2nd August 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,558

TUESDAY, 2 AUGUST, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

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Recession:

We won't retrench workers —FG

Ajaokuta: FG resolves 10-yr concession trouble —P10

—P5

—P3

•To kick-start steel development •Signs agreement with Global Steel for resuscitation of Itakpe Iron Ore, Ajaokuta Steel companies

Buhari sacks, replaces JAMB, 16 other CEOs

—P32

•Oloyede replaces Dibu Ojerinde Alleged budget padding

From left, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu; Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Brigade Commander, 35th Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General Mohammed Danwalis and the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Suraj Adekunbi, when the governor visited Ebute Ibafo, one of the communities where the military is currently battling suspected militants, on Monday.

Jibrin submits petition to ICPC, —P3 EFCC, in 2-hour meeting with IGP

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Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

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Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Ajaokuta: FG resolves 10-yr concession trouble

•To kick-start steel development •Signs agreement with Global Steel for resuscitation of Itakpe Iron Ore, Ajaokuta Steel companies Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja wth Agency Report

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HE Federal Government, on Monday, took a major step in its plan to revitalise the steel sector, as it signed a renegotiated concession agreement with Global Steel Holdings Limited (GSHL) for the Nigerian Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe, Kogi State.

By the new agreement, Ajaokuta Steel Complex has now reverted to the Federal Government, effectively freeing the entity from all contractual encumbrances that had left it uncompleted and non-functional for decades, while GSHL retains NIOMCO.

The new agreement, which came after four years of mediation, was signed at a short ceremony presided over by the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in his office at the Villa, on Monday.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, signed on behalf of the government, while chairman of GSHL, Prammod Mittal, signed on behalf of the company.

Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Honourable Abubakar Bwari; International Mediator, Mr Phillip Howell-Richardson and top officials of the ministries of Justice and Solid Minerals Development also witnessed the signing ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Professor Osinbajo lauled the mediation process that led to the resolution of the problem that had made it impossible for the two national assets to be functional for years.

“It is one of the cases of failures. It is a tragedy of immense proportion that we have both Ajaokuta Steel Complex and NIOMCO and couldn’t get anything out of them for years” Vice-President Osinbajo said.

The Vice-President, who said making the entities to work was a top priority of the administration, urged GSHL to keep to the various timelines in the agreement in the spirit of mediation.

He added that it was im-

portant the concession work “so that Ajaokuta can take off too.”

Dr Fayemi, who led the Federal Government side in the mediation process, said with the new agreement on NIOMCO, the next step is to commence the process of taking over Ajaokuta and ensuring that it was given out to a serious operator with proven technical and financial capacity.

“It is our expectation that we would accomplish two things – bring NIOMCO to full function and starts the process of retaking Ajaokuta and then give it to a new operator.

“With this, we will move from being just a mineral nation to a mining nation.

Once the first phase of the

agreement is accomplished, it is the intention of the Federal Government to quickly move into accomplishing the objectives of concessioning the Ajaokuta Steel Plant to the most competent operator who meets the requirements of credible track record, technical capacity and financial competence.

“Overall, we are confident that this landmark settlement is a pointer to what to expect in the government’s determination to fix the Nigerian mining sector. This is one of the key milestones in the road map for the growth and development of the Nigerian mining sector and I want to thank our team from the Federal Ministries of Justice and Solid Miner-

Alleged budget padding: Jibrin submits petition to ICPC, EFCC In 2-hour meeting with IGP Chris Agbambu, Jacob Segun Olatunji, Saliu Gbadamosi, Ademola Adegbite and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

IMMEDIATE past chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, on Monday, submitted documents he said indicted the Speaker of the House, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers, of padding the 2016 budget to the anti-graft agencies.

He also spent about two hours with the InspectorGeneral of Police, Ibrahim Idris, at the Force Headquarters, during which he submitted a petition against principal officers of the House.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has, however, assigned a team of detectives to commence scrutinising the document officially submitted by Jibrin.

Honourable Jibrin, who was at the headquarters of the ICPC in Abuja, in company with over 10 lawyers, told newsmen that he was at the office to officially submit his petition.

Although, journalists were not allowed into the venue of the meeting between Honourable Jibrin, his team and ICPC chairman, Mr Ekpo Nta, investigations by the Nigerian Tribune, revealed that the team of detectives was to, as well, carry out thorough investigation into corrupt allegation lev-

elled against the leadership of the House.

Honourable Jibrin, who arrived the ICPC headquarters at exactly 11.35 a.m., left the agency around 12.35 p.m.

Fielding questions from journalists at the head office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, Jibrin alleged that he had been having a running battle of people stalking him in the last one week.

“On the issue of threat to life, there has been that. Of course, in the last one week, I have had a running battle of people stalking me, but this is a battle of my life and so long as I know my conscience is clear, we would continue to pursue this struggle,” the Kano Stateborn member of House of Representatives stated.

Jibrin, dressed in white kaftan with a white cap to match, arrived the EFCC office at 3.04 p.m. in a black Toyota Land Cruiser, with registration number BWR 768 AM and went straight into the office where he submitted his

petition to the acting chairman of the anti-graft commission, Ibrahim Magu.

A source informed the Nigerian Tribune that Magu, who was said to be waiting to receive the petition personally from the lawmaker, added that the acting chairman expressed happiness that Jibrin did not disappoint the commission in submitting the petition.

Jibrin said he was ready to continue to cooperate with the EFCC with a view to ensuring speedy investigation of what he termed institutionalised corruption in the House of Representatives.

He informed that his petition was against the leadership of the House, including Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun; House whip, Dogowa; minority leader, Leo Ogor and nine other members of the House, who he refused to mention their names.

According to him, “I have had meeting with the commission. I will continue to cooperate with the commission. In fact, I will give the commission the maximum

cooperation to ensure the speedy investigation of this matter and commencement of prosecution. I am sure that in due course, you will hear more of this petition.”

He informed that he added a member of the House who went on air to counter what he (Jibrin) said that there was corruption in the House, adding that he picked the member and asked EFCC to investigate the running cost of his office as a case study in order to establish if there was a case of misappropriation of fund in the office.

“The person that was added, he went on air when I said there is corruption in the House, he said there is no corruption in the House.

And I said, ok let’s put it before the public.

“Let’s take a case study and let the EFCC investigate and tell the public if there is corruption or not, because I know there is institutional corruption and I picked him as a case study and I have asked the EFCC to do an investigation of the run-

ning cost of his office and see if they will not establish a case of misappropriation of fund,” Jubrin stated.

He, however, said that he was not afraid of anything as those he accused of corruption “have not accused me of anything.”

Jibrin, after submitting the petition to the police, said it was left for the security agency to do a thorough job of investigating the alleged budget padding.

Jibrin arrived Force headquarters in company with his lead counsel, Mohammed Abdulhameed and a retinue of lawyers and security escorts.

They were ushered into the IGP’s office where he spent close to two hours.

He told journalists that, “I have done my own part by submitting the petition to the security agencies.

“I have given my word that I will give maximum cooperation in the investigation. What I want is a thorough investigation, so that at least, we can send these people to jail.”

als for their hard work and also thank GSHL for sticking to the provisions of the laws in seeking resolutions to the problem.”

Fayemi described the settlement as a landmark development that would help the diversification plans of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The GSHL chairman, Mr Mittal, said the company waited for eight years to achieve this amicable settlement.

He said his organisation was committed to the objectives of the agreement and guaranteed supply to Ajaokuta plant and Delta Steel Company, after which it wiould sell what was left to other interested parties.

He assured the government of its readiness to commence operation soon, adding that in the next two years, Nigeria would begin to produce steel.

The international mediator, Mr Richardson, launded the government and GSHL for opting for mediation as a means of settling the dispute.

It is recalled that negotiations for amicable resolution of the Ajaokuta crisis had dragged on since 2008, leaving the country’s steel and industrial sectors largely comatose.

Following this settlement, the steel sub sector is on the way to being revitalised and Nigeria’s industrial base solidified.

Dispute over the ownership of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and NIOMCO had made it impossible for government to make any longterm plans for the concession or privatisation of the two companies.

President Buhari gave approval for the execution of the modified concession agreement with Global Steel Holdings Limited, after he received the reports of the mediation meetings from the Ministry of Justice. continues pg32

I’m not working against Dogara —Gbajabiamila AS the controversy over alleged budget padding rages on in the House of Representatives, majority leader, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday, denied working against the Speaker, Honourable Dogara.

The message came against the background of allegation among some members that he was working against the interest of the House

leadership.

According to Gbajabiamila, “Since the budget controversy that engulfed the House about a week ago, I have pointedly maintained a dignified silence.”

“I did this for the sake of the institution I represent and which I have laboured hard to grow and protect, knowing that whatever I say could be impactful both

within the House and outside it.

“I was determined to keep in place the glue that holds an otherwise fragmented House, protect its integrity and at same time avoid eroding the little confidence and vestiges of hope Nigerians have in us.

“Unfortunately, the controversy has now taken a different turn, following the

rather strange if not comical text making the rounds amongst members about my complicity in this rather sordid matter.

“I am being dragged into an arena I tried very hard to stay out of only for the good of the House.

“The Speakership election has come and gone. The election was divisive and acrimonious, but I have since

worked hard to heal the wounds some of which still fester amongst members on both sides.

“It is my responsibility to bring all tendencies in a House I lead together and I have worked well with the Speaker and all other principal officers in a bipartisan manner and in the interest of the institution and the country,” the statement read.

news Buhari not targeting Christians, opposition for persecution —Presidency

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Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Says terrorists, not FG, responsible for IDPs’ plight Leon Usigbe - Abuja

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HE Presidency has refuted allegations that President Muhammadu Buhari was targeting Christians and opposition elements, saying the claim was without foundation.

According to the statement, “as for claims that the administration is targeting Christians and the opposition, these are without foundation.

“Since assuming office, President Buhari has treated all Nigerians without bias for ethnicity or religion - as the composition of his cabinet and the policies and programmes of his administration demonstrate.

“To suggest his government as deepening MuslimChristian division is not only untrue, but plays into the hands of Boko Haram who wish to divide Nigerians along religious lines.

Fighting this group is key priority of President Buhariled administration.

“Indeed, the international community has widely acknowledged his determination to defeat terrorism in Nigeria and the entire Lake Chad Basin.

“There is nothing to gain by attempting to mould public opinion against these facts. Therefore, we invite The Telegraph to visit Nigeria to witness firsthand, not only the challenges we face, but the administration’s determination to confront them.”

The Presidency also refuted allegations that the Fed-

eral Government was diverting international aid meant to fight terrorism and alleviate the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), thereby compounding their problem, saying that rather than government being accused, Boko Haram insurgents should be blamed for their condition.

Reacting to a July 30, 2016

publication in London Telegraph, which made the claim, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement issued in Abuja, on Monday, that the situation of the refugees was bad, but it was not the doing of government.

He said: “The humanitarian situation in these camps

From left, Senior Legal Officer, United Nations (UN) Office for West Africa, Don Eden Webster; UN Secretary on Africa, Mohammed Ibn Chambas; President Muhammadu Buhari and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Jean Gough, during an audience the president granted the delegation from the UN at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

FG extends N-Power registration deadline From Leon Usigbe and Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare THE deadline for the registration for N-Power, an online jobs and training initiative under the N500 billion Federal Government social investment programme has been extended.

The application process commenced on June 12, 2016 and was to close on Monday, July 25, 2016.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity,

Laolu Akande, in Abuja, on Monday, the new deadline for the receipt of applications is now Wednesday, August 31, 2016.

It explained the extension became necessary, in order to pull in more potentially qualified candidates and expand the opportunity base around and across the country.

“However, being very keen on keeping its promise of empowering and uplifting young Nigerians by improving their livelihood and creating opportunities such as this (in an as inclusive and

diverse manner), the Federal Government is providing an additional grace period for more young Nigerians to access the N-Power opportunity,” the statement said.

Akande also said N-Power, which is segmented into three— N-Power Teachers Corps Agriculture & Health related jobs, N-Power Knowledge for ICT and NPower Build for building services & artisanal training is one of the initiatives of the N500 billion President Muhammadu Buhari’s Social Investment Programme

Nigeria will respect ICJ’s ruling on Nigeria-Cameroon border —Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday declared that his administration would abide by the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

He made the declaration when he received a United Nations Mission led by a Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mohammed Ibn Chambers, at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Monday.

Buhari stated that Nigeria would not do anything to hamper the work of the

is real. The administration remains deeply concerned about the medical, health and nutrition challenges and we are doing everything with the limited resources we have at our disposal to improve the situation.

“However, the blame for the plight of refugees lies with Boko Haram. They are its cause, not the Nigerian

various United Nations committees on the border.

“We will abide by the law. Having accepted the judgment of the ICJ, we are ready to support the security and logistics requirements of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) to carry out the border demarcation,” the President said.

The President expressed support for the exercise, recalling that as Military Head of State between 1984 and 1985, his administration instituted the demarcation of the Nigeria land borders from Benin to Bakassi and urged that all

committees be allowed to carry out their functions in line with the ICJ decision.

Earlier, Mohammed Ibn Chambers, Chairman of CNMC, had informed President Buhari that 2,001 kilometers out of 2,100 kilometers separating Nigeria and Cameroon had been marked, leaving a balance of 99 kilometers to conclude the demarcation.

He expressed hope that the remaining area would be completed latest by the first quarter of next year following the relative calm that had returned to border areas earlier inhabited

by Boko Haram terrorists.

designed to empower young Nigerians with lifelong skills to find or create work.

He reiterated that it was targeted at young Nigerians aged between 18 and 35 and was aimed at enlisting a total of 600,000 young Nigerians in phases and under different sectors in the largest capacity development and empowerment effort in the country.

Akande added that “the Federal Government will continue to work with the state governments through their respective focal persons on social investments to ensure that N-Power is diverse and inclusive. This extension presents an opportunity for persons who have not had the opportunity to apply to do so now.

This will also allow those yet to complete the application process to ensure they see the process through as in-

complete applications will not be processed.”

The release further cautioned that applications might be subject to other criteria which could be found on the N-Power website, adding that any prospective applicant with any challenge uploading supporting documents on to the portal because of the size of the files, should attach these documents in a mail that should be sent to support@ npower.gov.ng “After the application portal closes, there will be verification, testing and selection process before successful applicants are enlisted in phases as the specific programme design may necessitate and the government will publicise the selection criteria before the application process comes to a close,” he stated.

government.”

The statement denied that government had diverted United Kingdom’s (UK) development fund meant for defeating Boko Haram to other purposes, saying that UK did not give money to fund military operations against Boko Haram.

The statement read in part: “The London Telegraph’s article ‘Children Face Death by Starvation in Northern Nigeria’ (30th July) repeats a claim from an earlier piece ‘Nigeria Using UK Aid to Persecute President’s Political Foes’ (12th April), that Nigeria is diverting UK aid monies away from defeating the Islamist terror group, Boko Haram, towards those the newspaper identified as political opponents of the administration. This is as incorrect as it is unhelpful.

“These claims in both articles are attributed to an unnamed ‘source’ in the United States and ‘Western officials’. Yet, when the first article was published, it drew the condemnation of the US Embassy in Abuja as having drawn conclusions directly opposite to the position of the US government.

“To state the facts, the UK government does not give development aid to the Nigerian administration for use in military operations against Boko Haram.

Where British military support-such as intelligence- is provided, it is precisely and only given for operations directly against Boko Haram.

“Similarly, the Nigerian government is in no position to divert aid monies used for emergency relief for refugees or IDP camps for any other purpose, as these are dispensed directly by DFID, USAID, the United Nations, the International Red Cross, Doctors without Borders and many other organisations - with which we enjoy excellent relations.”

The Presidency regretted the recent Boko Haram attack on a United Nations aid convoy and encouraged the world body to continue to render assistance.

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Recession: We won’t retrench workers —FG Says extension of service of Perm Sec constitutional Clement Idoko - Abuja

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HE Federal Government has assured Nigerian workers that it has no plan to retrench staff, in spite of the current economic recession and dwindling revenue.

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, who disclosed this on Monday, while briefing newsmen as part of activities marking the 2016 Civil Service Week, also said extension of service years of a Permanent Secretary was constitutional.

She said: “No, we are not planning to retrench. What this administration is doing is to improve the efficiency level of workers. The restructuring of some of the ministries will not lead to retrenchment of workers.

Government is conscious of the current economic situation we are facing.

“It will be recalled that when some banks planned to retrench recently, the Minister of Labour and Employment was very hard on them.”

On the extension of the Service of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Jamila Shu’ara and the appointment of some Permanent Secretaries from outside the Federal Civil Service, Oyo-Ita explained that appointment of Permanent Secretaries was a prerogative of the president.

Shu’ara’s service was allegedly extended for about one year by the Federal Government after she was due for retirement from service.

The Head of Service said the extension of her years of service was constitutional, since appointment of permanent secretaries was at the discretion of the president who approved the extension.

She also disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced prosecution of those behind thousands of ghost workers recently discovered and removed from the payroll.

The Federal Government had recently discovered over 56, 000 ghost workers as a result of the implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and automated payroll system.

Oyo-Ita said the theme of this year’s Civil Service Week celebration: “The Nigerian Public Service: Towards overcoming harsh economic realities” was deliberately chosen to provide good reflection of the current situation and also offer concrete solutions going forward.

She used the opportunity to restate her abiding faith and confidence in the Civil Service and called on Nigerians to continue to support and appreciate the service and its workers.

“Since my assumption of office as Head of Civil Service of the Federation, I have started to put in place a number of programmes that would assuage some of the challenges confronting the Civil Service, particularly efficient service delivery and personal welfare,” she said.

The Head of Service also

disclosed that government was working assiduously to pay about N293 billion death benefits and other staff claims.

She said: “On assumption of office, I met service-wide staff claims for promotion arrears first 23 days, repatriation allowance, death benefits and other staff claims totalling about N293 billion.

“The issue was presented to Mr President and he ex-

pressed deep concern and immediately directed the Minister of Finance to address the situation. The payments would have been made but for the resource constraints of government,” she said.

She added that efforts were at advanced stage to prioritise the payment process, adding that phased payment formula and would be concluded in due course.

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki (middle), Senator Baba Kaka Garbai (right), Stella Oduah (second right), Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (fourth right), Senator Monsurat Sumonnu (seventh right), Senator Fosta Ogola (left) and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), after the Senate President hosted the group to a dinner, in Abuja, recently.

Mahmoud wins 2016 NBA elections •Supporters bicker over ‘rigging’ Sunday Ejike -Abuja ABUBAKAR Balarabe Mahmoud, was on Monday, declared winner of the 2016 presidential election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Mahmoud, a former Attorney-General of Kano State polled 3, 055 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Joe Kyari Gadzama, who polled 2, 384 votes.

He was around 1 o’clock Monday morning declared winner of the keenly con-

tested presidency of the NBA. Other winners were Mr Caleb Gal Dajan, first vicepresident; Mr Monday Ubani, second vice-president and Mr Benedict Oji, third vice-president, all of whom were returned unopposed.

Mr Isiaka Olagunju polled 2,721 votes to beat Mr Desmond Yamah, who polled 2,510 votes, while the post of first assistant secretary went to Mr Okey Leo Ohagba, who had 2,402 votes to beat his closet rival, Mr

Olukunle Edun who polled 1, 653 votes. Mr Enebi Mohammed Salihu polled 1, 067 votes to place third.

Other winners are Ugbuji Cecilia Ngede, Second Assistant Secretary; Ado Aisha Abdullahi, Treasurer; Adesina Adegbite, Welfare Secretary; Ngozi Udodi, Financial Secretary; Dorcas Ngwu, Assistant Financial Secretary; Chuwuemeka Mbamala, Assistant Publicity Secretary, and Oyeyemi Rafiu Balogun, Legal Adviser.

Meanwhile, supporters

Mafiana steps in as NUC’s acting Executive Secretary Be courageous, Okojie advises him Clement Idoko - Abuja PROFESSOR Chiedu Mafiana has stepped in as the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). He took over from Professor Julius Okojie on Monday.

Okojie, who has retired after 10 years as the Executive Secretary of the commission, advised his successor to be courageous and have the fear of God in exercising regulatory power of the commission.

Professor Mafiana, who until Monday was the Dep-

uty Executive Secretary I of the commission, would direct the affairs of NUC till a substantive Executive Secretary is appointed

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Delta State-born Mafiana, who is the most senior Director in the commission, assumed office after a brief handing over ceremony at the NUC’s head office in Abuja, on Monday.

Speaking further, the former NUC boss, who said he would return to teaching at the University of Agriculture, Abeaokuta (UNAB), called

on parents to believe in the quality of Nigerian universities instead of sending their children to universities in the West Africa sub-region, especially some private universities in Ghana.

“Only poor parents send their children to Ghana universities, not poor in money, but poor in mind,” he added.

The former Executive Secretary, Professor Okojie, who went down memory lane on his first sojourn to NUC in 2002 as a visiting Professor, commended the entire staff for the achieve-

ments recorded, which had placed Nigerian universities in better position.

While saying that two principles— fear of God and the love for neighbour, saw him through in the 10 years as NUC boss, Professor Okojie said courageous and strong decisions were taken by him to improve the university system, no matter whose ox was gored.

“You don’t expect everybody to like you. We had the courage, we suspended many licences and they took us to National Assembly but the university

of Gadzama and Mahmoud engaged themselves in a war of words over allegations of plans to rig the elections.

Opening the can of worms, a key supporter of Gadzama, Mr T. T. Hyundu wrote: “Gentlemen, it has been discovered that the NBA EXCO fraudulently created a portal for A. B. Mahmoud, where the result is collated separately from the original portal.”

Not done, Hyundu who is also the Assistant Secretary of Arewa Lawyers Forum

system is better today,” he said.

Professor Mafiana, in his remark, eulogised his predecessor for the various achievements recorded in office, which had gone a long way in improving the quality of the Nigerian university system, even as he called for support in carrying out the new assignment.

“We will continue to regulate the university system with courage and I count on the management to give me adequate support as it was given to Professor Okojie,” the acting NUC boss said.

(ALF) said: “Furthermore, there are additional names added to the branches e. g.

200 names were added to Abuja branch just to enable them have their way. I now understand the basis of our opponents.

But the Mahmoud camp quickly fired back, with Jibrin Sam Okutepa saying: “Mr Hyundu I don’t think giving your propensity to make wild and unsubstantiated allegations, I will be bothered about what you post. But having invited me and the fact that I am a stakeholder in this project of the Bar, I am forced to react thus: That your allegation of manipulation of voter register with over 200 members to favour one candidate against your preferred candidate must be proved by you and you need to supply sufficient particulars.

“Two, your assertion that NBA president allowed presidential candidates and, indeed, other candidates to have experts represent them at the secretariat which I confirmed to be correct is in sharp contrast with the allegation in litigations sponsored by your preferred candidate that the president did allow experts to represent candidates.”

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Nigerian Tribune

Lagos

Lagos, Ogun creeks: Aeriel bombardment to continue until... —Air Force Chris Agbamu

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HE Air Force, on Monday, said the aerial bombardment it commenced last week in Lagos and Ogun communities will continue until the criminals are totally dislodged.The raid, which commenced on Thursday, continued on Monday.

The latest air strike was in continuation of the aerial bombardment commenced by the Air Force to rid the affected areas of pipeline vandals and other criminal elements.

Director of Air Force Public Relations, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, in a statement in Abuja,

Says footage shows criminals sufficiently displaced on Monday night, said the ongoing air operation was aimed at providing air support for the Joint Task Force recently set-up by the Defence Headquarters to dislodge pipeline vandals in the South-West, in an operation codenamed “Operation Awatse.”

According to him, there were strong indications based on analysis of the enclosed footage on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as strike and battle damage assessment (BDA) missions undertaken by NAF aircraft that the vandals had been sufficiently

displaced from their current locations at Arepo, while their criminal ac-

tivities had also been disrupted.

He said NAF was inten-

sifying its ongoing air operations day and night to neutralise the remnants

of the vandals who might have relocated deep inside the Mangrove forest.

We’ll continue to interface with FG to sustain security —Amosun Olayinka Olukoya OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Monday, said his administration would continue to interface with the Federal Government to sustain security of lives and property of residents who had been under siege by criminals in some parts of the state.

He said this when he paid assessment tour to Ebute Ibafo and other troubled areas in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state, following the bombardment of the creeks by the military, last Thursday.

Nigerian Tribune recalled that many suspected to be militants were killed in a joint operation.

Governor Amosun appreciated the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari for the deployment of military in the affected communities, saying that the battle had dislodged the criminals.

He described the activities of the militants as organised crime that must not be allowed to thrive.

Amosun, who was shocked by the number of jerry cans, numbering hundreds, found on the surface of the water in one of the creeks, ordered their immediate destruction.

He added that about 500

metres to the creeks would be cleared so as to open up the area, saying that the criminals, with this development, would no longer have a place to hide.

“I want to appeal that we should not just leave this place like this. Yes, they have ran away for obvious reasons, but we have what I call a force beyond rears. You know ordinarily that they may want to regroup. They were well organised.

“I think this is a signal for those crooks because I don’t want to call them militants.

These are criminals. We are happy that the president has done the right thing which we are grateful for,” the governor added.

He promised that his government would provide necessary support for all security agencies to ensure that the areas were well secured.

“Please, there is still a lot to be done because now they’ve seen this and ran away, but something tells me that with what they have seen, they will ordinary want to regroup and we never can say. Criminals will always be criminals. We should be ready for them.

“We, as a government, will give you the necessary support. We, as a state government, will continue to interface with the Federal Government,” he said.

Air force officials inspecting the footage captured during the air raid of Lagos, Ogun communities, on Monday.

Military confirms arrest of 11 militants •Denies death of 100 Olalekan Olabulo THE military, on Monday, continued the air raids in Arepo, Ibafo, Awawa and Ikorodu, Igando in Ogun and Lagos states as the number of arrested milltants swelled to 11.

Four speed boats suspected to have been abandoned by the militants were, late on Sunday, recovered by the military around Arepo and Ibafo areas of Ogun State.

The military also denied that over 100 people had been killed in the operation which started last Thursday, saying that the target of the operation had been identified.

Participants in the operations, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and the police, met on Monday at the Logistics

command of the Nigerian Air Force, Ikeja, to review the ongoing operation.

Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, who spoke with newsmen shortly after the meeting, stated that the air raid would continue.

Those present at the security meeting were Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Sani Ahmed; the Commander, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, General Sani Mohammed; Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni; the Director, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tajudeen Balogun.

Bobai told newsmen that “after using some of their

surveillance aircraft to carry out racking of the areas since Thursday, the NAF pilots were at the Logistics command today (Monday) to brief us.”

The naval chief also added that “we identified four key targets which we believe, when knocked off, will set confusion in the militants’ and vandals’ camp.

“The NAF at the weekend used their Alpha Jets and helicopters to identify the targets and so, we had to call all the agencies involved to do an after battle assessment.”

Bobai also said “we have watched the video that the racking aircrafts have captured and we are convinced that there is the need to sustain the operation.

“So, we are going to sustain and continue to mop up the ground as the NAF use their

air power to neutralise some other areas.”

Meanwhile the defence spokesman, Brigadier-General Rabe Abubakar, has denied that innocent people were killed in the air raid, saying the attacks were precise on targeted places.

He also stated that the attack was targeted at criminals and not at any group of people from any part of the country.

A resident of Arepo, Qudus, told the Lagos Metro that an ambulance was brought in on Sunday night to see if bodies of the millants had been recovered, but none was found.

He also stated that four speed boats were taken away by the military men who had continued to ensure a surveillance patrol of Arepo and neighbouring communities.

7

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

metro

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

Tailor slumps, dies after death threat by neighbour Opeyemi Owoaseye A 23-year-old man from Obafe Owode, Abeokuta, Ogun State, slumped and died after a threat from a member of the community in the Orobiyi, Alagbado area of Lagos State, on Sunday.

The deceased was said to have died few hours after the suspected killer, (names withheld), threatened him that he would not live to see the next day to open his shop.

Lagos Metro gathered that the deceased fashion designer died when he returned from where he had gone to watch a football match on the field.

It was learnt that when the deceased returned from where he had gone to watch a football match, he saw a 10-year-old boy in front of his fashion designing shop and asked the boy what he wanted.

The boy was said to have given an unknown man a sum of N500 which was originally meant for an errand by his father in exchange of N1,000 which the man promised him.

Lagos Metro gathered that the man ran away immediately he collected the money from the boy.

Dahud Owolabi, who claimed to be the deceased room-mate, told Lagos Metro on a visit to the place that the killer threatened the deceased openly that he would not live till the next day to open his shop.

“Lukemon was my room mate. He was very nice and respectful. When he finished eating bread and butter around 10.00 a.m. yester-

day (Sunday), we went to the field to watch football.

“We decided to come back to the shop, and when we got there, we saw an 11-year-old boy in front of his shop with some people.

“We asked him what he wanted, he said that a man collected N500 from him and said he was going to exchange it with N1,000 and that the man ran away,” he said.

“We told the young boy to discribe the man who collected money from him, he said the man is fat and was putting on Ankara cloth. We initially thought it was a resident, a man popularly called Bishop, because he is also fat.

“When we called on Bishop, we asked the boy if it was Bishop that collected the money from him and he said ‘no’. We had to tell him to go home since he did not even know the man who collected the money.

“After some time, the boy’s father came and begin to shout, telling the deceased and the people that were around to produce the money which we know nothing about. We told him that we were not responsible for the money. Then he left shouting.

“Suddenly, he came back with a LASTMA official and was threatening the deceased that since the whole thing happened in front of his shop, he must provide the money. In the course of the argument, he openly said that if the deceased does not provide the money, he won’t live to open his shop today (Monday).

“Lukemon rejected the statement and he left the place for his house. After few hours, he slumped and died

on the road at about 12 noon on his way back to his shop,” he said.

Lagos Metro learnt that when the suspected killer heard that Lukemon had died, he tried to run away as angry mob tried to burn his house, but he was later rescued by policemen from Alagbado division and was taken to police station.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased was said to have been buried in his father’s house at Ijoko.

Lagos police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.

“One Adam Shotunde reported that the suspect threatened his son, that he would not live to open his shop tomorrow (Monday).

LASU abduction: Panel to begin sitting this week THE students’ disciplinary committee of the Lagos State University (LASU) will, this week, commence investigation into the alleged attempt by two students and a recent graduate of the university to abduct the president of LASU Student Union, Mr Tayo Sekoni, even as the matter has been handed over to the police.

This was disclosed on Monday by the Dean of

Students’ Affairs of the institution, Dr Femi Obayori, at a press conference in his office.

“The committee will begin its sitting in three to four days,” he said.

“Three people have already been named. Definitely, more people would be mentioned. Everybody will have to come out and say their own sides of the story.

“It is a story that is still unfolding. One thing is very clear and very certain. The

Police inspector shot, 2 robbers killed Olalekan Olabulo TWO wanted members of a gang that specialised in robbing bank customers in Lagos were, on Monday, killed during a gun battle with policemen.

A police inspector, who had gone to a branch of a new generation bank in Idimu area of the state to withdraw money, was, however, shot by the robbers.

One of the three-man robbery gang, Gafar, was later

arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Team and policemen attached to Idimu divisional police station.

It was gathered that the police inspector had, around mid-day on Monday, gone to make a withdrawal from the bank when the robbers attacked him.

The policeman was shot in the face but the sounds of the shootings attracted the IGP Team to the scene of the robbery operation.

“The deceased slumped and died. Joint team of patrol vehicles led by Ibrahim Akinlade moved to the scene to remove the body to suppress further tension.

“The father of the deceased resisted the action of the police on ground that he wanted to bury his son according to Islamic rites. Investigation is ongoing,” she said.

The deplorable state of the road that leads to Ketu Fruit Market located right beside Isheri/Ketu Ikosi LCDA. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Naza Okoli

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident to Lagos Metro and added that the injured inspector was recuperating at the hospital.

“Gafar and two others were intercepted by operatives from Idimu division and IGP’s anti-vandalism team on Okunola Street, Idimu while robbing a bank customer.”

She added that “the gang had targeted a customer coming out of a bank, who was

Nigerian Tribune

later identifued as an inspector of police, was fired on the face in order to dispossess him of the money he was carrying in a bag.”

The Lagos police spokesperson added that “on sighting the operatives, the robbers opened fire and the team responded, leading to two of the robbers being hit by bullets.

“The robbers were rushed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead, while the victim is recovering in the hospital.”

assault did actually happen.

And it happened after two people who were mentioned in that case had been cautioned,” he added.

Obayori, who said the university management would not take sides in the matter, but would, instead, support the panel to carry out a thorough investigation, added that it was the policy of the management to make such matters open.

It was meanwhile gathered that the attempted abduction was indeed a fallout of a factional rift involving the union president and other participants during the national convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) held recently at Gombe.

A statement issued by the university at the weekend said two students, Oladayo Mojeed Babatunde and Adebanjo Fatai Adekoya, and a fresh graduate, Fola Kosoko, had attempted to kidnap Sekoni on his way home from school on Thursday.

Police quiz priest over death of banker Olalekan Olabulo THE priest in charge of the Catholic Church where a banker, Olisa Nwokobi, shot himself in Lekki area, at the weekend, has been quizzed by the police.

The police may also invite officials of the Lekki branch of the new generation bank, where the deceased Olisa last worked before his death.

The priest in charge of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, according to the police, was not arrested but was invited for questioning as a “first witness.”

Lagos Metro gathered that the clergyman was, on Monday, grilled by detectives attached to the Lagos State police command.

A police source who pleaded anonymity, while speaking with Lagos Metro, said the pastor might have been invited as a result of the press release from the deceased man’s employer, which stated that he was having a personal challenge.

“We are doing our job.

We want to go beyond the reports that he killed himself because of a loan that he approved. We want to look at other things that could be responsible for the death,” the police source said.

He also added that “the priest is not the only person that will be invited.

People from his banks will also be arrested. It is just for investigation purpose.”

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, also confirmed that the clergyman was quizzed by the police but pointed out that he was not arrested.

“We are not investigating the priest but, being the first witness, we asked him some questions to aid our investigations,” she said.

8

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 135TH MEETING OF THE JOINT TAX BOARD (JTB) HELD ON THE 25TH AND 26TH July, 2016 AT PARK INN BY RADISSON, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

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he JTB held its 135th Meeting on the 25th and 26th July, 2016 at Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the theme: "Presumptive Tax Regime for Informal Sector: A Leeway to Grow IGR". The Board deliberated on various issues and reached the following major decisions, 1. that all tax authorities should ensure that high net worth individuals pay their tax as and when due, 2. that automation of tax administration processes be given priority to cover all aspects of taxation at both federal and state levels, 3. that tax potentials from the informal sector be explored in order to increase Government’s quest to grow Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), 4. that deduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Withholding Tax (WHT) at source be implemented at the State and Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by automating the process to enhance efficiency and boosting collection of the taxes, 5. that the JTB Co-opted members should discharge their statutory functions to assist in tax revenue generation in the following ways, a) Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) should make it mandatory for presentation of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) for issuance of Immigration facilities, b) that Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and other traffic agencies should enforce presentation of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) as a requirement for road traffic offenders before resolution of their cases, 6. that States Internal Revenue Service (SIRSs) should make presentation of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) as a requirement for processing of Driver's Licence and Number Plates, 7. that tax authorities should intensify efforts in training and capacity building programmes for its Staff to enhance efficiency in the system and 8. that State tax authorities should encourage cashless payment and automation of tax process as a means of checking leakages in the system.

SIGNED:

Tunde Fowler Chairman, Joint Tax Board

M. L Abubakar Secretary, Joint Tax Board

9

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016 10 news National convention: PDP North-West leaders fail to agree on sharing formula for offices Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

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meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders from the North-West states to arrive at a sharing formula for posts zoned to the area at the forthcoming national convention of the party in Port Harcourt ended in a deadlock in Kaduna, on Monday.

The zone, which comprises Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states, has been allotted 11 positions to be shared

among them.

The meeting, held at Bafra Hotel, was to discuss, among other things, how the zone could forge a united front and harmonise the agenda ahead of the convention scheduled for the Rivers State capital on August 17.

Out of the 11 positions zoned to the North by the PDP headquarters in Abuja, the North-West had been allocated four slots; NorthEast, three while the NorthCentral had four.

The key posts zoned to the North-West are national

Group begs N/Central leaders to concede publicity secretary slot to Kwara A group under the Kwara Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kwara Support Group (KSG), has appealed to the North Central zone leadership of the party to concede its slot of the national publicity secretary to Kwara State on the basis of equity and justice.

Leader of the group, Olanrewaju Olokode, urged party leaders and stakeholders in the North Central to graciously reconsider the zoning arrangement of party’s national publicity secretary in favour of Kwara State.

Olokode also urged the leaders and stakeholders to prevail on the Benue State leadership by “reasons and

brotherliness, to concede the slot to Kwara State PDP.” He said Benue State had, for eight years, enjoyed the Senate presidency, a slot zoned to the North Central geo-political zone under the PDP arrangement.

“Also, in the 2011 and 2015 presidential elections, the Benue State produced the zonal coordinator in the person of former governor of the state, Gabriel Suswan.

“Benue has had a good fair share of North Central zone collective stake, Kwara State should been given this slot in spirit of friendly relationship, equity, justice and good political calculation ahead 2019 election,” he added.

secretary, national woman leader, deputy legal adviser and deputy treasurer.

However, sources at the meeting said it ended in a deadlock because of lack of compromise among the interested power blocs from the zone.

The PDP national vice chairman (North-West), Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, who briefed newsmen after the meeting, said the positions would be shared among the old Sokoto State comprising Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States; old Kano State consisting of Kano and Jigawa and the old Kaduna State made up of Kaduna and Katsina states.

However, he stated that at the end of the meeting, no consensus was reached on any position because of many interests.

He, however, said, a committee of 12 persons had been constituted to resolve the logjam. The committee is to meet on Friday to look into the various interests and come out with an agreed positions of the zone.

“The states that make up the old Sokoto states will produce the national secretary, while Kaduna State will produce the national woman leader,” he said.

Prominent among PDP stalwarts at the meeting were the national caretaker committee chairman, Sena-

tor Ahmed Makarfi; former Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto), Malam Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and Rama-

lan Yero (Kaduna).

Also in attendance were former Aviation Minister (state) and now Kaduna State chairman of the party; former organising secretary,

Mustapha Abubakar; former Kaduna State deputy governor, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, as well as state party chairmen from the NorthWest zone.

PDP state chairmen disown Sheriff Leon Usigbe -Abuja STATE chairmen of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have pledged their loyalty to the national caretaker committee of the party, led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

According to a statement issued by Honourable Yahaya Y. Suleiman, PDP chairman, FCT and chairman of PDP State Chairmen in Abuja, on Monday, at no time did the chairmen declare support for factional national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Sheriff.

“The attention of the PDP state chairmen has been drawn to a purported declaration of loyalty and support to the former national chairman of our great party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff by the Borno State PDP chapter chairman, Hon. Shehu Shettima.

“I wish to state on behalf of the state chapter chairmen of the PDP in 29 states of the federation that our unflinching and unalloyed loyalty and maximum support remains with the party, the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) led by Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi’s national caretaker committee.

“Our loyalty is first and foremost to the party and to the national caretaker committee which is a product of the party’s highest decision making organ, the national convention that held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and also affirmed by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on July 4, 2016.

“My position which represents that of 29 out of 30 chairmen of our party in the state where congresses held during the last state congresses is that, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must first of all survive before we can remain chairmen in our respective states.

“So, our loyalty is first to the PDP and then to the national caretaker committee which is approved, constituted and appointed by the PDP’s national convention; and upheld by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement read.

It added that any member or members pitching tent with the former national

chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, should know that the interest of the party was supreme, paramount and bigger than any personal or parochial interest.

The chairmen asserted that no order or judgment was given in favour of Senator Sheriff making him the national chairman of the PDP. “We wish to also remind Nigerians of subsisting court judgments of June 29, 2016

by Justice Valentine Ashi of FCT High Court that nullified the amendments to the PDP Constitution in 2014 which Senator Sheriff claimed produced his predecessor, Amadu Adamu Mu’azu, thereby nullifying Sheriff as national chairman.

“The Judgment of July 4, 2016 which specifically ruled in favour of the PDP national caretaker committee also nullified Senator Sheriff as chairman of the PDP and Justice Okon Abang cannot sit on an appeal to hear the case brought before his court by Senator Sheriff and co when the matter is before a higher court, the Court of Appeal,” the statement said.

11

businessnews

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian banks ’ll remain profitable despite rising interest rate challenges —Fitch Chima Nwokoji-lagos

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IGERIA’S banks are expected to remain profitable in 2016, even though they are likely to face more challenges as interest rates continue to rise, says Fitch ratings.

The central bank’s benchmark interest rates, which hovered around six per cent from 2001 to 2011, have risen steeply. The latest increase came on July 26, bringing rates up to 14 per cent in a move to curb inflation and strengthen the naira.

“The rate increase will also lead to higher funding costs for the banks.

This and the switch away from loans and into fixedincome government bonds are likely to squeeze Nigerian bank net interest margins. We also expect operating costs and loan impairment charges to rise but still expect Nigerian banks to remain profitable in 2016,” the agency stated.

Fitch, an international rating agency, in a statement over the weekend said rising rates are likely to put additional pressure on banks’ asset quality, adding that almost all lending is extended at floating rates and banks should be able to reprice their loans quite quickly but borrowers will face more difficulties in servicing their debts.

According to Fitch, impaired loans are already high in the Nigerian banking sector, where average non-performing loan ratios reached 6.2 per cent at end-March 2016, partly reflecting the impact of currency depreciation on businesses as well as higher oil-related problem loans at some banks.

THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to disburse N18.1 Billion as operating expenditure for furniture, rent, transport, children education and dressing allowance before the end of this year.

Under the arrangement, workers of the agency are to benefit from N1.4 Billion dressing allowance, N3.9 Billion furniture allowance, N4.1 Billion Transport allowance and N5.1 Billion rent allowance.

NPA’s proposed expenditure for 2016 obtained exclusively revealed that children education allowance/ health scheme is N1.7 Billion while driver’s allowance increased from N117.3 million in 2015 to N1.9 Billion in 2016.

Further findings revealed

Glo takes data revolution to new height

GRANDMASTERS of data, Globacom, has enhanced its customers’ weekend data experience as it has introduced the TGIF data plan which offers subscribers a whopping 3GB of data at just N500.

According to the network provider, the TGIF data plan will avail its subscribers the matchless opportunity of having access to 3GB of data with a recharge of N500 only.

The TGIF data plan begins by 12 midnight every Friday and expires on Sundays by 11:59pm.

Subscribers who are desirous of the TGIF experience are to activate the plan by dialling *777# and select “Data Services” from the drop down menu. Thereafter, subscribers should proceed to select “Buy Data “ which is option 1 on the menu and then pick “Night and Weekend Plan” which is number 7 on the next menu page.

The company informed its From left, Deputy President, Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM); Mr Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor; President, NALPGAM, Mr Basil customers that when the Ogbuanu and Chief Operation Officer, ALPGAM Energy Limited, Mr Gbenga Falusi, at the association AGM held in Ibadan last week. PHOTO: ’WALE OLAPADE menu opens to the “Night and Weekend plans”, subscribers should pick option 2 on the last menu which in H1:2016. to the company’s ongoing Oil Plc, Mr Akin AkinfemKehindeAkinseinde-JayeobaProfit before Tax in- reads “N500 = 3GB for Sat strategic retail network iwa, remained optimistic Lagos expansion and growth of creased by 31 per cent to and Sun.” that that the company is DESPITE the challenging well positioned to meet commercial and lubri- N4.3 billion compared to operating business envi- and exceed the 2016 tarN2.5 billion in H1.2015, cants customer base. ronment, especially in the gets of N11 billion naira, Specifically, the noted while gross margin grew by OYCCIMA oil and gas industry, Forte having presently achieved that revenue from lubri- 48 per cent at N12.3 billion Oil has expressed confi- six billion naira in the first boss calls on cants increased by 63 in H1:2016. dence to meet its N11 bil- half.

Going forward, Akin- Oyo govt to per cent N5.2 billion in lion target Profit Before H1:2016 against N3.2 bil- femiwa promised that the Giving the H1:2016 opTax by the end of 2016 fi- erational highlights, Akinlion recorded in H1:2015, company would improve regularise trade nancial year. while that of LPG in- on its operating margins by fair femiwa explained that During the indigenous oil Forte Oil maintained it’s creased by 84 per cent at deepening it’s focus on high company’s Facts Behind 14 per cent market share margin product as it in- By Tunde Ogunesan N234 million. the Figures at the Nigerian among the major marketOn the income state- creases lubes and through- THE President, Oyo State Stock Exchange (NSE) on ers in the White Products ment, forte Oil GCEO ex- put per station, while fully Council of Chambers of Monday, the Group Chief segment of the downplained that as a result of exploiting LPG business.

Commerce, Industry, Executive Officer, Forte stream sector, attributed He added that to ensure Mines and Agriculture ongoing strategic retail acquisitions across the coun- investors optimal benefits, (OYCCIMA), Chief Olaitry, increase in pump price the company would di- tan Alabi, has called on the of PMS and increased versify it’s revenue base, state government to regucommercial customer strengthen it’s balance larise staging of trade fairs base for both fuel and lu- sheet, optimise distribution in the state. that funds allocated to N82.400 for local medibricants, the company’s channels, as well as pursue Chief Alabi made this some of the items increased cal expenses while N241 revenue grew by 38 per a focused merger and ac- call on Wednesday during slightly when compared to million was budgeted for cent from N61.1 billion in quisition strategy. the 2015 Annual General 2015 due to “prevailing eco- foreign medical expenses.

H1:2015 to N84.4 billion Meeting of the council held nomic situations.” at the OYCCIMA secretarFor example, rent aliat, permanent trade fair lowance increased from N3.8 Billion in 2015 to ZENITH Bank Plc. has (Feature, Smartlite or check your balance and complex, Sango, Ibadan.

Chief Alabi proposed N5.1Billion in 2016 while launched a new mobile Smart), without having to even open a Zenith Bank drivers allowance in- banking solution to make go on the net or download account, anytime and any- that the state government should “regularise creased from N117.3 mil- banking simpler and inter- a mobile app. where. lion in 2015 to N1.9 Billion esting.

It positions the bank for the staging of Trade fairs USSD is a Global System in 2016.

The bank’s *966# Eazy- for Mobile (GSM) commu- future growth as internet in Ibadan and other parts Nigerian Tribune had banking solution, which nication technology used to penetration continues to of the state. After obtainearlier reported that if ap- was recently launched into send texts between a mobile deepen in Africa and the ing necessary approval NACCIMA, the proved by the National the Nigerian market, will phone and an application use of mobile phones be- from Assembly, NPA will spend complement the effort of program in the owner net- comes the new and pre- state government should make it mandatory for all N241 million before the the Central Bank of Nige- work and the adoption of this ferred banking channel. end of this year on foreign ria (CBN) to build a cash- technology allows people to The USSD banking solu- trade fairs to be staged at medical expenses. less economy and enhance do a lot of banking transac- tion will complement the the government owned The sum form part of the financial inclusion. tions even on the most basic Zenith Mobile Banking ap- trade fair complex, Sango, N382 million the parastatThe Unstructured Sup- of mobile phones. plication, already well ac- Ibadan, specially built for al has budgeted to cater for plementary Service Data The simple solution al- cepted among its discern- that purpose. That would put more life to the trade its medical expenses with- (USSD) banking solution lows anyone with a mo- ing customers. in the year 2016. enables people to perform bile phone to do transacCustomers register by di- fair complex and enhance A breakdown of the to- financial transactions on tions such as buy airtime, aling *966# from their reg- its development and generate income to the state tal sum indicates that all known mobile phones transfer money, pay bills, istered mobile numbers. government.”

N108.875 is for drugs,

It further said it is expected that loan growth (excluding foreign-exchange translation effects) will slow during second half 2016 (2H16) and into

2017. Banks have already tightened underwriting standards as economic conditions in the country worsen. GDP contracted by 0.4 per cent year on

year in quarter one (1Q16) and Fitch forecast Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to fall to 1.5 per cent in 2016 (2015: growth of 2.7 per cent).

“With rising rates, excess liquidity in the banking sector is, in our opinion, likely to flow into additional holdings of higheryielding government debt.”

We’ll meet N11bn PBT target in 2016 —Forte Oil

NPA budgets N18.1bn for furniture, transport, wardrobe allowances in 2016 Tola Adenubi-lagos

Nigerian Tribune

Zenith launches stress-free, mobile banking solution

12

businessnews

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

NERC fines 4 DisCos over customer complaint reports Adetola Bademosi-Abuja

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HE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has fined four electricity distribution companies over failure to treat customers’ complaints and submit their statutory quarterly reports to the commission.

This, according to the commission is a breach of their licensing terms and conditions, provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005 and regulations of the commission.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Head of Public Relations Unit, Mr Michael Faloseyi, the commission said that the erring licencees has been asked to pay fines of various sums within two weeks, beginning from July 25, 2016 when the directives were signed by the acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah, and General Manager, Legal, Licensing and Enforcement, Mrs Olufunke Dinneh.

The fines, it said attracts five per cent daily interests until remedial steps are taken.

The statement disclosed that two of the erring companies, Port Harcourt and Enugu electricity distribution companies were sanctioned for their failure to submit quarterly reports on their key performance indicators, whereas Ibadan and Ikeja electricity distribution companies were fined over failure to attend to customers’ complaints severally referred to them.

According to Directive 152, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) flouted the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005, its licensing terms and

conditions as well as NERC Customer Complaints Handling: Standards and Procedures (CCHSP) Regulation 2006.

The statement reads;“The Commission received several complaints directly from electricity customers in IBEDC operational jurisdiction, based on which same was forwarded via letters dated October 27, 2015 and April 15, 2016 to

IBEDC’s Customer Care Unit for resolution, in line with CCHSP, 2006.

“However, IBEDC failed or refused to comply with the Commission’s request/ directive to resolve the customer complaints in accordance with the provisions of the CCSHP 2006.”

IBEDC was subsequently fined N10, 000.00 on each of the three grounds of misdemeanour beginning from

April 22, 2016 till July 25, 2016, which totalled N2, 850, 000 due for payment within two weeks beginning from the July date when the directives was signed.

In a related development, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) was in Directive 151 found guilty on three grounds of violating its licensing terms and conditions, EPSR Act 2005 and CCHSP that compelled

From left, Drake Lawhead, Managing Director, Africa Oil & Gas Council, presenting the Sustainability and Responsibility Award to Chidi Chukwueke, Director, Government Affairs, Seven Energy, at the 2016 African Assembly of the Oil and Gas Council held recently.

LafargeHolcim flags off $2m construction competition for students, built sector professionals Lafarge Africa Plc, a subsidiary of LafargeHolcim, has commenced mobilisation of professionals in Nigeria’s built sector and students for participation in the fifth International LafargeHolcim Awards, designed to seek smart solutions for cities and the built environment.

The awards, which is the most significant global competition in sustainable design, requests leading projects of professionals as well as bold ideas from the next generation that combine sustainable construction solutions with architectural excellence.

Expressing the company’s

delight at showcasing the the nation’s professionals and students in the competition for the first time after the company’s merger, Lafarge Africa Plc’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Michel Puchercos, described the move as an attestation to the company’s belief in the competence and ability of pro-

Equities market compresses further as investors lose N57bn Kehinde Akinseinde Jayeoba - Lagos Equities transactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) resumed the week and the month of August on a negative note as investors recorded a loss of N57 billion on the first trading day of the month. Market Capitalisation closed the day at N9.562 trillion against its opening figure of N9.619 trillion.

The NSE All-Share Index (ASI) closed the day at 27,843 basis points 0.60 percent down from its opening index of 28,009.93 basis points.

Topping the day’s losers was Oando Plc as it dropped 9.46 per cent or 53 kobo to close at N5.07 per share; followed by Transcorp Plc which shed 9.16 percent or 12 kobo to close at N1.19 per share. PZ Cussons Plc closed at N17.60 per share having lost 5.38 per-

it to obey every directives of the Commission, treat customers complaints within a stipulated time frame as well as oblige the regulator every information sought from the company.

The company was, therefore, fined N10, 000. 00 per day on each of the three ground of misdemeanour beginning from April 22, 2016 till July 25, 2016 when the directive was signed.

cent or one naira; Cutix Plc closed at N1.52 per share following a loss of 5 percent or 8 kobo ; while Dangote Sugar Plc lost 5 per cent or 35 kobo to close at N6.65 per share.

On the flip side, Total Oil

Plc led the day’s stock gainers as a result of a declaration of N3 interim dividend declared to close at N200.09 having appreciated by 10.24 percent or N18.59 per share; Airservice Plc rose 9.41 per cent or

16 kobo to close at N1.86 per share; Flourmills Nigeria Plc added 6.44 per cent or N1.30 to close at N21.50; Dangote Flour gathered 5.38 per cent or 25 kobo to close at N4.90 per share.

fessionals here to compete favourably with their counterparts across the globe.

This, he added, is in furtherance of the company’s vision to build a stronger Nigeria safely, ethically and sustainably through innovative construction solutions.

He enjoined all eligible engineers, architects, builders, planners, construction firms, project owners, students and NGOs to avail themselves of the opportunity to make a mark in the global construction space, while assuring that there will be more engagements with the target audience in the next few weeks.

Diamond Bank records stable growth in half-year results Kehinde Akinseinde Jayeoba - Lagos Diamond Bank Plc, despite the challenging economy, has recorded growth in its 2016 first half result.

In the 2016 H1 result released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), showcasing considerable growth in key financial parameters, as against sluggish growth forcast by industry watchers as total comprehensive income rose by 13.3 per cent year on year to N16.3 billion as against N14.4 billion recorded in comparable pe-

riod of 2015.

Non-interest income surged by 33.4 per cent to N26.5 billion, reflecting the successful efforts targeted at improving this income line and also the focused strategy of management, which were sharpened at improving digital functionality and widening financial inclusion.

Profit Before Tax (PBT) remained modest and stable at N10.5 billion while Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at N9.1 billion, thus meeting shareholders’ expectation for the period under review

and showcasing the strategic strength of the management to overcome the turbulent macroeconomic environment and the tough regulatory framework facing the financial services sub-sector.

The bank improved on its credit creation by 28.6 per cent as loans and advances to customers grew from N763.6 billion in the same period last business year to N982.3 billion. Also, loans to other banks jumped by 30.7 per cent to N78.5 billion in H1 2016 from N60.1 billion in the corresponding period last year, while

its retail customers grew to over 13 million with seven million of these opening accounts in the last two years.

The bank sustained a strong top line growth with the asset base surging to N1.970 trillion from N1.753 trillion in the same period last year, representing 12.4 per cent increase.

Commenting on the bank’s H1 performance, Uzoma Dozie, Chief Executive Officer stated that despite the economic headwind, the Bank would remain resilient and sustain the positive growth throughout H2.

Nigerian Tribune

Naira extends loss at parallel market The naira on Monday depreciated further against the dollar at the parallel market, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The Nigerian currency exchanged at N380 to the dollar, from N378 it traded on Friday, while it exchanged against the Pound Sterling and the Euro at N495 and N415, respectively.

At the Bureau De Change segment of the market, the currency exchanged at N378 for the dollar, N490 for the Pound and N413 against the Euro.

It, however, appreciated at the interbank segment as it closed at N316.37 from N319.70 it posted on Friday.

Meanwhile, traders at the market said that the scarcity of the greenback was stifling activities at the market.

They urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to intervene in the foreign exchange market to ensure greater stability of the naira.

Viju Milk reiterates commitment to improving lives Viju Industries Nigeria Limited has stated that improving the lives of its teeming consumers and those of the underprivileged in its operating environment would always remain a key focus in the course of enhancing the nation’s nutrition.

The company’s Marketing Manager, Chief Suleiman Aliu, in a statement, disclosed that the company had, in the past 10 years, sponsored over 7,205 schools in Nigeria, as a demonstration of its belief of harnessing the nation’s potential and talents from the cradle.

He stated further that the company was able to donate over 7,000 cartons of Viju Milk products, valued at N10 million, to Internally- displaced persons in Edo State, in 2014, 2015, as a way of sympathising with victims of the insurgency from the northern part of the country.

While expressing the determination of the brand to always live up to its customers’ expectations by adhering to standards both in production and delivery of its offerings, Chief Aliu also expressed the readiness of the company to partner with various humanitarian agencies to propagate and assist government in caring for the less privileged.

13

editorial

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Police: The sweep in the top hierarchy

C

ONTROVERSY has trailed the Police Service Commission’s retirement of 21 Assistant Inspectors General of Police who were senior to or mates of the new acting Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, before his appointment. This was not the first time massive retirement was carried out in the top hierarchy of the police following the appointment of an IGP. As stated by chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mike Okiro, a retired IGP, “When Alhaji Muhammadu Gambo was appointed IGP, he was a DIG, so there were no retirements. When Aliyu Attah was appointed, he was an AIG, so all the DIGs were retired.

Tafa Balogun came in as AIG; all the senior officers were retired. Hafiz Ringim came in as AIG, all the DIG’s were retired. M.D. Abubakar came in as AIG, all the DIGs were retired. Ehindero, I and Ogbonna Onovo were DIGs, there were no retirements. IGP Solomon Arase was a DIG before taking over, so there were no retirements. Now that Ibrahim Idris has taken over, he should be allowed to work.”

Okiro emphasised that the Federal Government contravened neither the Police Act nor the constitution in approving the controversial retirements. Indeed, Okiro is right in emphasising the fact that such retirement is part of an emerging tradition. It is observed in the military and para-military organisations as well. The main justification for carrying out these retirements is the need to give a free hand to a new IGP to effectively command the force. It is believed that retaining his peers or superiors would create problems of compliance and effective control of the force.

However, the huge number of officers involved in the latest retirement exercise informed the controversy surrounding it. At least 21 top ranking officers were retired. Not a few believe that these officers still have a lot to contribute to the force before they reach the retirement age. Furthermore, some of the officers have shown willingness to continue to serve the country by challenging the retirement in court.

We believe that such retirements are not necessary. This is because once an officer is appointed IGP, he takes effective charge by the very fact of the powers reposed in that office by the constitution and the Police Act. Effective control cannot be dependent on the retention or retirement of an IGP’s previous superiors or peers. Indeed, by being appointed IGP, he or she automatically becomes superior in rank to those officers. Besides, those who are not disposed to taking orders from a new IGP because he

or she was previously their inferior are more likely to retire voluntarily than suffer the consequences of insubordination and indiscipline. Besides, it can safely be assumed that any officer that elects to stay until retirement age following the appointment of a hitherto inferior officer as IGP has elected to continue to subject himself or herself to the discipline of the force.

It seems there is a problem with the process of appointment of IGPs from the rank below those of DIGs. Appointing the IGP from the rank of AIGs and below gives the impression that the president or the PSC did not find any officer in the rank of DIG appointable. This is unfortunate, because an officer who does not meet the requisite skills, knowledge and experience of a DIG should not be so promoted in the first place. The constitutional and legal provisions which allow the president to appoint the IGP from any rank in the force need to be revisited. It is these provisions that have allowed this wasteful tradition to thrive.

In 2012, civil society organisations called for the amendment of Section 215(1) of the constitution. This section provides that the IGP “shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Police Council from amongst serving members of the Nigeria Police Force.” It does not provide for competence and other requirements for the appointment. This means that an officer of any rank can be appointed IGP. The constitution, the Police Act, and the Police Regulations fail to elaborate on the procedure for the appointment of an IGP and for other leadership positions in the NPF. Experience shows that appointments into leadership positions within the NPF have been largely determined by seniority and representation, influenced by nepotism, political patronage and regime interests and preferences. These have had adverse effects on management and leadership development in the NPF. We believe that making the process more predictable by taking seniority into account will also help. Indeed, massive retirement of officers in the NPF, the military and other paramilitary organisations is tantamount to a monumental waste of resources. The country is deprived of the knowledge, skills and experience of these officers.

The investment in their training is therefore not optimally utilised. Furthermore, government has to pay gratuities to such officers prematurely. In general, this tradition of retirements is a great drain on public resources. It should be discontinued.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

editor

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

Doing more for the physically-challenged

D

ESPITE the cliché that ‘there is ability in disability,’ there are still innumerable cultural, political, economic and social barriers that have served to deter full participation of persons with mental or physical disabilities in various gatherings, be it in academic circle, sports, arts, business, politics, social events and even religious gatherings, thereby hindering their well-being.

While some were born with physical and mental disabilities, some became challenged as a result of accidents. Succinctly, the doctrine of human frailty should make all appreciate that today, one may be fit, but may not have the same luxury of agility tomorrow.

This, therefore, buttresses the need to show utmost concern to the needs of the physically and mentally challenged in our society, particularly by providing them with the enabling environment for them to realise their full potentials in all spheres of human endeavour.

Individuals, corporate

organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders must, in line with their social responsibility, ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities are considered and incorporated in their dealings to salvage the restricted access of persons with mental or physical disabilities to basic human rights and whatever serves as inhibitions for them towards achieving something positive in life.

It has been recognised that domestic legislations remain one of the most effective means of facilitating social change and improving the status of disabled persons.

Thus, in recognition of the rights of physicallychallenged people, the Nigerian Senate recently passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill 2016. There are numerous laudable provisions of the Bill, including but not limited to — protection against discrimination of People Living With Disabilities (PLWD), easy ac-

Assessing political office holders for better performance IF we want the best from our political office holders, particularly the ministers and commissioners, then there should be a form of assessment of their performance.

Most of our political office holders just occupy positions without contributing positively in governance, but if we develop a way through which we can assess them annually, then most of them will give their best, while we will also be able to identify those who are assets for this country.

In the last political dispensation, I can say that the immediate past minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, did extremely well. He was able to eradicate corruption in the distribution of fertilisers to farmers, while the former Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, also turned things around in Nigeria’s com-

mercial capital. However, today’s ministers still have a long way to go if we are to rate them with their current performances.

I hope the National Assembly will come up with ways through which we can rate our political office holders. It was the good performances of Dr Adesina and Mr Fashola that earned them the current assignment they have now.

Today, Dr Adesina is the president of African Development Bank (ADB), while Mr Fashola is the Minister of Works, Power and Housing.

Public office should not be about the power being wielded alone, but about service, and assessing our politicians will go a long way in making them give their best to the service of the country.

•Nelson Ekwale, Benin, Edo State.

cess to public premises/ road/sidewalk, prohibition of use of persons with disabilities to solicit for alms, free education, free healthcare, right to work and employment, right to participation in politics, a National Commission to address complaints of harassment, discrimination and harmful practices, among others.

Remarkably, Lagos State is at the fore-front of recognising that there is ability in disability, and it has a Special People’s Law of 2011 to give PLWD a sense of belonging. The state has also recently launched a Disability Trust Fund.

Happily, in Lagos State, upon registration and issuance with a certificate and badge by the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, there are numerous opportunities such as: free ride for physically-challenged persons on Bus Rapid Transit and LAGBUS, exclusive right to designated

parking lots, special consideration for access to the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund facility, among others.

The Federal Government must be humble to take her cue from Lagos and even exceed the giant strides the United States of America has recorded by virtue of the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), which

was introduced on July 26, 1990.

On a final note, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill 2016, though laudable, will only produce the desired result if and only if there is sincere commitment on the part of the populace and the relevant authorities to make life more comfortable for

Persons Living with Disabilities. Moreso, establishing an office for Persons with Disabilities in all the local government areas across the federation will aid easy access to benefits coming from corporate organisations and government.

•Michael Ogunjobi, Lagos.

Ooni Sijuwade: Remembering a great king THREE hundred and sixty five days ago, we had a sunset; 12 months ago, we had an end of a glorious era; however, despite this loss, we had the prestigious beginning of the biography and documentation of a successful reign of royalty.

From childhood through adulthood, Ooni Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II resonated in royalty.

When he ascended his forefathers’ throne, Kabi-

yesi re-invented royalty to culturally-perfected elegance, which earned him respect globally, not just as the custodian of the Yoruba source of civilisation and heritage, but also as one of Africa’s most revered monarchs.

Kabiyesi’s managerial skills transcended business circles, as he was able to stand for the rights of his people, even in the face of adversity.

As he was in life as a king

so he has remained in his heavenly sojourn. Today, he is like an idol personifying royalty and honour for a proud Yoruba race.

As we remember our Ooni, it is important for every Yoruba son and daughter to appreciate his contribution to the respect the race now commands in the world.

•Akinola Iwilade, Iwo, Osun State. iwiakinola@gmail. com

15

opinion

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

veracity

When in Rome...

I

F you ever find yourself anywhere on this planet, where there is no Nigerian, RUN! I had guffawed uncontrollably at the bold assertion my roommate made years ago but as we rocketed through time, I stopped hearing the resonance of my laughter. It was indeed a statement laden with unrivalled veracity, only I failed to recognise it as a freshman in the university. Nigerians are, like the ubiquitous and innumerable sand grains on the Lagos Bar Beach and several other beaches across the world, everywhere. I doubt that there is a continent in the universe where one won’t find a Nigerian- whether Asia, North and South America, even in the Antarctica!

There are Nigerians in Iceland…sons and daughters of the soil that have come a long long way from home in search of the proverbial greener pastures. While some, after a tenebrous odyssey, may find it, some others, most harrowingly, die trying to find it. I would painstakingly stay true to the path of today’s discourse. Though, I find myself tempted like Eve to digress onto an alternate path, questioning the exodus of Nigerians, it would not be today…some other day perhaps.

However, I would crave your indulgence to take a stroll with me down memory lane, as I retrieve, not so quaint events, but history, targeted at laying stones on the substratum I have so far created. It was my first class as a senior, the English tutor walked in and wrote briskly on the blackboard “idiomatic expressions.” Without turning around, he added a few more phrases and the first one on the list, I remember vividly, was “when in Rome…”

The tutor then turned around, with a smug expression on his face, aimed at intimidating the class of fresh seniors, growled, “Who can complete that idiom?” You could have heard a pin drop that day, the silence was deafening as we all searched the ceiling for elusive answers until a brave one, who had gained the epithet ‘efiko’ since our junior class days, belled the cat.

That day, the rest of the senior class didn’t only learn the completing part of that idiom, they learnt the meaning as well. Today, most idioms have become so cliché, but does that obliterate the weights of their meanings? I believe they are yet didactic and if we keep them at heart, we will save ourselves a myriad of problems, even death!

Indonesia has made it clear time and time after time that

with Vera Onana

veraonana@gmail.com 08054680688

drug crimes attract death penalty. Whenever one is granted any Indonesian visa, it is boldly printed as one of the messages accompanying the visa conditions.

As a matter of fact, upon arrival in all Indonesian international airports, there is a boldly printed message welcoming foreigners into the country while simultaneously reiterating the penalty for any drug related crime: “Welcome to Indonesia. Here, drug crimes attract the death penalty”.

In 2010, the Nigerian government sent a high-powered delegation to plead with the Indonesian government in respect of Nigerians on the death row for drug crimes in the country but the Indonesian government insisted that there would not be any going back on the sentence.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who was at the time chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Diaspora, was part of that delegation that met a roadblock. Her words: “As the world keeps appealing to Indonesia not to kill them, we must also admonish our citizens to avoid crime and be good ambassadors wherever they find themselves.” That was half a dozen years ago. Alas, her plea fell amidst thorns and yielded no fruit!

Just a few days ago, an Indonesian man and three Nigerians were killed by firing squad shortly after midnight local time

(17:00 GMT) at the Nusakambangan prison island.

Indonesia’s Deputy Attorney-General Noor Rachmad said it was “not a pleasant thing but it was to implement the law.

The executions are only aimed at halting drug crimes.” So, I began to contemplate…why do Nigerians still get caught in the middle of such cross fires? It is an open secret that in Indonesia, one finds some of the world’s toughest drug laws and though the country has faced intense criticism internationally for resuming executions, there is no handling drug related crimes with kid gloves in Indonesia.

As a matter of fact, article 59 of Indonesian Law No. 5 of the year 1997 on psychotropic drugs, states expressly that the use, production, possession or trafficking of psychotropic drugs “as an organized crime” is punishable by death. So it is appalling that after the execution of three Nigerians just a few days ago, four others are awaiting execution after receiving a temporary reprieve. In more paralyzing statistics, 21 Nigerians are among the 121 prisoners on death row in Indonesia and 30 of the prisoners will be executed before the end of 2017. This means that more of our country men will face the firing dreadful firing squad.

Picture this: death-sentenced inmates who are executed by firing squad have the choice of standing or sitting, and of whether to have their eyes covered by a blindfold or hood.

Firing squads are made up of 12 people, three of whose rifles are loaded with live ammunition, while the other nine are loaded with blanks. The squad fires from a distance of between five and ten meters. If following the shooting the prisoner still shows signs of life, there is one final shot to the head. A prisoner only learns of his impending execution 72 hours in advance. What a horrible way to die!

Dear countrymen in the Diaspora, the idiom goes, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do definition,” this means, when visiting a foreign land, you must follow the customs of those who live in it. It also means that when you are in an unfamiliar situation, you should follow the lead of those who know the ropes. We cannot keep making a caricature of our nationality by sending our leaders to alien lands to try to bend the rules in futility. Some countries, unlike what obtains in our shores, do not just make laws for formality sake, they actually keep them!

Remembering Princess Eyinade Omidiora

By Bisi Omidiora THE sonnets of William Shakespeare says: “Farewell thou art too dear for my possessing, And like enough thou know” at thy estimate: The charter of thy worth gives thee releasing; My bonds in thee are all determinate; For how do I hold thee but by thy granting?

And for that Royal background (Bibire) where is my deserving; The cause of this fair gift in me is wanting.”

I met my wife Eyinade at Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife in 1952, 64 years ago. Our courtship started not long after she arrived with her other sisters at Oduduwa College. It was love at first sight and it was intense and became the talk of the college and the Ife community.

My testimony is that if Eyinade’s father had not brought her daughters from St Annes Ibadan to Ife, I might not have met my future wife.

Eyin and I courted for three years before we had a break in 1955 when she travelled to UK for further studies immediately after her Oversea Cambridge School Certificate Examination. I was privileged to travel to UK on the same ship, M.V. Aureol, with His Majesty, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, who later became my father-in-law.

Because I travelled on the Cabin Class of that luxurious vessel, I became very close to the monarch on the boat.

My testimony is that if I did not travel with Eyinade’s father on the same vessel to UK, our reunion might not have been as smooth as it became. Eyinade came to Liverpool to meet her father from Manchester.

Although I had just arrived in UK with a Cambridge School Certificate without scholarship or stable financial

support from home, but very brilliant and focused the fire of our secondary school love started to burn fiercely, we could not stay apart from each other for long. Eyinade had to move from Manchester where she was at a private school to seek admission to North Western Polytechnic London. We attended the North Western Polytechnic together. We were like brother and sister.

We got married at the Hammersmith Registry West London on January 18, 1958. Our marriage was the birth of our dreams, and the product of this testimony of faithfulness.

Many of our friends may not know that on two occasions, God had moved quickly and miraculously to save our lives.

The first was from the hands of hired assassins sent to our residence in Ikoyi on August 18, 1988, as I was preparing to retire from UAC, and some people thought I was not going to. The assassins came to our residence at 1, Macdonald Road, Ikoyi with guns. We were having breakfast with a visitor who had spent the night. Confused, they miraculously changed their minds and left us unharmed without removing anything from our house. They even refused the money we

offered them saying that they had been adequately paid for their mission.

God also delivered my wife and I from the attack of armed robbers who waylaid our car at Ijora, Lagos in July 2004 at 8pm. They tried fruitlessly to break the glass windows of our Mercedes car with a big machete, but eventually left us in frustration and disappointment. I believed that what the Lord did that day was to place a barrier between their machetes and our bodies and the Mercedes car where we sat behind and the driver had escaped.

During her life time, we were totally dependent on each other. She seldom travelled alone; we visited and had our holidays in virtually every part of the world, including annual cruises on Queen Mary and Queen Victoria to the Caribbeans and the Mediterranean. We were privileged to go on pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and Loude in France, and in October 2015 on holidays to Dubai, for 10 days with her family, in fulfillment of my wife’s desire.

During the period of my successes and accolade, occasional trials and tribulation, my wife was my counsellor, and unwavering supporter. She stood by me and the children during days and nights, in sickness and in good health, in plenteousness and occasional draught, until she was taken away by death at the First Cardiology Consultants Hospital, Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos on June 11, 2016.

May the good Lord accept her to His bosom. Amen.

This is my tribute to a dedicated partner, sister and dependable companion on the departure to glory of a virtuous and precious wife, a loving mother and generous grandmother, Omo-Oba Aderemi Eyinade Oyindamola Subuola Apeke Omidiora, alias “Egg-Omi,” to whom I say farewell, till we meet and part no more.

•Balogun Omidiora is an elderstatesman.

16

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

agriculture Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

A

S the Federal Government is preparing to rollout the Growth Enhancement Support (GES), scheme, farmers have been advised to get their own phone numbers in order to be captured in the scheme.

This is just as the Growth Enhancement Scheme Agrodealers Association of Nigeria said they will help the government in order to make GES work well this year.

During the Agro Dealers training in Abuja, the Representative of Cellulant, Gbenga Patrick said in the past, farmers who doesn’t have phone numbers uses the phone number of their village head, but the culture will not be applicable this year.

Cellulant is a company responsible for registering farmers in Nigeria and coordinates the distribution of subsidised farm inputs to farmers through sending out messages to farmers and inform them on how to access the subsidised farm inputs.

He further said that farmers can use one mobile phone for several phone numbers by. He explained that when they go for capturing, they can just insert their Sim cards in that mobile phone one after the other so that they can be captured.

According to him “We noticed some different challenges that came up in the last GES and we are trying our best to make sure that this problem don’t come up again.

“GES will be different this year, unlike how it was in 2014 because we discovered that during farmers’ registration in one of the states then, about 500,000 farmers registered, out of which only 100,000 farmers had phones. Some of them were using their village head’s phone number.

“But we later discovered that there were 550,000 farmers and all of them had unique phone numbers.

This made us resolve alongside the government that in subsequent GES, there will be no more offline registration.”

He, therefore said “every farmer must have a phone number. If a farmer does not have a mobile phone, then 10 farmers can use one phone. But they must have

GES: Farmers without phone number will not be captured —Cellulant Agro dealers pledge support for government

different Sim cards.

“In the redemption centres, we are going to make available to every agro dealer two systems, one is Patra tablet, the other is Point of Service (PoS) machine.

“Tablet is going to do verification and validation of the farmers which will be

handled by the Ministry of Agriculture representative while the PoS will be handled by the Agro Dealer representative.

Mr Patrick further said that in this year’s GES, Micro Finance Banks will be at every redemption centres so that farmers can make di-

rect payment for inputs to the Agro Dealers instantly.

His words: “this year’s GES will involve Micro finance Banks, so that if the farmers come to redemption centres, the bank will be there with PoS in case if the farmers have their ATM cards and want to use it for

redemption, he can use the PoS and the Micro Finance Bank transfers it immediately to the Agro Dealer.

In the same vein, the National Chairman of Growth Enhancement Scheme Agrodealers Association of Nigeria (GESAAN), Kabiru Fara pledged the support

of the association to ensure that GES works well.

“In the next two weeks we will agree on how GES will work this year. We are in a good position to assist the Federal Government to help the farmers so that the inputs to the farmers is at a reduced cost,” he noted.

Intensive training will aid agriculture positively —FECA Provost Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure THE Provost of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo state (FECA), Dr Samson Adeola Odedina, has advocated for more intensive training In agricultural sector for result oriented measures and also to save the nation from crunches of global oil fall.

Odedina who stated this in Akure, O do state capital during Cassava Adding Value for Africa Phase II (CAVAII) Project’s International Farmers’Day on Cassava Production Enterprise, reiterated that the training will help to maximize outputs in agriculture.

He noted that government’s interest in agriculture is geared towards employment generation, food

production and security, poverty alleviation, raw materials for industries just to mention a few.

But said “there can be

no diversification without training. People don’t just jump into agriculture without knowing the value chain opportunities that

are there.

“Diversification is not by mouth, it is by training people; nobody should tell the youths of this country to

go into the land and farm without training them how to do it, without supporting them with inputs and technology.”

Food importation can reduce if veterinarians are Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

THE National President of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr Edgar Sunday said that the billions of dollars spent on milk, fish and poultry importation can be reduced if the services of Veterinarians are engaged.

Dr Sunday who disclosed this during the induction of NVMA into the Association of Professional Bodies in Nigeria (APBN), noted that the frequent clashes between

Fulani herdsmen and farmers can also be reduced with application of advances in veterinary services.

According to him “Whether for domestic consumption or export, developing the Livestock subsector of agriculture depends on optimum veterinary service delivery.

“The billions of dollars spent on importation of milk, fish and poultry despite the country’s immense potentials in these products as well as the incessant clashes between herdsmen

and farmers can all be significantly addressed and ameliorated through application of advances in veterinary services”, Dr Sunday further said that about 70 per cent emerging human infections are caused by animals, that professional mandate of Veterinary surgeon is the prevention, treatment and control of animal and zoonotic diseases.

He said Veterinary Surgeon have been working to promote public health through the treatment and control

of those Zoonotic diseases which includes Ebola, Lassa Fever, Tuberculosis and others.

According to him “it has been estimated that nearly 70 per cent of emerging and re-emergeing human infections are zoonotic.

“Most directly, Veterinary Surgeons protect and promote public health through the prevention, treatment and control of zoonotic diseases such as Ebola, Lassa Fever, Tuberculosis, Anthrax, Rabies, Hydatid dis-

17

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

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08116954637, 08039521408

Triton aquaculture company to save Nigeria $125m through local fish production Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

THE Triton Aquaculture company have expressed its readiness to partner the government to produce fish locally to meet up with the local demands, thereby saving the country some of the money spent on fish importation.

The company which in the past was importing fish into the country, said in three to five years to come, it will train local farmers and expand its own production capacity to be able to produce and satisfy local demands.

The CEO of Triton Aquaculture company, Raju Samtani disclosed this when he paid visit to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abuja.

According to him “We have assured the government that in 3 to 5 years, we will be producing what we have been importing in the past and we will be saving the government the sum of $125 million.”

He further said that the

company which exist in 10 countries globally, currently have employed over 60 farmers in Nigeria.

Samtani also said that the company is targeting to create 3000 jobs in the fish sub-sector, as it is also planning to increase its production capacity to 70,000 metric tonnes in the next five years.

Speaking on forex conservation, the CEO said the company was targeting to save $85 million annually for Nigeria through expanding its production locally.

In his response, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh said there is need to train youths and women in fish production.

He regretted that Nigeria spends about $700 million annually importing fish, while there are resources to produce locally.

He, however, revealed that the Ministry have acquired a 100 hectares of land to build training centres for farmers in different agricultural value chains.

Sahara Group rolls out plans to empower 500,000 youths, women Collins Nnabuife - Abuja SAHARA Group have rolled out Food Africa Project in Kaduna state a which is expected to empower about 500,000 youths and women in agriculture.

While replying Nigerian

Why I introduced Russian agric concept in Osun —Omisore AN academic with bias for agriculture, Dr Steve Ross Omisore, who studied in Russia has introduced what he termed ‘Russian agricultural concept’ in Osun State which is aimed at producing various agricultural products in large quantity for both local consumption and transport to other parts of the country.

Operating under the plat-

engaged ease, Taeniasis, and so on.

He further stated that treating and eradicating such diseases or preventing infection at the animal-human interface prevent introduction of the diseases to humans.

In his presentation, one of the speakers at the occasion, Dr Junaidu Maina tasked the NVMA work towards eradicating Polio in humans.

“While the human medics have eradicated smallpox, the Veterinarians too have Rinderpest under their belt, maintaining parity.

form of Ajebamidele investment farm, Dr Omisore who, in collaboration with members of his team, has cultivated acres of land for products like yam, maize, vegetable, cocoyam, banana, platain and cassava among others at Abija community, via Gbogan, Osun state, noted that large scale farming is an issue that cannot be toyed with all over the world.

He said his resolve to introduce the concept in Nigeria was sequel to huge success he recorded in Russia during his stay there in spite of the fact that the type of agriculture he

embarked upon over there was not a large scale one.

“I have had the opportunity of living in many countries of the world. In every country I lived, I took to agriculture and the result was always impressive. That was why I said if it was possible for me to make people smile in those countries, I should be able to do better here in Nigeria and make Nigerians happy,” he stressed.

He stated that produce in different segments of the farm were at advanced stage for both local consumption and transport to other parts of the country.

From left, Project Co-Ordinator, Ajebamidele Investment Farm, Dr Steve Ross Omisore; Bale of Abija, Osun state, Chief Ganiyu Ogundijo and the farm manager, Mr Kolawole Oluwagbemiga during a programme in the farm, at the weekend.

Tribune questions through email, the group said the project is in partnership with United Nations-Sustainable Development Goal Fund (UN SDG-F), Roca Brothers and the Kaduna State Government.

According to the group “the Food Africa Project is our first real area of intervention in Nigeria agriculture.

The project is a collaborative initiative between Sahara Group, United Nations-Sustainable Development Goal Fund (UN SDG-F), Roca Brothers and the Kaduna State Government, directed at empowering the peo-

ple and alleviating poverty through food security as well as social inclusion for sustainable national development.

“Our main target is young men and women between the ages of 15 and 45 from local communities around the country who are very much interested in agriculture.

“The Food Africa project is a pilot venture which was only launched about 2 weeks ago.

As a result, we are still at the initial stages with very minimal effects on beneficiaries.

“However, the project is an Agro-base initiative envisaged to integrate the en-

tire food value chain – the farmer, wholesaler, retailer and consumer- providing a sustainable source of food security, poverty alleviation and eradication, skill acquisition and social inclusiveness.

“It is intended to provide employment, eradicate poverty and empower the people - It is estimated that about 500,000 people will be impacted both directly and indirectly by the project.”

The group also said that the project if successfully implemented in Kaduna state, will be extended in other states in the country.

70% seeds used in W/Africa produced in Nigeria —DG Seed Council Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

THE Director General of National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Dr. Philip Ojo have revealed that about 70 per cent seeds used in West Africa is produced locally in Nigeria.

Dr Ojo who disclosed this during the Training and Launching of West Africa Electronic Seed Platform, noted that the registered seed companies in Nigeria have increased to over 157 companies.

According to him “I am glad to inform you today that the seed industry in Nigeria has witnessed a dramatic turnaround due to favorable policy environment provided.

“Nigeria is now the leading seed industry in West Africa, with over 157 registered private seed companies contributing 70 per cent of total seed requirement of West Africa.

He further said that the Electronic seed Platform will further open the seed trade barriers within the West Africa sub-region, and promote healthy competition among seed companies.

“The provision of this platform therefore will certainly open off the seed trade barriers within the subregion; promote healthy competition amongst the actors”, he added.

Dr. Ojo also said that the platform apart from providing healthy competition

amongst investors, will also create jobs, foster food security and improve revenue earnings in Nigeria.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Shehu Ahmed regretted the poor information flow among actors in the seed sub-sector.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director of Agribusiness, Processing and Investment, Muyiwa Azeez, said that with this innovation from the West Africa and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD), the information flow across the region will be strengthened.

18

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

From left, Kwara State governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed; wife of the governor, Omolewa and the wife of the Senate President, Oluwatoyin Saraki, during the service of songs in honour of the governor’s mother-in-law, Mrs Janet Akinleye, at Bodija Estate Baptist Church, Ibadan.

From left, Olusesi Akinoso, Director, Hex Communications; Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, Ogun State deputy governor; Mrs Idowu Phillips, Mama Rainbow and Mr Muyiwa Adedoyin, Director, Hex Communications, during the book launch/conferment of awards on 100 Ogun State Indigenes, held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, recently.

The Sooko Owodo, Professor S. R. A. Adewusi (right), receiving the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi (left), during the monarch home-coming to Owodo/Luwo Compound, Okerewe, Lafogido Ruling House, IleIfe, on Sunday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

From left, Mr Nggada Joshua Yakubu, Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Council; Mrs Joke Jacob, Principal, MTN Project Fame Academy; Mr Joffery Akoh, Project Fame Session 8 winner and Mr Okon Emeka, Senior Legal Officer, Consumer Protection Council, during the opening ceremony gala of MTN Porject Fame Session 9, held at Ultima Studios, Lagos.

Bishop of Ijebu Diocese, Right Reverend Ayo Awosoga and his wife, Florence, flanked by other dignitaries to cut the conference cake by the Diocesan President of the Women’s Organisations, Ijebu Anglican Diocese, Church of Nigeria, on Sunday.

Doctor Tumilara Akinniyi with her mother, Mrs Adedoyin Akinniyi, during her graduation ceremony at University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, recently.

Former Miss Racheal Tinu Adeyinka with her husband, Mr Ahmed Adekunle Adeniran, after the wedding at Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, recently.

Mr Niyi Kolade and his wife, former Miss Bashorun Mojisola, during their wedding held at Ondo town, recently.

For bookings, contact ’Laolu Afolabi on 08054681741 or Tommy Adegbite on 08116954631

19

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor tai_adis@yahoo.com

Immunity for NASS leadership is impunity— Ojo Jackson Olalekan Ojo, a security expert and member of the American Society of Industrial Experts (ASIS), is the National Coordinator of the Yoruba Youth Alliance (YYA). The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, in this interview with LEON USIGBE, offers his views on various issues critical to national development. Excerpts:

W

HAT is your position on the bill seeking to give immunity to the Senate President, his deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and his deputy currently on the floor of the Green Chamber?

The leadership of the National Assembly is seeking immunity to legalise its impunity regime. These people cannot change. The only solution is to fish out the criminal elements among them and use the judiciary to sack them and that is why they are seeking to get immunity.

Some senators allegedly threatened to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari over the case of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, who are facing trial over alleged forgery of Senate Standing Rules. But the Senate has refuted the allegation. What is your take on the matter?

That was indeed a joke. But the threat has made Nigerians to know that most of our senators are merely jesters. What are the impeachable offences committed by Mr. President? Because the leadership of the Senate is being tried by the CCT, on the one hand, and is being tried for forgery, on the other hand, they wanted Mr. President to sweep it under the carpet as usual?

Nigerians are watching with keen interest now and we have interest in what is happening among the three arms of government.

The time of stealing or looting our commonwealth by these kleptomaniac lawmakers in form of constituency projects and later nicknamed as constituency allowance has come to an abrupt end. So, threatening to impeach Mr. President because he is trying to stop all the abnormalities that have become a practice in the law making business in Nigeria is nothing but day dreaming.

President Buhari made some appointments recently but some Nigerians observe that the appointments were lopsided. What is your view?

I am a realist and a first class pragmatist.

There is a serious lopsidedness in the appointments of Mr President so far. This is very bad and sad, as it is capable of causing more restiveness that will further aggravate the unfortunate security situation we have in the country. To mention just a few, why will Mr. President double as Minister of Petroleum from the North and he could not find a competent person from the entire South and the South-South in particular but appointed

another man from the North as MD of the NNPC? Those advising Mr. President are not advising him correctly on the issues affecting our federal character or may be the President does not listen to his advisers. Why would Mr. President appoint a former Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State governor who is purely a novice in the maritime industry to become MD of the very sensitive Nigeria Ports Authority? That young lady will be there as a figure head and those that are well experienced in the field will manipulate her administration.

There are appointments that do not permit on-the-job training because of the sensitivity of the operations. And why is this also from the North? The main criteria for appointments now under this administration is your tribal mark, merit is going into extinction now. No longer meritocracy but favourtocracy. Mr. President should have a rethink.

Some Nigerians from the SouthWest have expressed disappointment with the recent comment by VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo that Nigeria does not need restructuring. Does this mean the South-West is losing hope in the present government?

Yes, most of our leaders in the South-West are already calling for restructuring and that has been my position as a person, but Osinbajo must speak the mind of his principal.

He is not even speaking the mind of his political principal or the mind of his region and or ethnic group.

Nigerians are crying out because of what they call mass poverty in the land. What can you say here about APC’s approach to it?

What is happening now is the consequences of the past but it shall not continue like this shortly. Yes, Nigerians are crying and I must be pragmatic about it. Since I became an adult, it has not been this tough, economically. I know it is not what this government planned for but they inherited a very badly battered economy from the previous PDP government.

Yes, Mr. President is fighting corruption and it is okay ,but corruption is still going on massively under his nose. Fighting corruption is not a policy that can build or improve our economy. While fighting corruption with one hand, try and build the economy with the second hand. Fighting corruption when people are not able to put food on their tables is going to create room for further corruption at every level, as people will take to self help,

Ojo

and self help is in the realms of negativity.

The solution is for the President to listen to people who know better in the area of economy to help this country. Putting one minister in charge of three ministries will not help.

Attacks by herdsmen have gradually become a national issue with some Nigerians accusing the Fulanis of reckless killing. What’s your thought on this?

Attacks by herdsmen are not being looked into from the security angle and this is becoming a major issue now. As a security expert, I want to say that our soldiers are fighting gallantly against Boko Harram and we are seeing the success. I believe the sect members they killed have gone to hell already but where are the destinations of those they dislodged? It is as simple as saying they have found the North-East an unsafe territory and they have spread randomly across the country now.

They will kill the real Fulani herdsmen and inherit the cows, rearing the cows and strik-

Government should recognise each of the zones in the country in everything, listen to what the people are saying, and act well. If restructuring is the answer, so be it.

ing from time to time. When they attacked the Middle Belt and the South, we were all crying foul that they are Fulani people but now they have gone to Zamfara and Adamawa states whose people are mainly Fulani. Can we say they hate their people too?

I want to clearly say that the Fulani herdsmen of Nigerian extraction do not and cannot be this callous and wicked. Where will a typical herdsman get AK47 riffle from? Boko Haram has infiltrated the herdsmen and we must be careful and act very fact.

PDP is in crisis. What does this portend for the future of Nigeria considering that the nation as at today, does not have a viable opposition party?

I think the current crisis will kill and bury the PDP. The party is totally mutilated now and coming together is an impossibility. The only solution is for one faction to change name and drop the satanically known name for the other faction. But honestly, we need a very strong opposition party to help our democracy to grow well. Without a very strong opposition, we shall be witnessing an autocratic critical system soon and I can say a despot can be let loose. But my advice is that the PDP should put its acts together as an alternative platform.

There are various agitations in the land, what is the solution?

The solution is for government to recognise each of the zones in the country in everything, listen to what the people are saying and act well. If restructuring is the answer, so be it. Go to the Niger Delta, listen and negotiate with them. Mr. President must see himself as father of all without favouritism and nepotism.

20

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Soji-Eze Fagbemi m:08179047919 e:sojiezek@yahoo.co.uk

NMA calls on Buhari to constitute board of Medical and Dental Council THE Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to as matter of urgency, constitute the governing board of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN); saying that the government of change must be seen to work within the ambit of the law.

The NMA, an umbrella body of all Nigerian Doctors in the country and in the diaspora., said the health care delivery in the country is being challenged by the continued absence of the regulatory bodies of health institutions.

The NMA President, Dr. Mike O. Ogirima, while lamenting the situation said the MDCN) is the regulatory body charged with the responsibility of regulating medical practice and undergraduate training of medical students, including accreditation of all medical schools, both public and private, in the country.

He pointed out that the body is also responsible for the enforcement of disciplinary measures against erring medical practitioners in the country in order to safeguard lives.

Dr. Ogirima said: “The protection of lives is a fundamental human right to which all Nigerians are entitled. On this note, the NMA wishes to strongly call on President, Muhammadu Buhari, to as matter of urgency, constitute the governing board of MDCN. The government of change must be seen to work within the ambit of the law aimed at gaining back the lost glory.”

The association also observed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) is incursing into medical training in the country.; thereby taking over the responsibility of the MDCN and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

Varsities are under-staffed —NAAT Calls for employment of more technologists

T

HE National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has lamented that universities in the country are greatly under-staffed, especially in the area of laboratory technologists.

To this end, the union said more academic technologists should be employed to conform with the standard and guideline set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 29th National Executive Council

(NEC) meeting, it also appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, to ensure immediate release of the Needs Assessment Intervention Fund owed the public universities.

The communique, signed by the General Secretary of NAAT, Comrade Iyoyo Hamilton, said: “It has been observed that universities are greatly under-staffed especially in the area of laboratory technologists, against the background of the National Universities Commission’s guideline on technologist/

student ratio. To conform to this standard, more Academic Technologists should be employed.

“The training and re-training of Academic Technologists had in the past not been given the required attention by most universities and other institutions of higher learning. In view of their roles in the higher institutions of learning and the ever-increasing technological advancements, training and retraining of Academic Technologists should be given priority to enable

them meet up with current trends.

NAAT called on the Federal Government, especially President Buhari to immediately release the Needs Assessment Intervention Fund without further delay.

Comrade Iyoyo commended the Federal Government on the establishment of the Needs Assessment Intervention Fund for the universities which, he said has assisted greatly in the renovation of dilapidated structures and building of new lec-

From left, the General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Sharam Burrow and the President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, at a campaign organised by ITUC and NLC in Abuja, on the theme ‘Taming corporate power in supply chains. PHOTO: SOJI-EZE FAGBEMI.

ture theatres, laboratories, e.t,c.

However, he lamented that the failure on the part of the government to release the second tranche of the fund is greatly affecting the set goals of the project.

The association also observed with dismay the shortfall in personnel and overhead costs to the universities and other institutions of higher learning in recent months; adding that this development has forced the institutions to go extra-mile to augment the deficit being experienced in the payment of salaries.

“NAAT demands that the deductions should be stopped and payment of outstanding arrears made so as to cushion the effect of the harsh economy currently being experienced,” he said.

Comrade Hamilton also called for the full implementation of the 2009 Federal Government/ NAAT agreement, adding that the union considers it unacceptable that seven years after the Federal Government freely entered into this agreement, the agreement is yet to be fully implemented.

NAAT, according to him demands that the agreement be fully and uniformly implemented by the government; while he stated that the government should expedite action in the renegotiation processes.

ITUC, NLC join forces to end workers exploitation, organise campaign in Abuja THE International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have joined forces together to end exploitation of workers by employers of labour; especially the multinational enterprises The two bodies commenced a campaign in Abuja, Nigeria›s Federal Capital Territory with a theme: “Taming corporate power in supply chains,” which is aimed at ending corporate greed.

The ITUC is a confederation that represents 180 million workers in 162 countries and territories, with 333 national affiliates of which the NLC is one. In

Nigeria for the campaign are the ITUC General Secretary, Sharam Burrow who is visiting Nigeria for the first time, General Secretary, ITUC Africa, Kwesi Amankawa, the ILO Director and Country Representative, Mr. Dennis Zulu, the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the General Secretary, NLC Comrade Peter Ozo-Eson and the Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, who was a former president of NLC. In his speech, Comrade Wabba assured his international guests that Abuja and Nigeria is very safe, saying that the government of President Muhammadu

Buhari has given security a top most priority.

The NLC president emphasized on the ills and inequalities of multinational.

“On the issue of fighting to halt and ultimately end corporate greed, we are all witnesses to the ills and inequalities of multinational enterprises.

“From 2007-08 when corporate greed and market rascality plunged the world into a financial and, later, harrowing economic crisis, working men and women, pensioners and communities suffered immense losses.

“Till date, the miseries and hardship caused by their reckless and greedy

actions have left scars on people, households, communities and economies.”

Comrade Wabba while lamenting over the situation that has glooming effect on the citizens, also blame politicians for offensive concessions to businesses and providing them tax havens.

“Shockingly, rather than side with their people, constituents and constituencies, politicians and governments have continued to make obscene and offensive concessions to businesses and the elites providing them tax havens to hide their criminal and corrupt wealth and loot; by so doing avoiding and

dodging taxes.

“For the poor and citizens, they have rewarded them with damning, hard and biting austerity measures. Thus, living and working conditions stagnant and getting worse - the poor getting poorer, whilst the rich richer at the expense and damnation of the poor,” he said.

According to Wabba, “the rank of the working poor, these days is expanding as the phenomenon of exploitation is crossing even to public sector where workers are owed and denied their wages for months, especially in States and Local Government Areas.”

21

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Bode Adewumi m:08055001765 e:bodekafi@yahoo.com

Africa hits 557 million mobile users as smartphones may dominate by 2020 —Report Stories By Bode Adewumi

M

ORE than half a billion people across Africa now subscribe to mobile services, with the next wave of growth to be fuelled by mobile broadband networks and services that will see the majority of users owning a smartphone by 2020.

A new GSMA study released last week, ‘The Mobile Economy: Africa 2016’ – reveals there were 557 million unique mobile subscribers across Africa at the end of 2015, equivalent to 46 per cent of the continent’s population, making Africa the second-largest – but least penetrated – mobile market in the world.

With much room for potential growth, the report sees the number of unique mobile subscribers hitting 725 million by 2020, accounting for 54 per cent of the expected population by this point.

By then, smartphone connections in Africa will have more than tripled, rising from 226 million in 2015 to 720 million in 2020.

Last year global smartphone penetration stood at 45 per cent, with Africa trailing at 23 per cent.

By 2020 Africa will hit 57 per cent, not too far behind the global average of 66 per cent.

The more than 450 million additional new smartphones in Africa will be driven by cheaper devices ( $50 smartphones are now available), a robust second-hand mobile device market, and the continued expansion of mobile broadband networks.

Indeed, the report notes that “African mobile subscribers are rapidly migrating to mobile broadband networks and services, a result of ongoing network rollouts and the increasing availability of affordable mobile broadband devices and tariffs.”

It adds: “Mobile broadband

(3G/4G) accounted for just over a quarter of total connections at the end of 2015, but is expected to account for almost two-thirds by 2020. By mid-2016, there were 72 live 4G networks in 32 countries across Africa, half of which have

launched in the last two years.”

The number of mobile subscribers in Africa that access the mobile internet also tripled in the last five years, reaching 300 million by 2015, equivalent to a quarter of the African population. An additional

growth will slow from a previous CAGR of 11 per cent (between 2010 – 2015) to a rate of 6 percent between 2015-2020, reflecting a global downward trend.

And as GSMA director general Mats Granryd outlined during his event keynote today, there are significant barriers to connecting unconnected populations in the region, including limited network coverage, high cost of mobile ownership, a lack of locally relevant content and a lack of digital skills.

A4AI warns on unrealistic UN 2020 goal

From left, Dr Vincent Olatunji, acting Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Dr Obaid Saqer Busit; Mr Jason Ferriman of Busit Advocates & Legal Consultants, UAE and Ambassador Babagana Wakil, acting Nigeria Consul General, Dubai, UAE, during an interactive session organised by the mission in Dubai, recently.

Smile thrills customers with UnlimitedPremium IN continuation of the series of innovative products designed to offer its subscribers unbeatable value, Smile Nigeria has unveiled the UnlimitedPremium Plan.

This latest innovation is coming on the heels of the company’s recent introduction of the Lowest 4G LTE Call Rate in the Nigerian market.

The UnlimitedPremium Plan gives customers Internet freedom where they can download unlimited movies, watch un-

limited videos, play unlimited games online, enjoy unlimited social media at the same price of N19, 800.The plan is about the only truly Unlimited Internet available to everyone in Nigeria.

A statement issued by the company disclosed that existing customers using the current Unlimited Plan would be automatically upgraded to UnlimitedPremium to immediately benefit from this new innovation. All existing

NITDA enjoins Nigerians in UAE to support Nigeria at Gitex 2016 NIGERIANS resident in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have been urged to support Nigeria towards the country’s successful participation in this year’s Gitex Technology Week holding between 16 and 20 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE. The acting Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr Vincent Olatunji, who made this call at a recent interactive session organised by the Nigeria foreign mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through its Consulate in Dubai, said NITDA will be promoting opportunities in non-oil sectors and how the government is committed to supporting foreign and local entrepreneurships, partic-

250 million subscribers are expected to become mobile internet users by 2020, bringing the total to 550 million (41 per cent of expected population).

The report wasn’t without its warnings, though. Africa’s mobile

ularly in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

The Gitex Technology Week, being organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, (DWTC),is the 3rd largest in the world. It attracted over 165, 000 trade visitors last year from over 115 countries. NITDA is facilitating Nigeria›s participation at three levels including the Nigerian Pavilion, Nigerian Startups cobs inside the Innovation Hub, and the GITEX Africa Investment Forum being co-managed by the NITDA and the DWTC. “All these levels of participation are designed to ensure maximum exposure to ICT and other non-oil sectors which is a cardinal economic goal of the current government under Pres-

ident Muhammadu Buhari. Dubai has become an international hub for business engagements.

NITDA has already opened talks with several business prospects through the support of the DWTC and the Consular Office here in Dubai.

“Since Nigeria started participating in GITEX, this is the first time we would be interacting with Nigerians and Nigerian business community here to seek your direct support and assure you of the willingness of the NITDA as well as sister agencies to work with you and enhance the value of the country›s GDP through non-oil enterprises,” said Olatunji as he spoke of the need for Nigerians to close ranks and promote the country as a strong, attractive economic brand.

Smile customers can recharge online with XpressRecharge and pay with their credit card. They can also recharge via MySmile and pay via approved third party payment channels or at any of the numerous Smile touch points.

On their part, new customers can order UnlimitedPremium plus SMiFi or UnlimitedPremium plus Router online and pay with their credit card for delivery to their doorsteps.

Alternatively, they can visit any Smile outlet where they are assured of best in class customer service.

The UnlimitedPremium plan is valid for 30 days .The plan will be available to all new and existing Smile customers and is ideal for the whole family. In a situation where anactive plan has not expired or exhausted, the usage will be from the customer’s active data plan before the new UnlimitedPremium plan kicks in.

However, all existing customers on the current Unlimited Plan will automatically be upgraded to UnlimitedPremium. All that is required is for the person to be a registered Smile customer with a registered SIM card and there are access devices compatible with Smile’s network, which will assist the customer. The statement from Smile Nigeria further indicated that the company reserves the right to limit speed where and when necessary.

THE Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) has cast strong doubts over the United Nations’ (UN) objective to provide universal affordable access to the internet by 2020, suggesting it could take decades to reach this goal.

“More than half of the world’s population can’t take advantage of the internet,” said Mrs Omobola Johnson, AFAI chair adding that “Just one in five people in Africa is online today and growth is slowing.”

At this rate, Johnson suggested it could take until 2042 for the UN to achieve its goal. “The reality is we have a long way to go,” she stated.

Key to improving matters is driving down the cost of accessibility. “We must set out to work towards 1Gb of data being priced at 2 per cent of monthly household income,” said Johnson, noting that in many African countries such a bundle costs upwards of 5 per cent of income.

“We need to take action now.

We need to seize the opportunity the internet has provided.

As the world steams ahead our continent is being left behind.

The digital divide threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities among women and the young etc. These are the areas we need to grow.”

Johnson stressed that connectivity must become a priority at the highest level of government.

And different parties should collaborate for wider industry success, while also ensuring that content created for the internet is developed locally.

“There is much work to be done before we achieve closing this digital divide. The internet has brought us close together as a continent, now we must work closer together to ensure the digital revolution and that no African is left out as we take our place in the digital world,” she said.

22

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Chukwuma Okparaocha

m:08038984495 e: chukscop2005@gmail.com

Lagos Mega-City project viable, but...

—Osikoya

LANRE ADEWOLE engaged industry-veteran, Mr Laide Osikoya, Managing Partner of Laide Osikoya and Associates, for his views on peculiar and general challenges in the real estate sector. Despite major project partnership with Lagos State Government, he was candid enough.

R

ECENTLY one of your colleagues said the estate business in Lagos has moved from seller’s market to buyer’s market. Does this hold true across board?

This is not absolute in the sense that it depends on some factors which include the type of property and the reason for the transaction. We need to discern between a property going up for sale and one for lease.

Location is another factor, as well as other special features. In terms of transaction, generally, when it comes to property which is for sale, in most cases, it could be the buyer’s market, in the sense that we have a downturn in the economy now and most of these property owners need to meet their expenses and so, sometimes they are forced to sell at ridiculous prices and when a willing buyer comes up, he is opportune to dictate the price so to say.

If it is not ridiculously low, the seller may be willing to sell. In such instance, you can say that for some of the properties going up for sale, it has become a buyer’s market. But in some other instances where the properties are for let, particularly for residential accommodation where we still have very high demand which has outstripped the supply, it will not be right to say it is the prospective tenant’s market. It would be that of property owner’s market, because demand is still very high and supply is low.

Even for properties for sale, it depends on location. In sought-after locations like Magodo by prospective buyers, we still have a situation where the supply is rather low and demand so high. Even in this economic downturn, we still have a situation where property value is going higher by the day.

Is there a property doom right now, especially on the Lagos Island where properties are not patronised for years?

It is not a doom, but a small recession. Our housing needs have not yet been met and obviously every human being still desires to have a shelter. What I think will happen is that most property owners may be more reasonable on the prices being fixed on their properties. What I have discovered over the years even when we had recession in the past is that property values have never drastically dropped. It only maintained an equilibrium level and before you knew it, it picked up again. What is happening now is that there is a recession now, there is going to be an equilibrium level until the values pick up again.

So which stakeholders will this recession be a blessing to?

It should be a blessing to property investors who have good money to invest. The only thing to do is change their design pattern.

For instance, if you have been developing

duplexes, detached houses, you can seize this recession opportunity, buy a lot of land, develop properties with lower types of accommodation, like luxury two or three bedroom flats, mini-flats, because obviously people of this class are like to be more in demand now than those of higher class that will demand for duplexes. It is for those who could look beyond when the economy will pick up.

Lagos Island is fast becoming a failed project with the mass movement to the Mainland. What went wrong with the idea?

I think many factors. First, the purchasing power of the people in this recession.

Generally, property values are higher on the Island than Mainland. That has affected the decision to relocate to Mainland. Two, with the present cost of fuel now, I think it would be most rational for someone living in Mainland to now have his office in Mainland. Even if you live on the Island and have your office in Mainland, you still safe a lot of fuel, because you are driving against traffic when coming and going. Particularly for those in Lekki and Epe axis, it could also become rational for you to come to the Mainland when you think of the maritime effect of that location, because the whole place is always flooded during the rainy session inspite of the high value. With all these factors, more people are finding it ideal, much more safe and wise economically to move to the Mainland.

Does that means property business on Island has no future?

It does. What I conceive happening is a change of use. Rather than for residential, the properties are likely to be used more for commercial purposes which would be beyond just office space. For instance, experts have estimated that the whole of Lekki axis is far better for farming than what it is being used for now. Look at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, a lot of commercial activities are going on there, not necessarily offices, though we know that some residential properties may be built around there, for easier access to the zone for the commercial activities. The challenges there right now doesn’t mean low activities on the Island, only that there might

Experts have estimated that the whole of Lekki axis is far better for farming than what it is being used for now

Osikoya be a change of usage focus.

Is government intervention in the property sector killing or helping your business, especially when you add all the known vices in government’s end to the bad eggs in the private sector?

Unfortunately, the Lagos State Government has not effectively utilised the Land Use Act, 1978 which vested the ownership of land in state government. If it had been effectively utilised and managed, I think housing for all should be more realisable than what it is now.

Even access to land by developers, individuals, companies, would have been made easier. So, what the government needs to do is to go and look at the Land Use Act, study it well and try to adhere strictly to the provisions to ensure that accessibility to land is made easier. I know the Lagos State Government is trying with the mortgage system whereby people can access fund for housing and the Omo Onile issue you mentioned, as at today, it is still happening, unabated and there isn’t serious government measure to control this, such that people find government properties much more secure than private, whereas by the Land Use Act, the management of every land should be that of state government, because the Act gives the state government the prerogative of occupancy on every land.

There is a task force recently set up to combat the Omo Onile syndrome and Governor Ambode’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) is a member. If you claim their harassment is still

happening unabated, does it mean government is just paying lip service, considering the rumour that the Omo Oniles are party loyalists who are untouchable?

I don’t want to believe so because the government is also aware of the pains of property developers go through in their hands and government wants to curb it. But the fact remains that these Omo Oniles have become a kind of enigma and it would require serious well-armed, much more in number of security forces to combat them because as at today, if you still report their case to the authority, the case will be taken up which means the government actually wants to do it, but perhaps there isn’t the wherewithal to combat them.

Why is the widespread mindset of an average estate agent being fraud?

Unfortunately, I think it is still our system, talking generally now, that has not regulated properly the practice of all professions, not just in the real estate, such that somebody can wake up tomorrow and just put a board right in front of his house, maybe he is a shoemaker and say ‘I have properties to let, I’m an agent’ and once anybody sees this, he approaches him and transaction is effected and along the line, there could be some fraudulent acts and yet you would still adduce it to an occurrence in this sector.

But in a situation whereby it becomes an offence to even use the word ‘agent’ if you are not a registered estate surveyor and valuer like we are, which has a body recognised by the Federal Government and have this enforced, we will continue to have this kind of situation.

23 thesouth-west Tunde Busari 08127593530 Yejide Gbenga - Ogundare 08116706853 Tunde Ogunesan 08116954634

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

The

South-West Editor Wole Efunnuga 08111813056

Got news for us; contact: southwesttribune@yahoo.co.uk or southwesttribune@gmail.com

Nigerian soldiers getting set for national assignment.

Militants

? t e g r a t t x e n e h t s a t s e South W Reports from Ogun and Lagos communities recently attacked by some gangs of gunmen indicate a relief in sight with the deployment of the military to their hideouts. TUNDE BUSARI writes

I

F the sack of some villages in Imushin, Ogun State community where 20 were gruesomely murdered by some gunmen did not make a serious meaning to the people of Yoruba nation, the abduction of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Yisau Oseni on July 16, seems to have sent a loud message suggestive a subtle declaration of war on the South-West geo-political zone.

Inside

Following the Imushin bloodbath, communities such as Isawo, Igbo Olomu, Magbon, Oke Muti, Elepete, Pakisa, Ola Imam, Boluwaduro, Ereko junction, Igando and Ajegunle have also come under fire of the aggressors, thereby forcing the residents to flee to places beyond Lagos and Ogun States.

Consequently, some fear-stricken landlords are hurriedly putting their property

up for sale at give-away prices to disconnect with the places.

Nigerian Tribune, however, gathered that the pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere had risen and indeed held a meeting with the leadership of Ijaws in Shagamu, Ogun State.

At the meeting, Afenifere was said to have, in clear term, expressed its displeasure at

My life as an insurance guru-turned-monarch —Jegun of Ile Oluji

the attacks and, thus, asked the Ijaw leaders to call their sons to order to avert inter-ethnic war.

The Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin declared that the Yoruba would not continue to fold their arms in face of what he called unprovoked attacks on their territories.

Continues on pg24

What most people do not know about Duro Ladipo —Son

24 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

‘Attacks constitute national security threat’ Continued from pg23 While Odumakin was not calling his kiths and kins out to take law into their hands, he, however, encouraged them to embark on self-defence.

Odumakin stated that encouraging the people to resort to self-defence is nothing new, stressing that when Boko Haram was proving to be invincible to the military, people in the North-East had to resort to self help. ”That is why there is what is called Civilian JTF. They fought gallantly against Boko Haram and that is why the Nigerian Army has recruited some of them. It is evident that the state has failed in its responsibility to safeguard its citizens and therefore we urge our people to resort to their traditional means to ward off attacks from their communities,” he said.

Given the danger, which the incident portends due to the strategic and commercial importance of Lagos and Ogun States to the nation, the federal government has also responded with a reprisal which is yielding result now.

A Joint task force comprising Army, Navy and Air force, had last Thursday, been deployed to suspected hideouts of the gunmen in the creeks. Operatives of Department of State Security, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Nigeria Police are also providing auxiliary service to the ongoing bombardment of the target enclaves of the gunmen.

The operation, codenamed Awathe, has demystified the gunmen with scores of them paying the supreme prices. The presence of the military in the affected areas has made access to them a risk for fear of arrest.

It was learnt that the troop has commenced house-to-house search for the gunmen, a development which has restricted the movement of the few residents left in the communities.

A landlord in Isawo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that he had to move his family to Mile 12 where they scot with some family friends, hoping to return after the military operation.

“I am just here this evening to see if I can go and pick some documents I forgot inside my briefcase. The military intervention is effective and I am sure by the time they are through those criminals will not try it again. The magnitude of crime they have committed can best be read in the newspapers. We saw hell in their hands. They operated as if there was no government at all,” he remarked.

Of all the communities Arepo is regarded as the most dangerous spot, hence the military focus on the area with Air force surveillance helicopter providing aerial monitoring for the task force operation.

With the troop’s special concentration on Arepo, notorious for pipeline vandalism, sources hinted that the gunmen might not be Niger Delta Avengers as claimed in some quarters including the media.

The view is shared and more articulated by the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, who clarified the true identity of the gunmen, describing them as a gang of common criminals who must be treated as such.

Adams revealed that the gang started out as vandals of pipelines, freely engaging in illegally sale of stolen fuel and allegedly compromising security agents.

They, Adams added, later metamorphosed to kidnappers having realised the

bleak future staring them in the face with the intensified surveillance of the spots.

“They are not Niger Delta Avengers or any other groups. They have no focus, no structure and no direction. They don’t have a base but only moving from one riverine community to the other. Whenever they cannot siphon fuel, they come to Lagos to rob banks and highbrow areas,” he said.

In the same vein, the Spokesperson for the Ijaw Youth Council, Eric Omare in an interview on Sunday exonerated the Niger Delta militants from the attacks on those communities. Omare revealed that the perpetrators were Niger Deltan who have

lived and long integrated with those communities.

It was also learnt that the gunmen and the people of the communities work hand in hand until things fell apart, resulting in the recent violence. The people are said to have benefitted from vandal activities and, at different occasions, acted as shield to the vandals against security agents. Adams recalled how youths of Arepo in particular rose against OPC when the group was given a contract to secure pipeline in 2015.

“They protested and did all they could to attack our men on ground but failed. They said we were denying them their source of

livelihood. That is why I called them the gang of criminals. It is funny that majority of these youths got burnt at the last inferno which occurred at Arepo,” he said.

Before filling this report, a pastor of The Redeemed Christian Church, who was kidnapped had been rescued. The pastor whose name was given as Bajomo was rescued on Sunday.

Local chapter of OPC is doing a yeoman’s job in providing clue leading to uncovering the hideouts of the gunmen. But the group lost a member on Saturday to the gunmen during another attack in which four members of the gangs were arrested.

Avengers not in South West —Gani Adams

National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams has offered an insight into the recent attack on some Yoruba communities in Ogun and Lagos States. In this interview conducted by TUNDE BUSARI, Adams exonerated ‘The Avengers’ in the attacks. Excerpts:

D

ON’T you see the recent attacks of Lagos and Ogun States communities as a danger to the South-West

zone?

It is a danger in the true sense of it. The danger is not even limited to the SouthWest alone, it is also a danger to the entire country and indeed a national security threat. This is so because of the fact that 70 percent of commercial activities in Nigeria are done in Lagos alone. And if foreign and local investors realise that Lagos is no more safe for their investments, it means there is a problem. Business cannot thrive where there is insecurity. Security is bedrock of any investment while lack of it drives investors away. Nigeria cannot afford to lose investors now the economy is not doing well.

There is inflation. Forex policy is killing. Unemployment keeps growing. So,

The public seem to be confused on the identity of the attackers. Are they Niger Delta militants as claimed and even reported?

I am surprised that the media too is glorifying the escapades of these gangs of common criminals. They are criminals who must be treated as criminals. They started out as vandals of pipelines illegally selling fuel to fellow conspirators. They later metamorphosed to kidnappers and ritualists. They are not Niger Delta Avengers or any other groups. They have no focus, no structure and no direction. They don’t have a base but only moving from one riverine community to the other. Whenever they cannot siphon fuel, they come to Lagos to rob banks and highbrow areas. They went to Igbo Olomu and said they would kill 14 people. Under two hours they killed 14 people and escaped. They have their camps at

creeks. Unfortunately for them they cannot operate like Niger Delta militants who can attack and hide in swampy areas.

With your knowledge in security matter, didn’t you see the raid by the so-called militants coming?

It is not only me that saw it. The government also saw it and proffered solution to it.

Unfortunately, politics killed that solution.

The past government saw the danger and gave us a contract in March 2015 to guard the pipelines from Atlas coast to Masin. We moved in and drove the vandals away from the pipelines. We suppressed their activities. We showed to them that they were not invisible. But when we were in full operation, the people in the communities complained. The youth were shouting.

What was the basis of their noise?

You did not know that the people of those communities are collaborators in the illegal acts. They also make a living from it. They buy stolen fuel and sell it to unsuspecting dealers. Some dealers too are in the know.

They are also conspirators. These people always shied the vandals whenever we want to engage them. When there was fire accident at Arepo, these same people were the ones burnt to death.

Which approach is best to quell these attacks?

Government knows what to do. The intervention of the military is yielding a good result, telling you that those criminals are just being overhyped. The military has arrived and taken the battle to their camps, killing many of them. This approach is no doubt effective. But recalling what the military did against Boko Haram, we can say government can do better. What they do in the North is the integration of local security groups. They are making use of those who know the terrain very well. That is why the military is making headway. Without sounding patronising, I know the role we are playing under ground to ensure these criminals don’t waste peoples’ life. But we cannot share our intelligence when we are not asked to do so. We need to be approached and acknowledged for that purpose before we do it. OPC has gone beyond being trapped in controversy and tagged trouble maker. We are extremely being careful with what we do. We have come to realise that anything that affects OPC will affect other affiliated organizations like OPU, Olokin Foundation and Gani Adams Foundation. OPU alone has chapters at about 71 countries. Can you now see why we have to be careful in handling issue that affects the public. I am not saying we cannot do anything but we are avoiding a situation we share intelligence with them and they are used against us. Our past experience ought to teach us some lessons in this regard.

25 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

My life as an insurance guru-turnedmonarch —Jegun of Ile Oluji

Five years ago, his concerns were how to grow the nation’s insurance industry and reduce the activities of quacks in that practice, as the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and a chief executive of a thriving insurance firm. Today, he is being called upon by his people to put these experiences to good use at the community level. In this interview with AKIN ADEWAKUN, the newly-elected monarch of Ile Oluji Kingdom, the Jegun of Ile Oluji, Oba Oluwole Adetimehin, unfolds his developmental plans for the kingdom, insisting that his primary focus now is how to reciprocate the overwhelming confidence of his people in him. Excerpts:

H

OW did you react when you were named as the oba-elect?

Let me say what has happened is just the manifestation of divine providence. To say the least, I never had the ambition of becoming an oba. But as a prince, right from my birth, there had been premonition that I would be crowned as a king. And this kept coming, but I didn’t pay any attention to that. But as years went by, people were seeing this royal thing in me, and it was almost coming to a name or appellation. Everywhere I went, people were always saying kabiyesi. I’ve been a career person all my life, and by God’s grace, I have made my mark, having attained the peak of my career. So I was already fulfilled.

But the questions I kept asking myself are: can this be real?

Will it happen? Is that the next level? And when the stool eventually became vacant and all over the place, people kept calling, they were going to the family house to encourage me, and before you knew what was happening, it became the talk of the community, even beyond the shores of Nigeria. I think God really prepared the place for me and wanted me to ascend the throne, because I never went out of my way. I was not running from pillar to post the way some of the other contestants were doing. So I never saw it as a do or die thing.

Recently, I inaugurated residential quarters representatives group (Ipade Adugbo), to promote cordiality and effective communication amongst the people. You want to get to know about their welfares, their challenges? You want to be able to find solutions. Every street is expected to have a representative. So what we are trying to do now is to structure that kind of associations to be able to use that as one of the platforms to reach out to the community, because I realize that people carry a lot of rumours that have no foundation.

A lot of traditional leaders within the South West region have argued for community policing, what is your take on this subject?

My take is that we should look at the fundamentals and not scratch the surface. What are those things responsible for insecurity in Nigeria? Why do we have security challenge? If we can define those elements very well, we probably will not need more policemen. For instance, the issue of unemployment, our youths are coming out of colleges, they can’t find job placements. The few that are employed are not well paid. So if we can solve unemployment problem, the number of people out there, wandering will reduce.

Graduates driving okada will reduce, people doing 419 will reduce. Also the issue of politics, which is being taken as a full time employment, should not be so, it has led to promotion of thuggery all over the place. If we can address all these issues, the issue of community policing will not even come up at all. But if we can not address the issues, then we need to look at what we can do to manage those problems, which we can not solve outright. That is why I will support community policing. I believe a policeman from a particular community will definitely understand the terrain better. So it will be very easy to fish out perpetrators of those criminal acts within the community. It would also de-emphasise the undue use of the regular policemen. But they will have to be well trained.

How did you now prepare yourself for the throne?

You know this new position is different from a political post or even life in the corporate world. There are some requirements you have to meet. I knew I met those requirements. But the mindset was that those prophesies and the overwhelming assurance around were not enough that it would be a walk-over. I just committed everything to God, because before then, I had grown to know God, knowing full well that whatever he decides to do he will do it. I actually prepared for the throne by calling on God and asking me to lead me aright. So every now and then, I always call on Him, who set the step for me and I give it to me that guard me on how best to do it everyday. That is why I no longer get scared, I never get afraid, even at situations that ordinarily should be scaring.

Immediately your name was announced to the time of your coronation, the support, the acceptance was overwhelming and unprecedented, how did you earn such confidence?

Well I myself, I can’t explain. Nobody can. That was simply God at work, His ways are not our ways. You know I was almost suffocating, when it was time to go and present my address, because the crowd was rather huge. What we witnessed that day was unprecedented, and that was the Lord’s doing. To me, that overwhelming support manifesting in that mammoth crowd was not enough to get me carried away, rather I saw it as a big challenge of what to do and how to do it to meet the aspirations of the people of this community. It was one unique experience of my life and I keep thanking God. Sometimes I wondered what could have merited me such acclaim.

To what extent would you say you have recovered from the shock of coming from a corporate world to lead a traditional institution?

First, majority of my colleagues in the insurance sector were shocked that their past president had become a monarch, because all my days in the career, I never paraded myself as somebody looking forward to becoming an oba.

I never showed anybody any such sign that I had an ambition to become an oba, except one or two professional colleagues, who happened to be prince and was always living the life of a prince. A whole lot of them were shocked. The corporate culture I was coming from and this traditional institution are my miles apart. Now one has to attend to tradition and the people of the kingdom, because their perception of the throne is that they have somebody there who can solve all their problems. They see the palace as the only place they can go and have their issues or anything bothering them sorted out. Unlike the corporate world when

Oba Oluwole Adetimehin your day is planned, you have your appointments, you have opening and closing times, here nothing like that. But I have plans to restructure the pattern here, though one thing is certain, there is no way you can shut your gate against the people. But God helping us, I should be able to bring some improvements, educate them on the way to go and make them believe that it is not only the kabiyesi that can solve their problems. I have six high chiefs who have their portfolios. So when you build confidence in the people that there are other problem solvers, that are easily available, I think things should be a lot better and with that approach, you will be able to solve more problems, collectively than you alone can solve.

Can you let us in into some of your agenda for the community?

My take is that we should look at the fundamentals and not scratch the surface. What are those things responsible for insecurity in Nigeria?

Why do we have security challenge?

If we can define those elements very well, we probably will not need more policemen.

Ile Oluji Kingdom and by extension, the whole of the South West has lost its pride of place as far as cocoa business is concerned. What do you think can be done to resuscitate the business in the community?

My take on that can not be different from the popular argument. We need to diversify and look forward to resuscitating some of these businesses that had fetched us money in the past. We should take the fullest advantage of exploiting the gift of nature in our environment. Unfortunately, we keep saying it, but can hardly actualize that dream. That is to say, the potential is there, but we hardly tap into it. In those days, predominantly, our fathers were farmers, and they were giving it the best shot. But then all of them believed that they must send their children to school, even though at that time, their children were still offering helping hand to them. But nowadays, nothing like that again. The people got educated and the type of education they got was not full enough to make them successful in life. So that possibly accounted for the drift from the farm to the city, where they are busy chasing white collar jobs that are no more there. So coming back now would amount to re-inventing the whole order. Though it could be resourceful in the short run, but in the long run, the result is going to be 50-50. How many people have taken interest? Have they got the means? Can they access loans? All the programs being put together by governments at the state and federal levels, can the people access these facilities to do farming? I think the solution is for the government to go back to the old order, introduce agric farm settlement schemes, on partnership basis, because we have a number of young graduates that are willing to work that couldn’t find means. So if such a means come, and the government is sincere about it, create infrastructure, provide means of their getting stipends, it would work. Then private enterpreneurs that want to do farming will complement that idea. But there is no way, if we don’t diversify we won’t get out of this problem. When we talk of recession, it is revolving. The problem we are going through here now will spill over to all other parts of the world.

26 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Day Iwo residents received N1.5billion medical equipment

The medical equipment on arrival at Iwo.

The arrival of the much-expected medical equipment electrified Iwo with the Oluwo, Oba AbdulRasheem beaming with smile of fulfillment at the delivery.

TUNDE BUSARI who was at the scene reports.

S

INCE the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi declared his intention to improve health care facilities of the hospitals in his domain and its environs, expectation by the surprising public headed north-

ward.

Aside the fact that Oba Akanbi has, since his coronation in January, embarked on some laudable humanitarian gestures including feeding the hungry and clothing the needy, taking delivery of the N1.5 billion medical equipment had occupied his mind so much that he hardly spoke to the media without a mention of the container coming from Canada, his former base.

Both the expectation and anticipation, however, came to an end on Thursday July 22, 2016 when an articulated vehicle arrived Iwo and offloaded an orange container in front of the palace of the Oluwo. The news hit the monarch in the right chord as he rushed out of the palace to take a look and inspect the consignment.

A few among the equipment include electrical beds, Urine kits, digital ultra sound machines, wheel chairs, ECG,EKG, X-ray machine and resuscitating machines.

Remarkably, what was planned to be a casual inspection suddenly turned to a show when passers-by paused to catch a glimpse of the brand new equipment and showered endless encomiums on Oba Akanbi whom they described as their transformational king.

Abdul Akeem Salawudeen, a commercial motorcycle operator, parked his ‘okada’ to join the crowd watching Oba Akanbi beside the container. He said he received the news at his park and promptly rode down to the palace to see for himself. The 34-year-old explained that he never believed a traditional ruler could embark upon project government is expected to fund.

“We are happy with the way Kabiyesi is wining himself into people’s heart. It shows that despite the fact that baba was not living here, he understood the problem we had in the town. I am happy to be here when Kabiyesi is even inspecting the container,” the exhilarated Salawudeen said in

Yoruba language.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the senior officers at the state General Hospital are still celebrating the news seen as a social service which well-to-do personalities of the society, according to them, should always do to support government effort.

An officer, who did not want her name in print apparently in compliance with civil service regime, disclosed that the equipment could not have come at a better time, even though she expressed sympathy with Osun State Government, which, she said, was facing economic challenge like other states of the federation.

“The equipment Kabiyesi has brought will help our job and also help the public. I am not from this town but I am happy that this kind of support is being given by a royal father,” she said.

Iwo, being a prominent Muslim community in the SouthWest Nigeria, does not compromise Islamic rule which forbids keeping a corpse after death. This practice, according to Oba Akanbi, has sent some who could have been revived back to life with resuscitating machine, to their early grave.

While the Oluwo is in order with Islamic injunction regarding burial of Muslim corpse, he shed light on the need to exercise caution now with the use of facility to confirm the true state of the person.

He explained that some ailing ones may fall into coma for days and still regain their breath later. This is an era of high technology in which the practice of last year is outdated this year. Technology keeps moving at a faster rate. This is one of the reasons behind bringing these equipment.

“I am very sure that many lives will be saved with the resuscitating machine available now. I am excited to have facilities used in the US and other developed countries in my

I am very sure that many lives will be saved with the resuscitating machine available now. I am excited to have facilities used in the US and other developed countries in my domain.

domain. We don’t need to run to those countries any more to seek solution to our health problem,” Oba Akanbi said assuredly and with a smile.

Alhaji Lukman Badru, an Iwo indigene, resident in Kuwait, could not but commend the Oluwo for challenging sons and daughters of the town, especially those who have succeeded in their respective chosen professions, to look back and contribute their own quota to the development of the town.

Badru argued that leadership of group, community, state or country is all about service, stressing that service to the people has an enduring value than service to oneself alone.

“Kabiyesi has finally nailed it. He has finally thrown the challenge at us that we don’t have any excuse not to support his development drive. No one would want his town to be left behind. And no one should wait for government before his town is improved. I am happy that Kabiyesi never hid his love for our town with the way he is doing including this medical equipment. Long shall he reign,” Badru said.

While working on the logistics on the distribution of the equipment to hospitals in Iwo and its environ, Oba Akanbi is also thinking on how to consolidate this with more value-adding projects to his subjects.

He said he was doing it to sustain the hope of his subjects and assure them that despite the state of the economy, they still have a bright future, stressing that the rough economic weather is not restricted to Osun State or Nigeria but it is a global issue.

“When I distributed 50 laptops each to Bowen University here and Osun State University, Osogbo, I said medical equipment were on the way. Saying this does not mean I always want to be heard. I only want to boost the morale of my people not to lose hope because I am very sure we are going to survive it,” he said.

Worried by the alleged lackadaisical attitude of health personnel at public hospitals, some indigenes of Iwo were appealing to the monarch to strictly monitor the distribution of the equipment and also ensure they are put to proper use.

A palace drummer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, advised Oba Akanbi to warn doctors and nurses in government hospitals not to keep the equipment away from the patients. The young outspoken drummer said.

“We know what they do. They can do anything in their hospital. Kabiyesi should warn them and also visit the hospitals to know whether they use them for us or not.”

27 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

What most people do not know about Duro Ladipo —Son

Wole Duro-Ladipo is arguably the carbon copy of his late Theatre doyen father, Duro Ladipo. Heavily built with dark skin, which brings out his Africaness, the University of Ibadan graduate of Political science is also into cultural renaissance. In his United States of America base, his Yoruba Cultural Exchange Festival has given Yoruba in the Diaspora hope that all is not lost. In an interview with TUNDE BUSARI, the young Duro-Ladipo speaks about his late father, his legacy and his own culture agenda.

Excerpts:

B

ETWEEN 1978 and now that you don’t have your father, how do you feel after 38 years?

I was very young when he died. But to God be the glory now that we are atill appreciating his legacy. My father died March 11, 1978. Before he died, there was this idea he impacted in all of us, his children. It is the value of education. There used to be a Yoruba popular poem among pupils. It was entitled Ise logun ise. The poem emphasised strongly on the virtue of education as well as hard work. The poem has a very comprehensive depth on how to raise a child. He would ensure that we recite it every morning before we go to school. I can tell you that that value helped all of us in our life journey. That is what has distinct us among other children. We have graduates and masters degree holders among us. This means his idea really worked. Again, to God be the glory for seeing all of us through to become whom we are today.

to as Sango of his generation. He was a teacher. As a matter of fact, he started out as a school teacher before he became a professional theatre practitioner. Towards the end of his life, he was gradually returning to academic. He was with the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ibadan as artist in residence. He hung out with the likes of Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Femi Osofisan, Professor Adelugba and others.

Given the fact of your resemblance with your late father, Do you see yourself putting on costume and do the replica of his Oba Koso either on stage or in movie?

It is not impossible after all drama presentation is genetic to all of us, his children. You remind me when we were shooting Moremi Ajasoro. I acted the Oluorogbo as a little boy. The director of the play was Wole Oyebamiji. When it got to where I needed to cry to give the scene a semblance of reality, the director was doubtful of having me done it.

Then my father told him that ‘look, he is my son, it is in his blood. When he gets there, he will deliver it’. As young as I was, I think, the director was still skeptical. But when the tape rolled and it got to the scene, I cried naturally to his amazement. What this tells you is that I am capable of doing anything on stage. But I must clarify certain thing. My father was more spiritual than human being to the extent that it is going to be a waste of time to attempt to replicate his exploits. As a matter of fact, some Sango worshippers attest to the fact that he was another Sango of his generation. I have no reason to doubt these people because, apart from their depth in tradition, what my father used to display on stage could frighten anyone.

How is mama Moremi doing and why is she not featuring in movies?

Mama is in good condition. She is okay. We thank God for her life 38 years after death separated her from her husband. She is not regular on the movies because of her background as a true professional who had acted in Europe and Brazil. She was at Berlin Festival of Arts. She therefore, knows quality production. But when what we see are far from standard, she keeps to herself and moves on with her life. But she does feature in select films, which meet up with standard. That is saying that she is still available if the script and quality are okay.

Can you recall any of these?

Thank You. I can recall vividly the day I saw my father on stage spitting fire. It was at a show at the Glover Hall, Lagos.

When I saw him, I ran out of the hall because I could not just believe what I was seeing. I shivered! He looked entirely different from whom I know. His eyes were red as if he was possessed with a spiritual power. That day remains fresh in my memory and is instructive on the reason he was referred

How many of your father’s works are available for reproduction for the benefit of young generation who have no access to the works?

It is unfortunate that most of his works were affected by a fire accident. I don’t like to talk about this because it always disturbs me. I am not happy that those historic works went with the fire. But I am happy that some white still preserve some as my attention was recently drawn to a piece on Youtube. So, on Google, his works are there.

I read where your name prominently features in a story of Yoruba Cultural Exchange Festival in the US. How connected are you with festival?

Without sounding immodest, Yoruba Cultural Exchange Festival is my little effort in preserving the legacy left behind by my father. I grew up to appreciate the value of Yoruba

It is unfortunate that most of his works were affected by fire accident. I don’t like to talk about this because it always disturbs me.

culture among other cultures I have read about and even seen. And coming from a father who spent his whole life in propagating the same culture, makes it more imperative for me to go further. The festival is the product of my attachment to his ideals. In the US, where I reside, I realised that our children out there have interest in asking questions about home; about their root. They are interested in our culture. But their parents unfortunately don’t share their passion. They don’t encourage them enough to see the value of our culture. The danger is that these vulnerable kids form opinion that if their parents’ culture is better, they would explain to them and even showcase it. What they do next is to fully integrate into American culture and forget anything about their parents’ home. When the parents are old, they take them to home care to expect them to die and bury them and forget everything about home. They don’t want to come because there is no connection with home. They are, therefore, denied opportunity to come and use their skills to develop their fathers’ land. This is sad. I am not happy with the development but that is what happens, hence my coming up with the festival. We bring different artistes together to showcase to the world the content of Yoruba culture.

Can you speak more on the relevance of the festival and your staying power?

I am happy to tell you that we have the support of Dallas Cultural Affairs Office. Back home in Nigeria, we also have support from some corporate bodies. We are holding the fourth edition between September 9 and 10 in Dallas Texas.

Some royal fathers will attend the festival. As regards our staying power, my personal saving is also dedicated to it to show my total commitment to it. I am not comfortable when people from other cultures see ours as inferior. It is the height of insult. How can we have this rich culture and allow others to insult us? This is our mission and we are happy that we are changing that now.

Can you name some of the traditional rulers expected at the 2016 edition of the festival?

Why not? We have the Elegushi, the Oluwo, the Olugbo, Owamiran, the Olowu Kuta, the Olutori, the Onu of Igalla too will witness it. It is all inclusive because Yoruba culture is the face of African culture. Do you know the number of foreigners that attend the annual Osun Osogbo festival in my home town? Do you know what Nigerian government stands to gain in developing tourism? With my exposure in this field as a professional, I am not happy watching all those tourist sites mismanaged by our government. This is a sector that has so much potentials to drive the economy and reduce tension being generated by our overdependence on oil, which, of course, is on a low side now.

28 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

We’re set to win 2019 Lagos governorship poll —PDP Bola Badmus - Lagos

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AGOS State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it was set to take over Lagos and produce the next governor in the 2019 election, recalling that its past failure to win the governorship seat was due to the fact some of its leaders had been involved in compromising game to trade away Lagos for his support for PDP presidential candidates.

Spokesperson of the party, Mr. Taofik Gani, made this known in an exclusive chat with Nigerian Tribune, declaring that the state chapter of the PDP had never at

any time enjoyed the conviction or desperation of the Federal Government controlled by the party to win Lagos State.

Gani lamented that despite many plans and strategies of the PDP in Lagos and the commitment of some of its leaders to win the state, some other leaders of the party, most especially at the national level who were close and were still close to the National Leader of APC, Tinubu, were always sharing vital information about the PDP winning strategies with him.

“Many of our leaders who are PDP at National level were close and are still close to the National Leader of

APC, so they belong to PDP in Abuja when we were in government, but in Lagos, they belong to APC. Many at times, they gave all our information from Abuja to the Tinubu’s strategies in Lagos,” Gani stated.

Gani, while saying that the PDP was certainly on its set

goal to win coming governorship election in Lagos as he described the lost of Aso Villa as a blessing in disguise for the party, stating that PDP would no longer be distracted by any support from anyone as it was going to face the 2019 governorship election headlong and win it.

“So it may even be a blessing in disguise to us as far as we are concerned, it is a blessing to us that the PDP is not controlling Aso Villa now.

“So, we are not going to be distracted by any support from anyone. We are going to go headlong into the 2019

Ondo 2016: Don’t treat this election with kid glove —Ekungba

PDP, APC differ over impact of LGs in Osun communities Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

THE peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun have expressed divergent positions on the impacts of local government councils in communities on the state.

While the APC argued that government at the grassroots level had carried out socio-economic programmes and provided infrastructural facilities to the people in all local government areas, the PDP described such claims as a pack of falsehood, insisting that council administration is non existent in Osun State.

A chieftain of the PDP in the state, Barrister Kayode Oduoye said “since Governor Rauf Aregbesola came on board, he has refused to conduct local government election. Instead, he has been running the activities of local government council with hand picked administrators, code named executive secretaries”.

According to him, “to make the matter worse and more confusing, he recently created Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and he appointed NULGE staff to be in charge. That simply tells us how deceptive it has been.

What he has created is just only opportunity to tax the people the more. Now they are asking for land taxes from house owners in the local government.

What they are doing is just to impoverish the people more. They cannot point to any thing significant they have done for the people in communities. No job for people in the rural arears.

But, Hon Olatunbosun Oyintinloye, who represents Obokun State Constituency in Osun State House of Assembly disagreed with Oduoye, submitting that the people at the grassroots are really feeling the impact of local government councils through social, agricultural, health and infrastructural facilities.

He stated, “with the conjunction of state government, the local governments have constructed 10 kilometers of rural roads in their councils. Over 1,000 boreholes have been sunk in all the local government area through RUWESA. Similarly, through the Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QUIIP), farmers in the rural communities have been granted loan facilities, running into N760 million.

Oyintiloye, who is also the chairman, House of Committee on Information and Strategy averred that “it is out of ignorance for anybody to claim that the people are not feeling the impact of local government councils. The agency for Community Social Development Programme (CSDP) in the state has also collaborated with the government to construct health centers, halls, water faculties in virtually all the local government areas.

“At my own level as lawmaker, I have renovated Obokun markets and constructed event centres both in Esa Oke and Ibokun.

These events or viewing centres can accommodate about 1,500 people each, apart from other intervention programmes that I have carried out”, he added.

governorship election.

“We would face it squarely, we would not be distracted or be directed or be strangulated by any compromise or tactics from PDP leaders outside the state,” the PDP spokesperson said.

Speaking further, Gani, who is a legal practitioner, recalled that a sample of what the PDP was capable of achieving had since manifested itself in the 2015 election, with the party winning six House of Representatives and eight of House of Assembly seats.

Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

An Ondo State APC governorship aspirant, Bode Oyewumi paying homage to the Ooni of Ife, for royal blessing, in Ile Ife.

Ogun 2019: Bankole, GNI, Adebutu, Adeola, Paseda eye Amosun’s seat Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta

THE race to occupy the exalted governor’s seat at Oke-Mosan, Governor’s Office ahead of the 2019 governorship election in Ogun State has begun with different gladiators showing interest.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that among those seeking to occupy the seat are the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Sabur Bankole, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 election, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Senator Solomon Adeola, a member of the House of

Representatives, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu, Senator Olalekan Mustapha and the governorship candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Prince Rotimi Paseda.

Although, if the issue of rotation would be considered, it should be the turn of Ogun West Senatorial District, based on the fact the district had not in the history of the state since its creation 40 years ago, produced a governor.

The highest political office occupied by the senatorial district was the position of a deputy governor, which was occupied for eight years by Alhaja Sal-

mot Makanjuola Badru, during the administration of the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Gbenga Daniel.

However, the district has failed to justify the need to produce the governor of the state in the last previous elections, when one of its own, Isiaka, was put forward as candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) in 2011 and PDP in 2015.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that Adeola, who is currently representing Lagos West Senatorial District in the National Assembly is equally interested in administering the state.

A Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and an aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state, Chief Jamiu Ekungba has warned the leadership of the party and people of the state not treat the election with gloves hand by underestimating the political strength of the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

Ekungba who stated this at the APC secretariat in Akure, noted that despite the crisis rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over the choice of the party’s flag bearer, the party will still give APC a good fight in the election.

He explained that PDP is drowning in the state while Mimiko has lost the confidence of the people and grip of the state, but stressed the need for APC to work more to outmatch the party’s political antics.

“To think that Mimiko and his henchmen will not put up a fight in the coming contest between old visions and new possibilities is not just a lie or a fun, it is a tall tale, and that tall tale is our greatest enemy.”

He however warned the leadership of APC, saying, “But will Mimiko be a push over, and is PDP actually doomed? Those who think this way are either underrating the people’s number one adversary or misjudging the task, and it could be that they do not understand the jungle, Ondo is today.”

29 news Tuesday, 2 August, 2016 2015 Hajj stampede: Reps summon 36 states Muslim Pilgrims’ Boards Medview

As Commission blames security, communication lapses for incident Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel— Abuja

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HE House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on 2015 Hajj stampede at Mina in Saudi Arabia, on Monday, gave the Secretaries of 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, 72 hours within which to appear before it with their official reports on the incident The Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Ibrahim Dutse, handed down the order on Monday at the public hearing on an investigative hearing on the role of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON ) in the Operation of Hajj and Umrah especially 2015 operation vis-à-vis the stampede at Mina, Saudi Arabia.

During the stampede, 274 Nigerians lost their lives while several others sustained injuries and others, declared missing.

This came just as the Commission blamed communication gaps and security lapses as the major cause of the stampede and demanded for more measures from the Saudi Arabia Kingdom, to prevent future occurrence of what he said was avoidable.

The Haji Commission boss, Mallam Abdullahi disclosed that main problem was there were security lapses and communication gaps, saying that, “the officials handling the security should be trained because they only speak various Arabic languages, they don’t speak or understand English language.”

While summoning the State Secretaries of the Board, the Chairman of the Committee lamented their

absence at the public hearing. This is despite the fact that they were duly invited through the Haji Commission. According to him, “we are talking about an incident where 274 people lost their lives and here we are, and those that are important to

this public hearing are not here. I am not pleased but we will continue with our hearing. Just one or two representatives of the secretaries would have been here with their reports, it will only take two hours and then they go back.”

Mallam Abdullahi also cleared the air on the compensation of One million riyal and 500,000 riyal promised by the Saudi King to the families of the deaths and those injured and promised that the compensation would be paid to the families of the

From right: Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Mukthar; Commissioner, Personnel Policy Management and Finance, NAHCON, Yusuf Adebayo and Chairman, Hajj and Umrah Association, Abdulfatai Abdulmajid, during an investigative hearing on the role of NAHCON in the operation of Hajj and Umrah especially 2015 operation vis-à-vis the stampede of Mina in Saudi Arabia at the National Assembly in Abuja, on Monday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

Crisis rocks seaports, as Customs jacks up import duty rate Tola Adenubi - Lagos THERE is crisis at the Lagos port end, as agents and Customs brokers have abandoned containers at the ports following the increment in the exchange rate for import duty calculations from N282 per dollar to N313 by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

According to an impeccable source in the Customs, the increment was down to last week’s crash of the Naira on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official ex-

change rate window.

When Nigerian Tribune was leaving the ports Monday evening, many of the agents were seen walking out of Customs examination rooms, vowing to leave their consignment in

the ports if the rates are not reversed.

According to an agent, Ismail Abolore, “this is unacceptable. Customs cannot just be toying with our lives by changing the import duty rates at will.”

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Monday performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of 2,000 affordable housing units for public servants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The project, a Federal Civil Servants Housing Estate located at Apo, Extension, Tafyi District of Abuja, according to Buhari, would alleviate the acute housing challenge faced by workers in FCT. Represented by the Minister of State, Power, Works and Housing, Mr Mustapha Baba Shehuri, the President expressed commitment to welfare of workers, especially in meeting their housing needs.

Government efforts to pro-

vide affordable housing units for public servants were predicated on the revelation that housing deficits among civil servants are in the region of 40,000 and 50,000.

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, said it was against this backdrop that her office conceptualised the Federal Integrated Staff Housing

It will be recalled that similar protest had greeted the recent increment of the rates to N283 at the Tin-Can Island Container terminal, when agents clashed with Customs officials over duty change.

Bring federal presence to Bayelsa, Dickson tells APC Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa

BAYELSA State Governor, Seriake Dickson has called on his political opponents in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to

use their contacts to bring federal appointments and projects to the state, rather than embark on divisive tendencies and polarise the people of the State.

He also criticised the

FG kicks off construction of 2,000 housing units for civil servants Clement Idoko - Abuja

victims the promised was redeemed He however demanded for the review of security arrangement in the Holy land and the need for the Kingdom to engage the services of multilingual personnel to handle the pilgrims in the future.

(FISH), programme to provide cost effective and affordable housing for various categories of workers.

She noted this was intended to uplift the morale, commitment, stewardship and quality of life of workers during and after service.

Oyo-Ita, said: “Under a Public Private Partnership arrangement, my office in

June 2016 broadened accessibility to houses at low cost by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with CNTC, a partner construction company to Shelter Afrique facilitated by UN Habitat for the construction of 1,000 units for public servants in the FCT under the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.”

non-inclusion of the people of Bayelsa at the federal level, in line with the federal character principle.

According to him, Bayelsa State deserves adequate representation, considering the fact that it contributes immensely to the national economy.

The governor, according to a statement issued on Monday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel IworisoMarkson, made the observation during the state’s monthly praise night at the palace of Melchizedek, in Toru Orua, his hometown in Sagbama Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Embark on strike, NARD directs doctors yet to receive full salaries Kola Oyelere - Kano

THE National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has mandated its members to embark on total withdrawal of service with immediate effect from all hospitals where doctors are yet to receive full salaries.

The association, however, threatened not to rule out a nationwide solidarity strike if the situation lingers beyond reasonable time frame.

Speaking on Monday, in Kano, NARD President, Dr Muhammed Askira, said despite the stakeholders’ interventions, which led

to the suspension of the nationwide strike on June 27, the affected hospitals are yet to implement their agreements.

Dr Askira also lamented that all the doctors sacked unduly are yet to be recalled, doctors at the state level are yet to access the bail out intervention in the

affected hospitals.

In his words, many federal hospitals are yet to pay full salaries for doctors and most of the affected doctors are subjected to various degree of victimisation ranging from no work, no pay, to repeat of already completed postings among others.

Airline dedicates three jumbo jets to 2016 hajj Shola Adekola - Lagos

TO forestall any hitch as this year’s holy pilgrimage by the Muslims to the holy land in Mecca, Saudi Arabia which begins next week, Medview Airline, one of the leading airlines chosen to airlift over 22 pilgrims has dedicated three jumbo jets - B777-200, B747-400 and B767-300ER to the exercise.

The managing director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole stated this on Monday, while taking delivery of a B747-400, which was operated for the first time on its schedule flight from London-Gatwick with 400 passengers on board.

According to Bankole, the aircraft will be devoted to the 2016 Hajj operations, which begins next week, August 8, 2016.

The operation was made possible with the approval of the British Civil Aviation Authorities with the switch from B767-300ER to B747400.

The 463 passenger capacity aircraft with Medview Airline livery touched down the Murtala Muhammed International airport at 7.30 am on Monday.

An elated Bankole said the new aircraft will be used to consolidate LagosLondon route operations as well as the Hajj operations, pointing out that opening up the transatlantic route was on the front burner.

Gov Sani Bello sacks SSG appoints replacement Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

NIGER State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Ladan as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace in Minna, on Monday said Ladan replaces Alhaji Shehu Danyaya who was relieved of his post on Monday by Governor Sani Bello.

The 55-year-old politician and former Senatorial aspirant for Niger North Senatorial district under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last general polls is a former Commissioner representing Niger State in the Federal Character Commission.

Ladan, a turban Councillor of Borgu Kingdom had served on the Governorelect, Transition Committee set up by Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello to prepare ground for his administration’s inauguration in 2015.

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Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

We weren’t part of Oyo govt/NLC agreement on unpaid salaries —TUC, JNC Schedule mass action for next Monday

By Wale Akinselure

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HE Oyo State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Public Service Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) have condemned and dissociated themselves from the July 25, 2016 agreement reached between the state government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) that resulted in the justsuspended strike.

The leadership of the two unions described the agreement as inimical to industrial development and dangerous to workers, arguing that they were critical stakeholders in the industrial environment but were not invited to be part of the negotiation process, at any point.

In this light, the acting Chairman of the TUC, Mr Emelieze Andrew, on Monday, said the union would commence an indefinite mass action in the state from August 8, 2016.

Speaking, Emelieze said the scheduled mass action follows an earlier 15-day ultimatum and letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari through state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, dated July 4, 2016, without any reply from the state government. He said the mass action would take the form of some members “occupying” the state secretariat on a daily basis till salaries are paid while others would embark on hunger strike, among other strategies, to drive home their demands.

“If in the next five days workers’ salaries are not paid, TUC in Oyo State will embark on mass action.

The resolutions of the NLC and Oyo State government have nothing to do with the TUC. We condemn holistically the unholy alliance that was entered into by the two parties to come up with an unholy document which is inimical to industrial development in Oyo State and dangerous to the workers.

“The agreement means that the Oyo State government is free to pay salaries the way it likes. It also means that the state government is free to sack workers. It is totally condemned by the TUC and is not binding on the senior staff,” Emelieze said.

Also speaking, Oyo Chairman, Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, Mr Olusola Ogundiran, chided the state government for failing to involve the JNC, which he said should be the

statutory negotiating body in industrial issues.

“The agreement entered on July 25, 2016 only bastardised the June 25, 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as there was no difference in the

agreements. The parties still agreed that the wage bill is N5.2 billion and that the state cannot fulfil its obligations because of dwindling allocation from the Federal Government.

“They have complicated

issues when they said ‘there should be sacrifices from both sides’.

“The agreement only mentioned salaries for January and February. We don’t know what happens after January and Febru-

ary. A lot of what was contained in the agreement should be the prerogative of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council. The JNC believes that its jurisdiction has been encroached,” Ogundiran said.

Oyo State Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in 2015, Mr Seyi Makinde (second right), welcoming decampees, led by Honourable Isiaka Adeola (middle), from Ido Local Government Area of the state into the SDP, at the weekend.

PDP, APC, Accord, Labour members defect to SDP in Ido LG SOCIAL Democratic Party (SDP) in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State recently received many defectors from Accord, Labour, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) to the party.

In his address on the occasion, a two-time council chairman and one-time house of assembly member from the local government, Honourable Isiaka Adeola, explained that all the major parties in the state have been tested and they all failed.

“We have discovered that the solution to economic hardship and political imbalance in the state is in SDP and that solution is the leader of the party in the state, Mr Seyi Makinde, who I am happy to address as in-coming governor,” he said.

Adeola said that he spoke on behalf of the leaders of the Labour Party who are also defecting to SDP among who are Chief Isaac Olajide, Alhaji Diekola Mukaila and Alhaji Isiaka Ahmed.

In his speech, the Vice Chairman of Accord Party in the council area, Honourable Bashir Adesi-

yan, who spoke on behalf of other executive party chieftains such as Honourable Nureni Adeoye, Alhaji Tiamiyu Bako, Honourable Tiri Excellency and Mrs Olugbaroye said they were tired of imposition and lack of internal democracy prev-

alent in the Accord Party.

He said they believed the solution to Oyo State’s myriad of problems is for Seyi Makinde to govern the state.

In his welcome address, SDP chairman in Oyo State, Alhaji Kola Balogun, explained that the party is ca-

pable of turning the state around when the time comes.

While making his speech, the gubernatorial candidate of the party in 2015 election, Seyi Makinde, assured the defectors that the party would accord all members due respect.

Strike paralyses activities at UI

By Tunde Ogunesan

ACADEMIC and administrative activities were on Monday disrupted at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, as the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) continued their warning strike to demand full payment of salaries and arrears from January 2016 to date.

Sources informed the Nigerian Tribune that staff members of the university have been collecting fraction of their salaries since January 2016 due to shortfall of allocation from the Federal Government.

As early as 7:00a.m. on Monday, the Joint Action Congress of Senior Staff of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), NASU and NAAT had stormed the gate of the university for a joint congress and put the gate under lock

and key.

Following the development, heavy traffic jam was witnessed at the Agbowo end of the university, as people were forced to park their vehicles and trek inside the school but the gate was opened shortly after noon.

While the strike affected some faculties which are still writing their undergraduate examinations, movements within, into and outside the school were hampered.

The unions lamented that they were forced to take the latest action owing to the failure of the university’s administration to yield to their demands of commencing full payment of salaries

by July ending and arrears of shortfalls from December 2015 to June 2016.

The Chairman of SSANU, Wale Akinremi, said the

congress of the unions had resolved to commence the industrial action without any further warning following several unfulfilled promises.

The unions are also demanding payment of N15,000 and N30,000 hazard allowances for junior and senior staff respectively.

The unions had last week Friday ordered their members to go home after holding a joint congress at the university entrance gate forcing people to trek distances to their destinations.

Meanwhile, in a post on the social media, Bursar of the university, Michael Alatise, was said to have disclosed that the university has now received payment of shortfalls covering January to April, 2016 with directive of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka, that the money be paid.

Nigerian Tribune

Butchers to pay N700 on each slaughtered cow in Osun OSUN State government, on Monday, announced that butchers in the state would henceforth pay N700 as levy for every cow slaughtered for sale.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the announcement followed a decision reached at a meeting between the state government and Osun Cattle Butchers Association, in Osogbo.

Mr Wale Adedoyin, a consultant to the state government, who represented it at the meeting, told newsmen that the levy was introduced to boost internally-generated revenue of the state.

According to him, parties at the meeting agreed that henceforth the establishment of a new slaughter slab will attract payment of N50,000.

Adedoyin, a former commissioner for agriculture and food security in the state, added that registration of each member of the butchers association would attract N2,500 while annual renewal of registration would cost N1,000.

Adedoyin explained that the levies became necessary in order to improve on the finances of the state, adding that proceeds from the levy would also be used to provide necessary facilities at the abattoirs.

Onakoya lauds Amosun on creation of LCDAs A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Chief Babatunde Onakoya (Debasco), has commended Governor Ibikunle Amosun for the creation of new council development areas and wards in the state.

The chieftain charged the people of the state to support the new initiatives and embrace peace by contributing their quota to the development of the LCDAs. Onakoya said this during an interaction with some community leaders in Leguru on how to develop the LCDAs. He urged the people of Leguru to have the interest and development of the community at heart.

He further charged the indigenes to be ready to sacrifice their personal interests for the overall wellbeing of the community.

He commended the Ogun State government under Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the deputy governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, for their contributions to the creation of the new wards and LCDAs in the state.

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Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Ondo to get more NDDC projects Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

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HE Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Ibim Semenitari, on Monday, declared that Ondo State would be given preferential treatment in the

2016 budget.

Semenitari disclosed this in Akure, Ondo State capital, during a two-day training programme for top management team of the commission on procurement and due process mechanism.

According to her, projects awarded to the NDDC

states were subjected to the production quota policy and Act, which stipulates that projects should be awarded to states according to the oil produced by the existing nine oil producing states in the nation.

The Acting Managing Director of the NDDC said that “this year, in our bud-

get proposal, those who produce more are actually getting a bit less than their production quota; and those who don’t produce as much are getting more than their production quota.”

She explained that the motive was to ensure even distribution of projects and development.

Semenitari, however, said that the commission would embark on projects inspection across the state, saying her last visit to the sites of ongoing projects in the state was to ensure that no project was abandoned by the contractors.

“We must be able to deliver development in the Niger Delta to the people of the region for whose purpose we are established; and so, we need to improve our own expertise on procurement so that we deliver projects at a good cost to the people,” she said.

I’ll restore Ondo’s lost glory —Former speaker Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

From left, guest speaker, Dr Hakeem Tijani; chairman on the occasion, Dr Charles Diji Akinola; acting Director-General, NISER, Professor Olakunle Frank Odumosu and Professor F.O. Nyemutu, during the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) seminar series, at the institute’s Conference Centre, Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

Ondo 2016: Jegede picks PDP form Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure AHEAD of the August 22 primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, the former Commissioner for Justice and the state Attorney General, Eyitayo Jegede, on Monday, picked the party’s nomination form and expression of interest to contest in the November 26 governorship election.

Jegede, who was the first PDP governorship aspirant to pick the N16million forms ahead of the party’s primaries, assured members of his desire to keep the aspiration and hope of the people of the state alive by carrying on with the developmental projects of the current administration.

The former commissioner, who was accompanied by a large crowd to the party secretariat, explained that the real change the people of the state deserved is to vote for a credible and suitable candidate in the November governorship election.

Jegede said he possessed the understanding and skills to speedily deliver dividends of democracy, appealing to party members, especially the delegates, to support his candidature during the party primaries.

He acknowledged that the party had other equally qualified aspirants but said it would be an easy task for him to defeat candidates of other political parties if he emerged as the party’s flag bearer.

Chairman of the party in the state, Clement Fanoyede, said all the aspirants were without blemish

and assured members that the party would be transparent in picking its flagbearer.

He said “We are going to demonstrate the best of internal democracy during this election which will be transparent and rancour free.”

He disclosed that about 814 delegates across the

wards in the state will participate in the exercise to produce the party’s candidate, urging the aspirants to continue with their political navigation.

Jegede is the first to buy the PDP nomination form out of the less than 10 aspirants that declared interest to contest on the party’s platform.

NDDC board: Ilaje, Owo communities, others back Buhari on Ajasin’s appointment

By Kunle Oderemi

KEY stakeholders in Ondo State have backed the nomination of the scion of the highly revered Ajasin family, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by President Muhammadui Buhari.

Consequently, they have urged the authorities to ignore the few individuals criticising the nomination, describing them as opportunists, who have consistently exploited the state for selfish ends.

Those who lauded the president on the choice included members of the Ilaje National Development Initiative (INDI), Owo Integrity Forum, Patriotic Youths of Nigeria, The Thinkers, Nigerian Youth

Alive and the Youth Movement of Nigeria (Ondo State chapter).

President Buhari has already forwarded a 17-man list to the Senate for confirmation as members of the interventionist agency’s board with a former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma Egba and Mr Isima Nkere as chairman and managing directordesignates respectively.

In a statement signed by Mr Thomas Mogbomerun, the president of Ilaje umbrella body, it berated critics of Ajasin’s nomination as self-serving opportunists, saying they were speaking for themselves.

“This is another ego trip that cannot stand the test of time. To say the least, the orchestrated opposition against the nomination of Tokunbo Ajasin is only the handiwork of self-serving

opportunists who are living the past of a warped order that has always worked for them.

“By this singular nomination, President Muhammadu Buhari has completed the circle of equity, fairness and justice by evenly distributing the ministerial nomination for south, membership of the NNPC board for central and that of the NDDC for the northern senatorial districts.’’

In a related development, the Owo Integrity Forum, through a statement by Comrade Segun Adetula, urged all honest and committed people of Ondo State to rally round the president’s choice as ‘‘the criticism by a few errand boys and groups is a calculated attempt meant to ride rough shod on our face as stakeholders.”

FORMER speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Victor Olabimtan, on Monday, said he will restore the lost glory of the state if he emerges as the candidate of the party and subsequently win the governorship election.

The governorship aspirant promised not to reduce the state workforce if elected.

The aspirant, who spoke with newsmen after picking his nomination and expression of interest forms, said “The present governor took over in 2009. I say it with all emphasis at my disposal that he has not constructed one inch to what Dr Agagu constructed in Ilaje land up till now.”

According to him, “Ask anybody in the state, ask anybody in Ilaje. Is that not a failure? Today, Akoko land in the northern senatorial zone has the worst road network and before he came in, those roads were okay.

“This government, I make bold to say, has not constructed up to 200 kilometres of road since they came on board almost eight years ago, and you tell me it’s not a disaster.

“That was a government that inherited N38 billion, as in liquid cash, apart from the assets inherited and as at the time Agagu was leaving in 2009, oil sells for 58 dollar a barrel and during the tenure of the incumbent governor, it rose to about 120 dollars per barrel.”

Nigerian Tribune

Groups chide Dokpesi over visit to PDP faction in Osun Oluwole Ige - Osogbo GROUPS within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, on Monday, described as “a mere solidarity visit” the trip of Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who was in the state last Saturday to canvass for delegates’ votes, regarding his aspiration to become the national chairman of the party.

Dokpesi, who was touring states to solicit for votes, had visited only a faction of the party loyal to Senator Iyiola Omisore, at its secretariat located along Gbongan-Ibadan Expressway, while he shunned the other faction, with office at Otaefun, in the outskirts of Osogbo, the state capital.

Reacting to the development, a PDP group, identified as Youths Forum for Democracy, in a statement signed by Prince Alao Mathew and Adams Olajide, said Dokepsi was only on solidarity visit to his friend, Senator Omisore, when he came to Osun.

Similarly, another group under the aegis of National Youth Vanguard (NYV), decried Dokpesi for disregarding the recognised executives of the party in the state during his visit.

Osun Assembly tasks police on cases of cultism Osun State House of Assembly has called the attention of the state police command and other security agencies to issues of cultism in the state, urging that drastic security steps should be taken against the act.

The Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam, made the call while receiving the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Femi Oyeleye, in the Assembly complex on Monday, sequel to an invitation of the House.

According to the statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the speaker said the rate at which secondary and tertiary institution students are engaging in cultism at the recent time was worrisome.

He tasked the police authority to deploy its surveillance mechanism to ensure that the act is curbed in schools and in the society generally.

The state police boss, according to the statement, said that the police operatives would do thorough findings about the hideout of cultists in the state and descend on them.

news Buhari sacks, replaces JAMB, NECO bosses 32

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has carried out mass sack of heads of agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Education and appointed new ones with immediate effect.

Affected majorly is the the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), Professor ‘Dibu Ojerinde, who has been replaced by the former Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Professor Ishaq Oloyode.

Ojerinde, who appointment was renewed by former President Goodluck Jonathan on April 10, 2012 would have completed his 10 years in service at JAMB by April next year.

The president also sacked the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Suleiman Dikko and appointed Dr Hameed Bobboyi as his replacement.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Benjamin Bem Goong, on Monday, said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the appointment of 17 new chief executives of parastatals and agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education with effect from Monday, August 1, 2016.

The statement also indicated that Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed had been appointed as the new

Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC).

Other agencies and parastatals together with their approved new chief executives are: Nigerian Institute For Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Professor (Mrs) Lilian Salami; National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Professor Lanre O. Aina; and National Examinations Council (NECO), Professor Charles Uwakwe.

Others are: National Commission For Mass Literacy, Adult And Non-Formal Education (NCMLA&NE),

headed by Professor Abba Haladu; Nomadic Education Commission (NEC), Professor Bashir H. Usman; and National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Professor Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe.

Also appointed are: Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Professor Sunday Josiah Ajiboye; Computer Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Afolabi N. Aderinto; National Commission For Colleges of Education (NCCE), Professor Bappah Aliyu; and Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETFund), headed

by Dr Abdullahi Bichi Baffa.

The new head of National Teachers Institute (NTI) is Professor Garba Dahuwa Azare; Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), Professor Michael Afolabi, National Mathematical Centre, Sheda (NMC) Professor Steven Ejugwu Onah; and National Institute of Nigerian Languages NINLAN, Professor Chinyere OhiriAniche.

Similarly, President Buhari has also approved that the following four chief executives to be retained in their respective

agencies, Professor Samaila Junaidu, Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC); Professor Raauf Adebisi, Nigerian French Language Village Badagry (NFLV); Dr Mas’ud A. Kazaure, National Board For Technical Education (NBTE) and Professor Muhammad Mu’az, National Arabic Language Village, Maiduguri, Borno State (NALV).

According to the statement, the 17 new chief executives were invited to the office of the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, today.

Anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of her parents / relative of her mother, should, please, contact the nearest police station or the Director of Social Welfare Services, Ministry of Women Affaires and Social Development, Oke–Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

From left, chairman of Global Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Mr Pramod Mittal; Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Mr Bawa Bwari; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, during the signing of re-negotiated Ajaokuta and National Iron Ore Mining Company (niomco), Itakpe’s concession agreement, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. PHOTO NAN.

As Kogi gov appeals to host communities The mediation meetings were held in London, United Kingdom.

The Federal Government team to the series of meetings was led by Dr Fayemi, whose ministry is responsible for the steel sector.

One major highlight of the settlement is that the Federal Government was able to negotiate a higher concession fee payable to the Federal Government from three per cent of turnover to four per cent of turnover .

Also, the Federal Government was assured guaranteed and continued supply of iron ore to Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited as a priority customer.

As private investors begin the running of NIOMCO, in Itakpe, Kogi State, the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has appealed to the communities hosting the project to support and cooperate with the investors, to enable them to bring life back into the company.

Apart from this, the governor said the state would partner with the Bank of Infrastructure for the development and rehabilitation of the

Anthonia Faith Amosun, a girl of about two years old, was found roaming about Taiwo Adewole Street, along LagosOgun axis of Abule-Egba area, Ogun State, on June 13, 2016, at about 11: 30am.

Anthonia Amosun

Ajaokuta: FG resolves 10-yr concession trouble continued from pg3

Abandoned babies

infrastructure in the state.

The governor, who said this on Friday, after a meeting with the management of the Global Holding Infrastructure Company Limited, said the organisation was expected to take charge of

the Itakpe mine field and Ajabanoku mine field serving the mining company.

According to him, all arrangements had been concluded to ensure that the company commence operations and embark on

due diligence on August 2 (today).

He said, when fully on track, the company will also partner with the state government to develop the coal deposit in the state to generate electricity.

He noted that the state government was prepared to partner with the investors in their quest to bring back the company by injecting funds into it and further aid the economic development of the state.

A baby girl, about five years old, was abandoned at the Living Words Mission, Ososami Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, on February 20, 2011.

Adeboye warns against tribalism in RCCG

As annual convention begins Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare adeboye, has warned that anyone who introduces ethnicity into the fabrics of the mission will die a sudden and premature death.

This is just as 8,151 faithful were ordained as deacons and deaconesses on Monday morning with a charge that they should go and harvest souls for Jesus Christ.

The cleric said he was warning against tribalism in RCCG because he had already prayed earnestly to God that whosoever tries to pollute the fast-growing church through the cankerworm of ethnicity, will die before his or her time.

Reeling out resolutions reached at the last meeting of the governing council of the mission at the end of the Ministers’ Conference last Sunday night, Adeboye said: “Tell all your friends that I’ve prayed a prayer that, whoever tries to introduce tribalism into RCCG shall die.

“Like Ananias and Sapphira died suddenly and prematurely, anyone, including the general overseer himself, who tries to introduce tribalism, will die suddenly and prematurely,” he said Meanwhile, about 22 pastors, among whom were eight women, have been retired after serving the mission meritoriously.

In addition, about 76 pastors, out of which 54 served for 20 years, 15 for 25 years,

five for 30 years and two for 35 years, were given awards for faithful service in God’s vineyard.

He also informed the ministers that five special assistants, including Pastor J.T. Kalejaye and Pastor Peter Olawale ,among others, had been appointed.

Appointments of seven new Assistant General Overseers, including Pastor E.A. Odeyemi, were also announced by Pastor Adeboye during his address.

Eight provinces, the cleric noted, had been created, adding that Ekiti State had been made a region.

However, about 10, 882 people, made up of 876 full pastors, 1,855 as assistant pastors and 8,151 deacons and deaconesses ,will be

ordained as ministers in the mission on Tuesday (today) and Sunday ,respectively.

Adeboye said the governing council had asked him to caution ministers of the mission to avoid the error of match-making brothers and sisters for marriage, which he said ,could result in some adverse effects.

“The governing council has asked me to warn you not to get yourself entangled with marriage among your members.”

“Don’t arrange marriages.

Don’t forget you cannot also arrange for them to be fruitful. If you arrange a lady for a brother only for him to discover she is a witch, such brother will curse you for life.”

Two days old boy, was rescued at the Corner Star Beer, Opposite Technical College, Oyo town, Oyo state on April 21, 2016.

Anybody with useful information that could lead to the whereabouts of their parents or relatives, should, please, contact the Principal Social Welfare Officer, Ibadan/ Ibarapa zone, Iyaganku, Ibadan or the Principal Social Welfare Office, Oyo zone, Akunlemi, Oyo town or the nearest police Station.

33 news Oshiomhole spending World Bank loan on Edo election —Senator Urhoghide Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Allegation laughable —Govt Banji Aluko -Benin City

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AWMAKER representing Edo South district of Edo State in the National Assembly, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, has disclosed that Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has dipped his hands into the $75 million World

Bank loan released to the state, for prosecution of the September 10 governorship election.

Senator Urhoghide, who is the Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, campaign organisation, said it was ironical that while Gover-

nor Oshiomhole daily castigates the Goodluck Jonathan administration for using security votes to fund a presidential election, he has been busy sharing the World Bank loan designed for developmental projects to fund a governorship election.

He added that the Oshiomhole-led administra-

Obaseki promises employment at Akoko-Edo rally Banji Aluko -Benin City THE All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the September 10 Edo State governorship election, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, took his campaign to Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, promising to affiliate the Technical College in the community

Edo 2016: INEC assures of conclusive election THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that the September 10 governorship election in Edo State would be conclusive.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr Sam Olumekun, gave the assurance on Monday, at the commission’s voter education implementation meeting in Benin.

“We want to assure the people that we are prepared to conduct a conclusive governorship election on September 10,” he said.

Olumekun explained that inconclusive elections were not about INEC, saying they were caused by incidents of violence and thuggery.

He said the meeting was to critically X-ray effective ways to sustain voter education ahead of the election.

He stated that elections and electioneering were difficult because politicians saw politics as a door-die thing.

“We thank God that the 2011 election was a watershed, while the 2015 got a global acceptance as credible.”

Participants at the meeting called for collaboration between INEC and critical stakeholders, including the media, civil society organisations, persons with disability, to ensure effective education of the electorate.

to the Edo University at Iyamho.

Speaking while addressing party faithful in Igarra, he said his contract with the people of the AkokoEdo council was to provide jobs for their youths.

“These jobs will be created from agriculture, investments in mining; to make sure people from this place can work anywhere in Nigeria. I will upgrade the Technical College; we will invest in the Technical College to train many youths so that they can work in those factories.

“We would affiliate the Technical College to the Edo University, Iyamho. In the area of mining, I pledge to Akoko-Edo that of the

about 60 licences, 20 will be operational before the end of our tenure. I pledge that the cement factory will become operational in my tenure.

“Because I am bringing industries and investors, I will make sure that AkokoEdo is secure to safeguide our investments. I pledge to Akoko Edo that Ojirami Dam will be resuscitated because all the factories we are bringing will need water and you people will also need water.

“I pledge to Akoko Edo people that all the roads in Igarra will be fixed. I pledge that because I am bringing factories, factories will need electricity to operate,” Obaseki assured.

tion had plunged the state into debt in excess of $500 million, pointing out that the PDP in the state was computing the total sum of loans collected by the Oshiomhole’s administration, adding that it would inform the people of the state the exact figure, before the governorship election.

He declared that the Oshiomhole administration had no policy framework, pointing out that “he is ruled by instincts that are sudden. His government has always been propelled by his instincts, and there is no basis or principles that guide his government.”

“He said he was going to create jobs in the private sector with the first tranche. Jobs were not created. He said he was going to use it for industrial development in the private sector, but he didn’t do it,” he said.

Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, however, has denied the allegation, saying the allegation was laughable, adding that it was impossible to divert loan made available for development projects by a repu-

table organisation such as the World Bank.

“World Bank loan is an infrastructural loan tied to specific projects. You can’t take from the World Bank and spend it on election; it is not possible. But with the PDP, anything is possible. If they can spend Nigeria’s savings, why won’t they think like that?

“At first, Dan Orbih

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly Mrs Adedeji Mojisola Julianah now MISS ADIO MOJISOLA JULIANAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Sanni Babatunde now SANNI BABATUNDE STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

(Edo PDP chairman) said we used black market to change the money. Now, a senator from a padding National Assembly, is telling us another story. I think they are confused.”

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayoola Adijat Olubunmi now MRS AYOOLA IMRAN KHADIJAT OLUBUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

34

news

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Kogi, Labour resolve dispute as workers suspend strike Yinka Oladoyinbo Lokoja

KOGI State government and the organised labour in the state, on Monday, ,resolved the industrial dispute in the state with the workers agreeing to suspend the strike.

The agreement was reached at a meeting attended by the representatives of the labour unions and government officials with the deputy governor, Simon Achuba ,leading the

government’s team.

The 14-point agreement signed by Achuba and three others for government and the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Onu Edoka, his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ranti Ojo and seven others for workers ,saw the government meeting almost all the demands of labour.

Edoka, who spoke at

Ex-Nasarawa Attorney-General to offer free legal services to labour over salary cut Godwin Agwam- Lafia

THE former AttorneyGeneral of Nasarawa State, Mr Innocent Lagi, has offered to assist the organised labour in the state to purse its course at the court of law following the 50 per cent salary cut of workers and the alleged killing of two protesting workers by the police.

Lagi, who was the Attorney General of the state during GovernorAl-makura’s first tenure, made the offer on Monday, through his Facebook wall.

“It’s unlawful to segregate amongst people in such a manner that you introduce payment disparity for same work in an employment governed by the same civil service rules”.

“It is unlawful to kill anyone in Nigeria without lawful justification”.

He said it is the right of

every worker to be promoted and have increment as provided by the civil service rules.

He, however, said: “I am volunteering my office and services to the organised labour in Nasarawa State to pursue the justice necessary in their situations”.

NUP now Peoples Mega Party of Nigeria leon usigbe - Abuja

NATIONAL Unity Party (NUP), on Monday, announced that it has renamed itself the People’s Mega Party of Nigeria (PMPN).

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, the decision to change the party’s name was taken at the national convention of NUP, attended by about 4,000 delegates at the weekend.

Registered as a political party by the Independent

APC sweeps Adamawa LG election THE Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) has announced the results of local government election held in the state on Saturday.

The chairman of the commission, Alhaji Isa Shettima, said on Monday, in Yola, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the chairmanship seats of 18 local governments where results were announced.

Shettima said that the commission had cancelled the elections in Michika, Lamurde and Numan Local Government areas, and fixed August. 6, for fresh polls.

“There will also be election in two wards in Guyuk Local government Area on the same date,” the ADSIEC chairman said.

He said that results of

the meeting, said it was agreed that Dr Jerry Agbaji’s screening committee report which captured all MDAs, local government areas, LGEAs, tertiary institutions and pensioners be adopted with continuous sieving and filtering.’

He said that it was also agreed that salaries should be paid into bank accounts of individual workers, describing as painful, the decision to use two banks for the purpose of paying salaries from the bailout fund.

It was also agreed that there should be a review of recent appointments made in local councils and that Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes system be restored.

“It was equally agreed upon to granting tax holiday to Kogi State University, Anyigba and the state College of Education, Ankpa, as well as release of outstanding promotion letters to deserving workers.

councillors for the 226 wards in the state would be announced at the headquarters of the three senatorial zones.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that shortly after the announcement of the results, the winners were presented with Certificate of Return by the chairman.

Speaking to NAN after receiving her certificate, the only female candidate, who was elected chairman of Demsa Local Government Area, Mrs Wale Fwa, said that she was prepared for the job and would not disappoint the people.

“I am used to that; I was once the only female member in the state House of Assembly, my people have confidence in my ability to deliver and I will do just that,” she said.

National Electoral Commission (INEC), 10 years ago, the party was de-registered by the commission in 2011.

However, it dragged the electoral body to court to challenge the de-registration and on June 2, 2016, the Court of Appeal at Enugu, gave a unanimous and declarative judgment in favour of the Party and urged INEC to immediately restore it.

In compliance to that judgment, Court of Appeal, and NUP informed INEC of their willingness to continue with the party.

The party said it had notified INEC of its National Convention aimed at reactivating the organs of the party and taking far reaching decisions.

The statement said: “On July 30th, INEC, in compliance to the judgment, INEC sent in five of its officers to monitor and observe the convention, where four motions were moved and adopted by the convention.

“The party changes its name from NUP to People’s Mega Party of Nigeria and retained its founder and national chairman, Chief Perry Opara.”

It said the motion to rename the party was moved by a senior lawyer from Oyo state, Mr Niyi Ajewole, while the national leader of NUP, Chief Perry Opara commended INEC.

35

news

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

Promise of change no ruse —Lai Mohammed

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HE Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the change promised Nigerians by the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a ruse.

Speaking at a town hall meeting for the South East organised by the Federal Ministry of Information in Enugu, on Monday, Mohammed said the change was already manifesting in every sector.

He said contrary to the insinuations in certain quarters that the people were not feeling the impact of the government, a lot had been done in moving the country forward.

He said the government would remain undaunted in implementing its change agenda to improve the lot of Nigerians.

“Many have said they are yet to see the change we promised. Many more have called the promise a ruse.

“In fact, they are now mocking us. But we remain undaunted because we know that the change we promised is real.

“In fact, the change we promised is already here, and it is manifesting all around us,’’ he said.

Buttressing his position, the minister said the government had successfully stopped the looting of public funds which was responsible for underdevelopment.

Also, the minister called on

political leaders to build one Nigeria devoid of partisanship, ethnicity and religious differences.

Mohammed made the call when he led a team of ministers on a courtesy visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

He commended the governor for the reception accord-

ed his entourage not minding that he is in an opposition party.

He noted that political parties and their leaders must have the single goal of serving the interest of the nation.

“It is unique that we are here today in Enugu, an opposition state, and since we came we have not seen any differ-

ence whether we are in APCor PDP-controlled state,” he said.

In his address of welcome, the governor said Enugu had always been the political capital of the South East from Independence, adding that the choice of the city for the meeting was not out of place.

Group rejects Tokunbo Ajasin as Ondo NDDC board nominee Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

A socio-cultural group of Ilaje people of Ondo State, Ilaje Parapo Forum (IPF), has called on the Senate not to screen Mr Tokunbo Ajasin, a board member-nominee for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from Ondo State.

The group also demanded the withdrawal of his nomination and subsequent substitution with an indigene of Ilaje on the new board.

The President of the group, Mr Foluso Ajimuda and the Secretary, Tayo Omonuberun, told newsmen in Abuja, that they were surprised that President Muhammadu Buhari would prefer someone who is not from the oil-producing Ilaje area of Ondo South Senatorial district on the NDDC board, given the fact that the President won his election only in Ilaje Local Government Area in the whole of the Niger Delta region in the 2015 general election.

The duo accused the Buhari-led administration of violating the Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act, 2000, by excluding Ondo State from managerial position of the interventionist agency as the Act provides that the positions of the Commission’s managing director and two executive directors be rotated among oil producing member-states in order of oil production quantity.

Education Advisor, Chinenye Uwadileke, leading a session on academic life in the United States, at the July 26, pre-departure orientation, held at the United States Consulate General, Lagos.

Cleanup: Name members of governing council, MOSOP urges Buhari THE Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to name members of the governing council and Board of Trustees (BoT) for the cleanup.

MOSOP spokesman, Mr Nsuke Felago, made the call on Monday in Port Harcourt, in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He was reacting to the approval given by the presi-

dent for the composition of the council and board for the cleanup.

NAN recalled that the Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, in a statement on Sunday, said the president had given approval for the composition of the council and board for the cleanup.

Felago told NAN that the Ogonis expected the president to name members of the board to take charge and drive the cleanup process.

“Yes, we are concerned that the president has not named members of the council and board. We do hope that would not take another two months,” he said.

Felago, however, described the approval given by the president to constitute both governing council and board of trustees for the cleanup as a welcome development.

“Actually, it (approval) is a welcome development.

“We expected this to have

Don’t distract Buhari, Senator tells colleagues LAWMAKER representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare, has cautioned reactionary elements in the National Assembly against distracting the executive arm of government from realising its great agenda for Nigerians.

Senator Omoworare said this when he spoke with journalists at a function in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the weekend.

“In the spirit of progressivism as a dutiful lawmaker, I am personally opposed to the unwarranted distraction and diversionary tactics as presently displayed between the legislature and executive, deployed by reactionary elements in the National Assembly.

“President Muhammadu

Buhari needs 100 per cent concentration and support from all quarters to fight corruption to a halt, revive the sleeping economy, boost income generation through diversification from a monoproduct economy to initiate sustainable programmes.

Omoworare assured Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress government would not betray the confidence reposed in it.

“The expectation of an average Nigerian is to see economic buoyancy, reduction in the rate of youth unemployment, an end to the scourge of insecurity and militancy, improved electricity supply, massive infrastructural development across the length and breadth of our country,” the lawmaker

stated.

While reacting to the recent reshuffling of the chairmanship of committees in the Senate, which saw him move as Chairman of the Rules and Business Committee to the newly created Legislative Compliance Committee, Omoworare said; “I have remained objective and sincere to every assignment and responsibility since my days even as a state lawmaker and I must tell you that has not changed, and if my sins are prejudiced on my allegiance to the prospectus of party supremacy or my inferred alliance to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, so be it.

I dare say I remain unrepentant Tinubuist as I crave for selfless service to my people,” he said.

happened before now. Remember during the launch of the cleanup, the president said that he had approved the board.

“We were expecting that the board would have been set up a week after the launch but we didn’t see that.

“Though the announcement is belated, we are happy that at last, we are having this board that will power the process,’’ the MOSOP spokesman said.

Speaking on the cleanup, Felago said and relevant authorities had already commenced discussion on the need to train the Ogoni people to enable them to participate in the exercise.

“We expect that there will be training for our people so that so we can participate in the process,’’ he said.

Felago said the over 50 years of oil spill had destroyed the land. He called on government at all levels and oil giants to empower the people economically.

“Over 50 years of oil spill has destroyed the economy of the Ogoni people; particularly fish farming; there are no fish in our water any longer.

“The agricultural base been destroyed, the land is no longer producing. We expect that infrastructure would be rebuilt,” he stated.

US Consulate holds pre-departure orientation for 120 Nigerians Shola Adekola - Lagos

APPROXIMATELY 120 Nigerian undergraduate and graduate students newly admitted to the United States tertiary institutions have attended an EducationUSA pre-departure orientation at the US Consulate General in Lagos.

At the orientation, which took place on July 26, 2016, the newly admitted students enjoyed a wide range of practical advice about the United States’ culture and educational expectations towards their success, such as building positive relationships with professors and peers, time management, and balancing course workloads with a strong social and community life.

EducationUSA Advisers, Chinenye Uwadileke and Adeola Oseni led the session in concert with 11 current and former students from Nigeria, who shared extensive wisdom from first-hand experience.

Acting Public Affairs Officer, Frank Sellin welcomed the group, saying they were beginning a life-changing educational and cultural experience, and urged the new students to bring back their experiences and knowledge for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Flood kills 3, destroys cash crops in Kano State THREE persons were killed while foodstuffs and cash crops worth millions of Naira were washed away during a heavy downpour in Hayin Gwarmai Village in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, on Sunday.

The chairman of the local government, Alhaji Mudansiru Bebeji, told newsmen in Kano, on Monday, that the flood also washed away several farms in the area.

Bebeji said a number of houses had also been destroyed during the disaster.

He said he had since paid a sympathy visit to the victims of the disaster, and called on the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the victims to alleviate their sufferings.

“We are calling on the Federal and Kano State governments to assist the victims to reduce their sufferings,” he said.

The Director, Operations, Kano State Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SERERA), Alhaji Abdullahi Dambatta, said the agency had not received any official report on the incident from the local government council.

news I have magic wand to reposition PDP —Bode George 36

Bola Badmus -Lagos

F

ORMER deputy national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, in Lagos, on Monday, formally declared his ambition to contest the national chairmanship of the party at its national convention coming up in PortHarcourt, the River State capital, on August 17.

The PDP chieftain said he had the political magic wand and skills to reposition the party currently rocked in leadership crisis.

George made this declaration at at the party secretariat at Sogunle, Ikeja, which was attended by PDP bigwigs from across the six states of the South-West.

Party chieftains and representatives of South-East, South-South and Arewa, who also spoke in support of George’s aspiration, said he remained the best for the vacant position.

Among those who spoke in support of the aspiration are Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Chief Ishola Filani, Chief Joju Fadairo, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Honourable Muraina Ajibola, Prince Remi Charles Akintoye, Senator Gbenga Babalola, Honourable Bunmi Jenyo.

George, while noting that these were not happy days for the PDP, as times appeared dark and bleak, however, pointed out that in the face of the current challenges, it was only a leader with his kind of experience in different leadership cadres of the party and uncommon leadership skills that could salvage the party.

“These are not happy days for our party. The times appear dark and bleak. The horizon is uncertain. We are being assailed in every corner. Problems brew everywhere. Our challenges appear endless and intractable. Every day, we are confronted with a new drama and with a new hurdle.

Certainly, there are some obvious and not so obvious interests inside and outside our party who do not wish us well,” George lamented.

The PDP chieftain further lamented that members of the party had continued to engage themselves in destructive mutual consumption.

The party, he said, could, therefore, not afford to be stampeded into making wrong decisions again or be hurried into entrusting its fate to neophytes and inexperienced people in its planned next national convention.

“Our party needs a rescue.

Our party needs redemption. Our party deserves a balanced, experienced, tested, trusted and faithful hand. Our party needs a

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

team player and a unifying leadership. Our party needs stability.

“Here and now, I am humbly making a stand and a declaration as an aspirant for the position of the office of the national chairman of our party with a vision to serve as a bridge builder, as a peacemaker and as a healer of the broken places,” he said.

On his resolve to bring back the party to reckoning,

the PDP chairmanship aspirant said “I have learned the ropes and I have been guided by the collective wisdom of our leaders across our great nation.

“I fully understand the precepts, the mechanisms and the constitution of our party. I know the tradition, the culture, the guiding ethos and the normative patterns that our leaders have built and nurtured for

so many years.

“If elected, I am willing and ready to work with everyone regardless of personal differences to mend the broken places, to heal the ancient wounds, to reconcile the feuding factions and ultimately ensure that we strengthen our collective brotherhood and speak with one voice to regain victory in 2019.”

He, however, promised

not to compromise on the foundational principles of justice, fairness and equity as enshrined in the constitution of the party.

Director-General, Bode George Campaign Organisation, Chief Babatope, who recalled that he had known the chairmanship aspirant for the past 49 years, described him as someone who had kept faith and had never disappointed any of

his friends and associates.

Babatope, who said it was purely for the good and posterity of the nation that Chief George had come out to announce his candidature to contest the national chairmanship of PDP, cautioned the opposition to stop deriding the party as a dead one, adding that “the PDP, by the grace of Almighty God, is a party that is coming back to power.”

I’ll lead PDP to reclaim lost glory —Professor Adeniran

By Tunde Ogunesan FORMER Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran, has vowed to reposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reclaim its national glory if elected as the national chairman of the party in the scheduled Port Harcourt Convention in Rivers State.

Professor Adeniran, who spoke through his media aide, Yemi Akinbode, informed that the task ahead of the party and Nigeria at large required “fortitude and experience to help the party achieve its objectives.”

He called on the leaders and delegates of the party to entrust him with the responsibility of steering the wheel of the party, by electing him as the national chairman, so as to ensure “its rebirth and the enthronement of good governance in the country.”

Adeniran, a founding member of the PDP, appealed to the delegates to the forthcoming national convention to support his candidacy, given his wealth of experience, having served the party and the country meritoriously over the years.

“The convention will also throw up possibilities of how best to tackle the challenge facing our party and help our governments at various level to achieve the objectives as enshrined in our party’s manifesto,” he said.

He then urged the delegates to honour the commitment of the party to have the South-West zone produce the national chairman for the first time.

Professor Adeniran, also a former Ambassador of Nigeria to Germany, said he was certain that, as committed leaders of the PDP, “you do appreciate the great need of the party for the wealth of experience and the dedication that I represent. We will work together and leave a legacy of honour, excellent party administration and good governance.”

Meanwhile, a group of political leaders in Ekiti State, under the aegis of Ekiti Integrity Forum, has thrown its weight behind Professor Adeniran as national chair-

man of the party.

The support for Professor Adeniran out of the candidates vying for the exalted position, according to the spokesperson of the group,

Chief Dayo Olanrewaju, was necessary because the former minister stood out as a man of integrity, making him the most appropriate to reposition the party for

greatness.

“Without mincing words, if you check the records, Professor Adeniran stands tall among the contestants every each way. Undoubt-

edly at this crucial stage of the party and nationhood, PDP needs a personality of his calibre to steer the ship of the party,” Olanrewaju said.

Nasarawa, Kogi PDP endorse Dopkesi Godwin Agwam -Lafia THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has endorsed Dr Raymond Dokpesi as its candidate for the national chairman of the party.

The state chairman of the party, Francis Orogu, communicated the state chapter’s endorsement to Dokpesi when his campaign team visited the party secre-

tariat, on Monday.

According to Orugu, “the state’s chapter of the party has penchant for value and efficiency, hence it has adopted Dokpesi as its candidate for the position of the national chairman.”

He urged Dokpesi to carry all state chapters of the party along after his emergence as chairman, saying previous national leadership of the party could not carry the

state chapter of the party along.

Earlier, Dokpesi had solicited the support of the state chapter of the party, assuring them of adequate leadership at the national level.

In a related development, Dokpesi has secured the support of Kogi and Benue states for his aspiration.

During his visit to delegates in Kogi, on Sunday, the wom-

en leader of the party in the state, Chief Margaret Orebiyi, corroborated the party chairman, Sam Uhuotu, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was already jittery over the credentials of Dokpesi.

The aspirant, however, assured the delegates that when elected into office, he would end the reign of imposition of candidates in the party.

Faforiji blasts Osun PDP leaders, says they are serial losers

By Kunle Oderemi THE two factions laying claims to the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State seem not ready to sheathe their swords.

Chairman of the party executive loyal to a former deputy governor of the state, Chief Iyiola Omisore, Dr Bayo Faforiji, on Monday, described the “socalled leaders” of the other camp under Honourable Soji Adagunodo as serial losers in electoral contests since 1999.

He was reacting to reports credited to leaders of the latter, accusing the former of claiming to be the authentic Osun PDP and hijacking last Saturday’s visit to the state by a chairmanship contestant at the August 17 national convention, Dr Raymond Dokpesi.

Fafaoriji accused the “socalled leaders” of the Adangunodo group of acting a script by the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state at the detriment of the PDP, instead of using the opportunity of the visit to retrace their steps to mainstream Osun PDP. He also chided those leaders for crying wolf where there was none, because Dokpesi went to the appropriate place where he was received by “loyal and committed” party mem-

bers.

“It is rather unfortunate that these leaders, majority of who have never delivered their polling units since 1999, can now collude to factionalise the party to satisfy the backer of their group, the APC. “Furthermore, the group is led by Professor Wale Oladipo, the former national chairman of the party, who in conjunction with Modu Sheriff, is currently fighting in the courts to stop the August 17 national convention. How can they expect a loyal and committed party man like High

Chief Dokpesi to grant them any recognition?” he said.

A leader in the Adagunodo camp, Senator Olu Alabi, had, on Sunday, chided Dokpesi for shunning members of the group, who had waited to receive him at their own party office located in another part of the state capital.

Similarly, the chairman of the faction, Honourable Adagunodo, claimed his group was the authentic PDP as its leadership emerged from state congress supervised by an official of the Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC) early this year.

But shedding light on Dokpesi’s visit, Faforiji said Dokpesi informed the party that he would be visiting Osun State on that day, in continuation of his campaign tour, hence the warm reception he received at the Osun PDP secretariat at OgoOluwa.

“If these leaders were interested in meeting the august visitor, they could have joined other members of the party at the secretariat,” Faforiji said.

National convention will hold as scheduled —Wike Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has declared that there is no court order stopping the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on August 17.

An Abuja Federal High Court had, last week, ruled that Senator Ali Modu Sheriff was the national chairman of the party, even as the embattled PDP chieftain insisted that there was no plan to hold the national convention in Port Harcourt.

However, Governor Wike, while addressing

the PDP executive committee, South-South, at the Government House, on Monday, insisted that the convention would hold as scheduled because, according to him, the court was yet to hear the suit filed by Senator Sheriff challenging the holding of the exercise.

“The court could not have sacked Senator Makarfi because it cannot sit on appeal on the judgement of a court of coordinate jurisdiction,” he said, adding that there was an application to allow Markafi to be joined as a party in the suit.

Noting that the suit was adjourned till August 15, the governor averred that

the suit challenging the conduct of the PDP national convention was yet to be entertained by the court.

He said the leaders of the party in the southern geopolitical zones would meet on Thursday, to determine the zoning of positions ahead of the convention.

The governor assured that PDP would emerge stronger from its current challenges to provide credible leadership for Nigerians.

The governor also assured that the Edo State chapter of the party would be fully supported to win the governorship election coming up in the state next month.

37

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

Fighters in Sirte.

PHOTO: REUTERS

T

HE United States has carried out air strikes on positions of socalled Islamic State in Libya, following a request by the United Nationsbacked government there, the Pentagon says.

The strikes targeted positions in the port city of Sirte, an IS stronghold.

Libyan PM Fayez alSarraj, in a televised address, said the strikes caused “heavy losses”.

Western powers have become increasingly concerned at Islamic State’s growing presence in Libya, BBC said.

The air strikes are the first such US military intervention co-ordinated with the Libyan unity government.

The Pentagon said the strikes, authorised by President Barack Obama, were in support of government forces currently fighting IS militants.

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

US launches air strikes on IS in Libya The government began an offensive against IS fighters in May and said two weeks ago that it had made its largest gains to

date.

Western officials say the number of IS militants in Libya, previously estimated at 6,000, is

John McCain condemns Donald Trump over row with Khan family SENATOR John McCain and other Republican leaders have condemned Donald Trump’s remarks about the family of a fallen United States Muslim soldier.

Mr McCain said Mr Trump did not have an “unfettered license to defame those who are the best among us”.

BBC said that Mr Trump has come under fire for criticising the Muslim American parents of a US soldier killed in Iraq.

Democratic lawmakers and the soldier’s father have called on Republicans to

Mr Trump’s “remarks do not represent the views of our Republican Party, its officers, or candidates,”Mr McCain said. PHOTO: GETTYIAMGES

disavow Mr Trump.

“I cannot emphasize enough how deeply I disagree with Mr. Trump’s statement,” Mr McCain said in a statement.

“I hope Americans understand that the remarks do not represent the views of our Republican Party, its officers, or candidates.”

Mr McCain, a war veteran and the party’s 2008 presidential nominee, thanked the Khan family for immigrating to America, adding “we’re a better country because of you.”

Last year Mr Trump sparked a backlash after he said Mr McCain was not a war hero because he was captured in Vietnam.

The latest escalation comes as Republican leaders have stepped forward to rebuke Mr Trump’s fight against the Gold Star parents.

In the US, parents who have lost a child in war are known as Gold Star families.

The couple’s son, US Army Capt Humayun Khan, was killed by a car bomb in 2004 in Iraq at the age of 27.

other NEWS

AU peacekeepers accused of executions in CAR KOUNAMON Maurice was finally able to bury his younger brother Kolofio Robert in February, more than a year after he disappeared.

His family says Robert,

CAR interim president, Catherine Samba-Panza

declining in the face of concerted government action and pressure from other militia.

“These actions and those we have taken previously will help deny ISIS a safe haven in Libya from which it could attack the United States and our allies,” the Pentagon statement continued, using another term for IS. Mr Sarraj said no US ground forces would be deployed.

Libya has become increasingly divided since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with competing governments and rival militias seeking to gain territory and influence.

The chaos had left Libya vulnerable to an influx of IS fighters, many from Syria.

along with 11 others, was executed by soldiers from Congo Brazzaville who were part of an African Union peacekeeping force.

As he seeks justice, Maurice looks after Robert’s six children.

“We’ve been meeting human rights people. My concern is that justice is done,” he said. “He’s left me with children, I don’t have a job, I can’t take care of them and I don’t even have the power to follow up on his death.”

Robert was an area leader

of anti-balaka, a Christian rebel group which has been one of the groups fighting a sectarian war in the Central African Republic.

People in Boali, the northeastern town where Robert is from, say he had kept the peace but an altercation with a Congolese AU commander could have led to his death.

Most of the graves alongside Robert are marked unknown because identifying the highly decomposed bodies was difficult.

Syria war: Russian helicopter shot down, killing 5 on board A Russian military helicopter has been shot down in Syria killing all five on board - the deadliest single incident for Russia’s military since its air campaign began last September.

The Mi-8 transporter was brought down by rebels, Russia says, in northern Idlib province.

According to BBC, it was returning from delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged city of Aleppo, the defence ministry said.

It is not clear which group brought the helicopter down.

An alliance of forces, including hardline jihadist factions, is the dominant power in Idlib.

Jabhat Fateh al-Sham - formerly known as Jabhat alNusra - is among those active in the province, and socalled Islamic State has vowed to carry out jihad against Russian forces.

The helicopter was carrying three crew A tail section from the helicopter appeared to have broken off after the aircraft was struck. PHOTO: REUTERS and two officers.

Indian police arrest 15 in rape of mother, daughter POLICE in northern India said on Sunday that they had detained 15 suspects after a woman and her 14-year-old daughter were gang-raped off a busy highway, the latest incident of sexual violence to shock the country.

The attack took place on Friday night near the town of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh state after the car in which the victims were travelling was stopped by a gang of men with an iron rod, said senior local police official Daljeet Choudhary.

Al Jazeera revealed that the men dragged the woman, the daughter and three male relatives who were travelling with them to a nearby field. They then tied up the males and raped the woman and the daughter, Choudhary said.

He said several police teams were at work to ensure that the attackers were identified quickly. He gave no details about the detained men.

Anti-rape protests swept Delhi after a high-profile gang rape case in 2012.

PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES

South Africa opposition smells upset in municipal elections A member of South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance said President Jacob Zuma’s rhetoric ahead of Wednesday’s municipal elections is a sign of desperation -that the once mighty African National Congress (ANC) may be losing ground to the opposition in terms of popularity.

VOA stated that President Zuma on Sunday admonished South Africans to vote for the ANC so that the party will

continue to improve their lives.

The ANC controls a

South African President Jacob Zuma

majority of the country’s 278 cities, but a new opinion poll shows the ANC is threatened in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth.

Sheila Camerer, a former South African ambassador and a member of the Democratic Alliance party said this time around, many South Africans will not listen to President Zuma because they feel their lives have not been improved under years of ANC rule.

38

communitynews

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016

FADAMA trains, empowers 800 unemployed youths in farming bola badmus-lagos

FADAMA has stated its resolve to select over 800 unemployed youths, 15 from each of the 57 council areas of Lagos State for training in farming and for future training abroad. Beneficia-

ries would be empowered upon their return to Nigeria to set up businesses of their own.

Project Coordinator for FADAMA, Mr. Ajijola Folusho, made this known during the screening at

the Lagos State FADAMA Coordination Office, Oko Oba, Agege.

Folusho, who said the programme was being undertaken in collaboration with the National Image Company, organisers of

the ongoing agro-business youth training and empowerment programme through which over 5,700 youths have been trained in the state, disclosed that the selected participants would be sponsored under

the World Bank assisted projects.

This was just as he urged unemployed youths to take advantage of the programme by embracing farming.

Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer of National Image and coordinator of the programme, Mr. Seyi Bamigbade, urged unemployed youths to be courageous enough to enrol for the programme.

He lamented the rate of unemployment and poverty in the land, describing it as worrisome, adding that his organisation had found it expedient to make its contribution to youth employment by training and empowerment and assisting youths to be selfsufficient.

He, however, said participants, who must be aged between 18 and 35 years,were trained in batches.

Emiola Agunbiade Foundation donates borehole to Fiditi by remi anifowose

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose (right) being conferred with the title of Atunluse of Esure Ekiti by the Elesure, Oba Adebanji Ajibola ( middle), who is being assisted by the Olomu of Ilomu Quarters, High Chief Patrick Adepoju, at the ceremony held in Esure Ekiti, last Sunday.

Why I accepted to be Atunluse of Esure—Fayose

E

KITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has been appointed as Atunluse of Esure-Ekiti

by Elesure of Esure, Oba Adebanji Ajibola.

At the event held at St Philips Catholic Primary School, Esure-Ekiti, the traditional ruler said the title

was given to the governor to appreciate his meaningful contribution to the development of the town during his first term in office and for what he is doing now.

The royal father praised the doggedness, boldness and courage of the governor for pointing out the inadequacies of the govern-

LAPO empowers 197,766 community members shola adekola-lagos Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) has empowered 197,766 community members with health and social training between January and June, 2016 to enable them address the socio-cultural issues that underpin healthy living.

Speaking at a performance review meeting in Benin, Edo State, Executive Director, Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, said the beneficiaries were equipped with social empowerment and preventive health information during the period with overall improvement in their health and social well-being.

She said LAPO had been in the forefront of the struggle to bring gender issues to wider attention since 1987, by promoting legal and policy reforms and supporting projects that empower women socially and economically.

The LAPO executive director highlighted signifi-

cant reduction in self medication and other forms of drug misuse among the achievements of the organisation, expressing concern that rural dwellers were prone to diseases due to unhygienic environment, ignorance and poor lifestyle.

This is just as the organisation said it had contributed to food security and improved production capacity of 61,188 rural farmers with a disbursement of N1,467,805,000 between January and June, 2016.

The executive director expressed delight that the beneficiaries, who are mostly engaged in subsistence farming, have now expanded their farmlands with improved income for family upkeep and savings.

She said LAPO addresses challenges limiting farmers’ productivity and income such as nonavailability of inputs for improved farm yield and limited access to finance.

ment at the centre, saying that the governor should be commended and not crucified.

Stressing that virile opposition is an ingredient of democracy, Oba Ajibola also enjoined Fayose to continue with the good works he is doing in Ekiti and never allow himself to be distracted by the noise of the opposition.

The monarch counseled the governor saying, “ Ekiti people will judge you by what you did to make Ekiti better and not by the number of times or how you responded to criticisms by the opposition.”

In response, the governor said he accepted the title for peace to reign in Esure and Omu quarters in Esure-Ekiti.

He called on both parties to embrace peace in the interest of the progress of the town.

While accepting the title, the governor said the installation ceremony would be performed in future after unity and peace had been restored to the town.

Fayose, who visited the two quarters after the ceremony, noted that peace negotiation between them would continue in order to find lasting solution to the crisis which started in 2002.

The governor also announced a donation of a sum from government as compensation for those

whose properties were damaged during a fracas between Esure and Ilomu quarters recently.

The governor also ordered that a borehole be sunk in the community while the moribund borehole in the town should be repaired immediately.

At the ceremony were some senior government functionaries, members of the House of Assembly and PDP leaders.

RESIDENTS of Fiditi community in Oyo State can now heave a sigh of relief with the provision of potable water by the Solomon Emiola Agunbiade Foundation.

The residents, who spoke with Community News at the weekend on the development, expressed gratitude to the Agunbiade family for the gesture.

A visit to the town revealed that there were many boreholes in the community, including the one constructed by the Federal Government, but none of them was functional due to neglect.

According to Oladipupo Daniel and Ojebode Adepoju, who reside in the town, “scarcity of water had always been an issue in Fiditi.”

They claimed that if not for the philanthropic gesture of the children of a deceased community leader in the area, Pa Solomon Eniola Agunbiade, who provided a solar-powered borehole for them, they would have been using water from doubtful sources. Even with the bore-

hole, they said the water will not be enough for the community.

They, therefore, called the attention of the state government, relevant authorities and well-meaning individuals in the community to this lingering problem, in order to avoid outbreak of diseases in the area.

Commenting also, Mr Babajide Agunbiade said scarcity of water remained an age-long problem in the area, thereby making it imperative for him to spearhead the construction of the solar-powered borehole for the community, in memory of his father who died 40 years ago.

He described his father as a community advocate, intellectual and fearless defender of the common man.

Other projects embarked upon by the Emiola Agunbiade Foundation for the benefit of Fiditi community include renovation of Fiditi Grammar School Hall. It has given financial assistance to Fiditi Grammar School and Emiola Agunbiade Widow Transition Home in Ikorodu.

Commercial motorcyclists, drivers decry poor state of Alabede, Raji Razak roads akin adewakun-lagos

COMMERCIAL motorcyclists and drivers plying Alabede, Raji Razak and Akinola routes in Agbado/ Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, have deplored the poor state of most roads in the area, noting that this had not helped business in the area.

While appealing to relevant authorities to find a lasting solution to the problem, they told Community News that despite the fact that attempts were made in the past to carry out repair works on some of the roads, such facelift had left the roads worse than they were.

Yusuf, a commercial motorcyclist, plying Iyana Ipaja/ Pipeline Road, stated that even though a few months

ago, repair works were carried out on Alabede Road, the efforts only succeeded in bringing temporary relief to those plying the route.

According to him, while the road had become almost impassable, the gaping holes on the road had continued to add to the high cost of maintaining their motorcycles and vehicles.

‘There is no week we don’t go to the mechanic. The road is terribly bad now, despite the fact that there was an attempt at surface-dressing it a few months ago.

“Unfortunately, we can’t pass the cost of these things directly to our passengers, that will be killing because the costs are high already.

The state of these roads is not just helping our business,” Yusuf stated.

Buttressing Yusuf’s claim, Mr. Alarape, a commercial

bus driver, plying Aboru/ Iyana Ipaja route, expressed his fears that with the gradual disintegration of roads in the area, a time would come when some of the major roads would become impassable.

“Look at the whole stretch of Raji Razak Road, it is littered with potholes from the beginning to the end. More worrisome is the fact that there are some spots where you will have to exercise serious caution before meandering through them. Every motorist develops goose pimples each time they pass through these spots,” he stated.

Besides pleading with the state government to expedite action on the construction works going on in some parts of the area, he would also want ssuch gesture extended to the roads.

39

Tuesday, 2 August, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

U-17 AFCON: Bewarang

counsels Eaglets ahead Niger clash

Quadri

Frot Group boosts Quadri, Toriola ahead Rio 2016 F ROT Group has boosted Aruna Quadri and Segun Toriola in their quest for glory at the Rio 2016 Olympics which begin this weekend.

The chairman of the outfit, Frank Momoh has been supporting sports in Nigeria while he extended the gesture to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), during the 2016 ITTF World Tour tagged Nigeria Open.

For the president of NTTF, Enitan Oshodi, the gesture would motivate the players in their quest to make the country proud in Brazil.

“This support for Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri will greatly encourage and assist our top players in their quest to put up a good performance in the Olympics and other upcoming tournaments.

“It will help in reducing the financial strain incurred by the players in traveling and buying equipment. Playing at world level carries a lot of expenses and the support from Frot Group will go a long way in assuaging the financial burden on the

players. We are very grateful to the Chairman of Frot Group, Mr Frank Momoh for making this possible.”

He added: “Mr Momoh is a well-known supporter of sports in Nigeria and by this act has further shown his commitment to the development of table tennis.

You will remember that Frot Group was a major partner to the NTTF at the much heralded 2016 ITTF Nigeria Open. This is a very good synergy as it helps to bring the skills of two world class table tennis players to the fore and highlights the commitment of a leading Nigeria company to support sports and our athletes. It is this kind of support that will surely assist our athletes to compete against the best in the world: “I urge other major companies to help our youths further develop their talents by emulating this worthy feat.”

Meanwhile, a member of Team Nigeria in the men’s team event of the Rio Olympic Games, Bode Abiodun believes the new system of play introduced by

ITTF would give every team equal chance to make the podium in Brazil.

The Portugal-based player said that he was excited attending his first Olympics, while admitting that the presence of veteran Toriola would inspire the three-man team to do well and not just participating .

“I am so happy for making

my first appearance at the Olympic Games because this is the biggest sporting event in the world and it is the dream of every athlete to make it to the Olympic Games. Also I know that nobody focuses on us because they see us as underdogs but I must say that we are going to Rio to make our presence count.

“The new playing system introduced by ITTF has given all the 16 participating equal opportunity to make it to the podium. Being the continent’s representative, we will surely make impact in Rio,” Abiodun said.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist will join Toriola and 2014 ITTF Star Player to compete in the men’s team event of the Rio Olympics Games in Brazil when the table tennis event serves on August 6.

NEWLY–appointed National Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Bitrus Bewarang has urged the Golden Eaglets to be ready to learn from their coaches.

He made the admonition last weekend when he stormed the NFF/FIFA Goal Project to monitor the Eaglets’ training session ahead of the 2017 U-17 AFCON qualifier against the Junior Menas of Niger Republic billed for Saturday in Abuja.

Bewarang used the opportunity to interact with the team’s technical crew led by Manu Garba and to familiarise with the schedule of the U-17 side.

“I’m happy to be in your midst and to actually ascertain your progress and we are going to put our heads together to ensure the success of your programme.

I’m always interested in the welfare of coaches and players, and with the cooperation of the NFF, you will get the desired support,” the 65-year-old tactician said.

Edo cricket boss donates equipment Abiodun Jimoh - Benin City CHAIRMAN of Edo State Cricket Association, Uyi Akpata as part of efforts to revive the game in the state has donated equipments, just as school cricket programme was relaunched last weekend.

Akpata made the donation at the Edo Boys High School cricket pitch, Benin City, while the school programme

... As SWAN president warns Team Nigeria athletes

THE President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Honour Sirawoo, has urged Team Nigeria athletes departing for the Rio Olympics in Brazil, to be good ambassadors and shun acts which could tarnish the image of the country.

Sirawoo stated this in an interview with journalists shortly after watching the Lagos SWAN Cup finals at the National Stadium, Lagos, organised by the Lagos State chapter of the association.

He described as unfortunate the

disqualification of Nigeria’s 4x400m women’s relay team following Tosin Adeloye testing positive to performance enhancing drugs despite the admonitions of President Muhammadu Buhari to the athletes on the danger of drugs.

While further cautioning the athletes to refrain from taking performance enhancing drugs, he tasked them to learn from what happened to Russia and her athletes who have been embroiled in drug scandal.

“A good name is better than gold. It is better to

“I’m happy you are with result-oriented coaches and I have known both Manu and Nduka (Ugbade) for a very long time and you have to listen to them as well as your other coaches for us to achieve good results,” Bewarang told the youngsters during the unscheduled visit.

Nigeria, who won a record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in Chile last year, was drawn bye into the second round by CAF in the race towards Madagascar 2017.

Last year, the Eaglets came fourth at the continental cadet championship hosted

by Niger Republic, where they inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the Junior Menas in front of their fans at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché in Niamey.

Incidentally, Saturday’s match will be the fourth encounter between both sides in the last four years with the Golden Eaglets also claiming a 10-1 aggregate win in the qualifiers for the 2013 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco.

perform using your natural talent than taking drugs.

No matter how hard you try to cheat, you will be caught one day and the effect would not only be devastating, but affect the character of our country,” he noted.

Sirawoo emphasised that sports writers as key stakeholders in the development of sports in Nigeria, would not shield or pamper any athlete or official found wanting, saying the integrity of the corporate name called Nigeria was bigger than every medal.

was designed to empower players and coaches of the sport in various schools across the state.

“The essence of this relaunch was that over the years, the game has dwindled drastically due to several factors some of which are peculiar to the sport. In the late 80s and mid 90s, this game was highly played in this school whereby players here represented the then Bendel State and even won several laurels for the state in the present Edo State.

“Therefore, what we are doing today is to relaunch it as the theme suggests. Now we have decided to give back to the school, and the state too what the game has taught us. Our programme is designed in such a way that players will have the necessary equipment to play with. We are redesigning the pitch, bringing in training net section, gloves and the rest of the playing kits,” Akpata said at the event.

He stated that the revival of the game would provide a platform for pupils and students to develop their skills in cricket.

SIDELINES

NO 16,558

TUESDAY, 2 AUGUST, 2016

N150

Despite the record investment and marginal gains of Team Great Britain in the four-year Olympic cycle, almost its entire track and field squad to the Rio 2016 Games stormed Brazil in economy flight. If a nation with a buoyant economy is mindful of wasteful spending, how much more will the country that is already declared to be technically in recession?

West Ham increases Ayew bid to £20m

Siasia

WEST HAM United has upped its bid to sign Ghanaian attacker, Andre Ayew from Swansea City to £20million, according to Sky Sports.

The Sun claimed late last week that the Hammers had launched a £16million bid, with wages of £75,000 a week for the Black Stars player.

Sky Sports reported on Sunday evening that the London-based premiership club is now offering up £20million to land the

player from the Welsh club.

Sky Sports adds that Swansea has yet to make a decision in regards to West Ham’s offer, with the club apparently keen to bring in attacking reinforcements before allowing the Ghanaian to leave the Liberty Stadium.

Ayew is contracted to Swansea until 2019, having joined for a free transfer from Olympique Marseille.

The 26-year-old forward scored 12 goals in his first Premier League campaign last season.

Rio Olympics:

Dream Team stranded in US

N

IGERIA Olympic soccer team has for the second time failed to fly out of its training base in Atlanta, United States of America, AfricanFootball.com can exclusively reveal.

Officials disclosed that the Dream Team may now travel to Brazil today for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“Top officials are running around to ensure the team finally leave on Tuesday,” a source told AfricanFootball.com.

“They have been at the sports ministry trying to make sure everything about their ticketing and departure is sorted out today at the latest.”

Dream team VI were originally scheduled to fly out of the USA for Rio last Friday, but could not as their tickets were not ready.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), after the earlier arrangement for the team to depart for Brazil in batches due to difficulties in securing seats for the team failed to materialise, later announced

that it was considering hiring a private jet to take the team directly to Manaus, venue of the team’s first match against Japan.

It will be recalled that coach Samson Siasia, has named Chelsea star, John Mikel Obi, to lead the Dream Team to the campaign.

Mikel, who played at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup, 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, is playing

at the Olympics for the first time as he was named among the two overage players for the Dream Team.

“It’s just natural for me to pick Mikel as our captain.

Aside the fact that he is the captain of the Super Eagles, he is also Team Nigeria captain, so after meeting with both of them and explaining my position, I am pleased to say Azubuike (Okechukwu), who has been our captain understood and was happy to hand over

the captain’s band to Mikel.

“It is a thing of joy for my team to produce the first footballer to captain Team Nigeria to the Olympics. This, to me, is more than gratifying,” Siasia had announced Mikel’s appointment before his teammates.

Nigeria’s Dream Team will begin its campaign on Friday by 2am Nigeria time against Japan, with Sweden and Colombia as other group opponents.

Ayew celebrates after scoring for Swansea last season.

... They will travel today —Dalung

By Niyi Alebiosu THE Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has assured that arrangements have been concluded for Nigeria’s Dream Team VI to leave the United States for Brazil today ahead of their Rio 2016 Olympics opener against Japan.

He made this known when he visited the football and basketball teams ahead of Rio 2016 in their camps

in USA. Dalung said he had been properly briefed about the state of affairs in the players’ camp by the captain, John Mikel Obi and the Consulate in Atlanta.

He stated that arrangements have been concluded to airlift the team to Manaus, Brazil venue of their first game in a charter plane today (Tuesday).

Dalung said clearance has also been obtained from the International

Olympic Committee (IOC) in Rio to facilitate smooth flight operations.

Dalung however, frowned, on the camp’s conditions and welfare of the players as he restated that the Ministry was not carried along in line with approved training and camping programmes for the games.

“There is no doubt that the ministry was not considered while plans were being made for the Olym-

pic football team. Nevertheless, we shall intervene to remedy the situation. I have appealed to the captain to assume control of the team and restore sanity. For officials who decided to violate the code of their profession and take to media rampage to secure cheap blackmail, their conduct will definitely be measured with existing rules. We have decided to restore sanity and discipline in Team Nigeria.

We shall stop at nothing to sanction any conduct that is not within the code of Rio 2016 operations.

All federations are hereby directed to stick to the rules,” he said.

Dalung had earlier visited D’Tigers camp at the Hotel ICON Houston to cheer the senior men’s basketball team in their last friendly against the star-studded USA team.

D’Tigers are scheduled to leave for Rio tomorrow.

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. 2/8/2016.