1st September, 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,580 THURSDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

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Nigerian Tribune

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TODAY'S SPECIAL

Balanced diet prevents cancer –Experts

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju, with Agency Report ALTHOUGH nutritionists and medical practitioners do not agree on the cause of cancer, they are of the opinion that foods, such as red and processed meat and salt increase the risk of developing cancer, while others, such as fruits, vegetables and high fibre foods can stave off the disease.

Underscoring this, an Abuja-based nutritionist, Dr

Nkechi Ugwu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, said up to 60 per cent of cancer cases were diet-related.

She added that nutritious foods could also help maintain a good health style.

“The best diet is one that you can stick with for life. A healthy diet is a lifestyle, not a fad that is dangerous or difficult to maintain.

Recession

Continues pg8

Economic woes worsen, over one million lose jobs within 3 months • Prices of commodities soar •Naira tumbles to N420 per dollar at parallel market •Dangote loses $5.4bn —P3,4,6,9,10,12 •It's a difficult time for Nigeria —FEC COMMODITIES

COST BEFORE

Parboiled Rice (1 bag) Beans (1 bag) Vegetable Oil (25 litres) Palm Oil (25 litres) Yam Flour (1 bag) Garri (Bag) Flour (50kg) Sugar Semovita (5kg) Wheat (5kg) 12.5kg Cooking Gas Cement Kerosene (5 litres) Turkey (1kg) Bread (Loaf) Crate of Eggs Tomato Paste Indomie Air fare, Economy (Lagos - USA) Air fare, Economy (Lagos - London) Tokunbo Golf 1 (car)

COST AT PRESENT (AVERAGE)

N10,000 N20,000 N18,000 N27,000 N6,500 N13,000 N5,000 N10,000 N40,000 N60,000 N8,000 N12,000 N8,640 N10,800 N8,800 N17,000 N900 N1,500 N900 N1,500 N2,400 N3,700 N1,500 N2,300 N750 N1,125 N800 N1,400 N70 N100 N700 N850 N40 N70 N1,400 N1,900 N350,000 - N400,000 N600,000 - N700,000 N250,000 N400,000 N500,000 - N600,000 N1.3 million - N1.5 million

Source: Nigerian Tribune nationwide survey

CBN reinstates banks banned from foreign exchange market —P12

Annular eclipse occurs today —P34

Alleged budget padding: Sagay committee grills Jibrin for hours —P8

Nigeria has capacity to shape the world —Zuckerberg —P9

2

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

3 news Nigeria now in economic recession, NBS report confirms

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

•GDP declined by -2.06% YoY •Grew by 0.82% QoQ •26 million Nigerians unemployed Sanya Adejokun- Abuja

E

XPECTEDLY, Nigeria’s economy formally entered recession by the end of June 2016, but data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released on Wednesday, revealed signs of early recovery, as it grew marginally by 0.82 per cent when compared with the figure of the first quarter.

“In the second quarter of 2016, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined by -2.06 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms.

This was lower by 1.70 percentage points from the growth rate of –0.36 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter, and also lower by 4.41 percentage points from the growth rate of 2.35 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2015.

“Quarter on quarter, real GDP increased by 0.82 per cent. During the quarter, nominal GDP was N23,483,954.78 (in nominal terms) at basic prices.

This was 2.73 per cent higher than the second quarter 2015 value of N22,859,153.01.

“This growth was lower than the rate recorded in the second quarter of 2015 by 2.44 per cent points. The Nigerian economy can be more clearly understood according to the oil and non-oil sector classifications,” the report indicated.

The oil sector was the hardest hit with production estimated at 1.69 million barrels per day (mbpd), 0.42 million barrels per day lower from production in first quarter of 2016.

Oil production was also lower relative to the corresponding quarter in 2015 by 0.36 million barrels per day when output was recorded at 2.05mbpd. Real growth in the oil sector was negative 17.48 per cent (year-onyear) in the second quarter of 2016.

Growth declined by 10.68 per cent points and 15.59 percentage points relative to growth in the second quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016, respectively. Quarter-on-quarter, growth also slowed by -19.11 per cent.

And as a share of the economy, oil sector contributed 8.26 per cent to total real GDP, down from the contribution recorded in the corresponding period of 2015 and the also a decline of 1.93 per cent points relative to the first quarter of 2016 by 1.54 percentage points and 2.03 per cent points, respectively.

The situation was, however, different in the non-oil sector, where growth was

largely driven by activities in agriculture, information and communication, water supply, arts entertainment and recreation, professional scientific and technical services, education and what NBS classified as other services.

The report said these seven sectors “all grew positively while the remaining 19 major sectors, many of which are substantially indirectly dependent on the oil sector recorded negative growth.

“In view of this, there were

a total of 26.06 million people in the Nigerian labour force in Q2 2016, that were either unemployed or underemployed compared to compared to 24.5 million in Q1 2016 and 22.6 million in Q4 2015,” the report noted.

“The non-oil sector accordingly declined by 0.38 per cent in real terms in the second quarter of 2016. This growth rate was 0.20 per cent points lower than the first quarter of 2016 (-0.18 per cent), and 3.84 per cent

Economic growth may still beat IMF prediction —Budget Ministry Sanya Adejokun -Abuja MINISTRY of Budget and National Planning has given the assurance that positive results of current emphasis on capital expenditure by the Federal Government will begin to positively reflect on the economy It noted that as this will reflect on growth and put a lie to the IMF prediction of -1.8 per cent for the full year 2016.

Although the recent data released from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the GDP declined by -2.06 per cent in second quarter, the Budget and Planning Ministry noted that the picture that emerges points to the fact that agriculture and solid minerals sector, the areas given priority by the Federal Government are beginning to respond to policy initiatives.

In a release issued by James Akpandem, Media Adviser to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, the ministry stated that though the inflation rate remained high, the good news was that the month-on-month rate of increase has fallen continuously over the past three months.

For the rate of unemployment which still remained high, it explained that the unemployment issue was of a structural nature and was usually the case during growth slowdown. “It is expected that the social safety net initiative will slow down the unemployment rate before the end of the year,” he said.

According to the ministry: “Past vulnerabilities of the economy combined with the short term effect of the structural changes complicates the trajectory of growth and inflation, pointing out that this formed the basis for negative growth in Q1 and Q2.

“However, the rest of the Q2 data is beginning to tell a different story. There was growth in the agricultural and solid minerals sectors which are the areas in which the Federal Government has placed priority.

“Agriculture grew by 4.53 per cent in the second quarter of 2016 as compared with 3.09% in the first quar-

ter. The metal ores sector showed similar performance with coal mining, quarrying and other minerals also showing positive growth of over 2.5 per cent.

“Notably also, the share of investment in GDP increased to its highest level since 2010, growing to about 17% of Gross Domestic Product.

“It indicated that the manufacturing sector, though not yet truly out of the woods, is beginning to show signs of recovery while the service sector similarly bears watching; as it disclosed that available data already shows a reduction in imports and an increase in locally produced goods and services”, the statement added.

The Ministry expressed optimism that the trend would

be maintained, although it would start off slowly in the initial stages before picking up later.

“With crude oil contributing 8-12 per cent of GDP and up to 50-53% of the non-oil sector dependent on the oil sector, it is clear that the fortunes of up to 60 per cent of the Nigerian economy rested on a volatile sector.

This shaky foundation was masked in the past by high oil prices and reasonably high foreign reserves.

“Again with the availability of foreign exchange it was possible to drive growth in national income through consumption without feeling the fallout of such structural weaknesses.”

These vulnerabilities were exposed when oil prices collapsed at a time the coun-

try did not have adequate revenues and reserves to cushion the effect, a situation further complicated by loss of production.

It drew attention to the fact that the situation, which pointed to the need for difficult but necessary structural reforms necessitated Federal Government’s move to improve public financial management and change the structure of the economy through diversification and an investment driven model.

In an attempt to maintain consumption demand in the short term, the Federal Government also assisted States to pay salaries and to encourage a private sector supply response by bringing about improvements in the ease of doing business.

Inflation: Sales have dropped by 40%

By Ruth Olurounbi AS Nigeria’s economy shrunk by two per cent as announced by the National Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, players in the country’s service sector have continued to lament the effect of rising inflation on their business.

According to NBS, Nigeria’s GDP shrank by 2.06 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2016, compared to a 0.36 per cent contraction in the previous period and below consensus of 1.5 per cent decline.

“Generally, costs of services have increased due to the galloping inflation; the same affects service buyers as they can’t afford luxury anymore, thereby reducing patronage,” Jide Oguntokun, an estate letting/ leasing business owner told the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday.

According to him, reduction in sales and letting was one of the biggest concerns for him, in addition to the fact that many people were not building anymore due to high increase in prices of building materials.

“No one is building and in properties we manage, it is very hard collecting rents.

To cap it all up, clients are

not willing to pay the specified professional fees,” he added.

A web solutions company, founded in Nigeria

by Opeyemi Awoyemi, for the second time in the year increased its service prices.

Earlier in January, the company said in a written statement on its website that it had increased the prices of its shared services which included hosting, reseller hosting, cloud hosting, Google Apps for Business and virtual servers, saying the increase was “inevitable,” due to the “current exchange rate.”

On Monday, the company put out another written statement regretting that it was reviewing its prices upwards for the second time in the year, as it said price increase was “necessary with the current exchange rate.”

“The current exchange rate has made it impossible for us to maintain the current pricing of our products/services. As at the beginning of this year, the dollar was valued at N240.

The current value of the dollar is over N400 with no signs of slowing down.

Due to this, we will be reviewing the prices of all our services (aside the cost of .ng domains which will

remain the same). These new prices will take effect starting from September 5, 2016. Any invoices generated before this date can be paid for at the current prices,” the company stated.

As predicted, the news was “distressing” to the company customers, some who said the new pricing structure was going to affect their service billings, something that has become necessary since the prices of producing services have increased “exponentially.”

The founder of one of the biggest tech-based media company in Lagos, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune via a chat, who said he could relate with the need to increase service prices, complained that “expenses are up, from purchase of tools, items, and services required for business. As such, operating margins are lower. Consumer buying has taken a hit as many consumers adjust to higher prices on all sides.”

The content creator, who didn’t want his name in prints, said although he hadn’t taken the time to measure the price increase and put it into numbers yet, said “but off my head, the increases are stagContinues pg6

points lower from the corresponding quarter in 2015 (3.46 per cent).

“In real terms, the non-oil sector contributed 91.74 per cent to the nation’s GDP, higher from shares recorded in the first quarter of 2016 (89.71 per cent) and the second quarter of 2015 (90.20 per cent).”

In another report on employment also released, NBS said economically active population or working age population (persons within ages 15 and 64) increased from 106.00 million in the first quarter of 2016 to 106.69 million in second quarter, representing a 0.65 per cent increase over the previous quarter and a 3.02 per cent increase when compared to last quarter of 2014.

In addition, out of a total youth labour force population of 39.6million (representing 49.5 per cent of total labour force in Nigeria of 79.9mn), a total of 17.6 million of them were either unemployed or underemployed in Q2 2016. (Important to note that there is a technical distinction between not working and unemployed.

“In Q2 2016, the labour force population (i.e those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work) increased to 79.9 million from 78.5 million in Q1 2016, representing an increase of 1.78 per cent in the labour force during the quarter.

“This means 1.39 million people from the economically active population entered the labour force, that is individuals that were able, willing and actively looking for work.

“In view of this, there were a total of 26.06 million people in the Nigerian labour force in Q2 2016, that were either unemployed or underemployed compared to 24.5 million in Q1 2016 and 22.6 million in Q4 2015”, the report declared.

NBS also released reports on prices of diesel and kerosene, which showed that between April and June 2016, diesel sold for an average of N310 across the country.

Abia State recorded the highest price of N362 per litre of diesel, while consumers in Sokoto bought at the lowest price of N264.

For kerosene, NBS reported that residents in Borno, Abia, Kwara, Bauchi, Sokoto and Niger paid the highest for a gallon of the commodity.

It sold for N392 during the second quarter of 2016 in Borno State during the period; in Abia, it was N262; in Kwara, N348; Bauchi, N262; Sokoto, N264 and Niger, N270.

4

news

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Nigerians groan as prices of commodities skyrocket

ously sold at N220 is now N400; a 10kg of semovita is now sold at N2,500 as against N1,800 and N1500.

A bowl of guinea corn is now N300 as against N120; a bag of granulated sugar is now N15,000 as against price range of N6,000N12,000; a bowl of granulated sugar is N500 as against N300.

A crate of egg now sells between N750 and N800 as against previous price of N650.

By our reporters

F

OLLOWING the economic downturn the country has found itself, prices of commodities have continued to skyrocket in various markets across the country, leaving Nigerians in harrowing pains as they struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis.

This hardship has not exempted the aviation sector, with the volume of air travellers greatly reduced due to high cost of travels; even the prices of imported goods have soared geometrically, as importation business witnessed a 60 per cent slump across the nation’s borders and seaports.

Investigations conducted across the country to know the prices of commodities and the extent to which the situation is biting, revealed how unbearable life has become for Nigerians.

In Lagos for example, a bag of rice, which used to sell for N8,000 now sells for N14,200, while a bag of gari moved from N4,500 to N7,000.

A buyer now needs a sum of N11,000 to purchase a keg of palm oil, which merely sold for N5,500 about two months ago, whereas a keg of groundnut oil that used to sell for N6,500 now goes for N11,000.

A pack of indomie now goes for N1,900 as against N1,400. A sachet of tomato paste has gone from N40 to N70, nearly a 100 per cent increase.

While a packet of Saint Louis Sugar goes for N220 from N120 and N350 at other markets.

Also, a pack of Coca-Cola drink, containing 12 bottles (60cl) goes for N1,100 as against N900 it sold for. A pack of Mirinda drink costs N1,000; it sold at between N800 and N850.

For a 24-pack of can Malta Guinness, the price now is N2,500 from N2,250.

A park of Chivita drink containing 10 pieces goes for N2,600. It sold for just N2,250 not quite long ago.

5Alive pack now goes for N2,400 as against N2,150.

A tin of Peak Milk is now N150, whereas the price was between N100 and N120.

For a tin of Crown Milk, the price is N130 against N80 or N100 per tin.

A tin of Nan baby food now goes for N2,100 from N1,300.

The price of a small basket of pepper (rodo) has now jumped from N500 to N1,000, while the price of a small basket of fresh to-

Osun

Bodija market in Ibadan, on Wednesday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE matoes has risen to N3,500 from a paltry N800.

In respect of kerosene, four litres of the commodity now sells for N1,150 from N750. Cooking gas now goes for N3,700 to fill a 12.5cl cylinder, whereas it sold for just for N2,500 about three months ago while 50cl cylinder sells for N14,800.

A bag of pure water that used to sell for N70 is now N120 at Egbeda, whereas at Isheri, in Magodo area, it is N150.

For a bag of cement, the price goes for N2,300 from N1,900.

In another section of Lagos, 50 litres of diesel, which was N13,500 now goes for N16,000; bag of rice N9-N10,000, now N18,000; Yam flour (Gallon) N2,000, now N4,000; Gari (Gallon) N1,000, now N2,000; Gas 6kg N1,100, now N1,700; Beans DeRica tin N150, now N250; empty gas cylinder 6kg N5,000, now N8,500; Loaves of bread N 80-N150, now N120-N200; Dano Milk satchet 15g N20, now N25; Close Up toothpaste 140g N160, now N220; Shaving stick N40, now N70; Palm oil 1 litre N170, now N350N400; Vegetable oil 1 litre N180, now N400; Exercise book 40 leaves N40, now N60; Bic Biro N20, now N30.

Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi

In Enugu State, cost of commodities has continued to rise. A bag of local rice is N20,000 while foreign rice is N25,000 against the old rate of N15,000 and N20 ,000, respectively. A bag of cement which was sold between N1,800 and N2,000 now N2,300. A bag of gari is sold at N5,500 from N3,500.

A printer, Osita Orji, also said cost of printing materials had risen by over 100 per cent. According to him, prices of printing papers, cost of impression and lithographic plates have risen.

“We use to do the lithographic plate at N500, now N650 to N750. 60gsm of bond papers went from N1,600 to N3,600.

In Ebonyi State, a bag of rice is sold at N20,000 against N7,000 last year.

In Imo State, a bag of local rice is sold at N26,000 against the old price of N20,000. Foreign bag of rice is sold between N27,000 and N28,000 depending on the quality of the stuff. The cost of cement is N2,300 instead of old price of N2,000.

In Awka, a bag of cement is N2,300 against the old price of N2,000.

In Abia State, a bag of gari is sold at N6,000 against old price of N4,000.

Nasarawa

Visit to Modern Market and Shinge Market in Lafia metropolis revealed that there is a 100 per cent increase in the prices of goods and services in the state.

A bag of rice sold at N9000, now sells for N19,000, while vegetable oil formerly sold at N1,700 against its present price of N2,700.

A crate of Maltina was formerly sold at N2,400, but now sells for N2,700,while a crate of Coca Cola which was sold at N1,300 is now N1,500.

A bunch of plantain which was sold for N2,000 is now sold for N4,000, while a bag of cement sells for N2,400 against N1,300.

A mature ram now sells for N20,000 against the former price of N10,000.

Oyo

In Oyo State, a bag of

rice rose from N9,000 to N18,000; a bowl of Gari rose from N150 to N300; palm oil increased from N200 per bottle to N300; vegetable oil from N250 to N400 per bottle; Salt rose from N50-N70 to N160.

Yam flour from N2000 N3000.

Ekiti

In Ekiti State, prices of commodities and services have soared. Rechargeable torch small size N200, now N400; Big size N300/350 now N600/N650; Cement N1,600/50kg bag now N2,300/50kg bag; Transportation fare N50/taxi drop, now N70 per drop; haircut N200/300, now N250/350 (children/adult); Bread: Small loaf: N50 now N70; Medium loaf: N70 now N100, Large loaf: N100 now N120, Sliced: N250 now N300; Sachet water: Bag: N120 now N150, Sachet: N5 now N10; Garri Congo N100, now N160N200; Rice Congo: Large grains N300 now N650, Small grains N250 now N600; Edible Oil: Palm 1.5 litres N180/200 now N300, 5litres: N1,000/1,200 now N1,700/2,000; Vegetable oil: 1.5 litres N200 now N400; Beans: N250 now N450; Frozen Fish: Medium size ‘Titus’ N200 now N300; Meat N1,000/ N1,200 per kilogramme.

Kogi

In Kogi State, a bag of rice is now N18,000, cement now goes for N2,300; 10 kilogrammes of semovita N2, 800; four litres of palm oil now N2,000; four litres of vegetable oil N2,000; a bag of sachet water N120 and a bottle of coke drink N80.

Rivers

Prices of commodities at Mile 1 Market, Ikwerre

Road, Port Harcourt are as follow: Maltina (crate) N2,150, now N2,400; Vegetable oil (5litres) N2,500 now N3,200; Plantain (bunch) N1,800 now N2,500; Coke (crate) N950 now N1,200 ; Rice (50kg bag) N18,000 now sells for N22,000; Cement (50kg bag) N1,300, now N1,600.

Ogun

In Ogun State, a bag of rice goes for N14,000 and N14,500 as against N11,500 and N12,000; Congo of Gari now N200 from old price of N100; a packet of Indomie noodles now N1700 for small carton as against N1500; a bag of cement now N2,300, formerly N1,500; a sachet of spaghetti now N200 from N130/N140, while a loaf of bread rose from N70 to N100.

Inter-city transport fare increased by 20 per cent; Intra-state transport fare by 25 per cent and inter-state transport fare by 30 per cent.

Kwara

In Kwara markets, a medium size ram which sold between N25,000 and N30,000 about this time last year is now sold between N35,000 and N50,000.

A bag of rice is now N20,000 as against N16,500 and N17,000, while a bowl is N570 as against N500 some few days ago; bag of beans previously bought at N17,000 and N16,000 is now N22,000, while price of a measure of beans has increased from N220 and N250-N400.

A 25-litre keg of palm oil was between N10,500 and N11, 000, now N12,000; a 25-litre keg of groundnut oil is now sold for N12,500; bottle of palm oil sold for N200 is now N350, while a bottle of vegetable oil previ-

In Osun State, prices of food items, goods and commodities have increased tremendously.

Rice (per measure) N300 now N700; Beans N280 now N400; Gari N100 now N300; small loaf of bread N70 now N100; Pure Water (Bag) N70 now N120; a crate of eggs N600 now N850; Semovita 1kg N280 now N350; Vegetable oil 25 litres N5,800 now N9,500; a bag of cement N1,550 now goes for N1,800 and a sachet of salt N50 now N70.

Delta

Checks at popular Igbudu market, a major foodstuff market in the heart of Warri on Wednesday, revealed that a basket of tomatoes that used to sell for N8,000 now sells for N10,000.

Iced fish moved from N12, 500 to N22, 000 and frozen chicken from N6,500 to N12, 000.

Staple foods like garri, rice, beans increased by 71 per cent (from N3,500 to N6, 000) per basin; rice by 147 per cent (from N8,500 to N22, 000) per bag; and beans, 82 per cent (from N11, 000 to N20, 000).

Noodles such as Indomie (Super Pack Indomie and Chikki Chikki) now goes for N2,600 and N2,050 per carton, respectively.

Refill packs of beverages such as Peak milk and Bournvita have gone up by six and 11 per cent per carton, as the former had moved from N9, 800 to N10, 400 and the latter from N8, 500 to N9, 400.

20 litres of groundnut and 25 litres of palm oils have moved from N3, 600 to N7, 600 and N5, 500 to N12, 000, respectively.

A crate of eggs goes for N750 as against N700; big loaf of bread goes for N420 as against N380.

Similarly, a carton of canned Maltina drink sells for N2,600 from N2,200.

However, price of a bag of Dangote cement remains at N1,650. continues pg9

5

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

6 news Naira tumbles to N420 per dollar at parallel market Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria sold dollar to some commercial lenders on Wednesday to support the local currency, which hit a fresh all-time low of N420 to the dollar on the unofficial market, the same day

Africa’s biggest economy officially slid into recession.

The currency traded at N418 to the dollar on Tuesday and has been under pressure on the black market for months.

The local currency closed at N306 to the dollar on the official window after the Central Bank dollar sales,

reversing losses in early trade which saw it quoted at N317.09 to the dollar. It fell further compared with the N305.50 closed the previous day.

But Bureau de Change operators raised hope of a gradual appreciation of the local currency in the near term, as the Central Bank li-

censed 11 new international money transfer operators to address the dollar supply side.

The new IMTOs that will join three certified operators, Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria are: Trans-fast remittance LLC; Worldremit limited ;UAE Exchange Centre;Wari lim-

ited; Homesend S.C.R.L; Small World Fnancial Services Group limited; Weblink international limited and Cashpot Limited. Others are: DT&T Corporation Limited; FIEM Group LLC DBA PING EXPRESS and CP express Limited.

A press statement signed

by THE CBN Acting Direc-

Aero Contractors suspends scheduled flight operations indefinitely, sends staff on leave AERO Contractors Airline, on Wednesday, said it would suspend all its scheduled services indefinitely from Thursday September 1, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fola Akinkuotu, said in a statement in Lagos that the management decision was part of the strategic business realignment to reposition the airline and return it to the path of profitability.

He said all staff directly and indirectly involved in providing the services

would also proceed on indefinite leave of absence.

“This business decision is as a result of the current economic situation in the country, which has forced some other airlines to suspend operation or outrightly pull out of Nigeria.

“In the case of Aero, the airline has faced grave challenges in the past six months, which impacted its business and by extension, the scheduled services operations,” he said.

Akinkuotu said the impact of the external environment had been very harsh

on the airline’s operational performance, hence the management’s decision to suspend scheduled services operations indefinitely effective September 1, 2016.

“This suspension is pending when the external opportunities and a robust sustainable and viable plan is in place for Aero Contractors to recommence its scheduled services.

“The implication of the suspension of scheduled services operations extends to all staff directly and indirectly involved in providing services, as they are effec-

Listen to Nigerians, Fayose tells Buhari Says ‘There’s too much hunger in the country’ Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has declared that there is too much hunger in the country and called on President Mohammadu Buhari to “listen to the cries of Nigerians and stop seeing those with opinions different from his own as threats to his hold on power.”

Governor Fayose said in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Wednesday, that “the reality our president must face now is that there is too much hunger in the land, Nigerians are hungry, they are suffering and the president should rather listen to those who are more knowledgeable than him in terms of management of the country’s economy instead of seeing them as threats.”

In the statement signed by his special assistant in Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor noted that reactions of the president and his men to divergent opinions had become predictable.

According to him, President Buhari should realise that “a nation of hungry people is a nation of angry people” and seek help from economic experts in the country, not minding their political, religious and ethnic affiliations.”

Governor Fayose quoted that two former governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano and Professor Charles Soludo, who spoke at different fora last week, had said “the president should listen

to them and take their advice on board because they are experts in economic matters.”

He said: “It is no longer about politics. Rather, it is about preventing hunger from exterminating Nigerians and I am sure that the president himself knows that hunger does not understand political parties.”

“A bag of rice that was less than N8,000 when President Buhari assumed office is now over N20,000!

How can a civil servant that is earning N18,000 minimum wage survive when his monthly salary cannot buy one bag of rice?

“Even basic drugs and medicare are getting out the reach of the common people and the resultant effect of this will be avoidable deaths.

Your economic policy archaic, Benue social critic tells Buhari Johnson Babajide -Makurdi A social critic and governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Nathaniel Apir, has faulted President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic policy, stating that the nation’s economy is worse than what he inherited from the previous administration.

Apir, who spoke to news-

men in Makurdi, the state capital, on Wednesday, said Nigeria ranked the best economy during the last administration, but regretted that the president’s economic policy was archaic and destructive, which he said, had impoverished Nigerians.

Apir explained that the most corrupt set of people were bankers, whom he said, laundered money for politi-

cians and permanent secretaries that were accounting officers of their respective ministries, saying ‘fighting political appointees is like a war targeted against perceived enemies.’

He advised the president to beam his searchlight of corruption war on bank managers and top echelon of civil service, whom he said, were neck deep in corruption.

tively to proceed on indefinite leave of absence during the period of non-services.

“We are aware of the impact this will have on our staff and our highly esteemed customers, hence we have initiated moves to ensure that we are able to return back to operations within the shortest possible time, offering reliable, safe and secure operations,” he said.

Akinkuotu said both internal and external environmental factors had made it difficult for the airline to continue its scheduled services, leading to the management’s decision.

He recalled that, as part of its resolve to ensure the airline survived, unlike most

other carriers that experienced short life span in the country, Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) had appointed Mr Adeniyi Adegbomire as Receiver Manager in February 6, 2016.

Akinkuotu also noted that since AMCON’s intervention in Aero Contractors in 2011, it had provided support for the airline to meet working capital requirements and fleet expansion.

When the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent visited the airline’s counter on Wednesday, the ticket counters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal (MMA2) were empty.

tor, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, noted that the licences were in line with the existing Guidelines on International Money Transfer Services in Nigeria (2014).

“Depending on the effective implementation of the Central Bank’s policy, the appointment of new international money transfer operators will ensure that banks will have more dollar to sell to bureaux de change and provide the needed liquidity in the market,” Aminu Gwadabe, president of bureaux de change association, said.

Gwadabe said the Central Bank’s directive that commercial lenders should sell dollar inflow through money transfer operators to bureaux de change had boosted daily dollar supply to the currencies agencies to around $10-$20 million and this could further boost supply and help support the Naira.

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said, on Wednesday, that the gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 2.06 per cent after shrinking to 0.36 in the first quarter.

Inflation: Sales have dropped by 40% Continued from pg3

gering and above 50 per on the whole, sometimes higher than 100 per cent.”

He explained that “for a lot of people, sales will decrease. There’s an increase in cost of goods and no commensurate increase in income. Businesses pass increase in cost of production to consumers. In turn, the consumer adjusts and chooses carefully what to buy.”

Miftah Adediran, CEO of Herlow Rudyns Farm, in Oyo State, noted that the inflation rate was affecting cost of productions, which in turn directly affect sales and profit margins. In dire cases; farmers have been forced to reduce the scale of production.

“As with other sectors of the economy, we depend so much on diesel to run the farm. We use diesel for tractors and bulldozer for land clearing. Diesel prices rose from N140 to N200/ litre. The marketers are claiming they are sourcing for forex at a very high rate, hence the increase in pump price of diesel, a development that is affecting our production costs. Since we don’t have a choice other than to produce, the cost

would be transferred to the buyers.

“Let me give you a good example. There was outbreak of a disease and maize called stem borer/ army worm this planting season. The insecticide to tackle it is a bit expensive and those that couldn’t afford it had their farms wiped out by the ravaging disease. Those who sourced for funds to buy it were able to save their crops. The reality is that those who can afford the insecticide will automatically try to spread the cost on the buyers. They would likely buy because there is going to be a shortfall in supply of maize at harvest because most smallholder farmers who populate the bulk of the source of maize don’t have much to sell due to this disease outbreak.”

A travel and tour agent in Abuja, who said touring customers had dropped significantly, said tickets prices had increased. According to him, only those who had important and urgent reasons to travel out of the country, bought tickets to travel.

He said sales had dropped by more than 40 per cent.

Prior to the increase in prices, he said a cheap

economy class ticket to the United States sold for N200,000, while the same sells between N480,000 to N500,000. “If you find one for N500,000, I advise you to quickly buy it,” he said.

Those in the entertainment and events planning industry said although inflation had affected their business, the difference “is not that much. You know Nigerians are happy people by nature, so even though food prices are increasing, people are still celebrating,” a party food vendor in Ibadan said.

“It’s just that people are now managing their resources, you will notice that there are no more excesses at parties these days,” she added.

Available data shows that the service sector is the largest sector of the Nigerian economy, accounting for about 50 per cent of total GDP. ICT, one of the fastest growing segments, accounts for about 10 per cent of the total output, while agriculture, which in the past, was the biggest sector, now weights around 23 per cent. NBS statistics show that industry and construction account for the remaining 16 per cent of GDP.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Lagosmetro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

LASTMA officer caught extorting danfo conductor loses job Chukwuma Okparaocha

M

E M B E R S of the Lagos State House of Assembly have approved the dismissal of an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), Mr Onipede

Olusegun, from the Lagos State Civil Service, over alleged extortion.

The embattled Onipede had thought of winning his dismissal battle when he submitted a petition titled: “Dismissal from civil service” to the House seeking a reversal of the

judgement of the LASTMA authorities, which had earlier relieved him of his duties, after he was caught extorting a member of the public.

In the petition, he said he was on a patrol around Ojota axis when he noticed some vehicles parked indiscriminately at a bus-

stop, which resulted in a traffic logjam.

According to him, he instructed the driver of the main vehicle that caused the gridlock to move in order to ease traffic but noted the driver refused vehemently.

Onipede further explained that he subsequently

proceeded to take pictures of the vehicle with his phone, saying the bus conductor of the vehicle held his hand and pleaded with him to delete the pictures he had taken.

"It was in the process of holding my hand and pleading, that a passer-by took the photograph and

I duped because I was once duped —18-yr-old boy Olalekan Olabulo AN 18-year-old boy, who sold bars of soap as phones to unsuspecting members of the public, has blamed fraudsters for his involvement in the act.

The suspect, Segun (surname withheld) who was, a few days ago, arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), claimed he had been duped, hence, his decision to also dupe others.

The suspect, who was arrested at Ikoroodu area of Lagos State, said he had earlier in the day of his arrest, duped an unidentified victim of N3,500.

'My action was prompted when I was swindled by two guys about a year ago by this this way.

"I had the intention of buying a phone, but unknown to me, it was a cut-to-size bar of soap that looked similar to a phone shape," Segun stated.

He added that 'The two guys approached me on my way to work, then, I was learning a plumbing work somewhere around Ikorodu.

"I bought the phone which was advertised to me as ‘London used phone’ for N2, 500. As I left the place, I checked the phone I bought, to my surprise, I discovered it was a soap I bought for such amount. That very moment I promised myself to revenge by doing same to the people." Segun said .

Explaining how he mastered the tactics to swindle unsuspecting members of the public through that means, he said "after I discovered that it was a cut-to-size soap I bought as phone, I learnt that tactics by understudying the material."

He also explained that, "The item contained cutto-size soap, carton and

wrapped all together with a cello tape.

"My prospective victims will have the mind of buying handset from me but unknown to them I would have changed the real

handset to soap wrapped with cut-to-size carton put inside an envelop," Segun narrated .

He also stated that, '"I would engage them in discussion after showing them real

phone initially, and in the process of bargaining for the price, I would change it with the aid of white handkerchief to fake phone.

"I would tell the victims to keep the phone inside their

pockets immediately, that people were watching. As soon as the buyer left the spot, I would immediately change my location by moving to another place," he stated."

Deplorable state of Apapa expressway. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Two dismissed officers arrested for impersonation Olalekan Olabulo TWO dismissed police officers, impersonating as police officers to operate commercial vehicles in Lagos State, have been arrested by the police .

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the X Squad, at the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan.

The Zonal spokesperson of the police in Lagos and Ogun states, Muyiwa Adejobi, a superintendent of police, confirmed the arrest of the policemen to Lagos Metro .

Adejobi said, "The police operatives attached to the X-Squad Department of the Zone 2 Command, Onikan Lagos, arrested two dismissed members of the Nigeria Police Force for impersonation and using police uniform to harass and

extort innocent Nigerians and drive commercial vehicles, at different locations within Lagos State, recently.

"The arrest was in connection with the moves by the Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police in charge

of Zone 2 Command,Lagos, AIG Abdilmajid Ali, to bring sanity to police activities in the Command and make sure that the image of the Nigeria Police is protected.

'It will be recalled that the police boss,on assumption of duty in Lagos, onAugust 1,

2016, had vowed to sustain his fight against unethical, inappropriate and illegal conducts of police personnel within his Command and promote the InspectorGeneral of Police's principles of modern and conventional policing in Nigeria.

shared same on the social media,and that afterwards the LASTMA authorities intervened, alleged me of extortion, and eventually dismissed me," he explained in the petition.

But in response to the petition, Chairman Committee on Establishment, Training, Pension and Public Service, Honourable Dayo Famakinwa, said the House in order to do a fair job, had proceeded to invite all necessary stakeholders in the matter with a view to carrying out a through investigation, where Onipede was discovered to be guilty of what he was accused of, and as such, his dismissal was subsequently upheld.

Contributing, another lawmaker, Honourable Omotayo Oduntan, stated that in the past, the fear of LASTMA was the beginning of "traffic wisdom in Lagos State," but noted that because of the presence of many bad eggs among them, this was no longer so.

She further remarked that nowadays, many LASTMA officials had formed allies with commercial bus drivers, thus making it easy for extortion to be carried out.

"I recall seeing one LASTMA officer trying to extort money from a danfo (commercial bus) driver.

He pleaded for forgiveness after I accosted him. So, I think it was nemesis that caught up with this man in question (Onipede) and it will serve as a deterrent to other LASTMA officials who indulge in such disgusting behavior,” the lawmaker said.

Robbers who robbed Vanguard publisher arraigned Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin NEMESIS caught up with six suspected armed robbers who invaded the home of the Vanguard Publisher, Mr Sam Amuka, three months ago, as they were on Wednesday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court.

Koyis Usman, 22, Umaru Oseni, 46, Abdurasaq Hassan, 43, Musa Atim Abubakar, 31, Gambno Umar, 31 and

Abdulramon Kashil,25 who burgled the home of the publisher, and went away with cash and valuables valued at N2,875,000.00, had been remanded in prison custody.

It will be recalled that on June 5, 2016 at about 2.30 a.m; at Anthony Village,the men conspired and burgled the home of Sam Amuka, stealing a Samsung Galaxy, valued at N100,000; $5,500 (equivalent of N1,815,000);

three gold wristwatches valued atN360,000; two leather wristwatches valued N100,000; and cash sum of N500,000 They were also accused of causing grievous harm on their victim by using iron rod cutter to hit and damage the left rib and two fingers of Amuka, the publisher of Vanguard Newspaper.

They were further alleged to have on the same date,

time and place, damaged a window burglary, asbestos and two doors at the residence.

The trial Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi, who asked what was found in the possession of the defendants as of time of arrest and the prosecutor listed them to include one iron cutter, one military camouflage uniform, one salon car marked LSD 337 and one hammer.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Balanced diet prevents cancer –Experts Continued from front page

“Abundant evidence suggests that the healthiest diets set aside animal products, reduce fats in general, while including large amounts of vegetables and fruits are encouraged.”

She added, “eliminating meat and dairy products from your diet is a powerful step in disease prevention.

“These products are typically high in saturated fat and cholesterol and completely devoid of fibre.

“They have also been specifically linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancers,” she said.

Why eating too much meat increases the risk of cancer According to Cancer Research Centre in the United Kingdom, many studies have shown that eating lots of red and processed meat can increase the risk of bowel cancer and possibly stomach and pancreatic cancer.

Red meat includes all fresh, minced and frozen beef, pork and lamb. Processed meat includes ham, bacon and sausages. White meat, such as chicken, is unlikely to increase the risk of cancer.

Scientists at the Centre think red and processed meat can increase the risk of cancer because they contain certain chemicals. Some chemicals are a natural part of the meat, and others are made when the meat is preserved or cooked at high temperatures.

The researchers say red and processed meat contains a red pigment called haem. Haem could irritate or damage cells in the bowel or fuel the production of harmful

chemicals by bacteria in the gut, which could lead to a higher risk of cancer. Almost all red and processed meats contain greater amounts of haem than white meats. This may partly explain why red and processed meats increase cancer risk while white meats don’t.

Chemicals called nitrates and nitrites are often used to preserve processed meat. In the bowel, nitrites can be converted into cancer-causing chemicals called N-nitroso compounds (NOCs).

Cooking meat at high temperatures such as grilling or barbecuing can produce cancer-causing chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic amines (PCAs).

Dr Ugwu said eating low fat, plant-based diet rich in whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables is the best way to increase chances of a healthy lifestyle.

Fruits, vegetables and cancer risk reduction Researchers at Cancer Centre suggest that nearly one in 20 cancers may be linked to diets low in fruit and vegetables. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of cancer of the mouth, oesophagus (food pipe), lung, larynx (voice box) and some types of stomach cancer.

Fruit and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet and are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre.

Fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of nutrients that have many different effects on the body. These nutrients include carotenoids, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, flavonoids and various other phytochemicals

(chemicals found in plants). Some of these nutrients are linked to reduced cancer risk because they mopping up harmful chemicals that could potentially damage DNA, help protect against DNA damage, helping with repairing DNA and block the formation of cancer-causing chemicals.

Eating fibre to beat cancer Much research has shown that bowel cancer is less common in people who eat lots of fibre. Fibre could help protect against bowel cancer in a number of ways.

Fibre increases the size of stools, dilutes their contents, and helps people have more frequent bowel movements.

This reduces the contact time between the bowel and harmful chemicals in the stools. Fibre may also help gut bacteria produce helpful chemicals that change the conditions in the bowel. All of these things help to reduce the risk of cancer.

Salt and cancer Researchers at Cancer Research Centre, UK stress that eating too much salt, or lots of foods high in salt, has been linked with a higher risk of stomach cancer.

They say salt could increase cancer risk by damaging the stomach lining, which causes inflammation, or by making the stomach lining more sensitive to cancer-causing chemicals.

Salt could also interact with a stomach bug called Helicobacter pylori that is linked to both stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.

Bauchi gov reports Dogara to Buhari over rift Leon Usigbe -Abuja BAUCHI State governor, Mohammed Abubakar, met with President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, to brief him on his rift with the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and members of the National Assembly from the state.

The governor said it was his refusal to support Dogara’s ambition during the contest for the office of the Speaker caused the crisis.

Emerging from the meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, he told State House correspondents that his failure to support Dogara’s ambition was at the crux of his rift with the members of the National Assembly.

He revealed that the president had, however, advised him to ignore the speaker and other critics and concentrate on his job.

Dogara himself had previously met with Buhari to state his own side of the story, but the gulf between the two had grown wider, despite efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reconcile them.

“My problem with Dogara started during the election for the leadership of the National Assembly. I stood on the side of the party. I said every Bauchi lawmaker should toe the line of the party. You know Bauchi had a candidate (Dogara) but I said irrespective of that, we should toe the line of the party.

“The fact is politics in Bauchi State is played in Abuja and not in Bauchi.

The people of the state are intact with the party,” he said.

“I have not closed the door to reconciliation.

Some elders in Bauchi are trying to reconcile the warring factions,” he said, adding that the president had told him to close his ears and continue the good

work he was doing for Bauchi people.

He had earlier explained that his meeting with the president was a routine consultation which, he said, dwelt on the problem between him and the members of the National Assembly from the state.

“When I was away a week

ago, some members of the House of Representatives and Senate, led by the Speaker of the House, Dogara, went to the headquarters of the party, allegedly to report me.

“In the process, they made some spurious allegations which I feel it’s appropriate to let the

president know first hand evidence regarding all the allegations.

“Major among the allegations is that I misapplied the bailout funds and I thought that was a matter of common knowledge in Nigeria. Bauchi has utilised N8.6 billion of the bailout, remaining

N18 million which is in a dedicated account. I have documented evidence to prove and will give it to anybody who is interested,” he said.

The governor explained that labour and civil society groups had commended him over the way he handled the bailout fund.

Alleged budget padding: Sagay committee grills Jibrin for hours Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja THE Professor Itse Sagayled Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, on Wednesday, grilled the erstwhile chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, for several hours, on his allegations against the Speaker of the House, Honourable Yakubu

Dogara and 12 other officials.

Speaking with newsmen after emerging from the meeting, Jibrin, who was accompanied by heavy security operatives, insisted that Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Yussuf Lasun; chief whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and the minority leader, Leo Ogor, should resign and submit themselves to security agencies for investigation on the allegations levelled against them.

Jibrin, while insisting that he would not back down until justice was done on the allegations, declared that Dogara had lost the moral standing to continue functioning as speaker and must give way alongside the three other principal officers.

“The leader of the House (Femi Gbajabiamila) has submitted himself to the police, the most important thing is that position has not changed, but I want Nigeri-

COSON declares today ‘No Music Day’

By Rotimi Ige THE Nigerian music industry, in conjunction with Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has declared today a “No Music Day.” The declaration is to sensitise the general public on the widespread infringement of the rights of songwriters, composers, performers, music publishers, record labels and other stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry.

The theme of this year’s event, “Monetisation of musical content in the digital space,” has its focus on the dwindling national income, with intention to focus on revealing the significant financial benefits that could accrue to the nation’s econ-

omy if the huge potentials in the music industry in the digital environment are properly harnessed.

Speaking on the theme of the event, chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, said “every year, in marking ‘No Music Day’, our objective has been to engage the Nigerian people and the various governments on the potential contributions of Nigerian music to the socio-economic development of the Nigerian nation and the necessity to fully deploy the substantial comparative advantage which our nation possesses in this area, so as to provide hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs to the teeming unem-

ployed Nigerian youths.

“I have no doubt that if the right environment is created in Nigeria, the enormous creative energy exhibited by our young people will be released to the amazement of the world,” he said.

Speaking on “No Music Day,” Okoroji said “it is a day the music industry in Nigeria comes together to say no to the incessant abuse of our rights.

“For too long, our industry has suffered great loss because of piracy. We have watched big record companies close shop and move away from Nigeria while our young talents roam the streets looking for record deals.”

ans to understand that whole thing is not about Dogara, it’s about reforming the system of the House of Representatives “If some members of the House of Representatives or Nigerians feel okay that a corrupt person should continue to call himself the number four citizen of this country, so be it.

“I have done my own part.

I have exposed corruption, I have submitted petitions to the anti-corruption agencies and within what is in my control and in the control of other members of the National Assembly that believe in this course, we would continue to do all that we can to ensure that justice is served on Dogara, Lasun and, of course, the minority leader, Ogor,” he said.

While speaking on why he appeared before the committee, Jibrin said “as you are aware, I got invitation from the presidential committee against corruption. I had earlier submitted a petition to the committee and members graciously granted my requests and we have had a meeting, a very fruitful meeting that lasted about four hours.”

Efforts to speak with the chairman of the committee failed, as one of the clerks simply told reporters that the meeting was not for media coverage.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Jaiyeola Rafiu Victor now JAIYEOLA VICTOR RAPHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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Nigerians groan as prices of commodities skyrocket continued from pg4

Ondo

A visit to the markets across the state capital city of Ondo, Akure, showed that the prices of food items like rice, beans, gari, palm oil, beverages have gone up with a percentage increase of between 150 and 300.

At the popular Neighborhood Market in Isinkan, Akure, it was discovered that a bag of rice has moved from N8,500 to N19,000, while a bowl of rice sold at N280 now sells for N750. The price of beans has moved up from N300/ N350 to N600 for the brown beans, while the white beans specie has become the toast of the market at N400 per bowl; a bowl of gari N80 now N210/ N220.

Palm oil was sold for N2,000 as against the former price of N1,100, while vegetable oil formerly offered at N1,950 went for N3,800/N4,000; Semovita N1,200 now N2,000, while the big pack is also selling at N2,800 from N1,800.

Also, a kilogramme of meat and turkey sold at N800 now N1,400, while price of fish varies in the market.

A bag of cement sold for N1,650 is now N2,460; kerosene rose from N60 per litre to N140, while a 12.5 kilogramme of gas is sold for N4,000 against N2,800.

The food items that are cheap in the Akure market now are yam and pepper.

One of the consumers attributed this to the season, saying “this is yam period and most home grown yam.

Edo

Checks in Edo State showed that a bag of cement is now being sold for about N2,400, while a bag of rice goes for N23,000.

The price of a small tuber of yam has gone from about N250 to N400.

Findings showed that a small bowl of garri has moved to about N600 from the previous price of N250 a few months ago.

As for beans, a small bowl now sells for N1,300 from the previous N700 price.

Abuja

Mobile sedan car oil now N4,500 from N3,500; Cement N2,300 from N1,600; small bowl of gari N350 from N250 and Chinos trousers N4,000 from N3,000.

Air travel

While the domestic airlines have not increased fares, air passengers have shifted patronage to road transportation due to eco-

nomic hardship.

But foreign airlines operating in Nigeria have been forced to hike their fares by over 50 per cent because of the new forex policy earlier introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Many Nigerian passengers who could not afford the fares being charged between Nigeria and the foreign routes have equally shifted their patronage to Accra, Ghana, where fares are relatively cheaper.

Investigation carried out by the Nigerian Tribune showed that fare between Nigeria and Ghana which used to be N40,000 has gone up to around N80,000.

Economy class on the Lagos/America route that used to cost around N350,000 and N400, 000 has gone as high as N600,000 and N700,000, while the Lagos/London route has gone from the usual N250,000 to almost N400,000.

The hardship which has sent many domestic airlines gasping for breath, leading to sudden suspension of operations by one of the oldest domestic carriers, Aero Contractors on Wednesday.

Prior now, domestic airline business in the country was impressive, with each of the airlines being able to carry its own substantial

numbers of passengers until the coming of the Muhammadu Buhari-led government, when things have got out of control.

The airlines are accusing the government of not making dollar available for them to carry out their operations.

At present, airlines particularly the domestic ones are operating under excruciating pains made possible by various reasons ranging from unstable and scarcity of foreign exchange, high cost of aviation fuel to nonavailability of the commodity.

Confirming this, the chairman of Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON), Captain Nogie Megisson declared: “In spite of all these, we can’t increase ticket prices in order not to discourage our customers that have been seriously stretched due to the economic hard times facing them and their disposable income seriously reduced or erased.

“For most of them now, the alternative means of travel is going by road; our major competitor. It should be put on record, however, that road transport uses Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol, which is highly supported or assisted by the Federal

Government with exchange rate of N285 and available to marketers. Airlines on the other hand don’t have such foreign exchange support or availability from our government with regards to helping to make Jet fuel available to airlines at an affordable price.

“PMS forex allocation is being given regularly to importers at N285 to the dollar, and the road transporters don’t pay five per cent VAT or the Regulatory five per cent Ticket Sales Tax or any of the other multiple taxes being charged to the airlines today, where as much as 35 per cent of a total ticket price are taxes and levies.”

Raising the alarm over the situation, Captain Megisson has alerted that the feasibility studies and financial projections carried out are a great threat, putting the airlines in a dangerous and difficult financial position.

According to Megisson, “till April this year, I bought Jet A1 fuel for N105 a litre.

About a month ago, the price jumped to N145. Two weeks later, it rose to about N200 a litre. Today, the price has skyrocketed to above N200 a litre. This has greatly increased our operational cost.

The Airline Operators

are calling on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, address the acute shortage of Jet fuel the country had been experiencing, which they said have led to 50 per cent delays or cancellation of flights.

Even before now, two of the foreign airlines operating into Nigeria, Iberia and United Airlines had earlier in the year stopped operations into the country over hardship faced in Nigeria.

Besides, many of the remaining foreign carriers had reduced their frequencies in the country and increased their operations in other African countries, particularly Ghana.

Importation

Investigations have revealed that the prices of imported goods have skyrocketed, even as importation business has witnessed a 60 per cent slump across the nation’s borders and seaports.

According to a marketing survey carried out by the Nigerian Tribune at the nations seaports and border points, cost of tiles being imported into the country, vehicles and bags of rice have gone up astronomically.

Prior before the recession, a Volkswagen Golf 1 went for between

N500,000 to N600,000, now N1.3 million. According to the spokesman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Kayode Farinto, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune exclusively, the N1.3 million price for the Volkswagen Golf is only applicable for car dealers who are still selling old stock.

In his words, “that price you got is for people with old stock. Volkswagen Golf 1 now goes for about N1.5 million.

“For tiles that are being sold per square metre; before the recession, 100 square metre of tiles was selling for between N66,000 and N80,000, now between N300,000 and N250,000.

Importation has gone down to an all time low of 60 per cent.”

When Nigerian Tribune visited the Seme border in-between Nigeria and the Benin Republic, there was no difference between the skyrocketing prices of goods as one Benin Republic CFA, which used to exchange for N150 now goes for one CFA to N681.

A bag of rice in Seme is N12,000, while the same commodity sells for N20,000 at the Eastern part of the country.

Dangote loses $5.4bn to economic woes

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju with Agency Report AFRICA’S richest man, Aliko Dangote, has lost $5.4 billion, representing 35 per cent of his fortune. The loss amounts to N1.7 trillion.

This is a consequence of the slump in commodities prices and the devaluation of the Naira in June by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to data obtained from Bloomberg Bil-

lionaires Index on Wednesday, Dangote, whose current networth stands at $9.9 billion, has lost 62 per cent of his fortune between January 2014 and now.

On the contrary, the fortune of Africa’s second

wealthiest person, South African Christo Wiese, who is worth $2.8 billion, has risen by 12 per cent.

Dangote, who is rated world’s 118th richest person, is a victim of Nigeria’s economic woes, which resulted

in Naira being worst hit by other currencies. Since the bulk of Dangote’s assets is domiciled in Nigeria and valued in Naira, his networth on Bloomberg Billionaires Index, calculated in Dollars, has headed South.

Nigeria has capacity to shape the world —Facebook founder Newton-Ray Ukwuoma - Lagos IN spite of the economic quagmire confronting the country, social media guru and Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg, has expressed confidence in the economic rebirth of Nigeria, stating that the country has the capacity to “shape the way things are done around the world.”

Zuckerberg made the statement while fielding questions at the “Facebook for developers’ workshop” organised for Nigerian engineers and developers, and screened to newsmen on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Facebook boss,

who visited Nigeria for the first time on Tuesday, discussing development strategies with Nigerian entrepreneurs and technology developers, said “after being here, there is no way that this place doesn’t end up shaping the way things get done around the world.

I think that once people appreciate that, the nation will begin to develop.”

He also disclosed key sectors of the economy that Facebook would be investing in the future, namely Nollywood and Information Technology, describing the two sectors in Nigeria as the flagships of the nation’s future greatness.

He said: “One thing I want to do is to visit Nollywood. It is one of the best sources in the world,

producing content. One thing about the internet is to produce good content that represents all cultures and languages. Facebook is used for entertainment contents, videos and movies. One of the things I intend to do in Lagos is to visit Nollywood. It really sounds like a national treasure. They have been able to create entertainment content (the video, the movies) that is not just entertaining to people, but tells the stories with amazing innovation, entrepreneurship and culture that appeals to the whole world.”

Speaking further, he said among other things that ensuring wider internet access, lowering cost and creating awareness would

help make Facebook accessible to everyone.

He said: “Having access to the internet is really an important thing. Across the world, more than half the people have access to the internet. Here in Nigeria, the figure is less.

Facebook is connecting people to friends and family or helping people start businesses. One of the fundamental part of it is the structure that exists.

People are building things.

“We have three strategic plans to make Facebook reach everyone. The first part is building infrastructure. We really want everyone to get access to the signal. We will be launching a satellite to beam down connectivity to make sure that the network spreads

to the rest of Africa. The second part of the plan is to make internet affordable. It’s not much good having it if people can’t afford to use it.

“Building cheaper infrastructure or have companies build them and charge less, but at the same time make it profitable and sustainable. The third part of the plan is to make sure people understand why the internet is valuable for them to use, because if more people have access to the internet at cheaper rate, it will be easy to get them to use Facebook. If we do these between 10 and 14 years, we will be able to make half of the world to use internet. If that happens, the world will be a much better place.”

10 news It’s a difficult time for Nigeria –FEC

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

•Approves more external borrowings •Approves contracts for UI, UNILAG •Solid Minerals get $150m loan Leon Usigbe -Abuja

F

OLLOWING the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report which confirmed that the nation’s economy is in recession, with inflation hitting 17.1 per cent, the Federal Government has admitted that it is a difficult time for Nigeria, with economic situation confusing, but insists that government is not confused about what to do.

Briefing State House corespondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said the country was experiencing the worst possible time.

“It’s the worst possible time for us. Are we confused? Absolutely not. How are we going to get ourselves out of this recession? One, we must make sure that we diversify our economy.

“We can see what happened at the output data of the oil and gas sector.

What’s happening in the Niger Delta has dragged down the GDP of the entire economy. We’re too dependent on oil, whereas 87 per cent of our GDP should be non-oil. So let us drive those other areas.

“We have to invest in capital projects. The time are confusing, but we are not confused. We are extremely focused. We know that if we can just bear and get through this difficult period, Nigeria is going to be better for it.

“If we rely on oil and the price of oil remains low and the quantity of oil remains low, we can’t grow. We have to grow our non oil economy “I think that we have a long way to go. We’re not confused and we’re not deceiving ourselves that everything is rosy. It’s not.

“It’s a difficult time for Nigeria, but I think Nigeria is in the right hands and if we can stick with our strategy, we will be better for it. We still have some adjustments to make. I think we need to make some adjustments in monetary policy. It’s quite clear we do and we will do that.

“We’re working on that.

We need to try and find a way to support the manufacturing sector better and we will do that,” she said.

Joined by her counterparts from Information and Culture, Agriculture, Mines and Steel Development and Education, Lai Mohammed, Audu Ogbeh, Kayode Fayemi and Adamu Adamu, respectively, Adeosun also revealed that FEC approved

external three-year rolling borrowing plan.

She recalled that the present administration had posited that its external borrowings strategy would be focused on concessional

debts, low cost loans, particularly from the multi-lateral agencies.

She said the borrowing plan, which will be transmitted to the National Assembly for approval, would be con-

cessional loans average with interest rates 1.25 per cent, four to seven year moratorium, 20 years to pay.

The minister informed that the borrowings would come from agencies such as the

World Bank, African Development Bank, China EXIM Bank and other development agencies like Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), adding that the balance would come

From left, Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Ismail Jibril; Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammadu Bello; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma and the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

We expect better economic outlook for second half of 2016 —Presidency THE Presidency, on Wednesday, said the just-released Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the second quarter of 2016 by the National Bureau of Statistics, while confirming a temporary decline, had also indicated an hopeful expectation in the country’s economic trajectory.

It said besides the growth recorded in the agriculture and solid mineral sectors, the Nigerian economy, in response to the policies of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, was also doing better than what the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had estimated, with clear indications that the second half of the year would be even much better.

It said the Buhari-led presidency would continue to work diligently on the economy and engage with all stakeholders to ensure that beneficial policy initiatives were actively pursued and the dividends delivered to the Nigerian people.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Adeyemi Dipeolu, the outlook for the country was bright.

Dipeolu said: “The recently-released data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Gross Domestic Product declined by 2.06 per cent in the second quarter of 2016 on a year-on-year basis.

“A close look at the data shows that this outcome was mostly due to a sharp

contraction in the oil sector due to huge losses of crude oil production as a result of vandalisation and sabotage.

“However, the rest of the Q2 data is beginning to tell a different story. There was growth in the agricultural and solid minerals sectors, which are the areas in which the Federal Government has placed particular priority.

“Agriculture grew by 4.53 per cent in the second quarter of 2016 as compared with 3.09 per cent in the first quarter.

The metal ores sector showed similar performance with coal mining, quarrying and other minerals also showing positive growth of over 2.5 per cent. Notably also, the share of investments in GDP increased to its highest levels since 2010, growing to about 17 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.

“The manufacturing sector,

though not yet truly out of the woods, is beginning to show signs of recovery while the service sector similarly bears watching.

“Nevertheless, the data already shows a reduction in imports and an increase in locally-produced goods and services and this process will be maintained although it will start off slowly in these initial stages before picking up later.

“The inflation rate remains high, but the good news is that the month-on-month rate of increase has fallen continuously over the past three months.

“Unemployment remains stubbornly high which is usually the case during growth slowdowns and for reasons of a structural nature.

“The picture that emerges, barring unforeseen shocks, is that the areas given priority

by the Federal Government are beginning to respond with understandable time lags to policy initiatives.

Indeed, as the emphasis on capital expenditure begins to yield results and the investment/GDP numbers increase, the growth rate of the Nigerian economy is likely to improve further.

“As these trends continue, the outlook for the rest of the year is that the Nigerian economy will beat the IMF prediction of -1.8 per cent for the full year 2016.

“The IMF had forecasted a growth of -1.8 per cent for 2016, however the economy is performing better than the IMF’s estimates so far.

For the half year, it stands at -1.23 per cent compared to an average of -1.80 per cent expected on the average by the IMF.

We are not probing Sanusi, Soludo —Presidency THE Presidency, on Monday, refuted social media reports that the tenures of the Emir of Kano, Dr Muhammadu Sanusi, and Professor Charles Soludo as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governors would soon be probed by the Federal Government, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The media reports, published on Sunday and Monday, alleged that the Federal Government had concluded arrangements to probe the

tenures of the two former CBN governors, over their views on the state of the nation’s economy.

The reports further alleged that Sanusi and Soludo had been put on “the watch list of the government for some alleged anomalies that occurred during their tenures as head of the Nigeria’s apex bank.”

Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, however, in a tweeted message, said the “Presi-

dency was not aware that Sanusi and Soludo would be probed for offering suggestions to Buhari.”

Shehu said: “The check I made today indicated that the presidency is unaware of the reported probe of Sarkin Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi and Professor Soludo “Where did that report come from? Under our constitution which President Muhammadu Buhari swore to uphold, it is not a crime to offer suggestions.”

from Eurobonds.

“These concessional loans will go to strategic sectors of the economy that will help to revive the economy,” she said.

She disclosed that the Ministry of Solid Minerals had procured a World Bank loan of $150 million to enable it to strengthen capacity.

Wednesday’s FEC also approved a new roadmap for solid minerals, which seeks to grow the contribution of mining to the GDP. Fayemi explained that what distinguished this roadmap from the previous one “is its determination to build a regulatory agency an independent regulatory agency in the mining sector.”

He said there would now be mining cadastral zonal offices which would issue licences together with the mining inspecting directorate, mining environment compliance unit, as well as the neutical mining units.

In his statement, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, revealed that FEC approved contracts for the construction of International House for the University of Ibadan (UI), which is a post-graduate hall, at the cost of N1.302,709,02.34 with a completion period of 44 weeks.

Also approved was contract for the reconstruction of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) new library at the cost of N1.935,135,87.35 billion.

“The library built in 1964 has not been expended or modernised. So, this new library is to augment the old one.It has a completion period 64 weeks,” he said.

Ogbeh disclosed that FEC had renewed the contract of a service provider for the technology platform, e-wallet, for the delivery of seeds and fertilisers and capturing the database of farmers in every local government in the country.

He recalled that the e-wallet is a programme of the past administration which he said ran very well in 2012 and 2013, but had few hitches “as ministry got involved in trying to select the providers.”

He said, “this led to the figure of debts piling up to the sum of N67 billion,” adding that “the quotation by the company was N884.799 million, but we bargained N380.512 million.

“They will work with us for one more year, teach our people how to do it, domiciled the data of farmers which is 20 million of them and continue to work on how to get agriculture inputs to farmers and keep away those who tend not to deliver but make claims.”

11 news

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Investments in Ogun Free Trade Zone secure —New Chinese manager

T

HE new management of Ogun Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, has dispelled insinuations that the multi-million dollars investment at the zone is at risk, following the takeover by a new team of Chinese managers.

They said that, “not only are the current investors not leaving the zone, the new management under the New South Group, are already in the process of at-

Sallah: Kwara assures payment of workers’ salaries

tracting more investments to the zone.”

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, on Wednesday, the chairman of China- Africa Investment Limited, the new owners of the controlling shares, Mr Chen Yuejin, said recent claims by former managers that investors were threatening to leave the zone, were untrue and Yuejin was joined at the briefing by other investors: Mr Gao Jian Zhong, Mr Abbey Onas and Mr Jiang Qingqing.

A former manager of the zone, recently alleged that Zhongfu International Investment Nigeria. who were former managers of the zone, was forcefully ejected by the federal and

Ogun State government officials to pave way for the new management.

Speaking on Tuesday, the new foreign investors, New South Group, said that the claim by the former manager was to discourage several foreign investors who had already indicated interest in bringing investments to the zone under the new management.

According to him: “It is also very important to state that, contrary speculations, the physical structures erected therein and the amenities therein, were put in place by China Africa.

“Since the termination of Zhongfu’s management of the zone, the existing investors registered several

complaints on the inability of Zhongfu to address the needs of the investors within the zone.

In the same vein, due to the fact that most of the investors within the zone are aware of the managerial pedigree of the New South Group, they have expressed their support for the new management and readiness to work with the new management under New South Group.

Justifying the change of management at the zone, the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa said: “as a government, we don’t have problem with anybody, it was what the Peoples Republic of China sent to us

that we are acting on.

“Please note that Guangdong Province still owns 49per cent equity in China Africa. Both Guangdong New South Group and the Guangdong Province, have the capacity to further develop the zone to match standard of the most notable Free Trade Zones in the World. We are committed to the course and have already put this into means adapted to its fulfillment. We have a clear plan of achieving this and have the support of our home Government (the Government of the Peoples Republic of China) and the Ogun State Government.

There is absolutely no cause for alarm but just the ranting of a sinking ship.”

Biola Azeez - Ilorin THE Kwara State government has restated its commitment to ensure payment of worker’s salaries, despite drop in financial allocation to the state from the federation account.

This is just as it augmented August allocation with N180 million from proceeds of the internally generated revenue (IGR) Speaking with journalists after the monthly Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting in Ilorin ,on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Finance, who is also the chairman of the committee, Alhaji Demola Banu, said that the August statutory allocation for the 16 local governments in the state stood at N1, 014, 706, 902.57.

He said the state government would augment the August 2016 federal allocation to local government councils in the state with N180 million to ensure that workers’ salaries were paid for the month.

The commissioner said that the fund was appropriated in line with the law guiding the local government account system.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the governor, Dr Muideen Akorede, restated the state government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution to the lingering salary crisis.

From left, Deputy Manager, China-Africa Investment Limited, Mr Gao Jian Zhong; Chairman, China-Africa Investment Limited, Mr Chen Yuejin; Chairman , Zonal General Manager Investment Limited, Mr Abbey Onasnd and the General Manager, Hewang Packaging and Printing FZE , Mr Jiang Qingqing, at a press conference in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Investor challenges removal as free trade zone manager, drags Ogun, NEPZA to court Sunday Ejike - Abuja A Chinese company, Zhongfu International Investment Limited, has dragged the Ogun State government and the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), before a Federal High Court, in Abuja, to challenge its purported removal as the manager of the multi-billion naira Ogun-Guandong Free Trade Zone.

The Ogun State government was said to have on

March 15, 2012, appointed the company as the manager and administrator of the trade zone. The appointment was subsequently endorsed by NEPZA on behalf of the Federal Government to enable the firm carry out the management of the zone.

In another letter on May 27, 2016, the Ogun State government among others, purportedly terminated the appointment of the foreign company as manager and operator of the zone without cause.

In a suit No, FHC/ABJ/ CS/60/2016 filed by Professor Gbolahan Elias, on behalf of the plaintiff, the court was asked to stop NEPZA from giving effect to the purported action of Ogun State government against the company.

The court was also urged to stop the defendants from harassing, intimidating and hindering the company and its workers from carrying out their lawful duties based on the agreement executed in

Facebook to embrace more Nigerian languages —Zuckerberg THE Founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, has pledged to use Nigerian languages in offering services on Facebook.

Zuckerberg, who is currently on a business visit to Nigeria, made the promise at a meeting with software developers and Informa-

tion Communication Technology (ICT) entrepreneurs on Wednesday, in Lagos.

He said that social media application currently allowed the use of Hausa language on Facebook.

“I am glad, we support Hausa and we are planning on supporting a lot more

languages soon.’’

Zuckerberg also expressed his willingness to work with local content providers in bringing Nigerian communities to the internet.

He said that having local contents on the Facebook platform would ensure that more people were connected.

According to him, in the next 10 to 15 years, Facebook hopes to get everyone in the world connected online.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Zuckerberg is currently meeting with developers, entrepreneurs and startups.

respect of the management and supervision of the trade zone by the company.

In an affidavit of urgency in support of a motion on notice and deposed to by Timilehin Ehibuzor Wigwe, the plaintiff claimed to be a free zone enterprise in the OgunGuandong Free Trade Zone at Igbesa, Ogun State and duly registered by NEPZA. The plaintiff said that prior to 2008, the Ogun State government, in a bid to promote economic activities and develop the state, approached it along with other investors for collaboration to develop a multi-purpose free trade zone in the state.

The plaintiff averred that it was appointed administrator of the zone in 2012 and that the appointment was consequently approved

by NEPZA on behalf of the Federal Government, on April 10 2012.

Lagos butchers commend Ambode, seek support ASSOCIATION of butchers in Lagos State have commended the state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, for showing concern to the welfare of their members and by extension, the public who consume meat and allied products produced by the butchers.

The commendation was made through the association’s chairman, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem, during a visit to the Abattoir Market, Agege, Lagos, by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Isiaka Oluwatoyin Suara, during the weekly market environmental programme.

The butchers’ chairman noted with happiness that Suara’s visit gladdens the hearts of his members because it was an assurance that the government has the interest of his members and that of the public at heart.

He assured the state government that his members now produced ponmo in a new place in an hygienic way as against the former practice of using disused tyres to process the popular Nigeria delicacy; which is hazardous to health of consumers.

Kazeem appealed to the Lagos state government to assist his members to procure loans that would facilitate the processing of meat products in a modern method and in a way that will not jeopardise the health of the public.

Brief Dedication

EVANGELIST (Mrs) Opeyemi Olusola and her echoes of mercy, will, on Saturday, dedicate her new musical album, titled “Iyin re ree”, at 1100 am promt. The venue is Jesus Discipleship Ministry auditorium, Fola Oil premises, near Apata Bus-stop, Challenge, Ibadan.

Expected on the occasion are Pastor Olatunji Ola-Ofe, who will serve as the chief launcher while Pastor S.O Odutola, will be the chairman while others are Deaconess A.A Olugbode, Pastor E. A Ajayi, Deaconess M.E Adeshipo. The guest speaker is Bishop Joshua Dapo Ojo.

12

businessnews

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

CBN reinstates banks banned from foreign exchange market Sanya Adejokun WITH AGENCY REPORT

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has re-instated all the banks that were banned from the foreign exchange market, the Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs Tokunbo Martins, has said.

She said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a media briefing, stating that the decision was reached after a series of meetings with the body of bank Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

“Well, we have had engagements with the body of CEOs and they have been interacting amongst themselves and I am happy to tell you today that the banks that were hitherto banned have been released from the ban.

“And the reason is because all of the banks after discussions and engagements under the auspices of the body of CEOs and the CIBN have all submitted credible repayment plans which we the CBN found acceptable.

“So as a result of that, all those banks have been reinstated in the foreign exchange market.’’

The apex bank announced the ban on Tuesday last week, saying that UBA, First Bank, Diamond Bank, Sterling Bank, Skye Bank, Fidelity Bank, Keystone Bank, First City Monument Bank and Heritage Bank hid the money belonging to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Sources hinted that Diamond Bank Plc withheld

$287 million; Heritage Bank Limited – $85.5 million; United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc – $530 million; Skye Bank Plc -$221 million; First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Ltd. – $469 million; Sterling Bank Plc – $269 million; Fidelity Bank Plc – $209 million Keystone Bank Ltd. – $139 million and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Ltd. – $125

million.

The CIBN President, Professor Segun Ajibola, said that the institute was very much interested in what was happening among all the industry players.

He added that under the aegis of the institute, the body of bank CEOs was now a formidable platform to look at issues that were pertinent to the industry and

1.56million Nigerians lose jobs in 3 months —NBS

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

The National Bureau of Statistics, on Wednesday, said 1.56 million Nigerians became unemployed between the end of March and June this year as the country’s unemployment rate rose from 12.1 per cent in the first quarter to 13.3 per cent by the end of the second quarter.

This development shot up

the total number of the unemployed and the underemployed to 26.06 million people at the end of June to the 24.4million it was at the end of March.

This was contained in the bureau’s unemployment report released by the Statistician General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale, in Abuja.

According to the report, “In Q2 2016, the labour

•Fixes council’s elections for Nov 18 The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has inaugurated a four-man electoral committee that will super vise the electoral process that would usher in a new council for the institute in November.

Disclosing this to the media, on Monday, at the institute’s head office in Lagos, the President and Chairman of Council of the institute, Aare Ganiyu Koledoye explained that the setting up of the committee was to ensure fair-play in the selection of the institute’s new council.

He explained that one of the resolutions of the present council, since inaugurated in 2013, was to ensure that it provided a regulatory framework that would ensure fairness to

The Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr Herbert Wigwe, said that the body of bank CEOs under the under the auspices of the CIBN, aims to get banks to work together.

He said that this would ensure that anytime there was a serious issue in the market, bank CEOs could meet to look for a way to resolve them.

From left, Executive Director, Finance and Systems, Leadway AssuranceLimited, Mr Tunde Hassan-Odukale; General Manager/Head of Retail, Leadway AssuranceLimited- Mr Tinashe Muyambo; Executive Director, General Business, Leadway Assurance Limited, Ms. Adetola Adegbayi; Territorial Sales Manager (North), Total Nigeria Plc, Muftau Balogun and Retail Marketing Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Henrietta Isokpan, during the partnership signing ceremony by Leadway Assurance Plc and Total Nigeria Plc, aimed at bringing insurance closer to Nigerians, on Tuesday in Lagos. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

NIMN inaugurates electoral committee Akin Adewakun-Lagos

the economy, to ensure that stakeholders’ interest was protected.

“We will protect the interests of all our stakeholders and especially the bigger picture, which is Nigeria and its economy as a whole.

“So it is a happy development and I believe this will further help to strengthen our system and our economy.’’

everyone who aspires to compete for elections in the council.

“In the last four years, we have been able to achieve that. We’ve succeeded in removing hooliganism and tantrums from our electoral process.

“Today, the process is now more organised, transparent, with the rancours always associated with such elections in the past, gone forever,” he stated.

Koledoye, however, insisted that, contrary to insinuations in some quarters of his intention to run for another term, he would be sticking to the promise he made at the inception of his regime that he would not vie for a second term.

“I decided not to run because I had seen the difficult times of the institute, and now that the insti-

tute is experiencing a new phase, I do not want to be part of the problems,” the NIMN boss stated.

force population (i.e those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work) increased to 79.9 million from 78.5 million in Q1 2016, representing an increase of 1.78 per cent in the labour force during the quarter. This means 1.39 million persons from the economically active population entered the labour force, that is individuals that were able, willing and actively looking for work.”

“The number of underemployed in the labour force (those working but doing menial jobs not commensurate with their qualifications or those not engaged in fulltime work and merely work-

ing for few hours) increased by 392,390 or 2.61 per cent resulting in an increase in the underemployment rate to 19.3 per cent in Q2 2016 from 19.1 per cent in Q1 2016.

“During the reference period, the number of unemployed in the labour force, increased by 1,158,700 persons, resulting in an increase in the national unemployment rate to 13.3 per cent in Q2 2016 from 12.1 in Q1 2016.

“In view of this, there were a total of 26.06 million persons in the Nigerian labour force in Q2 2016, that were either unemployed or underemployed compared to 24.5 million in Q1 2016.”

Odua Group lays foundation for ‘Project Ace’ The board and leadership of the Odu’a Investment limited, on Tuesday, laid the foundation for its new project situated in Ibadan.

Tagged ‘Project Ace,’ the turning of sod and foundation laying ceremony of the pilot scheme, explains the group’s new foray into property development project.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the group, Chief Isaac Akintade, noted that project will be a continuous process, “as it is part of the group’s ambition to engage in activities that would further promote and enhance rapid economic development in our states particularly, and in the country

in general.

“The board and leadership team of Odu’a believe in the vision of turning most of its derelict properties and those that are not bringing much income into modern building thereby enhancing value,” he said.

According to him, the development of the pilot scheme at Akinola Maja, Jericho GRA, Ibadan, would have on ground four units of four bedroom and three units of five bedroom duplexes, with boys quarter on an approximate 4,500 square metre land.

“Our ultimate goal is to preserve, nurture and improve the economic heri-

tage of our people. We cannot but renew our resolve to ensure that the noble legacy bequeathed on us is kept alive and buoyant. It is our target that this estate will be commissioned within the first quarter of 2017,” he said.

The Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Adewale Raji, said that all has been put in place to ensure that the estate is commissioned in the estimated time.

“Our view is that by the time the project is finished, we can then attest that we have changed the dimension of what exquisite residential estates should look like.”

Nigerian Tribune

Banks to now accept moveable assets as collateral — CBAN The Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) are working towards improving access to loan facilities using movable assets as collateral.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institutions held a one-day workshop in Kaduna, on Wednesday, to create the needed awareness on the new financial infrastructure.

Mr Ubong Awah, representative of the IFC, identified the new infrastructure as Collateral Registry (CR) and Credit Reporting System (CRS).

Awah explained that the infrastructure would allow Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to use any movable asset as collateral to access bank loan.

He said that the National Collateral Registry (NCR), an online centralised-database, which commenced operation in May, now allows financial service providers to register security interest in movable assets.

He said that the registry, c set up by the Federal Government, is being maintained in line with CBN regulations.

According to him, the innovation would facilitate easy lending by financial institutions to individuals, farmers, micro entrepreneurs and SMEs. “The registry will enable these categories of borrowers to use movable assets such as inventory, livestock, crops equipment, vehicles and accounts receivable as collateral for loans.”

He also described CRS as a document that contains information regarding a consumer’s credit history based on data gathered electronically by financial institutions and other creditors.

He said that the reports would help financial institutions assess the credit worthiness of a potential client.

The Registrar, NCR, Malam Mohammed Mainasara said that the workshop, with representatives from over 50 business association in Kaduna State, was to enlighten the business public on the new development.

He said that Kaduna was the first state in the North to host the campaign and the second in the country after Lagos.

Mainasara pointed out that Nigerian economy was sick because of too much attention given to big businesses.

According to him, over 50 per cent of SMEs in the country have been neglected.

13

editorial

S

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Saraki’s gesture on Yekini

ENATE President Bukola Saraki’s gesture towards the family of the late Nigerian striker, Rashidi Yekini, is both commendable and worthy of emulation by other Nigerians of means. Adjudged by most experts as the most clinical finisher in the history of Nigerian football, the physically imposing Yekini died suddenly in May 2012 at the relatively young age of 48.

Now, under the aegis of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Football Club, Ilorin, the Senate President has taken what we hope are the initial steps towards honouring Yekini’s memory by instituting an Under-13 football tournament to be hosted annually at Ira in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, the late Yekini’s ancestral home. One aim of the tournament, according to the General Manager of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Football Club, Mr. Alloy Chukwuemeka, is to contribute to the process of unearthing genuine football talents who might otherwise fall through the cracks on account of neglect.

The Senate President did not stop at floating a football tournament. According to reports in the media, not only did he give an undisclosed amount of money to Mrs. Sikirat Yekini, mother of the late goleador, to assist with her everyday needs, Mr. Saraki had also personally funded the renovation of Mrs Yekini’s shops and private residence. One of Yekini’s younger siblings, Hakeem, became the proud recipient of a new ‘NAPEP’ tricycle.

Following Rashidi Yekini’s passing, there were several media reports on the family’s material struggles, and it stands to reason that the Senate President may have been motivated to act by the harrowing nature of some of the reports. Whatever his motivation, his is a commendable and heartwarming act of charity, one that, as we said

earlier, ought to be emulated by Nigerians with the resources to do so. That the late Yekini deserves this special honour is beyond question. Over the course of two remarkable decades, Yekini plundered goals for the Super Eagles (37 in 58 appearances), and a succession of clubs here at home, and in Cote d’Ivoire, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. In Dallas on June 21 1994, he scored Nigeria’s first ever FIFA World Cup goal in a 3-0 thumping of Bulgaria. His celebration of that goal would later become one of the most iconic images of the global football fiesta.

Yet, while we commend the Senate President, and while we encourage others to emulate his gesture, we wish to register two important points. The first is to reiterate the importance of institutionalizing acts of philanthropy in order to ensure their longevity.

The unique insight from the experience of the economically advanced countries is that charitable giving helps more people and endures over generations when done systematically and within formalized structures. In the case of the Rashidi Yekini U-13 tournament for instance, it could be profitably linked to the far sturdier structures of the Kwara Football Association and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Second, while every effort should be made to reach out to families of sporting and cultural icons who may have fallen into hard times, it is even more important to educate athletes in the prime of their careers on making sound financial choices and retirement investment strategies.

This is one area in which the country’s growing financial sector can make a decisive intervention.

The ultimate goal should be a society in which the kind of material intervention that the Senate President has undertaken is few and far between.

AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA PLC Founders: CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO GCFR, SAN (1909 - 1987)

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14

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

yournews

SEND YOUR SHORT MESSAGES TO: 08054005323, 08055001746

•Attention, security meeting holding! PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Attention, Delta State CP I want to call on the Delta State Police Commissioner to warn traffic wardens to stop the extortion of commercial buses, taxis and okadas in Ogwuashi-Ukwu community of the state.

As a result of the extortion, commercial operators have increased fares of transporting people from one part of the town to the other. Apart from this, it does not portray the police in good light, as the police hierarchy, on several occasions, had frowned on extortion.

This means that those flouting the law by extorting members of the public are acting contrary to the laid down rules and regulations of the Force.

Therefore, traffic wardens in Ogwashi-Ukwu, and other parts of the state should stop extorting commercial transport operators.

•Feyi Akeeb Kareem, 08068337894

Power: Kudos to FG, Fashola FOR some time now, many cities across the country have been experiencing uninterrupted power supply. In fact, some communities now enjoy power for more than 18 hours per day.

While commending the Federal Government and the Eletricity Distributing Companies (DISCOs), I want to specifically commend the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola for the improvement.

While Mr Fashola was the Lagos State governor, he impacted positively in the lives of the people. In fact, he consolidated on the mega city project which has seen Lagos become one of the most sophisticated cities in the world.

So when President Muhammadu Buhari made him a minister, I knew he would surprise Nigerians as well. Today, things are improving in the electricity sector.

The minister should, however, not rest on his oars; he should keep work-

ing until we achieve the 10,000 megawatts this government said it would generate by 2019.

When this happens, then

we are on the path of economic prosperity in the country.

Having said this, I also want to urge the Federal

Government to stop selling electricity to other Western African countries until power stabilises in Nigeria.

We can’t be exporting what

we don’t have.

•Stanley Umoh, 08029518875

Economy: Buhari deserves all the support THERE is no doubt that our nation’s economy is already in comatose and the government of Muhammadu Buhari is doing ev-

erything possible towards finding solution to the myriads of problems it inherited upon assuming office last year. As a result of

that, the absolute economic bill being demanded by the executive should be granted without delay by the National Assembly in

the interest of the nation.

•Odunayo Joseph, 08053488121

Re: Power improving in Ibadan POWER is not only improving in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, but in other towns like Ogbomoso, Oyo, and the Oke-Ogun area. This shows that we are moving forward in the country, since I believe it is not only Oyo communities that are enjoying this new lease of life as far as electricity is concerned.

However, I want the state government to look at other areas that will make life more meaningful for the people of the state. For example, the government should look towards com-

pleting the dam projects in Oke Ogun area, which was initiated by the administration of Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala. The project is meant to generate electricity, as well as provide

irrigation for farmers in this part of the state. If the government does not have the funds to complete the project now, it can invite private investors to bid for it, so that it won’t just be

wasting away. Taking this step will go a long way in boosting the economy of the state.

•Olalekan Ebenezer, 08100858026

FERMA, fix Owerri-Mbaise Road PERMIT me to use this opportunity to bring to the attention of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) the terrible condition of the Owerri Federal Road at Ezeogba, Emekuku, Imo State.

This road is such a nightmare to users that it is affecting the economic life of surrounding communities. There is no denying the fact that good roads aid economic development, and it is because of

this that I want the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, which supervises FERMA, to come to our aid by repairing the road.

•Chukwuma Dioka, 08063286727

opinion Of poverty and Nigeria’s unplanned population 15

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

By Niran Adedokun

I

N reaction to an article I wrote entitled: “We kill militants but in vain,” a reader, Oris Obelikpeyah, reacted as follows: “…In addition to all you wrote about, there’s the problem of an alarming rate of increase in child birth that tilts in favour of the poor, the destitute and unemployed Nigerians, as well as refugees who sojourn in our cities…Those who hawk are homeless and jobless in our urban areas and are easily impregnated. They give birth to another generation of poor, homeless, ignorant and jobless children.

It is an endless circle of poverty, which stirs us in the face…”

Nothing could have put this issue over which I have ruminated for a while more succinctly. I have also always thought that a good place to start is to interrogate the population figures that we bandy around.

Depending on who you ask and which side of the bed they wake up from, the population of Nigeria is currently put at anything between 160 million and 187 million. The last headcount in the nation was 10 years ago. And that national census, which did not pass without controversies hinged on ethnic suspicions, put the country’s population at over 140 million. Nigeria was scheduled to hold another census this year, but it is as clear as crystal that nothing in the like is in the plans of government at the moment.

As a result, all the projections about Nigeria’s population are based on the 140 million posted by the 2006 exercise. But there have been queries, and credible ones at that, about the credibility of that census.

The first discredit to the 2006 census figures came from the Lagos State government. Apparently to forestall being denied its obvious position as the state with the most population in Nigeria, the government chose to conduct a parallel count of its citizens alongside that of the Federal Government.

True to its fears, both initiatives posted results with ridiculously wide margins. While the national census claimed that Lagos was inhabited by 5.686 million people, the locally commissioned process posted a whopping 17,553,924 people! The state government then approached the National Census Tribunal for the nullification of the census in some parts of Lagos. In 2013, the Tribunal punctured the National Population Commission’s report and ordered a fresh census in 14 of the 20 Local Government Areas in the state!

Concerning censuses, communities all over Nigeria manipulate figures in anticipatory counteraction of the fabrications from other parts of the country. At the end of the day, we arrive at figures that are anything but authentic. If we take the discrepancy between the two numbers generated

from Lagos for instance, it will be very obvious that we have never got it right, not at any time between 1863 when Nigeria had its first census and the last head count in 2006.

But let us accept the 2016 figure of 140,431,790 for the purpose of this discourse. With that, our population is projected to rise up to about 243 million in 2030. This will make Nigeria the third most populous country in the world following only after India and China in that order.

This increase of over 100 million will result from unchecked high rises in the number of births. Data attributed to the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UN Statistics Division indicate that there are 20,391 live births in Nigeria every day; this implies that about 842 babies are born every hour.

The data also suggests that the dependency ratio in the country is 78 per cent, whereas a minute 22 per cent of the population is productive. Given the current birth rate, the number of people in their productive years is expected to increase exponentially in the next 15 years such that the country will have one of the largest populations of young people on the planet. How Nigeria plans to gainfully engage this demography is the question that the country does not seem prepared to answer.

At the moment, almost 11 million children are out of school in the country. The educational sector, from elementary up to the tertiary level, is in shambles, while informal and vocational education is virtually non-existent but the quality of teaching has continued to sag. The country is also not

making any serious attempt to direct the interest of its youth toward science, technical, mathematics and engineering subjects, all which make the future.

The same lacklustre disposition permeates the nation’s health sector such that you can literarily conclude that nothing like a health system exists in Nigeria. There is equally no well-laid out plan for the provision of housing for millions of Nigerians to whom shelter has become an ever present challenge. The country is simply unable to take care of its current population, not to speak of the tens of millions projected for coming years.

Yet, Nigeria makes no attempt to check population growth.

We just live for the now without sparing much thought for the future of the country. As China, India and even Ghana attempted at some point in their histories, one would expect that Nigeria would, by itself, take control of its destiny and create a measure of population control to avoid an explosion and entrench a poverty trap.

Since Ibrahim Babangida proposed the idea of four children per family to Nigerians in the 1980s, no attempt, no matter how feeble or unsuccessful it might be, has been made to draw the attention of Nigerians to the relationship that could exist between an unplanned population, poverty, crime and an uncertain future.

So, millions of Nigerian women, especially those in the lower rung of society, have become baby making machines, competing to outdo one another at the venture, which is where the relationship between education, adequate shelter and unbridled population comes to the fore.

While the average educated person plans to have a small family and is aware of family planning options, the poor, the destitute and multitude who succumb to urban migration with make shift housing, find good recreation in coitus and feel adequately rewarded by pregnancies and babies that result therefrom. Only an institutional intervention will help here.

However, as the Yoruba say, omo bere, osi bere, meaning intemperate procreation can only lead to bottomless poverty.

The limited nature of resources has become an increasing global reality and when populations grow without control in the face of unevenly distributed resources, poverty follows like a Siamese twin. Poverty then breeds crimes and conflicts and sometimes, war.

Now, Nigeria needs to plan for the future of its generation.

This the only way to ensure that, while forward looking nations will have shared prosperity in future, our country does not reap and wallow in the pains of our current improvidence.

•Adedokun is a public affairs analyst.

Political participation: It’s every Nigerian’s duty

By Mohammed Dahiru Aminu

of society.

There is an insistent need to overturn this trend by encouraging and reassuring the fine, adept people amongst us to answer a calling in partisan politics by joining the socio-political system at all levels—local and central. It is high time we saw participation in partisan politics from an untainted, unsoiled perspective. We must collectively raise the spirits of our people so they could get a handle on the fact that partaking in partisan politics is not dirty, all together. No one should be made to feel that to sign up to and engage in partisan politics is akin to risking one’s sanity. Rather, it should be seen as an avenue for enervating one’s rationality; the ability to go in there, takeover the polity from the hands of the mostly crooked, and to unfetter the sufferings of our people from a life of captivity, oppression, and suppression.

The civil society groups have a duty to encourage young Nigerians possessing the passion and the instinctive intuition of managing people and resources to join politics, en bloc. For quite a while, Nigeria has been losing the dexterity of the sharpwitted amongst us. Our people, out of disappointments, have either left the country for the far-off; never committed to returning home until the days of innocence are recouped once again, or have chosen to live a somewhat quiet life in the academia and other sectors of our society. Nigerians with exceptional skills and capacity to spearhead the affairs of the country must be ready to contest elections at all levels of government, from the peripheral to the central.

No momentous improvement is certain for Nigeria until we all are ready to succumb to a logical, hard-nosed decision, to reverse the institutional challenges that confront us daily.

•Aminu can be reached via mohd.aminu@gmail.com

The classical Greek philosopher, Plato, in his famous Republic, noted that the heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to you. It doesn’t matter if one is charmed by philosophy or not, but, in today’s Nigeria, Plato’s statement does not only inscribe the basis for Nigeria’s character defect, it equally awakens the subject of inept leadership that has served as a classic peculiarity of our country.

Starting from 1999, when Nigeria transitioned to democratic rule, the most troubling start for the country at that period seemed to be that the bunch of politicians that launched the democratic system—or the republic—as a representative form of government, were, to put it sympathetically, inept. It won’t be too tasking to reckon that at the time, most people that signed up to politics and contested elections were hardly tied up to an auspicious career. In the Nigerian clime, such a people of discouraging future—career wise—are most ably eligible to contest political offices. Nigeria’s 1999 transition to democratic rule was, therefore, a perfect point—in the history of the country—in which the crooked amongst us had the ideal opportunity to take control of power, which they did relentlessly.

It was regrettable that at the time, credible Nigerians with integrity and honour couldn’t have considered venturing forth into partisan politics, perhaps for the time-honoured presumption—that not only is partisan politics most suitable for people of discouraging future; without active careers to build—that politics itself is a dirty game. Out of their own volition—and at the peril of our country’s future—credible Nigerians with unmatched track records in the public and private sectors of the economy; who had their careers on the upswing, couldn’t think through abandoning their otherwise assuring professions only

to take the deep plunge into the murky waters of politics that carried with itself the overt currents of uncertainty. Although Nigeria was successful in leaping out of successive military dictatorships, it unfortunately leapfrogged into a democracy guided by the mostly incompetent ones found from within us; an oubliette democracy, if one may call it that.

But, regrettably, like Plato has told us, in the end, everything boils down to politics, whether or not we like it.

Decisions taken by politicians today have a way of influencing and shaping all aspects of our individual and collective lives.

From education, arts, literature, agriculture, economics, labour, and manufacturing, and to all other sectors of the society, the influence of decisions taken by politicians can never be played down. Thus, the disregard and neglect for partisan politics by more competent people in the country—as opposed to the crooked—must be the single most elemental factor that is responsible for the sundry issues Nigeria is battling with today. In a country of more than a hundred and fifty million people—that lays claim to professionals and experts in almost all facets of any and every preoccupation—it is quite biting and most strange that the political showground of Nigeria’s democracy has been subjugated—in the majority—by the mostly ineffectual elements

16

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Vandalism of govt properties worries minister Christian Okeke -Abuja

M

INISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Musa Bello, has expressed worry over the level of vandalism of government infrastructure that is ongoing in the territory.

He lamented that equipment being laid for the yet-to-be completed Abuja Light Rail project, was also not being spared by the vandals.

The minister, while expressing the reservation while giving his report card stated that the focus of his administration was to make the city efficient by completing all ongoing projects.

According to him, the stretch of roads from airport to barracks will all be completed., even as he pledged that the Abuja light rail project which is now 70 per cent

done would be completed by December 31, 2017.

The minister noted that his plan was to upgrade the slums in Abuja through urban renewal programme and not to demolish them.

He, however, said that demolitions had to be made to make for roads and to control diseases, but assured that in upgrading the communities, his administration had to adopt best international practices.

He said, “we encouraged contractors to come back to site. For 11 months, there was no releases for capital projects and what we did was that we requested for extension of our budget by three months so as to mobilise available contractors to site. That is why you see that semblances of work have returned. ”We have tried to instill rule of law in

all we do in all offices. What we observed is that we jettisoned the laws governing Abuja and weakened the institutions.

“What we have been able to do is to strengthen the institution and give officials confidence to say no to any appointee when things are being done wrongly “My vision is a day when permanent secretary or minister will tell director of land ‘give me a piece of land in that beautiful valley’ and I will like to see the day the director will say ‘no sir, that land you want is a grey area or is on water way and is part of the beauty of this city meant to be left for citizens unborn’ “That is what we need to do, not only in FCT but in the country so as to strengthen the institutions. That is the legacy that I want to leave “You may also not have known that a lot

From left, Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, FCTA Permanent Secretary, Dr Babatope Ajakaiye and other officials during the inspection of the Utako District Hospital under construction.

FCT school wins prize in Philippines Christian Okeke -Abuja GOVERNMENT Girls Secondary School, Abaji has won the 2016 Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) world cup competition by emerging first position in the Socially Responsible Business Category (SRB) in Manila, Philippines.

They earlier defeated countries like Russia, Iran, South Korea and Philippines to put up an impressive performance and advance to the final rounds.

Speaking on the victory, the Director,

FCT Secondary Education Board, Hajia Rakiat Daniya, said that the feat had again brought the FCT and Nigeria as a whole into limelight of global recognition in entrepreneurship.

She noted that the Nigerian contingent had barely two hours upon arrival at Manila to prepare for the preliminary rounds of Socially Responsible Business (SRB) category.

According to her, the 2016 SAGE World cup competition was competed for by 22 countries.

The Director commended the Team Nigeria which she said showcased high tech-

nical entrepreneurship skill in the keenlycontested event.

She said, “The FCT School, Government Girl’s Secondary School Abaji as dynamites took 1st position both at the zonal and National levels and also in Gabon among 28 Africa countries put together by non-governmental organisation named junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) and later in June 2016 as Amazing Amazons SAGE Team won the 2016 National SAGE Entrepreneurship competition which earned them the ticket to represent Nigeria at Manila, Philippines.”

of building plans are now being approved in time and even if it is not going to be approved, the person, within a given period of time, is briefed on why it is not going to be approved. ”Governments have always been run by civil servants. So let us not personalise offices to individuals. Instead let us strengthen the institutions “Another area that is a challenge to officials is the pockets of slums in FCT. What do you do to them, do you clear them or turn blind eyes to them?”

NGO to distribute instructional materials to pupils Christian Okeke -Abuja A Non- Governmental Organisation based in the Federal Capital Territory, Divine Virtuous Shunamite Ministry, is to distribute instructional materials to over 200 pupils across the six area councils of the territory as part of its efforts to boost teaching and learning in the area.

It has also rolled out its 2016 palliative plans for widows and orphans in the nation’s capital.

Speaking in Abuja at the weekend, founder of the organisation, Uduak Dondon disclosed that new school books, school bags, school uniforms and sandals would be provided the pupils upon resumption in September.

“It is common knowledge that a lot of families especially widows and orphans will not be able to provide these items for their wards when schools eventually resume,” she said.

She said, “we have taken it upon ourselves to provide these basic items for these kids who cannot afford them by themselves. We will also conduct free medical check-up for these kids in other to keep them fit for school.

“So on September 3, 2016, our organisation seeks to empower 200 kids with 1,200 pieces of note books, 200 pieces of school bags, 200 pieces of uniform, 200 pieces of Mathematical sets and one carton of biro and pencil each.

Dondon urged both Christians and Muslims to give priority attention to issues bordering on the less privileged in the society.

She said, “Instead of caring for the vulnerable in the society, we see them becoming preys living among predators.

Most times they are victims to the same people who ought to have been their first line of solace.

“Knowing full well that they are very close to the heart of God, we, at the Divine Virtuous Shunamite Ministry have been privileged to stand in the gap for them through prayers and various methods of operations.

17

Thursday, 1 September, 2016 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

I’m not making much money from writing as I’d like —Chikodili Emelumadu

POEM

Black lives matter Religious we are, no doubt As humans, I’m yet to see Anyone who freely turned The spared other cheek When tortured by a deadly foe

Chikodili Emelumadu is a writer, broadcaster and blogger. In this interview, she speaks on her growing up years in the United Kingdom, her writing, and why she hopes to make more money from literature. EXCERPTS:

The laws are skewed Roundly against blacks That any officer can target And shoot at any blackman Innocent youths and women For whatever reason

W

hat is the inspiration behind your story, “Jermyn”?

Suspects run from police When they become targets They are felled like games Shot from the back in flight No evidence to show No witness, no evidence to show From the trigger-happy officer Driven by hate and scorn Against blacks in their America for Whites

I don’t know. These sorts of questions are always difficult to answer because there is no right reply. It might have been something which I wasn’t even aware was influencing me. All I know is, I finished work for the day, shut down my computer and went to bed. There I was trying to sleep and this dog was howling in my head. I had to bring out my phone and write the story! I did around 2000+ words before it let me sleep.

Blacks killed like Sallah rams Pinned down by peace officers Snuffed-out with bullets to the heart Dying with moans as last breath Harrowing shots to the soul Of American democracy Liberalism and Freedom

Do you remember your first piece of writing?

No way. I’ve been writing since I can remember (I’m sure it’s the same old story with a lot of writers, people are probably sick of hearing it.) But I have not always done the same medium. When I was a kid, I read a lot of plays, so I started writing those first. For some reason, the format appealed to me. It was all ‘Exit stage left’ and whatnot even before I’d ever seen a staged play. Then I moved on to poetry for a bit – a period that coincided with my teenage years. Ah, such beautiful, angst, awful poetry. Then novels and novellas, and I have finally ‘settled’ on short stories.

That being said, I was in Nigeria recently and found a novel I started when I was 13 or so, about a protagonist named ‘Jade’ who had green eyes.

Some victims have no chance To lay out their claims Caged in their cars like rats Hopeless and helpless With soul mates or friends Paid supreme price, alas!

For daring to claim they are Americans like all others Or falter in anyway against The cruel apartheid laws In God’s own country

By AIG Ade A. Ajakaiye (Retd) Ibadan

Abeokuta

How did you come to write, “Light and Light”?

I cannot recall. I just heard this woman’s voice in my head – superior-sounding — so I started writing down what she was saying. Then she signed it ‘Superintendent Mrs Adachukwu Godschildson’ which cracked me up, so I followed her home to see what she was about. I did not like her house very much, let me tell you.

Can you share your story “Soup” as published by One Throne Magazine?

‘Soup’ tells the story of a girl, Akwaugo, who bonds with a very gossipy fish she’s supposed to be preparing for the soup pot.

Her mother has just died and Akwaugo is beginning to realise that in a way, maybe, she is dying too. The story is about what she does next.

You’re a Nigerian writer and broadcaster living in London. Can you share with us your childhood?

I was born in a little village here in the UK called, Worksop and grew up in Nigeria with five siblings. I returned to the UK at 21. My parents are both in the medical profession, so for a while, there was the hope that I’d end up in that same place. It was all done in love, I suppose. Parents want the best for

Voice of olumo has long been heard Lisabi is a lonesome pathway dried Saliva tires to return to the called I know this for the yearns of the spirit aged

5. Egba calls her child Those both near and far in the wild Sojourners in the wild you. But as our people say: Everybody has a different chi (guiding spirit/personal destiny). Maybe if I’d gone into their profession, I might have been the kind of doctor that kills people for fun, like, proper Hannibal stuff.

Is there any major difference between being a writer and broadcaster?

Yes. I guess both industries revolve around telling stories (yours or other people’s), but writing deals with the written word as a method of reaching people while broadcasting is audio/video.

Do you really make money from writing?

I’m not making much money from writing as I’d like!

Can you really describe the literary

scene in London?

I’m not very active on the London literary scene. I used to be, as a journalist, because my work required it. I’m a bit reclusive; write, read, rinse, repeat – in between other activities. Most of my interaction with the literary scene here nowadays is virtual/ online. London is vibrant in every way, even online.

What do you hope to achieve with your writing?

I hope to be better. I never want to rest on my (perceived) laurels. I want to keep going, challenging myself, meeting people and being in situations that will always inspire me to do more, faster, better. I want to do what I do to the best of my ability.

—Geosi Gyasi

I will to you-the ancestors - Return a valiant frost 10 coming to terms with the harmattaned floors For tales to tell of rigor And hurdle, lakes as acid

And evidenced scars from journeys arid

I will to you-the mothermost15. Return a man-made Proof of my long-lined descent Leaves part the tree Yet many sprout after the shed free Each at its turn new or weary 20 I at mine To be a green I am still at sea

By Oni Abidemi Martins, Lagos.

18

arts&review

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

When Ondo govt celebrated twin authors

By Victor Ogunyinka TO further actualise the goals of Adolescent and Youth Friendly Health Programme (AYFHP) in Ondo State, the state government and several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have feted teenage twin authors, who wrote a novel to sensitise peers on girl-child development and sex education.

The authors, Taiwo and Kehinde Adegbola, were celebrated by the state Ministry of Health at the premiere of a soup opera titled: “Make Hay while the Sun Shines,” in Akure, the state capital last week.

Their novel, entitled: “The Stigma that Refuses to go,” as reviewed by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, will be a complementary effort to the strategies employed by AYFHP to actualise its objectives among the adolescents and youths.

“It is a short play that depicts life and attitude of a girl named Tayo. She was influenced by peer pressure and this made her to end her life sadly, left with an everlasting stigma.”

Taiwo and Kehinde, who are SSS1 students of Federal Government College, Idoani, said they were motivated to make a difference, creating an opportunity for others to learn from their positive belief about life.

The twin authors averred that the 107page novel will help to instil values in youths and get them properly informed on sex education, imploring the state government to recommend it in the school syllabus.

According to Adeyanju, the ministry purposely created the soap opera, which he said is a 13-week episode, to engage youths throughout their vacation so that

POEM

Statesmen as stale men Our statesmen are stale men Spent shells fronting as unexpended ordnances Mammoth mammals milking our milky memories Our statesmen are stale men Dreadful dusk demeaning the dignity of our distinguishing dawns Soulless soldiers of self-serving sacrifices Our statesmen are stale men Harbingers of tunnel visions Proud providers of pervasive penuries Our statesmen are stale men Conscienceless cocks crushing the corns of our cunts Mocking mouths mowing down moral monuments Our statesmen are stale men Moribund minds out of sync with modern methods of development Rickety rickshaws ruining ripening lives Our statesmen are snake men Serpentine slavers slaking their sickening thirst on the sweats of the people Clouds without rains; missionaries without missions Our statesmen are stale men Wastrels wrecking the walls of wealth Butterflies buzzing our tender ears with the buzzword of breakthrough!

—By Ademola Adesola

they can gainfully use the holidays for self-development and rediscovery.

He hinged the twin occasion on the visions of mother and child initiative that does not only ensure “pregnancy is not a death sentence, but also to monitor the children after birth;” and to dissuade parents from neglecting their wards.

“Children who have no parental attention go from subtle to mild and wild. We build the best houses, ride the best kind of cars but we don’t build our children,” he said, urging the parents to devout more attention to the growth of their wards.

The commissioner disclosed that the lessons in the novel and the 13-week soap opera would help parents, children and society at large to cooperate with government and other critical stakeholders to get rid of child abuse and other child- Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, and the authors, Taiwo and Kehinde Adegbola, during the public presentation of the books in Akure, recently. related crimes.

He averred the commitabuses, especially on the girl-child which ment of the ministry and AYFHP to part- tribution to the development of the state. her NGO has handled in the recent past.

Awosika assured them that the ministry ner with the young authors and to develop Adetula, who spoke for all other NGOs in would ensure the book is distributed in all such talents among young people, declaring that the book will be recommended for the schools across the 18 LGAs of the state the state owned by women, declared that all the NGOs in the state would also partner and their libraries. all schools in the state. with the twins and make them role models While the Executive Director of Melville The Permanent Secretary of the Ministo other youths in the state on the core valWomen Initiative, Chief Mrs Module Adettry of Education, Mr Steve Awosika, lauded the teenagers for their precocious con- ula, recounted the numbers of cases of child ues of girl-child development.

Teaching morals through literature A review of Olayemi Olanipekun’s book, Twins, but not the same.

Inculcating morals in the lives of young children is the calling of author, Olayemi Olanipekun, as he uses his books to highlight societal ills, and those things children can do to avoid missing their destinies.

For example, one of his books, Twins, But not the Same, tells the story of a set of twins, and how they have different behaviours.

The book starts with the arrival of the twins into the country, where they are welcomed by their family and Omosewa, a family friend’s daughter.

After exchanging pleasantries, Kehinde discovers he likes Omosewa, and he asks his mother about her. However, the story changes direction when Omosewa is arrested for being in possession of cocaine.

She, however, reveals that she only visited the twins’ house, and she begins to suspect one of the twins.

Omosewa suspects Taiwo the more because he is the lousy type, while Kehinde

is the gentle type. She, therefore, suspects the culprit is Taiwo, but in the end, the

police arrest the twins, and in the course of investigation, Kehinde admits that he is responsible for putting the cocaine in Omosewa’s bag.

Kehinde, however, says he didn’t plant the cocaine in her bag to implicate her, but that he feels the bag belongs to his mother, who has pampered him all the while. Kehinde is charged to court and sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

In jail, Kehinde meets Ade, who is on the death row for killing fellow students during cult attacks while in the university.

Both Kehinde and Ade agree that they have both missed their ways, and while Kehinde still have another chance towards leading positive life after his release, Ade is later hanged for his crime.

The book teaches why children should not involve themselves in drugs, or cultism, and why parents should also monitor their children so that they won’t miss their destinies in life.

National Troupe to stage The Dented Anthill The National Troupe of Nigeria will on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the Cinema Hall II of the National Theatre round up the 2016 edition of its annual Children’s Creative Station Workshop (CCSW) with a command performance of ‘The Dented Anthill.’

The play was created by the participants of the Creative workshop and directed by foremost dramatist and choreogra-

pher, Peter Badejo (OBE). The six-week long workshop kicked off on July 26th 2016 with about 120 children who were engaged creatively in the areas of acting, improvisation, miming, dancing, writing, voice training and singing.

Coordinator of the workshop and Head of the Drama department of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Ms. Josephine Igberaese disclosed that the workshop aims at

developing children’s interest in creative activities.

Also Artistic Director of the National Troupe, Mr. Akin Adejuwon, stated that the workshop has since its inception in 2010, been targeted at children whose imagination and talents are reawakened, developed and appreciated.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

education

Editor: Laolu Harolds 08111845016 tribune.education@yahoo.com

Nigeria's out-of-school children now 11.4 million –FG

•Develops 4-year roadmap to revitalise education Clement Idoko-Abuja

T

HE Federal Government has revealed that the number of out-ofschool children in Nigeria has increased from 10.5 million to over 11.4 million as a result of insurgency in the northeastern part of the country.

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, disclosed this at the presentation of the education sector roadmap, ‘Education for Change: A Ministerial Strategic Plan 2016-2019’.

He said his ministry undertook the development of the Ministerial Strategic Plan in order to reposition Nigeria’s education sector to play a central role in the philosophy of positive change of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Adamu said the Federal Government is concerned about the numerous challenges confronting the sector, and that the draft roadmap presented to stakeholders for their inputs was designed to reposition the sector and lead to increased prosperity and competitiveness of Nigeria.

“With 11.4 million out-of-school children out of the 20 million worldwide, Nigeria has the highest number of school age children out of school in the world. These include the girl-child, almajiri child, children of nomadic pastoralists and migrant fishermen, and more recently, the children displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency,” the minister noted.

He added that the Federal Government would come up with more effective strategies for engaging with state governments in addressing the problem of escalating number of out-of-school children, including where necessary the use of targeted funding that deliberately addresses the factors of exclusion.

According to him, the roadmap being developed is built on 10 pillars based on the core strategic and measurable goals that need to be attained.

The 10 pillars are: addressing the out-ofschool children crisis; strengthening basic and secondary school education; teacher education involving capacity building and professional development; adult literacy and special needs education; education data and planning; as well as curriculum and benchmark minimum academic stan-

Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Olusola Oyewole (left) and the convener, Professor Peter Adebola Okuneye Inter-varsity Debate (PAID) during the third edition of the programme held at FUNAAB recently. dard.

Other areas include technical and vocational education and training (TVET); quality assurance and access in higher education; information and communication technology in education; and library services in education.

“The plan envisages that if these pillars

are addressed in accordance with outlined objectives, the education system in our country will not only address the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens, but will also be globally competitive,” Adamu said.

He said specifically that the strategic plan of the government is to mop up all

Recession: Parents withdraw wards from private schools in Plateau Isaac Shobayo-Jos

THE prevailing economic recession in Nigeria is gradually taking its toll on the education sector, especially at the primary and secondary levels.

Tribune Education findings in Plateau State revealed that not less than 85 per cent of private schools in the state have increased their fees, along with other materials, on the premise that the cost of books, uniforms among others have gone up.

It is even worse for parents whose children are in boarding schools, who are expected to pay more for feeding and other essentials things.

A principal of a secondary school in Jos, the state capital, who did not want his name in print, told Tribune Education

that the increase had become necessary if private schools must remain in business.

“Before my school increased the fees by 45 per cent, several meetings were held with the Parent-Teacher Association to find a way out in line with the economic reality in the country; but a consensus was reached to increase it by 45 per cent to meet up with the running cost.

According to him, those in the boarding house will have to pay more because of feeding. I can tell you that some parents who cannot afford fees and live in Jos have started withdrawing their wards from being boarders to become day students, as a means of cutting cost. Definitely, when school resumes, the number of students will reduce.

However, Tribune Education gath-

Teachers to Okowa: ‘Pay our salary arrears’ Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri THE secretary, Association of All Primary Schools Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Sapele Local Government Area chapter, Comrade Umurhurhu Friday Akpore, has appealed to the governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to pay their backlog of salary arrears.

He denied a state’s newspaper’s report credited to him that he commended Okowa, saying that the report did not originate from him.

the 11.4 million out-of-school children from the streets in the next four years by raising the national Net Enrolment Rate (NER) to ensure that all of them are enrolled in basic schools.

In order to achieve this target, he said government plans to enrol 2,875,000 pupils annually for the next four years.

According to him, primary school teachers in Delta State have not been paid since the last four months.

Consequently, he said, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State wing, had taken decision which would be unfolded soon to the public regarding the salary areas.

He stressed that he has no right whatsoever to address the welfare of teachers in the state, because he is not the state chairman or the state secretary of the NUT. Umurhurhu said further that he only

commended Sapele Local Government Education Secretary, Mrs Omamerhi Agbana for her good works in taking education in Sapele Local Government Education Area to a greater height.

The NUT secretary representing Sapele, Comrade Felix Igho Iweta, has also commended Mrs. Agbana for her “benevolent spirit,” which he said has endeared her to the workforce in the council.

He said since Mrs Agbana came on board, the educational standard in the area has improved tremendously.

ered that while enrollments of some schools are increasing, others are going down based on fees. A school administrator in one of the schools owned by a Pentecostal church in Jos said that in the past one week, no fewer than 50 parents have approached the school to transfer their children to the school.

Said said, “Though there is a slight increment in our fees, it still ranks among the lowest in the state. With our fees, many parents are still complaining; but there is nothing we can do about it.”

Mrs Helen Sabastine, a civil servant who has three children in both primary and secondary schools in the state, said with the session, she needs to buy new sets of uniforms, sandals, books and others.

“My salary as a widow cannot meet all these; the alternative is to look for affordable ones.”

Tribune Education found out that though the state of both public primary and secondary schools in Plateau State is not very impressive, parents appear to be withdrawing their wards out of private schools to public schools owing to increase in fees.

A cross section of people who spoke with Tribune Education in Jos implored the state government to give both public primary and secondary schools in the state a face lift.

A retired teacher, Dalyop Musa said it is obvious that with the hardship in the land, coupled with non-payment of salary or erratic payment of salary, many patents would be forced to transfer their wards to public schools.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

12 FUTA students to complete undergraduate programme at US varsity

T

HE vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adebiyi Daramola, has admonished the fourth set of students who recently proceeded to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America, for the completion of their undergraduate programmes to sustain and improve on the already established positive image of the university during their academic sojourn in America.

He made the call at a departure sendoff organised for the 12 students, who will be in the United States for two sessions under the aegis of the existing academic exchange programme and memorandum of understanding between both institutions.

Reviewing the performance of students in the collaboration since inception of the 4+1+1 programme, under which selected FUTA students complete the last year of their undergraduate programme in FAMU and proceed to do their masters, Daramola said, “I am very happy to announce to you that your predecessors in the programme have made us proud. They keep our flag flying and keep making us shine. I want you to make FUTA shine better.

“Since the programme started, we have received positive reports about our students. They have performed morally and academically well. As I am talking to you, one of them who went in 2014 will be

completing his doctorate in April, 2017. This is a great feat. I urge you to utilize this rare opportunity to your full advantage.”

Daramola admonished the students to justify their parents’ investment and be good ambassadors of their

parents, the university and Nigeria. He also assured the university community about his administration’s effort in increasing collaboration with world class universities.

In separate addresses, the director, International Office, FUTA, Professor Akin-

tunde Akindahunsi, admonished the students to face their studies and not misuse the opportunity. He urged them to tread the path to success and be good ambassadors of the university.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Oladosun

Olayinka of the Department of Metallurgical and Material Engineering (MME) assured the university management and parents that they would represent the nation well.

He thanked the vice chancellor for the opportunity.

The 12 FUTA students that recently left for the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, Florida, USA as part of an academic exchange programme between the two institutions.

Chief Operations Officer, CWG Plc, Mr Kunle Ayodeji (left) with students and teachers of Ajigbeda Girls Senior High School, as part of CWG’s Corporate Social Responsibility Contribution to the MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care Initiative, held at the CWG Academy, Lagos, recently.w

Buhari lauded over French Language Village DG’s re-appointment PIERRE d’Alcantara Zocli, the chancellor of Espéranza University, Cotonou, Benin Republic, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for re-appointing Professor Rauf Adebisi as the director-general and chief executive officer of the Nigeria French Language Village.

He also congratulated Professor Adebisi on his reappointment, saying that the re-appointment would allow the director-general to finish the good programmes he initiated and also enable him to do more.

D’Alacantara, who was a president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin Republic (CCIB), said in his a letter: “As an institution rooted in the spirit of African innovation and

progress, Espéranza University would like to mark the recent re-appointment of Professor Rauf Adebisi to the post of director-general at the Nigerian French Language Village.

“The Nigeria French Language Village initiative is yet another example of the

Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit which Espéranza University has been working hard over the past couple of years to harness by equipping young Nigerian prospects with the academic and practical tools of entrepreneurship within an intra-African setting; by

exposing young Nigerians through immersion to the intricacies and opportunities of our cross-border trading corridor and the Francophone market.

“Your initiative offers a great entry point and introductory approach to the above pan-African dynam-

ics. In the light of these striking synergies between our respective work, we are keen to seize the moment and launch a conversation around the setting up of a strategic partnership between Espéranza University and the Nigeria French Language Village.

Book on rapid success in Mathematics unveiled in Abuja Clement Idoko - Abuja THE Deputy Director, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr Dolamu Akindele, has come to the rescue of many Nigerians with phobia for Mathematics with the public launch of his book, ‘Rapid Success in Mathematics’.

The book was unveiled in Abuja recently.

Mr Akindele, despite his crowded schedule, thought of the need to have a test guide or quick revision exercises to enable children prepare and do last-minute revision of the subject prior to examinations.

He told Tribune Edu-

cation that poor preparation of students and fear of Mathematics are responsible for the persistent mass failure in the subject in schools and public examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council, National Examination Council, and the Joint Admissions and Ma-

triculation Board, among others.

Akindele said it is general knowledge that Nigeria lacks adequate qualified teachers to teach the subject, and that this is further compounded by the lack of attention paid by most parents to academic activities of their children.

Reggio Emillia best teaching method —UNICEF specialist

By Kehinde Adio UNITED Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) education specialist Abuja, Swadchet Sankey, has described Reggio Emillia, a child-centred teaching methodology developed in Italy, as the best.

Sankey made the remark on Monday at the opening of a five-day training exercise organised by UNICEF, in collaboration with the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, for pre-primary school teachers drawn from Akinyele and Iddo Local Government areas of Oyo State.

According to her, using Reggio Emillia pedagogy to prepare children between the ages of zero and five will make them better learners when they proceed to primary school.

She said further: “UNICEF will appreciate the state government in Nigeria that would commit adequate fund to the development of pre-school education programme, and train teachers adequately well to do the job.

“UNICEF’s involvement in the ongoing professional training for the early child care development education teachers and caregivers in Oyo State is to set the pace for the government to encourage the establishment of preprimary school in the public primary school, and employment of professional teachers to handle the schools.”

Meanwhile, the provost, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo State, Dr. Rasak Adefabi, has commended UNICEF for its commitment towards education development in Nigeria.

According to him, the Fund has continued to live up to expectation in its vision of contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria.

He thanked UNICEF for its effort to introduce Reggio Emillia education teaching approach to Nigerian educational system.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State, Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Lucy Eniola, thanked the organisers for the training programme. She reiterated that the board would do everything possible to ensure the growth and development of pre-primary school education in the state.

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education

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Gov Bello orders audit of state-owned tertiary institutions Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

N

IGER State governor, AlhajiAbubakar Sani Bello, has directed a forensic audit of the income and expenditure of all the state-owned institutions of higher learning in the last two years.

He gave the directive at the Government House, Minna, when he received the report of the committee led by Hajiya Dije Bala on the viability of the establishment of a university of education.

The Dije Bala committee had recommended that a visitation panel be constituted to help reduce financial wastage in the affected institutions.

Despite claims of inadequate funding, Hajia Bala had told the governor that her committee was able to establish that the books of

Council chair bags ANCOPSS award HONOURABLE Jacob Abidoye Bamigboye, the chairman of the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been given the Excellent Award in Education by the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Ogbomoso Zone 5.

The event took place at the Community Grammar School, Iluju, Oyo State.

The award, which was presented by Mr. M. A. John, chairman ANCOPSS Ogbomoso zone 5, was in recognition of Bamigboye’s dedication to the development of education standard in the local government and Oyo State in general.

While presenting the award, Mr John listed payment of 2011, 2012 and 2013 NECO fees of students of SSS 3 in Oriire Local Government secondary schools; provision of at least 100 complete seats for 18 secondary schools; provision of standard and well-equipped first aid kits to various schools and sponsorship of ANCOPSS national conference as part of philanthropic gestures that endeared Bamigboye to ANCOPPS. In his acceptance speech, Hon. Bamigboye thanked ANCOPPS for the award and canvassed support for Governor Abiola Ajimobiled administration in its public-private partnership in education development.

the state-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, in the last three years showed that the institution is financially solvent.

This prompted the governor to direct the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, along with

the Ministry of Finance, to carry out a forensic audit of the finances of all the tertiary institutions in the state.

“From your findings, it shows that IBBU can stand on its own; and aside from her internally generated revenue, large chunk

of money to be given to the university should be for capital projects.

“If that is the case, I want a forensic audit of all the tertiary institutions. The Ministry of Education and that of Finance should conduct forensic audit of the books of these institutions.

We have to be prudent in spending government funds,” the governor said.

In her submission, Hajiya Dije Bala, the chairperson of the committee, has recommended the setting up of visitation panels to all the state owned higher institutions.

Olori Owa, Efunkemi Omidirepo, laying the foundation of Olori statue in front of the Olori Hall of residence at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. With her are (first left) Hall Warden, Mrs R.A Akinseye, Miss Olori, 2016 (Centre) Olamide Kazeem; Olori Adenike Fatunmise (2nd right) and Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State presenter, Mrs Olubunmi Olabiyi

Ooni’s wife donates N1.4m to improve hostel facility at Ibadan Poly

By Modupe George THE new queen of Ife, Olori Wuraola Otiti Zaynab Ogunwusi, has provided succor to the female students in the Olori Hall of residence of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Yeyeluwa of the source made a cash donation of N1.4 million to the Olori Hall of residence for the general refurbishment and beautification of the hall as well as for the erection of the typical Olori statue in front of the facility.

She made the donation last Thursday at a week

long-annual ‘Olori Day’ organised by female students of the hostel, to celebrate femininity and womanhood.

Olori Wuraola was ably represented by Olori Owa Efunkemi Omidirepo, Yeye Ewe Obatala, who was also accompanied by Olori Adenike Fatunmise.

In her address, Olori Wuraola declared her full support and acceptance for the honour to erect the typical Olori statue in front of the hall of residence, and promised to be present when the statue is ready to be unveiled.

She advised the female

students to ensure that they all do well in their studies and live a good record when graduating from the institution, saying “your certificate is the only will no one can take from you.”

Speaking on the ‘Olori Day’ annual event, the hall warden, Mrs Risikat Abimbola Akinseye, who is a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration of the polytechnic, explained that the event is meant to promote the Yoruba culture, thereby bringing out the royalty in every female student.

She said the event is also meant to re-orientate the

PTA seeks govt’s support for private schools THE Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Mercyland International College, Abeokuta, Ogun State chapter, has urged the Ogun State government to support private schools in the state for the development of education.

Chairman of the association, Mr. Femi Fatunbi, made the call at a press briefing in Abeokuta.

Fatunbi also commended the students for their consistent brilliant performance at the justconcluded West African Senior Secondary certificate Examination (WAS-

SCE) where 70.3 per cent had distinctions in nine subjects, 24 per cent had distinctions in eight subjects, and 5.4 per cent had distinctions in six subjects.

A parent, Pastor Segun Akinosi, whose two children were among the candidates, expressed great satisfaction with the performance of the students, pointing out that his confidence in the school had never waned.

He charged the staff and the entire management to continue to work hard to maintain the good record of the school, stress-

ing “with the facilities in the school and the level of discipline and good learning conditions, academic excellence is guaranteed in the school.”

Also speaking, the proprietress of the school, Dr. Anuoluwa Bankole, attributed the success to God, parents and dedication of the staff.

She assured the parents and guardians that the school would continue to provide qualitative education with the aid of up-to-date standard facilities as well as provision of conducive atmosphere for the students.

students, so that the womanliness in them can find true expression, as well as bring close to them women of substance they can emulate or fashion their lives after.

“Olori Hall is as old as the polytechnic itself. It is high time it was given a new and befitting look it deserves.

That is why we have solicited for the help of Her Imperial Majesty, Olori Wuraola.

“We want to erect the typical Olori statue at the entrance of the hall, make a highway for students on wheel chair, create a parking lot, and replace the old toilets with new ones, among other things,” she said.

She promised that the money would be used judiciously for the purpose it is meant for. She also thanked the school management for its promptness in attending to every need and request from the hall, and most importantly for always picking the bill when the need arises.

Highlights of the event were, presentation of awards, comedy, dance competition, talent hunt, musical rendition from the music department of the polytechnic and Miss Olori beauty pageant, where Olamide Kazeem emerged as“Miss Olori 2016.”

Ogun Speaker holds summer coaching for 6,000 students

By Gbenga Olumide OGUN State House of Assembly speaker, Honourable Suraju Adekunbi, has said that the yearly free holiday coaching currently being enjoyed by over 6,000 students in his constituency is part of his contributions to educational development in the state.

Adekunbi, represented by his Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Mr. Gafar Babalola, made the remarks shortly after inspecting the success of the programme at three centres, including Ayetoro, Igbogila and Imasayi communities in Yewa North I state constituency.

He explained that as the summer holiday was being rounded off, the knowledge gained during coaching in five core subjects would enhance the academic performance of students ahead of the next academic session.

According to him, the current edition is the fifth of the yearly programme, which is being managed by seasoned and competent tutors in line with the current academic curriculum.

The speaker advised the beneficiaries to use the opportunity provided by the exercise to refresh their academic performance, saying that more had also been done in the area of infrastructure through the construction of three blocks of classrooms each at Ayetoro and Sunwa wards.

He added that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the National Examination Council (NECO) forms were purchased for indigent students, while over 50 students from his constituency had been given scholarship to higher institutions.

He also disclosed that over 600 units of furniture had been provided for primary and secondary schools in the constituency.

Responding on behalf of some of the beneficiaries, Lawal Oluremi, Omidokun Ridwan from Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro; and Odeleye Oluwatobiloba from Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, thanked the Speaker for creating an avenue for them to be engaged academically during the holiday.

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education

Corps member spends over N1m on library renovation, equipment in Calabar Anthony Ubong, Calabar DESPITE the current economic climate in the country, a member of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) serving in Calabar, Cross River State, Miss Ujunwa Anene, has spent about N1 million to renovate and equip libraries of two secondary schools.

The two schools are Estate Secondary School and Government College, Ikot Ansa - both in the state capital.

The fund for the project, Tribune Education learnt, was raised from her personal savings, support from corporate organisations, and public-spirited individuals.

Speaking with Tribune Education in Calabar, Miss Anene said that due to the pivotal role education plays in the development of the society, she decided to, as part of her community development service, give the two secondary schools a facelift.

She said she was particularly touched by the plight of the students, while on a visit to the school, which she said did not have a well-equipped library.

“Choosing to renovate and equip the school libraries was not the only thing I had in mind; other part of the project I proposed was a borehole at the NYSC state secretariat in Calabar, but I jettisoned that because of lack of funds and most especially because of the importance of the library to both schools.

“I was moved by the plight of the students who told me that they did not have current books to consult, especially in the sciences. Some of them lamented that since they could not afford to buy books, they usually depended on the school library. But unfortunately, it (school library) is not equipped with books and study materials like desk and tables.”

She added:“It was not an easy task for me to raise the fund for this project, but I thank God for individuals and corporate bodies that assisted me.

They understood my vision and how far this project would impact the lives of the students.

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

UNILORIN, 6 other varsities develop anti-plagiarism software

I

N a bid to check academic fraud in the country, the University of Ilorin, in conjunction with six other Nigerian universities, has developed a home-grown antiplagiarism software.

The other universities are

Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin; Covenant University, Ota; Delta State University, Abraka; Benue State University, Makurdi; the University of Jos and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The software programme

development was at the instance of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), which is the umbrella organisation for vice-chancellors of the nation’s federal, state and private universities.

The AVCNU had mandated its Information and Communication Technology Subcommittee, headed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, ProfessorAbdulGaniyuAmbali (OON), to assemble IT team from Nige-

Teachers and students of God’s Blessing Comprehensive College, Akande close, Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo State during their excursion to Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Oke-Ado, Ibadan recently.

Undergraduates charged on self-actualisation to aid employability Oluwole Ige - Osogbo Students of higher institutions of learning have been tasked to strive in developing themselves along with their education so as to acquire useful knowledge and skills required to make them fit for the labour market.

At a seminar organised for students of the department of Office Technology Management (OTM), Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State by a group under the auspices of Prison

Break Nigeria, various resource persons, ranging from academics to motivational speakers urged the students be focused and buckle up for future challenges.

Speaking to Tribune Education, the initiator of the seminar, Mr Tolulope Isaac said ‘Prison Break Nigeria’ is to set people free, especially the youths, from mental captivity. We realise that there is a kind of knowledge gap. I’m using my personal resources to do

this and I consider it my contribution to the society, “he said.

Isaac who also graduated from OTM department said the aim of the programme was to capture the mentality of the youths and guide them to become successful in life, adding that he was doing so as his contribution to the society through his alma mater.

A lecturer from OTM department, Mr Folorunso Oluwole in his lecture charged the students to

Rector advocates new orientation towards education

By Modupe George Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan Professor Olatunde Fawole has advocated for a new orientation towards the development, management and administration of education in Nigeria.

Professor Fawole stated this while presenting a lecture to mark the 90th birthday of Chief Ayo Labiyi, the founding Principal of Lagelu Grammar School, who served the school between 1958 and 1968.

He noted in the lecture entitled: "Public and Private Partnership in Public Secondary Schools, Administration in Oyo

State:Problems and Prospects” held at the hall of Lagelu Grammar School that government alone could no longer fund education solely, hence there must be dialogue among stakeholders in the education sector.

Professor Fawole further stated that there should be appropriate funding of secondary school education by government, private sector, parents, non- governmental organisations and the community to achieve improvement in both infrastructure and examination performance.

He said the private sector and individual citizens should now play more active role in the establish-

ment, administration and management of secondary schools, not only in Oyo State, but throughout the country.

He went down memory lane that the first Primary School in Nigeria which was established in 1843 was founded by the Wesleyan Methodist society in Badagry, while the first Secondary School, established in 1859 was founded in Lagos by the Christian Missionary society CMS in Lagos.

He advised that public and private partnership is the way to go if the nation is desirous of returning to the golden era of quality Secondary School Education.

add value to themselves through seriousness and dedication to their studies as well as the acquisition of relevant skills that could give them an edge among their peers.

According to him, “apart from obtaining certificates from higher institutions, you must also have knowledge of Information Communication Technology to give you extra value beyond your diploma or degree. Knowledge of ICT would make you to perform better in office.

“It is unfortunate today that many graduates are not employable and they would not be able to get jobs because they are not employed owing to several factors including poor communication skill.”

Also speaking, a motivational speaker, Mr Bukola Idowu urged the students to manage their time well, do away with bad friends and cultivate the habit of doing things accurately with speed and thereby become the delight of their employers.

“You must acquire useful knowledge and skills.

It is very important that you prove to the employers that you are an asset to them and not a liability.

Once you have the capacity to add value, the employer would be willing to give

rian universities to develop the home-grown anti-plagiarism software with the local repository.

Speaking during the demonstration of the software at the University of Ilorin penultimate Thursday (August 18, 2016), the Director, Computer Services and Information Technology (COMSIT) Directorate, University of Ilorin, Professor M. I. Ahmed, disclosed that the software is 80 per cent completed, adding that using local human resource to develop the software has helped to cut down cost and show the ingenuity of Nigerians.

Professor Ahmed explained that the software has both local and global repository with features such as peer review, document comparison, grammar checker, language support and title validation, with the name EAGLE SCAN being proposed for the programme.

He disclosed that when operational, the anti-plagiarism application, would be made available to all Nigerian universities, saying that the application would compete globally, as he called on the AVCNU to see to the digitisation of local contents in the various universities.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, ProfessorAbdulGaniyuAmbali (OON), who was represented at the application demonstration by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Y. A. Abdulkareem, formally commended the technical team put together by the AVCNU to develop the programme.

Professor Ambali noted that plagiarism is a criminal offence that has given the AVCNU concern, adding that the development of the programme is the AVCNU’s effort to ensure quality control towards quality assurance in the Nigeria education system.

Among those who witnessed the demonstration were the Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Victor F. Peretomode; the representative of the Benue State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joel O. Eriba and the Deputy Secretary of the AVCNU, Mr Ayodele Adigun, among others.

The vice-chancellor was joined at the meeting by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor N. Y. S. Ijaiya; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (RTI), Professor Gabriel Olatunji; the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Dada Obafemi; the University Librarian, Dr Joseph Omoniyi; and the Dean Postgraduate School, Professor Badmas Olanrewaju Yusuf.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016 Editor:

health

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

Uterine fibroids: signs younger women should not ignore

Some of these signs have been attributed to accompany menstruation and have been checked as innocuous by women, but experts say they may be more to these signs than meets the eye. VERA ONANA writes about these pointers and why younger women should be wary of them.

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daobi (not her real name) was perplexed. The words that came out from the mouth of her gynecologist hit her like flashes of thunder strike. Her mouth fell agape as a silent protest, hesitantly crawled out of her lips. “Fibroid, how can that be? I am barely 25 years old. There must be some mistake!”

Most times and erroneously, uterine fibroids may be associated with older women but according to consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Daryl Daley, Senior Resident at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica, uterine fibroids can affect any woman in the reproductive age group, which means that women who are within the sexually reproductive age are at risk of developing fibroid.

Reiterating that fact, Dr Michael Ezeanochie, said uterine fibroid has become common among younger women and not older women alone as is the general perception.

Ezeanochie, who is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, said “it usually affects women in the reproductive age range usually above 20 years until menopause. It is rare after menopause.”

According to Dr Jide Oyetunji of the Federal Medical Centre, Kastina, uterine fibroids are clinically referred to as Leiomyomas, which are tumours of the smooth muscle of the uterus. They are usually also benign in nature and are not cancerous.

Oyetunji said that fibroids may present with Menorrhagia, which is heavy and prolong menses, Dysmenorrhoea, which is painful menses and other signs could be abdominal swelling and the pres-

ence of mass.

Elucidating on the signs and symptoms, Dr Ezeanochie said “The tumours can go unnoticed for many years because they do not have any symptoms in some women and are often discovered ‘incidentally’ while a woman is being evaluated by a doctor for other things.”

Dr Daley, while speaking with All Woman magazine, further explained that symptoms of fibroids usually depend on its location.

However, he lamented the fact that the subtle indicators are carelessly overlooked by younger women, saying: “Painful and heavy periods, bloating and constipation are common indicators of women with fibroids. Unfortunately, many young women ignore these symptoms be-

Sex, Sexuality&your health

Menopause and mental health Page 26

cause of the common misconception that fibroids only affect older women.”

Fibroids, Daley said can occur at any level of the uterus and cause any or all of these different symptoms. “Heavy bleeding is usually associated with fibroids in the endometrial cavity and other symptoms include cramps before and after periods; constipation which usually occurs when fibroids rest on the rectum; increase in the desire to pass urine which happens when the fibroid compress the bladder and increased abdominal growth.”

Daley added that a thorough medical investigation has to be carried out to determine if a woman has fibroids, “The symptoms that a patient presents with, while they

may point in the direction of fibroids, cannot be the basis upon which a diagnosis is made.”

Corroborating the medical fact, Dr Ezeanochie said “Fibroids can be diagnosed by eliciting information from a patient and by clinical examination. Ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis is an investigation that can be of assistance in detecting fibroids.”

The experts went further to stress that though the signs are not definitive, they should not be ignored by younger women because there is a link between fibroid and infertility in women.

Dr Oyetunji, explained that the relationship between fibroid and infertility is like a two-way street.

“Fibroid can cause infertility and infertility can cause fibroid. There

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Oranges help to tackle obesity —StudyPage 26

is a common phrase that a womb that does not carry a baby may carry fibroid.”

On the contrary, Ezeanochie, speaking on the link between fibroids and infertility in women, said, “fibroids usually do not cause infertility. However, if it is very big or its position obstructs the entrance of the womb (uterus), it can cause a delay in getting pregnant.

Fibroids located inside the cavity of the womb can lead to miscarriage.”

While discussing if being affected by uterine fibroid may disturb a woman’s sex life, the gynaecologist said “Fibroids ordinarily do not have a direct effect on a woman’s sex life. The exact cause of uterine fibroid is not known but it is more common among black women and women who are menstruating. Sex hormones produced by the ovaryprogesterone and oestrogen-- increase the risk. Sometimes it may be common in certain families.”

According to Oyetunji, fibroid treatment options ranges from non-surgical to surgical but definitive treatment is dependent on the patient’s age, future fertility desires, the number and the size of the fibroids and the symptoms present,” explained Daley.

Speaking further on the treatment options, Oyetunji stated that nonsurgical treatment involves the use of drugs that are capable of causing shrinkage of tumours. He explained that “Gonadotropin releasing hormone anaologues (GnRH) are associated with fibroid shrinkage and they act by shutting down the ovarian function and oestrogen levels and can be administered monthly.”

On the other hand, he added that surgical management may include myomectomy for large symptomatic fibroids. A myomectomy, he said, “involves the removal of the fibroids through an abdominal incision. These fibroids can also be removed laparascopically or robotically through small incisions in the skin with the aid of multiple ports.”

“Also, there is another procedure called uterine arteries embolisation. It involves the blockage of the uterine arteries which mainly supplies blood to the uterus in order to gradually decrease the size of the fibroid,” Oyetunji explained.

Hysterectomy, he added, “is also another treatment option for the removal of giant mass. But since it involves the removal of the entire uterus via an abdominal incision or vaginally, it is usually advised or reserved for women who have completed their reproductive careers.”

He explicitly stated that though myomectomy is preferred for younger women that still desire to bear children, there is a possibility that fibroids removed in that manner may regrow even after. Myomectomy is used to treat woman who has fibroid and may not be the cause of infertility in the woman.

Experts therefore advised younger women on early marriage and conception so as to reduce the chances of such happening while admonishing them on good diet that is low in unsaturated fatty acid and to also prioritise exercise.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

When the body is at war with itself “Where is your father?” I asked the little girl. “Papa has travelled abroad to attend to his eye problem,” she answered. “Where is your mum?” “She went with him,” she replied with a look of “you should have known,” on her face. Thereafter, she went on to describe how papa had woken up about five weeks before complaining of severe pain in his right eye. Any attempt to look at light or open his eye made the pain worse.

“The local eye medical doctor called it ‘you-vee-eye-tis’,” she said, pronouncing the word syllable by syllable. “I remember he said the eye would be okay within a couple of days but papa felt he would get better treatment overseas,” she added.

An unexpected voice from behind me asked, “What is uveitis?” I turned back to find it was Felix, my friend’s younger brother. From the look on his face, I knew he was worried especially since my friend had been away for quite some time. “Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle coat of the eye called the uveal tissue. It is one of the common causes of vision loss and blindness the world over.

Uveitis may cause blurry and reduced vision but responds to treatment in many cases with full recovery of vision.

In some cases, when the inflammation occurs repeatedly, it results in severe damage to the eye which may lead to permanent visual loss,” I explained.

“But what is ‘inflammation’?” he asked again. “Inflammation is the body’s basic response to injury. ‘Injury’ refers not only to trauma but anything that can cause harm to the body, such as foreign bodies, chemicals, bacteria and viruses. Like in a community, the body has its own defences

When shall we have hospitals in Nigeria, a country of 180million people that can play host to our top leaders and Heads of States

– information gathering for surveillance, security personnel such as policemen and soldiers (white blood cells and plasma proteins) and a network of roads (blood vessels) and vehicles (blood fluid and plasma) to transport the policemen and soldiers to the site of the injury,” I explained.

“In most cases of uveitis, it is not possible to identify the cause of the injury.

The body’s defence mechanism (immune system) inappropriately triggers an inflammatory response when there are no foreign substances to fight off.

Thus, there is disharmony and the body’s normally protective immune system responding as if normal tissues are somehow abnormal causing damage to its own tissues. The body can be said to be literally at war against itself.”

“I understand perfectly now what inflammation and uveitis are about. Isn’t it possible to treat the condition here in our country? Why is everybody going for treatment abroad? My brother left for UK about the same time that our President left for Saudi Arabia and I understand that the speaker’s wife recently gave birth to a bouncing baby boy in Ghana?” “My friend, that is something I would rather not talk about,” I replied.

your mental

health you &

Later that day, in my quiet moment, I couldn’t help but reflect on his questions. How much are these overseas trips and treatment costing our nation? I did a quick mental calculation.

Between the three of them, I reckon the nation would have spent at that time. Certainly not less than N300million. When shall we have hospitals in Nigeria, a country of 180million people that can play host to our top leaders and Heads of States?

I opened my TV to watch the news.

Incredibly, the first news item was the story of a road accident which had occurred that afternoon involving two highly placed persons. They were rushed to the nearest hospital. Both had died after two hours.

The doctor said they would have survived if he had all the things he needed. There was no electricity and the generator had broken down; no blood because the blood bank had broken down in the absence of electricity and no running water. In an emergency, we don’t have a choice, we have to be attended to in a local hospital. Often, the skills of the local doctor and the facilities at his disposal determine if we would survive to make the journey to an overseas hospital of our choice. The lesson is clear.

With: Jibril Abdulmalik (Consultant Psychiatrist) jabdulmalik@gmail.com

Can mental illness be treated in hospital?

Tunde: Have you heard about Ade’s illness?

Bayo: No, I have not heard. Is Ade ill?

What happened to him?

Tunde: He has gone mad; infact, he has been taken to Yaba Psychiatric Hospital.

Bayo: Really? That is serious. But he never showed any signs of smoking weed or taking hard drugs? What could have caused it?

Tunde: Why are you talking like this now? Don’t you know that it is a spiritual matter? They are wasting their time taking him to Yaba. They have to seek a spiritual solution to this spiritual problem. Otherwise, he will never recover.

Bayo: Hmm, people are wicked. So one has to be careful so as not to be afflicted with mental illness.

Tunde: In fact, it calls for serious prayers. Especially in Ade’s case where he had already gone to the market with his ‘madness’ before they caught him. He can never be well again.

These sort of discussions are all too common and simply reflect the widely held perceptions in our community about mental illness. But is it only those who smoke weed or take hard drugs that can suffer from mental illness? Could it be that mental illnesses are caused by spiritual attacks and they can never be cured? Are the popular movie portrayals (such as in

Nollywood), which depict mental illness as untreatable conditions in hospitals that need to be referred to trado-spiritual healers, factual?

Such misconceptions largely arise from the very poor understanding of the nature of mental illness and the strangeness of it all. This is further compounded by the secrecy, shame and embarrassment that often accompanies mental health challenges, which prevents open discussions, as the problems are only discussed in hushed tones and the use of innuendoes.

In reality, our thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviour are simply a function of certain chemicals in our brains. Thus, when we feel happy or sad; when we think about a problem and are able to arrive at a solution or make up our minds about what to do; when we want to remember something and we think hard and suddenly remember it – we are simply using our brains and certain chemicals are working hard to allow us perform these functions.

Thus when there are abnormal changes in the levels of these brain chemicals, it affects the thinking processes, the feelings of happiness or sadness (emotions), memory, judgement and behaviour of the affected person.

Mental health challenges often arise from a change in the level of these brain chemicals and can be correctly identified,

and treated with the help of drugs that correct the level of the abnormality and restore normal balance. Once this is restored, such individuals recover fully and can live their normal lives. However, in some cases, they will also need to continue taking their drugs in order to ensure that the levels of the affected chemicals remain normal. They will also benefit from regular clinic attendance for follow-up reviews by the psychiatrist.

This is very similar to what happens in persons with diabetes for example. Persons with diabetes are unable to tolerate or utilise glucose maximally because a chemical known as insulin is not working

Mental health challenges are no different from those of other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension with respect to the fact that they are treatable with medications

well or the levels are not adequate. Thus, such persons usually would need to take medications for the rest of their lives and change their diets in order to control the blood sugar. In very severe cases, they may need to be receiving daily insulin injections in order to help their body utilise glucose properly. This is in addition to going to clinic regularly for check-up and checking their blood and urine sugar levels periodically.

Thus, mental health challenges are no different from those of other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension with respect to the fact that they are treatable with medications; but with the requirements of clinic follow-up and taking medications as may be necessary.

It is therefore, a misconception that such persons cannot recover again or that they have spiritual problems without a medical solution.

Individuals with mental health challenges should be encouraged to seek evaluation by psychiatrists and to benefit from appropriate therapies (psychological as well as use of medications) in order to help them recover quickly and maintain their normal functioning in society. We should therefore show more understanding and be supportive of affected individuals. Let’s stop the silent stigmatisation and discrimination of mental health problems.

Thursday, 1 September, 2016 25 healthnews Diabetes, not alcohol, smoking affects libido in men— Study

By Sade Oguntola The high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among Nigerian male adults of south-western origin may be majorly due to diabetes rather than alcohol or smoking, a study has said.

In a new study, experts found that 58.9 per cent of the participants in the population-based study had ED and often do not seek for medical help but

usually suffer in silence because of the stigma associated with the condition.

The community-based study aimed at determining the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and the possible associated risk factors among Nigerian men involved 243 men aged between 30 and 80 years in Ogbomoso, Southwest from October 2014 to May 2015.

In the study, 47.2 per cent, 11.3 per cent and 41.5

per cent of the respondents had mild, moderate and severe ED respectively just as age, hypertension, use of anti-hypertensive drugs, diabetes mellitus and heart disease, were factors that could influence who ends up with the problem.

The 2016 study was published in The Pan African Medical Journal.

It involved Abiodun Christopher Jemilohun and Bolaji Oyetunde Oyelade from LAUTECH University, Og-

bomoso as well as Sunday Adedeji Aderibigbe from the University of Ilorin.

The researchers, however, said that why alcohol intake did not have a significant relationship with ED in the study cannot be immediately explained since they did not quantify the amount of alcohol taken by the participants.

However, they asked that physicians, especially primary care ones, pay more attention to the sexual his-

From Left, contestants for the Provost Of College of Medicine University of Ibadan, Professor Olubunmi Olapade-Olaopa; Professor Olayinka Omigbodun; Professor Adesina Oladokun; former provost, College of Medicine, Professor Oladosu Ojengbede, during a forum tagged ‘Voice of the Next Provost’ at the College in Ibadan, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

‘Nigeria has highest level of stunted children in sub Saharan Africa’

By Sade Oguntola Amidst increasing world’s food insecurity, Nigeria is said to have the highest level of stunted children under the age of five in sub Saharan Africa.

Head of Nutrition Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Chris Isokpunwu stated this at a media dialogue on malnutrition which was organised by UNICEF in Ibadan.

Isokpunwu, represented at the dialogue by Mrs Omotayo Ogunbunmi, also a nutrition expert, said Nigeria was the second highest in the world, putting this at 37 per cent.

The expert, added also that 18 per cent and 29 per cent of children in the country were also wasting and underweight respectively, two conditions also suggestive of malnutrition.

Isokpunwu, noting that nutrition has a powerful influence on growth, development and productivity of every individual, stated that malnutrition contributes to about 50 per cent of deaths in children below five in Nigeria.

The expert decried poor investment in nutrition, saying “this has not been commensurate with its contribution to child mortality.”

According to him, “opti- feed exclusively for the first mum nutrient at each stage six months of life.

“Breastfeeding has a wide of lifestyle is therefore a funrange of benefits for child damental human right.”

However, he assured that survival, for health, for nuthe Federal government trition and health of the had developed priority ar- child. It provides adequate eas of focus to tackle the nutrients and the mothproblem. er does not need to do anyMrs Ada Ezeogu, UNI- thing.”

CEF’s nutrition expert at Earlier, Minister of InAkure, speaking on nutrition formation, Alhaji Lai Muinterventions, remarked that hammed, represented by Nigeria was currently faced a triple burden of under nutrition, over nutrition and micro nutrient deficiency.

Ezeogu, who exBy Gbenga Olumide pressed concern on increasing cases of child The Chairman of the Ogun malnutrition due to the State branch of the Nigeeconomic downturn in the rian Medical Association country, said stunting affects (NMA), Dr Olajide Abayodoes not just mental capac- mi, has decried the level of ity, but makes children short decay in the state’s health for their age. sector, while also raising According to her, “that is the alarm over the activiwhy we talk about the first 1000 days of life. If you do ties of quacks who disguise not give that child the nutri- themselves as medical ent that such a child requires, practitioners in the state.

The association said it that child is never going to get to his full potentials in is bothered about the unterms of intellect and phys- wholesome activities of the ic.” impostors.

Ezeogu, however, deAbayomi expressed this scribed exclusive breast displeasure while speaking feeding in first six months of with newsmen in Abeolife as beneficial in curtailing malnutrition in children and kuta. He said that a group of professional fraudsters avert deaths.

According to her, “an es- is on the prowl in various timated 13 per cent of child parts of the state, practising death can be averted if 90 and promoting quackery at per cent of mothers breast-

Mrs Rose Madu said his ministry had embarked on the media dialogue because many people erroneously believe it was not a problem in South Western Nigeria.

He, however, urged media practitioners to use their platforms to advocate and become advocates to ensure that nutrition has a budget line and that the funds are released timely.

tory of their patients in order to diagnose and manage ED more frequently.

According to them, “There is need for public education/enlightenment by government and advocacy groups to address the problems of ignorance and stigmatisation associated with erectile dysfunction.

This will go a long way to ameliorate the psychosocial burden of the disease on the sufferers.”

An earlier study conducted at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, also in the southwestern part of Nigeria, had put the prevalence of ED at 55.1 per cent.

Erectile dysfunction is currently one of the most common sexual dysfunctions worldwide, but it is usually underestimated because it is not a life threatening condition. The associated stigma makes men who have it to suffer in silence.

World-wide estimates of ED prevalence range from two per cent in men younger than 40 years to 86 per cent in men 80 years or older. Also, younger men believe that the condition would resolve with time and older men have the perception that ED is a normal part of ageing.

For the elderly and for others, ED may occur as a consequence of specific illnesses or of medical treatment for certain illnesses, resulting in fear, loss of image and self-confidence, and depression.

Though many advances have occurred in both diagnosis and treatment of ED, its various aspects remain poorly understood by the general population and by most healthcare professionals.

Fight against malaria must address counterfeit drugs —Adewole

Newton-Ray Ukwuoma - Lagos

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has called for a strong plan of action against the challenges of counterfeit drugs in the African region as it encumbers the fight against malaria.

Adewole, who represented Nigeria at the 66th Session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee Meeting in Addis Ababa, told guests in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune that the upsurge of counterfeit drugs and poor control mechanism remain major challenges facing the health system in Nigeria and Africa by extension.

Acknowledging that malaria was the major cause of under-five mortality in the country, Adewole said once malaria was eradicated in Nigeria, the burden of the disease Africa will drastically reduce.

He therefore called for a practical and effective regional arrangement by WHO to assist member states in kicking malaria out of the continent including tight control of counterfeit drugs.

The WHO has therefore has adopted a framework for implementing the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016 to 2030, thereby putting malaria as one of the WHO priority in the coming years.

Ogun doctors cry out against quacks exorbitant rates and great risk to the health of those patronising them.

He added that the level of infrastructural decay in health facilities, ranging from old dilapidated structures, lack of modern medical equipment and inadequate security at health facilities across the state, is worrisome. According to him, there is an urgent need for the government to look into these issues.

He said that there is gross shortage of medical personnel and other health workers in the State General Hospitals in all zones of the state. Dr Abayomi expressed concern that doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other

allied health professionals are in short supply across the state. He added that the decay in infrastructure facilities also portend great danger for the state health sector.

Abayomi said the association intended to sponsor an anti-quackery bill in the State House of Assembly. The bill he said, would completely outlaw quackery in the state health sector. He noted that the high number of quack doctors and nurses in the state had reached a point where the association, alongside the state government, need to take drastic actions. ‘‘We cannot leave everything to the government alone to shoulder. The responsibilities in health sector are collective ones, so we need to move fast

with the initiative of sponsoring a bill to wage war against quackery in the State,” he opined.

Speaking on the Resident Doctor’s strike, he said it would continue until the government meet their demands, noting that the attitude of government towards doctors need to be examined.

While urging the State government to bridge the wide gaps in the emoluments, salaries and allowances of health workers in the state, Dr Abayomi said Doctors in the state need to be taken care of in order for them to be able to compete favourably with their counterparts in federal institutions and even other states.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Oranges help to tackle obesity—Study

natural

health

By Sade Oguntola Though the field of medicine continues to advance and branch out in so many ways, nutritionists and health experts continue to praise the benefits of some foods.

In fact, eating citrus fruits like oranges, grape fruits, lime and lemon has been shown to lower ischemic stroke risk, maintain blood pressure, and support heart health by preventing the harmful effects of obesity.

Citrus are rich in several antioxidants, which are chemical substances that may prevent a range of health concerns. Experts exploring the health benefits of citrus fruits found that it prevented the harmful effects of obesity in mice fed a Western high-fat diet.

In the study, the researchers treated 50 mice with flavanones, an antioxidant and chemical substance in oranges, lemons, and limes that has antioxidant properties, over a period of a month.

Mice fed this citrus extract had a reduced fat accumulation and damage in the liver by at least 50 per cent unlike compared with mice on the high-fat non-citrus extract diet.

The investigators presented the results of the study at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Obesity is a significant factor in increasing the risk of developing heart disease, liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Consuming a diet high in fat can lead to a build up of fat in the human body. Fat

cells produce excessive reactive oxygen species, which can damage cells.

While the body can fight off oxidative stress molecules with antioxidants, obese patients have enlarged fat cells, which can lead to higher levels of oxidative stress that overwhelms the body’s ability to counteract them.

According to Dr Thais B. Cesar, the study’s team lead, “Our studies did not show any weight loss due to the citrus flavanones. However, even without helping the mice lose weight, they made them healthier with lower oxidative stress, less liver damage, lower blood lipids and lower blood glucose.

“This study also suggests that consuming citrus fruits probably could have beneficial

Oranges effects for people, who are not obese, but have diets rich in fats, putting them at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity.”

Previously, new analysis from the Nurses’ Health Study has shown that high intake of flavanones, a subclass of flavonoids found in the greatest concentrations in oranges and grapefruit, is associated with a 19 per cent lower risk for ischemic stroke in women who drank one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice a day.

Some experts encourage people to eat up to two oranges per day for the fruit’s beneficial phytochemicals, flavanoids and vitamin C content. But the best way to consume oranges is in moderation, pairing them with other healthy fruits, vegetables,

proteins and whole grains to ensure a balanced diet.

Also, experts have found that onions, green tea and olive leaf extract can fight obesity and its related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and fatty liver, even when a high-fat and high-carbohydrate diet is indulged in.

In the 2011 edition of Journal of Nutrition and the Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, they indicated that onions and olive leaf extract contain a flavonoid called rutin — also found in apples, tea and red wine — that reversed or prevented metabolic changes in rats fed the high-sugar, high-fat diet.

In 2013, scientists in a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, also discovered that a component of grapefruit and other citrus fruits may successfully block the development of kidney cysts and possibly a candidate treatment for polycystic kidney disease.

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys. The disease can lead to loss of kidney function, high blood pressure leading to heart attack and stroke, as well as brain aneurysms. Onset is most common between the ages of 30 and 60.

Also, a bit of lemon and its peel may help to control diabetes by helping to improve insulin resistance. A key ingredient found in lemon peels is polyphenols, which plays a major role in minimising insulin resistance. An increase in insulin resistance leads to less responsiveness from the insulin hormone, resulting in uncontrolled levels of blood sugar.

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com

Menopause and mental health Middle age for women is often considered a period of increased risk for depression. Some women complain of mood swings,

e women complain of mood swings

irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, and feelings of despair in the years leading to menopause, the reason for these emotional

problems are, however, not always clear.

Menopausal symptoms such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue can affect a woman’s mood and well-being. The drop in oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause might also affect the mood. This could also be a combination of hormone changes and menopausal symptoms.

Changes in mood also can have causes that are unrelated to menopause. It is advisable that if a woman is experiencing emotional problems that are interfering with her quality of life, she should discuss this with her doctor.

Open and sincere communication with your doctor about the other things going on in your life that might be adding to your feelings could be very helpful.

Other things that could cause

feelings of depression and/or anxiety during menopause include: Having depression before menopause, feeling negative about menopause and getting older, increased stress, having severe menopausal symptoms.

Smoking, physical inactivity, relationship problems and issues, joblessness, when you are broke. Others are; having low self-esteem; how you feel about yourself, lack of social support and childlessness among others.

If you need treatment for your symptoms, you and your doctor can work together to find a treatment that is best for you.

Depression during the menopausal transition is treated in much the same way as depression that strikes at any other time in life.

If your mood is affecting your quality of life, here are a few things you can do:

•Try to get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day. Keep your room cool and dark. Use your bed only for sleeping and sex.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, large meals, or physical activity before bed.

•Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

•Set limits for yourself, and look for positive ways to unwind and ease daily stress. Try relaxation techniques, reading a book, or spending some quiet time outdoors.

•Talk to your friends or women who are going through the same thing as you. You also can get counseling to talk through your problems and fears.

•Ask your doctor about therapy or medicines. Menopausal hormone therapy can reduce symptoms that might be causing your moodiness. Antidepressants might also help.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

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

Why I am being crucified — Kekemeke Honourable Isaacs Kekemeke, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, has been in the eye of the storm as the party prepares for Saturday’s governorship primary election. In this interview with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI, he speaks on the genesis of the crisis, endorsement saga, and the way out. Excerpts:

T

he APC primary election is fixed for this Saturday. What efforts are you putting in place to assuage the feelings of aggrieved members of your party?

I think we should move from calling them aggrieved members to desperate members .They have transcended the line of party faithfulness, loyalty and party commitment. What we have now is a few people, who are becoming so desperate that will stop at nothing to destabilise the party, debase it and give it a bad name. They have become spoilers and embarrassment to the leadership and teeming members of APC. They have also gone ahead to desecrate the culture and tradition of Akure Land in their desperate moves and desire to embarrass the party.

I want to thank, on behalf of the party, the Royal Majesty, Deji of Akure Land, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, for reacting promptly that what they have done amount to descreation of the culture of Akure people and that everything will be done to make sure that they are brought to book. I want party members to begin to see that this is no longer a joke. It is an attempt by a few individual to weaken and demonise the party leadership, so that they can leave the party weakened. Unfortunately, I want to assure them all that our party remains strong and we will not be weakened.

I deliberately resisted making statements so as to enable us reconcile this differences immediately after elections. But the more I keep quiet, the more encourage they get in their mischief-making. They are fighting me for no reason because I do not organise the party primaries.

As at today now, the process has been taking over by the National Executive Councils through a National Working Committee, and this is what is done everywhere. In Edo and Kogi, the National Executive Committee organised their primaries. Ondo cannot be an exception. They have set up the machinery, the Governor of Jigawa is the chairman of the organising committee and his advance team is here, already meeting with appropriate security agencies and sorting out logistics. So, where do I come in? The only thing they are doing now is to try to harass, intimidate and blackmail me to support them, and I can never do that and as God liveth, they will never win.

But the aggrieved members alleged you are the brain behind the supposed endorsement of a particular aspirant, having allegedly recommended a list of some aspirants to APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu?

Do you fight the recommendee? Most of them that are fighting are people who have put aspirants’ tag on their heads; I am the only one who doesn’t have an aspirant tag on my head. Their action is idiotic reasoning; idiotic for anybody to say that somebody of Asiwaju status will be overwhelmed by my recommendation or will be dictated to by me. I have said repeatedly that I did not. I think they are afraid to fight Asiwaju because they know the consequences and they want to fight me. I have decided to hand them over to God to fight them. One of the aspirants , specifically Mr Rotimi Akeredolu said that as a lawyer, you know the implication that once the majority of the party faithful signed for your removal, ordinarily you should have stepped aside. My answer to him is

kekemeke that as a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, he is my predecessor in office and as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the people of Ondo State rejected him in 2012, so, he should not contest again. As lawyer, he knows that he didn’t need to contest because he was rejected in 2012, if that is how it works. He was overwhelmingly rejected then and why is he contesting again? That is the logic.

Some of the aspirants alleged that you are actually working for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state?

They are the people working for the ruling party. If they are not working for PDP, why would they be demonising their national leadership? They demonised Asiwaju, Pius Akinyelure, Kekekeme, and all the known leaders of this party . They do everything to seal off the state secretariat of the party. Who is now working for the ruling party? And we know those who dancing with (the state governor, Dr Olusegun ) Mimiko anyway! We know them; they are fifth columnists in our party. They want to weaken our party, after which they will leave and join another party; we know them.

What do you think is the solution to the crisis?

They are the people working for the ruling party. If they are not working for PDP, why would they be demonising their national leadership?

Let me say very soberly that there is nothing extraordinary that is happening here. In my address at the State Working Committee meeting I made it very clear that nothing extraordinary is happening in the party.. We had primaries in Edo sometime ago; we have a similar situation there. In Edo, there was an allegation by the deputy governor that the governor was trying to assassinate him and all of that.

It is not something unusual. Even in Kogi! So, it is everywhere, I mean it’s happening in all the parties. Where ambitions are involved, you find out that tempers will rise. For instance, we still have a single authority trying to conduct our primaries here. The opposition has two authorities, two primaries. The only thing is that we have few disloyal party people; a few uncultured party people; very few of them who are trying to create the impression that something extraordinary is happening here and that there is crisis in our party. I will give an example, we have a 15-member working committee and 11 of them are working with me. We have only three of them, who are making all these noise. We have state executive committee; all of the 18 chairmen are solidly behind me. We have a state executive committee, where members were saying that their signature were forged and they are not party to the drama of passing a vote of no confidence. So, where do they get the numbers? What they do is to get paid from whoever and try to distabilise the party with the impression that something is wrong here. They went to court and said they had an injunction. They merely went to obtain a paper at the court registry and I am not even served with the papers and they’ve been shouting all that. You can see how illiterate and desperate they have become. But I have decided never to get to their level and I think is becoming unbecoming of them.

The majority of the aspirants do not agree with you that endorsement does not amount to imposition?

I have said it many times that when ambitions are involved, we find out that it takes very strong men, extraordinary men, to remain sane or to remain balanced. Even primary school pupil knows the difference between endorsement and imposition. I think it is common knowledge that endorsement is just a common expression of preference. No more, no less! Imposition means the exclusion or the denial of the right of the individuals to aspire or participate in a democratic process, particularly process of the primaries of the election. That is simple and everybody knows that even in the best of democracies, this happened. Example of America, where a leading presidential contender in Republican endorsed President Barack Obama (a Democrat) eight years ago.. In Britain, just a few weeks ago, we saw the process of the emergence of a Prime Minister, Mrs Theresa May, and we know that it had to do with endorsement and counter endorsement. Endorsement simply means an expression of preference and what people are saying is that if that endorsement is not for me, it shouldn’t be for any other person, simple! And more so, some of the people that are complaining now have come to me that they have been endorsed and that I should work with them.

One of the aspirants, Barrister Akeredolu alleged that, considering the area where the endorsed contestant comes against the backdrop for the balance of power in that area that, it was not proper for Tinubu to have endorsed the particular aspirant because it is suggestive of the mindset of the party?

Was I there when he was endorsed in 2012 and imposed on the party? . I don’t like to join any issue with him. All I know is that if he said I should have resigned because some people forged signatures, who clearly rejected him in 2012? So, he should hesitate having been rejected by the people of the state in 2012 from contesting elections if that is his logic?

28

politics&policy

Thursday,1 September, 2016

We still see Saraki as our brother

—Ekiti PDP chair

Gboyega Oguntuwase, a lawyer and former Commissioner for Information in Ekiti State, is the current state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He speaks with SAM NWAOKO on the party, its government in the state and beyond and sundry issues. Excerpts:

S

INCE you were elected the chairman of PDP in Ekiti State earlier in the year, how would you describe the challenges of the new office?

We bless God because we inherited a party with good structure. We inherited a party with good elders and leaders; we inherited a party with a powerful youth vanguard, we inherited a party with a viable women’s vanguard. It is also gratifying that we inherited a party with a visionary leading the government in the person of Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose. So with all these, it becomes rather easy to handle the affairs of the party in the state, because all the arms making up the party are more than willing to cooperate with a reasonable, respectful, accessible, humble and patriotic chairman. And I’m ready to make myself exactly like that.

But the impression out there is that your party in the state is in factions?

There are no fragments or factions in our party in the state. Before you can talk about fragments, there are four to five groups in the party but we have none of such in PDP in Ekiti State, neither is there a faction. However, in any normal political setting, it is normal to have people with dissenting opinions. Since we are not ready to muzzle opposition, since we are not ready to prevent people from airing opinions that are contrary to the majority opinion, it may appear as if there are some people who are not sagging the thing as had been agreed upon by the majority of the people. It does not mean that we are in faction. It does not mean that we are fragmented, we are only exhibiting democratic tendencies as it is known with the PDP. The PDP, even at the national level, offers a very fertile democratic terrain for everybody to air their opinions, freely mix and assemble, and freely canvass for votes. In Ekiti, we allow people to state their opinions within the party and even when they are not agreeing with acceptable opinions of the party, we allow them to use the party’s structure to achieve whatever would be in the interest of the party. This is because, whether you agree with the party or not, all of us must always focus on the success of the united party. Interestingly, those that went away at a point in the party, I’ve seen them come back to the party and we welcome them as leaders and members of the party. We’ve not seen them as estranged and we are back together.

This variant of unity doesn’t seem to be the same thing at the national level of your party. Given what we see of the big picture, doesn’t it worry you that the PDP doesn’t seem to be cohesive as it should be?

In any democratic set up, there are various challenges.

As far as I am concerned, the current Modu Sheriff versus Ahmed Makarfi issue in the party is transient. It will be over. That is the opinion of people who believe in the real soul of the PDP. Our body may be bruised but our soul is vibrant and is getting more magnetic everyday and every time. Those who truly believe and who genuinely believe that no matter the challenges, they have nowhere to go but to remain in PDP, know that this is transient. We have even come to see from the current realisation that it is better for us to settle our differences internally than for you to protest and say you’re going to any party, including the ruling party at the federal, which is the All Progressives

APC, through its policies, is daily telling Nigerians that it was not prepared for governance and that it had no economic agenda that could make Nigeria better.

the APC is becoming more unpopular everyday. This is a reality and nearly all Nigerians are aware of this.

How do you mean?

I mean that anybody who goes to the filling station to buy fuel at N145 per litre instead of the N87 he was buying the same quantity, will not be praying for APC. Anybody who does business and was getting foreign exchange at a much lower rate than what we have now that Naira to a dollar is about N411, cannot pray for APC. The economic consequences of these on manufacturing and on other sectors of employment are there and they are glaring. The impact of these on the prices of all goods, including feeding each family, has become so terrible. Unfortunately, the APC, through its policies, is daily telling Nigerians that it was not prepared for governance and that it had no economic agenda that could make Nigeria better. All these make the APC canopy to be tearing to pieces and is even ablaze. So, anyone who wants to rush there is doing so at his or her own risk.

As far as I am concerned, a few people might not be fully satisfied with the PDP but the party has a viable and vibrant structure that could take care of all those things without even resorting to litigation or publicity. Our party structure is sufficiently prepared to do justice to any complaint anybody can have. If anybody is talking about APC today without looking at the economic realities, they are just making a mockery of themselves. Check Edo State, they are losing ground and they will lose the election in Edo. They can’t even access Ondo State, and that tells you their situation outside frantic, vigorous propaganda. So, where are they? Which new state are they getting? Where is their popularity?

Oguntuwase Congress (APC).

For instance, look at the travails of our man, Dr Bukola Saraki, the President of the Senate. He left us. Even though he left us, we still see him as our brother. But he spent the entirety of all he had to exalt the APC because he was protesting against PDP. Today, the same APC wants to dehumanise him and destroy the entire Saraki dynasty.

This clearly shows that there is no greener pasture politically than the PDP for a real and genuine democrat. For those who want to try it, when they leave us, they get there and they are disappointed because they don’t have a place where they can air their opinions.

About Alhaji Sheriff, it is a normal situation, he is airing his opinion and we allow him to so do. However, we are urging him to do so in such a way that exhibits reasonableness. We urge him to act within the limits and the confines of party discipline and we are appealing to him to see the future of PDP as more important than anything he may be considering personally for now. The governors are not divided. The members of the National Assembly are not divided because 90 per cent of them are with Alhaji Makarfi. All the party state chairmen have pledged our support for Makarfi. We are not fighting Sheriff because he is our brother, we only ask that he sees our cooperative hand.

You don’t seem to agree with a section of your party which believes that Sheriff is a mole in your party, sent to destroy it as we inch towards another general election?

Some leaders have expressed that opinion. I respect those leaders. But as far as I am concerned, I am still giving him time before I make up my mind. If this attitude of recalcitrance continues, then the position stated by those leaders may appear to be the truth.

Then there is also the allure of the APC. Not a few of your party’s members are of the opinion that the APC provides a ready platform to express themselves. Are you not worried?

Anybody who goes to APC is embarking on an expedition into political perdition. We all can see that, increasingly,

Isn’t your conclusion that APC is unattractive applicable to your state, where the belief is that the inability to pay salaries and accompanying economic hardship is a doing of your PDP? Everybody is affected by the non-payment of salaries, a scion of the poor economic policies of the APC-led Federal Government. In fact, this is common to about 30 states of the federation. The governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Ayo Fayose, has that advantage of history. He was a governor of this state and at no point in time did he wait till the 26th day of the month before he paid salaries. And of course, the people of the state had come to realise that the financial situation was caused by the APC government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi. They took loans and bonds that have resulted in monthly deductions that cripple the state’s income from the federation account.

In this state, the majority of what we spend comes from the Federation Account but more than half of the state’s allocations, amounting to nearly N1.2 billion, is deducted to repay the loans. So, for a state whose allocation is N2 billion on the average and N1.2bilkion is deducted, it is left with barely nothing to take care of the expenses. That is the result of the economic crimes by the former APC government. The second angle to it is that Ekiti people understand that the Federal Government bailout is a farce. All they did was to try to see if they could elongate our repayment of loans. It is not as if they were sending in any money to take care of the outstanding salaries and a reasonable Federal Government ought to have taken care of that when you know it is a common thing to almost all the states of the federation. You would have declared an economic emergency. Our people in Ekiti know that the state government is acting within the limit of its capacity and the limits of the realities it had met on the ground.

Is that you message to the people of the state?

I would rather tell my people in PDP that it is our own and that all other land is sinking sand. They should not go into self-captivity. PDP is home and you can attain the height that you want in the PDP without anybody harassing you.

Under my chairmanship and by the grace of God, anyone who wants to contest for any position will be encouraged to do so so long as such ambition will not jeopardise the the intest of Ekiti people.

29

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Shola Adekola

m:0803 365 4818 e:sholanig@yahoo.com

Cockpit, cabin crew relationship key to flight safety —NCAA DG Stories by Shola Adekola

formed that the essence of the workshop was to make cabin crew open up on what happens in the course of doing their job and also share experiences as it concerns the relationship between

the cockpit crew and the cabin crew.

Ordon listed other reasons for holding the workshop to include; bringing cabin crew operating up to date on regulations Standards

and Recommended Practices(SARP), create an ambiance where the regulator and the regulated could mingle and to foster an interaction in a virile social milieu.

Enugu airport cargo flight: Indigenes commend Oduah THE Governor of Enugu state, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and top political office holders in South East have welcomed the first cargo flight to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

The aircraft, a Boeing 757 operated by Ethiopian Airlines has the capacity to carry bulk cargo as many travellers in the zone bring in a lot of cargo from their trips.

Following the excitement, business man from the area with top government officials seized the opportunity to praise the former Minister of Aviation, now representing Anambra North Senatorial zone, Senator Stella Oduah who manifested government’s good intention to make Enugu an international airport.

Oduah who actualised the

‘Why there is infighting in AIB’ THE ongoing infighting at the country’s Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), an agency saddled with the responsibility of investigating aircraft accidents and incidents has been attributed to the desperation of some staff within to hijack the topmost position at the bureau.

Those jostling for the number one position are said to be behind the ongoing move to use the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) to blackmail the Commissioner of the bureau, Dr. Felix Abali out of office.

Sources within the bureau attributed the recent petition written by NAAPE to protest the transfer of a level 12 staff of the Nigerian Col-

0803 365 4818

With Shola Adekola

Improving air travel through new FAAN terminal buildings

T

HE Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Muhtar Usman has emphasised the importance of effective relationship between cockpit and cabin crew to flight safety.

Speaking before declaring open the Cabin Safety Workshop held in Lagos last week with the theme, ‘Improving Cockpit –Cabin Crew Relationship for Effective Flight Safety’ in Lagos, the NCAA Chief maintained that crew members in any flight are a team and that no one is inferior to the other.

The Director General, who was represented by the NCAA Director of Operations, Captain Abdullahi Sidi said that the Cabin Safety Inspectorate is always proactive and has decided to engage Cock-Pit –Cabin interaction in the workshop theme.

Sidi assured that discussions and interactions at the workshop would trigger healthier though professional mutually beneficial aviation relationships as the cabin crew depends on one another for effective flight safety.

In her welcome address, the Assistant General Manager, Cabin Crew, NCAA, Ordon Maria Ubong, in-

crucial moment

lege of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria to AIB. NAAPE had in a petition sent to the ministry of transport faulted the transfer and elevation of the officer who coincidentally is the President of Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Benjamin Okewu even as it accused Abali of unilaterally facilitating the secondment of Okewu before his case was brought to the notice of the management.

The sudden interest of the association which has just six members in the bureau has, however, be described by key players in the sector as suspicious and capable of causing distraction for the sensitive bureau.

Prior to the latest intrigues,

many of those jostling for the headship of the bureau had written anonymous petitions against the bureau Commissioner to law enforcement agencies over allegations of corrupt practices which he was cleared of.

“It is therefore unfortunate that these desperate people after failing to achieve their selfish purpose have now found an accomplice in NAAPE to create confusion in the AIB. “NAAPE has only six members in AIB, both in Lagos and Abuja offices, but we are surprised to see a union that has no footing yet in the bureau now being used by some disgruntled elements in the agency to fight the management heat up the bureau,” a staff lamented.

dream of the South East people also midwifed the building of international terminal at the airport and facilitated the designation of Ethiopian Airlines to operate there.

With cargo flights to the airport, the federal government has made it possible for businessmen and women to bring their cargo through the airport, as the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company PLC had earlier built a cargo warehouse at the airport.

The coming of cargo flights to Enugu according to those at the event, will put an end to incidents where travellers would arrive their destination and wait for days to receive their cargo.

Addressing the large crowd of people on the occasion, Governor Ugwuanyi described the event as a historic occasion that would increase the profile of the airport and boost the economy of the state and the entire South East zone.

The governor said it was noteworthy that the cargo plane landed exactly three years after the maiden flight of Ethiopia Airlines to Enugu on August 24, 2013 when the people welcomed the first ever-international flight to Enugu.

BARRING any last minute change, passengers travelling through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in particular and other international airports may start experiencing better comfort from the end of 2016 or by the first quarter of 2017 when the ongoing terminal building project being executed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would have been completed.

Airports are the image of any country as passengers who are the end users especially those coming into the country for the first time form their opinions about that country through the terminal buildings and surroundings of such an airport.

Prior to now and even up to last weekend when international flight operations were paralysed for two days due to sudden power outage, many Nigerians had berated the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the government agency responsible for managing the airports over the infrastructural decay at the airports particularly at the international airport Top on the list of the affected airports is the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos where up till some years back the site of the number one gateway was an eyesore with its dilapidated terminal building.

Many Nigerian travellers had lashed at FAAN for still parading a three decade old terminal building at the Lagos airport which they termed a national embarrassment.

Before now, the usual story at the airports particularly the Lagos airport was that of hopelessness and frustration suffered by travellers in view of the archaic facilities and terminal buildings adorning the international airports.

During the peak periods, it’s not strange to see passengers at the Lagos airport using newspapers and other available items to fan themselves while at times the whole place is thrown into darkness owing to corroded underground cables laid when the airport was built in 1989.

Unfortunately, the situation continued under the nose of the various ministers of aviation who had served as they only came, saw and walked away without much impact.

The only one that made her mark in this area where others failed was Princess Stella Oduah who made tough efforts to upgrade the terminal buildings across the country’s airports.

Since she left the scene, majority of the responsibility has shifted to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on whose shoulder lays the task of making airport infrastructures conducive for flying and other businesses.

FAAN is making serious efforts despite the ongoing economic recession to change the situation through the continuation of the construction of new terminal buildings which is ongoing simultaneously across the four international airports has reached advance stages.

According to the general manager, corporate affairs in FAAN, Yakubu Dati, the completion of the terminals will not only make air transport more seamless and of international standard, but increase passenger traffic from 15 million to 24 million at the four international airports.

From all indications according to Dati, FAAN is determined to provide latest facilities within the new terminal buildings with standard elevators and other modern facilities expected of a modern airport.

The good news is that the new terminals when completed will replace the old ones while passengers will now experience more value for their money.

With the completion of the project, there is no doubt that the travelling public will start experiencing seamless travels courtesy of benefits inherent in the new terminals.

30

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

NIMASA clarifies position on Customs Board

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Lead Consultant, Mr Brian Cranmer, during the opening ceremony of a five-day training organised by IMO in conjunction with NIMASA on ISPS Code Compliance in Nigeria, in Lagos recently.

THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has dissociated itself from a report credicted to one of its staff, Mr Momoh Alhassan.

Mr Alhassan who spoke at an event organised by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to sensitise stakeholders and garner feedback on the proposed amendment to the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) was quoted as saying NIMASA was opposed to the Comptroller General of NCS also serving as chairman of the board.

But, in a statement issued at the

Investigation ongoing on 15 decomposed containers of fishes —Sifax As importer lodges complain at MSC Stories by Tola Adenubi - Lagos

T

HE parent company of Port & Cargo Handling Services (P&CHS), Sifax Group has stated that investigations into how 15 containers of fishes imported into the country from the United Kingdom got spoilt are still ongoing.

This is even as findings have revealed that containers loaded with marine seafood’s often get spoilt during the process of transferring cargoes if they are not plugged to an uninterrupted power source.

It would be recalled that 15 out of 43 containers of blue-white fishes belonging to Food Solutions Limited were declared unwholesome and bad over the weekend by the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) at the Sifax Off Dock facility in Trinity, Lagos.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune exclusively, the Spokesman of Sifax Group, Muyiwa Akande stated that how the fishes got spoilt is still unknown. According to him, “investigations into how the 15 containers of fishes got spoilt are still ongoing. It’s only after investigations have revealed how the fishes got spoilt that we can start talking about who takes up the financial loss suffered by the importer.”

Also speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, the Acting Managing Director of Port & Cargo Handling Services (P&CHS), Mallam Mohammed Bulango explained that, “it was the importer that discovered that some of the fishes are not that good after opening some of the containers at the Sifax Off Dock facility.

“It’s not that the fishes are already rotten as claimed in the media, but there were signs that they were not in the right condition.

The fishes did not smell at the time the containers were opened, but there were signs of them not being in good condition.

“When those containers were transferred to Sifax Off Dock, they were plugged because we have very big generators that supply power. Something must have happened somewhere because we have never experienced anything like this. The importer has already notified the shipping line and we are waiting for the outcome of the investigation. We are a multi-purpose terminal and we handle all sorts of cargoes excluding liquid bulk.”

A staff close to the Mediterra-

nean Shipping Company (MSC), the shipping line that brought in the 43 containers from the UK also confirmed that investigations on how the 15 containers had issues are still ongoing.

“These things happen, particularly when marine foods are subjected to transhipment. The vessel that brought in the 43 container of fishes could not berth at Nigerian seaports due to the shallow state of the port. Thus, there was need for transhipment of cargoes from a bigger vessel to a smaller vessel.

“Apparently, in the process of transhipment, the contents of the 15 containers got bad. You know these are marine foods, and such

containers must be connected to electrical power source to maintain a particular freezing level for the fishes so that they will not start decomposing.

“There is need for proper investigations to reveal how the fishes got bad. The fishes could have only got bad if the container were left unplugged for a longer period of time.

“For a big shipping company like the MSC, I am sure the issue will soon be resolved very soon because containers onboard vessels owned by MSC have data log. So, I know MSC will simply check their data log to confirm where the 15 containers got bad.”

MWUN bemoans safety standard among seaport operators THE Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has bemoaned poor safety standards among terminal operators running the nation’s Seaport. The union was speaking against the backdrop of incessant death of Dockworkers at the seaport terminals in Lagos over the past few months.

The association said the poor safety standards among terminal operators had led to deaths and permanent disabilities of their members.

Speaking at a press briefing recently, the President General of the association, Anthony Nted urged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to ensure high sustenance of safety across the nation seaport.

According to Nted, “The management of NIMASA should be reminded of it’s obligation of monitoring and ensuring the sustenance of high safety stan-

dards in our seaports.

“We are compelled by the unacceptable rate of industrial accidents resulting in deaths and permanent disabilities of our members due to poor safety

standards in our terminals to warn all terminal operators that our union will no longer accept any compromise of safety standards in any operational area/ terminals in our ports.”

weekend, NIMASA’s head, Corporate Communications, Hajia Lami Tumaka said the agency position would be presented during the public hearing in Abuja.

The statement read: “The attention of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been drawn to the news making the rounds in certain sections of the media purporting that the Agency is opposed to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) also serving as chairman of the Board.

“The reports which quoted Mr Momoh Alhassan, a staff of the agency, also stated that NIMASA was pushing to be represented on the Board of the NCS. “We want to state categorically that this is NOT the position of the Agency. The event which was held in Lagos and organised by the Nigerian Customs was intended to sensitise stakeholders and garner feedback on the proposed amendment to the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA). Mr Momoh Alhassan, though a staff of the agency, was merely expressing his opinion in his personal capacity.

“NIMASA is not unaware of the correct procedure to be adopted in making its own presentations on matters of this nature which the Agency regards as very important.

“Being a draft law that will be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative input and passage, the Agency will articulate its position at a public hearing at the National Assembly when the need arises.

“As a responsible organisation, NIMASA is dedicated to its core mandate of promoting the development of indigenous commercial shipping in international and coastal trade and the regulation of the maritime industry in Nigeria.

The Agency will therefore always commit to only those ideals that can further this course.”

18 illegal Customs checkpoints litter Nigeria-Benin route —ANLCA CLEARING agents under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has told the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Seme Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller David Victor Dimka that18 illegal Customs checkpoints are used to extort importers daily along the international road between Nigeria and Benin Republic. This is even as the Customs CAC expressed shock, stating that he only knows about the checkpoint stationed at Gbaji, just before the bridge, en-route Lagos

from Seme.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Customs CAC by the National President of ANLCA, Olayiwola Shittu on Tuesday, the agents explained that anytime the Comptroller General of NCS come visiting Benin Republic or the Seme Customs Command, 16 out of the 18 illegal checkpoints disappears, leaving only two.

According to them, “Of the 18 checkpoints mounted on the international road between Nigeria and Benin Republic, only two remains anytime the CGC visits Seme or transits Nigeria to Benin Republic.

“However, immediately he departs for Abuja, the 18 or more checkpoints resurface again. Daylight extortion of traders by Customs officials is the order of the day along this route at this various checkpoints.”

Another issue raised by the agents, which confounded the CAC, was the diversion of already cleared vehicles, which are contravened by Federal Operations Unit officers of the NCS. This they claim occurs at Ijebu Ode, and such vehicles are then taken to Idi Iroko or Abeokuta to be issued with a Demand Notice (DN).

Thursday, 1 September, 2016 31 news APC open to all Nigerians interested in development —Oyegun

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HE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun, has said the party is open to all Nigerians interested in the development of the country.

Oyegun made the declaration on Wednesday, in Benin, the Edo State capital, when he received some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oredo Local Government Area of the state, who defected to the APC. He said that the party was committed to turning things around in the country and would welcome any one genuinely aspiring to move the nation forward.

The APC national chairman noted that the party has made tremendous impact in Edo State,adding that all those genuinely interested in the progress of the state, should ensure APC’s victory in the September10 governorship election. ``Massive development has already started in the state and we welcome people who have the interest of the state and are progressive minded, to join and continue with this development,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, said the defection of Dennis Evbuomwan, and other PDP leaders in Oredo, marked the end of the PDP in the state.

“To me, the coming of Evbuomwan and other leaders of the PDP in Oredo along with their unit leaders, means they are

here with a complete story.

“The unit heads are the real people on the field,’’ Oshiomhole said.

Earlier, Evbuomwan,

had said that their decision to join APC was based on “the historic developmental strides ongoing in the state.’’

He described the PDP as a sinking ship, saying “when the ship is sinking, you don’t need to sink with it.

From left, former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Goni Musa Sheikh; acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Waheed Olagunju and the conference team leader, International Mining Investment Conference on Nigeria (IMICON), Mr Ashley Emenike, during the fifth conference of IMICON, in Abuja, on Wednesday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

Police to deploy massive personnel, equipment for Edo, Ondo THE Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has said that the police will deploy massive personnel and equipment for the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

Idris said this on Wednesday, at a meeting with Command Commis-

sioners of Police, AIGs in charge of the 12 zones across the country, as well as other senior officers.

On the September 10 Edo State governorship election, the IG said: ``We are coming up with a very, very strategic order. We are going to deploy the marine police in

the waterways. ``We are going to deploy our helicopters in the air for surveillance. We are re-enforcing the state with thousands of policemen.’’

According to him, 200 vehicles will be deployed to the state for the election.

On the Ondo State governorship election, Idris noted the large number of contestants that would participate in the Saturday APC primaries, might pose some challenges. ``We seem to have large number of contestants in Ondo State; I think the APC has about 23 contes-

Edo’ll be liberated on September 10 —Igbinedion Banji Aluko-Benin City

THE lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency, at the National Assembly, Omosede Igbinedion, has described the September 10 date of the Edo State governorship election as the day the people of the state will be “liberated from the shackles of underdevelopment.”

She said a Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) government with Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu ,as governor of Edo State elected on the date, would bring all-round development to the state and its people in terms of responsible and humane governance that is committed to the development of the state.

The lawmaker, who stated this on Wednesday, in Odighi, Ovia North East Local Governmnet Area, during the campaign rally for the party’s governorship candidate, also condemned the use of thugs to intimidate people “I look forward to that day, September 10. It

“I believe in the cause the APC is fighting, which is for the progress of the state, and I want to be part of that fight.’’

Mr Ebima Ogbeide, another leader in the area who defected to the APC, said the occasion marked a home coming for him.

“It is public knowledge that I resigned from the PDP three weeks ago, I am happy to be back home,’’ he said.

He appealed for quick integration of those that decamped, to enable them canvass for the APC governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki.

On his part, the state chairman of the APC, Mr Anselm Ojezua, said those that decamped were no strangers and promised to integrate them fully, so that they would contribute to APC’s success during the governorship election.

“The backbone of the PDP has been broken today. The PDP is dead in Edo State,’’ Ojezua said.

will be a day of liberation for the people of the state. The people have had enough and they are going to show that they have had enough of the outgoing administration.”

Condemning the attack

on her convoy, she said the incident was unfortunate, demanding answers for the reasons why she was prevented from attending a private engagement in her constituency.

Igbinedion said she has

every right to attend functions organised for the benefit of her constituency as their elected representative in the National Assembly and wondered why the Edo State government opposed her presence at

Ugbokun.

“I will not be moved. I will remain undaunted by the activities of those trying to stop work in constituencies which has PDP members as their representatives.

INEC, security agencies assure Nigerians of safety Jacob Segun OlatunjiAbuja

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police, have said that adequate logistics and security arrangements have been put in place for prospective voters to exercise their civic duties during the September 10 governorship election in Edo State.

At the inter-agency consultative committee on election security meeting held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Chris Ezike, said about 22,603 policemen will be deployed for the election.

This is aside from several officers to be contributed

by other security agencies.

The Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Sam Olumekun, said the total number of registered voters in the state at the moment stood at 1,925,105.

According to him, the state has 18 local government areas, six of which are riverine in nature. The state has 192 wards, 2,627 polling units and 4,011 voting points.

He said that in accordance with the Section 46 of the Electoral Act (as amended), the public was served with the notice of the election on June 1, while the notice of polls was published on August 27. Distribution of the old Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), was done simulta-

neously with the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise between June 22 and 26, while distribution is continuing at the local government offices. New voters, numbering135, 877 registered during the exercise, but over 400,000 PVCs , remained collected.

Olumekun averred that both the publication of the voters’ register and the presentation of soft copies to political parties took place on August 11.

To fulfill the provisions of Section 87 of the Electoral Act, he said the Congresses of Political Parties (CPP), were monitored between June 2 and July 4, while the observation of the ongoing political cam-

paigns started on June 2.

On his part, Ezike informed the audience that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), was advised at a recent meeting to shelve the conduct of the 2016 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), scheduled to hold on the election day.

He noted that since the state would be locked down throughout the day, with movement restricted, it would be impossible for candidates writing the examination to move about to their respective centres.

He said WAEC was also advised to relocate the candidates to nearby states for the examination.

tants. That is the area we are seeing that we will have challenge,’’ he said.

He, however, said he had directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone to be on ground on Friday( tomorrow), to work with the Commissioner of Police in the state According to the inspector-general, this is to ensure peaceful APC primaries in Ondo State He charged all personnel that would be involved in elections in those two states to be professional and operate within the code of conduct. ``We want all our policemen that will be involved in these elections to be apolitical,’’ he added.

Idris, however, commended policemen for their professional conduct during re-runs recently conduct across the country and urged them to replicate that in subsequent elections.

The IG also used the opportunity to restate the ban on road blocks, noting the re-emergency of the menace in parts of the country, especially ,the South-South and SouthEast zones.

While maintaining that the ban remains, he directed commissioners of police and AIGs in those zones, to set up team to monitor and remove all road blocks.

Meanwhile, the IG has presented cheques worth N192 million to next of kins of policemen, who had died in line of duty.

south-westnews Osun ready for Buhari’s visit 32

Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

A

GAINST the backdrop of today’s working visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Osun State, now fewer than 12 trucks of heavily armed soldiers had been deployed to the state to beef up security.

Nigerian Tribune authoritatively gathered that the soldiers, who arrived Osogbo, the state capital, on Tuesday night and in the early hours of Wednesday, would complement the ef-

forts of the anti-riot policemen on ground.

Speaking on the preparedness of the Osun State Police command, regarding the president’s visit, the acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Egbedele Ajibade, said “we are fully ready to provide effective security for Mr President during his visit to the state.”

He maintained that “we are fully on ground. Our men are on ground. Though I cannot give you the specific number of policemen that would be deployed for the

visit, we have large number of policemen to cover Mr President’s visit. We have other security agencies that would collaborate with us to ensure effective security of lives and property. There is no cause for alarm.”

However, the Nigerian Tribune correspondent, who monitored the situation in Osogbo ahead of today’s visit, observed that virtually all the traders, who have their stalls beside the roads, have been evacuated.

At the popular Olaiya Junction and Fakunle,

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

where inter state commercial buses plying OsogboLagos have their garage, none of them were sighted yesterday as they have been ordered to leave the vicinity.

One of the traders, Mrs Sade Bolarinwa, said “the task force people from the government came on Tuesday and chased us away from our stalls. They said the state government ordered that nobody should be here again. I think their action was informed by the plan of President Buhari to visit Osun State.”

A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, stated that the president will, during the visit, commission the newly built 3,000 students capacity Osogbo Government High School, Osogbo.

According to the statement, “President Buhari’s visit to Osun will be a testimony to the landmark achievements in the almost six years of Governor Rauf Aregbesola as well as the good working relationship between Osun and the Federal Government.”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osun State chapter, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Prince Diran Odeyemi, advised Governor Aregebesola to maximise the occasion of Buhari’s visit to table before him series of woes facing the state and the citizens.

Oyo to vaccinate 1 million babies against pneumonia, meningitis

By Sade Oguntola

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, commissioning the zonal secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Osogbo, on Wednesday. With him are, from far left, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Oloyede Gbadamosi; NLC President, Ayuba Wabba; Oyo State deputy governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo and the Ondo State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Nicholas Tofowomon.

Armed herdsmen can’t be charged for terrorism in Ekiti —Legal adviser Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

HERDSMEN from Kwara State, resident and operating in Ekiti State, have said the state government cannot charge them for terrorism under the law recently signed by Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The herdsmen, operating under the aegis of Jamu Nate Fulbe Association of Nigeria, in reaction to the new anti-grazing law in the Ekiti State, claimed that the state Assembly had no power to charge erring members of the association with terrorism for carrying light weapons.

The herdsmen, who spoke through their legal adviser, Mr Umar Imam, said herdsmen who carried light weapons like cutlasses, knives, catapult and arrows within the time stipulated by the new law, could not be charged with terrorism.

Imam said charging them also “contradicted the AntiTerrorism Law,” contending that “the law of the federation on terrorism is very clear and no one can be charged for terrorism for carrying lesser arms like cutlasses, catapults and

knives, during the grazing period as contained in Ekiti new law.

“I have made it in my submission during the public hearing on the bill in the Ekiti State House of Assembly that these Fulani herdsmen used to use these lesser weapons for certain purposes that can make grazing

easier.

“I also told them that movement at night while relocating from one place to another was to ensure that they don’t wreak havoc on the people during the day while relocating to other towns. I expected the state government to have taken care of these in the new law

rather than total banning.

“What the state government ought to have done is to allow whoever wants to relocate at night to take permit from a certain government’s authority or inform their Seriki. But banning them from moving at night may not help the situation. It will make their jobs difficult.”

Accord won’t challenge LCDA creation in court —Ladoja

By Dare Adekanmbi

NATIONAL leader of the Accord party and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, on Wednesday, said his party would not contest the creation of 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) proposed by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

He charged Ajimobi to go ahead with the decision and also conduct local government election into the existing 33 councils as well as the LCDAs in earnest.

The former governor spoke at the empowerment programme organised by Honourable Samson Olasunkanmi Oguntade, Accord lawmaker representing Egbeda Local Government

Area in the state House of Assembly.

In company with Ladoja to receive about 100 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Accord, at the occasion, were Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Dr Nureni Adisa, Alhaji Bashir Lawal, all Accord state lawmakers and others, Ladoja, who is also the Osi Olubadan, explained that the state government was afraid of conducting council election because it knew the outcome would not favour All Progressives Congress (APC), wondering what the government would tell the people to earn their votes.

Ladoja, who commended Oguntade for fulfilling his

promises to his constituents, promised that the malfeasance that characterised the 2015 general election would not be allowed to recur in the state council election as well as the 2019 general election, God sparing his life.

He also berated the state government for the hardship currently being experienced by the people of the state, saying the government had borrowed more than it had the means to pay back.

In his remarks, Honourable Oguntade urged politicians to be honest and truthful always, stressing that, that was the only way to win the confidence of the electorate at all times.

OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Wednesday, inaugurates the use of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) in the state, and said that it will protect at least one million children below one year from dying from pneumonia and meningitis.

Governor Ajimobi was represented by his Health Commissioner, Dr Azeez Adeduntan, at the ceremony held at Ibadan North Local Government council headquarters.

Ajimobi said the introduction of the new vaccine into the state’s immunisation schedule was part of efforts of his government to reduce deaths in children and indirectly, their mothers.

According to him, “children that have pneumonia have at least 20 per cent risk of dying if nothing is done. So, what we are trying to do is to improve the infant mortality ratio of Oyo State which is at 61 per 1,000 live births.”

Ajimobi, who declared that the vaccine was free in all the state’s health facilities, urged mothers to ensure that their babies are immunised against vaccine preventable diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.

Earlier, Executive Director, Oyo State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr Lanre Abass, said Oyo State was one of the 16 states to have the PCV introduced into its routine immunisation schedule.

Nigerian Tribune

EFCC quizzes Senator Ogunlewe

By Tunde Ogunesan

THE Pro Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, was on Wednesday quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan zonal office.

According to sources, the former Minister of Works arrived at the Iyaganku office of the anti-corruption agency clad in a simple white dress with cap to match.

As at the time of filing this report, Senator Ogunlewe is still being interrogated at the Ibadan zone of the EFCC. A statement released on the agency’s official facebook account - “Official EFCC”, Wednesday morning, with Ogunlewe’s picture, stated “Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, the Pro Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB) is being quizzed at the Iyaganku office of the EFCC, Ibadan, today August 31, 2016, in respect of an alleged case of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds reported against the university pro chancellor, vice chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, management and some members of the Governing Council.”

Osun APC group commends Lasun on projects A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Kajola Support Group, has commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Lasun Yusuff, for his efforts at making life better for the people of Irepodun/Orolu/Osogbo/Olorunda federal constituency of the state.

The group, in a commemoration letter signed by its state chairman and secretary, Pastor S.A. Oladiran and Adebisi Damilare, respectively, commended the Deputy Speaker for the conclusion of the construction of Ilobu bridge and the Osogbo-Ilobu-Ogbomoso road.

The group also mentioned his interventions on education through the construction of model schools, empowerment programmes and job creation.

“We are particularly delighted that for the first time, we have someone who remembered the much-important but neglected colonial bridge in Ilobu and the Osogbo - Ifon - Ogbomoso road, which is the only road that links Osun State with Ilorin.”

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Ondo APC crisis: Bickering, discord will not help us —Tinubu

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

T

HE National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has stated that for Ondo State to move towards progress, justice and prosperity, APC must take over governance.

He, however, added that this cannot be accomplished through petty bickering or by allowing oppo-

nents to sow discord.

Tinubu made this assertion in a statement signed by his media office, on Wednesday, adding that members must remember what is at stake -to renew the way of progress or continue to be oppressed.

“However, we cannot accomplish this great deed through petty bickering or by allowing our very opponents to sow discord among us. Our mission is

too important and too humane to allow ourselves to be divided or sidetracked.

We must remember what is truly at stake. Ondo will either renew the way of progress or it will continue to be oppressed. The APC is the way of progress,” he asserted.

According to him, the APC must win the coming election and restore democracy and virtues of public service to the seat of

governance in Ondo State, as “this is what the people desire and deserve,” adding that “they have waited patiently and now is the time to answer their call.”

“This is our duty as a party and as people who care about their fellow men. The APC must go into the governorship election as united in focus and purpose. All else are secondary to this objective. The journey to re-establish gover-

nance for the people and for posterity begins with the primaries this Saturday.

“The process leading up to the primaries has been robust and energetic. We have the good fortune of having numerous renowned and able party members seeking the nomination. This has led to keen competition. During such tight competition, tension always mount and often-harsh things are spoken,” Tinubu said.

He added that party members have “the right to speak their minds, raise criticism where they believe it is warranted, but also give commendation where it is due.

“This process may not be neat and tidy because it is not choreographed or scripted in advance. What is important is that it is fair to all who come into it. All those who entered the primaries have a chance to win. In the end, as with any

political contest, only one person will be chosen.

“These primaries will be enriched by the participation of all. At the end of a fair and transparent process, our champion in the state will be selected from among this excellent field,” he said.

Tinubu concluded that it is incumbent on the party and as individuals who want better for the people of Ondo, to put aside minor differences in order to rally around the candidate.

“Brothers and friends squabble and argue. That is human nature, but in the face of opposition that is determined to do injustice, brothers and friends reunite in common cause.

This, the APC in Ondo must do. You all know what is at stake. You all know what your conscience is telling you. There can be no excuse for failure this time,” he stated.

Agunloye promises to prioritise payment of salary, pension if elected Ondo gov Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

From left, Provost, Oyo State College of Agric and Technology (OYSCATECH), Professor Gbemiga Adewale; Commissioner for Education, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela; interim governing council chairman, Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola and the Registrar, Mr Niyi Fehintola, at the college’s convocation, recently.

Globacom tasks youths on promotion of culture, values

By Segun Adebayo

TELECOMMUNICATION giant, Globacom, on Tuesday, called on youths not to neglect their cultural heritage and values which had become synonymous with their African identity.

Mr Folu Aderibigbe, Commercial Coordinator, Globacom Business Enterprise, made the call during a press conference to announce the company’s sponsorship plans for the 2016 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode. He said it was imperative not to allow the wave of modernisation erode ageold cultural activities which many young people tag as primitive.

Aderibigbe said if this trend was left unchecked, Nigerians would eventually become alien to the sound moral values which were the hallmark of the traditional African society.

“Unfortunately, unbridled modernisation has so much influence on our youths negatively that the equilibrum which allows the complete integration between our culture and westernisation has been lost.

“What is prominent now among our youth are borrowed cultures and poor

imitations of Western ways which are detrimental to our identity as a race.

“This trend has also culminated in near annihilation of our local languages in a way that parents would rather teach their children English than our own language.

“Mothers no longer use our language, proverbs and local ballads to tell the stories of our past which underscores their importance towards charting a path for our future,” he said.

The Globacom boss added that the challenge was further compounded by the decision of educational authorities in the country to abolish the teaching of History as a subject.

Aderibigbe said the company aligned with the clamour for the re-integration of History into the school academic curriculum.

“It is often said that someone who does not know where he is coming from will not know where his destination truly lies.”

He said this was why Globacom backed the custodians of culture across the country by creating a platform for them to fully express their traditions and showcase their ingenuity.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Ojude Oba Planning Committee, Wahab Osinusi, said that the organisers of the festival were working with the Ogun State government to fully maximise the potentials in-

herent in tourism.

Osinusi, the Otunba Fidipote of Ijebuland, said the tourism sector was an untapped gold mine which had the potential to alleviate poverty, create employment and generate revenue for development.

THE governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the forthcoming election in Ondo State, Dr Olu Agunloye, on Wednesday, assured that if elected, he will give priority to the payment of salaries and pensions.

Addressing newsmen at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja shortly after holding consultation with the National Working Committee, Dr Agunloye, a former Minister of

Oyo lawmaker empowers constituents PEOPLE of Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Wednesday, got a taste of democracy dividends when the lawmaker representing them at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Samson Olasunkanmi Oguntade, decided to give back to them.

The ceremony was attended by Accord Party national leader, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; Senator Olufemi Lanlehin; Accord Party National Secretary, Mr Nureni Adisa; Oyo State chairman of the party, Bashir Lawal; members of Oyo State House of Assembly, including the Minority Leader, Honourable Gunju Ojo; Accord Whip, Honourable Kehinde Ayinla Oloya, Honourable Muideen Olagunju, representing Oyo East/ West, Honourable Ademola Ige, Honourable Adebiyi Omikunle and Honourable Adebiyi Adesina,.

Oguntade, accompanied

by his wife, said the empowerment was meant to appreciate his people.

He expressed appreciation to Senator Ladoja and all stakeholders in Accord Party, especially from Egbeda state constituency and all residents of Egbeda Local Government Area of the state.

He charged all politicians to be honest in all their dealings.

He said it was in fulfilment of his campaign promises that he decided to give back to his constituents.

He said he had reached out to various communities in Egbeda and also decided to reach out to his constituents. He added that 10 constituents from each ward will also benefit financially from his gesture.

Materials distributed included: insecticide sprayers, grinding machines, generating sets, sewing machines

and hair dressing implements.

Accord National Secretary, Mr Adisa expressed happiness to witness the empowerment programme and also thanked Oguntade for the good gesture he extended to his people, despite the fact that the state government was hugely indebted to lawmakers.

Senator Ladoja, applauded state lawmakers for their unity of purpose in the House, without regard to party affiliation, despite the economic recession.

He berated the ruling APC for its failure in delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

Honourable Peter Oyetunji, a member of the state legislature, said despite not belonging to the same party, Honourable Oguntade had remained steadfast in what he believed in and has never wavered in his membership of Accord.

State for Power and the pioneer Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), also declared that SDP would profit immensely in the crisis rocking the duo of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Agunloye, who expressed optimism that the people of the state would not vote for political parties or moneybags in the forthcoming election, having realised their antics, said “most of the aggrieved members of both parties and others are already aligning with the SDP because of my personality. The election will be based on personality and integrity.”

On his optimism of the party winning the governorship seat of the state, Agunloye declared that his strength is in God and the people.

Agunloye, who vowed that his administration would ensure prompt payment of salaries, promised to settle arrears of salaries and pensions.

He warned the APC-led Federal Government to stay clear of the forthcoming poll in the state as any attempt to subvert the wishes of the electorate would be an exercise in futility, saying the people were ready to defend their votes.

Also speaking, the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ahmed Isiaq, said up till now SDP was the only party that has been able to choose a credible candidate.

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Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Annular eclipse occurs today

Bayelsa declares N889m deficit balance for June

As experts warn against watching with naked eyes

A

N educationist, Mr Olajide Olunoiki, on Wednesday, warned Lagos residents to avoid watching the annular eclipse of the sun with naked eyes, on Thursday.

Olunoiki, a Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that sighting the eclipse was injurious to naked eyes.

He said solar eclipse glasses should be worn to observe the image.

NAN reported that solar eclipses occur when the moon comes between the earth and the sun, lining up with the sun as seen by spectators on Earth.

In a total solar eclipse, the moon lines up perfectly with the sun and blocks out all light. But in an annular eclipse, the moon does not completely cover the sun.

He said parents must ensure children are kept indoors from sighting the eclipse with naked eyes.

“Eclipse is injurious to naked eyes, we strongly advise that parents should keep their children and wards from observing the eclipse without solar eye filters.

“This is because children are very curious and it is advisable to get them the eye

FCT minister suspends land allocation indefinitely Christian Okeke - Abuja

THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Musa Bello, has said new plots of land will not be allocated either now or in the near future by the current administration at the (FCTA) until infrastructure was further provided in many of the districts of the territory.

Bello, who made the disclosure on Wednesday, said parcels of land that were in compensation for wrongs done or part of amicable resolutions to disputes, were exempted from the new order.

He, however, said it was a “deliberate policy by the current FCT Administration.”

Bello spoke when he received a delegation of the Catholic community in Abuja, led by the Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, paid him a visit in his office at Area 11, Garki I District.

The minister stated that the new policy was “not to allocate new plots of land either now or in the near future until such areas or districts are clearly provided with the best complements of infrastructure.”

filters before the eclipse or keep them away during the eclipse time.

“There is no cure to injured eyes and it is sinister,’’ he said.

“If you don’t want to go out, stay in-doors tomorrow.

“The working class should also avoid looking at the eclipse without the solar glasses for those who can afford it,’’ he said.

Olunoiki said the level of obscurity in Lagos will be 65.8 per cent with Abuja and Brass having the highest obscurity at 76 per cent.

“Akwa Ibom will experience 74.5 per cent obscurity; it var-

ies from state to state.

“Obscurity is the level of darkness that will occur during the eclipse and we appeal that children should be guided.

“I don’t advise putting water in a bowl to observe the eclipse.

“According to data, it will be close to three hours of image movement.

“The solar eclipse glasses are said to filter the rays from the sun and the annular solar eclipse is expected to last between 7:14 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.,’’ Olunoiki said.

Meanwhile, a geophysicist, Professor Deborah Ajakaiye, has said the

eclipse expected by scientists on Thursday, should not be associated with displeasure of gods or bad omen.

Ajakaiye, a retired professor at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that eclipse is a common occurrence.

NAN reported that an Annular Solar Eclipse had been predicted on September 1.

The eclipse, scientists said, would be visible from Madagascar and locations in Central Africa.

For viewers in Africa, the eclipse will be a partial solar eclipse and will start from 7:14 a.m. to 9:52 a.m.

“An eclipse does not portray anything negative nor does it have anything to do with someone’s destiny as some religions tend to believe. ``Throughout history, there has not been a situation like an epidemic or people getting sick because of an eclipse to which science can attest.

“The planets exacting forces on each other, leading to gravitational pull does not portray anything negative as speculated by some people,’’ she said.

Ajakaiye said an eclipse takes place when one heavenly body like the moon or a planet moves into the shadow of another heavenly body.

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom (second left), with six school children who were rescued from kidnapers, at the Benue people’s house, Makurdi, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

Economic Revitalisation: Buhari signs N241bn 2016 FCT budget Awaits passage of statutory budgets of govt corporations, agencies Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the N241 billion Federal Capital Territory (FCT) budget for 2016 fiscal year, as a means of reviving the country’s economic fortunes.

This is just as the President is awaiting the passage of statutory budgets of government corporations and agencies by the National Assembly.

On Wednesday, the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters

(Senate), Ita Enang told newsmen in Abuja that the passage of the budgets of the statutory corporations and agencies is a requirement of the law that must be carried out by the National Assembly.

According to him, the

Again, ASUU spoils for showdown with FG over N495bn arrears Anthony Ubong-Calabar

THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),Calabar chapter, is spoiling for war with the Federal Government, over sundry arrears of N495 billion owed them since 2009, as well as alleged refusal of government to honour their agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

In a press statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Calabar, on Wednesday, ASUU said “the union should not be held responsible for what-

ever industrial difficulties that might arise from government’s continuous unseriousness in handling the issues.

“As it is, ASUU can no longer guarantee industrial peace on our campuses as academic staff think government has taken them for a ride.”

Advancing reasons for their decision, the union said they were disillusioned over “non-implementation of the 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement and MoU of 2013, non-release of the revitalisation fund, non-payment of Earned Academic Allow-

ances (EAA), the payment of salaries in fractions and the frustration of the registration of NUPEMCO, amongst others.”

The zonal body further noted that despite the understanding displayed by the union, “there has been no indication of seriousness on the part of the Federal Government to honour the MoU reached in November 2013 as a road map to honouring the 2009 agreement,” adding “the fund for revitalisation of universities have not been released for some time now contrary to agreement, thus pilling the arrears to N495 billion.”

urgency for the passage of the budget of the statutory agencies is imperative because the total expenditure of the collective budget almost equals the total budget profile of the country which is N6.06 trillion.

“Now, if the corporations and agencies’ budget is up to about N4 trillion that means we will be having a budget of about N10 trillion in the country to implement for this year and when approved, it will make additional money available in the economy with its positive multiplier effects,” he noted.

The presidential aide added that passage of the budget of government corporations would also create and open up employment opportunities in different agencies and parastatals.

He noted that the Federal Capital Territory Appropriation Act, which had been assented to by President Buhari, would also create job opportunities in formal and informal sectors of the economy.

Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

BAYELSA State government has declared a deficit of N889 million for the month of June, 2016 out of a net inflow of N4.4 billion from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Presenting the income and expenditure profile for the state in his office in the Government House, Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd), said Bayelsa received the sum of N6.8 billion as gross inflow for the month.

The amount, according to him, included statutory allocation of N1.3 billion, derivation N3 billion, Value Added Tax N575, exchange differential of N62 million, ESCROW Account N230 million, refund from Rivers State N57 million, while budget support, which is a Federal Government loan to states stood at N1.4 billion.

On FAAC deductions totaling N2.3 billion, the deputy governor noted that the bond deduction gulped N1.2 billion, foreign loans N21 million, commercial agricultural loan schemes, 1 while 11 came up to N102 million, restructured loan facility N741 million, salary bailout N16 million and Excess Crude Account loan facility N126 million.

Niger commission of inquiry commences sitting in Minna Adelowo Oladipo--Minna

THE Judicial Commission of Inquiry recently set up by the Niger State government to look into the clash between Kpaidna community in Bosso Local Government Area and the personnel of both the Nigerian Army and those of the Nigerian Air force, which began its sitting in Minna, on Wednesday, has confirmed receipt of four memoranda including that of the Army.

The chairman of the commission and a state High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Mohammed Mohammed, in an inaugural sitting on Wednesday, said the commission is a fact-finding one that is not intended to witch-hunt anybody, but to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the clash.

Justice Mohammed stated further that the commission would also recommend some solutions to the state government, after its findings in order to forestall future recurrence in the state.

35

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

T

HE Senate on W e d n e s d a y impeached Dilma Rousseff, Brazil’s first female president, and removed her from office for the rest of her term, the capstone of a power struggle that has consumed the nation for months and toppled one of the hemisphere’s most powerful political parties.

The Senate voted 61 to 20 to convict Ms Rousseff on charges of manipulating the federal budget in an effort to conceal the nation’s mounting economic problems.

But the final removal of Ms Rousseff, who was suspended in May to face trial, was much more than a judgment of guilt on any charge. It was a verdict on her leadership and the

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

First Brazil’s female president impeached

President Dilma Rousseff.

PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES slipping fortunes of Latin America’s largest country.

The New York Times stated that the impeachment puts a definitive end to 13 years

of governing by the leftist Workers’ Party, an era during which Brazil’s economy boomed, lifting millions into the middle class and raising

Cameroon students stranded as government seals schools THOUSANDS of Cameroon students and their teachers are returning from holiday to find their schools have been sealed. The government says more than 300 schools have been closed because they are operating without authorisation.

One parent, Ayansi Gloria, said she already has paid school fees for her two children and she is not sure she’ll get that money back, VOA stated.

Another parent, Neba Ngwa Valentine, said his

daughter, who tried to register for the school year that begins September 5, informed him the government ordered the school not to open its doors.

“Learning can never take place in a nasty environment,” Valentine said. “Those same schools do not afford toilets, they do not have water. … To me it is unacceptable.”

Akwanga Theophilus, an adviser to the Presbyterian Education Authority Teachers Trade Union, says

A Catholic primary school holds classes in Tchere, Cameroon. PHOTO: VOA

missionary-owned schools — generally believed to be of better quality — have also been sealed.

the country’s profile on the global stage.

But sweeping corruption scandals, the worst economic crisis in decades and the government’s tonedeaf responses to the souring national mood opened Ms Rousseff to withering scorn, leaving her with little support to fend off a power grab by her political rivals.

“She lacked it all,” said Mentor Muniz Neto, a writer from São Paulo who described Ms Rousseff’s final ouster as a “death foretold,” asserting that she lacked charisma, competence and humility.

“We deserved better.”

To her many critics, the impeachment was a fitting fall for an arrogant leader at the helm of a political movement that had lost its way. But Ms Rousseff and her supporters call her ouster a coup that undermines Brazil’s young democracy.

Kenya’s anti-graft chief accused of conflict of interest, quits THE chairman of Kenya’s anti-graft body said on Wednesday he had quit after lawmakers recommended removing him from office over an alleged conflict of interest between his family business and another staterun agency.

Kenyan media reported parliament’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee wanted lawmakers to ask President Uhuru Kenyatta to set up a tribunal to force out Philip Kinisu.

The committee had accused Kinisu of a conflict of interest in his family company’s dealings with state-run National Youth Service,

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Philip Kinisu. PHOTO: REUTERS which the Ethics and AntiCorruption Commission (EACC) that he leads was investigating over lost money.

According to Reuters, Kinisu denied any wrongdoing by him or the company.

Landmark US commercial flight lands in Cuba in half a century A United States commercial flight has arrived in Cuba for the first time in more than half a century.

JetBlue Flight 387 had 150 passengers, including US transport secretary Anthony Foxx.

The plane took off from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 09:45 EDT (13:45 GMT) and landed in Santa Clara in central Cuba about an hour later.

BBC reported that the flight marks the latest development between US and Cuba since they restored diplomatic ties in December 2014.

The last time an American airline

JetBlue is the first US airline to resume regular service to Cuba under new travel rules. PHOTO: flew scheduled service to Cuba was more than 50 years ago on a propeller plane, according to Marty St George,

the executive vice president of JetBlue.

To commemorate the occasion, the plane received a water cannon salute, which traditionally marks a special occasion for a ship or aircraft.

Since the US thawed relations with Cuba, embassies have been re-opened in Washington and Havana, President Barack Obama visited the country and a US cruise ship sailed to the island nation in May. The Obama administration has approved 10 US-based airlines for regular passenger jet service to Cuba, offering as many as 110 daily flights.

other NEWS Gabon: Ali Bongo wins re-election as president, opposition kicks GABON’S interior ministry has declared incumbent President Ali Bongo as the winner of the country’s closely-fought presidential race.

Interior Minister Pacome Moubelet Boubeya said on Wednesday that Bongo had won 49.80 per cent percent of the vote and rival candidate Jean Ping

Gabon’s President Ali Bongo.

PHOTO: REUTERS

had won 48.23 per cent.

Election commission members belonging to the opposition denounced the vote, which one commissioner for Ping’s party, Paul Marie Gondjout, said was “stolen”.

Catherine Soi, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in the capital Libreville, said Ping’s camp has rejected the result.

“They say they will not accept this result at all,” Soi said.

“Protests have started.

Protests are expected to continue,” she said, adding that what appeared to be clouds of tear gas and smoke could be seen over parts of the city.

World’s largest cemetery grows bigger as Shi’ite militias bury their dead THE world’s largest cemetery, in Iraq’s Shi’ite holy city of Najaf, is expanding at double its usual rate as the nation’s death rate increased with the war on Islamic State.

Jihad Abu’Saybi, a historian of the cemetery, said on Wednesday in Najaf that the pace of daily burials rose to 150200 after Islamic State, the ultra-hardline Sunni group overran a third of the country in 2014, He said that the rate was 80-120 a day previously.

The Wadi al-Salam cemetery, Arabic for “Peace Valley,” has a special place in the hearts of Shi’ite Muslims as it surrounds the Mausoleum of their first imam, Ali Bin Abi Talib, a cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad.

Shi’ite paramilitary often visit Ali’s golden-domed shrine before heading to the frontlines to battle Islamic State, and request to be laid to rest in Wadi al-Salam should they be killed, as a reward for their sacrifice.

Zimbabweans ignore strike call, organisers blame state intimidation ZIMBABWEANS on Wednesday largely ignored a strike called by political activists to protest against the government’s handling of growing discontent and economic woes, with organisers accusing state security of intimidating people and businesses.

Reuters revealed that public anger is rising in the southern African nation where citizens have in the last two months used social media to organise demonstrations against President Robert Mugabe, including the largest strike since 2007 on July 6.

On Wednesday, businesses, including banks, informal markets and shops were open, ignoring the strike call by social media groups

Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe #ThisFlag led by pastor Evan Mawarire and #Tajamuka, whose leader is in custody on public violence charges.

The strike action was called to protest government’s planned introduction of local bank notes in October, acute cash shortages, delays in payment of public sector salaries and a police crackdown that has seen law enforcement agents using teargas, water cannon and batons to break-up protests.

36

communitynews

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

‘Delta communities ’ll benefit from NPDC/FHN partnership’ Alphonsus Agborh-Asaba

T

he Delta State government has expressed optimism that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company/ First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Joint Venture for the Asset Management of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 26 will be beneficial to host commu-

nities and enjoined other investors in the oil and gas sector to invest in the state.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Peter Mrakpor, stated this at the signing of a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) between NPDC/ FHN and host communities in Oil Mining Lease 26.

Mrakpor, while reiterat-

ing the state government’s determination to promote and boost economic and investment activities, maintained that the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration is irrevocably committed in providing a peaceful, conducive and business friendly environment for investors and operators in the oil and gas sector.

He charged the FHN and the NPDC for the Asset Management of OML 26 to deal with its host communities with understanding and transparency.

The Attorney-General expressed the hope that the marriage of both companies where NPDC and FHN has 55 per cent and 45 per cent equity holdings respectively in OML 26 will

From left, Head of Administration, Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Akin Funmilayo; The local government secretary, Mr George Oladeji; Caretaker Chairman, Mr Modepoola Egunjobi and Director, Administration and General Services, Mr Jide Akinlotan, during the swearing-in of new committee members at the local government secretariat, Iwere-Ile, at the weekend.

be for the mutual good of all.

The GMoU set out the obligations of host communities which involve four clusters of oil producing and pipeline communities with three ethnic nationalities of Isoko, Urhobo, and Ndokwa and those of NPDC/FHN. The host communities, in the signed GMoU, had agreed to undertake all reasonable and necessary actions to provide a peaceful, conducive and enabling environment within the communities for the smooth operations of the company, its personnel, contractors and agents without disturbance, interference, threat or disruption.

As part of the terms of the GMoU, the communities are to interface with the company on community development projects and execution of capacity building projects as well as the use of community authority and influence to lawfully protect all company’s property, including production facilities against vandals and other criminals NPDC/FHN on its part will provide funding for community devel-

Medical team offers free healthcare service at Mile 12 market

newton-ray ukwuoma-lagos

A team of medical workers, recently provided free healthcare service to traders in Mile 12 Market in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The group from an Indonesian Pharmaceutical Company, makers of Boska and Dexa Medica, comprised experts in ophthalmology and otolaryngology as well as general physicians.

They offered free eye and ear examination and general body check-up and prescribed drugs to market men and women and others.

The programme attracted hundreds of residents of Kosofe Local Government Area, who gathered at the makeshift tents in their numbers to receive free medical care.

The Dexa Medica Brand Executive, Tunde Ojedokun, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune said the gesture was in line with the company’s Pain Free Day programme taking place in many markets in Lagos.

He said: “From a hectic, stressful job, a chaotic family life, worries about bills and bad habits such as unhealthy eating, drinking and smoking, stress has become a major health challenge facing many people in cities like Lagos. Our commitment remains firm to keep improving consumers’ health by providing health programmes like this to help increase their productivity and cut down

the cost of healthcare.”

He said places like Mile 12 Market were chosen because of the high level of laborious activities that take place there.

“Also important in the selection process is the unavailability of outlets to sup-

port a sustainable workplace health programme and lack of proximity to pharmacies and chemists,” he added.

Speaking on the scheme, a beneficiary, who gave her name simply as Bola, noted that the programme came in good time as she

had been nursing the plan to visit the hospital to complain about her constant headache.

Another resident, who declined to reveal his name, offered gratitude to the pharmaceutical company, saying they

should keep up the good work.

The Pain Free Day program provided opportunity for the health experts to educate local residents on critical health issues and how to maintain a stress-free lifestyle.

Jubilation as C’River communities get electricity after 2 years anthony ubong-calabar

It was jubilation galore in Ikot Awatim, Uyi Effiong and Akai Effa communities in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, as the state government commissioned transformers, thereby restoring electricity supply in the communities after two years of total darkness.

The three communities are among several others that have benefited from the state government’s intervention following years of neglect.

The intervention is in line with Governor Ben Ayade’s planned 24-hour uninterrupted power supply in Calabar metropolis. Last week, the state government took delivery of a 20 megawatts power equipment.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the transformers, the DirectorGeneral, State Electricity Agency (SEA), Honourable

Jake Otu Enya said: “The essence of this exercise is to ensure that Cross River State, particularly Calabar metropolis, has uninterrupted power supply to improve the people’s living conditions.”

He pointed out that: “In spite of the current economic reality in the country and the lean resources of the state which has made governance almost impossible, the governor, Professor Ayade graciously granted approval for the purchase of 181 transformers at the sum of N650 million for distribution to areas where there was no light in the Southern Senatorial District of the state for phase one of the project and today, we gather to celebrate this man of the people.”

According to him, “We are the only state in Nigeria that has this kind of intervention. Even when power has been privatised, we still deemed it fit to in-

tervene in the interest of our people”, adding that, “despite all this, we are not benefiting from the tariff.

We want the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company to do something in that direction.”

Addressing the beneficiary communities, Governor Ayade, who was

represented by his Special Adviser on Public Utilities, Honourable Iyadim Iyadim, said ”the gesture is in fulfillment of one of the governor’s campaign promises of ensuring total transformation of the landscape, stating that power remained a key component for economic emancipation.

opment projects, capacity building programmes, traditional rulers’ upkeep, farm establishment and provision of employment for indigenes of the area.

Commenting at the brief ceremony, a Senior Technical Manager of FHN, Adol Afemari, on behalf of the asset management team, thanked officials of the Ministry of Justice for midwifing the process that culminated in the signing of the GMoU. He promised that it was not going to be business as usual as he expressed their commitment to live up to their obligations and called on the communities to reciprocate in ensuring that all parties maximise the full benefits of the GMoU.

Offa commends FG on road rehabilitation Biola Azeez-Ilorin People of Offa community in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State have commended the Federal Government for embarking on road rehabilitation in parts of the state.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, a community leader in the area, Chief Dele Shittu, lauded the Federal Government for its intervention with regards to some road projects in the state as contained in the 2016 budget which, he said, included Ajase-Ipo-Offa Road and Offa By-Pass.

Chief Shittu, a former member of the state House of Assembly, said the roads, when completed, would not only ease transportation but enhance socio-economic development of the country.

He appealed to contractors handling the projects to do the job according to specification and complete the job on schedule.

‘We’ll complement community self-help projects’

By Gbenga Olumide

Ogun State Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Mr Gbenga Adenmosun, has said that government would continue to complement the efforts of Community Development Councils (CDCs), in their self-help projects in local communities, to boost development in the state.

The commissioner said government would release the grant-in-aid for communities before the end of the

year.

He said this at the closing ceremony of a five-day training tagged: “Advanced Citizenship training and Leadership” for community leaders in the state.

According to him, the training was aimed at widening the scope of activities of community leaders by making them more knowledgeable on the management of community development organisations towards achieving sustainable socio-economic growth.

He encouraged partici-

pants to translate the knowledge acquired into gains for the people in their various communities by sponsoring more beneficial projects.

Two of the participants, Mr Olaleye Musbau and Mrs Blessing Ogedengbe, commended the initiative of the CDCs for the training and retraining of community leaders on how to effectively manage the human and material resources in their communities for community development, promising to make effective use of the training.

37

Thursday, 1 September, 2016

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

22nd CJN tournament kicks off in Lokoja

Chelsea renews Omeruo’s contract

Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

Releases him on loan again

By Olawale Olaniyan

N

IGERIAN international, Kenneth Omeruo has signed a one-year contract extension with Chelsea, but has been sent on loan for a fourth time by the English Premier League giants.

According to the official website of the Blues, Omeruo will, spend the whole season on loan with Alanyaspor FC of Turkey which has just been promoted to the Super Lig. The former Sunshine Stars of Akure player penned a season loan deal with the Turkish top division side after he passed a routine medical on transfer deadline day.

Omeruo, will be spending his second consecutive season in

Turkey, following a year romance with Kasimpasa FC. The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, will earn 65,000 Euros monthly at new club, Alanyaspor after he missed out on pocketing 100,000 Euros at Turkish champions, Besiktas.

He says his new deal is to make him one of the players to follow this season “The focus right now is to play regularly and establish myself here,” Omeruo told BBC Sport. I know what to expect joining a team with big ambitions - it means the bar has been raised even higher.”

Omeruo also defended his decision to remain in Turkey.

“I don’t want to enjoy the tag of being a Chelsea player always going out on loan without regular football. My desire is to prove myself a worthy addition to Alanyaspor,

make a significant contribution in all competitions and take it from there.

“I don’t want to get ahead of myself but everybody wants to be settled at a place and play regularly - I am no different.”

However, it was gathered that Besiktas had first offered him a monthly salary of $100,000 before the switch later collapsed after Chelsea had insisted on a number of clauses including outright sale of the player after the loan.

Omeruo who joined the Londonbased EPL side in 2012 from Standard Liege of Belgium had played on loan for Dutch top-flight side ADO Den Haag, English Championship side, Middlesbrough and Kasimpasa of Turkey, which declined the option to sign the 2014 World Cup star on a permanent basis.

Omeruo (right)

Giwa FC: Court suspends Nigeria Professional League Isaac Shobayo -Jos The Nigeria Professional Football League has been suspended indefinitely by a Plateau State High court sitting in Bukuru, near Jos, until the League Management Company (LMC), fully complies with the earlier order of reinstating Giwa FC to the league.

It will be recalled, that Giwa FC was expelled from the top-flight league after its stayed away from a third game in May this year, which contravenes the rules of the competition.

“Giwa FC is in breach of the NPFL Framework and Rules for failing to honour three cumulative fixtures without acceptable reason.

“The three fixtures, Giwa failed to honour, being in Ilorin against Wikki (MD14), Akwa Utd (MD16) and Enyimba (MD18),” the LMC had said in a statement released in May. Chairman of Giwa FC Supporters Club, Mustapha Abubakar, had gone to court to challenge the expulsion of the side following the May verdict of the LMC. Giwa FC got reprieve on August 12 when the court ruled that the side be reinstated into the NPFL.

However, Justice Ishaku Kunda in his ruling delivered on Wednesday, strongly condemned the delay tactics being employed by the counsel to the LMC, Olumide Olujimi, to delay the case knowing full

well that the Nigerian league is time bound, and the league would have effectively ended before the case is determined.

The judge declared the case adjourned sine die but also told the

defendants that they can proceed with their appeal at the Appeal Court if they so wish.

Meanwhile, the LMC has filed an appeal against the ruling at the Appeal Court.

The 22nd edition of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) games kick off in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital following the unveiling of the tournament trophy on Wednesday.

The CJN, Justice Mohammed Mamoud, who unveiled the trophy at the Kogi State High Court, assured the organisers of the support of the judiciary.

Represented by Justice Suleiman, the CJN said the bench was happy to host the tournament in the state.

He noted that the judiciary in the state was scandal free, saying he was convinced that the tournament would be hitch-free.

Mamoud also noted that the preparation put into the competition by the state government would make it to be one of the best organised in the history of the competition.

The Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajana, said the tournament would further strengthen the oneness of the judiciary in the country.

Ajana, who spoke through Justice Henry Olusuyi, said stars would emerge from the competition.

According to him, the tournament which formed part of recreational opportunities for the bench would also foster unity among the judiciary.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Arome Adoji, said the state was ready for the competition, adding that adequate security measures have been put in place towards the successful organisation of the competition.

Star Lager partners Arsenal, Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid, Man City Continues from pgBP

The established partnership will have Star organise digital amplification of the European clubs in Nigeria, including digital promotions to drive viewership as well as providing outdoor amplification of the clubs and billboards.

The partnership will give access to an archive of images and content from the respective clubs with an opportunity for Star to brand its bottles with logos of these clubs. Going forward, a bottle of Star would symbolize more than just another larger, it would mean a communion between a fan and the pride, history and colours of their favourite club side; Real Madrid, Arsenal, PSG, Manchester City and Juventus FC. A common ground Star has with the European giants is the culture

of remarkable history. Since the first Star Lager beer bottle rolled out of the Lagos brewery in 1949, Star has consistently supported football initiatives and platforms such as its highly impactful campaign to rally Nigerian football fans during the World Cup in 2014.

The Star Super Fans Show also showcased and rewarded football fans for their passion and knowledge of the game. A week ago, Star announced a landmark partnership with the local league, NPFL in a similar arrangement as the “official beer partner “ of the domestic league.

English giants, Arsenal FC has won 13 League titles in its 130-year history and is loved by many Nigerians who appreciate its easy-onthe-eye style of game possession.

Arsenal’s popularity soared in

Nigeria when former captain and Olympic gold medallist, Nwankwo Kanu played with the Invincibles alongside the great Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera and Robert Pires in the 2003/2004 season. Thereafter, the club’s affinity with Nigerians has continued to grow even stronger with the emergence of Alex Iwobi on the squad.

Juventus with 32 Serie-A titles, is the most successful Italian club ever. They have a rich history of achievements and a big support base that extends beyond their hometown of Turin.

A record eleventh UEFA Champions League title in 2016 ensured that Real Madrid continued its leadership as European football’s most successful club. It has rich history of signing the world’s most expensive footballers that go further to win individual prizes at the

Ballon d’Or. Players like Zinedine Zidane, Raul, Luis Figo, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have added to the club’s legacy.

Manchester City has become a top name in English football over the last decade. Young Nigeria forward for the team, Kelechi Iheanacho remains a delight to watch as he finds his feet alongside Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure under the tutelage of the very successful coach, Pep Guardiola.

While PSG is the relatively youngest of the five but a top name in French football, winning the last four Ligue 1 titles as they push to become a major challenger in Europe. Despite the recent departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the presence of Thiago Silva and David Luis in defence continues to keep the capital side grounded.

38

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He said he was making this promise to continue his superlative performance of his papers last week.

He therefore enjoined stakers to study movements of games thoroughly from one section to the another in all his fortune papers.

The paper are Pools Telegraph, Zeters Pools Guide, Murphy Sports, Shoot Pointers, The New Dream and final Result.

TRIPLE OFFERS 30 – 40 (08035324990)

As the season progresses, the draws are being flashed and punters are winning.

Last week was not an exception. We are grateful and hopeful to give have a good draw from Coupon Nos 30/40 this week for a good draw. Add the pair to our 1BK and have you 2/3 this weekend. Our 1BK still sells for N1,500.00, 2 Draws sell for N3,000.00 on 08035324990.

OLA – CITY BOAST OF 3 DRAWS

FOR THIS WEEK 8 AND WEEK 9. DOUBTING THOMAS TO REGRET. WEEK 8 PAIR 22XX 32XX PHONE 08140575314, 08085005634, 08085005634 The compiler of Ola – City International assures his fans and all interested stakers of his 3 fixed draws for this week 8 and week 9 cost N10,000 cash each week which will gladding the hearts of all participants. Don’t Doubt it.

Pay to First Bank Plc. Account No 3033318854 in the name of OLAFENWA R. OLA-CITY winnings Club Member Registration fees cost N100,000 = while N50,000 cash deposit allowed to pay the N50,000 balance from your first winnings. The compilers and Bookmaker are just settling down. The game will be send to you after confirmation of your payment.

JOSEPH INTER NAP – 08167278061 (34 OK 43)

NAP 26X 36X 46XXX 06X 16X. NAP 25X 35X 45XXX 05X 15X. WEEK 7 = 24X 34X 44XXX 04X 15X. Week 33’ 2015/16 and week 6’ 2016 following week chelsea at home No 1 week 34’ 2016 and week 7’ 2016. Tottenham at home No 8 and Southampton and Sunderland.

WK 34’ 2016 – 20X 44X 46XXX 6X 8X WK. 07 2016 – 24X 34X 44XXX 7X 8X. Check proof and call for your fixed draws of full payment as it was in week 33.

2015/16. Your winning is crystal clear again with us this week. Your week 08’ 2016 call & win is on WINNING scheduled congratulations = N25,000 = (34 XX 43). NB. Repeated advert. Good luck.

ACHEIVER INTER, 08034097902

WEEK 06 : RESULT:- 26X, 31X & 38XX 3/3 WEEK 08 PAIR:- 06X 16 We congratulate all Our NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS and those willing to Register, with Achiever Inter for our week 06 performance as promised, our week‘ 5‘ to week 10‘ operation live up to expectation as packaged by a team of pools Expects who compiled the 5‘ weeks operation pick the naked draws. Customers who where lucky to purchase our weeks 5 & 6 current life draws can testify to our performance, which yielded fruitful elivielemets, as it was winnings qalore with many turned millionaire overnight with nos :- 26xx, 31xx & 38xx.

Score 3/3 and alternative :- pair, 19xx 18f play 4/5 congratulations our yes is always yes and we are equally happy that we did not ellissaponted our teaming customers in week 5&6 as they happy smiled to there various banks on Monday morning those who missed week ‘5&6‘ for one reason fill the gap as our weeks 7, 9,8,10 games are set to make you regain your past losses. The price is just only N25,000 cash. Call(08034097902) 06 x 16x plus 3‘ others.

DR. M.M PROMISE, THE PAYMASTER

08037174526 HOT PAIR 28, 39 GUARANTEED NAP: WKS 8 & 9 Dr. M.M Promise, Nigeria’s foremost pools compiler is releasing his first guaranteed Naps for the season in weeks 8 and 9; cost N30,000 cash weekly; payable at UBA, to Dr. Maxwell Promise, accts No. 1003610591. Meanwhile the erudite pools legend one sure banker draw costs N10,000 cash, while his “New back to winning ways membership club” attracts a cash deposit of N500,000 only out of the total membership fee of N5 million. Serious minded stakers are advised not to miss weeks 8 and 9 guaranteed Naps for maximum winnings. Call 08037174526.

WITH CONFIDENCE= 08166222529, 08139714848= 15XX 17XX NAP

Two Bankers= N5000 Wk07 No X 02x 24x Pair 7x 8x Two Banker= N5000 Wk 08 No Nap Nap Pair Nap Nap One Bankers= N2500 Wk 07 No 29x Pair 7x 8x One Bankers= N2500 Wk 08 No Nap Pair Nap Nap League Table Two Bankers= N3000 Wk 07 No 14x 26x Pair 29x 34x League Table Two Bankers= N3000 Wk 08 No Nap Nap Pair Nap Nap One Banker N2000 Wk 07 No 34 Pair 29x 34x Wk 08 No Nap Pair 21. 22 Stakers try to get with confident two Bankers this wk 8 purple cost N5000 two Bankers cost N2500 Legue table two Bankers cost N3000 one Bankers cost N2000 we set for 6 Wks operations. Wk 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, send MTN Card 08166222529. The game will send to you by text message. 08139714848.

NIDAS 08033510149

WK 07 = 10XX 23XX 29XX = 3/3 WK 08 = NAP, NAP, NAP 9XX 11XX = 5/5 Stakers had a great deal of success last week with my game which got 3/3 with 10xx 23xx 29xx. With the information at my disposal which i got during my recent trip to London, there is no stopping for our Operation Demolish Promoters which continues this week 08.this week game costs N25,000.dont be left out of the rush to riches and stop complaining of lack of money. Heaven helps those who are ready to help themselves we must win together.

SOLOMON RESORT 09091111800 (21XX MUST 22)

BURNLEY – BURNLEY ON NO. 1 IN 2 WKS 06&07 Last week ebb considered our sure win this week 8, despite our free 2 bankers published last week on 02X 07XXX. Northampton, and Newport.

Week 08 NONE PREMIERSHIP on score card.WINNING KEY: In week 8 – 2015 – Watch P vs C ac draw In week 8 – 2015 – Letter P vs C Winners-price = 21XX 22XX and other fixed / scheduled 3 direct Naps = N50,000 = 09091111800. Acts wisely like King Solomon. Goodluck.

Thursday, 1 - 7 September, 2016 MODUPE (08033566694) 23- 33- 47. 2drs Call for super winning now.

FREE WIN AT EMIRATE FLY

01X 13X 25X 37X 43XXX Board with us to Switzerland where the above world back is situated with the SURE WIN. As part of our commitment to all our clients and to welcome you to 2016/2017 U.K Season 4 weeks Nap. start winning Now, fetch water when it rains. 08087104491 = Goodluck

4 MEMBERS 4 BANKERS 08162705220. NO 34 NAP 33

4 BANKERS COST N6000 WK 07 RED = NO 2X 14X 24X 48F 4 BANKERS COST N6000 WK 08 = NO NAP NAP NAP NAP 4 BANKERS COST N6000 WK 08 = NO NAP NAP NAP NAP 4 BANKERS COST N6000 WK 10 = NO NAP NAP NAP NAP PAIR 32.33 2016 ENGLISH SYSTEM BOOKLET COST: N50,000 CASH KEY: Every week 8 PURPLE BANK NIGER NO 32.33 Wk 08 gift 4.5 plus 3 others cost N6,000 cash wk 07 No 2X 14X 24X 48F 10X 26X 34X 48X Key Wk 07 = 2016. No Nap Nap Nap Nap 48 kwy 31.39 following week 7 to control 4 special draws at N6,000 send MTN recharge cards to 08162705220

MALLAM BAWA MUSA

ORIGINAL PURPLE KEY 08052506287 PAIR 15, 24 WK. 4 PURPLE = 5X, 11X, 17X. Stakers, I will give out my Nap for this week together with the current original purple key controlling it. In week 4, first purple it scored 5X, 11X, 17X = 3/3. Week 8, second purple Nap/key cost only N15,000 cash. My weekly unstoppable one banker draw cost N5,000 cash. Payments at Access Bank to Mallam Musa I. Bawa, accts No 0042075587. Tel. 08052506287

DOSA 08072216644 17XXBK

Its payment after winning of N40,000 this week 08. Just send to Dosa N1,000 MTN recharge Card for his own staking, you will not pay anything again after the game has draw. Its seasonal game. Thanks.

WERRIBEE.C

MODBURY

BALCATTA

TWO BANKER WK 07 N3,000

TWO BANKER WK 07 N3,000

TWO BANKER WK 07 N3,000

WK 08 PURPLE

WK 08 PURPLE

WK 08 PURPLE

X24X X34X NAP NAP

X29X X44X NAP NAP

X14X F34F

NAP NAP

SHORT – GUN 34 HOT 47

SEND MTN CARD TO 08162705220

The pair above must also supply this week with other fixed draws to continue our winning formula which started in Week 06. This week game costs N25,000 and it is only for those who are ready to make millions team today.

PRAGMATISM THE GREAT ORACLE OF DRAWS

08050614477/ 08168241902

CHARITY NAP

TEL: -07036539499, 09085276689.

IN WEEK 7:- 02X - 07X - 08X was a result WEEK 8 - NAP - 19XX 22XX 24XX PERM WITH:- 07 — 11 — 18.

Read Pools Telegraph and sporting news for more details. Cost N50,000= Call me for week 08 and week 09 winning confirmation.

08054325929 (36 FIXED 44) Mr fixed naked draws is out to make every good stakers to Win millions of naira to forget their past loses.

Be focus on CHARITY NAP for your fixed draws. We don’t joke but deal with authentic information. Our Nap remains N20,000 = while registrations is still in progress. Good luck.

DRAW COMMANDER

08032428168 (34 MUST 36) As stakers started last week to deal with promoters with the 11 killer draws, the pair above and other fixed draws must play to ensure your winning this weekend. Pay N25,000 and get the game that will change your life. It is a sure deal.

SEND MTN CARD TO 08095602590.

WEEK 07 XRAY THE WISE STAKERS CHOICE

HERITAGE NAP

VOLVO NAP 16 KEY 17 08059580326

Nos 16 key 17 are pointers to my 3 nap draws and a pair next week 09 cost N10,000 cash. Please don’t miss it.

LEKE INTERNATIONAL

09091790611 Bet 11,21 Stakers, this is your week. Try to get my special even week Nap and win your future. Cost N20,000 cash.

Call 09091790611.

ALASE DRAWS –

09081716580 (17 MUST 27)

MANSFIELD and CHESTER on the same digit numbers promoted our coming on board so that all staking public can have a good use of our sure NAPS. Cost N10,000 call & you will not regret it. Good luck.

A.T.M LIVE

07040478677/08056390550 PERM:- 8. 10. 15. 21. 32= 4/5 Stakers are advised to use the above games for passmark against wk9, wk10 special release, which cost N15, 000= cash each, payable to Mrs Modupeola Oseji, Acct Number 2016981168. UBA Bank nearest to you, Goodluck.

HEAD MASTER=

08032747136 (33, 34, 35, 36)

Prepare youself for eleya release in week 9.

This 4 games is for 3 draws if you need our 3 direct draws you can dial my number for further information.

Cost only N5, 000. 00 cash

JOHN SUPER TIPS 7CBK

Readers, we offering Coupon No 34 last week against our special release of 3 and 5 gazetted draws this week 08, 3 draws cost N20,000. Bank 17CBK plus others CALL 09050512097.

WEEK 8 STATUS. EKO – 11 LKO – 35 PPP = 03 AND 12 VOID —40 SUNDAY— 06 AND 08.

TWO BANKERS N3,000 = 19. 21

WK 07 X34X X44X PAIR X14X X24X

WK 08 NAP NAP PAIR 19 21

WK 09 NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP

BEST ENGLISH MAGIC TWO BANKERS N3,000

WK 07 X14X X29X PAIR X02X F03F

WK 08 NAP NAP PAIR 35 36

WK 09 NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP

The most informative, reliable and fortune Pools directory in town is now confirmed as the Nigerian Tribune Pools Page we lead while others missed the track. Fantastic win at our pools page from our Test and Trusted reliable and outstanding compilers (stakers friends) on 11drs The best of the best rented the air on the stable of Best Bargain free direct 3 draws, Dr. JK Pools got 5 draws correctly from his usual free win they needed to be commended. Infact I was overwhelmed with our Compilers success last week on 11 super draws with full payment as our compilers added good value to our readers staking experiences. Our 2 bankers managers were Joseph International Naps, king David, Godwin Naps, Akin Mr Akin, Zenith, Solomon Resort, Authority and Madam De Madam of Mr Joshua, Incredible multiple wins.

One banker series Kodus to shadow, John super Tips, Adeoti and Isreal Bailout while our promised fulfilled pair managers were Luckman, Charity, Patrick the English man, Dr M.M Promise, Money Dollars, Short Gun, Sunderland, Jacobson, Ikechukwu, Labaeka, New Era and Mr Assurance (Njoroge) Note – All our Pools compilers worth Gold is never found on Earth-surface please and surface to whom big is given big is equally expected. APPRECIATE THEM TO SERVE YOU BETTER

FAITHFUL INTERVENTION NAPS( 07082899957)

THE NEWEST HAPPINGS IN POOLS HISTORY (FAITH ONLY) ON 3 YEARS ANNUAL WEEK 8 CONTROLLED NAP ON UNIT NUMBER OF DRAWS IN 2014 – 2015 and 2016 Records are kept by the wise.

Week 8’ 2014 – 04X 15X 24XXX – 12 – 7drs Week 8’ 201‘5 – 05X 17X 35XXX – 32 – 9drs Week 8’ 2016 – X X X 9-11drs Our Authentic source of information on fixed matches as draws up hold our winning ‘FAITH’ join the indomitable Faithful Naps to next level.

N50,000 = pay pin code – 07082899957

AUTHORITY SUPER NAPS 09030084552

WEEK.07 – 02X 10X 24XXX 8X 26X All correct draws with Authority stable draws on fixed matches. Congratulations all our esteem customers and our last week callers that won big on full payment of on 11 friendly draws. Our week 8 Nap is on another fixed winning draws programme call – 09030038552 and get connected to the current winners world= good luck.

WINNING SOLUTION AS MOSES ELEVATE STAKERS 08072974729

WEEK 24’ 2015 – WEEK 7’ 2016 = 4 WKS NAP KEY – ABERDEEN ON NUMBER 47 – (AT REST) Cystal P vs Bournemouth – No 2 XX02XX Brentford – 12X – 14XXX AFC. Wimbledon – 35X – 29XXX Hartlepool – 40 – 44XXX Month of play – 12X – 08XXX ATHE ABOVE Table shown our week 24’ 2015 and wk. 7’ 2016 of our 4 weeks winning programe. Read our last 3 weeks adverts for details. Many stakers were elevated to peak (MILLIONAIRES WORLD) despite the world economic met down. In God We Trust. Sorry no forecast this week, In preparation for another Bumper win in weeks 9&10 till then, Goodluck= N50,000

ATTENTION ALL COMPILERS, OUR POLICY ON NO ADVERT NO WRITE UP STILL IN PLACE —MANAGEMENT.

39

tribunepools

AKIN MR AKIN NEW DAWN. 07067202291.

Week 7 = magnetic naps – 02X 26X 29XXX free 02X 10.

WALSALL ON DATE OF PLAY – TWICE LAST YEAR IN WEEKS 15 & 16 = 2015 NOW IN WK. 8 – 2016.

Last week your darling 2 in one seasoned experts is the only compiler that gave out No 10 as draw on Sunday. Our source made our last week success possible = 5/5 on full payment (11 draws).

Walsall on date of play reference weeks crusade Week 15’ 2015 — 11X 24X 38XXX – 25 X 26 Week 16 ‘ 2015 —14X 26X 41XXX – 9drs.

Week 8’ 2016 — X X X – 25 X 26 Week 15’ 2016— X X X – 26 X 25.

Once again the only permanent thing in life is change for better. Lets activate you to greatness.2 in one Experts forum = N35,000 = Good luck.

WINNER CODE 505

08135637650 = 13XX 17XX

U.K SYSTEM TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 7 NO 24X 26X WK 8 NO NAP NAP WK 9 NO NAP NAP WK 10 NO NAP NAP wk 11 NAP NAP wk 12 NO NAP NAP Power X power two bankers N2000 wk 7 No 24X 26X wk 8 No NAP NAP wk 9 NAP NAP wk 10 No NAP NAP wk 11 No NAP NAP Winner code 505 two Bankers N2,000 Wk 07 No 14X 23X wk 08 No NAP NAP wk 09 NO NAP NAP ADESURE Nap two N2,000 wk 7 No 29X 31X wk 08 No NAP NAP wk 09 No NAP NAP wk 10 No NAP NAP WK 11 No NAP NAP. stakers try to get winner code 505 Two Bankers this wk 08 PURPLE cost N2,000 cash winner code 505. Group 4. Special draws this wk 08 PURPLE N25,000 Wwk 07 No 14X 24X 34X 44X = 4/4 wk 08 No NAP NAP NAP NAP we set for 5 wks operations wk 9, send MTN Card 08135637650.

PRAGMATISM NAP – 07036539499

The great oracle of draws in Week 7 – 02x 07x 08xxx perfect result.

Week 8 – 19x 22x 24xxx perm with 07x 11x 18xxx Read pools Telegraph and sporting News for more details cost N50,000 = call me for weeks 8 and 9 NAPS. Good luck.

PROFF & DAVID NAPS – 07069009601 (43XX 47)

NOW KING DAVID P.= Outclass Promoters in week 07 on – 02x 24x 26xxx 07x 25f= 4/5 Incredible successful pairing of two prominent Experts. 2 good heads are better than one they say now it has come to reliality . our merging with another reknown Experts. Compiler is not for profit making but to serve you better and to have a good value for your money.

Congratulations all my clients and all those that called Proff. Please we are still ONE. Thanks for your understanding. No one love to associate himself with a failure. So we are now fully in shape to enrich you. Welcome to the kings winning folds. 43xx 47. Smile – Smile – Laugh= N50, 000.

CARMARK SUPER – 08186673842

17X 32X 34XX FOR 2 DRAWS Enough is Enough your winning is sure with us this week. With the key game as Luton vs Wycombe on No 16. Payment to S.B Odesola at IBTC Stanbic Bank. No 0001361916.

Nap at N5, 500 and N4, 500 for permutation. Goodluck.

TOMMY – NAP –

08035797661 (08 MUST 09)

Registered Northampton must Oldham and other 3 draws are now ready to enrich all our callers this week. Cost N10,000 – sure win.

Goodluck

SAM AYO –

08109152433 (32 MUST 34)

Call for your 3 good draws for better tomorrow against our week 9 and 10 naps. Good luck.

INNOCENT NAP = 08095602590 21 NAP 22 NAP 21

4 Special Draws cost N6,000, Wk 07 No 14X 24X 26X 44X PAIR 38F 39F 4 Special Draws cost N6,000, Wk 08 No NAP NAP NAP NAP PAIR 8.10 4 Special Draws cost N6,000, Wk 09 No NAP NAP NAP NAP PAIR 16.17 4 Special Draws cost N6,000, Wk 10 No NAP NAP NAP NAP PAIR 2 Special Draws cost N4,000, Wk 07 No 14X 24X 14X 24X 2 Special Draws cost N4,000, Wk 08 No NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP 2 Special Draws cost N4,000, Wk 09 No NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP 1 Special Draw cost 2,000 with pair.

Wk 04 No 5X, Wk 5 No 28, Wk 6 No 14X, Wk 7 No 14X, Wk 08 No Nap KEY: Wk 8 PURPLE BANK NO 21.22 PLUS 4 OTHERS 08095602590

DR. SAM – 08084077244

WIN = 12X 22X 32X 42XXX Your newly arrived Dr. Sam is now on Tribune Pools page to give all lovers of the paper a big win relief. We are known my many but wwe are new to this page. Our introductory free win is stated above. Prepare to win in weeks 9, 10&11 with N100,000.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE

THE WINNERS CHOICE WISE STAKERS DELIGHT GET A COPY AND WIN.

M. B. A EXPERT – 08104694618 PAIR 01XX 12

As it was in the immediate past week 08 (2015) U.K Soccer Season, this 2nd Purple colour of 2016 is again without both English Premiership and Championship League sides. Former Skybet League Two Clubside, AFC Wimbledon is topping this week’s fixtures as one of the Landlords in Skybet League One. Interestingly, Winbledon as guests of Manfield last Season played 1 – 1 score draw while Chesterfield, playing at home as host of Wiga lost 2 – 3. The combination of week / Dates of Science Numbers spread across the segments of the fixtures. Watch ABODE at 25 – 29 as a truncated the FG arrangement at 30 – 31. Likely cluster here? There is also likelihood of a draw at the 2 Sunday encounters. Goodluck

MADAM DE MADAM MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

08023329191= PLYMOUTH ON PORTSMOUTH AGAIN (22XX 21) PETERBORO ON DATE OF PLAY IN WEEK 7 Winning instruction put the Madams on top. Congratulations our 5/5 Nap from 11 draws last week was used to launch our new office in Lagos, Mr. Obi from Portharcourt we will soon be there, arrangements are on top gear at Abuja.

We are now preparing for doorstep services PETERBORO on date of play in Wk. 19’ 2015 confirmed week 7’ 2016 Naps= Bournemouth XX Tottenham.

Week 19’ 2015 – 11x 31x 39xx – 06xx 07= 4/5 Week 7’ 2016 – 10x 29x 44xxx – 02xx 08xx 5/5 2 Bankers were A.F.C. Wimbledon and Newport Co. read our last week advert for more understanding/confirmation.

PURPLE COLOURED AFFAIRS despite the fact the P.P.A in England has no passion for coupon colours yet many tabulations falls on it. Week 04 and week 08= PLYMOUTH ON PORTSMOUTH= 21XX 22XX. Week 4 – 11x 18x 40xx PORTSMOUTH 34X Week 8 – X X X – Plymouth/Portsmonth.

Call our media manager Mr Joshua for your winning details= N50, 000=

NAZAR MASTER REMAINS SOLID AND RELIABLE

The leading pools company in Oyo State and environs, NAZAR Master Pools Company Limited, Ibadan has again reiterated that it was unshaken by the amount of winnings on its odds in the current U.K Football Season. the pools company made this known in a statement made available to TRIBUNE Pools during the week. According to NAZAR Master `we are happy that stakers have continue to win on our odds. We are assuring them that we up to the task of paying winnings as and when due , no matter the amount involved. Stakers and other stakeholders should continue to bet on our odds so that they would have big money to pay all their dues, AND our treble chance dividends has no equal. (Invest wisely).

MID – WEEK GIVES 33 – 34 (08087176217)

The draws have spread fairly in the first 4 weeks of the season. Lucky stakers are winning while others are still hopeful as the season in very young. Let us take a sure draw from Coupon Nos 33 – 34 this week for a compulsory draw.

Combine the duo with our IBK this week and smile on Monday morning after collecting your winning. Our 1BK sells for N1,500.00 2 BKS cost N3,000.00, and 3 sure draws sell for N10,000.00 on 08087176217. Best of luck to all punters.

HOPE NAPS & Co 08107128449 (03xx04)

Promised to get 3 draws correct this week 8. Week 8 pair 3XX 4XX Mr Stephen Gbadebo A. the compiler of Hope Naps & Co urge stakers to buy his 3 draws for this week 8 as he set to make him customers happy and smile to the Bank on Monday Pay your N20,000 cash to First Bank Plc. Acct No 3088328923 in the name of Stephen Gbadebo A and collect the 3 draws after confirmation of your payment. No retreat No surrender.

ALHAJI SADIKU, TALK OF THE TOWN 08183573342 PAIR 13, 26

I don’t publish except I have genuine & authentic Nap, so in weeks 8 and 9, I imploy all stakers to get my releases and win their fortune. The key is only for purple and brown coupon. Week 4 = 28X, 34X, 47X. WK. 5 = 39X, 42X, 43X. weeks 8 and 9, cost only N10,000 cash per week. Payments at GTB to Alhaji Sadiku Adedoja, accts No 0030411077. Call 08183573342; or 08057416201.

DR. B4 DR. – 08062748396 (42XX 43) HARROGATE MUST SALFORD. C

Congratulations another sure win at Dr. B4 Dr. home of success in here again to outwit promoters first appearance of ENGLISH CONFERENCE league.

HARROGATE MUST SALFORD. C = 42XX 43 We don’t shoot without a good target, we are now at work to enrich our esteem friends / clients with our newly & freshly prepared to serve 3 scheduled draws and the above MUST = 42 and 43. Welcome to the Directors of draws palace.

Cost = N50,000 = 2 clients new are O.K -08062748396

MID – WEEK GIVES 33 – 34 (08087176217)

The draws have spread fairly in the first 4 weeks of the season. Lucky stakers are winning while others are still hopeful as the season in very young. Let us take a sure draw from Coupon Nos 33 – 34 this week for a compulsory draw.

Combine the duo with our IBK this week and smile on Monday morning after collecting your winning. Our 1BK sells for N1,500.00 2 BKS cost N3,000.00, and 3 sure draws sell for N10,000.00 on 08087176217. Best of luck to all punters.

NEW VICTORIOUS VICTOR WINNING STATEMENT. 08126994034= SILENT BREAKER.

NORTHAMPTON – 4 WEEKS WIN= IN WK. 4, 5, 6 & 7.

WELCOME TO 2016/2017 U.K/SCOTTISH SEASON We decided to say away to attend to all our unlucky stakers. Due to pressure from yearning staking public that heard of our recent performances in weeks 4, 5, 6 and 7. 4weeks operational Naps on NORTHAMPTION. Week 4 – 19x 31x 38xxx – Northampton – 25x Week 5 – 19x 31x 38xxx – Northampton – 26x Week 6 – 14x 26x 41xxx – Northampton – 26x Week 7 – 14x 29x 44 xxx – Northampton – 26x In week 6 & 7= 14x Wimbledon and Newport. Co and Northampton= 14x 29x 44xxx – 26x.

In week 8 the last week of the winning statement NORTHAMPTON must be on week of play and on week number digit= 2 weeks winning assurance.

NORTHAMPTON – WINNING CLUE Week 8 – on week of play= X X X - NAP NAP NAP Week 9 – on digit of Week Number= X X X - NAP NAP NAP Never compromise your winnings to week 10 with our newly scheduled draws programe. N50, 000.

ADEOTI SYNDICATE OF NIGERIA 07051327960

FLEETWOOD (05X 1-1) WILL SAVE HIS CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT I thank God, my second release get passmark again. Score 3 over 5 Nos:- 24X 34X 45F pair:-06F – 07X. This week 08 is the third week I promised for you all to complete 3 weeks Operation. On what I have said before. I will fulfil my promised I will get 3 draws correct and get one from pair this third week. I congratulate all people getting the two release. FLEETWOOD and COVENTRY. Anyone first draw this week following, they will play draw again with 3 others. FLEETWOOD play draw in week 04, week 05 Nos:- 06X-10X 19X 27X 28X. draw 5/5. Last week (week 07) COVENTRY play draw. This (week o8) FLEETWOOD – CONVENTRY Nos:- (05X) must draw with 4 others. Send your N10,000 cash to Ahmed Shafiri A/C Nos:- 2001788431 Zenith Bank Ibadan. 55555XXBK 1-1 draw. Thank. Goodluck to you all.

AKANDE SET FOR WEEK 9

PAIR 48XX 49XX PHONE 08025572554 Having flashed No 33X playing 1-1 draw in week 7 and it was abandoned after 85 minutes of play and some Nigerian paid with it while some promoters fails to pay with it of which they run for winnings.

My 3 Draws in week 9 remain No shaking as I will surely get all correct.

I hereby implore my clients to invest reasonably to give them their expectations in the celebrations of SALLAH coming up less than 15 Days now. Pay N10,000 cash to Keystone Bank payable to Akande Ashatokun Bola Mustapha.

Thursday, 1 - 7 September, 2016 NEW ERA AUTHENTIC WIN –

07088103080 (25X 37)

WEEK 17= 02X 14X 26XXX 44X= 4/4

Wallsall on bar in weeks 6 and 7= Week 6 – Walsall vs Charlton= W + C= 23 + 3= 26xxx Week 7 – Walsall vs Bury= W + B= 23 + 3= 26xxx and Newport.

Another fresh chilled edible served winning games awaits you at New Era Authentic Win No story/introduction to our old folks.

Week 8 must win and alternative on ALDERSHOT and ALTRINCHAN XX= N30, 000= Sure win again Goodluck.

ZENITH NAPS –

08146879314 (21 XX 22)

ANNUAL WEEK 7 WINNING RECORDS. Week 7’ 2014 – 03X 16X 41XXX – 02X 08 – 4/5 Week 7’ 2015 – 10X 25X 36XXX – 02X 08 – 4/5 Week 7’ 2016 – 14X 29X 34XXX – 02X 08 – 5/5.

Now week 8 full payment draw gazet Week 8’ 2014 – 04X 20X 41XXX – 22X Week 8’ 2015 – 08X 17X 36XXX – 21X Week 8’ 2016 – X X X – 22XX21X 2nd annual week Naps gazzett is scheduled for 4 weeks 7,8,9 and 10, that started last week. NOTE our last week success is enough to speak for itself. Lets take you to Zenith of wealth. N50,000 confirmed win.

CORNERSTONE NAPS = FREE!!!

08063016968 PAIR 38 MUST 49 Accrington set at away under the bar is to control 3 accurate Nap draws this week. Any interested stakers should send only N500 MTN, AIRTEL or GLO Credit to receive the Nap and pay only N40,000 cash payment after winning.

SHADOW 14 PAIR 15 08087670776

The master of all pool forecasters in Nigeria and West Africa states still maintain his leadership roll last week in the field of pool forecast. This week 08 is call operation no mercy for pool promoters because my 3 nap draws and 1 hot pair will play 3 over 3 correct and the pair will produce a draw. What are you waiting for pool stakers than to send to N5,000 MTN recharge Card and hit jackpot on Saturday.

SIR MICHAEL NAP 36XX (09091874579)

All is set for our special release this week cost just N15,000.00 call for acct no or mode of payment.

MONEY DOLLAR –

08135637650=8NAP 10

KEY AS FFOM WEEK 4 UP TO DATE BANK GAME ON TOP OF PETERBORO TO DRAW NO 10 BANK NORTHAMPTON TO DRAW NO 8X WK 04 RELEASE 18X 28X 34X 47X Week 7 No 2X 14X 24X 34X WITH 26X 27F = N25,000 4 Special Draws for N25,000 Week 08 No NAP NAP NAP NAP WITH NAP NAP = N25,000 4 Special Draws for N10,000 Week 7 No 14X 24X Pair 26X 34X wk 08 No NAP NAP NAP Congratulations!

WK 07 RED NO 2X 14X 24X 34X WITH 26X 27X 4 BANKERS WK 08 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP = N25,000 two Bankers = N10,000 wk 07 No 14X 24X PAIR 26X 27F For your booking, send MTN recharge cards to 08135637650, and the message will be send to you.

PATRICK THE ENGLISH MAN – 08154836338 (47X 48)

THE DRAW MANAGER = 14X 24X 34X 44XXX 4/4 Week 7 – No. 44XXX concluded our 4/4 Naps Away team No 44 = was NEWPORT. N = 14 = 14X 24X 34XXX 44XX 4/4 correct.

That was the winning directive/key that gave all 4s winning assurance.

Unlike in week 6 when Cambridge and Carlisle = C+C = 6 brought all 16X 26X 36X 46XXX – whao! Incredible winning at St. Patrick the English Man Pivot Pools Manager.

Note – we are the only Expert that pointed No. 44XXX as draw. We gave out draws on teams and rearly on Numbers Welcome to the save winning pavilion= N35,000 =Goodluck.

YEWA GAMES –

07064660296 (32 MUST 34)

Must pair of the week and other 2 bankers cost N5, 000= strictly for serious minded stakers. Unregretable purchase. Goodluck.

WOMEN COMPILERS FORUM RELEASE

08038245181 BET 4, 31 In 2014, our 1st release was in week 4, and it played 36X, 40X, 47X. In 2015, our 1st release was in week 6, and it played 17X, 23X, 25X. In 2016, our 1st will play 3/3 Nap correctly again. Cost price is only N10,000 cash. Pay at First Bank, to Mrs. Abiodun Faleti, accts No. 3007847537. Call 08038345181.

AUSTINE CHUKWU 08054462577

NAP:- 1X 05X 017XXX PAIR 37X 38 All staker are advise to play the above games and gathered for wk9. Call for details. Goodluck

OLA-CITY INTERNATIONAL 08140575314 / 08085005634

3 FIXED DRAWS FOR WEEK 8 AND WEEK 9 COST N10,000 CASH, EACH WEEK. BE SURE OF YOUR WINNING ON THE TWO WEEKS. WINNINGS CLUB MEMBER REG. FEES COST N100,000 CASH WHILE N50,000 CASH DEPOSIT ACCEPTED, BALANCE OF N50,000 TO BE PAID FROM YOUR FIRST WINNINGS. PAY TO FIRST BANK PLC. ACCOUNT NO 3033318854 AND COLECT YOUR REQUEST WHEN YOUR PAYMENT IS CONFIRMED. WEEK 8 PAIR 22XX 32XX. DONT DOUBT IT.

NOW SELLING FAST

BEST BARGAIN INTERNATIONAL

(08092621480)

WK 04 = 5XX 14XX WK 07 = 7XX 8XX WK 08 = NAP, NAP,

17XX = 3/3 14XX = 3/3 NAP = 3/3

Two down, many more weeks to come to finish off the promoters who have been short-changing stakers all these days. Don’t beat about the bush; follow only those that know the way. The Bookmakers and the Pools Panel are up the task and are solidly behind me with the Grace of Almighty God. Our journey to riches continues this week with another bumper winning.

Registration fee is pegged at N250,000.

Call me on 08092621480 for further discussions and details.

MADAM DE MADAM MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

08023329191= PLYMOUTH ON PORTSMOUTH AGAIN Week 04 and week 08= PLYMOUTH ON PORTSMOUTH= 21XX 22XX. Week 4 – 11x 18x 40xx PORTSMOUTH 34X Week 8 – X X X – Plymouth/Portsmouth.

Call our media manager Mr Joshua for your winning details= N50, 000=

NEW VICTORIOUS VICTOR WINNING STATEMENT

08126994034= SILENT BREAKER. NORTHAMPTON – 4 WEEKS WIN= IN WK. 4, 5, 6 & 7.

WELCOME TO 2016/2017 U.K/SCOTTISH SEASON In week 6 & 7= 14x Wimbledon and Newport. Co and Northampton= 14x 29x 44xxx – 26x.

In weeks 8 and 9, the last week of the winning statement NORTHAMPTON must be on week of play and on digit of week number.

NORTHAMPTON – WINNING CLUE Week 8 – on week of play= X X X - NAP NAP NAP Week 9 – on digit of Week Number= X X X - NAP NAP NAP Never compromise your winnings to week 10 with our newly scheduled draws programe. N50, 000.

ISREAL BAIL OUT, STAKERS COMFORT. 09085712800 TORQUAY

TWO BANKER WK 07 N3,000

X07X F28F WK 08 PURPLE NAP NAP

LINCOLN

TWO BANKER WK 07 N3,000 X08X X14X WK 08 PURPLE NAP NAP

TELFORD

TWO BANKER WK 07 N3,000 X24X X29X WK 08 PURPLE NAP NAP

SEND MTN CARD TO 09038460009

EDITOR UPDATE ON POSTPONED MATCHES.

Premiership teams on break due to international call ups. Bristol Rorer home fixture with walsall has been postponed due to international call ups. Initially the fixture was due to take place at the memorial stadium on Saturday 3rd September however simeon Jackson (Canada) Andrea maries (Cyprus) and Nel Etheridge (Philippians) have all be called up for international duty for walsall currently there is no date selected for the rearranged game – No 3. Match No 12 = postponed Charlton league leaders against scunthrope united on Saturday sept 3rd has be equally postponed due to same reason. Under EPL rules, league one and two clubs that received 3 or more call ups can request that a fixture be postponed on international weekend.

Note: Matches which were postponed would often have their results adjudicated for the sake of the football pools panel. So never underate coupon Nos 3 and 12 for a likely draw. Good luck. 09099968585.

MAGIC KINGDOM ILEYA BONUS NAP. 08056753098/07085060512.

NAP – 32X 33X 34XXX PAIR 24 AND 46 Congratulations the above games starts our 3weeks operational Nap slated for weeks 8,9 and 10 cost N25,000 payable to Balogun Adesina Kamoru at F.CM.Bank no 0279550010, Wema Bank no 0206965116 or G.T.Bank no0115505082. Call for details. Registration as a member/ fan club is still in progress at the rate of N50,000 payable 2twice. Good luck.

JACOBSON NAP = 07065292905 (22XX 23) ON SONG WITH WEEK 8 ANNUAL RECORDS

CONGRATULATIONS OUR 3 WEEKS NAP IN WEKS 5, 6 AND 7 recorded a tremedious success and indelible memory.

Due to inclusion of Premiership teams on coupon this week due to many international engagement of many players that made premiership games suspended for a week. Our week 8 Nap is on Annual tabulation and compilation of draws.

Let start with Annua Refence Week 8 – 2013 – 06X 27X 45XXX – 19X Week 8 – 2014 – 12X 26X 41XXX – 20X Week 8 – 2015 – 08X 32X 36XXX – 21X Week 8 – 2016 – X X X – 22X 23 The above winning chat is for your perusal and to experience another winning galore to week 10. Jacobson is now a household with winning trademark. Congratulations & welcome to PEOPLES WINNING PALIAMENT – N50,000 = freshers only (FLAT RATE) GOODLUCK.

FORTUNE DONOR DONATES 3 – 4 (08099111828)

Your selfless and hardworking Fortune Donor Internation is happy to donate coupon Nos 3 & 4 for sure draw come Saturday. On the card, both in form and sequence, the duo should oblige punters with a very good draw. Add them to our sure 1 draw this weekend and smile to your bank on Monday morning.

Our 1BK costs N1,500.00, 2 Draws sell for N3,000.00 while 3 good draws cost N10,000.00 on 08099111828. Goodluck!

GODWIN NAP – 08156829811 (43XX 42X)

26X 29X 44XXX 08 GLUE 02 = 5/5 FREE WIN Congrats, as stated in our last week fixed draws advert on weeks 6&7 draws formation on teams and Numbers. Once again we Excelled on incredible 5/5 win on scheduled teams and number on Northampton, AFC – Wimbledon, Newport. Co – AND 02X 08X WORCESTER HOME ON BAR 47 On the first appearance of English Conference League and North divisions.

Harrogate must Alfreton = MUST and other’ 3 hidden ready to unveiled by us Naps cost = N25,000 for new clients only. Stakers abroad.

N.B sorry our phone Number was wrongly inserted last week that made it difficult for many of our clients to meet us. Welcome 08156829811

MAITO IN PREPARATION FOR WEEK 9 SHOWDOWN

(08030785634 / 09081225091) 05X 08X 15X 23X 34XXX The above guaranteed winning games is to prepare you ready for our total showdown to all Pools Promoters nationwide. Never doubt this golden opportunity.

Call for week 9 Nap and week 10 payment details. Goodluck.

IKECHUKWU – ANNIVERSARY FREE WIN 08168157259 = 19X 21X 22X 23XXX

The above game is to celebrate all my Esteemed friends/customers and well wisher to celebrate my golden anniversary in pools compilation.

To God be the Glory. Moreso, be informed that our week 9 special release will cost N100,000 = the above winning games is to prepare you for our 3 weeks authentic Anniversary NAPS & WIN. Now it is absolutely free. Please don’t bother to call. Invest handsomely against weeks 9, 10. Naps. Till then goodluck = N100,000 =

SIDELINES

no 16,580

n150

THURSDAY, 1 september, 2016

“Based on these facts, it would be impossible for Nigerian Universities to compete favourably with any of the top universities in the world let alone drive innovation and maintain qualitative levels of delivery without donations, endowments or gifts from sources other than government”.

L

ast week I published a table (Figure 1) showing the amount budgeted by 12 foreign universities in 2014 and 2015. Figure 2 below is the Naira conversion of the amount stated in Figure 1.

2014 2015

UNIVERSITY TOTAL BUDGET ENDOWMENT/DONATIONS TOTAL BUDGET E N D O W MENT/DONATIONS

1 HARVARD UNIVERSITY 1,245,421,500,000 482,007,105,000 1,271,980,365,000 494,518,035,000 2 UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA 1,883,998,770,000 50,040,300,000 2,029,199,145,000 55,123,845,000 3 PRINCETON UNIVERSITY 446,386,095,000 23,903,805,000 462,006,375,000 25,086,555,000 4 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 1,095,249,870,000 98,874,480,000 1,145,952,795,000 100,673,970,000 5 YALE UNIVERSITY 888,088,215,000 339,055,950,000 939,837,945,000 352,881,585,000 6 BROWN UNIVERSITY 219,821,925,000 230,469,525,000 65,124,210,000 68,803,845,000

OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D, D.Litt

afeonthursday

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports has concluded plans to airlift Team Nigeria to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games today.

Nigeria will compete in three sports – paraathletics, powerlifting and table-tennis at the Games scheduled to hold from September 7 to 18 in Brazil.

The Media Officer of the Paralympic Committee Nigeria (PCN), Mr Patrick Ibeh, said the team which is made up of 23 athletes and six coaches with one athlete’s competition partner would leave Abuja aboard an Emirate Airline at 5pm today.

He stated that, the Ministry of Sports in a bid to ensure Team Nigeria athletes compete successfully in Rio, had since dispatched the Secretary General of PCN, Dr Frank Thorpe and some senior officials of the ministry to Rio as advanced party ahead of Team Nigeria’s arrival on Friday (tomorrow) in Brazil.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports, Barris-

aareafe@gmail.com

An ideology worthy of emulation (4) 7 CORNELL UNIVERSIthe amount voted by the Federal GovTY 1,001,594,310,000 ernment for all higher institutions in 108,623,760,000 Nigeria for the year 2015.

1,036,439,835,000 Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, 91,472,460,000 the staggering revenue of the Universi8 DARTMOUTH COLties running into billion of naira as statLEGE 247,021,755,000 ed above is due togenerous donations, 53,735,610,000 endowments and gifts from selfless in249,730,395,000 61,054,125,000 dividuals and concerned organisations.

9 STANFORD UNIVERSIBased on these facts, it would be imTY 2,258,381,610,000 possible for Nigerian Universities to 336,697,860,000 compete favourably with any of the top 2,579,613,660,000 universities in the world let alone drive innovation and maintain qualitative 368,147,895,000 10 UNIVERSITY OF OXlevels of delivery without donations, FORD 438,051,200,000 endowments or gifts from sources oth11,301,900,000 533,128,900,000 er than government.

9,399,600,000 11 UNIVERSITY OF CAMImproving education is a social isBRIDGE 560,992,000,000 sue that affects the potential competi9,325,000,000 tiveness of any economy. Social im610,974,000,000 9,511,500,000 provements in this area can only lead 12 UNIVERSITY OF LONto socio-economic benefits generally.

DON 56,334,190,000 Indeed education could be the most ef1,289,461,000 fective way of addressing many of the 53,810,472,000 world’s pressing problems.

1,424,860,000 Education is so important because

10, 341,341,440,000 1,579,979,441,000 11,143,143,412,000 it helps us acquire knowledge of the world around us and changes us for 1,638,098,275,000 Note: The Federal Government budthe better, it helps us form opinions on get last year for all the Federal highmany aspects of life, it converts inforer institutions in Nigeria in 2016 is mation to knowledge and changes the N392,263,784,684. social status of humans who acquire it.

Figure 3 It solves problems and equips man with Figure 3 shows that the endowment the ability to solve his problems. The aforementioned examples of outstandand donations from each of the twelve ing American universities best illusuniversities except three are more than

Rio Paralympics: Team Nigeria departs today

By Oluwabunmi Ajayi

Ten people escaped death when a building marked for demolition collapsed at 444 Crescent, Wupa District, Abuja, on Monday. Wouldn’t it be nice for those occupying similarly marked buildings to vacate them immediately? As the Yoruba say, the death which claimed one’s mate was only passing across a proverbial message...

ter Solomon Dalung charged the athletes to go for gold and be good ambassadors of the country by competing clean at the Games.

He emphasised the need for the athletes to be of good behaviour and avoid any act capable of tarnishing the good image of Nigeria in Brazil.

Dalung warned that the sports ministry will not take it kindly with any athlete caught for doping in a bid to excel at the Games.

He stressed that available records showed that Nigeria has in the past been doing well at the paralympic Games especially the last edition held in London 2012 where she won six gold, five silver and two bronze medals adding that Rio 2016 will not be an exception.

President of the PCN, Monday Emoeghavwe (MON), said that Nigerian athletes are in high spirits to make the country proud by winning laurels at the Games One of the athletes, Nick Chinedu Emmanuel, a table tennis player said his mission to Brazil is to deliver gold medal for Nigeria.

trate the benefits of giving to education.

For emphasis let us examine the Stanford University example.

Stanford University presents a classic example of the importance of donations and gifts to a university. Stanford, a coeducational and non-denominational institution was established in 1891 by Leyland Stanford, former Governor of and US Senator from California with an endowment of USD5million. The present day value of which is $USD132 Million. It is one of the top fund-raising institutions in the country and became the first University to raise more than a billion Dollars in one year. Its Alumni have founded many companies including Google, Yahoo, Microsystems, Instagram and generate more than USD$2.7 trillion in annual revenue equalling the 10th largest economy in the world. It is the alma mater of 30 living Billionaires, 17 Astronauts, leading producer of members of US Congress and has produced 60 Nobel Laureates etc. In 2014, endowment and donation alone was $336,697,860,000while in 2015 endowment and donation was $368,147,895,000 which was much more than the total budget of Federal Government for all higher institutions.

The lesson from the Stanford story is that Nigerians, corporate bodies must emulate Rotary and contribute generously to education in accordance with international best practices.

To be continued…

Star Lager partners Arsenal, Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid, Man City History was made on Wednesday in Lagos, as Star Lager Beer at a colourful ceremony, announced an unprecedented partnership with five of the biggest European football clubs – Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester City, having a combined history in football of 544 years.

By virtue of the partnership, Star has become the “Official Beer Partner” of Arsenal; Juventus; Real Madrid; PSG and Manchester City.

These five clubs also have a combined history of 87 domestic league titles, 13 Champions League titles and numerous European titles.

Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Franco Maria-Maggi described the partnerships as a commitment from Star, Nigeria’s foremost beer brand to bring new football experience to consumers and loyal fans of these clubs.

The significance of this new partnership bestows Star Lager Beer rights to promote

the brands’ association with Real Madrid; Arsenal; Juventus; Manchester City and PSG to millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond, supporting its vision to embrace an unrivalled passion of football.

The partnership, first of its kind in Nigeria, by a beer brewery intends to see Star Lager actively engage consumers and fans with a series of cross-promotional events and communication materials designed to enhance visibility of the European giants in Nigeria.

The ground-breaking partnerships with these clubs poses an exciting bright future for football development and viewing experience in Nigeria as confirmed by the Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries, Tokunbo Adodo.

He affirmed Star’s accession as “Official Beer Partner” to these five clubs, has bought into important football assets across the biggest leagues in Europe - England, Spain, Italy and France.

Continues on pg37

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. 1/9/2016.