2nd September, 2016 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,581

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How to avoid depression in a recession By Monica Taiwo NIGERIA is currently going through recession, as indicated by the report of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Nigerians are already feeling the impact of the development, with increase in prices of commodities and standard of living. The development could lead to depression for many, if care is not taken. Tension, anger, loss of interest in daily activities are common symptoms

of depression. Do you feel sad often? Are you always down with loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities or environment? These symptoms can be more evident in recession. Dr Olatunde Ayinde, a psychiatrist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, defines depression as a state of mental illness or a form of brain disorder that could Continues pg6

Economy: Pains will soon give way to development, Buhari assures —P5 •APC replies PDP: Your 16 years recklessness led us here

How Germany, Canada, Spain survived recession —P10,11 Boko Haram: Shekau is dead, Army insists —P8

From left, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode; Osun State governor and host, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; President Muhammadu Buhari; Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and others, inside one of the classrooms at Osogbo Government High School, after its inauguration by the president, as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the state, on Thursday.

Cloudy sky obscures annual eclipse in states —P4

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 2 August, 2016

Bank of Industry... Impacting Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Viably

By Robustly Supporting MSMEs that: Process and add value to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast agricultural, solid minerals and petroleum resources Generate considerable employment opportunities across the value chains Impact positively on the living standards of communities where they are located

HIGHLIGHTS OF HALF YEAR PERFORMANCES AS AT JUNE 2016 (N)

AS AT JUNE 2015 (N)

IMPROVEMENTS IN 2016 OVER 2015

10.64bn

2.62bn

306%

LOAN DISBURSEMENTS TO MSMEs

3.36bn

1.46bn

130%

COLLECTIONS FROM MSMEs

2.97bn

2.91bn

PARAMETERS LOAN APPROVALS TO MSMEs

BANK WIDE HALF YEAR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE & QUALITY OF RISK ASSETS

PARAMETERS RATIO OF NON PERFORMING LOANS PROFIT BEFORE TAX (UNAUDITED)

IMPROVEMENTS IN 2016 OVER 2015

AS AT JUNE 2016

AS AT JUNE 2015

3.87%

5.75%

< 1.88

N10.36bn

N9.29bn

11.5%

INTERNATIONAL CREDIT RATINGS

DOMESTIC CREDIT RATING

Fitch Ratings: (stand alone) AA+

Agusto & Co. Ltd: A+

Moody's Investors Services: Ba3

The Bank of Industry's Domestic and Foreign Development Partners that are drawn from the Public and Private Sectors include Federal Government Agencies. State Governments, International Institutions, Community Based Organisation, High Net Worth Individuals and Eminent Traditional Rulers.

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Friday, 2 September, 2016

Nigeria’s domestic airlines in crisis

•As another airline suspends operations •NCAA dismisses airlines fold up claims •We are undergoing maintenance —FirstNation Shola Adekola -Lagos

bviously, there is trouble with domestic airline operations in Nigeria and if urgent steps are not taken by the Federal Government, all the local airlines presently operating may soon shut down their operations. Only Wednesday, Aero Contractors, one of the oldest airlines in the country, in a controversial manner, shut down its operations indefinitely, over what the management attributed to the current economic situation in the country. The latest information gathered on Thursday again indicated that another domestic carrier, FirstNation might soon suspend its operations, making it two domestic airlines to temporarily shut down within a week. Though the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was evasive on the issue, but in a statement it issued, explained that the FirstNation Airlines was suspending operations as it was in the middle of an “engine replacement programme for one of its aircraft, while another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as its allowable by the regulatory authority. “In other words, any airline with one aircraft is in contravention of the authority’s regulations and, therefore, cannot be adjudged to be capable of providing safe operation. The only option available is to suspend your operations temporarily, while other aircraft arrive in due course.” Based on NCAA’s statement, the FirstNation has no choice but to suspend its operations, as its two planes have issues. But in playing safe, the regulatory body, the NCAA, has claimed that the domestic airlines are not winding down, but merely suspending operations to enable them undertake certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay. According to the DirectorGeneral of NCAA, Captain Mukhtar Usman: “One of the airlines, Aero Contractors Limited, at present, has only one serviceable aircraft. This in contradiction to the Nigerian Civil

Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARS) which stipulates that no airline operator shall carry out schedule commercial operation with only one aircraft. The minimum acceptable number is three aircraft. “In these circumstances, these airlines clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self regulatory suspension.” Confirming the development, a source close to FirstNation said what the airline management did was voluntary to ensure maintenance took place. Besides the two domestic airlines that have suspended their operations, the few still in operations are doing so with pains, in view of the present economic hardship aggravated by unstable and non-availability of forex, expensive

aviation fuel and multiple taxation. With the suspension of operations by Aero Contractor and FirstNation, Nigeria is now left with six domestic airlines— MedView, Arik, Dana, Air Peace, Azman and Overland Airways. From investigations, many of the domestic airlines lack the financial muscle to weather the storm in the face of the ongoing economic recession which has become more complicated, with the huge gap between Dollar and the Naira. While many of the domestic carriers are indebted to their workers for months, many of their aircraft that went out for various maintenance checks are grounded in countries across the world, owing to lack of financial capability as compounded by high ex-

change rate. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Thursday, dismissed claims that some airlines were winding up their operations in the country. The authority dismissed the claims in a statement signed by the NCAA Director-General, Captain Muhtar Usman, in Lagos. Usman said on the contrary, the airlines were merely suspending their operations temporarily to enable them undertake certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay. Usman, however, said NCAAs Regulations provided a window for such operator to embark on non- schedule operations in the interim. Also, the management of FirstNation has reacted to the news that it is suspend-

ing its operations, saying contrary to the information that the airline was undergoing maintenance on its A319 aircraft fleet. While saying the maintenance exercise would be completed on or before September 15, the head of commercial in the airline, Serah Awogbade, declared that the airline planned this maintenance action well ahead and notified passengers just as “flights are currently loaded online effective September 15, this will ensure that passengers continue to enjoy safe and reliable service that the airline is reputed for.”

Aviation unions take over Aero Airline’s head office

There seems to be more troubles for Aero Contractor, which announced the suspension of its opera-

Students from various schools catching a glimpse of the annular solar eclipse at National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja, on Thursday. photo: Sunday Osunrayi.

Cloudy sky obscures annular eclipse in states The much awaited partial solar eclipse, also known as the annular eclipse, finally occurred on Thursday as predicted, though was obstructed by a cloudy sky for much of the time, which made it difficult to clearly see the rare occurrence by viewers in some parts of the country. The eclipse was captured in Lagos at about 8.35 a.m. though it was expected to have been seen in the city

as at 7.14 a.m. with a peak at 8.26 a.m. At about the same time, viewers in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, gathered at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASDRA) to view the sight. Some spectators, who were mostly students, gathered at NASRDA, Abuja, to catch a glimpse of the annular eclipse. They were given solar glasses to observe the

phenomenon. In Abuja, the moon was spotted overlapping the sun with a dark cloud, making the entire spectrum turn dark at about 8.47 a.m. Other cities in the country where the eclipse was viewed included Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Sokoto, Anyigba in Kogi State, Kano, Osogbo, Benin City. The annular eclipse occurs

when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun. This will make the Sun appear as a very bright ring, surrounding the dark disk of the Moon, thereby causing partial or total darkness on the earth. A previous eclipse occurred in Nigeria in 2013, and another annular solar eclipse is expected to occur in 2018.

tions on Wednesday over financial predicaments, as aviation unions took over the airline’s head office over the accusation that the airline management failed to follow the country’s labour laws. The unions, comprising the Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), attributed their decision to take over the airline head office to the indefinite leave given to its over 1,400 workers. The airline, before its final suspension of operations, had gone through challenges, ranging from huge debts, family crisis, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) initial business decisions and weak and ineffective management. At the Aero head office on Thursday, the workers, led by union leaders, were seen in front of the office singing solidarity songs, asking God to lead the workers in pursuing this case. Speaking, the president of ATSSSAN, Comrade Okewu, said what Aero management had just done by locking out the workers was shocking, insisting that negotiation was still ongoing when Aero management sent the workers on indefinite leave. While saying some of the workers, who were on night duty were locked in, Okewu said the workers decided to take over the airline because the management of the airline sent workers on indefinite leave without paying them their salaries and other entitlements. Okewu said the unions would not take lightly what Aero’s management had done, declaring that under the labour law, the company was bound to pay workers their entitlements. Also speaking, the Assistant General Secretary, NUATE, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, alleged that Aero’s management locked in workers that performed night duty and locked out other workers, who had reported for duty. “You can imagine a situation, where somebody who had worked for 15 years will be paid half a month for that number of years and with this half month pay, while severance benefits cannot be paid until nine months,” he said.

5 news Economy: Pains will soon give way to development, Buhari assures Friday, 2 September, 2016

Oluwole Ige -Osogbo

MIDST the current economic challenges facing the country, President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with his administration, while assuring that the current pains they are going through will soon give way to development. The president stated this on Thursday, in Osogbo, Osun State, adding that Nigerians could only witness positive change through perseverance and patience. He maintained that the people must be ready to sacrifice as a prelude to witness the positive change in the social and economic development of the nation, saying his administration was passionately committed to improving the welfare of the citizenry. Buhari, who stated this during the inauguration of Osogbo Government High School, averred that “change is never achieved through a bed of roses, but through patience and perseverance. We are dedicated to restore integrity into the country, improve the condition of people and make the country a prosperous one.” He stated: “We are quite aware of the pains and inconveniences that have been the lot of the citizenry in the past one year as we strive to faithfully implement our programmes in fulfilment of our change agenda. “We are, however, comforted by the real change and progress we have made in fighting corruption and restoring integrity to government; providing security for lives and property and positioning the government for effectiveness and, especially, deregulating the oil sector,” Buhari asserted. Describing the creation of states as a means of bringing governance closer to the people, the president emphasised that | “we can only renew our society and achieve greatness through investment in education,” saying the educational infrastructure provided by Governor Rauf Aregbesola in Osun State were worthy of emulation by other states of the federation. While contending that his administration was committed to rescuing the country from past mistakes, Buhari reiterated that the Federal Government resolved to be supportive of state governments as a result of harsh economic condition, which was having a devastating toll on public workers and the generality of the citizenry. He further described the inaugurated Osogbo Government High School as “ an educational monument and a “legacy project,” just as he

lauded Aregbesola for abiding to the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto on education. According to Buhari, “What we are witnessing here is a display of patriotism to the party’s manifesto by the governor. There should be a substantial commitment of energy and dedication to education by government at all levels.” Earlier in his remarks, Aregbesola noted that the president’s visit and inauguration of the school were parts of the activities to mark Osun State’s

25th anniversary. While commending Buhari for his transparent leadership, Aregesola said, “He has not disappointed us. He has faced his task with courage and doggedness. No doubt, he is facing some challenges, part of which is the fall in revenue that has put about 28 states under severe financial crisis. “He continues with a rare sense of dogedness and faith in God as he faces the turbulent situations. We are satisfied with the way he manages the affairs of the

state (country) and leads us. The challenges we are facing are as a result of the previous party’s (Peoples Democratic Party) rape of our resources. Aregbesola, who estimated the cost of the project as N1.35billion, said the newly-inaugurated elementary school had standard facilities, including modern classrooms, offices, laboratories, toilets, library, bookshop, sick bay and multi-purpose hall which can accommodate 1,000 students for examinations.

Dignitaries at the inauguration ceremony included Oyo State governor, Senator Isiaka Ajimobi; Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode; former Bauchi State governor, Senator Isa Yuguda; Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole; Minister of Communications, Mr Shittu Adebayo, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Orangun of Oke Ila Orangun; Oba Adedokun Abolarin; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji; the Oluwo of Iwo,

Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; Senator Sola Adeyeye; Senator Babajide Omowoware; the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam; Honourable Bosun Oyintiloye. Others included Senator Ayo Fasanmi; former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; immediate past Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Osun State, Mr Sunday Akere and the former Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Regional Planning, Mr Muyiwa Ige.

...Assemble team of economic experts irrespective of party affiliation, Makarfi tells Buhari Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna CHAIRMAN of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to assemble a team of economic team, irrespective of party affiliations, to proffer solution to the present economic situation in the county, in order to prevent its total collapse. Makarfi, who expressed his support to the recent comments of the Catholic Archbishop, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, in a letter to the President on the hardships Nigerians were facing under the current economic reality, said “this is the time Nigerians should come together, irrespective of party affiliation, to pull our country from the present economic woes.” The PDP leader, who spoke in an interview in Kaduna, on Thursday, said “we are all Nigerians. We must know that things are tough today. I read a letter written by Cardinal Olubunmi Okojie to the President in the newspapers expressing the same concern.” “Before that, there were some elements of appeal in his letter, especially where he called for all hands to be on deck to salvage the nation. This is not an issue for one political party alone. “Long before that letter, and as a matter of fact, long before the president was sworn into office and to be candid, my personal belief was that the country was in a serious problem and that we were heading into more serious problems. “But, all hands needed to be on deck. This is not a time to play politics, and a time whether your party is in government or not, we should not play politics with certain issues. “The situation in the country today really requires

that all hands must be on deck to salvage our country from the present economic condition. As Cardinal Okogie said in that letter, if the economy is bad, it is the political class that is to be blamed. Senator Makarfi argued: “Even before the political class, the military class should share part of the blame because they have done a lot of damage to the system,” stressing that “let us own up to the wrong we have done and let us collectively repent and come together for the sake of the ordinary man and woman, and even those that are not

ordinary and save our nation from economic doom. “This is because security is important to all of us. Let us sincerely see how we can salvage our country and put it on the right path. Of course, that doesn’t mean we should become a one party state and it doesn’t mean that we should agree on political matters. But we should realise that the country’s survival is first. “There are times we would disagree politically and go to the electorate on how to move forward. When that time comes, we take it as such. But, before then, my personal opinion was ex-

pressed in Cardinal Okogie’s letter and I support it. Speaking on why the nation’s economy nose-dived, Senator Makarfi said: “You see, the problems are a lot more structural and have been with us for a long time, even pre-1999. Of course, there are issues that you can reduce to the last five, seven, 10 years or so. That is why I say it is a collective thing if it is a failure. Because you can extend this failure to as far back as you can remember. “However, it is not the time to start apportioning blames, rather it is time to come together and salvage the country and do the

needful. In any case, people are voted because they were dissatisfied with the last administration. If they were satisfied, they would have returned all the past administration at all levels. Having not returned them because people believed that things will improve with this government, it is good to go forward and see what we can do and improve on our economy”. The PDP chieftain also dwelt on the recent directive he gave to withdraw the legal suit purportedly filed against some judges, pointing out that “I made a press release to that effect.”

APC replies PDP: Your 16 years’ recklessness led us here ALL Progressives Congress (APC) has assured Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration remains solidly committed to resuscitating the economy in the quickest possible time and in the best interest of the people. According to a statement signed by the national secretary of the APC, Honourable Mai Mala Buni, “The statement by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday was the latest in the party’s insensitive plot to deflect attention from the voodoo economics and reckless fiscal policies the country was subjected to during its 16-year rule. “For the umpteenth time, the PDP lacks the moral basis and credibility to comment or condemn the government on the economy after the mess it left behind. Instead, the PDP must apologise to Nigerians. “The warning signs were glaring to the immediatepast administration, but it chose the path of economic sabotage by looking the other way and squandering the country’s commonwealth – a reckless decision that has brought the country to its knees.

“Nigerians will recall that even the immediate-past finance minister and coordinating minister of the economy, confessed that the zero political will to save under the immediate-past administration is responsible for the challenges facing the country.” The PDP had, on Wednesday, while reacting to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report confirming that Nigeria had slipped into recession told, President Buhari to step down. “We join all well meaning Nigerians to call on Buhari to resign if he is unable to reverse the disastrous economic decline he has brought on Nigerians,” the party said. The NBS said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product contracted by 2.06 per cent, marking the first major recession in 29 years for Africa’s largest economy. The PDP, in its statement signed by Deji Adeyanju, its director of new media, saw the crisis as a direct consequence of Buhari’s approach to economic management, which were a rehash of the economic policies he similarly pursued as the head of a military government be-

tween 1983 and 1985. “The result of these indices is that Nigeria is in its worst economic state for 29 years —dating back to 1987 when the nation had to take harsh steps to recover from President Buhari’s policies of 1984-85. “As with 1984-85, companies are fleeing our shores in droves. Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recently stated that 272 companies have shut down in the past one year,” Mr. Adeyanju said. Adeyanju also quoted key aspects of the detailed data as released by the NBS on Wednesday and compared them with what they were before his party was voted out in 2015 after a 16-year streak. “Portfolio investment declined to an estimated $245.3m in Q2 2016. This represents a 9.5% from $271.0m in Q1 2016 & is a far cry from $2.81bn in Q2 2015,” Mr. Adeyanju said. “A total of 4,580,602 people have lost their jobs since May 29, 2015.” Continuing, the APC said: “Happily, the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has embarked on well-thought out economic

agendas, policy actions, appropriate fiscal, governance, and socio-political reforms to revamp the economy and tackle the nation’s current challenges in the short to long term. “Under the new flexible foreign exchange policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in June 2016, we now have a single marketdetermined exchange rate which enables suppliers of foreign currencies to bring in their money and take the same out at market-determined rates. The new foreign exchange policy, being implemented, will ensure our economy recovers in the medium to long term. “As contained in the assented 2016 National Budget, the administration of President Buhari is aggressively formulating and implementing policies aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy from oil to other sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing. “The administration is also proactively tackling increased attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region which has led to disruptions in crude production.’’ Continues pg6

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Friday, 2 September, 2016

How to avoid depression in a recession Continued from front page

be triggered off by a number of issues, including hereditary factor. Aside depression as a result of recession, someone whose parents or either of the parents had depression can also eventually go into depression. A child whose mother had depression will be raised with overbearing parenting skills and may, as well, experience depression. Depression is also common among people who do not have good social support and people with medical conditions or illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, hypertension and other long-term illnesses and generic depression in old people. For this period, according to Dr Ayinde, events such as loss of job, loss of loved ones, economic hardship, social upheaval, breakup in relationship, leading to single parenting in the face of economic hardship and financial trauma, among others, can make one to go into depression. Symptoms and signs of depression One may be depressed if, for more than two weeks, one has felt sad, down or miserable most of the time, or lost interest or pleasure in usual activities and experienced several of the signs and symptoms across at least three of the categories below. It’s important to remember that we all experience some of these symptoms from time to time, and it may not necessarily mean one is depressed. Also, not everyone who is experiencing depression will have all of these symptoms.

Behaviour: Not going out anymore, not getting things done at work or school, withdrawing from close family and friends, relying on alcohol and sedatives, not doing usual enjoyable activities and failure to concentrate. Feelings: Overwhelmed, guilty, irritable, frustrated, lacking confidence, unhappy, indecisive, disappointed, miserable and sad. Thoughts: ‘I’m a failure’, ‘It’s my fault’, ‘Nothing good ever happens to me, ‘I’m worthless’, ‘Life’s not worth living’ and ‘People would be better off without me.’ are some of the thoughts of people experiencing depression. Physical: Tiredness all the time, headaches and muscle pains, insomnia, loss or change of appetite and significant weight loss or gain. How to avoid depression Dr Markus MacGill of United States Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) says the best anti-depressants do not come from a pill bottle. Sometimes making simple changes in one’s life can help boost the mood and prevent depression. Sometimes, it might be necessary to see medical personnel or other specialists for desired help. However, here are some simple and practical ways to avoid depression. Get enough sleep There is nothing like tossing and turning all night to put oneself in a bad mood, but sleep disturbances may go further than that.

Disturbances in circadian rhythms have been linked to depression, and re-synchronising circadian rhythms using melatonin supplements or light therapy may actually have anti-depressant effects. Whether one is dealing with major depression or just looking to boost the mood, improving one’s sleep hygiene is an important first step. Go to bed at the same time each day, turn off the screens a bit earlier than normal, and look into light therapy if work schedule means one don’t get much sunlight. Exercise Exercise is incredibly valuable, not only for general health, but for its mood-boosting effects too. There may be no need to run a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise. In a recent study, researchers had depressed patients pedal a stationary bike, measuring their subjective symptoms and cortisol (stress hormone) levels before and afterwards. They found that after just 15 minutes of exercise, both the patients’ symptoms of depression and cortisol levels were significantly reduced. Regulate blood sugar Have you ever eaten a sugary snack, only to find yourself starving and miserable an hour later? What goes up must come down and a blood sugar spike followed by a crash is a one-way ticket to a lousy mood. But according to one study, sugar may have a bigger role to play in depression than originally

thought. Researchers analysed data from six countries and found a highly significant correlation between sugar consumption and depression rates. Whether one is battling depression or just trying to avoid the afternoon crash, balancing blood sugar is key. Make sure to eat healthy meals regularly. Eat healthy fats Are you getting enough fish in your diet? Researchers have found that eating Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; like those found in salmon, trout and sardines, reduces symptoms of depression. Flaxseeds and walnuts are also great sources of Omega-3s. Find passion in life Even if one is eating healthy, getting enough sleep and engaging in exercise, nothing will boost the mood like having a sense of purpose. People who have a sense of purpose live up to seven years longer than those who don’t. Laugh at yourself and situation People can go into depression by taking issues too seriously. To avoid this, do not take yourself or situation too seriously, no matter how bad things turn. There is no stagnation in nature; situations always change. That things are bad today does not mean they won’t be better tomorrow. Laugh at yourself. Laugh at your mistakes. Laugh at the difficult situation as you look forward to a better turn of events.

Edo poll: INEC to commence distribution of PVCs tomorrow THE Edo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, said it would commence distribution of permanent voter cards (PVCs) to registered voters ahead the September 10 gubernatorial election in Edo tomorrow. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the commission, Mrs Priscillia Sule, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin City, on Thursday, said the exercise would be for three days. Sule said the period for distribution of the PVCs had been fixed for between tomorrow and Monday. She said the exercise would commence at 8.00 a.m. each day in all registered units and wards across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Sule, therefore, advised eligible registered voters, including those who registered

during the last continuous voters’ registration in June, to ensure they collected their

cards within the stipulated time. She noted that no eligible

“The president’s shuttle diplomacy has yielded positive effects on the country’s economic policies. As a result, several agreements concluded during the visits are positively impacting on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation. “The fight against corruption remains a top priority for the President Buhari APC-led administration.

Sule did not, however, disclose the number of PVCs awaiting collection.

Edo PDP to judiciary, police: Don’t allow APC to use you against us Embassies, CSOs, election monitoring groups alerted EDO State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the judiciary in the state, the police and the civil service not to allow the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to use them against its members in the build-up to the September 10 gubernatorial election. The party, in a statement by its publicity secretary, Mr Chris Nehikhare, alleged that the APC had perfected a plot to use the police and the judiciary to take many of its prominent leaders out of circulation before the election

and release them thereafter when the election must have been concluded. According to the PDP, “in the last couple of weeks, a lot of information has been coming to us from all manner of sources. As a responsible political party, we analyse, investigate and authenticate before reacting. “In a meeting with all directors and permanent secretaries in the employ of the Edo State government, the government intimated them that there is going to be mass arrest of PDP leaders across the

18 local government areas by the state police command. “The directors and permanent secretaries in the employ of the state government were warned not to stand as surety for anyone so arrested and charged to court.” The PDP said “as we continue to exercise restraint and maintain peace in the face of tyranny and assault in the hands of compromised officers of the law, we want to put all lovers of democracy, the international community, especially the British High Commission, the Ameri-

APC replies PDP: Your 16 years’ recklessness led us here Continued from pg5

registered voter without a PVC would be allowed to vote during the election.

In spite of desperate attempts by some partisans to discredit anti-corruption efforts in some quarters, the war against corruption is being won and has been well-received and supported. The generality of Nigerians agree that the days of impunity are over,’’ the statement also read. According to the APC, “Through the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the President Muhammadu Buhari APC-led administration, revenue leakages have

been greatly plugged. “The new petroleum products supply and pricing framework, which eliminated corruptiontainted subsidy payments has, among others, greatly solved fuel scarcities by ensuring availability of products at all locations in the country; reduced hoarding, smuggling and diversion substantially and stabilise price at the actual product price; encouraged investments in both refineries and retails; provided government more revenue

to address social and infrastructural needs of the country. “In line with the critical infrastructural focus of the President Buhari’s administration, an unprecedented 30 per cent of 2016 budgetary provision has been committed to capital projects.’’ The APC appealed for patience and cooperation from Nigerians, “as the present administration works assiduously to build a new solid foundation, credible image and pull the country out of the present hardships.’’

can Embassy, the European Union, civil society organisations and election monitoring committee on notice that the arbitrary arrests and demonic detention of our members is an invitation to anarchy and a threat to democracy. “We, therefore, call on all responsible individuals and institutions to join us in condemning the unlawful order, and dastardly plan

against our people who conduct themselves within the boundaries of the law. “We urge the police, civil service and state judiciary not to allow themselves to be used to intimidate, harass and detain our members and to immediately release all those who have been thrown into police cells and prisons across the state under spurious allegations.”

Group calls for stiffer action against water-borne disease Christian Okeke -Abuja ASSOCIATION of Waterwell Drillers, Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), an umbrella body for borehole drillers, rig owners and allied practitioners, has called for stiffer regulatory and control practices within the water resources sector of the economy, so as to reduce the embarrassing incidence of water-borne diseases and preventable deaths in the country. National president of the body, Dr Mike Ale, which made the plea in Abuja, said it was time for government to take proactive step in preventing outbreak of such

disease. This came as he announced the appointment of Mr Stephen Deemua as its coordinator for Rivers State. Ale noted that relevant professionals such as Engr. Deemua with diverse wealth of experience were being given strategic roles to reposition the body, in order to make needed contributions to the economy. The AWDROP’s boss condemned patronage of quacks and handbag contractors whose unethical and unprofessional conduct and services in the sector had led to the death of many citizens by governments, individuals and other bodies.

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Lagosmetro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

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EFCC secured over 45 convictions, recovered N2bn in Lagos since January —Magu Bola Badmus Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, said the commission had secured over 45 convictions in Lagos courts and recovered N2billion, including properties worth billions of naira, since January, even as he dismissed reports that the commission tortured suspects in its detention centres to extract confessions. Magu said this while fielding questions from journalists, saying suspects were only detained beyond 48 hours with a court order and that whenever any suspect fell sick, they were immediately taken to the commission’s clinic or referred to a hospital. According to Magu, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Operations, Lagos Zonal Office, Mr illiyasu Kwarbai, medical bills incurred by suspects were also borne by the commission, adding that suspects were also fed three times daily based on the commission's opendoor policy. “So, we don’t beat any person here. We don’t extract confessional statements. We investigate financial crimes, not robbery or murder where suspects leave the scene and make up an alibi. We don’t need your confessional statements to gather facts and figures. We go to the banks and get our facts. There is no need for us to introduce any harsh method of interrogation at all. We don’t do it,” he said. Kwarbai, who took journalists and civil society leaders on a tour of the commission's Lagos facilities, including its detention centre at Ikoyi, clinic, interview rooms and computerised offices, said despite the resistance of some accused persons, the operatives were professional in their approach. The EFCC's deputy director (Operations), while saying that one of the commission's strategies was to recover stolen funds from suspects, maintained that suspects were well accommodated,

as each room in the detention facility, with male and female sections, had a mattress, a shower and a toilet. According to Kwarbai, two suspects each were assigned to a room, adding that there is also a church, named “House of Reconciliation with God” and a mosque. “Our recoveries are in billions. If we don’t recover some of these funds and you leave them with the accused persons, then we are in trouble and the country is also in trouble because they have ‘destructive weapons,” he said.

Inmates at EFCC detention cell.

How 30 girls were rescued from Lagos pastor Olalekan Olabulo

eneral Overseer of a church in Sogunle area (names withheld) has been accused of taking advantage of lack of accommodation to have

carnal knowledge of 30 young girls. Thirty young girls, between the ages of 12 and 15, were, on Tuesday, rescued from the clergyman' s church by the police in Lagos State. A police source told Lagos Metro that the pastor took

advantage of providing accommodation for the young girls to have sexual intercourse with them . The police source, who pleaded anonymity, said "some of the girls have opened up that the man was sleeping with them, but

others denied it." He added that "the girls ran away from their homes and stayed in the accommodation which was provided by the pastor." "They all respected him and some of them were afraid that he might send

said the decision was taken at the 134th meeting of the Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC's) Joint Tax Board, in order to ease off the renewal/reissue process of the driver’s licence. Lawal, while speaking further, lauded the initiative, maintaining that with the new feature, applicants had the opportunity to either select the option of three or

five-year validity period. He added that applicants, who were unable to complete the processing within a specific time, now had an extended period for renewing the license. While emphasising that this initiative was also aimed at improving on service delivery and ensuring that the service was readily available to all applicants, Lawal affirmed that the

processing fees remained at N6,350 for the threeyear period and N10,350 for five-year option, inclusive of bank charges. The General Manager, however, urged intending applicants to patronise only accredited driving schools, following which an e-certificate would be issued to commence the process of obtaining a driver’s licence.

Lagos announces 5-year validity period for national drivers' licence Olalekan Olabulo The Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), on Thursday, announced a new validity period of five years for the national drivers’ licence, noting, however, that the choice was optional. The General Manager of the Agency, Mr Lateef Lawal, who disclosed this,

them out if they refused him sex," the police source stated. The image maker in charge of the state police command,Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the rescue of the girls and added that two of them admitted to have been slept with by the clergyman. She also added that the police commissioner in the state, Fatai Owoseni, was very much interested in the case and that he had directed a thorough investigation into the activities of the pastor. A former church member had reportedly opened a can of worms on the activities of the clergyman, whom he accused of pestering her for sex. The former member, simply identified as Evelyn, had told the police how the pastor was sleeping with the young girls.

Govt mobilises men for campaign against sexual, domestic violence Lagos State government, on Thursday, urged the menfolk to lead the quest to put an end to all forms of domestic and sexual violence crimes in the state, as even as it kicked off a one-month long awareness campaign to put an end to the menace. Already, an agency of government, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) is organising an "All Male

Walks" in two areas of the state, including Ikeja and FESTAC simultaneously, with the aim of engaging and interacting with the public, create awareness about the provisions of the relevant laws and steps people could take in getting help and justice. The state government made the call at a media parley organiSed by its Domestic and Sexual

Violence Response Team (DSVRT), at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa to celebrate the Seconnd anniversary of the establishment of the agency with the theme: "Promoting Positive Masculinity, Men Can End Sexual And Gender Based Violence." This was just as the Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the Lagos State police command, Mrs Dolapo

Badmos, said recent reports and investigation indicated that the major perpetrators of sexual offences were religious leaders hiding under religion to commit such heinous crimes. Kazeem contended that the call had become imperative since the campaign should not be left alone to the women folk, adding that all hands must be on deck to frontally

address the menace. The commissioner, who was represented by DSVRT's Alternate Chairman, Mrs Omotilewa Ibirogba, said the 'All Male Walks' campaign would kick off on September 8, with a walk from Ikeja Under Bridge at 9.00a.m to Lagos House in Alausa, where they would be received by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

news Original Shekau killed, pseudo Shekau wounded, military insists

Chris Agbambu - Abuja

HE Theatre Commander, Operations Lafiya Dole, Major- General Leo Irabor, has said that the third Abubakar Shekau, was shot and wounded, but cannot confirm if he died. Briefing newsmen in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Thursday,the command-

Friday, 2 September, 2016

er said that a lot has been achieved in the war against insurgency in the North East. He said that the Boko Haram sect has been decimated, adding that the military is on top of the battle against the war. Answering questions on the actual identity of Abubakar Shekau, he said

the first as well as the second Shekau, had already been killed, adding that whosoever is wearing the

third Shekau toga, will be killed. “We are now clearing the remnant of the terrorists

and we are going deep into the battle in Sambisa and there is no going back. He said that the morale

of troops are very high, adding that they are always ready to move to the battle field when directed.

By Dapo Falade

committees of 17 local government areas in the state. The governor’s action was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, by his special assistant on media, Simeon Nwakaudu. While the reasons were not stated, the statement further disclosed that the dissolution of the affected local government caretaker committees was with immediate effect. The affected local councils include, Abua/Odual, Akuku Toru, Ahoada East,Andoni, Bonny, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Ikwerre and Obio/Akpor. Others are, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni, Omuma, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt City and Tai. As contained in the statement, Governor Wike, had directed all the caretaker committee chairmen to

hand over to the most senior officials in their respective councils. It will be recalled that the governor had, on Wednesday, suspended, for three months, four commissioners serving in his cabinet, along with the state Head of

Service (HoS) and his Special Adviser on Lands. The affected ministries include, Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Commissioner for Finance and Commissioner for Sports.

Wike dissolves 17 LG caretaker committees GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, on Thursday, announced the dissolution of the caretaker

Smugglers change tactics, now disguise rice as corpse RICE smugglers have devised new method of importation by packaging the commodity in form of a corpse, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has reported NAN reported that the smugglers now wrap bags of rice as a corpse and smuggle them in an ambulance. Confirming the recent trend, Mr Selechang Taupyen, the spokesperson, Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command, on Thursday, said it had seized 11 bags of imported rice wrapped as a corpse. Taupyen said that the smugglers used an ambulance for their operation

TRCN boss ranks Enugu best in output of quality teachers THE registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Professor Josiah Ajiboye, has said Enugu State is the best state with regard to the production of quality teachers in the country. He said that with about 45,062, the state has the highest number of registered teachers. Professor Ajiboye said this during a courtesy call on the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, in the company of some executive members of the council. He noted that his commendation was necessitated by the growing number of unqualified individuals who have illegally found their way into the teaching profession in the country. He extolled the governor for the support he has been giving all the educational institutions in the state to enable them to key into the programmes of the council, adding that their goal is to enhance the quality of teaching in the country. Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi, pledged his administration’s support for the council in the attainment of all its set goals, adding that the council’s importance as a regulatory body in the education sector is underscored by the mandate to ensure discipline and professionalism.

to deceive unsuspecting officials. He also confirmed that one Moses Degbogbahun had been arrested over the incident. “The smuggler concealed the smuggled bags of rice in a Volvo ambulance with registration. No. DV 74 EKY and he was arrested along Aradagun toll gate area of Badagry. “The mobile patrol team led by Chief Superintendent of Customs ,M. Ozah, noted the frequent movement of the ambulance and this aroused curiosity of the team and the vehicle

was stopped for proper examination. “During the examination, 11 bags of imported rice were discovered and they were carefully arranged and wrapped as a corpse. “The suspect is still undergoing investigation for possible prosecution,’’ NAN quotes him as saying. Taupyen, however, warned smugglers to desist from such habit, adding that all smuggling antics along the borders would not go undetected by its officers and men on patrol.

Friday, 2 August, 2016

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

How Germany, Canada, Spain came out of recession By ’Laolu Afolabi with agency report

HE National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), on Wednesday, released the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the second quarter of 2016. Expectedly, the growth rate slid further from -0.36 per cent in the first quarter to -2.06 per cent year-onyear. The negative growth rate confirmed the predictions that the country was heading into recession. The report was, however, not damning, as the economy grew marginally by 0.82 per cent, when compared with the figure of the first quarter, revealing signs of early recovery. A recession is defined as a significant decline in activities across the economy, lasting longer than a few months, with a technical indicator as two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth by the country’s GDP. It is a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced. In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction which results in a general slowdown in economic activity. Macroeconomic indicators such as GDP, investment spending, capacity utilisation, household income, business profits and inflation fall, while bankruptcies and the unemployment rate rise. A severe (GDP down by 10 per cent) or prolonged (three or four years) recession is referred to as an economic depression, although some argue that their causes and cures can be different. As an informal shorthand, economists sometimes refer to different recession shapes, such as V-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped and W-shaped recessions. One good news, however, is that there have been countries who were once in recession and now, their economies have bounced back. With the attendant impact of the recession on Nigeria’s economy, resulting in hike in prices of commodities and devaluation of naira, the Federal Government is still optimistic that its diversification processes are yielding results. Reacting to the NBS data, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning noted that the picture pointed to the fact that agriculture and solid minerals sector are beginning to respond to policy initiatives, a reason the economy grew by 0.82 per cent. The Eurozone recession dated from the first quarter of 2008 to the second quarter of 2009. In the Eurozone as a whole, industrial production fell 1.9 per cent in May 2008, the sharpest one-month decline for the region since the exchange rate crisis in 1992. European car sales fell 7.8 per cent in May compared with a year earlier, retail sales fell by 0.6 per cent in June from the May level and by 3.1 per cent from June in the previous year. Germany was the only country out of the four biggest economies in the Eurozone to register an increase of activity in July, though the increase was sharply down. Economic analysts raised the risk of the Eurozone entering a recession in 2008 and, in the second quarter, the economy was reported to have declined by 0.2 per cent. What do countries that weathered the great recession better than others have in common? They got in better shape before the crisis struck. Germany

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari Reunification meant great opportunity for Germany, but it also meant a prolonged period of economic weakness. The fiscal and structural reforms lawmakers made in response continue to pay dividends to this day. In the early 2000s, Germany embarked on a pro-growth deficit-reduction course, coupled with structural labour market reforms. It lowered income taxes to improve growth and implemented critical labour market reforms to improve work incentives and boost manufacturing productivity. To reduce the costs of its public pension programme, it increased the statutory retirement age, eliminated early retirement clauses and changed the way it calculated pension payments. Germany also adopted cuts to public-sector pay, including Christmas-related extra payments, while the country also reduced subsidies for specific industries. This approach gave Germany the strong foundation it needed to weather a worldwide economic slump that hit Europe particularly hard. Across the globe, countries that followed this model, emerged in a better shape than countries that failed to enact necessary reforms, according to a new report from The Heritage Foundation. “Countries that exercised fiscal responsibility and reformed entitlements before the Great Recession had far more policy flexibility during the crisis and were less likely to suffer a severe or prolonged slump,” said Salim Furth, the main author

Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy of the report. The Heritage study looked at data on fiscal policy in Europe since 2007. It revealed a variety of lessons policymakers in Europe, the United States and elsewhere can benefit from. During the recession, Germany benefitted from an alternative to expanded unemployment: Kurzarbeit. Kurzarbeit is a federal subsidy that makes up a portion of lost pay for workers whose hours are temporarily reduced during cyclical reductions in demand. Its purpose is to encourage employers to retain trained staff so that production can recover more quickly in response to recovering demand. By keeping workers on staff during the recession rather than laying them off, German producers could rapidly take advantage of rising demand when the global economy improved. Government intervention comes with costs and unintended consequences, but given the choice between expanding unemployment benefits or temporarily reducing workers’ hours, the latter proved successful within the German context. Although large bailouts and stimulus efforts during the recession steeply increased Germany’s national debt, the country responded by adopting a Swissstyle debt brake and a spending-cut-heavy budget to get there, suggesting a commitment to control spending and debt moving forward. Although Germany faces headwinds ¬ its economy is still less free than the United States and its demographic chal-

To reduce the costs of its public pension programme, it increased the statutory retirement age, eliminated early retirement clauses and changed the way it calculated pension payments.

lenges are even more severe - the experience of the European powerhouse during the recession shows that preparation is key to weather crises. Canada That Canada fared considerably better than the balance of countries hit by the financial crisis is commonly accepted. As noted in The Economist, by 2010, Canada had already been well into recovery from one of its mildest recessions on record, while the rest of the developed world was struggling to keep from plunging headlong into economic chaos. Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s recession was the shortest and mildest among the countries that make up the G7, lasting only three quarters as compared to between four and six quarters in the rest of the group, and output, as measured by GDP, falling by 3.3 per cent from third quarter 2008 to third quarter 2009. Canada’s GDP has since been on an uninterrupted run of consecutive quarterly increases, capped recently by an annualised rate of 3.9 per cent reported for the first quarter of 2011, after posting an overall rate of 3.3 per cent for 2010. Under the joint leadership of Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Finance Minister Paul Martin, Canada underwent one of the most fiscally responsible periods in its history. Debt reduction was a goal that figured prominently throughout the years of the Chretien administration and in the subsequent years of the finance minister’s administration. Taking power as Canada’s debt levels were hitting record levels, Martin made it clear from the start that the priorities of the government would be fixed squarely on eliminating the deficit and the record of the following decade leaves little doubt that this was a commitment that was delivered upon powerfully. Martin went to great lengths to bring the public on board, televising the lobbying efforts of interest groups and publishing dire reports on Canada’s fiscal situaContinues on pg11

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

What Nigeria will do —FG Continued from pg 10

tion, and then embarked on what was in all probability the greatest reduction in government spending ever undertaken in Canada from its inception. Following a peak deficit of $42 billion in fiscal 1993 and 1994, the administration managed to reverse the deficit and produce a surplus by 1997 and 1998, and sustain the surplus over the following two years before posting a historical record of $17.1 billion in budgetary surplus in fiscal 2000 and 2001. From that point, the government was able to produce a surplus every year up to 2007 and 2008, at times finding itself alone among G7 administrations in doing so. This was a period during which several significant tax cuts were implemented, including a $58 billion tax-cut package in 2001, alongside the re-introduction of inflation indexing for personal income taxes. This paralleled the experience in the provinces, which themselves were able to achieve budget balance in the aggregate by 2000, while concomitantly applying substantial cuts in personal income and corporate tax rates. Spain After years of being one of Europe’s shakiest economies, Spain managed to institute strict reforms and bring back economic growth. It was exports, and not domestic demand, that lifted Spain out of the worst economic crisis since the civil war in the 1930s. During the crisis, Spain copied the German economic model, successfully putting its emphasis on exports. In 2014, almost one third of Spanish goods and services were shipped outside of the country, 25,000 new jobs were created in the Spanish car factories of Opel, Seat, Renault, Ford and Nissan alone. Once the unions consented to making production more flexible, Mercedes invested €190 million ($208 million) in the factories. The European Central Bank predicted that Spain will be one of the economic drivers of Europe in 2015. Powered by a cheap euro and low interest, economic growth was predicted to rise by 2.3 per cent in the year. Along with Portugal and Ireland, Spain represents an example of how an economic crisis can be turned into an opportunity. These countries’ experiences show that a nation can recover its economic competitiveness through painful reform, even in a monetary union. Between 2008 and 2013, the financial crisis years, Spain’s Martinsa-Fadesa, a construction company, declared bankruptcy after failing to refinance a debt of €5.1 billion. The two banks with most exposure to Martinsa-Fadesa were reportedly Caja Madrid, at €900m, and Banco Popular Español, at €400m. Spain’s finance minister Pedro Solbes said it would not bail out the company. In the second quarter, house prices in Spain fell 20 per cent. Spain’s premier, Jose Luis Zapatero, blamed the European Central Bank for making matters worse by raising interest rates. More than 98 per cent of home loans in Spain are priced off floating rates linked to Euribor. Housing accounts for over 10 percent of Spain’s economy. The Bank of Spain is concerned about the health of smaller regional lenders with heavy exposure to the mortgage market. In the first half of 2008, unemployment in the country rose by 425,000 over 2007

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and 2008, reaching 9.9 per cent. Car sales fell 31 per cent in May. Spain’s factory output slumped 5.5 percent in May 2008. Spain had a 7.9 per cent decline in retail sales in June compared to the previous year, the largest drop since Spain began registering the results and the seventh consecutive monthly decline. This included a 17.9 per cent drop in retail sales of household goods. June food sales in Spain fell by 6.8 percent. “After the introduction of the euro, our inflation was always two or three per cent higher than Germany’s. So after 2000, our competitiveness on the international markets sank,” says Nadal, a Harvard University graduate. At first, the cheap money from the ECB and a big real estate boom plastered over the country’s problems. Then in 2008 came the big real estate market crash and Spain was trapped. Back when the Spanish peseta was still in use, the country’s currency could still simply be devalued, the country had again and again been able to retain its competitiveness in previous decades. But when the crisis broke out, this exit strategy was off-limits: Spain would have had to leave the euro to use it. Spain decided to take the more difficult road. “We are the first population-rich country that embarked on a large-scale depreciation within a currency union,” Nadal says. Taxes were raised in 2011 and many people were laid off, including those in the

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel public administration. This led to mass unemployment, a plunge in real estate prices of over 35 per cent, wage stagnation and at some point, prices also started to sink. “For the past 18 months, inflation has been lower than in Germany. That had never been the case before,” Nadal says. Thanks to its restraint on wages, Spain managed to completely regain the competitiveness it had lost relative to countries like France and Italy since 2000. Even the gap between Spain and Germany rapidly shrank. It is still almost impossible for young Spaniards to get a permanent job in their homeland. In some places, temporary contracts are as valuable as a winning lottery ticket. University graduates are more likely to find an adequately paying job in Antwerp, London or Frankfurt. Even Prime Minister Rajoy -- who, as a politician, is professionally required to be optimistic -- is proceeding on the assumption that five more years of economic growth will be necessary for 20 million Spaniards to have a job, as was the case before the crisis. During the crisis, the construction industry lost about 1.8 million jobs. Given the many empty apartment buildings, in 2014, after falling by about 35 per cent, apartment prices once again rose nationwide. Reassuring Nigerians that the economy will come out of recession soon, the Min-

It was exports, and not domestic demand, that lifted Spain out of the worst economic crisis since the civil war in the 1930s.

istry of Budget and National Planning, in a statement by James Akpandem, media adviser to the minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said although the inflation remained high, the good news was that the month-on-month rate of increase had fallen continuously over the past three months. For the rate of unemployment, which still remained high, it explained that the issue was of a structural nature and usually the case during growth slowdown, adding that “it is expected that the social safety net initiative will slow down the unemployment rate before the end of the year.” While defending the policies of the Federal Government on the economy, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, said the country was experiencing the worst possible time, but the government is not confused. “We have to invest in capital projects... We know that if we can just bear and get through this difficult period, Nigeria is going to be better for it. If we rely on oil and the price of oil remains low and the quantity of oil remains low, we can’t grow. We have to grow our non-oil economy. “It’s a difficult time for Nigeria, but I think Nigeria is in the right hands and if we can stick with our strategy, we will be better for it. We still have some adjustments to make. I think we need to make some adjustments in monetary policy. It’s quite clear we do and we will do that.” Also on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari said amid the current challenges, which, he said, was temporary, Nigerians can only witness positive change through perseverance and patience. He said the people must be ready to make sacrifice as the administration was committed to improving the welfare of the citizenry.

businessnews

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Naira down 0.93% to N313.31 at interbank market Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

HE naira on Thursday headed downwards to close at the spot rate of N313.31 to the United States dollar, representing 0.93 per cent depreciation against Wednesday’s close of N306 to the greenback. Against the British Pounds Sterling, the local currency also depreciated to N404.15 as against N401.77 which it closed at, on Wednesday. The naira also traded at N339.98 to the Euro as against Wednesday’s trade of N340.76. The local currency closed at N309.55 to the Swiss Franc compared to Wednesday’s close of N310.75 against a Swiss Franc. The continued scarcity of foreign exchange on Wednesday pushed the naira to an all-time-low of 420 against the United States dollar at the parallel market. The currency hit its record low the same day that data released by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the economy was in recession. The naira has continued to weaken in the parallel market, defying attempts by monetary authorities to reverse its slide. Meanwhile, this is coming at a time when the bureaux

de change operators raised hope of a gradual appreciation of the local currency in the near term as the central bank licensed 11 new international money transfer operators to address the dollar supply side. The new IMTOs that will join the three certified operators Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria are

Trans-fast remittance LLC; Worldremit limited; UAE Exchange Centre; Wari limited; Homesend S.C.R.L; Small World Fnancial Services Group limited; Weblink International Limited and Cashpot Limited. Others are DT&T Corporation Limited; FIEM Group LLC DBA PING Ex-

press and CP Express Limited. In a press statement signed by CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, he noted that the licenses were in line with the existing Guidelines on International Money Transfer Services in Nigeria (2014). “Depending on the effec-

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

From left, Onome Ako, Executive Secretary, Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN); Mainasara Muhammad, Registrar, National Collateral Registry, CBN; Ubong Awah, Nigeria Infrastructure Project Manager, IFC/World Bank, and Offiong Ekpeyong, Administrator, National Collateral Registry, CBN, during a one-day capacity building for MSMEs and financial institutions on Credit Reporting System and National Collateral Registry held in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Tackling unemployment: CIPM seeks collaboration with FG Chima Nwokoji-Lagos IN view of rising unemployment in Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) on Thursday, expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the challenge and providing job-specific training to meet the manpower needs of various sectors of the economy. CIPM said the collaboration will help in providing implementable and sustainable solutions to the unemployment challenge in the country. President and Chairman of the Governing Council, CIPM, Mr Anthony Arabome, made this known at a media and stakeholders’ engagement on the Management of National Unemployment Challenge (MNUC) held at the CIPM Council Chambers, Lagos. The initiative, according to the institute, will also bridge existing skills gap in critical sectors of the economy, and equip more youths with employability skills.

According to the CIPM President, the MNUC study was conceived by the leadership of the CIPM as a response to the social, economic and political challenges of managing unemployment in Nigeria, in view of the country’s position as Africa’s most populous country. He said the initiative was championed by a seven-person committee, headed by a Fellow and one-time Registrar & CEO of the institute, Dr. Musa Rabiu, to collaborate with the Federal Government in providing implementable and sustainable solutions to the unemployment challenge in the country. “Besides the aforementioned, CIPM Nigeria is also in a vantage position, and is ready to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in managing different MDAs’ recruitment exercises for better talent sourcing results,” he stated. Specifically, the institute’s MNUC as a policy research document is aimed

at provision of learning and development interventions in support of the achievement of the goals and objectives of organisations in the public and private sectors of the economy; provision of expertise and training required for the MDAs’ effective pension

management; designing and facilitating a coaching and mentoring scheme for organisations in the formal and informal sectors among others. In his remarks, Registrar/CEO, CIPM, Mr Sunday Adeyemi, said the institute guarantees its

readiness, “in our professional capacity to key into the government’s efforts in drastically reducing national unemployment level and in creating sustainable avenues for Nigerian youths in particular to becoming more productively engaged.”

Nigerian Tribune

Nigeria’s creative industries now accounts for 1.42% of its GDP —NCC boss Adetola Bademosi-Abuja NIGERIA’S creative industries now generate a cumulative annual output of $2 billion and account for 1.42 per cent of the country’s GDP, Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Mr Afam Ezekude, said on Thursday. He said Nigeria now gains more from film, music, performing arts, fashion, visual arts, advertising, TV, broadcasts, arts and antique, among others. The DG said this in Abuja at a media luncheon organised for newsmen. Speaking on the commission’s efforts at ensuring zero tolerance policy towards piracy and other copyright infringements, he said the commission had in the last five years, carried out 270 anti-piracy operations at various locations in the country. As a result, he pointed out that over N7.9 million units of pirated products valued at over N8.1 billion were removed from the population. In his breakdown, he said so far, 608 suspects were apprehended, 54 have been convicted at different Federal High Court in Nigeria, while 172 cases were still at various stages of trial. “Apart from the convictions, the commission has in the period mentioned, intercepted 25 containers of pirated Nigerian and foreign works and carried out public destruction of over N749.3 million units of seized pirated copy works and contrivance estimated at over N10 billion across the nation, especially in Lagos, Kaduna and Enugu States,” he said.

No Nigerian bank is distressed —CBN Sanya Adejokun- Abuja CENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked widespread speculations that some banks in the country are in distress. This followed the recent sack of the management of Skye Bank allegedly because of infractions pertaining to breaching rules on single obligor limits and excessive non-performing loans. According to a statement signed by acting Head of Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, the rumours are nothing but mischievous. The statement reads: “The

attention of CBN has been drawn to malicious rumours and unfounded speculations that some banks in the country may have gone or may be going into distress. “The CBN wishes to reiterate in the strongest terms that these rumours and speculations are untrue and do not reflect the actual health of the individual banks and, indeed, the entire banking industry. “For the avoidance of doubt, the infusion of a new board and management for Skye Bank Plc is a proactive regulatory action meant to ensure that the bank does not continue to fail in its relevant pruden-

tial ratios. “Neither Skye Bank nor any other bank in the industry is in distress. Therefore, the CBN would like to request the general public to ignore speculations or rumours to the contrary as they could only be the handiwork of mischief makers who do not mean well for the Nigerian banking system and its economy. “As the regulator of the industry, the CBN hereby reassures the banking and general public that their deposits remain safe in any Nigerian bank. “There is, therefore, no need for panic withdrawals

from any bank. “Going by both the CBN’s Examination Reports as well as analyses from market watchers, International Credit Rating Agencies, and Development Finance Institutions, the Nigerian banking industry remains strong in spite of the global economic challenges emanating from the collapse of global commodity prices. We therefore urge the banking public to remain calm and go about their normal businesses without panic. “It is important that we do not create problems when none exists,” the statement read.

editorial

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

FG and economic policies

HE Nigerian president, like any other president, has two major tasks; provision of security for all citizens and managing the economy for the benefit of the citizenry. On the first count, the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has a few things to point to as its accomplishments. But on the second, the administration has a long distance to travel. The economy is in tatters and has slid into recession after recording negative growths in two consecutive quarters. The economy has contracted and the GDP has plummeted from $578 billion to $290 billion, forcing the country to yield its position as Africa’s largest economy to South Africa. Similarly, the per capita income has dropped from $3,100 to $1,500. Inflation is galloping, the value of the currency keeps worsening, unemployment is on the increase and manufacturing companies are closing down in droves due to the escalating cost of doing business. These are consequences of the policy decisions of the administration, especially the currency management. Being an import-dependent country, currency management is a gauge for measuring the economy’s well being because it affects virtually every sector. For over a year, the government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, put a lid on the exchange rate by not allowing the true value of the currency to be determined by the forces of demand and supply. The government had deployed the nation’s dwindling foreign reserves in the defence of the embattled currency. This put a gulf between the real and official values of the currency, thus forcing many foreign investors to exit the country. It also pushed JP Morgan Chase, whose bond index is tracked by over $200 billion funds, to de-list Nigeria from its Emerging Market Bond Index. By the time the government had a rethink two months ago and decided to tread the path of economic wisdom by allowing market forces to be the determinant of the exchange rate of naira to other currencies, the economy had almost become prostrate. Even then, the CBN has not completely freed up the currency as it keeps intervening in the market to the extent that the gap between the interbank and parallel market is at least 25 per cent. Ordinarily, the disparity between the interbank and parallel market rates should not be more than 1 per cent. There was a time when the dollar was sold at N158 in the bank and N160 at the black market.

But the situation has since changed with almost N100 gap between the two rates. This has created opportunities for arbitrage which resulted in the emergence of the noveau riche who make billions by getting foreign currency at the official rate only to sell at the parallel market rates. Even banks are not exempted from this as their customers do not get dollars at the interbank rate, rather bank customers, especially those who use their cards to pay for goods and services in foreign exchange, are billed the prevailing parallel market rate. The point was indeed well elucidated last week by the immediate past CBN governor and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, that the non-floating of the currency encourages arbitrage and round tripping. The Emir said, and rightly so, that there are people who make billions by doing nothing other than buying dollars at the official rates and selling at the parallel market rates. This is a disincentive to manufacturing. If people can make easy money by selling dollars, why should they bother about manufacturing where they have to contend with epileptic power supply, expensive diesel, dilapidated infrastructure and labour matters, among other issues? The president has repeatedly expressed the hope that the economic situation will soon change. We share his optimism but we are constrained to state that the hope may remain forlorn for long until there is a shift from a policy which enriches a few and pauperizes the majority. The government really must give the foreign exchange policy another look and fine tune it to make it work in the interest of the millions of Nigerians who are daily pushed further into the hostile embrace of excruciating deprivations and dehumanizing hunger. It is our considered opinion that for the country to escape the current economic doldrums in which it has found itself, the government must come up with well thought out, coherent and cohesive economic policies that leave no room for manipulation by some of Nigeria’s nationals, goaded by unpatriotic intentions. The government must come up with a sound economic blueprint that would serve as a compass to the economic prosperity promised by the current administration. Doing that will save the nation from the fits-and-starts management style that it currently has. A national economy cannot be run by whims and caprices.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 2 September, 2016

editor

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Kerry’s selective visit to Nigeria dangerous

HE visit of the United States Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, to Nigeria last week is dangerous for our country’s democracy. During the visit, Mr Kerry had met President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji

Abubakar Saad, and the 19 Northern state governors. While I don’t know the reason for Kerry’s visit, and why he met those he had audience with, it is greatly unfair to traditional rulers in other parts of the country, as well as Southern state governors.

In the spirit of fairness, Kerry ought to have met all stakeholders in the country’s development, and not limit it to just the North. I hope the US Secretary of State can offer an explanation to southern Nigerians on his selective visit. For God sake, Nigeria

is a secular state, and this visit is only recognising the Northern region over the other part of the country. I am not surprised that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed its anger at Kerry’s visit, saying such could destabilise the country.

Using uninterrupted power supply to develop Nigeria In the last couple of weeks, electricity has really improved in some parts of the country, and within this period, I have seen how constant power supply can aid the country’s economic development. First, those who use electricity for their businesses have stayed more in their workplaces, as against using commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada for survival. Artisans

like welders, hairdressers, among others who rely on electricity are now having a new lease of life. Uninterrupted power supply will also impact on the profits being made by manufacturing businesses that rely on diesel to power their machines. Over the years, several companies have relocated from Nigeria to other African countries because of our inability to provide them with uninterrupted

Still on the deportation of Nigerians from foreign countries JUST two weeks ago, hundreds of Nigerians were deported from Libya, the late Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi’s country. It is surprising that since toppling Ghaddafi in an uprising several years ago, the country has become politically unstable. It is so surprising that despite the fact that Libya remains technically at war, some Nigerians still see it as their ‘greener pasture.’ Those who were brought back into the country recently were said to have voluntarily agreed to return home when they found that the country was not what they anticipated. In fact, some had gone to Libya in the hope that they would cross the Mediterranean sea into Europe, but they discovered that they just couldn’t find a way to leave the country. Many Nigerian ladies had also been trafficked into the country for prostitution work, and these ladies would have slept with several men before they would have been

able to raise the money to ‘buy’ their freedom. However, it is not only Libya that is deporting Nigerian citizens; countries like Switzerland, Austria, United Kingdom, among others, have also deported Nigerians in the recent past. Although we are having economic challenges in the country at the moment, it should be noted that it is also not easy abroad. The governments of these countries are now working towards curbing immigration into their territories, and that is why they are arresting illegal immigrants and deporting them in large numbers. The Nigerian government should, therefore, provide a conducive environment for Nigerian youths, who love to search for greener pastures, to thrive, thereby making them stay back at home to help develop their country. •James Hassan, FUT, Minna, Niger State.

power supply. Despite having huge population, which every business loves, power has been our major problem in the country. Therefore, if power stabilises, then we should expect an influx of manufacturing companies into the country, and this will help in absorbing our army of unemployed youths. These last few weeks have been great for Nigerians because of the improvement in the power situation in the country,

and it is hope that the Federal Government can build on it so that we can increase our 5,000 megawatts of electricity to an appreciable level. As a result of this, the electricity sector can fasttrack the economic development of the country; I, therefore, hope that the Nigerian government will do everything in its power towards ensuring that ‘light’ no longer ‘goes’ in the country. •Nelson Ekwale, Benin, Edo State.

At a time when the country is facing myriads of problems, getting the US to intervene in all of it would have gone a long way in stabilising the polity. However, the selective visit of Mr Kerry reveals that the US is only concerned about the problems facing the North, and not about those facing other parts of the country. Today, there are Fulani herdsmen rampaging across the Southern part of the country, killing innocent people and destroying their farms. Is the US not concerned about this? For some time now, there have been secession threats by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), among others. In the South West, we

have been experiencing a rise in kidnapping cases at unprecedented level; it got so bad that a traditional ruler was recently kidnapped in Lagos. These are security issues that the country expected the US to discuss with different stakeholders in the country, but it is unfortunate that Kerry did not look at all these before making his selective visit to Nigeria. The United States owe the Southern part of the country explanation why its Secretary of State made that selective visit. It is like the world’s most democratically advanced country rates the Northern region far above the Southern region, and this contradicts the tenets of democracy which the US is preaching around the world. •Yemisi Soares, Surulere, Lagos.

opinion

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Using varsities to drive change By Oludayo Tade

had been invested into researching uncommon diseases. To be factual, Nigeria in particular and Africa in general needs to fund research to understand its economies in order to be able to solve the seemingly intractable problems of insecurity, health, agricultural productivity, low ranking of universities, militancy and the rise in insurgent citizenship. The foregoing and allied issues took center stage when leading African Development Economist and Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Ernest Aryeetey delivered the 67th Interdisciplinary Discourse of the Postgraduate School, University of Ibadan on the topic “Developing Research Universities for Africa: Some New Approaches.” He stressed the need for Nigeria and Africa to invest in university research in order to have globally competitive economies. He noted that low investment in researchfocused universities accounts for why many African universities are lowly ranked and cannot be globally competitive. According to him, it is impractical to contemplate competing with Havard, Cambridge, London School of Economics and other top rated universities if Nigeria, and Africa at large, is not ready to invest massively in boosting the research capacities of its Universities. By implication, Africa must therefore consciously and concertedly develop research universities that will help in providing sound knowledge economy for its transformation and positive change. Professor Aryeetey averred that universities must specialize either in teaching or conducting research noting that not all universities should be combining teaching with research. He noted that African Universities must collaborate and carry out

OVERNMENT policies in Nigeria are rarely informed by rigorous research. More often than not, it does appear that planning is done amid the near absence of hard facts. This aversion for information-based planning partly explains why most incumbent governments overturn the policies of their predecessors while introducing new and often conflicting policies. This practice is not costless as the masses bear the brunt of such policy inconsistencies. More disturbing however is the origin of the ideas driving these policies. For the most part indigenous researches are taken to be inferior to imported/expatriate evidences. These imported policies mostly are misfits due to the lack of proper grounding in the peculiar realities of the Nigerian context. The world over, successful countries are typically those that prioritize the researches from their universities and other research institutions. This they do by allocating sufficient funds to these institutions. In these countries, research outputs are not only critical drivers of their economies but also the harbinger of rapid transformation in technology, infrastructure and the like. Little wonder that our gluttonous politicians run to these places with our stolen money for holidays. It is incontrovertible that we can neither grow nor develop without funding policy-inclined researches. There is, therefore, a correlation between research outputs and economic transformation. Evidences of the societal functionality of this important nexus abound with Israel, China, USA, UK among others reaping the dividends from research. The proponents of the “Change” mantra need to drive it beyond mere rhetoric by committing adequate funds to research. Developed countries base their policies on researches which proffer solutions to identified problems. It is the same research that makes technologically advanced societies to develop products like phones with ‘torch-light’, rechargeable lanterns which become major consumption items for our own economy. Through this, they rake in substantial foreign earnings into their countries. Another case in point is the fairly recent ‘Ebola’ episode. Recall that it was easy to transport medical doctors infected with the deadly ‘Ebola’ back to Emory Hospital, USA, where they were treated. Of course, this was a specialized institution where huge financial resources

researches on problems facing the continent. He further noted that some progress is being made along this route with the formation of African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). To quote him verbatim, “Having research focused universities is important but expensive but the end product is total transformation and economic growth. Innovation comes from research which leads to transformation. We need to pay more attention to research in Africa. Our governments complain of low ranking universities and want us to compete globally but can they do what Harvard, Yale and Princeton universities are investing in Research? They must invest in Research to have their economies change and the continent can be competitive with the rest of the world. We need to change the face of infrastructure in our universities and attract leading scholars through attractive incentives and train more faculties that can conduct transformational research. African problems are of different nature. Our problem is about low productivity in agriculture, health but we must conduct researches that will solve our own problems. We must formulate policies based on researches conducted by African researchers not on imported policy from another clime which is at variance with realities on the continent. It is sad that Africa accounts for a disappointing 1 percent of world research outputs at present.” Since there is a strong and positive relationship between research outputs and economic growth, Nigeria and other African governments must fund research for the transformation of Africa. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the continent to experience transformation. Aside the dismal performance of government on this metric, how many of our industries fund researches? These private sector entities rather sponsor singing competitions, beauty pageants and so on. Funding research will drive growth and development. Change by word of mouth is and will perpetually remain theoretical. Only the practical recognition of the role of universities in national development will suffice for the kind of progressive change our nation desperately needs. •Dr Tade lives in Ibadan.

2 Div: As professionalism takes centre stage By Timothy Antigha The manual on the Nigerian Army Customs, Ethics and Traditions outlines loyalty, selfless service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others; these are the core values of the Nigerian Army. They require from officers and soldiers commitment, self-sacrifice, mutual trust and the will to place the interest of the team, the task, the unit and the nation above self. Together, these values constitute the moral fabric, ethos and professional compass for personnel of the Nigerian Army. These values also constitute the ingredients required to forge the never-surrender attitude and nationalistic fervor that the public have come to identify the Nigerian Army with. As a consummate Infantry officer and seasoned administrator, the new General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Kasimu Abdulkarim, is conversant with these core values and knows how they can positively impact on command. He is aware of the role they play in fostering cohesion, combat efficiency and mission-orientation among troops. It is, therefore, not surprising that his maiden addresses to commanders, officers and soldiers in the course of his familiarisation visits to formations and units have sought to remind everyone of these core values. Major General Kasimu Abdulkarim took over command of the 2 Division on July 8, 2016, from Brigadier General Jude Egbudom, who acted as General Officer Commanding (GOC) following the retirement of the former GOC of the division, Major General Laz Ilo. Abdulkarim, a distinguished member of the United Nations, who until his appointment as GOC, was the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, enjoined officers and soldiers of the Division to remain loyal to

constituted authority and rededicate themselves to military professionalism, in order to contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai. The recurrent themes in the GOC’s messages have been discipline, duty and service. These, he has stressed, would logically lead to the achievement of the mission of the Nigerian Army. Major General Abdulkarim, a veteran of several United Nations Peace Support Operations, and member of 32 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), also warned officers and soldiers of the division that the era of impunity had ended. Therefore, their actions, he said, would be subjected to serious scrutiny, and where they fall short of expectations, appropriate sanctions would be imposed. “As military professionals, we must be aware that today our actions are subject to questioning and we are expected to provide answers; particularly, in the aspects of, transparency, rule of law and human rights. Therefore, very high standards of conduct will be demanded of troops, even in the face of obvious provocation.” Further stressing the imperative of professionalism, the GOC emphasised that the military profession should

not only be about tactics and strategy. Therefore, he admonished commanders and officers to expose themselves to the media and other relevant fields, saying “we are all witnesses to the growing reach and influence of the mass media. We are also conscious of the potentials of the media as force multipliers in military operations. So, we must learn media management skills that would enable us to maximally exploit the vast opportunities that abound both in the traditional and social media in line with international best practices.” Similarly, the GOC has reiterated the necessity of knowledge and research-based leadership instead of a tardy and make shift option. Therefore, as the nation continues to face constant threats to national security by sub-national entities and organised criminal gangs, the efforts of the GOC to reawaken a sense duty, service and respect for others among troops, will emerge as a well thought out and timely intervention. This is particularly so because aid to civil authority by the military has become a permanent feature of our national life. This is obvious from the presence of troops on major roads in virtually all states of the federation. Consequently, a solid framework for closer and healthier interaction between soldiers and other members of the society must be put in place and allowed to evolve. The messages by Major General Abdulkarim to his personnel in 2 Division have clearly anticipated this imperative. Similarly, officers and soldiers of 2 Division which covers Edo, Ekiti, Delta, Kwara, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and part of Niger State are poised for prompt and professional military responsiveness as articulated in the vision of the Chief of Army Staff. •Colonel Antigha is the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, 2 Divison, Ibadan.

Friday, 2 September, 2016

OSEPH Omodayo of Ifaki in Ekiti State of Nigeria is dead. He was my classmate at Ifaki Grammar School, and we lived together as members of the pioneer set of the school between 1957 and 1962. Though older by about six years, Joseph Omodayo was a good man. He was our senior in age but he remained a confidant to all of us his classmates until he went to meet with our God. “Egbon” Omodayo was, indeed, good! The news of his death was broken to me in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on August 15, when I had arrived in the Garden City for the convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I was woken up from a deep sleep in my hotel room by a call from Joseph Ajayi aka “Omo Eye Awo.” The call had dropped before I could pick it. As I was about to redial Ajayi’s number, another call came from another classmate of mine, Architect Femi Ayodele, informing me of the death of Joseph Omodayo. “Awe,” (Femi had said, “Oga Omodayo one of the “axe” men of our Ifaki Grammar School days is dead. Joseph Omodayo is gone to meet God”. “Femi” (I had replied, “Joseph Ajayi had earlier tried to pass that information to me.” It then dawned on me that Oga (Boss, as we called those of our classmates who were older than us) Omodayo has passed to the world beyond. In January 1957, 59 years ago, 33 students were assembled at Ifaki Ekiti to start off the Ifaki Grammar School. Our pioneer Principal at that time was Mr. J. Adeoya (now of blessed memory) and Mr. J. Adetumbi also now of blessed memory), the then senior tutor. We were 16 students by 1962 when we sat for our West African School Certificate Education. We were young, full of life and very ambitious young men. Omodayo was very much with our active class. He was simply a dazzling young man who was very skilful in his efforts at achieving the very best in life. I remember (just as Femi Ayodele reminded me) that Joseph Omodayo was one of the “”axe men” of our set. The story was simple. It was a policy of the then Western regional government then led by Papa Obafemi Awolowo that any community that needed a grammar school at that time must provide a school building to demonstrate the community’s supreme desire to have a grammar school approved for that community. Ifaki people had, through Spartan discipline and patriotism, provided a building that was later given approval by the government of Western region as proof of the community’s willingness to have a grammar school established in Ifaki. When we became the pioneer set of Ifaki Grammar School, our Principal designed a language that struck deep meaning in our hearts. The Principal (the late Chief J. Adeoya) would say to us every morning: “All being well, the weather being fine, we will go to the permanent site of the school to work.” It became the responsibility of the first set of students in the school to build the collage library and the assembly hall. It was in that enterprise that Omodayo (an older student) became one of the “axe men” of the set. We succeeded in building the college library and the assembly hall. Today, our school – Ifaki Grammar School — is no more. It now houses a campus of the Ekiti State University. That story is for another day. We spent six years at Ifaki Grammar School. There was an event surrounding Joseph Omodayo while at Ifaki Grammar School that will remain with me for as long as I live. One time during our years at the school, some of us developed the idea of leaving Ifaki Grammar School for another school to complete our secondary education. Joseph Omodayo was a principal participant in this move. Interestingly, Joseph Omodayo’s father was an uncle of our Principal. It, therefore, became interesting that the son of our Principal’s uncle was one of the students willing to leave Ifaki Grammar School. When Omodayo’s new secondary school requested a testimonial from Ifaki Grammar School to back his (Omodayo’s) application, our Principal wrote the following testimonial for Omodayo: “Omodayo has been a student in this school for some years now, I will not recommend his request to move to another school for he is embarking on a wild goose chase.”

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

The death of Joseph Omodayo

•The late Joseph Omodayo

What a testimonial! Omodayo needed not to be told that his application to leave our school had not received the approval of our Principal. Omodayo immediately terminated his ambition to leave our school. He completed his secondary education with us and left the school with us in December 1962. The last time I saw “Bros” Omodayo was early in 2015, when I had gone to Ifaki to attend the burial of my childhood friend, Bamigbe Akilaya. He was very

Ifaki people had, through Spartan discipline and patriotism, provided a building that was later given approval by the government.

warm to me (in his usual self) and never gave any sign that his leaving us would be soon. Among those of our classmates at Ifaki Grammar School who have now gone to answer the supreme call are Adeyemi Falore aka “Pound No Change,” Isaac Ayo Owoeye, Ade Omodele aka “Goal-Keeper Piner,” Isaac Ariyo, Andrew Adewunmi, Remigius Fagboyo of Ire-Ikiti, Olu Omotayo, Danson Asubiojo, Professor Ademola Adesina, Oladele Ajala aka “Sunny Sammy Artisco Ajimilu”, Odeyale. May God bless their memories. We are now dying one after the other! We leave everything to God!! Joseph Omodayo will be buried at Ifaki-Ekiti towards the end of November 2016. It will enable those of his classmates, friends, relations and associates to pay our final respects to a man with pure Christian heart. It will enable me in particular to be united with two of my classmates that I have not seen over 50 years – Gbadamosi Dada and John Oladimeji. “Ogo” Omodayo, Sunre O. Okun O. Oodigba Odigbose. May God bless your memory. •EBINO TOPSY: 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) Next Week: Ishola Filani at 70. Book your copy in advance.

Friday, 2 September, 2016

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Modern challenges to the spirit of Hajj

HERE was a time when people would spend months and months preparing themselves financially and spiritually to live the real meaning of Hajj. However nowadays Hajj is offered as a holiday package. Many Hajj agencies all over the world offer value packages with super programmes, deluxe programmes and short executive programmes. These programmes offer the best and closest accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, best available food and best possible position in the House of Allah. Depending how much you pay, you can get the finest place in Makkah and Madinah. If you happen to be the guest of royalty, then probably, no one can ever compete with your placement in the two mosques. When the Prophet performed his only Hajj, the only provision that he had with him was worth of no more than four dirham as narrated in several books of ahadith. Hajj was meant to teach the pilgrims endurance and perseverance for higher causes, yet it has been turned into an exercise in convenience. Hajj was meant to express the utmost humility in the presence of the rest of humanity by declaring that “Here I am, Here I am, I will not make anyone Allah’s partner. Allah is the one who is in control of everything and He alone is the one who is the source of all blessings and praise.” Yet, today, Hajj, for many has become, a badge, a symbol of spiritual pride. Hajj is an institution that is supposed to reassure the people that ethnic, cultural, linguistic, geographical, wealth-based, race and colour differences that humans have imposed upon themselves have no reality in the presence of God. All are one and the purpose of all is to follow the divine guidance to create a universal humanity to the well being of everyone. Hajj is meant to be a pledge to live the example of Hajj beyond the Hajj. It is an occasion to create a personality without dimension and space. Yet, through social engineering and manipulation of resources, Hajj is rapidly adapting social elements that distinguish the rich from the poor, the very institution that it is supposed to demolish. Divisions among pilgrims on the basis of their ethnicity and money are visible throughout the Hajj journey. While the pilgrims coming from poorer regions of the world may find accommodation miles away from the Haram, those who are rich can find accommodation within the vicinity of the Kabah. The Quran describes Kabah as a centre of guidance to humanity: Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. (Aal Imran 3:96) The place was not only a place for bringing together all the people but it is a centre for promoting peace. (Al-Baqarah 2:145). It was a place that was meant to help humanity realise its universality rather than divisions (Al-Ma’idah 5:97)

Pilgrims of colours and nations performing the Hajj For this great purpose of helping humanity realise its dream of removing all the differences and divisions among themselves the institution of Hajj comes up with the clear example of making us understand and observe that unity of humanity is possible. For this the Quran asked Prophet Ibrahim to invite people to Hajj, so that they may witness the beauty and magnificence of the guidance of Allah. Hajj is like a united nations in its real sense without the five elite powers. With no hidden agenda and security council privileges, each nation and community comes to Makkah with the single purpose of serving God and reiterating their covenant with Him. Hajj provides the opportunity to everyone to witness the common bonds among people regardless of their differences. Hajj promotes the idea of dignity of human beings, male or female, young or old and rich or poor. Hajj also creates space for intellectual ideas among people so that they could all remain focused on their main agenda of serving humanity by following the guidance of God. It is this spirit of Hajj that was prevalent at the time of the Prophet and his trusted companions. It is this spirit of Hajj that is now being challenged by the modern business-dominated society and hierarchy of rich and poor culture. However, among all this razzmatazz, still there are people who come to Hajj to take the inspiration to transform themselves

for a better future both for themselves and for others. They are the ones who do not care about big hotels or better facilities. They are the ones who spend their days and nights in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalfah, Makkah and Madinah. Here they remember the covenant that Allah made with Prophet Abraham, the builder of Kabah. Prophet Abraham was told by God, Almighty: Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people. (Al-Baqarah 2:124). Encouraged by this honour, the Prophet asked: “And of my descendants?” [Allah]

It is this spirit of Hajj that was prevalent at the time of the Prophet and his trusted companions. It is this spirit of Hajj that is now being challenged by the modern business-dominated society and hierarchy of rich and poor culture.

said, “My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.” (Al-Baqarah 2:124) In these simple words thus was described the real intent and purpose of the Hajj and all other faith-based institutions. The dignity and honour do not come with buying this or that package. It comes through dedication and commitment to the divine values and living up to them. Someday, the Hajj will be restored to its original intent by those unknown and unrecognised faces who come from all over the world quietly without any fanfare and who spend every moment of their presence in the noble sanctuaries and the pilgrimage path with the determination to follow their real leaders: Prophets Ibrahim, Ismail and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them) in every aspect of this great institution. The re-enactment of acts performed during the Hajj are attributed to Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail and Mother Hagar. They are primarily meant for the purpose of reminding humanity that in order to bring people together, God’s guidance is received, acknowledged, accepted and followed by a small group of people who may not be present physically to see the fruits of their efforts. Prophet Ibrahim created that nucleus for perpetual change in human behaviour and for that he was honoured by God who declared him as an Imam (role model) for humanity. Source: IslamiCity - Aslam Abdullah

communitynews

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Ahmed wants communities to partner govt on primary healthcare biola azeez-ilorin

GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called on local communities to partner the state government in its efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially primary healthcare services. Governor Ahmed was speaking when members of the Igbomina Mobile Clinic Project Implementation Committee paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Ilorin. He said: “The health sector requires serious attention, especially in Nigeria as the country has not scaled the minimum threshold that will allow for its development, but with the support of initiatives of communities, much could be achieved,” he said. The governor, who commended Igbomina people in diaspora for driving the mobile clinic project through provision of drugs and other facilities, said government alone cannot provide healthcare to the people. He urged other communities in the state to emulate the Igbomina health support initiative, saying that such intervention could be in other sectors like education, empowerment and social welfare. Also speaking, the Chairman, Igbomina Mobile Clinic Project, Mr. Emmanuel Adewuyi, said the scheme was designed to cover 254 communities in Ifelodun, Irepodun and

Isin Local Government Areas of the state. He said the project with 22 medical personnel had attended to 550 patients from three communities since it began operation in July this year. He said there was prevalence of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, malaria and arthritis in rural communities, adding that, “out of 10 patients, our medical team reported that not less than seven people were prone to hypertension, which was unknown to them”.

Chief Godspower Gbenekama (second left), addressing newsmen in Warri, Delta State, on the planned parley between Benekruku community and Chevron. PHOTO: EBENEZER ADUROKIYA

Police warn communities against shielding criminals in Ekiti sam nwaoko-ado-ekiti

KITI State Police Command has said that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, is not contemplating the scrapping of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) by his directive for the constitution of the “Committee of Eminent Persons” to help the force combat crime. The command, however, warned Ekiti community leaders against sabotaging the efforts of the police by shielding criminals rather than allowing them to face justice. The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Etop James, said this in

Ado-Ekiti while inaugurating the Committee of Eminent Persons for Ado-Ekiti Divisions. James said the inauguration of the committee was in compliance with the directive issued by the IGP that each command should nominate eminent persons from all the communities within their commands, who can divulge useful information to the police for efficiency in the discharge of their duties. The police boss, who was represented by the deputy commissioner in the command, Mr Sagir Abubakar, dispelled the insinuation that the committee signalled the death of the PCRC. James added that those who would serve as eminent

Delta resolves Navy-Oghara land dispute alphonsus agborh-asaba

THE dispute between the Nigerian Navy and Oghara community in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, over the extent of land acquired for the building of a naval facility in the area, had been finally resolved with the community leaders agreeing to give the Navy additional 243 hectares of land. This followed the intervention of the state’s Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development which mediated in a meeting it convened between leaders of the community and officials of the navy with Chief Dan Okenyi, the commissioner, presiding. Community spokesman, Chief Steve Ediwere, said they decided to let go of the additional land in the overriding interest of the nation. He urged the mediating ministry to put machinery in motion for the determination

and prompt payment of fair compensation to the people of Oghara, host of the Nigerian Navy Logistics Command. Assuring the community of the resolve of the state government to protect their interest, Okenyi urged the community leaders to nominate a qualified estate surveyor to work alongside officials of the ministry in the task of evaluating the land for the purpose of determining appropriate compensation. He said the community would be fully involved in the entire process of perfecting the documentation of the land and determining the compensation. The dispute boiled over in July when leaders of the community protested what they saw as encroachment of the navy beyond the parcel of land earlier given to the organisation. Following the protest by the people on Tuesday, July 26 where the Sapele-Warri highway was

blocked by protesting men and women from the town, the state government intervened and invited both the navy and community leaders to Asaba, the state capital, on Wednesday, August 3, where Okenyi asked the navy to stop further work on the disputed land until all issues were resolved.

persons in all the divisions across the state would be nominated by their traditional rulers and that they should be men and women of proven character, who will not use their influence to sabotage police efforts. The CP said the eminent persons were not in any way a rival body to the longexisting PCRC, but to play complementary roles in the protection of life and property. “We are going to inaugurate eminent persons in all the divisions in Ekiti to fight crime, because we need information to perform. We are not going to scrap the PCRC. The two will coexist for the good of all Nigerians. “Their functions are to give information and help in intelligence gathering. And I know that those that will be nominated by the traditional rulers must be those who won’t cover up criminals. Those that will expose evil people, even if they are their own children. “They are people the community can vouch for, those the people can easily approach and give information for onward transmission to the police.

“They will also help in enlightenment campaign on how best to rid the society of robbery, Indian Hemp smoking and hawking and cannabis cultivation, which are the roots of all these evils,” he said. A member of the eminent persons and legal practitioner, Bunmi Olugbade, assured that the committee

LCDAs: Ogun govt rubs mind with stakeholders by joseph ajayi

OGUN State government is taking steps to ensure a smooth sail for its newly established 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state and has rubbed mind with the 20 transition committee chairmen on the way forward. The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Olajide Ojuko, while speaking with newsmen after the meeting at Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the meeting was convened to identify issues and challenges which might likely confront the incoming LCDA chair-

Saki East LG boss tasks youths on self-reliance by dare adekanmbi

THE Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Saki East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Alhaji Salawu Ajani, has charged the youth in the council to think about how best they can economically engage themselves rather than searching for jobs that are not available. The local government boss gave the advice at a three-day youth develop-

ment and empowerment programme entitled: “Build your own future”, organised by the Sepeteri Improvement Union (SIU), under its National President, Alhaji Tunde Popoola. He advised them to maximise the opportunity provided by the union, saying the current economic trends could not sustain any reasonable future except people strive hard. According to the local government boss, “out of about 180 million Nige-

would take up the task with seriousness to make Ekiti a no-go-area area for criminals. Olugbade advised members of the committee to see the task as a call to serve the people and not opportunity to engage in unscrupulous acts that could jeopardise the security of the state.

rians, only less than 10 million are gainfully employed.” In a related development, Alhaji Ajani has urged the people of the state to continue to support the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in order to restore the pacesetting glory of the state. He gave the charge during the inauguration of a 12-member transition committee of the council at the council secretariat in Ago Amodu.

men with a view to proffering solutions to them. The commissioner expressed optimism that the creation of LCDAs would further stabilise governance and bring it closer to the people, particularly at the grass roots for even development. Ojuko pointed out that it was incumbent on LCDAs and local councils to engender a new revenue generation regime, independent of the federal allocation for the LCDAs to enable them accomplish and fulfil the purposes for which they were created. The Transition Committee Chairman, Ijebu NorthEast, Local Government Area, Lord Banjou Deola, like others, commended the initiative of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration on the creation of 37 LCDAs, adding that the local government areas would collaborate with the Local Government Service Commission to oversee areas of human resource, staff welfare, promotion and deployment of manpower to appropriate quarters for a people-oriented administration. At the meeting, three committees were inaugurated ineach senatorial district to inspect and monitor the facilities on ground for the take-of of the LCDAs.

Friday, 2 September, 2016

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Nigerian Tribune Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 Instagram: @roy_ige

Album review

Trending gist

d l o G e l n u k Ade g n i k n a r o t a P Vs Artiste: Adekunle Gold Album Title: Gold Label: YBNL Release Date: July 28, 2016. 2016 has been a great year for Adekunle Gold. He’s enjoyed continued success since he burst on the scene with his cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life”, Sade. The joint marked him out as different from the norm, self-effacing and vulnerable in the way much of songs released at the time weren’t. Gold is mature pop; no thumping bass line or calls to pop bottles here. It’s all stories, desires and a lot of vulnerability. The album opens with him telling the Gold story. The record and his stage name emanate from Exodus 31:3-5. Being gifted with the ability to use one’s hands, to craft, to mould precious metals and wood; God, according to the Bible, gave these abilities to Bezalel of Judah. Well, here is Adekunle Kosoko of Nigeria making good on that gift; ‘Dekunle the sculptor, the Photoshop guy, the instrumentalist and singer – He is an artiste (not an artiste – which refers especially to a singer or dancer) who embodies excellence, from the visuals to his music, to his meticulous public presentation. On ‘Beautiful Night’, a juju influenced joint, Adekunle finds his red blooded voice, ‘ale oni lo ma te, let’s stay all night baby’ a promise of bedroom conquest that’s not quite believable but it makes for a sweet song. The love he gushes about lavishly on ‘Orente’ turns sour on Nurse Alabere, a slow to mid-tempo joint about a lover who departs without so much as look back. ‘No Forget’ (feat. Simi) is probably the track that was most anticipated; the sole guest on the record and Adekunle’s rumoured other half. If you understand that Adekunle is a storyteller as well as possessing the myriad of aforementioned skills, then you should delight at the sequencing of tracks seven to ten. It’s an episodic affair, from the lovers’ promise on Paradise, then him being dismissed by a lover’s parent for not having money on No Forget ‘Your mama say, “omo mi, no follow I never chop, make you find

correct guy, no be love you go chop”. Na me she dey talk about’ to him imploring God to ‘Pick Up’ so that he can have the things that others have, this is followed by ‘Work’, a track that could be self-admonishment for his wishing and praying on the previous joint. ‘Work’ is perhaps the best song on the album. Produced by B. Banks, its simple refrain of a chorus means its Yoruba Pidgin English verses won’t be lost on any listeners; the departure from the now too frequent Yoruba folk melody is also a most welcome break. The artiste projects an everyman image; he loves love and it shows, writing on its aches and joys in an earnest manner, even when he’s not entirely to be believed, as on ‘Fight For You’ where he tries ‘strong lover man’ look to protect a lover he had no business having in the first place. His effort is smile-inducing for its seeming honesty, but Adekunle as a fighter? Not quite. His delivery of the song is perhaps his best on the album; he conveys the drama with appropriate passion and the right hint of cheekiness. Unlike the last six YBNL releases, this album is polished and mixed to the expected grade, thank to Simi, who was charged with the task; and Gold is a really good first album. It’s almost great but for the melody recycling that permeates the record. For example, Ready sounds far too similar to ‘Pick Up’, ‘E Dey Sweet Me’ is precisely as its name suggests, a sweet up-tempo guitar track, but it sounds too similar to ‘Friend Zone’. That said, the album has enough stellar tracks to keep it on deck for a while. The production on the album is also nuanced and B. Banks’ Work, and the ever impressive Masterkraft with ‘Sweet Me’ are particular highlights. Adekunle Gold, on this evidence, should be around for a while. Standout tracks include Orente, Paradise, No Forget, Work, Ariwo Ko, Sweet Me, Fight For You. This album is rated 7.5/10 You can follow Tola Sarumi on Twitter :- @AfroVII

Artiste – Patoranking Album – God Over Everything Features – Phyno, Wizkid, Sarkodie, Olamide, Elephant Man, Konshens, KWAM 1 Producers – Ball Jay, Wizzy Pro, Jazz Wad, E-Kelly, Sarz, GospelOnDeBeatz, Major Bangz, Dr Amir, Suck Mo and UC Prof, Da Piano Label – Foston Muzik After a long wait for this project, Reggae/Dance hall star, Patoranking finally dropped his album. ‘God Over Everthing’ (GOE) is a truly a combination of soul, AfroPop, Dance hall among others. The Girlie ‘O’ crooner proved to many of his fans that a lot has changed since he witnessed ‘Alubarika’. Like Pato said, the album consists of sounds that are truly different from an everyday song. Without further ado, here is the GOE album review. ‘Patoranking’ – The beginning was nice with his mother praying for him, it makes you want to feel the flow. Patoranking then takes us to another realm. ‘God Over Everything’ – This is one of my best tracks on the album. Thanking God for his achievements, basically preaching and worshiping God for everything he’s done. The production was slick and Patoranking came through on this. ‘Cheating Zone’ – Another song for the reggae fans. It comes with a story line, describing Patoranking the toaster. Unfortunately, he’s toasting a girl in a relationship. The girl stays adamant, insisting no cheating zone despite Patoranking’s sweet words. ‘Money’ featuring Phyno – This instantly makes you forgive Patoranking for the ‘Aboyo’ track as he features the man of the year on more like his ‘guts to glory’ track. Talking about how tough it was when he was nobody, and how he’s finally made it. Phyno just nailed it with his slick flows to round up an interesting collabo. ‘Killing Me’ – This is definitely an album for the ladies as yet again, Patoranking appreciates his lady who is killing him with her love. ‘Kind Love’ featuring Wizkid – A groovy track especially when you have Wizkid coming through to do his thing. The blend between both artistes was there but the track is definitely not one of my favourites. ‘No Kissing Baby’ featuring Sarkodie – What more can I say? Classic, interesting

story line, chart topping, Sarkodie killing, fans’ favourite. ‘Mama Aboyo’ featuring Olamide – On paper, this looks like a track worth anticipating. But in reality, this wasn’t so good. I guess the only reason this song made the tracklisk for #GOE was so that Olamide won’t be angry that Pato failed in keeping to his promise. ‘‘Stammerer’ – This song is cool as Patoranking appreciates God for giving him a lovely girlfriend who turns out to be a stammerer. Patoranking isn’t deterred though as he promises to love his girlfriend no matter what the world or anyone thinks. ‘Love Town’ – This is another classic track that made me love the album. The production yet again was superb. The lyrics were lovely and the chorus was highly melodious. ‘Halé Halé’ – It comes with a nice beat and yet again, Patoranking appreciating his beautiful lady. The song faltered to deceive but I feel featuring an M.I or a Jesse Jags would have just nailed it. I just feel it needed that extra touch of rap brilliance on a craftily produced beat. ‘Daniella Whine’ featuring Elephant Man, Konshens – A typical reggae song that every DJ would definitely have on their playlist. Elephant Man was excellent on the track. ‘Beautiful’ – Just like the title, the song is indeed beautiful, singing on a nicely laced soul beat. Patoranking brings his reggae sound in a lovely way, showering love on his lady. ‘Ayinde’ featuring KWAM 1 – This is also one of my favourites in the album. I honestly had my reservations when I heard K1 was featured but it was something I looked forward to, especially with the fact that I have never in my life heard a reggae-fuji fusion. K1 really came through on this one. The album is basically about three things, appreciating the ladies, acknowledging God for what he’s achieved and obviously his journey to the top. My initial fear about my anticipation for the album was that, he would do the typical Nigerian secular noisy songs to endear it to the fans. Fortunately for me, he didn’t. This has to be one of my favourite albums to come out of Nigeria. Rating – 3.5/5 Reviewed by Chuks Kings @chuksypablo Courtesy: Tooxclusive

20 Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 IG: @roy_ige twitter: @fridaytreat

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Stories by Rotimi Ige

Solidstar’s ‘WEED’ album set for September release

MUSIC BUSINESS 101 Entertainment meets Bu

From left, Manager, Commercial Department, Aerocontractors of Nigeria Limited, Chika Ubendu; winner of Season 2 of the next Titan, Davies Okeowo; Executive Producer, The Next Titan, Mide Kunle –Akinlaja and Divisional Head, Cowry and SME Division, Heritage Bank, Mrs. Ori Ogba at a Press conference to announce the commencement of season three (3) of the The Next Titan held at Protea Hotel, Ikeja GRA on Tuesday in Lagos. Photo; Sylvester Okoruwa. From left, Chief (Mrs) Bisi Osibogun (Omeso of Ijebu); Chief Agboola Alausa (Balogun of Ijebu Ode); Chief Alade Shote (Otun Balogun of Ijebu Ode); Tayo Adelaja, Public Affairs Manager, West and Midwest, Nigerian Breweries Plc; and Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, at the World Press Conference heralding the 2016 Edition of Ojude Oba Festival.

siness

Meet ‘Oba Royal’

chievas Entertainment signee, Solidstar has revealed plans to release his third studio album titled ‘WEED’ sometime in September 2016. The album would serve as a follow up to his debut album ‘One in a Million’ and his 2013 sophomore ‘Grace and Glory’. The ‘Wait Refix’ songster disclosed ‘WEED’ is actually an acronym representing the phrase “Witness Everything Exceptionally Different’. Speaking on the inspiration behind the album in an Instagram post, Solidstar remarked, “This album has taken a lot of time to perfect. It took a whole lot of introspection and intensive study. My fans will get a feel of WEED this September and see why I am so excited about this. I am more than proud to say this album will shake the music industry. It would definitely be one of the most phenomenal body of works in 2016. Anticipate!” Solidstar released a single off the album back in June titled ‘Wait Refix’ produced by P. Banks featuring Mavin’s first lady Tiwa Savage and reggae-dancehall singer Patoranking.

EVENTS IN PIX

Friday, 2 September, 2016

From Right: Oloye Lekan Alabi, Dr. Charles Akinola, Chief Nike Okundaye, Mr Dipo Famakinwa and Barrister Femi Ifaturoti at the 2016 Edition of the Yoruba Ethnic Fashion Show and Awards, Osun-Osogbo Festival, last Thursday.

At Osun Osogbo festival, indigenous textile and design comes alive For Osun indigenes, August is unique. It is signposted by a beehive of activities, thanks to the globally renowned Osun Osogbo Festival that invites devotees and tourists alike to the Osun Groove. The groove, designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), is the abode of the legendary Osun River goddess, reputed for her mystical powers to meet the needs of worshippers. A major event that stood out this year at the festival was the Yoruba Ethnic Fashion Show and Awards. The event, leveraging on the robust and highly creative textile tradition Osogbo is globally reputed for, brought to fore the best of unique indigenous Yoruba textiles and design. The event, which held last Thursday, heralded the grand finale of the Osun Osogbo Festival and turned out a night of fun with rich blend of humour and showcase of the beauty of the African textiles for the diverse guests and tourists who graced the occasion. It was flagged by the soothing sounds of the talking drum by Simisola, who rendered both the national and state anthems with her drum while Kofi, the joke merchant, held the audience spell bound with his riveting yet decorous jokes all through the four-hour event. Adegboyega Adelaja, one of the moving spirits of the Yoruba Arts and Festivals Promotions and the Dreamscape Productions, noted that the organisers are riding on the back of the Osun Osogbo Festival to showcase the best of Yoruba heritage through fashion and to draw the attention of the world to the untapped treasures in the Yoruba culture and design. Indeed, the various designers kept faith with the assurance made by the organizers, showcasing exquisite designs after design with rich repertoire of Yoruba textile and indigenous fashion. Oloye Lekan Alabi, the notable culture advocate who was honoured by the organizers for his dedication and commitment to promoting the Yoruba culture and fashion could not hide his admiration for the artistic masterpieces that was unveiled. He enthused: “this is sheer beauty, creativity and culture at its best!” The exhibited products were as diverse as the strength of the native accessories used. Indigenous African beads with a healthy fusion of modern designs were showcased by Bionics. The New York-trained Shayee and daughter of Nike Okundaye enthralled the audience with her unique collections of wears made with assorted

Adire designs. Deola Sefaari, Saloy and Mood Deo equally thrilled the audience with their dexterous deployment of Adire, Ankara and Ofi fabrics to produce an array of interesting world-class designs. Additionally, the showcase of headgears and locally-inspired hairdos further captivated the audience. An exciting interlude came from the Roadblock Steel Ochestra, a band from Trinidad and Tobago whose exquisite sounds produced with the aid of steel evoked an unrelenting excitement from the audience. This was further complemented with the sonorous and alluring renditions from Nefertiti, an indigenous band. A team of Eyo masquerades were also on hand to entertain the audience. Iconic film actor, folk singer, Jimi Solanke, noted that with proper attention being paid to the arts, the industry has the potential of boosting the nation’s economy. According to him, “the next best treasure after oil is art. But we have failed to develop it. If government could be proactive enough to involve the professionals in the arts and industry to develop it, it would go a long way in helping the economy. If we focus on ethnic fashions, we will be able to create and increase our export profile. That is why Osun Osogbo festival should continue”. Dipo Famakinwa, Director General, Development Agenda for Western Region (DAWN) Commission, argued the need for policy makers in the country to appreciate the enormous potential inherent in the nation’s arts and culture industry. In his words: “We need to turn our crafts to wealth. Look at our Aso-Oke, adire, ankara and others. Our goldsmith and black smiths have gone into extinction. Technical and vocational education is crucial to economic development.” This position was equally re-echoed by Nike Okundaye, notable culture advocate and founder of the Nike Art Gallery. “Our people do not know that they are sitting on valuable resources in this country. Culture, heritage, arts and creativity are our hidden treasures. If appreciated and developed, they can boost our economic fortunes. Dignitaries who graced the occasion include Oba Dokun Abolarin, Orangun of Ila Orogun; Solanke, Williams; Oloye Lekan Alabi; Dr Charles Akinola; Barrister Femi Ifaturoti; Dipo Famakinwa, DG, DAWN Commission; Chief Oyenike Okundaye; Avery Ammon; Femi Adefila of Rave FM; Larry Williams; Remi Osiberu; Mr Yomi Layinka; Gbenga Adebusuyi and a host of tourists from the Carribean.

Buckwylla, Evelle get new record deal with ACI Records

The winner of the 2014 edition of Nigerian Idol, Evelle and talented Nigerian artiste, Buckwylla have been signed by the record label arm of burgeoning entertainment company, ACI Records as the first two recording artistes on the label. The company which is a subsidiary of ACI Entertainment is patterned after international entertainment and recording companies with facilities that will help raise the bar in the delivery of entertainment services in Nigeria and further inspire the creative industry. The two acts who were recently unveiled at the official launch of the company are not new entrants in the Nigerian music industry. While Evelle, who won the fourth edition of the Nigerian Idol reality show has been up and doing with her career, Buckwylla has released several songs and done major collaborations in the past with the likes of Olamide, Cartiar, among others. Speaking during the launch, the CEO of the company, Mr. Wole Adeniyi said the fundamental philosophy behind the creation of the company was to provide a breeding ground for the best professionals in music and film technology. “I’m so

honored to be able to speak to you today about what we have accomplished here. To create this entertainment destination is a dream come true for all of us. Our mission is to empower the creative minds in the continent of Africa but to achieve these ends, we need more than philosophy. We need a training ground; we need facilities, equipment and then, a platform. Our hope is that ACI will provide that platform for our entertainment community”. Speaking on the choice of the two new artistes, the COO of the company, Mr. Ikechukwu Onuorah said the two artistes are full of talents and they believe they can further help develop their talents and put them on the international stage. “We have been silently working with two extremely talented and creative recording artistes and would like to take this opportunity to introduce them to you all. Some of you might know them as they have made some noise in the industry in the past. The first is the Queen of ACI Records, former winner of Nigerian Idol 2014, the beautiful Evelle and the second artist is a man with a big voice, Buckwylla”.

Born into a Royal family in Ijebu Ode of Ogun State, Martins Debo Obalaja a.k.a KOR started his primary education at Sacred Heart private school, Oke Ado, Ibadan, before proceeding to the Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Ogun State. He later got admission into University of Lagos to study Economics was posted to Jos for his mandatory youth service corps. Thereafter, he worked with Team Nigeria trust fund as a Regional Officer in Lagos before moving to Port Harcourt and worked at the River State Sustainable Development Association (RSSDA). He ventured into entertainment in 2001 with his first club at Yaba in Lagos State (Players Club), and later moved to Londoners Lounge also in Lagos. He relocated to Ibadan to redefine entertainment in the city and started work with former Le Merveille club. After a while he left the country for a short time and was brought back to manage the Le Merveille club but under new management (La Gulaino club) ...After a while he moved on to manage another new club by Tope Ajanaku, Club E3, after which he started his own club, Royal Olympus also in Ibadan. After a short period, he leased another club, Echo Groove and used the club space to run his outfit, popularly known as Club Ace. Presently, he is working and managing the most popular club in the Osun State capital, Osogbo, known as Club Ozone, owned by Victor Oni. Oba Royal, as he popularly called is also the CEO of KOR concepts.

Friday, 2 September, 2016

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

’Wale Olapade 08055201323 wale11g3@gmail.com Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year

Starwood Hotels & Resorts debut with Four Points Benin City

From left, National Publicity Secretary, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, Mr Olumuyiwa Salami; National President, Mr Bankole Bernard; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Mrs Nike Akande; Director-General, LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf; Secretary, NANTA Lagos Zone, Mr Vinod Kaurani and Secretary, NANTA, Mr Sylvester Olabor, during the courtesy visit to Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry by NANTA team, in Lagos, on Tuesday. PHOTO: ‘WALE OLAPADE.

The Team Africa begins operations in Nigeria Stories by ’wale Olapade

HE new travel and tourism voice for domestic tourism promotion in Africa with members in over 20 countries, The Team Africa has completed its registration obligations in Nigeria to further its operations in the fastest growing economy in Africa. The coordinator of TTA and organiser of

Akwaaba African Travel Market, Mr Ikechi Uko made this known on Wednesday on the team’s online platform added, “As a legally registered organisation we are set to proceed to the next level.” Uko who congratulated the team members for the new development said, “We have finally received registration in Nigeria. TTA is now a legal body. Our trademark registration process has been completed.

Mustapha set for legacy projects, business oriented facelift in NIWA

THE new Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Boss Mida Mustapha, has assured that the agency will strategically grow new business across the Nigerian inlands waterways by embarking on wealth creating infrastructure that will boost water transportation in the country. Addressing the staff of Lagos area office of the federal agency saddled with the responsibility of regulating inland waterways transportation in Nigeria, the NIWA boss urged the workers to be ready for new challenges through creation of wealth and not to be seen only as revenue collectors. He urged the staff and management to think out of the box, deal with the visible stagnation in NIWA and join hands with him to deliver to Nigerians a highly visible, revitalised and technically efficient organisation that the nation can be proud of. “We must show competence and not lose sight of the component of national development through waterways and this we must unlock strategically to encourage small businesses in the riverine communities and states to thrive,” Mustapha explained, “The expectations of change in work ethics will be backed with staff welfare and opportunities of training to generate new revenue lines.” He assured the staff that he has got the character, ability and capacity to deliver a new NIWA and challenged them to also recreate themselves in the agency so that their children and those yet unborn would wish to become part of the legacy story of NIWA. Earlier in his welcome address, the Lagos

area manager of NIWA, Mr Muazu Sambo, told the new NIWA boss that his office had compiled the needs of the area office and sent to the NIWA headquarters and appreciate the new boss for visiting Lagos first among all area offices. Sambo also led NIWA boss and his manager, legal services and Secretary of NIWA Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Danladi to visit selected NIWA private sector stakeholders in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Maroko and Lekki areas of Lagos. Mustapha however took time out to visit some boat and jetty operators who are in public private sector partnership with NIWA among them are Tarzan Jetty, Texas connection, BICS Garden and Boat Club, Maroko boat jetty and Gracefield Island, Lekki.

“You are foundation members of TTA and from September we shall open TTA for membership to all qualified Africans. “As part of the ongoing exercise, we would establish a structure of country and regional representative from among the foundation members.” He explained that the founding members of TTA are the board members for now, while three other members who were not Included in the list are Denise, Rosemary and Charles from Serena Hotel. “To get listed as a member in the legal register and on all documents, interested and qualified Africans are requested to visit TTA platform to complete the stipulated subscription. This fee also serves as the annual dues until September 2017. He added that after TTA has completed the process of admitting new members in September, the teams would kick-start its search for the 21 wonders of Africa.

Ikechi Uko

STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. on Wednesday August 31 announced the signing of Four Points Benin City, Nigeria as part of its effort at accelerating growth in emerging markets across the globe. Four Points by Sheraton Benin City, Nigeria is owned by Eagle Hospitality and Leisure Limited. The sleek new Four Points hotel is built for the modern travellers with an emphasis on approachable design and stylish comfort. Conveniently located in the heart of Benin City, Edo State, the hotel is situated within a five-minute drive to the airport and less than 10 minutes from the business district. “Four Points by Sheraton Benin City will further consolidate our strong Nigeria portfolio, opening up yet another emerging destination for international travel. With five hotels operating and another four in the pipeline, including Four Points Benin City, Nigeria is already one of our strongest markets in the region, and the signing of this hotel reinforces the growing demand for affordable lifestyle brands in rapidly developing markets, ”said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “We are delighted to introduce the popular Four Points brand to Benin City and expect this new hotel to meet the rising demand for high-caliber lodging in this fast-growing market, soon emerging as a leading choice among business and leisure travelers,” said Mr Chris Oshiafi, group managing director of PanAfrican Capital Plc and chairman of Eagle Hospitality and Leisure Limited. “Responding to the demand for affordable yet innovative lodging options is core to our development strategy,” said Neil George, Senior Vice President Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Africa & Middle East. “Four Points has the largest number of rooms in Starwood’s global pipeline and its compelling blend of comfort, style and affordability make the brand increasingly attractive for owners and developers, “Neil George stated.

Eko International Film Festival to launch film institute THE organiser of the Eko International Film Festival is to launch a film institute with the aim of creating a platform to not only discover, but also develop different talents for gainful employment. The President of Eko International Film Festival, Hope Obioma Opara who made this known in a release sent to Travelpulse&MICE said the official launch of the institute would be at the seventh edition of the festival slated for October 24 to 29, 2016 at the Silverbird Cinemas Galleria in Lagos. “The launch will feature a two-day workshop on youth development in Arts, wheredifferent areas of interest will be highlighted to immensely benefit the young gen-

erations. “Focusing on arts which are the rave of the moment, the platform will use arts to turn around a troubled teenager; get young men and women off the streets into creative and constructive activities. According to Opara, “Art can change attitude, build self-esteem, create employment and redirect the path of youth to something meaningful and also prevent despair. The workshops will engage young men and women into a more meaningful way to think outside the box to rediscover their potential. The institute is billed to fill the gap between the new entrants into the Nollywood film industry and established practitioners.

Hope Obioma Opara

Friday, 2 September, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

Issues in emergency powers Even before the Federal Government unveiled the full details of its contents, the proposed request for emergency economic powers for the president is already generating some fuss in the polity. Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, examines the divides ahead of National Assemblyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resumption on September 13.

IGERIA, according to the National Bureau of statistics (NBS) is in full recession. Then what is the way out? The Senate had asked the minister in July and she sharply responded by saying that the nation must spend its way out of the crisis and stimulate economic activities. Reports emerging from government indicated last week that one of the measures on the card is the presentation of a draft Emergency powers bill to the National Assembly on resumption this September. Though the details are still being finetuned at the topmost echelons of government, it emerged that the government had decided to secure emergency powers to roll back the threat of full recession. The said Emergency Economic Stabilization Bill 2016 being worked on according to reports, aims at injecting the desired stimulus into the economy. Other objectives of the planned bill include plan to shore up the value of the Naira, creation of more jobs, boosting of foreign reserves, improving the power sector and reviving the manufacturing sector. However, the presidency has denied such proposed bill. Key components of the reform, according to reports, include fasttracking the procurement process, increasing the volume of money that can be deployed in mobilising contractors to site; and granting the power of virement to the President in areas seen as critical and demanding emergencies. The planned emergency bill it is speculated, might seek to empower the President to among others, abridge the procurement process via an amendment to the Procurement Act; ensure local contractors are favoured for supplies and contract awards; approve sale or lease of government bridge the process of sale or lease of government assets to generate revenue; allow virement of budgetary allocation to projects seen as urgent, without recourse to the National Assembly; amend the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Act, to reduce Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; counterpart funding and allow states access to over N58 billion lying in its vaults; to reform the Visa Policy at Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consular offices and allow for issuance of Visa at points of entry; to amend laws that can compel agencies like the Corporate Affairs

Buhari

Saraki

Anything that would revamp the economy, reduce unemployment and put food on the tables of Nigerians would be supported as you know hunger is everywhere in the country. Commission (CAC), the National Agency for Foods Administration and Control (NAFDAC) among others to improve on time of doing business. Through the proposed bill, the presidency is seeking the power to jack up the 15 per cent mobilisation fees to contractors to 50 per cent rate to ensure quick implementation of contracts.

The Economic Team was said to have realised that the existing Procurement Act constraints the contract award process and that contracts can only get awarded in six months, something they believe is a strain on the budgetary process. Going by the fact that the nation runs a 12-calendar month budget, the procurement laws are seen to have largely reduced the capacity

of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) to award contracts within the fiscal year. The government was also reportedly targeting at least $50 billion through the sale or lease of government assets through the planned emergency powers, which could guarantee quick fixes to the existing procedures. While the business community appears to be receptive to the plan, a section of the political class as represented by the National Assembly, however, seems to be seeing the plan differently. Even though the debate is yet to be kick started on the floor of the chambers, the senators and members of the House of Representatives are not waiting till resumption before volunteering some views. A number of the lawmakers expressed instant rejection of the plan, while others decided to adopt a wait- and- see attitude. Some senators, who spoke on the proposed emergency powers to be sought by Continues on pg 24

politics&policy

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Relationship between Presidency, NASS Continued from pg23

President Muhammadu Buhari through new bill, said the document may be dead on arrival. The scaring concern of the lawmakers is that the Presidency failed to reciprocate the goodwill of the parliament in recent past and that it could be dangerous to give the President sweeping powers. Some of the lawmakers also observed that the fact that the President was seeking such powers was a realisation of the lack of cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature. For instance, a lawmaker observed that the parliament had, in recent past, passed amendments to the Public Procurement Act 2007 to ensure purchase of Made in Nigeria goods and favour locally produced goods in the procurement process. The Senate, which passed the amendment, did so after one of its members, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe hosted the Made in Aba Trade Fair as part of his constituency project in Abuja. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who was guest of honour at the opening and closing ceremonies of the trade fair, announced the Senate’s readiness to pass amendments to the procurement Act to ensure that goods that can be produced locally are patronised through the budgetary process. That amendment has since been passed by the lawmakers. A senator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that if the executive and the legislature were working harmoniously, it should be difficult for the handlers in the executive to know that the parliament had already amended the Procurement law. Other lawmakers insisted that the planned reduction of the counterpart funding of states in the UBEC funds is a clever way of allowing the states to avoid the counterpart funding and only access the funds which could be diverted. Another Senator said: “We have witnessed the report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), which indicted the state governments for diversion of bail out funds released by this administration for payment of salaries. If that can happen, what would stop the governors from pocketing the UBEC funds once the conditions are lowered?” Other lawmakers, who spoke against the planned bill, said that granting emergency powers to the President would not only reduce the importance of the legislature; it would also make the President too powerful. “It would amount to killing the entire arm of government which will not augur well for the nation’s democracy,” said a lawmaker. One of the senators, who spoke on record, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu said that the Senate could consider the bill if it is capable of stimulating the economy. He said that the economy had been badly beaten that it may have to be rescued by all means necessary. He said: “Anything that would revamp the economy, reduce unemployment and put food on the tables of Nigerians would be supported as you know hunger is everywhere in the country,” adding however, that the plan to empower the President to vire projects already appropriated without recourse to the National Assembly could amount to rubbishing the National Assembly. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai, also spoke in favour of the bill, adding that the current state of the economy calls for concerted efforts. Lawyer and public commentator, Liborus Oschoma, who spoke on the developing situation, said that a deficit of trust between the executive and the legislature could constitute a cog in the wheel of the proposed emergency powers. He stated: “The problem we currently have is one of trust because at every turn in our national life, the government had come out with proposals like this, especially in the disposal of assets as we saw with the Ajaokuta and Aladja steel plants, as well as the power holding companies and the exercise did not achieve its intended aim. “So, you would excuse the fears being expressed by

The sense of urgency demonstrated by President Buhari on the need to fix the economy should be acknowledged. It is a welcome development. Although the details of the Economic Stabilization Act are yet to be released, a few indications of the government’s thinking have been reported.

Ekweremadu

Ndume

some people. What the government now needs to do is to continue to give the assurance that the implementation would be adequately monitored.” While senators and members of the House are viewing the planned emergency powers with suspicion and expressing fear of giving the President “blanket cheque,” the business community appears receptive to the idea. A number of actors in the business sector im-

mediately declared support for the possibility of emergency powers that could drive economic recovery fast. For instance, the national president of the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Mr Ezekiel Essien, said that the business community would queue behind the President’s bid for emergency economic powers, which he said appears long overdue. He said: “Most of our contracts go to foreigners. All the monies go offshore. They only take local people here as carpenters and drivers. The money goes out of the country.” Also, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Traders, (NANTS, Barrister Ken Ukaoha stated that the government could take extra ordinary steps if it must stabilise the economy. He said: “We must do extraordinary things if we must pull out this economy from the woods and that includes some of the things the president is seeking the National Assembly approval to do. “For instance, do we need the amount of aircraft we have in the presidential fleet, off course no. And if we need the President to grant waivers for the procurement of a very essential item that would help in propelling the economy, why not?” In line with the above, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), have also spoken in favour of the proposed bill, insisting that the economy has to be lifted from the current blues. Director General of the LCCI, Muda Yusuf, noted last week that the economy needed by be fixed with a sense of urgency. He said: “The sense of urgency demonstrated by President Buhari on the need to fix the economy should be acknowledged. It is a welcome development. Although the details of the Economic Stabilization Act are yet to be released, a few indications of the government’s thinking have been reported. “In my view, some of the issues can be dealt with within the authorities of the executive; while others need legislative actions. I agree with the proposal to fast track the procurement process in order to quickly activate the stimulus spending by government. The President of MAN, Dr Frank Udemba Jacobs, also said that drastic measures must be taken to give the economy the right direction. He said of the planned emergency powers: “It’s a step in the right direction. Something drastic has to be done by the government to rescue the economy from total collapse.” The debate is sure to acquire more divergence when the bill eventually find its way to the chambers of the legislature. The legislature would be torn between taking a purely economic decision in a largely politicized environment. And they are sure to grapple with the question; to be or not to be?

politics&policy

HIS is the title of a 1964 Philippino action, romance movie written by Rizal Esteban and Jose Leonardo and directed by Conrado Conde. It stars Lolita Rodrigeuz, Ric Rodrigo, Josephine Estrada, Vic Vargas, Rosemarie Sonora and Dindo Fernado as main cast and among these six, was suspense, intrigue, hate, fear and the deadly gift of love from Japan. Thoughts of the movie flooded into my mind when I heard Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, speak at the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) which took place over the last weekend in Nairobi, Kenya. President Muhammadu Buhari was there along with other African leaders, hoping to hear what new Japan had in stock for Africa. After two days of jaw-jaw, the Prime Minister dropped his largesse. It was a handsome sum of $30billion in public and private support for infrastructure development, education and healthcare expansion on the continent in the next three years. The characters in this movie maybe Japan on the one hand and African countries who are the recipients of the romance, on the other hand. But those at the core of its suspense, hate and intrigues are not more than Japan and China. Japan has a good presence in Africa, but in terms of financial importance to the continent, it lags behind its regional rival, China which, as the world’s second-largest economy, recorded total trade with Africa of about $179 billion in 2015, dwarfing Japan’s approximately $24 billion. Abe is conscious of the fact that Japan cannot compete with China in terms of its financial importance in Africa and has consequently steered Japan to the sensible path of selling the message of quality to trump the quantity offered by China in the battle for influence. Thus, Japan aims to use TICAD to get its slice of the African pie, a continent that Japan obviously considers a frontier of new possibilities which the country and its companies can grow vigorously. So, Abe’s key message in this efforts was: “It is Japanese companies that are committed to quality. Theirs is a manufacturing philosophy

Friday, 2 September, 2016

inside

aso rock witH leOn uSiGBe

08078891838 leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk

From Tokyo with love that holds each individual worker in high esteem. Our hunch is that the time has come to make the best of Japan’s capabilities, Japanese companies’ capabilities, for the advancement of Africa, where you seek nothing but quality in your socio-economic development. We must not let a good opportunity slip away.” Japan set up TICAD in 1993 and so, it was in the game early enough. But other powerful blocks like the European Union (EU), China, India and Turkey have similar ventures with Africa and are quite active. They are not only interested in how they can help the continent to achieve its full potentials but also in what they can take away. That explains why the Japanese leader was accompanied by some 70 Japanese companies executives to the Nairobi TICAD meeting. The problem of security in Africa though, has the capability of dampening enthusiasm for investors. But President Buhari and TICAD VI host President, Uhuru Kenyatta, sought to allay this fear. Keen to point out that there are many areas ripe for cooperation, including Industries, Agriculture, Information Technology, Science and Technology, among others that would be of great benefits to Africa and to investors from Japan, Buhari, who also stressed that his government had already taken concrete steps to diversify the economy by making agriculture not just a development programme but a thriv-

ing business, gave assurances on the security situation on the continent. “Unfortunately, as we square up to tackle the challenge of overcoming the impact of the global economic down-turn, a number of countries including Nigeria have the additional challenge of having to grapple 08078891838 leOn insurgency,” witHand with terror he noted, leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.ukthat the President told the gathering that with the support of neighbouring countries and other international partners such as Japan, Boko Haram has been decimated and life returning to normalcy in the areas where the terrorist group once held sway. Uhuru, on his part, highlighted the importance of security to achieving sustained growth, as he noted the unique security threats rising to fill any vacuum in governance at the local, regional and global level. He was alarmed that terrorism in particular was threatening and even dismembering some states. “The terrorists are adept at exploiting open and democratic societies, and are trying to militarize any sectarian or political divide. Their negative impact on economies is often severe, as we have experienced here in Kenya across Africa and the world,” he said but assured, “We are facing and suppressing terrorist groups here in Kenya.” But it seems Japan is prepared to ignore Africa’s daunting security issues in this supremacy intrigue with China on the continent. The love from Tokyo therefore, can only offer a win-win situation for Africa and Africans.

aso rock

Why Jegede may succeed Mimiko By Oluwarotimi Akindele

IT is an undisputable fact that competence, integrity, handwork, honesty and commitment to excellent service have fundamental roles to play in attaining higher heights in one’s life. There is no gainsaying the fact that society mirrors the attributes, attitudes, behaviour, and footsteps of every individual; and such individual might not take cognizance of this. The society has its parametre of measuring individuals’ potentials and capability, particularly those in public offices so as to disallow emotion to reign over reasons with intent to dissuade it from choosing leaders on the basis of competence, credibility and ability. Achieving this requires the citizenry serious sincerity to prevent choosing their leaders on the strength of ethnic, geo-political, affiliation and even religious belief. The people of Ondo State, in less than three months, will decide who governs them for another four years. As a state of intellectuals, where competence, integrity and ability reign supreme in the process of taking decision on who takes over the machinery of government, there are strong indications from every quarter that Eyitayo Jegede is the answer among the major contestants. Considering these parametres, with the antecedents of major contestants in the next election in the state, every right-thinking believes that Jegede (SAN) will emerge victorious in the gubernatorial poll, if pedigree and credibility of a candidate and not sentiments and hypocrisy would be the determining factor-in who becomes the next governor, . Born on April,1961 to the family of late Chief Johnson Bosede Jegede, the Odopetu of Isikan, Akure, and Mrs Caroline Oluwatola Jegede (nee Asokeji) from Ipele town in Owo Local Government Area of the state; Jegede is a man of many parts whose popularity towers above political, geographical and emotional borders. As state the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, he had held sway among the rank and file, as well as top government functionaries in the public service. He proved his leadership quality by successfully carrying out law reforms for the first time since the creation of the state on February 3, 1976. His tenure saw the establishment of the Court of Appeal and the criminal justice administration was enacted and signed into law. National

Jegede

industrial courts and zonal offices of Federal Ministry of Justice, among others, were established in the state during his tenure as commissioner. A man of stainless character and pedigree, who has carved a niche for himself as one of the reputable senior legal luminaries in the country, Jegede was elected among his peers as the chairman of the Attorney-Generals of the 36 states of the federation. A great team player, goal-getter and role model, his analytic, problem-solving and human relations have brought him admiration by all and sundry. His cool mien, coupled with his technical know-how and innovations have brought development into the state. Yes, his level-headedness and innovative ingenuity is evidenced in the Shoprite and the international event centre - the Dome, both standing tall along the state House of Assembly way, Igbatoro Road in Akure, the state capital. Jegede chaired the state’s Tenders Board for more than seven years without any blemish. A position which many often consider as an avenue to corner contracts for personal

gains, was effectively managed to ensure that government had value for whatever Penny spent on projects. As à visionary leader and committed public servant, he believes that the state, at this crucial time, should get it right by growing its potentials into ventures that will generate cash for government to meet its responsibility, keep the youths gainfully engaged and as a matter of necessity, block all economic loopholes to enable it meet workers’ need and provide basic amenities, so as to make things work. Jegede vowed to imbibe the spirit of strict financial discipline if voted to power while giving a short speech at a carnival like ceremony when he tendered his resignation letter as cabinet member at the governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure. He opined that the state is richly blessed with endowments but currently has its economic bruises. “The state’s ability to conquer the present economic challenge and eventually evolve unscathed will be determined by her readiness to do a number of things and do them correctly. l want to let you know that something is more important that it is not enough to grow internally generated revenue as a way of upping the exchequer. But having a serious manager with a thorough sense of mission to man the affairs of government is very fundamental, because improving the economy without strict financial discipline amounts to zero. And that the critical financial predicament requires strong and committed dose of discipline to survive,” he said. The legal giant, on his route to pick the expression of interest and nomination forms at PDP secretariat in Alagbaka, was accompanied by a surging mammoth crowd, to cheer, support and celebrate their own whom they so much believe in his candidature and subsequently becoming their governor. Party faithful, friends, relations, members of the Bar, artisans, technocrats, students and traders took turn to eulogise him and pledge their support. In his speech on the occasion, Jegede hinged his manifesto on total economic transformation of the state, where equity, justice, fairness and transparency would constitute the driving force in all governmental actions. He promised to submit himself to the dictates of the party that would engender progress, peace and upliftment of the downtrodden in the society when elected. •Akindele writes from Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba.

Friday, 2 September, 2016

hers

Lady Adebisi Omolara Fajemirokun, teacher and caterer who was one of the pioneer wardens of the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, Lagos in the 60s clocked 80 on August 20. In this interview with YEMISI AOFOLAJU, she relieves how her career took the better part of her that she almost forgot the thought of a life partner, and what life has taught her. Excerpts:

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

d o o w e r i f h c t e f o t d e s u I

t h g i n t a s u p m a c n o

n u k o r i m e j a F a r a l o m O —

our growing up years I was born on August 20, 1936 to the family of Pa Felix Adebowale Erinoso and Lydia Morenike Erinoso, who brought me up as a Christian. I am the eldest in the family of four; I thank God for every member of my family and the fact that my parents were Christians who had the fear of God. I inherited a lot of things from my mum, like the way I speak. She was a teacher and I was one too. I could remember telling my dad when he wanted to send all of us abroad for further studies when we finished our secondary education that I wanted to be a teacher. Based on my choice of career, he asked me to write an essay explaining why I wanted to be a teacher. My dad, who was an accountant, was highly impressed with my essay. He told my mother that he would send us abroad, assuring her that the money spent on us would not be a waste from what he had seen my sister and I wrote. My father was strict, but my mum, even as a teacher, was as not as strict as him. Did you teach all through your productive years? No, I didn’t. I taught briefly at Ibadan before we were sent abroad, where I studied Catering and Institutional Studies. I met an old school mate abroad who convinced me to study the course. It was as if the Holy Spirit spoke through her on that fateful day, as she directed me to the school of catering and the lady I met there said ‘Your face looks familiar’ at the first meeting. ‘It appears you had previously applied to this school,’ which was the truth. I had applied to the school years back while I was seeking for admission abroad. The lady was able to produce my file at mere looking at me. Your previous application found? Yes. English people are wonderful. As she brought out the file, she showed me the first application that I wrote. She said a letter was sent to the Nigerian House in London because they did not know much about me to ask if the school would be proud of me after the course, but there was no reply. I was asked to resume in three months as the class was already full.

for a job. Incidentally, my father bought a copy of the Daily Times where the College of Medicine, University of Lagos advertised for vacancies. I applied and was shortlisted for interview. I dressed informally to the interview. I wore the up and down wrapper and gele which I am used to, having schooled in Igboland. This, I believe, made me to stand out among 13 other candidates. I was the only one who was employed. The English man in the panel insisted I should be employed. He said, ‘Take the teacher, she is the right candidate for the job. You will not regret employing her.’ Again, the Holy Spirit spoke through him. There and then, I was also invited for the second leg of the interview. I was asked to come again just to be sure that they did not make any mistake by employing me. I was given a standing ovation at the end of the exercise. What was your job description? I was named the caterer/hall warden in charge of students’ welfare. At that time, there was no hostel, but some houses were put on lease for students at Surulere. I was given a chauffeur-driven car for daily runs. The driver picked me up from 66, Falolu Street, where I was accommodated as early as 5.30a.m because I must see what was to be served the students for breakfast. What was the experience like? I was happy doing the job because I had been trained to look after people irrespective of their needs. Aside this, I love being around people. As a result of this, it was very easy for me to do the job. I sincerely loved the students. Are you satisfied with what obtains now in the halls of residence of undergraduates? I am not happy at all. Nowadays, many undergraduates fend for themselves. This is because the Federal Government has,

over the years, abdicated its role of being in charge of education as it is expected in the running of university education. Choice of life partner Well, I never gave getting married a thought because my mind was on my job. I got married through an in- law who arranged my meeting with his friend who was based in Germany and that was it. How did you deal with marital challenges? I never allowed any challenge to get the better of me. I was determined to help my children to live the way God wants us to live. By the special grace of God, I singlehandedly took care of my girls; the rest is history. And your story has changed Yes, but it took a long time. I went through a lot. At a time, I borrowed from two banks, the defunct Cooperative Bank and Union Bank on the same day to pay my children’s fees. But I thank God that I am not covetous. I had always been contented with whatever I have, with the belief that one day, my story will change. I thank God for making me the person I am because many women in this kind of situation would have gone after men. I had no sugar daddy. If I had a sugar daddy, there wouldn’t have been any reason for me to borrow from the banks. What has life taught you? Life has taught me many things. One of such is that I should recognise God as my creator, worship Him and obey Him for me to live long. Y o u r most valued asset What I value most in life is good friendship/relationship, especially with the younger generation.

Did you come back to Nigeria to practise what you studied? Not immediately. After completing my course, my parents allowed me to work for a year in the UK and later sent for me when I was planning to go to Cambridge, as there was nobody to keep their company back in Nigeria as all my siblings were all studying abroad. What did you do when you arrived in Nigeria? My daddy was giving me pocket money on monthly basis since they were the ones who sent for me. I was buying Daily Times and another popular newspaper. It was my aunt who said I could not stay in Ibadan and look

Omolara Fajemirokun

Lady Fajemirokun (second left) and her girls.

W h a t informs y o u r choice of friends and associates?

Endurance and hard work inform my choice of friends. I associate mainly with my church members. What is your philosophy of life? Life is not a bed of roses. What were you doing when you left the College of Medicine? I left the college when I least expected after 23 years. At that time, my children were still undergraduates with no friend or relation to support me. The prayers of my staff in the college, who did not want me to go, really worked. My younger sister’s course mate, a medical doctor at the college, offered me her boys’quarters. I started catering business immediately I left the college job with three others. I started with moinmoin because I learnt that some nurses would enjoy what I produce. Shortly after, I added snacks like plantain chips, puff puff, chin chin and food like rice. Before I knew what was happening, I was given a letter of authority to trade on the school premises, which I took to Coca Cola for the supply of their products. I was given a space to build a cafetaria, but I couldn’t because I didn’t have enough fund. I used to fetch fire wood on campus at night so that people would not see me. Having been blessed with a sound mind and good health, what will you do to serve humanity? Everything is in the hands of God. Are you on any special diet? I am not. I structured my intake myself. I eat twice a day, light meals with a lot of vegetables. My favourite food is maize and corn bread because it is easily digested. Secret of healthy looks even at 80 God has been good to me. Besides, I don’t take fattening foods. I take salad and potatoes as breakfast. Every meal I take in the morning must be accompanied with salad. I think what has really helped my determination to live a healthy life. At my age, it is a daily routine for me to jog, skip on the lawn and walk round the estate every morning. I learnt from my parents that eating fruits and vegetables early in the morning is very beneficial as against fatty and carbohydrates. Feelings at 80 I am appreciative of God’s blessings. I thank God on a daily basis for making me who I am and for the parents who brought me to the world.

occassions

Friday, 2 September, 2016

When Relume foundation provided succour for Ogun residents

Beneficiaries being attended to by facilitators at the event

Olayinka OlukoyaAbeokuta

bara-Orile, a sleepy and purely agrarian community, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, came alive few days ago when a faith-based organisation, Relume Foundation, gave back to residents of the com-

munity. The turnout of people was massive. It was the third edition in the series of caring for the people, especially the lessprivileged in the society. The beneficiaries of the various programmes packaged by the Foundation for the people cut across all age-range. Pregnant women, babies, school children, adults were

all part of the two-day programme; they all participated without paying for all the services provided by the foundation. According to the minds behind the foundation, Sunday and Sherri Adeosun, the mission was to bring light and hope to impoverished regions especially in Africa, America and the world at large.

They said meeting the basic needs of shelter ,food ,health and education of the people is the ultimate desire of the foundation with the hope of giving hope to the hopeless. The couple said the foundation also focuses on health awareness, provision of school supplies to children and sharing the word of God with the people.

Mr and Mrs Adeosun also stated that the foundation was working in conjunction with a church based in Lagos, Household of God under the leadership of Pastor Chris Okotie. Equally speaking, Natasha Ferguson, who is the secretary and treasurer of the foundation, said the project is about assisting the people who are less-privileged and also by drawing them closer to God. Some of the beneficiaries could not hide their joy over the gesture, as they appreciated the initiators of the foundation for giving back to the society that made them. For 60-year-old Mr. Okeowo Mumuni, the programme was timely considering the present economic realities in the country. He stated that not many people can afford to visit medical centers for check-up now when the resources are scarce. He said he was examined by medical experts and given drugs that would last him for a month, at no cost. “This initiative must be commended. Only a few of our people who made it in a foreign land will return home and give to the people. These ones have done so out

of what God has blessed them with. I was carefully examined at all stages and was given drugs without collecting money from me. This is laudable,” he added. Similarly, Mr. Azeez Adegbite and Madam Felicia Akinyele could equally not hide their joy on the development. They said they got to know about the free medical programme from the people.The duo described the programme as a good one. Mrs. Akinyele said, “This programme is the third edition in the series. These people were at Ilewo and and Ibara-Orile in 2014 and 2015. This year’s edition is not an exception. We are grateful to these people for assisting us. I complained about my eye problem. Different kinds of test were carried out on me and at the end of the day, I was given eye glasses free.” Asked on how they source funds to carry out the programme, the initiators said they pulled all their resources together to give back to the needy and also appreciated the Household of God for lending a helping hand.

Akinosun inaugurates CAC Epe zonal headquarters

Pastor S.I. Jaiyeoba introducing the newly inducted superintendent and his wife, Pastor and Deaconess J.S. Komolafe to the congregation. Pastor S.I. Jaiyeoba (in white suit) praying for Pastor & Deaconess J.S Komolafe

By Taiwo Olanrewaju Sunday, July 10, 2016 would remain indelible in the memory of Pastor Joshua Sesan Komolafe as on that day; he was inducted as the Zonal superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Olorun Atilehin Zonal Headquarters, Epe, Lagos State. In the double celebration, Pastor Stephen Jaiyeoba, who represented

the President, CAC Wordwide, Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun, also inaugurated the zone and presented the staff of office, the Bible, to Pastor Komolafe. In his sermon, themed “Unity in progress,” Pastor Jaiyeoba admonished the zonal members to work together in unity. According to him, unity must be the yardstick for progress. In his acceptance speech, Pastor Komolafe appreciated the church’s

authority for their fatherly support and urged other executive members to work hand in hand with him. Present at the occasion were pastors D.D. Idowu, G.R. Akinwale, S.O.A. Fadipe who represented Ogun State Council of Superintendents, G.O. Nwobodo, J.O. Ajibike, S.A. Bankole, J.O Komolafe, J. Onibayo, Abiodun Olayiwola, Ibok, Mathew Makinde, M.A. Olusesi and other anointed men of God.

Pastor S.I Jaiyeoba presenting the staff of office, the Bible, to Pastor J.S. Komolafe and the zonal executives.

news

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Find solution to nation’s economic hardship, ASUU tells FG Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Akure zone, on Thursday, called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, address the current economic hardship facing Nigeria and save the nation from economic collapse. The union stated this during a press conference held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), through its zonal coordinator, Dr Alex Odiyi, who expressed concerns over the present state of the nation. Odiyi noted that the adoption of World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sponsored policies by the Federal Government had not, in any way, proffered any solution to the problems of the country. He called on the Federal Government to reach out to Economists of repute, who can proffer solution to the nation’s economic challenges, rather than inviting foreign economist to fix the nation’s problem. The Akure zone of ASUU stated that the globe-trottimg for international experts and advice for the solutions of the nation’s problems would not yield any positive result. “If we must solve our problems, we must stop looking abroad for solutions to our problems. Abroad is not meant to proffer solutions to our problems in Nigeria, we must find solutions to our problems ourselves. “The consequences of this ugly development is the spiraling prices of essential goods and the intolerable hardship being experienced by Nigerians.” He stated that the economic recession had culminated in the inability of many states government to pay workers’ salaries, saying “not less than 28 states of the 36 states of the federa-

tion owe workers’ salaries of between six to 12 months.” He attributed the insecurity hitting the geopolitical zones of the nation, rang-

ing from the Boko Haram in the North-East, IPOB and MASSOB in the South-East, NDA in the Niger Delta and many more to the hardship

in the country. “The security problems are of course complexly linked to the economic situation,” he said, enjoining the Federal

Government to shun IMF/ World Bank policies, which he added had plunged the country more into recession. Odiyi said the nation’s

Deputy governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso; Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo and the Niger State governor, Abubakar Bello, during the advocacy visit to discuss the Zero Oil Plan initiative on diversifying the country’s economy, in Minna, on Thursday.

Niger gov lauds initiative to diversify Nigeria’s exports Sets up committee to work with NEPC Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has endorsed the ‘Zero Oil’ plan initiative as one of the best steps to take in the country’s pursuit to diversify Nigeria’s economy away from the monolithic product of oil. He made the declaration while receiving the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo and his management at his office in Minna, on Thursday. According to the governor, his state and probably other Nigerians have “always known the right path to take in changing

the economic narrative of the country, but lacked the courage to take the bull by the horn. With the situation we have found ourselves – the economic downturn necessitated by continuous slide in price of oil, we have no option than to turn to agriculture and exportation. And Niger State is blessed with several of these key products, including rice, soya beans, cotton and gold, among others. “But I advise that you involve the private sector and identify strong international up-takers for us to be able to succeed.” As an immediate demonstration of support for

the initiative Governor Abubakar constituted a high powered seven-man committee made up of Director-Generals of relevant ministries in the state, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Industry & Commerce to strategise, identify at least three products for exportation and synergise with NEPC for that purpose. He charged them to turn-in their report within a month. The official visit to Minna was part of the nationwide engagement strategy by the NEPC to create the buy-in of stakeholders and investors on the government’s vision to put behind Nigeria’s overdependence on

crude oil, in line with the current administration’s agend a of restructuring the economy as a way to reducing dependence on crude oil exports. Mr Awolowo, while presenting the ‘Zero Oil’ plan to the governor, emphasised the use of exports as a core economic driver of the country – in job creation, increased investments and growth in government income, which would lead to macro-economic stability through foreign exchange inflows. Awolowo validated that the economic miracles the Asian countries within a single generation were primarily anchored on export

Kogi crippled by corruption, lack of vision of past leaders —Bello As Lokoja youths support gov Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja The Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Thursday, carpeted past leaders of the state for their lack of vision and corruption, which he said, had held the state down for two long. This is just as the traditional ruler of Lokoja town, the Maigarin of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammed Maikarfi (II) warned the youth of the town against taking laws into their hands and grtting involved in violent activities. The warning of the tra-

tertiary institutions in the country were blessed with academia and resource persons, who could proffer solutions to the problems confronting the country in all ramifications. He noted that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) introduced by the Federal Government to universities had been a hindrance to research in the country. He said “the TSA is inimical to the well-being of universities. The policy has made it impossible for universities to draw research grants, run programmes based on endowment funds and all transfer funds earmarked for staff development in universities locally and overseas.” He reiterated that the Federal Government should look inwards for solution to the challenges confronting the nation, by concentrating on the education sector and addressing the fundamental demands of ASUU, especially the 2009 ASUU/FG agreement.

ditional ruler, which came during a peaceful rally by hundreds of youths in support of the governor, was a fallout of the attack on the governor by some people during Jumat prayers last Friday. The governor, who disclosed this while addressing government officials at a special workshop on the “New Direction Blueprint” of his administration in Lokoja, the state capital,said his administration was prepared to refocus the state and rebuild it for development. According to the governor,

his administration would religiously follow the blueprint to achieve development and bring smiles to the faces of the people of the state. Bello said: “In order to have a Kogi State that is devoid of endemic poverty and underdevelopment, my administration has come up with the New Direction blueprint to address infrastructural deficit, as well as the poverty bedevilling the state. “I urge all government officials to key into our development agenda. We have to be on the same page

to move Kogi forward as we bid to move away from the status of a potential giant to a real giant. My administration has targeted education, healthcare, job creation, civil service reforms, as well as massive infrastructural development across the state. “If we can ensure good education and create the right environment for job creation, our youth won’t find crime lucrative. I urge you all to join my administration in moving the state forward . If I don’t believe in the possibility of my

dream, I won’t be here as your governor.” He urged the people of the state to close the ethnic borders and be united for a common purpose. He said: “I am an Okun man, I am an Igalaman, I am an Ebiraman. I belong to all Kogi people. From today, the fence that divides us has collapsed as we strive to move ahead as one indivisible state. “Anybody that is in my government to divide Kogi people cannot work with our vision. We are marching forward as a united people.”

orientate industrialisation, which led to increased revenue, drastic reduction in poverty and inclusive growth – all of which the ‘Zero Oil’ plan is expected to achieve for Nigeria. He underlined that “Nigeria needs to deepen her footprints on manufacturing for export, upscaling the production of items, where Nigeria has comparative and competitive advantage in the global market. “Even leading oil exporting countries the most recent being Saudi Arabia have introduced national plans to stop their over-dependence on oil, Nigeria must do the same.” “The ‘Zero Oil’ plan has set a longterm goal of earning 20 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (that is, approximately $100 billion) from non-oil exports. The initial target, however, is to exceed $30 billion in nonoil exports over the next 10 years (starting from $5 billion today). “States have an important role to play in Nigeria’s export diversification plans – the reason NEPC has also introduced the one-state-one-product initiative to encourage states’ involvement in exports and scale-up production of selected items of exportation.”

south-westnews

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Ooni foresees bright economic future for Nigeria

HE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said the nation would bounce back on track in spite of the present economic challenges facing it. Oba Ogunwusi said this during the courtesy visit by some management staff of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, (FIIRO), to his palace, on Thursday. He said that the country needed to engage its citizens, particularly the youth, in empowerment programmes to be able to achieve the expected economic growth. The royal father said the nation’s strength lied in its human capacity, adding that there was need for continuous empowerment programmes. Ooni lauded FIIRO’s management’s readiness to support and partner with the palace on its proposed empowerment programme and provision of employment for youths in Ife, Osun and the country at large. He said the country was blessed with such an insti-

Why we enacted 2002 LCDA law —Oyo ex-deputy gov THE Deputy Governor of Oyo State between 1999 and 2003, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, has revealed the reason the administration of late Lam Adesina enacted the law creating additional 35 local government areas in 2002. Oladokun recalled that the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), which held ace in the state at the time, believed strongly that there was need to devolve more powers and corresponding responsibilities to the grassroots people as a central ingredient of democracy. The former deputy governor was reacting to the decision of Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration to implement a law, passed in 2002 by the state House of Assembly, to create 35 Local Development Council Areas (LCDAs) as well as the criticisms trailing it. Oladokun, who described himself as a proud member of the administration that passed the law in 2002, said creating more local government areas would bring government closer to the people and simplify the entire democratic process. He recalled that implementation of the law was suspended because of the decision of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo to stifle the idea, citing the need to first amend the constitution to recognise the new councils for the purpose of funding.

tute which had come up with several products, relevant to the planned empowerment programmes. The royal father commended the management of FIIRO for its continuous commitment in ensuring self-reliance among Nigerians, saying this would help reposition the country to compete favourably with its counterparts. The monarch said there was a ‘renewed hope’ for Nigeria and thousands of youths that were jobless to

be gainfully employed as agro-entrepreneurs. Ooni urged small and medium firms, stakeholders, individuals, local, state and Federal Government to partner with FIIRO. Oba Ogunwusi pledged full support for the institute and urged its management to continue to ensure that it maintained quality products that could boost patronage locally and internationally. He also urged Nigerians to always patronise madein-Nigeria products so that

the country could reduce its imported items and boost foreign exchange income. The Director-General of FIIRO, Dr Gloria Elemo, commended the royal father’s efforts in ensuring that youths and widows were empowered. Elemo said that the institute would give its technical support to ensure that the “empowerment programme becomes a success.” She said that the Federal Government had always insisted on the diversification

of the economy from the oilsector. The director-general said that it was obvious that the agriculture sector could help boost the nation’s revenue which was dwindling because of fall in crude-oil prices at the international market. Elemo also said that adequate provision of agro-processing tools to youths and widows who want to be selfemployed was necessary to improve their production capacity.

From left, Dr Segun Makanjuola, Mr Henry Adegbuyi, Mr Ayoade Adeyemi, President and Chairman of Council, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Ganiyu Koledoye; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Registrar, NIMN, Mr Abimbola Olajona; Mr Sidney Ogodo and Mr Tunde Bewaji, during the visit of NIMN leadership to the monarch, in Ile Ife, on Wednesday.

All is not well with APC in Ekiti, party chief cries out Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Chief John Filani, has cried out over poor state of the party in the state and called for urgent intervention of the national leaders before things get out of hand. Chief Filani, who raised the alarm while speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, said the party needed urgent reorganisation to be an election-winning platform. According to him, “unless the national leaders intervene and put things in order, the party may again lose the next governorship election to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).” He also advised party leaders to consider fielding a “home-based candidate” in the next governorship poll, saying “party members are yearning for a candidate who is accessible and ready to listen to them and Ekiti people.” Filani regretted that Ekiti APC could be likened to a flock of sheep without a shepherd as key leaders and those holding party positions and political offices

have abandoned the party to its fate. He urged the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other well-meaning leaders to intervene and work together to reposition Ekiti chapter. Filani called on the three former governors who are members of the party, Adeniyi Adebayo, Chief Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi

to come together and convoke a “solemn assembly” that will involve all members to resolve their perceived grievances. Filani said: “An average member of the APC in Ekiti State is not happy the way leadership of the party is being run. The state exco has disconnected itself from the masses; we need to do more work if we want APC to regain power in Ekiti in 2018.

“Going by the present situation of our party, if the APC is not careful, the PDP may win again in 2018. We have 177 wards in the state and hardly can we boast that our members are happy in 160 out of the 177 wards. “The APC leaders in the state are pursuing personal interests. That is why I am scared that unless we put our house in order, we may lose the governorship election again in 2018.”

IAR&T decries soil fertility decline in South-West By Wale Akinselure STAKEHOLDERS in the agricultural sector have decried the decline in soil fertility in South-West Nigeria and unsustainable crop production, urging farmers in the geopolitical zone to adopt proven soil-improving technologies and integrated crop management practices. This was the sum of different presentations at the launch of the South-West/ South-South Nigeria Soil Health Consortium at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, on Thursday.

Encapsulated as adopting Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), farmers were charged to use appropriate varieties of fertiliser, organic inputs and improved germ plasm combined with the knowhow about adapting soil fertility technologies to local conditions. In his remarks, Executive Director, IAR&T, Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor James Adediran, called for adoption of proper crop management practices to ensure sustainable crop production. “Decline in soil fertility in South Western Nigeria

and in Nigeria as a whole has resulted in farmers’ poverty because the present management methods have limitation in that they cannot support sustainable crop production. There is need for a paradigm shift from conventional methods to adopted proven technologies using integrated approach.” “At present, fertiliser application rates in SouthWest are very small (1020kg/ha) far below the target of 50kg/ha set by the Abuja Declaration and smaller compared with application rates in economically developed countries.”

Nigerian Tribune

South-West traditional rulers, CSOs want constitutional roles for monarchs SOME traditional rulers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from the South-West have recommended constitutional roles for monarchs to effectively respond to crises in their domains. The recommendation was contained in a communiqué at the end of a threeday workshop in Ibadan on conflict prevention, peaceful coexistence, tolerance and alternative dispute resolution. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the workshop was organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution for monarchs and CSOs in South-West. It recommended that traditional rulers should be duly recognised by the relevant authorities and respected as government representatives in their various communities. “As the closest authority to the citizens, monarchs should be financially empowered to ensure quick response to threats to peace in their communities.”

No room for hooliganism, Oyo lawmaker warns miscreants A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ibadan South East II constituency, Honourable Ademola Akeem Ige, has warned miscreants to steer clear of his constituency as government no longer condone acts of hooliganism, brigandage and thuggery. Honourable Ige stated this while expressing his displeasure over the conduct of street urchins, popularly known as ‘area boys’, disturbing the contractors handling streetlight projects being executed by people in his constituency, on the ground that the contractors should give them money before they would be allowed to do the work. Honourable Ige, who immediately alerted the security agency who drafted their officers to the place to rescue the contractors from the miscreants, stressed that his investigations revealed that the conduct of the said miscreants was a pure act of thuggery and brigandage. He added that the miscreants thought that the said electrification project was being carried out by a telecommunication company and wanted to extort money as they used to do in the past.

south-westnews

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Ondo APC primaries: I fear no ‘juju’ —Jigawa gov

OVERNOR Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State says he is not afraid of charms and will conduct the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Ondo State transparently, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Abubakar said this while briefing newsmen in Abuja after being sworn in as the chairman of Ondo APC Primary Election Committee.

He said: ‘’Free and fair election will solve the problem. If they believe we are free, fair and transparent, they will accept the result. ‘’Well, in the first place, I don’t believe in juju, so, certainly I am not afraid. ‘’I don’t know of any imposition, my duty there is to be free, fair and transparent and I think that is the only thing that will help the party.’’ He said the issue of iden-

tifying the delegates was important and their international passports, permanent voter cards or national identity cards would suffice. ‘’Any one of the three will be able to solve the identification problem,’’ he said. Abubakar advised other governors to cut expenditure in order to overcome the embarrassment of owing staff salaries. He said once the workers were paid and happy, any

state could move forward and be productive. ‘’In Jigawa, we are not owing salaries. In fact, we always pay on the 25th of every month whether the federation account comes in or not. ‘’We are not owing either local government or state salaries and we are not owing pension. In fact pensioners collect on the 13th or 15th of every month. ‘’We are not owing gratuity

as well. We are really very clean as far as staff welfare is concerned and even this week or next week, we’ll be paying the annual leave grants as promised. ‘’The magic is being prudent. You just have to do what you think is good for the people. ‘’Paying workers is of paramount importance and we have to sacrifice all what we do to be sure to pay our workers because workers have to remain focused. ‘’We do a lot of cost savings and employ cost saving techniques to reduce expenditure of the government. ‘’For instance, in the government house, the expenditure has been reduced by as much as 80 per cent, while

general overhead has been reduced as much as 47 per cent. ‘’The security vote has been reduced as much as 87 per cent. We use only 13 per cent of what they normally used. “So, all those expenditure that have no direct bearing to the common man have been reduced drastically to give room for service to the people.’’ The APC primaries committee is made up of Dr Bruce Ugbide, House of Representatives member Hamma Ali, Prince M. Martin and Mr Mohammed Lawal. The Election Appeals Committee is headed by Mrs Helen Bendeha, with Alhaji Musa Umar and Ms Nicky Ejezie as members.

Judge hands-off Jimoh Ibrahim’s matter Sunday Ejike - Abuja

From left, member of APC committee for Ondo State governorship primaries, Mr Martins Nnorom; secretary, Dr Bruce Ugbode; chairman and governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Abubakar and the National Organising Secretary of APC, Senator Osita Izunoso, during the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

Vote according to your conscience, Boroffice tells APC delegates By Moses Alao AHEAD of tomorrow’s governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, a governorship aspirant and senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice, has told delegates to vote “according to their conscience.” This is also as he appealed to APC leadership, aspirants and party members to work together to ensure the success of the primaries. Borrofice, who stated these in an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Tribune in Akure, on Thursday, also said he aligned by the position of President Muhammadu Bu-

hari that the leadership of the party had no anointed candidate and that anyone that emerged winner in the primaries would receive the party’s support, calling on aspirants not to take the primaries as a do-or-die affair. “If you lose, lose gallantly and still support the party and if you win, win gallantly and carry others who have lost in the exercise along. We all need to unite in order to win the main election. So, as I said, it is not a matter of do-or-die. I don’t know how many aspirants are left, but it is only one aspirant that will win the primaries. Others must support him. This is my appeal,” he said. He expressed confidence that the APC would win the

governorship election, “because it is quite popular in Ondo State,” warning the leadership of the party to ensure that it “fields a popular candidate.” Noting that he has the credentials, experience and exposure needed to govern the state and bring about development, Senator Borroffice noted that he had a large followership across the state. He further maintained that rather than peddling zoning or ethnic sentiments, he would leverage on his acceptability among the people and the strength of his programmes for the state, saying those “preaching ethnic agenda are being unfair to this state. I am not part of Akoko Agenda; I have never raised that issue and I will

not do it now, because if I become governor, I will be governor of Ondo State.” “PDP has shown that it has nothing to offer again; the economy is in ruins, infrastructure is in decay, the education system has broken down and the healthcare system is nothing to write home about. All these have dented the image of the PDP in Ondo State and we have not seen much in terms of development in the last eight years.”

We are not party to any endorsement —APC Muslim Congress Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure AHEAD primaries gressives in Ondo

of tomorrow’s of the All ProCongress (APC) State, members

Jegede unfolds agenda for youths THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Ondo State, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, has expressed his preference for youth empowerment, declaring that if elected, youths in the state would be made employers of labour instead of job hunters. The legal luminary, who is the immediate past Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in the state, said his government would give top priority to youth empowerment with

the aim of making them self-reliant and employers of labour. Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday, Jegede said if elected, his government would encourage youths in the state to look in the direction of becoming self-employed and economically fit to accommodate others in their respective businesses. According to him, “the time has come for us to make our youths realise their potentials, that they

can be useful for themselves and be responsible for the financial fortune of others if given the right environment to thrive. “The present government in the state has done well in this regard especially as it affects young farmers who have practically become self-reliant through the various agro business centres in Ore, Auga and Isuada among others.” The PDP candidate said young graduates with natural calling will be encour-

JUSTICE Okon Abang of a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, washed his hands off the suit filed by Mr Jimoh Ibrahim seeking to stop the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting primaries for the purpose of electing candidate for the state governorship election slated for November 26, 2016. When the matter came up yesterday, the trial judge recalled that the case was filed on August 9, 2016 before Justice Dimgba, who granted leave for the matter to be heard during vacation. Abang said his court inherited the file on the August 17, 2016 and granted leave to the plaintiffs to serve the respondents through substituted means on August 29. Counsel to the plaintiff,

Oladele Oyelami, informed the court that the court processes and notice of hearing in the matter had been served on the respondents through substituted means, by publishing it in two national dailies, but none of the publications was displayed before the court. In his ruling, Justice Abang said his court will seize to sit as a vacation court on September 9, 2016 and added that, “In this circumstances, I do not think that the matter can be concluded before September 9. “Therefore, the only option left for the court is to return the case file to the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for re-assignment to another judge for hearing on a date to be fixed after the vacation of the court,” Justice Abang stated and accordingly referred the case to the chief judge, for re-assignment to another judge.

aged to fulfil their callings and position them to complement efforts of government in advancing the state. Jegede also mentioned his plan to make farming fascinating for practising farmers and those being wooed into the practice. He promised total comfort for farmers in the state in and off season as well as leverage on the state’s ability to produce cocoa to the advantage of cocoa farmers and also make farming appeal to the youth.

of the Muslim Congress within the party, on Friday, dissociated itself from the endorsement of one of the aspirants. The congress stated this in a statement signed by its coordinator and Public Relations Officer, Takuro Amidu and Akindele Ahmed, respectively, saying the council never endorsed any of the aspirants. The statement read “This is to bring to the notice of all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the general public that we, the members of APC Muslim Council Ondo State, are not party to any kangaroo endorsement of any aspirant of the party in Ondo State.” The group, however, said that their support will only

be given to a credible and God-fearing person with demonstrable antecedent, who will rule with equity and justice as stated in the Quran. “We will only support an aspirant who has a practical antecedent of developing his or her people and community to become the governor of our great state because community development is a highly rewardable act of worship in Islam. “APC Muslim Council has categorically stated that we will not accept anything short of Muslim/Christian ticket and we will only follow the part of righteousness by supporting the best aspirant that fit this purpose that is “a round peg in a round hole” on the day of primaries.”

Friday, 2 September, 2016

arewa

Plateau signs MoU with coy to set up fertiliser blending plant Isaac Shobayo - Jos

lateau State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) with Oil and Chemical International, for the set up of a 40-tonnes fertiliser blending plant in Foron in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state. The state Commissioner for Commerce, Ezekiel Daju, who signed the MoU on behalf of the state government, said the occasion was another milestone in the Governor Simon Lalong-led administration. “As we all know, most citizens of our state are farmers and fertiliser is an essential ingredient in agriculture. Due to the falling price of oil, the state government has keyed into diversification and our governor, Simon Lalong, has vowed to transform the agriculture sector in order to boost food production and the internally generated revenue IGR of the state.” According to him, the commissioning marked the beginning of good and peopleoriented projects under the Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Lalong, adding the state government was committed to delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state. He said when completed, it would create job opportunities for our teeming youths and also boost food production in the state. Commissioner for Agriculture, Linda Barau, who also spoke at the occasion, said the promises the Governor Simon Lalong’s administration made before coming into office were being implemented. She said the unique geography of the state made the state suitable for the farming of a wide range of exotic and traditional crops for which Plateau was distinguished.

Speaking on behalf of the coy, the director of Operations of Oil and Chemicals International , Michael Ekoja, said Plateau ranked as one of the leading agrarian states in the country with over 60 per cent of its population engaged in farming. Said he: “Today as oil prices continue to fall and dwindle, and financial allocations

from the federation account to the state shrinking and unstable, with the grim economic reality of the nation and state, there is certainly no better time to tap into the huge agricultural potential of the state for sustainable and equitable development than now, especially given the renewed commitment of the present administra-

Gov Lalong

We are reaching out to aggrieved Northern members —Northern CAN

Dr Sunday Ibrahim is currently the state secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, as well as the financial secretary of the 19 Northern CAN and FCT, Abuja. He spoke with MUHAMMAD SABIU on the recently concluded election that ushered in new CAN National President as well as on the crisis that followed after the election. Excerpts : Has the 19 Northern CAN pulled out of the parent body as being speculated? Thank you for that question. I think as the state secretary of CAN, Kaduna State chapter as well as the Financial Secretary of the 19 Northern CAN and FCT, Abuja, I can speak on this being an insider. I really want to appeal to the concerned brethrens who are bitter on the outcome of the recently concluded elections that ushered in new officials of the Christian body to look at the other direction and embrace peace by seeking audience with the Northern CAN. There is this belief that if you see somebody crying, definitely there must be something that he or she is not happy about. So, I am of the opinion that both the Northern CAN and our parent body should reach out to them and discuss the issue at stake. CAN is a credible body that is made up of credible leadership that enjoys tremendous support and respect. There is no doubt in my mind about the capacity of the present leadership to deliver. So, the leadership should have a roundtable discussion with these

aggrieved brethrens. This will help us and help the country. My advice to them is that they should please sheath their sword and engage the national leadership in dialogue. Like I keep saying that we will settle all rifts. Yes, the bottom line is to have the wisdom to sit down and talk as a family.

Sunday Ibrahim

But the aggrieved group was saying that the Northern delegates did not particicipate in the election that ushered in the can president. Can you elaborate on this? It is true we did not participate. But I want to beg them to forget what has taken place as it is now in the past. We are trying to let go of what transpired. We that came from Kaduna also suffered from the outcome of the convention, but we told one another that we should move forward and put the past behind us. What has happened has happened. We support the new leadership. We are reaching out to the concerned brethrens and I want to advise the leadership that when it engages in dialogue, it should shift grounds so that the other party will be ready to accept its hands of friendship. What is your take on the persistent killings in the North in the name of religion? It is very sad, barbaric, wicked and inhuman, that a fellow human being will slaughter his fellow being like chicken. There are people that cannot slaughter a chicken even though they are quite aware that chickens were meant to be eaten. Nigeria is a secular state. No religion can claim to have rights over the other. We must appreciate one another and live in peace with one another.

tion to economic diversification “It is in view of this that we decided to enter into Public Private Partnership with Plateau State government to build and operate a blending plant that will service the growing demand for agro input in the state and boost productivity in the agricultural sector “. He said until fertiliser issue was solved and put behind, there wouldn’t be food security, poverty alleviation , industrialisation, equitable prosperity, measurable growth and sustainable development. According to him, it is a known fact that in spite of the large number of people employed in the agricultural sector, productively is low and the farmers are poor, adding that to improve the status of farmers, there had to be increase in productivity and for this to be achieved, farmers must have access to critical farm inputs and support services like improved seedlings, fertilizers , crop protection products and other improved agronomic practices. “Our company, in collaboration with the administration of Simon Lalong, is embarking on the process for the establishment of the fertiliser plant from the scratch. Our company is a member of the Duncan group of companies and for the past twenty years, we have been active in Plateau , as an organisation.” “Our avowed commitment is to bring the same values and management principles which have distinguished us in our over 35 years of progressive and consolidated growth to bear on the delivery of this project

Senator donates complex to NOUN Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial Zone, Senator Danjuma La’ah, has donated a new complex to the National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN) Centre, for prospective students in the zone. Speaking during the donation, the lawmaker said the complex, which is located at Kaura Local Government Area, gulped a sum of N145 million. He added that it was his contribution to making the people in his constituency to assess degree programmes. “Education is what Southern Kaduna is known for. It has become our major source of livelyhood and the hunger for it is getting more each year. Most of progress is attached to the education we acquire”. “In other to meet this gap, I have decided to consult NOUN, who gave me permission to build this edifice. I actually started it sometimes back, even before I became a Senator. The physical structure alone is over N100 million. I have so far invested N45 million in just the furnishing. When fully operational, it will have state-of-the art computers and gadgets specifically configured for long distance teaching. “The centre will also run programmes with Harvard University and some few renowned International Institutes, using latest 3D video Technology.

Friday, 2 September, 2016 33 news Operation Delta Safe Nigeria must consider separating education from science, technology arrests 12 suspects, siezes 7 tankers —Prof Mabogunje

By Tunde Ogunesan

f Nigeria would experience economic growth and practical development, it must be ready to concentrate on a self-reliant and resilient economy through robust inventions and other intellectual property away from education. These were the words of the chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the

Ibadan School of Government and Public policy (ISGPP), Professor Akin Mabogunje, during the inauguration of the 32 -man Public Policy Group (PPG), at the conference hall of the institution, on Wednesday. Professor Mabogunje, who said the inauguration of the group cannot come at a better time, especially, given the current situation in the country, said that

“there is clearly a glaring need for government and all relevant stakeholders in the socio-economic development to prioritise on areas requiring urgent attention for policy development and articulation.” “I have always been dismayed at the tendency in this country to align science and technology only with education without stressing their critical dimension

for the enhancement of our productive activities and the possibilities of growing a self-reliant and resilient economy through a robust generation of inventions and other intellectual property “For instance, the abundant hours of sunshine in our country, I will hope that we can articulate policies that would gradually serve to put Nigeria in the fore-

front of countries engaged in the production of innovative and creative products in the area of renewable solar energy rather than just being consumers of what other countries produce. Earlier, the executive vice chairman, ISGPP, Dr Tunji Olaopa, had said ISGPP is concerned with getting government “to work better for democratic governance and development from the perspective of knowledge and policy intelligence.” “ISGPP hopes to leverage the twin instrument of research and executive education, by converging on existing community of scholars and practitioners, to intervene in Nigeria’s policy environment with the goal of facilitating creative responses to the development predicament in Nigeria.”

Dangote to invest $150m in Nasarawa Godwin Agwam- Lafia

From left, sole administrator, Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, Olawale Balogun; Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila; Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, Mr Kufre Ekanam and the Corporate Communication/ Brand Public Relations Manager NB Plc, Mr Patrick Olowokere, during the inauguration of Akerele Primary Health Centre, renovated by NB Plc, in Lagos, on Thursday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Nobody can Islamise Nigeria —Kumuyi Charges FG on realistic economic blueprint Anthony Ubong - Calabar

The General Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has said that no individual or government can Islamise Nigeria. Pastor Kumuyi said this on Thursday, while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after arriving the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, the

Cross River State capital, for a crusade in the SouthSouth zone. He said nobody can impose a religion on a country without the collective will of the people. Is it possible to also Christianise Nigeria? I think it depends on the will of the people; you cannot impose a religion on a country without the support of the people.

Worshipping God is a personal affairs, so, you can do any legitimate thing with your religion, Islamising a country takes a process.’’ Kumuyi said for the continuous existence of Nigeria as one indivisible nation, Nigerians must learn to respect each other’s religious values, which according to him ,had been one of the major problems bedev-

No outbreak of polio in Delta, commissioner tells UNICEF delegation Alphonsus Agborh – Asaba

Contrary to rumours, Delta State has not recorded any case of polio and has put a viable machinery in place to check any outbreak. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, said this when he played host to a delegation of United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF), in Asaba, the Delta State capital, on Thursday. According to him, the state has over 200 health care centres spread over the council areas even as he said that maternal and child health care had been of great interest to the current administration. He assured the delegation

of government support for its programmes, which are still in the pipeline and stressed the need for early notification for assistance. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Wilboard Ngambi, had said that concerns rose with the recent polio outbreak in Borno State which prompted the need to strengthen health care delivery system in the country. Ngambi said that UNICEF had opened a new office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to oversee four states which include; Enugu, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom and Delta, adding that the essence of coming to Delta State, was to partner the

state government. “Our cardinal goals are centered on water project, health care for children between 0-5 years, voluntary counseling and polio eradication.” Our visit is to secure a partnership with the Ministry of Information in the sensitisation of the public. The campaign against polio will hold in the state between November and December and children will be re-immunised against polio.” Also speaking, the director, Oversee Development Agency (ODA), Ministry of Economic Planning, Mrs Patience Ogbewi, said that the 2016 work plan will be reviewed in the state soon.

iling the country. Christianity nor Islam does not advocate killing of people. Love for our neighbours is very important. We should think and understand that we need to respect each other’s religious values. People should be allowed to make their own choices.’’ This came as he expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon overcome its current economic problem. Kumuyi said the current economic recession would make Nigeria stronger and called on the Federal Government to come up with a realistic economic blueprint that would turn the country around for good. “I believe that there’s always going to be a way out of the current economic situation. When you think about situations like this, there are different avenues that reach to a climax, so, we must have gotten it wrong somewhere, but I won’t say this is the particular place that we got it wrong. “I believe that as a nation, there’s still going to be a way out of our current economic problem and I am encouraging the people that no matter the situation, things can still be better,” he added.

The Dangote Group of Companies has said it would set up machinery to invest over $150 million in rice and sugar cane production in Nasarawa State. The president of Dangote Group of Companies, Aliko Dangote, said this on Thursday, when he embarked on a working visit to the state, to assess its investment potentials. Dangote, who was represented by a delegation of his directors , led by the Group Managing Director of sugar production company of the group, Abdullahi Sule, said the company is also mapping out plans to utilise the coal potentials of the state to generate power for its production. Dangote said the state has 300 million metric tonnes of coal, adding that the group would invest in the state to explore its coal potentials. He said that the group would decide on its modus operandi to utilise the 17,000 hectares of land available for rice and sugar cane production. Dangote, who said that they were complying with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, to diversify the economy, said that its investments in the state would be centered around Obi, Awe and Doma Local Government areas. He said that the investment has the capacity to offer a long-term job opportunity to about 25,000 people in the state and the country at large. Speaking earlier, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura , had commended the group for the visit and assured the group of the enabling environment.

Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

Twelve suspects have been arrested in various parts of Delta State in connection with illegal oil bunkering and oil theft. This was disclosed by the commander, Sector 1, Joint Task Force, (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS), Colonel Alhassan Grema, on Thursday, during the parade of the suspects at 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, near Warri. Operation Delta Safe, it will be recalled, is a replacement for Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) and was constituted as a JTF to root out illegal oil bunkering and other oilrelated crimes in the state and other parts of the Niger Delta region. The ODS boss, during the parade, added that seven fuel tankers, one truck, an outboard engine, a bus and a Volkswagen Golf car, were seized from the suspects.

Oshiomhole inaugurates Edo Varsity governing council Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has inaugurated the Governing Council of Edo University, Iyamho, to be chaired by Professor Pat Utomi. While inaugurating the nine-man council, on Wednesday, Governor Oshiomhole, said his vision was to midwife a first-class university for the state and turn Edo State to the hub of tertiary education in the country. “I want to thank you for accepting to help us to midwife the birth of a new university, which is intended not to be run the way conventional public institutions are run. “From my experience in Edo State for seven and a half years, I am convinced that the problem is not money. As a political economist, one of the basic elements of economic theory is that resources are necessarily scarce in relation to our wants. Therefore, the operating word is ‘management’. It is that quality of management and governance that defines the outcome.” Responding on behalf of other members, the chairman of the governing council, commended the governor for the appointment. Other members of the governing council, include: Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; Bishop Gabriel Dunia; Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Dr Solomon Uvie Owumi and Mr Asue Ighodalo.

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ALABA: I, formerly known, called and addressed as Ajayi Cicilia Ayodeji now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALABA CICILIA AYODEJI. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Deborah Opeyemi Adenitan now MRS DEBORAH OPEYEMI OYEDOKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Aremu Iyabode now AREMU YETUNDE MISITURA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olawoore Ranti Mary now MRS OLADOSU RANTI MARY. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission (Oyo TESCOM) and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Eniola Olufisayo Fatogun now ENIOLA OLUFISAYO ADESANMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunbiyi Grace Foluke now MRS ALAGBADA GRACE FOLUKE. All former documents remain valid. Hospital Management Board and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Awoyemi Oluwatoyosi Eniola now MISS OGUNDARE OLUWATOYOSI ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid. The Federal Government and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogundijo Salome Sunkanmi now MRS GBOLAHAN SALOME SUNKANMI. All former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunrinu Hannah Olubukola now MRS CLEMENT HANNAH OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. OAUTHC, Ile-Ife and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adepoju Adekunbi Adetola now MRS MALOMO ADEKUNBI ADETOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Osisanwo Oluwatobi Mary now MRS IYIADE OLUWATOBI MARY. All former documents remain valid. OAU, Ile-Ife, NYSC, GTBank Plc, Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Seun-Fadipe Tobi Champion am the same person bearing SeunFadipe Oluwatobi Champion, SeunFadipe Oluwatobi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SEUN-FADIPE TOBI CHAMPION . All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ofoegbu Chiamaka Cynthia now MRS MADUANUSI CHIAMAKA CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ojekale Busola Stephen now OJEKALE BUSOLA ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Akinwaare Olubukola Temitope am the same person bearing Akinwaare Toluwani. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADENIRAN OLUBUKOLA TEMITOPE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Umar Waziri now ABUBAKAR KAZEEM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Afolabi Fatokun Elisha am the same person as Afolabi Elisha Ogungbe . All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adewumi Adedeji Bello now ADEWUMI ADEDEJI AKANJI BELLO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adewale Ifedolapo Bukunmi now MRS ADELABU IFEDOLAPO BUKUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that I formerly known as Mrs Olubisi Oluwatoyin Jaiyeola of Plot 3 & 5, Emiola Laditi Layout Ile-Tuntun, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan have officially changed and to be addressed as HAJIA FAHEEDAT OLUWATOYIN JAIYEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Onifade Omowunmi Patience now MRS OGIDAN PATIENCE OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abubakr Bashir Idowu now ABU BASHIR IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Okeke Ijeoma Maryjoy now MRS IFEORAH IJEOMA MARYJOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Farinto Stephen Oladepo now MR FARINTO STEPHEN KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. Ibarapa North Local Government, Ayete, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) and general public take note.

OMISSION OF NAME

I, Arogunyo Oluwatoyin Ajoke wish to inform the public that my first name Oluwatoyin was omitted in the process of opening my account. Henceforth, I want the name Oluwatoyin to b e included, and be addressed as AROGUNYO OLUWATOYIN AJOKE . All documents bearing these names remain valid.EcoBank Plc and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Aiyemidara Funmi Felicia now MRS ADEBOGUN FUNMI FELICIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Eniola Ibukun now ALESHINLOYE IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Ajilesoro Oladele Taiwo am the same person bearing Oladele Taiwo Kazeem. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AJILESORO OLADELE TAIWO . All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, Eco Bank Plc and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ishola Olayinka Blessing now MRS OYEDAPO OLAYINKA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ajibola Afusat Oluwaseun now MRS ADENIJI OLUWASEUN AFUSAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Jubril Abdulmalik Abdullahi am the same person bearing Jubril Abdulmalik Subair and Jubril Abdulmalik Abduli Now , I wish to be known and addressed as ABDULMALIK JUBRIL SUBAIR and my correct date of birth is 24/02/1990 . All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note

news FG reinstates 91 sacked CRIN workers

By Tunde Ogunesan

in e ty - o n e members of staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), who were sacked by the immediate past administration led by Professor Malachi Akoroda, on Thursday, amid jubilation, resumed duty, following their reinstatement. The workers and their union leaders, who were clad in ankara attire and accompanied by a musical band for the occasion, assembled at the entrance of the institute, where they sang and praised God, as well as the Federal Government for their reinstatement, after almost three years they were relieved of their duties. The acting Executive Director of the institute, Dr Feyisara Okelana, rejoiced with the workers for being alive to witness the occasion of their reinstatement, recalling that the Federal Government, after thorough investigation into their cases, found out that they were unjustifiably sacked by the past administration. Dr Okelana also charged the workers to put behind them the past experience and rededicate themselves

Ganduje effects minor cabinet reshuffle Kola Oyelere-Kano

KANO State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle, by the appointment of Hajiya ‘Yardada Maikano Bichi as the new Commissioner for Women Affairs. The commissioner in charge of the ministry, Mr Zubaida Abubakar, had been moved to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Speaking shortly after the swearing in of Hajiya ‘Yardada as a member of the state executive council, the governor explained that the development was necessitated by the fact that the former Commissioner of Budget and Planning was recently appointed the Accountant-General of the state. According to him, the new commissioner was appointed on merit, and urged her to put in her best towards attaining the goals of the administration. The new commissioner, Hajiya ‘Yardada Maikano Bichi, was until her appointment the Executive Secretary of the State Agency for Mass Education.

Friday, 2 September, 2016

to their duties, noting that the mandate of the institute as a frontline research centre for cocoa and other cash crops is now more relevant as agriculture is becoming the pivot of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. The CRIN acting Executive Director disclosed the readiness of the institute to rise to the current challenge of returning cocoa and cashew to their rightful place in the agricultural economy of the country, through raising high yield breed of the two crops. She used the occasion to appeal to the Federal Government to ensure timely release of funds to undertake

necessary research to meet the demand of government from the institute, stressing that “everybody is conscious of the focus of the Federal Government to diversify the economy from oil to agriculture, and we are all ready to contribute our quota to the laudable move.” Dr Okelana also assured the workers on the various needs put before the Federal Government, through the institute’s supervising Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which she said, were being attended to, saying, “the issue of sacked workers was one of our demands and with this one resolved, I can assure all of us that others will also be

resolved and we will all have cause to rejoice.” In his remarks, the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institute (ASURI), who is also the chairman of the various workers’ unions in the institute, Dr Semiu Olalekan Ogunwolu, recalled that the workers were unjustifiably sacked as far back as January 24, 2014. He added that their reinstatement was an outcome of the concerted efforts of both the current and the various workers’ unions in the institute. He also commended the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, for getting to

roots of the matter which led to the reversal of the obnoxious sack order by the immediate past Executive Director of the institute. Another union leader, Tessy Otuoye, the chairperson of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of the institute, said the reinstatement of the unjustifiably sacked workers, was a vindication of the unions that the past administration erred by its action. According to her, “we are very much happy that our cries and agitation of over two years have at last bore the desired result and we cannot thank the government and our management enough.”

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo (middle); Professor Ibukun Ayodele (right); Professor Abiodun Ayodele of the University of Ibadan (second left); Dr Festus Adedayo (left) and the Managing Director, Farm Support Services, Mr Olumide Origunloye (second right), when the Deji paid a courtesy visit on the agricultural firm, in Ibadan, on Wednesday.

2016 budget: Implementation of e-procurement will save N48bn —FG •Threatens sanction on errant heads of parastatals, agencies Clement Idoko-Abuja

THE Federal Government has disclosed that implementation of the pilot scheme of e-Procurement in six federal ministries will save the government about N48 billion of the 2016 budget. Government also threatened to sanction any head of parastatals and agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education that flout the provision of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Acting Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, Mr Ahmed Abdu and the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Folasade Yemi-Esan, spoke on Thursday in Abuja, at an interactive meeting of the Ministry of Education with new heads of parastatals and relevant staff on public procurement. The acting Directort-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, in his remark

on the occasion, said the total non-payroll based primarily on the 2016 budget for the select pilot ministries was approximately N1.4 trillion. According to Ahmed Abdu, it was projected that if e-Procurement is effectively implemented on this pilot scheme, the potential financial savings would be N48,436,717,647.00, which represents “savings of approximately 5 per cent on recurrent expenditure and 3 per cent on capital expendi-

Bowen varsity’s panel report ready for submission to NUC —Visitor By Kehinde Adio

Professor Olawale Moronkola-led 10-man visitation panel constituted by the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention and the Visitor to Bowen University, Reverend (Dr) Samson Ayokunle, to appraise the needs of the institution. The panel is also expected to look into the prospects, challenges and general academic progress of

the university in its teaching, research and community service experience in the last five years. It is expected to submit the report to the visitor for presentation to the National Universities Commission (NUC). While receiving the report from Professor Moronkola, on Wednesday, at the Baptist Building Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Reverend Ayokunle disclosed that a copy of

the report would be sent to NUC as mandated by the commission. He expressed his satisfaction with the panel’s expertise and their commitment to the exercise. He also commended the principal officers of the university headed by Professor Matthews Ojo, for their cooperation with the panel while carring out their assignments in the university.

ture.” Abdu, who was represented by Mr Isaiah Yusufu, noted that the agency was in the middle of sensitisation workshops on the Electronic Procurement (e-Procurement) for officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs YemiEsan, said the meeting was organised for the new chief executives of agencies under the ministry and heads of tertiary institutions, who might not be conversant with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and the process involved. She said the Federal Government would not hesitate to sanction any head of agencies found to have flouted the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. She noted that the ministry was inundated with complaints and petitions that the provisions of the Procurement Act were not strictly followed by some of the agencies.

Propak exhibition to highlight trends, developments in printing industry Gbemi Solaja-Lagos

Organisers of Propak West Africa, the largest packaging, printing and plastics exhibition in West Africa, has stated that it will be welcoming leading names in Nigeria’s print industry to this year’s conference to lead discussions on the trends and key topics in the industry. The event which is scheduled for September 20, would host the founding partner, Printivo, lu’yomi Ojo, who will present a paper titled: “The changing face of the Nigerian digital print industry”. The insight from one of the country’s leading digital print organisations is expected to draw significant attention at the show on September 22. Also, the Nigerian nondigital print market, managing directors from FC Exports and Portion Consult will also be discussing new technologies, sharing exciting developments and key market trends. According to the organisers, at a time when globalisation has prompted fierce competition, innovative technologies and staying ahead of the market is more important now than ever. “If the country is going to fare well in this game of globalisation and fierce competition, knowledge sharing from leading industry members is key to helping home-grown organisations find their way globally, “Indeed, whilst there are many positive developments in the sector, capital flight still remains a serious threat. “This unfavourable factor places Nigerian printers at a greater disadvantage when they have to compete for print jobs with printers in other countries,” they noted. The panelist will also discuss “how to avoid capital flight in the Nigerian printing industry” in order to give the delegates better understanding of these problems and discuss viable solutions. Mr Samuel Kolawole, the Managing Director of University Press will chair the panelists discussion.

Friday, 2 September, 2016

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with seyi gesinde foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Eclipse in Africa: ‘Ring of Fire’

eclipse wows stargazers In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, some watched the eclipse in reflections. PHOTO: AFP

The‘ring of fire’, an annular eclipse, happens when the moon is far away from Earth during a transit. PHOTO: AFP

Stargazers take in the sight from La Reunion. PHOTO: AFP

TARGAZERS in parts of Africa have been treated to a spectacular “ring of fire” in the sky as the sun was almost - but not completely - eclipsed.

An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farther away from the Earth than during a total eclipse, BBC reported The result is a bright circle of sunshine surrounding a

dark, shadowy core. The best views were seen in Tanzania, where the event lasted about three minutes. The eclipse could also be viewed in parts of Nigeria,

Italy rescues 13,000 refugees off Libya in peak season

Refugees on the Mediterranean Sea. PHOTO: INDIAN EXPRESS ITALY’S coastguard and vessels from other European nations have pulled 13,000 refugees from barely seaworthy and overcrowded boats off the Libyan coast in the mere space of four days. Traffickers are taking advantage of the calm summer weather, piling refugees on to flimsy boats when the sea is more placid so that the southern wind can push them into international waters. However, the flimsy rubber dinghies that are often used become highly unstable in high seas. The Italian coastguard estimated that 6,500 people, believed to be mostly from Somalia and Eritrea, were

rescued on Monday alone. More than 400,000 have successfully made the voyage to Italy from North Africa since the beginning of 2014, fleeing violence and poverty. Libya has suffered turmoil since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011, with a number of revolutionary militias - formed along regional and ideological lines - vying for power. The country’s lawlessness has opened the way for smugglers to ship thousands of refugees and migrants across the Mediterranean in days. Some individuals fleeing the ongoing conflict told Doctors Without Borders

(MSF) that their experiences in Libya were so traumatic that they would “rather die at sea” than return to the region. Many of those crammed in boats are from vulnerable communities, including the sick, elderly and unaccompanied young. In fact, more unaccompanied minors have been rescued this year than in all of 2015. “The number of unaccompanied minors who have arrived since the beginning of this year is more than 14,700. In the whole of last year, 12,300 arrived,” Giovanna Di Benedetto from Save The Children told Al Jazeera.

Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion. The moon does not move in a perfect circle around the earth - instead, its orbit is slightly elliptical. That means the distance of the moon varies between around 225,000-252,000 miles (362,000-405,555 kilmetres). When the moon is farther away from the earth, it appears smaller and does not totally cover the sun’s disc during a total eclipse. The result is also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse. The next eclipse is due to take place in February 2017, and can be seen from parts of South America and Africa.

other NEWS

Malaysia reports first case of Zika virus MALAYSIA has reported its first case of Zika, a woman who tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus after a visit to neighbouring Singapore, where 115 people have been infected. The 58-year-old victim had shown signs of a rash and fever one week after coming back from Singapore late last month, officials said on Thursday. “We are carrying out control measures against aedes mosquitoes near the woman’s home to prevent the spread of the virus,” Subramaniam Sathasivam, the Malaysian health

minister, said at a news conference. According to Al Jazeera, the Zika virus, which has spread through the Americas and the Caribbean since last year, is generally a mild disease but is a particular risk to pregnant women. It has been linked to microcephaly - a severe birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had said Singapore was the only Asian nation with active Zika virus transmission. Officials in the city-state reported the first locally transmitted infection on Saturday and said on Health workers fumigating a piece Wednesday the number of land to rid it of mosquito, which had jumped to 115.

carries Zika virus. PHOTO: EPA

Congo opposition supporters clash before election talks VIOLENCE broke out on Thursday between supporters of rival Congolese opposition parties, exposing deep divisions among President Joseph Kabila’s adversaries over whether to engage in talks about a delayed presidential election. The talks between the government, opposition and civic leaders were set to open later on Thursday after authorities said last month that a poll set for November could not be held before next July as they enroll millions of new voters. According to Al Jazeera, Kabila’s opponents accuse him of stalling the vote to

hang onto power, a charge he denies. Most of the main opposition parties are boycotting the talks but some prominent figures have agreed to participate, saying they will use the forum to insist on his departure this year.

Congo’s president, Joseph Kabila

Libya chemical weapons: Components leave for Europe A Danish ship loaded with materials that can be used to manufacture chemical weapons has left Libya and is making its way to Germany. The ship, escorted by United Kingdom and Danish naval vessels, was despatched as part of international efforts to remove dangerous stockpiles from the country. BBC reported that Libyan chemical weapons were destroyed under global supervision in 2014. But the presence of hazardous materials in the strife-torn country has caused international

serving ruler Col Muammar concern. Foreign Secretary Boris Gaddafi in October 2011, Johnson said the UK and leading to a power vacuum its international partners and instability. Western powers have were taking “practical and effective action” to eliminate since become increasingly the risks of chemical attacks concerned after so-called Islamic State (IS) built in Libya. The items on board the a presence in the North Danish vessel travelling African state. through the Mediterranean are believed to be the last known materials to pose a threat. Libya has been beset by chaos since Nato-backed forces The Danish vessel (right) is transporting the last known materials believed to pose a chemical overthrew long- threat. PHOTO: DANISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

news

Friday, 2 September, 2016

Shun negotiation with Boko Haram, coalition tells FG Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

HE Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has called on the Federal Government to shun any act of negotiation with the Boko Haram sect. The group, during a protest march to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, the Nigerian Army Headquarters and the Federal Ministry of Information on Thursday, advised the government not to allow any group or sect to hold the nation to ransom through unreasonable demands. The protesters led by the Secretary General of CATE, Mr Daniel Obaje, commended the military for the victory it is recording in combating

the Boko Haram sect in the North East. Obaje said, “We all are not unaware of recent trends in the very successful fight against terrorism as instituted by the dedicated government of President Muhammadu Buhari, has achieved high percentage achievements in this area of ensuring national stability and peace. “However, certain elements in the nation who have overtime benefited from the spoils of violence and its antecedent followings have risen to distract the vision and drive of this administration to putting a final nail to the coffin of these saboteurs (terrorists). “It is common knowledge also that recently, there have been continued

Airforce bombs Boko Haram members receiving treatment Chris Agbambu - Abuja

THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a series of another well-coordinated air operations conducted on August 29, successfully attacked a Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) camp at Tumbun Rego in Northern Borno, where some wounded commanders of the notorious sect were believed to be receiving treatment. Intelligence report had it that some BHT commanders, who survived the air assault on the night of August 20, leading to the death of

over 300 insurgents, had sustained serious injuries and were said to have relocated subsequently to the Camp at Tumbun Rego for medical treatment. The latest strike followed the trail of the piece of intelligence to neutralise the suspected leaders of the sect who are high value targets. While the NAF was yet to ascertain the casualty figure, post-strike Battle Damage Assessment mission showed that the degree of damage achieved was devastating as the buildings were engulfed by large fire

calls from several quarters for the Federal Government to consider the issue of negotiation with the terrorist group, Boko Haram even as certain personalities have suggested themselves as go-between in this malevolent plot which will inadvertently circumvent the victory against terror. “We are solely and totally in support of the present position of the Federal Government to match strength for strength. It is gross sabotage

for anyone to moot the idea of negotiation with the Boko Haram group who till date, has not defined the purpose for their agitation. “Any attempt to negotiate with terror groups in the country will rather serve as open invitation from other miscreants to hold the nation’s peace to ransom in anticipation of financial and other selfish aggrandisement as suggested for Boko Haram. “The current military

command has shown commitment and zeal to this struggle and any attempt to initiate negotiation will be aimed at demoralising the already motivated troops whose efforts may be viewed as futile. These selfless patriots have continued to show their strength on a daily basis despite all the harsh and unconventional nature of the operation to safeguard our sovereignty.” The coalition also told the Federal Government

that there is a certain group of crisis entrepreneurs, who have benefitted so much from the activities of these terrorist groups that are now willing to play on the military’s intelligence to allow these insurgents reorganise and launch more deadly attacks. They called on the Nigerian military to rise and sustain the frontal attacks, so as to consolidate on the already achieved victory and ignore all diversionary tactics.

Police commence construction of N16bn crime-incident database centre Chris Agbambu - Abuja

FOUNDATION for the construction of Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database (NPCID) centre estimated at N16 billion, was on Thursday, laid by Vice President Yomi Osinbajo. Speaking at the ceremony, the vice president said the centre would equip the Nigeria Police with necessary modern equipment to tackle the technical and smart ways of modern crimes. The vice president noted that the Nigeria Police of-

ficers had always been one of the best in the world, and expressed the hope that with the centre in place, the Force would be equipped with all the necessary equipment to work. “The Nigeria Police has been one of the best in the world. I am saying this because I witnessed what they achieved in Somalia on a peace mission, as I worked with the United Nations and saw how our police distinguished themselves. “Also, as an Attorney General in Lagos for eight

years, I worked with the police. The challenge has been lack of equipment and welfare of the policemen. I believe that with the proposed Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database, our men will conduct police activities smartly and faster,” he said. In his speech, the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris noted that the centre would help the police to process data of suspects and get the needed information even if the suspects committed the crime

SATURDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER, 2016

in any part of the country. He observed that the centre was intended to harness all data across the federation into one central base, where police detectives could just key in the name of a suspect and all his or her data would pop out. According to him, establishment of the centre was long overdue, considering the myriads of challenges that characterised the manual form of police crime and incident registers, which he said, had become obsolete and moribund.

N150

entertainment

Weekend Lagos

Oyo State shines at 2016 MAN conference STUDENTS from various schools in Oyo State that represented the state, at the just concluded 2016 Mathematics Association of Nigeria (MAN), held in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, have emerged victorious in the competition. The competition which came in quiz and written cut across primary, Junior and Senior Secondary schools, had participants from 22 states of the country. Among the schools that represented Oyo State were Sharon Rose Schools, Saki; Kings International College, Ogbomoso; Deril Academy, New Gbagi, Ibadan; Corner Stone Nursery and Primary School, Oyo; All Souls School, Bodija, Ibadan; Adejoke Nursery and Primary School, Igboora; Oladipo Alayande School of Science and JAF Comprehensive College, Ogbomoso. In the Senior Secondary

School quiz competition, Oludele Halleluyah Darasimi and Omodehinde Iretomiwa, from Deril Academy, New Gbagi, and All Souls College, Bodija, both in Ibadan, took the 1st position, while the 3rd position in the primary quiz were received by Abidoye Moses from the Kings International College, Ogbomoso and Azeez Abeebulah from Corner Stone Nursery and Primary School, Oyo. Adewokun Samuel from Adejoke Nursery and Primary School, Igboora took the 1st position in the written competition while Fasasi Muhammed Muqtal from Sharon Rose College, Saki also came 1st in the secondary school section. The second position in the Junior Secondary School went to Ajibade Felix Kehinde from JAF Comprehensive College, Ogbomoso, just as Ayoola Precious from Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Ibadan was given a price as the best female student.

How Lagos gamblers use lunatics to hit the jackpot

crossfire

Edo 2016: Obaseki has certificates,

Marriage has taught ignore PDP’s lies me self-respect and —Ogiowa, APC’s campaign chief how to pray –Tonto Dikeh Obaseki is Oshiomhole’s 3rd term P-Square becomes a big ploy —Nehikhare, PDP campaign chief

Plu s

By Oyeyemi Okunlade

brand in Morocco

womenaffairs

A selfless woman makes success of her home

—Pastor (Mrs) Elizabeth Afolabi, wife of Bishop Mike Afolabi

Rivers: Still bitter-sweet 16 months after change of guard Book your copy today

Friday, 2 September, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Ortom assures Lobi feeder’s team of better welfare Johnson BabajideMakurdi

FOLLOWING the protest by Lobi Stars feeder’s team a few weeks ago, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has assured the team of improved welfare. The governor gave the assurance while playing host to the players at the Government House in Makurdi, where he promised to hold a meeting with the management of Lobi Stars FC and the deputy governor, Engineer Benson Abounu, with a view to addressing the problem of allowances being owed the players. According to the statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Mr Godwin Akor, he commended the

Moses Simon

Friendly: Rohr laments

floodlights episode

UPER Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr was unhappy as failing light abbreviated proceedings during Wednesday’s friendly between his charges and Akwa United, a Nigeria Premier League side. The second half of the contest lasted barely 30 minutes as stadium officials at the ‘Nest of Champions’ failed to turn on the floodlights. The development meant the game had to be ended prematurely, something that did not go down too well with Rohr. “The absence of the floodlights affected our play in the second half (of the game against Akwa United). “The players started the second half very well when it was not too dark but it was very hard to play in the dark (as the game wore on). Rohr opted to start play-

ers like Chiedozie Awaziem, Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhem while the ‘big guns’ like John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo were introduced at the start of the second half. The German trainer add-

ed afterwards that he has no preferences and merely wanted to see all his players in action. “I wanted to see all the players. For the players that started, I didn’t know them too well and that is why I wanted them to play

in the first 45 minutes. “Two of them continued after the break because we still do not have all the invited 23 players available. “There were 20 players on Wednesday but by Thursday, (today) we will have 23 players,” he said.

... As Simon joins camp with hand injury GENT forward, Moses Simon has joined the Super Eagles training camp in Uyo, but he is nursing a hand injury, according to team officials. Simon became the 21st call up at the Eagles training camp in Uyo, but team’s spokesman, Toyin Ibitoye announced he was delayed after a hand injury in his club’s last match. “Moses Simon has joined us and there are now 21 players in the camp. He was delayed by a hand injury,” Ibitoye disclosed to Africanfootball.com “The two players we are still waiting for now are Kingsley Madu and Carl

Ikeme.” Madu has understandably been held back in Belgium after he completed his transfer to ZulteWaregem from Slovak double champions, AS Trencin.

Nigeria under new coach Gernot Rohr battle Tanzania on Saturday in a final AFCON 2017 qualifier in Uyo. The Eagles are using this match to prepare for next month’s 2018 World Cup qualifier in Zambia.

NTTF organises trials ahead ITTF World Juniors THE National Training Centre at the National Stadium, Lagos, would come alive today as the 20 players in camp will battle for places in the team to the 2016 ITTF World Junior Championship in South Africa, in a one-day trials. According to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), the players will be pruned to 12 made up of six males and six females that will make the final camping for the championship scheduled to hold in November. According to the coordinator of the camping exercise, Segun Toriola, the players have been giving their best in order to be part of the team, adding that the 12-man team that would make the final phase of camping will be known this weekend. “I am impressed with the response of the players because every one of them wants to make the team to South Africa. For now we

Nigeria premier league to go on despite court order NIGERIA professional league matches will be played across the country this weekend despite a court order suspending the competition until further notice. A high court in Bukuru, near Jos, suspended the league indefinitely on Wednesday

until an earlier order by the same court for Giwa FC to be fully re-instated in the league was complied with. However, Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Company (LMC), Salihu Abubakar, assured matches will go ahead as planned even

30 players for the maturity they exhibited while seeking audience with various club officials including the team’s chairman, Engineer Benson Abounu, who has tried to manage the difficult financial situation before now. Ortom said the management of Lobi Stars meant well for the establishment of the feeder’s team which should graduate into the main team and maintained that their plight would be addressed between now and Tuesday next week. He said the state has been struggling to pull through the difficult financial situation and wondered how the management of Lobi Stars has been able to cope financially.

after this latest court order. “The league will continue, there is no problem. The clubs should go about their normal businesses, while we handle the legal issues,” said Abubakar. Nine matches have been scheduled for Sunday.

will still be watching them because the trial will afford us to pick the best among them for the world championship in Cape Town, South Africa by end of the year,” Toriola said. However, the duo of Abayomi Animasahun and Azeez Solanke believe they would make the team having been part of the team to Algiers where the team picked a spot to the global tournament. The invited players were part of the team that featured at the ITTF African Junior Championship in Algiers where they qualified for the World Juniors, while outstanding players from the National U-16 tournament also made it to the camp. For the president, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, the camp becomes necessary as some of the players would tutor on the latest rudiments of the sport. “The selected players will later go into close camping before the championship in November and they will continue to train in readiness for the competition. Segun Toriola will surely depart to his base after the camping and we hope the coaches around can continue to sharpen the skills of the players before the tournament which has Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia representing Africa in Cape Town, South Africa,” he said.

SIDELINES

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Friday, 2 september, 2016

n0 16,581

Tanzania gameis important

I have not signed for Kano Pillars —Yobo By Olawale Olaniyan

Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo has said he is yet to sign for former four-time Nigeria champions, Kano Pillars or any other club in the Nigeria Professional Football League. The former Everton defender, was reported to have agreed to star for Pillars under the NPFL Elite Players Scheme, after he was unveiled by the League Management Company (LMC), as an ambassador to promote the Nigeria Premier League. Some football fans in Nigeria had thought Yobo will be on duty last Sunday in Ibadan, when Pillars were spanked 0-4 by Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Lekan Salami Stadium in a match day 33 game. The LMC had through its twitter handle account League Management NG (@LMCNPFL) tweeted: “Yobo will soon be assigned to a club under the NPFL Elite Players Scheme which Sani Kaita benefited from two seasons ago.” Though, Pillars media officer, Idris Malikawa, had in an interview late last month also said the signing of the ex-Norwich City defender had not been concluded. “Yobo has not been confirmed as our player yet because we are still in talks,” Malikawa had said. The most capped Nigerian international who retired from international football with 101 caps however, said through his twitter handle account that he has not penned any deal yet. “I read that I was missing in action last weekend. I have not signed for Kano Pillars or any NPFL club yet,” Yobo twetted, just as he attached the bromide of the publication which claimed he was ‘missing in action’ against the Oluyole Warriors.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and other eminent citizens of the state to stop facilitating the release of suspected criminals arrested by the police based on their relationship with them. Well, those who make criminals to escape justice must be criminals themselves. And if the police cannot arrest these ogas at the top, can’t they (police) at least cry out?

ewly-employed technical adviser of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr has declared that tomorrow’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania remains crucial. Nigeria has already missed the ticket to the Gabon 2017 even with a massive win against the Taifa Stars, but the German tactician maintains that the match scheduled to hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium the ‘Nest of Champions’ is still important. “It is very important because it is the first match for us before we commence the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. “We will face Zambia in the next one month so, this game is important to see the state and level of the players and how they react in match situations,”

Onazi

—Rohr

he said. The former coach of Burkina Faso stated that the friendly against Akwa United which the Eagles won 3-0 during the week was helpful ahead of tomorrow’s clash. “The game against Akwa United was interesting because I saw something in our young players. “It was also good to see the fans turn out to appreciate the players who won bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio,” Rohr who is having his baptism of fire since he took over the Eagles job said. Meanwhile, former Lazio of Italy midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has said he is impressed by the attributes of the new coach. “I have been impressed with our new coach (Rohr) so far and I hope we achieve great success,” said Onazi, who featured in the Eagles’ 3-0 win over Akwa United.

...As Taifa Stars land in Uyo The Taifa Stars arrived in Nigeria on Thursday ahead of tomorrow’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations

(AFCON) qualifier against the Super Eagles. The Tanzanian delegation land-

ed in Abuja on Thursday aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight, and immediately flew to Uyo aboard

From left, club officials, Gordon Tannock (Arsenal); Franco Maria Maggi, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Nick Pinder (Manchester City), Nicolaas Vervelde, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Luiz Gomez Para (Real Madrid); Wasel Sabastien (PSG) and Ravannelli Fabrizo (Juventus) at the Star Lager Beer European Clubs partnership announcement held at Eko Hotel on Wednesday in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

a Dana Air flight. NFF’s head of protocol, Tunde Aderibigbe, received the contingent in Abuja and accompanied them to Uyo, while NFF deputy general secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme received the delegation at the airport in Uyo, before the visitors were driven to the Ibom Le Meridien hotel. The Taifa Stars are still searching for their first win over the Super Eagles after five previous clashes. In the first half of this fixture, in Dar es Salaam in September last year, both teams drew 0-0. Meanwhile, the officials for tomorrow’s match also arrived in Nigeria on Thursday. They are Bokinda Inyangi (Democratic Republic of Congo), who is match commissioner, and Algerians Mehdi Abid Charef (referee), Abdelhak Etchiali (first assistant), Ahmed Tamen (second assistant) and Mustapha Ghorbal (reserve referee).

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. 2/9/2016.