelsa through AIG Zone 1 office, we have not heard anything about her. Just for us to now start hearing all kinds of stories that we are keeping her in our custody. “This is injustice of the highest order, “ Kano Emir maintained. He further explained that it was permissible in Islam for anyone to leave his or her parents because he accepted the religion.

Emir has ordered my daughter’s release, she’s expected home this week — Father Respite came the way of Mr Charles Oruru, father of Ese, as the Emir of Kano

ordered her immediate release. Ese was abducted from her father’s shop, at Opolo suburb of Yenagoa, on August 12, 2015, by one Yinusa, a tricyclist, a.k.a. Yellow, and the victim, prior to the order for her release, had been held for six months with her consent. Concerned Nigerians’ outcry was responsible for the cheering news of plan to release her, as previous efforts by the police command in the state, interfacing with the Kano command, did not yield positive result. Even when the parents travelled to secure her release, the Sharia Court in Kano and Yinusa frustrated their effort. It was learnt that Ese was converted to Islam by her abductors and renamed Aisha. The abduction also led to the issue of a communiqué for her release by the presi-

dent of the Ijaw Youth Council, Comrade Udengs Eradiri, who noted that it was a case of kidnap of the minor and that it was made worse because it was without the consent of her parents. Eradiri called for her immediate release or else, the fate of northerners going about their legitimate businesses might be compromised. Federation of Women Lawyers in Bayelsa State also raised the alarm for the release of abducted Ese, even as they vowed to take the case to the international community if her captors refused to set her free. Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Chief Obarisi OmoAgege, who met Ese’s father, had assured that the matter would be discussed at the National Assembly, with a view to ensuring that all relevant agencies swung into action to ensure that

the victim was released. However, Ese’s father, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune said “I have just ended a meeting with the Nigerian Union Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa and other concerned bodies working assiduously for my daughter’s release.” According to him, the security agencies had assured him that the Emir had ordered the release of his daughter. On when she is expected in Yenagoa, Oruru said Kano was far from Bayelsa, adding that hopefully, the security agencies in Bayelsa State would take delivery of her and hand her over to him this week. She was heard in an interview with Premium Times that she did not want to return to her home in Bayelsa. As obtained by Premium Times, below is the transcript of conversation of

Ese with an unnamed police interrogator. after she was rescued: What is your name? My name is Aisha Chuwas. From where are you here (sic), come Kano? From Bayelsa State. How old are you? I am 17 years old What are you doing in Kano? I am not doing anything but I came here to be a Muslim and I will stay here. In your own choice or... Silence Ok. Aisha your parents tell us you are (sic) abducted from Bayelsa. Is it true? No. I am not (sic) by anybody. Ok. Tell us the truth. I am (sic) not abducted by anybody. I came here on my own interest. Nobody forced me to be a Muslim.

...How Nigerians used Twitter to demand her release By Ruth Olurounbi IN the hours that led to the release of the allegedly kidnapped 14-year-old Ese Oruru, with the intention of “converting her to Islam” so her abductor could marry her, Nigerians, on Twitter used the social media platform to show solidarity in their demand for her immediate release. The Nigerian Twitter sphere, which was outraged early Monday, as the news about the reported kidnap and marriage of a 14-year-old Ese Oruru to one Yinusa, who was said to have taken her from Yenogoa, Bayelsa State to Kano State, was also aggrieved that such could happen in a country, where child-marriage is outlawed. Using the #FreeEse, #FreeEseNow and sev-

eral variants, Nigerians on Twitter demanded for the freedom of the teenager. Remi Sonaiya, who contested for the Presidency seat last year under KOWA, took to Twitter to condemn the act of child-marriage, saying “all who love truth and justice must be appalled. How can strangers have more power over a minor than her parents? Don’t we have laws?” Senator Jummai Alhassan, known as Mama Taraba, also took to twitter to vent on what many users called “atrocity,” saying “Child Rights Act says no person under 18 is capable of contracting a valid marriage and a marriage so contracted, is null and void. Ese is still a child under our laws and her right to freedom of movement is subject to parental control. She

must be returned. “Our laws are very clear on the case; Ese Oruru is 14 and as such, cannot consent to marriage. Any such union she’s in is illegal. No culture, religion or personal conviction supersedes the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ese Oruru must return home.” Saying that she had been in contact with the police in Kano over Ese’s “immediate release to her parents,” she added that “I can assure you that I will use all my powers and influence as a Minister and woman to secure the release and return of Ese Oruru.” Obiagelli Ezekwesili, who was on the forefront of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign did not disappoint Monday morning, as she led the voice that demanded for Oruru’s release.

She tweeted that she was in talks with the Emir of Kano, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, of which the Emir had promised he was looking into it. Ezekwesili said she found that the Emir had previously “over ruled the Sharia Comm and asked that Ese be returned,” but according to the tone of her message, this was not done. According to her, she spoke with the Emir on Sunday, who promised that ‘“..tomorrow the decision will be to remind the police of this mandate and again request immediate implementation.....and an explanation (from Kano Police) for why it (Ese’s return to Bayelsa) was not done.....”Emir Sanusi said to me,’” her timeline read.

Three hours into Oruru’s release, Ezekwesili tweeted “#QuickUpdateOnEse: The Emir is holding court and promised update on Ese’s return to Bayelsa. He says “this shall be resolved”. #InWaitingMode.” Meanwhile, Twitter has been jubilant over Oruru’s release, claiming it is a victory for the teenager’s family and Nigerian girls at large. Although relieved that Oruru was released, many are calling for the prosecution of her alleged kidnapper(s). Kambili M.A. Chimalu tweeted through her handle @depsyfiesty, that: “It is not enough to “rescue” Ese. Her abductors should be prosecuted and the IGP fired. Now, we must work to protect girls in Nigeria.”

Why we launched harmonised camouflage —Armed Forces Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos THE Nigerian Armed Forces have blamed proliferation of camouflage among military, paramilitary and civil security outfits for the introduction of the new harmonized camouflage for the Nigerian Military. The Air Force, on Monday, in Lagos, launched the harmonised camouflage, which will now be the official camouflage of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy. The Air Officer Com-

manding, Logistics Command of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Muhammed, who launched the camouflage on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, opined that the new camouflage would solve the problem of military camouflage in the country. Muhammed said “over the years, the various armed services in Nigeria had used different shades of the camouflage for military operations and exercises. “Akin to this was the proliferation of the camou-

flage among several security, paramillitary and civil security outfits. “This development has dire implication on our national security. It is the recognition of these consequences that the higher management of defence adopted the Desert Camouflage and Woodland Camouflage for our Armed Forces.” Muhammed explained that while the Desert Camouflage is designed to blend with the terrain in the northern part of Nigeria, the Woodland Camouflage is designed for the

terrain in the South.” The Air Force boss also said that “the harmonisation is also expected to promote jointness among the Armed Forces, as well as foster comeradeship and inter-service cooperation. He added that the Nigerian Air Force had already distributed a total of 4,000 camouflage to the personnel, who are involved in internal security duties, while an additional 9,000 new camouflage would be distributed soon. Muhammed also pointed out that a system had been

put on ground to retrieve all the old camouflages as soon as the new ones go round, as he warned impersonators to steer clear of the millitary camouflage. The Nigerian Air Force boss also used the occasion to inspect reconfiguration work on the C130 aircraft, being designed to give VIP treatment to air officers. He also inspected the blocks of classrooms , officers’ quarters and 2.7 kilometres drainage system at at the 105 Communication Depot in Shasha area of Akowonjo, Lagos State.

news PDP: I won’t stay in office beyond deadline —Sheriff

Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji-Abuja

ATIONAL chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has assured that he will not remain in office longer than prescribed by the constitution of the party. Following opposition to his emergence as the party chairman, the stakeholders of the party had mandated him to be in office for a period of three months within which he should conduct new congresses and national convention leading to the election of new national executives. Sheriff has also said he would stake his integrity to conduct credible congresses and national convention that would stand the test of time. The party boss was speaking at the national secretariat of the party on Monday, while hosting a delegation from the Forum of Former Members of the House of Representatives

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

elected under the party. He advised members of the party to watch out for the constitution of the

national convention/congresses planning committee and programme of the congresses and national

convention to enable them to prepare, saying that the national leadership would not allow the imposition of

candidates on the people. He said: “The events of the last one month in our great party have been very

Former Senate President and PDP’s senatorial candidate for Benue South rerun election, Senator David Mark (right), receiving certificate of return from INEC National Commissioner, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, at the INEC headquarters, in Abuja, on Monday. With them is the Deputy Director of INEC, Legal, Toyin Babalola. PHOTO: NAN

APC’s protest against Mark’s victory shameful —PDP •As Mark gets certificate of return for the sixth time Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji with agency Report

THE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, condemned the protest of the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the electoral victory of the immediate past Senate President, Senator David Mark, in the last Benue South senatorial rerun election,describing the action as “very shameful and disgraceful.” The national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, while receiving the delegation of the Benue State chapter of the

party in Abuja, on Monday, who came to. register the ordeal of party members in the hands of the APC-controlled government in the state, before, during and after the election, declared it shameful for members of the ruling party to be organising rallies after losing an election. Senator Modu-Sheriff, who insisted that democracy was a game of numbers and that Senator Mark defeated the APC candidate’s in the election, Mr Dan Onjeh, with a wide margin, said “You don’t hold a rally after losing an election, rather you should be preparing for future elections.”

According to him, “It is expected that David Mark’s election generated interest because Nigerians want to know whether the people love him or he was using state apparatus to win elections. His victory was a demonstration of his love by the people.” He blamed the loss of Benue State to the APC during the last elections on internal problem within the PDP, but and stated that the party was already putting its house in order, saying concerted efforts would be made to bring back all members that defected to other political parties due to the internal crisis.

The PDP national chairman expressed gratitude to members in Benue South senatorial district in ensuring that the PDP won the rerun election, despite all odds. On the alleged harassment and persecution of the members of the party in the state by the APC government, the PDP boss assured that the party would write to the Inspector General of Police on the matter with a viewing to checkmating the ugly development. According to him, “We will write to the IGP. As a party, PDP will be lawabiding, but their rights can not be trampled upon.

Lagos PDP factional chairman, Olorunoje, tasks Sheriff on party crisis •No crisis in Lagos PDP —Shelle Bola Badmus-Lagos

A faction of the Lagos State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Honourable Kamaldeen Olorunoje, on Monday, called on the new national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, to focus his attention on how to resolve crises rocking some state chapters of the PDP across the federation, declaring that Lagos PDP was still not united, but divided. Olorunoje said this during a press briefing at the party secretariat, Ladipo,

Ikeja, while congratulating the new party chairman, Sheriff, and expressing strong belief in his leadership to bring about speedy resolution of the crisis rocking the Lagos chapter of the PDP. But in a swift reaction, the party, led by Captain Tunji Selleh, denounced the Olorunoje group, saying that contrary to its claim, the PDP in Lagos remained intact and united, describing the majority which it claimed to have as phoney. Spokesman of the party, Mr Taofik Gani, who also spoke with newsmen at the party secretariat, said,

“PDP is not divided in Lagos State today to the extent that the people believe in the subsisting leadership of Captain Selleh, and in politics, all you need to do is to identify the people who are truly loyal. “It is our own stand that as at now, these other people have convinced us well enough that they are moles in this party because all entrieties have been explored and they seem not to want go along with the party. So they probably have an option B. That is why we are surprised that even when such opportunities like stakeholders’ meeting

and General Assembly are called and they have the opportunity to say their own side of the story, yet they would not come up,” the party said. The party, under the leadership of Captain Selleh, has scheduled to hold a General Assembly meeting at the party state secretariat on Tuesday, to which the former deputy national chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, has already confirmed his readiness to attend. George affirmed his readiness to attend the parley in a telephone chat with newsmen.

We will ensure that none of the PDP supporters is intimidated.” Earlier, the state chairman of the party, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, had said the margin of victory would have been much wider than the official figures, but for the intimidation and harassment of the PDP supporters by members, agents and officials of the APC. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued certificate of return to the immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, for the sixth time. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the certificate of return was given to him at INEC headquarters, by Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, INEC National Commissioner, on Monday, in Abuja. Receiving the certificate, Mark said his victory at the Benue South rerun election was a renewed mandate to continue to serve God and humanity without blemish. “In the current democratic dispensation, I am the only Nigerian till date who has contested senatorial election six times, won six times and received certificate of return six times. “When I got the fifth one, it was a great record for me, but when I got the sixth one now, it is also a great privilege for me and I appreciate it.”

interesting and revealing, particularly as it has awakened the consciousness of the generality of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Nigerians and the international community after our last general election. “My joy today is that PDP is active once again as a result of my emergence as the chairman of our great party to the glory of God. “I, Ali Modu Sheriff, a man of character and integrity, one who would live up to expectation and his promises, hereby, announce to the world that under no circumstances would I stay in office beyond the period prescribed by the Constitution of our party, the PDP. “In the light of the above therefore, I will announce the convention congress planning committee after due consultation with all organs of the party within few days from today and I assure all faithful members of the party that I would do everything within my powers to ensure that I complete the processes of congress before the expiration of my time in office.” Sheriff explained that he did not request to be the national chairman of the opposition party, but that the position was thrust on him by destiny, adding that he would do his best to carry out his mandate of conducting the national convention and inaugurating a new national executive. He said: “You will all agree with me that at no time did I solicit to be the chairman of the party, but destiny has brought that upon me and l am not shying away from that responsibility. “l will do my best within the period left and as it is humanly possible to complete the convention and hand over to an elected chairman.” Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, said they were at the party secretariat to pay a solidarity visit to the new chairman and congratulate him on his election. He noted that the PDP was going through trying times in the polity, witnessing “what we have not seen before.” According to him, “We are facing the true bitterness of the opposition. Our numbers are being witchhunted, but we have come to encourage us to remain strong.” The former PDP gubernatorial candidate in Imo State said the former lawmakers would remain partners in progress with the national leadership of the party.

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Demanding tax from churches devilish —Mimiko

NDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has described any move to collect taxes from churches or mosques in order to generate revenue as devilish, submitting that his administration never contemplated imposing taxes on places of worship. He said whoever comes to demand taxes from churches directly or in disguise in the state is an agent of the devil who must be handed over to the security agents for appropriate action. “We don’t tax churches, anybody that comes to any church deliberately or in disguise, asking for taxes is a messenger of the devil that must be handed over to the security agencies,” Governor Mimiko said. He, however, urged the leadership of places of worship to mandate their members, especially the taxable adults, to pay their taxes and other levies to enable government meet its responsibilities and obligation to the people in

this era of dwindling resources. Speaking at The Dome in Akure, during the interdenominational thanksgiving service marking the 40th anniversary of the creation of the state and seventh anniversary of his administration, Dr Mimiko declared that his government would neither retrench nor

reduce workers’ salaries, even as he submitted that the reasonable option for government is to increase its internally generated revenue. Reacting to request for grants to private schools in the state, Governor Mimiko noted that his administration would only provide them grants if they

allow government to regulate their fees, as most of them, he said, charge exorbitant rates. He explained that teachers in both public and private schools in the state have been enjoying training and retraining programme of the state government. Earlier in his sermon,

the Archbishop of Ondo province, Anglican communion, The Most Reverend George Lasebikan, appreciated God for development at various stages in Ondo State in the last 40 years, noting that Governor Mimiko had built a super structure on the foundation laid by his predecessors.

Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (left), with the new Commissioner for Adult, Technical and Vocational Education, Remi Olatubora (right), after taking the oath of office, at the Governor’s Office, Akure, on Monday.

Osun Assembly worries over poor implementation of laws POOR implementation of laws passed by houses of assembly in the country has become a source of concern to the Osun State assembly. Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, stated this in IjebuIjesa on Monday at a twoday training workshop on legislative practice and procedure, organised for members of the Assembly. According to a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the speaker said it was very unfortunate that there were several bills that could improve the economy of states and the federation at large

which have been passed, but poorly implemented or not implemented at all. “There are several bills passed in this country after legislators have put in their best, but not implemented. There are bills that can develop this state and Nigeria as a whole that are there lying fallow,” he said. The speaker, according to the statement, however, stressed that the Assembly would be careful and do thorough job before the passage of the 2016 budget to ensure that a realistic budget is approved. He said the present cash crunch in the state and the country at large was responsible for the delay in the passage of the budget.

According to him, the Assembly has been looking critically into the budget, monitoring the trend of revenue to arrive at a reasonable conclusion in the

SOME residents of Sagamu area of Ogun State, on Monday, protested alleged unlawful arrest and corruption against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sagamu Division, Mr John Mark. They also appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, to redeploy the Chief Superintendent of Police who had turned them to “Automated Teller Machines.” The protesters, came with placards with various inscription such as ‘The gods

of Sagamu reject John Mark’, ‘Sagamites unite against Police extortion’, ‘Bail is free, but Sagamites are tired of John Mark extortion’, among others. One of the protesters, Mr Moses Bamgbelu, said the DPO had at various times arrested members of the community unlawfully. He said, “I came back into the country last year, and I met my people agitating about what the DPO in Sagamu has been doing; extorting money illegally from our people and refusal to charge matters that supposed to go to court to

been responsible for the failure of the executive to take the implementation of laws passed by houses of assembly with seriousness.

ABUAD violence: Industrialist hails Afe Babalola Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti CHAIRMAN of Prosperous Group of Companies, Chief Abiodun Isinkaiye, has praised what he described as “the far-reaching” decisions taken by the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), in the interest of the majority of students who are innocent in the violent protest that rocked the institution recently.

Alleged extortion: Residents call for redeployment of DPO Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

2016 appropriation. In his lecture, a former Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Niyi Ajiboye, reportedly said lack of financial autonomy has

court.” The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, however, told newsmen that the command was aware of the protest and allegations levelled against the DPO. He stated that the state Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, had ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations. Adejobi vowed that any officer of the force found to be culpable of corrupt practices would be dealt with in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force Act and the Public Service Rule.

Chief Isinkaiye said the decisions, which included not closing down the institution, continuing with the first semester examination and not imposing financial sanctions on all the students, had placed the university in a class of its own which others should emulate. The industrialist spoke in Ado Ekiti at the weekend during a visit to the founder of ABUAD, Chief Afe Babalola, over the students’ protest in which multi-million naira properties were destroyed, saying “not closing down the school to ensure stable calendar which ABUAD is known for, is a wise decision for a leading university like this and to the advantage of the serious students. “The founder and management must be praised also for sights on fairness which the decision not to impose financial sanction on all the students represents. This is to ensure innocent students are not made to suffer unjustly. This is a plus.” Isinkaiye, who lamented

the extent of damage, said: “Although every business has its own risk, wilful damage of infrastructure is generally a discouragement to investment. ABUAD is attracting a lot to Ekiti State. So, we can only praise the courage of the founder, especially for putting this large scale vandalism behind him and moving on.” The industrialist who owns Prosperous Oil and Gas and Prosperous Hotels and Resort Centre, however, appealed to students in Nigerian higher institutions to explore proper channels to make their grievances or complaints known rather than engaging in destructive acts which portrayed them in bad light. In his response, Afe Babalola, who thanked the industrialist and other Nigerians who had shown concern, said the protest was not about lack of amenities or infrastructures, but over decision of a group of un-serious students to stop the semester examination.

Nigerian Tribune

Another youth killed by alleged cult members in Ekiti Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti ANOTHER youth identified as Sunday Afolabi was on Sunday killed at the Igbole area of Irona in AdoEkiti, the state capital. According to Nigerian Tribune findings, Sunday, who was said to be in his late 30s, was killed in his room while his pregnant wife was away to observe a ‘night vigil’ at a nearby church. The body of the deceased, soaked in blood, was still lying in the room around 10:00 a.m. when the Nigerian Tribune visited the scene, while a deep hole, made possibly by the killer shot, was very visible just below his chest. Sunday’s killing by a gang believed to be cultists brought the number of such killings to five, according to findings. Sympathisers, family members and friends of Sunday, thronged the Irona residence, lamenting a death they said “Sunday did not at all deserve.” He was said to have retired indoors about 9:00 p.m. in a house said to be built by his biological mother, just after having a chat with some residents around the area. One of the sympathisers who craved anonymity explained that, unlike being generally peddled, Sunday was not a member of any cult gang, clarifying: “He was a pleasant person, amiable and could not hurt a fly.” Some independent findings, however, revealed that while Sunday was not a member of any of the three rival cult gangs currently ravaging the small town, he was said to have sympathy for Eye Confraternity, a situation which made him a target for other gangs who equally desired and wanted him to join them, overtures regarding which he was said to have rebuffed. Confirming the development, the State Police Spokesperson, Alberto Adeyemi, said “Sunday Afolabi, 38 years, was said to have been killed around Irona area.” Alberto’s words: “He was a notorious armed robber who we have been looking for. His family had picked his corpse up for burial as they claimed they could not afford the cost of either autopsy or mortuary. We are doing investigations into the killing.”

south-westnews We can’t access N2.8bn UBE fund —Ekiti govt 15

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Blame Fayose’s recklessness —Fayemi’s aide Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

KITI State government has lamented the inability of the state’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to access N2.8 billion counterpart fund from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), alleging that the immediate past administration in the state caused this with its alleged misappropriation of the board’s N852.9 million. A statement by the special assistant to Governor Ayo Fayose on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday, said following alleged “misappropriation of the counterpart fund by the immediate past All Progressives Congress (APC) government of Dr Kayode Fayemi, the UBEC had “blacklisted the state, making it impossible for the state to access 2013, 2014 and 2015 matching grant running to over N2.8 billion.” The statement noted that last Wednesday, UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr Yakubu Gambo, told the Senate Committee on Finance, during budget defence, that Dr Fayemi, who is now the Minister of Solid Minerals, used the N852.9 million counterpart funds dedicated for education by the Federal Government through the UBEC for other purposes. It quoted the SUBEB chairman in the state, Senator Bode Ola, to have said that “it was painful that Ekiti State and its people were suffering for the sin committed by the APC government of Fayemi.” “It is even more embarrassing and ridiculous that Fayemi’s Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Kolawole, could defend this by saying there was no law forbidding states from borrowing counterpart funds to support states’ capital development operations.” Reacting to the state government’s allegation, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Special Assistant on Media to Dr Kayode Fayemi, said that Governor Ayodele Fayose’s reckless utterances and primitive approach to governance should be blamed for the UBEC’s sanction. Oyebode, in a statement made available to journalists, said it was rather unfortunate that the Fayoseled administration would falsify discussions that took place on the floor of

the National Assembly, all in the bid to justify its ineptitude. According to him, the UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr Yakubu Ganbo, did not accuse the immediate past administration led by Dr Fayemi of

misappropriation of UBEC fund. Rather, gave details of development that led to UBEC’s decision to sanction the state. He explained that the immediate past government had taken a loan from a bank to be able to make

available its counterpart funding to access the UBEC fund. But the bank withdrew its money when the government lost the 2014 governorship election for fear that the incoming government might not honour the terms of repayment.

“The SUBEB fund was used judiciously by the Fayemi administration and this is evident in the construction of primary school buildings and renovation of junior secondary schools among others,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune

Ooni represents the youth —Yusuff Afolabi THE Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has been described as a monarch who represents the interest of the youth. This was disclosed by Mr Yusuff Afolabi, National Protocol/Media Director, Confederation of Nigerian Youths (CONY), during Ooni’s visit to Abuja recently. He noted that “Oba Adeyeye is a wonderful monarch and God-fearing in his deeds.” He also lauded the monarch for focusing on youth development, not only in the South-West but across the country. The Ooni had earlier said that youths are the tomorrow’s leaders and promised to do all within his capacity to promote their interests.

Adetunji, a divinely-ordained monarch —Sheikh Olagoke

From left, Balogun Woro from Itoko section of Egbaland, Chief Samusideen Baba; the Oniro of Iroland, Oba Nojeem Alani Aromaye; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo and the Glo Business Director, Ogun, Mr Ayo Ogunranti, at the sectional homage which signalled the commencement of the Glo-sponsored 2016 Lisabi Festival, held at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, on Monday.

Ooni raises the alarm over looming extinction of Yoruba language Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja 11), on Sunday, raised the alarm over the looming extinction of Yoruba Language in the South-West, warning that concerted efforts must be made to ensure the sustainability of the language as means of communication among the Yorubas. He raised the alarm at this year’s “Mother Tongue Day” celebration in Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife. Oba Ogunwusi, who advocated the use of Yoruba Language as means of instruction in teaching the pupils and students in schools, maintained that the most spoken languages all over the world today like English had their origin in Yoruba Language. According to him, “the chequered history of Yoruba race with slavery and slave trade when our people were taken to America and Europe and forced to work in the sugarcane farms did not obliterate their mother tongue completely,” pointing out that “Yorubas should remember their roots and

pay special attention to the resuscitation, sustenance and growth of their mother tongue if they want to sustain their culture and identity within the global community.” While affirming uniqueness of Yoruba race as descendants of Oduduwa just as the Jews are descendants of Jacob, Oba Ogunwusi posited that the distinctive feature of the Yorubas re-

flects greatly on their mother tongue which makes it different from other languages all over the world. Earlier, the guest lecturer, Professor Rotimi Adeniyi Harrison, who is the Vice President of Linguist Association of Nigeria, disclosed that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) had declared February 28 as the “World Mother

Tongue Day” since 1962 as a mark of the rights by nationalities to communicate and express themselves in their mother tongues. He expressed regret that while many nations were striving hard to learn Yoruba language, Yoruba people in Nigeria were relegating their mother tongue to the background in preference for foreign languages like English.

I won’t return to PDP —Oke Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, who dumped the party after the last presidential election, has said there is no going back on his decision. Oke, who stated this in a press statement signed by his Media Aide, Mr Rotimi Ogunleye, and made available to journalists in Akure, on Monday, dismissed speculations of his plan to return to PDP and described it as “absurd and laughable.”

The former National Legal Adviser of PDP noted that PDP has become an empty shell since he and other notable leaders left the party. He said “the party, with its rudderless leadership in the state, is drowned in a deep water of obscenity desperately looking for who the party can hold onto for survival. “No amount of propaganda and wicked plots will save it from the pending funeral awaiting the party come November 2016. “The PDP, with its current leadership in Ondo State, is dead politically and will be buried finally come Novem-

ber 26, 2016.” Oke, who was reacting to the call of the state Chairman of the PDP, Clement Faboyede, on all the PDP defectors to return home, said he remains a man of principle and will not jump in and out of parties for selfish interest. “I am a consistent politician with strong character. A reliable politician with good understanding of what party politics and leadership is all about. “I left the PDP on conviction and since I left the Egypt of PDP, I will never look back,” he said in the statement.

THE Olubadan-designate, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, has been described as a divinely-ordained monarch for credible leadership due to his age, patience and wisdom. This assertion was made by the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam, Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Sheikh Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, during a courtesy visit to the awaiting Olubadan at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan residence, on Monday. Sheikh Olagoke explained that Adetunji, as a silent achiever, has contributed to the success of many in music industry and the society as a whole. He, however, called on indigenes and residents of Ibadan to support the monarch for the realisation of his developmental agenda for the city, chiefly quest for creation of Ibadan state. Responding, High Chief Adetunji who was full of praises to Allah affirmed that his accession to the stool is an unchallenged act of God envisaged by the late Olubadan and late Balogun of Ibadan, High Chief Sule Omiyale who God used for him to be the next Olubadan. Adetunji noted that it was the late Omiyale who mounted pressure on him to be the Mogaji for three years. Addressing journalists after the visit, Sheikh Olagoke called for conversion of Olubadan palace at Oja-Oba to Secretariat for the office of Olubadan and the establishment of a library within the new palace.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

agriculture

COLLINS NNABUIFE writes on how Nigeria, the largest producer of cassava in the world, with vast arable land amounting to 84 million hectares, can utilise cassava production to not only create jobs, but to grow the economy.

CCORDING to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Nigerian cassava production is by far the largest in the world; a third more than production in Brazil and almost double the production of Indonesia and Thailand. Cassava production in other African countries, the Democratic Republic of the

Leveraging cassava production to

create jobs, grow economy

Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda appears small in comparison to Nigeria’s substantial output According to the body, nearly 90 per cent of cassava production in Nigeria is for domestic food production and produced by smallholder farmers, while at the same time, production yield are still extremely low and

Nigeria could easily double its production. Smallholder farmers produce cassava for consumption in form of Garri, Fufu and other local food which may not contribute to the nation’s foreign exchange. It is important to know that cassava provides over 20 domestic food types for Nigerians. It is a raw material to ethanol, industrial

starch, cassava flour, glucose syrup and sweetener. These products are also raw materials to numerous industrial firms with limitless domestic and export market potential. This negligence of agriculture led to Nigeria being one of the largest food importation nation in the world. Nigeria currently spends over N1.3 trillion importing basic

Expert advocates combination of indigenous/foreign agric technologies AN agricultural expert, Dr Francis Olaniji Adegunloye, has made a case for utilization of technology for the packaging of agricultural products in order to enhance their preservation and improve their aesthetic outlook. Adegunloye, an expert in Agricultural Engineering and currently a lecturer in the School of Vocational and Technical Education,

Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo, gave the advice while delivering the institution’s first inaugural lecture on Monday, February 15, 2016 at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium in the college. Speaking on ‘ Utilization of Packaging Technology in Agriculture’, Adegunloye described agriculture as an industry and profession that entails the production

of cereals, fruits, vegetables, nuts, fibre crops and poultry as well as the processing in varying degrees of many farm products and their marketing. He described agricultural engineering as the heartbeat of agriculture and stated that its contributions to agricultural production and its advancement cannot be over-emphasized since its application is needed in

all agricultural activities, including rural and allied ones for the overall purpose of improving efficiency and increased agricultural productivity in large quantities. He described packaging simply as the manner in which a product is promoted and spoke on its historical background, functions, usefulness, benefits as well as materials that could serve its purpose.

food in the country. Nigeria produces 40 million MT of cassava annually, yet, Nigeria does not add value to the crop. The price farmers get for their cassava is so low that many leave their crops under the ground because the cost of harvesting the crop is far higher than the returns. Being the largest producer of cassava in the world, yet Nigeria spends $680 million annually importing flour, starch, glucose and animal feed. It was as a result of this that the past administration engaged in strategies to add value to cassava production in Nigeria, and make Nigeria the largest processor of cassava. The step taken was the introduction of the cassava flour for bread making. Currently, Nigeria depends on importation of wheat flour annually to feed its population, thereby spending about N635 billion importing wheat every year.

This, therefore, calls for a need for the current administration to review and fine tune the cassava flour initiative, in order to utilise the resources in cassava bread production, which could enrich the local farmers, increase the nation’s GDP and save a lot of money for the nation. According to the President of Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Segun Adewumi, “with good planning, Nigeria can indeed produce 200 million tonnes of cassava in a year. If this is milled into industrial starch, for example, at the ratio of four tonnes of cassava to 1 tonnes of starch, we shall have 50 million tonnes of starch. “Starch is sold in the domestic market at N170,000 per tonne; this is to say we can generate N8.5 trillion from industrial cassava starch in a year. Assuming the cost of starch in the interContinues on pg17

FG, Ondo partner to boost agricultural productivity Collins Nnabuife - Abuja THE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, has stated the resolution of the ministry to collaborate with Ondo State government to boost agricultural production in Nigeria. Ogbeh disclosed this when he received the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his team in his office. The minister commended the governor for his good vision and actions in the agricultural sector which he said would help in driving the sector very fast, noting that not many governors are looking towards the direction of agriculture. He said Ondo State is the main driver of agricultural revolution in Nigeria especially with its Youth, cattle breeding and cocoa production programmes. Earlier in his remarks, the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko said he came with his team to explore areas of partnership in the agricultural sector, having realised the productive tendency of the ministry. Mimiko explained that the state needed to add value to its agricultural programmes with the hope of using it to engage the youths in the state, adding that the state had created Agro Business Cities with moderate level of mechanisation, it has engaged in the fattening of cows to produce milk and Cocoa revolution project, and hoped to get support for its cocoa processing facilities from the ministry.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Delta: IITA partners Chevron, others on youth agric programme By Ruth Olurounbi CHEVRON Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the Joint Venture (JV) between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and CNL (the “NNPC/ CNL JV”), launched a youth-in-agriculture (agripreneur) program, aimed at providing training opportunities for young men and women to venture into agribusiness. The agripreneur programme is in collabo-

ration with the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC), the Egbema and Gbaramatu Central Development Foundation (EGCDF), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND). The pilot program, which is targeted at 40 youths from the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities in areas where the NNPC/CNL JV operates in Delta State was flagged off in

a ceremony at PIND’s Economic Development Centre at Egbokodo, Warri. Deji Haastrup, CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, at the event, said the objectives of the agripreneur pilot program, which will gulp over N188 million, was to empower youths to embrace agriculture and agribusiness as income generating activities, in addition to training them on aquaculture,

cassava, plantain/banana production and processing. In addition, the pilot program will assist the Community Youths in Agribusiness Group (CYAG) to enhance the sustainability of the program. Haastrup stated that from the inception of the GMoU in 2005 to 2015, the NNPC/CNL JV has contributed about N16.7 billion to the eight Regional Development Committees (RDCs) including EGCDF and IRDC - through the

THE Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, hascalled on private investors to look for possible ways of introducing tractors and farm machineries that are farmer friendly which according to him will make agriculture attractive. This is just as he lamented over the high interest rate of banks lending to agriculture, adding that before the

GMoU process. Mr. Haastrup emphasized that following the successes recorded in infrastructural development in the communities, the GMoU+ was introduced as a new direction of the community development concept which focuses on business development, income generation and economic empowerment as well as third party partnership and collaboration that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Nigeria and its under-tapped cassava resources Continued from pg16

national market is N100,000 per tonne, we shall definitely have N5 trillion in foreign exchange,” he said. He explained that the immediate past Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, had made the “right move which was the creation of Cassava Development commission that has most of its members drawn from the private sector. This is the only way that will make the cassava bread programme work. “It cannot be done under the bureaucratic ministry system. The ministry has a system where even if the individual knows what to do, he has no power to do it because he has to go through the procedures. Besides, the money meant for the development of cassava bread was not used for that purpose,” he added. According to experts, there is the need for the government to invest more in farm mechanisation, as

this would make cassava production attractive to the youths who are currently jobless and waiting for white collar jobs. The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research

Council of Nigeria, Professor Baba Yusuf Abubakar, during one of his paper presentations stated that hoe and cutlass still describes a Nigerian farmer. According to him “the hoe

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh

and cutlass is still a description of the Nigerian farmer who is mainly into subsistent agricultural production. “To change this, it is essential to adopt appropriate level of engine-power agricultural mechanisation technology, necessary and sufficient to modernise, energise and revitalize the industry.” Recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh harped on the need to invest in farm mechanisation. He said farm mechanisation would attract youths into the sector, which will be a boost for food production and job creation. According to Adewumi “our agriculture needs to be developed into full mechanisation. Farmers in Nigeria harvest between 12 and 15 tonnes of cassava from one hectare, while farmers in other countries, even in Africa, are able to reap over 40 tonnes from the same one hectare. This is why our cassava products cannot

Ogbeh says bank interest rate to farmers will be reviewed Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

Nigerian Tribune

end of the year, the interest rate will be reviewed. Ogbeh disclosed this when he received a team of investors led by Bawa Garba, who is the Group Chairman of Alhaji Bawa Garba (ABG) group of companies. “We need tractors in a large scale, my estimate is that in the next 5 to 10 years, this country could do with a million tractors or more. If we don’t have them, the dream of food production will yield no

result. “We are also inviting young people to come in they are not coming with hoes and matchets, and the older generation of farmers are simply worn out, so we need machines not just tractors, but other equipments,” Ogbeh said. Speaking on the bank interest rate to farmers, Ogbeh said the rates are “outrageous and local farmers cannot afford it.” He, therefore, revealed

that the government is currently working out modalities to reduce the bank interest rates to farmers so that the farmers can afford it. “The bank interest rate to farmers are terrible, we are working on that, we hope that before the end of this year, we would have sorted out the question of the Bank of Agriculture. “We are hoping to recapitalise the bank and privatize it partially, when we do that,

please inform all members of various associations to become shareholders “We want it to become farmers’ bank and then we hope we can rationalize the interest rate and bring it to a reasonable level. What banks can lose in a low interest rate, they will gain in volume, and even the nine per cent is tough for the farmers not to talk about 18 per cent. It’s been very difficult to get the banks listen to farmers,” he said.

penetrate the international market because the cost of its production is the highest in the world. “We need to provide the enabling environment in the form of cultivable land. We actually need 5 million hectares out of the 84 million hectares arable land that Nigeria has to produce 200 million tonnes of cassava in a year,” he said. There is need for a synergy between the government and cassava farmers if the nation really want to divert from total dependence on crude oil to agricultural production. It is said agriculture provides close to 70 per cent of the employment in Nigeria, but those farmers are simply poor farmers due to non-patronising of their produce. Other farmers in the western world and some parts of Africa grow fat while our farmers die of hunger. Also credit facilities should be made available and affordable to farmers at a single digit interest rate. The government also need to strengthen the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) so that farmers can feel secured. When all these are put in place, cassava production will be more of a business instead of the predominant subsistence approach. More young hands will be attracted to the sector if enabling environment is created by the government; this singular act will to an extent solve the problem of unemployment in the nation, thereby improving the economy through increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

18 LETTERS TO THE

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@tribune.com.ng or by sms to 08053412982. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Curbing child abuse in our society

want to say that one of the challenges facing our country today is the issue of child abuse. The rate at which children are harassed, maltreated or neglected is alarming, and it requires all hands to be on deck to curb this menace. The American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) and the Department for Children and Families (DCF) define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or caregiver which results in harm, potential for harm or threat of harm to a child. It is worthy to note that child abuse can occur in a child’s home, school or community, and the major categories of child abuse include neglect, physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse

and sexual abuse. Today, however, sexual abuse is becoming more rampant; we now hear of adult males raping minors. Also, children are abused by being trafficked, used as slaves, made to go through genital mutilation, forced into early marriage, and most of these are caused by marital strife, unemployment and financial difficulties, poverty, cultural practices and unintended pregnancies, among others. However, child abuse is a complex phenomenon with multiple effects. Child abuse can result in immediate adverse physical effects, but it is also strongly associated with developmental issues and chronic physical and psychological effects, including higher rates of chronic conditions, high risk health

behaviours and shortened lifespan. Nevertheless, it is high time we proffered solutions to this evil menace. Preventing child abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Abolitionist, Fredick Douglass, once said, “it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Now, how does a community prevent child abuse? A support group structure is needed to re-inforce parenting skills and closely monitor the child’s wellbeing. Social worker visits are also required to observe and evaluate the progress of the child and his or her

caretaking situation. Moreover, children’s school programmes can provide them with a forum in which to role-play and learn to avoid potentially harmful scenarios. Punishment should also be meted out on people who are found guilty of child abuse so as to serve as a lesson to others.

Government, therefore, should also intervene by minimising poverty, educating the people on its implications and formulating laws that will guard against any form of child abuse in the country. •Idika Adanma, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

Why tertiary education should be free PERMIT me to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, to make tertiary education free in all government institutions. This will enable everybody to have equal chance of accessing tertiary education. The free education programme was what Chief

Obafemi Awolowo used to develop the Western region when he was premier. Today, it is so difficult to gain admission to public tertiary institutions, and the high tuition fees being charged by private universities is beyond most families. Some private universities charge as much as N1million per session, and

this is even higher than what some families earn per annum. Government should come to the aid of the poor by making tertia-

ry education free. •Kayode Idowu, Offa, Kwara State.

Will UK leave the EU? BRITISH people will have a referendum on June 23 to determine whether to remain in the European Union (EU) or opt out. Some political leaders in the country believe the UK is not getting much from its membership of the EU, and as such, it would be better to leave. Business leaders, however, believe that UK firms

will suffer if the country leaves the Union. Some business owners cite the new hurdles British companies will face before exporting their produce to other EU countries. Whatever decision the British people take, it will definitely have an impact on the EU as a whole. •Fidelis Agu, Lagos.

Buhari’s foreign trips will bring dividends I am sure that the foreign trips being embarked upon by President Muhammadu Buhari will soon start yielding positive results. With the harsh economic situation biting harder, some people have been calling on the president to stay at home and monitor the country’s deteriorating economy instead of flying around the world with the little resources we have left. Today, oil is selling for about $36 per barrel, and it came after the leaders of some oil-producing countries agreed to curb production in order to boost the price. President Buhari had also met Saudi Arabia and Qatar kings on reducing oil production. We have elected Buhari and we should allow him to do the work; he has a four-

year mandate, and it is after his tenure that we can determine how he fared. We must continue to support the president so that the country can survive the harsh economic condition we find ourselves. However, as citizens, we must also contribute our quota to the development of the country; we must look at how to support the government in order to grow the economy, and the easiest way to do this is by patronising made-in-Nigeria goods. Patriotism is the only thing left that can save the country; we must all shun foreign goods in favour of local products. When everybody plays his part positively, then the country will be better for it. •Hilary John Odeh, Benin, Edo State.

editorial

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

The free fall of the naira

T has to be stated that there could not have been any Nigerian that was not alarmed when the exchange rate of the naira to the United States (US) dollar crossed the N400 mark some days ago. Not even those who set great store by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s policy on the naira and its devaluation could feign calmness following the development. Whereas the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had earlier devalued the naira from its old value of about N160 to the US dollar to N197-199 to the US dollar, it had resisted persistent calls since then to further devalue the naira. Rather, the apex bank had taken unprecedented steps such as banning the importation of some items in order to protect the value of the naira, with this piling pressure on the value of the naira at the parallel market where government does not prevent importation, as importers jostle for the available foreign exchange outside of the government’s coffers. But even at that, hardly anyone could have predicted that the parallel market rate would become more than double the official rate. This no doubt sends ominous signals about the overall health of the economy and its ability to conduct healthy international transactions. To be sure, the relative strength of the currency of a country within the international system is a reflection of its productivity, particularly in relation to the production of goods desired and demanded by others in the international system. In this connection, the concern about the dwindling exchange rate of the naira is reflective of the recognition that Nigeria is not producing enough to attract foreign patronage and currencies. Indeed, the present situation is a fallout of the continuing fall in the price of oil, the major Nigerian foreign exchange earner, in the international market. With the international price of oil falling and Nigeria not being in any position to produce other goods and services that would earn foreign exchange in its stead, a steady decline in the country’s foreign exchange reserves has occured, thus accounting for the initial official devaluation of the naira. In our view, the continuing decline in the foreign exchange reserves in the absence of new, viable foreign exchange earners is what has been pushing the exchange rate of the naira up, such that there are only two options available to the country in the present circumstance: to immediately look for other goods and services that would generate foreign

exchange and thus boost the foreign exchange reserves, or to significantly reduce the purchase of foreign goods and services in order to conserve the available foreign exchange. Because the Buhari government could not achieve the first option in the immediate, it had to opt for the second option of reducing the purchase of foreign goods and services. It has kept to this option, refusing to further devalue the naira. Without necessarily seeking to make a pronouncement on the propriety or otherwise of the ongoing policy of the government on the exchange rate of the naira, we are in a position to state that the government would have to do more than just proscribing the importation of some goods through official allocation of foreign exchange in order to protect the value of the naira. It is significant that the current proscription does not preclude importers from sourcing foreign exchange from other avenues, with this putting a lot of pressure on the rate of the naira at the parallel market. The objective of the government should be to significantly reduce the demand for foreign exchange whether at the official or parallel market, beyond essential items such as machines and manufacturing equipment not available locally. There is no way that Nigeria and Nigerians would continue to demand for any and every foreign good and service in a context of dwindling foreign exchange reserves and still manage to contain the naira’s current free fall. Furthermore, it is important for the government to help Nigerians to see the need to concentrate on the purchase of locally produced goods and services, not just to boost local production, but also to use the production to generate further foreign exchange through the exportation of such goods and services. The government needs to encourage this by facilitating support for local producers and helping in the area of infrastructure provision. Government must clearly show the way by reducing its own consumption of foreign items and curbing foreign travels and commitments that are all drags on available foreign exchange. The government must also be seen to be calming nerves and proactively responding to the concerns of Nigerians on the current state of the naira by detailing programmes and policies that would in no time arrest the free fall and restore confidence in the naira and the overall economy.

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opinion

Tuesday,1 March, 2016

veracity

16+6=24: Before you cast the first stone...

ITHOUT necessarily sermonising, it has become pertinent, based on several reactions trailing a recent ministerial “misfire”, that I construct the substratum for today’s discourse on a quaint but very didactic event. This event, I am certain, is not unheard of to several religious persons that have attended church services dutifully or even sporadically because it is a well told story. However, it was never a fiction. It did happen, though several centuries before our generation and a good number of others walked the face of the earth. You may have to follow me very closely from here on as I lay the stones. Adultery in most cultures of the universe is considered a taboo, a grave atrocity, an unforgivable sin that evokes the ultimate repercussion- shedding of the perpetrator’s blood. Even the holy writ doesn’t spare the adulterer as death was prescribed as an apt punishment according to the Old Testament. In Southwest Asia, over the years, infidelity has attracted harsh treatments like death sentence. In countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, the mode of punishment for adultery is stoning to death. Similar strict laws exist in almost all the Muslim countries of the world. Though laws vary from state to state in the U.S.A, adultery is still on the statute books and penalty may vary from a fine of few dollars to even life sentence. In some south-European countries, adultery is punishable and penalties up to a life sentence can be given. The Indian penal code also describes adultery as a punishable offence. Chastisement and penalty has been therefore prescribed for committing adultery- whoever commits adultery shall be punished with an imprisonment which may extend to five years and/or with fine. Sentences of death-by-stoning for the crime of infidelity continue to be administered in several countries today, including Nigeria. Now that we have established the enormity of the crime, we can move ahead to relieving the ancient event, follow me more closely. Several years ago, a rabbi sat in the temple, very early in the morning and was teaching a class of enthusiastic students. Suddenly, his class was interrupted by a group of sanctimonious fault-finders, dragging in their scape goat. They reported their case to the teacher, amidst snickers and sneers, taunting the offender as they were supposedly the “unsullied”. Their

scapegoat that morning was a woman who, according to them, had been caught in the very act of adultery-red handed! They were certain they were going to have a field day sending her to Hades and had pretended to have come to the temple to seek the master’s approval before drowning the adulteress in a torrential down pour of hard rocks. On the contrary, it was a shenanigan. It was a potential coup d’état against the teacher because they only sought to make the master commit a blunder for which they could charge him. But that is not the meat of today’s matter. Something stupefying happened next. The gaffer, wise teacher, didn’t say a word. He bent down and began scribbling on the temple floor. After a while, he got up and said: “Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone.” Was any member of the fault-finding, know-it-all, wolves in sheep’s clothing left standing after those words? The answer is no, they disappeared without a trace! It is no longer news that Nigeria’s Minister for Finance, Kemi Adeosun, about two weeks ago, made a major, probably almost unpardonable gaffe at a press briefing while delivering a report on the findings of auditors on various boards in the country. While Veracity agrees that it was a gargantuan blunder, that bears severe similitude with the sin of adultery for the nation’s number one “mathematician” to sum up 16 billion and 6 billion as 24 billion, instead of 22 billion, Veracity must also reiterate that she deserves a fair trial, not some jungle justice. Yes, I must confess that I froze at that calculation and a huge part of me wanted to, like the sanctimonious fault-finders, demand a stone-rain with alacrity, but I saw something else, aside from that devilish but honest mistake. I saw a woman burning with genuine passion for our nation- it was right there in her eyes!

with Vera Onana

veraonana@gmail.com 08054680688 I bet a lot of Nigerians didn’t see that. All they wanted, was to castigate her for that mini-gaffe which any other mortal could have easily made for man’s infallibility is simply a myth! Adeosun goofed, no doubt, but we shouldn’t be deliberating on her imperfect mathematics when we have bigger issues to address, don’t you think? In her passionate speech, Adeosun fiercely stated that the questionable agency, which she did the favour of not exposing, had budgeted N6 billion in expenses. This means that the agency’s capital and overhead costs, including salaries, have been taken care of by the government. However, the unnamed examination body generated N16 billion (from scratch cards and other sundry items), but only declared a surplus of 3 million. According to her, the agency could not give an account of what the remaining N16 billion was used for! It is pathetic how we collectively major on the minor and minor on the major. It is abysmally appalling how this habit of ours, over the years, has resulted in the deterioration of our nation, but we just don’t see the light! We are quick to criticise, literally crucifying people upside down and shredding their positive energy has always been our forte. However, I am yet to see what good it has done us as a national entity. Fine Adeosun goofed on two digits, but she was making a salient point that is affecting us all and would probably frustrate posterity if all we can do is sneer at her tiny error. Why was the money unaccounted for? What was done with it? These are the questions we should be demanding answers for not making a mountain out of a mole hill! Yes, Adeosun didn’t get the simple addition right but are we all ace mathematicians? Besides, I recall a certain foreign government official; the second most important person in the country that rules the world, who made a phenomenal error by reducing our entire continent to a country. As a matter of fact, Vice President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, in 2014, referred to Africa as a country while speaking to leaders at the U.S.-Africa summit. His words: “There’s no reason the NATION OF AFRICA cannot and should not join the ranks of the world’s most prosperous nations in the near term, in the decades ahead.” What could be worse than that! Criticise Adeosun, criticise her some more and criticise her all over again but before you throw that stone, are you unbismirched? Even Sarah Palin thought Africa was a nation!

ICRC’s commendation as incentive for the Army By Charles Ibekwe

WHEN someone or an entity begins to offer commendations, it is proper to first review antecedents, motives, affiliations and any other variable that will give indications as to the true intent of the commendation. These same sets of considerations should apply when condemnations are also coming instead of commendations. One must know what interest an organisation serves before making much out of its utterances. Given its antecedent and a longstanding commitment to impartiality, the commendation for the Nigerian Army detention facilities from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a plus for the Army. According to ICRC, detention facilities under the purview of the Army meet international standards. Head of ICRC delegation in Nigeria, Mr Karl Mattli, who made the assessment, even went further to offer additional support to the Army in sustaining this standard. Let’s contrast this with other bodies that came out within the same time span to accuse the Army of right abuses in the fight against Boko Haram. These organisations dish out what has now become traditional criticisms via questionable reports, that are strategically released to coincide with when the Army is gaining the upper hand on insurgents, or whenever it is on the threshold of forging new partnerships to take on the terrorists. Curiously, these same entities have no qualms about other nations using disproportionate force to tackle terrorism, even when this leads to astronomically high civilian casualties. Neither do they have any alternatives or positive ideas beyond criticisms. The line of reasoning in the preceding paragraph is not a justification or a call for the Nigerian Army to follow in the step of such nations, but it goes to highlight the double standards being employed by some organisations, whose missions are unclear, especially when they discuss the on-going fight against Boko Haram. They carry on in ways that suggest that the terrorists are in the right while the Army is the aggressor.

This development highlights the need for Nigerians to get real and recover their country from grips of Boko Haram – both the militant and political wing of the terror group. The Army has made significant gains in routing the militant arm of Boko Haram, but defeating the political element of the group and their sympathisers becomes a task for which the Army needs the active participation of the populace and the country’s political leadership. For instance, the commendations from the ICRC barely got the attention of Nigerians, even when it clearly reflected the improvements made by the Army under the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai. One guess is that no frenzy was whipped up because this has no value to the political and propaganda wing of Boko Haram terrorists that is not able to use such information for its recruitment drive. It and its backers are unable to demonise the military with the genuine and unsolicited commendation from the ICRC because, contrary to the hues and cries of those who hide under the cover of human rights to unleash psychological warfare, the Nigerian Army has been proven to be highly professional and mindful of national, international laws and conventions in their engagement. It is reassuring that General Buratai was able to affirm that

International Humanitarian Laws have been integrated into course contents for officers and soldiers. It shows a leadership that has its sight set on long term peace and stability in the country. Knowing that their soldiers are ensuring the nation’s security without inflicting more human misery would be comforting to Nigerians who had earlier been bombarded with messages aimed at damaging the standing of the Army in their minds. The commitment by General Buratai to investigate human right complaints brought before the Army is indeed a welcome development and reassuring. The establishment and commissioning of the Army Human Rights Desk is a testimony that this is not one of those promises or declaration made for the sake of photo op. The creation of the desk has been widely acclaimed as setting an important precedence for human rights work in Nigeria. With the operation of the desk, anyone with concerns about right abuse knows where to head as opposed to providing fodder for terrorists’ recruitment drive by circulating contents that might be harmful to collective security in cyberspace. At this point in Nigeria’s quest to stem the tide of terrorism, one must thus appeal to the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai to do all that is necessary in ensuring that the accolades from the likes of ICRC and other international continue to pour in. The glory from such commendations belong not just to the Army alone but to the whole of Nigeria because they proved that despite the ill-intentioned reports aimed at putting the country in bad light, the Army under his leadership has proven that Nigeria is on the right course. •Ibekwe, a human rights crusader, is based Owerri, Imo State.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

Impeachment of Kogi Speaker not acceptable —Kwara Speaker

Dr. Ali Ahmad is the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly. He speaks with journalists on issues bothering on budget among other current happenings in the country. BIOLA AZEEZ brings excerpts.

talk, constructively too, and not just sit and wait every four years before you come back. That’s why the assembly will be partner in that. You have enormous power. Just last week, the honourable minister of Sports was reacting in a newspaper report that one Olympic stadium had become bad. You know politicians don’t like negative reports that are specific and critical about them, so, he went. That’s good for Nigeria because that thing, even. If it’s not in the budget, next year, it will be there. If everybody sits down and doesn’t complain. It will still be there. So, if we take part in governance, it helps people rather than those leading. That’s why I was a bit critical about the so called opposition. They just sit down and criticise everything without raising questions on why the budget was not implemented rather than criticising like say every year is election year.

HE Kwara State House of Assembly under your leadership has just passed the 2016 state Appropriation Bill. What precisely should people expect? The bill we have just passed introduced a few inputs based on the objectives, projections and policy thrusts of government as enunciated in this hallowed Chambers by the governor of Kwara State during the budget presentation on December 22, 2015. We must commend him for his vision and tenacity in doing all that is necessary in ensuring that Kwara remains afloat, despite the gale of financial turbulence that has been our lot in the country for some time now. We have learnt our lessons from our record of low budget performance for previous years due to our reliance on deriving most of our revenues from federal allocations. In 2015 for instance, federal allocation accounted for about 80 per cent of our recurrent revenue. This year, it is a meagre 20 per cent. Despite the economic downturn of the time, this House has raised the total size of 2016 budget from the proposed estimate of N116.16 billion to N128.10 billion, that is an increase of about N12 billion. If our resolve to achieve a minimum of 70 per cent budget performance for 2016 is met, this will translate in injecting a total sum of N89.67 billion into the state economy compared with the actual performance of 2015 budget figure of N46.76 billion. Although it may seem ambitious, this increase in our estimated revenue is achievable. The new and vibrant Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) has the collectible capacity and this House is currently in the process of amending the Revenue Service Law to further enhance its power and reach. From a meagre N10.24 billion IGR in 2015, we expect a minimum of N32.63 billion this year. Today, we are happy that we have passed an Appropriation Bill that, when signed into law, will set Kwara on a path of sustained progress. We are happy because this budget will pass most of the vital indices of a balanced and people-oriented budget. Having passed this budget of hope, the

Ahmad

If you now standby and do nothing, you are then supporting indirectly impunity, and it is happening in APC.

question is what next? A budget that is left unimplemented is no better than a policy proposal or a beautiful plan formulated perhaps by some maverick, first-class doctoral scholars. Whether this budget is implemented or not depends on the quality of oversight activity that we undertake. Budget is not another law; it is the most important law that is passed by any legislature for that year. While laws are made for the people in general, a budget is essentially a law of government by the government. Unlike other laws, its en-

forcement does not lie with the police or the judiciary; it lies with legislators and decisions and rulings issued from their hallowed chambers. We must police the budget and, in circumstances that its provisions are not being implemented, issue decrees and orders, so to say, as stipulated by the Constitution. We know that the highest political offence in our Constitution is non-implementation of the budget, and the sentence, when convicted by the legislature, is not imprisonment but capital political punishment. So, press should

What’s the situation with the Forum of Speakers now, especially as it relates to current political challenges in Kogi State? The Forum of Speakers is an organization of Speakers. As you know, currently we are having a challenge in Kogi. It was a conscious decision when I came here whether to go for the executive or a position, and I decided against it. Because coming from the National Assembly, I said let me dedicate my time for Kwara people, otherwise I will be gallivanting as Speaker, because there are so many issues. So, I decided I want to stay in the state for Kwara people. And when it was becoming unbearable that’s why you see that I brought them to Ilorin, hoping that they’ll find their feet. On the Kogi issue, by this week, you’ll see a little action by the Speakers’ Forum. Because in the last Assembly, I was part of the delegation that went to the same Kogi when they did the same thing that a minority purportedly removed the majority Speaker. The National Assembly has constitutional duty to take over any House of Assembly that cannot sit. Kogi Assembly is a charade. They cannot sit. The unfortunate thing is that this is happening in APC government what also happened in PDP government. We can not sit there and say we are for due process and rule of law and you are seeing the Constitution is being butchered and you just sit down aloof. It’s not acceptable, because the minority would not have the power to outdo the majority. But, the minority had the support of some policemen, Commissioner of Police, governor and the Inspector-General of Police and the President is Continues on pg22

politics&policy

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

NASS and citizens’ anticipation in budget process By Sanni Onogu

ENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki on February 10, 2016 took his pledge to make the 8th National Assembly open, inclusive, transparent and accountable a notch higher, when he opened the gates of the legislature to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the labour to ventilate their thoughts, make observations and voice their recommendations on how best to ensure that the 2016 budget truly reflects the will and aspiration of Nigerians. Saraki had in his inaugural speech on his election as Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly on June 9, 2015, said the present National Assembly would do things differently. “It will no longer be business as usual,” he said. He promised to ensure that the change agenda of the present administration is reflected in every undertaking of the National Assembly. Towards the realisation of this objective, the Senate and House of Representatives respectively prepared and adopted a peoplecentred legislative agenda as a guiding light to make the members stay true and focussed on their stated objectives. It was also meant to make the National Assembly a body that truly encapsulates the wishes and concerns of the ordinary Nigerian. As a way of making the process of law-making, oversight and advocacy truly participatory, Saraki utilised every opportunity to engage Nigerians. One instance of such engagement was the use of Twitter and other new media platforms on a daily basis to inform, educate, explain the rationale for certain actions of the National Assembly and above all to respond in real time to the genuine concerns of the people. Beside, he had also ensured that the debates

of the Senate at plenary are streamed live to Nigerians, who equally take advantage of the social media to make their contributions, ask questions and voice their concerns. However, on January 10, 2015, On hand to receive the representatives of the over 100 CSOs to the National Assembly was Saraki, House Committee on Civil Society Organisations and Development Partners, Hon. Peter Akpatason, represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other members of the House. The interactive session with CSOs, which has been hailed both in Nigeria and in the international community as “historic and unprecedented”, according to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and Civil Society Organizations, Senator Rose Okoh, was meant to ensure citizen’s participation in the decision making process in the legislature, especially on the 2016 Appropri-

ation Bill now being considered by the federal legislature, Senator Okoh in her welcome address said: “Through your capacities of reach, advocacy and data collection, your contribution to this document (2016 budget) will not only enhance our mandate of appropriation for government, but also ensure that there is citizen participation in the decision making process of government at this crucial level.” Saraki, in his remarks at the event, noted that the country had come a long way since its return to democracy in 1999. According to him, the road had been full of challenges. Consequently, he said, the task before members of the 8th National Assembly, “is to work towards the actualisation of a more effective federal system of governance.” He lamented that the budgets of the past 16 years showed that “ineffective implementation and abandonment of projects have caused excessive wastages that have

negatively buckled the Nigerian economy.” He told the CSOs that in response to the unacceptable trend, the 8th National Assembly had stepped up its oversight functions to ensure that funds duly appropriated are spent ‘how’, ‘where’ and on ‘what’ they were earmarked for. He further hinted that since economic diversification is crucial to the success of the nation’s economy, the National Assembly is working to enact laws that will “boost internally generated revenues by plugging the loopholes that exist in our system, and encouraging the small and medium-scale business owners in our communities.” He commended the CSOs that participated in the interactive session, while acknowledging that the National Assembly counts on the input of all Nigerians to move the country to the next level in her democratic journey. “We know that the work ahead of us is necessary. We also know that the road ahead of us will be lined with challenges. However, we also know that we cannot do this alone. We need all hands on deck for this one,” Saraki said. He added that the session was meant to aggregate the wishes of Nigerians concerning governance and to address the concerns of Nigerians who had often criticized the operations of the National Assembly as being opaque, which they contended often tends to various forms of corrupt activities. On the purpose of inviting the CSOs by the National Assembly, Saraki said it was in response to citizen’s concerns and public expectations. “The 8th National Assembly through this platform and the various others that we have set up online, will continue to be accessible to you. We will work tirelessly to address your concerns’ after all, we are only here because of you,” he said. •Onogu writes from Abuja.

‘Politicians can’t steal without collusion of civil servants’ Continued from pg 21

there and you are saying you are a government of due process. Those five people, if it comes to exercising physical power, who are obviously in the minority, cannot close the door, but the police is there. What are we saying? This is not the rule of law.For me it is unfortunate that our party, APC is involved in this. I call on Mr President to intervene. Next week we will meet the House of Representatives. They have been proactive; they have set up a panel to go to Kogi State. It is good, they will come back with a recommendation that the House of Representatives should take over the functions of the House, and they will pass their budget because those five members can not form quorum to do those functions. That is my opinion. And I believe it will be the opinion of the Speakers Conference. That man is not a Speaker. It’s unfortunate it’s happening in APC state. So, where is the change? I am calling on Mr President not to allow the issue in Kogi to continue. You cannot just sit down as if you are unconcerned when you see the rule of law; the due process is being butchered. You cannot just sit down. He should intervene because if the Commissioner of Police or some state operatives did not intervene; five people cannot overpower the majority. They cannot. So, If you now standby and do nothing, you are then supporting indirectly impunity and it is happening in APC. If it were a PDP government, I will not even have raised issue but it is happening in APC-controlled state and not the party chairman, not the president, not anybody. It’s only the House of Representatives that is talking. This is not the APC

that we thought will do the change. Some Kogi lawmakers said they were going to court to stop the House of Representatives from taking over the functions of the Kogi State House of Assembly….? It cannot hold. The Constitution specifically...You see people believe that this thing is about just waking up on a hunch and they bring some issues that the deputy governorship candidate to Audu, Honourable Faleke was in the House when it decided. The constitution says if you are APC, and you are at the wrong side of the law, I am a Nigerian before I am APC member. So, if I see APC rule, constitution or anything goes against the Nigerian Constitution, I will choose the constitution. So, if APC member or governor, or whoever decides to be on wrong side of the constitution, I will choose the constitution. So, if Faleke falls on the right side of constitution, I ‘m with him. So, it doesn’t matter whether Faleke benefits. Whoever benefits, let the constitution rule. That’s my point. They can go to court 10,000 times, they cannot win. No court will stop the National Assembly from doing its function. The judiciary is an arm of government. No court can stop another arm of government from performing its constitutional role. That’s fundamental. You cannot stop it. Like now, we have passed a budget and you now say you have a query and you want to go to court to get an order to bar the governor from signing. Signing is constitutional duty. The House of Reps has the constitutional duty to take over the functions of any House of Assembly that cannot do its functions. You now say you want to go to court, to do what? No court will give that order because it is a specific

Ahmad constitutional duty that says the House of Representatives should take over. The previous House did the same thing for the same Kogi State during PDP. What is happening now in APC? I think they should quickly withdraw their support. The least they can do is to tell the commissioner of police to withdraw his police and let the 15 and five people go there and let’s see who has the biggest key to enter. How true is it that problems of Nigeria are more of the operators and not the constitution? Really, I believe the problem of Nigeria is not really the constitution. I object to the practice that every assembly must amend the constitution. They’ve made

the constitution like any other law. The respect and sanctity for that law has been defaced. Constitution is not any other law. And when there’s a lacuna in the constitution, the judiciary, except that gap is so wide that the court cannot do that except to make any law. We have now reduced the constitution to another law that doesn’t have any respect. Every legislature, every assembly comes and say constitution amendment. And they vote N6 billion, N40 billion or whatever and say constitution amendment. I don’t succumb to that. It’s with that mindset that everyone does what he likes. That’s why our constitution is going in pages and pages and you don’t know how bulky it becomes. Our problem is not the constitution because the constitution or any law cannot take care of every future circumstance. You just provide the framework and then the courts fill in the gap. That’s what happens. The American Constitution has been amended this much for 200 years and ours in just less than 30 years we’ve amended it and we are in the process.... So, it’s we the operators really. I believe in that. When will Nigerians get the desired change as promised by APC? Of course, I’ll come on the defence of the APC. We are ready for governance both in the state and the federal. You know, we met a highly battered economy. If it were PDP that’s in government today, I can’t imagine where we would be. So, Nigerians are lucky that it’s APC that’s there. That’s why it’s taking rather long. It’s hard, but we’re going to get there very shortly. Yes, there’s difficulty, there are issues that even we, some of the members are not in agreement with, but we’ll find our feet. By the time this government starts its delivery on promises made, Nigerians will be marveled.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

leadership &

management with Sulaimon Olanrewaju

m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

The discipline of leadership By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

he difference between successful and unsuccessful leaders usually boils down to one thing; self-discipline. Successful leaders subject themselves to a regimen of restrictions and self-denials; they do the hated but necessary tasks that will

take them to the desired end. They avoid the pleasurable but limiting activities that will short-circuit their plans and aspirations. They do not spare themselves; they keep pushing the frontiers and ensure they do whatever they need to do so that they can achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Continues on pg24

Nneka Ebru Okpe, CEO, IntraSolutions Consultancy

The 60-second PAGE 24

Leaders’

business forum coach PAGE 24

PAGE 24

Quote LEADERSHIP

“In my whole life, I have known no wise people who didn’t read all the time—none... ZERO.” –Charlie Munger

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

leadership&management Leaders and discipline Continued from pg23

But not so the undisciplined leaders; they engage in self-indulgence. They permit excuses and bend rules to satisfy their yearnings. They cannot stand the temporary inconvenience which is a requirement of self-discipline. They detest the rigour of self-discipline but love the pleasure of circumvention. Because of their penchant for shunning what is necessary though inconveniencing, they end up falling short of actualizing their expectations. Self-discipline is sine qua non to sustainable success. Great leaders consistently subject themselves to self-discipline to achieve their desired goals on a consistent basis. Those who are more particular about giving in to indulgence end up as failures. At best what they achieve is fleeting success. What is self-discipline? Self-discipline is resolving to do whatever it takes to achieve a goal, irrespective of the attendant inconveniences. Self-discipline is not something imposed by external forces or interests on the leader; it is a measure he chooses to take after considering what he intends to accomplish; and bearing in mind everything he needs to achieve the feat. That is where the rubber meets the road. Everyone wants to be successful but not everyone is willing to pay the price for success. The price for success is self-discipline. Self-discipline has two components; doing what is not convenient but necessary and restraining oneself from what is convenient but largely a waste of time and effort. Majek Fashek At the peak of his musical career, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, was the toast of everyone. He enjoyed global recognition, performing with international stars like Michael Jackson, Tracy Chapman, Beyonce, Snoopy Dog and Jimmy Cliff, among others. The track, Send Down the Rain, in his hit album, Prisoner of Conscience released in 1988, was turned into a national anthem of sort as it became the favourite of virtually every music lover in the country. The album eventually won a number of awards nationally and globally. Other albums soon followed; I&I Experience in 1990, So Long Too Long in 1991and Spirit of Love in 1992. Career success located Fashek. So did fame and wealth. He was

courted by political leaders and hosted by royalty globally. The world was in his pocket and a glorious future awaited him. But Fashek became indulgent despite being hard working. He fell in love with the bottle and could not resist the lure of marijuana and cocaine. The more he indulged in these, the less attention he gave his career. The more he ignored his career, the more the world ignored him. Eventually, he abandoned his career for his indulgence. As a consequence, the world abandoned him. He crashed from his enviable height. He lost everything; his fame, wealth, health and even dignity. He did not only become poor and sick, he also became a beggar. What he achieved by diligence was eventually lost to indulgence. The celebrity became a nonentity and had to be confined in a rehabilitation centre. Majek Fashek got the full reward of self-indulgence. Leader and self-discipline No one can lead successfully without embracing self-discipline. One of the factors that give authenticity to leadership is self-discipline. Leaders are endeared to others and enjoy the respect of their followers when they hold themselves accountable to the same standards to which they hold their followers accountable. For a leader to instill discipline in the system where he operates, he

BOOK

Disciplined leaders take this route because they know that thoughts (good or bad) form beliefs, beliefs determine expectations, expectations mould attitude, attitude determines behaviour and behaviour shapes performance. So, everything starts with a thought. If the seed is good the fruit cannot be bad.

Femi Akintunde, CEO, Alpha Mead Facilities & Management Services must first be self-disciplined. Leaders are models. So, their examples are imbibed by the followers. As opined by Phil Buckley, a change management professional, “People will emulate leaders’ behaviors, believing they have silent permission to parrot actions demonstrated at the top of the power hierarchy.” So, if leaders condemn in others what they condone in themselves, they lose the respect of their followers.

Fatima Beyina-Moussa, CEO, ECAir, Equatorial Congo

Jean Kacou Diagou, President, Nsia Group Essentials of self-discipline To practise self-discipline, leaders need to understand the following. Clear vision Self-discipline becomes necessary when there is a vision in place. Without a vision, self-discipline is an affliction because it turns out as a denial that is not meant to achieve anything. It becomes a punishment. What makes the pains of discipline a joy is what the exercise is meant

to accomplish. So, a clearly-stated vision must precede a regimen of self-discipline to make the exercise worth the while. John Maxwell popularized the philosophy of pay now, play later or play now, pay later. According to him, in life everyone has to pay at one point or the other. Those who choose to pay early stand a better chance of fair treatment by life than those who are forced to pay when they are left with no other choice.

Leadership and Self-Deception

THIS is a self-help book with a unique approach. Rather than using anecdotes and lists and to-do items, Leadership and Self-Deception develops through narrative. It follows the progress of Tom Callum as he adjusts to his new job with the Zagrum Company. This company has an excellent reputation and a hugely successful track record, and Tom is delighted to be working for them. He just isn’t used to business-nothing-like-usual that he’s going to encounter along the way. Written as a parable, this book explores how we all view and treat others as objects to help us accomplish our goals (termed being “in the box”) as opposed to viewing others as people, with their own hopes and dreams (being “out of the box”). Being “in the box” limits our ability to reach our full potential and betrays the basic obligation that we each have to see others as they are, as people. “Self-betrayal”, an act that is contrary to what our sense is of what

is appropriate and how we should be toward others, is the basis of self-deception. And when we are self-deceived, we 1) inflate others’ faults, 2) inflate our own virtue, 3) inflate the value of things that justify our self-betrayal, and 4) blame others. “Self-betrayal is the germ that creates the disease of self-deception.” When we are “in the box,” we see things in terms of the self-justifying images that we’ve created. We see people who challenge these images as threats and those who reinforce these images as allies. But regardless, we view others merely as objects, not as people. When applying these concepts to the workplace, it must be in the context of the point of all our efforts at work: to achieve results.

Simply, we can’t truly focus on results if we are “in the box” and focused on ourselves...we’re too busy trying to get only our own results, not accomplishing what’s best for the organization as a whole. Problems with being “in the box” include: lack of commitment, conflict, stress, poor teamwork, lack of trust, lack of accountability, and communication issues. To get out of the box, we should do our best to help others succeed and achieve results, whether personally or professionally. Success as a leader depends on being free of self-betrayal and creating an environment of openness, trust and teamwork, where people work hard for the collective good, not individual accomplishments. The authors write that: “We can’t really achieve results like we otherwise could if we’re in the box.” So, how often are you “in the box” toward others and how can you live “out of the box” more consistently? Why does a book about business practices worry about such a thing? Because self-deception “blinds us to the true causes of problems and once we’re blind, all the ‘solutions’ we can think of will actually make matters worse.”

Valentine Ozigbo, MD CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc

By subjecting himself to self-discipline, a leader chooses to pay now so that he can play later. He makes the necessary sacrifice by choice so that he can reap the benefits of the sacrifice later. Disciplined thoughts Disciplined leaders are mindful of their thoughts; they do not just yield their mind space to any thought. They guard their minds and protect same from any assault

by any negative thought. They know the power of thoughts; they know that thoughts are seeds from which other things eventually manifest. They know that the thoughts allowed by an individual shape his perspective and affect the quality of his life. So, they deliberately allow their minds to dwell on issues that can advance their cause. They consciously mute any thought with any potentiality to derail them or affect their plans.

Disciplined actions Disciplined leaders do not only mouth the good intentions that they have; they go a step forward and let these show in their actions. Disciplined leaders know that success is a product of a process. If any part of the process is aborted, the final product will be impaired. Therefore, through thick and thin, they subject themselves to disciplined actions that can take them to the end product which they had envisioned before embarking on the process. Disciplined leaders are known by their disciplined actions. They do not allow a detour. They do not entertain any excuse, either from themselves or from others. They stay true to the actions outlined to take them to their end. Priority Leaders need discipline because oftentimes things happen suddenly and they are tempted to abandon what

Success is a product of a process. If any part of the process is aborted, the final product will be impaired.

they had earlier planned to do. They are tempted to sacrifice the important for the urgent. It takes a huge dose of discipline for a leader to overlook the urgent and stay focused on the important. But without doing that, sustainable success will be elusive. Dr Stephen Covey gives an insight on the importance of never sacrificing the important for the urgent. Using the analogy of big stones, small ones and a jar, he said that if in an attempt to fill the jar, one starts

with small stones, there will not be enough space in the jar for all the big ones. On the contrary, if one starts with the big stones, there will still be space for all the small ones after putting the big ones in the jar. He went on to add that even after putting the small stones in the jar, there will still be space for sand and water. The import of the analogy is that if one starts with the important tasks, there will be ample time to effectively do them and there will still be opportunity to successfully execute the urgent ones. But whoever pays too much attention to routine or urgent tasks will invariably sacrifice many of the important tasks. Disciplined leaders have trained themselves not to yield to the deafening noise of attention-seeking urgent matters. What they do instead is to stay focused on the most important issues. They take this position because they know that there will always be urgent matters which cannot take any organization anywhere. Going after urgent matters can only make a company go round in circles. Knowing that the success of any organization is tied to doing the important tasks, they opt for those ones and this explains why self-disciplined leaders are more successful than those who are not.

THE 60-SECOND business coach

5 things that make good employees quit IT’S pretty incredible how often you hear managers complaining about their best employees leaving, and they really do have something to complain about—few things are as costly and disruptive as good people walking out the door. Managers tend to blame their turnover problems on everything under the sun, while ignoring the crux of the matter: people don’t leave jobs; they leave managers. The sad thing is that this can easily be avoided. All that’s required is a new perspective and some extra effort on the manager’s part. First, we need to understand the nine worst things that managers do that send good people packing.

good employees is perplexing; it makes them feel as if they’re being punished for great performance. Overworking employees is also counterproductive. New research from Stanford shows that productivity per hour declines sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 hours, and productivity drops off so much after 55 hours that you don’t get anything out of working more. If you must increase how much work your talented employees are doing, you’d better increase their status as well. Talented employees will take on a bigger workload, but they won’t stay if their job suffocates them in the process. Raises, promotions, and title-changes are all acceptable ways to increase workload. If you simply increase workload because people are talented, without changing a thing, they will seek another job that gives them what they deserve.

1. They Overwork People Nothing burns good employees out quite like overworking them. It’s so tempting to work your best people hard that managers frequently fall into this trap. Overworking

2. They Don’t Recognize Contributions and Reward Good Work It’s easy to underestimate the power of a pat on the back, especially with top performers who are intrinsically motivated. Everyone likes

By Travis Bradberry

kudos, none more so than those who work hard and give their all. Managers need to communicate with their people to find out what makes them feel good (for some, it’s a raise; for others, it’s public recognition) and then to reward them for a job well done. With top performers, this will happen often if you’re doing it right. Recommended by Forbes 3. They Don’t Care about Their Employees More than half of people who leave their jobs do so because of their relationship with their boss. Smart companies make certain their managers know how to balance being professional with being human. These are the bosses who celebrate an employee’s success, empathize with those going through hard times, and challenge people, even when it hurts. Bosses who fail to really care will always have high turnover rates. It’s impossible to work for someone eightplus hours a day when they aren’t personally involved and don’t care about anything other than your production yield.

4. They Don’t Honor Their Commitments Making promises to people places you on the fine line that lies between making them very happy and watching them walk out the door. When you uphold a commitment, you grow in the eyes of your employees because you prove yourself to be trustworthy and honorable (two very important qualities in a boss). But when you disregard your commitment, you come across as slimy, uncaring, and disrespectful. After all, if the boss doesn’t honor his or her commitments, why should everyone else? Jump Ship: An eBook From Forbes Ready to change your career? This 10-step guide will help you land your new dream job. 5. They Hire and Promote the Wrong People Good, hard-working employees want to work with like-minded professionals. When managers don’t do the hard work of hiring good people, it’s a major demotivator for those stuck working alongside them. Promoting the wrong people is even worse.

leadership&management

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

TOPE POPOOLA is a Human Capital developement Consultant and Pastor. Please feel free to send questions, feedback comments on this column to

topheritage@yahoo.com or visit http//turbochargedforsuccess.blogspot.com

Stacking the odds in your favour - 1

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) LIFE is not fair. I wish I could write that in bold capitals and make every single person on earth read it! But I bet you probably already know it. Bad things happen to good people and bad people sometimes - embarrassingly often - experience good fortune. Dreams become nightmares and hopes get shattered by circumstances beyond the individual’s control. More often than not, our reality is a far cry from our loftiest aspirations and we have no clue whatsoever on how to bridge the chasm. At various junctions, life deals us some bad cards; sickness with a very bad medical prognosis; the loss of a loved one; business losses; a dream job becoming the very bed of nightmares; betrayal by trusted ones; what started as a story-book, fairy-tale marriage suddenly gone awry; an unwanted pregnancy that truncates many things, including the desire to go on living. The list is endless. When things like these happen, the natural reaction of many is frustration and a palpable sense of hopelessness. As a pastor, I get to counsel people many of who come to me with that sense of gloom that says, “The roof just caved in on my head”. As the conversation progresses and you try to offer hope you get a response that can be summarized as “Pastor, you don’t really understand. I wish you actually knew what I have been going through. I don’t think even hell can be worse than this. I know God can do all things but Pastor, I am not sure that my case is redeemable.” The skepticism is so palpable. Understandably so. Everybody going through a bad curve in life usually believes that his case is unique. That feeling is the reason why many people hardly ever get out of the rut. I have been in the same grind before. So has anyone who ever succeeded. I have yet to meet a leader who never walked that path.

Are you currently in a situation where you feel that all the odds are stacked against you? Do you want out of that seemingly interminable cul-de-sac? Let me hold your hand as we navigate a pathway to a brighter and better tomorrow. The first thing you need to do is to gain perspective. You must first believe that there is a way out even if you don’t yet see it. A wise man recognizes that when he is in a hole, the most sensible thing to do is to stop digging! Common sense, right? The unfortunate thing is that common sense is not so common. Recognize that no matter your present experience, it was somebody else’s past - or even current - reality! You are the peculiar and unique one, not your circumstance! For one person that did not make it through the experience, you will find, if you are vigilant enough, 10 people who not only survived it but have conquered it! Next, shun stereotypes. Stereotypes are designed to confine you to a mindset that locks you into a herd experience in defining your circumstance. Such include racial prejudices, social class stratifications, tribal nuances or even family experiences that seem to follow a pattern. In Nigeria among the Ibo, you have the caste system that places the ‘Osu’ into the class of sub-humans. A similar situation exists in India. What this means is that if you belong to the caste of the outcast, you are almost doomed to a life of penury and worthlessness. The average Australian does not believe that the aborigines are capable of any civilized conduct. Up until the late ‘60s in America when Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X and many others in that persuasion pioneered the Civil Rights Movement, Blacks were regarded in America as sub-human offspring of slaves who were incapable of rational thought and so should not have equal rights with their white counterparts. This is in spite of the fact that none of these prejudices is based on any scientifically proven thesis. Nonetheless, in spite of the fact that many of the people in the tainted statistics have broken through the glass ceiling and proven that grey matter is what is found in every brain, some of those

prejudices still hold in many societies and cultures. Nigeria is not an exception. It is not enough to shun stereotypes however. Break them. Stereotypes are not your type. Choose to be the exception to the rule. I once heard late Myles Munroe tell a story about his childhood. In school one day, one of his teachers, a white Briton called him a monkey and said Myles was incapable of learning. The young Myles cried all the way home. On getting home and narrating the experience to his mother, she calmed him down and told him why it was essential to ensure that the teacher’s postulation didn’t become a selffulfilling prophecy. Then she opened a scripture Philippians 4:13 that says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. She made her memorize and repeat it to himself several times daily. She also ensured that even in the most poorly-lit environment with only a lantern available, her son studied as if books would go out of fashion. Soon enough his grades not only improved, he went ahead to finish as the best student in his final class. The story does not end there. Several years later, now at the head of an international ministry to leaders worldwide, Myles was invited to speak at a conference in London. At the end of the meeting, Myles decided to autograph his books for participants who had bought copies. On the queue was an elderly gentleman who Myles could not recognize. When it got to his turn, he introduced himself to Myles with a profuse apology. The two of them locked themselves in an embrace and shed tears uncontrollably. It turned out that he had read every book written by the same person he had called a monkey several years earlier. Thanks to a mother who believed in God more than she did stereotypes, the ‘monkey’ that could “never learn” had become his teacher’s teacher! You too can change your story by changing your perspective to life, your circumstance and about yourself. To get a different outcome, you need a different outlook!... continued. Remember, the sky is not your limit, God is!

Forget the profit, follow your passion IT behooves me to start today’s piece by profiling a study of business school graduates that tracked the careers of 1,500 people from 1960 to 1980. From the beginning, the graduates were grouped into two categories. Category A consisted of people who said they wanted to make money first, so that they could do what they really wanted to do later—after they had taken care of their financial concerns. Those in category B pursued their true interests first, so that the money would eventually follow. What percentage fell into each category? Of the 1,500 graduates in the survey, the money-now Category A comprised 83 per cent or 1,245 people. Category B risk takers made up 17 per cent or 255 graduates. After 20 years, there were 101 millionaires in the group. One came from Category A, 100 from Category B. This is the study’s conclusion: “the overwhelming majority of people who have become wealthy have become so, thanks to work they found profoundly absorbing…Their ‘luck’ arose from the accidental dedication they had to an area they enjoyed.” This is so mind-blowing. I found out this life-changing truth many years ago and it has changed my life, business and leadership forever. I found my passion about 25 years ago and since then—I have been enjoying my life and when you are pursuing what you love, you cannot but attract high finances. I count myself so fortunate because my passion has been my business and occupation. Buddy, you shall start enjoying your life when your passion becomes both your line of business and occupation. I have been to many places to teach on this crucial issue. Most youths in Nigeria are in the first category—as those who wanted to make money at the expense of passion. The truth is those who run after money at the expense of

passion hardly get it. This is why they keep changing jobs and dreams as diapers every year. Without passion, hard work becomes a bondage and burden. But if you pursue what you love, hard work becomes play. You will be making money while playing! Many people want to be propitious, fluky and lucky in life, but they do not know how to be lucky. And it can be so painful to like something without knowing how to have it. Do you want to be lucky in life? Find what you feel affection for and devote yourself and everything you do have to it. Is football what you feel affection for? Devote yourself and everything you do have to it. Is music what you feel affection for? Devote yourself and everything you do have to it. Is your own business? Devote yourself and everything you do have to it. Show me a man who is pursuing his passion, then I am beholding a great and wealthy man in the days to come. Passionate people do not work because of money, they work because of love, and money runs after them. Money runs after those who pursue their passion. Some years ago, I listened to the story of a renowned and legendary musician on this continent. He said, “I do not work for money, but millions keep rolling in everyday…I am doing what I love…” This is the secret behind his influence and affluence. Many people are working today, not for love, but for money. They are making money, but they are so frustrated and unhappy. Over the years, as an effect of what I do, I have met with several employed, but unhappy young people. They wake up every day, not because of what they love, but because of bills they want to pay. This is why men and women of excellence are so scarce in this day and time. How do I mean? You cannot become a man/ woman of excellence—if you are only working because of

bills. Excellence is within the reach of those who are doing what they are passionate about. Not long, as an effect of my passion for the emerging leaders of Nigeria, I accepted to speak to some Senior Secondary School three students of a grade A school in Lagos. I was invited to talk to them on how they could become what they desired to become in future. I asked them each on what they would like to study when they eventually get to the higher place of learning. Also, I asked them on why they wanted to study what they desired to study. About 99 per cent of them said money was the reason they desired to study what they wanted to study. One of them said, “I want to become a medical doctor, because there is so much money in it…” It was after I finished my session with them that she got to know that she had no passion for Medicine. I ended up helping everyone under the sound of my voice that day to discover their passion. Furthermore, Jack Welch, “the world will belong to passionate, driven leaders…people who do not only have enormous amounts of energy, but who can energize those whom they lead.” What do you need to succeed as a leader? Passion. Passion is a real difference maker. It separates the extraordinary from the ordinary. When it comes to success in a team, company, nation…, passionate leadership is non-negotiable. Lastly, opportunities may open the door, but the success voyage is often long and thorny. Without the passion that sustains and upholds when times get tough, people do not make the most of their opportunities and they never reach their destination of success. For the umpteenth time, forget the money—follow your passion. Remember, those who pursue their passion end up attracting money, but those who pursue money at the expense of passion hardly get money.

28 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

I owe my success in life to High Chief Omiyale — Olubadan - designate

Oba Yesufu Oloyede Ashanke, a late Olubadan (left) and High Chief Saliu Adetunji (right) Continues from pg27

gave me the opportunity to learn their language by relationship.

Early Life I trained as a tailor under Mr Disu Alade Igbalajobi from Ijaye.I can sew both English and Yoruba dresses. My tailoring business was booming because I displayed expertise in the profession. I had four sewing machines and employed four join men who were on shifts. I have been living in Lagos since 1949, the same year I met Prince Femi Kehinde Osinowo who is still around till today. From tailoring business to entertainment world This is the phase in my life that I will never forget. One day, I went with the late Badejo Okusanya on a business trip at Agarawu, Lagos. He used to trade in lock keys and padlock business. After the business of the day, he told me to look for an helper to help us in carrying the goods. I said, helper ke? I told him the load was not more than what I could carry, so I carried it to his shop at number five, Orogiri street, Lagos. When we got there, he called one of his staff who is younger to me and asked him, who was older between you and Saliu? He said “Saliu is older.” He then asked, the other time we went to Lagos to purchase some items who carried it to the office, and he said an helper. Then, he told him that “Saliu would be successful in life.” The rest is history now. Thereafter, he gave me some records to be playing for my customers so that they

will not be in hurry. While playing it for my customers, some of them expressed interest in the music, prompting them to have them in exchange for money. But I was not comfortable giving them for free because Badejo gave me for a purpose. So, within few days, I had sold the records and took the money to him for him to know that I actually sold them. When I got to him, he made a revealing statement that “Thank God. The same business that I started with your father in 1940 but he said he could not live in Lagos is what you’re venturing into now. He then counted the money and ordered his apprentice to give me four and half shillings for each record. And I used to sell one record for two pounds, 10 and 15 shillings. That’s how I came into records sales and it was moving fine. Thereafter I built a rack to hang the records in my shop as a tailor. But when I was having conflicting interests, I left tailoring. Journey into the world of records The first Nigerian to have a record label, the late Badejo Okusanya, who owns Badejo sound studio, baptised me into the world of music business. He was my

High Chief Adetunji in his younger days

boss because he was responsible for my eventual transformation from tailoring business to the music industry.

The story of my parents was interesting. Four years separated their ages and they both died within four years. My father died in 1989 while my mother died in 1993.

Omo -Aje records I started Omo-Aje records precisely in 1957 at number 2, Oke Popo by Oya compound in Lagos. After leaving Oke Popo, I bought a building at Number 14, Ibomo street. That house was constructed with roofing sheets, with two rooms and a parlour. The house was consumed by fire and we erected a two-storey building on the site, using all the rooms downstairs as shops while we had four flats upstairs. We occupied one and used one flat as office while we rented out the remaining Continues on pg30

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Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Republic. He also did well. We are closer to the grassroots. This advantage should be explored for good governance in Nigeria.

Olowu of Owu-Kuta, Osun State, Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude started his life as a sojourner living in different parts of the country. He is very outspoken and indeed a journalist’s delight. In an interview with TUNDE BUSARI, he speaks on his road to the palace. Excerpts

Your call for additional responsibilities may mean sitting here in the palace is boring to you. Is it? I am not saying that. We are still serving our people on a daily basis. Palace activities are round the clock. People still want to take their matter to the palace because of their strong attachment with our culture which says Oba is the head of a town. So, it is not boring. As a matter of fact, my friends come here from time to time and I also travel for visitations.

WU National Convention held here last year. How can you describe it? The convention was well attended. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Balogun of Owu attended and many other important indigenes of Owu. Owu people are very unique among Yoruba race. We spread across different states. There are about 46 Owu communities. Yet, we are from only one source. The late Chief Akin Olugbade, Balogun of Owu started the Royal Union of Owu People and we are waxing stronger. Anlugbua is an important history of Owu-Kuta. Don’t you think it deserves to be upgraded as a tourist destination? We have commissioned a tourism company to work on how to make it a tourist attraction. Infogem is handling the project. Some traditional rulers would say they never dreamt of mounting the throne when they were growing up. Are you one of this category? I am not one of them. Every prince must see himself as a potential king of his town. So I had the message that I would become king. How did you feel with the message? I was okay. I did not feel any difference but I felt I needed to be serious in life, especially with whatever I was doing to make the dream realisable. I knew it would happen. But what I did not know sincerely was that it would be this soon. In fact, my cousin, seated here (pointing at him) used to remind me and ask me to get prepared. Above all, to God belongs whatever one becomes in life. I think my appointment is a divine call, which no one else could have done except God. I would be ungrateful to start boasting that my exposure, my experience, my connection made me the Olowu. God is behind it and I will forever be grateful to Him for making my dream come to reality. We have to bear it in mind that not every prince who aspires to the throne eventually makes it to the palace. So, it is nothing but God’s doing. Does this mean you had to slug it out with other princes in a contest to the throne before you were eventually picked? Of course, that was what happened. You hardly see princes not struggling among themselves to get there. I think it is only in Ibadan that you don’t have to con-

Nigerian Tribune

Aren’t you missing urban life? That is a natural thing. But I must say that coming home has its beauty. There is no noise. There is permanent peace. It is a new life, which I am enjoying. But it is restrictive, in term of what you wear and your movement. For instance, you cannot see me putting on a T-shirt in the public or hanging out anywhere. But it is a life I am enjoying because it is all about serving my people.

Babangida sent delegates to my coronation — Olowu-Kuta test for the throne. What is good is not meant for only one person. It is a natural thing. Everyone would want to have it. Same goes to the throne.

movement, your comportment, your mannerism and other things they need to consider because they cannot afford to install a misfit.

How many of you vied for the throne? We have four ruling houses in this town. All of the four ruling houses belong to one family. I always say it that our monarchical system of administration is the best. After the contest and one emerges, the struggle is over and the town joins hands. This is the case except on a few occasions whereby modern government involves going to court. Six of us contested. Tegbosu, my ruling house is the eldest of all the four ruling houses. When the late Olowu joined our ancestors, it was the turn of my ruling house to produce the new Olowu. So, six of us showed interest.

What did you observe gave you the advantage over other contestants? I think the achievements of my fathers who had occupied the throne earlier worked for me. The kingmakers said ‘we know how your father did during his reign’. ‘We know what he achieved. So, we are supporting you.’ This is what happened. I can tell you I enjoyed what can be called a popular support.

What was the experience during the contest? Everyone was making effort as it is expected. It was a period one needs great wisdom and energy to weather the storm because different things come into play. You just have to be very careful in handling things because all eyes are on you. People are watching all of you. They are watching your

How did your coronation day look like? My coronation day was a memorable day in the history of my town because over 10,000 people won’t gathered for the event. In fact, an Oba who attended the event told me that the town might not witness such number of crowd again until perhaps when I pass on. People came from far and near. Former President Ibrahim Babangida sent a delegate and a congratulatory letter. What is your link with former President General Babangida?

My coronation day was a memorable day in the history of my town because over 10,000 people were gathered here for the event.

He is my mentor. My history is incomplete without mentioning the role he played in my life. He is always there for me. Can one call you one of Babangida boys? I want you to know and understand that every river has a source. And this life is all about meeting people and working together. Your employer who takes you away from labour market and gives you means of livelihood is next to God. Regardless of how you see it, it is on record that I passed through him at a stage of my life. I am a royal father today and father of my entire subjects. But sincerely I will not forget where I was coming from. Now that you are a king, does the former master-servant relationship between you subsist? General Babangida is a man who respects culture. I can recall my first visit to him after coronation. I was touched with the kind of reception he gave me. He is very proud of my new status and he is of immense assistance. How comfortable are you with the current role Nigeria constitution gives to traditional rulers? It is not a matter of argument, the situation in the country requires giving traditional rulers more responsibilities. There should be a constitutional amendment to that effect. The late Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi was Governor-General in the old Western Region Government and he did well. The late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale was also a commissioner in the former Oyo State during the Second

Talking on the marital status of traditional rulers, do you support an Oba to practice monogamy? When I am not a bastard, I must not be seen to support or encourage any Oba to practice monogamy. In fact, if anybody practices monogamy the person should not be a traditional ruler. The throne the traditional ruler occupies is all about our custom and tradition. How then does he justify his role as the protector of the custom when he also violates its tenet? Is it stated in Yoruba custom that Obas must be polygamists? Even if it is not written, is it not odd for the father of all to be discriminatory? Where does discrimination come in here sir? Thank you. When an Oba who has all the rights and opportunities to marry more than one wife goes for only one is a discrimination against the other female at an age when the population of females is far more than that of males? This sounds funny, Kabiyesi. Does it really sound funny? Let me make myself clearer. If our progenitor Oduduwa had married one wife, how would we have had the number of kings we have today? You can now see why I said earlier that Yoruba Obas should not defend monogamy. To a large extent, an average African is polygamist in nature. This has been established and confirmed. Our culture will allow more than one wife. Is it true that all monogamists are faithful to their marital vow? There is no reason we should continue to mislead our subjects on this issue.

30 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

‘Creation of Ibadan State long overdue’

The late Oba Yesufu Oloyede Ashanke (right) decorating High Chief Adetunji as the Oota Balogun of Ibadan in 1986. Continues from pg28

two. From there, God blessed us. As at today, I own lots of houses at different locations in Lagos and Ibadan. By the grace of God I have been able to work and ensure that various musicians wax records. The list includes: Lefti Salami Balogun who was a former drummer; Dauda Epo Akara; Tatalo Aremu; Amuda Agboluaje; King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal; Jimoh Ayinla Anikura; Omo Kekere Amoo; Jayegbade Alalo, and many others I can’t remember now. From Omo-Aje to Babalaje records My father bears Babalaje, so I christened my own company Omo-Aje records while he was alive. When he died, I changed to Babalaje, being the head of the family now. Chieftaincy journey I became Mogaji of Adetunji family in 1976, three years after I was first called to do so. I can recollect that the late Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Sulaimon Omiyale called me to become the Mogaji which I refused because of my business. But he said being a chief in Ibadan has no negative impact on my business. I didn’t heed to his pressure until three years after that I gave in. Since then, I have continued to progress according to the tradition of Ibadan chieftaincy till Allah granted me the grace to become Olubadan today. Today, I owe my success in life to two people. The first person is Badejo Okusanya, who showed and assisted me to take to record sales.The second person is the late Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Sulaimon Omiyale, who worked on me to become the Mogaji in 1976 during the reign of Olubadan Gbadamosi Adebimpe of Odinjo, Ibadan. If not for his pressure, who knows, I might not had taken that bold step in accepting the Mogaji of my family. So, these two people God used to take me to where I am today. I was decorated as Jagunmolu Balogun in 1978 by Olubadan Daniel Tayo Akinbiyi at Elekuro, Ibadan. For 40 years, I rose from one step to the other till today when the stool became vacant following

the passage of Olubadan Samuel Odulana Odugade I in January this year. Vision for Ibadan I want Ibadan airport to assume international status. This will in no small measure encourage free flow of business

in Ibadan. Movement is paramount to business success. I will talk to those concerned and I am very sure they will heed our appeal. Secondly, the creation of Ibadan State is long overdue. Even I heard the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, in the media saying Ibadan

deserved to have a state. So, in my own capacity, I won’t relent till that is achieved. I appeal to all Ibadan indigenes who had investments around the world to come back home and invest in Ibadan for development of our town.

caused it for me to have knowledge about the issue and why I am the one invited to be the guest speaker at this reception in honour of the Deji, our Kabiyesi. “I had to visit the site when I received a request for the release of funds for the renovation of the palace. As a historian and someone from a chieftaincy family with links to royalty on both my paternal and maternal lineages, I was interested in seeing where our Royal fathers are interred. Instead of a hallowed ground, I found out it was a small room where people can be received and where residents can sleep in or make love. There was nothing sacred about it. Our Royal fathers deserve a better resting place.” To Adedipe, the situation is not befitting, but clarified that tradition must still be protected in doing so. “I don’t know why tradition makes the Omolare court the place to lay them to

rest. But this is the modern age. All that needs be done is to find out from Ifa the rites to be performed to change the burial sites of the Deji. Whatever traditional ceremonies that are required, let them be carried out after that, let them release the remains of the Kabiyesi for glorious burial by his family and the people of Akure. “We need a dignified burial site within the palace grounds that the members of the royal families and Akure citizens and tourists can visit to continue to pay their respects to our departed royal fathers. I will be glad if Kabiyesi will take steps to bring about this and become the first to be given the honour.” He also suggested to the new Deji to consider institute an Akure Distinguished Achievement award to be conferred during the Akure national day celebration every year on indigenes who has done the town proud in their various callings.

Adedipe, ex-LG boss, wants Akure people to shift Dejis’ burial site to palace By Tunde Ogunesan A former Editor of the defunct Sunday Concord, Mr Adesina Adedipe has called for the shift of the burial site of Akure kings from the Omolare court to the palace grounds. Adedipe, a guest speaker at the reception organised in honour of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Deji Odundun II by the Akure National Union, Ibadan chapter, at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, recently. Adedipe said he gave the advice following his unpalatable experience on the issue while he was the caretaker chairman of Akure Local Government Area between 1995 to 1996. According to him, “ I suggest we shift the burial site of our Kabiyesis from Omolare court to the palace grounds. Maybe this is one of the reasons God

31 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Ayangburen: Promoting

From left, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu,Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi; his wife,Olori Kuburat Adewale Shotobi and the Aremo of Ikorodu,Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya with the award given to the Oba by SIT-IN MOVEMENT INC Greensboro USA. PHOTOS: ALABA IGBAROOLA

Ikorodu/U.S.A relationship By Alaba Igbaroola

OWARDS the latter part of 2015, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu,Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, who is also the Vice Chairman of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs was at the United States of America (USA). His trip was not a jamboree but a move to replicate developmemts in the Gods Own country in Ikorodu. As a people’s Oba, about four months ago, on the 24th November 2015 to be precise, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu,Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, invited Ikorodu eminent personalities to his palace to give an account of his August 2015 trip to the USA and London.According to the Oba, this type of meeting will be a periodic one. At the meeting, Oba Shotobi noted that the overall objective of the meeting was, among others,to establish effective communication between the palace and all categories of citizens and residents of Ikorodu as a means of promoting mutual understanding,accommodation, tolerance, peace and prosperity ; to stimulate buy-in of the Ikorodu model city project vision, and cultivate people’s commitment to various projects. According to the Oba, ‘’in the previous briefing, I identified two low hanging fruits as deliverables within our grasp. They are :the donation of 100, 000 volumes of books for public primary and secondary schools in Ikorodu by Booksmart International ; and the construction of the ‘King’s Library & Youth Development Center’-a promise

to be donated by Dr. Robert Brown and his friends. It is encouraging to note that the promoter and chief prospective donor of the king’s library & youth development center’s chief (Dr.) Robert J. Brown (The Alatilehin of Ikorodu Kingdom) sent three versions of architectural designs to my palace for consideration and to pick a choice. Due to the expertise required to evaluate the designs and similar components in the Ikorodu model city project (IMCP), he constituted and inaugurated (IMCP) Implementation Committee under the leadership of sir. Engr. (Chief) Olukayode Shoderu. Results from the committee are expected in due course. “On the 24th January 2016 I returned to North Carolina USA especially to: receive tribute from sit-in movement inc. Greensboro

My dear people, you will agree with me that the outcomes of my trips to USA and London since my coronation have generated prospective benefits...

Ikorodu Baales,from left, Baale Por Bage,Chief R.Alebiosu; Baale Oke Agbo,Chief J.E Ashafa;Baale Omitoro; Chairman, Council of Baales,Chief M.J Odusoga; Baale Aleke,Chief Odu Adeniyi and Baale Maya Jayesimi ,Chief Noah Adekunle.

and attend the unveiling of his statue at the museum; and to inaugurate Dr. Robert J. Brown as the Alatilehin of Ikorodu Kingdom,’’ he added. Oba Shotobi, at the occasion, used this medium to send his profound appreciation to the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives Honourable Yakubu Dogara, who sent three prominent members in the persons of Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila the Majority Leader, Honourable Wale Raji and Babajimi Benson to attend all events. He also appreciated all APC leaders, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State; the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly Honourable Wasiu Eshilokun; the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Sob Agunbaide and the Majority Leader, Honourable Nurudeen Sholaja among others.. He said, “Please permit me at this juncture, to mention for recognition and appreciation the sacrifice and support of the following oldies who, in spite of inconvenience of travelling long distance due to age, still strained themselves in the service of our community, amongst these age bracket are: Aremo and Ayamo Adeniyi Ogunsanya; Alhaja Eluku; Alhaja Akinpelu, and Alhaji & Alhaja Sikiru Ibuowo. My gesture is not to demean the contributions and support of the young and more able bodied chiefs, sons and daughters of Ikorodu, and friends who I equally appreciate. I am indeed grateful to all Ikorodu eminent people, chiefs, sons and daughters who accompanied me to all events for enacting the convivial spirit of the Ikorodu penchant for social interaction and friendliness. I thank you all. Ori Ade Agbe Yin. Oba Shotobi said apart from the social

From left, Solomade of Ikorodu, Chief Afolabi Adekayaoja; Olori Olanihun Odusoga and her husband, the Olisa of Ikorodu, Chief Zacheus Odusoga.

Nigerian Tribune

engagements, his delegation also interacted with high profile business, NGOs and government institutions amongst which include the governor of North Carolina, IBM research park personnel, Duke Energy, B&C associate international, and other business organisations. On the 26th January 2016, the delegation paid a courtesy visit on the governor of North Carolina Mr. Patrick Lloyd McCrery in his office at Raleigh; On the 27th and 28th of January 2016, we visited the IBM research park at charlotte. Being a research institute, the experience from the interaction was academic. We were educated about research works on innovation and new technologies for tomorrow’s solutions in all facets of life; The 29th of January 2016 was the day Ikorodu honoured and installed Dr. Robert John Brown as the Alatilehin of Ikorodu on him. The programme of the 30th January was in two parts, and each one was amazing as it was historic. The first event was the unveiling of his statue in the ICRC Museum. Standing to receive him into the Museum was only surviving Greensboro four members Mr. Joseph McNeil who stared the sit-in resistance against white-only lunch counter at Woolworth Greensboro. By the time he was led to see where his exhibits were displayed, he was filled with a mixture of amazement and appreciation. Both events will facilitate futuristic boost of Nigeria-USA relationship in general and with North Carolina community in a particular. History has been made, and very soon, he will not be surprised to see tourists, researchers, and investors visiting Ikorodu to explore opportunities they can offer. His final engagement came on the 1st February 2016, when he went with select members of the delegation to the headquarters on Duke Energy in Charlotte to explore ideas on FDI in the Lagos state energy sector. At the end of the meeting the president of Duke Energy NC Mr. Lloyd Yates promised to present their discussion at their next management board meeting after which he will communicate their discussion to them. The Oba urged his people for support, as he said, “My dear people, you will agree with me that the outcomes of my trips to USA and London since my coronation have generated prospective benefits which would need to be explored further for actualisation. It was for this reason that the Ikorodu Model City Project Implementation Committee was inaugurated. The books that were already delivered to the palace are just tip of the iceberg of what a good relationship with North Carolina friends can facilitate”. Finally, he thanked all the people of Ikorodu who have entrusted him with leadership, and he pledged to commit all his strength, goodwill, substance, time and space to the service of our people with the focus to usher into Ikorodu unprecedented prosperity, growth and development. The chairman, Ikorodu Mega City Projects,Chief Kayode Shoderu thanked the people of Ikorodu and the stakeholders for their support to make Ikorodu a city of glory and Mega City and also thanked the Oba for his progressive efforts.

Delegates from Caleb University, Ikorodu led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayandiji Daniel Aina and the Registrar, Mrs Folake Okor.

32 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Ondo:

It’s 7 years of Mimiko, 40 years of Sunshine State Ondo State celebrated 40th year of its existence last week with various events and inauguration of numerous projects across the state. HAKEEM GBADAMOSI examines the highlight of the events

NDO State, often referred to as the Sunshine State, was created on February 3, 1976 alongside seven other states across the nation which increased the number of states in the country to 19 as at the time of its creation. Thus, this year marks the 40th year of the state. The state, which was carved out of the old Western State has struggled through thick and thin to position and rank itself among the best states in Nigeria and the enormous contributions of the people of the state to the development of Nigeria, both politically and economically cannot be overlooked. Coincidentally, the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Sunshine State falls on the seventh anniversary of the present administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the state, therefore, it was double celebration for the people of the state as they celebrated the state and the development witnessed in the state in the last seven years. Speaking on the two-in-one celebration, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the anniversary, Chief Akin Adaramola during a press briefing to usher in the celebration, explained that though the anniversaries call for celebration but said the economic realities in the country will force the state government to cut its coat according to its size and the celebrations will be low key. Stressing the importance of the celebrations, Adaramola said “40th is indeed a very significant turning point in the annals; likewise seventh, which both have physical and spiritual import for life, development and sustenance. Life, they say, begins at 40 while seven symbolise perfection. Ondo State

Sons and daughters of Ondo State with Governor Mimiko

Dr Mimiko and other officials during the celebration people are therefore lucky to celebrate these historical events together” Despite the prevailing Socio- economic situation of the country, the present administration still rolled out drums to mark these important dates with no fewer than 26 projects scattered across the state. Addressing the people of the state, during a live broadcast, the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko praised the founding fathers of the state for their vision and dreams saying “ given the vicissitudes of fortunes that Ondo State has witnessed in its 40 years existence so far, I believe, like many indigenes, that have done well, we have not only benchmarked programmes and projects for other states in the health sector, urban renewal, education, wealth creation and other sectors. We have succeeded in making Ondo State an unfolding destination of choice for entertainment and medical tourism. Mimiko listed some of the initiatives of his administration to include the Safe Abiye Dafe Motherhood Programme, Mother and Child Hospitals, Trauma and Surgical Centers, Kidney Care Center, Urban Renewal and emplacement of over 600 community - driven projects across the state. The governor noted that Ondo is no pushover in any sector, saying “the state is already a tourism destination through its masterful handling of its cultural assets. The Idanre Hills Resort is now a World Heritage Site, and Mare festival is increasingly one of the most notable festivals across the country expanding by the day. Members of the entertainment

Mimiko said his administration made a concerted effort to break the traditional jinx of lopsidedness in access to qualitative education between the children of the rich and the poor. industry have now found in Ondo, an excellent haven for artistic expression.” Also, as part of activities to mark the double anniversary, the state governor, Mimiko led some government functionaries to the inauguration of Caring Heart Mega Primary School, Fagbo, in Ondo East Local Government Area said the establishment of mega schools across the three senatorial districts of the state was a promised fulfilled. Mimiko said his administration made a concerted effort to break the traditional jinx of lopsidedness in access to qualitative education between the children of the rich and the poor, noting that before his intervention, the children of the poor had to make do with the public schools, while the children of the rich received early education in cosy environment He said this had created man - made disparity and discrimination between the two classes saying “this is almost worse than the apartheid situation in the South Africa of old.” Mimiko said the disparity geared his government towards building a caring heart school, disclosing that the beauty of the schools, apart from the structure, has modern facilities such as conducive classrooms, modern library, laboratory, multipurpose hall, sick bay, comfortable offices for staff, good water and ICT facilities with ECCDE centre and playground, among others were put in place to create an enabling environment for learning. “We took the bull by the horns, we came up with a creative and well thought - out idea of a long lasting and enduring legacy that could make a difference in design, structure and in outlook. This marks the beginning of a new era, an

era that puts both the rich and the poor together on a common platform.” A special photo exhibition was also put in place as part of the anniversary events. The exhibition described in pictures the past historical events in the state in the last forty years. The anniversary also witnessed a symposium with the title “ Curtailing Nigeria’s Centrifugal Forces’ where great scholars across the country dissected the challenges hindering the development of the country from independence. Eminent participants at the symposium included the Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Senator Ben Murray- Bruce; Senator Shehu Musa; Yinka Odumakin and Dan Nwuanyawu among others. The participants at the symposium were of the opinion that true federalism is the only way out of the challenges facing the country while they also called on the federal government to dust the report of the 2014 Constitutional conference and implement some of the decisions. The grand finale of the celebrations witnessed award ceremony where the first Military Administrator in the state, David Ita Ikpeme and Chief Ade Ojo of Elizade motors received special awards of honour. Seven other sons and daughters of the state who contributed immensely towards the creation of the state were also given special recognition. Some indigenes of the state who spoke with Nigerian Tribune commended governments in the state saying they have all put in their best towards developing the state “The state has witnessed some development in the last few years in terms of infrastructural development but government needs to do more for the people.” said Idowu Balogun. Chief Jamiu Ekungba of the All Progressives Congress( APC) said the development witnessed in the state is not in tandem with the expectations of the founding fathers of the state. He said “Education and industrial wise, the graph is a bit down. We were growing and then we got to a stage where the graph stabilised and we are moving at a pace towards industrialisation, “Pa Ajasin was the governor of Ondo State between 1979 and 1983 and established industries all over the place but today, there’s no industry anywhere in Ondo State”, the APC chieftain maintained.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

infotech

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Bode Adewumi

m:08055001765 e:bodekafi@yahoo.com

Broadband internet, next revolution in ICT —Danbatta, NCC boss By Bode Adewumi

LTHOUGH, he admitted that data transmission speed is yet to meet the required standard, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured Nigerians that there is little to worry about. He told journalists from the North West, North Central and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during an interactive session in Kano recently that the Federal Government has put in place measures to improve internet connectivity in the country through pervasive broadband availability. He also said at the forum that the commission’s eightpoint agenda is primarily geared towards making this possible, adding that before his appointment in August 2015, the NCC had already licensed two infrastructure companies (Infracos) for Lagos and North Central. “We will during the course of 2016 license infracos for North East, North West, South East, South South and South West. Incentives are being packaged by the government for these potential operators to assist them to launch services and make broadband internet very readily available, especially in the major cities. “We look forward to when internet connectivity will be free and I know we will get there. Data transmission through broadband is the next revolution in the ICT sector, as we have repackaged policies to fuel this growth and our eight-point agenda takes very care of this. Internet will not only be available, it will be accessible and affordable,” Danbatta said. He also assured the journalists and several stakeholders present that ICT is certain to remove Nigeria from the outskirts of globalisation to the competitive one. Danbatta leaves no stone unturned to elucidate on the commission’s eight-point agenda, which he said covers 2015 to 2020, and planned to bring about social benefits and inclusiveness for national development through broadband penetration. He said the agenda would facilitate broadband penetration, improve quality of service, optimise usage and benefits of spectrum and promote ICT innovation and investment opportunities in the country. Just as it was in Lagos during the International Press Conference recently, Danbatta insisted that the new set vision will foster wealth creation, application of human knowledge and that creativity is steadily out -spacing wealth creation through extraction and processing of natural resources, saying that ICT has immense socio-economic role to play in national development. Although, the agenda and vision looked quite interesting, but Danbatta admitted that a lot of work must be done in driving the people and the processes that will lead to the successful implementation of the agenda and vision for the telecoms industry. The extra efforts, according to him, became necessary owing to the slow growth of broadband penetration in the country since 2011. The nation’s National Broadband Plan

From left: Mr Labaran Yunusa Danbatta; Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Mrs Maryam Bayi, Director, Human Capital and Infrastructure Group, NCC and Ms Ayodeji Sofolahan, Director, Project NCC, during a recent press conference in Kano, Kano State. (NBP 2013-2018) stipulates a 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018, up from six per cent in 2011. However, Nigeria was able to attain only 10 per cent broadband penetration by December 2015, a situation that industry stakeholders have frowned at, saying that broadband penetration had been too slow in the past years. But since Danbatta’s vision and agenda will focus around deepening broadband penetration, which of course will be the major driver for innovation and development in the 21st century, in addressing the global paradigm shift from voice to data communication, the vision and agenda, were presented at the right time. Hence the Commission, according to Danbatta, expressed its commitment to ensure that infrastructure necessary to provide this ubiquitous broadband services is available and accessible to all Nigerians at affordable rates not just in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s change mantra but also

We would promote innovation, investment, competition and consumer empowerment in and on top of communications platforms of today and the future.

with United Nation/’International Telecommunication Union’s Connect Vision 2020. He stressed that broadband is the next frontier in the ICT industry that would help speedy transformation of the Nigerian economy. “We would promote innovation, investment, competition and consumer empowerment in and on top of communications platforms of today and the futuremaximising the power of information and communications technology to grow our economy, create jobs and enhance national competitiveness through the deployment of broadband infrastructure to facilitate rollout broadband services that will hold out opportunities and higher network quality of service for all Nigerians,” he said. Presenting the commission’s five year strategic vision for the telecoms industry, Danbatta said: “The process for the development of this five-year strategic vision has taken a lot of effort and time, and I am confident that this final output is a good roadmap to guide our operations in the commission for the next five years. We are presenting our new vision, alongside the overarching change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari, to promote innovation, investment, competition, and consumer empowerment in and on top of the communications platforms of today and the future, maximising the power of information and communications technology to grow our economy, create jobs and enhance national competitiveness through the deployment of broadband infrastructure to facilitate rollout of broadband services that will hold out opportunities and higher network quality of service for all Nigerians.” According to him, as a regulator of the telecommunications sector, “we recognise the importance of providing an enabling environment for ICT development, enhancing

and modernising our institutional capacity, facilitating sector infrastructure, efficient and qualitative service provision and promoting sector market development. However, all these can only be achieved if there is a renewed and increased coordination for the common good of nation building. As an organisation, we are committed to refocus our energy and resources towards this common good and we also call upon other stakeholders to join hands with us in this patriotic duty.” He explained that the vision is all “an information society, empowered by the interconnected world, where telecommunication/ICTs enable and accelerate social, economic and environmentally sustainable growth and development for everyone,” branded as ‘Connect 2020’, which is a framework based around three complementary goals and related targets to be achieved by 2020. “ The goals include: Growth, Inclusiveness and Sustainability. Growth, he said, would enable and foster access to and increased use of telecommunications/ICTs; Inclusiveness would bridge the digital divide and provide broadband for all; while Sustainability would manage challenges resulting from telecommunication/ICT development innovation and partnership, that will lead, improve and adapt to the changing telecommunication/ICT environment. According to Danbatta, ‘Connect 2020’ is a global framework for action in the ICT sector set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to foster sustainable change in the ICT sector by year 2020. It is hinged on three key goals that are part of the proposed 2016-2019 ITU Strategic Plan which sets high-level impact representing the change in the ICT sector that we all want to see in the world.

infotech

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Red Hot Promo 3: Excitement, accolades as Airtel rewards last batch of winners

From left: Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, Mr Adefemi Adeniran; winner of all-expense paid trip to Dubai in Airtel Red Hot Promo Season 3, Mr Abisu Mamiyo; Deputy Manager, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr Onyemenam Daniel and a winner of all-expense paid trip, Veronica Ette, during the Airtel Red Hot Promo 3 final prize presentation held in Lagos, last week.

AMIDST the huge excitement and celebration that heralded the climax of Season 3 of its consumer reward initiative tagged, AirtelRed Hot Promo, Airtel rewarded the last batch of customers, who emerged winners of all-expense paid trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the promo. The winners comprising customers from different parts of the country were presented their tickets at a colourful ceremony held in Lagos, with top executives from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Consumer Protection Council (CPC), friends and relatives of winners in attendance.

Ntel makes first VoLTE call in Nigeria Stories By Bode Adewumi

ATCOM Development and Investment Limited (trading as Ntel), the company that acquired the core assets of NiTel/MTel (in liquidation) made its first Voice over LTE call in Lagos last week. The test VoLTE call was made at 3.30 p.m. at Ntel’s new Tier III data centre located on Lagos Island. VoLTE calls are enabled over a carrier’s high-speed data network instead of on a voice network. Voice over LTE calls also connect faster upon dialling and feature ultra-clear high-definition voice quality. The VoLTE call was completed in partnership with Original Equipment Manufacturers L M Ericsson of Sweden and Sony Electronics of Japan. This follows Ntel’s first data call on 18 January and its first SIP voice call on 18 February. Ntel will now progress work with Nigeria’s other mobile operators and international partners to perform cross-network VoLTE calls. This will ensure that Ntel’s customers can connect with each other as easily as they can to both customers in Nigeria and those elsewhere in the world; a network now comprising more than seven billion telephones globally. This high-definition VoLTE call was made via an Ntel sim card and is set to be a significant differentiating factor for Ntel as it progresses with the roll-out of Nigeria’s largest Advanced 4G/ LTE network, due to be launched shortly. The successful test call is, according to Ntel Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kamar Abass, “a confirmation that the key network elements are now in place to support the full commercial launch of premium integrated voice, video and data services over 4G/LTE. “The Ntel network is built on the 900/1800 Mhz, which are the most efficient propagation frequencies for the deployment of 4G/LTE technology.” The company made its first test data call in Lagos on January 18, a

few days after NatCom chairman, Chief Tunde Ayeni appeared before the House of Representatives Communications Committee. Speaking during his appearance, Ayeni had told Lawmakers that Ntel is committed to investing

over $1 billion to support roll out of commercial services, starting in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. He also noted that Ntel will generate employment for over 4,000 Nigerians over the next five years. This test call is a further demon-

stration that Ntel is fully committed to building on the acquired assets of NiTel/MTel to provide world class super-fast broadband services to support the Federal Government’s 2013 National Broadband plan.

Digital investment can boost productivity, Nigeria’s economy —Accenture boss IN order boost productivity, returns for organisations and improve the nation’s economy, policy maker, business leaders and government have been urged to optimise their digital investments, thus unlocking its untapped value. In its recent research, Accenture, a leading global professional services company, which provides broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations, has identified the positive contributions that digital investment can deliver to organisations and the economy. Country Manager for Accenture Nigeria, Mr Niyi Yusuf, while highlighting the Accenture Strategy Research, said by raising digital investments, organisations and economies can be more competitive, productive and bring quality of life to people. The study indicated that high-performing economies could realise better returns from the optimal combination of investments in digital skills, digital technologies and digital accelerators. It cited an

example that business and policy leaders may have invested heavily in digital technologies, but have neglected to prepare for the workforce of the future. Findings, however, showed how the smarter use of digital skills, technologies and other assets could boost productivity and generate $2 trillion of additional economic output by 2020. According to the research, digital investments can act as a growth multiplier in the coming years. “Take the United States where adjustments in investments in digital skills, digital technologies and digital accelerators in line with our calculations could see the nation

increase its gross domestic product by 2.1 per cent, which equates to $421 billion in 2020,” it noted. Findings also showed how adjusting three levers: digital skills, digital technologies and digital accelerators can enhance overall digital intensity and act as a growth multiplier. In his explanation of the three levers, which consist of a collection of broad and specific indicators, Yusuf said: “Digital skills measures elements such as the information, communications and technology expertise in the workforce or the use of digital to facilitate remote working.”

Samsung restates commitment to quality innovation SAMSUNG Electronics West Africa (Samsung) has reiterated its commitment to innovation, quality and service. Addressing journalists during the recent annual Samsung Africa Forum, Mr Sunil Kumar, Director of Consumer Electronics, stated that Samsung remains “unrelenting in its quest to make life more productive and convenient for people by making

available to them top of the range electronic products backed up by timely, efficient and affordable after sales services.” Nigeria, said Kumar, is Africa’s biggest market especially from a growth perspective and Samsung will continue to play a leading role in catalysing this growth including by providing leading edge products. One such product he

2016 SMW: Intel charts path for women to access technology TO drive Nigeria’s economy and help shape her future, there is need for more women to be empowered technologically. This was the submission of panellists at the Intel She Will Connect Masterclass session which took place at the recent Social Media Week in Lagos. The masterclass session was organised to provide gender relevant content with focus on existing digital divide, the implication of the divide on young girls, proffer solutions as well as project what Intel in collaboration with some NGO’s are

Among the winners were a civil servant from Katsina,Kabiru Musa; school teacher from Akwa Ibom, Veronica Ette; Bauchi-based politician, Abisu Mamiyo; Kaduna-based music producer, Abodurin Babatunde; businessman, from Anambra, Nnamdi Onuzulike; an account officer with a Lagos-based water treatment company, Noel Ukeje; a businessman, Sodiq Oladipupo and Ademola Abimbola, an entrepreneur from Lagos. Excited to have emerged winners in promo, the customers praised the telco for creating an initiative to appreciate customers on the network. “Airtel deserves huge commendation for this great offer given to customers. I am impressed. The company fulfilled my dream to experience Dubai. It is a trip not everyone can afford, but Airtel made it possible for me to enjoy my holiday,” Ademola Abimbola who chose to travel with his children said. Speaking at the prize presentation to winners, Director, Enterprise Business, Airtel, Mr Tawa Bolarin, noted that the company remains passionate about connecting customers to their dreams and providing credible platforms for them to achieve their greatness. “Airtel Red Hot Promo 3 is a strong demonstration of our resolve to reward, excite and uplift our customers for their patronage and loyalty, while we also welcome and offer huge opportunities to new users to our network,” she said. Head, Mass Segment, Airtel, Dipo Jolaosho, noted that customers only had to recharge and make calls to win the various prizes in Red Hot Promo Season 3, adding that “during the 60 days while the promo lasted, Airtel excited its customers with various give away.”

doing to address the gap with the Intel She Will Connect programme. Themed, “Overcoming the Digital Divide in her Shoes,” the session had in attendance as panellists: Iyadunni Olubode, Executive Director, Leap Africa; Chioma Agwuegbo, Lead Strategist, CC Consulting Services and founder, Tech Her; Oreoluwa Lesi, Founder and Executive Director, Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) and Titilope Sonuga, Intel She Will Connect ambassador. Commenting on how technology

can be used to address poverty, Olubode, remarked that improving women’s access to technology has a potential to spur their economic advancement and stimulate broader economic growth. In her words, “Regrettably, access to technology is still a major challenge for a lot of young women out there. There is therefore an urgent need to encourage and push women towards technology through strategic partnerships and initiatives such as the Intel She Will Connect programme.”

said is the new Add Wash range of washing machines which provides customers with an opportunity to add new materials to the washing machine even when it is already operational. The washing machine range of products, he explained, has over the years become increasingly accessible to customers especially as different models address the needs of different income segments. In addition, said Kumar, people are now increasingly seeing the washing machine as a necessity and not as an elitist product. This, he explained is largely on account of its growing availability, affordability and promotion by Samsung and other manufacturers. Samsung will also make available in 2016, said Kumar, a new range of SUHD TV, a Samsung-specific brand of curved television sets which have transformed the television viewing experience across the world.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

brands& marketing

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Akin Adewakun

m:08054683584 e:akadewakun@yahoo.co.uk

Government should constitute best creative brains to project the Nigerian brand —AAAN President THE President of the Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr Kelechi Nwosu, In this interview, speaks with AKIN ADEWAKUN about a new campaign developed to support the government’s fight against terrorism and why FG should avail itself the association’s abundant creative minds in the marketing communications industry to bond with Nigerians.

HY AAAN developed new campaign against security challenges Before we even heard of the recent efforts by the Federal Government, the AAAN had agreed that our country needed to have a campaign that would unify and motivate a lot of us to support the war against terrorism. So AAAN working with some of its corporate members had developed a campaign that will do exactly that. It is meant to support the war against terrorism, mobilise, inspire and motivate Nigerians to join the war. There is currently a lot of apathy amongst Nigerians about the violence going on and that has continued to go on especially in the North Eastern part of the country. That is what our campaign on Anti-Terrorism is all about. The shape the campaign will take We will share it with you at the right time. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag now. But essentially, it meant to be an integrated campaign that will support this whole war against terrorism, using very effective media to deliver the message and solicit support of Nigerians for the government. The campaigns thematic thrusts Like I said, I will give you the details at the right time. But it is really a campaign to support the war against terrorism. We have also developed two other campaigns. So besides the one against terrorism there are other ones against corruption and unity. As you know, one of the big issues in our country is unity or the lack of it. This country is so divided along tribal, political and religious lines. We believe, therefore that we need to have a campaign to unify us. Governments take on the initiative We have offered the campaign to create support for war against terrorism. We have shared it with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. We hope that they have looked at it and will use it along with the campaign that they have commissioned. We have also continually

Nwosu offered to the Ministry of Information our capabilities as the foremost creative and communication association in the country and we hope that they will listen to us and partner with us to build effective campaigns. A behaviour change campaign such as the one we are working on requires deep insight and expertise. You’ve got to build it with deep, resonant insights. Sometimes you might need to pre-test the creative work. So government has got to be deliberate in designing these campaigns otherwise they will not be effective. This support and capability of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) via our members are the things we are putting on the table to support government. In case the project does not enjoy government’s buy-in It is not just for government, it is for all of us. I believe the government is for us. Sometimes we talk about government as though government were outsiders, it is our government. I believe it is an elected government that has been elected to lead us, work with us and to help us as a country. Government and all of us, the governed, I do believe, are interested in the welfare and wellbeing of our country. So hopefully with the FGN support, we will

go ahead without their support, we will still go ahead because we are doing it for our country which belongs to all of us. Our partnership with other sectorial group on the campaign We have had preliminary talks with other sectorial groups such as Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Outdoor Advertisers’ Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Media Independent Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) on these campaigns. As usual, they are interested but we need to agree on how to prioritise the various elements of the advocacy campaigns. It is important that everybody does his bit. What we are doing as AAAN is to support our country, it is very important that everybody does something in these tough times to support the government. That is what we believe in. Probable reasons the Information Minister has not met with AAAN’s officials I think that question will be better answered by the Minister of Information and Culture, because we have made ourselves available and asked for meetings with him. I do believe he is busy and will get around to it when it is convenient to him

How government should use communication in national development Just like Mr Udeme Ufot said in his paper ‘strategic communication and national development’, I think government should use the same principles of marketing communication that have built big brands to build her communication. We need to have a strategic direction that engages the audience; The Governments (Federal, State and Local Government) need to speak with the people not the current style. Strategic communication involves aligning our vision with the communication that will help build the nation. One of those should be about unity and belief in the country. Like I mentioned earlier, the country is now really divided and people are going through tough times. I think the Ministry Of Information, being the main communication curator for government, should engage in research and insight-based communication. I think this is a time to talk up the Nigerian brand, a time to ask what will inspire Nigerians. As the fight against corruption rages, a lot of people are sad and wondering, How much money was stolen or lost whilst they are facing economic challenges? I think this may be the time for the Federal Government to consider a proper and deliberate campaign, working with the right communication professionals to determine what we can do to inspire the nation to be positive about the country. We need to look at what to do to make sure people have great hope in this country. The Information Minister and his machinery need to dig deeper and find out from the professionals, especially from our sector how this can be done. For instance, there is the story, recently of a Nigerian Bennett Omalu, who studied in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who went to America and discovered CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a degenerative disease in the brain of former professional football players). We can use such stories to change the narrative here and abroad about Nigeria. The need to bring back Nigerians’ confidence This is also the time to start asking Nigerians to believe in themselves. This is the best time to promote made in Nigerian products, Made in Nigeria football league, ideas, personalities who are doing things in Nigeria and all over the world. This is not the time to just keep talking about corruption. This is time to ask what we can do to make our country great, both from an economic, emotional and spiritual point of view. Basically our best creative brains should be sitting round the table constituting what we call a core communication group to be able to do the above for our government, our people and our nation.

brands&marketing

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Eko Supreme reiterates commitment to quality product delivery EKO Supreme, manufacturers of SoKlin and Good Mama detergents has restated its commitment to high quality product delivery, by continually advancing its manufacturing technologies, enhancing its products’ appeal and introducing new quality products as dictated by the dynamic changes in the lifestyles of its consumers. Making this pledge recently, in Lagos, the company’s Managing Director, Mr Hendra Sunardi stated that the company will continue to deliver on its promise to offer high quality detergent products to its teeming Consumers and Trade Partners as well, in spite of the difficult times. Sunardi listed SOKLIN’s reformulation, imbued with New Stain Magnet Technology, a combination of broad spectrum enzymes as one of the ways the company plans to give its customers value for their money. He also took time to unveil the new SOKLIN sachet which now adorns a new pack upgrade with glossier and trendier look and feel, in tandem with its premium status and for stronger shelf presence. Sunardi cited Good Mama brand, which the company introduced in 2009, as another brand that had equally benefitted from these advanced technologies. The brand recently launched an additional Lemon variant, and is now fortified with an improved cleaning power.

Chi launches Tea Side of Life Campaign

From left, MTN Representative, Mr Adeyemi Odubajo; Head Teacher, Nawarudeen Primary School, Mowe, Mrs Akinyemi Patience; MTN Representative, Mr Aminu Usman and Mr Akintayo Akinola, the Initiator at the presentation and commissioning of new furniture for Nawarudeen Primary School Mowe, Ogun State, as part of MTN Foundation ‘What Can We Do Together Initiative.

Val Promo: Three Crowns hosts lucky consumers to special dinner

N celebration of the Valentine’s Day otherwise known as the lovers’ day, Three Crowns Milk, from the stables of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Plc recently hosted lucky couples to a special valentine dinner treat. The couples are loyal consumers of Three Crowns

Milk who participated and won in the just concluded Valentine’s Day promo held between January and February this year, with the intention of sharing the season of love with its teeming consumers. The consumers participated in the promo offer by buying the Three Crowns

Milk special valentine promo pack at designated retail outlets; each promo pack had assorted Three Crowns Milk. Speaking during the special valentine dinner, the Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr Tarang Gupta explained that the Three Crowns spe-

Agency chief, banks’ reps discuss relationship banking at BJAN Consumer Day

frontline marketing communication practitioner, Mr Tokunbo Modupe and representatives of the nation’s financial institutions, including those of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a host of other professionals are among those slated to discuss relationship banking at this year’s edition of the World Consumer Day, scheduled for March 15, this year in Lagos. The symposium being organised by the Brands Journalists’ Association of

Nigeria (BJAN), is part of the activities marking the consumer day event being held on that date to arouse the consciousness of consumers around the globe. Speaking on the forthcoming event the association’s leadership noted that the 2016 World Consumer Rights Day would provide another platform for stakeholders in the nation’s financial segment to engage on the need to strengthen their relationship, while providing the banks the opportunity to explain some of

the reasons behind alleged excessive charges. While Modupe, the Chairman of TPT International is expected to deliver a key note paper on Banking in Nigeria, Developments and Customers Challenges at the event, representatives of banks and consumer activists are also expected to participate at the event. The symposium will also attract major stakeholders in telecommunication industry, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), aviation among others.

Don’t compare PR and advertising in terms of marketing spend —Expert RENOWNED Public Relations practitioner and former President of Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), Dr Phil Osagie has disagreed with claims, in some quarters, that public relations must command the same marketing spend as advertising before it can be seen as growing in the country. Speaking with a select group of marketing communications writers in his new Lagos office, recently, Osagie, who is also the chief executive of JSP Corporate Communications, stated

Nigerian Tribune

that advertising would always command bigger marketing spend more than public relations, due to the way it is structured, noting that what is more is important is for the two to complement each other. The JSP boss argued that what should be of paramount importance to either of the two should be how it has been able to contribute to the brand-building efforts of its clients. He also disagreed with the claim, in some quarters, that the fortunes of PR practice are dwindling in the country, saying that the potential

for the practice in the country is huge, noting that what remains for PR practitioners is how to position themselves to be able to latch on to those opportunities. According to him, brands are increasingly looking towards the direction of emerging economies which the Nigerian economy represents, insisting that what practitioners should do is how to develop their skill set to make them globally competitive. “PR is growing, but advertising will always be bigger than PR, due to the way it is structured. The compe-

tition between the two is of no use. One will always complement the other. They are like sisters. There are some campaigns that advertising drives, while there are some driven by PR,” the JSP boss stated. He announced that as part of the agency’s plans to become the first multinational PR outfit in the country, the company had changed office to a bigger and more conducive space in Ikeja, equipped with a press centre that allows any journalist to file in their reports from them using the centre’s facilities.

cial Valentine promo offer is the brand’s way of showing love to its esteemed consumers and their loved ones for their continued patronage and loyalty to the brand over the years. “All around the world, Valentine’s Day is set aside as a day to show love not only to your immediate loved ones but everyone around you and as a consumer-centric brand we decided to leverage this unique occasion of celebration of love to reward our loyal consumers for their love towards the brand and also encourage them to replicate the same to their family and friends as they enjoy more Three Crowns Milk at a discounted price during the promo period,” he said.

THE nation’s Ice Tea consumers have been assured of exciting times ahead as Chi Limited, one of the nation’s frontline players in Juices and fruit drinks market segment recently unveiled a new marketing communication campaign for its Ice Tea brand tagged Come over to the Tea Side of Life. Designed to promote the culture of tea drinking across various strata of society, the Television advertisement aptly delivers the emotional attributes of refreshment, rejuvenation and naturalness associated with the brand in a resonating manner. The advertisement which is being deployed through Television, Radio, Billboards and Digital platforms as well as other marketing and trade activations is already receiving wide acclaim for its succinct depiction of the Chi Ice Tea brand with premium and persuasive imagery. The TVC highlights an experience with Chi Ice Tea, which is in line with its brand promise of tasty refreshing goodness. Set on a beach, a lady who is in desperate need of respite and refreshment, stumbles on a pack of Chi Ice Tea to quench her thirst and is instantly rejuvenated. The action is dramatically depicted in her morphing and transforming into a refreshing mix of cool ice with hints of natural tea leaves and fruity flavours.

Fanta unveils aged-up Fanta characters NIGERIA’S favourite fruit flavoured soft drink, Fanta, has taken its communication campaign to a notch higher with the launch of a new campaign, Play It Better. The new campaign which kicks off in February is scheduled to run for an 11-month period on multiple media platforms - television, radio, out of home, digital and print. The campaign will feature different television ads, cinema materials, out-of-home executions and radio ads rendered in the five major Nigerian languages, which include English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin. Beyond traditional media, the Fanta brand will also connect with consumers nationwide through its digital and social media platforms and experiential sampling activations.

Speaking at the media launch in Lagos, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Patricia Jemibewon, said “The key attributes of the Fanta brand are Play, Fun and Excitement. Our new campaign brings these attributes to life in a unique way and connects even better with Fanta consumers. “The new campaign prominently features the well-known Fanta characters, who are now aged up and in their teens. In the different executions of the campaign, we see their playful, fun personalities come through as they navigate through typical teen tension moments. You will also observe that they always take advantage of opportunities to engage in their fun interests anytime they meet up with their friends.”

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

property

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Chukwuma Okparaocha

m: 08038984495 e: chukscop2005@gmail.com

Ogun solicits support of forestry stakeholders in curbing illegal felling of trees

Why things are falling apart in Lagos estates Stories By Chukwuma Okparaocha Lagos

N Lagos Mainland, Festac Town is facing continuous massive infrastructural and moral decay, while all the Jakande estates are been infested with ‘cancerous’ houses which have been described as ‘a time bomb waiting to explode.’ On the Island, apart from other challenges peculiar with the Island, many estates there are understood to continue to grapple with the challenge of unpaid Land Use Charge. This is the summary of the story of the sorry state of many estates in Lagos, a state that prides itself as the centre of excellence. Infrastructural neglect in estates in the Mainland The tragic building collapse recorded at Jakande Estate at Oke-Afa area of Ejigboa few years ago brought to bear the sorry state of many of the houses in the estate. The tragic incident, which brought to an abrupt and painful end the lives of two young ladies, it will be recalled, led to era of accusations and counter accusations from all parties involved residents of the estate, association of landlords as well as the government. Then, residents of the estate ceaselessly accused the government of neglect; landlords insisted that the government failed to do proper investigations before swooping on people’s houses and

haphazardly marking them as unsafe for habitation, while the government through its various agencies insisted that many residents of defective buildings always failed to obey government’s order for them to give such marked houses a wide berth. It was after the Jakande building collapse that all parties involved started to wash their dirty linens outside, but if any positive could be drawn from that sad episode, it is that it brought to the knowledge of all Nigerians that a substantial percentage of many houses in several estates in Lagos were in a total state of disrepair. But the problem of Lagos estates goes far beyond unhealthy buildings alone, because based on physical observation made by Tribune Property, which recently paid a visit to some of the estates in Lagos, it touches other vital areas too, especially infrastructural amenities such as roads, waste management system, water and electricity supply, among others. Based on physical observations made, a lot of estate in Lagos Mainland especially in places such as Festac in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area; Abule Egba-Alakuko axis; Igando; Ijegun as well as those in satellite towns and suburbs, including all the Jakande Estates could be said to bear an unmistakable evidence of neglect and infrastructural decay. This is evident in the poor state of most of their roads, presence of structures haphazardly erected

without due recourse to the original plans of such estates, piles of refuse, dilapidating buildings, houses with faded paints and lack of good source of water.

LUC challenges in estates on the Island Some years ago, it will be recalled that one of the most popular estates in VI –the 1004 Estates – was momentarily shut because its residents were accused of owning Land Use Charges running into several millions of naira. Even many of the expensive estates in highbrow Ikoyi and others in the same class, despite their opulence equally have their own devils. Investigations made by Tribune Property have shown that many of the residents of such estates, despite paying millions of naira as rents, still cough out millions more for various service charges including diesel bills. It will be recalled that Tribune Property had extensively reported in previous publications that, apart from an average annual rent of N7-7.5 million, an average fourbed apartment in Ikoyi still requires a service charge of between N2.2.4 million. This, it has been revealed, is mostly responsible for the high number of vacant houses and estates blocks in Ikoyi and other highbrow places in Lagos, and experts have also attributed this development to the downturn in the nation’s economy. When commenting on why many

estates, an example of which is Festac, in Lagos are falling apart, a Lagos-based estate surveyor and valuer who works with Laser Estate Services, Mr Obinna Obianyanwu, revealed to Tribune Property that “The first thing that has led to the degradation of many of the estates in Lagos is lack of maintenance on the part of the government. The entire infrastructures in a place such as Festac have run out over time. It used to be a very lovely neighbourhood with many green areas. Even public commercial buses were not allowed to come into the estate. “But all these have since disappeared, which is also partly due to corruption on the part of the managers of the estate, who have sold all the green areas. An estate initially meant for purely residential purposes have now turned into commercial centres where many corner shops, stalls and even roadside trading have sprung up,” Mr Anyanwu. When proposing a solution to the problem with Festac and by extension others in the state, the real estate expert, insisted that, “With the effort of the government together with leaders within the neighbourhood things might improve for good, but the truth is that Festac can never go back to the way it was decades ago. So the local government at Amuwo Odofin, which is also in charge, together with the Federal Housing Authority, can try to upgrade the infrastructure at Festac.

THE Ogun State Government has solicited support of stakeholders in the forestry sector in the state to join its efforts in curbing illegal felling of trees in government-owned forest reserves in order to enhance the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state. The Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, gave the charge while addressing the Timber Contractor Association, Ogun Waterside Chapter during his working visit to Divisional Forestry Office, Abigi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the State. Chief Lawal said that the state’s IGR was very crucial for development and growth of the State, saying that all ongoing developmental projects in the state were mainly financed with the tax payers’ money. “It is very pertinent to work together in order to achieve our aims and objectives in boosting the State Internally Generated Revenue as we are all aware of the dwindling allocation from the federal account, therefore all hands must be on deck to achieve this,” he said. The commissioner also disclosed that the theme of this year’s budget tagged ‘’Budget of Optimisation’’ was aimed at maximising available resources in order to get good results. In line with this, he charged the stakeholders to carry out their duties in the forest reserves with utmost sense of responsibility. He urged all stakeholders involved in the forestry sector to join hands with the State Government in total eradication of illegal felling of trees in the state-owned forest reserves, explaining that the government often lost money through illegal activities in forest reserves, a situation that often had negative impact of the state’s IGR. Responding, Monitoring Unit Officer, Marine Section, Pastor Olameto Gabriel, assured the government of their unalloyed support to curb illegal acts in the forest reserves, adding that they would act according to the rules and regulations guiding forestry operations in the state. He affirmed the readiness of timber contractors in the state to collaborate with the government in achieving their aims and objectives, especially in the area of boosting it is IGR with a view to further providing more developmental projects for the people of the state.

property

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

‘FCT fast-tracks N1.8trn investment to cover housing, infrastructure development’ StoriesbyChukwumaOkparaocha-Lagos

NDICATIONS have emerged that in the last few years, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has been able fast-track investment inflows worth N1.8 trillion for housing, infrastructural as well as commerce development. But, the FCT Minister, Muhammed Musa Bello, said this was made possible because of the opportunities given for the private sector to invest in the FCT project. He added that attracting investment inflow into the FCT was a key priority of his administration, saying some investors who had land acreages allocated for commercial development were yet to explore advantage of such gesture from the government. The Minister made this known recently at the first quarterly meeting of Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (NACCIMA), where he was represented by the Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company, Musa Musa, where he pointed out that the organised private sector was always welcomed with the opendoor policy of the present administration to fast-track investment inflow in the FCT. “Industry watchers believe that Abuja, despite its strategic position is yet to explore its commercial and industrial advantages, largely due to lack of industrial citation in the city, as witnessed in Lagos, which is still the commercial capital of the country,” he said. The Abuja Investment Company is the representative of the

commercial and investment arm of the FCT, being an investment sub-sector, it represents both the interest of the government and the private sector.

So far, the FCT, according to information gathered, has been able to attract about N1.8 trillion worth of private capital investments. The areas of investment

inflow include infrastructure provision through land swap, city centre, railway, housing development, commerce, hotel and tourism.

Again, Lagos Assembly warns contractors handling Ibeshe LagosHOMS project JUST days after querying the level of work in some government-owned housing projects across the state, the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Housing has warned and summoned 22 out of 27 contractors handling the Lagos Home Ownerships Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) at Ibeshe area of the state. The committee gave the summon at the conclusion of the touring of all LagosHOMS projects across the state in a move that lasted almost two weeks. The Ibeshe project is in three phases with 20 blocks of 12 flats in each phase. The committee had earlier summoned several contractors for abandoning some Lagos Homs

Projects across the state. The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode told journalists during the inspection tour to the area that the level of works done stood at 40 per cent after each of the contractors had been mobilised with 60 per cent of the contract sum. Layode said that the slow pace of work at the site was worrisome as he said that residents of the state, who would occupy the building had been complaining. He said, “most of the contractors have abandoned the work after receiving up to 60 per cent of the tax payers’ money. The works done so far are just at about 40 per cent, when they are expected to be near completion.” Layode, who urged residents to

be patient with the government, said that the committee would give necessary support to the government to ensure completion of the project. Some of the summoned contractors included, Eko Akete Engineering and Construction Global Service and Telesis Signature Limited. Others are Niyem Consultant, Pange East Ventures, Peddy Lads Associations, Periscope Nigeria Limited, Motak Investments Limited, Asset Engineering Construction, Breeve Global Resources, Habitat Royale Property Services andMontai Nigeria Limited. The rest are Bolamat Nigeria Limited, Sheffield Nigeria Limited, Visible Construction Coy, D’Scion Ventures, Lion Unisco

Enterprises, Tulip Nigeria Limited, Higher Ground Property and others. Lagos HOMS is the initiative of former governor Babatunde Fashola to provide affordable houses for residents. The HOMS projects encourage and support home ownerships on First-Time- Buyer (FTB) residents of Lagos State to purchase decent and affordable homes through the provision of accessible mortgage finance. It will be recalled that the committee had visited Randle in Akerele, Surulere,Iponri, Ijora Badia and Oyingbo, Mushin, Gbagada, Ilupeju, Omole 1 and 2, OkoOba, Akanimodo, Agbowa and Amuwo-Odofin, Igbogbo, Igando and others sites of the scheme.

Nigerian Tribune

Prioritise reduction of 17 million housing deficit, TUC tells FG THE Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to give priority to the reducing the 17million housing deficit in the country, which it says remains a major problem facing Nigeria. The group said the call had become necessary seeing that millions of Nigerians live on the streets while a lot of workers could not afford a decent home. It said some workers often resorted to borrowing from banks to build their homes at “forbidden” interest rates as most of them ended up losing the houses to the banks because of the inability to repay the loans and accumulated interests. The group made this known last week in a statement jointly signed by Bobboi BalaKaigama, its President, and Simeso Amachree, its Acting Secretary-General. “While we appreciate the effort of mortgage institutions and developers, we have also observed that their houses are unduly expensive,” they said. “There should be rules that allow workers to borrow from their retirement savings at friendly interest rates to build houses, using accumulated savings as collateral. “Thus a contributor who has N5 million in his Retirement Savings Account (RSA), for example, should be at liberty to borrow as much as N3 million from it at single digit interest rate,” they said in the statement. “This makes a lot more sense than the present scenario where the same contributor may find himself having to approach a bank to borrow the N3 million at 30 percent interest rate to build a house. “Equally appalling is a situation where a contributor pays about N8 million to mortgage institutions for a house worth N5 million,” they added. TUC further indicated that it recognised the daunting task before the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, “consequent upon the total rape of the economy by some unscrupulous characters whose stock in trade is to launder and stockpile money in sewage pits.” “We also applaud the war on corruption, and it is our view that the infrastructural needs of the country would be more appropriately met with recovered monies from the war and from traditional sources of development funds than with pension funds sourced from the sweat of toiling, underpaid Nigerian workers,” they further argued.

39 news FG’ll establish science, tech villages, museums —Onu

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

IGERIA’S Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has hinted that the Federal Government would soon establish science and technol-

ogy villages and museums in the six geopolitical zones of the country. Onu ,who made this declaration while delivering the University of Lagos Convocation Lecture en-

titled “Positioning Nigeria as the Technology hub of Africa”, said this was one of the plans of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to reinvent the country using science and

technology. In line with this focus, Onu said that an executive bill would soon be sent to the National Assembly for the establishment of National Research and Innovation

A cross section of candidates sitting for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) of the ongoing 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), in Abuja, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN.

Computer-based tests will not be rescheduled, JAMB says THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Monday, said it will not entertain the rescheduling of the ongoing examination for any candidate who missed his/her scheduled time in any of its centres, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has reported Mr Stephen Ignatius, the supervising board’s official at the Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi,Lagos State, said that any candidate who absented himself or hers elf from the examination, would not be allowed to retake the examination, except such a request is supported with genuine evidence. According to him, many candidates have been taken the rescheduling of the examination for granted by coming whenever it suits them. He said that JAMB would no longer tolerate such indiscipline from any candidates again. Meanwhile, NAN has observed that a candidate, who was supposed to write the Computer Based Test (CBT) in the first batch at the Digital Bridge centre, but only showed up during the second batch was disallowed by the invigilators. “I wanted my centre to be in a school somewhere in Oshodi but I discovered lately that I was posted to Digital Bridge centre.

“So, I decided to go to my preferred centre but I was not allowed to sit for the test. “That was why I came back to Digital Bridge to write the second batch but I was also not allowed to write,’’ the

student, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN. NAN reported that the examination at the institute went on smoothly with 339 out of the 350 candidates approved as the first batch showed up at the

centre. Ignatius said that 20 candidates were absent during the second batch of the examination. Each of the two batches lasted two hours and 30 minutes.

...As candidates commend conduct of exam Clement Idoko -Abuja THE full take off of the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination (UTME) nationwide, on Monday, was marred with system failures in some ComputerBased Test Centres in Abuja. The hitches led to delays in start off of the examinations in some of the centres monitored by the Nigerian Tribune. At the Digital Bridge Institute, Utako, examination could not commence until a few minutes pass 11:00 a.m. as a result of system failure. The exercise, however, took off smoothly at the Chams City, one CBT Centre in Abuja. The board on Saturday, last week, commenced the second edition of a fullblown Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode of the UTME as part of initiatives introduced by the board to reduce cases of examination malpractice and increase its credibility. While some candidates, who sat for the examination at the centres, commended JAMB for the smooth

and orderly arrangements for the examination, others criticised JAMB for the hitches that led to delay of the examinations. A candidate, Omenka Solomon, said the introduction of CBT was the best thing that had ever happened in the conduct

of examination in Nigeria because it discouraged examination malpractices. Some parents, who accompanied their children to the venue of the examinations, called on the Federal Government to open more access to tertiary education.

Council (NRIC), while a special bank, known as Science and Technology Development Bank (STDB) meant to address the funding needs of technological investments, would also be set up. He decried the existence of many technological gaps in the country which continued to be the bane of the utilising technology as an instrument for national development. Onu, therefore, warned that the country had to be up to speed with technological advancements so as to realise its potential in science and technology. “I am happy to state that the President Buhari’s administration through the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, will work speedily to close all technology gaps in the country. We intend to establish Technology Villages in the six geopolitical zones of the Country. This will help us properly shape and sharpen our creative minds into finished products and therefore, provide services which will be of benefit to our dear country. “We will in the near future, propose the establishment of STDB. While the NRIF,will assist research and developmental work in the country, the STDB will provide venture capital for commercialisation of new ideas as well as support local manufacture that encourages technological development in the country.” Furthermore, Onu avowed the commitment of the Federal Government to improvement in science and technology through the institution of Technology Transfer Promotion Initiative (TTPI), which will ensure that investors can transfer their technological knowledge to Nigerians.

Police nab man, lover over attempt to sell 3-yr-old child As court arraigns 3 over alleged murder Alphonsus Agborh -Asaba A man, Emeka Odili and his girl friend, Blessing, have been arrested by the police in Delta State over alleged plan to sell a -three year old child of the man’s sister. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestine Kalu, on Monday, one Nkiru Odili, reported at Onicha-Olona police station, that the duo took away her child for sale, adding that the lover birds were apprehended in Onitsha, Anambra State, by police detectives where negotiation about it was ongoing. However, luck ran

against the suspects and the victim, Chukwumalu Adikwu,was recovered, she said. Also, a patrol team attached to Ugborikoko division, while on patrol along Jakpa Road, Warri, intercepted a tricycle. In an attempt to stop the occupants for a search, they zoomed off and later abandoned the tricycle. The PPRO said the tricycle has been recovered while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects. Meanwhile, an OgwashiUku Magistrates’ Court in Delta State, has adjourned till March 10, for further hearing in a case of three persons accused of alleged murder of one Lucky Nduka, John Agwada and Dick-

son Andrew. Those arraigned at the weekend in the charge No: Ms/20c/ 2016 include Dike OKonji, Sampson Uwandulu and Simon Eziafa, on a seven- count charge of murder and unlawful possession of firearms, punishable under section 319 and section 516 of the Criminal Code Law. They were arrested by the police for the alleged murder of the three youths in Otulu, last week. The presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs P.U. Nsolo, in a ruling, ordered the accused persons to be reminded in prison custody and the case file transferred to the office of the state Director of Public Prosecution.

Michael Ade-Ojo gives scholarship to 19 students THE Asiwaju of ImesiIle and Chairman, Elizade Group of Companies, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, has awarded 19 scholarship to Imesi-Ile students of Imesi-Ile High School, Osun State Unity School and Imesi-Ile Commercial Grammar School. The award ceremony for 2015/2016 academic session, took place on February 24 at Imesi-Ile High School. The Sspeakers Klob of Imesi-Ile, on behalf of the donor, organised the award ceremony which was witnessed by the principals and parents of the awardees. Elder Kola Ajayi, one of the representatives of Speakers Klob, present at the ceremony, thanked Chief Ade-Ojo, on behalf of Imesi-Ile community and Speakers Klob for his philanthropic gesture, which he and his late wife, Chief (Mrs) Wuraola Ojo commenced about 20 years ago.

ICAN takes ‘Catch them young scheme’ to Oyo, Ogbomoso zones THE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has taken its nationwide “Catch them young” programme to Oyo and Ogbomoso zones of Oyo State. Welcoming over 380 students from 34 senior secondary schools to the programme, at the Jubilee Hall of Baptist Academy, Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, the president of ICAN, Otunba Femi Deru, who was represented by the chairman of Ogbomoso/Oyo and District Society, Alhaji M.O. Ogundiran, reiterated the imperatives of career guidance for students in secondary schools in order to afford them the opportunity of launching their professional career using ICAN platform. The guest speaker on the occasion, Dr H.T. Fasina, a senior lecturer in Management and Accounting Department of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, took participants through what it takes to become a chartered accountant with emphasis on the ATSWA route and urged them to face their studies.

40 news NIS recruitment: Court remands Abba Moro in Kuje Prison

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Sunday Ejike -Abuja

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, ordered that former Interior Minister, Abba Moro and F.O. Aleyebami facing N676 million money laundering and fraud charges, to be remanded in Kuje prisons till Wednesday, March 2 when the application for their bail will be heard. The trial Judge, Justice Anwuli Chikere, however, ordered that one of the defendants, a former permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Nwobia a nursing mother should continue enjoying the administrative bail earlier granted her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Chikere gave the order on Monday, after Moro and the other three accused persons pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge preferred against them by the EFCC, on their alleged involvement in the 2014 recruitment exercise of the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) in which no fewer than 20 job seekers died in a stampade. Moro and the other defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read out to them on Monday. The accused persons were alleged to have contravened the Public Procurement Act No. 65 of 2007 in the contract awards, by not following the necessary procedure laid down by the government. According to the EFCC, the award of the contract to Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited had no prior advertisement, no needs assessment and a procurement plan was not carried out before the award of the contract. The commission added

that there was no budgetary provision for the exercise in the 2014 federal budget, hence, the applicants were made to bear the responsibility of funding the project without

the approval of the board, contrary to Section 22(5) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, 2000. The charge sheet reads

N676,675,000 representing N1,000 per applicant through e-payment for their online recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Immigration Service on March 17, 2013.

Former Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro (right), at the Federal High Court, where he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on an 11-count charge over immigration job scam, in Abuja, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN.

Arms scam: Court rules on Badeh’s bail application March 4 Sunday Ejike - Abuja The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday reserved March 4 to rule on a bail application filed by the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh (retd). The judge, Justice John Tsoho, reserved the date after counsel to parties made submissions for and against the motion. “I have heard the arguments of parties made in favour and against this application. The court has reserved March 4 to deliver its ruling,’’ he said. Mr Samuel Zibiri (SAN), Counsel to Badeh, brought the application pursuant to Sections 35 (4) and 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution. Zibiri also hinged the application on Sections 158,

162 and 165 (2) of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act. The applicant’s counsel had sought the order of the court to admit Badeh to bail on self-recognition or on liberal terms pending his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He argued that the application was based on the ground that the applicant had on February 8 voluntarily went to honour the invitation of the respondent. Zibiri also submitted that the applicant had been detained for more than the period required by the constitution without trial. He also argued that the allegation for which the applicant was been held was bailable, contending that the applicant would not jump

Court rules on Ricky Tarfa’s fundamental rights suit March 22 A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, reserved ruling till March 22 on whether or not to allow Mr Ricky Tarfa (SAN), adduce fresh facts in his enforcement of fundamental rights suit before it. The applicant had on February 8, filed the fundamental rights suit before Justice Mohammed Idris. Tarfa joined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Messrs Ibrahim Magu, Moses Awolusi and Iliyasu Kwabai, as co-respondents. He is seeking an order, directing the respondents

in part: “Moro, Anastasia Nwobia, F.O. Alayebami and Mahmood Ahmadu (at large) and Drexel Tech Nigeria Ltd, allegedly defrauded Nigerian applicants to the tune of

to release to him, his mobile cellphones and his Mercedes Benz Suv while still on trial. At the resumption of the hearing on Monday, the applicant’s counsel, Mr Bolaji Ayorinde, informed the court that his client had filed an application seeking to adduce further and better affidavit in the suit. Ayorinde argued that granting the application would not prejudice the respondents’ position in the matter. He informed the court that the said account into which the said N225,000 was allegedly paid in fa-

vour of Justice Mohammed Yunusa, did not belong to the judge but a different person. “My lord, this application is not to arrest the judgment of this court, but it’s simply to assist the court by making material facts available. “Nothing stops my lord from admitting this further and better affidavit since it is for the assistance of the court,’’ Ayorinde said. Meanwhile, Counsel to the respondents, Mr Wahab Shittu, opposed the application, and urged the court to refuse the applicant’s request.

bail or escape justice when admitted to bail. According to him, the applicant has no criminal records. He further submitted that the applicant’s health condition was ‘bad’ given recently surgery on his spine. “My Lord, this point is very critical as the applicant is presently in pain for missing out on his constant postoperative checkup.

“We are urging the court to grant this application as his continued detention is a complete violation of his rights and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,’’ Zibiri said. On whether the court had the jurisdiction to entertain the application in view of the fact that the applicant was now been held in Lagos, Zibiri answered in the affirmative.

Group petitions NASS over VC’s appointments Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja A social-political group in Kogi State, the Okun Advocacy Forum (OAF), has petitioned the National Assembly, over the recent appointment of vice chancellors for the 13 Federal universities and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The group said the recent appointments, where a single state had four appointees at the expense of other states, negated the Federal Character principle operating in the country. According to the petition signed by its president, Abiodun Obaba, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, on Monday, the group prayed for the intervention of the National Assembly over the development. The OAF asked the lawmakers to impress it on President Muhammadu Bu-

hari to reverse the ‘abysmal’ appointments, and ensure adherence to the principle of federal character. The petition read in part: “Recently, appointment of Vice Chancellors, thirteen (13) in number were made into the new Federal universities; cursory look reveals that out of these 13, no one came from Kogi State, a state noted for its exploits in Nigeria education landscape while a single state like Kano got four, thereby defeating the Federal Character principle. “The fairness of this exercise is what we want Nigeria to call into question especially where ‘anticorruption’ is said to be the central theme of this administration. We want to bring to your attention the fact that the exercise smacks extra-judicial in the sense that the exercises contravene the existing laid down practice.”

Ex-Senate president donates relief materials to Agatu IDPs J0hnson Babajide -Makurdi Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, on Sunday, donated relief materials to the displaced persons from Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. The materials donated were rice, indomie, vegetable oil, mattresses, mats, blankets salt and buckets. Former commissioner in the state, Honourable John Ngbede, received the relief materials on behalf of the people. Mark expressed sympathy over the carnage in Agatu and urged the people to look unto God the ultimate provider of life. Senator Mark also expressed confidence that both the state and federal governments would rise to the occasion, not only to alleviate the pains of the displaced people but to find a lasting solution to the crisis. The former Senate president also expressed confidence in the ability of the Nasarawa State government to do the needful, by cooperating with the Benue State government in its move to put an end to the hostility.

Ojukwu’s widow files fresh application in property suit Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin -Lagos Widow of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, Bianca Ojukwu, has filed a fresh application praying an Igbosere High Court for the amendment of the statement of claim in a suit, filed on behalf of her two children, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu Ojukwu. Mrs Ojukwu had, on behalf of her two children, dragged Ojukwu Transport Limited, OTL and seven others before the court over an alleged move by the family to eject her sons from the company’s properties located in Lagos. The defendants in the suit are Professor Joseph Ojukwu, Emmanuel Ojukwu, Lotanna Putalora Ojukwu, Dr Patrick Ojukwu, Arc Edward Ojukwu, Lota Akajiora Ojukwu, among others. Justice Abdulfattah Lawal adjourned the matter till April 26 for hearing of the fresh application.

41 news

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Niger gov held hostage by angry youths, escapes attack

Atlanta City partners Ozolua to assist IDPs Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

Adelowo Oladipo -Minna THIS may not be the best of times for the Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, as he was held hostage on Monday, by some angry youths who claimed they have been undergoing hardship since he came on board as the number one citizen. This was coming barely one year he was voted into office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general election. The governor’s convoy had obeyed traffic light on the ever-busy Bosso Road near Obasanjo Shopping Complex otherwise known as the Computer Village in Minna the state capital, where some angry youths spotted him sitting at the back seat of his tinted SUV Prado Jeep The youth, the Nigerian Tribune gathered, rushed at his vehicle and made uncomplimentary remarks about the actions or inaction of his administration. Nigerian Tribune learnt that at a stage, the governor unwind the side glasses of his Prado Jeep and exchanged pleasantries with the visibly angry youths. The vociferous youths said the state civil servants were no longer receiving their salaries as at when due, adding that most water taps in the state had stopped running while some of the roads in Minna and its environs had been in sate of disrepair since his assumption of office. Apparently justifying the policies of his administration, Governor Bello told the youth that the government was still trying to put things right. He said once the investigation into the financial dealing of the last administration was completed things

Acting Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Yetunde Oni (left), presenting the agency’s public enlightenment materials to the chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Ekpo Nta, during Mrs Oni’s visit to the commission, recently.

Police kill 3 robbers, arrest 4 in Kano Kola Oyelere -Kano

ANO State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Katsina, has confirmed that three robbers lost their lives in a gun duel with police while four members of the gang said to have come from Okene, in Kogi State, who participated in the operation were arrested. The Commissioner of Police, who disclosed this to

A son of former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and two others were, on Sunday, rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after they were involved in a motor accident on Ibadan-Abeokuta road. Sources said they were coming from a birthday party in Ilesa, Osun State,when they had a burst tyre while on motion. The trio, who were on admission at the private suite of the hospital, were initially attended to in the hospital’s accident and emergency unit on Sunday.

rorists activities that came from Kogi State, had an encounter with the Police. “The gang kidnapped Dabir Singh, an Indian national, forced him to his factory, BSV Industries Ltd, located at Chalawa Industrial Estate, attacked the security guards at gunpoint and forcibly broke th safe, using a 500kg gas cylinder and make away with the sum of N5million.” He, however, noted that

the pandemonium created by the attack alerted nearby members of the Ambush Squad, who were on routine patrol in the area. Katsina stated that the hoodlum on sighting the police, opened fire on them, adding that in a massive exchange of gun fire, the hoodlums, were subdued leading to killing of three of them with four arrested, while one escaped with gun wound.

NAFDAC organises workshop for farmers on use of veterinary medicine IN a bid to ensure the production of safer food for Nigerians, the National Agency for Food , Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has organised a workshop for farmers in the North Central zone to educate them on safe and

OBJ’s son, 2 others in auto crash By Sade Oguntola

journalists on the premises of BSV Industries Limited , the company where the armed robbers carried out the operation, further added that the robbers had a free day, as he said they carted away a sum of N5 million. According to him, “in the early hours of Monday, an eight-man gang believed to be responsible for the spate of kidnapping, armed robbery, assassination and ter-

Obasanjo’s son, who was reportedly registered in the hospital as Aremu Obasanjo, was treated by neuro surgeons. Hospital sources said he was still alive, as he was seen early on Monday on a wheelchair on his way to have an X-ray at the hospital’s accident and emergency unit. Efforts to confirm the details of the incident from the hospital’s management failed, while chief information officer of the hospital, Mr Ayodeji Bobade, on phone, only confirmed that “there is one young Aremu Obasanjo on admission at the hospital.”

responsible use of veterinary medicines, pesticides and animal feeds. Addressing participants at the event organised by the Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products Directorate of the agency, the acting Director General of NAFDAC, Mrs Yetunde Oni, said the use of substandard and unapproved feedstuff in animal feeds is not only illegal but also impacts negatively on the health of the consumers. “Animals that are carelessly fed with unwhole-

some feeds will not only suffer malnutrition, poor health and poor production but will also pass the residue to man”.she said She noted that the production of food with increasing concern over both methods of modern agriculture deserve special attention in respect of “farm to fork” concept in order to meet with the demand for food by the rapid growing population of the country. Mrs Oni assured Nigerians that NAFDAC in collaboration with relevant stake-

holders are working assiduously to effectively monitor the various steps involved in the food production chain to ensure the circulation of safe and wholesome food to meet the nutritional needs of Nigerians. Also speaking at the event, the agency’s Director of Veterinary Medicine and Allied Products, Dr Bukar Usman, said the workshop was designed to increase awareness on the judicious and appropriate use of veterinary medicines and allied products.

Police arrest suspect in possession of human skull By Oluwatoyin Malik A native doctor, Kamoru Oladele, based in Bode area of Ibadan, Oyo State, has been arrested by the Oyo State police command, for being in possession of a human skull. Parading the suspects with others on Monday, at the command headquarters at Eleyele, Ibadan, the state

Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, described the suspect as member of a syndicate using people for rituals. Oyebade disclosed that the syndicate used to refer to a human head as “agbon” (coconut) among themselves, so as to make it difficult to an outsider to decode their conversation.

Also found in the possession of the suspect were charms and other fetist objects. The suspect, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, said he bought the head for N10,000 but collected N25,000 from a female client who asked him to do charm that would bring her fortune.

THE City of Atlanta, United States of America(USA), has announced that it will be partnering with Modupe Ozolua’s non-governmental organisation (NGO), Empower54, to raise funds for Nigeria’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). A statement on Monday, by Ozolua ,stated that the fund raising will take place on the aegis of Empower54’s Annual African Art Charity Gala, which will take place in April in Atlanta. According to the statement, the event will focus on raising money to continue Empower54’s programme of establishing schools in refugee camps and rehabilitation of schools destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria’s North East region. The statement indicated that the Gala is titled: “Rise Above Terror.” It added that the campaign commenced its humanitarian project by rehabilitating women and children displaced by Boko Haram and giving them grants to start businesses.

Shehu Sani donates $30,000 books to National Library Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna THE senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani ,has donated books worth over $30,000 to the National Library, Kaduna and the Medical students of Kaduna State University (KASU). The senator said the donation was the first phase of $100,000 worth of books he planned to donate to the library, and schools in his constituency. He said, the donation became necessary owing to the fact that education sector had suffered neglect in recent times. While making the presentation at the National Library, the activist turned politician said: “We have a duty as elected representative of our people. We need to take education seriously. Those who have passion to learn and those who want to research must be encouraged,” he said. “You are what you read and if you don’t read what is new, your thought and vision becomes obsolete. “Library in Nigeria has for a long time been neglected. A library is a temple of learning where you come and get updated knowledge,” he said.

42 news

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

NDDC contractors disappeared with N70.4bn mobilisation fees —Auditor-General

•It’s N11bn, not N70bn —Commission Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

HE Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, on Monday, said some contractors working with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) disappeared with over N70 billion mobilisation fees. The office, in a report presented to Senate Committee on Public Accounts, on Monday, said the contractors worked with the NDDC between 2008 and 2012. Presented by Assistant Director, Public Accounts Division, Mr Emmanuel Akpan, the report indicated that some corrupt contractors handling various developmental projects of the NDDC disappeared with N70 billion after receiving mobilisation fees. Akpan, who appeared before Senator Andy Ubaled committee, said though the NDDC, in response to a query issued it by the Office of the Auditor-General, said that projects worth N11 billion, the office, following its findings, discovered that the total sum of the affected projects stood at N70.4 billion. “The real value of contracts upon which monies have been collected by NDDC contractors during the period under review, as of the time of auditing, was N70.4 billion and not N11 billion the NDDC office is claiming now. “There is the need for NDDC officials to practically prove that contractors involved in close to N60 billion gap they are trying to create have actually gone to site and ex-

ecuted their projects not on paper, but physically on ground,” he said. He stated that over 1,733 contractors were involved in the scam. But the NDDC officials, led by the acting Managing Director, Ibim Semenitari, disagreed with the submission by the Office of Auditor-General, saying that records available only indicated that the total amount involved in the scam was N11 billion. Director of Finance, NDDC, Jimoh Egbejule, said the commission had, on its own, audited the various projects awarded during the period under review, but discovered that the said scam affected N11 billion worth of projects and not N70.4 billion as reported by the Office of the Auditor-General. The inability of the two agencies to agree on the figures made the committee chairman, Senator Andy Uba, to adjourn the sitting for a month, in order to give room for reconciliation. “There is the need to stop this public hearing abruptly, so as to allow the three parties time to sit down and harmonise their findings and reports on the subject matter. “Definitely, this committee is not satisfied with what has happened, but we have to give them time to meet and harmonise whatever they can before coming back to us to present their updated reports, upon which we can now do the proper probings without one agency saying it doesn’t have the reports the other is presenting,” he said. He lamented that the new

Managing Director of the commission did not know anything about it, adding,

their position known on the issue on Monday, during a chat with the Nigerian Tribune, in Ibadan, the state capital. The supporters had defected alongside the former governor from the Labour Party (LP) to the APC. In a release made available to the Nigerian Tribune by Honourable Peter Atoyebi from Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of the state; Prince Wasiu Olukan, Honourable Ogede Ayinde, from Igboho and Honourable Eesuola from Oyo; the supporters averred that

onciled. Earlier, Semenitari had promised to go over the re-

cords properly within the one month duration given by the Senate.

From right, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike; his wife, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike; state acting Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra and the president of NBA, Augustine Alegeh, during the ground-breaking ceremony of the NBA New Law Centre, in Port Harcourt, on Monday.

Rivers govt will continue to promote rule of law —Wike RIVERS State governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that his administration will continue to promote the rule of law in order to enhance the security of the state. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Law Centre of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt branch, on Monday, Governor Wike said his administration had taken proactive steps to encourage the Bar and the Bench to promote the rule of law. He said the state government resolved to construct a new law centre for the NBA because of its commitment to enhanced law practice in

Alao-Akala didn’t request for chairmanship slots from Ajimobi —Supporters SUPPORTERS of former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, have said his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not to cause trouble for the ruling party. This was as they said those who were accusing the former governor of irrelevance because of non-allocation of positions to his supporters in the recently constituted local government executives were wrong, adding that Alao-Akala did not request for chairmanship seat for any of his supporters from Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The supporters made

however, that he was glad she was willing to work and ensure the figures rec-

there was never a time the former governor requested for caretaker chairmanship positions from Governor Ajimobi for his followers They said Governor Ajimobi himself affirmed it that Chief Alao-Akala did not defect to APC because of appointments but rather for the growth, progress and development of Ogbomoso community, Oyo State and the nation in general. They affirmed that Chief Alao-Akala is a progressive-minded leader who is always ready to see to the development of individuals and the society.

the state with befitting facilities. “We had to relocate the law centre to create room for the construction of more courts in the High Court complex. We also relocated the law complex for the purpose of providing befitting facilities for lawyers to practice in the state,” he said. The governor also formally handed over the certificate of occupancy of the premises to the Nigerian Bar As-

sociation, NBA. He said the project would be completed on schedule by August, adding that N200 million had been released for its commencement, as the whole project is expected to cost N498 million. In his remarks, NBA President, Augustine Alegeh, commended Governor Wike for facilitating the promotion of the rule of law through his support to the

bar and bench. He said the construction of the new Law Centre would help lawyers in the state to have access to facilities for improved practice. Also speaking, the state acting Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, said the construction of the new Law Centre had further proved that Governor Wike “is a worthy partner of the Bench and Bar in the promotion of the rule of law.”

Ebonyi confirms second Lassa fever death EBONYI State government has announced the second death from Lassa fever in the state. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Daniel Umezurike, told newsmen in Abakaliki, on Monday, that the disease claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy. He said the deceased died at the weekend after being discharged from the Fed-

eral Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. “The incident is unfortunate. The deceased was a pupil of one of the primary schools in Igbeagu, Izzi Local Government Area. “The bereaved parents are based in Abuja but the report we have did not indicate that he travelled to meet his parents recently,” he said.

The commissioner noted that the deceased was not taken to the hospital immediately he fell sick, which made his condition critical. “He, however, responded to treatment in the hospital which made the authorities to discharge him, but he unfortunately died the day he was discharged,” he added.

‘NSE will address issues affecting engineering in Nigeria’ By Tunde Ogunesan CHAIRMAN, Ibadan branch of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bolarinwa James Olowe, has assured that the association is ready to work with all stakeholders and chart a way forward for the future of engineering in Nigeria. Olowe disclosed this at the weekend, on the occasion of his investiture

as the 22nd chairman of the Nigerian Soceity of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan branch and N200 million fund raising for the construction of the branch secretariat, held at Felicia Hall, Jogor Centre, Ibadan. He said there was the urgent need to address the level of development and future directions for the association, adding that “we will restore our lost values and move Ibadan branch

and indeed the Nigerian Society of Engineers as a whole forward in our quest for professional excellence and foster better relationships amongst members, both old and young, as well as cater for the welfare of all our members.” A consulting engineer, Olowe also noted that there was the need for engineers to work as team to achive the desired professional purpose.

communitynews

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

‘Oyo, Oke-Ogun least developed’

don has observed that Oyo and Oke-Ogun zones are the least developed of all the five zones in Oyo State. He said lack of development and infrastructure in Oyo and Oke-Ogun zones were reflected in the state of Oyo general hospital, the moribund trade centre at Awe, the neglect of Fashola Farm settlement, Oyo North Agricultural Develpment Agency, Ikere Gorge Dam and Igbeti Marble Company. Professor Tunde Malik of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, made the observation while delivering a lecture entitled: “Leadership Challenges in Oyo and Oke-Ogun zones” during the annual luncheon of Oyo Pinnacle Club in Oyo. According to the scholar, an objective observer may wish to ask the following question: “Who is responsible for underdevelopment of Oyo and Oke-Ogun zones?” Professor Malik stated that some people had consistently laid the blame for the lack of development of the zones at the doorsteps of nonindigenes, but he said he was of a contrary view . He said politicians in the zones should rather bear the blame because they had been participating in the running of successive governments at the federal, state and lo-

cal government levels. “Indigenes of Oyo and Oke-Ogun zones have occupied important positions at the federal, state and local government levels which they ought to have used for the socioeconomic development of the two zones.” he said. Professor Malik, however, added that the two zones, like other parts of the country, had been adversely affected by corruption, adding that he had it on good authority that funds meant for the construction of the Ikere Gorge Dam were shared by corrupt persons in the zones. He advised leaders of the area to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the moribund develpmental projects were revived. Also speaking on the occasion, the President of Oyo Pinnacle Club, Chief Benjamin Adebimpe Lola, said the club had been putting pressure on relevant tiers of government on the need to resuscitate abandoned projects like the Oyo-Ogbomoso

Expressway, the Middle Ogun Irrigation project, Erelu Water Works, Oyo,

among others. He disclosed that a committee had been con-

School of Survey, Oyo, to the status of a multicampus university.

From left, General Secretary, Prince B.V. Tella; President, Mr Benjamin Lala; Iba of Kishi, Oba Moshood Lawal and his wife; Chief Bayo Adesope; former president of the club, Engineer F.A.A. Taiwo and a guest, during the annual luncheon of Oyo Pinnacle Club, recently.

Ota vigilante opens new office To aid response to emergency calls

THE Ado/Odo Ota Local Government Area branch of Ogun State Vigilante Service has opened a new office in Iloye Community. The office, according to the commandant, Mr

Rasaq Olowolagba, would aid his men’s response to emergency calls and, thereby, complement the efforts of the police in the fight against armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping and related crimes with-

in the community and the state as a whole. He said members of a community were better placed to fight crime in their community more than outsiders, just as no criminal can succeed in

Ibadan/Akanran/Ijebu-Ode Road: Group solicits govt’s intervention AN appeal has gone to both the Federal and Oyo State governments to rehabilitate the Ibadan/ Akanran/Ijebu-Igbo road without further delay. This is with a view to reducing the untold hardship the people of OnaAra Local Government Area are being subjected to daily. This informed part of the resolutions of the Board of Trustees of OnaAra Development Forum, a socio-cultural organisation of Ona-Ara at its meeting in Ibadan, recently. The meeting observed with regret that of all the inter-state roads that connect Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, with neighbour-

stituted to prevail on the Federal Government to upgrade the Federal

ing states, the Ibadan/ Akanran road stands out as the worst, thus slowing down economic activities of the people. The meeting called on Ona-Ara indigenes at home and in the diaspora to join hands with the current efforts by the Ona-Ara Development Forum to stimulate economic development of the area. In his opening remarks, the chairman of the board, who is also an industrialist, Chief Bode Amoo, said efforts would be made to create industrial zones and housing estates in Ona-Ara. He assured that all efforts would be made to tap the abundant human

and natural resources that abound in Ona-Ara. Other members of the board, including Chief (Mrs) Adetoun Oladeji, Chief Adebayo Oyero, Alhaji Diti Ladapo, Mrs

Sikemi Olaniyan and Alhaji Kola Bolomope agreed that the time had come for Ona-Ara indigenes to come together in the interest of their community.

an operation without the cooperation or information from an insider. Olowolagba, during the opening ceremony, urged the men to subject themselves to police authorities and other state security agencies and not operate like a counter force to security agents. He advised them not to intimidate residents in any way and abstain from taking the laws into their hands, urging them to handover apprehended criminals to the police within 24 hours. According to the commandant, the duty of the vigilante is to comple-

Igala nation plans national summit Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja

IN its bid to tackle its socio-economic, cultural and leadership problems, the Igala nation has concluded arrangements to conduct a national summit to bring together the people of the area. The summit is meant for intellectuals of the Igala nation to brainstorm on the way forward.

This was contained in a statement signed by the national coordinator of the summit, Alhaji Usman Atojoko, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. According to the statement, the summit, which will hold later in the year, is meant to discuss issues affecting the development of Igala na-

tion. Atojoko added that the summit, which is nonpolitical, is open to all Igala sons and daughters, who have the development of Igala land at heart. It stated further that renown scholars from within and outside the country are expected to deliver keynote lectures at the summit.

ment police efforts by locating the hideouts of criminals such as cultists and miscreants terrorising the community, flushing them out and handing them over to the police for prosecution. He said: “You should be disciplined and respect the uniform. You should not be involved in criminal activities because if you are caught, you will be prosecuted.” Olowolagba further advised the men to assist police in community policing and sourcing for information on criminals’ hideouts so that the community would enjoy peace. Speaking on behalf of the police, the station officer, Iloye Police Post, Inspector Kareem Abdullahi, emphasised the need for community policing. He said the rate of cultism and other crimes in the state and its environ had become worrisome to the government. He urged the vigilante group to cooperate with the police in fashioning out ways on how bad gangs would be flushed out of the community.

communitynews

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Govt urged to involve traditional rulers in cultural preservation Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

HE Ewusi of Makun in Sagamu, Ogun State, Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya, has asked government at all levels to involve traditional rulers in the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage. The traditional ruler made the call at the 18th Obaruwa Festival of Arts

and Culture held at the Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School playground in Sagamu, on Saturday. He maintained that tra-

ditional rulers and elders have a great role to play in the development of any community. According to him, “we

must not lose touch with our culture. We must continue to respect our culture. “Traditional rulers have

a lot to do in terms of cultural preservation if government cares to engage them. Traditionally, we (traditional rulers) have a lot to

Lawmaker appeals to community heads over non-payment of allowance

Senator Olujimi empowers constituents

Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

A member of Ogun State of House of Assembly, Honourable Olawale Alausa, has appealed to Olorituns in Ijebu Ode, to exercise patience over the non-payment of their allowances. The lawmaker, who represents Ijebu-Ode state constituency in the assembly, while speaking on personal explanation, during plenary, expressed displeasure with the nonchallant attitude of authorities of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area on the issue. The minority leader said the money ought to have been paid because it is deducted from first line charge of the council. He said the Olorituns, apart from being community heads, were also leaders of local vigilantes in their neighbourhoods. He, however, pleaded with the state assembly to investigate the matter with a view to finding a lasting solution to the issue. In his reaction, the speaker, Honourable Suraj Adekunbi, promised to look into the matter, stressing that the present administration gives much recognition to the traditional institution and as such would not do anything that would affect its

Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

Ekiti State deputy governor, Dr Olusola Kolapo (right), presenting a car key to Mrs Toyin Oladapo, one of the beneficiaries of Senator (Mrs) Abiodun Olujimi’s empowerment programme, at Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti East Local Government Area of the state, recently.

JCI begins implementation of SDGs in Ibadan by victor ogunyinka

THE Oluyole chapter of Junior Chambers International (JCI) has started the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the city of Ibadan. In this regard, the organisation recently visited Oni & Sons Hospital, King’s Kids Orphanage and Kiddies Porche Orphanage to assess their needs and make financial donations. “The objective is to put smile on the faces of orphans and ensure proper medical care for children in Oyo State,” Ambassador Bamitola Akin, the 2016 president of the local organisation said during the visit. He added that “earlier this year, members of JCI Oluyole visited Agodi Prisons, Ibadan to give mosquito nets to inmates, to assess their needs and interact deeply with the convicted. When the Federal Government announced the outbreak of Lassa fever,

the organisation was quick to engage market men and women on preventive measures. We gave out flyers, encouraged good hygiene, and suggested better approach to handling food items. Accrding to Akin: “We are a group of active citizens interested in making a difference in our homes,

communities and work places. In 2016, our projects will all be in line with sustainable development goals. We see our organisation as an SDG partner.” Meanwhile, the Director of Publicity of the organisation, Olufemi Babalogbon, has announced that the organisation has launched a “book reading tour in

Ibadan with the aim of encouraging reading culture among students of secondary schools and improving the standard of education.” Babalogbon stated that the organisation’s research showed that reading culture, which had been on the decline, accounts for 90 per cent of failure in examinations.

Lawmaker donates empowerment items to constituency members Adelowo Oladipo-Minna

THE member representing Lapai-Agaie Federal Constituency of Niger State in the House of Representatives, Honourable Mohammed Mahmud, has donated empowerment items estimated at millions of naira to the people of Agaie. The items included 40 generating sets, 11 motorcycles and several GSM repairing tools. Over N1 million was also distributed to indigent stu-

dents as scholarship. Speaking on the occasion, the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, commended the lawmaker and urged other political office holders in the state to emulate him in ensuring that more people, especially unemployed youths, widows and orphans are provided with dividends of democracy. The governor also advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items. Also in his remarks, the

donor stated that he had earlier donated 10 motorcycles to some beneficiaries in Lapai Local Government Area of the state. He also assured the people in the various wards in the constituency of the provision of employment through skills acquisition programmes. On the occasion, certificates were presented to beneficiaries, who expressed appreciation to the lawmaker over his gesture.

13% derivation formula: HOSTCOM urges Delta govt to remain resolute Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri DELTA State Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Ijaw chapter, has called on the Delta State government and the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) to remain resolute in the implementation of the 13 per cent oil derivation formula for the Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo,

do in the community if only they (government) recognise us. “It is pertinent to note that elderly persons and custodians of culture like us, make people to know about their culture and its ingenuity. “Because a king that is not ready to uphold his cultural heritage is not worth to be a king or be crowned,” he added. Prizes were presented to winners, who participated in the various competitions during the festival such as marathon race, football, quiz, beauty pageant competitions and debate.

Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities in the state. The group also urged Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and DESOPADEC board to put an end to centralised budget in the allocation of capital projects to the various beneficiary ethnic nationalities. Ijaw chapter of HOSTCOM made these demands in an open letter addressed to Governor Okowa over the alleged marginalisation of

Urhobo in the distribution of funds accruing to DESOPADEC in the state. In the statement jointly signed by Comrade Kingsley Ikiere and Mr Godwin Ozugbo, chairman and secretary of HOSTCOM, Ijaw chapter and made available to Community News in Warri, Delta State, the group opined that the board of DESOPADEC “should sustain the decision of paying staff based on production quantum or

what accrues to each ethnic nationality and not on firstline charge.” The body urged DESOPADEC to “stick to the agreed sharing formula of 29 per cent, 27 per cent, 22 per cent, 14 per cent and eight per cent for Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa respectively, while carrying out its activities until an updated production quantum is unveiled.” The group enjoined

HOSTCOM, Urhobo “to abide by laid down principles of the state government and desist from misinforming Deltans and Nigerians as regards the quantum of oil production.” It urged the Urhobo chapter of HOSTCOM to embrace peace and equity rather than threatening to shut down oil and gas facilities in their land if their alleged marginalisation is not addressed.

SENATOR Biodun Olujimi, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District of Ekiti State at the National Assembly, recently empowered some members of her constituency. The beneficiaries are from Omuo, Ekiti South-West, lkere, Emure, Ode and Ise Local Government areas of the state. The items donated included 10 vehicles of various brands, generators, sewing machines, motorcycles. Others were foodstuffs like bags of rice among others and cash to the elderly. Ekiti State deputy governor, Dr Olusola Kolapo, who presented the items to beneficiaries, urged them to make good use of the items and thanked the donor for the gesture, especially during this period of cash crunch. According to the deputy governor, government alone cannot provide everything for the citizenry hence the need for individuals to assist the needy group and organisation. He explained that government was doing its best to make indigenes of the state happy by providing them dividends of democracy within the limits of available resources. The donor, in her remarks, thanked the people, calling on them to keep praying for her. She assured that with God and the people behind her, she would never disappoint them. She also applauded the people for their support during the general election, noting that without their votes, she would not be where she is today. The lawmaker stated that what she was giving them was a form of empowerment and a token of her appreciation.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Babysitter decapitates four-year-old girl in Moscow

•Walks through streets carrying her severed head shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’

burka-clad babysitter decapitated the little girl in her care before walking through Moscow carrying the child’s severed head, police say. The woman shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ as she appeared near Oktyabrskoye Pole metro station in the northwest of the Russian capital and threatened to blow herself up. It came hours after officers found the headless body of a four-year-old child when they were called to a fire at a block of flats in the city, Daily Mail reported. The victim was a girl identified as Nastya M and the child’s 38-yearold nanny Gyulchehra Bobokulova, from Uzbekistan, has been arrested. The woman was seen pulling the severed head out of a bag and walking around near the entrance to the metro station as police moved in. She is then said to have shouted that she had killed the child and was seen praying shortly before officers swooped. According to local reports, she later told police she killed the girl because of her own husband’s infidelity. Investigators immediately ordered a psychiatric test of the woman

A burka-clad babysitter has been arrested in Moscow after she walked through the streets carrying the severed head of a four-year-old girl . PHOTO: AFP/GETTY IMAGES

in a bid to understand her motives. One eyewitness at the underground station told MK

how the woman screamed: “My child was killed…I will blow up everyone.” She also shouted: “I hate de-

mocracy”. A journalist working for RBC daily, said she had heard the woman screaming ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is Great). “I was on my way to the metro station from home,” Polina Nikolskaya said. “She was standing near the metro entrance and caught my attention because she was screaming Allahu Akbar. “I saw that she had a bloodied head in her arms, but I thought it was not real. People in the crowd said it was real.”

Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse says he will not back Republican front-runner Donald Trump for president, the highest-ranked elected party member to do so. He says he is “frustrated and saddened” and will look for a third option if Mr Trump wins the Republican nomination. The colourful campaign of Mr Trump, who has already won three of the four early voting states, has divided Republicans. The brash billionaire

Desperate refugees riot at Greek-Macedonia border A riot broke out as hundreds of desperate refugees stranded at the Greece-Macedonia border smashed down a gate guarded by security forces on Monday. The razor-wire barrier was ripped open and border guards fired tear gas in response. Angry crowds shouted and pushed towards the barrier. Several men used a large steel post to ram the gate while trying to pry it open. Nearly 8,000 refugees are in limbo at the overcrowded border camp - with a capacity of 2,000 - at the village of Idomeni, according to Greek officials. The Idomeni camp is rap-

A woman holds her children as they run away after Macedonian police fired tear gas. PHOTO: AP.

idly turning into the main focal point in the largest migration crisis in Europe since World War II. It was set up to shelter refugees as they wait for passage to Macedonia, which has greatly reduced the number of people allowed to

otherNEWS

pass in recent days. Al Jazeera’s Hoda Abdel Hamid, reporting from Idomeni, said there was a rumour that the border crossing was opening, which brought hundreds rushing to the gate. “There was a state of panic and hope that finally

Sanctions on N/Korea hurting businesses in S/Korea South Korean factories that were forced to halt operations in North Korea’s Kaesong Industrial Complex are asking the Seoul government to compensate them for their losses. South Korean vehicles returning from North Korea’s joint The South Korean Kaesong Industrial Complex pass the customs, immigration and quarantine office near the border village of Panmunjom, government suspended in Paju, South Korea. PHOTO: AP. all activities at the in-

dustrial zone it operated jointly with North Korea, to punish the Kim Jong Un government for its recent nuclear test and latest long-range rocket launch. The Corporate Association of Kaesong Industrial Complex rep-

resents the 123 small and medium South Korean manufacturing companies that operate there and were forced to close. The organisation estimates its initial losses of assets and raw material to near $644 million (820 billion won).

African migrants suffering abuse in Libya repatriated The International Organisation for Migration said it is scaling up the repatriation of African migrants suffering abuse and exploitation in Libya, mainly at the hands of the police and the militias. Over the past few months, the International Organisation for Migration reports it has repatriated thousands of

US election 2016: Republican’s Ben Sasse ‘won’t endorse Trump’

Africans from Libya, mainly to Burkina Faso, Gambia and Senegal. VOA reported that In its latest operation a few days ago, IOM returned 117 migrants to Burkina Faso, including five women and two children. IOM spokesman Itayi Viriri said the migrants told stories of horrific treatment by mili-

tias and blatant exploitation at their places of employment. He said many young men spoke about working for weeks on end for no pay. A recent United Nations report found migrants in Libya are vulnerable to exploitation and human rights violations by authorities, armed groups and smugglers.

African migrants look through bars of a locked door at Sabratha migrant detention center for men in Sabratha, Libya. PHOTO: Ap

those gates towards Western Europe would open. It’s an emotional rollercoaster for these refugees and migrants who are here,” she said.

is leading almost all of the 11 states voting for their presidential candidates on Tuesday. The votes on so-called “Super Tuesday” take the presidential race to the national stage, and is often seen as a sinkor-swim moment for candidates. “If Donald Trump becomes the Republican nominee, my expectation is that I will look for some third candidate - a conservative option, a Constitutionalist,” Senator Sasse said in an open letter on Facebook. “Mr Trump’s relentless focus is on dividing Americans, and on tearing down rather than building back up this glorious nation,” he continued.

Sasse

Syria conflict: UN steps up aid deliveries as truce holds An aid convoy has reached one of several besieged towns in Syria, as the UN takes advantage of a partial truce brokered by the US and Russia. The United Nations and its partners are stepping up deliveries of food, water and medicine, and plan to reach more than 150,000 people over the next five days. They hope to help 1.7 mil-

lion in hard-to-reach areas by the end of March. Earlier, the UN’s secretary general said the cessation of hostilities had held “by and large” since Saturday. Ban Ki-moon also said a taskforce monitoring compliance, co-chaired by the US and Russia, would meet for the first time to evaluate alleged violations.

China arms exports double as regional tensions mount A research group says China’s arms exports have almost doubled in five years as the country has moved to become a major player in the global industry. Chinese exports of major arms grew by 88 per cent between 2011 and 2015, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

“China is actively pushing for exports. A lot of the exports are going to countries where China has had good relations for a long time, so there’s also a strategic incentive for China to supply weapons. Pakistan for example, Bangladesh, Myanmar,” said Siemon Wezeman, a senior researcher with the institute.

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

ige r i a women’s senior national team, coach, Florence Omagbemi has invited 40 players ahead of the Super Falcons’ Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea or Senegal. Asisat Oshoala, Desire Oparanozie and Onome Ebi top the list of stars invited for the qualifiers of the competition billed for Cameroon in November this year. The Super Falcons were drawn bye into the second round of the qualifying series and will face either Senegal or Guinea over two legs in April with the winners on aggregate picking an Africa Women’s Championship slot. Former Nigeria captain, Omagbemi who will be in charge of the reigning African champions until the appointment of a yet to be named foreign coach is optimistic her crew would influence the team positively. “With God’s guidance, we would make a great impact with the team,” she told Goal. All invited players are expected to report at Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja today. FULL SQUAD Ibubeleye Whyte (Rivers Angels); Sandra Chichi (Bayelsa Queens); Christy Ohiaeriaku (Osun Babes); Onyinyechukwu Okeke (Inneh Queens); Onome Ebi (FC Minsk, Belarus); Blessing Edoho (Pelican Stars); Josephine Chukwunonye (Vittsjoe GIK, Sweden); Osinachi Ohale (Rivers Angels); Ngozi Ebere (PSG Ladies, France); Sarah Nnodim (Nasarawa Amazons); Ugo Njoku (Rivers Angels); Chisom Henry (Sunshine Queens); Faith Ikidi (Pitea FC, Sweden); Ayomide Ojo (Police Machine); Joy Jegede (Delta Queens); Gladys Akpa (Sunshine Queens); Halimatu Ayinde (New York Flash, USA); Desire Oparanozie (EN Avent de Guingamp, France); Ngozi Okobi (Vittsjoe GIK, Sweden); Asisat Oshoala (Liverpool Ladies); Cecilia Nku (Rivers Angels); Evelyn Nwabuoku (Kazygurt, Kazakhstan); Martina Ohadugha (Rivers Angels); Osarenoma Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Rita Chikwelu (Umea IK, Sweden); Ginika Nkeoma (Bayelsa Queens); Amarachi

Asisat Oshoala (right) during the last World Cup.

Kwambe hopeful of league title

Kwambe

Omagbemi invites Oshoala, 39 others for AWC qualifiers Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Chioma Wogu (Kogi Confluence); Esther Sunday (Trabzon Idman Ozagi, Turkey); Winifred Eyebhokia (Nasarawa Chinwendu Amazons);

Ihezuo; Francisca Ordega (Washington Spirit, USA); Chinaza Uchendu (Nasarawa Amazons); Loveth Ayila (Rivers Angels); Ebere Orji (Ferencvaros, Hungary);

Joy Bokiri (Bayelsa Queens); Victoria Aidelomon (Bayelsa Queens); Abibat Agbaji (Confluence Queens); Ijeoma Obi (Sunshine Queens); Emueje Oghiagbevha (Delta Queens).

Lobi Stars defender, Kwambe Solomon believes his side can still challenge for the Nigeria Premier League title this season. The Makurdi based outfit’s winning streak got halted last Sunday, as it lost 0-1 to Ikorodu United at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, with Balogun Kabir’s 11th minute strike. The Super Eagles defender however, failed to acknowledge the superiority of Ikorodu United saying his team only failed to maximise its scoring chances. “In the game, sometimes you will never have the intention of going

Confederation Cup:

Ekpai apologises over Akwa Utd’s exit

AKWA United striker, Ubong Ekpai has apologised to fans for the team’s exit from this year’s CAF Confederation Cup in the preliminary stage. The Promise Keepers last weekend needed a draw to breeze through the next round having won the first leg tie in Congo 1-0 against Vita Club Mokanda, but blew away their chances before their teeming fans at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, to allow the Congolese qualify via penalties as the visitors triumphed 5-4 via penalties after the aggregate score had produced one goal apiece. Ekpia, who scored the team’s historic goal in Congo, failed to convert his kick during the penalty

shootout. The returnee regrets the team’s early exit from the continental championship, just as he blamed complaceny for the poor result. “We may have been too relaxed after the win in the first leg, but it’s unfortunate that we lost in that manner. “My plea to the fans; we are so sorry that we got knocked out just after two games, but we promise to stay focused in the league and Federations Cup. “We shall put smile on the faces of our fans by making sure we challenge for the Nigeria Premier League trophy,” the former Kano Pillars player told Goal.

Ekpai

unbeaten,” Kwambe told Goal. “It came naturally and we took advantage of it but it ended at Ikorodu. Though, that is not the end as we can still do better in subsequent games. “I don’t think [they were the better team] because they capitalised on the only vital chance they got and utilised it. “For us, we will keep working hard because we boast of a new collection of players and we need to play for a long time to build our confidence and understanding. “And I believe with the cooperation of our technical crew and board members, we will keep giving out our best and compete for the league title,” he concluded.

Okpodu linked with Ikorodu Utd By Olawale Olaniyan Coach Sam Okpodu has been linked with a move to newly-promoted Nigeria Premier League side, Ikorodu United after he failed to agree a contract with Warri Wolves. The former Super Falcons coach, Okpodu was assistant to Paul Aigbogun when Warri Wolves finished as runners-up last season in the top flight league. Former international, Edema Benson has been in charge of Ikorodu United after Belgian coach, Maurice Cooreman left the team for Akwa United before the season’s opener. Ikorodu United has recorded four points from two matches following the team’s 1-0 victory over visiting Lobi Stars in Lagos last Sunday. Meanwhile, the General Manager of Ikorodu United, Dele Gbajumo when contacted by phone told Tribunesport that he’s not aware of Okpodu’s link. “I don’t know where the story is coming from and I can tell you that we are not in contact with any coach for now,” he said.

47 ITTF Championship:

Tuesday, 1 March, 2016

Ex-Bayern boss, Hoeness released from prison

Nigeria records third straight win

FORMER Bayern Munich president, Uli Hoeness was released from prison on Monday after serving 21 months for tax evasion, a regional official said. The 64-year-old served half of his three-and-a-half year sentence after being convicted in March 2014 of having evaded at least 28.5 million euros ($31.5 million) in taxes. The release of the 1974 World Cup winner in the middle of the night was confirmed by Bavaria’s justice ministry, which gave no further details. Hoeness, the son of a German butcher, rose to fame as the driving force behind Bayern’s rise and became a millionaire businessman, before his fall from grace. He was granted day release in January 2015, and immediately started working in the club’s youth academy. “It’s not over!” was Hoeness’s battle cry to FC Bayern in May 2014, shortly before starting his sentence. He has said he will announce his future plans on July 1. The date coincides with the start of Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as Bayern’s coach to replace Pep Guardiola. His first public engagement is expected to be at a ceremony to honour Jupp Heynckes, who coached Bayern to the 2013 treble, in Moenchengladbach on March 13.

igeria faced the biggest test at the ongoing ITTF World Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the West African giant came out victorious against their highlyrated Indian counterparts in the third round match of division two. Also, Egypt continued their unbeaten run with two victories on the second day of the championship. The North African maintained their 100 per cent record with a 3-0 win over Argentina and Norway. However, it was Nigeria that recorded the best result of the night when it defeated India 3-0 to record its third consecutive victory of the tournament. Aruna Quadri, Segun Toriola and Bode Abiodun were in fine form against the India’s trio of Gosh Soumyajit, Sharath Achanta and Anthony Amalraj. It was a big blow to India having suffered defeat against Nigeria at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. Quadri also used the occasion to avenge his first round loss to Soumyajit at the 2015 World Championship in China. The 2014 ITTF Star Player dismissed Soumyajit 11-5, 11-3, 11-3. Veteran Toriola increased the lead when he overcame another old warlord, Sharath Achanta 14-12, 11-6, 11-13, 11-5, while Abiodun thwarted what would have been a recovery for the Asian giant as he completed the rout with 11-13, 11-8, 11-9, 11 win over Anthony Amalraj. Earlier in the day, Nigeria had defeated Switzerland 3-0 while India also walloped Turkey 3-0. Nigeria’s next match will be against Slovakia, while India battles with Switzerland.

Bode Abiodun conquers India’s Anthony Amalraj

I don’t know my salary yet —New FIFA boss New FIFA president, Gianni Infantino said on his first full working day he still did not know what he would be paid as head of soccer’s global governing body. The Swiss said he expected the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, delayed last year by a scandal which has engulfed Fifa, should begin in the next couple of months. The 2018 and 2022 tournaments, to be staged in Russia

League Cup triumph has vindicated me —Pellegrini Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini said his side’s League Cup (Capital One) final triumph over Liverpool vindicated his decision to field a weakened team in their recent FA Cup defeat by Chelsea. Pellegrini came in for criticism for selecting a youthful team almost completely devoid of recognisable names for City’s trip to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fifth round, which saw Chelsea win 5-1. But City’s stars returned in a

Champions League victory at Dynamo Kiev last week before edging Liverpool 3-1 on penalties in Sunday’s League Cup final at Wembley after the match had finished 1-1 following extra time. “I think the decision I took last week was very important to win these two games, mid-week in the Champions League and tonight (Sunday) to win the trophy,” said Pellegrini, who previously led City to League Cup glory in 2014.

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Tuesday, March 1 vs Everton vs Southampton vs West Brom vs Chelsea vs C/Palace Wednesday, March 2 vs Swansea vs Newcastle vs Tottenham vs Man City vs Watford

8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 8:45pm 9:00pm 9:00pm

“It was a difficult decision for me not to continue in the FA Cup, because we won the first two games in that cup 3-0 (against Norwich City) and 4-0 (against Aston Villa), but with 13 or 14 players, it was very important to keep them fresh.” Goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who deputises

for Joe Hart in cup competitions, was City’s hero at Wembley, repelling spot-kicks from Lucas Leiva, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in the shootout. Coutinho had taken the tie to extra time with an 83rd-minute equaliser, after Fernandinho had put City in front early in the second half with a shot that went through Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

and Qatar, had to be the “best in history,” he added. Speaking after an informal match with Fifa employees and guests, Infantino said he had still not discussed his salary following his election on Friday. “I have no idea yet,” he told reporters. “I know you can’t believe it but it’s not (for the) money that I was candidate to become Fifa president.” “I have not

Pellegrini

discussed with anyone about my pay or what my pay will be. We will see.” The salary of Infantino’s predecessor Sepp Blatter, suspended from soccer for six years, has never been made public. But reforms agreed by Fifa last week to overcome the corruption scandal included provision for salaries to be open t o scrutiny.

SIDELINES

no 16,447

Tuesday, 1 march, 2016

Armed robbers reportedly attacked two hospitals within two days in Ondo State and went away with cash, mobile phones and other valuables obtained at gun point from the nurses and even the patients on admission list. If one may ask, where will these robbers go if they have health challenge?

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NFF begs Nigerians over Oliseh saga T Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, begged Nigerians for forgiveness if it did any wrong in the appointment and subsequent resignation of the Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh. The NFF made this known in a statement made available to Tribunesport in Abuja. "We thank the teeming patriotic supporters of the Super Eagles, seek your forgiveness if we have done any wrong, ask for your understanding of the very difficult financial situation under which we are working and above all request your continued support and prayers," it said. NFF maintained that the appointment of Oliseh was based on merit. "This view was premised on his resume, (having played in various countries around the world), his undoubted football knowledge and his currency of ideas (being a respected former Super Eagles captain and a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group)." The NFF stated that in order to encourage Oliseh, to exhibit an intention to put the issue of financial disagreements with coaches behind the Federation and to help him quickly settle down, it paid him three months’ salary in advance, which it said had never happened previously in Nigeria football. "The NFF introduced him to our principal partners/ sponsors in order to show that the Federation had total regard for and was fully supporting its coach. The President thereafter reiterated the vision of the NFF board and its mandate to

the new coach to build a new and vibrant team that the government and people of this country would be proud of. "The NFF has since then allowed him to carry on his duties without interference. The NFF also purchased for Mr Oliseh a brand new car to ease his movement locally whenever he was in Nigeria. "With regard to the allegation that he was not supported, it is pertinent to note that Mr Oliseh himself had on numerous occasions expressed gratitude for the support he had received from the NFF and in particular from the NFF President and Vice Presidents. The NFF makes bold to say that he has

been supported throughout his short tenure as the Super Eagles coach. "Not only have his requests and choice of training camps been accepted, his choice of players have never been interfered with, his choice of venues have all but once been accepted and even where not accepted, an explanation was promptly given which was duly appreciated and accepted by the coach. "Only a few minutes before sending an email intimating the NFF of his resignation, Mr Oliseh had written a mail to the NFF President about his trip across Europe to see players, which the NFF President had approved the day before."

Yaya wants to play for Guardiola

—Kolo Toure

Oliseh

No plan to return to Eagles —Enyeama

Enyeama

Vincent Enyeama has ruled out a return to the Nigeria senior national team, the Super Eagles claiming he does not want to talk about the issue again. Enyeama, pulled the curtain on his international career, 13 years after making his debut for the Super Eagles on October 8, 2015, after a frosty relationship with coach Sunday Oliseh. The Lille of France goalkeeper had arrived at the Eagles' training camp in Belgium late having had extra time off agreed following the death of his mother. However, he arrived to find he had been stripped of the captaincy, which had instead been handed over to Ahmed Musa. With reports in the media tipping interim national team handler Samson Siasia to recall the veteran goalkeeper back to the team following the resignation of Oliseh, Enyeama

says he has made up his mind and will not quash his decision. “I don’t want to talk about this issue again. I think my earlier decision stands,” Enyeama, who featured at the 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Cup finals told BrilaFm. Meanwhile, chairman of the technical and development committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Chris Green revealed that the Eagles’ handler have been directed to submit their programme for the AFCON 2017 qualifiers against Egypt. According to Green, the NFF is expecting the programme latest by Thursday this week. The programme will contain the team list and other things the coaches believe will give them success against Hector Cuper’s men. Nigeria is second in group G with two points behind the seven-time African champions.

After their epic battle during the Capital One Cup last Sunday, Ivory Coast international brothers, Kolo and Yaya Toure now turn their attention to new things and Kolo believes his brother Yaya will stay at Manchester City to link up with his ex-manager, Pep Guardiola. Yaya Toure scored the winning penalty during the shootout to help City clinch the Capital One Cup after Liverpool and City were locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes of play. With Guardiola set to take over at Manchester City in the summer, speculation has emerged that Yaya will leave the club but his elder brother, Kolo says no. "Everybody wants to play for Pep. He is a top manager. They know each other very well and I don't think it will be a problem if they keep working together" Kolo told reporters. "I guess Yaya wants to play for Pep but it depends on what he is thinking and what Pep is thinking. It is a difficult question. He is my younger brother but I leave him to take his decisions for his career." Yaya won the UEFA Champions League under Guardiola with Barcelona back in 2009 before the Spaniard shipped him off to Manchester City the following season.

Toure

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 1/3/2016.