1st December 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,382

TUESDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 2015

Foreign reserves drop to $30.04bn •Naira now 243 to a dollar —P10

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7 girls die, 25 injured as fire guts FGGC, —P40 Kano

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Buhari, Saraki to attend Ooni's installation —P41 •Oba Ogunwusi unveils plans for Ife

Kogi: Violence erupts as APC writes INEC, picks Yahaya Bello •Faleke adamant, refuses to be Bello's running mate •I'm on the same page with Faleke —Audu's son

—P5 EFCC arrests ex-minister over alleged $2bn arms deal —P14

Buhari, Osinbajo to earn lower allowances —P10

Scene of the clash between supporters of Yahaya Bello and Honourable James Faleke, at the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abuja, on Monday.

Senate jacks up supplementary budget to N574bn —P40

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

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Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Kogi: Violence erupts as APC writes INEC, picks Yahaya Bello

•Faleke adamant, refuses to be Bello's running mate • I'm on the same page with Faleke —Audu's son Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja

HERE was pandemonium as the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), on Monday, as the party finally settled for Alhaji Yahaya Bello

as replacement for the late Abubakar Audu in the next Saturday supplementary election in Kogi State. Bello was the runner up to the late Audu at the party's primaries in the race to the gubernatorial election in the state. Earlier in the day, political

miscreants had clashed over the party’s decision to field Bello as replacement for Audu, who died a day after the inconclusive election. The leadership of the party had, prior to the unveiling of Bello as its candidate, summoned James Faleke, the late Audu’s running mate; Gover-

Honourable James Faleke, arriving at the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abuja, on Monday.

nor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, who also served as the chairman of APC governorship primaries in Kogi State; Mohammed Ohirare, senator representing Kogi Central; Dino Melaiye, senator representing Kogi West and host of others, where the decision was reached. While the meeting was ongoing, political miscreants, believed to be supporters of Faleke, the running mate of late Audu and those of Yahaya Bello, clashed at the gate of the national secretariat of the party. Despite heavy security presence, the political thugs went haywire as they hurl stones and other dangerous weapons at one another. Many vehicles parked outside the party’s secretariat were damaged, as it took the intervention of a reinforced team from the Nigeria Police to bring the situation under control, after some arrests had been made. Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Faleke distanced himself from the party’s decision to field Bello as replacement for the late Audu, threatening to sort redress in court. “We met for about two

APC youths lauds NWC Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja THE Pan-All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Movement, Kogi State chapter, on Monday, commended the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party over its decision to

adopt Alhaji Yahaya Bello as its governorship candidate in the state. The movement, which expressed sadness over the death of the former governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, noted that the NWC was careful and

diligent in handling the situation. It noted that the choice of Bello as a replacement for Audu was a right decision, since he was the first runner up in the governorship primaries that produced Audu as the candidate.

According to a statement signed by the chairman, Samuel Davies and secretary, Mohammed Usman, the movement stated that the leadership of the party had taken the decision in the best interest of the party and the entire state.

Ebira groups warn against ethnicity, supports Bello Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja THE Ebira Renaissance Group (ERG) and the Ebira Youth Congress (EYC), on Monday, warned against introducing ethnicity into Kogi impasse. The groups also threw their weight behind the choice of Yahaya Bello as substitute for the late Abubakar Audu, noting that the step was in tandem with the Electoral Act. Addressing newsmen at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja, the coordinator of ERG, Pastor Joseph Suleiman, regretted that events after the death of Audu were assuming a dangerous dimension and creating centrifugal force for the politics of the state. “We in the ERG and EYC take particular exception to the ethnic dimensions which the present political logjam has triggered in the

state. “This is sad reversal of the little gains we have achieved in the last 24 years of our togetherness as a state. From the ground

swell of agitations, it would seem that those from the East are rooting for one from the zone, west for the west and central for central,” he said.

According to him, after the resolution of the logjam, unsatisfied individuals or interest groups could approach the judiciary for redress.

hours as you have observed and, of course, we discovered that the meeting that we were invited for was just a mere briefing. We were only briefed about the position of the party. “The party told us that it has nominated Alhaji Yahaya Bello and, of course, we made it clear as the political family of Prince Abubakar Audu, we told them that it is not acceptable and we are not going with it. “I personally observed that my name had been submitted to INEC as deputy governorship candidate to pair with Alhaji Yahaya Bello and told the national chairman in clear words that Mr Chairman, I have submitted a letter this morning distancing myself from that decision and that on no ground will I want to be associated with the decision of the party to pair me with Alhaji Yahaya Bello, because I am already governor-elect,” Faleke said. He added that “for us as a family, Kogi State political family, we are not taking part in that election. My name cannot be submitted because I was not even consulted in the first instance. The governor-elect cannot yet become another deputy governorship candidate. “I want to make it very clear that Alhaji Yahaya Bello did not take part in all

PPA blames AGF over Kogi stalemate Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja NATIONAL chairman of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Peter Ameh, on Monday, blamed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over the political imbroglio in Kogi State.

Faleke, Audu political family vow to resist imposition Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja THE deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Honourable James Faleke and the political camp of the late governorship candidate, Abubakar Audu, on Monday, vowed to resist any attempt aimed at imposing Alhaji Yahaya Bello on the party in the state. He said he was not ready to accept any bait different from the governorship ticket, as the struggle had become a moral burden for him to defend on behalf of himself and that of Audu.

The supporters also protested against the decision to substitute the name of Audu with that of Bello, accusing him of not being a loyal and committed member of the party. Addressing a crowd of supporters at the residence of the former governor in Lokoja, the state capital, Faleke restated that he was the only person that was holding on to the votes cast for the APC during the governorship election held on November 21. He said bringing in Bello would be contrary to the letter and spirit of Section 141 of the Electoral Act, which says “an election

tribunal or court shall not under any circumstance declare any person a winner at an election in which such a person has not fully participated in all the stages.” Faleke also stated that instead of participating fully in the election and mobilise support for the party, Bello, in the election, lost his polling unit, ward and local government area to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Also speaking, the junior Audu expressed optimism that the mandate of the people would not be taken away and given to a stranger.

our campaign processes and we are only contesting election in 91 polling units out of 2,548 polling units and we have made it very clear that if they go ahead to conduct election, we will challenge it in the court of law and it will be null and void.” He said since the party was not willing to go to court, members of the Audu political family in Kogi State had taken it upon themselves to challenge the decision of the party in court. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, confirmed that it had received the request by APC to replace the late Abubakar Audu’s name with that of Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the supplementary governorship election in Kogi Statei. The commission's deputy director, Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang, who confirmed this in Abuja, on Monday, however, did not disclose when the commission received the request. According to him, "the APC has sent the name of their replacement candidate, the second runner-up in their primaries, that is Yahaya Bello, to the commission." He assured that the commission was much ready to conduct both Kogi supplementary and Bayelsa elections scheduled for Saturday.

He said himself and Faleke were ready to defend the mandate freely given to the APC during the election. A former Minister of Police Affairs, Humphrey Abba, urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to toe the line of the fight against corruption of President Muhammadu Buhari and do the right thing on the governorship ticket. Another leader of the party, Alhaji Jubrin Isa, noted that Audu fought a battle to liberate the people of the state, promising that they would continue with the struggle.

This was as the PPA held its national convention in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, where Ameh was returned as the national chairman of the party. Speaking with newsmen at the convention, Ameh said instead of allowing the matter to degenerate, the AGF should have approached the Supreme Court for a pronouncement on the development. According to him, since it was impossible for the parties to approach the apex court, the minister should have saved the country of the embarrassment and the crisis by taking steps to douse the tension. Ameh expressed concern over the developments in Kogi, noting that the state is strategically located and should not be allowed to engulf in serious political crisis. Speaking on the party, the PPA national chairman said efforts had been made to reposition the party by tapping into the youth of the country.

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Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Climate change, threat to food security in Nigeria —Buhari LeonUsigbe-Paris,France

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has warned that the adverse effects of climate change poses a threat to food security in Nigeria, as extreme events such as flooding and drought are on the increase. Stating Nigeria’s position on Monday at the Conference of Parties 21 (COP21) ongoing in Paris, France, he said such factors have resulted in the destruction of many economic and social structures. He also made a connection between the insurgency in the North-East and climate change which he observed had resulted in the drying up of the Lake Chad, thereby depriving many communities of their means of livelihood. President Buhari, therefore, told world leaders gathered at the event that they had a historic chance to save the planet by coming up with binding resolutions for sustainable development. Noting that the conference must work to make Paris a global landmark in the history of climate change negotiations, Buhari advised that nations must scale up their commitments to ensure a successful outcome and contribute to transforming the world through sustainable development. He added: “Like many countries, Nigeria continues to witness the adverse effects of climate change in all its ramifications. Presently, we are reeling under the challenges of climate change as the frequency and intensity of extreme events like floods and drought are on the increase. “These challenges have resulted in the destruction of many economic and social structures and more worryingly threatening our national food production and security. “The magnitude of insurgency Nigeria is facing cannot be completely explained away without taking cognisance of the threat of climate change. “Climate change is threatening not only the sustainable development of our social and economic activities but also the totality of human existence in our country as in other parts of the world. “At the sub-regional level, we are saddled with the challenge of the drying up of the Lake Chad Basin, which is resulting in the total wipe out of livelihoods of many communities surrounding this trans-boundary natural resource. “Regrettably, the world is leaving behind millions of people who depend on the Lake for their survival. The Government of Nigeria welcomes the Lake Chad Development and Climate Resilience Plan, and the Lake

Chad Basin Commission and international partners for designing this climatebased plan. “In all, the experience of countries sharing the Lake Chad further illustrates the mutual challenge we face today and which must be collectively addressed without further delay.” He noted the inadequacies of existing climate change treaties, protocols and conventions, reiterating Nigeria’s position that for the potential of Paris Agreement on Climate Change to be meaningful, achieve its objectives and eventually become universal in nature and scope, it must draw extensively on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. “Indeed, for the agreement to be durable, it must recognise not only the emission right but also the survival rights of the citizens of developing countries,” he said, adding, “The inadequacies of the existing climate change treaties, the Conventions and its Protocol, constitute the driving force propelling parties to reach another climate change agreement as the main outcome of this Conference of Parties.

“Nigeria appreciates the efforts and demonstration of flexibilities of all in the run up of discussions since Durban towards evolving the new global climate regime. Yet, we are very concerned at the pace of progress made so far. “This is more important, since the negotiation continues to go back and forth without necessarily addressing the interests and concerns of the developing countries in general and African countries in particular. “In this regard, Nigeria strongly believes that the agreement we reach here in Paris must equitably address climate change mitigation and adaptation activities in terms of the means of implementation with emphasis on adequate financing, technology transfer and capacity development. “It is our fervent hope that these implementation modalities will be explicitly enshrined in the Agreement.” President Buhari gave Nigeria’s target on cutting greenhouse emissions arrived at after extensive consultations with stakeholders by up to 45 per cent by the year 2030. He said: “On our part in Nigeria, we undertook an

extensive and participatory process of multi-level consultations with a cross section of stakeholders within the different tiers of government towards determining our national contributions to global mitigation reduction. “Based on national considerations, Nigeria intends to attain the mitigation reduction objective of 20 per cent unconditional and 45 per cent conditional below the Business as Usual level of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. “It is our expectation that this nationally-determined ambitious target given our national circumstances and developmental requirements will eventually pass the green test.” Buhari reiterated that the Paris Agreement must be legally binding, all-encompassing and sustainable for it to be universally applicable, result-oriented and in all, effective. “The Agreement we reach here must also be a fair, multilateral and rulesbased regime guided by science with an overall aim of ensuring the right to equitable access of every country of the world to sustainable development,” he declared. Meanwhile, President

Buhari has approved Nigeria’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) or the country’s plan to tackle the issue of climate change while promoting sustainable development and delivering on government priorities. The document is a requirement by Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-UNFCC) in preparation for the Adoption of Climate Change Agreement at the ongoing COP21 Paris conference. The INDC was prepared by the Ministry of Environment in recognition of the fact that significant challenges such as food insecurity, lack of access to energy and high unemployment, amongst others, remain principal constraints on economic development in the country and are of primary concern to the government. The document, therefore, focuses on the delivery of direct development benefits and sustainable growth of the economy. The Executive Summary of the INDC points out that in addition to these challenges, the country is considerably impacted by climate change.”

Police arrest 3 suspected human traffickers with 26 minors OlayinkaOlukoya-Abeokuta

POLICE in Ogun State, on Sunday, arrested three suspected human traffickers with 26 minors between the ages of eight and 10 at a motor park in Ibafo area of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state. The suspects, Zainab Ahmad (18), Aisha Abdullahi (55) and Zuliat Abdulmalik (45) were reported to be taking the underage children from Kano to Lagos as domestic workers. Parading the suspects at the Police Command headquarters at Eleweran, on Monday, the state Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, said the arrest was made possible following a tip-off from spirited members of the public who sighted them at the motor park. The minors comprised 25 girls and a boy. The CP said: “Based on our usual stakeholders meeting and proactive measures put in place by the Nigeria Police, our attention was called on Sunday that some groups of underage were seen at a motor park at Ibafo area. “The security agents were called immediately. Our team raced there and got the leaders. “Their mission in Lagos, according to the suspects, is to take them to do some menial jobs which, if you look at them, they don’t even know what they are in for.

UPP will participate in Ekiti LG poll —Chairman

President Muhammadu Buhari being welcomed by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, accompanied by President Francoise Hollande of France and others at the opening of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, on Monday.

We’ll recover all looted funds in Plateau —Lalong Isaac Shobayo - Jos

GOVERNOR Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has declared that through the instrument of law, his administration would immediately pursue the recovery of funds and all government properties annexed or carted away. The governor who stated this at the State Consultative Stakeholders Town Hall meeting, on Monday, said these included monies fraudulently siphoned through the instrumentality of state agencies for which works have not been done or have not reached the level of

payments. He added that the government would carry out restructuring of governance with the merger of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as the implementation of a civil service reform that addresses the injustices in promotions, appointments and posting. “We will ensure the prioritisation of projects and completion of ongoing projects with emphasis on completing those that address the Five Policy Thrust of this administration, namely, Peace, Security and Good Governance; Human Capi-

tal Development and Social Welfare; Agriculture and Rural Development; Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation and Physical, Infrastructure and Environment, “Fourthly, we will ensure the setting up of Technical and Professional Audit Committees to sustain the tracking and recovery process of funds and the application of funds to certain projects, programmes and institutions.” He assured citizens that the desire of government is not to witch-hunt but to ensure that through probity, accountability and trans-

parency, value for money is obtained in all ongoing projects. On the achievements of the administration, Governor Lalong said the government had paid workers salary arrears from November 2014 to August 2015 with a renegotiated bank facility; bailout as well as statutory monthly allocations. He added that pension arrears of up to five months have also been paid amidst the painstaking verification exercise that had to be done, given the inconclusive biometric exercise that was inherited.

THE United Progressives Party (UPP) in Ekiti State has decided to participate fully in the forthcoming local government polls holding on Saturday, December 19, 2015. The Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) had earlier announced the date of the election and similarly, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ekiti State Chapter, had indicated willingness of all the political parties under the umbrella to participate. The state Chairman of UPP, Chief Moses Awogbemi, urged all the UPP members to come out and cast their votes for both councillorship and chairmanship candidates of the party. In a statement personally signed by the state chairman, he commended the present government under Governor Ayodele Fayose who deemed it fit to conduct local government election in the state.

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Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Mark ’ll win Benue South senatorial rerun election again —PDP Jacob Segun Olatunji and Leon Usigbe - Abuja

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, declared that the party and the people of Benue South, were solidly

behind the former Senate President, Senator David Mark, to repeat his electoral victory in the rerun election ordered by the Court of Appeal in the zone. This was contained in a statement made available to

newsmen in Abuja on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, The party which described Mark as an asset to the nation, stated that it had the assurance that the people

Power: BEDC, Elizade University train 120 Banji Aluko-Benin City Training of manpower in the Nigerian power sector recorded a milestone on Monday, as the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in conjunction with the Elizade University and Vigeo Power Academy, completed Graduate Training Programme for 121 university graduates. At an event held in Benin,

‘FG may privatise federal fire service’ Clement Idoko - Abuja THE Federal Government may be considering privatisation of the Federal Fire Service to make it more efficient in service delivery and self-sustenance. Minister of Interior, Lt. General Abdulraman Danbazau, who gave this indication on Monday when he paid a familiarisation visit to the FFS Headquarters of the service in Abuja and tour of facilities of the agency, described the condition of the service established since 1901 as appalling. This is coming just as the Controller General of Federal Fire Service, Mr Joseph Enebi, has revealed that the agency had made futile attempts to access the sum of N2.8 billion approved by the Federal Government for procurement of new fire fighting trucks and equipment. Enebi, told the minister that in the aftermath of the United Nations’ building bombing incident, a Presidential inter-agency committee set up to look into the incident having considered the “bad” situation of the Federal Fire Service, recommended the sum of N2.8 billion for procurement of fire fighting trucks and equipment. He said: “It is pertinent to note that the fund could not be accessed till date in spite of several attempts made by the service”.

the graduate trainees, who were drawn from universities across Nigeria, were awarded certificates. In his remark at the occasion, the Managing Director of BEDC, Mrs Funke Osibodu, noted that the initiative was the first to be embarked upon by power distribution company in Nigeria, adding that the training will help in the recruitment of qualitative workforce for the company. Osibodu, who was represented by the Executive Director (Commercial) of BEDC, Dr Abu Egoor, said the one-year training programme was introduced to expose young graduates to core industrial practices as they affect the business of power supply to consumers in states covered by BEDC, namely Edo, Delta,

Ondo and Ekiti states. While commending the management of the firm and its partner for creating a platform for human capital development, she expressed the hope that the project would provide the needed capacity to meet the expectations of electricity consumers in the 21st century. The vice chancellor of Elizade University, Professor Kunle Oloyede, explained that the 2015 set of graduands were drawn from relevant fields of engineering, accounting, statistics and mathematics. Oloyede noted that the beneficiaries were exposed to professionals and modern facilities at the main campus of Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

of Benue South senatorial zone, as ardent members and supporters of PDP since 1999, would remain steadfast in giving him another resounding victory at the rerun election. It said the confidence of the party of retaining the senatorial seat was even stronger now that the deceit of the All Progressives Con-

gress (APC), had became obvious to all Nigerians. They pointed out that “ the inexplicable ruling of the Appeal Court, even when all evidence pointed to Mark’s victory as upheld by the lower tribunal, is yet another evidence of APC’s interference in the judiciary, which negative consequences the

PDP has continued to alert the nation”. The party also noted “the significant contributions of Senator Mark in growing and stabilising the nation’s democracy through his mature, responsible and patriotic leadership of the Senate, a value that is still highly needed in the polity.

Don’t use your platform to promote ethnic agenda, minister tells private media owners Christian Okeke - Abuja MINISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Monday, said it was important for private broadcast media owners in the country to avoid the temptation of using their platforms to promote ethnic or religious agenda against the emergence of a strong, peaceful, united and developed country. The minister made the appeal in Abuja while exchanging views with the Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) in his office.

“Private broadcast media owners must realise that in order to be able to practise their profession at all, they must first have a peaceful and united country,’’ he said. Earlier, Dr Ramalan hadcongratulated Alhaji Mo-

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Olabamiji Olabamiji Kemi Kemi Jelilat Jelilat now now MRS. MRS. IDOWU IDOWU KEMI KEMI JELILAT. JELILAT. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. NYSC NYSC and and general general public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I,formerly formerlyMr. Mr.Aminu AminuIbrahim Ibrahim Mohammed Mohammed now now AMINU AMINU MOHAMMED MOHAMMED CHERI. CHERI. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

hammed on his appointment and expressed the commitment of the association ‘to positively respond to government policies that will be aimed at rebuilding nd preserving the sanctity, integrity and unity of the Nigerian state.

Nigerian Tribune

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Lagosmetro 2 more suspects arrested in connection with Agbara robbery Olalekan Olabulo

Plastic waste blocks a canal located at Ladipo spare parts Market. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Govt to go after landlords of ‘face me I face you’ with one toilet Bola Badmus

he Lagos State government has vowed to clamp down on owners of buildings with poor or substandard septic tanks, declaring the practice as unhealthy and could lead to outbreak of epidemic. The government also warned landlords with multi-room tenement, who have just one toilet for over 60 residents to make amends without further delay, adding that it would no longer tolerate such practice. Commissioner for Environment, Mr Babatunde Adejare, who gave this warning on Monday while speaking at the stakeholder’s forum for Sensitisation and Public Awareness on Environmental and Health Implications, reiterated that the state government would no longer permit the idea of a toilet for about 60 tenants.

“The law prescribes punishment for them. Now, KAI and environmental officers will be involved. This is part of what they will be doing. We have come to enforce the law. A lot of things are abnormal in our environment; we won’t allow people to dispose refuse in the drainage. “Imagine a landlord of 25 rooms having a single toilet. He makes money from the building but cannot get toilet for the tenants. Since government doesn’t collect any money from landlords,

they should use it to build toilets for their tenants. “The idea of tenants queuing before they can use the toilet will no longer be tolerated. Just imagine a 25 room apartment and over 10 people live in each of the rooms. How can they cope with one toilet?” he queried. Adejare, who described the theme of the stakeholders forum entitled: “Waste water Management-Perfecting the Natural Practice” as apt, added that people should desist from digging their bore hole and well water close to

the septic tank, saying such practice lead to epidemics. “Your environment determines the kind of the person you are. That’s why the development of a country is measured by how hygienic the environment is,” the commissioner said. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Mr Adeshina Onisarutu, warned against discharging of waste effluents into the drains by some landlords. “Many people erroneously

think that once their waste is disposed into the drain that’s all. It is not so at all, we must take care of our environment at all times. Whatever we disposed wrongly will always come back to us. “We have turned our environment, drainage channels to dump sites. Government spends huge resources to treat water that we drink. The lagoon and the sea are filled with dirt disposed by residents. This is not good for us as people,” Onisarutu said.

... Vows to shut down schools involved in child molestation The Lagos State Government has expressed worry over the increase in reported cases of defilement in private primary schools across the state. Hence, the state government vowed to shut down schools where such crimes take place.

The state government commenced the exercise by shutting the private primary school where one proprietor, Mr. Joseph Ogunleye was charged to court over alleged defilement of two pupils in his school. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode directed officials of the

Monitoring and Investigative department of the State Ministry of Education to shut the school indefinitely. The directive is in fulfilment of his earlier promise to wage war against sexual abuse and domestic violence in the state. “Lagos State in 2007

passed a law on domestic violence. But beyond that, the law cannot work by itself except we create the framework that enforces our laws, that is what we are standing for and in that respect, we talked about issues that relate to sexual and gender violence,” he said.

Two more people have been arrested by the police in connection with the recent bank robbery in Agbara area of Ogun State. The police have also recovered the two gun boats used for the operation while efforts are on to arrest other members of the gang. The Lagos State police commissioner, Fatai Owoseni , while briefing newsmen on Monday afternoon , also stated that four military camouflage, two mobile police uniforms and one mobile phone were also recovered. “The gunboats developed engine problem and in a bid to escape, they attacked some fishermen and took over their canoes. They went away in the canoes. “The uniforms of the different security outfits and a mobile phone were found in one of the boats they abandoned. “Two canoes have also been recovered. Because of the sizes of the gunboats and the canoes, the command decided to keep them at Area K, command, Morogbo,” Owoseni said. The Lagos police boss also stated that during interrogation, the suspects confessed attacking owners of speed boats at gun point as well as dispossessing them of valuables. “They also stole the outboard engine of the boats attacked. Four of the stolen outboard engines were sold to a receiver who resides in Ondo State,” he stated. “The receiver has been arrested, while the four outboard engines recovered from him.” While reviewing the activities of the police in Lagos State in the last one month the Police boss stated that 19 armed robbers were attested between the 1st and 30th of November. “During the period under review, 10 armed robbery suspects died in various shootouts with the police, while eight automatic and local guns, 15 different calibre ammunition, two vehicles were recovered,” he said.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Edited by

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

70-year-old defrauds nephew of N1.3m Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

This open transformer box located in front of Plot 276 Ajose Adeogun Street close to a bank poses serious threat to human lives. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

A 70-year-old man, Muyili Akande has been arrested for allegedly defrauding his brother’s son, Samson Akande of N1.3million. It was gathered that Muyili allegedly sold a property belonging to Samson’s late father and deceived him that he kept the money in the bank until when he becomes an adult then he will release the money to him. When Samson eventually demanded the money from Muyili to set up a business, he was told that the money was kept in FirstBank, Lawanson branch, and they agreed to go to the bank to withdraw the money. When they got to the bank, he abandoned Samson

Synagogue building collapse: Absence of T.B Joshua,

other defendants stalls arraignment Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin THE scheduled arraignment of the Synagogue Board of Trustees and the engineers that constructed the collapsed building which killed 116 people mostly foreigners has been adjourned till December 11. The Lagos State government had filed criminal charges against the Synagogue Trustees and the two engineers that supervised the construction of the building and their company before a Lagos State High Court. The scheduled arraignment before Justice Lawal Akapo could not go on on Monday due to the absence of four out of the five defendants to be arraigned. At the commencement the proceedings, Justice Akapo, observed that the second, third, fourth and fifth defendants were absent in court. The prosecuting counsel, the Lagos State Attorney-General, Adeniji Kazeem, however, told the court that the defendants could not be served with the court process because they had no verifiable address. “We confirmed that

Synagogue Trustees and the Hardrock Construction Company have been served. The other defendants in the matter could not be served because their addresses are not valid,” the AG said. Giving reasons for their absence, Counsel of the first and second defendants, Oluseun Abimbola, told the court that the defendants have not been served with the information of the matter by the Ministry of Justice. “The state cannot say

that they don’t have valid addresses because they were served in previous proceedings. The engineers, Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun were even arrested by the police and charged before a Magistrates’ Court where they were later released on bail,” Abimbola said. After listening to both counsels, Justice Akapo cautioned the defence counsel to remind them that the matter was a criminal one with a sensitive nature.

“Service in any proceeding is fundamental and anything done outside of this is a nullity. “The defence counsel is hereby directed to oblige the prosecution team with valid addresses of the third, fourth and fifth defendants within 72 hours,” the judge held. The judge thereby adjourned the exparte motion for substituted service till December 11. The defendants were to be arraigned on 111-count charges bordering on fail-

ure to obtain building approval contrary to section 41 of the Urban and Regional Planning Law of Lagos State 2010. They were charged for involuntary manslaughter causing death contrary to section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. The defendants in the suit are: the Registered Trustees of Synagogue Church of All Nation (SCOAN), Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company, Jadny Trust Limited, Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun.

Construction workers arrested for forging land document Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Three construction workers, who allegedly forged a land document and defrauded the owner of the property, have been charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused, Dosumu Musibau, 58; Edwin Emeka, 55; and Wasiu Ayedogbon, 48, all residents of Egan in Igando area of Lagos State, denied committing the offences. According to the police, the accused persons conspired and defrauded one

Adetokunbo Bankole of his property, situated at No. 49, Obajimi Street, in Egan town, Igando. It was gathered that they forged documents of the complainant’s family prop-

erty and forcefully entered the land. They were accused of fraudulently taking over the property of the complainant. In her ruling, the Mag-

istrate, Mrs F. F. George, granted each of the accused N500, 000 bail, with two sureties each in like sum. The case was adjourned till December 10 for mention.

3 accused of trafficking 11-year-old girl Olayinka Shehu Three people have been accused of trafficking an 11-year-old girl. Ogochukwu Echendu, Nkechi Osagie and Echendu Charles, were accused of conspiring together and trafficking one Ogochukwu Okenwakwu, aged

11 years. It was gathered that the victim’s mother who hails from Akwa Ibom gave her to the first defendant to help her in training who also gave her to the second defendant who put her in tailoring institute but the girl reportedly ran away. The girl’s mother reported

the matter to the Police and the suspects were arrested. The accused pleaded not guilty when they were charged before an Ebutte Metta Magistrate Court. The presiding Magistrate Samuel Ilori admitted them to bail on request by their lawyer, Oladapo Lawal.

there and went back to their house, packed his property and absconded. After waiting for Muyili for several hours in the bank, Samson went back home and discovered that Muyili who he regarded as his foster father had duped him.

Pastor loses N117 million following order from bank Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin For allegedly failing to pay a judgement debt estimated at about N117million, the Lagos High Court in Igbosere has granted a Garnishee Order Nisi attaching any money in the accounts of the guarantor of Holyview Investment International Limited. A pastor, Samson Oluwamodede, has lost his money in 17 commercial banks in the country following an order from a Federal High Court. Justice Olusola Williams granted the order to ensure that monies in the accounts of the guarantor, Pastor Oluwamodede, in commercial banks and other agencies are attached for the payment of the judgement debt. The judgement was against Holyview Investment International Limited, Mr. Babatunde Francis Adebayo and Pastor Samson Oluwamodede. The court ordered the commercial banks to attach all monies in any account(s) in their custody to satisfy the sum of N117million debts borrowed by the creditors. However, following the order of the court, one the garnisheed banks, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTB), admitted on oath in an affidavit filed before the court, that the guarantor of the debtors, Pastor Samson Oluwamodede, maintains accounts with GTB with available balances in the sums of N4, 045,832.45, N2,130,337.44, N1,071,863.34, $3,027,50, £2,130,337.44 and €110.00.

businessnews

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

FG set to reduce wastage, inaugurates efficiency unit Gbola Subair-Abuja

From left, Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestle Nigeria, Dr Samuel Adenekan; Ag Head, Dept of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, Dr Folake Samuel; Manager, Nestle Nutrition Institute, Africa Anglophone Countries, Mrs Chioma Emma-Nwachukwu and Consultant, Gastroenterologist, LASUTH, Dr Olufunke Adeniyi , during a one-day fortification workshop at Nestle office, Ilupeju, Lagos, on Wednesday.

The Federal Government, on Monday, took a bold step aimed at reducing inefficiency and wastages in governance as it inaugurates Efficiency Unit in the Federal Ministry of Finance. Inaugurating the unit, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun said the unit became imperative following discoveries of wide variation in the prices of basic items between departments and agencies. For example, the minister said paper costs varied up to 80 per cent between departments, range of prices for airline flights to the same destination differed by 100 per cent while printer cartridges of the same specification ranged from N16,00 to N62,000.

Shiroro power plant plans 300MW solar power plant Gbola Subair-Abuja

N its efforts to boost power generation and supply in the country, Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station has disclosed plans to construct a 300-megawatts (Mw) photo voltaic solar power plant on the existing plant premises which was concessioned to the North- South Power Company (NSP) Limited on November 1, 2013. The firm’s Chief Technical Officer, Mr Roland Lwiindi, disclosed this to the PostPrivatisation Monitoring Team of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) that was on a monitoring exercise at the power station in Shiroro, Niger State. According to him, when completed, the plant would add 300 megawatts of electricity to the existing 600 megawatts. He added that the plant was at present generating 50 per cent of its installed capacity. He noted that as a hydro powered plant, its generating capacity declines at dry seasons but that the proposed photo voltic solar facility would shore up its power generation during the off peak seasons. For the current dry season, Lwiindi said the plant would rely on the sun to make up for the short fall in power generation. While stating that the management of the power plant had the requisite expertise to realise the envisaged gains of privatisation, the official said Siemens Nigeria and Tetratec America were the company’s key technical partners. He assured that with the infrastructural upgrade and technical expertise at the disposal of the compa-

ny, the country would continue to witness improved power supply. In his remarks, the Chief Operations Officer of the plant, Abdul-Aziz Daudu, informed the BPE monitors that since takeover by the new investors, the generators and three out of the four turbines had been overhauled to boost power out-

put from the power plant. He said plans were on to overhaul the fourth turbine. He also said that work was in progress to upgrade the Excitation Systems (ES) from analogue to digital and that a new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) had been installed for improved power generation in line with the

concession agreement. Leader of the BPE monitoring team, Mr Abdullahi Shuaibu, commended the management for the strides achieved since take over and noted that it was an attestation to the gains of privatisation. He stressed the strategic position of the Shiroro Power Plant in the country’s

power sector and said that it was for that reason that the Federal Government decided to concession the plant instead of outright sale. “The concession approach is to prevent monopoly within the sector as this approach would leave the doors open for more players from the private sector,” he added.

Don advocates infrastructure, economic devt to tackle terrorism A professor of Political Economy, Olatunde Babawale, has called on the government at all levels to intensify efforts in its infrastructure renewal drive and adopt a multi-dimensional approach to tackle the prevailing terrorism situation in the country. Professor Babawale gave the recommendation while presenting the lead paper at the 1st International Conference of the Department of History and International Studies of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, tagged, ‘Democracy, Terrorism and Development in Africa.’ Babawale, whose paper was entitled, ‘The Democracy-Terrorism Disjuncture and the Challenges of Development in Nigeria,’ said, “A very important step to tackle the scourge is for the government to intensify efforts in its infrastructure renewal drive to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, thereby creating jobs for the teeming mass of unemployed youths to reduce increasing unemployment, which breeds and sustains crime. “Terrorism in Nigeria can

only be addressed on a sustainable basis through the adoption of a multidimensional approach, which will include the military and non-military options. The non-military option will include improvement of the living conditions of the people to enhance human security in the country.” He said the desired development for Nigeria would not occur until “we take necessary steps like the Asians, to develop agriculture, diversify the economy and develop industries through textiles, light manufacturing, electronics and services.” Professor Babawale from the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, said it was ironical that in 1965, Nigeria had a

higher per capita GDP than Indonesia, but by 1997, Indonesia had a per capita GDP that was three times higher than that of Nigeria. He added that Ghana at independence in 1957 had

a higher GNP per capita than South Korea, but in 2011, the average income of South Koreans (some $20, 591) was about 16 times that of Ghanaians (US$1,312).

She said the few weeks she had spent as Finance Minister had made her realized that without a radical intervention to manage the cost of government, no meaningful improvement in Nigeria would be forthcoming. “No amount of fiscal innovation, financial re-engineering or other well intentioned economic policy will deliver the desired results as long as the manner in which government money is expended is not carefully controlled. We need to put the fiscal house in order,” the minister explained. Adeosun, who stated that inefficient spending was systematic and very hard to identify since it is often embedded in the activities of the government, stressed that the government was determined to change the balance between capital and recurrent expenditure to release funds for the investment in infrastructure needed to move the nation forward. The minister, speaking on the merit of Efficiency Unit, said, “We have seen similar initiatives deliver significant savings globally and I am sure that Nigeria will be no exception. The people have charged us with bringing change and this is an important part of it. “Our vision is that our efficiency unit will be a change agent and catalyst for improving the management and delivery of public services so that we make sure that every naira spent counts. Applying insight and ideas from the private sector and pool of best practices within the public sector, we aim to provide practical, implementable recommendations that will deliver quantifiable savings to the Nigerian people,” she stressed.

Red Star Express crashes shipment charges by 50% Chima Nwokoji-lagos

Determined to bring joy to shippers across Nigeria as they shop ahead of the Christmas holiday season, Red Star Express Plc has rolled out its own special holiday offer which promises a 50 per cent reduction in shipment charges. Announcing the offer tagged “pay-less, ship more” in Lagos at the weekend, the company

said the promo would run from December 1, 2015 to January 15, 2016. The foremost logistics services solution provider in Nigeria said the offer would ensure that customers save as much as 50 per cent on each package using Red Star Express. Speaking on the offer, the Managing Director, Red Star Express Plc, Sule Umar Bichi, said “our company has enjoyed great

loyalty from its customers and we think it is time to reward them. The offer, is for both loyal and new customers who require simplicity in sending their packages at lower rates across Nigeria” Bichi noted that Red Star Express valued its customers so much “that we do not see our duty to serve and deliver quality services to them for their money as an obligation; for us, it is an honour and that is why

Nigerian Breweries’ Agenmonmen emerges NIMN first vice president Akin Adewakun-lagos

The Marketing Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Tony Agenmonmen, has been elected as the First Vice President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) at the institute’s 6Th Annual General Meeting, held in Enugu, Enugu

State capital, at the weekend. By this victory, Agenmonmen, who was elected unopposed, by a voice vote, takes over from Mr. Rotimi Olaniyan , the former occupant of the office, who had served his statutory two-year term in that office. A Professor of Marketing and the Chairman of the

Enugu State chapter of the institute, Professor Justie Nnabuko also replaced Dr Rotimi Oladele as the second Vice President, elected into that office two years ago. Unfolding his plans before the elections, the Nigerian Breweries chieftain stated that one of his priori-

ties would be to market the institute and its activities through the institute’s council to the corporate Nigeria. Expressing his delight at the achievements of the present council, Agenmonmen stressed the need to get more corporate organisations to be involved in the activities of the institute.

businessnews

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

FG set to reduce wastage, inaugurates efficiency unit Gbola Subair-Abuja

Shiroro power plant plans 300MW solar power plant Gbola Subair-Abuja

higher per capita GDP than Indonesia, but by 1997, Indonesia had a per capita GDP that was three times higher than that of Nigeria. He added that Ghana at independence in 1957 had

a higher GNP per capita than South Korea, but in 2011, the average income of South Koreans (some $20, 591) was about 16 times that of Ghanaians (US$1,312).

Red Star Express crashes shipment charges by 50% Chima Nwokoji-lagos

Nigerian Breweries’ Agenmonmen emerges NIMN first vice president Akin Adewakun-lagos

business

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for MONDAY, 30 november, 2015

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

news

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

EFCC arrests ex-minister over alleged $2bn arms deal

ORMER Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Yuguda, who served

under the Dr Goodluck Jonathan-led administration, was said to have been picked up on Monday evening in Abuja. According to a source in the EFCC, Yuguda was being questioned by a team of EFCC operatives for al-

legedly receiving suspicious payments from the office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), who is being investigated over a $2 billion arms deal. Some of the monies allegedly traced to Ambassador

Yuguda included N1.2 billion paid to him by the office of the NSA through a company and for unclear reasons. The former minister also allegedly received N775 million from the office of the Accountant-General of the

Federation for unclear reasons. He is also alleged to have received another N1.275 billion from a conglomerate, Stallion Group, during the last presidential election campaign. All these funds were alleg-

edly transferred to him between December 2014 and May 2015. Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwajaren, said he was yet to be briefed on the arrest and promised to revert as soon as details became available.

Oyo NUJ Press Week begins By Tunde Ogunesan

Wife of the Ekiti State governor, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose (left), presenting Mama's Kit and some beverages to one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ogundare Blessing, at Iye-Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, during her recent visit to area.

OAU students protests poor welfare condition Oluwole Ige -Osogbo STUDENTS of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Monday, embarked on a protest to denounce what they termed poor welfare condition on their campus, insisting that the issue must be promptly addressed to avoid unpleasant situation. When the Nigerian Tribune visited the campus on Monday afternoon, the protesting students barricaded the entry to the university, thus preventing vehicles and motorcycles from accessing the institution. The development caused gridlock, as only vehicles exiting the campus were allowed to pass, while vehicles making moves to enter were turned back. The students listed ?epileptic power supply, poor water supply and termination of the admission of an

incoming part-one student of History Department, Olawale Owolabi, as factors necessitating their demonstration. It was learnt that Owolabi, popularly referred to as Ogunruku, had joined the protest against increment of acceptance fee from N2,000 to N20,000 in 2011, when his admission was terminated. President of the OAU Students' Union, Mr Omotayo Akande, said "the union had exhausted the tool of diplomacy without getting reasonable concession on how students' welfare condition will be improved. "Our demands are more than just light and water, as the horrendous living condition of our hostels require rapt attention. The roofs of some rooms in the hostel are leaking. "A room in Moremi Hall caught fire and the ladies couldn’t get a fire extin-

guisher in the hall block. These, among other things, corroborate our demand for proper hostel facilities. "Our welfare is more important to us than anything, it's a foundation for

us to have sound understanding of what we are being taught. We are experiencing poor network, bad toilet. We are not happy with the improper funding of education."

THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State chapter, will commence its annual Press Week on Friday, December 4, with a Jumat service at the Central Mosque, Letmauck Barracks, Mokola, Ibadan. According to a press release signed by the chairman, 2015 Press Week Committee, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the annual press week, with the theme: “Nigeria beyond oil,” aimed to toe the proposed line of the Federal Government’s plan to diversify the economy. Sulaimon, a former chairman of Tribune chapel of the union, urged all members to participate in all of the events slated to mark this year’s ceremony. Other programmes listed

Lack of political will obstructs corruption trials –CJN Sunday Ejike -Abuja THE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, on Monday, said the delay in the trials of corruption cases in the country was because of the lack of political will to prosecute high profile corruption cases, especially those involving politically exposed persons or politi-

cal party family members. The CJN said this during a meeting with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, alongside other Justices of the Supreme Court and the heads of Federal Courts held at the CJN’s conference room, recently. A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja

by the CJN’s media aide, Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, quoted the CJN as saying that, “experience within the judiciary shows that there is abject lack of political will to prosecute some of those cases pending before our various courts almost a decade in some instances. “It is not because there are no special courts, but mostly for reasons of polit-

Ex-Lagos commissioner, Leke Pitan, loses mum FORMER Lagos State Commissioner for Health and Education, Dr Leke Pitan, who is also a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost his mother. Madam Solabomi Ojuolape Pitan, aged 81, died on Sunday night. She was active and busy attending social and religious functions through the weekend, as she attended the wedding introduction of

one of her granddaughters, Abimbola Ishola, in Ogba area of Ikeja. On Sunday, she was at the harvest service/ceremony of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Victoria Island Parish, Sura-Lagos Island and later complained of tiredness before she eventually died. Burial arrangements will be announced soon by the family.

in the schedule included opening ceremony with a lecture, entitled “Nigeria beyond oil,” at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, on Monday, December 7, at 10.00 a.m. The second lecture on the same topic would be delivered by a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide, by 10.00 a.m. at Dapo Aderogba Hall, while the state chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr Babatunde Olatunji, will deliver a seminar on “Life Beyond Journalism and health talk on “Living a healthy life” by 3.00 pm on Wednesday, December 9. The programme will end with thanksgiving service at Cook Memorial Baptist Church, Oja’ba, Ibadan, on December 13.

Ondo State Health Commissioner, Dr Dayo Adeyanju and Mrs Funmi Adelumo of Primary Health Care Board assisting Governor Olusegun Mimiko to immunise Master Lekan Afolayan at the kick-off ceremony of November 2015 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, in Akure, on Monday.

ical expedience and other ancillary considerations. “I would likewise wish to encourage you (AGF) to display a greater resolve than your predecessors in tackling outstanding cases before the courts. “In times past, the AGF would often lead teams of legal counsel in high profile cases so as to demonstrate the resolve of the government to enshrine the rule of law. “Sadly, recent AGFs have become less inclined to do this. I would certainly like to see you, as the AGF, to appear before us, especially in cases of important national issues,” the CJN added. On the issue of judicial funding, Justice Mohammed said the Judiciary welcomed the idea of zero budgeting as against the incremental style budgeting that often resulted in insufficient resources for the judiciary to operate. According to him, the judiciary could now properly make its demand before the National Assembly for an appropriate budgetary figure, rather than proposing N150 billion and be appropriated with less than half of it.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015 15 SIR OLANIWUN AJAYI’S GRANDDAUGHTER’S WEDDING

PHOTOS: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

7 1. The groom, Olumuyiwa Lawal and the bride, former Miss Olugbeminiyi Ajayi. 2. From left, bride’s father, Dr Ola Ajayi; bride’s mother, Mrs Mopelola Ajayi; bride’s grandfather, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi; the bride, former Miss Olugbeminiyi Ajayi; her husband, Mr Olumuyiwa Lawal; groom’s mother, Mrs Adeyinka Lawal and the groom’s father, Mr Ayodele Lawal, during the wedding of Mr and Mrs Lawal, at The Trinity Methodist Church, Lagos, on Saturday. 3. The Archbishop of Ibadan, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Reverend Michael Stephen, presenting the wedding certificate to the newly wedded couple. 4. From left, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mr Olusegun Odugbogun and Mr Kolapo Sogbetun. 5. From left, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ogun State, Mr. Abimbola

8 Ashiru and the Pro-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Segun Oshin. 6. Bishop of Lagos West, Methodist Church Nigeria, Right Reverend Sunday Ogunlere; Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Right Reverend A.I Olawuyi; the couple, Olumuyiwa and Olugbeminiyi, the Archbishop of Ibadan Methodist Church, Most Reverend Michael Stephen; the very Reverend Professor Konyin Ajayi and Bishop of Evangelism, Right Reverend Edoka Amuta. 7. The Archbishop of Ibadan, Methodist Church, Most Reverend Stephen, praying for the newly wedded couple and their parents. 8. From left, bride’s uncle, Mr. Remi Sogbetun; Bavin Epega and Mr Folusho Phillips.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Femi Ibirogba adefemi2007@yahoo.com 0811 695 4646

Should food production change to combat climate change? Stories By Femi Ibirogba

ood production counts for 30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and this is largely due to growing crops and rearing livestock. Unless action is taken to reduce these emissions from farming, production of food will be responsible for the whole of the two per cent increase in global temperatures that scientists believe are allowable before the consequences for the world become devastating. Ruth Clements, a vet with the Food Animal Initiative, told the British Veterinary Association Congress during the London Vet Show, that as the world’s population grows and the demand for food becomes greater, there is an urgency to change production methods. She said that the world is going to see a change in the number of animals on farms and the way they are reared. “We are dealing with some pretty rapid changes,” Dr Clements said. “There is an urgency to do things differently.” Dr Clements showed that between 2000 and 2011, production of beef had increased by 12 per cent globally and fish and chicken production had risen by 81 per cent and 54 per cent respectively. She showed that the UK was already seeing the effects of climate change, and these changes, such as flooding, were also creating problems in spreading diseases such as liver fluke. Dr Clements said there is a need to develop systems that are not only good for the animal in welfare terms, but also good for the environment and good for the farmer. She said production systems need to concentrate on preventative rather than curative and therapeutic management, with nutrition as the key to getting the most out of an animal. She said that farmers need to be helped to farm more sustainably to get the best from their livestock, and at the same time improve the lives of their livestock. Dr Tara Garnett from the Food Climate Research Network at the University of Oxford told the congress that food production had to be rebalanced to take into account the effects it is having on the climate. However, she showed that while food and livestock production create greenhouse gas emissions, they also meet a social need - creating employment, feeding people and in some cases, using land for livestock that cannot be used for other purposes. She said that one view would be to produce more intensively, and another to switch production from ruminants to monogastrics to reduce emissions. But she added that intensification of production has implications for the welfare of the animals. She said there is the need to rebalance the way farms are managed and there also needs to be a new focus on what and how much people consume. “Diets that have less meat in them have a lower impact on the environment,” said Dr Garnett. She added that reducing food waste also needs to be taken into account when developing more sustainable food production systems. “We have to address livestock emissions if we are to keep within the 2°C limit,” said Dr Garnett. She added that the problem needs to be attacked not only from the production side but from “multiple perspectives.” “We need to shift our consumption patterns,” she said. Dr Vivienne Nathanson, director of strategic relationships and CSER at the British Medication Association and Health Alliance to Combat Climate Change, said there is a relationship between health, wealth and nutrition. She said the poorest people have the worst health expectation and the richest the best, and the animals of the poorest people also fare less well. She said food animals do not do well in poor countries

because they get poor nutrition. Dr Nathanson said that with a changing climate, there is also a change in the spread of disease and she warned that diseases such as malaria could become common in Europe as the climate gets warmer.

She said that one way to do something about climate change is to eat less red meat. “It is a very inefficient way of producing protein,” she said. “Eating less luxury food makes the world more equitable.” Culled from ThePoultrySite

Is Africa a lucrative destination for poultry exports? African countries are increasingly becoming a lucrative destination for American and European poultry exports with top five producers raising exports to South Africa by a massive 1064 per cent, as well as registering significant increases for other regional countries such as Benin, Togo and Gabon. The US is also bidding to be a major exporter of poultry to South Africa despite initial reluctance by the country to open up its markets. Officials in South Africa have had to be cajoled into a deal with the US under the AGOA initiative, although the local poultry industry has raised complaints over loss of their markets to the imports. South African poultry producers such, as Astral, are doing well ahead of restoration of the US imports of chicken meat. South Africa said on November 17 that it had signed up to a veterinary agreement with the US to allow for the import of about 650,000 tonnes of chicken per year, bringing to an end months of disagreements over health concerns by South Africa, the continent’s second largest economy after Nigeria. The poultry division of Astral boosted its full year revenues for the year to the end of September which climbed up by 17 per cent. Chris Schutte, the chief executive of Astral has warned of tough times ahead for chicken producers, adding that drought conditions that most countries in the southern African region are grappling with will worsen worries for poultry farmers. “The poultry industry will be on the wrong side of the stick because of us making a sacrifice by allowing the US to dump excess poultry at such a low cost. It will be the smaller guys who don’t have strong balance sheets that are likely to go out of business first,” Mr Schutte said. Experts say dry conditions in the region will drive up costs for feeds as agricultural output is likely to be much lower. Competition for scarce produce such as maize and other corn crops for human consumption and for livestock feeds has also been projected to drive up the cost of feeds. Ghana is another African country that this month entered into agreements with the US to support agricultural and

poultry development in the West African country. Illegal imports of poultry products have also been problematic for other West African countries, such as Nigeria, which has had to destroy seized contraband. “When the government of Ghana asked for assistance to improve its poultry sector, USDA and its partners were ready to help. We are happy to be here today with ACDI/ VOCA and the American Soybean Association to launch new economic development and producer outreach initiatives,” said the US Deputy Agriculture Secretary. The cooperative and development agreements have a combined value of about $57 million and will target producer groups and cooperatives in a bid to have them access improved quality feeds and veterinary services. This is expected to result in improved quality poultry products and boosting incomes for chicken and other poultry products producers. Ghana has also given compensation to poultry farmers who made losses owing to recent outbreaks of avian flu that hit the country. The farmers lost a total of about 44,144 birds due to the outbreaks, with the compensation they received covering up to 90 per cent of damages. “The Ghana Government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, is fully aware of the importance of payment of compensation to affected poultry farmers in the wake of the outbreaks of bird flu in the country. Such compensation payment will certainly encourage early reporting and contribute to control activities,” said the minister, Fifi Kwetey. In the east African country of Zanzibar, the government is helping poultry producers, especially the small scale and backyard producers, to adhere to growing guidelines to help curb the spread of diseases which cut production and earnings. Zanzibar Economic Empowerment and Women Development Minister, Zainab Omar Mohamed, said, “It is good news that many women are getting into chicken keeping projects” and called for recognition of their efforts and contribution towards poultry production in the country.

agriculture Audu Ogbeh craves for younger farmers in agric 17

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Commends AfDB for support

inister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has stated the need to bring in younger crop of people into agriculture to make the sector viable. The minister stated this on Friday, when he received the Australian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr Jonathan Richardson, in the ministry. Chief Ogbeh expressed

his desire to make agriculture more attractive to the young people, stressing the need to replace the older farmers with young Nigerians. He said: “A large population of the youth in agriculture is an asset to production.” The minister, who recognised Australia as one of the biggest players in livestock and animal production, sought for more areas of cooperation between Nigeria and the

country. He identified the training of young people in agriculture, the need to engage students in more practical agriculture and involvement of agricultural institutes in more research and production as a better way of repositioning the agricultural sector in Nigeria. Chief Ogbeh expressed the need to improve cattle breeding and milk production in Nigeria, so

as to improve the mental health of Nigerian children. He said it had become imperative to develop and improve pastures for animals to reduce the migration system of moving animals. He said Nigeria would improve wheat production capacity to reduce importation and assured the high commissioner of Nigeria’s readiness to cooperate with Australia. Earlier in his remarks,

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, (right), Australian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr Jonathan Richardson and the Permanent Secretary, FMARD, Dr Shehu Ahmad, during a courtesy visit to the ministry.

Prevent post-harvest loss of food crops, FG urged The Federal Government has been urged to take urgent actions to prevent huge loss of food crops after their harvest from the farm as an antidote to perennial food shortage in the country. The Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Professor Olufemi Peters, gave the advice at a capacity building workshops organised for representatives of farmers’ cooperative societies and agro-processors on postharvest loss reduction to enhance capacity for loans repayment, at the institute. According to Professor Peters, more than 50 per cent of food crops harvested by farmers from their farms were lost during and after the harvests due to poor handling, noting that previous surveys by the institute showed that about N350 billion of food crops are lost annually in the country as a result of post-harvest losses. Professor Peters, while lamenting that the problem might lead to food shortage

and threaten food security in the country, added that the painful aspect of this discovery was that the losses occur at the rural areas which were in dire need of funds for their communal development. He suggested that to guide against the alarming hindrance to food security, the government should, as a first step, redefine a national post-harvest loss action strategy, redocument it and make it operational within

the ambit of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with other relevant agencies. Speaking on the achievements of NSPRI, he said the 25 years experience of the institute in post-harvest reduction activities had led to the development of many indigenous technologies which are now being subjected to patenting. He appealed to the farmers to focus more

attention on post-harvest loss prevention in view of the increasing population of the country. In his remarks at the workshop, the Development Finance Officer of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dirisu, declared Mr that banks were more likely to be disposed to issuing out loans to well trained farmers than their untrained counterparts as the former are more likely to repay funds loaned to them.

the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Richardson, said Australia had offered post-graduate scholarships in the past to Nigerian students in specialised areas of agriculture like postharvest management, saying over 44 persons had benefitted. Mr said Richardson Australia had the technical expertise in wheat production and was in the ministry to discuss the new areas of co-operation. The minister also today received a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) led by the sector Vice-President in charge of Agriculture and Water, Mr Aly Abou-Saba. Chief Ogbeh thanked the former Minister of Agriculture, now President of the African Development Bank (AFDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, for laying a very solid foundation in the agricultural sector and promised to deepen and widen the sector, saying the level of poverty in the rural villages is unacceptable. minister said The the government would take steps to avoid any bleak future through better nutrition for the children, saying 27 per cent of Nigerian children are malnourished. He emphasised the need to mechanise agriculture so as to be attractive to the youth and to improve seed quality. Chief Ogbeh solicited the support of the bank in its expansion programme and equally urged them to bring in interventions in critical sectors of agriculture. He said Nigeria needs AFDB support to curb desertification and increase grazing pasture to reduce clashes between farmers and cattle rearers, as well improve wheat and milk production.

Nigerian Tribune

The minister pledged to use his experience in the sector to add value to the Nigerian agricultural sector for the benefit of other African countries who now want to benefit from the Nigerian experience. The leader of the African Development Bank (AFDB) delegation to the ministry, Mr Abou-Saba, said they were in the ministry to assist in putting in place a set of reforms in seed and fertiliser and other value chains. He said most African countries were already seeking for information on Nigeria’s experience in the agricultural sector like the e-wallet system of the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) which had helped in reducing corruption in the sector and pledged to support the Nigerian agricultural sector.

More outbreaks of Avian Flu found in Ghana Further outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza have been found in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. There were 176 cases across the two outbreaks, which happened on a farm in Trebakope and in Damfa Zongo village birds. Free ranging birds of various species and various ages, including local fowls, exotic and crosses, turkeys and ducks, were affected in the village outbreak. On the farm, old white layers, pullets and cockerels in deep litter were affected. Over 3500 birds were destroyed to prevent the disease spreading. Stamping out, quarantines, movement control and disinfection are in use to control the virus.

IITA cassava weed management project signs MoU with SON The Cassava Weed Management Project, which is being managed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria that ensures manufactured products entering Nigerian market give the required degree of satisfaction to consumers through compliance with

the government policies on standardisation and conformity assessment. The SON also ensures that goods imported into the country meet the minimum requirements of industrial standards or any other approved international standards. The MoU seeks to establish a link to foster cooperation for the development and implementation of collaborative programmes while highlighting the framework for the

partnership between both organisations. Areas covered in the MoU include exchange of scientific information and developing specific cooperative programmes and projects, especially in the areas of standardisation. Linkages between IITA and SON scientists were also listed. Dr Alfred Dixon, Project Leader, IITA Cassava Weed Management Project, described the signing of the MoU as a remarkable

milestone in efforts to help address the problem of weeds in cassava farms in Nigeria. “The weed challenge is a huge task and we need all hands to be on deck to solve this problem,” he added. Launched in 2014, the IITA Cassava Weed Management Project is employing the use of bestbet agronomic practices, mechanical weed control options, use of environment friendly herbicides, and the integration of the three

options to control weeds. So far, the project has procured, and is adapting mechanical weeders in collaboration with Nigerian engineers. Once completed, local fabricators will be trained on the fabrication of those weeders for onward dissemination to farmers. Professor Friday Ekeleme, Principal Investigator, IITA Cassava Weed Management Project, said; “Our goal is to help farmers control weeds and improve the productivity of cassava.”

18 LETTERS TO THE

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08055001747 or 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Still on Kogi guber crisis

HE ongoing crisis in Kogi State which arose after the death of Prince Abubakar Audu, who was leading in the governorship election is easy to resolve if politicians are to be sincere with themselves. It is so unfortunate that everybody is struggling to benefit from Audu’s death. Now, let me highlight the situation; the election was almost concluded, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Audu was leading before he passed on. Now that Audu is no more, his deputy, Mr

Kogi: Separate office of AGF/ Minister of Justice WITH the ongoing constitutional crisis in Kogi State as a result of the inconclusive election after the death of the leading candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, it is high time we separated the office of Attorney General of the Federal and Minister of Justice. At the Federal and state levels, these offices are merged, and the occupants are political appointees who are loyal to the ruling party. As a result of this, when we have a constitutional crisis as we are experiencing in Kogi, then the advice of the Attorney General will come in handy. It will save the politicians the stress of looking for a solution through the courts. The Attorney General, as the chief law interpreter, will just give a legal direction which the warring parties can follow. However, since the AGF is also the Minister of Justice, then he is bound to give an interpretation that will favour his party. It is, therefore, important that we unbundle these two offices so that a career civil servant can become the Attorney General, while the Justice Commissioner/ Minister is appointed. •Idayat Kassim, Ilorin.

James Faleke, should automatically become the candidate since it is a joint ticket. Having said this, one would have thought that Mr Falake would easily take over the ticket, but some people are already reading different meanings to the situation on ground. The first group want Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who was Audu’s runner-up in the APC primaries to take over the ticket. These people have, however, forgotten that those who voted for the APC did so for Audu/Faleke. Therefore, brining another person to take over those votes is undemocratic. Some people may have reasons for voting Audu, and not Captain Idris Wada, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Another group wants the late Audu’s son, Mohammed, to replace his father, but I think we should have gone past sentimental politics in this country. Does the son have the qualities that his father had which

endeared him to the voters? We are not in a hereditary democracy, where someone’s family member can inherit his position. As a a result, those who are canvassing for Mr Mohammed Audu to become the governorship or deputy governorship candidate are missing the point. Now to the PDP, the insinuation that Audu’s votes died with him is an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. At the moment, the APC is leading in the polls, and not wanting to go down easily; this ‘Audu’s votes died with him’ hold no ground. The most reasonable argument is that since the people know that Mr Faleke is the deputy governorship candidate; they know that a deputy governor stands in for the governor when he is not around to discharge his duties, then this makes Faleke the ideal person to take over the APC votes. I know many lawyers will be giving their interpreta-

tions to this case from the constitution, but we must allow reason to prevail. We should be sincere with ourselves, or else, the case will

drag on to the Supreme Court. If the political players in Kogi State will be sincere with themselves, then they will save the people from

this constitutional agony in which they have found themselves. •Jamiu Yakubu, Kabba, Kogi State.

Fuel crisis: Need for deregulation THERE is no better time for the Federal Government to deregulate the oil sector than now. With the fuel scarcity we are experiencing now, if the sector had been deregulated, then we should be getting fuel at N100 per litre. We should not forget that a barrel of crude oil is about $40. In some states, a litre of fuel is being sold for as high as N150. So if the sector can be deregulated, and we are getting it at N100, then it is fair enough. Nigerians are going through hell in the struggle to get fuel. However, the current subsidy regime is not sustainable. The money being paid to marketers can be used to provide other amenities for

the people. I was shocked last week when I read that the government subsidises a litre of fuel for as high as N12. Although this rate is not stable, when we look at it, government sometimes spend hundreds of millions of naira daily on subsidising fuel. Nigerians should realise that this subsidy regime gives room for corruption, as we experienced in the past. Some people might be saying an anti-corruption leader is in charge now, but we should not forget that no matter how meticulous the president is, some things will still not be visible to him. I am, therefore, using this opportunity to call on Nigerians to support fuel deregulation so that this scarcity

can end. Deregulation will also bring about development in the country, with many companies setting up their refineries instead of importing. This will also create jobs for the people. •Jude Osondu, Ikorodu, Lagos.

World should unite to defeat ISIS THE Islamic State is the enemy of the whole world and military powers should come together to defeat the evil organisation. For almost a year now, the United States and its allies have been conducting air raids against IS, but these have not been successful. The US, Turkey and other Western countries don’t want to have anything to do with Syrian president, Bashir Al-Assad, but Russia, which is increasingly becoming more involved in the war, is backing its ally. This is one area the world needs to set aside if it is to defeat IS in Syria. Last week’s bombing of a Russian jet by Turkey has also not helped the situation. I think the solution to this problem is for all world powers to unite and work together. IS is increasingly becoming more deadly, with the attack in Paris in which 130 people were killed. If such an attack could happen in Paris, then it can happen anywhere. The fact that there are people who are sympathetic to IS’ cause is another problem for the West. •Ibikunle Asuni, ibk_2002@yahoo.ca

editorial

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

This endless fuel crisis

N spite of repeated assurances of adequate supply of premium motor spirit (PMS) - petrol - to meet domestic needs, queues at filling stations have been getting longer while more and more man hours are being spent on the desperate search for the scarce commodity. The worrisome aspect is the apparent uncertainty about when normalcy will be restored. While the blame game has been continuing among the critical stakeholders in the petroleum industry, the fuel shortage has been having a crippling effect on the social and economic life. The fuel crisis which started in a few states was initially explained away as a consequence of minor dislocations that would be sorted out in a matter of weeks, if not days. It has now become a country-wide experience lingering on for months and making life increasingly difficult, particularly for the ordinary man. A product being imported for public consumption at a subsidised and regulated price is now being sold at the dealer’s chosen price. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC) and its subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), have been giving assurances about the adequacy of available petrol in the country. About two weeks ago, they maintained that they were not responsible for the fuel crisis because they had been making supplies available to the depots. They even reeled off a figure of 1.4 trillion litres of petrol made up of available stock and expected consignment. Why then has there been no respite? Around the same time, the Executive Director of Sales, PPMC, Mr. Justin Ezeala, resorted to the time-worn excuse of pipeline vandalism as the reason for the fuel shortage. He also blamed the growing queues on panic buying which, he further said, prompted marketers to start hoarding the product. The marketers have, on their part, been blaming the situation on nonpayment of subsidy arrears by the government while the presidency is reported to have asked the National Assembly to approve the sum of N413 billion to offset the subsidy claim. It has been an endless buck passing. Due to nothing else but inefficient and irresponsible management, Nigeria, a major oil-producing and exporting country, has, for more than three decades, been importing petroleum products for domestic use. The last public statement on the state of Nigeria’s refineries showed in clear terms that they had become decrepit facilities producing at less than 2 per cent

of their installed capacity. The statement debunked the earlier claim that another round of Turn-Around Maintenance had elevated the production capacity of the refineries to 60 per cent. Nigeria has made so much money from petroleum but this has in no way reflected in the quality of its citizens’ life and the level of its facilities. Even the refineries for processing its main source of sustenance – oil - into finished products have not received the attention of the country’s leaders. This explains why the country has been importing what it has, even from countries that do not produce oil. With the sharp drop in the price of crude oil, Nigeria will begin to find it increasingly difficult to import and subsidise refined petroleum products. It is thus expected that the pressure for subsidy withdrawal will rise to a crescendo because it will allow the clique in the importation business the free rein to cheat and indeed defraud the hoi polloi. This is why the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari should put on the front burner the modalities for the establishment of new refineries. Nigeria is the only member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that does not have the refining capacity for its own domestic consumption. It greatly diminishes Nigeria status to remain so. The Department of State Security (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which are reported to have been pressed into service in checking abuses in the distribution process, should not limit their focus to the misdeeds at the filling stations. They should also extend their activities to the depots to verify the prices at which they have been selling to the dealers. It is not a hidden fact that the NNPC is itself a cesspit of corruption. The price at which it has been supplying fuel to the depots since it started functioning as the sole importer of PMS should be revealed to the public. That the entire fuel supply chain is ridden with corruption is common knowledge. Some retail outlets have been selling more to black marketers than to motorists. The fuel that is not available at the filling stations is often on display at prohibitive prices on major streets in different parts of the country. Their usual argument is that they have not been loading from the jetties at the regulated price. Until the fuel importation racket is smashed and new refineries are established, fuel crisis will be a recurring experience and vicious circle.

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opinion

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Stuck in PMB’s ‘Go slow,’ looming Armageddon?

RUE, he was my kinsman, but I brought out the knives and tore apart his policies, actions and inactions every time he goofed. I didn’t spare him because he was my blood, but simultaneously, I didn’t sit on my high horse and condemn him either…I simply lauded what demanded applause, but stringently also, I castigated and reprimanded others that fell short of expectation. How tall were my hopes of his administration? The Himalayas would not come close in comparison. However, the dreaded ‘but’, that dashes the expectation of the righteous, came in the way. As his final days on the highest pedestal of power as the nation’s number one man approached, the country fell into deeper anarchy- fuel became gold, rare and expensive, electricity, from its usual epileptic attacks fell into a certified state of comatose. Market prices went over the roof and our naira, shrunk horrifyingly in the face of the dollar like Jack, before the legendary giant in the myth of Jack and the bean stalk. Not to mention the continuous ravaging of the North East by sardonic devils at night and day. Concurrently, I started almost every column I wrote in those times wailing. On some days, I sobbed like a forsaken koala in the heart of the eucalyptus forest abandoned by its mother; and on other days, I shrieked in agony like the orangutan (bush baby) in the belly of an evil forest. My lungs went dry, my throat got sore and my voice broke like cracked mud. But another voice, whose shouting equaled, but surprisingly, superseded mine, was that of the erstwhile opposition- APC. While I shouted for the deliverance of the Nigerian people, they screamed “give us the baton of leadership”. While I screamed and pleaded with divinity for mercy on a nation perturbed with innumerable woes whose citizens were continuously assailed by wraiths, they insisted on taking over the reins and the whip, so they could push the derailed horse back on track. So, when Muhammadu Buhari clinched victory in the presidential elections earlier this year, I took away my sack clothes, gathered the ashes into an urn and by default, the fountain of my tears dried up. I thought that Veracity’s wailing days were over. I imagined that Veracity’s mourning and that of over 185,000,000 other Nigerians scattered all over the four cardinals of the na-

tion had come to an end. Alas, the chorus of our collective wails was only getting modulated to achieve a higher pitch! Before the victory, the opposition pointed tainted fingers at GEJ’s administration. Earlier this year, even the most mundane occurrences, devoid of any national significance, were blamed on GEJ’s administration. In fact, if the cock refused to crow in the South West or the goat defaulted to bleat in the South East, it naturally became GEJ’S fault. So, we gave them the opportunity they so craved. We gave them the baton they vigorously clamoured for and we let them sit on the stool their backsides itched uncontrollably for, but where has that got us as nation? Our woes did not magically disappear with a wave of PMB’s magic wand. In reality, we are plunging into murkier waters and doom sits at the corridor of the nation, legs crossed, humming a melody, waiting to engulf Africa’s giant. Is this the change countrymen were willing to shed their blood for? N150 fuel pump price in the South West and higher variants in other zones with queues that mirror the waiting line on the pathway to Hades’ abode, dry and empty filling stations, shameless disowning of national promises, irked investors pulling away from the country, continuous plummeting of the strength of the naira, plunging benchmark stock index that was described as the third worst global performance and the icing on the top of the poisonous cake- policy inertia. Could PMB’s ship be stuck in the middle of the Red Sea? There seems to be no strategic presidential plan to take the people through a dry path and this could be consequent of a colossal national disaster as it appears we

veracity with Vera Onana

veraonana@gmail.com 08054680688 are tottering at the edge of an Armageddon, but ‘Baba go slow’ has not decrypted the engravings on the wall. Sadly, neither have the self acclaimed clairvoyants he surrounds himself with. The winds are whispering carelessly of sedition in the East. Young minds who feel impoverished are mapping out their plans to exhume a body that was buried remotely in the days of their ancestors, but can we fault them? Isn’t an idle man the object of the craftsmanship of Hades himself? Perhaps if a good percentage of those Eastern youths were gainfully employed, enjoying the bliss of a fulfilling career, they may not have allowed to linger for a second the thought of soiling their innocent hands by meddling with something the elders had long buried. Those ghosts, when resurrected, will chronicle untold hardship, but do the children have a scintilla of clue? I wouldn’t digress into that today, for it remains topic for another day. What we should ask this administration, whose armada docked at the nation’s shore of power several months ago, is this - was there ever a foolproof strategy in place to lead this nation from its place of gargantuan throes to the still waters of sanity? Was the change we all chanted just another inconsequential mantra? PMB assured us that Boko Haram would be ‘yesterday’ by the end of 2015…. Count down, but we have more raids, more suicide bombings and more griefs. Is this administration really capable of taking us to the Promised Land? How on God’s green earth are we expected to felicitate and sing Feliz Navidad in a few days if fuel pump price remains ridiculously high and ultimately will have an inflationary effect on the price of chicken, Christmas clothes and soft drinks? I desperately hope that our national plights and decisions taken will not, at the end, mirror that of the mythical man whose first wife was never good enough for him and hence, married another. We all must remember that the naggings and rantings of the second drove him back to the first! These are troubled times and things are falling apart. Masters’ degree holders are on jobs that pay stipends, the nation’s education standard decomposes, its fat maggots — unemployment and underemployment — have gained the status of normalcy. The song writer sang ‘Which way Nigeria?’ but I will rather end this column by asking this question, which way PMB?

Developing Nigeria in a new political dispensation By Segun Oluwayemi THERE are some trends going on for years in this country which had promoted mediocrity over the years and should be stopped herewith, to allow meaningful development. Nigerian politics is very frightening, no doubt, but the players are smarter than the citizenry. There is a level of apathy after elections and the operators have the field day to do and undo. Suffice to say that the military incursion in governance has perverted Nigerian politics, and it has left us confused. Therefore, we are not able to think straight again. Apart from so many aberrations inculcated into our democracy, its operation so far, has no clear dichotomy from that of the military. Often the politicians, especially the office holders, employ the method of chasing shadows. They are expected to start to work as soon as they are sworn-in. That explains the popular 100 days in office celebrated worldwide. However, what do you find here, they employ the use of diversionary tactics, using almost their entire tenure to condemn their predecessor, more so if such is an opponent. Just like the military used to do to deceive the people, by always hammering the perceived mistakes of the previous regime to justify their existence and to earn acceptance through sympathy or propaganda. This invariably translates into abandoned projects dotted everywhere and lack of continuity in policy and other programs. This could explain the sit-in syndrome of few incumbents who would not want laudable projects to be jettisoned with the huge sum already sunk into them. This method has been going on for years and it has affected the nation greatly, robbing this great nation of the expected development. Shamelessly, politicians have perfected the act

in such a way that they kept on deceiving the populace with this gimmick. Unfortunately too, they have found a ready ally in the media, some of who are ready to dance to the tune and to take everything presented hook line and sinker, most times without cross checking facts independently. Despite regulations the media is easily used to earn cheap support and sentiment and to give credence to their mediocrity. We all yearn for development in this nation, but unfortunately, some sectors are sabotaging this effort willingly or unwittingly. How can a country develop where all the money meant for developmental purposes is spent by a few on things other than development? All the laws are broken continually with impunity. They say ‘pen is mightier than the gun’ but now I think people don’t use the pen again. It could conveniently be said therefore, that ‘computer could easily be compromised.’ I think the way out of this mess is for each elected officer to be made accountable, made to face what they are elected to do and be responsible to the electorate ab initio without

wasting any time. The say song and cock and bull stories of how bad the previous administration was should never again be entertained. It should be reinforced that that was the principal reason for their preference and election and that action is all that is needed and nothing less than the expected development from them. Another problem though is that there is no developmental plan, each elected officer operates by his whims and caprices. A building or project can be sited anywhere and built at any rate/ amount without any guide line or plan and without any recourse to scale of preference. To make matter worse, there seems to be nobody regulating anything. Definitely there is no nation that develops this way. In fairness to the politicians, the nation’s problem could be daunting, yet surmountable. They need our involvement, supports, and suggestions to be able to move the nation forward. We need to be up and doing and keep supplying them with barrage of relevant suggestions and recommendations perhaps they could be useful somehow. There should be a way to fashion out a developmental plan as a guide for every elected officer to follow and to ensure strict adherence. I strongly believe that there should be one at all levels. This should be given to the politicians to study ever before contesting to give the details of how to execute it with the expected revenue. Whoever wins election will be made to work, if a laid-down guideline is guaranteed and people are breathing on their neck constantly. This will make governance less prone to lapses, instilling development and discipline, thereby, making it less attractive to loafers. •Oluwayemi sent this piece from New Bodija, Ibadan.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015 Femi Olukunle Coordinating Editor 08158610216

US takes message of hope to IDPs, offers more relief materials Christian Okeke - Abuja

NITED States of America’s Deputy Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Maria E. Brewer and her team recently visited internallydisplaced persons at their Kuchingoro II settlement camp in Abuja with a message of hope, aimed at assisting them overcome the trauma which they pass through as a result of their displacement by insurgents. It was a memorable moment with the displaced persons as it offered the team an opportunity to have a look around the settlement. Brewer observed that many people would be surprised to learn that a settlement for IDPs existed right in the capital territory. After the tour of the settlement, she told the displaced persons: “What I have observed here today is that while you may have been displaced, you certainly have not been defeated.” She, however, observed that families needed to be resilient and find a way to make ends meet under such a condition. According to her, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria, including Ambassador Entwistle himself, had visited camps in the Northeast where Boko Haram had been carrying out its reign of terror, stating that whether it was in Abuja or Adamawa, there was no argument that the insurgency had dramatically affected the lives of millions of Nigerians. The deputy chief of mission disclosed that almost 2 million people lived in settlements across the country as a result of Boko Haram’s violence and said that as a friend of the Nigerian people, the United States stood ready to help the displaced persons overcome what might appear to be an insurmountable obstacle. To achieve that, she hinted that the US Government created several different programmes to assist Nigeria by providing relief materials to those most affected by the insurgency, comprising those forced to relocate, those who had lost families and friends and those who had lost nearly everything they once had. She went further to disclose that the U.S. government had provided millions of dollars in health services, food vouchers, basic necessities and medical care for the insurgency victims in the Northeast, while also helping to repair schools and offering support to get children back into school. Away from the places most severely hit, Brewer maintained that

Maria Brewer, Dupty Chief of Mission, US Embassy, receiving akara (bean cake) from an IDP in Abuja. the U.S. government was helping the Federal Government to assist those fleeing the Northeast and to manage a coordinated response. She said her country provided training and expertise for people at all levels including supporting a large development effort to help Nigeria become the strong and competitive country and economy it so deserved to be. She said: “Here in this settlement; USAID’s micro-enterprise training is teaching the basics of handling money and running a profitable business so that you can better support your families. “I know that I cannot begin to understand the nightmares through which you have all lived. But the vibrant and promising activity that I have seen today gives me great hope for the dreams you have for you and your families. Be rest assured that the United States will be there as your friend in your struggle,” she said.

Barack Obama, US President. Meanwhile, a US consumer goods manufacturing company, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Nigeria, has offered support to the persons displaced by the conflict in the

FCT minister declares war on filth, destitute —pg22

Northeast with a donation of hygiene products and personal care items. The items, which included sanitary pads, baby diapers, toothpastes, batteries and detergents, were targeted to help improve hygiene and basic comfort for the internally-displaced persons, specifically in Borno State. During the handover ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Procter & Gamble Managing Director, George Nassar, presented samples of the products to Borno State National Assembly representative, Mohammed Monguno and noted that the aim of the donation was to touch and improve the personal health and well-being of the affected persons. Nassar expressed confidence that the donation would help meet some of the basic requirements of those who most needed the support. Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Jean

National ID: IDPs undergo mandatory enrollment —pg22

Gough, thanked Procter & Gamble for the generous donation and noted that it would make a big difference in the lives of the displaced in Borno, who, he observed, struggled daily for basic necessities. While accepting the donation on behalf of Borno State government, Monguno described the donation as very timely in view of the needs of the IDPs. “This is a clear demonstration that Procter & Gamble is a patriotic corporate citizen,” he said.

CREW

1. Christian Okeke chidiabujatribune@yahoo.com 08030947856 2. Clement Idoko idokoajiga@yahoo.co.uk 08034412281 3. Kolawole Daniel kolawoledaniels@yahoo.co.uk 08030763782 4. Collins Nnabuife chideraacollins@yahoo.com 08039521408 5. Adetola Bademosi gloriaadetola@gmail.com 08182214290 Abuja Xtra email & GSM: abujaxtra@gmail.com 0805450140

abujaextra

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

FCT Minister, Alhaji Muhammad Bello (middle), during his visit to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in Abuja, recently

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello (left), exchanging pleasantries with the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, while the Squadron Commander, Mopol50, SP, Miebaka Iyotoru (middle) watches when the police commissioner and his team visited the minister in his office.

FCT minister declares war on filth, destitute Christian Okeke - Abuja

HERE are hopes now that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be made cleaner through constant and effective evacuation of refuses and destitute off the streets of Abuja. This is because the new FCT minister, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, has prioritised

cleanliness of the territory and directed staff of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to move to the fields and ensure that the city is cleaned up. The minister paid an unscheduled visit to the headquarters of the board, where he noted, with dismay, the poor state of sanitation in the Federal Capital city and its environs, warning staff of the Board to be up and doing in the discharge of their

duties. Bello directed that advocacy committees be set up to reach out to all stakeholders such as traditional rulers, community heads and religious leaders in order to elicit their support in the renewed task. He used the occasion to disclose that keeping the territory clean at all times was a priority of his administration and called for community participation to ensure a

Yuletide: Will residents fall for fraudulent lottery promos? Christian Okeke - Abuja A common development, especially at the end of a year like this, is for all manners of fraudulent lottery promos to spring up, all with a view to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. As has been witnessed in the past, some members of the public have fallen prey to the fraudsters, and only reported the incidents to the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) when it was rather too late. It was in a bid to forestall such incidents that the commission recently warned against participation in all forms of illegal lotteries in the country, especially as the year runs to an end. Director General of the commission, Mr Adolphus Joe Ekpe, who gave the

warning, said it became necessary owing to the increasing economic activities associated with most sectors towards end of the year. He warned all illegal lottery operators to regularise their operations with the Commission or risk the wrath of the law which could include arrests and prosecutions. Ekpe, in a statement signed by the Head of Media/Public Affairs of the commission, Magnus Ekechukwu, reminded the illegal lottery operators that violation of lottery laws was a crime which both the Nigeria Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could deal with. According to him, the Commission’s Memoranda of Understanding with both EFCC and the NPF remain in force, add-

ing that the commission would not hesitate to hand lottery offenders over to any of the two enforcement agencies. The Director General further advised companies involved in consumer sales promotions to remain within the confines of the sales promotions. He insisted that such promotions which had lottery content must be regularised. Ekpe recalled the recent judgment of a Lagos High Court as well as that of an Abuja High Court where cases challenging the legality of regularisation of consumer sales promotions and lottery content by the lottery commission had been respectively struck out, thereby giving more impetus to the commission to carry out its statutory functions without hindrances.

More affordable housing planned for FCT Collins Nnabuife - Abuja THE Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has said that it is currently working with international and local partners to provide additional affordable housing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT.) The Authority, however, raised the alarm that accessibility of land in the FCT had been a major problem for it in its quest to provide affordable housing for the residents of the territory. This was disclosed to Abuja Xtra by the General Manager in charge of Social

and Cooperative Housing, Mrs. Maryam Ndalolo, at a programme organised by the German Corporation and implemented by GIZ (a German intervention programme in Nigeria.) According to her, the Authority, in the last regime of the FCT, did not get any land at all for its programmes. “But the main thing now is that we have worked out this model to the extent that we don’t need anybody; we can just get credible land owners who have lands already to partner with us. We get finance, put it together and we start a project,” she said.

Speaking further on the current housing projects, Mrs Ndalolo said: “We have 1,000 housing units in the Ministry of Works; it is at the approval stage; we are just about to move to site and open up Kwali “We have 300 hectares of land there and we have invited quite a number of people to come in to help with infrastructure. We have also invited developers from Dubai to come and help with the commercial housing side of it. But then, what we basically want to do is ensure affordable housing .”

successful campaign. The minister warned that erring staff would face sanctions for not adhering to the directives. According to him, “everybody has to sit up because we will not shy away from sanctioning any erring staff within the existing laws and regulations.” He announced that he would soon visit all the dumpsites and the sewage treatment plants in the territory to assess such facilities and see how best to achieve the vision of government in establishing them.

National ID:IDPs undergo mandatory enrollment Adetola Bademosi - Abuja THE National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), in conjunction with a non-governmental organisation, Life Builders Initiative, is currently enrolling internally-displaced persons in the ongoing biometrics data-capturing exercise in the various settlements in Abuja. Over 300 IDPs have so far been captured in the Area 1 camp in the exercise which is also to be used to ascertain the genuineness of the displaced persons and even miscreants who would want to perpetrate crimes at the camps. Founder of the NGO, Mr Sanwo Olatunji, who spoke on the exercise, noted that most of the displaced persons were yet to be captured in the national identity card enrollment programme. He told AbujaXtra that identifying the IDPs, among other benefits, would help in reducing crimes in the camps. “As a result of our very close relationship with these IDPs, we realised one aspect of their lives that was missing - they don’t have an Identity,” he said. According to him, “most of these IDPs haven’t been profiled yet by NEMA. Almost all of them ran from their homes with only what they were wearing when they were attacked by the Boko Haram insurgents.”

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Tuesday ,1 December, 2015

NNPC Monthly Oil & Gas Report: OCTOBER 2015

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

NNPC Monthly Oil & Gas Report: OCTOBER 2015

tribunebusiness

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

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

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

The power of ethical leadership (4) “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to see a man’s character give him power.” —Abraham Lincoln The most challenging part of ethical leadership is not about knowing or deciding what is right. It is in doing it! Every man’s conscience acts as the compass and umpire of his decisions and conduct. Consequently, even the leader who chooses to go against the code of honour knows that his decision was unethical. He merely sidelined his conscience or seared it! Almost all unethical behavior is hinged on the individual’s survival instinct. The moral conflict we feel when we have conducted ourselves unethically therefore is actually the struggle between conscience and survival. Conscience says, “I will not feel good with myself if I go forward with this action or decision, especially when someone else who respects me gets to know that this is what I did.” Survival on the other hand says, “It’s ok to do it. That is the norm. If you don’t do it, someone else will anyway and he will get the advantage over you and you will be left holding the short end of the stick!” The latter logic seems to apply significantly in the Nigerian banking industry where young ladies are employed and given unrealistic deposit targets without caring about how they get them. In most cases, they are put on probation for as long as it takes for them to meet the absurd targets or fired summarily when they cannot. In the most part, because such employees know that their position depends on meeting those targets, they are practically “compelled” to sleep with people they had no business sleeping with, just to get them as customers for the bank. Consequently, they end up being “shagged” by the wealthy and randy who dot the landscape of society. Those who feel that their conscience cannot submit to this indignity usually resign or are fired. When short-term goals become a threat, ethical conduct may well be the casualty. Nevertheless, whenever we violate our deepest moral code, we instinctively feel bad about it. Unethical behaviour on the part of a true leader actually impinges on his self-esteem. Great leaders lead first by who they are before what they do or say. Leadership is best by example. Beyond the lead-

er’s words, followers look into his heart. For this reason, when a leader excuses unethical behaviour, he is saying to his followers that it is ok! The bandwagon effect can best be imagined. Even when a leader avoids action when faced with tough choices, followers interpret that to mean acquiescence. Life’s greatest freedom is the freedom to choose between right and wrong. Choices only have meaning when there are options. However, with choices come consequences or rewards. Always following the path of convenience through easy choices can hardly be effective as building blocks for strong character. Building moral strength can be likened to building physical strength. Every challenge of ethics is an opportunity to grow and learn. To grow muscles, you must overcome resistance offered by the weight of dumbbells in the gym. The tension you feel in your muscles when you carry those heavy weights is akin to the emotional tension that you feel when confronted with issues of ethics. If you can endure that tension and eventually overcome it, your moral muscles are enhanced. Problems (read prospects and possibilities) are the dumbbells of the ethical leader. The more challenging they are to his moral code, the stronger they potentially make him! If you want problem-free leadership, buy a residence in the nearest cemetery! One may ask, “In today’s competitive environment where rampaging sharks have muddied and continue to muddy the corporate waters, can anyone still operate in an honest and ethical manner?” Truth be told; ‘Yes’! What of the things one stands to lose? A good position. Enhanced bottom-line. Huge profits. Comfort. This may be true. Suffice it to say however that these are mostly things money can buy. The most important things in life are the things that money cannot buy. Money may buy you a position but not peace of mind. Money may buy you a house but not a home. Money may buy you an expensive bed but it cannot guarantee a good night’s sleep. Money can give you expensive toys but not joy. A meaningful life is not always about what you pursued. It is also about what you walked away from. Fifty four-year old Strive Masiyiwa is the CEO of Econet Wireless, a telecommunications company with headquarters in Zimbabwe. A few years ago, the company was licensed

to operate in Nigeria. After paying $285m, which at that time was the highest licence fee in Africa, and commencing business as scheduled, the company was confronted with a huge ethical challenge. Read about it in Masiyiwa’s words as recently narrated on his blogsite: “We were one of the winning bidders and they gave us just six months to set up business and get our network operating. We were under a lot of pressure but our network was live two days before the others! Customers were pouring in. We were number one in the market with an estimated 57% market share. Then came the fateful day when I was told that our company must pay a total of $9m in bribes to senior politicians (in state government) who had facilitated the raising of the money to pay for the license. I refused to authorize the illegal payments. Meeting after meeting was held to try to get me to agree, but I would not. The money would not be paid as long as Econet was the operator and I had signing authority. “James Ibori, the Governor of Delta State, was demanding $4,5m be paid to him in his personal capacity. He was one of the most powerful men in the country and had a reputation for violence. When he heard that I was refusing to approve payment he issued an ultimatum: ‘Pay or I will chase you and your people out of the country.’ “I refused. The shareholders met and voted Econet Wireless Nigeria out of management. They cancelled our management contract. James Ibori and his colleagues personally attended the meeting to remove us. After the meeting one of them (a prominent local businessman even today) came up to me and said: ‘Unfortunately for you, God does not have a vote.’ “I had to withdraw all my staff and their families: 200 people in all. We left Nigeria. Most of our people had to be retrenched. The loss of the contract almost drove us to bankruptcy as a group.” Today the story is different. Though Econet is not back in Nigeria, its rights and privileges as shareholders in the successor company Airtel have been restored by the law courts and Masiyiwa is waxing stronger in the business world. And James Ibori? Cooling his heels in a London jail! (To be continued.)

Seeing through the eye of headship

Over the years, my job in the sphere of leadership; and my study of leaders, who know their onions have made me understand that resourceful and quick-witted leaders do not see people and things the way they are at the moment, they see people and things the way they can become in the days to come. True and proper leaders do not see people and things like followers do. Followers do see people and things the way they are at the moment, not as they can become. The truth is: you can by no means operate optimally as a first-class leader in a third world country like Nigeria if you do not know how to see people and things the way they can become in the days to come, not the way they are at the moment. I remember my days in the chilly City of Jos, on the Plateau. It was the National Youth Service Corps program that took me to that beautiful state. In the course of my stay there, I taught in an attractive and life-changing school. My one year of staying in that school further reinforced and toughened my capacity and competence to see people as they can become in the days to come, not as they are at the moment. How do I mean? One of my students, who now resides in the United Kingdom is studying for her masters at one of the Ivy League universities, believed that she was not teachable. She could not see anything good about and in herself. She would come to me crying that she could not do the home-work I gave to them in class. One day, I looked at her and I was able to see her through the eye of leadership. I said to her, “You are an intelligent girl. You have the seed of greatness in you. There is no problem you cannot solve…” Her eyes brightened up as she said to me excitedly: “Are those words true of me, sir?” To which I said, “Yes!” Today, she has become

what I saw through the eye of vision in those days! This is what happens when we gain knowledge of how to see people through the eye of leadership. Once again, leaders do not see people and things as they are at the moment, but they do see them as they can become in the days to come. Many years ago, I read through a book and in that book, I saw the story of a young man, who was giving his parents a lot of headache. One day, his parents took him to a man, who knew how to see people through the eye of leadership. The man looked at him and began to tell him what he could become, not what he was. From that day, his life began to change; because that was the first time he would be affirmed and not be condemned. And many years later, the young man became unerringly what the man saw that he could become. For many years, his parents were condemning him because of who he was at that moment, but never encouraged him to become who he was capable of becoming in the days to come. If parents can learn to see their children through the eye of vision, many children’s lives would change for the better. Many parents will look at their children, based on who they are at the moment and conclude almost immediately that they cannot become anything significant in life. There are two ways to meet our problems in life, two ways to go through them. One way is to change the problem. This is only a temporary, partial solution. We can try to make the problem more manageable, but it will get out of hand again tomorrow. The most effective way for us to overcome our problems is to change who we are. Adversity is not our greatest enemy. The human spirit is capable of great resiliency and resourcefulness in the face of hardship. It is not the problems that mess us up. Someone said: “Cripple a

man and you have Sir Walter Scott. Lock him in prison and you will have John Bunyan. Bury him in the snows of Valley Forge and you have George Washington. Raise him in poverty and you have Abraham Lincoln. Strike him down with infantile paralysis and he becomes Franklyn Roosevelt. Burn him so severely that doctors say he will never walk again and you have Glen Cunningham who set the world’s record in 1934 for the outdoor mile. Defeat him and you shall have Ludwig Van Beethoven. Call him a slow learner, retarded and write him off as un-educatable and you have Albert Einstein.” Buddy, nothing can stop you from becoming what you are capable of becoming! Refuse to let your background put your back on the ground. I do not care what those who cannot see through the eye of leadership have said about you, but I have come to declare to you that you are capable of becoming successful in the days to come. You are loaded with the seed of greatness. If you do know how to see through the eye of vision, you will be able to look at a struggling business and see a conglomerate in the days to come. If you can see through the eye of vision, you shall be able to look at a country that is struggling to stand economically and see a great nation in the days to come. Remember, what you can see through your naked eyes is not true, but what is true is what you can see through the eye of vision. Lastly, if we are able to start seeing each other through the eye of vision, Nigeria is going to become a better place to live in a few years from now. I appeal to you to stop seeing people and things the way they are at the moment and start seeing them as they are capable of becoming in the days to come. See you where great people are found!

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

brands& marketing

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Akin Adewakun

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

Charting a role for marketing in a ‘changed’ Nigeria StoriesAkinAdewakun-Lagos

OT a few participants at the 2015 Annual Marketing Conference, held in Enugu and organised by the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) agree with the fact that for marketing to remain relevant in an economy such as Nigeria’s, there is that need for urgent re-engineering of the practice. For instance, the nation’s economy has continued to witness a nose dive, since the price of oil, which has been its mainstay, has continued to fall in the global market, thereby making the need to diversify the economy more imperative than ever before. Participants have, therefore, argued that for the nation’s economy to be able to survive the vagaries of the coming years, attention must shift to small businesses, which all over the world, have always proved to be engine room for economic growth. But the question of the lips of the participants remains: what will be the role of marketing in this new economic order? Flagging off the Conference, the President and Chairman of Council of the institute, Ganiyu Koledoye, expressed the need for marketing practitioners in the country to up their skills in order to remain relevant in the presentday economy and in the future. Besides, he argued that the country’s economy had continued to take a plunge because of the failure of those in the nation’s corridors of power to avail themselves of the value-creating services of marketing. According to him, one of the success stories of the Council, in the past few years, is the acceptance of the olive branch waved by the Council to members of the marketing clan plying their trade in the nation’s tertiary institutions, as evident in the increased number of participations in the institute’s activities from the nation’s academia in recent times. “These were people who would not want to have anything to do with the institute in the past. The fact that they are becoming more interested in the in-

stitute’s activities now show that we are moving closer to our dreams of building a marketing institute of our dreams,” he said. He explained that the decision of the institute to weave this year’s conference thematic focus around the role of marketing at a time the nation is experiencing a paradigm shift in her development equation, was informed by the need to ensure that the practice continues to serve as an engine room for value creation and economic growth; since that is the only way to keep it relevant. “What would be our role when the nation’s economy is no longer driven by oil, but by small businesses, the small and medium enterprises? How can we, as marketing professionals, contribute our quota in an SMEs-controlled economy? “So one of the chief reasons we are here is to see how marketing can contribute and stimulate small busi-

nesses to the betterment of the larger economy,” he argued. And, interestingly, one of his panacea is that there is the urgent need for marketing professionals to re-tool, to enable them address the issue of vocational skills and micro-marketing. In his own paper, a professor of marketing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Ireneus Nwaizugbo noted that the country is about to experience another giant stride in her socio-economic development, as being presently witnessed in the GSM and home movie industries, adding that all that is needed by stakeholders is to come up with policies that will unlock those economic potential. He believes that any policy or regulatory framework that will unlock such opportunity for growth in the MSME sub-sector must recognize and appreciate the indispensability of mar-

keting profession in the scheme. “Marketing is notable for its competence in value delivery process and to effectively deliver the value of serving as a penance for unlocking growth opportunity for SMEs in Nigeria, the contribution of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has become imperative, since it has that mandate to design, plan, determine and suggest to relevant stakeholders, the academic program that will ensure the production of quality marching professional,” he stated. In his paper titled Integrating Marketing Concepts into Enterpreneurship and SMEs, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Enugu State on SME and Investment Promotion, Anayo Agu argued that there is the need for small businesses to understand marketing and its concepts; since competition in every market is increasingly becoming global.

‘One thing businesses in Nigeria must know today is that their competitors are no longer their next-door neighbours, but businesses from India, Japan and other countries through globalization. They must therefore be ready to compete effectively on the global stage through the provision of quality goods and services,’ he stated. He argues that one of the challenges facing small businesses in the country today, especially in Enugu state, is that of attitude and the reluctance of operators of small businesses to play by the rule, to be able to access the facilities that will grow their businesses. ‘Sometimes, to our amazement, we discover some of them who have been in those businesses for a couple of years can not even produce any form of documentation, and are really too keen doing this. And these are the same people that will go about complain-

From left, Newly Elected 1st Vice President, Tony Agenmonmen; President of National Institute Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Ganiyu Koledoye and Newly Elected 2nd Vice President, Professor Justie O. Nnabuko at the Institute’s 2015 held at Pool side Hall,Villa Toscana Hotel, Enugu.

Noah’s Ark wins 2015 LAIF Awards Grand prize ONE of the nation’s creative advertising agencies, Noah’s Ark Communications Limited has emerged the overall winner at the 2015 Lagos Advertising Ideas Festival (LAIF) held in Lagos, last weekend. The Lanre Adisa-led agency won a total of 10 awards including a Grand Prix, 5 Gold medals, two Silver medals and two Bronze medals to emerge the number one agency for 2015, up-

staging the old generation agencies including Insight, DDB among others. Noah’s Ark communication clinched the Grand Prix, the only one awarded on the night, for a Press Ad tagged Obama for Gala, one of the brands managed for UAC Foods Limited. Speaking immediately after the ceremony, the agency’s Executive Creative Director, Mr. Abolaji Alausa described the feat as a well

deserved honour and reward for creativity and excellence which the agency is reputed for. Alausa remarked that emerging first in the 2015 LAIF awards ahead of the other leading advertising agencies in Nigeria poses a very big challenge for the agency; since it must continue to improve on the quality of creative work. Reacting to the recent exploit of the agency, the

Group Managing Director, Noah’s Ark Group, Lanre Adisa, in a mail sent to the entire staff of the agency and the group at large, congratulated the team, for living the Group’s vision of being an inspiration to the industry. It would be recalled that Noah’s Ark Communication won two Emeralds at just concluded 2015 Crystals Awards held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

ing of lack of facilities to grow their businesses,’ he lamented. He however believes if such attitude is to change, there is the need for marketing practitioners to intervene since their main pre-occupation is value delivery. The Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Charles Ayo believes marketing practitioners must be ready to play in the digital space to actually remain relevant. In a paper titled Impact of Digital Marketing on Emerging Economies, the university don argued that the world is gradually going into the digital space, a development that has made online marketing very imperative for marketing practitioners.

Three Crowns Milk excites consumers with Cook Like Mine Competition LOW cholesterol milk brand, Three Crowns Milk, has continued to delight consumers in that market segment with the Cook Like Mine Competition flagged off last month, November, to reward its esteemed consumers for their unwavering loyalty to the brand. The competition, according to the organisers, has been designed to run in two phases, with the first phase being an online platform, where consumers are required to send in their recipe and a picture of a meal they have made with Three Crowns Milk to a dedicated e-mail address. The second phase, an offline Platform, involves a practical preparation of the meal where final winners would be selected and rewarded with fantastic prizes. The Senior Brand Manager, Three Crowns Milk, Maureen Ifada described the competition as another platform the brand intends to engage and also appreciate its esteemed consumers for their continuous loyalty and patronage.

brands&marketing

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

‘Panasonic to establish manufacturing plant in Nigeria’

ONSUMER electronics brand, Panasonic, has announced plans to set up a local manufacturing base for room air-conditioning and TV division in Lagos, as the electronics brand also announced its partnership with SIMS Nigeria, an electronics and home appliances marketing/distribution company, at the 2015 Dealer Convention in Lagos, Nigeria. The company, in collaboration with “SIMS”, has also initiated the set-up of CKD (Completely Knocked Down) Operations

with its prime focus on Japanese Quality Systems Establishment, in tune with its vision of increasing the focus on African market with localization and customer satisfaction as the key agenda. With local sales office in Nigeria, the company says it is looking at a wider customer base and a stronger hold in the market, while also positioning Panasonic again as a dominant player in the country’s increasingly competitive electronic products market. According to the company, af-

ter the successful establishment of CKD Operations in South Asian Markets, Panasonic Appliances Company will provide technical assistance to SIMS for setting up the Nigerian manufacturing unit. Expressing his delight at the partnership, the General Manager SIMS Nigeria, Fab Uzor, noted the company’s many years of doing business in the Nigerian market had given it an edge in understanding the psyche of the Nigerian consumer. “The Nigerian market is very competitive because of the num-

ber of brands that play here. As a business you need special skills in understanding your customers to make a head way. We have successfully done this over the years which gave us prominence in the competitive electronics market,” he stated. Commenting on the development PMMAF’s Managing Director Shinichi Wakita stated that Panasonic had always delighted itself in working for the Nigerian market. “We are a customer-loving brand and this market motivates us to keep going with our

business philosophy hence the concept of producing ‘locally-fit’ products comes through us effortlessly. We are glad to be associating with SIMS, as it has carved a niche for itself in a highly dynamic and competitive electronics/home appliance marketing environment,” he stated. With the partnership, all the latest models of Panasonic products would be available at SIMS. The Panasonic-SIMS deal is expected to further open up the electronics market in Nigeria through niche marketing.

Why we introduced the Mega Millions Dash —Dangote Cement Shehu Bello -Lagos THE need to ameliorate the sufferings of stakeholders in the cement market and reward its teeming customers across the country, has been identified as the main reason for the launching of the ongoing consumer promotion, Dangote Mega Dash promo into the market. The promo, which kicked off few days ago, would see 3, 783 customers benefit from the different cash rewards, totaling N300million scheduled to be won. Dangote Group’s Chief Marketing Officer, Oare Ojeikere, explained that to be part of the promo, all it requires is for the customer to buy a bag of cement and cut out the token at top right of bag, with five tokens making one entry in the draw. He further revealed that 400 Dangote locations and all Access Bank branches nationwide, will function as Drop Centres for the entries, while assuring customers of the management’s determination to continue to look for new ways of enhancing their value, as the level of acceptance of its products remains unprecedented in the history of Cement business in Nigeria. Describing the promo as a way of incentivise the end user to buy the company’s superior quality cement at point of sale, Director, Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Communications, Mansur Ahmed, expressed the company’s determination in bring succor to its teeming customers, especially at this time when Nigerians are going through difficult times.

From left, Head, Education Committee, Female Muslim Doctors (IMAN), Dr Halima Alimi; Marketing Manager Home Care Reckitt Benckiser West Africa, Bamigbaye-Elatuyi Omotola; Director United Nation Information Centre, Ronald Kayanja; Marketing Director, Reckitt Benckiser, Oguzhan Silivrili and the Seriki Hausawa Idi- Araba Community, Alhaji Idris Lawal, at the 2015 World Toilet Day Celebration where Harpic donated two mobile toilets to Idi- Araba community in Lagos, recently.

Dreamworld Africana unfolds expansion plans THE management of Dreamworld Leisures Ltd has announced its plans to introduce more facilities and attractions as part of the company’s next steps towards expanding its business frontiers and enhancing the pleasure of the Park’s customers. Speaking during a tour of the company’s facilities in Lagos, recently, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Jude Atoh, stated that some of the facilities which would be launched this month, (December) as part of the company’s build-up to the Yuletide, would include the dinosaur arena, at least ten additional rides, the water splash, sporting facilities and a host of others. Besides, he stated, the park would also launch the Delta Day that month as a

way of identifying with the cultural aspirations of the people. According to him, the forthcoming Delta Day celebrations, though not restricted to indigenes of the area alone, would have sons and daughters of the state in attendance .

“Theme parks all over the world promote and celebrate the culture of the host nation. We will not only showcase the most exciting places to visit in Africa, but celebrate and showcase the culture of Nigeria, starting with Delta State,” he stated.

He disclosed that the company had also re-branded and re-positioned, with a new logo and new signages, as a way of keeping it relevant in the 21st century tourism space. While expressing the company’s determination to bequeath to Lagosians

a world class amusement and theme park, the company’s chief executive stated that the ultimate goal is to check capital flight in the tourism sector by providing here, facilities Nigerians spend hard currency to experience in foreign lands.

Yuletide: StarTimes’ subscribers get free decoders, extra viewing time STARTIMES Nigeria has launched a special year end offer that will allow its teeming subscribers recharge for content and get a decoder for free, as well as extra TV viewing time. The new offer, which was kicked off few days ago, would be available for both digital terrestrial and digital satellite packages. According to the brand, the free decoders would come preloaded with exciting content on a bouquet

desired by the customers, including basic, classic or unique on digital terrestrial or smart, super on digital satellite. Existing subscribers could also do an instant recharge for two months and get two months free access to watch sports plus. The company’s Marketing Director, Oludare Kafar, said the special offer was designed to give opportunities for more Nigerians to conveniently own a

decoder, enjoy great entertainment with families and friends during the festive season and join the digital TV community in Nigeria as part of plans to guide the nation seamlessly into the digital TV switch over in 2017. “We appreciate the great opportunity that Christmas presents for family entertainment and celebrations and our desire is to create exciting moments for every family

during this festive season with our array of over 100 great channels consisting of movies, series, sports, news, children’s programs, fashion and religion,” Kafar said. StarTimes recently appointed world football icon and superstar, Kanu Nwankwo (OON) as its new brand ambassador in Africa in a 3 year deal which covers the 12 markets where it currently operates.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

infotech

anchor Bode Adewumi

m:08055001765 e:bodekafi@yahoo.com

their contacts grew into an amazing network of different people in diverse locations helping to achieve a common goal. Apart from my personal effort and those of my family and friends, the Destiny Trust Team and our community of volunteers leveraged on their contacts, talking to friends and friends of friends to help make my dream a reality. The Destiny Trust’s social media platform was also a great help, and the team helped to push personalized messages, videos, posters and direct one-on-one campaigns for this dream.

Winning Samsung’s ‘Picture Your Dream’ competition feels so surreal — Obienu

Did you know that you were going to win? Oh my! Shall we start with, “did you know your dream will be short-listed as top 7?” It was thrilling finding out my dream was short-listed, moving on to the final round, I would say I had very high hopes. At some point when it seemed like I will remain in second position, three people spurred my determination. Two of them said: ‘’Believe, you will win this’’; and the third said:’’ You are coming to Lagos as the winner’’. That was all I needed.

Ifeyinwa Obienu, a legal practitioner, in this interview with BODE ADEWUMI, speaks about how her emergence as the winner of the Samsung ‘Picture Your Dream’ competition gave fillip to her dream of getting underprivileged kids off the streets. Excerpts:

AN you tell us a little about yourself and your general professional and non-professional interests? I was born and raised in Lagos State, with two other siblings. I attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where I studied Law. I went on to the Law School, Lagos campus and was called to the Nigerian Bar on February 14, 2012, so I spent Valentine’s Day that year with the Nigerian Body of Benchers and fellow new wigs. Apart from Law, I have a passion for helping disadvantaged children, which was why I joined The Destiny Trust. Interacting with children from difficult backgrounds and serving alongside other members of the team is thrilling and has brought great opportunities to make a real difference. How did you know about the Samsung ‘Picture Your Dream’ campaign? I heard about the Samsung PictureYourDream campaign through a friend and colleague, Bukky Shaba. We both work with The Destiny Trust, a social initiative committed to the care, rehabilitation, education, development and basic needs of disadvantaged children from poor communities. She told me about the campaign and sent me the ‘pictureyourdream.ng’ link. I then created my palm selfie and signed up. How does winning the competition feel? Winning this competition still feels so surreal, but I am delighted at what this win means for the children who will be impacted under the Destiny Trust’s Programme and with Samsung’s help. I am blessed with friends, family and team members with like-passion for my dream, and they all made winning possible. The real task was sustaining the highest number of votes, in good time, and we worked to achieve this through social media platforms, personal interaction and even chats with complete strangers. On the final day of voting, 7 November, it seemed like I will come in second place. I was at a friend’s church when calls and messages came in, saying my dream had topped the dream board. My friends, fam-

ily and Destiny Trust Team members spent a great deal of time monitoring the dream board and pulling in the votes to ensure my dream emerged number one at 12 midnight, and we pulled it off. How will this impact on helping to realise and develop your dream of having a Nigeria where no child is denied education? I joined the Destiny Trust Children Foundation for the sole purpose of renewing the hope of disadvantaged children, and since inception in 2012, we have been committed to this, by working to rehabilitate street children and giving them an opportunity to receive basic education. We are a team of young professionals who have pulled our resources and leveraged on our network to help actualise our goals. We maintain a residential Learning and Rehabilitation Centre where we accommodate, feed and provide education to children from disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise be liv-

My inspiration comes from my late mum who lived a very fulfilling life.

Nigerian Tribune

ing under harsh conditions on the streets. In August 2014, we ran a social media campaign tagged #1000HelpingHands with the objective of getting 1000 individuals to donate N1000, which would help enroll and provide 100 children with basic school supplies in the new school session. While we are glad to see the positive impact of these programmes, we know that with more support, we can reach a larger number of disadvantaged children and create opportunities for a better future for them. Winning this competition is such a big deal for me because it means we are able to do more and to see the impact of a little love, care and education and for more disadvantaged children. Where do you get your inspiration? My inspiration comes from my late mum who lived a very fulfilling life. She always championed the cause of education and would ensure that the kids in our neighbourhood all went to school and had the basic educational needs. What were the high points of your preparation? Did you have a campaign strategy? The high points for me, was reaching out to large groups of people at a time, or individuals who have massive followings on social media; putting together several “campaign posters” because unfortunately my profile picture on the ‘picture your dream’ website did not show my face and people wanted to put a face to the Dream. Mails were also sent out, and a few to celebrities I felt had similar interests, also the likes of ‘Krakstv’ on Instagram. It was great to see the power of a group effort, where a few people spreading the word to

Generally, what are the challenges you have been faced with? What does the society need to do to help make this dream a reality? Our major challenge has been getting consistent donors, sponsors and partners to help with our operational needs and specific projects. If we had more people committed to various aspects of each project in their little way, we would be able to make greater impact. Right now, the Trust’s Rehabilitation & Learning Centre at Ibeju-Lekki is a rented twin duplex which accommodates about fifteen kids enrolled in private schools. We have staff on hand to cater to them, and teach them; which comes with the consistent obligation to pay salaries. As I also mentioned the #1000HelpingHands campaign we ran last year, the Foundation needs to sustain the educational needs of the children enrolled in public schools, which is less than N5, 000 for each child. So far, we have had a few wonderful donors, volunteers and sponsors, yet we know that we can cover additional ground if people realise the urgent need to help street children and make destitution a thing of the past in Nigeria. There are various areas people can apply themselves to help make this dream a reality, and if they can also get 10 more people to believe in this dream and those 10 people get 10 other people and so on, the society has been affected. Once they can all see the challenge and be willing to do something about it, real help will be made available for street children. How would you assess the current level of society’s involvement in helping to alleviate some of the challenges of destitution in some Nigerian communities? Rather unfortunately, I would assess our society’s involvement in assuaging these challenges below average. While most people are seen to celebrate and mark special occasions at orphanages and motherless babies’ homes across the country, little is done to see that homeless kids who roam about the streets are catered for. These children who are growing up without care or empowerment by individuals or government are the ones who need our attention.

infotech

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Seriki bags IT Personality of the year at NITMA 2015 Stories By Bode Adewumi

HE Chief Executive Officer of Omatek Ventures Plc, Engineer (Mrs.) Florence Seriki, has emerged the recipient of the IT Personality of the Year 2015 in Nigeria following a painstaking voting process by IT professionals in the country. The award, presented to her by Professor Adesola Aderounmu, President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), is regarded as the most prestigious IT award within the IT community in the country, which is given to the beneficiary after a thorough, process-driven and transparent online voting system. In the keenly-contested award, Seriki and the Group Managing Director of the MIS Group, Mr. Etim James Amana, were the two nominees but Seriki emerged the winner of the award. The voting process and the selection of the winner was conducted by Accenture, a global consulting firm, on behalf of the NCS, the highest body of IT professionals in the country. Seriki, who is the current President of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN), was declared winner of the highly-coveted award at the National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA) 2015 organised at MUSON Centre, Onika, Lagos, last week. Other categories of awards presented to other distinguished individuals at the event include the Professional fellowships, Special Recognition Awards and Honorary Fellowship awards. Speaking on Seriki’s award, Aderounmu said: “The IT Personality of the Year award which is the NCS President’s award acknowledges and celebrates the year’s most

outstanding contributors to the information technology industry. “The achievements of this year’s IT Personality of the Year nominees are impressive and transformatory. The achievements send out a powerful and undeniable message that top achievers in the IT industry are the positive change agents moving Nigeria forward.”

the Nigerian IT community to encourage more of such performance from practitioners, organisations and stakeholders,” he added. Receiving the award, Seriki thanked the IT professional community for the recognition, saying the award posses a further challenge to her to continue to do more in contributing to the development of IT industry in Nigeria.

From left, Mr James Amana, Managing Director, MIS Group; Professor Adesola Aderounmu, President of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Engineer (Mrs) Florence Seriki, winner of NCS’IT Personality of the Year 2015 Award, at this year’s Nigeria Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) night, organised by NCS in Lagos, last week.

Kia Rio up for grabs as Lenovo kicks off nationwide consumer promo LENOVO Technologies has announced the commencement of a loyalty promotion towards making this holiday season more exciting for Nigerians. Tagged “Lenovo National Promo,” the campaign offers individuals that purchase selected Lenovo smartphones from accredited dealers nationwide the

Best of Both Worlds campaign generates excitement in Lagos RESIDENTS of Lagos, who visited Ikeja City Mall last weekend, went agog as leading IT firms, Intel, Lenovo and Microsoft, delighted passers-by with their recently launched “Best of Both Worlds” Campaign; using the riveting performance of contortionists who uniquely showcased the innovative and creative abilities of the Lenovo Laptop with the flexible movement of their bodies. The event which ran for five days solidified Intel’s pact with innovation and creativity in the Nigerian Information and Communications Technology(ICT) industry. The Best of Both Worlds Campaign, which was launched in Nigeria last month, highlights the practicability of using the 2 in 1 device that offers the flexibility of a convenient switch between PCs and Tablets whenever and wherever. The Best of Both Worlds campaign also highlights how consumers can get more productivity, creativity and self-expression out of 2 in 1 device, for the price of one. Speaking at the event, Marketing

According to him, Criteria for the awards varies from category to category, but core to each category is demonstrated excellence, local and international recognition, significant contribution to the development of IT, national Impact and Innovation. “The high profile award night will promote excellence, high performance and innovation within

& PR Manager, Intel West Africa, Adim Isiakpona noted that Intel, in partnership with Lenovo and Microsoft, was proud to showcase the Lenovo Yoga series to Nigerians as a package that offers its users the Best of Both Worlds in one unique and sleek device. According to Isiakpona, “The devices in the Lenovo Yoga Series are powered by Intel’s best processors and Microsoft Office and Windows capabilities. This affordable device gives innovation and flexibility a fresh meaning. The device is a laptop as well as a tablet, offering a dynamism for personal preferences of the user. We believe that the contortionists portray the uniqueness, flexibility, and exciting offerings of the device quite nicely.’’ He added that, “Through the Best of Both Worlds campaign, Intel remains committed to making sure that users are aware that the Lenovo Yoga series brings the flexibility of modern life to full view, and shows the exciting experiences offered by 2 in 1 devices.”

chance to win star prizes including a brand new Kia Rio and 10 education grants worth N200,000 each. Instant gifts of recharge cards, movie tickets, Bluetooth headsets and much more are also on offer to consumers at each point of sale. To qualify for the promo, consumers are expected to send a text message containing their name, device IMEI number and model number alongside the name of the store from which their device was purchased to 33811. According to Lenovo, the winner of the Kia Rio star prize will be selected from among participants that purchase their Lenovo smartphones from any SLOT store nationwide while winners of the 10 education grants will be selected from those who buy from other participating dealer stores. Winners of the star prizes will be announced on local radio stations, national newspapers and social media channels after selection via a bi-weekly lucky dip process. Nu-

merous customers will also go away with consolation prizes of refrigerators, microwave ovens, gas cookers, blenders as well as Lenovo smartphones and tablets at each draw. The promotion will run between November 23 and December 31, 2015. In addition to giving its customers the chance to win fantastic prizes, the tech giant will be holding a number of retail activations across the country to deepen consumer engagement as well as provide customers with the opportunity to experience the features and performance of Lenovo smartphones before making their purchase. Shashank Sharma, Executive Director, Mobile Business Group at Lenovo, Middle East and Africa (MEA) said the promotion will help Lenovo drive significant engagement with its Nigerian consumers while allowing the company to thank them by giving away lots of valuable prizes.

Nigerian Tribune

Ogun organises ICT training for youths YOUTHS in Ogun State have been called upon to embrace the various opportunities in online digital employment as alternatives to seeking white collar jobs to enable them become self-reliant. This call was made by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, while declaring open a one-day free digital job training programme for unemployed youths organised by the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology and Rockefeller Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, held at the Valley View Auditorium, Abeokuta, recently. Adeoluwa, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the governor on General Duties, Mr. Omolayo Olorunwo, reassured the youths that the state government would not relent on its oars at ensuring that unemployment in the state is reduced drastically, adding that government would continue to assist the teeming youths in the State to make them productive. “This training programme organised for our unemployed youths as one of the various initiatives of the present administration to make our youths self-sustaining and reliant and enable them add values to the society and become better citizens,” Adeoluwa remarked. In his keynote address, the Ogun State Head of Service, Elder Sola Adeyemi pointed out that the youths daring involvement in criminal and social vices without gender disparity was as a result of high level of unemployment in the society, emphasising that this necessitated the government to collaborate with appropriate bodies to put the programme in place. Adeyemi, who was represented by the Director, Service Matters, Mr. Oyejola Oyeneye noted that the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led Administration would continue to give hope and reduce the rates of unemployment through various human capacity building and wealth creation programmes.

Multiple regulations, taxes over soon, says NCC boss IF talks with the Nigerian Governors Forum (MGF) are anything to go by, multiple regulations, taxes and right of way issues will be over soon, according to the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta. Besides talks with NGF, the NCC, Danbatta said has also engaged other agencies of government in talks with a view to improving relationship with telecommuni-

cations Service Providers who are often the victims of these taxes and multiple regulations. Danbatta spoke in Abuja when he received the Management Team of ATC Wireless Infrastructure Company of Nigeria (ATC Nigeria) an infrastructure management company. The EVC said that NCC as a responsible regulatory agency is worried about multiple regulations and taxes because they do not augur well for smooth devel-

opment of the telecommunications sector, saying, “so we have decided to engage all stakeholders, especially other government agencies in order to cushion the pains operators go through”. Danbatta said: “The NCC is particularly worried about the indiscriminate way base transceiver stations are sealed by agencies and some State governments and we have appealed to these agencies and the State Governors to show some understanding.

property

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Ogun to complete 16 ongoing road projects, 15 flyovers in 2016 Stories By Gbemi Solaja Lagos

GUN State governor, Ibikunle Amosun has said his administration would complete the 16 ongoing road projects, 15 flyovers and bridges, adding that it would construct or rehabilitate at least two key rural roads in each of the 20 Local Government Area within the state next year. The governor stated this at the presentation of the 2016 Appropriation Bill tagged “Budget of Optimisation” to the state House of Assembly, in a statement signed by the spokesman, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ayokunle Ewuoso and made available to the Nigerian Tribune. The governor also said his administration would commence the design and construction of a viable asphalt plant same year. This, he said, would make asphalt readily assessable and reduce the cost of road construction works being embarked upon by the government, adding that in pursuit of the rural investment drive of his adminis-

tration government shall ensure infrastructural development within the rural communities and small towns with a view to uplift the economic, social, commercial and employment generation activities in the

rural areas. Roads listed by the governor to be completed in 2016 include OGTV/Brewery 8.7km, Ojere Adatan 9km, Ejirin/ Oluwalogbon 9km, Sagamu Benin Express/ Oba Erinwole 7km,

Ilo-Awela 7.6km, Lanfewa Ayetoro 34km, Ilisan AgoIwoye26km, Moshood Abiola Way 6.1km, Ikangba/ Ilese /Imusin/Ife/Itele/ Ogbere 45km and Ilara/ Ijohun/Ilase 110km. Others are Ofada/Mowe/

Ibafo 29km, Papalanto/Ilaro Fed Poly 22.7km,AtanAgbara/Lusada-Igbesa/ Alapoti 37.65km,Sango/ Ijoko/Ojodu-Abiodun 43km, Lafenwa EnugadaAdatan 7km, and Magboro Underpass 12km.

Surveyors call for govt patronage NIGERIAN Institution of Surveyors has decried low patronage and effective usage of surveyors in construction projects, just has it warned that the more the government neglected the profession, the more damage done to the nation and national development in general. Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune recently, Secretary General of the institution, Olumide Adewebi, said one of the major challenges facing the surveying profession was not being fully and properly engaged by government for development. While highlighting the challenges faced by surveyors, Adewebi lamented that the nation has a very high deficit in terms of requisite spatial and mapping data as well as infrastructure which had had adverse effect on the practice of the profession and national development in general. He pointed out that addressing the deficit and also ensuring that the improving public understanding on the benefits of engaging survey-

ors had been a major at the fore front of its plans, just as he tasked government on such infrastructure to avail the country of desired development. “Another major challenge the profession faces is lack of patronage and engagement by both the government and the public with particular reference to direct involvement in major engineering projects. “While this has had an adverse effect on surveyors, it has also had a far greater negative effect on the nation. “Most Engineering projects have their survey component bundled within the engineering component. This in turn makes it impossible for critical aspects of an engineering project to be independently evaluated. “If the survey component of engineering projects were unbundled it will go a long way towards ensuring that this important and very critical aspect of an engineering project gets the due attention it requires and this will ultimately impact positively on any engineering project,”

he said. He decried that the challenge of local content and role shifting had been a worrying issue, adding that over the last few years there had been a very great departure from the use of Indigenous surveyors being engaged in projects. “This is not specific to surveyors alone I believe almost all the professions in the built environment are affected by this trend. Regarding role shifting we have also noted that many government agencies have shifted from their traditional roles of conceptualising projects and supervising their good delivery to actually becoming the executors under what is commonly known as direct labour

practice,” he said. He said the proponents of the practice hinged its desirability on lower cost which on paper may be true, but experience had shown that the continued use of the strategy had not only robbed the same government of quality jobs that would have been timely executed, but also robbed the same projects of proper supervision and quality control they would have had if the same agencies had restricted themselves to their traditional roles. “How will they ever be able to effectively supervise themselves?” he wondered. While tasking surveyors on professional conduct, he maintained that the as-

sociation’s core strategy was education of the users of surveying products on the need to ensure that they patronise only duly qualified surveyors, noting also that there was in place a virile disciplinary process that ensured that members of the institution and non members perpetuating unethical conducts were brought to book. “Finally we also ensure that all our members have access to and are required to avail themselves of continuous professional development training. This ensures that they are up to date with international best practices and are adequately equipped to deliver quality services to all our clients,” he said.

Flyovers and bridges are, flyover bridges at Iyana Mortuary 0.48km, Ijebu-Igbo/Obada Market 0.40km, River Abule Ekun 0.4km, River Yakoyo 0.54km, Ilaro, Lusada Junction 48km, Itoku, Sapon, Oju Ore, ota, Old tollgate, ota, Lanfenwa, Idiroko Ipokia ,Afon- Imeko and Odo- Afa- Imeko. Amosun assured that no project already embarked upon by his administration would be abandoned, noting that government medium term plans have taken these projects into account and are such all projects would be completed within the tenure of his administration. The governor pointed out that he will vigorously pursue the implementation of its Light Rail project connecting major towns in the three Senatorial Districts. In the meantime the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has completed asphalting of the track field within the Moshood Kolawole Abiola (MKO) stadium Kuto Abeokuta the state capital in preparation for the laying of the world class tartan track by the state government. During his interaction with journalists on the development in his office, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Olamilekan Adegbite, said the present administration in the state is determined to make the stadium a world class one hence its decision to relay a standard tartan track. “Our ministry is providing services for a sister ministry, Youth and Sports. What we have done there is that government is desirous of laying new tartan tracks. What was there before was bad; we have removed that and going to replace it with a new one and one of the requirement to put a new one is to lay new asphalt at the base for a new track, so after two weeks when the asphalt would have cool, they will move to site and begin to lay the tracks.”

Mercy Iortyer becomes NIQS first female president Mercy Torkwase Iortyer has emerged the first female president of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) as she was recently sworn-in during the institutes 26th Biennial

Conference and General Meeting in Lagos. The investiture was done at the grand finale of the institute’s AGM and biennial conference. Iortyer succeeds Murtala

Aliyu, the former Minister of State for Power. The week-long conference discussed quantity survey and the construction industry. Apart from members of the African Association of

Quantity Surveyors (AAQS), participants from top government offices, political parties, real estate, banking, insurance and manufacturing industries were also present.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Wada

Bello

Faleke

The seamless macabre dance As the cacophony over the controversial Kogi State governorship poll rages, KUNLE ODEREMI writes on the rising public anxiety.

T is most likely that the Kogi State governorship election competes for a place as one of the most controversial issues when 2015 winds down. Since the election held on November 21 was declared inconclusive, the fallouts have literally brought out the ‘best’ in the leading political gladiators and their parties. Legal practitioners did not only join the fray but have also tried to outwit one another by way of legal and constitutional interpretations. The macabre dance over the constitutional conundrum arising from the inconclusive election has taken various shapes and shades around the country. For the leadership of the National Electoral Commission (INEC), its assignment of completing the election remains next Saturday. This is in spite of schisms in certain quarters ostensibly because of the litany of litigations surrounding the main election of November 21. In the camps of the leading parties in contention in the concluding part of the election, the picture is blurred on their level of preparation. In the PDP, the ongo-

ing naked dance by the political gladiators is characterised by a two-prong approach. Incumbent governor, Captain Idris Wada wants to be declared winner of the poll based on the result of the first election that INEC declared inconclusive. He anchors his demand on the demise of the APC candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, and Wada has the full backing of his party (PDP). But, on another hand, the PDP appears to be playing the ostrich by demanding the immediate resignation of the chairman of the INEC, Professor Mahmud Yakubu and all national commissioners of “INEC to pave way for a new non-partisan commission to conduct the forthcoming elections.” In effect, the PDP is ready for the

election if a holistic shake-up is carried out at INEC’s top hierarchy. On another score, the party is pushing for litigation over the planned inconclusive poll and the offer for APC to replace Audu’s name with another candidate for the election, just as it had accused the Attorney General of the Federation of allowing APC to “substitute a candidate in the middle of an election, even when such has no place in the Constitution and the Electoral Act.” The deluge of cacophonies trailing the scheduled concluding poll is most discernible within the rank and file of the APC. The APC national leadership and that at the state level are not on the same page with the running mate to late Audu,

The constitutional crisis has degenerated into more complex dimensions, one of which is the issue of ethnic card. The protests staged by youths over the controversial Kogi poll were cloned in ethnic inclinations.

James Abioudun Faleke. The discordant tunes have exacerbated the acrimony that initially became manifest among stakeholders in Kogi, but which was downplayed following the choice of Faleke as running mate. Now, the man appears to be stoking the fire by asserting that he should be declared winner of the November 21 poll. Advising the APC to beware of INEC’s “Greek Gift,” Faleke, who still has seat in the House of Representatives intact, said the Kogi election has been won and lost and that his party should rather support him. The constitutional crisis has degenerated into more complex dimensions, one of which is the issue of ethnic card. The protests staged by youths over the controversial Kogi poll were cloned in ethnic inclinations. It also reechoes the clamour for power shift among the ethnic/senatorial districts making up the state created in 1991. The Igala nationality controls the Eastern Senatorial District, while the Okun Yoruba are found in Kogi West Senatorial District, just the Ebira are in the Central Senatorial district. Some protesters said to the Igala stock and routing Audu’s son, Muhammed, as replacement for the deceased APC candidate, for reportedly held travelers hostage on Sunday. A similar protest rocked Ajaokuta, where youths continues pg34

33 politics&policy Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice representing Ondo North Senatorial District in the Senate is gunning for the governorship of Ondo State come 2016. He speaks on his ambition and his plans to transform the state if elected the next governor of the state, in this interview with select journalists. BOLA BADMUS brings some excerpts:

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

NASS working under difficult situation —Boroffice

the inability of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to manage the number of aspirants on its platform led to its defeat at the poll as many of its leaders defected to other parties. How will APC, which has subsumed ACN, prevent a recurrence of that incident in 2016? In 2012, I don’t think it was the number of aspirants that created problem for the defunct ACN. In Kogi State, we have about 27 or so aspirants on the platform of the APC; so it wasn’t the issue of the number of aspirants. I think what really happened was that people were unhappy that the due process for the selection of the party’s standard bearer, which is the primary, was not followed. And because due process was not followed, people believed that there was no level playing field for all aspirants and that angered many people. Some went back to the LP, while others found haven in the PDP and other parties. However, I am sure that with the new party that we have now, and with our constitution, which insists on conducting primary election for the selection of the party’s candidates, and which also insists on a level-playing field for all aspirants, I don’t think anybody will have any course to leave the party this time around. As you can see, we have had primary in Kogi State and people didn’t leave the party; we have had primary in Bayelsa State and nobody has left the party because of that. So I think with adherence to the party’s constitution as far as primaries are concerned, we won’t have any problem.

OW would you assess the APC as a ruling party in the last few months? I think we are doing very well. Don’t forget that APC emerged from a merger of political parties, parties with different tendencies, even though they were all progressives and coming together as a party has its own teething problems, but I think we are gradually overcoming those teething problems. But you can see that under the leadership and guidance of our President, the major problem confronting this country has been tackled headlong and that is corruption. As you can glean from pages of newspapers, today, I was shocked to read the amount of money involved in fake defence procurement. The PDP has been milking this country to the extent of paralysing the country economically, traumatised Nigerians psychologically and stigmatised Nigerians as a corrupt nation and this is what the President has been addressing, prescribing solution and ensuring that we do not go through this experience again. So, in this area, we are doing very well. Recall that the budget we are running now is the budget prepared by the outgone PDP government of former President Jonathan. Very soon we will roll out our own budget and the actual strength and integrity of our party as the governing party will become evident when we have a budget prepared by this administration. That is when you will see people- oriented programmes that are designed to fulfill the election promises of the President. So far, we are implementing an inherited budget; even then, we are still doing very well as the governing party.

The National Assembly has since inauguration had its fair share of misunderstandings and misconceptions. How would you rate the performance of the National Assembly, especially the Senate since inauguration? The National Assembly, as you said, has had problems on its hands. We cannot deny that fact and those problems will definitely affect the output of the National Assembly. You must also realise that there is a new administration; a new Assembly, so there will be problem of adjustment. It is unfortunate that what has happened in the National Assembly happened and everybody is concerned about it; everyone of us wants the National Assembly to move on, but then we cannot swept what has happened under the carpet. If we want democracy to grow; if we want our legal system to grow, we must be able to test what is happening for the integrity of the National Assembly, for the integrity of our legal system and if that is the price we have to pay, we will pay it. But again, it is not as if the National Assembly is at a standstill, no! I have submitted two bills this time, which have passed through the First Reading; several motions have been debated and passed; motions that affect critical areas of our economy. Now, the chairmen of committees have

Boroffice

The change mantra that has manifested at the federal level with the election of President Buhari will also manifest in Ondo State in 2016. So 2016 is going to be an exciting year for us politically.

been selected and committee membership has been announced and the members are being sworn-in. We have also screened minister- nominees submitted by the President, screened Special Adviser- nominees and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman. The National Assembly has been busy and working, though under very difficult circumstances, to make sure that the country run smoothly. There is this report that APC senators rejected the proposal to pay unemployed Nigerian youths N5,000 monthly each in fulfillment of the campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari. Why did that happen? No, APC senators did not kick against the proposal. What happened was that PDP senators were trying to tie that N5,000

proposal to a motion they passed and we said ‘no, your motion is different and the N5,000 is different.’ The APC is going to implement that proposal. APC senators are fully in support of it, but we do not want it tied to PDP motion and we are saying: ‘we are going to start implementing it immediately we recover all the loots from the Jonathan administration.’ So, we are not against it. We promised the electorate and we are going to do it and the government has said that it would be implemented. PDP members are propagandists; they thought they can use that to blackmail us. But, they have not succeeded. I was in the Senate on that occasion; we are not against the N5,000 for the unemployed; we were only against the motion that wanted to tie that N5,000 to PDP recommendation. In 2012, the general belief was that

The governorship poll is holding in 2016 in Ondo State, as the incumbent governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, will have served his two terms of four years each as allowed by the constitution. How will you assess his performances in the last seven years? I don’t want to speak as if I do not appreciate a few things that he has done right. But if I have to score him in the last seven years or so, I will give him 25 per cent. This is because most of his programmes are not well planned and I don’t know what his goals are. His programmes have not yielded the desired goals, even from the perspective of the public. Look at the mega schools he said he was building in the local governments, one per local government and a local government that has from one end to another a distance of not less than five or seven kilometers. With communities scattered all over the place, how do you want them to benefit? The mega school is not a boarding school; movement to and from the school becomes difficult. Even if you provide buses, how many students will they convey? The mega school project is ill-conceived and is of no benefit to anybody. On infrastructure, there is nothing to write home about. Let me give an example. Akokoland has the worst road network in Ondo State. In fact, it was as if he deliberately punished the people of Akoko, nay Ondo North Senatorial District. We can’t see his hands in any road infrastructure in Ondo North. I have been to Ondo town; the road infrastructure he started many years back, are still uncompleted. The dome he was building has become a doom for us; a money-guzzling project! What we have now is that he is taking us into more probcontinues pg34

34 politics&policy

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

The ethnic card syndrome continued from pg32

blocked the Itope-Ajaokuta Bridge, which is along Ayangba-Ajaokuta highway. To reinforce their demand, they carried placards, which some of the inscriptions read: “Do not betray Audu because he is dead”, “Audu invested much for APC unity and progress”, “It is injustice to replace Audu with a non-Igalaman.” Litany of litigations While INEC has promised that the concluding part of the poll will hold next Saturday, many of the interested parties appear undeterred in their plans to head for court, seeking a declaration of the substitution of APC candidate illegal and unconstitutional. Others are separately seeking a declaration of either Faleke or Wada as the duly governor-elect based on the outcome of the original election whose result was declared inconclusive. Wada and the PDP are asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to declare the incumbent governor, winner of the inconclusive state governorship election. Wada in a suit filed through his counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), said that in view of the death of the APC candidate, he should be declared the winner of the November 21 election being the only surviving candidate with the majority of lawful votes cast at the poll. Wada asked the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue him with a Certificate of Return, just as he paryaed the court to issue an order of injunction restraining APC from organising or holding a fresh primary election for the purpose of any supplementary or other election for the Kogi election this year. Another legal practitioner like Ebun

Adegboruwa on his part is asking A lagos High Court to order INEC to conduct a fresh governorship poll in Kogi. The body language of Faleke through his counsel is also suggestive that he might seek the intervention of the judiciary to resolve the riddle over the first election. But, a constitution lawyer, Mr Jiti Ogunye, observed that INEC needed to complete its current assignment through the conduct of the supplementary election in the state and declare a winner. He said: “The way forward is that the election will be concluded and a winner will be declared. One can hastily opine that the election will have to be cancelled because Audu, who was a leading candidate, is dead and that the election be conducted afresh. But Audu and Wada are not the only candidates in the election. The parties that were involved are more than the APC and the PDP and by law; no governorship candidate can emerge without a deputy governorship candidate. It is a joint ticket and the party is also involved and that is why in an election petition challenging an elec-

Oyegun tion, the candidate and the party can sue.” Mr Festus Keyamo had also X-rayed the

Some analysts believe the Kogi conundrum has brought to the fore the issue of party discipline and supremacy, as well as party cohesion, especially in the APC. It also illuminates the debate over the political undercurrents in the shades of opinion and interpretations of the constitution.

Kogi brouhaha and conclded that, “My simple position is that the Kogi situation fits more into section 181(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and as such James Abiodun Faleke automatically becomes the governorship candidate of the APC. This is because even though the election in inconclusive, votes have been counted and allocated to parties and candidates. “As a result the joint ticket of Audu/ Faleke has acquired some votes already. James Abiodun Faleke is as much entitled to those votes already counted as much as the late Abubakar Audu. He has a right to cling to those votes going into the supplementary election. There is only one problem, though. Who nominates Faleke’s Deputy? Unlike section 181(1) of the 1999 Constitution, he cannot approach the House of Assembly of the State to approve a nomination by him of a deputy. This is because, in reality, he is not duly elected yet. Therefore it is only reasonable to conclude that it is APC (Faleke’s political party) that should submit the name of a fresh deputy governorship candidate to INEC for the supplementary election.” So far, some analysts believe the Kogi conundrum has brought to the fore the issue of party discipline and supremacy, as well as party cohesion, especially in the APC. It also illuminates the debate over the political undercurrents in the shades of opinion and interpretations of the constitution and the Electoral Act by stakeholders, including legal practitioners. While the main actors and their political parties spit fire and brimstone, the different dimensions the constitutional crisis has assumed has culminated in public anxiety on the likely fallout in the days ahead.

‘Mimiko and I are still friends’ continued from pg33

lems; taking loans in a reckless manner; so I think he has not done well at all. If you eventually emerge as APC candidate, what are the specific things that the people of Ondo State should expect from your administration, if you win the election? Generally, I will work towards achieving political stability, creating a vibrant economy and also provide social security in Ondo State. I will work towards the integration of Ondo State into the South-West geopolitical zone. But beyond all these, Ondo State should have been among the top three states in Nigeria in terms of vibrancy of the economy, but we are distant sixth largest economy in the country and yet we have all the resources to be the leading economy in Nigeria. So what I would do is to revive some of those industries that are either in coma or dying, like the Oluwa Glass factory in Okitipupa, the Nigerian-Romania Wood Industry in Ondo, the Ceramic Industry in Ifon, the cement factory, the Okitipupa Oil Mill, among others. We need to revive these industries to provide jobs for our people and also to generate wealth both for government and our people. it is very important for us. We will go back to the basics and revive all these industries. We would also look into the area of agriculture. We are blessed with large expanse of land in Ondo State and this state should be a rich agricultural state, so we are going to invest in agricul-

ture and we are going to look for help from outside in agriculture. We would not just be producing and selling our products as raw materials, we are going to add value by establishing agricultural industries, depending on the location. For instance, the cocoa butter industry that we have in Ile Oluji; we would not stop at producing cocoa butter, but go beyond that by producing confectionaries made from cocoa and in doing that, we would be expanding the economy, generating wealth and providing employment. Our focus will not just be producing agricultural produce, but also adding value to our produce. We are also going to invest in energy. We have coal in Ute and we have abundant sun to provide solar energy. We will establish solar power stations that we can feed into the grid to serve our people. Osun State has done it. So we shall have small small solar power stations across the state. This will also energise the economy of the state. I can go on and on. We have the largest coastline in Nigeria; we would collaborate

with other agencies to establish a deep sea port and revive the Olokola Free Trade Zone and work closely with Ogun State. We have a lot to do to ensure that Ondo State is back on its feet. There is a belief that you and Governor Mimiko used to be close allies. What went wrong? We are friends, I can tell you that. We are both genuine Christians, and I believe that we are friends. But, we parted ways on principle, principle based on honesty and integrity and since we couldn’t agree on a number of issues, I felt it was better for me to leave the party. Our parting of ways was not because we hated each other, but based on certain issues we did not agree on. He is the governor and as such, he cannot leave the party for me, I am the one that can leave the party, so I left. Since you left the party, how has your relationship with him been? Each time we meet, we always greet each

We are friends, I can tell you that. Mimiko and I are both genuine Christians, and I believe that we are friends. But we parted ways on principle; we couldn’t agree on a number of issues.

other cheerfully. There was a time he came to my church in Akure and I am one of the elders in the church who went to receive him and we embraced each other. That shows we are not enemies but friends, who belong to different political families. What are your plans for 2016, especially against the background of your governorship ambition? My plan for 2016 is to offer myself for service; to run on the platform of my party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). And if I am given the APC ticket by the leadership of the party, both in the state and at the national level, to run for the governorship in 2016, I will simply implement the manifesto and programmes of the party in the state. Of course, 2016 is the election year in Ondo State and we have to mobilise ourselves and our people at the grass root level to make sure that our people come out in large number to exercise their franchise. We would also educate our people why they should come out enmasse to vote for APC and not any other party or the PDP. Ondo people are tired and are fed up with the present PDP administration. We are even aware that there are so many people who are card-carrying members of the PDP, who are also fed up with the Mimiko administration and they are ready to work with APC. Everybody wants change and the change mantra that has manifested at the federal level with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari will also manifest in Ondo State in 2016. So 2016 is going to be an exciting year for us politically and as you can see, we are warming up.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

tribunelaw

For enquiries, Lanre Adewole - 0811 695 4647 olanreade@yahoo.com

Legal education in Nigeria:

A deflating parachute? Over the years, stakeholders have continually lamented the steady decline of the standard of legal education in Nigeria, giving a pessimistic view of its future in relation to the law profession and practice. What does this portend and how can the council turn around this trend to give more redeeming qualities to lawyers being called to the bar? YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports.

EW weeks back, the Nigerian Law School called to the Nigerian Bar 3,600 students after successful completion of this year’s final bar examinations. This number includes 14 candidates from the previous bar final examinations that were allowed to resit for the examinations after two months of compulsory intensive revision exercise. Out of the 3600, four students came out first class, 109 obtained the second class upper grade, 418 fell in the second lower division and 1, 422 attained a pass grade while 815 failed. The 2014 bar examination results were a complete disaster as those that failed ran into thousands. The situation rather than improve is worse as suggestions of reducing cut off marks become more pronounced. And this is a strong indication that all is not well considering the illiterate lawyers that emerge on a daily basis despite having the required qualifications. This continuous embarrassment is indeed a wakeup call to the legal profession and many

stakeholders now see it as a serious matter. Few weeks back, the Vice President of Nigeria, who is also a Professor of law, Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), lent his voice to the outcry of many other legal luminaries and stakeholders to call for a renovation and reformation of the law profession in the country in order to bring it to par with international standards. He explained that the legal profession may continue to suffer a decline and lose its pride of place if the needed reforms aren’t implemented and called for the required restructuring and reorganization of the legal education to stop the obvious decline in standard and promote the Nigerian legal system. The Vice President’s call reiterates the assertion of many others that have over time publicly decried the condition of the Nigerian Law School and the continuous decline of legal education in the country. The immediate past Governor of Lagos state and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola also recently at the inauguration of the ultra modern Sir Adetokunbo Ademola dining hall of the

If there is any problem or blame, it is with the students themselves. Most of them are not serious or committed to their work, they avoid classes or get late to lectures. And a great percentage of those that go for classes do not concentrate, they fiddle with their phones for a great percentage of lecture time. Yet, it is not for academic purposes, it is to watch pornography and other unprofitable sites

Law School, Lagos, called for a reformation of legal education in Nigeria. Fashola, who was represented by Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, stated that the reformation of legal education cannot be overemphasized. Also, Senator Daisy Danjuma, the Executive Vice Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, SAPETRO, a company founded by her husband, General Theophilus

Danjuma, stated that the company was moved to repair and renovate the dining room as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility because what she saw on a visit was different from the standard that she left at the school. “I went through this school and I know what it used to be. We continue to do more where we can to contribute to the infrastructural building of the legal education,” she said. The myriad problems facing legal education in Nigeria however goes beyond the issue of physical infrastructure or a conducive environment for learning as many established practitioners of the gown and wig profession often claim that lawyers that are being released into the sector now have few redeeming features to uplift the profession or maintain the erstwhile high standards expected. Tribune Law investigations revealed a lot of factors responsible for the obvious steady decline of the quality in legal education in Nigeria. Diverse issues were raised by many legal practitioners and stakeholders, including students and issues raised ranged from assertions of drop in admission standard to the belief that too many lawyers are trained every session leading to excess supply of lawyers. Other factors raised include inability to cater for the multitude of law students being turned out of universities regularly, the lack of willingness to put time and efforts into serious study by students, lack of critContinues pg36

lawnews

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Legal education in Nigeria: a deflating parachute? Continued from pg35

ical thinking, study as well as writing and verbal skills, indifference to genuine learning as many just cram reports to pass examinations, waste of time on frivolities and socializing than study, ambition to graduate without the prerequisite hard work. The blame was not put on the shoulders of the students alone; issues like obsolete curriculum of study, poor work condition for administrators, lecturers and instructors, dearth of academic standards, grade inflation and too many lecturers lacking commitment and competence while many demonstrate technical skills but no passion. Also raised as factors are societal influences, disciplinary problems due to weakening standards, lack or poor level of parental guidance and issues of student bodies encouraging mediocrity. The list of factors responsible for decline in legal education is enormous and the consensus is that the problem is not going away except aggressive and proactive steps are taken to turn things round and save the legal profession from impending doom of becoming a body of unprofessional; inadequate and irrelevant practitioners. What is the way out of this quagmire? Many reasons were adduced but there is a meeting point for every diverse opinion, and the bulk in most cases is put at the door of the students. The first to absolve itself of any shortcoming is the Nigerian Law School with the argument that students were taught what they needed to be taught without any deviation and consequently, the students are expected to come out in flying colours. Professor Ernest Ojukwu, the Deputy Director General of the Nigeria Law School, Enugu campus was more succinct. He believes the law school has no reason to defend itself because the process of examinations in the law school had always been rigorous and students were prepared for this since the first day they entered the

school. He said the students were taught as prescribed and the failure rate is simply a reflection of their performance and not the school’s fault. His stance was supported by Barrister Taoheed Asudemade, the Principal Counsel at Ade Asudemade & Co. For him, there’s no reason for the decline in the quality of legal education as everything is in place at the law school to give the students the best. According to him, a great percentage of the problem can be found in the students and their attitude to academics. “There is no reason for the decline. The law school standard is still as high as it used to be and students are taught the required subjects and are given everything they need to succeed. If there is any problem or blame, it is with the students themselves.

Remedies for wrongful termination of employment

received a call from one of the readers of this column some days ago. He just lost his job with a manufacturing company for which he worked for over twenty years, some weeks back. He wanted to know what remedies are available to him in law. As pathetic and moving as his story was, I had a duty as a legal practitioner to give him my candid opinion on the state of the law with respect to the remedies available to him. I consider it pertinent to discuss some aspects of this issue in this column today. As a preliminary point, it must be stated that the relationship between employers and employees are governed by the ordinary law of contract, the relevant statutes and the decisions of Court which we call case laws or judicial authorities in legal parlance. To determine what remedy is available to an employee who feels aggrieved by the way and manner is employment is terminated, recourse is always first had to any agreement which embodies the relationship between him and his employer to see what remedy is provided for in the agreement. In the absence of any remedy in the

agreement, there may be some remedies in the statutes and the legal principles established by judicial authorities There are two broad categories of relationship in employment matters in Nigeria, namely the ordinary master and servant relationship and employment with statutory flavor. If you are engaged by an individual or a private company, your employment is that of master and servant relationship. If you are however engaged as an employee by virtue of a law, your employment is said to have statutory flavor. To terminate a master and servant relationship, the employer must comply with the agreement between them and if the employer fails to so do, the employeewould be entitled to whatever remedy that is provided for in his contract agreement. Where is there is no remedy in the agreement between the parties, the law has provided for remedy. The employer, it must be noted, is not obliged to give reasons for terminating the employment. An employee whose employment has been terminated wrongly would be entitled those benefits like salary, health allowance, pension and other incidentals he would

Most of them are not serious or committed to their work, they avoid classes or get late to lectures. And a great percentage of those that go for classes do not concentrate, they fiddle with their phones for a great percentage of lecture time. Yet, it is not for academic purposes, it is to watch pornography and other unprofitable sites” Another lawyer that spoke on the dismal performance of law students traced it to the quality of graduates turned out of universities and the quality of students that are admitted into universities. He explained that poor standard of education in Nigeria, which leads to universities reducing cut off marks and admitting low performing students who continue with their unimpressive performance till graduation and until they enter law school is a major factor.

He explained that this may be the reason why law schools in some countries admit only people that already have a degree in other disciplines to ensure that those admitted will be able to competently cope with the rigors of the law school curriculum. At present, performance of students at the law school is generally lackluster and the quality is sliding down a steeply and slippery slope characterised with a hoard of students with unimpressive skills expected of them with their level of education. The crop of parboiled lawyers being produced today is a clanging alarm sound and it is time stakeholders come to the realisation that there is a need to treat the situation as an emergency in order to return quality more than quantity to products of the Nigerian Law School.

legal clinic

By Olatunde Femi Abegunde Esq.ACOArb

m: +234-0803 967 7683; +234-0809 401 7911 e: pinnacle.chambers@yahoo.com, femabed2007@gmail.com f: Olatunde Abegunde & Associates-Pinnacle Chambers

have enjoyed if his employment had not been unlawfully terminated: S.B OLANRENWAJU AFRIBANK PLC(2001)FWLR (PART 72).Wrongful termination may take the form of bringing the employment relationship into an end without giving the proper notice either as stipulated in the agreement between parties or as stipulated by statutes governing labour matters in Nigeria. The Court would also award general damages against the employer, depending on how the employee is able to prove his case. However, a Court of law in a matter bordering on master and servant relationship does not have the power to order the reinstatement of the employee. The rationale for this position of the law is that the Court cannot force a willing employee on an unwilling employer: SAVANNAH BANK PLC V FAKOKUN (2002) 1NWLR (PART 749)544.The position of the law is different with respect employment made by virtue of statutory provisions. The em-

ployer must strictly follow the procedure for terminating the employee’s employment as laid down in the statute. The highest Court in the land, our Supreme Court, has consistently held in a long line of decisions that where an employment is protected by statute, the employee who is unlawfully dismissed may be re-instated to his position: SHITTA BAY V FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION (1981) 1 SC 41;OLANIYAN V UNILAG (1985) 2 NWLR (PART 9) 599.So apart from getting his benefits for the period when his employment was wrongfully terminated, an employee under a statute may enjoy being re-instated. The situation would seem to be different if the particular statute under which the employee is engaged specifically rules out re-engagement as a remedy. This topic is a broad one and a discussion of same on this page is not exhaustive. Reactions and questions are always welcome!

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

features

Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 081 118 450 48

Even in death,

accolades still trail Atuwatse II Dancers at the event Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

he Itsekiris are discreetly known for their panache - distinctive and stylish elegance - intricately subsumed in their cultural and philosophical worldviews. With a cultural heritage spanning over 500 years, another opportunity made itself available for them to display this rich culture at the funeral rites for the late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, HRM Godwin Toritse Emiko who joined his ancestors on September 3. He was the grandson of Olu Ginuwa II and second son of his father, late Olu Erejuwa II of the current lineage of the Emiko Ruling House as well as the first Olu after 88 years of interregnum in Itsekiri land following the restoration of monarchical stool in 1936. Atuwatse II, an accomplished lawyer and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), was crowned the 19th Olu of Warri on May 2, 1987 after the demise of his late father, Olu Erejuwa II, who reigned from 1951-1986. To the Itsekiri, like any other ethnic group in Africa, the Olu never dies! So, Ogiame Atuwatse II’s passage to immortality, as it were, was officially announced on September 19, 2015. At Ode-Itsekiri on that day, all Itsekiri gathered at the ancestral island and were enjoined to wear their traditional skirts upside down and abstain from public con-

viviality for 90 days - a period earmarked to mourn the passage of the Olu. To avoid a void in the stool of the Olu, an Olu-designate, Prince Ikenwoli Emiko, was also announced and unveiled to the public. He was swiftly ushered into seclusion by the council of chiefs while a regent, Prince Eroro Emiko, holds fort pending the coronation of the Olu-designate on December 12. Glowing homages, tributes to the late Olu The burial rites of the late Olu, Ogiame Atuwatse II, who was the chairmen of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, commenced November 19 with a colorful commendation service held at the Olu Palace Ground (Aghofen) in Warri. Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and former General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Dr. Wilson Badejo, among others from outside the Itsekiri nation, graced the occasion. Gowon, represented by the SecretaryGeneral of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Richard Dare Ajiboye, described the late Olu as a humble and selfless seasoned Christian who spent his days to serve God and the Itsekiri nation. According to him, the late Olu used his reign to serve God with humility and inspired peace and harmonious relationship among his subjects and neighbors, adding that his actions and character brought development to the Itsekiri people and the

Itsekiri chiefs at the burial rites throne. Oritsejafor, who led the closing prayer at the commendation service, declared thus: “Good night, we will see you in the morning.” Younger brother to the late paramount chief, Prince Ebiyemi Pius Emiko, who recalled their childhood days, in his tribute on behalf of his siblings, said: “Ogiame Atuwatse II was not made of bronze. He was a man of blood and flesh - a son and a husband, a brother and a friend, a father, our king! And yes, that is why we learned so much from him, and that is why we can learn from him

still.” Among other public personalities who paid glowing tributes to the one described as a great mentor, were governors of Delta and Edo states. That of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said the late “Olu of Warri was a man of peace with the status of an elderstateman.” Governor of Edo State, who was at the palace before the funeral rites commenced, averred that “the Olu contributed a lot at various levels to the development of not Continues on pg38

features

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Stakeholders renew fight against urban hazards

From left, lecturer, Urban Development Planning, University College London, Dr Cassidy Johnson; director, International Institute of Environments and Development, UK, Dr David Satterthwaite; dean, Faculty of Social Science, University of Ibadan, Professor Lanre Olutayo; deputy vice-chancellor academics, University of Ibadan, Professor Gbemisola Oke, at the Urban Africa Risk Knowledge of Ibadan City Study, held in Ibadan, recently. By Sade Oguntola

he largely unplanned expansion of cities to accommodate rapid population growth, combined with inappropriate land use planning and the failure of urban authorities to regulate building standards continues to contribute to the vulnerability of urban dwellers to many hazards. Most disaster-prone cities unfortunately are unprepared for future disasters and ill equipped to reduce such associated dangers. Breaking the cycles of risk accumulation in urban sub Saharan Africa forms the thrust of the Urban African Risk Knowledge programme, an intervention to involve six cities in Africa, with a view to ensure better mitigation plans. These are Dakar, Niamey, Ibadan, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Karonga, with different hazards, settings and urban scales. The three-year project that is funded by Economic and Social Research Council of UK and Department of International Development, UK is bringing together African and international experts to work with those at risk, community organisations, urban planners, governments and other stakeholders to highlight disaster risk drivers in these cities. Dr Ibidun Adelekan, the lead researcher on the project, speaking at a one-day Ibadan City Study’s Stakeholders’ meeting remarked that there was no city without one

risk or the other. According to Adelekan, “Initial evidence on the scale and nature of urban disaster risk in Africa indicates that small everyday events are the main causes of premature death and serious injury. “For instance, between 2000 and 2013, the number of cases of premature deaths resulting from violence, crimes, road accidents and fire incidents among other risks in the city that were reported in local newspapers increased considerably. It was more prevalent in poorer high-density, residential areas of the city.” Dr David Satterthwaite from the International Institute of Environment and Development, UK, said the project would construct a picture of everyday and infrequent but very serious risks for Ibadan, give

It is very difficult for a government to intervene in reducing risk or improving health unless they have a strong picture of risk, who is at risk and who is vulnerable.

a stronger understanding of the problems and as such support the government to intervene appropriately. Satterthwaite declared that “It is very difficult for a government to intervene in reducing risk or improving health unless they have a strong picture of risk, who is at risk and who is vulnerable. What we hope that the research will do is to give a much stronger understanding.” Professor Gbemisola Oke, deputy vice -chancellor, University of Ibadan, stated that malnutrition was one of the challenges of urban dwellers, stressing that a better understanding of the risks associated with living in urban areas is important in mitigating and managing such problems when they arise. He assured that the university would do whatever was required to comply with the initiatives proffered, since whatever UI generated in its environment also has a potential of impacting on world environment and climate. Dean of Faculty of the Social sciences, UI, Professor Lanre Olutayo, questioned Nigeria’s lack of plan. For him, it was genetic or from disrupts in already made plans to mitigate disasters, asking that indigenous knowledge be tapped into in developing recommendations to manage and reduce such risks. “We all have to start getting involved in what happens around us, that is the way disasters can be mitigated by all of us,” he declared. Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry

of Physical Planning and Urban development, Mr Olakekan Busari, expressing delight that Ibadan was one of the cities to be studied for disaster risk drivers, said that Ibadan witnessed a lot of disasters ranging from fire, flood to accidents that have left significant impact on its inhabitants as well as the assets of the state. He highlighted challenges faced by policy makers with respect to urban risk management to include lack of adequate knowledge and administrative capacities, weak finances, lack of coordination between departments, weak law enforcement mechanism and corruption. He noted that “on daily basis because of unplanned nature of some of our cities, especially Ibadan, people experience a lot of threats. The government will be looking forward to outcomes of the study forming part of what could be used to ameliorate risks associated with living in urban areas.” Also, given the urgent need to promote culture of prevention at all levels and improved management practices, he urged that local action be the centrepiece approach to building disaster resilience cities with emphasis on risk identification and vulnerability assessment. Building capacity of urban managers to deal with urban risks in a holistic manner, he added that it was important to equip a multi-disciplinary team of professionals that would integrate aspects of mitigation in urban planning and development.

raries.

swords performed a sublime dance. Chief Charles Ikomi, Ero of Warri, told journalists that the catafalque tradition was copied from the burial ceremonies of cardinals in the Catholic church and has been in practice ever since. Speaking further on the significance of the traditional rites, Dr. Duakpemi Ayu, head of the Emiko royal family, averred that the rites would afford the Itskeiri kingdom to close ties with their immediate neighbors - Ijaws, Isokos, Urhobos, Benins and Yorubas - whose supports and concerns added colour and glamour to the occasion. As Itsekiri, Deltans and Nigerians await the formal coronation of the Olu-designate, Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Abiloye Emiko, the common refrain on the lips of the people at Ode-Itsekiri is that no doubt more progress will attend the reign of the new Olu.

‘He prioritised peace’ Continued from pg37

only Warri; he was a great builder of bridges across various divides and an apostle of peace.” The continuation of the traditional burial rites of the late Olu billed to last 14 days commenced earnestly the following day, Friday, November 20 with all Itsekiris gathered at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home, for an all-night Ogele (daily) Ukpukpe, Ibiogbe and Ulu-Umalokun Ola-Aja ritual dance. Over 34 Itsekiri communities were slated in the burial rites scheduled to perform ritual cultural dance in honour of the late Olu. Ode-Itsekiri wears new look From Warri Club at Warri-Sapele road and Ugbuwangue enroute Ode-Itsekiri, the Itsekiri flags of colors red and black, serving as the emblem of mourning, dotted the two

sides of the river leading to the Itsekiri ancestral home - Ode-Itsekiri. The ancient roots of the Itsekiri wore a new look with an outstanding facelift, refurbishing and erection of new structures including roads, drainages and robust decorations in every nook and cranny of the island. A peace builder and lawyer, Mr Robinson Ariyo, in a chat with journalists at Ode-Itsekiri, disclosed that it was a rare privilege for anyone to witness the traditional burial rites of an Olu, which, he said, helped to further unify all Itsekiri, their political and socio-religious affiliations notwithstanding. To Ariyo, there is no division among Itsekiris and if any exists, the crown will always serve as the rallying point. No matter the differences among Itsekiris, there is one magnetic and unifying factor, which is the crown, which he said, made the ethnic nationality unique among its contempo-

Significance of traditional burial rites Ogiamen Atuwatse II, it was gathered, had been interred few days after his demise according to the traditional rites of the people. But without the completion of the 14-day burial rites of the late Olu, the Olu-designate, Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Abiloye Emiko, cannot be crowned the 20th Olu of Warri. From November 21, when the burial rites began at Ode-Itsekiri, a catafalque containing the mock body of the late Olu with historical artifacts and royal paraphernalia in display in a gigantic royal hall with immense decorations with red and black clothing and lights. Able-bodied men dressed in white wrappers on bare upper bodies and bearing

features

enry Akpan watches his diet and ensures he follows his doctor’s instructions on how best to leave healthy despite being HIV positive for 15 years. When people are told Henry is HIV-positive, they always think it is not possible because he is not skinny and he maintains a good paying job. Like others living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, he owes his extended years to the antiretroviral therapy drugs he has been taking everyday after he was diagnosed. Antiretroviral cocktails, which first emerged in the mid-1990s, are usually taken in combinations. These medicines have revolutionised the treatment of HIV by allowing people with HIV to live healthily since it helps to suppress the virus that affects the immune system. Over 15.8 million people globally are now accessing antiretroviral therapy, compared to 7.5 million people in 2010 and 2.2 million people in 2005. Improved access to life-saving treatments with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), UNAIDS, said was part of the progress in responding to HIV over the past 15 years. Professor David Olaleye, a consultant virologist, Department of Virology, College of Medicine, Ibadan, said effective treatment has changed HIV to a chronic disease like diabetes and hypertension, to allow people with HIV to live healthily till old age. According to Professor Olaleye, people need not fear dying from HIV since adherence to use of ARVs can help suppress the growth of the virus, and even eliminating it in the blood within six months of treatment. But HIV cannot be completely eliminated in the body. There are parts of the body such as the brain, where the virus hides, thus, preventing their complete elimination from the body by current available drugs. However, Professor Olaleye said self stigmatisation, poor adherence to ARVs and poor response to established information to what to do on HIV were still challenges. “Many patients do not understand the essence of adherence to treatment as well as other instructions. Many men will not come to clinic for treatment, but keep sharing their wives ARV drugs at home. They end up under-dosing. “This leads to the virus developing resistance to the drug, which is dangerous to them and to the larger community. They can be transmitting resistant HIV strains. “I am not sure if those that know their HIV status in Nigeria are up to 10 per cent even though it is key to HIV prevention and treatment,” he said. But monitoring the health of persons with HIV through tests such as CD4 count, Professor P.O Olatunji, a consultant haematologist, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, (OOUTH), Sagamu, said is important to ensure that the antiretroviral therapy is working and that resistance to the drug does not develop. It is also to be sure that the individual on treatment has not contracted another virus that is not sensitive to the HIV treatment been given. However, attrition from HIV treatment, Professor Olatunji said was becoming a big issue in many HIV treatment centres with the introduction of fees to some of the services rendered such as baseline blood tests due to withdrawal of support funds by funding partners about three years ago. “When I was the project coordinator in OOUTH, Sagamu, there was a year that we had no funds from the funding partners. But it is only this year that fees were introduced to some aspects of care for persons with HIV at OOUTH, Sagamu,”

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Ending AIDS by 2030: Mirage or reality?

The hope of eliminating HIV/AIDS within the sub-Sahara African region is being threatened as allied nations now back down on agreed terms of financial donations needed to fight the menace. In this report, Sade Oguntola, examines the reasons why.

A doctor testing for HIV he declared. However, he decried Nigerian government not fully owning the HIV treatment and control programme, which he said ought to have started with funding partners insisting on counterpart funding from Nigeria from inception. Eighty per cent persons living with HIV/ AIDS accessing treatment are funded by foreign donors such as United States President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme which caters for 70 per cent of PLWHIV accessing ARTs. Other organisations which have made significant contribution to the HIV National response are the Global Funds for AIDS, TB and Malaria and the World Bank. Professor Olatunji said the core of interventins to attain zero new infection cases in Nigeria, as canvassed for by previous World AIDS day celebrations, should be to ensure attitudinal change in people. He declared: “Access to ARV treatment is for those already with the infection, but previous education has not led

Self stigmatisation, poor adherence to ARVs and poor response to established information to what to do on HIV were still challenges

to a significant attitudinal change. People are still having multiple sexual partners; they don’t want to use condoms and other things. Once all these continue, we cannot have zero new infection cases.” Current estimates by NACA indicate that there are three million people living with HIV in Nigeria with approximately 750,000 persons presently on treatment. It noted that 55 per cent of HIV positives are women, which are approximately 1,237,500 females. Secretary, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN), Oyo State, Mrs Bukky Alabi remarked that people with HIV are still faced with challenges that may hinder ending AIDS by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given that HIV was not only an health issue but also a social one, Mrs Alabi, said even where ARV treatment is available, without taking care of social issues experienced by persons with the virus, such as poverty and provision of social support, the infection would continue to spread. “For instance, poverty is a great contributor to the spread of HIV. Someone with HIV needs a high quality meal, including fruits and vegetables, to stay healthy. Alabi, who said indigent fund once used to support some persons with HIV had ben scrapped despite this helping many persons to cope better with the challenge of HIV, added that inclusion of fees for some services at HIV clinics was already exempting some from treatment. In most of the facilities now, before any drug pick up, one is likely to pay about N1000. It is a barrier that hinders people from accessing treatment “We now have people defaulting treatment because of the little amount of money to be paid. You can imagine a cleaner who has to pay for her treatment as well as

that of her two children. Sooner or later, she is bound to stop her treatment. “We thought things will change after the 2015 election, but fee paying remains for some of the facilities in HIV clinics. Of course, the wealthy ones can take care of themselves, but it is not the same with the poor. This invariably will increase the death rates from HIV. So, the Federal Government must take a stand so that we know what will happen in terms of HIV/AIDS.” Halting the spread and reversal of AIDS by 2030, Director General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Professor John Idoko, at a 2015 World AIDS Day press conference, said will require among other things increase domestic funding to achieve a fully funded AIDS response at all levels; as well as fully operationalise 90-90-90 strategy to eliminate progression to AIDS, premature deaths and HIV transmission. Also, required are antiretroviral treatment (ART) and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services; a policy of local manufacture of essential commodities (antiretroviral drugs, test kits and condoms); promotion of combination HIV prevention strategies for all populations and addressing all barriers to access to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment services. Is achieving this possible in the face of many challenges including inadequate domestic funding and declining support from donors? The NACA boss said ending AIDS in Nigeria is possible by achieving universal access already by 2020 (front loading) which means: 80 per cent coverage for all key interventions; 81 per cent coverage for ART; 95 per cent PMTCT coverage; 90 per cent paediatric ART coverage; and sustaining these coverage rates until 2030.

news

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Senate jacks up 2015 supplementary budget to N574bn

•Adds N108bn as subsidy claims for Oct-Dec •FG releases N274.2bn capital votes to MDAs Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja HE Senate on Monday asked the Federal Government to jack up the 2015 supplementary budget from N465.3 billion to N574 billion to accommodate the figures for fuel subsidy till the end of the year. This came to the fore on Monday as the Senate Committees on Appropriation, Finance and Budget and National Planning hosted ministers and top Federal Government officials in the respective ministries to an interactive session. Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, who gave the directive during an interactive session on the supplementary budget, said the Federal Government through the Federal Ministries of Petroleum Resources; Budget and National Planning; and Finance must reconcile their records and include an additional N108billion meant for fuel subsidy for October to December 2015. He said that the Senate would not agree with half measures on the handling of the subsidy, adding that the supplementary budget had to be jacked up to N574 billion from the initial N465 billion. The committee also asked the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to furnish it with details of the N437 billion which had so far been paid to the NNPC as its subsidy claims, but which was not appropriated by the National Assembly. With the directive, the supplementary budget will now stand at N547 billion. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Goje, said: “I am surprised that what you submitted was the outstanding payment up till September. We thought we are out to make a change. We do not want a temporary solution and we would not want your submission to stop in September. “What plans do you have to forestall future occurrence because your submission appeared to me a half measure,” said the committee. Goje added: “I express my complete dissatisfaction with the way you are treating the subsidy issue. It is obvious there is no synergy between the Budget Office and the Petro-

leum Ministry. “Why is it that we have to live three months in a year without making provisions for the subsidy? What you are asking for has been expended because we have gone beyond September. “Two months after, you did not come to tell us what you owed oil marketers. You just brought a figure and ask us to pass it. Even if we pass this because of exigency of the time, we will not accept it next time.” But the Minister, Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, agreed that the government would adjust the figures and revert to the Senate. Senator Goje, however, accepted the plea by the ministers to be given some time to review the budget figures to accommodate the additional N108 billion subsidy claim for the last quarter of 2015. Goje expressed dismay on the alleged extra budgetary spending believing it was an attempt to create opportunity for the NNPC to continue to deduct its own subsidy claim from source without subjecting itself to appropriation. Senator Goje, who spoke on behalf of the commit-

tee, noted that N413 billion was provided for the payment of subsidy claim to oil marketers, adding that nothing was provided in the supplementary budget for the payment of subsidy claim to NNPC, claiming that such a situation could create a loophole to be exploited by the NNPC to source its subsidy claims from the money it generate. He said: “I have an issue on subsidy. Intelligent report has shown that the outstanding subsidy as at September was about N700 billion and going by your presentation, you are presenting subsidy due to petroleum marketers as N413 billion. What is the subsidy due to NNPC? “It appears that the difference between the figures we got through intelligent report and what you have submitted as due to major oil marketers is the one due to NNPC. So, can we say that the NNPC provision of 52 per cent of petroleum product is free because I know you earn subsidy as well and it is deducted at source. It is necessary we find out the amount of subsidy due to NNPC because it appears they are hiding something.” The Permanent Secre-

tary, Ministry of Petroleum, Jamila Shuara, in her explanation disclosed that the figure of subsidy claim earlier presented was inherited on resumption. She said that she just got the invitation to appear before the Senate Committee on Monday, adding that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, was in Lagos trying to persuade the major oil marketers to supply the product while the subsidy claim was being worked out. According to her: “These submissions were made prior to my minister and myself. We took over recently and for the fact that the minister and myself work very closely, we started picking up issues. We are all for change and we will work for change in this country. “Kindly allow me to pass the microphone to PPPRA boss so that he can give a better understanding of some of the issues. We will repackage the submission properly and we shall resubmit it.” But her explanation did not go down well with the senators who reminded her of obvious lack of synergy between the Petroleum Ministry and the

Fire disaster: 7 die, 25 injured at FGGC Kano Kola Oyelere - Kano KANO State government has confirmed the death of seven girls, while 25 were injured during a fire disaster that gutted one of the hostels at the Government Girls College, Jogana. This is just as the state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Gandunje, has released N440 million to the 44 local government councils for the newly constituted local government education committee to commence operations.

Disclosing this on Monday was the state deputy governor, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, who also doubled as the state Commissioner for Education, while speaking during the inauguration of the state and local government education promotion committee. According to him, the inferno started 8:30p.m. on Sunday, when the students were about to go to sleep. Professor Abubakar noted the need for communities to participate in the finance of education as

the state alone could not shoulder the huge responsibility of education. While speaking on the occasion, the state governor noted that education is such a huge venture that government alone cannot shoulder, hence the need for community participation through activities of committees. His words: “For our policy on free and compulsory primary education to succeed, the issue of inadequate funding affecting capacity building and

Budget Office. The Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, who was also at the meeting informed that about N274.290 billion has so far been released from the capital allocation for the 2015 budget. He said that the National Assembly appropriated the sum of N557.378 billion as capital votes for 2015 out of which the office made releases to agencies. “First quarter, we released N112.039 billion while Second quarter, there was a release of N88.792 billion. There were also some capital supplementations amounting to N73.459 billion. In total, what has been released so far is N274.290 billion.” The Minister of Defence, Musa Dan Ali, disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff could not attend the meeting as he was in Yola, where there was insurgent attack on Sunday, adding that the Chief of Air Staff was in Pakistan attending a seminar in air operations in line with the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari to end insurgency by the end of the year. The minister said that: “I appreciate the immense support by the Nation-

provision of instructional materials has to be addressed.” The state education promotion coordinating committee has 37 members with Alhaji Tajudeeen Aminu Dantata as chairman while the terms of reference included: to pay regular visit to schools with a view to ensuring prompt attendance of pupils and teachers as well as delivery of quality lessons in primary schools. Other are to monitor and evaluate projects executed.

Boko Haram strikes again in Adamawa, burns military artillery RAMPAGING Boko Haram militants, on Sunday night, engaged Nigerian troops in a fierce battle in their new bid to take over Gulak, the administrative headquarters of Madagali, northern part of Adamawa State. Security and local sources say the insurgents, who came in three vehicles brandishing guns, burnt down a military base as they also burnt down three artilleries and carted away

guns. “They came around 7.00 p.m. and started firing on the soldiers during which all the soldiers ran away. “There was pandemonium, people scampered for their lives, many slept in bushes, they killed one soldier during the fierce battle. “Our local vigilantes had tried by staying back, until another troops were deployed from Madagali town and Shuwa, they

engaged them, if not, they would have recaptured the town for the second time,” said James Ularamu, former chairman of Madagali. The former council chairman and a local vigilante who did not want to be named said there were heavy gun battles. The local vigilante, who couldn’t say whether there were casualties from the Boko Haram side, said “after we chased them away,

they fled to the nearby Sambisa area.” Efforts to get the army spokesperson failed, but a member representing the area at the House of Representatives, Adamu Kamale, confirmed the attack. He, however, said he did not have “much details for now.” The state Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Sajo, said additional troops had been deployed in the area.

al Assembly in the fight against insurgency particularly in the North-East of the country. “To achieve the desired result, additional funding is required. The sum of N29,958,865,912 is appropriated for operation Zaman Lafia Dole. The sum of N17,468,992,649 is meant for operational allowance and cash allowance for soldiers in the field. We also demanded for N8,141,434,769 for logistics support of the Air Force including their fuelling. We also have an outstanding balance from the 2015 budget, for the second quarter, which amounts to N4,348,129 billion. We were in serious need for this money so that work will continue towards the deadline given to us. “Another salary amount is requested because of the recent recruitment to make up what we have in the field. We require N1,987,956,475 as well as additional salaries for soldiers that were not included last year and the Short Officers Commanding the Soldiers that were recruited, amounting to N420,365,830. As partners in progress against insurgency, I pray this Senate to approve the sum of N29,958,865,512 to operation Lafia Dole and other outstanding bills.” He pointed out that the essence of deadline given to the military to root out Boko Haram was just a time line as according to him, “there are phases in the fight against insurgency.” According to him: “the first phase, which we have achieved, was to clear the insurgents from taking hold of any part of our country. “Fighting insurgency cannot be achieved within a day. All we are working for is to ensure maximum security in our country.” Ali also requested the Committee to persuade the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to grant waiver to soldiers in the field concerning BVN. “Majority of our staff in the field cannot access their money due to BVN. I wish the Senate can assist us so that soldiers can get extension through the CBN as the families of our soldiers are suffering,” he added. Senator Goje agreed with the request to extend the BVN registration to the Armed Forces and added that the CBN should give extension for Armed Forces especially those in the war front so that their families do not suffer.

41 news

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Buhari, Saraki to attend Ooni’s installation Oluwole Ige—Osogbo

resident Mohammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, are billed to lead other dignitaries to the installation of new Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, slated for next Monday. Briefing newsmen in Ile Ife, on Monday, Comrade Biyi Odunlade, the chairman, media sub committee of the installation planning committee, said President Buhari and other dignitaries that will include the representative of Queen Elizabeth, are expected to attend the installation of Oba Ogunwusi, adding that many head of missions in Nigeria have also signified their intention to be part of the event. Speaking on his programmes for the town,

Oba Ogunwusi, also promised to work towards fostering unity among Yoruba race. Oba Ogunwusi, whose speech was read by his elder brother, Prince Ad-

egboyega Ogunwusi, revealed that he intended to empower youths in the town through sports and vocational training. According to him, ef-

forts are already on to improve amenities like power and water supply in Ile Ife and promised to build on existing peace in the town and its adjoining communities.

The traditional ruler said he would be relocating his furniture factory, EH Furniture to Ife and ensure indigenes of the town are given profitable jobs in the establishment.

Senior Superintendent Gabriel Akinadewo (Omo Jesu II), addressing 92 parishioners ordained at the annual harvest of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim worldwide, at the Restoration Parish, Akute, Ogun State, on Sunday.

No safe haven for human rights violators —Buratai Chris Agbambu – Abuja THE Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has stated that the Armed Forces is established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and therefore, guided by laws in all its affairs. He added that the Nigerian army respects and protect human rights even in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. He said that the Nigerian army takes human rights issue very seriously and trains its personnel both locally and abroad on the issue, hence, it has partnered National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and ICRC who visited the Nigerian army detention facilities on regular basis. The director, Army Public Relations, Colonel S.

K. Usman, stated that the army recognises the importance and respects the rule of law, adding that there is no safe haven for human right violators in today’s Nigerian army.

The army chief made these remarks at the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) workshop on “Human rights in times of conflict”, in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri,

Borno State, on Monday Similarly, the NBA with the Nigerian Army inaugurated human rights monitoring team as part of measures to improve human rights protection and abuse

by security personnel. In addition, the President of the NBA, Augustine Alegbe, at a workshop in Maiduguri, lauded the military’s counter-insurgency efforts in the North East.

The Executive Secretary of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA,) Dr Ado Muhammed, has rated Ondo State high of primary health care delivery compared to other states , even as the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Monday, declared open the November 2015 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW). At the event, Governor Mimiko charged the 18 council chairmen in the state to provide the logistics support needed for the successful implementation

of the exercise. The inauguration ceremony, which held on the premises of the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, was attended by the state deputy governor, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo, and his wife, Fatimo, among others. Mimiko, who expressed satisfaction in the previous National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) exercises in the state, solicited the support of all stakeholders towards the success of the exercise. According to him, the intervention that will be

implemented during the MNCHW, included the routine immunisation, Vitamin A supplemention, de-worming, screening for malnutrition, antenatal care, birth registration, and health education and breast feeding. He said “let me assure you of our commitment to continuously sensitise the general public on maternal and child survival programmes in the state. I was impressed on your performance in all the National Immunisation Plus Days and I appeal to you all to ensure that this November 2015 MNCHW is also

successful”. The executive secretary of NPHCDA, who spoke through Mrs Titilayo Adeseun, commended Governor Mimiko for all his initiatives in Primary Health Care delivery. He said “Ondo State is at the top in the area of primary health care delivery. when compared to other States in Nigeria. Other states have been copying what Governor Mimiko, is doing in the area of primary health care. It is only Ondo State that has started the November edition of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week in Nigeria “ In his welcome speech, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, noted that Ondo State was rated among the best performed states with the average of 101 per cent coverage in November 2014 round, compared to 95 per cent of national coverage. He stressed further that the week-long event was organised to deliver an integrated package of preventive services known to be highly cost effective for improving maternal and child health survival, run in conjunction with routine services at health facilities and designated points in the state.

NPHCDA boss rates Ondo high in primary health care

Okotie-Eboh’s property: First daughter defends

allegations in court By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

The first daughter of Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, a first republic Minister of Finance, has appeared before a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere to defend herself against allegations of converting part of his property to her own during the execution of his will. The daughter, Mrs Jadesimi Alero (nee OkotieEboh), appeared before Justice Morenikeji Obadina, five decades after the death of her father to

defend herself against allegations leveled against her by her siblings. The children of the former minister had gone to court to challenge their sister of converting a property located at Masha Close, Off Raymond Njoku, Lagos, to her own. They claim that the property belongs to their father and consequently, belongs to all of them and not their sister. Jadesimi had claimed that the alleged property does not belong to the minister but to her, adding that she never converted any of their

father’s property while executing his will, adding that the property in question belongs to her mother. Further in her testimony before the court, the will executor claimed that the property situated at Alhaji Masha Close, Off Raymond Njoku in Ikoyi, Lagos, does not belong to the children of Okotie-Eboh, but belongs to her mother and the block of property at Kingsway Road, Ikoyi, was sold by the family and all the transactions and the money passed through her. Jadesimi added that she is

aware of a case before Justice Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, challenging the position of the family over the property of the late minister, but cannot remember if the judgment was in her favour or not. Justice Obadina accepted the judgment of Justice Okeke of the Federal High Court as exhibit in the matter and also admitted as evidence, the statement of claim filed before the court and a letter showing that Jadesola is the executor of the will of the family.

Nigerian Tribune

Ajayi Crowther varsity graduates 370 students, 11 with First Class By Tunde Ogunnesan AJAYI Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, will on Saturday, award first degrees to 370 students of the institution, who had successfully fulfilled the requirements for the award of degrees during its seventh convocation ceremonies to be held at the N1 billion Law Faculty building donated by Chief (Mrs) Folorusnho Alakija. Of the 370 graduands, 11 students made First Class honours, 68 students will be graduating with Second Class honours upper division, 166 in Second Class honours lower division and 113 in Third Class honours This was disclosed by the vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, while addressing a press conference at the SCOBA House, Ajayi Crowther University, to herald the seventh convocation and 11th founders day ceremony on Saturday Professor Asaju, while addressing journalists, said that since his assumption of office as the third vice chancellor of the institution on October 2, “ he has been able to repackage the university for a more positive image that would make it a force to be reckoned with worldwide and to embark on various revenue yielding progress.”

Lost item This is to notify the general public that the identity card of Opakunle Bosede Wumi, a staff of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc is lost. All efforts to trace it have proved abortive. If found, please, contact the nearest police station or call 08078891850.

Burial Chief Emmanuel Adeoye Adisa is dead. He died at the age of 97 years on Monday, November 16. Chief Adisa was the Otun Balogun of Oyo and Mogaji of Adisa Adeyelu’s compound, Oja Igbo, Ibadan, Oyo State. He was survived by wife, children and grandchildren. Burial will be announced later.

Chief Emmanuel Adeoye Adisa

news

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Keep-off Bayelsa governorship election, Immigration warns foreigners

has warned foreigners resident in the state to stay away from the December 5 governorship

The Bayelsa State governor wants the international community and all lovers of democracy to actively collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies, to ensure that best practices were implemented in next Saturday’s governorship election. Making the call on Monday, during his campaign visit to some communities in his native Sagbama Local Government Area, namely Toru-Angiama, Angalabiri, Agorogbene, Kabeama, Okumbiri and the Ofoni Federated communities, Eyanvwien, comprising Ediagbon and Ogbe, the

governor said it had become more imperative for the sake of sustaining the existing peace and stability of the state. He stressed that instead of canvassing the support of the electorate in a responsible manner, the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been claiming that the Buhari-led Federal Government would deploy its might to rig the Bayelsa governorship poll in favour of their candidate. According to the governor, the utterances and actions of the APC have clearly shown that they are not ready for a free and fair electoral contest, but rather, dreaming to wres-

HE Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

election. The Comptroller of NIS in the state, Mr Sule Wunti, told the News Agency of

Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa, on Monday. Wunti said the command would deal decisively with

...As Dickson seeks international community’s support for credible poll tle power away from the ruling party through the backdoor, a situation he described as impossible. Reiterating his commitment to peaceful elections, Governor Dickson said he was not only overwhelmed

by the show of love Bayelsans were demonstrating for him and the PDP during his electioneering campaigns across the state, but also the level of preparedness to exercise and protect their franchise.

any defaulter, particularly nationals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) resident in the state. He said that as part of security preparations ahead of the polls, the command had convened a stakeholders’ forum to sensitise ECOWAS nationals resident in the state on the election. “As part of security preparedness ahead of the election, the command has invited leaders of ECOWAS Citizens Associations to a

forum to warn them to keep off the elections coming up on December 5. “We have taken time to explain to them that the elections are for Nigerian citizens alone and anyone who flouts the directives will be arrested and make to face the wrath of the law,” Wunti said. The Comptroller said that the NIS was working with other security agencies in Bayelsa to provide adequate security for the elections.

Tuface warns youths against violence ByYejideGbenga-Ogundare

AS the gubernatorial election for Bayelsa State, scheduled to hold on Saturday draws near, star musician, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface, has warned youths in the state to flee from all forms of violence and avoid being used by politicians to disrupt voting proceedings. He urged them to embrace peace and ensure that as youths, they do their best in changing the orientation of other youths, who may be thinking of making themselves available to politicians to be used in disrupting the peace of Bayelsa State during the election. 2face made the call while appearing as a keynote speaker at a conference held at the weekend in Bayelsa State. The conference was organised by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), in conjunction with Tuface foundation. The musician, while speaking at the conference

tagged, ‘Vote Not Fight’ used the opportunity to sensitise Bayelsans, especially the youth, about the need for peace during the upcoming gubernatorial election. He advised them to beware of devices by politicians to pull them into violence deceitfully, emphasising that it is better to be productive than to waste time being violent. The conference had in attendance, the commissioner of police in Bayelsa State, Mr Emmanuel Idowu; the Bayelsa Youth Leader, Mr Asare; the Nigeria Labour Congress/ Trade Union Congress representative, Mr Tari Doadona; Barrister Idise for Bayelsa women lawyers and Mr Godson Tom. Tuface also showed attendees how to pledge for the Vote Not Fight campaign through its official website and he made a pledge during the programme as a sign of his commitment to the Vote Not Fight project.

From left, Victoria Odimba (Marketing Executive); Ufoma Ogodo (Deputy General Manager); Adeyeloye Lipede (Managing Director) and Adebola Adeife (Ogun State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning), during a tour of facilities at the High Impact Planet Amusement Park in Ogun State.

Petition halts Reps investigation on Virgin Atlantic Airline retrenchment scandal Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

THE scheduled investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation on scandalous retrenchment of some staffers and crew members of Virgin Atlantic Airline on the United Kingdom-Nigeria route was on Monday, stalled because of a petition pending before the National Industrial Court over the matter. The botched investigative hearing had in attendance several stakeholders, including the Minister

of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Usman Muktar. Chairperson of the House Committee on Aviation, Honourable Nkiruka Onyejeocha, in her opening remarks, had said that the hearing was sequel to a House resolution mandating the committee to investigate the mandatory retirement and redundancy of some staff by Virgin Atlantic Airline operating on the United KingdomNigerian route. She stated that the hear-

Ajimobi intervenes, as Oyo Assembly lawmakers sit today By Wale Akinselure

FOLLOWING the intervention of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Monday evening, the Oyo State House of Assembly will today converge for its plenary. Today’s plenary comes 12 days after the last sitting of the House where 20 lawmakers absented themselves to register their

displeasure at the non-payment of their accumulated salaries and allowances. At the meeting held at the governor’s residence, Ibadan, Ajimobi had charged the lawmakers, led by Speaker, Honourable Micheal Adeyemo, to continue to perform their legislative duties, while assuring that he would address the issues raised by the law-

makers. It was gathered that Ajimobi had urged the lawmakers to consider the poor financial situation of the state in their agitation. He, however, failed to give a definite time on when the arrears would be cleared, but assured that the welfare of the lawmakers would be given priority as soon as the finances of the state im-

proved. An accord was consequently reached by the two parties as the lawmakers avowed their commitment to holding their sittings as scheduled and continuous performance of their statutory duties as legislators. The lawmakers have continued to lament unpaid salaries and allowances dating back to August.

ing bothered on the discriminatory practice by the airline, adding that the interaction was aimed at ensuring that all the knotty issues in the unfriendly labour practice by the airline were amicably resolved. In his own contribution, another member of the Committee, Honourable Isa Salihu Bashir, frowned at the unfriendly labour practices by foreign owned airlines, noting that by airline’s retrenchment, many people had been thrown into the unemployment market. According to him, ‘this is an investigative hearing; it is not a witch hunting exercise. Your coming here is for us to rob minds. We are aware that many people have been thrown into the unemployment market. We are also concerned because it goes against the provision of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).” Also in his remarks, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, hinted that the Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN)

and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), two major unions in the aviation industry joined other Nigerian citizens in condemning the atrocities by the airline. The Minister lamented that the Nigerians who were affected and pained by the discriminatory practices were not happy, insisting that they needed to be treated with respect in accordance with international labour laws. However, a member of the Virgin Atlantic Council, Mr Festus Onyia, who represented the management of the airline, urged the House Committee to stay action on the investigation, saying that the matter was already an issue of a petition pending before the National Industrial Court. The Committee thereafter retired into a fiveminute executive session before its chairperson, Onyejocha, announced to the stakeholders, press and all other invited guests that the hearing has to be postponed pending the outcome of the petition before the court on the matter.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015 43 communitynews Ilaro monarch charges communities to affix ‘Yewa’ in their names

he Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewa land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, has charged all Yewa communities and towns to, henceforth, affix “Yewa” at the end of their names as a mark of cultural identity and differentiation from other states bearing similar names. Oba Olugbenle gave the charge at the grand finale of Oronna Ilaro Festival 2015, in Ilaro at the weekend. The royal father also called for unity among Yewa people as they strive to develop the area in all ramification. The monarch used the occasion to solicit the support of Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle

Lagos Island LG trains 71 in vocational institute Sylvester Okoruwa-Lagos

Over 70 people trained in different vocations ranging from fashion designing to bead making have been graduated from a vocational institute established by the Lagos Island Local Government Area. In its bid to provide the dividends of democracy to people of its constituency, the local government established a training centre for unemployed youths in the local government area. Speaking at the first graduation ceremony of the vocational trainee, the Executive Secretary of the local government, Mr Tijani Adetoyese Olusi, said the council decided to go into the programme as a way of reducing unemployment in the council area and also to reduce the level of crime in the society. He said that the graduands were trained for a period of one year free of charge. The principal of the training centre, Mrs. O.O Oyebola, said that 25 graduated from computer studies section, six from refrigerator and air-conditioning section, three from plumbing and fipe-fitting section, 13 from hat and beads making section, three from furniture section, 34 from fashion designing section, 23 from catering and hotel management section, three from footwear section, five from barbing section and 56 from hair dressing and cosmetology section. Senator Remi Tinubu, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni and Director, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board graced the event.

Amosun, for a candidate of Yewa extraction in 2019, as the ethnic group remains the only one yet to have the opportunity to govern the state in its 40 years of existence. He stated that a governor of Yewa extraction in 2019 will continue the good work of Senator Amosun in rebuilding the state, as Yewa people shares in the dream of rebuilding Ogun State. Senator Amosun, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, thanked the people of Yewa and Ogun West Senatorial District for voting the governor for a second term, adding that without their votes the governor would not have had the required constitutional requirement to win the election. While soliciting for their support, the governor promised to complete all projects in Ogun West before the end of his second

term in view of dwindling resources. Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of

the festival Central Planning Committee, Chief Kayode Odunaro, urged the governor to complete

the road projects he started in Ilaro as it was in other major towns of the state. He added that the festi-

val had impacted positively in terms of infrastructure and tourism development in the area.

From right, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Suraju Adekumbi, Vice Chairman, Communication Committee in the Senate, Senator Solomon Adeola, Managing Director of Regency Allaince Insurance Company, Mr Biyi Otegbeye, chairman of the event, Senator Gbolahan Dada and Hon Kunle Akinlade of Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, at the grand finale of Oronna Ilaro festival 2015, recently.

Olu’s final burial rites unite Itsekiris at ancestral home Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

The final traditional funeral rites of the late Olu of Warri, Ogiame, Atuwatse II begun last Thursday with commendation service at Ode-Itsekiri. With immense pageantry and royal grandeur, Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri, was agog on Friday and Saturday as all Itsekiris gathered to see off the late Olu to his maker in the traditional way. One of the siblings of the deceased monarch, Prince Yemi Emiko, while speaking with Community News at Ode-Itsekiri, disclosed that the 14-day burial rites will witness a potpourri of traditional cultural displays from all

Itsekiri communities, as well as display of artifacts and family heirloom. Prince Emiko, who said the late Olu had been interred immediately after his demise, noted that all sons and daughters of Itsekiris usually abandon their socio-political or spiritual differences to unite at the feet of the throne. He stated that there is no division among Itsekiris and if any exists, the crown will always serve as the rallying point, which makes the ethnic nationality unique among its contemporaries. Also speaking, Mr Robinson Ariyo, said it was a rare privilege for anyone to witness the traditional

rites of an Olu. “This is a historic event. It’s a once in a lifetime event. Only a few can witness the crowning and mourning of a departed Olu in their lifetime. It does not happen frequently. To experience this firsthand is a gift from history,” he said. Corroborating Emiko, Ariyo disclosed that “no matter the differences among Itsekiris, there is one magnetic and unifying factor, which is the crown.” Speaking on the significance of the traditional rites, Dr Duakpemi Ayu, head of the royal family, averred that the present moments would also afford the Itskeiri kingdom to close ties with their

Ibadan North-East LG charges residents, traders on sanitation law In compliance with Oyo State government’s directive, residents and traders of Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state have been charged to comply with environmental sanitation law and shun street trading/hawking in order to keep the local government area clean. The charge was made by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Adenike Adisa, during a stakeholders meeting with traditional rulers, community leaders, environmental health officers and security operatives, at the local government secretariat. Mrs Adisa, in a release signed by the local govern-

ment Director of Education and Social Services, Mr Bimbo Ladapo, urged residents and traders in the council area to register with any of the refuse disposal contractors with a view to dispose their refuse appropriately. She further advised them not to engage in street hawking or display their goods beyond the allocated portion. She noted that the state government had established mobile courts that will prosecute offenders of environmental sanitation laws and therefore, enjoined them to cooperate with environmental health officers in the local government area.

In their various contributions, representatives of traders from Iwo Road, Agugu, Oje and Basorun markets promised to adhere strictly with the law. They appealed to the local government to mediate with refuse disposal contractors to ensure efficient refuse collection and charge affordable rates. In their remarks, Baale Idi-Ape, Chief Muritala Alayande and Otun Baale Koloko, Chief Bayo Onifade, commended the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for transforming the state into a model through various programmes aimed at making it the cleanest among its contemporaries.

immediate neighbours— Ijaws, Isokos, Urhobos, Binins and Yoruba— whose supports and concerns will make the event worthwhile. Meanwhile, Ode-Itsekiri is wearing a new look with an outstanding facelift and robust decorations

with the accompaniment of great conviviality which will characterize the night and day of the period of the burial rites. The Olu-designate, Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Abiloye Emiko, will be crowned as the 20th Olu of Warri on December 12.

Bonga oil spill: Communities urge FG, others to prevail on SNEPCo Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

Nigeria’s shoreline communities impacted by the effects of the oil spill of December 20, 2011 have called on the Federal Government, governments of Netherlands and Great Britain to prevail on Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) to pay damages of $3,600,191,206 as directed. The Federal Government, it will be recalled, had directed SNEPCo to release $3,600,191,206 being amount assessed by it as compensation and punitive damage due and payable to the shoreline communities. In a statement signed by Amananawei of AghoroII, His Royal Highness I. B. Ojukonsin and coordinator of the affected communities, Mr F. A. Monday, and made available to Community News, on Monday, in Warri, Delta State, the communities said none of the victims of

the oil spill was in court with SNEPCo as being speculated. “The said victims that have been identified by government are not in any court with SNEPCo having voluntarily agreed not to engage in any court case against SNEPCo, and submitted to the Federal Government-led peaceful dialogue and settlement with respect to the said pollutants,” the statement read in part. It added that leaders and representatives of the said victims were prepared to sign an undertaking that would indemnify SNEPCo against any loss and/or damages it may incur for any money paid to them with respect to the said pollutants. The communities also urged SNEPCo to provide relief materials to the victims as earlier directed by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream and House of Representatives Committee on Environment.

news

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Dependence on oil, cause of pervading corruption —Osinbajo

ICE President Yemi Osinbajo has attributed the high level of corruption, dwindling national economy and the redundant human resource base to over-dependence on oil resources. He said this while inaugurating the Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) Forum, organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday. The vice president also said the emphasis laid on the oil sector was the main reason for the agitation for resource control, especially from the South-South zone. This was as he, however, promised that the Federal Government would not neglect the zone but would rather ensure its development. Osinbajo said the theme of the forum, “Restrategising Development Concepts in the Niger Delta Region to provide for Post-Oil Wealth Socio-economic Sustainability,” was strate-

gic and apt, given the current global decline in oil revenue. The Vice President, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Presidency, Mr Adeola Ipaye, said the inauguration of the forum was timely, coming at a time when the new globally adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was about to be implementation. “The country’s overdependence on oil is only the cause of the downturn of the economy for now. It

has been responsible for the emergence of redundant human resource base and high level of corruption. It is also at the root of agitations for resource control, particularly from the South-South. “The theme of the forum could not have been more apt, coming at the time that we have a global decline in oil revenue, especially in a country such as ours that has total dependence on oil for survival,” he said. The vice president however expressed the commitment of the Federal

Government to the development of the Niger Delta, noting that several years of unaddressed oil pollution had hindered the growth of agriculture in the region. “Realising the concept of sustainable development comes with numerous challenges, especially the Niger Delta region that represents the world’s third largest wetlands, with several years of unaddressed oil pollution issues that has hindered agricultural growth of the region as well as affected general health of the populace,” he

said. He said the government had begun the clean up of Ogoniland other communities seriously affected by oil pollution, adding that measures were being put in place to alleviate the impact of areas already polluted. In his remark, Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, called on the Federal Government to adequately fund NDDC to enable the agency to effectively carry out its responsibilities.

Journalist emerges national president ASELGON A veteran journalist and former Chairman, ImekoAfon Local Government Area of Ogun State, Albert Durojaiye Asipa, has been elected as the National President of the Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria (ASELGON). In his acceptance speech, Asipa promised to work with diligence and passion towards taking the association to greater heights. A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the ASELGON, Abdalar Abubakar, quoted Asipa as pledging to engage stakeholders, among them the Governors Forum, National and State House of Assembly members, the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Civil Societies and traditional rulers with a view to strengthening local government administration in the country. “To put local administration on the right track, especially on the issue of autonomy, which is not about confrontation with the Governors’ Forum or any other stakeholders, all it require is constructive engagement and for all concerned to demonstrate utmost patriotism that can move the polity forward,” Asipa advised.

Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, unveiling the new Administrative block of the University of Ibadan (UI), while the acting Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Emilolorun Ayelari (left); incoming VC, Professor Idowu Olayinka (third left); Registrar, Mr Olujinmi Olayinka and others watch during the commissioning on Monday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Adewole commissions N170m admin building, ends tenure as UI VC By Wale Akinselure

The five-year tenure of Professor Isaac Adewole as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) came to an end with Monday’s commissioning of the vertically extended Central Administration Building of the institution that cost

about N170 million. Conducting the symbolic cutting of the tape, Adewole, in company of the new Vice Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka and other principal officers of the institution, said the decision to extend the structure was informed by the

need for space and healthy environment for increasing staff to effectively operate. He indicated that the modified structure was an addition of two floors to complement the original two floors that served the Vice Chancellor and the

Death toll increases in Shiite worshippers’ Boko Haram attack The death toll in Friday’s suicide bomb attack on Shiite Muslims by the Boko Haram sect has increased. The Shiite Muslims, under Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky, were undertaking the Arba’een symbolic trek from Kano State to Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah, Zaria, Kaduna State, when a suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device in their midst. 21 persons were confirmed dead immediately. However, three more have died among the over 60 injured and taken to

the hospital. According to the media team leader of the Arba’een symbolic trek, Ibrahim Usman, on Monday, two more persons died between Sunday and Monday. Usman explained that a day after the attack, one more person died while in the hospital bed. Usman explaining the reason behind the trek said, Nigerian Shiite Muslims under the leadership of Sheikh Zakzaky were on the symbolic trek from different parts of the country to Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah, Zaria, Kaduna State to commemorate

the 40th day of Ashura, as a mark of mourning for the killing of Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam by the army of Yazid, son of Mu’awiyyah in 61 AH. He said the trekkers will finally converge at Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah in Zaria on December 3 for the grand Arba’een lecture by the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Zakzaky which will coincide with the world’s most populous gathering at the tomb of Imam Husain (AS) in Karbala, Iraq in which over 40 million pilgrims participated last year.

Registry. Adewole added, “We had quite a number of staff who had nowhere to work and we just wanted to build on the foundation of the past. “I now believe that the University of Ibadan has a structure befitting of office of the Vice Chancellor. We had a number of modifications while building, but at completion, it will cost between N150 and N170 million.” Adewole, who is now Nigeria’s Minister of Health also charged the new Vice Chancellor, Professor Olayinka, to be hardworking, prayerful and a team worker. Furthermore, he charged the staff to accord same support given him to the new Vice Chancellor. In his remarks, Professor Olayinka assured of accelerated development through innovation and building on the solid foundation that had been laid over the years by past leaders of the institution.

Green World presents cars, cash gifts, others to Nigerians By Remi Anifowose

Over 200 Nigerians in the network of Green World Natural Solution International Limited, at the weekend, benefited from the bonuses and gift items which included cars, laptops, television sets, deep freezers, cash and other items. The award, which was held at the international Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, was the eighth annual conference of the organisation, which manufactures drugs and food supplements. The President Greenworld Africa, Liangjun David Zhang, in his welcome address, said Greenworld is an international organisation that helps in fighting viruses and all forms of major and minor health challenges, including cancer, stroke, hypertension hypotension cirrhosis kidney failure insomnia erection dysfunction and others. His words: “The uniqueness of this event is the award ceremony, which is a reward to our outstanding distributors and this is done to encourage more participants in our networking and marketing system so that our products will be everywhere in the country.”

Oyo trade association resolves crisis, announces election date By Joseph Ajayi And Ahmed Mohammed

After a protracted crisis which rocked its association, Oyo State Trade men and artisans eventually resolved and fixed December 15, 2015 for election into various of its executive posts. This was made known in a release signed by the organising secretary of the association, Alhaji Sikiru Agboluaje and made available to the Nigerian Tribune. The release stated that sequel to the general meeting of the association held on November 10, 2015, the house agreed to hold election of its officers into various positions on December 15, adding that the venue and election time would be communicated to all the members by the association’s commission soon.

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

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08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

United Nations Climate Conference • Paris 2015 • #ClimateChange #COP21 President Francois Hollande of France (centre) posing with other world leaders after the opening of the biggest-ever climate change summit in Paris, on Monday. PHOTO: AP.

otherNEWS Pope ends Africa tour with mosque visit in besieged Muslim enclave Pope Francis ventured into one of the world’s most dangerous neighbourhoods on Monday to implore Christians and Muslims to end a spiral of hate, vendetta and bloodshed that has killed thousands over the past three years and divided a nation. Ending his three-nation Africa tour under intense security, Francis passed through a no-man’s zone to enter PK5, a district where most Muslims who have not fled Central African Republic’s capital Bangui have now sought refuge. He later celebrated Mass in the national stadium before flying back to Rome.

‘We’re becoming architects of our own destruction’ Prince Charles warns world leaders at Paris summit

rince Charles warned world leaders that “we are becoming the architects of our own destruction” as he opened the biggest-ever climate change summit with a call for immediate action to halt global warming. The heads of 151 nations kicked off 12 days of talks in Paris, on Monday, in search of an elusive pact that would wean the world off fossil fuels, making it the largest gathering of global leaders in history. The Prince of Wales, according to Mail Online urged them to “think of your grandchildren, as I think of mine” as well as the billions of people without a voice and the youngest generation as they try to secure a new global deal. He said: “If the planet were a patient, we would have treated her long ago. You, ladies and gentlemen, have the power to put her on life support and you must surely start the emergency procedures without further procrastination. “Humanity faces many threats but none is greater than climate change. In damaging our climate we are becoming the architects of our own destruction. We have the knowledge, the tools and the money (to solve the crisis).” Referring to the delegates as the ‘few’, in echoes of Winston Churchill’s description of Battle of Britain

fighter pilots, he told them their actions over the next two weeks would determine the fate of present and future generations. Charles began his keynote speech in Paris by expressing, in French, his profound horror at the terror attacks

two weeks ago which killed 130 people and his untold sympathy for the grieving families and loved ones of those who died. “My heart is with the courageous French people in their hour of anguish,” he said. The prince then told the

packed hall: ‘Rarely in human history have so many people around the world placed their trust in so few. “Your deliberations over the next two weeks will decide the fate not only of those alive today, but also of generations yet unborn.”

Over the next fortnight negotiators from 195 countries will attempt to hammer out a deal that will put the world on a path to prevent temperatures rising by more than 2C (3.6F) above preindustrial levels and avoid dangerous climate change.

World at breaking point in fight against global warming — Hollande • Obama, Putin discuss Syria, Ukraine World leaders launched an ambitious attempt on Monday to hold back the earth’s rising temperatures, with French President Francois Hollande saying the world was at “breaking

point” in the fight against global warming. Some 150 heads of state and government, including United States President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin

Chinese president arrives Zimbabwe today Some immigration signs at Zimbabwe’s main international airport are in Chinese, a sign of China’s deep economic inroads in Africa, which Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit this week, The Associated Press reported. Xi arrives today in Zimbabwe before heading on Wednesday to South Africa. There, he will attend a forum on cooperation between Africa and China, whose investment on the continent has soared in the past decade. Zimbabwe, whose economy is faltering, would like to get a bigger piece of it.

China’s overall trade with Africa topped $200 billion last year but has slowed over the past two years as the weakening Chinese economy demands fewer of the continent’s oil, copper and other raw materials.

discussed the Syria crisis and the situation in Ukraine during the Monday on the sidelines of the climate summit in Paris, a White House official said. Obama stressed the importance of targeting Islamic State militants in Syria and not focusing military attacks against rebel groups who oppose Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the official said on customary condition of anonymity. “The two presidents discussed the imperative of making progress on the Vienna process to bring about a ceasefire and political

French President Francois Hollande (left), welcomes China’s President Xi Jinping to UN Climate Change Conference, in Paris, on Monday. PHOTO: AP.

resolution to the civil war in Syria,” the official said, referring to international talks in the Austrian capital on the Syria crisis. Obama told Putin he believes Assad must leave power as part of a that transition, and both leaders said their foreign ministers will continue to work on the diplomatic process, the official added. Also, Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, urged each other to find common cause in two weeks of bargaining to steer the global economy away from its dependence on fossil fuels. Reuters said they arrived at United Nations climate change talks in Paris accompanied by high expectations and armed with promises to act. After decades of struggling negotiations and the failure of a summit in Copenhagen six years ago, some form of landmark agreement appears all but assured by mid-December.

Pope Francis talks with a woman as he visits the refugee camp of Saint Sauveur in the capital Bangui, Central African Republic. PHOTO: REUTERS.

US tightens visa waiver programme, in wake of terror attacks The White House announced a series of changes to the United States visa waiver programme on Monday to add more screening for travellers from 38 countries around the world allowed to enter the United States without visas. The accelerated changes were prompted by the November 13 attacks in Paris by Islamic State militants, which have heightened security concerns among Americans. Reuters said the Department of Homeland Security will immediately collect more information from travellers about past visits to “countries constituting a terrorist safe haven.”

Barack Obama

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Babayaro named Kaduna Utd General Manager Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State has appointed former Nigeria international goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro as the new general manager of Kaduna United till 2018. Emmanuel, who is the older brother of former Chelsea and Newcastle United defender, Celestine Babayaro, recently signed a three-year consensual contract with the state government on behalf of the Friends of Football Foundation, (FFF). The media officer of the Crocodiles, Jide Bodunde told Goal that the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner has since assumed duty, adding that he has already begun to hold meetings with players and officials of the club. According to Bodunde, the former Plateau United goalkeeper is expected to set up an advisory board to oversee Kaduna United in the next three years. As part of the contract, Emmanuel will be reponsible for sponsorship of the 2010 Federation Cup winners and expected to make availiable to the state government its annual financial report.

Babayaro

Endyfas hockey festival flicks off Dec 19

Dream Team’s keeper, Emmanuel Daniel

Senegal 2015:

Dalong motivates Dream Team T HE Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong, has lauded the players and officials of Nigeria’s Dream Team after its 3-2 victory in the opening game of the ongoing African U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal. In a telephone conversa-

tion with the players barely 30 minutes after its hard fought victory over the Malians, Dalong according to thenff.com urged the Samson Siasia boys not to rest on their oars, but go all out for the 2016 Olympics ticket. “Let me assure you all that your efforts will not go unnoticed; all I ask of you is

to relax, enjoy this moment, then concentrate on your next game, no game is easy, but from the much you have shown against Mali, I know you guys can make it,” said Dalong who had earlier before the game also spoke with the players by phone. In his remarks, Siasia thanked the minister for

boosting the morale of the team, just as he promised that the team would not disappoint Nigerians. The former Super Eagles handler called on all to support the team, saying that they have come this far and cannot afford to falter. Nigeria is leading group B with three points.

200 kids for CCSF taekwondo tourney NO fewer than 200 kids/students across the country have confirmed their participation at the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) International Taekwondo Opens scheduled to hold at the Brickhall School, Abuja this Saturday. The event, which is sanctioned by the FCT Taekwondo Association and supported by the board of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), has kids from schools and clubs across FCT and the seven states in the north central ex-

pected at the event. Clubs from other states like Benue, Imo, Cross River and Kaduna have also indicated interest in the programme. According to an official statement released by the organisers, the objective of the event is to “produce prospective future Olympians and world champions; expose kids to the latest technological gadgets and technical experience available in the sport; build the confidence and experience of the kids through competi-

tive experience; and foster a healthy social interaction between kids from different communities.” According to the programme coordinator, Kemi Isaac, who is an officer with the NSCDC and a taekwondo black-belt practitioner, “The kids deserve the exact same attention and opportunities given to the adults during the highly successful edition held four weeks ago, as the kids are the future Olympians and world champions that must be groomed from today.”

Chukwumerije

The 2015 edition of the Endyfas Hockey Festival has been scheduled to flick off at the Union Bank Hockey Pitch, Lagos on December 19. According to the Lagos tournament coordinator, Mr Afolabi Awojobi, “it is the first time in the history of field hockey in Nigeria where a tournament registration has been solely done online. “25 teams comprising 20 male and five female teams have registered for the tourney. The online registration process which was the first of its kind in field hockey in Nigeria and we dare say for any other sport for that matter. The online registration will be the mode of registration for the games going forward.” He stated that the Endyfas hockey festival crossed the 20-team barrier for the first time in its history, adding that another first is the participation of two teams from the northern part of Nigeria. “This is the first time hockey teams from across the country would be participating in the Endyfas hockey Festival. This is in line with our vision of uniting the world through field hockey. In the nearest future, we expect to have teams from other geographical locations in Nigeria as well as outside Nigeria participating in the field hockey fiesta,” he said. The one-day festival will flick-off at 9.15am and is expected to be completed by 4.30pm with presentation of prizes to deserving players who excel at the tourney.

tribunesport

Tuesday, 1 December, 2015

Hazard needs to run less like Messi, Ronaldo

—Gullit R uud Gullit says Eden Hazard needs to copy Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by doing less work in defensive areas of the pitch if he is to rediscover his best form. Hazard was named PFA Players’ Player of the Season last term, after helping fire Chelsea to the Premier League title, but has suffered a disastrous dip in form this term. Hazard has yet to score in the top flight and cut a forlorn figure once again as the Blues drew 0-0 with Tottenham at White Hart Lane last Sunday - after being deployed in a central attacking

Hazard

position by manager Jose Mourinho. “He worked too hard (against Spurs),’ former Chelsea boss Gullit said on the BBC’s ‘Match of the Day 2’. ‘I want him to be sharp in front of goal. He kicks the ball, head’s down, head’s down, he still has to run forward. “This is a sign of a player like: ‘Oh my God. I have to run again.’ All players know that, when you put your head down like that. “He is as important as Ronaldo is for Real Madrid. He is as important as Messi is for Barcelona. Do they chase back as much? No, because they need to save their en-

FIFA hails Enyimba over Glo Premier League success Acting FIFA president, Alhaji Issa Hayatou has congratulated Enyimba FC on winning the 2014/15 Glo Premier League title, just as he charged the team to give Nigeria good representation in Africa next year. The message was contained in a letter from the world football governing body to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and signed by Hayatou. “It gives me great pleasure to send my heartfelt congratulations to Enyimba and their indomitable team on this great achievement,” the letter read. “This title is the result of the determination of everyone involved and my congratulations go to the players, the coach, the entire technical and medical staff, and the fans. “On behalf of the entire football family, I would like to thank Enyimba for help-

Voting closes for BBC African Footballer award

ing to spread the positive message of football and I will like the team to give Nigeria good representation on the continent.” In his remarks, Enyimba chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu thanked FIFA for recognising the achievement of the club and reassured the football body that the People’s Elephant will continue to pursue the values of fair play and sportsmanship.

ergy for the right moment. “He did it to prove a point but to get the best out of him, I don’t want him to chase that much. I want him to concentrate on the moments

that the team gets the ball. “They have to give him the ball as quick as possible and then he does his thing. When that is coming back, he’s going to get goals again.”

Voting has closed for the 2015 BBC African Footballer of the Year award. The five-man shortlist was announced last month during a special live launch broadcast in Johannesburg, South Africa. Algeria’s Yacine Brahimi, the 2014 winner, is on the shortlist along with Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ghanaian Andre Ayew, Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast. The winner, who is voted for by African football fans, will be announced on Friday, December 11 during a special live broadcast on both BBC World News and BBC World Service, with the BBC Sport and BBC Africa websites also involved in the announcement. Three of this year’s shortlist, which was voted for by journalists from 46 African countries, have previously won the BBC award - Ayew in 2011, Toure in 2013 and Brahimi. Aubameyang makes the

shortlist for the third year running, while Mane is on it for the first time. Aubameyang finished as Borussia Dortmund’s top scorer last season before creating German records in 2015-16. In October, Aubameyang became the first man to score in the first eight matches of a Bundesliga season, with his first 17 competitive games resulting in 20 goals - a run that included back-to-back hat-tricks. Another shortlist, Ayew has made a superb start to life in the Premier League with Swansea. The year has had plenty of highs for Ayew, but February’s Africa Cup of Nations final reduced the 25-year-old to tears as the Black Stars lost to the Ivory Coast. But the tournament’s joint top scorer was crucial to Ghana’s run and he transferred his form to the Premier League, with an impressive five goals from his first 10 games for Swansea City.

From right, Ibadan Golf Club Competition Secretary, Colonel Ade Sunmonu (rtd); Lady Captain, Mrs Temitope Alonge and the Club Manager, Mr Kola Ogunjobi during the press conference held at IGC on Monday. PHOTO: OLAWALE OLANIYAN.

Ibadan Ladies Open Golf tees off today By Olawale Olaniyan ABOUT 150 golfers are expected to participate in the 14th Ibadan Ladies Open Golf Championship which tees off today with caddies tournament at the Ibadan Golf Club (IGC), Onireke Ibadan. Speaking at a press con-

ference on Monday, the Lady Captain of IGC, Mrs Temitope Alonge disclosed that the six-day tourney will attract golfers across the country. She stated that caddies, staff as well as super veterans will slug it out before the tournament proper begins

on Thursday with a cocktail party. “We will be expecting at least between 140 and 150 golfers across the country to participate in the week-long tournament. “Ibadan Golf Club is known to be the ‘Home of Golf’ in Nigeria and for its hospital-

Sacked Kwara Utd coach accepts fate The immediate past head coach of Kwara United, Tunde Abdulrahman has said that the Kwara State government kept to its promise of relieving everyone in the Harmony Warriors of their duties if the club got relegated. Under his watch, Kwara United placed 18th on the log at the just-ended Glo Premier League with 42 points from 38 matches barely a season after its promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL). While accepting the decision, he was

not happy with the team’s drop to the lower division but that there were so many factors that made it impossible for the team to beat the drop. The former Gombe United coach expressed confidence that the Harmony Warriors would bounce back to the top flight soon. Abdulrahman however, pointed out that it was important that the state government should recruit a management team that will have the love of the club at heart and that it was piv-

otal that player recruitment should be properly done. “The government said everyone would be asked to go if we were relegated and it was just right that the word was upheld. I don’t have any problem with that,” the former Ranchers Bees player told Goal. “I want to counsel that the new management team should be those with the interest of the club at heart and that players’ recruitment should be done on merit.”

ity, so we assure of a hitchfree tournament,” she said. Alonge further disclosed that the Ladies Section has engaged in a lot of programmes to make the youth especially, embrace the sport, adding that the Section is also wooing other ladies across the country to play the game. Some of the expected clubs expected to feature in this year’s edition are Ogbomoso Golf Club, Tiger Golf Club, MIC COM and Country Golf Club, Ada, Osun State, Abeokuta Golf Club, Sagamu Golf Club, Smoking Hill Golf Club, Tiger Golf Club and Ikeja Golf Club, among others. The tee-off time is 7am both on Friday and Saturday, while the closing ceremony is scheduled to hold on Saturday by 6pm.

SIDELINES

no 16,382

n150

Tuesday, 1 DECEMBER, 2015

A clubside in Uganda bought motorbikes for its players for commercial purposes to generate additional income. At a time the number of road accidents with associated vices such as traffic robbery is on the increase, is it not better for the club management to engage in better ventures for its players than investing in okada business?

Senegal 2015: Dream Team was lucky against Mali —Siasia By Adebayo Samuel

Messi

Ronaldo

Neymar

Ballon d'Or: Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar

make final three shortlist As Guardiola battles Enrique for coach's award R EIGNING football king, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar will contest the 2015 Ballon d'Or competition after the shortlist was whittled down from 23 names to just three. Messi is the favourite to land the accolade, having led Barcelona to a famous treble last season, while Ronaldo is looking to defend his crown and draw level with the Argentine for overall wins. Were he to pick up the Ballon d'Or at the ceremony in Zurich on January 11, 2016, it would be Messi's fifth World Player of the Year title, more than any other player. This year he is joined on the podium by Barca team-mate Neymar, who

netted 10 goals en route to Champions League glory, including scoring in the final against Juventus in Berlin. The Brazilian was also the joint-third top scorer in La Liga last season with 22 goals – and already has 14 this term – though his haul was put

in the shade by those of Messi (43 goals) and topscorer Ronaldo (48). For the sixth straight time, the final three-man Ballon d’Or shortlist does not include a single English Premier League (EPL) player, while it is a decade since an Englishman last made the

final three (Frank Lampard in 2005). Meanwhile, the men’s world coach of the year shortlist features Chile’s Copa América winner, Jorge Sampaoli, alongside Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola and Barcelona’s Luis Enrique. The women’s world play-

er of the year shortlist is headed by the American World Cup winner, Carli Lloyd, Aya Miyama (Japan) and Celia Sasic (Germany). England’s Mark Sampson makes the women’s football coach of the year shortlist, alongside Jill Ellis (US) and Norio Sasak (Japan).

... As Amuneke tips Messi COACH of the reigning FIFA U-17 World Cup champions, the Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amuneke is confident FC Barcelona star, Lionel Messi will win his fifth Ballon d'Or after he was named in the final three alongside Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo for the award. Amuneke, a former Barcelona player too, feels unhappy that Andreas Iniesta may never win the award

before he retires despite being picked on the initial list of 23 players by FIFA. The former Zamalek of Egypt winger opines that Messi is a worthy winner of the award this year following his treble heroics with Barcelona. Incidentally Ronaldo has more goals (48) than Messi (43) and Nemyar (41) this year, but the 1994 African Footballer of the Year win-

ner says that won't count when voting begins. “Messi is ahead of the two (Neymar and Ronaldo) in terms of performance this year but I feel Iniesta deserves a places in the final three,” Amuneke told completesportsnigeria.com. "The award is not all about goals but the total contribution and impact these players have on their

team each time they play and I think Messi has a big edge this year and Neymar also did in his absence at Barcelona. “As for Iniesta, he has been a consistent performer for club and country over the years and it’s so sad he may never win it. “I knew from my days at Barcelona when he was playing in La Masia with Messi and Fabregas,” Amuneke said.

Head Coach of Nigeria's Dream Team, Samson Siasia has acknowledged that his team was lucky to have escaped with a 3-2 victory over Mali, in its first game at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations played last Sunday at the Caroline Fay Stadium, Mbour, Senegal. Siasia made the disclosure while speaking at the post match conference. The Dream Team was three goals up at half time courtesy of a brace from CS Sfaxien of Tunisia striker, Ajayi Junior and FC Taraba's Usman Mohammed, before the Malians reduced the deficit in the last half with two goals to earn a fair result. "We were simply lucky today that we took our chances in the first half; my defenders after conceding that penalty goal, became jittery and in the process started giving the ball away to our opponents. It was a game of two halves, for me my greatest joy was that we were able to pick the first three points, meaning one more win and we are in the semi finals," said the man who coached Nigeria to win the silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi has said the result againt Mali has served as a lesson for the Dream Team ahead of tomorrow's second group clash with Egypt. "That's football for you (the narrow win against Mali), but we thank God that we were able to hold on to our lead and secure the three points. "By God's grace, there will be an improved performance on Wednesday against Egypt," he said. Meanwhile, coach of Mali, Cheick Kone blamed the defeat on the poor start by his wards. "We started very badly, but in the second half we played collectively," he told reporters after the game.

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. 1/12/2015.