3rd November 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,625 THURSDAY, 3 NOVEMBER, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

Pensioners threaten to curse govs

•Demand N25,000 minimum pension

Nigerian Tribune

There is so much bitterness in APC —Govs —P30

@nigeriantribune

TribuneOnline

48 hours after repair, —P10 militants blow up Trans-Forcados export pipeline

Nigerian Tribune

N150

Court convicts companies of laundering $15.5m for Patience Jonathan —P37

Senate threatens suspension of plenary over Rivers rerun —P35

•Gives INEC Dec 10 deadline

—P2

TODAY'S SPECIAL

Tips for creating discipline with money LEARNING discipline with money is not always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to get ahead financially. Many people tell me they don’t make enough money, but here’s the deal- If you have lack of financial discipline, you will always struggle with money whether you make N100,000 a year or N10 million a year. It’s not the money, it’s what you do with it that counts.

Continues pg6

FEC approves 8 new private varsities —P8

Unsolicited messages: Court slams N5m fine on Airtel —P12

From left, Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi and a former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, at the distribution of ‘Zakkat’ and endowment items, as part of the activities to mark the 10 years coronation anniversary of the Sultan, in Sokoto, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN.

Appeal panel for Ondo PDP case reconstituted

•Reverse your decision, Afenifere tells INEC

—P31

2 news

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Senate threatens suspension of plenary over Rivers rerun Gives INEC Dec 10 deadline Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

T

HE Senate, on Wednesday, threatened to suspend plenary sessions if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fails to conduct outstanding elections in Rivers State by December 10.

The Senate, which adopted a motion cosponsored by the deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and Senate leader, Ali Ndume, said the electoral commission must swing into action and complete all outstanding elections which had kept representatives of Rivers from the state assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate for almost a year.

Though the motion had intended to slam an immediate ultimatum on INEC, chairman of Senate committee on INEC, Senator Abubakar Kyari, saved the day for the commission, when he told the Senate that the commission had told his committee that it would conduct the Rivers election on December 10.

In the motion, entitled: “Non–Conduct of Elections in Rivers State,” Ekweremadu argued that in spite of the Senate resolution of September 27, 2016, which called on INEC to immediately conclude all pending reruns,

the commission failed to conduct elections in Rivers.

He also stated that the commission’s failure to conduct elections within the time frame ordered by the different election tribunals and the courts was a breach of the Electoral Act and Section 76 of the 1999 Constitution, adding that such a development endangered democracy.

“Failure of lNEC to conduct election in Rivers State has continued to deny the people of the state their constitutionally guaranteed rights to be represented in the legislative houses where laws affecting them are being made, and has engendered palpable anxiety amongst people of the state,” he said.

Ekweremadu wondered why INEC was able to conduct elections in insurgency-ravaged areas in the North-East, especially the areas around Sambisa forest, while it had been unable to do the same in Rivers.

While seconding the motion, Senator Ndume said a trend of inconclusive elections was already emerging in the country, adding that elections must be conducted at the right time.

“It is inexcusable for the commission not to have conducted the Rivers election up till now, a situation that is making the Senate not to have a single senator from Rivers State at

a time debate on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is about to commence,” he said.

The motion was largely supported by the Senate, but Senator Dino Melaye also used the opportunity

to call attention to the failure of the president to announce a minister from Kogi State after the demise of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James

WORRIED by the cold relationship between the executive arm of government, the National Assembly and the party, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, on Wednesday, visited the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, where he preached unity within the party.

The governor also visited the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and some principal officers of the House.

Though Governor Okorocha said his visit to the Senate was belated, he added that “it is never late to make amends where possible.”

Okorocha, who told Saraki that he was visiting in his capacity as the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, said “this is the very first time I am coming to your office and I am here because I am concerned. I am here because I am a stakeholder.

I am here as the chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum - your friends and

colleagues in the struggle.

“Mr Senate President, leaders of this great Senate, you may recall a few years ago that we were all in the trenches, in battle, asking for change in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I recall vividly the role most of you played in that very struggle.

“We became a government when no one gave us a chance to be so. And shortly, Nigerians believed in us and entrusted us with the responsibility of leading this nation. But one year and several months after, we have not been able to manage this God-given victory very well and it is very worrisome.”

He said the governors met recently with President Muhammadu Buhari, all in a bid to move the party forward and bring about unity.

“Today, I am before you, the Senate President, number three citizen of this country and I ask you to use your wisdom to bring peace among our party members.

We need to enjoy that very vibrancy for which the National Assembly has been known for. We need to enjoy those things that PDP used to enjoy when they were

State.

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, in his final comments, urged INEC and the president to do the needful within the time frame given by the motion.

From left, House Leader, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila; Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha; Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Yusuff Lasun, when Okorocha met with All Progressives Congress (APC) principal officers of the National Assembly, in Abuja, on Wednesday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI.

Deadlock as Senate suspends amendment on Electoral Act Senators divided over substitution of dead presidential, governorship candidates Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

SENATORS were, on Wednesday, sharply divided on an amendment bill to provide for substitution of any presidential or governorship candidate before the declaration of

results by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The lawmakers had set out to amend Electoral Act 2010 to provide for the substitution of a dead governorship or presidential candidate before the

Okorocha visits Saraki, Dogara, preaches unity in APC Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

Ocholi, in March.

The Senate voted in favour of his amendment and, therefore, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to fill the vacancy for the minister from Kogi

a majority in the National Assembly,” he said.

In his response, Saraki told Okorocha that he had raised vital issues that the APC National Assembly caucus would look into, while assuring the governor that the Senate would work in synergy to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians that voted the party into power.

Saraki admitted that the crisis in the party was surmountable, saying nonetheless that the doors of National Assembly was open to the party.

He noted that it remained a surprise that the leadership

of the APC had not deemed it fit in the last 16 months to visit and meet with their members in the National Assembly, adding that with synergy among the party, the executive and legislature, the interest of the common man would be maintained.

The Senate president said the lawmakers were already working to complement the executive arm in churning out laws that would help turn around the economy.

“Today, in the Senate plenary, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has passed its second reading while other economic reform laws have been passed into law,” he said.

announcement of election result with the first runnerup in the party’s primaries, but a sharp division crept in.

While a section of the senators supported the idea, others insisted that since the candidate was not complete without his running mate, the running mate should automatically replace a dead candidate.

Chairman, Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who submitted a report on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act No. 6, 2010 and for other related matters (S.B.231 and S.B.234), said the committee combined the two bills because they covered aspects of the electoral process.

But there was deadlock as the Senate attempted to introduce a new subsection three to section 36 of the Electoral Act 2010, as senators could not agree on the way forward.

The new amendment was seeking to provide for

Bridge linking Kwara with Oyo collapses again ECONOMIC and social activities of residents of Kwara and Oyo states were, on Wednesday, grounded, following the collapse of Moro bridge on llorinlgbeti highway linking the two states.

The member representing Owode-Onire constituency, where the collapsed bridge is located, Abdullahi Taiwo, informed the Kwara State House of

Assembly of the collapsed bridge during Wednesday’s plenary.

Taiwo, who was speaking under matter of urgent public importance, said the collapsed bridge had made transportation of farm produce to llorin, the state capital, difficult.

He stressed the need for urgent construction of the bridge, in view of its importance for

transportation of food items and passengers from Oyo State and neighbouring Republic of Benin.

Members who contributed to the debate including the leader, stressed the significance of the collapsed bridge constructed with corrugated iron several Continues pg10

substitution of a candidate of a party who dies before the declaration of the result of an election with the first runner up in the party’s primaries (which produced the deceased candidate).

The proposed Section 3 read: “If after the commencement of poll and before the announcement of the final result and declaration of a winner, a nominated candidate dies, the chief National Electoral Commissioner shall, being satisfied of the fact of the death, proceed with the election, after allowing the political party whose candidate died to substitute the late candidate with the person who scored the next highest number of lawful votes in the primaries won by the deceased candidate, as if the substituted person was the candidate originally nominated by that party.”

The amendment was intended to fill the lacuna created following the death of Alhaji Abubakar Audu in the process of the last Kogi governorship polls.

But other senators objected to the development and insisted that the running mate to the late candidate should be used to replace him.

The irreconcilable differences forced the lawmakers to suspend the amendment.

The Senate, thereafter, referred the report to INEC committee for further legislative action and consultations.

3

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

4 news

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Arms deal: Witness tells court how Badeh laundered N48m through bank Sunday Ejike -Abuja

M

RS Eso Faleke, the seventh prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, gave a vivid account of how Badeh laundered the sum of N48 million through Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Plc. The witness, a staff of the bank and account officer of Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, told Justice Okon Abang, that the bank transferred the sum of N48 million from the company’s account on the instructions of Badeh to some other companies and individuals.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, the witness told the court that Iyalikam Nigeria Limited (the second defendant’s) account was opened with the bank in 2005, by one Mary I. Badeh.

According to the witness, “Badeh instructed the bank to transfer N10 million via electronic transfer from Iyalikam Nigeria Limited to one Mohammed Hamidu.

“Also on July 23, 2015, Badeh requested that we

transfer another N8 million to the same Mohammed Hamidu,” the witness said and further told the court that the bank transferred the sum of N30 million in two tranches of N14 million and N16 million to Habco Nigeria Limited.

Mrs Faleke further told the court that the N4.7 million was deposited into Iyalikam Nigeria Limited’s account on July 2013, following orders from Bamuba Global Resource.

The account, he said, also received the sum of N3million credit deposit on October 18, 2013 by one Enyi Jonathan. It received N6million transfer sent by Nonaway Nigeria Limited, while the sum of N40million was deposited into the account by Prime Touch Insurance on April 23, 2015.

Under cross examination by the defence counsel, Akin Olujimi, Faleke said Iyalikam Nigeria Limited was opened at Garki branch of GTB in 2015.

The witness said Olorun Femi who handled the opening of the account had left the bank and that she believed he was still alive as she had not heard any news of his death.

She confirmed that at the

time of the opening of the account, Badeh was not a signatory to the account, but added that Badeh later became a signatory to the account in 2015.

The witness said the N30million transfer was under the written instruction of Badeh and

that the N10million and N8million were transferred based on telephone instructions.

The witness insisted that telephone instructions were valid instructions because they were usually backed by verification via an e-mail sent to the first defendant

(Badeh).

Cross examination of the witness will continue today.

Badeh is standing trial alongside his firm, Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, for allegedly using the dollar equivalent of N1.4 billion removed from the accounts of the Nigerian Air

Force (NAF) to purchase properties in choice areas of Abuja between January and December, 2013.

The prosecution had already called six witnesses, who had given evidence in the 10-count charge preferred against Badeh and Iyalikam Nigeria Limited.

Reps to investigate BPE over alleged violation of fiscal laws THE House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to investigate an alleged breach of Fiscal Responsibility Act by the Bureau of Public Enterprises ( BPE).

The House mandated its Committees on Privatisation and Commercialisation and Public Accounts to interface with the bureau over the allegations and report back to it within four weeks.

This followed a motion by Honourable Abbas Tajudeen (APC-Kaduna), which was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote.

Moving the motion, Tajudeen accused the BPE of operating in contravention of several provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

According to Tajudeen, the allegations included failure to provide audited accounts

for the financial years 2012 to 2015 and non-remittance of its operating surplus to the tune of N81.8 million in 2007.

“The action of the bureau violated Section 22 (1) and (2) of the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act,1999.

“This compels the bureau to keep proper accounts and cause them to be audited by auditors appointed from the list and in accordance with the guidelines supplied by the Auditor-General of the Federation,” he said.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tajudeen held that the conduct of the BPE lacked probity, transparency and accountability and was a violation of Section 48 (1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

“It imposes obligation on the Federal Government to ensure full and timely disclosure and wide publication of all transactions and decisions involving public revenues and expenditures and their implication for the finance of the federation.

“The objectives for the establishment of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and BPE are to restructure through commercialisation and privatisation, moribund and underperforming public utilities to benefit present and future generations of Nigerians.

“It has not been realised because the BPE has not kept regular financial records of its operations and can, therefore, not be trusted with overseeing the huge financial operations of commercialisation and

privatisation of public enterprises.

“The grievous breach of the law for many years by an essential government institution like the BPE has exposed the failure of the Auditor-General of the Federation to live up to his constitutional duties of auditing public accounts to ensure accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility,” he added.

The Minority Leader of the House, Honourable Leo Ogor, called for fair hearing and recommended that the committee should investigate and come up with clear details of the matter and report back to the House.

Honourable Jimoh Olajide (APC-Lagos). said the committee should interface with the BPE to find a lasting solution to the matter.

5

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

6 news

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Tips for creating discipline with money Continued from front page

Why you need discipline to succeed Discipline is not one of those sexy words or concepts that most of us enjoy talking about. In our culture, we’re encouraged to “have it now!” with easy monthly payments, but that kind of thinking is what keeps you stressed, depressed and enslaved to your debt.

That mentality cultivates a cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and payment to payment that never ends unless you develop the discipline to escape that life and be different.

Anyone can develop financial discipline, it just takes a willingness to change and develop new habits. When you do, your finances will take a turn for the better– you’ll have more money, save more money and build more financial security for you and your family.

Here are tips that help you create discipline with money.

Understand money It’s imperative to understand money if you want to have financial discipline. Read books, blogs and take courses about personal finance, getting out of debt, investing, etc. so you’ll know what financial habits you need to establish. You don’t have to know everything about money, just learning the basics and sticking to them is 80 per cent of the battle.

Get mad I believe the best first step to changing your financial life is to get mad. You have to get so mad at your situation that you have to do something about it, no matter what stands in your way. Getting your emotions involved helps keep you engaged in the process.

Get naked Getting naked simply means this- stop using credit, period. One of the biggest problems I see with people who try, and fail, to change their financial situation, is that they keep using credit while they’re trying to get out of debt.

That’s kind of like eating a big bowl of ice cream every night before bed and wondering why your jeans keep getting

tighter.

Swearing off credit cards and other forms of consumer debt keeps you from digging the debt hole any deeper.

When you cut up the cards, they are no longer available as a temptation or even an option for spending. This forces you to find better ways to finance your life that won’t get you into debt.

Pay yourself first Saving money can be a hard habit to establish when you have a lot of financial obligations. Most of us pay bills first, then try to figure out how to save money out of what’s left.

The best thing you can do is to automatically pay yourself first (after paying your tithe, of course).

Paying yourself first means you should figure out a percentage of your paycheck that you want to put into savings, then have it automatically drafted from your paycheck every time you get paid. This creates the discipline of consistently putting money into savings because you don’t have to think about it every time you get paid. It’s automatically done for you so you don’t have to agonise over that decision every time payday comes.

I’ve discovered that the reason that many people fail at budgeting is because they don’t include those important components along with their budget.

Start an envelope system Starting an envelope system for your monthly spending is a great way to create financial discipline because it ensures that you never spend more than you make. When you get paid and distribute all your spending money into envelopes, you spend only what’s in the envelopes and no more. If you’ve started going naked with credit, you won’t have credit cards to fall back on and blow your budget.

Practice mindful spending In today’s modern society where we see and hear over 3,000 marketing messages every day, it’s easy to spend money without even thinking about it. Learn to start asking yourself questions before you spend money, such as: Do I really need this?

Is this what I came to the store to get?

Keep moving forward Anytime you’re trying to do something new, especially if you’re learning to be more disciplined, there will be setbacks.

Don’t let the setbacks get you down. Just accept that it happened, deal with it and keep moving forward. Nobody has ever accomplished anything good without overcoming a few trials along the way.

Can I do without it?

Am I buying this out of emotion, just to feel good?

The more mindful you are when you take money out of that envelope to spend it, the more you realise there is a lot of things you don’t necessarily need, you’ll be just as happy without them.

Pay attention, ask the right questions, and you will develop more spending discipline as time goes on.

Make a plan Making a plan for spending your money on paper before you actually spend it is very important for building discipline with money. When I say “make a plan,” what I really mean is that you should make a written monthly budget. Using a budget is not about deprivation like many people believe when they think of budgeting. A budget is simply a plan for how you’ll spend your money going forward.

A solid budget works best when you combine it with an envelope system (see below) and going naked with credit.

Have a little fun Learning to have discipline with money is not all about keeping your nose to the grindstone. I believe you should reward yourself and have a little fun when you reach certain milestones along the way. Each time you accomplish a goal, give yourself a small reward. That helps your brain and spirit understand that good things come with hard work. Then you’ll be more likely to continue on to your next goal.

Courtesy: www.cfinancialfreedom.com

Step aside or we occupy your courts, NGOs tell arrested judges Sunday Ejike -Abuja

T

HE controversy surrounding the arrest of two justices of the Supreme Court and five other judges by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), over alleged corruption, still rages, as a group, “The Forum of NonGovernmental Organisations in Nigeria (FONGON), on Wednesday, again, staged a protest in Abuja, asking all the affected judges to step aside pending the outcome of their trials in court.

The group, which kickstarted the protest from the office of the Head of Service, stopped over at the Ministry of Justice where the chairman, Wole Badmus, restated the earlier call by the group for the affected judges to step aside, in the interest of justice.

Badmus said the group was worried that the affected judges were still allowed to sit and preside over matters before them, even when they were being investigated for corruption by the DSS. The group said the National Judicial Council (NJC) should meet and come out with a categorical statement on the issue, adding that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has made its stand on the issue known already, which was that the affected judges should step aside.

According to FONGON chairman, the one-week

ultimatum the group gave the judges to do the needful had elapsed and the since the two justices of the Supreme Court, Justices Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta, who were also affected had stepped aside, the remaining five judges should do same or the group will mobilise to besiege the courts of the affected judges by next week.

The judges affected by the DSS sting operations were Justice Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro, both of the Supreme Court, the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division; Justice Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya, who was picked up in Sokoto; Justice Adeniyi Ademola (Federal High Court); the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike; Justice Kabiru Auta of Kano State High Court; and Justice Muazu Pindiga (Gombe State High Court).

The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions like, “Stop corruption before it stops you, Don’t get it twisted, Judiciary is not on trial, only corrupt officials are, justices are to interpret the law, they are not empowered to interpret hard currencies. When a judge stuffs illicit cash in his shoes, water don pass water.

In the struggle to salvage the judiciary, every onlooker is either a coward or a traitor,” among others.

FONGON, according

to Badmus, supported President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to rid the judiciary of bad eggs, adding

that unless something was urgently done, the few bad eggs in the judiciary were capable of spoiling the good

ones.

“That is why we have decided to add our voice to the raging controversy over

the arrest of some judges and justices over alleged corruption,” he stated.

LG funding: Reps move against Presidency To abolish state/LG joint accounts Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja HOUSE of Representatives, on Wednesday, revisited the controversial financial autonomy for local governments in the country, as it moved to strip the presidency of the powers to act on the proposal of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) for the local governments.

The previous Assembly had, during constitutional amendment exercise, passed the amendment, but it was not signed to law by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The fresh move to grant the local government autonomy is being sponsored by Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, through a bill for an Act to alter Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended to, among other things, ensure financial autonomy of local councils and for other related matters.

According to the sponsor of the bill, she said the bill sought to alter Section

162 of the constitution to bring about a greater independence of operation of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

She noted that Section 162 (2) provided that, “the president, upon receipt of advice from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, shall table before the National Assembly proposals for revenue allocation from the federation account.”

Leading debate on the proposed amendment, the lawmaker said “from the above provision, it can be seen that the tabling of proposals for revenue allocation is upon the discretion of the president after he has received advice from the commission. This is why for more than 10 years, no president has forwarded any proposal to the National Assembly in that regard.”

Part of the amendment being sought, she said, was aimed at correcting the perceived defect by deleting the words, “the president, upon receipt of advice from the...,”saying

doing that would empower the commission to table the proposals directly to the National Assembly, in order to ensure that allocation of revenue was adjusted as and when necessary.

The bill, according to the proponent, also sought to delete Section 162 (5) and (6) and insert new sub-sections therein.

The current sub-section (5) provides that the amount standing to the credit of local governments in the federation account shall also be allocated to the states for the benefit of their local governments on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.

While sub-section 6 provides that, “each state shall maintain a special account to be called “state joint local government account” into which shall be paid all allocations to the local governments of the state from the federation account and from the government of the state.”

To this end, the sponsor of the amendment, said the bill “seeks to delete both sub sections and replace them

with a new sub section that, “each local government shall maintain a special account to be called “local government allocation account” into which shall be paid directly such allocations to the local government from the federation account and from the government of the state shall, provided that there shall be no disbursement of any fund of the local government except by a bye-law passed by the local government legislative council.”

The bill equally sought to alter sub section 7 to make it clear that the allocation to be granted to the local governments by the government of the states shall be from internally generated revenue and to replace the House of Assembly with the National Assembly for the purpose of prescribing the manner of the sharing between the states and local governments.

The bill scaled through second reading after it was put to vote by the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, and was subsequently referred to ad hoc committee on constitution review for further legislative input.

7

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Metro...

crime, security, court

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Oluwatoyin Malik 08116954633, 08078891950

e-mail: tribunecrimedesk@gmail.com

Rape: Tailor, 26, bags 3 years imprisonment

Illegal shops demolished by officials of Lagos State Ministry of Environment at Jakande Estate, Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos, on Tuesday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

10 gunmen raid Benue courts, cart away documents, money Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

A

BOUT 10 gunmen invaded three courts in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, with sophisticated guns, carting away case files and other items.

Metro learnt that the gunmen invaded the premises which houses High Court 9, Magistrates Court and Upper Area Court situated about 500 metres away from state police headquarters around 8.00 a.m. and shot sporadically in the air, scaring people away from executing their mission.

Ironically, at the High Court, wife of deputy governor, Justice Mary Abounu was presiding when the gunmen stormed her court and held both the judge and lawyers hostage.

Narrating the ordeal to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Michael Gusa while conducting him round the court premises, the Magistrate in charge of Chief Magistrates’ Court 1, Isaac Ajim, said the criminals stormed the court,

broke the padlock of the court room and the chambers, and carted away one of the computers, one printer, a generator and window curtains, as well as files for already disposed and indisposed cases.

Mr Ajim said after the criminals were done with his court, proceeded to High Court 9, presided over by wife of the deputy governor, Justice Mary Abounu and carted away a refrigerator, three stabilizers, set of computer, window blinds and left behind empty bottles of drinks.

At the Upper Area Court, the registrar, Mrs Sarah Gboji told the Justice Commissioner that the thieves made away with N280,000. It was also revealed that the criminals, after they completed their mission, brought their own padlock and locked up the court entrance.

It was, however, gathered from anonymous source from one of the invaded courts, that the invasion had a political undertone to frustrate some of the high profile but culpable homicide cases being handled by the invaded courts.

Confirming the invasion, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Michael Gusa who condemned the act, however, appealed to the youths to always engage themselves in meaningful ventures rather than indulge in criminality.

Gusa, who called on youths to embrace the amnesty programme of the state governor instead of engaging in criminal ac-

tivities, however, assured that the perpetrators of the act would be fished out and punished appropriately.

Confirming the incident, state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, said three security guards had already been invited for interrogation.

He assured that the culprits would surely be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.

AN Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday sentenced a 26-yearold tailor, Seun Badmus, to three years imprisonment for raping a 16-yearold girl.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Helen Komolafe, found the convict guilty of a count charge of rape.

She, however, gave him an option of fine of N200, 000.

Delivering judgment, Komolafe said: “Having been found guilty of the offence and having listened to the plea of the defence counsel and considering the circumstances surrounding the case, I am persuaded to pronounce the sentence.

“He is, hereby, sentenced to three years imprisonment or pay an option of N200, 000 fine for having unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl.”

Earlier, the prosecutor, Corporal Adebayo Ayorinde, said the convict had unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor without her consent.

Ayorinde added that the convict lured the girl, who was hawking banana into his room and raped her.

He disclosed that the convict committed the crime on October 23, at about 4.30 p. m. at Owodunni Street, opposite Lao Filling Station within the Akure metropolis.

He said the offences contravened Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap.. 37

Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

3 goat thieves land in Agodi prison AN Iyaganku Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, on Tuesday remanded three persons in Agodi Prison for stealing a goat.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Muniràt Giwa-Babalola, said the accused persons should be remanded in the prison till today, November 3 for presentation of fact.

The accused persons, Umar Abubakar, (25); Nuru Mohammed, (21); and Abubakar Ibrahim, (16); pleaded guilty to the two-count charge bordering on stealing.

The prosecutor, Corporal Oluseye Oyebanji, had told the court that the accused persons on October 28, at about 7.00 p. m. at OdeOlo, Inalende, Ibadan, stole a brown goat property of John Osayi, their neighbour.

Oyebanji said the goat, valued N10, 000, was stolen from where it was tied at the corridor of the house Abubakar and Osayi resided.

“The accused persons were caught by members of vigilante group in the area on their way to sell the goat to a ‘suya’ seller,” Oyebanji said.

The offence contravened sections 390 (3) (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State 2000.

Cult clashes claim 4 in Ilorin Biola Azeez - Ilorin

FOUR persons were reportedly killed within three days in bloody clashes among rival cult members in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Metro gathered that the first occurrence of the cult clash was on Monday night at Gaa-Akanbi area of the metropolis, when suspected rival cult members snuffed life out of a young man said to be in his 20s.

The incident, which occurred a week after the deceased had served as best man during his elder brother’s wedding, reportedly happened at a popular re-

laxation spot in Gaa-Akanbi area.

Eyewitness account had it that the two eyes of the victim were plucked with knives and he was left in the pool of his own blood.

It was also gathered that the incident later spread to Ipata market and Kankatu-Okelele areas of the state capital on Tuesday, where two persons were reportedly killed by suspected cultists around 4.00 p. m. and 9.00 p. m.

Metro gathered that the corpse of a young man of about 18 years, killed at Kankatu-Okelele area of

the town was said to have been dumped beside Amule bridge in the area.

It was also gathered that the suspected cult members were chanting victory songs after the dastardly act, adding that it was a “one-one” draw game.

Metro also gathered that the corpse of the young man said to hail from Osoogun compound of the metropolis, including other corpses, were reportedly evacuated by men of the state police command and deposited at a hospital morgue in the town.

In the Wednesday clash,

a man said to be in his 30s was reportedly hacked down by suspected cult members at Odoota area of the metropolis.

The suspected cultists were said to have killed their victim between 10 and 11.00 a. m. when the deceased was preparing to go to his place of work.

Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, Mr Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident, adding that he was yet to get information regarding the other incidents in the metropolis.

news Ajimobi lays foundation for Ibadan Free Trade zone

8

By Wale Akinselure

G

OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Tuesday, laid the foundation for the establishment of the $2 billion PolarisPacesetter free trade zone.

The free trade zone, hinged on a partnership between the state government and China Polaris Investment Company, will see capacity cooperation between Nigeria and China in terms of capacity and technology.

The partnership will see that products started in China will be finished in Nigeria.

The first phase of the project, which is expected to be completed in 18 months, will cost $500 million, will see the siting of companies involved in manufacturing, electronics, healthcare, environmental, aerospace,

EFCC arrests Akpabio’s cousin over alleged N10m oil scam Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja

A cousin to the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State and current Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Ibanga Ime Akpabio, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for his involvement in a N10 million oil scam.

Akpabio, according to a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune by the EFCC’s Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, on Wednesday, was arrested by operatives of the anti-corruption commission on Tuesday, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Akpabio’s arrest, the statement said, was occasioned by an allegation that he collected a sum of N10 million from a potential investor in petroleum products.

Specifically, Ibanga Akpabio reportedly approached the investor to invest the money as an equity in the purchase of petroleum product directly from a floating station belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He was said to have allegedly assured the investor that he had secured all necessary approvals for the running of the business.

Akpabio allegedly collected the money through a bank account being operated by Fastej Enterprises and neither kept faith with the business arrangements with the investor nor returned his money to him.

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

integrated logistics, among others.

In his address at the turning of sod of the free trade zone, spanning about 1,000 hectares of land and sited on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Ajimobi said the cooperation will be the foundation for industrialisation of the state.

While expressing the state government’s commitment to ensuring that the free trade zone comes to frui-

tion, he said the free trade zone will bring in more industrialists and make the manufacturing sector develop faster.

“This birth of this project was a journey of five years.

When I became the governor of this state, I prayed for agricultural revolution, improvement in education sector, industrialisation, security and provision of infrastructure. Today, God has answered our prayer for

massive industrialisation. I have been given assurance of the speedy completion of this project.”

“Earlier, the President of China Polaris, Mr Zhang Wendung, had said the free trade zone centre, upon completion, will be used for assembling of automotive parts, solar energy and building materials.

He said that within the next two years, Oyo State will have constant electric-

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Aniche Glory Nzubechukwu and Mrs Iloona Glory Nzubechukwu now MRS CHINONSO GLORY NZUBECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AND I, formerly Mr Iloona Anselem Nonso now MR CHINONSO ANSELEM NONSO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ity supply through the assembling of a solar energy plant from China.

Similarly, the project facilitator, Dr Mufu Raheem, said 15 automotive companies from China, had shown interest in siting their plants in Ibadan.

In his remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, commended Governor Ajimobi for wooing investors to the state.

Olubadan, who was rep-

IBRAHEEM

I, formerly Miss Ibraheem Ayobami Simbiat now MRS. OLOWOLAGBA AYOBAMI SIMBIAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ODENUGBE

I, formerly Lawrence Adetunji Yusuff now ODENUGBE LAWRENCE ADETUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

resented by the Balogun of Ibadan, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin said the free trade zone will address unemployment and make the state vibrant.

He charged China Polaris on production of quality products.

SALAWU I, formerly Salawu Rahamon Ojo now SALAUDEEN RAMON AJADI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ENYIEGO

I, formerly Enyiego Godwin now ENYIEGO GODWIN BASSEY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ODULANA

I, formerly Odulana Akeso Giwa now AKESO ODULANA SAMSUDEEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

9

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

10 news

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

FG to name new national carrier in 2017 —Aviation minister •As FEC approves N3bn for P/Harcourt airport projects Clement Idoko -Abuja THE Federal Government has disclosed that a national carrier for the country will soon come on stream, as necessary arrangements are being put in place for its take-off.

Government said it would, in the next one week, appoint a transaction adviser that would help facilitate the establishment of a new national airline within the next 12 months.

Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, made this known while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also disclosed that the council had approved about N3 billion for completion of ongoing projects at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

According to him, FEC approved the revised total estimate cost of finishing Port Harcourt Airport, both domestic and international wings, saying the projects were captured in the 2016 and 2017 budgets.

Giving the breakdown, the minister said the cost of the rehabilitation of the international wing of the Port Harcourt Airport, as approved by the council, was N1,684,520,310.58, adding that the project would be handled by the original contractor, Messrs Entaba.

The second project, Sirika disclosed, was the refurbishment of the Port Harcour terminal building phase II domestic wing, which cost was raised from N746,830,782.12 to N1,411,662,855.67.

He noted that the airport had been tagged as one of the worst in the world, adding, however, that soon, the projects would

be completed to give it a necessary facelift.

The minister disclosed that before next Wednesday, the Federal Government would appoint transaction adviser for the proposed national carrier.

He noted once that was in place, Nigerians would have options, while the price of airfare would definitely come down.

Sirika said unlike in the past where the Federal Government wholly owned the Nigeria Airways, the new national carrier in the offing would be run by the private sector, with government owning only a paltry five per cent stake.

The minister, who was excited about the development, disclosed that the government “is looking at kick-starting the national carrier in the next 12 months.”

Asked to name those in the private sector who are expected to participate in the establishment of the new national carrier, the minister said “it will be preemptive to start naming those interested.”

Speaking on the foreign carriers threatening to leave Nigeria because of the foreign exchange crisis, Senator Sirika said the situation was not peculiar to Nigeria.

He, however, admitted that some of the foreign airlines were finding it difficult to repatriate their funds earned from sales of tickets.

He revealed that government was currently addressing some of those challenges and various incentives were being put in place to cushion the effect of the forex crisis they faced.

On the use of suitable planes on the Nigerian routes, he said some of the airline operators were constrained by some of the infrastructure in place, adding that the issue was being addressed.

Bridge linking Kwara with Oyo collapses again Continued from pg2

years ago by the military engineering corps.

Deputy Speaker, Mathew Okedare, who presided over the plenary, while reading the resolution of the assembly, directed its committee on energy, works and transport to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works on the reconstruction of the bridge.

The assembly called on

the Kwara government to put palliative measures in place before the reconstruction by the Federal Government.

Reacting, the Federal Controller of Works in Kwara, Mr Omotayo Awosanya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Federal Government had advertised the construction of both the Moro and Ohan bridges.

From left, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Shehuri and the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

FEC approves licence for 8 new private varsities Clement Idoko -Abuja

T

HE Federal E x e c u t i v e Council (FEC) has approved provisional licence for the establishment of eight new private universities in Nigeria, as part of efforts to increase access to university education.

The approval followed the recommendation by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the regulatory agency in charge of university education in the country.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwuka, who

briefed State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over

by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, said the development was sequel to a memo submitted by his ministry to the council on Wednesday, seeking approval of the universities.

He listed the names of the new universities as: Anchor University, located in Ayobo, Lagos State, being promoted by Deeper Christian Life Ministry; Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, promoted by Clitter House Nigeria Limited; Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State,

promoted by Seventh Day Adventist Church; Coal City University, Enugu, promoted by African Thinkers Community of Inquiry, College of Education, Enugu.

Others approved by FEC were Crown-Hill University, Eiyenkorin, Kwara State, promoted by Modern Morgy and Sons Limited; Dominican University, Ibadan, promoted by Order of Preachers, Nigerian Dominican Community; Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, promoted by Kola Daisi Foundation and Legacy University, Okija, promoted by The Good Idea Education Foundation.

48 hrs after repairs, militants blow up Trans-Forcados export trunkline Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri JUST 12 hours to the commencement of the meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in Abuja, on Tuesday, suspected militants blew up the Trans-Forcados Export trunkline in Delta.

Nigerian Tribune gathered on Wednesday that the sabotage was carried out at about 1.30 a.m. on Tuesday, at Batan community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The affected trunkline, which was earlier blown up by militants few months ago and was recently fixed, as gathered from a local source, usually received products from the Batan flow station and supplied the Forcados terminal line for export.

The flow station, acclaimed as one of the biggest in Niger Delta region, is said to be

operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), formerly owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

A senior security personnel told journalists on condition of anonymity that the Batan flow station was attacked with dynamites.

According to him, “the attack was carried out with the aid of dynamites and it is coming less than 48 hours after the resumption of operations at the flow station.”

Chairman of Batan community, Dickson Ogugu, who confirmed the incident, said “a surveillance team made up of officials from PPMC, NPDC and Batern community were able to identify the spot of the attack.”

No militant group or individual has, so far, claimed responsibility for the act.

Local sources, however,

said the area had been cordoned off by security agents as workers of the company have been evacuated from the area.

Meanwhile an Ijaw leader, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has condemned the act, describing it as an unpardonable offence.

Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lieutenant-Colonel Daudu, confirmed the attack.

According to him, “Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE located at Sector 1, in Delta State, while on routine patrol, heard an explosive sound caused by suspected economic saboteurs at Batan Flow Station around Ekweregbene, Batan general area.

“The incident is, however, being investigated and details will be made available as events unfold.”

Authorities of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA) could not be reached for further confirmation as of the time of filing this report.

Anwuka, who was joined by the Minister State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, noted that the eight universities would be mentored by existing older universities in the country.

The mentoring universities included University of Lagos, University of Calabar, University of Agriculture, Umudike, University of Nigeria (UNN), University of Ilorin, University of Ibadan and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, respectively.

Nigeria currently has 143 existing universities. Of this number, 61 are operated by private individuals and institutions. The approval of additional eight by the council brought the total number of universities in the country to 151.

The new universities, which would run programmes for an initial three years in provisional status, are expected to accommodate the teeming population of Nigerian students seeking admission into universities for academic pursuits.

Professor Anwuka noted that the mentoring arrangement was backed

by Education Act, Cap E3 Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004 implemented by the NUC and the Federal Ministry of Education.

The minister said the universities would be visited during the three years of provisional licence, to “ensure that they are doing the needful in providing meaningful, responsive education to Nigerian youths.”

Minister of Information and Culture also corroborated the explanation of Anwuka, when he said that the law on mentoring was specific on exactly what was required.

11

businessnews

Nigerian Tribune

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Opposition mounts as Nigeria nears rice sufficiency •European nations kick •3 million tons of rice ready for harvesting •CBN spends N23bn to improve local rice, soya bean production Sanya Adejokun- Abuja

W

ITH clear indications that Nigeria may finally be on the way to meeting its rice consumption needs, some foreign countries are already displaying dissatisfaction and mounting opposition.

This is as farmers across 13 states are starting near the end of wet season rice production with the help of N23 billion loans provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.

A few weeks ago, the Ambassador of a European nation led a delegation to the office of CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, complaining that Nigerians had been importing stock fish from his country long before independence.

According to our sources, he lamented the decision of CBN to exclude the commodity from those that were eligible for importation with foreign exchange sourced from official window.

Emefiele bluntly informed his guest that while his country had over $1 trillion in its foreign reserve, Nigeria as at then had just about $25 billion and challenged the Ambassador to arrange for business people from his country to come to Nigeria and develop the wide coastal line from Lagos to Calabar.

Also, the European Union has placed a ban on importation of beans from Nigeria on the pretext that it contained “too much chemical.”

Former Deputy Governor of CBN, Dr. Obadaih Mailafia told Nigerian Tribune that the move was a direct consequence of action of CBN and Federal Government to attain self-

sufficiency in food production and curtail unnecessary imports.

During an inspection of wet season rice harvest in some local government areas of Kebbi State on Sun-

day and Monday this week, Emefiele gave the assurance that Nigeria would soon exit importation of rice.

According to him, farmers in Kebbi State alone have produced one million

tonnes of rice currently being harvested aside the 1.2 million from Kano and the 800,000 tonnes already harvested in Niger State.

Emefiele disclosed that N23 billion has been spent

THE National Pension Commission (PENCOM) has stated that 177,000 unemployed have accessed 25 per cent of their contribution.

The Director-General (DG) of PenCom, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, stated further that Pension Fund has hit N5.963trillion.

She however assured that the fund has been invested in structured and safe financial instruments, add-

cations to inspect harvest and kick off dry season farming.

He added that Kebbi, Niger, Anambra, Calabar and other rice producing states would feed the nation and ensure availability of foods items in Nigeria.

He explained further that the progamme which is going to be a continuous exercise will boost economic activities of the country and diversify the nation economy.

“Our team has visited Niger, Eboyin, Ogun states and now we are in Kebbi State where the programme started” he added.

World Bank supports 11,000 tomato farmers in Kano From left, Vice-President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr Michael Olawale-Cole; President, LCCI, Dr Nike Akande and Vice-President/Chairperson, Membership Committee, LCCI, Toki Mabogunje, during the LCCI new members induction and presentation of certificates in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Unsolicited messages: Court slams N5m fine on Airtel JUSTICE Jude Okeke of an FCT High Court Maitama on Wednesday imposed a fine of N5 million on Airtel Nigeria Limited, for violation of customer’s right to privacy Okeke delivered judgment in a suit filed by Mr Emmanuel Anene on December 21 filed against Airtel for continued disturbance through unsolicited messages to his telephone line.

“Putting into consideration the obvious inconveniences, discomfort and embarrassments, the plaintiff had undeniably gone through, the defendant has been directed to pay to the plaintiff damages, not the N200 million the plaintiff asked for but N5 million only, Okeke held.

The judge said that the is-

sue for determination was whether the plaintiff’s evidence made out a case to justify the claims in the reliefs he sought. “ One of the reliefs sought an order of the court seeking award of damages.

“A plaintiff who seeks reliefs for violation of right is to succeed on the strength of his case and not on the weakness or absence of the defence, though he can rely on the absence of the defence to support his case,” he held.

He said that the court records showed that the plaintiff’s evidence of claims was served on the defendant.

“The defendant, who was afforded the opportunity,

failed to file a statement of defence contradicting the plaintiff’s statement of claim, or lead evidence in challenge to the claims; it means he has admitted the facts.

“Unless the court does not believe in the evidence or sees any reason in contrary in law, it reserves a duty to act on such.

“The defendant failed to place any evidence on the

ing that it has in its record, registration of 7.2 million pension contributors; 170,000 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS); amongst others.

She said these modest milestones, notwithstanding the implementation of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, were not bereft of challenges.

“We cannot overemphasize that the relative success of the implementation of the PRA 2014 could

largely be attributed to the fundamental structures upon which the CPS was built.

“Indeed, the cardinal principle of separation of custody from management and supervision of pension funds has resulted in a pension scheme with sound internal mechanism for transparency and accountability.

“Whereas the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) manage the pension funds, they do not

other scale of balance; there is nothing against which the plaintiff’s evidence can be weighed.”

“In every wrong, there must be a remedy. To vindicate the plaintiff’s right which has been violated in the forthgoing circumstance by the defendant, the plaintiff shall be awarded damages based on the discretion of the court,” he said.

Military, eTranzact launch pensions card for armed forces NIGERIAN Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali launched a military pension card powered by a leading pan-African mobile

170,000 unemployed access 25% pension contribution as Pension Fund hits N5.9trn Olatunde Dodondawa, Lagos

so far in promoting local farming and production of rice, soya bean, sugar and other important produce.

The CBN team visited Wasagu, Argungu, Birnin Kebbi and some other lo-

have access to same, since custody is vested in the Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), while the Commission ensures both parties adhere strictly to regulations governing the pension funds.

“Indeed, some issues were noted in the course of implementation since the PRA 2014 and this underscored the imperative for a comprehensive review of the PRA in order to consolidate on the Pension Reform,” she said.

banking and payment services company, eTranzact International PLC, to offer identification, verification and rewards to all members of the Nigerian armed forces. eTranzact International PLC has a well-developed public sector offering with services that help identify ghost workers, plug revenue leakages, enable bulk payment of pensions, salaries, grants, opening up opportunities for growth and development.

In collaboration with the Military Pensions Board, the launch of the card will allow over 100,000 retired members of the Army, Navy and Air force access a biometric military pension card with a four-in-one value proposition: identification, verification, rewards, and receiving and making payments.

THE FADAMA II Additional Financing project financed by the World Bank has supported a total of 10845 farmers in the last ten months.

Out of these beneficiaries, 585 were youth and 1575 female, while 8685 were male.

The support, according to Kano State Coordination office of Fadama, was facilitated through the signing of memorandum of understanding between Dangote Tomato Company and Fadama Production Cluster Group on profitable marketing of tomato.

In its Project Implementation Report presented to the Dr. Adetunji Oredipeled World Bank/FGN 6th Mission on Fadama II Additional Financing (AF), which visited Kano State on Monday, the Fadama State Project Coordinator, Alhaji Sha’aibu Sulaiman, informed that the project similarly, in 2016 cropping season, recorded a disbursement of 89,195 and 110 for rice, sorghum and tomato production groups respectively.

In the same vein, sorghum and rice farmers were equally well linked to grand cereal and popular rice farm off takers and through collaboration with ICRISAT, sorghum farmers were also linked to Honeywell Company, demanding 150,000mt of sorghum from Fadama farmers in Kano.

In its effort to meet up with project objective of providing employment to youth, the project has prepared four youth spraying groups comprising of 10 members with each of them earning N58,500 per month.

businessnews Naira holds steady against dollar at interbank 12

By Chima Nwokoji

T

HE Nigerian Naira on Wednesday remained stable against United States Dollar to close at N304.75 compared to N304.79 it exchanged for on Tuesday at the inter-bank foreign exchange market.

At the Bureau De Change (BDC), window, the nation’s currency traded at N385 to a dollar, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) controlled rate, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N564 and N509 respectively.

The naira, however, weakened at the parallel market, losing five points to exchange at N470, from N465 traded on Tuesday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N565 and 510 respectively.

The local currency, which had been relatively stable against the greenback, fell last week as fresh scarcity hit the forex markets.

Travelex and First Bank of Nigeria Limited commenced sale of foreign exchange to Bureau De Change operators some weeks ago following the approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Forex traders, however, said last week that the scheme had failed to ease the biting dollar shortage in the country.

The Naira/Dollar exchange rate at the parallel market opened last week at N455.00/US$1.00, but depreciated to N470.00/ US$1.00 by midweek before firming up slightly to N465.00/US$1.00 on Friday.

In the futures market, the Central Bank settled $270.6 million in notional value of the maturing October 26 2016, futures instrument on Wednesday. The Apex Bank

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

issued a new 12-month tenor instrument (OCT 25 2017) worth US$1.00billion at N258.50/US$1.00, to replace the maturing instrument. This is in line with the

trend since introduction of the futures market.

In the interim, we expect the exchange rate at the parallel market to remain pressured due to restricted

CONTRARY to claims that new investors refused to invest in the privatized power sector, the management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has explained how it invested N6.5billion on project expansion, staff training and metering of customers.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Managing Director, EKEDC, Engr. Oladele Amoda, stated that the company had invested N1.

44billion on project expansion, N5billion on metering of maximum demand and non-maximum demand customers and N55.2million on staff training and capacity building.

rent peg; thus, we expect FX rate at the official market to remain stable whilst the CBN continues to intervene via spot/forward sales of the Greenback.

Executive Director, Lagos and West Bank, Marketing, United Bank for Africa, Liadi Ayoku, (left) donating books and other gift items to the Vice Principal, Academic, Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, Oyo State, Mr. E.A Adedeji, during the financial literacy training programme for students of the school, an initiative of Central Bank of Nigeria, in commemoration of World Savings Day on Monday in Oyo, Oyo State.

Unbundling of NNPC imminent as PIB scales second reading in Senate Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja SENATE on Wednesday passed for second reading, Petroleum Industry Governance Bill 2016, (PIB) thus kick starting the process of breaking the monopoly of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on oil industry in the country The bill which was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Senator Tayo Alasoadura (APC Ondo Central). seeks among others, to create

efficient and effective institutions with clear and separate roles for the petroleum industry.

Alasoadura in the lead debate said the existing NNPC would be unbundled into two commercial entities limited by shares, which are, The National Petroleum Company (NPC) and the National Assets Management Company (NAMC).

He added that the proposed NPC will operate as a commercial entity in order to ensure efficiency across the value chain while the NAMC shall ensure maxi-

Eko Disco spends N6.5bn on expansion, metering, training Electricity market operators decries 30% remittances from DISCOs Olatunde Dodondawa with Agency Report

access to official windows and surge in dollar demand associated with the festive season. The CBN is yet to guide to a metric that would trigger a shift from its cur-

Amoda said his company had embarked on massive rehabilitation and reinforcement of dilapidated equipment.

He stated further that over 400 transformers had been installed in various locations to reduce low shedding of supply.

Other projects concluded by the company in the last three years include: construction of five injector substations to be completed in the third quarter of 2017; and construction of five 33/11KVA injection substations in Surulere, Ikoyi and Ajah axis with a cost of N1 billion.

According to him, “EKEDC has made modest improvement in electricity supply in the last three years of post-privatisation but still confronted with little chal-

lenges.

“Over N1.44billion spent on various projects expansion within the company to boost electricity supply to customers in the last three years,” he said.

He argued further that about 6,000 meters would be rolled out very soon to customers, while over 67,000 meters have been installed so far including 187 maximum demand meters.

Amoda however complained about energy theft and vandalisation of equipment adding that billions of naira have been spent on replaced vandalised equipment.

“Money meant for expansion and development of the network was being used to replace vandalised equipments and this poses serious concern to the company.”

mum value for the federation through prudent management of its oil and gas investment.

Beside the Petroleum Minister which the new bill informed shall be responsible for policy formulation and supervision of the petroleum industry on behalf of the federal government, a commission to be known as The Petroleum Regulatory Commission (PRC) would be saddled with regulatory functions over the industry.

The PRC he said shall be the Industry Regulator and Watchdog, responsible for licensing , monitoring , supervision of petroleum operations , enforcing laws, regulations and standards across the value chain.

The lawmaker explained that the bill is the first segment out of the five being worked upon by his committee to avoid controver-

sies that affected passage of the previous ones presented in bulk-some in the past.

According to him “Continuous stalling and delay in the passage of the bill, has hampered huge investment opportunities, keeping the country’s future in limbo and denying Nigeria the unique competitive edge as oil and gas leader in Sub Saharan Africa.

“Consequently, the current effort has adopted a method of splitting the PIB into logical smaller pieces for submission to the 8th National Assembly, a complete departure from all prior attempts.

“This way, the individual elements can be expeditiously considered and passed one after the other and where amendments are required in future, the relevant bill can be separately considered”.

Nigerian Tribune

Heritage Bank tasks students to break Onyali’s record

THE Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, has set aside a N10m trust fund for any athlete that can break the 200 metre record set by ex-international, and Skoolimpics Ambassador, Mary Onyali.

The MD while declaring the pilot edition of the Heritage Bank-Lagos State Skoolimpics 2016 open said he would be setting aside the sum of N10m that would be yielding interests and handed over to any athlete discovered at the competition who was able to break Onyali’s record.

Onyali’s 200-metre record of 22.07secs was set 20 years ago at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and no athlete has been able to break the record.

The MD also applauded other sponsors like Lagos State Government, CWAY, Mr. Biggs, Etransact, Verve, Willson’s Lemonade, Lucozade Sport who partnered with the bank in its quest to develop the youths.

“Skoolimpics has come to stay and this is just the pilot edition,” he said.

“We have planned and met with people and today we all can see the results of the planning. I am happy that we have somebody as Mary Onyali as an ambassador because she was discovered from school competitions like this.

“The target is to build future champions from amidst all these students and I am looking forward to seeing an athlete that will break our Skoolimpics brand ambassador’s 200m record.

“I am going to start an endowment fund with N10million for anyone that can break her record in the next 10 to 20 years. The money will be increasing in an interest-yielding account and whosoever breaks that record will take the money… and with that I declare this year’s Skoolimpics open.”

Five events will be competed for across two venues, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and Rowe Park, Yaba. The events are athletics, basketball, table tennis, swimming and handball.

FRC offers assistance to revenue agencies Sanya Adejokun- Abuja THE Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) will continue to strengthen government agencies to enhance effective discharge of their functions in yielding revenue for the Federal Government.

The acting Chairman of the Commission, Barr. Victor Muruako stated this at an interactive meeting between the Commission and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastruc-

ture (NASENI) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja Wednesday.

Muruako, according to a statement from Abdulganiyu Aminu of the Press Unit said the meeting was informed by the need to streamline the process and accounting standards of NASENI to conform with standard best practices, adding that the agency’s financial statement does not incorporate those of its institutes.

He added that there was

also no proper recording of transactions among the agencies. He directed that NASENI should consolidate its financial statements with those institutes under it.

While saying that the Commission is not out to witch-hunt any government agency, he stressed the need for them to streamline their accounting standards, work status and process to enhance their service delivery so as to increase revenue for the nation.

13

editorial

T

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

The killing of Izu Joseph

HE Nigerian football world immediately became distraught when, on October 16, news filtered through that ace central midfielder of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Mr. Izu Joseph, had been killed in Okaki, Ahoada West area of Rivers State. He was reportedly shot at close range by soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF), an outfit ostensibly devoted to instilling sanity in the chaotic riverine oil fields of the South South.

Izu’s death is raising concerns among Nigerians because of its gruesome nature. The late footballer was reported to have gone to his home state to see his family when the unfortunate incident occurred. He had visited Okaki to see his daughter and wife when the JTF operatives, in search of a cultist, raided the area and, in the ensuing melee, shot him in the leg. His plea to the operatives that he was a footballer, even handing over his identity card to them for authentication, was brushed aside by the soldiers who reportedly shot him a second time, in cold blood.

In the words of his father, Reuben Izu, the 24-year old footballer was a victim of brutality in military uniform. He said: “He was in Okaki with his wife before he died. He had planned to come to Port Harcourt where I live with his daughter. He went to the jetty area where we usually swim to have a quick shower on Sunday.

It was while he was there that the men of the JTF raided the place and everybody ran helter-skelter, including Joseph. When the soldiers saw them running, they began shooting sporadically and one of the bullets hit Joseph in the leg. As he was groaning in pain, one of the JTF men walked up to him and shot him a second time at a close range despite Joseph’s plea that he was a footballer on holiday in Okaki. His mobile phone and identity card were seized from him.”

The defence of the Nigerian Army against culpability in the downing of such a budding star was indeed damning. In a release it issued, the Army said that Izu was killed near a cultists’ shrine. According to the Commander, 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig. Gen. Hamisu Hassan, the Army was conducting investigations with the aim of determining what the late Izu was doing at the shrine. According to him, the killing occurred when troops were on a “confidence building patrol” at a cultists’ hideout in Okaki village. The Army maintained that the late 3SC footballer “was found in an isolated place,” coercing the rest of Nigeria into the peremptory illogic inherent in the claim that anyone found in an isolated place is a criminal.

The Army Commander further said: “Information available to the patrolling troops indicated the presence of suspected cultists in Okaki village. The troops moved in and raided the suspected

criminal hideout. One person lost his life at the hideout while several others fled. Later, it was confirmed that the person who lost his life was a Nigerian footballer, identified as Mr. Izu Joseph. Nevertheless, investigation is ongoing to determine what he (Izu) was doing at the cultist’s shrine at that time.” The Army’s statement simultaneously claimed that Izu was killed near a shrine, and at a shrine. Where exactly was he killed?

Rather than invalidate earlier claims that the JTF merely wasted the young player’s life in a brutish and clearly callous way, the statement merely reinforces them. To say that the Army would investigate what Izu was doing at a place which it claimed was (near) a cultists’ shrine could be likened to the proverbial cliché of medicine after death. The Army could have arrested the 24-year-old footballer and later treat him of the wounds he sustained. Thereafter, it could have squeezed from him the reason he was found close to the alleged cultists’ shrine.

In the Army command’s statement, there was nowhere reference was made to any weapon found on the late Izu or how he could have put the lives of the rampaging JTF troops in danger. From all accounts on his killing, it could be ascertained that he even managed to show his identity card to his murderers in JTF uniform, indicating that he was a footballer in a national league. The logic of criminals’ modus operandi should indicate that seldom would a criminal do this, a reason to naturally come to the conclusion that he was a wrong target. Shooting him the second time is thus a premeditated act.

We call on the Federal Government to perform its responsibility of keeping every citizen secure in their fatherland and ensuring that no life is unreasonably taken by anyone, no matter their position. Izu’s death must not be consigned under the heaps of rubbish. Government must investigate the events leading to his death and mete out appropriate sanctions on the culprits. Granted that the oil-producing areas have become a bedlam as all manner of imaginable and unimaginable felony and criminal activities go on there everyday, it would be a fallacy of hasty generalisation to conclude that every young man in that environment is a potential felon who deserves to be brutally hacked to death. Even in the case of proven cultists, the Army is not constitutionally empowered to mete out judgement. It is not a court of law.

Investigating Izu’s killing may also open the lid on a cesspit of other JTF human rights violations. Peradventure if the late 3SC footballer had not been a star, his death would have been swallowed by the stillness of the creeks. This is an investigation that government must conduct in the interest of the nation at large. It is Izu today, it could be anybody else tomorrow.

AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA PLC Founders: Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR, SAN (1909 - 1987)

Chief (Dr) H.I.D Awolowo CON (1915 - 2015)

Chairman Rev. (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran Co-Chairman Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Edward Dickson Controller (Business Development) Fola Oke Chief Accountant Oluremi Olufisayo, ACA

Ibadan Office (Advert Hot Lines): 08077227269; 08034135733 Lagos Office (Advert Hot Lines): 08055333067; 08033013177 South South Regional Office: No. 50 Ikwerre Rd., Mile 1, Diobu, P/Harcourt, Rivers State

Snr. Manager (Advertisements) Kayode Titiloye Sales Manager Omotayo Lewis, Ph.D Consultant/Director Segun Olatunji, Ph.D

GOT NEWS?

Abuja Office: Suites G2. 05-07, PEB04 Plaza, Plot 2027, Dalaba Street, Beside NAPTIP Headquarters, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja Advert Hot Lines: 08033199716; 08078891797 Kaduna Office: AN 20, Lagos Street, by Keffi Rd., Kaduna.

Ikeja Marketing Office.

Block C, First Floor, Motorways centre, Opp., 7up Alausa, Ikeja.

Contact: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com or call:08055069471, 08116954630

14

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

SEND YOUR SHORT MESSAGES TO: 08054005323, 08055001746

yournews

•Clash of the titans! PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Towards easing pressure on the naira

T

HE naira is still falling against the dollar, crashing to an unprecedented low of N470 to $1 in the parallel market last week.

The licensing of Travelex to sell forex is also not calming the situation.

There is pain and anguish across segments of the population and market illiquidity is already hurting the real economy.

The impact of the crash of the local currency has included inflation, labour lay-offs, factory closures and the inability of many citizens to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare and accomodation.

This is, indeed, exasper-

ating. Like other markets, foreign exchange markets are imperfect.

To ease the pressure, the government should immediately impose restrictive import tariffs on luxuries and non-essential items.

Tooth picks, non-medicinal cosmetics, apples and packaged foods and drinks, among other nonessentials, should attract very high tariffs.

Success requires marked improvement in the efficiency of the Nigeria Customs Service to beat smuggling, while the concerns of the industrial sector over identifying goods that are also raw materials should be taken into consider-

ation. The Central Bank of Nigeria should step up its surveillance, monitoring and sanctions to check

the ongoing round-tripping and sharp practices by banks and bureaux de change.

Now, beyond

suffers. President Muhammadu Buhari should be supported in this anticorruption war if we really want to rid this country of corruption.

We need to punish those who have stolen from this country. Doing so will instil fear in the minds of corrupt people in the so-

against other currencies will determine the living standard of Nigerians.

•Balogun Funsho, 07034444976

GEJ’s confab report can still be useful DURING former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the Nigerian people had a national conference, whereby different people from different walks of life participated.

I can’t recollect how much was expended on the confab, but I know it was huge.

However, now that a new administration is in power, does it mean the reports of the confab would no longer

be implemented?

Despite the criticisms surrounding the confab, I still believe it must have a thing or two that will contribute to national development.

I don’t want President Muhammadu Buhari to jettison the report just like that.

He should look at it with a view towards implementing the aspects that are people-friendly.

We need special courts for corruption trials I am really not happy with what I am hearing as far as corruption is concerned in this country. It is as if the stories are not true, but alas, they are.

I can’t imagine individuals stealing billions of naira that their children will not even be able to finish, while the country

these short term measures, President Muhammadu Buhari should treat the crisis as an emergency, as the exchange rate of the naira

ciety. We must, therefore, kill corruption before it kills the country finally.

Nigeria would have developed greatly, but corruption is our biggest problem.

I, therefore, feel that it is high time special courts were provided so that the trial of corrupt people can

be speeded up.

The National Assembly should, therefore, support the president on this.

Nigerians should also demand the fast prosecution and conviction of corrupt people in the country.

Linus Kyari, 08191143941

We shouldn’t just let all the money spent on the contributors for the three months to go to waste just like that. We should realise that in every nonsense, there is a sense, so I believe

some portions of the confab can be useful for the country, especially at a time we are experiencing economic problems.

Jimoh Mumin, 08034435211

FG, provide free healthcare for the aged, minors I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to come up with a programme that will transform and have direct impact in the life of Nigerians, particularly in the health sector.

Having said this, I want to propose a free comprehensive healthcare plan for young children between zero and five years, and then for the aged from 65 years and above.

If this is done, it will improve the health of these

groups of Nigerians who need special health attention.

I want to specifically say it would benefit retirees. It is not uncommon to find many retirees developing one ailment or the other upon their discharge from service. Therefore, if there is a health plan for them, it will prolong their lives, so that they can enjoy their retirement in good health.

•Adesina Isaiah, 08038061934

opinion As UI becomes private energy producer 15

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

By Sunday Saanu

T

WO exciting historical milestones occurred recently at the nation’s premier university, the University of Ibadan (UI), which deserve and require the attention of all stakeholders in higher education in this county and beyond so as to support the momentum of development.

Firstly, UI, which is prestigiously regarded as the first and the best university in Nigeria, as well as the flagship of post-graduate studies in the country, was ranked as the 600th best university in the world by a global higher education ranking organisation called The Times Higher Education (THE). Given the fact that UI is the first and only Nigerian university in the first 1,000 best universities globally, the good news is not only cheerily received, but heartily propitious.

The ranking organisation had considered the institution’s level of teaching, research, citation of scholarly publications, industry income and international outlook, among other parameters.

This 2016/2017 Times Higher Education ranking has finally put to rest the erroneous notion in certain quarters that “no Nigerian university is good enough to be among the best 1,000 universities in the world.” Ibadan has finally broken the jinx. UI has breasted the tape by joining the elite club of global players in tertiary education. The first and the best university in the most populous black nation in the world is clearly cresting the storm, having been producing world-class graduates who are making waves all over the world in the last 65 years. UI will be 68 years old this November. Indeed, this latest global recognition calls for celebration, for it takes standard to stand out.

It is indisputable that UI, which parades the highest number of professors in this country, has all it takes to be among the best 100 universities in the world, but for some national albatrosses, including poor infrastructures, and what some people call “Nigerian factors.” However, with continuos selfreinvention, hard work, dedication and the desire not only to remain a ‘local champion,’ but a global player with application of best practices, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

However, still gloating over this positive rating, I think the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka deserves commendation for dexteriously consolidating on the achieve-

ments of his predecessors. Being a scientific scholar with a solid background in Geology, Professor Olayinka has cleverly deployed resources towards information and communication technologies, thus, favourably projecting UI for global glare.

This is certainly one of his major achievements so far. He must, therefore, maintain it.

The second interesting historical milepost unfolding in the university is as trailblazing as it is revolutionary — UI is becoming the first university to pioneer private electricity production in Nigeria. The university recently performed the ground-breaking ceremony, which attracted dignitaries from far and near, preparatory to the generation of electricity in the 10 megawatts solar plant. In other words, UI can now be classified as an Independent Power Producer, (IPP) thereby, singularly generating 50-60 percent of her daily demand of electricity power requirement when the project becomes fully functional. Hopefully, according to the Chairman, UI Power Improvement Programme, Prof.

Adeboye Olatunbosun, the project will become operational before the end of this year.

This plant, when completed, has numerous and multiplier effect of electricity availability, not only for UI, but also for neighouring communities, and Ibadan as a whole. It will be business outfit for UI, as it will be selling electricity to the Ibadan Electricity Board, while the cost of running generators will reduce. The project will enrich the quality of research, development and capacity-building programmes in renewable energy and energy

efficiency. More importantly, students’ unrest over power outage and unavailability will be a thing of the past, thereby bringing about peace on campus.

But before UI begins to reap the juicy fruits of this plant, there is still some distance to the destination. Prof. Olatunbosun explained that though the Germany-supported project “promises bounteous dividends, UI still has to obtain a license from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a private power producer. Besides, the Federal Goverment still needs to make money available for the final stage of the solar plant.”

However, with the recent launching of the Energising Education Programme Initiative (EEPI) of the Federal Goverment, which is a collaborative effort of the Education and Power, Works and Housing ministries to ensure self- sufficiency in power supply to all 40 Federal universities in the county, it is almost certain that this UI pioneering effort will succeed.

Electricity is a vital component in the production of world-class graduates. Indeed, without electric power, teaching, learning and research will simply amount to a charade, resulting in the output of poor-quality certificate holders.

In view of the prospects of this project, and its anticipated succour, intending beneficiaries must be grateful to the German government for the support it is providing. The original idea of this 10 MW solar plant was conceived at an interactive session between the immediate UI past VC, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, who is now the Minister of Health, and the then German Ambassador to Nigeria, Frau Janetzke Dorothy Wenzel.

Prof. Adewole, in his characteristic candour, had told the former ambassador that electricity was a major problem confronting the university. The then VC consequently solicited the technical support of the German government.

Close to three years, negotiations involving UI, Federal Goverment of Nigeria and the German goverment were sustained before eventually culminating into the recent take off of the project. Prof.

Adewole deserves credit for his superlative human relations skills with which he was able to convince the former German Ambassador, while seven “gbosas” should be accorded Prof. Olayinka for sustaining the dream.

•Saanu, who is of the Directorate of Public Communication, University of Ibadan, sent in this article via sundaysaanu@yahoo.com

Time for digital citizenship education in Nigeria

By Tola Olayefun

“LOCAL Attorney’s Identity Stolen, Used To Scam Women Online,” “Hacked home devices caused massive Internet outage,” “A Nude Snapchat Video and Cyber-bullying Lead to Teen’s Suicide,” “Nigerian e-mail sting leads to theft of millions from companies.” These are some of the headlines from around the world about the evil happenings going on in our digital world. The huge benefits of the internet appear to come with safety issues. From problems with wireless networks to unsecure websites, to malevolent persons seeking to cause harm, online risks are posing huge dangers to individuals, businesses and governments. In response, parents, educators, security people, governments and opinion leaders are having conversations around the important, yet frequently ignored topics on privacy, safety, digital citizenship, media literacy and more.

Anyone growing up in the last three or four decades have heard the often repeated cliché, “we live in a technological age.” Originally, the technologies operated largely independent of one another. In the last two decades, however, there has been some sort of technological convergence. We have seen, for instance, the telecommunications, information technology and the media sectors coming together and growing together.

The internet is arguably the best example of technological convergence. And because of it, we now live in a world of influential 24/7 media, where you find all forms of entertainment technologies that can be quickly accessed by billions of people who are connected online, including Nigeria’s 97 million subscribers. This interaction is changing the dynamics of families, schools, communities and even relationships. And it is noteworthy that every country around the world is experiencing in varying degrees the harmful consequences of our connection with digital technologies through cyber attacks, cyber bullying, sexting, online scam, among many others.

Thought leaders around the world know that technology users, especially children, need to be educated about the safe,

savvy, ethical use of media and technology. They are in the front line of helping students become competent, critical and literate in all media forms, how the media works, how they are organised, how they produce meaning and how they construct reality.

Educators are also actively instructing their students about the basic elements of digital citizenship, which focuses on appropriate and responsible use of digital media and technology. For example, the idea of digital citizenship helps students to safely navigate the deep recesses of the digital world. It helps them not to plagiarise information on the internet, not to use wrong etiquette in e-mail, text or other online communication, not to harass or bully others, but to respect, educate and protect themselves and others.

In countries in Europe and North America, the lack of instruction in digital citizenship and media literacy education has been said to contribute to public health concerns, resulting in physical and psychological issues such as obesity, bullying, aggression, low self-esteem, depression, negative body image, risky sexual behaviour, substance abuse, among others.

In Nigeria, the biggest problem we have as a result of our interaction with digital technologies is cyber crime. Nigeria is very highly rated globally when it comes to cyber crime, and we have, over the years, sadly cultivated a flourishing ‘cottage industry’ of fraudsters and provided a genuine breeding ground for cyber criminals. Online crimes, which started at the turn of the 21st century as a form of advanced fee scheme in which unsuspecting victims are scammed into parting with their hard earned money, has become more malicious with

scammers hijacking people’s personal computers and local hackivists increasingly making attempts to hack government and private institutions’ infrastructures. Last year Nigeria reportedly experienced over 3,500 cyber attacks, with over 70 percent success rate, while losing $450 million to digital fraud, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Government, however, is trying to combat this scourge with measures such as the Cyber Crime Act of 2015, which properly defines what cyber crime is, while outlining the legal consequences for those who break the law. The law outlines fines, jail terms and even the death penalty for various offences, including cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying, child pornography, identity theft, and all kinds of hacking, including any system or network that has been designated critical national infrastructure. On its face value, the act looks very impressive, and many opinion leaders have even acknowledged it as the quintessential solution to all our cyber problems. But how do one explain or factor in the fact that cyber fraud attempts in the country have reportedly increased 1,000 times in the first half of 2016, that is, one year since the passing of the Cyber Crime Act. This fight must, therefore, be fought on some other fronts as well.

The act or the law can take care of those adults who are completely formed and set in their criminal ways, but they should not be allowed to encourage or recruit vulnerable young people to join their ranks. This is why an initiative such as digital citizenship must be one of our first lines of defence against the scourge of cyber crimes.

Stakeholders such as education administrators, parents, teachers, students, citizens and governments at all levels should work together to educate the youth about the ramifications of the responsible use of the internet, as well as its intrinsic dangers. This will be a positive step in helping our youths become responsible Nigerian and digital citizens who would use technology appropriately for the benefit of themselves, as well as others.

•Olayefun, a digital expert, sent in this article

16

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

maka nd’igbo

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

Enugu PPRO tasks school children on reading culture Jude Ossai - Enugu THE Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amrizu has charged school children in Enugu to always embrace reading in order to develop their intellectual ability so as to contribute their quota to nation building.

Giving the advice in Enugu at the senior police officers mess Agbani Road, Enugu on the occasion of the inauguration of police/school children reading competition in partnership with Early Reading Empowerment Initiatives (EREI), the Police image maker said that,the programme was aimed at inculcating in school children, reading ability with a view to keeping them constantly in touch with the rudiments of reading and also to broaden their intuitive ability.

Fifteen primary schools which included those from Command Children School, Army Children School 1, all in Abakiliki Road,Enugu.

Police Children school 1, Christ foundation school Ngwo, Good Shepherd School, Enugu amongst others participated in the keenly contested competition.

Some of the school children interviewed said that the competition had inculcated in them the need to constantly read and garner knowledge, adding that the exercise had made them to know about police service as well as the service it renders to mankind as well as many profession serving in the police.

They also thanked the command and their partner for the programme and prayed for the sustenance of the programme, in order to capture other school children/pupils.

The teachers on their part extolled the effort of the police command and their partner in organising the all important programme, pointing out that the programme had the capacity to impact on the children positively.

On her part,the founder of the Early Reading Empowerment Initiatives, Princess Eby Akagu, thanked the state police command for the partnership and maintained that she appreciated the effort of the police towards the job it was doing.

Mr Ebere Amarizu, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command (fourth from right, last row) in a group photograph with teachers and pupils who participated in reading competition organised by Early Reading Empowerment Initiatives.

Tension in Enugu railway quarters over death of cult member Jude Ossai - Enugu

R

ESIDENTS of Costain Railway Quarters Asata, Enugu are now living in fear following the death of a university undergraduate living in the area.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the deceased, whose name was simply given as Chinedu was killed by an angry mob when he was allegedly caught red-handed when he allegedly, broke into a house through the window and robbed the occupant of her mobile phone and other valuable at about 2:30 am before luck ran out on him.

The suspect was said to have been nabbed earlier for similar thing within the neighbourhood and was said to have signed an undertaken that he would not involve in robbery activities within the quarters where he also resided with his parents.

Chinedu, who lived with his parents at No. 15A Watson Street of the same quarters, was abandoned after he was beaten to a level of unconsciousness, before his family members took him to an hospital where he was pronounced

dead.

Meanwhile, members of a cult group ‘Ayes’ popularly known as "2, 2" where Chinedu was said to be a top member have raided the quarters with gun, axes, machetes and threatened to kill anybody that was involved in the beating of their member that led to his death.

The cult group which draws its members from around the state, has burned and destroyed property of some residents who it believed participated in the beating of its member.

Reports said that the members of the group said they would not rest until they avenged the death of

their brother even as members of the cult group blocked all entrances to the quarters raided, destroyed and burned residents’ property before taking to their heels.

Contacted, the State Police Public Relations Office, Ebere Amaraizu, said the matter has not been reported to the command.

Enugu Assembly calls for fresh recruitment exercise of teachers Jude Ossai - Enugu MEMBERS of the Enugu State House of Assembly on Tuesday called for the re-conducting of the recruitment exercise of over 2000 primary school teachers to include those that were not given the opportunity to participate in the controversial exercise.

The resolution to reconduct the recruitment exercise followed recommendations contained in a report submitted to the House by the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, charged with the responsibility of looking into the exercise.

It will be recalled that the

House had earlier moved for the outright annulment of the exercise as a result of complaints of irregularities and shoddy deals noticed during the exercise that took place in September conducted by the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, ENSUBEB. The House resolved to mandate the Committee to carry out further investigation into the exercise after they had invited the management of ENSUBEB and Commissioner for Education but were not satisfied with their defence and explanations on how the exercise was conducted.

The Speaker, Edward Ubosi, had mandated the Committee to carry out the investigation and report to

the House within two weeks.

Among other things, the House Committee recommended that fair and equitable distribution of qualified candidates in the recruitment exercise in each local area should be observed and adhered to.

The report, which was presented by the House Committee Chairman on Education, Hon. Matthew Ugwueze, Igbo-Eze South, also submitted that qualified volunteer teachers should be considered for the recruitment.

Leader of the House, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, thanked the House Committee on Education for the painstaking exercise.

Widows, artisans cry for help as town union demolishes their shops, buildings Suzy Oruya - Onitsha HOUSES and shop owners sited at Orie market in Utuh, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State are counting their losses as they claim that their properties have been pulled down unjustly without any compensation in order to give way to the building of a community model plaza.

Crying while speaking to news men, one of the victims who is a widow, Mrs. Louisa Ndedigwe said, ’’this land belongs to my late husband and he built the shops there before he died.

“He even gave a portion of the land to the community when he was alive and now that he is dead they want to confiscate the land because it is in a high brow area.

They claim that Anambra state government wants to build plaza there”.

She said ”it is from here that I fend for what my children will eat, it is a pure intimidation and I call on Governor Willie Obiano to come to my rescue”.

Contacted the President General of the Community, Chief Fabian Onwughalu said, “some families including that of Mrs. Ndedigwe

donated the said land to the community from time immemorial and now the Government wants to build a plaza there”.

“The Ndedigwe family and the others approached the community then and pleaded to build some make-shift structures there to help them feed their families and that they will remove the structures when we are ready”.

“Now we have written them

to inform them that the state government has selected the place to build a plaza and they refused”, he started.

In a swift reaction, a coalition of civil society groups led by its secretary, Comrade Charles Ejefonye warned that they would take legal action against the town union if they demolished the buildings/shops of the widow without compensation.

17

Thursday, 3 November, 2016 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

‘Fake Ifa priests are taking over America’

to tackle the rise in the number of these fake priests, is there a way you are sensitising the public so that they won’t fall victims?

I discussed this with a very prominent person involved in Ifa in Nigeria a few years back, particularly how Ifa is being taken over, modified, diluted, exploited and appropriated by ‘cut and paste’ priests and those who make quick trips to Nigeria for an initiation (or have one within the US), then think that gives them the right to practice as priests, start divining and open up ‘shop.’ The best I can do is write extensive blog posts and articles on my website, farinadeolokun. com, talking about what Ifa is and isn’t, what to look for, what to watch out for, give people some basic solid knowledge and pray that Orunmila guides them, or brings me those who have been broken in trust and faith so we can set things straight and get them up and walking forward in life.

My prayers are always with the good Babas and Iyas of Nigeria, and my family, who hold the true and correct lineage upright and are examples of the faith. They have so far managed to preserve and sustain the true tenets of the faith.

Yeye Ekundayo Adele Ifamuregun practices the Ifa religion in the United States of America, and as a priestess of the African Traditional Religion (ATR), she has used her calling to assist people with spiritual problems. However, in this interview with ADEWALE OSHODI, the priestess laments the large number of fakes currently parading themselves as priests in the US, while also highlighting how she has found her way towards practicing her faith in a country that is not known for understanding African culture and traditions. EXCERPTS:

F

OR how long have you been practising professionally as a priestess in America, and how does the average American see you as having solution to their problems?

I’ve been working as a priestess in the United States since relocating there in 2001, and before that, I was working in Brazil. When you speak of an “average” American, one must understand that the portion of the population who follow Diasporic African Traditional Religions (ATRs) is very small, percentage-wise, and true Ifa is even less.

The “average” American as a whole is simply unaware of Ifa and how it works.

But people are very willing and open to anything that will pull them out of their issues and I have clients from all over the world. When people are suffering, they are open to seeking answers and solutions outside of the norm, when all else has failed.

Ifa can bring the solution for them.

The Ifa practice comes with placing sacrifices, which I understand, may not be permitted in the American society; so how do you go about offering your sacrifices?

Actually, people in the United States have already gone to the Supreme Court to fight for their right to conduct ritual blood sacrifices within their own shrines and temples, and won in every case. So while this is something that one must be sensitive to in terms of community and one’s neighbours, there is already a precedent set within the court system protecting the rights of orisa worshipers to practice their rituals in certain localities under certain constraints.

Discretion is needed, along with creativity and sensitivity. I happen to live in the countryside, with many streams, rivers, isolated roads and forests, the ocean is also nearby, so this is not really a problem. I can rest items on my own property and in my own shrine, so there is no issue. In Brazil, however, there are now environmental laws put into place by Evangelical politicians, and also laws which control where you buy the animals needed and where you can then keep them until the time of sacrifice; their own bid to stamp out freedom of religion and the African tradition of Ifa and orisa

•Yeye Ekundayo Adele Ifamuregun

Ifa is being taken over, modified, diluted, exploited and appropriated by ‘cut and paste’ priests and those who make quick trips to Nigeria for an initiation. that took root there with the slave trade.

One big problem that we have in Nigeria is the issue of fake priests, and with the growing popularity of Ifa in America, do you also have this problem?

Absolutely! Of the people who come to me, a large majority have made contact with unscrupulous or simply ignorant Ifa practitioners here inside of the US, while some have also been bamboozled in Nigeria. Many clients come to me spiritually, emotionally, mentally and financially bankrupt, after passing through the hands of Ifa organisations in the US, as well as passing though the hands of various independent priests.

This is a huge problem which I cannot stress enough, and it has been giving me concern for many years, as I feel I am rowing against a tide of outright charlatanism, well-meaning or willful ignorance, or, in some cases, very dangerous injustices.

Just recently, I divined for an American initiated into Ifa in Nigeria, a so-called Ifa priest with his own “shrine” having issues.

He didn’t even know that one must throw cowries or kolanuts after making an offering to check if the offerings have been

accepted! He was having trouble with the gods because he had been offering something ridiculous to them (besides having no authority to do so). There is also a wellknown Ifa priest on the East Coast who has been giving out a hand of Ifa with threeeyed ikin for years, obviously unaware that a proper hand has at least 16 four-eyed ikin, and unaware that by giving out a three-eyed hand, he will only bring misery to his initiate’s life.

It is insane what is going on out here in terms of Ifa, and it needs to stop. I work closely with my family in Nigeria and most of our work consists of sweeping up the pieces of peoples’ lives who have gotten involved with these fake “priests” and “priestesses” who simply have no authority or knowledge to be working in that capacity, or, they might have some working knowledge but are morally and ethically not capable of turning the practice into something other than a money-making tradition, or, they simply do not have the deeper understanding of Ifa and neglect to set their clients/initiates up with the fundamentals they need to know.

Although you don’t have the power

Can you share an instance when you’ve had to rescue a victim who had had his ‘hands burnt’ by a fake priest?

There are simply too many instances to narrate. And I am speaking of both fake priests within Diaspora ATRs and also within Ifa, both in the US and in Nigeria.

I’ve had everything from someone getting actual serious burns on their body from gunpowder during a “ritual” to “banish negative spirits”, women being sexually molested, clients being told to sell-off millions of dollars worth of their properties and “give the money to Ifa,” thereby leaving them destitute, among many other instances.

So what advice do you have for people so that they won’t fall victims to fake priests?

My simplest advice in a nutshell is for a person to always trust their ori (their head), the small voice inside of them, and that feeling in the pit of the stomach. Also, how do they feel in the presence of that person? Does the person offer guidance and explanation of how the Ifa system works? Does it make sense?

Are they asking for big money for immediate initiations when you have only just met them? Are they making financial demands that are far beyond what one can afford? Do they offer to do works that harm others instead of simply defending via “return to sender”? If you are feeling uncomfortable, there is usually a good reason for that.

However, those who willingly harm and cheat others will end up paying, sooner or later, and those who have suffered at their hands, their own victory will come.

The travesty is that the good name of Ifa is being soiled by charlatans, and by people in the Diaspora who are only after their own financial ambitions, as well as them Westernising the principles of the Ifa system.

18

arts&review

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

The Rainy Day: The conceptual model of life and meaning A review of Sam Abegunde Aris’novel, The Rainy Day by Adesanya Alabi.

B

ASED on various research studies on how literary imagination and creative development can be used to view opinions, explore options, solve problems, educate people, correct social vices and understand people in their different levels of perspicacity; Sam Abegunde Aris’ novel, The Rainy Day, as explored gives the accentuation of life and meaning in its full sense. As the exposition of the novel is given from the deductive point of view, the author narrates the indispensability of life in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Abegunde tells a story of fraternal concord and discord that occur in the season of life. Thus, he explains how imperative it is for one to learn not to dip the whole ten fingers in one’s mouth in case of the time when nothing will be left to feast on. In this sense, he uses two brothers to illustrate the efficacy of saving in rainy season before the summer comes.

Abegunde’s perception about life is to

plan something for the future so as to avoid unwanted asperity of life. As it is well understood that the work of literature is crucial in the sense that it makes every individual have a meaningful nexus with some certain truth of life. Hence, lit-

erary work creates an avenue for people to express their ideas and personal experiences. In this sense, most fictional works are products of non-fictional experiences.

In this novel, Abegunde, bringing his milieu under focus, postulates his thought by using two brothers, Kenneth and Tony as the main characters of the novel to pedagogically pass a message to his readers. He portrays the main character, Kenneth as an extravagant and frivolous fellow who takes solace in pleasure and always likes to live beyond what he can afford. But he presents Tony, the younger child, as a person who likes his father’s instruction that places more emphasis on saving: Saving is a good character to imbibe my dear son, especially from the early stage of one’s life. When you save from your young age, you are saving for your future. Not only that, you are saving for the rainy day. My dear sons, it is good to salvage today and save tomorrow. (P.19).

Kenneth and ‘Tony are properly trained by their parents, Johnson and Cynthia; and they are both educated from elementary to university levels. Though their parents are well-to-do and they are resident

Ex-UNIDO official charges FG on simplified teaching of mathematics A former representative of Nigeria to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), France, Mr Olusola Abiodun Kayode, has charged the Federal Ministry of Education to focus on the teaching of mathematics in schools, as this is what will aid our developmental process.

Mr Kayode stated this during the official presentation of the book, Rapid Success in Mathematics, written by Mr D.W Akindele.

The former UNIDO official said, “I happen to be privy to how this book we are launching this afternoon commenced, at least, the author shared some thoughts with me. It all started from the thinking that there should be a simplified way of understanding the subject and its use, to ease its full comprehension and also facilitates its utilisation.

“It is not an overstatement that this much dreaded subject called Mathematics is one subject several children and students fail the most, particularly in national examinations. In addition to this, we all know the importance of this subject in the admission process into our tertiary institutions. Hence, there is a need to have test guide, or quick revision exercises to enable students prepare and do last minute revision of the subject prior to the examinations, and the author has deemed it fit to fill this gap with his book.

“It is, therefore, glaring that Mr Akindele wrote this book to meet the examination needs of our children who are about to sit for their final year examinations,” Mr Kayode said.

In his brief remarks at the event, the author, D.W Akindele, said he was concerned about the high failure rate of students when it comes to Mathematics in final year examinations.

“In fact, Mathematics is so important and they can’t run away from it. What I did, therefore, is to simplify the teaching of the subject, so that students will find it as interesting as possible.

“One thing I also want our students to understand is that there is nothing they can do without Mathematics. So it is important they embrace it and enjoy studying it,” Mr Akindele said, while urging teachers of the subject to also simplify their teaching so that students can derive pleasure in studying the subject.

New books highlight challenges of those with developmental disabilities AS part of activities commemorating its 20th anniversary, the Children’s Developmental Centre (CDC), a service-oriented, not-for-profit organisation, has launched a coffee table book that catalogues its history, achievements and future plans.

Titled, ‘Who Needs to be Normal’, the book painstakingly tracks the evolution of the centre and its role in supporting the wellbeing of society, especially care support to children and young adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

At the launch, which took place at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, Chairman on the occasion, Chief Bisade Biobakun commended CDC for its pioneering role in caring for and assisting young Nigerians to realise their given potential.‘Who Needs to be Normal’, he stated, has created a corporate history book that tells the story of 20 years as a game changer.

Chief Biobakun applauded the management and staff of CDC for being part of a wonderful cause that should be emulated by other well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations. “I feel very proud to be a part of this great cause. Nothing elicits more joy than engaging in a venture that is borne out of passion and which impacts positively on human development,” he said.

Founder and Director of the Centre, Dr. Yinka Akindayomi, stated that the quest to support children and young adults with developmental disabilities and their families, has remained undiminished, 20 years down a spirited journey that commenced when services in Lagos State were poor and almost non-existent to support her son.

In the spirit of its core value - Care and Inclusion, the anniversary celebration, which commenced early in the year, has highlighted the theme: ‘compassion, connection: why our communities should care,’ underlining the realization that the inclusion of children and adults with any disabilities into the mainstream can only come through the compassion of the people and communities.

Akindayomi said the support and contributions of all stakeholders has been instrumental to nurturing the institution into a world class care Centrewhere one of the most important tenets is creating an environment that is accepting of differences.

“Without compassion there is no connection, without connection there is no You and I. In order for a community to grow, it must include everyone’s needs. This is why the value of compassion is even more relevant concerning issues of today,” she stated.

Over the course of two decades, she said

CDC has pursued its mandate with singleminded determination, evolving into a major humanitarian leader for children’s wellbeing in Nigeria. During this period, the organization has impacted on the lives over 2000 children and young adults with development disabilities and their families in Nigeria. “Slowly,our impact is being felt through various projects dotted throughout Nigeria. Who would have thought we would be here today providing comprehensive services and programmes to a wide range offamilies?”

Reaching this important milestonerepresents a remarkable evidence of CDC’s relevanceand commitment to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria, Akindayomisaid, adding that the servicelooks ahead to the next decade with renewed resolve and vigor to serve the community even more.“ Describing the organization’s creed as an unbreakable contract, Akindayomi added that the 20th anniversary milestone willremain a watershed in its journey because it has provided further motivation and a solid platform to continue to render valuable service to the society.“Twenty years is a major milestone for our institution. Today provides us a moment to reflect on our evolution as well as look ahead to the tasks that we must overcome,” she said.

in a reputable environment in Ikoyi. Despite that their father is perceptibly rich, he still teaches his two boys on how to save and avoid profligacy. However, despite the moral training given to both of them, Kenneth, the eldest child, gives no regards to his father’s training. He easily gets bored when their father begins to give them instructions. The attitude of Kenneth towards his father’s instruction has always been negative. He complains as if his father’s advice is a threat to his personal comfort; he gets bored when he talks to them. This is reflected in his statement while talking with his mother, Cynthia, who always defends him when he misbehaves: “Mum, thanks for coming back now.”

Kenneth was happy his mother had arrived at that particular moment for his father’s gospel of saving was boring him to death. (P.31).

This obnoxious attitude and nauseating propensity of Kenneth become elements of evil which contribute vehemently to his woeful end. Tony becomes extremely responsible though almost dragged along in the ocean of youthful exuberance while in the university; he could have also been trapped in the dungeon of things that are infinitesimally ephemera. But, he quickly regains the right state of his kinesthesia before being wiped out by the tide of frivolous tendency. While they are both in the university, Kenneth chooses the path that has a crack in its final edge, while Tony keeps to his father’s instruction.

Kenneth becomes extremely extravagant and always moves in the company of girls, rogues and vagabonds. He becomes a regular customer to club houses and parties: Kenneth’s association with the club had inevitably increased his taste for almost everything, especially social life. He now attended parties outside campus, he kept numerous girlfriends and he had also started drinking alcoholic drinks. In fact, partying and clubbing had now become his priority over education. He was always busy with the club activities as well as keeping himself busy with ladies. (P.48).

Tony learns to save even from the monthly allowance he takes. They both graduate but unfortunately, they lose their parents; first, their mother, and later, their father. Kenneth depends on his father’s possessions; he dissipates the money his father tries to save for him from his childhood; but he finds himself in the most shocking moment of life when he realises that his father has willed his entire heirloom to outsiders. Kenneth breaks down, his life breaks down and ends empty without hope. Tony becomes a great farmer and also, eventually becomes Commissioner for Agriculture.

To sum up, the didactic nature of this text, teaches every individual to learn how to save so as not to end in penury. This is not restricted to only individuals but also to the nations. It is essential to understand that a nation that refuses to save when things go well should prepare to experience recession when its time comes. A country can be extravagant like Kenneth in the text; is a country where corruption and burglarising of national treasury is a norm, it’s a matter of time, bottom-out will be the consequence.

•Alabi sent in this review from the Cyprus International University, Cyprus.

19

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

education

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

Alumni associations should support universities —Minister Clement Idoko - Abuja

TETFund executive secretary, Dr Abdullahi Bichi Baffa, and his team with the vice chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Professsor Samuel Oye Bandele, and other principal officers of the university during a project inauguration visit by TETFund recently.

Operate within your academic brief, NUC tells private varsities Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia

P

RIVATE universities in the country have been advised to operate within the confines of their academic brief, master plan and law approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The executive secretary of the commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, gave the advice on Saturday in his goodwill message to the maiden convocation of Gregory University, Uturu (GUU) in Abia.

Rasheed urged private universities not to hesitate to seek the advice from the commission “whenever in doubt,” in order “to avoid running foul of laid down regulations.”

He urged the board of GUU to come to the aid of the university, particularly in the area of resource mobilisation and forming of strategic partnerships on behalf of the university.

“For all private universities, financing of academic and other activities has proved to be one of the foremost challenges,” Rasheed, who was represented at the event by a director in the commission, Mrs Constance Nnadi, said.

Therefore, he added, “forging an effective and efficient governance structure that supports the smooth day-to-day management of the universities is paramount.”

He commended the courage and doggedness of the proprietor of GUU, Dr. Gregory Ibe, despite the daunting challenges of establishing private university.

“This enterprise is clearly not for the fainthearted,” he said, while commending the GUU management team for their perseverance and resilience.

Rasheed urged the graduands to adopt an entrepreneurial outlook to life after graduation to enable them to succeed outside the university.

The vice chancellor of the university, Professor Juliet Elu, told the graduands to brace

up for challenges ahead, but added that the entrepreneurial skill they acquired in the university had equipped them to compete favourably in the global market.

The proprietor, who was inaugurated as the chancellor of the university at the ceremony, said that his vision was to establish a university that would teach entrepreneurial studies.

Ibe said that he recently reduced the tuition fees by 30 per cent as a palliative against the harsh effects of the current economic recession in the country.

In his speech, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu expressed delight with the emphasis placed

on entrepreneurial studies by the university in its curriculum.

Represented by his deputy, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, the governor thanked Ibe for citing the university in Abia, and urged other well-meaning indigenes to emulate him.

The chairman of the Board of Trustees of the university, Dr. Sam Ohuabunwa, said that Ibe had set a momentum with the university and urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution.

Highlights of the ceremony included the conferment of honorary Doctor of Public Administration (honoris causa) on the vice president of Liberia, Dr. Joseph Boakai.

THE Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has appealed to members of alumni associations of Nigerian universities to support their alma mater, saying that government alone cannot effectively fund education.

Providing such financial support, he said, should be the central objective of establishing such association, as is done globally.

Malam Adamu made the remarks when he received members of the newly elected executive council of the Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU) who visited him in his office in Abuja.

The minister and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, both challenged alumni associations to be alive to their responsibilities, citing the experience of the United States where the alumni associations are the greatest pillars of financial support for universities.

Earlier, the national chairman of CAANU, who doubles as president of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Alumni Association, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani, said the newly elected executive of the association deemed it necessary to visit the ministers and other key actors in the sector as a starting point for the sector-wide consultation the association had embarked upon.

Dr. Tijjani said that the association would soon embark on massive membership drive among Nigerian universities through the formation of alumni associations in each university.

He added that resource mobilisation from high net worth members would be vigorously pursued to augment effective learning, teaching, research and community services by the universities.

OOU adjudged best state university in 2016 As 2 students bag First Class at Bar Final Exam

By Laolu Harolds THE Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye, Ogun State, has been adjudged the best state university in Nigeria for the year 2016. Two of its graduates also obtained First Class honours at the Bar Final Examination.

According to the Head, Corporate Affairs Division of the university, the award was conferred on the university by the Institute for Governance Research, Leadership and Technology at a colourful event that took place on Friday, 28 October, 2016 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

While reading the citation of the university, the chairman, Technical Committee of the institute, Professor John Akanya, said that OOU was adjudged the best based on its outstanding performance in university infrastructure development and management; expertise in staff recruitment; competence in students’ admission administra-

tion, training and development, as well as proficiency in university asset protection and security staff management.

Other areas where the university excelled include campus general performance, operational excellence and management; compliance with professional codes, ethical standards and strategy; and compliance with government regulatory laws and guidelines.

While receiving the award on behalf of the university, the vice chancellor, Professor Saburi Adejimi Adesanya, thanked the institute for exhibiting due diligence and high ethical standard in the assessment process.

Professor Adesanya reminded the audience that in 2014, the National Universities Commission (NUC) had also ranked OOU as the best state university in Nigeria.

“I was not surprised when OOU was chosen this year for the premier award by your organisation,” he enthused, affirming that the university had witnessed great

transformation in the areas of physical infrastructure and academic development.

While dedicating the award to the staff and students of the university for their cooperation, Adesanya assured the gathering that the university would not rest on its laurels but sustain the tempo of development.

It emerged that graduates of the university have also continued to maintain their impeccable performances at the Nigerian Bar Final Examinations. Two of them obtained First Class honours at this year’s Bar Examinations.

Both candidates – Oludare Subomi Onakoya and Oyeleke Samson Oyeniran –graduated from OOU with Second Class honours (Upper Division).

The Law School revealed further that the graduates from the university recorded over 97 per cent pass in the 2016 Bar Examinations, the highest pass rate for this year.

At the 2011 Bar Final Examination, three of the university’s graduates had also obtained First Class honours.

20

education

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

We’re fully committed to students’ welfare —ACE provost

By Laolu Harolds THE provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Professor Olukoya Ogen, has reiterated that his management is fully committed to the welfare of students of the college.

In his opening remarks during the inauguration of the 2016/2017 Students’ Union Central Executive

Council, Professor Ogen pledged that his management would continue to do its best for the students.

“We operate an open door policy; we will carry you along on all issues. We want your ideas; come up with your ideas let us rub minds together,” he said.

He described the occasion as significant, and commended the body that

had been guiding the students to achieve smooth transition from one Students’ Union executive to another.

He also commended the outgoing Students’ Union president, Richard Ogunrotifa, for outstanding performance during his tenure, saying that Ogunrotifa had been recommended for special commendation by

the College Management Committee for maintaining peace and cordiality between the three arms of the Students’ Union (executive, judiciary and legislature).

Ogen urged the new president, Omosebi Oluwatobilola, to emulate his predecessor and adopt the chairman, Committee of Deans and Dean, School of Science, Dr. Folorun-

so Balogun, as his father throughout his tenure.

He also congratulated and thanked the management team, as well as the three unions in the college for been supportive of his administration.

In his address, the Dean, Students’ Affairs, Mr. Olaniyi Olaluwoye, appealed to the newly elected Student Union executive

not to see their offices as an opportunity to enrich themselves, but as a call to service.

In his inaugural speech, Comrade Omosebi Oluwatobiloba, thanked the provost and his management team for making the occasion a success. He pledged that the welfare of the students would be his priority.

Crescent varsity proprietor lauds alumnus for winning award

Representative of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt.-Hon. Kola Oluwawole, Hon, Olatunji Akinyele (centre); deputy provost of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Olu Atunramu (2nd left); registrar, Mr Gbenga Ojo (left); representative of the deputy governor, on Kolapo Olusola, Mr Adedejo Osho (2nd right); and others during the institution’s Students’ Union lecture delivered by Oluwawole Wednesday last week.

Mentor young academics, AAUA VC charges professors

T

HE vice chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, has called on university professors to provide good mentoring for younger academics.

Professor Ajibefun gave the charge during an interactive session with the academic staff of the university, held at the Multipurpose Hall of the institution.

“Our professors have a duty to provide good mentoring for the younger academics. It appears the core university culture is fading away and going down the drain. I am always proud of AAUA, and I am sure we have distinguished professors here; but we still have a lot to do to ensure that younger lecturers are not misguided or lose sight of academic ideals,” he said.

He said the purpose of the interaction was to address some recent developments in the university and to correct insinuations and misrepresentation of facts in some quarters within and outside the university community.

Ajibefun also addressed

the issue of the eight members of staff who were suspended about a fortnight ago, saying the suspension of the affected staff was as a result of the misconduct on the part of the individuals and had nothing to do with ASUU or its executives as being insinuated.

He said, “I don’t operate on sentiments and I have nothing against the individuals as a vice chancellor; but as the vice chancellor, I am duty-bound to ensure that

the laws of the university are not violated. I will not sit by and watch the system slide into barbarism.

“What happened has nothing to do with ASUU or its executives. There are some among the sanctioned lecturers who are nonexecutive members of the academic union and there are members of executives of the union who are not affected.”

He enjoined the university staff to be guided by the rel-

evant laws in their actions or inactions and work in harmony with the university management to ensure that the institution continues to progress.

Senior professors and academics who responded on behalf of the academic staff thanked the vice chancellor for the peaceful manner he has been conducting the affairs of the university, and implored him to find an amicable way of resolving the matter.

FOUNDER/PROPRIETOR, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Judge Bola Ajibola, is excited with the performance of an alumnus of the Adeola Yusuf, who won the 2016 African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC) bursary award in South Africa.

Adeola Yusuf is a 2012/2013 graduate of Mass Communication from Crescent University.

Receiving the news from the head of department of Mass Communication, Dr Kola Adesina, Ajibola expressed deep satisfaction with the performance and congratulated Yusuf, who had earlier won other journalism awards.

The vice chancellor, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, said it was gratifying that “our products are now standing shoulder to shoulder with the best brains in the world,” noting that this had been the trend in the

Suswam’s wife to youths: Think out of the box to beat recession Johnson Babajide - Makurdi WIFE of the former governor of Benue State, Mrs Yemisi Suswam, has called on youths in the country to take advantage of the present economic recession to develop new initiatives and strategies with local content to combat

TETFUND commends EKSU Ekiti State University has been described as one of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) projects high performing institutions.

The executive secretary of TETFund, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa, gave the verdict during the commissioning of three TETFund-sponsored projects in the university.

The projects are the threestorey Academic Building, Four-In-One Lecture Theatre and Centre for Gender and Development Studies.

Dr Baffa declared: “Seeing the quality of the structures in Ekiti State University, coupled with the judicious

and efficient management of TETFund supports by the EKSU management, one is safe to say that the institution ranks among the best in Nigeria on TETFund projects.”

While inaugurating the Academic Building, the executive secretary said, “The massive iconic edifice confirms that EKSU is a high performing institution.”

He said that TETFund was working hard to make Nigerian universities globally competitive and be ranked among the best in the world.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele

Fayose, also said there was the need for Nigerian universities to be among the top ranking institutions in the world and that companies and organisations should be able to utilize cutting edge research made by professors in Nigeria.

Represented by the deputy governor, Dr Kolapo Olusola, the governor called on TETFund to help supply good equipment and machines to universities, particularly EKSU. The vice chancellor, Professor Samuel Oye Bandele, in his speech said that the university could convenient-

recent history of the university’s performance in recent years.

In his response, Yusuf praised the world class curriculum of Crescent University’s Mass Communication department and the enabling environment provided by the proprietor and management.

Yusuf will be joining other best investigative journalists from Africa between November 7 and 9, 2016 at the Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 2016 edition of AIJC, the biggest gathering of investigative journalists, Journalism students and professionals in Africa.

He won the award with the story ‘Mega Crude Oil Theft: How $50bn Nigeria’s Stolen Crude Oil Found Its Way to Refineries in Europe, US’ published in the New Telegraph on Saturday, 24th June, 2016.

ly boast of 18 modern projects funded by TETFund; and that it had benefitted greatly under TETFund in areas as projects intervention, library development, academic staff training and staff development, conference attendance, publications and journals, manuscripts developments, and entrepreneurship centres.

The chancellor of the university, the Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adegoke Olu Adeyemi, commended TETFund for its support and asked for more in order to sustain the high status of the university.

the harsh economy.

Mrs Suswam stated this at the 10th graduation ceremony of her pet project, SEV-AV Foundation, held in Makurdi at the weekend.

The former governor’s wife whose foundation trains youths on vocational skills such as tailoring, beading, computer training and others, graduated 75 students in various programmes.

In her speech, Mrs Suswam said that determination and consistency were the driving force that propelled her to strive for excellence in improving the lives of youths in state; and promised that despite the daunting challenges, she would continue in her quest to improve the lives of the Benue people.

While appreciating partners of the foundation for their continuous cooperation, Mrs Suswam urged them to support the building of the nation from a micro level of individual economic development of youths and widows.

21

education

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

‘Government must find enduring education policy’ The story of Brano High School, Okhoro, Benin City, Edo State, exemplifies the I-can-do spirit of its proprietor, Mr Gabriel Okhihan, who has successfully nurtured it into becoming one of the most sought-after schools in the state capital. He tells BANJI ALUKO the story of the school. Excerpts:

B

ackground I attended primary school in Ekpoma and secondary school at Western Boys High School in Benin. I attended Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), where I graduated with a BSc. in Geography. I did my National Youth Service in Enugu State in 1992.

Beginning I had this vision in 1997. That was when I started lesson with another friend of mine. He also has a big school like mine today. When I came back from youth service, there were no jobs and I needed to create one for myself. I first started with coaching classes. I started extramural classes for students in government schools. I was moving from one government school to another. From that point, I was able to establish a school. I started growing the school. Today, the school has been approved by government and candidates have been writing WAEC-conducted examinations here since 2005.

Challenges It was not easy when I started; finance was a major hindrance. I was discouraged by some persons who told me that I could not afford it, and that it was expensive. I, however, had the courage to see it through. I knew that the beginning is usually tough. I refused to be distracted by their talks because the urge to see it through was strong in me. It took me some years before I got to this level. I had to buy land and land is quite expensive in Benin. It cost me about N12 million to acquire the land in 2007. I did not borrow from any bank.

Hard work and dedication took me this far. From there, I

ry school. Different teachers take different subjects. Regularly, we get corps members who come here to serve. They also add value. Students doing their teaching practice also come in from different tertiary institutions. Right now, the University of Benin sent 16, while the Ambrose Alli University sent 10.

Uniqueness Discipline is the keyword here. The way we handle our students is unique. We not only teach them; but we groom them. We ensure that there is healthy competition among the students. From time to time, we give the school a facelift in terms of facilities. We have laid very good legacies and we are trying to maintain it and raise the bar. The community here in Okhoro is happy that the school is here because the school has also contributed greatly to the development of the community.

Mr Okhihan started putting classrooms in place putting in mind government’s regulation.

Progress Today, if you are talking about good schools in Benin, there is no way you will not mention my school. My students are good. They have won many awards and competitions. We have participated in the National Mathematics Olympiad. In the last West African Secondary School Certificate Examination, we recorded over 90 per cent in pass rate.

Size We have primary and secondary schools here. We have over 1,600 students here. We have over 50 teachers in the secondary school arm, while we have about 20 in the prima-

Cost of education My special interest is to help those parents who are not particularly buoyant. I believe everybody deserves quality education. This defines the fee we charge. The truth is that the school fees are relatively cheap when compared to other schools and facilities on ground here. For me, education is the most important thing after food. We have been able to marry cost and standard together. We do not charge high fees and do not compromise standard at the same time.

Money is not the driving force here.

If you want to start, you must start well. You must be honest. You will not go far defrauding people of their hardearned money. You must be hardworking and courageous.

You must start from scratch; you cannot get to the peak from day one. There is no problem bigger than inconsistent education policies. It does not help the students and the stakeholders. Government must find an enduring formula like in the advanced countries

Nigeria not maximising benefits of Fine, Applied Arts – don

By Kehinde Adio A Chief Lecturer at the Department of Fine and Applied Arts Education, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Dr. Trimisiyu Oladimeji, says that Nigeria is yet to explore the relevance of arts and technology skills in the nation building process.

He made the observation last Wednesday while delivering the 7th Inaugural Lecture of the college. He expressed dissatisfaction with the general perception of Fine Arts having less value than other professional courses like Medicine, Engineering and so on.

According to him, Fine and Applied Arts education is all-encompassing and indispensable in nation building. He particularly noted the relevance of the subject to manufacturing, science and technology, automobile, publishing and allied sectors, especially in the area of design.

He advised parents to support their wards to develop keen interest in the study of the subject from primary school level, adding that it would not be out of place for government to introduce scholarship for the subject at the tertiary level.

From left, Dr Tirimisiyu Oladimeji, Chief Lecturer, Department of Fine and Applied Arts Federal College of Education ( Special), Oyo, (middle) with other principal officers of the college and some other invited guests at the 7th Inaugural Lecture delivered by him, recently.

“I want to recommend the use of Fine and Applied Arts profession to address unemployment challenges among children with special needs in the society. If people with one disability or the other can be trained in Fine and Applied Arts as a vocational skill, the development will go a long way to reduce their dependency and street begging,” he noted.

He urged government

to supplement the cost of the highly expensive materials and equipment used in special education. This, he said, would facilitate more access to this practical-oriented vocational empowerment education for the special needs youths in the country.

If these people are empowered with vocational arts skills, he said, they can be at par with other able-bodied people in the society.

SMACO REUNION elects officers, set to restore glory to alma mater

By Modupe George The old students of Saint Mary’s Grammar School, Iwo, Osun State, has inaugurated newly elected officers of the association at a grand reunion on October 1, 2016, showering awards on the old teachers of the school to show appreciation.

The decision of SMACO RENUION, the umbrella body of the association to elect its executive members and board of trustees, was borne out of the immense contribution of the old students’ association to the alma mater and its products.

As a result, the association unanimously resolved to

firm out the refurbishment of the Chemistry and Physics laboratories of the school to boost students’ competence in the two sciencebased subjects.

According to the newly elected President, Mr Olufemi Adedayo, at a meeting between the new executive members and the management of the school, alumni associations are important as they could serve as entities in marketing educational institutions and promoting the best interests of their alma mater and the education sector at large.

He gave kudos to all the old students home and abroad for their unparalleled roles and supports for the projects

of the association, which he noted, recorded a landmark success, promising that his election as the president is a call to service.

He noted further that it would be a collective glory for all members to impact positively on the school, saying the principal and teachers are important key players in the efforts of the association to ensure the best for the school, while promising to execute laudable projects during his tenure.

The principal of the senior school, Mrs A.Y Adigun, while responding, expressed her delight at the good work of the association, while encouraging members not

to relent in their efforts to make the school one of the best in Osun State She thanked the association for a job well done and for their aspiration to take the school to higher level among its peers nationwide.

She highlighted some of the challenges currently facing the school, some of which included inadequate teachers, security issues, infrastructural decay, among others.

Mrs A.B Obisesan, the junior school principal, harped on the need for relevant textbooks, lack of modern day economics laboratory equipment and lack of competent teachers, particularly in Mathematics, English Language, Civic

Education, Security Education and French.

Other elected executive members of SMACO REUNION to serve in the twoyear tenure,were Dr Folake Aremu Iyanda, vice president, Mr Amos Adetunji, publicity secretary and Mr Ayobami Ibrahim as the general secretary.

Others were Mr Tunde Obiwusi, financial secretary, Mr Akeem Ajagbe, legal adviser, Mrs Foluke Adio, treasure, Mrs Ronke Aderinto Aremu, assistant general secretary, Mr Ademola Nafiu, vice president North America Mrs Marian Owoyinfa, vice president Europe, among others, on board of trustees.

22

education

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Ebonyi varsity suspends lecturer over sexual harassment Clement Nnachi - Abakaliki

A

senior lecturer with the Ebonyi State University Abakaliki (name withheld) has been suspended over alleged involvement in sexual harassment of students.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Professor John Eke, disclosed this in Abakaliki the state capital, while addressing news men on efforts made by the ministry to improve the education sector in the state.

According to him,” four principals of secondary schools were demoted for

their various offences ranging from absenteeism and other acts of inconsistency with their mandate,” he said.

While the ministry was investigating the sex scandal rocking some schools across the state, a lecturer in the Ebonyi State university was placed on indefinite suspension pending

the outcome of the reports of sex allegations leveled against him,” he stated.

He also said: “We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment when it comes to our children. There is a case in the university whereby a lecturer was suspended and the ministry is investigating the case and

working on that,” he said.

In a related development, the state government has declared that it would ban teachers indicted of examination malpractices for five years from supervising the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASCE) and other external examinations.

“The Ministry of Education has categorised measures to tackle examination malpractices into short and long term measures, which included banning of all the teachers who collided with students to cheat during internal and external examinations for five years,” he concluded.

15 graduate with First Class at FUL’s maiden convocation Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja THE Federal University Lokoja, has held its first convocation since its creation with 15 of the graduating students making first class grade.

No fewer than 201 students graduated from the only two faculties in the university, which are the Faculties of Sciences and Social Sciences with 76 of them also making second class (upper division).

Speaking during the event held at the temporary campus of the university in Adankolo, Lokoja the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Angela Miri, said the school was poised to be among the best in comity of citadels of learning in the country.

According to her, the university, which is one of those established by the immediate past administration in 2011 was meant to satisfy the yearning of Nigerians for university education with hope expanding access to tertiary for the teaming youths.

She however expressed the readiness of the management to meet the desire of he founding fathers.

“Federal University, Lokoja commenced academic programmes in September 2012 with two faculties and 11 departments - Faculty of Science with six and faculty of Art and Social Sciences with five. A total of 999 students made up of the combined Admission Exercise of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 Academic sessions were admitted at the commencement of the academic programmes,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

She however called on the graduands to be good ambassador of the institution, adding that the university would rely on them as pioneer alumni of the nascent citadel of learning.

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in his speech tasked the students of the university to shun social vices like cultism, armed robbery and other criminal activities that are inimical to their studies.

Bello, who assured the university of adequate security of lives and property, congratulated the graduands, urging them to be good ambassador of the institution.

He pledged to support the institution, stating that the state government would partner with the ivory tower in the area entrepreneurial studies.

The Chancellor of the university and the Emir of Fika, His royal Highness, Dr Mohammed AbalIbn Mohammed Idris, urged the students to cooperate with the management of the university to deliver on its mandate of providing qualitative education.

Participants during a road walk tagged ‘Ignite Africa Readers ‘R’ Leaders Destiny Walk’ organised in Lagos last week by Ignite Africa Leadership Foundation to promote reading culture amongst young people.

Foundation organises road walk to promote reading culture IN a bid to shore up the nation’s learning deficit, revive the flagging reading culture and boost Nigeria’s leadership credentials across the world, Nigerian youths have been urged to cultivate a sound reading culture.

The call was made at the 2016 edition of the Ignite Africa Readers, ‘R’ Leaders Destiny Walk, which was held recently in Lagos.

The annual road-walk, which had in attendance artistes, comedians, actors, various professionals, as

well as students and stakeholders within the education sector, was organised by the Ignite Africa Leadership Foundation as a way of promoting a reading culture, especially amongst young people.

The 6.4 kilometre walk, which saw participants clad in bright orange shirts, also featured poetry and spoken word performances, comedy, dance, and live music by entertainers.

Mr Kolawole Oyeyemi, the Founder, Ignite Africa

Leadership Foundation and convener of the campaign, said: “We must all come together to create awareness for the youth of this nation to cultivate the habit of reading. No nation can grow, develop and lead other nations, if it is an ignorant nation.

“Once upon a time, our graduates were poached by the super powers because we had the knowledge, understanding and wisdom in our respective fields. Today, we are no longer good

enough in our own country.

“Jobs which Nigerians should ordinarily undertake are now being given to expatriates; and if we continue like this, what kind of future is in store for our youth and our nation?”

Dr Larry Izamoje, chairman\chief executive officer, Brila Group, who also lent his voice to the campaign, commended the organisers for a job well done, and challenged parents to do more in deepening the reading culture among young

Don canvasses increased use of Yoruba Language

By Tunde Ogunesan A Professor of Linguistic Stylistics and Literary Criticism, at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Moses Olufunmilayo Olateju, has advised that the use of indigenous languages, Yoruba, in particular be increased in different domains of the society.

Professor Olateju stated this while delivering the 2015\2016 inaugural lecture of the institution entitled: “Language and Style(-lystic) in Literary and Routine Communication: The Yoruba Example,” which took place at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.

Professor Olateju, like

other scholars recommended that “our indigenous languages, Yoruba especially, must not die out.”

The university don appealed to all stakeholders in the corridor of the language to “protect them, shore them up, and increase their usage in more domains such as politics, governance, business and our homes, for when a language dies, the culture and even literature dies. Without our language and culture, we all, literally and stylistically speaking, are walking corpses.”

Professor Olateju, whose lecture was the first inaugural lecture in the field of stylistics and literary criticism in the department of

Linguistics and African Languages, further stated that “language use in both literary and routine communication reveals the richness and beauty of Yoruba Language,” a reason he adduced would make the language flexible when it comes exchange of communication.

Olateju who examined the language style of three selected Yoruba writersD.O. Fagunwa, Adebayo Faleti and OladejoOkediji to determine the language style prevalent in literary communication, noted that language of communication varies from the casual to the elegant.

He, however commended the Yoruba newscasters for

their good measure of linguistic creativity and dexterity, saying this has contributed to the growth and development of Yoruba language in the country.

Olateju also lauded the “efforts of the Yoruba studies Association (YSAN), especially the academic fathers, most of whom he said are retired, but certainly not tired and the present crop of leaders in the association for their efforts in promoting and developing Yoruba Language.” He then expressed optimism that “YSAN will devote more time and attention to developing a more comprehensive ‘Yoruba Language’ in their future deliberations.”

people.

“This exercise by Ignite Africa is a noble one that should be extended by parents. Parents can start by reading to their children on a daily basis; and as the children grow older, they also pick the habit of reading and even pass it on to the next generation, and before we know it, it would become a national culture for Nigerians to read,” Izamoje enthused.

Ignite Africa Leadership Foundation also used the occasion to showcase the significant progress made in its stated commitment to help youths to embrace learning as a way of life so thatthey can guarantee the nation a great future and leadership amongst the comity of nations.

A first of its kind library website,www.igniteafricalibrary.org. hosting over 4,000 books, and its over 60 book clubs across Lagos and Rivers states, are some of the success stories shared with participants at the event.

According to the foundation, a good educational system, coupled with a sound reading culture, Nigeria will be on the path of building lifetime readers, who become intellectually rich enough to envision self and societal development.

23

Thursday, 3 November, 2016 Editor: Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

health

white meat and fish are safer.

It has been shown that countries like USA, UK and Argentina that consume a lot of meat have a high incidence of colon cancer. But consuming boiled meat is far safer than fried or roasted meat.

“Although fried meat tastes far better than boiled meat, but when you fry meat, the high temperature denatures the meat and gives rise to some chemicals which can cause cancer.

“Again when you roast meat over an open fire, some chemicals which can cause cancer are also produced; whether the roast is over an open fire, a griller or anything that shots the temperature higher and causes charring of meat,” he added.

In addition, colon cancer could run in some families as well as arises from exposure to environmental pollution.

No matter your age, don’t ignore problem signs, like blood in the stool or a change in your bowel output. In this report by SADE OGUNTOLA, experts, say this could be the first sign of a colon cancer.

S

EPTEMBER 27, 2015, is a day that is forever ingrained in the memory of relatives of Bamke Haruna. Months before, she had noticed symptoms such as constipation and bloody stool. She didn’t think much of them at first, but as they grew worse, she knew something was wrong.

At age 72, Bamke Haruna was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer after she was referred to a teaching hospital where a colonoscopy revealed a tumour in her large intestine or colon.

Colorectal cancer, a cancer affecting the colon and rectum, is the second most common cancer worldwide. In Nigeria, incidence of colon cancer unfortunately is on the rise.

“About 30 years ago, we saw about 12 to 15 cases per year at the University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. But now we are seeing about 70 to 100 cases per year,” said Dr David Irabor, a colon cancer expert at the hospital.

The situation is not restricted to UCH, Ibadan. Other federal medical tertiary in-

NATURAL HEALTH

Colon cancer on the rise, but preventable stitutions are also recording an increase in the number of colon and rectal cancer cases.

Ironically, colon and rectal cancer thought to be a white man’s disease is having a foot hold in Africa. “Since, we are also now imbibing a lot of the vices and virtues of the white people, it stands to reason that we are also developing their diseases,” said Dr Irabor.

Colon cancer is one of those things that occur inside the large intestine, where end products of digestion and other things from the small intestine becomes solidified, and then gets passed out as stool.

The large intestine has a large capacity and many times when this colon cancer starts; it may not give any symptom.

Howbeit, one of its earliest symptoms of colon cancer is bloody stool.

“No doubt, individuals that pass fresh blood in their stool will wonder what could have caused it. But it is overlooked oftentimes by many people in Nigeria because it is termed jedijedi,” Dr Irabor said.

“Some people also start to lose weight, but that occurs for all forms of cancer because cancer cells will compete with your normal cells for body nutrients.

“So, if you keeps seeing blood in the stool, not feeling too well, a packed cell volume (PCV) that is a bit low and within the 40 to 50 years age range, or with a change in the bowel output, what is happening in the large intestine needs to be checked.”

Westernised diet increases chances of colon cancer When it comes to colon cancer in Nigeria, its incidence starts between ages of 40 and 50 years. That is the productive age group. Of course, the chance of a colon cancer is higher in this age group, being a group that is more likely to be affluent and take westernised diets and lifestyle.

Moreover, Dr Irabor, declared that the proliferation of fast food joints; increased intake of sugar, carbohydrate and red meat have all been shown to increase chances of developing colon cancer. But

SEX, SEXUALITY&YOUR HEALTH

Ewedu, a vegetable of versatility Page 26

Postpartum care after a vaginal delivery (II)

Page 26

Diet is the major cause of most colon cancer Unlike traditional African foods that contain high fibre that is protective against colon cancer, westernised diets like hamburgers, ice creams, noodles and so on contribute to a change in the internal environment of the colon.

“It has been shown that our diet is protective. Do you know that pepper has anti-colon cancer properties because of its capciasin content? It has been shown that communities that eat pepper have a lower incidence of colon cancer,” said Dr Irabor.

Surviving colon cancer But most popular strategy for colon cancer detection is the colonoscopy, which offers the most comprehensive look at the entire colon. If the doctor sees polyps during the test, he or she can recommend biopsy or remove them on the spot.

Detecting and removing polyps, a growth that may or may not develop into cancer, must logically lower incidence, and therefore death, from the disease.

Paradoxically, more Nigerians with colon polyps are being seen, something that was rare before now, and buttressing Nigerian’s changing diet.

But colonoscopy is not cheap either.

“Colonoscopy costs about N44, 000, which is far above the minimum wage in Nigeria,” he said.

In addition, where colon cancer is detected, he said “surgery to remove the cancer is about N120, 000. So, on the average the cost of its treatment, including tests, cannot be less than N800, 000.”

Howbeit, if the cancer is detected early and treatment commenced promptly, 85 out of 100 of such people will live for more than five years; at stage two, it is getting to about 60 per cent. And stage 3, that is now about 30 per cent; and stage 4, may between five and 10 per cent.

Any chance of the cancer recurring after treatment “There is a chance of its reoccurrence, and as such after treatment, such patients every year will be coming for colonoscopy to check their colon so that if anything is happening again, such can be quickly removed.”

24

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

‘I can no longer bear this pain’

I

watched at the distance, the fierce argument between my neighbours, a 60-year-old lady and her husband.

“This pain is too much,” she shouted and threatened to pack out and go back to her parents! At this, I laughed quietly to myself. A few days later, I ran into Mr. Jones, her husband in a supermarket. As if he knew what was on my mind he said, “I don’t have one kobo on me. I have just come here for window shopping. I am sure you overheard our conversation a few days ago. My wife was complaining that I had not provided any money for housekeeping for three months now. How can I? Since I retired two years ago, my pension has not been paid regularly. I have spent all my savings and there is nothing left now. Three of our four children have no regular employment since they left the university several years ago. The oldest, a civil servant, has not received any salary for over one year!”

I looked at him and shook my head. Here was a very good man, a hardworking civil engineer, who retired from government as a top civil-servant. If he is facing such challenges, what about countless others. Life is really tough in Nigeria I concluded.

Not too long after, both husband and wife were in my clinic very early in the morning.

The wife was in severe pain with the palm of her hand cupped over her left eye. “We didn’t want to wake you up last night doc,” said Mr. Jones. “We went to visit a friend

not too far from us. It was pitch dark when we were returning home. As were about to open the door of our apartment, my wife suddenly screamed, ‘My eye! My Eye!’ Soon after, she started vomiting. I gave her some painkiller. It didn’t help, the pain was too much. She had asked me to call you but I bluntly refused because I thought it wasn’t fair at that time of the night. You know I don’t drive at night because of my poor vision, so I couldn’t take her to a hospital.”

I waited patiently for him to complete his story. Then, I asked Mrs Jones a few questions. She could barely answer on account of the pain, but she did confess to having experienced haloes around lights in the same eye about two days before. I dare not waste further time. She was in agony. She had definitely not slept through the night. I decided to conduct a quick examination of her eyes so I could do something about the pain and ask further questions later.

Vision in her left eye was down to counting fingers at one metre. The eye was beefy

red, the supposedly transparent cornea was misty like the windscreen of a car driven in the rain without an air-conditioner. This must have accounted for the severe drop in her vision. The space between the cornea and the iris was almost non-existent; the pupil was dilated and not reacting to light.

Next, I measured the intra-ocular pressure.

I held my breath as the dial went nearly beyond the limit. It read 62 mmHg in that eye.

Normal is 10 to 21mmHg. The pressure in opposite eye was 18mmHg. This was all I needed to confirm my suspicion.

“Mr. Jones, your wife has angle-closure glaucoma. The fluid pressure inside her left eye rose very quickly stretching the coats of the eye causing severe pain. We have to bring this high pressure down immediately.

It may take a few hours, but I will give her a strong painkiller to reduce the pain and make her more comfortable.”

I did and admitted her for intensive medical attention. I went to see her after about three hours. Mrs Jones was fast asleep,

Seeing haloes around lights is a warning sign that must never be ignored...because of its potential to cause irreversible blindness.

your mental

an indication that she was responding to treatment. I woke her up to check her eye pressures again. My face beamed up with a smile. “What is it?” asked Mr Jones waiting for the good news. “The eye pressure in that eye is now 35mmHg. It isn’t yet normal, but we are gradually moving out of the danger zone. “I can see! I can see better now!” Mrs Jones exclaimed.

“If you promise you’ll continue to use your medications as prescribed, I would let you go home and I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said and added, “Since you live next door to me, please, don’t hesitate to call me if the pain should increase or anything unusual turns up.”

Mrs Jones had an attack of angle-closure glaucoma – a very potent cause of sudden painful loss of vision. She had experienced haloes a few days before. Seeing haloes around lights is a warning sign that must never be ignored. Angle-closure glaucoma is not the only cause of seeing haloes around lights. There are many causes but it’s the most dangerous of all because of its potential to cause irreversible blindness within a few days of onset and other long lasting complications. I could see signs that Mrs Jones’ other eye was in danger of a similar attack. I have arranged for her to have a preventive laser treatment. The left eye has now recovered over 80 per cent of its vision, but it can never be completely normal again.

There are several challenges still ahead, but we shall cross the bridge when we get there.

healthyou &

With:

Jibril Abdulmalik (Consultant Psychiatrist) jabdulmalik@gmail.com

How should we deal with negative emotions?

OJO is a brilliant 200 level undergraduate who is however very shy and withdrawn and is frequently miserable. Tunde, his room mate, finds it very difficult to understand Ojo, as he always seems to have negative emotions all the time. Despite his excellent academic grades, Ojo often feels he is not really good at his studies and always has doubts about his abilities.

He has low self-esteem, and will usually blame himself for any and everything that goes wrong. It was only after living together for several months that Tunde realised that Ojo had a baby brother who died when they were in primary school. They were both playing in the compound when the baby brother jumped from a table and hit his head on the floor.

Since then, Ojo believed that he was careless and responsible for his brother’s death.

He has been feeling guilty about everything ever since, even though his parents encouraged and supported him at the time. Tunde knew this feeling of guilt was wrong and realised that it was affecting Ojo’s life and functioning.

So when powerful and negative emotions hold us ransom, as in the case of Ojo above, how do we break free? How should we handle negative emotions? While it may appear fairly straight forward, especially when it affects others, it is quite common that you and I may have strong feelings about various situations and circumstances in our life that

makes us uncomfortable and we usually just try to suppress them or we react negatively through anger. It takes some honest thinking or discussion with a therapist to identify what emotions are holding us back or weighing us down in our day to day lives.

Remember that human emotions are very powerful influences of our behaviour. Experiencing strong emotions may push us to take actions we would not have ordinarily done; or they may compel us to avoid situations or persons which generate such strong emotions. Emotions may be considered as positive or pleasant and enjoyable if they make us feel good about ourselves. On the other hand, emotions may also be considered to be negative or unpleasant if they make us feel uncomfortable.

Negative emotions usually make us uncomfortable by affecting us in some of the following ways: •Dignity and self-respect: Such as when we feel ashamed, embarrassed, criticised, ridiculed, insulted, humiliated, unappreciated e.t.c.

•Personal safety is threatened: Such as when we are attacked, afraid, insecure, intimidated, abused or violated, threatened e.t.c.

•Integrity and truth: Such as being falsely accused, judged, stereotyped, blamed, cheated, misled, wrongly punished, lied to, e.t.c.

The first step in the handling of negative emotions is to pause and ask ourselves the question: Why am I so angry and worked up?

What is exactly making me so humiliated?

Why do I feel disrespected because he criticised my work? Why do I feel so badly cheated? In the answers to these questions, lie the seed of examining, accepting and learning from our negative emotions.

Anger, for example, is often a consequence of fear or feeling threatened. The threat may be to our self-respect, ego or our physical safety. So firstly, we experience fear or a threat, and then our anger erupts to protect us from the threat or fear.

Or we may feel powerless and become angry to help us re-assert control and influence.

The first step in the handling of negative emotions is to pause and ask ourselves the question: Why am I so angry and worked up?

Therefore, the questions to ask here is “why am I so upset and angry?” “In what way do I feel threatened by what has happened?”

Thus, when we become angry, and we pause for a minute to consider the root causes of our emotional reaction (anger), we will learn a lot more about our insecurities and the situations that make us afraid or uncomfortable.

This understanding helps us to stay in control of our emotions instead of erupting in anger, and we can then calmly consider the various options to handle the situation.

Feelings of guilt also follow a similar pattern. Guilt stems from internal criticism of self, where you think you have done something or should have done something that is against your personal conscience. So, the questions to consider is whether or not the standards of your conscience are reasonable or not.

In the example of Ojo above, it is certainly unreasonable to hold himself responsible for such an unfortunate accident. Secondly, if we acknowledge that we have wronged another person, admitting same and apologising will also help to lift the feelings of guilt – regardless of whether or not the person accepted the apology.

Similarly, if you are afraid of failure, work hard to achieve success. Afraid of being left alone with no friends or family? Learn to appreciate your loved ones, pay them compliments and don’t always insist that things must always go your way – i.e. make compromises.

25

healthnews

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

UI researchers develop cheap, effective saliva test for bad kidneys

By Sade Oguntola

T

EAM of researchers at the University of Ibadan have developed an effective and cheap test to help diagnose bad or failed kidneys, a potentially vital tool for identifying acute kidney injury in resource-strapped

settings.

Dr Taye Lasisi speaking at the side line of the Research Day 2016 of the College of Medicine, Ibadan, Ibadan stated that the effectiveness of the saliva based test marches that using blood or urine to check for a bad kidney.

In evaluating the diagnostic potential of saliva, the

team which included Dr Yemi Raji and Professor Babatunde Salako, compared the levels of creatinine and urea in blood and saliva of patients with chronic kidney disease in comparison to healthy individuals.

The cross sectional study included 50 patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, 50 patients with

chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis and 49 healthy individuals.

Results of the urea and creatinine levels in blood and saliva samples were similar; given the saliva test in individuals with chronic kidney disease sensitivity and specificity of 98 per cent and 886 per cent, respectively when compared

with healthy individuals.

In addition, there was positive correlation between urea and creatinine levels in blood and saliva samples collected before and after in persons undergoing dialysis.

Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body. The

UI inducts class of 2016 into medical/dental profession

By Vera Onana MEMBERS of the 2016 graduating class from the Departments of Medicine and Dentistry of the College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan were inducted into the medical/dental profession respectively on Tuesday, 1 November, 2016.

The ceremony of admission into the medical and dental professions of the graduands took place at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre of the College of Medicine, University College Hospital (UCH) premises, Ibadan.

Speaking to the inductees, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, who was represented by Professor Gbemisola Oke of the University of Ibadan, admonished the new doctors to build. “You must build upon the foundation on which you have risen to make it greater than it is today.”

He further implored the inductees to build also on societal values. He urged them to build so as to displace bad things because the nation is depending on them to make the health sector better.

While presenting the medical inductees for the ceremony, the dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Professor Adefolarin Malomo, advised the young doctors to be strong and courageous.

He explained that practicing medicine was a really delicate kind of profession and errors in the line of duty could be grave. He, therefore, urged them to stay focused and remain consistent with the principles of the Hippocratic Oath.

The dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Professor A.O. Fasola who was represented

by Professor Juwon Arotiba, presented the dental inductees and admonished them never to rest on their oars. He added that it is imperative that they observe the ethics of the profession wherever they may roam.

From left: Chairman, Advocacy Network of Nigeria (ANN), Shaikh Salahuddeen Busairi; Dr Olusola Osinowo; Mrs Adeola Olakunle, former chairman, Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), Dr Babatunde Olatunji; Oyo State Team Leader of NURHI, Mrs Stella Akinso; Chief Executive Officer, Life Builders, Mrs. Grace Oluwatoye and Mrs Oluwakemi Olawoyin at the event.

Stakeholders told to be proactive on PHC bill

By Sade Oguntola STAKEHOLDERS on health in Oyo State have been charged to be proactive in ensuring all tructures and programmes of primary health care are streamlined under one umbrella in a bid to improve the maternal health status in the state.

Dr Olusola Osinowo gave the charge at a Primary healthcare Under One roof (PHCUOR) Advocacy strategic meeting in Ibadan for civil society organisations.

It was organised by Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) in collaboration with Evidence for Action.

Osinowo, noting its importance also to accelerating the process of reversing poor health indices in Oyo State, declared that ensuring that all structures and programmes of primary health care are streamlined under one umbrella was still faced by many challenges.

According to her, “all stakeholders need to understand the implication and challenges of having all structures and programmes of primary health care being streamlined under one umbrella, what is termed Primary healthcare Under One roof (PHCUOR). The time

to speak is now before the bill on PHCUOR is passed into all law.

“The benefits of PHCUOR are many; it will make people more accountable, resources would be made available and primary health facilities better equipped. Since the agency in charge will be directly involved in funding and recruitment of personnel, disciplinary actions against erring workers can be taken.”

Mrs Adeola Olakunle, ARFH state campaign team lead, in a presentation on the current situation of

PHCUOR in Oyo State highlighted challenges against PHCUOR to include poor facilities and human resources; leadership conflict, fragmentation; and lack of operational guidelines.

According to her, “if we have a system, we would have proper governance and commanding structure so that we can actually have a good ownership of the Primary healthcare setting.

“So what we can do is ensure that we take the PHC services to an enviable height, where at least the minimum healthcare package is given. This is the basis

for this stakeholders’ meeting.”

Executive Secretary, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Lanre Abass represented by Mrs Oluwakemi Olawoyin, appreciated efforts by developmental partners and nongovernmental organisations to ensure an efficient primary healthcare service in Oyo State.

She assured that the passage of the bill to ensure that all structures and programmes of primary health care are streamlined under one umbrella was a move in the positive direction.

level of creatinine in the blood rises, if kidney disease progresses.

Considering that the levels of the level of creatinine and urea in the saliva of patients with chronic kidney disease reflects their levels in blood, they indicated the possibility of using saliva as an alternative to blood in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic kidney disease.

Dr Lasisi, however, stated the need for further collaboration with other experts to develop a test kit that uses saliva to diagnosis and monitoring of chronic kidney disease.

This, she stated, would ensure that the saliva test can be carried out by the bedside instead of taking the sample to the laboratory. Also, no special training or equipment is required for sample collection and storage.

Saliva is a unique body fluid and like blood-based analyses., it has been used to identify individuals with disease and to follow the progress of the affected individual under treatment.

Before now, little was heard of kidney failure as a major kind of everyday illness, but the reverse has become the case in recent times. The increasing burden of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease presents a challenge for both developed and emerging countries like Nigeria.

Experts have said that 36.8 million Nigerians (23 per cent) are suffering from various stages of kidney disease in Nigeria, means that one in seven Nigerians is suffering from some form of kidney disorder or another.

Causes of chronic kidney diseases are numerous; the most common causes are diabetes mellitus and long-term uncontrolled hypertension. Others include: Polycystic kidney disease, overuse of common drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol.

Eye care service in Nigeria still high —Expert AN ophthalmologist, Dr Toyin Fafowora, has rated Nigeria’s eye care services high despite developments in eye care that is moving at breakneck speed.

Fafowora stated this at a public lecture organised by the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ibadan to mark the 80th birthday anniversary of Professor Olabopo Osuntokun.

The eye care expert stated that although eye care was still faced with many restrictions in the nation, eye care standard surgical ar-

mamentarium had gradually increased to include many sophisticated equipment.

The expert, noting that human capital and financial capital were central to the development in Nigeria’s eye care services, stated that Nigerian doctors are still acclaimed worldwide as exhibiting superior intelligence and diligence.

Fafowora remarked that the rate of acquiring new sophisticated equipment for eye care in Nigeria was also an advantage.

According to her, “We can boast of only few of these advancements in Ibadan currently. So, you would say, we have a long way to go in the University of Ibadan Department of Ophthalmology? I beg to differ radically.

“Today, UCH eye theatres are equipped with state-ofthe-art operating microscopes, the equipment so standard that there is no thought for making specific restrictions as to who handles them.

“There is no development in the Western world that

will not come to us in due season. In fact, by not rushing out to purchase the latest inventions, drugs and devices, we select the cream of the crop.

“We acquire only the things that have been tried and tested to the extent that there is valid evidence for our pre-purchase market research.

“As Nigeria advances technologically; I have no doubt that we will in time make our own contributions to eye health technology in terms of inventions and patents.”

26

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Ewedu, a vegetable of versatility

By Vera Onana

A

MONG the Yorubas in South Western Nigeria, the jute leaves, locally called ewedu may be considered the king of all other vegetables. It is almost impossible to find a Yoruba person that doesn’t relish the succulent vegetable which has been discovered to have numerous nutritional values but several health benefits as well. Though the jute leaf is most synonymous with the Yorubas of South West, Nigeria, it is equally consumed by the Hausas in the North where it is called turgunuwa or lallo.

Corchorus olitorious, as it is botanically called, is an annual much branched herb belonging to the family Malvaceae. According to research, its roots have been proven very useful in the treatment of toothache.

The jute leaves, aside from their nutritional values, are useful as antibiotics in the treatment of gonorrhoea and as purgative and febrifuge.

Nutritionally, jute leaves contains a lot of vitamins, beta-carotene, antioxidants and are very high in fibre.

A study that was published in the International Journal of Enhanced Research in Science, Technology and Engineering, about three years ago, described it as a unique plant that is rich in many chemical compounds. Jute leaves were reported to contain as many as 17 active nutrients including protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, ash, calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorous, beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.

“The nutritional dexterity of ewedu is amazing,” said Evalena Okeze, a Lagos -based nutritionist and dietician. “In fact, I advise my clients to make it into smoothie and just drink it. Ewedu leaves

Ewedu contain fibre which is amazing for weight management. The beta-carotene present in the leaves is excellent for eye sight. It contains lots of vitamin C for smooth and clear skin, strong immune cells, and fast woundhealing. It should be a part of everyone’s nutrition.”

Okeze added that for pregnant women, it should be a nutrition ritual. “In situations whereby a woman experiences prolonged labour, she can be given some ewedu juice made from squeezing the stems and leaves of the plant. Also, for nursing mothers who are not producing enough breast milk, ewedu is recommended because it has also been discovered to aid milk secretion in lactating mothers.”

The study discovered an array of health benefits of jute plant. According to the reports of its findings, Jute leaves contain an abundance of antioxidants that is protective from chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension as well as other medical conditions.

It was reported that Ayurvedics use the

Continued from last week

Sore breasts and leaking milk Several days after delivery, your breasts might become firm, swollen and tender; engorgement. To ease discomfort, nurse your baby, use a breast pump, apply warm washcloths or take a warm shower to express milk.

Between feedings, place cold washcloths or ice packs on your breasts. Mild pain relievers might help, too.

If you are not breast-feeding, wear a firm, supportive bra, such as a sports bra, to help stop milk production. Do not pump or rub your breasts, which will cause your breasts to produce more milk. If your breasts leak between feedings, wear nursing pads inside your bra to help keep your shirt dry. Change pads after each feeding and whenever they get wet.

health

leaves for ascites, pain, piles (laxative), and tumours. Also, the leaves are used for cystitis, dysuria, and fever.

In the study, the anti-inflammatory profile of the chloroform extract of jute leaves was measured using carrageenan induced paw edema test in rats. The extract at all concentrations (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in the thickness of edematous paw for the first six hours compared to the control. The activity diminished in the last two hours of the experimental time compared to the control group. The positive reference compound used was acetylsalicyclic acid (100 mg/kg) which produced significant antiinflammatory activity. The test revealed the ability of the extract to block the inflammatory phase of the formalin test, which confirmed the folkloric use of jute leaves as a demulcent.

Based on those findings, the chloroform extract of jute was confirmed to possess antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities which confirmed the traditional claims of using it to treat various ailments related to inflammation and pain.

Also in the study, the antitumour promoting activity was discovered in two active components of jute leaves. The components showed activity against tumour promoter-induced EpsteinBarr virus (EBV) activation in Raji cells. They were isolated from the fresh leaves of jute leaves. The active components were colorless oils and were identified as phytol (3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2- hexadecen-1-ol) and monogalactosyl-diacylglycerol (1,2-di-α-linolenoyl3-β-D-galactopyranosylglycerol ). The antitumor-promoting activity was exam-

Postpartum care after a vaginal delivery (II) To ease any discomfort while the hemorrhoids heal, soak in a warm tub and apply chilled witch hazel pads to the affected area. Your health care provider might recommend a topical hemorrhoid medication as well.

If you find yourself avoiding bowel movements out of fear of hurting your perineum or aggravating the pain of hemorrhoids or your episiotomy wound, take steps to keep your stools soft and regular. Eat foods high in fibre; including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Drink plenty of water. Ask your health care provider about a stool softener or an osmotic laxative, if needed.

Another potential problem for new mothers after a vaginal delivery is the inability to control bowel movements; feacal incontinence. Frequent Kegel exercises can help with mild feacal leakage. If you have persistent trouble controlling bowel movements, consult your health care provider.

natural

ined by an immunoblotting analysis using a mouse antiserum against EBV producer P3HR-1 cells. Phytol and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol completely inhibited the induction of EBV early antigen at concentrations of 15 µg/mL (50.7 µM) and 30 µg/mL (38.8 µM), respectively. However insufficient inhibitory effects were shown by both compounds at concentrations of 10 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL, respectively. That test also revealed that both components increased gradually with an increasing in the period of treatment with hot water, indicating that the components were not easily decomposed by high temperature.

These findings therefore suggest that treatment of vegetables with hot water effectively increased the amount of active components with activity against tumourpromoting chemicals that may be consumed together with food.

The study concluded that all varieties of jute leaves have both vegetable and medicinal values. Jute leaf has long been used as a remedy in many cultures. The jute leaf contains over 17 active nutrient compounds including many minerals, amino acids and vitamins. Today, this multiutility versatile plant part is considered to cure mankind’s different health problems. There are many natural medicinal herbs, but jute leaf is granted with vast array of healing benefits.

Although, jute leaf has wide spectrum of the properties and uses. Jute leaf contains protein, calories, fibres and as well as antitumour promoters; Phytol and Monogalactosyl-diacylglycerol. It may reduce risk of cancer. Therefore, jute leaf has a great importance in terms of human nutrition, health and beauty care.

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

Hair loss and skin changes During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels put normal hair loss on hold. The result is often an extra-lush head of hair. After delivery, your body sheds the excess hair all at once. Hair loss typically stops within six months.

Stretch marks won’t disappear after delivery, but eventually they will fade. Any skin that darkened during pregnancy, such as the line down your abdomen; linea nigra will slowly fade away as well.

Mood changes Child birth triggers a lot of powerful emotions such as, mood swings, irritability, sadness and anxiety among others. Many new mothers experience a mild depression, sometimes called the baby blues. The baby blues typically subside within a week or two. In the meantime, take good care of yourself. Share your feelings, and ask your partner,

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com loved ones or friends for help. If your depression deepens or you feel hopeless and sad most of the time, contact your health care provider. Prompt treatment is important.

Weight loss After you give birth, you will probably feel out of shape.

You might even look like you are still pregnant. This is normal. Most women lose more than 10 pounds during birth, including the weight of the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid. In the days after delivery, you will lose additional weight from leftover fluids. After that, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you gradually return to your pre-pregnancy weight The postpartum checkup About six weeks after delivery, your health care provider will check your vagina, cervix and womb to make sure you are healing well. He or she might do a breast examination and check your weight and blood pressure, too. This is a great time to talk about resuming sexual activity, birth control, breast-feeding and how you are adjusting to life with a new baby. You might also ask about Kegel exercises to help tone your pelvic floor muscles.

Above all, share any concerns you might have about your physical or emotional health. Chances are, what you’re feeling is entirely normal. Look to your health care provider for assurance as you enter this new phase of life.

27

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Shola Adekola

m:0803 365 4818 e:sholanig@yahoo.com

‘Scarcity of forex not the major problem of airlines/aviation sector’ Stories by Shola Adekola

C

ONTRARY to the ongoing insinuation by many including the National Assembly members that among the problems affecting airlines business and the country’s aviation sector is scarcity of forex, the Managing Director of Centurion Aviation Services, Group Captain John Ojikutu has disagreed with this saying the problems are more than this.

Rather, Ojikutu has attributed the problem of the sector to the failure of the regulatory body, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to conduct its safety oversight functions thoroughly.

Ojikutu who was reacting to happenings in the sector particularly the controversial alert raised by Senators Dino Melaye and Godswill Akpabio of imminent crashes following what they termed inability of airlines to access foreign exchange to service their aircraft which they said may force the airlines resort to cutting corners thereby endangering the lives of air travelers.

But reacting to this, Ojikutu, a former military

commandant of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, said the problems confronting the airlines with the sector is more than this citing reckless spending, diversion and the reinvestment of earnings into other businesses outside aviation to be among the major challenges.

“The problems in the aviation sector is not about scarcity of foreign exchange; The main problem in the sector is the inability of the responsible authority to effectively exercise its regulatory and oversight functions over the public and private operators especially over their

financial health.

“I insist, as I have done several times, that there is enough foreign exchange earnings generated yearly on international passengers service changes; aircraft landings and parking; fuel sales; royalties on Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) and Commercial Agreements with foreign airlines; Nigerian airlines foreign exchange earnings on international routes; etc.

“The problems of the operators in the sector particularly the Nigerian airlines are: single ownership, poor financial management, reckless spending of earnings both the local and

foreign currencies, diversion and reinvestment of earnings into other businesses, unnecessary huge debts to major services providers and aircraft servicing vendors, insurance, corruption, etc.”

According to the aviation security expert; “It is not sufficient for the National Assembly (NASS) members to be shouting themselves hoax now on imminent plane crashes for all of us to hear or to make us all be running for shelters because of the misdeeds of the operators especially if the NASS seemed to be asking for help outside their chambers,” he said.

From left: NANTA President, Bernard Bankole; Talal Alsuwaidi, Manager, Dubai Tourism, Deputy Minister, Zimbabwe Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Annastacid Ndlouv, Omror Alal, Dubai Immigration and Rwanda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Stanislas Kamanzi at the official opening of 12th Akwaaba, a travel/tourism annual global event in Lagos.

Arik Air marks 10 years, assures of continuous safety ARIK Air earlier in the week marked its ten years of flying promising to continue to make safety and good service its number one priority.

Speaking for the airline, the managing director, Chris Ndulue used the period to declare the plans by the airline to further expand his operations within Africa and international routes.

Ndulue who agreed that the ongoing economic recession was taking its toll on airline business and aviation where he said most transactions are done in foreign currencies, said lack of forex was badly affecting the airlines.

He particularly explained how the recession has been slowing down the airline’s plan to expand annually, charging the federal government to urgently find a lasting solution to the challenges including; funding, infrastructure and other policies inhibiting the growth of the carriers.

The Arik Air MD, while assuring that with the current programmes and policies of the government, that the nation would be out of recession in less than a year further spoke on the airlines’ expansion plan saying: “Expansion of operations has slowed down due to the recession we have on funding.

We will have to look out in terms of sourcing for funding. We believe the current recession won’t last forever

and we believe that things would change in the next one year.”

Ndulue who dropped the hint that the airline is considering foraying into Asia and Middle East in its next phase of expansion plans also announced of plans to grow its current fleet from of 28 aircraft to 52 by 2025, stressing that the airline hoped to maintain its market leadership and growth strategy.

In his speech, the Chairman of the airline, Sir. Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide said that it took political intervention for the airline to recover its own portion of funds, which is about $4.5 million trapped in the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN).

He also used the time to talk on the forex concession recently granted by the CBN saying the local airlines were yet to access the special sectorial allocation.

NAMA commences training of 379 staff this month THE management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has announced plans to commence the training of 379 staff at the Administrate Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry this November.

The acting managing director of NAMA, Engineer Emmanuel Anasi who dropped this hint in Jos,

Plateau state during the 45th Annual General Meeting of Air Traffic Controllers said, the agency has also concluded plans to earmark N20 million emblock for the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Anasi, who was represented at the event by the director of human resources, Uwem Akangson said, NAMA will ensure the im-

provement in the payment of severance benefits and past service rights to retired staff and engagement of contracts.

He called on the ATCs to always seek ways of internally settling issues affecting their working environment stressing that all misunderstanding should be settled amicably without externalising them.

crucial moment 0803 365 4818

With Shola Adekola

Why the proposed airports concession may fail

IT is well known fact that majority of the airports across Nigeria are performing below standard expected of a country dubbed as the giant of Africa.

Most of the structures adorning the airports will surely have a place waiting for them at the museum of antiquities anywhere because of their dilapidated state.

If the number one airport in the country, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport could still be parading the same structure built 37 years ago up till now, then the position of other airports is rather left unimagined.

Therefore, those clamouring for concessioning/privatization/commercialization of the airports may not be too far from the absolute truth after all. Obviously, as expected, there are many others opposed to the move with strong reasons which are also not too far from the truth.

The point is that as beautiful as the idea would have been judging from the success stories of such policies in other parts of the world, it has become very doubtful if Nigeria can successfully replicate this policy here.

Those belonging to the ‘doubting Thomasses’ club have over one thousand and one reasons for waiving in their position towards this move.

It is has become a daily embarrassment to airport users including foreigners to see how most of the concession agreements once signed between private companies and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on behalf of government have defeated the original aim of transforming the airports.

It is on record today that there is no concession agreement hitherto entered into by the FAAN that does not have issues with different sides engaged in blame games.

Unfortunately, most of the controversial concessions which were duly conceived and signed by representatives from both sides are subsequently punctured after a period of time based on after thought flimsy excuses.

This singular act has continued to call for questioning the competency of the legal unit of FAAN which plays major role in the signing of these agreements for if the department has been above aboard there would have been a better deal between the government agency and its concessionaires.

Presently, virtually all the major concessionaires of FAAN have one sad story or the other to tell about the frustration brought upon them by the actions/in actions of the FAAN legal officials.

One obvious thing is that all these unfortunate development have not only made a mockery of the government policy of Public Private Partnership (PPP), but capable of discouraging private inspectors who may feel their investments may not be well protected.

Amongst the bright concessions that have ‘k-leg’ presently are; Maevis Nigeria Limited/FAAN, Chief Harry Akande’s AIC Hotels Limited/FAAN and the Bi-Courtney/ FAAN on the MMA 2/GAT deal to mention but a few.

It is on record that the investments of the concessionaires have been badly hit by the controversy and this has sent wrong signals to the other private investors within and outside Nigeria on the danger inherent in doing business with the government.

If only those representing government in FAAN and at the ministry of aviation and even other agencies during these deals showed more competency, perhaps it would have been a success story all through.

Again, it is sad that while all these controversial concessions have become legal issues, government has failed to step in.

It is therefore doubtful how the same government thinks the present proposed airports concession will succeed if all the lingering controversial ones are not amicably settled.

28

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

Faulty scanners expose flaws in Nigeria’s port concession agreement —Stakeholders Stories by Tola Adenubi - Lagos

S

TAKEHOLDERS in Nigeria’s cargo evacuation business at the ports have stated that the imbroglio surrounding the replacement of faulty scanners at the nation’s seaports is down to a flawed port concession agreement signed between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the terminal operators in 2006.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune, President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, explained that the difficulty in replacing the faulty scanners is down to the lacuna left behind when the ports concession was signed.

According to him, “it is true that the CEMA Act say’s that the port authority should provide everything in terms of operational tools for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the ports, however if it’s not in the concession agreement, then it’s not binding on the seaport terminal operators.

“The CEMA should have been reflected in that concession agreement signed 10 years ago. CEMA was not specific on what to provide and did not mention scanners. CEMA said NPA shall provide all the tools of operation for the Customs.

“Now that NPA has handed over their operations to the terminal operators, this is just one of those lacunas that are now rearing its head 10 years after the ports have been concessioned.

“Don’t forget that the Senate Committee referred to what plays out at the airport, where the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who is the airport operator provides scanners for the Customs. It is based on this that the Senate committee hinged its argument that terminal operators, who NPA has ceded their responsibility to as port operators, should provide scanners.

“But how come for the past 10 years, nobody remembered the

CEMA? Even during the ports concession agreements, CEMA was not reflected. How come that neither the NPA, nor the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) remembered to reflect that provision of CEMA into the concession agreement when it was signed?

“Was CEMA not there before the provision of scanners was handed over to the Destination Inspection Companies? That section 13 of the CEMA which states that the port operator will provide all necessary operational tools for the Customs was there before government went

and signed the Destination Inspection contracts. So we cannot blame the terminal operators. If its not part of the concession agreement, then it is not binding on them. we cannot hold them responsible for the failed scanners.”

Also speaking to the Nigerian Tribune in a separate chat, the Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Boniface Aniebonam explained that the contractual terms the terminal operators signed does not include provision of scan-

From left: Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Aduwole; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Nike Akande and Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside at a Public-Private-Dialogue on Port Efficiency and Maritime Sector Roadmap held in Lagos recently.

90% of MAN, Oron 2016 budget for debt servicing —Bursar THE bursar of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Kayode Folorunsho has said contrary to insinuations in some quarters that the academy is reluctant to pay debts owed contractors, 90 per cent of the academy’s budget for the year 2016 has been set aside for debt servicing.

Speaking recently at a press briefing by the academy’s Acting Rector, Mkpadiok N. Mkpadiok, the academy, bursar explained

that the availability of funds is crucial to the payment of debts owed contractors.

According to Folorunsho, “first and foremost, we will like everybody to know that the so called debt owed contractors were inherited by this current administration. Secondly, there are two conditions attached to payment of debts.

“The first condition is performance based. If a contractor has not performed, we cannot pay

Shippers Council to partner ICS on capacity building

THE Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has expressed its readiness to partner Nigerian Chapter of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers as part of measures to ensure effective training and capacity development.

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Hassan Bello, disclosed this in Lagos when he received the officials of ICS led by the Chairman Capt. S. Olarewaju who paid him a visit.

Bello described the working visit as timely and appropriate,

ners.

“The ports concession agreement the terminal operators signed does not include the provision of scanners. Yes, CEMA section 13 says the port operator will provide every operational tool for the Customs at the ports, but what was signed in 2006 does not include scanners.

“Scanners are risk management tools of the Nigerian Customs Service. Since the destination inspection companies handed over scanners to the customs, then the scanners are under customs”

adding that it came at a time when the Ministry of transportation is taking stock to synergize all aspect of shipping.

According to him, “NSC being the economic regulator of the ports has the role of advising government on macro-economic issues as it affects shipping and transportation.”

He explained that in order to achieve that, there is the need for the council to seek knowledge on types of ships, vessels, the configurations and trade routes.

Explaining further, he said ths will help in advising the government “especially now that Nigerian Shippers Council is the Chairman of the Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Institution, Captain S. Olarewaju called for patronage and support from the Council by sponsoring its workforce on short and long term professional and skill development programmes.

such contractor. We have set up a contract review committee which discovered that some of these contractors will not even come to site.

“The second condition for payment is funds availability. Sometimes, funds will be available, but the contractor will not hjave been judged to have performed very well on the job. In such cases, we cannot pay such contractor.

“Sometimes, funds will not be available and the contractor would have been adjudged to have performed very well on the job. In such case again, we cannot still pay because there are no funds.

“However, we cannot be shouting to the whole world when we pay some contractors. I remember vividly, the immediate past Rector of the academy, the late Anthony Isiodu paid substantial amount of money to contractors. The records are there.

“We have decided that this time around, no new contracts until we settle all outstanding contracts. In our budget this year, we have already put 90 percent of the funds available to servicing of debts.”

It will be recalled that the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise had asked terminal operators to provide scanners for the Nigerian Customs Service or get their contract terminated.

NPA MD impressed with facilities at Onne port THE Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman said recently that she was impressed by the high quality of facilities and services provided by Intels Nigeria Limited at Onne Port Terminal, Rivers State. The Managing Director visited the Onne Port Terminal as part of her maiden tour of port facilities in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

Speaking about facilities at Onne Port complex she said: “I have come to Onne and I have looked at the facilities. The Port management and operations are very tidy. We have seen the deployment of infrastructure efficiently and effectively.’’

Speaking on development works at the Phase 4B site of the terminal, she said: “I have inspected Onne 4 B and we are thinking of what we need to do within the shortest possible time to ensure that whatever government has invested in the project will be put to commercial use.

“So while we lease out land to developers we are not able to ensure that the developer takes access of the premises and that is one of the important take away from this visit.”

It will be recalled that the Onne port complex has been in existence for 30 years. It was concessioned to the Intels Nigeria Limited by the Federal Government in 2006 to handle oil and gas cargo.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of INTELS, Mr. Adrew Dawes said that the provision of high quality facilities and services in Onne was the result of huge investments running into billions of Dollars over the years.

“We (INTELS and NPA) are partners in the public private sector. Our policy is to invest in concessioned terminals in line with what was issued in concession agreement by NPA and the Ministry of Transport in line with Federal Government strategy on infrastructure development,’’ he said.

29

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Pix from Honourable Adedapo Lam Adesina visit to victims of Oja-Oba accident and Ibadan Motherless babies home in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Honourable Adedapo Lam Adesina at the scene affected by the trailer accident, which destroyed some stores in Oja Oba Area of Ibadan, during the week.

From left, Co-chairman, Young Women’s Christian Association’s (YWCA), Mrs Hilda Nwaneku; representative of the wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Ladun Ogunbanwo; YWCA national president, Lady Chikwue Ochiagba and the chairman, YWCA’s 110th anniversary committee, Dr Arinola Oluwo, cutting the cake at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

Reps berate FERMA over deplorable condition of nation’s roads •Say high rate of deaths not acceptable

Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

T Honourable Adedapo Lam Adesina exchanging pleasantries with the Iyalode Alapo, Alhaja Zirikatu in Oja Oba during the week.

Honourable Adedapo Lam Adesina inspecting a building project at Oke Ibadan High school, Gate Ibadan

HE House of Representatives on Wednesday berated the management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), for the deplorable condition of the nation’s roads, saying that the agency has failed woefully in delivering its mandate to the populace.

The House Committee on FERMA chaired by Mr Jerry Alagbaoso gave the verdict in Abuja, on Wednesday, at a two-day Investigative Hearing on “The unilateral, arbitrary and unauthorised creation of positions of Executive Directors in the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the operational Activities of the Agency from September 2015 till date.”

According to the Committee, “despite all the billions of naira of tax payers’ money allocated to the agency, there was nothing to show for it, the roads are in bad conditions, the roads are begging for attention, they are becoming death traps, people are dying on the roads on hourly basis.

“Nigerians are suffering in silence, we would invite the management of the agency, to come and tell us in the House what are their problems and challenges in fixing these roads, they would not come, but they will go to other committees to honour their invitations, due to reasons best known to them, only to write us and be giving one excuse or the other for their failure to honour our own invitation.

“This lukewarm attitude

Senate lauds Fayemi over increase in IGR Ademola Adegbite - Abuja THE Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, has commended the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi and his team, for the improvement in the revenue profile in the mining sector in 2016, which rose from N700 million to over N2 billion.

The Chairman, Senator James Manager, who gave this commendation during a visit by the committee members to the ministry, as part of their over sight function,

Kogi central to Nigeria’s economic prosperity —Bello Yinka Oladoyinbo - Akure Honourable Adedapo Lam Adesina at the Ibadan Motherless Babies home during the week.

The POV lighting system that was donated to the Ibadan Motherless Babies home to help reduce the money spent on maintaining the home.

KOGI State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, said the state was key to the economic revival and prosperity of the nation.

The governor, who made this disclosure while addressing a group, Kogi Hope Alive, in Lokoja, the state capital, said, Kogi State carried the hope of the nation towards economic renaissance.

Speaking through his director general of media and publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, the governor said the state remained one of the most important drivers for a diver-

of the management of the agency must stop, we are deeply worried, as representatives of the people, we will not fold our arms and be watching any agency of the government like FERMA going astray, you are complaining of funds releases for being responsible for the bad condition of the roads, now money has been released, you must tell us what you are doing with the N10billion released to you early October this year.

sified economy that would be less dependent on oil.

He said, “The Ajaokuta Steel project can spark a behemoth of economic and industrial revolution. Steel production is one of the surest path to becoming a global player politically, economically and industrially. Ajaokuta Steel can provide a steady path to national greatness.

“Kogi State is blessed with a good number of mineral resources. The state has the highest number of mineral resources in the country today and this could be harnessed to revive the economy of the nation.

they have performed well in increasing the revenue profile of the sector from N700 million to over N2 billion in 2016.

He then described the minister as a man of vision, who in spite of the inherent challenges in the sector has taken the sector to a higher level.

Senator Manager expressed happiness, that the sum of N30 billion has been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, from the Natural Resource Development Fund (NRDF) for the solid minerals sector, pointing out that if the approved fund was appropriated in the 2017 budget, the ministry’s revenue profile would definitely increase.

The chairman, therefore, pledged the committee’s unfailing support and partnership for the minister and his teams, to achieve more for the sector, pleading that the approved roadmap for the sector should be religiously followed, to make Nigeria a mining destination.

Earlier, Dr Fayemi lauded the members for their interest in the sector, saying his ministry has translated President Buhari’s vision of diversifying the economy, through the mining sector into a roadmap. He said that the roadmap has been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

30

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

PoliticsNews Mimiko’s aides resign, join APC

From left, National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; chairman, Progressive Governors and Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha and the Deputy National Chairman, South-West, Segun Oni, during the governors’ meeting with the National Working Committee of the party, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, on Wednesday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

TWO Special Assistants to the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Wednesday, resigned their appointments and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that those who resigned are Mrs Aderonke Morolayo, Special Assistant on Political Matters and Mr Victor Ojo, Special Assistant on Mobilisation.

In her letter of resignation dated November 2, 2016 and addressed to the governor, Morolayo said: “This is to formally inform Your Excellency of my resignation from the government of Ondo State due to

circumstances beyond my control.

“Your Excellency, let me also use this medium to thank and appreciate you for counting me worthy to serve the good people of Ondo state in this capacity.’’

She, however, informed the governor that his decision to have his successor from the Central Senatorial District, where he hailed from, would make Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to lose the November 26 governorship poll.

NAN further reported that Morolayo and Ojo on Wednesday formally declared their membership of the APC.

There is so much bitterness in APC — Govs Kolawole Daniel- Abuja

G

OVERNORS on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday, admitted that there is so much bitterness among the members and ranks of the party, while they call for dialogue.

The governors also said there was the need to re-

structure the party.

Chairman of the Progressive Governors and Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, disclosed this to newsmen after a visit to the national secretariat of the party, on Wednesday.

The governors, however, kicked against the call for the resignation of the national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, by some

APC chieftains, who were not satisfied with his leadership style.

National Leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu and the deputy national publicity secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, in recent times, had kicked against what they termed the “poor” handling of the party’s affairs by the national chairman.

Okorocha, speaking with

Ojukwu’s wife, Maku, APGA leaders meet Ladoja in Ibadan We came to congratulate him on his elevation —Bianca

By Dare Adekanmbi And Fausiat Nasir WIFE of the late famous Igbo leader, Ambassador Bianca OnohOdumegwuOjukwu, on Wednesday, led some national leaders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), including a former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, to a closeddoor meeting with the national leader of Accord Party and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.

The meeting, which was held at the Bodija residence of Ladoja, lasted over two hours with discussion possibly about the ongoing talks among opposition parties for a national coalition.

The meeting came barely 24 hours after Ladoja said Accord would be in the vanguard of the third force political platform while inaugurating new executive

members of Accord.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that it was the first meeting between Ladoja and APGA national leaders, a development a source described as “the beginning of a robust, across-the-bridge relationship among the stakeholders.”

With Ladoja to receive the guests were Chief Bisi Ilaka; the national secretary of Accord, Mr Nureni Adisa; Chief Bayo Lawal; former state chairman of Accord, Alhaji Bashir Lawal; and Mr Bimbo Adepoju.

Bianca and Maku, who hesitantly agreed to speak on the purpose of the visit, told Nigerian Tribune that they came to congratulate Ladoja on his elevation to the ladder of the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Ladoja was in January, this year, elevated from Ashipa to Osi Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council along other chiefs who moved a step forward fol-

lowing the death of the Oba Samuel Odulana, the immediate past Olubadan.

Bianca is a Board of Trustees member of APGA, while Maku is the national secretary of APGA. The former governor, it will be recalled, met behind closed-door with a former Vice-President, Alhaji AtikuAbubakar in Lagos State, last month.

newsmen, said: “You may recall that it was the same NWC that saw us through the elections. If these people were good enough to see us through, they should be honoured.

“I want to assure them that no one would bully or hush them out. But there is the need to make amendments, where possible, which is natural with any human organisation. So, the party will be restructured for the purpose of making it stronger and to move forward as a people and as a party.”

Underscoring the frosty relationship among some APC members, the governor said: “We have noticed that there is so much bitterness among the members and ranks of our party. There is need for communication and dialogue because where there is no deliberation and dialogue, war is inevitable.

“Again, very important, I came to commend the members of the NWC for their understanding, patience and sacrifices they

made during the period of election. Mr President and Commander in Chief who is the leader of the party would be addressing the party leadership very soon in a couple of weeks to come or before the next two months and from there we would take it up.

“But, our party is united and strong and we must

Ahmed promises to sanitise Kwara LGAs Biola Azeez - Ilorin AHEAD of the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen, the Kwara State government has promised to sanitise the local government system in the state, in order to make the third tier of government self-sustaining.

Speaking during a meeting with 2013-2016 local government councillors at the Government House in Ilorin, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed

PDP supporters join APC in Benue Johnson Babajide - Makurdi HUNDREDS of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, on Wednesday, defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Otukpo, Benue State.

The Benue South Senatorial District has, since the emergence of APC, was the stronghold of PDP in the state.

This was manifested when PDP senatorial candidate,

Senator David Mark, defeated the APC candidate, Honourable Daniel Onjeh, in the re run election.

In a swift reaction, the state chairman of PDP, Honourable John Ngbede, questioned the membership of those who defected saying: “We do not know them as members of PDP.” A councillorship aspirant under the platform of PDP in Otukpo, Inalegwu Jasper, who led the defectors, not only

take advantage of the moment especially with the visible crisis in the PDP, many good people in the PDP want to join APC but they are still watching, because they have not seen us show that which we are known for before the election and there is no reason why we cannot manage this victory.”

renounced his party membership but also burnt his nomination form earlier purchased from PDP secretariat.

Speaking, Jasper said, “On behalf of myself and my people from Ewulo ward, am apologising for the steps we took in the past for not supporting APC from outset.

“With the development of things in the country and our immediate environment, we have realised our folly and decided to retrace our steps.”

said the current recession and the apparent inefficiency in the system had made it imperative to reform the management of local councils in the state to ensure that they met their obligation to the people, especially in terms of salaries and low-level development projects.

The councillors had visited the governor to appeal for the payment of their furniture allowance before the end of their tenure this month.

The governor also said that the local governments would have been made fit for purpose through the ongoing internally generated revenue reforms and the biometric verification of staff by the time local council elections were held.

He assured the councillors that once the economic situation in the country improved and the government received expected revenue inflows, the local government councils would pay the councillors and others the statutory allowances and entitlements due to them.

31 politicsnews

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Appeal Court president sets up new panel on Ondo PDP matters Investigate Poroye’s allegations —PDP Sunday Ejike and Hakeem Gbadamosi

T

HE president of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, has constituted a fresh panel to handle all the appeals emanating from the legal tussle over the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State The constitution of the new panel followed the withdrawal of the three-member panel of Justices of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey from all the appeals relating to Ondo State governorship election slated for November 26, 2016.

The three Justices handed off the cases following a petition written by a factional chairman of the PDP in the state, Prince Biyi Poroye, who alleged that the Justices had been compromised.

But the Senator Ahmed Makarfi faction of the party in the state has called for the investigation of the allegations raised by Poroye, raising the alarm that plans were afoot to sideline Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, who won the party’s primary held in Akure.

In a letter with reference number, PCA/Abuja/ VII/2016, Justice Bulkachuwa named the acting Presiding Judge of Calabar Division, Justice Ibrahim M. Saulawa as the chairman of the panel, which has Justices Ignatius Igwe Agube from Owerri Division and Godwin Mbaba also from Owerri Division, as members.

The fresh three-member panel of Justices of the appellate court will handle appeals by the PDP and Chief Benson Akingboye and two others; that of Hon. Diri Kelly Adonye and another and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and two others,;Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and another and Prince Biyi Poroye and 10 others and the appeal by Mr Clement Faboyede and another and Prince Biyi Poroye and 10 others.

It will be recalled that the

leadership tussle between the Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi-led caretaker committee and the Senator Ali Modu-Sherif faction of the PDP led to the substitution of the name of Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN with that of Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, as the governorship candidate of the party.

“You are hereby empanelled to sit and determine the

above appeals in Abuja Division expeditiously. Fixation of dates to be worked out with the presiding Justice of the Abuja Division (Justice Abdul Aboki)”, Justice Bulkachuwa stated in the letter.

Poroye, in his petition dated 31st October, 2016 addressed to the president of the Court of Appeal, alleged

that Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State had boasted in the public that he and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State have settled the Justices on Justice Sankey-led panel with N350 million.

Poroye, in an affidavit evidence, said he believed that the Justices had been compromised.

He demanded for the

From left, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo; Chief of Staff to the governor, Dr Kola Ademujimi; representative of the cochairman (Christian) of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Ondo State chapter, Bishop Joshua Ketiku and the co-chairman (Muslim) of NIREC, Alhaji Ibrahim Omoloja, at the meeting of NIREC on how to sustain peace before, during and after the Ondo gubernatorial election, in Akure, on Wednesday.

INEC should reverse its decision on Ondo election —Afenifere Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure THE pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, on Wednesday, condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the substitution of the name of Mr Eyitayo Jegede with the name of Mr Jimoh Ibrahim as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

The leader of the group, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, who spoke with newsmen in Akure, the state capital, described the development as arbitrary, wrong and unjust.

The whole process, he said, appeared to have been manipulated, with potentially grave consequences.

Fasoranti said: “INEC’s

decision was wrong. It is arbitrary. There is no basis for it. Jimoh Ibrahim went to hold his primary in Ibadan and not here. That is not fair. If he wants to be sincere and honest, the thing should be held here. I am bold enough to say that.

“So, the process is set for manipulation and, in any case, Jegede is the choice of the people. Certainly, this

is not an issue of party affiliation. His primary was held here. We watched it on television.

“It will be better if the government reverses its own decision in the interest of peace to allow the people to decide on the person they want.”

Fasoranti advised the Federal Government, the electoral umpire, all political

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been called upon to disqualify the governorship candidate of Alliance for Democracy, (AD), Chief Olusola Oke, from the governorship election in the state.

The call was made on Wednesday, by a former aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Dr Tunji Abayomi, who claimed that Oke and his and his running mate, Mr. Gani Dauda, were not eligible to contest the poll.

Abayomi alleged that Oke and his deputy did not participate in the primary of the

parties and politicians not to let the issue degenerate into crisis, saying a similar incident snowballed into political crisis in the state in 1983 which truncated the Second Republic.

Also speaking on the crisis, a chieftain of the PDP and former Commissioner in the state, Chief Segun Adegoke described INEC’s decision as a “fraud.”

conduct investigation into the allegation by a member of Sheriff group.

Okunomo said investigating the allegation “will serve as a deterrent to others in that category.”

He also called “on the President of the Court of Appeal to conduct a full-scale investigation to ascertain the veracity of the grievous allegations of corruption by the petitioner and the bring them to book, if the allegations are found to be untrue. ”We also wish to call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to live above board and be father to all .

“He should be mindful of certain forces within his government who are using government institutions against the people of the country by perpetrating anti-democratic tendencies that are injurious to the survival of our nation,” the statement said.

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who represented Jegede in his appeal, condemned Poroye for writing the petition against the judges and warned politicians not to destroy the judiciary because of their parochial interests, saying the judiciary remained the only institution “that is the cornerstone and foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.”

Counsel to the petitioner, Dr. Alex Izinyon, said he was not aware of the petition.

In his words: “Let me say it here that I have been caged by my client in his bid to make a caricature of the court. The court must be protected and allowed to do its job.

“I am not a party to the petition and I am ready to go ahead with the case. This petition is an embarrassment to me. It is a slight to me and I do not stand by the petitioner,” he said.

Jimoh Ibrahim replies Fayose Says too early to panic GUBERNATORIAL standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming election in Ondo State, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, has lambasted the Ekiti State governor,

Mr Ayo Fayose over his unguided statement that the party’s candidate can never be governor of Ondo State.

In a terse message to the governor, titled: Fayose, too early to panic, Jimoh

Oke not eligible to contest —Tunji Abayomi Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

disbandment of the panel on the ground that his side would not get justice from the panel, even as he faulted the composition of a special panel to hear a pre-election matter.

But the PDP, in a statement issued by the publicity secretary of the party, Honourable Banji Okunomo, who called on the Court of Appeal to

AD, noting that their choice was against the Electoral Act, as amended.

“Nobody can contest an election in the country unless he or she is a member a political party.

“In the case of Oke and his deputy, they never participated nor were they elected in a primary. Oke can only be a candidate of the APC

where he contested but he didn’t win the primary of the APC. “The Electoral Act says he must be elected by the members of AD and they must vote for him in a primary. A party is not allowed to nominate a candidate without the candidate participating in the primary of the party,” he said.

Ibrahim disclosed that the same horsewhip used for the incumbent Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko would soon be visited on the governor.

“The crisis in Ondo State PDP has not degenerated to a situation where a judge was beaten up in his court, during proceedings as it was in Ekiti State, during Governor Fayose’s bid to become governor,” Ibrahim said.

“There is no need for Governor Fayose to panic at this time as it is too early to do so.

“Fayose is advised to wait till November 27 after the election in Ondo State, as we shall move to Ekiti in full force to enforce Justice

Abang’s judgement, which also covers the Executive of PDP in Ekiti State. Our movement to Ekiti will be in day time, so it is better for Fayose to prepare and also learn from experience of Governor Mimiko, who was performing in Ondo until he was distracted by Governor Fayose.

“Let me remind Governor Fayose that I am not ex-Governor Fayemi and it is now a payback time to treat Governor Fayose exactly the way he treated Fayemi using the framework of how the clustering disaster was resolved in Ekiti State leading to Governor Fayose’s “victory”.

32

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

33

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

34

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

35

news

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Pensioners threaten to curse govs

Stakeholders call for development of Idanre

Demands N25,000 minimum pension Soji-Eze Fagbemi - Abuja

T

HE Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), on Wednesday, warned all the state governors, who are owing pensioners many months of unpaid pensions and arrears, not to force the old citizens to pronounce curses on them with grey hairs.

The pensioners gave the warning as the union also demanded N25,000 minimum pension, regretting that many pensioners are still paid less than N5,000 monthly, even with the high rate of inflation and economic recession.

The president of NUP, Abel Afolayan, while addressing the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union, in Abuja, on Wednesday, regretted that many state pensioners were being owed over 12 months, He, however, commended the governors of Lagos, Jigawa, Anambra, Enugu and Yobe states, saying, “these states are not owing our pensioners any monthly pensions and dues.”

He, however, admonished defaulting governors to make amends so that “old men will not be forced to pronounce curses on them with their grey hairs.”

While the NUP demanded a new N25, 000 national minimum pension per month, the union called for the immediate payment of the 18 months of the 33 per cent pension arrears to the civil pensioners and 39

months arrears owed the police pensioners.

On their new demand, he said that it was criminal for a pensioner to collect less than N5,000 monthly in this time of economic recession.

Afolayan said the union

entered into a long negotiation with the Federal Government for the upward review of pension, which finally yielded result when the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), directed that Salaries, Incomes and

Wages Commission to issue a circular for 33 per cent pension increase effective broom July 1, 2010.

The executive secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangements Directorate (PTAD), Sharon Ikeazor, supported the position of

200 Level students of the Department of Mass Communication, Lead City University, Ibadan, during a visit to the Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan, recently.

PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO - OKE.

6 more hospitalised over amala meal Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

MORE revelations emerged on Wednesday over the death of six people that took yam flour meal in Ogaminana, Kogi State, as six other people were hospitalised after the meal.

This is coming as the

state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has condemned the ethnic slant being given to the incident that claimed the lives of a woman, her three sons and two of their neighbours.

Top police source in Adavi divisional headquarters

in Okene told the Nigerian Tribune that three of those hospitalised had been referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, on the order of the state governor.

He said the remaining three had been discharged

FG tackles govs over failure to access N41bn UBE funds Clement Idoko - Abuja

THE Federal Government has tackled the state governors over failure to access the over N41 billion made available to them for the implementation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) in the country.

The fund, disbursed by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to the states, is the two per cent derivable from the Consolidated Revenue Account meant for improvement of infrastructure, teaching and learning at the basic education level.

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Gozie Anwukah, was apparently disturbed by the deplorable conditions under which some Nigerian children attend classes, in some cases, under the trees for lack of classrooms in some of the states of the federation.

He wondered why a huge sum of money is lying idle in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), while many of those

NUP, adding that civil pensioners were still owed 18 months, while the police pensioners were owed 39 months.

She said that PTAD was only able to offset some of the 42-month arrears based on available resources.

states which are not able to access the funds allowed school children to learn under decrepit condition.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with 21 chief executives of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education, the minister said there

was the urgent need for the defaulting to pay their counterpart funds in order to access their allocations.

He noted the refusal or inability of states to access their share of UBEC funds, was strangulating the development of basic education

nationwide.

Anwukah, said the states which have failed to access their allocation already accumulated over time, added that such states were depriving the country’s children the conducive learning environment.

...Bemoans unwholesome practices by foreign shipping companies Tola Adenubi - Lagos

THE Federal Government has bemoaned the unwholesome practices of some foreign shipping companies as regards surcharges on shippers bringing in cargoes to Nigerian seaports.

Delivering a keynote address during the World Maritime Day 2016 celebration, in Lagos, on Wednesday, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said that that the government is not mindful of the unwholesome practices of some of the foreign shipping companies which

have been noted to be in collaboration with local shipping companies.

“Government is not mindful of the unwholesome practises of some foreign shipping companies and their local collaborators operating within the sub-region, who often impose additional surcharges on shippers without prior consultation with relevant government agencies.

“Therefore, due to this anomaly, there is the need to mobilise resources to adequately equip indigenous service providers to provide services at competitive prices. This has been identified and would be vigorously

pursued.”

On the myriads of challenges facing the maritime industry, Amaechi said that, “the maritime industry in Nigeria is faced with myriad of challenges bordering on non-competitiveness, low level of investment, absence of requisite funding, low implementation and enforcement of existing laws in the sector and high charges among others.

“All these challenges place the country in a disadvantaged position compared to ports of neighbouring countries within the West and Central African subregion.”

after they were certified to be healthy.

Apart from this, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Haruna, was said to have taken the samples of the yam flour for laboratory analysis to ascertain its composition.

However, the governor has appealed for calm in the wake of the development, adding that it would be wrong to blame ethnic cleansing for the death of the six citizens of the state.

Bello, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Petra Onyegbule, regretted that the incident had been given an ethnic slant with some people claiming the victims who belonged to the same tribe, were deliberately targeted.

The governor berated such conclusion, adding that appropriate authorities were investigating the matter and that no one should preempt the outcome of the investigation.

He said: “No one knowingly takes poisoned foodstuffs to the open market in a multi-ethnic society, hoping only people from a particular tribe will buy it.”

In addition to the ongoing police investigation, Bello said health officials were also carrying out their investigation because of the public health angle to the incident, adding that nothing will be left to chance.

STAKEHOLDERS at Idanre mini -summit have called on the citizens of Idanre, Ondo State, on the need to adopt pragmatic approach for the development of the area.

The summit headed by Mr Fred Akinseye, was held recently at the Rock Valley Hotel, Alade, Idanre, with the main aim of sharing different ideas on the development of the area.

The communiqué at the end of the mini-summit stressed the need for the conveners not to be discouraged about the low turn out but take active step to expand the summit.

The communique urged the indigenes of the area to learn how to adapt to changing situation; appealed to youths to embrace education; work on women folk to assist their children as well as the need for successful indigenes to assist in the economic development of the area.

It commended the efforts of Akinseye and his team for organising the summit as well as the chairman of the summit, High Chief Lisa of Idanre, Olu Akindolire.

The communique urged the organisers of the summit to carry all traditional rulers in the area along in the scheme of things, adding that to develop Idanre, there is the need for self sacrifice, dedication, vision as well as selflessness.

It equally agreed that an enlarged summit needed to take place in the next three months and called for proper utilisation of material resources in the area for the economic development.

PDP inaugurates Ndokwa East ward chairmen Alphonsus Agborh – Asaba

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, have been told to display greater commitment to the ideals of the party and not to waiver in their support for the current administration.

The Delta North chairman of the party, Honourable Dada Ijeh, gave the charge at Aboh, while addressing members of the party during the inauguration of newly elected ward chairmen of PDP in the area.

Honourable Ijeh congratulated and assured them of total support of the state leadership of the party to enable them succeed in their task of managing the party affairs at the grassroots.

36

news

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

JAMB adopts pin vending for 2017 UTME

T

HE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said it will adopt “pin vending” for the 2017 UTME test, advising intending candidates to get familiar with the new approach.

Dr Fabian Benjamin, the board’s Head of Media and Information, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, in Lagos that it would no longer use scratch cards.

“Candidates, wishing to sit for the 2017 examination, should start getting themselves familiar with the newly adopted process of pin vending by the board.

“We must make ourselves open to change like it is obtained in other climes.

“We are no longer going back to the use of scratch card; that method is outdated.

“Candidates wishing to register for the examination will just make online payment and get a pin with which they can upload their data.

“This new pin vending will be accessible through the options of web payment, ATM issued cards like Visa, Verve, and Master card, online Quick Teller, mobile application and Bank Branch case/card.’’

Benjamin assured that the board was working hard to redress all challenges experienced by candidates during its 2016 UTME as it was preparing for the 2017 diet.

He said all hands were on deck to ensure a hitch-free conduct of the examination across the country.

“Preparations are on to ensure that all the technical hitches that manifested in the 2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) do not arise again.

“That is not to say that the examination will be com-

pletely hitch-free.

“But we are deploying resources to correct the ones identified already.

“In the course of the examination, should there be any other new challenges, we will act promptly.’’

The spokesman also said the board would begin validation of UTME centres across the country soon.

“We shall be going round to the proposed centres to check the state of their facilities and also to ensure

Executive Director Globacom, Adewale Sangowawa (Fourth right, second row); Director, Customer Care Department of Globacom, Ms Maria Svensson (fifth right); Chief Judge of River State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra (First right, front row); Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court (left) and other Nigerian judges, officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and officials of telecoms company, Globacom, during a working tour of Globacom’s Customer Care facilities, at Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Intervene in FUTA crisis, Reps urge FG Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THE House of Representatives, on Wednesday, urged the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, to immediately intervene in the crisis rocking the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in order to avert avoidable loss of lives and property of members of the FUTA community.

The House also mandated the House Committee on Tertiary Education to intervene and investigate the

cause of the crisis, with a view to resolving it.

The House resolution was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance moved by Honourable Afe Olowookere titled: “Urgent Need to Avert Loss of Lives and property at Federal University of Technology, Akure”.

Casting light on the background of the crisis, the lawmaker said FUTA, in the past one month, has been embroiled in crisis following allegation of corruption against the Vice Chancellor,

Professor Adebiyi Daramola, by the Non- Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) of the university.

“The protest by the members of these two unions within the university environment daily, has paralysed all activities in the school, and there is palpable tension that may result in a breach of peace and wanton destruction of lives and property if immediate intervention is delayed,” he stated

Current recession not caused by decline in crude oil prices —Don

By Tunde Ogunesan

A university don, Dr Biodun Adedipe, has said it is an escapist mentality to adduce the current recession (which has started to abate though) to the dampened crude oil prices in the international markets.

Adedipe stated this at a public lecture and distinguished service titled: “Good governance: A Surgical Strike Against Economic Recession,” organised by the University of Ibadan chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

According to Adedipe: “The fundamental problems are fiscal indiscipline, crony capitalism, lack of a development agenda, and selfish/ parochial interests.

“There was no commitment to the road map for Nigeria to become industrialised i.e the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP,

that such facilities could accommodate a minimum of 250 candidates,’’ he said.

NAN reported that some candidates, who sat for the 2016 examination, complained of various technical hitches.

2014) is a mere document.

“As well, there is medium to long-term development plan, as more serious nations have done. All that we gave our attention is the ‘envelope system’ of resource allocation to programme and projects that lacked substance on national value e.g SURE P!” The chairman on the occasion, Professor Omotoye Olorode, called on Nigerian leaders to exercise state power to achieve good governance.

He said, “what particular government do is exercise power on behalf of the class that installs it. In the current case of Nigeria, the neo-liberal consensus is the political line of the ruling class as represented by the dominant ruling-class - PDP, APC, APGA, ANPP, etc.

“Our understanding of good governance will then depend on our class interests and our class sympathies. Of course, individuals do commit class suicide and the governing class may

sometimes, in its own class interests, adopt or promote the interests of a counterclass. Good governance must, therefore, be defined on the basis of whose interest a government exercise state power.”

THE National President, ASUU, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, also described

the change mantra of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as cosmetics change, and therefore called on Nigerians to be ready for a real change.

Ogunyemi, who was the guest of honour at the event, said the union is ready to educate Nigerians on this development.

Speaking further, he maintained that the crisis had hindered the resumption of both returning and new students, who ought to have resumed last week, adding that the graduating students also could not process their documents for enlistment into the National Youth Service Scheme.

The lawmaker expressed worry that some community leaders including the Deji of Akure Kingdom had intervened in the crisis without achieving the desired result.

In another development, the House had mandated the Committee on Water Resources to interface with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the officials of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, to determine the circumstances surrounding the non-completion of the project, and to ensure its inclusion in 2017 Appropriation proposals.

Benue may consider salary reduction JohnsonBabajide-Makurdi THERE are strong indications that the Benue State government may reduce the salary of workers in order to cope with the huge wage bill hanging on the neck of the administration.

Governor Samuel Ortom gave this hint on Wednesday, during the inauguration of the board of civil service commission, declaring that the huge wage bill coupled with economic recession had compounded the challenges of his administration.

As of the time of filing this

report, the state is owing five months salaries to its state workers, while local government workers are being owed six months salaries.

The governor, who lamented the huge wage bill which he put at N7.8 billion monthly including local government workers, pension allowances and monthly overhead, however, submitted that ‘retrenchment is not an option’.

“The past administration in its own wisdom raised the wage bill which shows that what a civil servant in Benue earns doubles what

his counterpart earns in neighbouring states like Imo or Nasarawa states.

“Even most states who enjoy 13 per cent derivation still owe backlog of salaries, though, retrenchment is not in mind, but very soon, we will hold stakeholders’ meeting to look at what we can do, after all, Nasarawa has reverted,” he disclosed.

The governor charged the newly inaugurated members of civil service commission to work hard and sanitise the state civil service for better productivity.

Medical practitioners urge tiers of govt on quality healthcare delivery

By Wale Akinselure THE need for government at various levels to partner healthcare foundations in the country, to facilitate effective, quality and affordable healthcare delivery, has been emphasised.

A medical practitioner, Dr Yemi Adedeji, gave this charge at the official commissioning and dedication of Health Informatics and Consultancy Company in Ibadan.

He decried that many Nigerians failed to carry out a regular assessment of their health status, saying it is the reason they were unable to access basic and affordable healthcare facilities.

Adedeji consequently expressed optimism that the health facility was an opportunity for Nigerians to regularly check their blood pressure, blood sugar level, blood geometry, urine analysis, among other health conditions.

Adedeji argued that the public health and assessment initiative would enable Nigerians to have adequate information about their health status and seek appropriate treatment.

Open school accounts with immediate effect, Bayelsa directs principals

IN its continued efforts at ensuring prompt payment of teachers’ salaries in the state, as well check payroll fraud and other sharp practices, the Bayelsa State government has directed principals of all secondary schools to open accounts with the Sterling Bank Plc. Handing down the directive in a statement, the state Commissioner for Education, Deacon Markson Fefegha, also urged the principals to submit the account details to the PostPrimary Schools Board, not later than November 9.

He further directed that the principals and their vice principals in charge of administration, should be signatories, while the zonal directors of education and the accounts supervisors, should be signatories in the case of the various zonal boards.

According to the statement, the board members representing the various local government areas, are to supervise the payment of the salaries in their local government areas, stressing that noncompliance would be dealt with in line with the civil service rules.

37 news

Thursday, 3 November, 2016

Court convicts companies of laundering $15.5m for Patience Jonathan Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin -Lagos

A

Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, convicted four companies allegedly linked to former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, in an alleged fraud case of $15.591 million.

The court found the companies guilty in counts two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine.

The companies convicted by the court were Pluto Property and Investment Development Company Limited, Seagate Property and Investment Development Company Limited, Transoceanic Property and Investment Development Company Limited and Avalon Property and Investment Development Company Limited.

They were convicted after the prosecuting counsel of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Rotimi

Oyedepo, had reviewed the facts of the charge.

The purported companies’ directors, who pleaded guilty on behalf of the companies and agreed

with facts reviewed by the prosecutor, were Friday Davis, Agbo Baro, Kola Fredrick, Taiwo Ebenezer and China John.

The four companies

were charged alongside a former Special Assistant to President Jonathan, Waripamo-owei Dudafa; a lawyer, Amajuoyi Azubike Briggs and Adedamola

Bolodeoku, a senior staff of Skye Bank Plc, of the $15.591 million which Mrs Patience Jonathan was laying claim to.

Reviewing the facts of

From left, Managing Director/Chief Creating Officer, Noah’s Ark Communications Limited, Mr Lanre Adisa; Lead Partner, Noella Solicitors, Mr Toyin Gbede; his wife, Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Vivo Willness Magazine, Toyosi and the chairman, Vitafoam Nigeria Ltd, Dr Dele Makanjuola, during the launch of Vivo Willness Magazine, at Noah’s Ark Communications Limited, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

Ogun workers suspend 2-week strike Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta FOLLOWING the intervention of the national leadership of the organised Labour, workers in Ogun State have suspended their two-week-old strike.

This was disclosed by the state chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Abiodun Olakanmi, while addressing hundreds of workers at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday night.

The national presidents of the NLC, JNC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comrades Ayuba Wabba, Kiri Mohammed, Bobboi Kaigama and Alani Adeniji, respectively, had gone into a closed-door meeting that lasted for about 10 hours with Governor Ibikunle Amosun and other top officials of government.

The NLC president, while briefing newsmen after the meeting, said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the government and the state organised labour, adding that some resolutions were agreed upon.

The TUC president noted that they had the belief that mutual trust would be restored between the state organised labour and government.

The state chairman of

JNC said that the meeting agreed that the strike be suspended, adding that no worker would be victimised on account of the strike.

The governor, in his brief remark, lamented that the

strike, no doubt, cost the state fortune, adding that “I think lessons have been learnt. We are not all that was written in the papers.

Attention has been drawn to us wrongly for wrong

reasons. I apologise to the good people of Ogun State and Nigeria in general.

“No governor, dead or alive, has actually massaged the ego of civil servants in Ogun State. We will

continue to embrace them.

All of the issues, on my honour, we will keep to it.

We will continue to do that.

We have shown them our books. The present situation is not our creation,” he said.

Murder: Court strikes out Ekiti APC chairman’s name, 3 others from case Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti AN Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, struck out the name of the chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe, from the murder charge preferred against him and three other persons.

Awe, the first defendant

in the suit, was accused by the state of complicity in the murder of Mr Murphy Jeje and attempted murder of Mrs Juliana Adewumi in Erijiyan Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state, on March 31, 2013.

Justice Bamidele Omotoso struck out the case, following an application by the

prosecution counsel for an order striking out the names of first to fourth defendants, for its inability to bring them to the court for trial.

Following the application, the names of Awe, John Faboro Ojo (second); Aniramu Basiru (third); Falayi Busuyi (fourth) defendants were struck out from the matter.

Prosecution counsel, Yakubu Dauda, applied that the names of Awe and three other defendants be struck out, consequent upon failure to physically bring them to trial.

Dauda, however, urged the court to continue with the trial of the two other accused persons, namely Sola Adenijo and Sefiu Owonifari.

Saraki flays corruption in IDP camps Taiwo Adisa - Abuja SENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has rejected the growing social insecurity and corruption, leading to incidences of rape and diversion of food items within the camps of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Saraki, in a statement by his special assistant, print media, Chuks Okocha, said the Senate had continuously pledged cooperation with the authorities in ensuring the quick passage of bills that could help to address the crisis of the IDPs in the country.

The statement quoted Saraki as telling a

delegation of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), led

by Mrs Angele DikongueAtangana, which visited him at the National Assembly, Abuja, that the plight of the IDPs was becoming worrisome.

The Senate President stated that “it is disheartening and heartless to read and hear of cases of corruption in the supply of food items in the IDP camps, especially when you see children with cases of malnutrition and you know there can be speedy recovery when the necessary drugs and nutritional items are provided with the

necessary food items.”

The statement also indicated that Saraki pledged the readiness of the National Assembly to cooperate with the UN Commission for Refugees in addressing the challenges facing the various IDPs in the Middle Belt region of the country.

The statement also quoted him as saying that notwithstanding the fact that the Senate had no committee on the internally displaced persons, the upper chamber would continue to uphold the rights of the IDPs. The Senate president also pledged to facilitate the domestication of the

Kampala Convention on statelessness and protection of refugees.

Leader of the UN delegation, Mrs DikongueAtangana, had told Saraki that the UNHCR was intent on rallying support for the domestication of the Kampala convention in the troubled regions within the country.

She added that the UNHCR was planning a workshop for the parliamentarians on the role of lawmakers in internal displacement for the Senate, adding that the workshop was aimed at creating the awareness among members regarding international standards on IDP protection.

the charge against the four companies on Wednesday, Rotimi Oyedepo informed Justice Babs Kuewumi that Pluto Property and Investment Development Company Limited, between November 14 and 19, 2014, retained the sum of $1.940,500 million, $1.2 million, $1,340,700, $1,895,400 and $1.2 million in its account number 2110002207 and 2110002238 domiciled with Skye Bank.

He also stated that Transoceanic Property and Investment Development Company Limited also retained in its accounts number domiciled with Skye Bank the sum of $1,897,700 between February 21 and November 19, 2014.

Oyedepo further informed the court that Seagate Property and Investment Development Company Limited, also retained in its Skye Bank accounts number 2110002243 the sum of $1,839,900 million, while Avalon Property and Investment Development Company Limited retained the sum of $250,000 in its account number 0122493290, domiciled with WEMA Bank Plc on February 28, 2015.

He informed the court that the said money were proceeds of crime, adding that they were paid into the four companies’ accounts by one Festus Iyoha, who was a domestic servant at the State House, Abuja.

Oyedepo after reviewing the facts of the charge, also tendered the documents, such as the companies’ bank mandate forms, account opening packages and the CAC Forms 2, which indicated that the purported directors were major shareholders in the companies.

However, lawyers representing other accused persons, Gboyega Oyewole, Ige Asemudara and Joseph Okobieme, urged the court to allow their clients to go through the documents sought to be tendered by the prosecutor.

The lawyers also stated that admitting of the documents, will have negative impact on their clients.

Before pronouncing the companies guilty, the court asked the purported directors if they agreed with the facts reviewed by the prosecutor, and they all agreed with the facts.

Consequently, Justice Babs Kuewumi pronounced all the four companies guilty as charged, but declined to pronounce sentence on them, saying that would be determined at the conclusion of trial of other accused persons in the matter.

38

tribunepools

DR J.K POOLS – 07039275802

(28XX26)1 – 8 – 11 – 21 – 34.

Welcome to F.A cup of 2016 season. Last week I advised stakers to pick two bankers from the bottom games and to the above bracket games were 27xx29, number 29 drew again in the five games were 11 – 13 – 21 – 33 – 40. In that column numbers 11&40 draws (for 3draws).

This week, I promised again three games. All intending winners should enroll in order to see wonders soon, all payment in favour of MR EKHOMU JOHN at Zenith Bank account number 2085795936.

Now stakers pick two bankers from 1 – 8 – 11 – 21 – 34 and add to the above bracket games. Goodluck says Dr. J.K. Pools.

18XBK 20 LUCKYMAN (08054352685)

It’s N40,000 when you win far away fans will send N1,000 MTN card for 3 unfailing sure draws never win before win now 18XBK 20

28 JACKPOT 29 THE-LILIES (08086944309)

Trap The Elusive jackpot X 5.

Send N1,500 MTN card and grab our 34 jackpot X 5. We have the jackpot X 5. Call for it and win big jackpot on pools 28 jackpot 29.

MISTER-DRAW (08030415683)

Burn Town Super X Oldham Atlantic plus 2 super draws cost N2,000 MTN card. Call our line now and grabs the super draws.

Wk 16 result 9xxx 33xxx 42. 47 pair 48.

F.A. CUP SUNDERLAND SYSTEM= 09038460009= 28 NAP 29

ENGLISH SYSTEM BOOKLET OUT N30,000. MEMBERSHIP N50, 000 Wk 17 No CUP CUP CUP CUP= 4/4 4. Bankers N6, 000 Wk 16 NO 10X 29X 30X 40X 4. Bankers N6, 000 Wk 17 F.A. CUP I NO CUP CUP CUP CUP= 4/4 4. Bankers N6, 000 Wk 18 CUP NO NAP NAP NAP NAP WK 19 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP Two Bankers N3000 Wk 16 RED NO NAP 10X 30X Two Bankers N3, 000 Wk 17 NO CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP WK 18 NO NO CUP CUP Time to win pool this Wk 16 Sunderland system 4 special Draws this Wk 16 will play 4/4 correct hurry up to get your copy today two Bankers cost N3000 4.

BANKERS COST N6000 Send MTN Card 09038460009

SHADOW 1 PAIR 2 (08087670776)

Your winning on pool staking is guaranteed this week 17 with Shadow 3 special release and 1 hot pair. The road to success is open to all my fans this week. Just send to me N5,000 MTN recharge card and be expecting good results on Saturday.

PETAFE CUP WIN08059186433 (18x24)

1ST Round F.A .cup setting Week 17- x x x -18 must 24 Cost ¦ 10,000 cash per week or ¦ 200,ooo=payment after winning Goodluck.

SHORT GUN– 28 SURE 40 08050614477/08168241902 Oldham at home 40 and crene away 28 to form a formidable pair and our 3 fixed draws for your week 16 sure win to first round cup. ¦ 10,000 – sure win now.

SIR MICHEAL NAP (5PAIR14)09091874579

Congratulations in advance as the brown color setting that got , 10xx, 11xx, 12xx 3/3 in wk 13 will get it again cost just #15,000. Call for accont no or mode of payment meanwhile 5 or 14 for x.

F.A CUP INNOCENT NAP (08095602590) 24XX 25 ENGLISH N30, 000 WINNER MEMBERSHIP GROUP A. N50, 000 ENGLISH SYSTEM BOOKLET N30, 000= Wk 16 9x 10x 11x 12f= 4/4 WITH 28 29X 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk16 NO 9x 16x 11x 12f= 3/4 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 17 CUP 1 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP Two Bankers Wk 17 NO CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP WK 18 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP WK 19 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP Stakers try to get Innocent 4 special draw this Wk 17 A WK TO CUP COST N6, 000 Send MTN Card 08095602590 the game will be sent to you by text message 08095502590.

EDITOR’S PLACE 21 - 25

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE

THE WINNERS CHOICE WISE STAKERS DELIGHT GET A COPY AND WIN.

PLEIAD DE MAXWELL – 09099968585.

WESTHAM MUST STOKE = VILLA: (25xx29).

Stoke at villa pack on Monday 31st Oct 2016, added to Swansea woes.

The 12th positioned Stoke with 12 points put Swansea to 19th position on the Premiership league table. Tottenham visit at Emirate this weekend to keep all punters in suspense but if you go by tradition stale result is likely. Villa, Bolton, Exeter and Shrewsbury are Editors cup tips.

Chelsea is now a team to watch with their manager tactics (Antonio Conte) with the transition of Victor Moses from marauding forward to defensive minded wing back has been something of a miracle move. Arsenal are flying high with fans dreaming of first title in 13years… but are they about to come instuck in Nightmare November?

Punters, draws are likely at Arsenal, Bournmouth, Burnley, Hull and Westham is the Elite premiership, Cocacola has Aston. V, Bristol R, Nottfor. Rotherham & Wolves. The cup region draws are most likely at Bolton, Boreham W, Bury, Charlton, Cheltenham, Colchester, Dagenham, Eastlegh, Exter, Mill wall, Oldham, Sheff Utd, Shrewsbury, Stockport and Walsall.

Contact De Maxwell draw clinic for your first round F.A .Cup after surgery. TOKEN. MANAGER.

DR. NICHOLAS AGAIN – 09066465222.

SUCCESSFUL – HISTORY WINNING GAZET IN 2014 and 2016 Weeks 32, 33, 34, 35 and Wks. 15, 16, 17, 18 NOTE – A Cup Week must fall within the Stipulated weeks.

Week 32” 2014 – 39x 45x 48xxx – 20x (5drs) Week 15’ 2016 – 39x 45x 48xxx 01x (11drs) MIDDLESBRO AS STANDING DRAW and 39x 45x 48xxx must be the last 3 draws on board to confirm the other 3 weeks fixed Naps 2nd Week 33/16 10X 29X 40X – 09xx 13 3rd Week 34/17 CUP CUP CUP – 21X 22X 4TH WEEK 35/18 X X X –XX Draws are picked and fixed by the Pools Panel officials only Compilers with reliable Experts can make winning possible on their directives – 09066465222. Goodluck= N100, 000= 2 clients left. Call for details.

(Must Win).

PROMISE FULFILLED BY OBINYAN...

The African Guru in 1.2x computation compilation, calculation and Tabulation. The Don himself Prince Willy Ehi Obinyan assured stakers last week bountiful harvest winning was fulfilled as promised in all his fortune papers.

Pools Telegraph naked draws on 9, 40, 42 as a special gift. Pair Express 11x 12x, the Sun 9x 11x and Figaro on 40x 42x. the shoot Pointer Late new exposed 9x 40x 42xx in the late new column and the reliable Late pair got 9x infact all his fortune papers performed wonderfully.

In chat with Prince Willy Obinyan he promised another overwhelmed performed this Cup week, so he therefore enjoined all stakers to embrace on free recession winning galore.

The papers are Pools Telegraph, Zetters Pools Guid, Shoot pointer, Murphy Sports, the New Dream and Final Result.

WINNER CODE 505 F.A. CUP 08135637650 (20XX 21XX)

UK SYSTEM TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 17 F. A. CUP 1 NO CUP CUP WK 18 A Wk after Cup No Cup Cup= Wk 19 No Nap Nap POWER X POWER N2000 WK 17 F. A. CUP 1 NO CUP CUP No Wk 18 a wk after Cup No Nap Nap Wk 19 No Nap Nap Winner code 505 two Bankers N2000 Wk 17 F. A Cup 1 No Cup Cup Wk 18 No Nap Nap Ade. Sure Nap two Bankers N2000 Wk 17. F.A. Cup No Cup Cup Wk 18 No Cup Cup 4 Expert Special Draws this Wk 17 cost N25, 000 Wk 17 cup no cup cup cup cup= N25, 000 Wk 18 No Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4. Send MTN Card 08135637650. The Game will send to you by text message.

TRIPLE SWIMS IN GLORY WITH 19FF 40xx – 48xx 5ff/6xx = 3/5 Now offers 28 - 29 (08035324990).

We are experienced not to make false claims. We have seen the winning formula. Our past records speak volumes.

If you are interested in recovering past loses in Pools, your best bet is to contact us this week and subsequent weeks.

Those who heeded our advice to invest heavily in the free games above have started calling. Our cost remains as published. N30,000.

Coupon staking is not for the unserious. Your destiny is in your hands. Call early for details of payment. games will be released on Friday at 4.00 p.m.

08035324990.

ADEOTI SYDICATE (07051327960) NOS 11 NAP 21. F.A. CUP PAIR FOR A DRAW

Congratulation, at last our last week free five games still getting 3 draws. Nos 10x 22F 25F 30x 49x. (3 over 5). Week 06, Nos 14x 19x 24F. pair: 20F 38x (3 over 5) Week 07: 24x 34x 45F. Pair 06F. 07X (3 over 5). Week 13: 10x 12x 15x. Pair: 14x 20F (4 over 5). This week 17 F.A. Cup round 1.1 must score 3 draws correct with the pair cost N5,000 cash. Each week send your money to Ahmed Shafari A/C No: 2001788431, Zenith Bank, Ibadan or MTN card f N5,000. Till next week again, week 18 a week after Cup 1.

Thanks. Good luck all.

ALHAJI SADIKU, MASTER OF CUP 08183573342, 08057416201. (PAIR 01, 10)

Wk 16= 16x 29x 30x pair 6x, 14F Wk 17= Nap, Nap, Nap pair 1, 10.

In week 16, my special genuine key 2016 setting brought the 2 dates of play and week number to play all correct in readiness for Cup. Congrats to all.

In weeks 17 Cup and week 18 after Cup, I assure you all of 3 automatic unstoppable Nap draws again, cost N15,000 cash. Weekly payments at GTB to Alhaji Sadiku Adedoja, accts No: 0030401077.

MADAM THE MADAM ON ACHIVE WIN. 08023329191

2014-2016. CONGRATULATIONS ON ANNUAL SANDWICH 3WKS CUP.

NAPS. WEEKS-16,17 ND 18 3WEEKS IN 3YEARS=2014,15 & 16.

10 MUST 11.

—2013 — 2014 — 2015 — 2016 WK.16 – 7X 21X 36X — 8X 36X 49X — 5X 26X 47 — 6X 29X 36X 40X WK.17 – 9X 15X 44X — 5X 19X 44X — 2X 21X 35X — X X X WK.18 — 3X 23X 40X — 7X 24X 48X — 10X 22X 46X—X X X The above chat shown our previous years performance. Welcome to the Madams of Mr Joshua winning pay point = N50,000 — Call our media manager for more details (Mr Joshua 08023329191) — Good luck =

FINANCE SOLUTION= 08142362005= 08103222635= NO 10 NAP 11

4. Special draws= N30, 000 wk 15 No 21x 24x 29x 39x= 4/4 N30, 000 4. Special draws= N30, 000 wk 16 A wk to cup No 9x 10x 11x 40x with 13 14f n30, 000 4. Special draws= N25, 000 wk 17. F.A Cup I No Cup Cup Cup Cup= 4/4 N40, 000 4. Special draws= N25, 000 wk 14. Blue Charlton 23f 18x 19x 20= 3/4 4. Special draws= N30, 000 wk 15. Red No 21x 24x 29x 39x= 4/4 4. Special draws= N40, 000 wk 16. A wk to Cup No Cup Cup Cup Cup 4/4 N40, 000 Following Wk 17 F.A Cup to control 4 Special draws cost N40, 000 4 Wks operations. Send your money to UBA or First Bank Account Number. Call= 08142362005= 08103222635.

Thursday, 3 - 9 November, 2016 MODUPE NAP – 08033566694

NAP. 09X 33X 40XXX= BET

2nd week of our 3 weeks operational Nap. call for your 2nd and 3rd winning details. FREE! FREE!! FREE!!!= 13xxcbk and 3 others= 4/4= Goodluck.

IBUKUN OLU NAPS 07026839837. 21XX CUP

The managing director of Ibukun Olu Naps have 3 Cup draws to be Release this week 17 I advice all readers and stakers not miss it you must win bank coupon No 21xxxbk plus 2, others cost N10, 000. Cash. 07026839837.

MOLLY ONE BANKERS GROUP= F.A. CUP SYSTEM 08055230300= 12XX 13XX

NEW SYSTEMS SET FOR WK 17 CUP AND WK 17 F.A CUP 1 COST N25000 4. BANKERS WK 17 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP WITH GOD one Bankers N2000 Wk 17 NO CUP WK 17 CUP. MOLLY one Banker N2000 Wk 17 NO CUP CUP WK 18 NO NAP. USA One Banker N2000 Wk 17 No CUP CUP WK 18 CUP BIG MAN one Banker N2000 Wk 17 No CUP CUP Wk 18 No Cup CUP. Stakers try to molly one Banker Group. 4 Special draws this cost N25, 000 Wk 17 FA Cup 1 No Cup Cup Cup Cup 4/4 Wk 18. a Ak after Cup No Nap Nap Nap Nap N25, 000 send MTN Card 08055230300.

HOPE WITH NAP08107128449.

21XX21XCBK.

Wolves must Derby and other 3draws for a sure win from our cup directory interested stakers are to pay ¦ 20,000 cash to First Bank accont no 3088328923 to Stephen Gbadebo A. after payment confirmation the games will be sent to you Goodluck

AUTHORITY NAP – 09030084552

01X 01XX 01XXX MUST ARSENAL – TOTTENHAM. 01XCBK Only Cup week Nap is authoratively confirmed on 3 draws. Our long awaiting special cup week is here. Join the winners. Call for your winning details & payment.

N25, 000 goodluck

MR. BILLY08034970970

BANK 25 OR 44 .and other two bankers that must give you 3/3 or 4/5 in first cup week. Even if 8draws is played -25 must 44 for a draw and other two bankers.

And it cost ¦ 20,000= Goodluck

PETER NAP (08076546261)

34 PAIR 40, week of promise All is set for our customer to win this week as the odd week setting that got 1xx, 8xx, 33xx 3/3 in wk 15 with the pair 8F, 18xx making 4/5, will get it again cost just N25,000. Pay to saving acct No 3023114822. First Bank in person of Mr. Onaolapo Peter G. and call on 08076546261. Meanwhile 34 or 40 for X.

BOLU ONE – (21XX29).

07031916067

Congratulations to all our week 15 winners, winning continues at Bolu’s place again you are adviced not to be left out of our sure win this week. Call Bolu & win ¦ 20,000 – Good luck

D.R SAM – (08084077244) (21X 23X 25X 44X 47X 29X)

Another free win at Dr.Sam home of winning. Play the above free confirm win you for our cup! CupNap in week 17. Cost free now and ¦ 100,00 – paw. Good luck.

CARMARK SUPER – 08186673842

7X10X23XX for 2 draws.

Cup-cup-week 17, 1st round cup is sure win for all my callers with special key on GRIMSBY under the bar away, to produce 3 direct draws cost ¦ 10,000 and the ¦ 7,000 – permutation payment to S.O Odisola at IBTC stanbic Bank. a/c no 0001361916. Call for details & win Good luck.

A.T.M. LIVE

07040478677/08056390550 PERM:- 10. 12. 21. 27. 39.

Stakers are advised to use the above games against wk 18, wk 19 a week after Cup. Cost N25,000 cash each week. Don’t miss it. Pay to Mrs. Modupeola Oseji, Acct No 2016981168. UBA Bank. Good luck to you all.

WEEK 17 CUP STATUS EKO - 21 LKO - 04, 12.

SUNDAY – 01,05,06,07, 09,23,35,36,39,43 & 47.

MONDAY - 45.

FINLAND

ONE BANKER WK 16 N2000 X10X WK 17. F.A. CUP 1 TWO BANKERS COST N3,000.

WK 16 NO 30X 40X 4 BANKERS. COST N25,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

DENMARK

ONE BANKER WK 16 N2000 X40X WK 17. F.A. CUP 1 TWO BANKERS COST N3,000.

WK 16 NO 11X 29X 4 BANKERS. COST N25,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

BARNET

ONE BANKER WK 16 N2000 X30X WK 17. F.A. CUP 1 TWO BANKERS COST N3,000.

WK 16 NO 9X 49X 4 BANKERS. COST N25,000. SEND M.T.N

TO 09038633666

MODUPE WINNING RECORDS – 08033566694 9x 33x 40xxx.- 2drs. Sorry our Nap cut one (33F) last week due to some ebbs now the coast is now clear. WIN SURE BE Week - 15 – 8x 24x 33xxx = 3/3 Week – 16 – 9x 33F 40xxx =2/3.

Week – 17 – x 13x x = 13xCBK =3/3.

Call for your sure winning details & smile to your bank on Monday.

3 WEEKS VICTORY AT VICTORIOUS VICTOR - 08126994034

LOVE BEST

MOVE FORWARD

TWO BANKERS N4,000

TWO BANKERS N4,000

WK 17=2014 WK 17=2015 WK 17=2016 WK 17=2014 WK 17=2015 WK 17=2016

X21X X23X PAIR X10X X17X

X12X X21X PAIR X10X X11X

CUP CUP PAIR 10 11

X37X X41X PAIR X09X X20X

X12X X23X PAIR X19X F20F

CUP CUP PAIR 19 20

SEND MTN CARD TO 08166222529, 08095602590.

BIG BROSS 07053681965 Out with 1st cup setting. Yeh! A week to 1st cup setting which will promote another 2 bankers and 1 free bk with a pair in cup wk is perfectly set. A wk to 1st cup in every even year, bank a game on top of Plymouth, 42 by number, 1st letter of home team and 1st letter of away team of that year for your pair.

Wk 15 2012 = 42, 42, 13. Pair = B & W = 2, 23 = 4/4. Wk 15, 2014 = 36, 42, 11. Pair L & W = 12 & 23 = 4/5. Wk. 16 2016= 40, 42, 9 Pair= 1 & R= 9x 18= 3/4. To promote 2 fixed bks and 1 free bk with a pair in 1st cup cost N15, 000 = it is now or 2018 again. DON’T MISS IT. YOU CAN CALL FOR DETAILS.

PORTUGAL

COROATIA

X10X X11X

X30X X40X

TWO BANKER WK 16 N3,000

WK 17 CUP I NAP NAP

TWO BANKER WK 16 N3,000

WK 17 CUP I NAP NAP

TURKEY

TWO BANKER WK 16 N3,000

X16X F17F

WK 17 CUP I NAP NAP

SEND MTN CARD TO 09038633666 LAWRENCE NAP 08160052969

SPECIAL RELEASE 43 CBK 43CBK Lawrence Nap has special release this week 17 first Round F. A. Cup in every first round for the past 6 years is 4 over 4 must History will repeat itself its 4 over 4 on Saturday cost N100, 000. Cash. call 08160052969.

NJOROGE MR ASSURANCE – 08177474535

STAKERS RELIEF ON AUTHENTIC WINNING ADVICE WEEK 15 – SUCCESS – 07X 24X 29X 33XX FREE 4 WEEKS BANKERS DRAW. WEEK 15 24XCBK – WEEK 16 = 20CBK – WEEK 17 = 14xbk - WEEK 18 - 32 Week 15 – 07x 24x 29xx 33F Week 16 - x 21x 34x 20xx 09 Week 17 – x x x 21x 25x Week 18 - x x x 32x 42x Don’t be left out of our newly chilled and served menu for your winning pleasure and get out of the current economic recession. Trust Mr Njoroge the winning Assurance that care for your winnings. OUR PRIDE IS YOU Njoroge Assurance. N50,000 = free Nap win and standing win.

WEEK 16 X RAY

Winning continues on our Pool page from our outstanding compilers on weekly winning that always put promoters in problem, they’ve not seeing our compilers assures 3free win by 3compiler, triple spice, Adeoti Syndicate and Mr. Solution were in charge in last week Stakers/winners please appreciate them, draws are like gold .it takes stress, perseverance and Royalty.

Our 2bankers series mater were Shadow, Honesty& integrity and Patrick that added point to our readers winning dividends.

One banker fixed draw kudos to big Bross, Charity and Dr. Nicholas. While our pair managers were all our Song . Emirate, Alhaji Sadiku, Victory at last, Godwin, Fortune, Joseph, Dr B4 Dr, The lilies, Petafe, Short Gun, Madam Fajobi, labaeka, Dosa , David Super and Mr Assurance (Njoroge).

Attention = All our pool page compilers needed to be encouraged please appreciate them.

STAKERS PAY POINT. GET A COPY AND WIN

39

tribunepools

JACOBSON CUP NAP –- 07065652905 (23MUST/44)

ASTON VILLA ON MONTH OF PALY= Newly introduce winning Key on Aston Villa, Please Pool is on calculation, tabulation and compilation of draw by the pool panel officials.

Week 11– Aston–villa on No.9 – September (9) Week 14 , 15, Aston –villa on No10 – October (10) Week17 – Aston –villa on No11 –November (11) The 3 controlled teams in week 17 is specially on fixed matches information can unveiled the draws = N25,000 = Godluck.

AKIN MR. AKIN – 07067202291 (23XX440) CUP-CUP-CUP.

ANNUAL FIRST ROUND WITH STATEMENT ON CURRENT WINNING INSTRUCTIONS. 2014 1ST CUP- 5X 19X 48XXX 44X 2015 1ST CUP-01X 21X 34XXX 23X 2016 1ST CUP – X X X -23XX44.

Its real and a must for you to win in this week round one ‘cup’ – your reliable 2 Experts in one cup winning instruction is for all stakers winning jubilation. N25,000=Goodluck.

DOUBLE SHUFFLE REMAINS ON TOP AS WE OFFER 29/45 (09052942626)

We continue with the winning streaks as we give 29/45 this week.

Combine the duo with our unfailing bk and smile to your bank on Monday. Our 1BK still sells for N1,500, 2 draws cost N3,000 and 3 sure draws sell for N15,000 this week.

Check our records and confirm. Call 09052942626 for further details.

SOLOMON REPORT – 09091111800 – (11MUST10) Cup draws break our silence.

3 first Cup weeks Nap in 2015, REFERENCE. Week 17 – 01x 21x 34xxx 10x Week 27 - 04x 26x 48xxx 10x Week26 – 06x 20x 35xxx 10x The above illustration show 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2015. Cup Naps , History is kept by the wise. Join the wise Solomon if our time winning procedure N35,000= Week 17’ 2016 Cup – Now – x x x = 10xx11. Call the Resort manager& win -09091111800. Good luck

BIG BROSS 07053681965 OUT

WITH 1ST CUP SETTING

Yeh! A week to 1st cup setting which will promote another 2 bankers and 1 free bk with a pair in cup wk is perfectly set. A wk to 1st cup in every even year, bank a game on top of Plymouth, 42 by number, 1st letter of home team and 1st letter of away team of that year for your pair. Wk 15 2012 = 42, 42, 13. Pair = B & W = 2, 23 = 4/4. Wk 15, 2014 = 36, 42, 11.

Pair L & W = 12 & 23 = 4/5. Wk. 16 2016= 40, 42, 9 Pair= 1 & R= 9x 18= 3/4. To promote 2 fixed bks and 1 free bk with a pair in 1st cup cost N15, 000 = it is now or 2018 again. Don’t miss it. You can call for details.

MADAM FAJOBI BACK FOR CUP

08079826939 BET,5,15

Wk.16=10x,29x,30x.pair 26f,36x The month of play and both dates of play along with the week of play all drew according to our classified key against cup 2016 I am appealing to all pools stakers to get my 3 correct Nap draws in week 17 cup and also in week 18 after cup. Cost of Nap is only ¦ 10,000 cash per week , payable at first bank to Fajobi Gbenga Olasunkanmi, accts No. 3058742139.

IKECHUKWU FIXED 08168157259 (23XX44)

Cup or no cup brown is Brown Our usual Brown colored coupon Nap is set again stated for week 9, 13, 17, and 21.

Week 9 – 10x 28x 46xxx 23x Week 13 –14x 24x 40xxx 23x Week – 17 –x x x 23xx44 Ike sure win for this Special week/ cup cost N25,000 = Goodluck.

MAN CITY SYSTEM F.A CUP SYSTEM 08166222529= 09038633666= 16 NAP 15

RELEASE WINNER MEMBERSHIP ENGLISH 2016 N50, 000 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 16 NO 9X 10X 29X 30X 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 17 CUP 1 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP= 4/4 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 18 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 WK 17 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP Two bankers N3, 000 Wk 16 NO 10X 30X PAIR 26F 29X Two bankers N3, 000 Wk 17 NO CUP CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP Stakers try to get MANCITY 4 Stakers draws this Wk 17 A WK TO CUP cost N6, 000, two Bankers this Wk 17 cost N3000. N50, 000 member.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE

THE WINNERS CHOICE WISE STAKERS DELIGHT GET A COPY AND WIN.

MBA-EXPERT-(081014694618) PAIR-22 XX 23.

As week 17 heralds in the first week of the football association (FA) cup series, pools stakers need not to entertain any fear as cup fixtures are matches to run away from. The combatants remain normal coupon pools settings . Therefore, there is no doubting the fact that the much sought the required draws must come the usual way, either by teams or science of numbers compilation. It also goes beyond that as color fixture roles to play. This sequence brings to play No23.

Week 13 and 09 approved this with draws at 8x 17x 39x and 10x 19x 21x respectively.

The past 3 Brown color weeks have been encouraging with draws galore.

Week 17 may follow suit . Half or quarter payment is better than outright lost, as winning remains winning, Good luck again with F.A. Cup draws.

PATRICK SURE WIN ON SONG – 08154836338 (25XX 38) 06X 09X 40XXX= 47X 48X 49X= 5/6 GATESHEAD AT HOME 49 KEY and D.F. G at home 47, 48, 49= Dover, Forestgreen and Gateshed read our last week advert for details sorry our week pair was misquoted but all our callers benefitted from it despite No 13 (1-0 win).

CUP – CUP= CUP= WINNING AFFAIR= 2015/2016/17 FORST CUP – 2015/ 2016/ 2017.

WINNING KEY= TOTTENHAM AWAY NO 1 BLACKBURN ON MONTH OF PLAY Week 17’ 2015 – 02x 21x 34xx 21x 38 Week 17’ 2016 – X X X 25x 38. Your winning is crystal clear again this week on annual special Cup winning instruction. Join the progressives – N50, 000 – 08154836338 – Call & Win. Goodluck.

NAZAR MASTER REMAINS STAKERS CHOICE Stakeholders in the Pools industry have lauded NAZAR Master Pools Company Limited, Ibadan, for its commitment to the development of the disclosed in a statementn issued by the leading Pools Company inn Oyo State and environs, which was made available to TRIBUNE POOLS during the week.

According to the Pools company, “We have continued to recieve accolades from stakeholders in the Pools business for our honesty of purpose and prompt payment of winnings. They also commended us for the big dividend we are paying of recent.”

ZENITH HOME OF WINNERS – 08146879314 7-7-7=STAND FOR COMPLETION -10 - 10 Weeks NAPS.

4weeks gazette draws in weeks of 7s.

Our week 7 winners needed no advertisement as they are fully ready. Our 10-10 weeks of 7 Nap is on fixed /gazetted winning numbers and teams as directed by our overseas draw managers WEEK 7 - 23X 29X 44XXX - 21X34X WEEK 17 - X X X - 21X34X WEEK 27 - X X X - 21 X 34.

10- 10 weeks winning procedure is at it again to enrich wise stakers and to put them on Zenith of wealth. At Zenith your winning is our strength. N50, 000.

WOLVES MUST EXETER and three fixed draws. Win! Win!! Win!!!

4 MEMBERS 4 MEMBERS 4 BANKERS (08162705220) 11XX 19

4 BANKERS COST N6000 WK 16 NO 10X 30X 40X 48X 4 BANKERS COST N5000 WK 17 F. A CUP 1 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP 4 BANKERS COST N5000 WK 18 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP 4 BANKERS COST N5000 WK 19 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP Stakers try to get 4 members 4 bankers this wk 17 F.A CUP 1 COST N6000 Winner membership Aussie 2016 N50, 000 KEY EVERY WK 17. CUP 1 BANK NIGER NO 11. 19 TO DRAW PLUS 3. OTHERS COST N6000

DAVID SUPER NAP REMAIN STAKERS NO 1 CHOICE 07088103080 (21XCBK - 23) Our Annual 3weeks Nap to Cup is an assurance to our SPECIAL CUP NAP = FIRST ROUND CUP – week 17.

ARSENAL vs. TOTTENHAM – NO1 A = 1 and T = 20 = 21xxx = 21xxx and other 3 fixed matches. WINNING APPROVAL Reference to week 17’ 2015 and week 17’ 2016. Repeated winning History on 11 draws Week 17’ 2015 - x x x -21 CBK Week 17’ 2016 – x x x - 21 x 1-1 David Super Naps remain stakers’ friend that is why we refused to change the cost implication despite the high cost on our Cup Naps and the exchange rate, yet we are ready to serve you better in this Economic recession period N50, 000 – again. Goodluck (07088103080).

FORTUNE DONOR DONATES 17/18 (08099111828)

The winning continues this week as we offer 17/18 for a sure banker draw come Saturday. You are a sure winner!

Combine this pair with our scintillating Bk draw at only N1,500 this week. Our 2 draws cost N3,000 and 3 draws cost N15,000 this week on 08099111828.

Remain bless as you win on!

JOSEPH FIXED WIN – 08167278061 (44XX 45)

COVENTRY 2WEEKS ON SUNDAY DATE OF PLAY (GAZET) In weeks 15 and 16= Recession Win week – 15 – 24x 33x 48xxx= week 16 = 2 Dates of play, month and date of play= 4/4= 10x 16x 29x 30x The above winning was designed for 2 weeks (win). Read our last week advert for details.

Cup – Cup – Cup= 44 Must 45 S.S.S.S= at home in first Cup. Sheff. Utd, Shrewsbury, Southport and Stockport all at home in first round Cup to confirm 3 special fixed draws. NOTE – We are on Experts directives.

N25, 000= New clients only. Goodluck.

MR. SOLUTION – 08072974720. (34XX44)

3 WEEKS STRAIGHT NAP & WIN ON ANNUAL SCHEDULED 2015/2016/17 The current winning diary as this is stock.

A week to cup – cup= a week after cup Wks 16 – (Cup) 17 and 18.

Wk 16 2015 – 05x 14x 47xxx – 19x= 9drs - 2016 - 06x 11x 48xxx - 42x 14 drs Week 17 2015 – 11x 23x 38xxx – 20x= 11drs 2016 - x x x - 34x 44 Week 18 2015 – 15x 22x 46xxx – 21x= 9drs. 2016 - x x x Records are only by the wise, confirm the above winning statement from your nearest agent and start winning with US – now. Weeks – 16= N50, 000, wee 17 N500, 000 and week 18= N1 Million. Experts another 3 weeks full payment win again. Get solution to all your finances call & Win. S Mr Solution is here.

N50, 000= starting fee. Welcome & Goodluck 08072974729.

AMUKO & ‘CUP’ ASSOCIATES – 07014686970

ON PARADE AGAIN IN 1ST ROUND CUP WE ONLY OPERATES IN CUP WEEKS God is good, another cup week is here with unique setting of the cup teams as ever like never. Numbers 1- 49 teams were calculated and positioned in alphabetical order at home in each division. A B C D E etc. Punters beware, this season cup draws are specially designed out of Experts/Bookmakers expectations but only on pools panel board exclusive gazette. Amuko arrived with P.P.A. 2016/2017 cup draws management directory for cup – 1,2,3,4, 5, 6 and Semi Final -ONLY BE PREPARE – WEEK 17, 1ST CUP Nap — N50,000 = CUP AWARENESS AT AMUKO & ASSOCIATES. With fresh annual week 17 first round cup = WIN – SURE – NAP CONGRATULATIONS WATCH OUT FOR OUR ADVERT NEXT WEEK.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH TEXT MESSAGE OF WRITE UP WITHOUT ADVERT IS REGARDED VOID . PLACE YOUR ADVERT FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLICATION OF YOUR FORECAST. THANKS POOLS EDITOR.

Thursday, 3 - 9 November, 2016 DR. B4 DR – 08062748396 (44XX34) 29X 42X 48XXX – 3DIRECT DRAWS

Home 34 and AWAY 44 = on 5letters CUP SPECIAL GAZETTE. IST HOME LETTER 49 and AWAY 49 = Y+S = 25 + 19 = 44xx Congratulations if you are winning desired staker that knows the joy of success. It is now imperative for you to win big in pools. With the above 2 in one winning gazette on 3 fixed draws and the above free P must pair.

Stop all doubts and forget your past. We are now on Authentic winning information from our reliable overseas compilers. Visit the Doctor’s winning palace and have a new song – to Xmas.

Unregrettable N50, 000 – winning assurance.

JOHN SUPER TIPS

WK 17. SPECIAL RELEASE CUP BANKER 34 CBK 09050512097 Readers, in every first week of F.A Cup is my target week draw Plus 2, others to make it 3 over 3 play it any where, our 3 fixed draw. This week cost N10, 000 cash with a super pair, do not miss this great opportunity.

Call 09050512097.

MID-WEEK ON THE

PROWL AS WE OFFER 18-29-44-28/31 (08087176217)

We decide to give back to punters who have been unveiling in their patronage in spite of hard times.

No failure. Be sure to use the above games maximally as same set costs N50,000 in weeks 18 and 19.

We do not sell games this week as we are so sure of what we give out. Be a sure winner now and start calling from next Monday.

Good luck! 08087176217.

DOSA (08072216644) 7 PAIR 8

Time has come when all pool stakers will laugh to their various banks with their winning on Pool betting.

My advise to you al this week 17 is to make sure you send to Dosa N5,000 MTN recharge card, you are a winner if you send to him.

FAITH NAP (08077887876)

Wk 17 F.A. Cup No 21x 29x 39x / 9x 10 Free to enable you buy our wk 18 special. A week after F.A. Cup formula, after wk 17 result for wk 18 special release, call 08077887876.

HEAD MASTER (08032747136) NAP 9XX 23X 26X

This is your time to win pool in week 17 and week 18. Pool is a chance, don’t miss it, it’s golden opportunity for all stakers. 7, 9, 23, 26 for 3 draws.

CHARITY NAP (08054325929) 44 DRAW 44

We don’t need to speak much grammar as our compilers have promised Cup games played it anywhere, anyplace SHREWBURY vs BARNEY plus Nap sure = Life Draws. Don’t wait till draws are out. Call for your Nap details cost N20,000. 44xx 44xx 44xx 44xx. Good luck.

AUSTINE CHUKWU – 08054462577 NAP – 19X21X29 PERM 30, 31,36.

Congrats this week is one of my promised weeks, the above games is due for 5 draws on Saturday . Therefore you are advised to NAP and PERM according instruction call for more details on 08054462577.

MR. BILLY08034970970

BANK 25 OR 44 .and other two bankers that must give you 3/3 or 4/5 in first cup week. Even if 8draws is played -25 must 44 for a draw and other two bankers. And it cost ¦ 20,000= Goodluck

CHUBY POOLS INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL CUP GIFT:

5, 29, 31, 34, 48.(08163631159)

This is new key scheduled for cup and week after cup. Kindly perm these 5 games to enable you raise cash for week after cup Nap cost N50, 000 cash, next week. Please all interested stakers in 3draws this wk17, should call me with only N5, 000 cash. For account details and I will response back to you upon confirmation of your payment alert. Direct line: 08163631159.

WEEK 16 FINAL POOLS RESULT

03, 06, 09, 10, 11, 16, 29, 30, 35, 36, 40, 42, 48, 49= 14 draws.

AMUKO & ASSOCIATES – 07014686970 We only operate in CUP weeks that made us Cup – Cup – Cup – Cup Manager. Are you aware that 1st round Cup started in week 17 in 2013 – 3 years winning programme. 9x 10x 11xxx – is scheduled for 2drs in annual week 17 (CUP) 2013 — 2015.

Congratulations all our Esteem clients that made their payment last week. When performance talks doubt diminishes.

At AMUKO & ASSOCIATES we don’t forecast but act on Experts winning advice. 1st CUP = N50,000 = 2nd CUP - N250,000= 3rd CUP = N500,000 = 4th CUp-N850,000= 5th, 6th & Semifinal–on 1 MILLION. Make good use of the current fixed price now. Good luck.

ISRAEL BAILOUT IS BACK IN FULLACTION Our welcome back NAP is irresistable to all winning desired stakers.

Call and win in 1st round welcome Cup Nap. 09085712800. N50,000.

WERRIBEE.C

BALCATTA

TWO BANKER WK 16 N3,000

TWO BANKER WK 16 N3,000

WK 17 CUP I

WK 17 CUP I

X10X X40X NAP NAP

X29X X30X

MODBURY

TWO BANKER WK 16 N3,000

X48X X49X

WK 17 CUP I

NAP NAP

NAP NAP

4. SPECIAL DRAW THIS WK 16 BLUE N25,000 SEND MTN CARD TO 08162705220

CHUBY POOLS INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL CUP GIFT: 5, 29, 31, 34, 48. HOT LINE: 08163631159 Dear Fans, some times things turn up side down, those weeks has gone with that information. This is new key scheduled for cup and week after cup. Kindly perm these 5 games to enable you raise cash for week after cup Nap cost N50, 000 cash, next week. I sincerely release this game because many of you has loose much. Kindly per heavily to afford direct 3 draws next week. Please all interested stakers in 3draws this wk17, should call me with only N5, 000 cash. For account details and I will response back to you upon confirmation of your payment alert.

DRAW COMMANDER

BEST ENGLISH MAGIC

TWO BANKERS N3,000

WK 17= 2015 X10X X11X PAIR X33X X34X

WK 17 CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP

WK 18 CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP

TWO BANKERS N3,000

WK 17= 2015 X19X X23X PAIR X21X F22F

WK 17 CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP

WK 18 CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP

SEND MTN CARD TO 08095602590.

MAGIC KINGDOM-08056753098/07085060512.

21,22,23,24,25-Group ’A’ 35,36,37,38,39-Group ‘B’.

First cup in 2016/2017 season free group A and B that promotes 4 colours weeks,18,19 & 20. Play well to enable to register as a club member with ¦ 50,000 – on 2 times installment payment. Weekly cost ¦ 25,000 to Balogun Adesina kamoru at FCMB Bank no- 0279550010, Wema Bank no-0206965116 or G.T.Bank no-01155050882. Call the above numbers for details. Goodluck .

HONEST AND INTEGRITY VENTURES. 4 WEEKS OPERATION FOR WEEK. 15, 16, 17, 18.

09054631427. WEEK 16 – 09X 10X 11XXX 29X 35X 5/5 Honesty is the best policy, we are operation on honesty to maintain our integrity. Our week 16 release is now talk of the town with free 2 bankers published last week 29x 35x. whao! Another winning galore at Honest winning office.

Call now for details – 09054631427= welcome.

WITH CONFIDENCE. F.A. CUP. MASTER= 08166222529, 08139714848= 26XX 27= 26 NAP 27

Two Bankers= N5000 Wk 15 RED NO 21X 24 PAIR 28F 29X Two Banker= N5000 Wk 16 A WK TO CUP NO 10X 40X PAIR 30X 41F Two Bankers N5000 Wk 17 NO CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP One Bankers= N2500 Wk 15 RED No 39x Pair 20x 21x Wk 16 30X PAIR 40X 41F One Bankers= N2500 Wk 17 F.A CUP NO CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP League Table Two Bankers= N3000 Wk15 NO 29X 39X PAIR 8X 9F WK 16 A WK TO CUP NO 29X 30X PAIR 9X 34F NAP WK 17 F.A CUP NO CUP CUP PAIR CUP CUP Wk 18. a wk after No Nap Nap Pair XX LEAGUE TABLE One Banker N2000 Wk 15 NO 48X WK 16 NO 10x WK 17 A CUP NO CUP Stakers try to get with Confidence two Bankers this Wk 16 PURPLE cost N5000 two N2500 League table two Bankers cost N3000 one Bankers cost N2000 we set for 6 Wks operations. Wk 15, 16, 17, 18.

Send MTN Card 08166222529. The game will send to you by text message.

08139714848.

MADAM THE MADAM ON ACHIVE WIN. 08023329191

2014-2016. CONGRATULATIONS ON ANNUAL SANDWICH 3WKS CUP. NAPS. WEEKS-16,17 ND 18 3WEEKS IN 3YEARS=2014,15 & 16.

10 MUST 11.

—2013 — 2014 — 2015 — 2016 WK.16 – 7X 21X 36X — 8X 36X 49X— 5X 26X47X— 6X 29X 36X 40X WK.17 – 9X 15X 44X — 5X 19X 44X — 2X 21X 35X —X X X X WK.18 —3X 23X 40X — 7X 24X 48X — 10X 22X46X —X X X X The above chat shown our previous years performance. Welcome to the Madams of Mr Joshua winning pay point = N50,000 — Call our media manager for more details (Mr Joshua 08023329191) — Good luck.

AKIN MR. AKIN – 07067202291 (23XX44) CUP-CUP-CUP.

ANNUAL FIRST ROUND WITH STATEMENT ON CURRENT WINNING INSTRUCTIONS. 2014 1ST CUP- 5X 19X 48XXX 44X 2015 1ST CUP- 01X 21X 34XXX 23X 2016 1ST CUP – X X X - 23XX 44.

Its real and a must for you to win in this week round one ‘cup’ – your reliable 2 Experts in one cup winning instruction is for all stakers winning jubilation.

N25,000=Goodluck.

DR. MARY – 08163902330

WIN= 19X 21X 23X 27X 29X 44X Our introductory free win is stated above.

Prepare to win in weeks 18, 19 & 20 with N100, 000.Good luck.

LAST HOPE 2016 = 08142362005 = 16XX 17XX

4 Special Draws N6, 000 WK 16 Awk to cup Noa 10x 20f 30x 40x 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 17 Cup 1 No Cup Cup Cup Cup= 4/4 Cup Cup= Stakers try to get last Hope 2016. 4 special draws this wk 17 CUP cost N6000 and two bankers cost N3000 following wk. 18 to control 4. Special draws cost N6, 000 two bankers cost N3000 send MTN. Card 08103222635.

VICTORY AT LAST AT VICTORIOUS VICTOR 08126994034 (21XX25)

Our 3 week Cup SENSOR/CENSOR WAPS Week 16, Week17 and Week18, Cup WIN. Started well last week with new subscribed fee pf #50,000 = #100,000.

Week 16 – 29x 36x 48xxx. 11x Week 17 – x x x 21x25.

Week 18 – x x x 31x35.

Hurray our new subscriber free remain #50,000 Just for consideration the overhead cost appreciate after each successful win.

Join the Victorious People = N50,000 – Regulars – N100, — N250,000 = as agreed. Good luck.

SIDELINES

NO 16,625

N150

THURSDAY, 3 NOVEMBER, 2016

“Which do we prefer between Justice as administered by adherence to law and rules of court and “frontier justice” in which guilt is pronounced according to public opinion”.

L

AST week, owing to recent events in the country, I decided to revisit my discussion of the loss of confidence by the public in the administration of justice in Nigeria and how lawyers and Judges have been unfairly singled out as the cause of the delay. I stated how a Lawyer’s performance of his duty is circumscribed by the facts supplied to him by his client. The position is not too dissimilar from that encountered by doctors in which diagnosis is majorly determined not only by the symptoms presented by the patient but also on the facts supplied him. Judges who sit over cases are also in this class.

MISCONCEPTION OF THE ROLE OFJUDGES A Judge by his calling is expected to be an impartial arbiter between the parties.

As Nigeria operates an adversarial system of adjudication in which the Judge plays no role other than to determine the dispute based on the evidence, he cannot in any manner act in aide of any of the parties. Where a Judge does this, he is said to have descended into the arena of conflict. This point is important for it shows that a Judge cannot give Judgement for a party in a civil case where he has failed to establish his case by the preponderance of evidence or convict an accused in a criminal case where the prosecution has failed to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Yet experience shows that most accusations levelled against judges arise out of a misconception of their roles by the public.

This is most rampant in election petition matters in which most Petitioners whose Petitions are dismissed as lacking in merit accuse judges of having been induced to give judgement against them. What many often fail to disclose

OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D, D.Litt

A 42-year-old farmer, Segun Elegbede, has reportedly died in the custody of the policemen in a division in Ogun State. According to reports, the deceased was tortured to death by the police. Hmmm, we want to believe that this is an allegation and it is not true. If it is indeed true, then we begin to wonder where the citizenry will now find solace and security.

afeonthursday

Justice: Loss of public confidence Another look at the role of lawyers and judges is that a party to the suit had failed to marshall evidence sufficient to enable the Tribunal decide in his favour. With regards to criminal cases, what currently obtains is the process in which persons are firstly accused and convicted in the court of public opinion before they are ever charged before courts set up by law.

In some extreme cases, law enforcement agencies even “leak” contents of statements made by suspects to the press who daily regale their readers with the “confessions” allegedly made by the said suspects. The problem with all these is that a judge cannot convict an accused person based only upon what has been reported in the media. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must meticulously tender evidence, oral and documentary, to establish all elements of the crime alleged to have been committed. However in most cases the prosecution fails to do this after engaging in so much pretrial publicity involving public arrest of a suspect, sometimes preceded by a very public siege on his residence, followed by an open seal off of properties alleged to be owned by him and eventually open dissemination of the contents of his extra judicial statement made to investigators.

All these create in the minds of the public a feeling that the guilt of the suspect or accused person and his eventual conviction is an inescapable conclusion. Therefore when the Judge eventually discharg-

es and acquits the accused person, as he is legally bound to do where the evidence led is insufficient to convict him, public perception would be that lawyers and judges had somehow failed in their duty and had conspired to let off someone deemed to be guilty. This is most unfortunate.

DUTY TO ENSURE THAT DUE PROCESS IS FOLLOWED Where a known armed robber is accused of petty theft, a crime which many would easily adjudge him guilty of given his antecedents, the law still demands that he be given a fair trial in which the burden will be on the prosecution to establish his guilt and not on him to establish his innocence. Therefore what many perceive as the unnecessary legalism of lawyers is often non other than insistence that the law of the land be followed to the letter. The reason for this is simple. If a situation is permitted in which laws and standards which protect all are disregarded over the preconceived guilt of even one accused person we risk a situation in which those very laws and standards will be eroded over time and will not be applied at all. In such a situation, injustice rather than justice will be the order of the day. It is for this very reason that the victorious allied nations after the end of World War Two ensured that all persons accused of major war crimes

W/Cup qualifier:

Akpeyi replaces injured Ikeme

by Nurudeen Alimi DANIEL Akpeyi has been invited to the Super Eagles camp to replace the injured goalkeeper Carl Ikeme ahead of the Nigeria-Algeria World Cup qualifier in Uyo, later this month.

Chippa United of South Africa goalkeeper Akpeyi, according to a press release from the communications department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), was on Wednesday named as a replace-

aareafe@gmail.com

ment for Ikeme, who got injured while on duty for his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, against Blackburn Rovers last weekend.

Hope had been kept alive of Ikeme recovering in good time for the November 12 World Cup qualifier until the club reportedly wrote a letter to the NFF notifying them that he would not be available for the match.

Akpeyi was a member of the Nigeria U-20 squad which finished as runners-

up at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in The Netherlands. He was also part of the bronze-winning team at the Men’s Olympic football tournament in Brazil earlier this year.

Nigeria host Algeria on November 12 in Uyo in an African Group B qualifier for the 2018 World Cup to be hosted by Russia.

The Super Eagles currently lead the group on three points while Algeria and Cameroon have one point each. Zambia are currently without a point.

at the nuremberg trial had adequate legal representation despite the scale of the crimes they had allegedly committed.

Unfortunately it is situations such as these that make Judges the unfair target of those who see them as the cause of the problems. Such people would rather have a situation in which everyone accused of a crime and against whom there is an alleged avalanche of “overwhelming” evidence is convicted without recourse to the law. This is an invitation to anarchy through what is called “frontier justice”.

In 1991 one Jose Anunciaco engaged in a public fight with a co-worker in the course of which the latter died. However when the evidence preferred in court, including testimony of eye-witnesses was insufficient to establish his guilt for murder, he was acquitted. However he was eventually dragged from his bed by a mob and clubbed to death! The mob was not concerned whether his acquittal had been as a result of any finding that he had not caused the death of the deceased or even possibly that he had acted in self defence. Which do we prefer between Justice as administered by adherence to law and rules of court and “frontier justice” in which guilt is pronounced according to public opinion?

To be continued…

AARE AFE BABALOLA SAN, CON, LL.D, D.Litt, FNSE

FIFA COACH OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST

Chris Coleman Claudio Ranieri Didier Deschamps Diego Simeone Fernando Santos Jurgen Klopp Luis Enrique Mauricio Pochettino

Pep Guardiola Zinedine Zidane

(Wales) (Leicester City) (France) (Argentina) (Portugal) (Liverpool) (Spain) (Tottenham Hotspur) (Man City) (Real Madrid)

The award winner, to be announced on January 9, 2017, will be decided by a vote split 50% between global players and coaches as well as an online public ballot and 200 members of the media from around the world.

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. 3/11/2016.