6th September, 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,583 TUESDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

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TODAY'S SPECIAL

When drinking water becomes harmful

By Sade Oguntola

put the family’s health at risk is never considered.

YOU are thirsty, very thirsty! And you reach out for the last bottle of water in the kitchen fridge to soothe your parched throat, though it is not cold.

Normally, many individuals would not even consider any water kept in the fridge as bad for consumption. Unlike food, the thought that it may have contaminants that could

Drinking water can be bad If the power is out for days, quality of food and water in the refrigerator can be affected. “Environmental factors, packaging and processing methods may determine if such water, whether in bottles or sachets, Continues pg5

N213bn electricity facility: CBN approves sanctions for erring banks

No plan to increase fuel price —FG —P4

—P11

Economic recession: Fast, pray for Nigeria —Sultan —P4

Tragedy in Ekiti as 7-yr-old shoots mate to death —P32

4 soldiers drown in Bayelsa —P36

Wanted Nigerian journalist, Salkida, arrested at Abuja airport

—P8

Human rights activists at a rally to mark the seventh remembrance of Gani Fawehinmi, at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos, on Monday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Students protest over clash in date of Edo guber polls, exams —P34

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Fast, pray for Nigeria — JNI Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

President Muhammadu Buhari, with Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi (middle) and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Honourable Abubakar Bwari, during the ministers’ briefing to the president on the discovery of Nickel in parts of Kaduna State.

No plan to increase fuel price —FG Leon Usigbe and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

M

INISTER of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, have both dismissed speculation on a possible hike in the pump price of petrol.

Both men met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, following reports that a meeting of former GMDs of NNPC had recommended increase in the price as according to them, the current price was no longer sustainable.

Baru, who was the first to emerge from the meeting, was pressed by correspondents for comments, but he declined, while referring journalists to the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

Asked if there will be a review of the price, he, however, said: “There is nothing like that.”

Kachikwu also toed the same line when he was asked for his position, but this time, he directed reporters to the GMD of NNPC for answers.

But when told that the GMD had declined comments, the minister revealed that there was no memo before the Federal Government asking for a review of the petrol price.

The Senate had, earlier through its spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, on Monday, taken a swipe on the NNPC GMDMaikanti and his predecessors over their recent call for fuel price hike.

Baru and most of the former NNPC GMDs, had, last week, after strategic meeting on way out for sustenance of availability of

PMS, in view of the dwindling value of Naira to the US dollar used by marketers for fuel importation, posited that the current pump price of N145 per litre would have to be increased to avoid acute scarcity.

The oil managers stated that the present pump price of N145 per litre might lead to crisis in the sector from the fuel importers and resurgence of heavy burden of huge subsidy for the product by government which would invariably cripple the economy further.

The senator, in his reaction to the proposal, told newsmen in his office that there was need to caution the Federal Government from heeding to such an advice at this time Nigerians were groaning under severe economic hardship caused by profligacy of the past, perpetrated by the so-called oil experts with previous governments.

The lawmaker accused the oil chiefs as enemies of Nigerians.

He added that President Muhammadu Buhari and

his economic team were doing their best to turn things around for better, which he said would surely come to pass if given the needed support by all Nigerians.

“Mr President is grappling with inherited problems. He is trying his best to see that things are changed and I think that within this context, whatever we need to do to support him to succeed, we have always being ready, as we have always done since we came on board to support him,” he added.

THE Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has urged Muslims in the country to fast and pray for the country so that the country will get out of recession.

JNI, under the leadership of Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, also felicitated with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah for being ushered by the special grace of Allah, the Most Kind, into the greatest and most beloved days in the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah.

The position of JNI was contained in a statement signed by Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, SecretaryGeneral of the Islamic body in Kaduna, on Monday.

He said this Islamic month was of enormous bounty, particularly its first 10 days and nights, which commenced on Saturday, September 3, “thus Monday, September 12, which will be equivalent to 10th Dhul- Hijjah 1437AH, shall mark this year’s Eidel-Adhaa inshaa’Allah.

“Expectedly at this sacred period, the annual Eid-elAdha is celebrated vis-a-vis the accompanying historic sacrifices and the spiritual attainment of Hajj.

“Therefore, it is recom-

WHO confirms third polio case in Nigeria THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a third case of polio in Nigeria.

Aminu Muhammad, Rotary Club’s field coordinator, disclosed this on Monday, saying a crippled toddler found in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State, was the victim.

Last month, two cases of the virus were discovered in Borno, with the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole describing the development as a setback for the nation.

“It is unfortunate that we have the development. It has set us back, but I can assure the nation that we will do everything possible to be on top of the situation.

“We are meeting again today. We had a meeting yesterday to look at the situation. We are drawing out an emergency plan and in the next 48 hours, we are dispatching a team there and we are going to start immunisation.

“We would do three rounds of special immunisation campaigns to make sure that we contain the situation,” he said.

Nigeria recently celebrat-

ed two years of not recording a single polio case, but WHO said the virus had circulated undetected for five years.

Rotary is participating in a new emergency immunisation drive that vaccinated more than 1.5 million children last week in Borno.

The campaign is to spread

across the country, with a plan to reach 25 million children before the end of the year.

The military had also helped with the vaccination drive, which included logistics and other aid from the US Centres for Disease Control, the United Nations and Britain’s Save the Children, as well as gov-

ernment health workers.

Military helicopters flew vaccines into places too dangerous to reach by road and truckloads of troops and armoured cars escorted vaccinators elsewhere.

Muhammad, however, said they were using “hit and run” tactics to reach kids in areas where Boko Haram is present.

mended to Muslims, who can afford, to fast the first nine days of the month, most especially the Arafat day, which comes up on Sunday, September 11, as endeared by the Prophet (SAW) for the non-pilgrims. We should also seek Allah’s forgiveness, adore and worship Him more.

“More so, the most rewarding and beloved acts performed in these days are Dhkr (constant remembrance of Allah, by glorifying Him and thanking Him) and frequent recital of Istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness).

“We, therefore, use this medium to call on the Ummah to be forgiving, eschew rancor and bitterness, be just, sincere, responsible in all undertakings and should avoid anything capable of attracting Allah’s anger in the present circumstance we found ourselves, as with every hardship comes ease and relief.

“We equally call on the Ummah to be steadfast in promoting the message and virtues of Islam in this trying and challenging time of the Nigerian nationhood. We, nonetheless, reiterate our call to the Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for the nation against all manners of misfortunes, seek for Allah’s intervention on the economic challenges and the nagging insecurity bedeviling the country.

“While wishing all our Muslim brethren who are presently observing this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy land a hitch-free Hajj rites and safe return to their places of living and reunion with their respective families, we wish the Ummah an accepted Udhiya (sacrifice).”

FG to enforce fiscal discipline in states to check wasteful expenses SENIOR Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, has said the Federal Government is determined to enforce fiscal discipline across the states to check wasteful spending, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Shehu, in a statement issued in Abuja, on Monday, said the Federal Government was not limiting its economic and financial reform programmes to the centre alone.

He said the Federal Government would force the state governments to reform their spendings and build savings and investments.

The presidential aide was reacting to the current eco-

nomic and financial challenges facing the country.

Shehu said the reform would include blockage of leakages that allowed government’s revenues to be siphoned into private hands.

He said the ongoing probe into the finances of the military authorities was part of the reforms aimed at checking corrupt practices in the military establishment.

“Look at what a civilian administration is today doing to the military, investigating their finance and accounts that the military could not do to themselves.

“See what the current administration is doing to sanitise the huge salary bill by eliminating payroll fraud.

“So far, the federal payroll has been rid of about 40,000 ghost workers.

More than N8 billion stolen monthly has been saved.

“We are also saving on wasteful expenses like first-class travel and private jets for official trips.

“The Federal Government is not limiting the reforms to the centre, but forcing state governments to reform their spending and build savings or investments,’’ he said.

According to Shehu, government was also increasing spending on capital projects, especially on infrastructure needed to make Nigerian businesses competitive and create jobs.

He said if these things had been done when the oil price was as high as $140 per barrel, Nigeria would not be in the current predicament.

“I will make the confession that we, the officials hired to communicate government policies, that includes myself, have not done as well as we should have.

“The truth is that more than any other time before, there is a clear direction and strategy for achieving growth and development.

“Revisionists may not agree, but the truth of the matter is that the previous administration only had one issue, which was how to spend money (oil revenues and borrowed money).’’

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

When drinking water becomes harmful Continued from front page

is fit for drinking,” said Mr Bankole Okunbanjo, Director, Water Quality Control, Water Corporation of Oyo State.

Unopened bottles of plain water can last months, refrigerated or not, depending on how the water was treated before it was packaged.

According to Okunbanjo, “if its quality is good, relatively free of particles and micro-organisms and it is properly sealed in a bottle, its quality would not be affected, whether refrigerated or not.

“Organisms, when present in drinking water, deplete it of its oxygen content and as such, its taste will become unpleasant. In fact, water can start to smell or taste badly, especially if kept long and hot, for instance in the sun.

“Even when there are no organisms and the container is sealed, excluding air from entering it, overtime, particles can get deposited or seen floating in the water based on its pH. For instance, the equilibrium pH can favour plastic leaching into the water from bottles.”

How safe is water with particles for

drinking?

Drinking such water depends on the individual. “Hardly will people want to take any water that has particles or taste; it may not be possible to judge the level of pollution or germs that may be proliferating in it,” he said.

It is always assumed that water is “clean” or “good” since it is from a bottle. But it can be bad, he said, when “there are particles in it, a portion is greenish or its taste has changed.”

Even clean water can turn bad if it is not covered. The water will become polluted with dust, which serves as a great area for micro-organisms to thrive.

According to him, storing water, whether in bottles or sachets in the same fridge compartment with food items like fish, may make the water not potable.

Storing bottled water near gasoline, paint or other noxious chemicals can also affect its quality negatively. Contrary to plastic bottles, nothing can penetrate a glass bottle to leave a weird taste.

Any need to worry about quality of drinking water? Professor Tanimola Akande, President, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, stated that the quality

of the water before it is stored in the fridge, whether it is free of germs, determine its suitability for drinking and shelf life.

He declared: “The type of germ in the water will determine whether it would multiply or not, whether it is refrigerated or not.

Some germs only get deactivated at almost the freezing point of water.”

Akande warned that, unlike food items, it may not be possible to know if water is contaminated by merely looking at it.

He stressed the importance of proper handling of containers and processing of water stored in the fridge for drinking.

Perhaps more importantly, reusing disposable plastic water bottles also has its risks. Water could “go bad” when the lips and mouth introduce micro-organisms into the water glass or bottle, if left out for extended periods of time, which can then begin to thrive under the right conditions.

Also, commercial water bottles tend to wear down from repeated use, which can lead to bacterial growth in surface cracks inside the bottle. But even with washing, these microscopic hiding places may still allow bacteria to linger.

A 2007 report entitled “Bottled Water Myths: Separating fact from fiction,” pub-

lished in the journal ‘Practical Gastroenterology’, warned that “consumer reuse of commercially packaged bottles of water is not recommended from a microbe perspective.”

Professor Akande, however, said drinking water could be bad because public water supplies mostly bottled for drinking in homes could also be contaminated.

“Ideally, we should be testing the water from the public water supply that we drink. In its piping, micro-organisms can get into it. Even mandatory testing of the sachet water on sale to check its quality is important.”

How long does water last?

Sealed bottled water, whether refrigerated or not, has a shelf life of two years. Bottles of sparkling water can last one year or longer, while flavoured water or vitamin-enhanced water has a shelf life of about nine months.

How to tell if water is bad Although not a perfect test, one’s senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if the water has gone bad. Some common traits of contaminated water are cloudiness and strange taste or smell.

Buhari possesses strong political will to revive economy —APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday, urged Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari, saying his strong political will would revive the nation’s economy.

This was contained in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja, by the national secretary of the party, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni.

According to the statement, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should stop making insensitive comments about the economy, as the government was conscious of the hardship its citizens were faced with.

Buni said: “In reacting to the orchestrated and insensitive comments by the PDP on the economy, the APC urges the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to remain focused in its bid to restore economic growth in the country.

“In spite of PDP’s orchestrated and feeble attempts to blackmail the current administration and twist facts, the reality remains that the prevailing socio-economic hardship faced by Nigerians is a direct consequence of the mismanagement of the economy.

“It also includes the unprecedented looting of the country’s commonwealth perpetrated under PDP’s watch.

“The PDP’s attempt to turn truth on its head is fraudulent, insensitive and an insult to Nigerians.

“For the umpteenth time, the PDP must own up to its transgression and apologise to Nigerians.

“Going forward, the urgent task before the Buhari-led APC administration is to restore the country’s battered economy back to health.

“All legitimate and inno-

vative means are being employed to achieve this in the quickest possible time.

“The APC assures Nigerians of the strong political will and commitment of the Buhari-led administration

to revive the economy and tackle the nation’s current challenges through suitable and well-thought economic policies, fiscal discipline and socio-political reforms.’’

He said that among other

strategic economic agenda planned by the government, diversification of the country’s economy was a priority.

“To this end, Buhari is aggressively formulating and implementing policies aimed

at diversifying Nigeria’s economy from oil to other sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

“The APC assures Nigerians that the administration will pull the country out of

the present hardships.

“With the support, cooperation, patience and prayers of Nigerians, the country will reach its deserved potential under our leadership,’’ Buni added.

Alleged N250m FUNNAB scam: EFCC didn’t invite me for questioning —Ogunlewe Bola Badmus -Lagos PRO-CHANCELLOR of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has denied report that he was invited for interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N250 million scam rocking the university, describing the said report as a fairy tale, hoax and a sort of April fool.

Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works during the Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration, made the denial on Monday, in Lagos, in a release entitled “Re: N250 million scam in FUNAAB: Pro-Chancellor has no access to University funds” and made available to the Nigerian Tribune.

According to the former minister, contrary to the impression created in the news media, no invitation was extended to him by the antigraft agency over the alleged scam, declaring that it was necessary to let the public and stakeholders in the university know that as the prochancellor, he and members of the governing council had no access to funds of the university.

Ogunlewe explained that given the Act establishing every federal university, the vice-chancellor remained the chief executive officer, adding that a team of at least

two deputy vice-chancellors, the registrar, the bursar and the librarian assists the vicechancellor in the day to day running of the university.

The pro-chancellor, who alluded to the intrigues surrounding the race to pick the new vice-chancellor for the university as the current occupier’s tenure would be ending in eight months’ time and also the refusal to extend the tunure of the incumbent bursar of the school, maintained that the N250 million the petitioners claimed to have been squandered must have emanated from mere assumptions that the management team spent the total sum in four years to service the governing council, in the areas of transportation, accommodations, feeding and sitting allowances.

“The tenure of the vicechancellor will end in another eight months, so the race and intrigues associated with the process of the appointment of a new vicechancellor does not need to attract internal attrition, since the process of appointing a new vice-chancellor is already streamlined in a recent circular.

“In a case of the bursar whose request for extension of tenure was refused after he had served in that capacity for six and a half years need not generate any outburst. The university has over 40 chartered accountants in the system, they

should be given opportunity to serve,” Ogunlewe said.

While insisting that nothing near any scam took place, Ogunlewe, however,

assured that the governing council would during its next meeting address all the issues raised in the petition.

He, therefore, assured all

the parents and stakeholders that there was peace on the campus, saying the university was on top of the situation.

Locusts, birds from Niger Republic may attack farms in Nigeria —Ogbeh

Says food scarcity imminent if attacks go unchecked Collins Nnabuife -Abuja MINISTER of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, on Monday, said locusts and quelea birds from Niger Republic are massing up and may likely attack farms in Nigeria.

The minister said the locusts and quelea birds could ravage farms in hours or days if not controlled.

Chief Ogbeh made this known when the received the Commissioners of Agriculture of states in Nigeria to find possible solutions to the scourge.

He said if the quelea birds and locusts were not controlled, their attacks on farms could lead to food scarcity across the country.

Addressing the commissioners, Ogbeh said “there is warning that we have received that locusts and quelea birds are massing up in Niger Republic from where they normally attack us in Nigeria.

“We know how dangerous quelea birds can be and locust, if they arrive; within hours and days, they would have wiped out everything farmers might have put on the field.”

The minister also harped on the need to take steps to contain the recurring attacks of army worms in maize, which have been ravaging farms.

Chief Ogbeh also said efforts should be put in place to ensure that bird flu was put under control through the stop of interstate movement of affected birds.

He said that urgent steps would be taken by the government and the government of Niger Republic to ensure that they quelea birds and locusts were contained before it spread to farms across the country.

Some commissioners of agriculture from the Northern part of the country confirmed that the locusts and quelea birds have started their attacks

in some local governments in their states.

Commissioners of Agriculture for Zamfara, Mr Lawal Jangebe and that of Jigawa State said quelea birds and locusts have started their attacks in the state, affecting seven local governments in Zamfara.

In Sokoto State, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Shaiubu Bankanu, said locusts have attacked two local governments in the state, while quelea birds have ravaged seven local governments as farmers abandoned their rice farms.

The Commissioner for Agriculture in Abia State, Uzo Azubuike, said the quelea birds have longed attacked the state alongside army worms.

According to him, the cases had been reported to the ministry long ago.

States affected include Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Katsina Taraba and Kano.

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Lagos

Register your hotels or face sanctions, govt tells operators Akin Adewakun THE Lagos State government has expressed its readiness to wield the big stick on owners of hotels, hospitality centres and other recreational facilities that failed to register them with the state government.

According to the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ganiyu Lawal, such steps had become necessary to enable the state government to monitor activities going on in such places.

Lawal stated the state

government would be giving hotels and facility centres in the state, till the end of this year, to comply with this directive or face sanctions.

He described such registration as part of the ministry's efforts, aimed at upgrading the present standards of hotels and hospitality groups in the state, in tandem with what obtained elsewhere around the globe.

The ministry's spokesman also believed that such exercise would go a long way in giving security assurance to tourists and lodgers in such hotels.

Flooded Remi Fani Kayode street, Ikeja GRA, after a downpour on Monday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

the police.

The suspect, Tanko (Surname withheld), had reportedly fled after killing his boss, Mabel Mba Okafor, to Bali in Taraba State, where he was fished out and arrested.

Confirming the arrest, the Lagos Police command image maker, Dolapo Badmos, stated that the arrest of the security guard, who escaped since the August 17, 2016, was effected in Taraba State.

Man who stabbed boss to death in Lagos arrested in Taraba Olalekan Olabulo

A

22-year–old guard, who killed his boss in Ajah area of Lagos State, about three weeks ago, has been nabbed by

Jealous wife bought cutlass 2 weeks before hacking husband —Police Olayinka Olukoya OGUN State Police Command, on Monday, said that a housewife, Oluwakemi (surname withheld), who inflicted machete cut on her husband in Ijebu-Ode, last Saturday, purchased the machete two weeks earlier, before carrying out the act.

Lagos Metro recalled that Oluwakemi, a mother of three, on the fateful day, inflicted cut on her husband, Kehinde (surname withheld), at her apartment in Erinlu area, on the allegation that her husband was planning to marry another wife.

According to the acting Police Public Relations, Abimbola Oyeyemi, the suspect was said to have invited her husband to spend the weekend with her, without the victim suspecting any foul play.

She was reported to have bought the cutlass for the purpose of inflicting deep cut injury on the chest and other parts of the victim's body, while he was asleep.

Abimbola said the

machete had been recovered by the police, following her arrest by men of the Obalende Divisional Police headquarters.

He said, "The woman has told the police that he bought the cutlass she used in inflicting cuts on her

husband two weeks before she attacked him.

"She had claimed that she attacked her hubby following moves by him to marry a second wife."

Oyeyemi said the suspect would soon be charged to court.

Tanko had stabbed his principal to death and and ripped her stomach open before escaping with money and other valuables, including phones, jewelries and clothes, from her house.

The Lagos police spokesperson said the suspect would soon be arraigned in court.

The police image maker said: "On August 17, 2016, there was a murder of one Mrs Mabel Mba Okafor, aged 50, of No J68B, Close 9, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Ajah " Badmos added that "She was killed and the policemen went there and discovered that the house had been ransacked and

a lot of properties carted away."

"The woman had a house guard, but the guard was nowhere to be found. The body of the victim was examined and it was noticed that she was stabbed in the stomach and her stomach ripped open," she stated.

According to her, while the corpse of the deceased was being moved to the mortuary, policemen from the division carried out the necessary scene of crime investigations they were supposed to do.

She also said the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), while the Commissioner of

Ikoyi building demolition: Paga CEO threatens

govt with court action Tola Adenubi - Lagos FOUNDER/CHIEF Executive Officer of Paga, Nigeria’s leading online payment solution initiative, Tayo Oviosu, has threatened to sue the Lagos State government over demolition of buildings in Ikoyi.

Reacting to a statement signed by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr Steve Ayorinde and posted on Facebook by the Lagos State government, Oviosu advised that the state government ought to have

notified the occupants who might not be the owner of the demolished building.

According to him, “As the state, you have a responsibility to notify the occupants who might be different from the owner. You also have a responsibility to ensure that the occupants have time to remove their property even if destruction is the path.

“You shouldn’t shatter people's investments because you want to prove a point. The owner of the said Ikoyi property fixed Rumens road, which, for years, was left with potholes. Please,

don’t come with statement on a high horse. We'll see you in court!”

The state government had posted a statement signed by Steve Ayorinde on Facebook, explaining that owners of the buildings demolished in Ikoyi were duly served with contravention, removal and quit notices before the exercise was carried out.

Speaking against the backdrop of recent demolition of some illegal structures in Ikoyi, Ayorinde reiterated government's determination to rid the state of illegal developments,

saying “in our effort to maintain a sustainable, organised, liveable and friendly environment, the government will not renege on its declared stance of zero tolerance for structures and properties without development permit or approved building plans.

He also warned that all those who chose to erect illegal structures, in violation of our laws, in order to take advantage of third parties would not only have those structures removed, but would also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Police also called on the Decoy Team of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), in charge of Tracking, to deal with the matter as well.

The team, after about one week of serious work on the matter, was able to identify the suspect to be the house guard of the victim and they traced him to Bali in Taraba State.

"After about three days in Bali, they were able to recover some of the phones stolen from the victim before eventually arresting the suspect where he was hiding," she narrated.

Badmos also confirmed that three phones, trinkets and a lot of the victim's clothes were recovered from the suspect, adding that the suspect had been brought back to Lagos.

While reiterating the capacity of the police to deal with criminals and any crime situation in the state, Badmos said people should be rest assured that any crime committed in the state would be thoroughly investigated and the culprit brought to justice.

"There is no escape route for criminals in Lagos State.

Any crime committed in Lagos will be unraveled.

If you commit a crime in Lagos and run to anywhere in Nigeria, the police in Lagos will come after you," she said.

Meanwhile, the suspect has been handed over to the state CID for further investigation, while he will be charged to court at the end of investigation.

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

metro

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Distressed building scares residents Chukwuma Okparaocha A distressed building on 13, Ibadan Street area of Ebute- Metta, Lagos, is causing an uproar among residents who have petitioned the Lagos State Assembly to force out all occupants of the house in order to save lives and property.

According to information gathered by Lagos Metro, the property, which is also located close to Borno Way area in Ebute Metta, was built about 14 years ago, and is currently in such a deplorable state that occupants of houses close to it are also unsure of the safety of their own buildings, especially since the building stands the risk of collapsing.

The landlord of the multistorey building, it was gathered, had stopped collecting rents from the tenants who he had already given quit notice, to enable necessary repairs and renovations to be carried out on the building to avert any collapse.

But the tenants reportedly refused to vacate, and even the subsequent sealing of the building by relevant government agencies

did not yield any positive result, as the tenants reportedly broke the seal and continued living in the house.

But sensing that he stands the risk of losing his house in the event of a collapse, the landlord (names withheld) subsequently petitioned the Lagos State House of Assembly with a view to enlisting the services of the lawmakers to rid the house of the obstinate tenants.

Therefore, after much deliberations, the lawmakers unanimously directed all relevant government agencies to ensure prompt and total vacation of the property so as to allow its owner carry out necessary repairs on it.

INFORMATION gathered late last night indicated that a spark from the server of the Skye Bank branch, located at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, on Monday, razed a part of the bank.

The spark, according to a

A girl who should be in school, selling apple at Ketu market. PHOTO: OVADJE ELLIOT

source, must have come from some cables recently fixed in the area.

Though the fire was promptly put out by the fire fighting unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the thick smoke that enveloped the environment created apprehension.

The fire, according to another

source, was not noticed by many users of the airport, because of promptness by the FAAN officials at putting it out.

“I was at the terminal, but I didn't hear of it until your inquiry. Many people are going about their activities without being aware of the fire because it did not disrupt anything,” the source said.

Lagos introduces new initiative to ensure efficient transportation system Tunde Alao CONCERNED about the disturbing traffic problems in the Lagos metropolis, visa-vis its consequences on the economy, government has said it is committed to a reliable, efficient and suitable transportation system and promotion of the necessary infrastructure.

Speaking on Monday, at the commissioning of the multiple laybys at Iyana Oworonshoki by Car Wash Bus-stop, Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode noted that the volume of goods and services that were exchanged overtime, the ease and speed at which such was done all translate into a value chain of productivity, employment, wealth creation and prosperity.

Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Transportation,

Prince Anofi Elegushi, stated that the position of Lagos as the foremost economic, industrial, commercial and urban cosmopolitan in West Africa could not be divorced from the development of its transportation system.

He, therefore, maintained that as the state emerged into a centre of many activities and opportunities, its potential as foremost business destination was widely recognised and accepted which became the magnet drawing people to the state from far and near.

“To this end, we will continue to apply any useful initiatives capable of easing traffic on Lagos roads,” he said, adding that the multiple laybys commissioned would at least create some orderliness and reduced the travel time to an average of 15 minutes.

Elegushi said further that this effort by the Ambode

National Orientation Campaign for launch Thursday Christian Okeke - Abuja THE national orientation campaign is finally to be launched on Thursday.

It is a campaign intended to be used by the current government to drive its attitudinal change policy.

It is tagged “Change Begins With Me.” Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, confirmed this on Monday, while exchanging views with the management of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

He commended the company for its support for the country’s creative industry.

According to the minister, “it speaks volumes for a company which is involved in gas exploration to realise that it must also institute a prize for the creativity industry. It is a realisation that the single most important investment you can make is the investment in human mind.”

Alhaji Mohammed urged the firm to also work more closely with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

Describing the NLNG as one of the most successful examples of Public Private Partnership in Nigeria, he urged all relevant stakeholders and the various arms of government to support the organisation to continue to contribute to nation-building.

RCCG Mega Grace holds career programme

Cable spark destroys bank facility at Lagos airport Shola Adekola

Nigerian Tribune

led government is a further testimony to its commitment to gridlock resolution.

“Permit me to say that the government is ready to partner with the private sector to actualise its noble vision for the transport sector. This partnership will bring necessary infrastructure as well as create the environment that will make Lagosians comfortable in any form of transportation they choose and reduce their travel time."

He promised that as a responsive government, it would continue to reconstruct and rehabilitate roads, provide road infrastructure and adopt best practices for the benefits of the state residents.

Elegushi assured residents of the state that conscious and deliberate steps had been taken, using the Ministry of Transportation and its agencies to improve on basic

elements of roads, provision of transport infrastructure, safer roads and safer drivers.

He therefore implored the residents of the state to cooperate and support the state government in ensuring that the infrastructure provided are properly made use of in order to ensure sanity reigns on the roads.

“Let me quickly state here that the facility is neither meant to be used as loading bays, nor for union activities, mechanic garages for repair of broken down vehicles and other such illegal activities.

“Aside the multiple laybys constructed at Iyana Oworonshoki, Berger and Car Wash, we have also consciously provided road infrastructure such as the reconstruction of perimeter fence, perimeter height, Teflon bus shelter among others which is to holistically address the traffic gridlock along this route.”

MEGA Grace Sanctuary , Otta, Ogun State, will commence a three-day programme that will end joblessness among members of the church and people living around its vicinity. The programme will take place on the church premises, No7, Olanrewaju Oshifowora Street, Fashogbon, off Idiroko Road, Otta, between Friday, September 9 and 11.

The programme, tagged Achieving career excellence, is aimed at finding solutions to why people often fail interviews. The Assistant Pastor in charge of the Parish, Deacon Akinyemi Ajibola, said the programme ,is one of the corporate responsibilities of the church to its members and neighbours.

According to Deacon Ajibola, the programme will become an annual event, adding that resource persons had already been invited for the maiden edition.

Among those expected as facilitators are Oluyemi Oloyede, regional business manager, Kellog; Tayo Opatayo, Group Head, Human Resources, Rain Oil Limited and Adewale Bakare, Principal Consultant and Coach, Western-Ezra .

The workshop will be declared open by the Ogun State Province 14 pastor, Professor Samuel Daramola, while participants are enjoined to register free online.

Meanwhile, the church is also set for an evangelism and welfare outreach to Ilaro Prison on September 17

Kwara gov condoles with Abiara over wife's death Biola Azeez - Ilorin GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has commiserated with the General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide, Evangelist Samuel Kayode Abiara, on the demise of his wife, Evangelist Christiana Abiara.

Governor Ahmed, in a condolence message in Ilorin, on Monday, described the Mrs Abiara ,as a woman of virtue, who lived her life with the fear of God and service to humanity.

According to Governor Ahmed, the prayers of the deceased would be missed greatly as the country is currently in need of prayer warriors in order to sail out of this difficult economic period.

The governor prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and the deceased eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty God.

Sola Olagunju Foundation commences outreach Friday, Sept 9 THE Sola Olagunju Foundation (SOF) outreach programme for the less privileged tagged Empowerment, Sensitization and Medical Outreach Programme (ESMOP 2016) will take place on Friday, September 9, 2016.

The empowerment programme, which will focus on sensitisation and free medical outreach, will hold at Oladimeji Otiti Cresent, Off Aare, New Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, at 10:00 a.m.

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Recession: Ensure equitable distribution of wealth, Baptist Church tasks FG

By Wale Akinselure

I

N view of current hardship in the country, President, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Dr Emiola Nihinlola, has urged the Federal Government to pursue policies that would ensure equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth.

This is just as he also called on Nigerians to cautiously criticise the government, but rather pray that the Muhammadu Buhariled government has a sense of direction out of the present economic recession.

Emiola made these remarks, in Ogbomoso, on Monday, at an event to herald the 2016 Annual Ministers’ Conference of

The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, with the theme: “Going and Making Disciples of All Nations,” scheduled to hold between September 12 and 15.

“Nigerians are part and parcel of the government, whether they are being led by government or are in positions of leadership. So, we should criticise the government with caution, because every critique of government is self-critique.

“We are praying that the government will have a sense of direction, with regards to the way out of the present economic recession. The leadership of the present government, especially at a time like this, should fear God and pursue policies that make

for equitable distribution of the resources and wealth of the nation. Perhaps, if the little we earn as a nation is more equitably distributed, Nigerians will be more relieved more than they are now,” he said.

According to Emiola, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend (Dr) Samson Ayokunle; Chairman, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend (Dr) Olumide Kehinde; Chairman of Alumni Association of the Baptist Theological Seminary, Reverend Jerry Pogwan; Vice President (Ministerial), Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend (Dr) Dickson Madogbwe, are among those who would minister at the event, while an estimated 5,000 per-

NASS postpones resumption Taiwo Adisa -Abuja MANAGEMENT of the National Assembly has announced a one-week postponement of the resumption of the Senate and House of Representatives.

A statement by the clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani Omolori,

confirmed on Monday that the resumption, originally fixed for September 12, had now been shifted to September 20.

“This is to inform all disringuished Senators and Honourable members of rhe National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the resumption date of both Houses in

plenary has been rescheduled from Tuesday, September 13, 2016 to Tuesday, September 20, 2016.

“All distinguished Senators and Honourable members are, by this notice, requested to resume sitting in plenary on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 by 10.00 a.m. prompt, please,” the statement read.

FAAN woos private investors to boost airport projects Shola Adekola -Lagos DETERMINED to boost the state of infrastructure across the country’s airports, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has started wooing private investors for partnership, to make the move a reality.

According to the Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma, some of the new infrastructure, which FAAN requires partnership with the private sector, included the construction and management of hangar facilities

PDP launches new Twitter handle THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a new twitter handle for effective control of its affairs.

This was contained in statement signed by Chinwe Nnorom, head of PDP publicity unit, in Abuja, on Monday.

The statement said the chairman, national caretaker committee of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, had directed the immediate closure of the party’s official Twitter handle “@pdpnigeria” and re-launched a new one.

and well as fixed base operations (FBOs); construction and management of hospitality facilities, but not limited to hotels.

Other areas the organisation required private partnership were construction and management of automated car parks; development of terminal buildings; construction of runways, taxiways and aprons; construction and management of helipads and construction and management of independent power plants (IPPs) and aviation fuel depot facility.

FAAN is also calling on the private sector to partner with it in the construction and management of cargo air services for perishable agricultural produce.

This was as Dunoma declared that the country’s aviation sector contributes over $1 billion to the Nigerian economy annually and cre-

ates more than 150,000 jobs.

According to Dunoma, despite the recent decision of the Federal Government to concession airport facilities, FAAN had adopted the system of partnering with the private sector, a strategy that had become inevitable, given the large number of international airlines that now operates in the country.

Dunoma explained that for third party businesses, FAAN would provide land or developed aviation and non aeronautical facilities, under appropriate business and financial arrangements, in line with the agency’s commercial and investment policy guidelines for leases and rentals.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abdullahi Adamu Ogaku now ABDULLAHI ADAMU. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

sons are to attend the conference.

“We won’t be discussing economic theories, but biblical response to the

economic challenges of the nation. We teach ministers about how to win souls, make Christian disciples amid violence, terrorism,

economic hardship, economic recession and ministering to marginalised people like drug addicts,” he said.

Wanted Nigerian journalist, Salkida, arrested at Abuja airport AHMED Salkida, one of the three people wanted for alleged knowledge of Boko Haram and the whereabouts of over 200 Chibok girls, has been arrested.

He was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday.

Salkida, who arrived at the airport aboard Emirates

flight EK 785, was taken from the door of the aircraft by members of the security forces and arrested.

The army, it will be recalled, had declared Sakilda wanted, for his relationship with Boko Haram.

He was also reported to have known the whereabouts of the Chibok girls.

Reacting to the develop-

ment, Defence spokesman, Brigadier-General Rabe Abubakar, told newsmen that the military had no knowledge of his arrest.

As of the time of filing this report, it could, however, not be confirmed whether it was men of the Department of State Security (DSS) or military that had the wanted journalist arrested.

IDPs from Konduga in Borno return home HUNDREDS of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, on Monday, returned home, after about three years of living in refugee camps in Maiduguri.

Governor Kashim Shettima, who witnessed the evacuation of the IDPs back home, at a ceremony in Maiduguri, urged them to be law abiding while at home.

“We thank God for today, because the day is significant in our efforts to return all people in liberated communities back home,” he said.

Shettima explained that the action was also aimed at allowing the IDPs celebrate the forthcoming sallah in their respective homes.

“Government has set aside 25 hectares of land for the community to allow

the people engage in meaningful ventures.

“We are going to assist those of you wishing to engage in agriculture with different support, in terms of improved seedlings and other things,” he promised.

Last week, the government had announced its intention to relocate IDPs from Konduga, Mafa and Dikwa back home, following the return of peace in the areas.

9

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

news Nigeria to achieve universal pry education by 2070 —UNESCO report 10

Christian Okeke-Abuja

T

HE new Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report released by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has predicted that the country, going by current trends, will only achieve its universal primary education by 2070.

The report also confirmed that inequalities are high in Nigeria as richest males had over 12 years more education to their name than the poorest females.

The report also stated that universal lower secondary education is to be achieved by 2080 while achieving universal upper secondary education would take place in the next century.

Titled, “Education for people and planet,” the report showed that less than 10 per cent of the poorest rural females in the country can read where only six per cent were enrolled in tertiary education in 2014.

The report on Nigeria came even as the UNESCO insisted that there was potential for education to propel progress towards

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

all global goals outlined in the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs), noting, however, that education needed a major transformation to fulfill the potential and meet the current challenges facing humanity and the planet.

Emphasising an urgent need for progress in education to speed up, the report noted that based on the current trends, universal primary education in sub-Saharan Africa will be achieved by 2080, universal lower secondary completion by 2089, and universal upper secondary completion by 2099, leaving the region 70 years late for the 2030 SDG deadline.

The report showed the need for education systems to step up attention to environmental concerns and lamented that despite being one of the regions most affected by the effects of environmental change, sub-Saharan Africa has far fewer mentions of sustainable development in its curricula in comparison with Latin America, Europe and North America.

The report emphasised that the new global development agenda called for

education ministers and other education actors, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, to work in collaboration with other sectors to, among other things, prevent 3.5 million child deaths between 2050 and 60 by educating mothers up to lower secondary edu-

cation by 2030.

It lamented that up to 40 per cent of the global population were taught in a language they did not understand with Sub-Saharan African housing the most countries with the highest degree of linguistic diversity.

The report called for the kind of education systems that protected minority cultures and their associated languages, and which contained vital information about the functioning of ecosystems.

UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, while

commenting on the report, stated that a fundamental change was needed in the way countries thought about education’s role in global development, as it had a catalytic impact on the well-being of individuals and the future of the planet.

Justice Abang returns El-Zakzaky’s case file to CJ THE Federal High Court, Abuja, has returned, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakza-

ky, leader of Shi’a Movement in Nigeria, case file to chief judge for reassign-

ment.

The judge, Justice Okon Abang, returned the case

ABUTH resident doctors to begin total strike Sept 15 RESIDENT Doctors of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), on Monday, said they would proceed on total and indefinite strike on September 15, unless the management addresses issues of infrastructure decay at the facility.

Dr Waziri Aliyu-Dahiru, the president of the hospital’s resident doctors association, said at a news conference in Zaria, Kaduna State that the strike would have started this Monday,

but was postponed due to intervention by elders.

According to him, prominent Nigerians, including Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North), prevailed on the doctors to extend their ultimatum by two weeks.

“Considering the antecedents and reputation of Professor Abdulmuminu Rafindadi, (former CMD), the integrity of members of his committee, the ongoing efforts by the Fed-

eral Ministry of Health and other distinguished Nigerians, we hereby extend the ultimatum to September 15, 2016.

“This is to give enough time for amicable resolution of the problem and for the management to do the needful.

In the event that the hospital management does not show any commitment at the end of all these interventions by September 15, we shall embark on a total indefinite strike,” he said.

file in Abuja, on Monday, for reassignment to another judge when the court resumes from vacation.

Abang said that the vacation court would not be able to commence and determine the case before the ending of the vacation on September 9.

Abang at the last hearing declined El-Zakzaky`s application seeking his immediate release due to non-service of court to process to Department of State Services (DSS) and Attorney General of the Federation.

At the resumed hearing, the parties were absent and there were no legal representation from both parties.

El-Zakzaky is seeking his immediate release from detention of DSS.

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Telecoms contributes N1.58trn to GDP in second quarter —NBS Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

T

HE telecommunications sector of the Nigerian economy contributed N1.580 trillion to gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2016, or 9.8 per cent, which represents an increase of 1.0% points relative to the previous quarter.

According to a new data just released by National Bureau of Statistics, this is the largest contribution to GDP made from this sector in the rebased period, which emphasises that growth in telecommunications has remained robust when compared to total GDP. NBS however, added a caveat that “due to differing seasonal patterns, the contribution from telecommunications is usually the largest in the second quarter.”

The report also noted that although growth in the sector remained positive, in contrast with the economy as a whole, year on year growth nevertheless dropped in real terms from 5.0 percent in the previous quarter to 1.5 percent, the lowest rate since the third quarter of 2011.

The share of telecommunications in total real GDP had declined throughout 2010 to 2014, but for the last five quarters growth in telecommunications has been higher, meaning the trend has reversed, it noted.

The total number of subscribers has increased rapidly over the past decade; at the end of 2005 there were 19,519,154 subscribers, but by the end of 2015 there were 151,017,244, which is equivalent to an increase of 13,149,809 every year.

However, growth has been declining more recently, possibly as a result of high market penetration leaving less room for large expansion.

Total number of subscribers at the end of June was 149,803,714 with MTN having 58,409,767, followed by with 36,320,572 subscribers, 31,978,848 subscribers and Etisalat had 22,469,896 subscribers.

Globacom continued their uninterrupted growth in subscriber numbers. With the highest quarter on quarter growth and year on year growth rates of 4.95 per cent and 16.20 oer cent respectively, Globacom also recorded the largest increases in absolute terms by both measures.

At the end of the second quarter Globacom had 36,320,572 subscribers.

As a result of these trends, Globacom increased their share of total subscriptions to 24.35 per cent, from 23.48 per cent at the end of the previous quarter and 21.34 per cent a year previ-

ous.

Both MTN and Etisalat also increased their percentage share of subscribers relative to the previous quarter; MTN’s share increased from 38.70 per cent to 39.15 per cent and Etisalat’s share increased from 14.84 per cent to 15.06 per cent.

However, both providers nevertheless recorded a decrease in their share relative to June 2015, when the shares for MTN and Etisalat were 42.88 per cent and 15.60 per cent respectively.

Airtel was the only provider to record a decrease in their share relative to the

previous quarter; in June 2016 their share was 21.44 per cent compared to 22.98 per cent in March. However, this still represents an increase relative to the share of 20.18 recorded in June 2015.

In the CDMA category, NBS reported that there

were 454,092, representing a decline of 61.19% relative to the end of the previous quarter with only Visafone and Multilinks playing.

Visafone remained by far the largest CDMA provider, and accounted for 99.02 percent of CDMA subscriptions in June.

From left: Head, Diaspora Banking, FirstBank, Carol Anyaegbunam; FirstBank Customer and Businessman, Alaofe Mohamed Afis; Group Head, Retail Banking (Lagos Central), FirstBank, Folake Ogunnaike; FirstBank Customer and Managing Director, Total Filling Station, Alhaji Mamud Ishola and Business Development Manager (FESTAC), FirstBank, Emeka Nwanya, at the Launch of First Diaspora CFA Domiciliary account recently.

N213bn electricity facility: CBN approves sanctions for erring banks Chima Nwokoji-Lagos THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a sanctions grid (categories of penalty) to Deposit Money Banks (DMB) that participates under the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization Facility (NEMSF).

The CBN initiated a N213billion Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization Facility (CBN-NEMSF) as a follow up to commitments it reached with other stakeholders to address

debts owed by generating companies to gas suppliers.

In a circular to all DMBs signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department CBN, Kelvin Amugo, and obtained from its website on Monday, the apex bank said it approved the sanction grid to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the facility.

According to the apex bank, where collection Banks fails to provide the Refinancer with a register

of all accounts operated by a DISCO and domiciled with it or fails to disclose all existing Feeder Collection Account in respect of each Distribution Companies (DISCO) in accordance with the terms of the Accounts Administration Agreement, the DMB shall pay a penalty of N10 million.

The DMBs shall accordingly, “provide the information within 2 working days and further infraction will lead to termination of the DMB’s participation as

First Bank appoints Olusegun Alebiosu as Chief Risk Officer Chima Nwokoji-Lagos FIRST Bank of Nigeria Limited, on Monday announced the appointment of Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu as its new Chief Risk Officer (CRO). Prior to this appointment, Olusegun was the Chief Risk Officer of Coronation Merchant Bank.

A statement from the company signed by Folake Ani-Mumuney Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications noted that Mr. Alebiosu’s appointment, which is still subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is consistent with FirstBank’s focus on corporate governance and best practice, and ensuring

a balance of knowledge, judgment and experience at the highest decision making level in the Bank.

Before joining Coronation Merchant bank in 2015, Olusegun at various times, worked with African Development Bank group and United Bank for Africa Plc as an experienced Chief Credit Risk Officer and Deputy Chief Credit Officer respectively.

According to the statement, Olusegun has over 24years of extensive experience across various sectors of banking and has garnered diverse hands-on experience covering financial planning and control, Corporate, Commercial and Investment Banking, rela-

tionship management and risk management which will be immensely beneficial to the Bank in his new role as Chief Risk Officer.

Olusegun Alebiosu is a qualified accountant with over 24years post qualification experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management and a Master of International Law & Diplomacy both from the University of Lagos. In addition, he obtained a Master of Science degree (MSc) in Development Studies from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and he is an alumni of Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

a Mandate Bank.”

It also warned that if a bank closes a Transaction Account without the prior written consent of the Refinancer, its penalty will be N 2 million and a second infractions will lead to termination of the DMB’s participation as a Mandate Bank.

It noted that “Sanctions that may be imposed are not limited to those listed, and the Central Bank of Nigeria may impose additional sanctions, and in such form as it may deem fit including regulatory action against officers of defaulting Deposit Money Banks; and (ii) Any penalties imposed as a result of sanctions may be directly offset against any fees payable to a Deposit Money Bank under the CBNNEMSF.” Furthermore, the CBN warned that late or nonremittance of repayment sums due under the CBNNEMSF and held by the Collections Banks and the Principal Collection Bank in breach of the provisions of the NEMSF Transaction Documents, will lead to, a penalty of N2 million and “shall be instructed by the Refinancer to immediately transfer the funds into the PCA with interest at the Bank’s maximum lending rate for the number of days the infraction persist.”

Nigerian Tribune

African quality institute achievement award holds in Lagos Chima Nwokoji-Lagos THE African Quality Institute has concluded arrangements to host one of the biggest award ceremony and conference in Nigeria.

With the theme; “Quality, a New Culture for a New Africa,” the conference is expected to be attended by visitors and awardees from both Nigeria and Africa.

According to the convener of the event Desmond Esorougwe this unique event is slated for September 09, 2016 at Sheraton Hotels & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, starting from 10 am.

Esorougwe believes quality journey is one for all organization, and all organizations use and need quality for sustenance, growth and consistency.

The event he said, will come in three sections: the conference, Exhibition, and an award night.

The Conference section which is titled Africa Quality Improvement Conference has its objective to provide a platform to reenforce the growing relationship between quality innovation and leadership.

“Focus area is quality, innovation and leadership,” he said.

Wema Bank reopens Minna branch

WEMA Bank Plc has reopened its branch in Minna, Niger State.

This comes barely a year after the bank obtained a national banking licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Speaking about the reopening of the branch, Mr Adeyemi Oshundiya, Regional Operations Executive, South West & Abuja, said, “After Mr Segun Oloketuyi took over the management of Wema Bank in 2009, the first phase of his turnaround strategy was to scale down operations to the South West and South South regions. Minna branch was shut down as a result of this.

“Now in the final phase of the turnaround plan, Wema Bank is stronger and poised for more growth, hence the opening of new branches and the reopening of some old branches.”

However, Oshundiya emphasized that Wema Bank, in its quest for growth, would only expand to places with compelling business opportunities.

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

156 million youth in emerging, developing countries live on less than $1.90 per day •Global youth unemployment to reach 71 million in 2017 —ILO Chima Nwokoji-lagos

A

new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has revealed that a total of 156 million youth in emerging and developing countries (sub-Saharan Africa,Latin America and the Caribbean) live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than US$1.90 per capita per day.

At best, some are estimated to live in moderate poverty of between US$1.90 and US$3.10, despite being in employment.

This is just as the ILO has also said that due to an expanding labour force, unemployed youth globally will rise by half a million in 2016 to reach 71 million and will remain at this level in 2017.

In a climate of renewed concerns about global economic growth, youth unemployment according to the body, is on the rise after several years of improvement.

The forecast data underlining this report are derived from the ILO’s Trends Econometric Models, managed by Stefan Kühn and Steven Kapsos, it indicated.

The report further stated that, in developed countries, the unemployment rate among youth is anticipated to be the highest globally in 2016 (14.5 per cent or 9.8 million) and although the rate is expected to decline in 2017, the pace of improvement will slow (falling only to 14.3 per cent in 2017).

The ILO observed that unemployment figures understate the true extent of youth labour market challenges since large numbers of young people are working, but do not earn enough to lift themselves out of poverty.

“In fact, roughly 156 million youth in emerging

and developing countries live in extreme poverty (i.e. on less than US$1.90 per capita per day) or in moderate poverty (i.e. on between US$1.90 and US$3.10) despite being in employment. Moreover, youth exhibit a higher incidence of working poverty than adults: 37.7 per

THE naira has dropped three points to trade at N425 against the United States dollar at the parallel (black) market, on Monday.

The local currency was exchanged at a rate of N422 to a dollar on Friday after a slight recovery from the N425 it was exchanged with a dollar on Thursday, September 1.

More so, one British Pound sterling and a Euro were bought for N535 and N464 respectively.

At the interbank sector of the forex market, the Naira exchanged for N314.20 as against Friday’s close of N214.77 against the dollar.

The local unit at the same official window last Friday was exchanged at N404.79 and N341.41 to one Pound Sterling and one Euro, re-

living on less than 60 per cent of median income) despite having a job. For example, the share of employed youth categorized as being at risk of poverty was 12.9 per cent in the European Union-28 in 2014, compared to 9.6 per cent of working adults, aged 25–54.

From left, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse; President/Chairman, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Segun Ajibola and First Vice-President, CIBN, Dr. Uche Olowu, during a courtesy visit to the ministry on Monday.

Tin-can Island Customs generates N26.2bn in August Tola Adenubi-lagos

FOR the Month of August 2016, the Tin-Can Island Customs Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) generated N26.2 Billion revenue. According to the command, the figure represents a positive signal “going by the indices of the previous month”.

It will be recalled that the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Bashar, Y. U had expressed

his determination to Institute operational reforms and policies that will guarantee maximum revenue collections.

Some of the measures, according to a statement issued by the Command Spokesman, Uche Ejesieme on Monday includes creating the necessary awareness on the stakeholders towards complying with the Federal Government’s Fiscal Policies in

Naira depreciates to N425 at parallel market Chima Nwokoji-lagos

cent of working youth are living in extreme or moderate poverty in 2016, compared to 26 per cent of working adults,” the report read in part.

Meanwhile, in developed countries with available information, youth are more at risk of relative poverty (defined here as

spectively.

Dealers at Afrinvest West Africa Limited said the foreign exchange market continued to writhe from the impact of the Apex Bank’s decision to suspend some banks from interbank market, with the impact felt more at the parallel market. Accordingly, parallel market rate depreciated all week, from N413.00/US$1.00 on Monday to N420.00/ US$1.00 by midweek and a low of N425.00/US$1.00 on Thursday. At the interbank, the spot rate traded within a tight range, hovering between N318.83/ US$1.00 at the start of the week and N313.31/ US1.00 by Thursday, an appreciation from penultimate week Friday’s N314.95/US$1.00 on the back of CBN’s interven-

tions during the week as well as US$327.00million worth of foreign exchange (FX) inflow, out of which US$270.00million was channeled into the local debt market.

terms of trade.

The Controller reiterated that the full automation and computerization of Customs processes and procedures have helped in enhancing the general performance of the Service; coupled with his insistence that due diligence must be followed in all transactions.

He stated further that the Command Control Communication and Intelligence System (CCCIS) is a way of further enhancing and perfecting operational processes at the Ports.

The Controller stressed that all these measures were put in place to curb sharp practices and for the purpose of re-engineering the entire opera-

tional and data system for the actualization of desired results.

Generally speaking, the Controller pointed out that even in the face of the current global economic recession, Tin-Can Island Port will not relent in its statutory mandate of revenue generation through various interventionist methods particularly where infractions are dictated.

Speaking further, the Controller expressed optimism that the current economic crunch will soon become history as there are positive indications, that the economic policies of the Federal Government will soon address some of the challenges presently faced.

PwC institutes award to celebrate excellence in business reporting PWC Nigeria, in line with its purpose to “build trust in society and solve important problems” has instituted an annual media excellence award for business reporting in Nigeria, with the inaugural edition scheduled to hold this year.

According to a statement by the professional services firm, the award is open to professional journalists on full-time employment and freelancers working in Nigeria, who have produced at least a story that falls within the categories covered by the award and

that is available on a platform whose primary audience is Nigeria.

The categories listed for the award includes tax, capital markets, SMEs and business/economy reporting and is open to journalists in the print, broadcast and online media channels.

Uyi Akpata, Country Senior Partner PwC Nigeria, while commenting on why the firm decided to institute this award said, “We have for some years now, focused on the media as part of our corporate responsibility strategy, building the capacity of jour-

nalists in Nigeria through our annual capability enhancement workshops for journalists. This workshop is now in its third year. Given the success registered thus far with that initiative, we decided to expand it with the institution of this award.

“Our effort in this regard is in recognition of the very important role of the media in society and in particular, the role that the media in Nigeria has and continues to play in informing and educating the public especially around taxation, the capital market, SMEs and the economy.”

Nigerian Tribune

Collateral registry ’ll boost production, create jobs —CBN, IFC

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the National Collateral Registry, which it recently developed with the support of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, to allow low-income earners and small-scale entrepreneurs secure loans against movable assets, will not only increase local production but also help in reducing unemployment.

Speaking at the Kaduna Interactive Forum on the National Collateral Registry and Credit Reporting System, Registrar of the National Collateral Registry (NCR), Mr Mainasara Muhammad, said the collateral registry would help bridge the MSME finance gap that has been estimated to about 62 billion dollars.

In his words: “There are about 37 million micro, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs), many of whom are struggling to gain access to the capital they need to grow because of they lack collateral such as land and buildings that banks usually request for. This collateral gap between the bank and MSMEs has led to a finance gap of about 62 billion dollars.

“Knowing that these MSMEs contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation in Nigeria, as such, the National Collateral Registry will help bridge the MSMEs finance gap by facilitating easier access to funding which will ultimately boost production and lead to creation of employment”.

Eme Essien Lore, IFC Country Manager for Nigeria, said “the online registry coupled with the credit reporting system has been implemented in other countries like Ghana and Liberia with success recorded”.

According to Eme, “Nigeria is the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and a focus country for the Universal Financial Access by 2020 initiative. This is why we are supporting the Central Bank of Nigeria and other stakeholders in initiating the collateral registry as well as strengthening the Credit Reporting System.

“It has previously been implemented in other countries with amazing outcomes. For instance in Ghana, the collateral registry has facilitated $1.3 billion in financing for the small-scale business sector since it was established in 2010, and $12 billion in total financing for the business sector using movable assets as collateral.

We are very excited that a registry is now also in place in Nigeria.”

13

editorial

I

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Again, religious killings

N August 2016, nine people were killed in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, in a violence that broke out over an alleged insult to Prophet Muhammad by a Christian student of Abud-Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara. During the incident, Muslim students and other rioters razed a vehicle and some houses in the area where they suspected the accused person was being kept. Eight students of the college were set ablaze in one of the houses that were burnt by the rioters, after they entered the house to search for the accused person.

Earlier in the year, in Abuja and Kano, two citizens were killed on religious grounds and the killings were not only avoidable, they were criminal and gruesome.

Open Doors, an international Christian charity, reported that in 2015, there were 4,028 killings and 198 church attacks in Northern Nigeria. The figures recorded for 2014 were 2,484 killings and 108 church attacks. It noted that “For decades, Christians in the region have suffered marginalisation and discrimination, as well as targeted violence.” The report reveals that decades of religious violence directed at the Christian community have had an even larger impact on the Church in Northern Nigeria than previously thought. The violence unleashed on Christians in the region resulted in the deaths of “between 9,000 to 11,500 Christians,” which the report even calls “a conservative estimation.”

A large number of Christian properties and businesses have been destroyed, including 13,000 churches that have either been destroyed or closed down. In addition, 1.3 million Christians in Northern Nigeria “have become internally displaced or have settled in other areas of Nigeria in search for safety and security” since 2000. Boko Haram, Muslim Fulani herdsmen and the Muslim religious fundamentalists seem to be the forces behind these killings.

As in previous cases of religious killings, the government has not treated the present violence with the seriousness it deserves. In the killings in Zamfara, Governor Abubakar Yari promised President Muhammadu Buhari that the killers would be apprehended. In the Abuja killing of a woman preacher, Eunice Olawale, President Buhari promised that justice would be done. Till today, the killers in Talata Mafara have not been apprehended.

There is also no evidence that justice has been done in the Abuja case. The levity with which the killings have been treated has raised questions concerning the role of the political elite that dominates governments in northern Nigeria. It seems that the persecution and growing Muslim intolerance for Christians in the North do not worry the leadership of the various states in the region.

We call on the northern state governments to demonstrate their commitment to respecting the diversity of Nigeria by ensuring a thorough and conclusive investigation of these cases, including those suspected to have been perpetuated by herdsmen. State governors are sadly often reacting to the problem rather than taking proactive steps.

They need to rise up to their responsibilities in their states by working with the police and other security agencies to stem the tide of religiously motivated killings.

The situation has become very challenging with the advice by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to its members to defend themselves. Nigeria cannot afford another religiously motivated war. The Boko Haram insurgency is enough challenge to Nigeria’s quest for integration and development. Religious leaders should reach out to one another and ensure that their members and followers keep the peace.

It is through mutual recognition, tolerance and support that the tide can be curtailed.

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LETTERS TO THE

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On Zuckerberg’s visit to Nigeria

F

OR Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of popular social media site, Facebook, to have visited Nigeria shows the potentials we have as Africa’s biggest nation. Zuckerberg’s visit was not humanitarian; he knew the value of Nigerian internet users to the growth of his site, Facebook. And that only a tiny percentage of Nigerians still have access to the internet shows what will happen when about half our population

of 182million people have internet access.

Apart from Nigeria, Zuckerberg also visited Kenya, but the Nigerian trip was more significant, as he made two trips to the country, with the second being after he had visited Kenya, then returning to meet President Muhammadu Buhari and other top government functionaries.

Previously, Zuckerberg had made similar visits to China and India, and the trip to Nigeria shows that

there is something about our country which we have not realised, but which the Facebook founder is seeing.

It is as a result of this that I want to urge Nigerian youths to unite for the future; we shouldn’t allow our political leaders, who have failed us with bad leadership succeed in making some sections of the country secede.

Our population is one of our greatest strengths, but it is unfortunate that

Killings: Sensitising herdsmen through radio jingles THE ongoing atrocities being perpetrated by some herdsmen across the country should be a cause of concern to every peaceloving Nigerian. Just last week, some herdsmen attacked Enugu State again, the second in a spate of three months, killing and maiming innocent people.

Despite these criminal acts, I believe the herdsmen involved are in the minority, and they can be sensitised on the need to forge a peaceful relationship with people in the communities where their cattle graze. However, the easiest way to reach these herdsmen is through the radio because Fulani people can’t do without their radios.

I hope the National Orientation Agency (NOA) can get prominent Fulani people to speak directly to these herdsmen, telling them that it is against the law of Allah and that of Nigeria to kill innocent people.

The messages should, therefore, be broadcast on radio stations across the country several times a day. What comes to mind now are the anti-HIV/ AIDS messages and the ‘Tobacco Kills’ messages.

The issue of herdsmen attacking communities is a big problem on our hands, and we must do everything possible towards reaching out to the perpetrators to stop their heinous crime.

We mustn’t wait until communities begin to attack herdsmen before we know how serious the situ-

ation is. The truth is that once the reprisals begin, then innocent herdsmen will also suffer for the activities of their fellow herdsmen who have been killing people.

Therefore, the NOA should take it upon itself,

through the radio jingles, to sensitise the herdsmen who are in the habit of killing people to desist henceforth before the situation degenerates into reprisals.

•Oge Okechukwu, Ogeoke77@yahoo.ca

our leaders have failed to realise this, and over the years, they have failed to invest in the future of the country.

The future of Nigeria belongs to the youth; we can bring about a new Nigeria with our knowledge of technology. The only thing left is just for us to believe in ourselves, and then work towards bringing political stability to the country. We should learn to see ourselves as Nigerians first before our ethnicities.

I want to appreciate Zuckerberg for sharing his insights with Nigerian youths, and with his visit, I know that many youths are now inspired to aim for the top. I believe we can use technology to develop our country, and this is what Zuckerberg came to share with us.

In fact, with Facebook, many Nigerian youths now have a platform to share

their views on the political and economic trends in the country. Unlike in the past when we relied only on the print and broadcast media for information, through Facebook and other social media sites, we have been able to make our leaders more accountable to the people who elected them

into public offices.

I believe it is just a matter of time before we begin to see the Nigeria of our dreams, but we should be able to prevent the breakup of the country before we experience the dawn of the era.

•Tolulope Ayeni, Yaba, Lagos.

In support of economic powers for Buhari THERE is no doubt that the nation’s economy is presently in a comatose and the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in finding solutions to the myriad of inherited lapses in the economic sector from past governments deserve commendation.

It is in view of this that the emergency power bill from the executive should be given accelerated treat-

ment by the National Assembly in the overall interest of the nation.

As often said, the template for good governance in Nigeria is currently being laid for the present and future generations of Nigerians and, therefore, no amount of efforts in identifying with President Buhari in taking our economy out of the woods will be too much a sacrifice to pay for the turning around of our economy, as this will be for the benefit of us all.

•Odunayo Joseph, Mopa, Kogi State

Imo’s 3-day work policy THE three-day work policy being proposed by the Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, so that civil servants can use the remaining two days in the week to farm will definitely not work.

At the end of the day, it will just be as if the government has created a long weekend for the civil servants.

Although what the governor is trying to do is to boost agriculture in the state as a result of the dwindling economy in the country, forcing people to engage in agriculture is out of it.

People who want to go into agriculture must have the passion, so forcing the civil servants will not bring about the desired impact on the state’s economy.

•Uche Nwomma, uche445@yahoo.com

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opinion

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Life’s consistent inconsistency

I

T has been over a decade but the words come resonating through time like it was yesterday.

Emmanuel, the ‘immaculate’ he called himself, and his task was to make sure we understood the essence of the English Language. The immaculate one didn’t just want us to blindly cram the idioms or read the comprehension passages without insight. He would always say life itself is a teaching board, one cannot learn in isolation for every element, every event works to make us or break us.

One of his favourite sayings was this: “Change is the consistent inconsistency of life,” he said it way too often that it became a mantra, a cliché and at some point, a sentence of beguilement for members of my class, but as I starred at the heap of tomatoes the seller just said was N50, I couldn’t help but remember, Emmanuel ‘the immaculate.’

How many months ago was tomato as precious as or even more precious than rubies? I genuinely blinked back my surprise and asked her for a second time to ascertain the price of the fresh, beautifully red fruits.

The seller affirmed N50 to my utter amusement. I gave her a N100 bill and requested for two bowls. I made a pot of stew that lasted me 5 days…

Wasn’t it just a few months ago that it seemed like the entire nation would crumble at the feet of the magnificent valour of tomato ravaging Tuta absoluta?

Three balls of tomatoes sold for as high as N500.

Nigerians resorted to tomato paste and for those who couldn’t stand its stale taste, leafy green vegetables.

However, how readily available and affordable were the vegetables?

In those few months, while the price of tomato sky rocketed like Niel Armstrong’s rocket landing in the moon for the first time, leafy green vegetables as well became like princely emeralds. A tiny moth eaten bunch sold for N100 or even more.

Cooking became a hobby for several Nigerians, even the classy ladies with long nail extensions took them

veracity with Vera Onana

veraonana@gmail.com 08054680688

off and entered the kitchen. Tuta absoluta waged war against Nigerians and it seemed as though the nation would never recover from its ravenous rape, but did it?

Like immaculate said years ago, the consistent inconsistency of life is change. Today, over 6 balls of tomato sell for N50 and quickly, like the labouring woman, who swiftly forgets all her pains when she

Nigerians are a strong breed and for centuries, we have found a way to thrive, to survive even in the face of volcanic eruptions.

beholds her baby, Nigerians have forgotten all the sufferings we had to go through due to the infestation of our tomatoes by the voracious moth. If at all we remember tuta absoluta, it is to laugh off the absurdity of the name of such havoc wrecking insect-fiend.

Dear country men, several of us chanted change and held our breath for it to come. Though change is here, it feels as though nothing has changed except for the inflation rate which is over 17 per cent, unemployment, suicide rate and the free fall of our naira but we cannot afford to lose hope. For like the passing of tuta absoluta into undignified obscurity, these hard times will fade.

However, my fellow countrymen, we have to make a decision to be standing, not just standing but standing strong when this fog fades away.

Change, ultimately, is the only consistent inconsistency of life, immaculate said and today, I couldn’t agree with him more. Yes, the reality that stares us in the face is outrageously stupefying, but we must not buckle under the pressure this reality throws us.

Nigerians are a strong breed and for centuries, we have found a way to thrive, to survive even in the face of volcanic eruptions. We lived through Ebola, we squashed Tuta absoluta and though this change may make us feel like the mythical frog which was boiled alive, we must place our focus on the reality that we will again someday, like a phoenix rises from its ashes; relish the succulence of the tomato.

A dollar is over N400 today and several other ills have befallen our economy, but who knows that maybe someday, a bowl of rice will sell for quarter the price it is being sold today? It is only the tough that will find answers to these conundrums. Hence, we must remain tough, unwavering, resilient, hopeful and optimistic that this depression will not kill Nigeria, but will only unveil this nation’s biggest potentials and help us take our rightful place on the Milky Way as the biggest star of this continent. God Bless Nigeria!

Economic crunch: Halting the dangerous trend

By Adegbenro Adebanjo THERE is nothing new under the sun, so goes a popular saying. But for most Nigerians, the prevailing economic crunch is actually something very new in this clime. By the day their means of survival are being eroded to the extent that even eking out a living for those who pride themselves as members of the middle class has become such a herculean task. And for those who are in the lowest rung of the economic ladder, this is the worst of times. The truth is that the number of those who are unable to make ends meet and therefore cannot afford the basic necessities of life is growing in geometric proportion in our land. Hunger and despondency have become everyday experiences in many homes. The times are hard, survival is difficult and hope has become a rare commodity.

Indeed, those who should know and who manage the country’s economy have, in a manner unseen before and with unusual candour, owned up and confirmed that Nigeria is in its worst economic crisis. And the indices are staggering and numbing at the same time.

The prognosis is also very bleak. According to verifiable statistics, close to 26.6 million Nigerians are out of job with over four million losing their jobs or being underemployed in the last one year. Nobody can dispute these figures and some would even describe it as conservative. In the last six months, a number of banks have shown many employees the way out, while more and more businesses are closing shop due to unfavorable economic conditions. And the naira has taken its worst battering in recent times, losing more than 300 percent of its value, further making the economy to become prostrate. I dare say that there is something critically wrong with the economy other than the fall of the price of crude oil and the unbridled corruption of

the past era. Yes, the fall in the price of oil and corruption could have exacerbated the crisis, the fact remains that something is not holding together in our economic policies and its implementation.

For the first time in living memory, some categories of workers, who no matter what, always smiled to the bank at the end of the month, are now being owed months and months of salary arrears. This is the first time that state government and other governmentowned MDAs are routinely defaulting in the payment of wages. Some states owe workers as much as 15 months salary arrears, while others have resorted to the payment of half salary to civil servants. It got so bad recently that some state governments began to contemplate a three-day a week working policy in order to cut their wage bill.

It is double jeopardy for government workers in many states. The state governments are defaulting in remitting deductions from workers’ salaries to the appropriate quarters. After saving for years with their Cooperative society, they cannot even access loan to send their children to school and meet other pressing needs, as government has failed to remit deductions from their salaries, while also not paying them the remainder of the salary. For pensioners, the situation is worse. They stay on endless queues to collect the pit-

tance that is no longer being paid as and at when due, with some of them actually dying while waiting to collect their entitlements. And since even governments at the state and local government levels are defaulting in salary payments, they have lost the moral authority to compel private concerns that are not paying their workers to do so.

Not that we have not had periods and even spate of economic recessions in the past. Of course, we have had some bad times that have impacted negatively on the generality of the people, but after some rejigging of policies and a number of stimulus plans, relative stability returned and the economy became reflated and respite came the way of the people. But this time round, the policies and stimulus plans are not working, and there appears to be no end in sight to the suffering in the land. Due to the fall of the naira and interplay of economic forces, the prices of goods and services are not just increasing, but hitting the roof. More and more Nigerians are in dire situation and can barely feed themselves. Life is becoming nasty, brutish and short, while the crime rates continue to soar, partly a direct consequence of the worsening economic situation and the greed of a few desperadoes.

However, the country’s leaders must rise to the occasion. Something needs to be done and very urgently too to halt the current dangerous trend. It is good to sound upbeat and give words of encouragement to the people, but it is not enough. Our leaders must back their words with deeds and we should begin to see some positive turn around in the economy with direct benefit to the generality of the people. The economic managers must reassess their policies and call for help if and when necessary.

•Adebanjo sent this piece via obanijesu@yahoo. com

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

agriculture

Ikere Gorge dam: Okeogun farmers buy N18,000 water daily

•Call on FG to complete the dam project

The site of the dam partially eroded. PHOTO: RUTH OLUROUNBI

By Ruth Olurounbi

S

OME farmers in Iseyin, Oke-ogun area of Oyo State have lamented that they buy more than N12,000 worth of water daily, even during the dry season.

The farmers, who complained that they could not farm during the dry season because of water scarcity, called on the Federal Government to complete the Ikere Gorge Dam, which if completed, could serve their water needs.

The reservoir has capacity of 690 million cubic, Nigerian Tribune was told.

It will be recalled that the World Bank had predicted earlier in the year that water scarcity in Africa has the potential to increase food prices on the continent.

The farmers, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune on Friday, when this reporter paid a visit to the

town farm, said the incomplete project was hampering their farming process.

According to them, if the dam had been completed earlier, they could have been able to farm yearround but this was not possible given the situation on the ground.

They described the current situation as a shame, saying that there was a dam that could serve their irrigation needs around them, but it is not functional.

It will be recalled that the dam was initiated by the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo and started in 1983 by the administration of Shehu Shagari.

Records show that the dam was planned to generate 3750 MW of electricity, to supply water to local communities and to irrigate 12,000 hectares of land.

The dam, which was built in the 1982/1983, has wit-

nessed abandonment by military and democratic governments, the farmers said.

An engineer on site, who did not want his name in the papers said the dam has been under contract since 2010 during the democratic dispensation and was supposed to have been completed in 2014.

Miftah Adediran, who has more than 18,000 hectares of farmlands in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, 19 kilometres from Iseyin, said as a commercial farmer, he could not farm during the dry season because there was no water to farm.

He said on the average, even during the raining season, he bought N12,000 worth of water every day, which according to him was not sustainable during the dry season.

A tank of water costs N3,000, a water seller, who gave his name is Baba Kudi said.

Adediran explained he could not depend on the rains alone for his 180 hectares of maize and 220 hectares of cassava farms, he needed to buy more water to supplement the rains.

He said it was important that the federal government quickly completed the dam for the farmers in the area.

A cassava farmer in the area, Alhaji Mukail Ajobo told the Nigerian Tribune that apart from daily challenges confronting the farmers, water shortages was a pressing issue the farmers in the areas would want the government to work on “very urgently.”

According to him, he buys more than N18,000 worth of water every day for his farm uses.

Ajobo farms more than 500 hectares of cassava, excluding other farm crops.

Biodun Olowe, another farmer in the area, said “we can only plead with the

government to complete this project. We need the water irrigate our farms,” adding that although she would have loved to farm her 10 acres of maize and other commodities during the dry season, could not meet with the water demands during the dry seasons.

When the Nigerian Tribune got to the site of the dam, it noticed that the dam has been partially eroded and equipment are rotting away.

The partial erosion was caused by years of neglect and rains which flooded the water pathway, the engineer explained.

If completed, the water level in the dam would be more than 50 metres deep, about is about six miles wide and 10 miles long, the engineer said, adding that the dam has the capacity to six megawatts of electricity to meet the power needs of the people of the area, as well as their industrialisation needs.

FG targets $100bn income from exportation Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

FOLLOWING the rejection of some agricultural products across Europe, the federal government have set up Standing Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on Zero Reject of Agricultural Commodities and Produce/Non-Oil Export, to address the issue.

The Committee which is drawn from relevant Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) will produce a draft document on how to ensure that products meant for export meets the International standard to avert further rejection in the international market.

Inaugurating the Committee, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh said the reason the government took the step was to stop further embarrassment in the international market.

According to him “We should avoid embarrassment of rejects in the future, and strengthen our regulatory/inspection authorities to ensure that they live up to their mandates.

“Our desire for Agricultural products and non-oil exports means there will be vigorous pursuit of investment in quality control and standardization.

“In addressing these, we are transforming the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) to make it responsive to issues of safety and phytonsanitary standards in food exports so that it’s reports will be acceptable globally”.

Ogbeh also said the ministry was looking at replacing polypropylene bags with jute bags for packaging grains with mass production of kenaf to boost export.

In another development, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri said Nigeria is at the verge of tapping into the $100 billion on Pulse exportation to India.

The Minister said that the government will will encourage local farmers to produce more pulse which according to him matures in four months.

17

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

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Nigeria to increase trade with Iceland Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

From left: traditional ruler of Otukpo Odu, Dr John Eimonye; Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh and a community leader, Wilson Ochinyabo, flagging off the planting of sesame seeds on a farm at Otukpo Odu, on Friday.

Ogbeh gives sesame seed, improved variety of cassava stem to Benue farmers Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

T

HE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, has encouraged rural farmers to plant crops that can fetch them good income in foreign earnings through exports.

He made this call during the flag-off of distribution of sesame seeds on Friday at Otukpo Odu in Otukpo local government of Benue State on Friday.

The minister, recalled that “10 days ago, the high Commissioner of India was in my office and talked about something he wants Nigeria to grow and export to India.

Pulses he called it. Very soon we will bring some of those seeds and we will show you how to grow them. We shall package them and export to India.

“You too will become earners of dollars. We should feed well. We should make money. We should contribute to Nigerian economy.”

Also, over 7,000 members in the locality around Otukpo were provided with Sesame seeds.

According to him, “the chairperson of the cooperatives led the first delegation to my office. When I checked their records, it was well kept. I was impressed.

And I said this was fantastic. I then said I would not let you down. I said let’s go and reorganise all the coop-

eratives because the season has come for us to turn agriculture to a big business. We are going to train five extension officers for each local government.”

Winnifred Ochinyabo, who spoke about the intervention, said “at least two farmers from each cooperative were trained so they could go back and train the remaining members of their cooperatives. They are from nine local governments in zone C who are interested in sesame cultivation for this year.”

A total of 400 bags, each containing five kilogrammes of sesame, were distributed to over 7,000 farmers, each in a group of cooperatives. A member, or two, from each group was trained who, in

turn, are to train others in their respective groups of about 15 each.

According to Ochinyabo, a 5 kg bag plants one hectare of farmland from which a harvest of 5,000 kg is realisable within a growth and production period of three months, under appropriate agricultural practices.

The traditional ruler, Och’Otukpo Odu, Dr John Eimonye, explained that Otukpo is “favoured by good weather for agricultural production of most root and cash crops that are found elsewhere in Nigeria (yams, cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, soya beans, beniseed, maize, guinea corn, citrus, vegetables), and livestock.”

The minister also distributed improved variety of

cassava stem to farmers in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue.

While distributing the variety which was developed by the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP-Nigeria), Ogbeh said the variety is enriched with Vitamin ‘A’ to enhance nutrition.

The minister said the federal government’s agricultural programmes were not only targeted at ensuring availability of food to the people but to ensure they eat well.

He added that the federal government had began land clearing in rural areas to enable farmers expand their farms and to open up more space for youths to venture into the profession.

Federal College of Animal Health alumni elect new excos

By Wale Olapade

THE alumni association, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, last week elected new officers.

The election, which was long expected, brought news executives on board to steer the affairs of the association for the next tenure.

The new executives include Femi Lumpkin as the president; Babatunde Bamidele as Vice President I; Dr Gbenga Adeleye as Vice President II; Olayide Ol-

ubumo as General Secretary and Olubusola Adekunle as Assistant General Secretary.

Others are Kehinde Lamidi, Segun Sodipe, Oluyemi Olubiyi and Felix Ademuwagun.

Speaking at the event the Provost of the college, Dr Olufunmilayo Adejimi commended the college alumni members for charting different course that have not only benefited the college, but also added value to education model of the institution.

Adejimi, who acknowledged the importance of alumni association toward the growth of every institu-

tion, pleaded the association’s continues support for the college to sustain it’s cutedge agricultural extension.

“We have also introduced new programmes among which are fisheries, Agric extension, computer science, science Laboratory Technology and statistics,” she added.

Speaking, the past president of the association, Dr Laolu Laoye, said the event would not bring in new crops of executives on board, but also new wealth of experience to the growth and goals of the association.

MINISTER of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbe has reiterated Nigeria’s willingness and commitment to increase trade exchange and continued bilateral relations with Iceland. The Minister also expressed Nigeria’s desire for improved balance of trade with Iceland.

The Minister stated this when he received, in his office, an Iceland delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mrs. Lilja Alfredsdottir.

The Minister welcomed partnership with Iceland in area of fish production, especially on post harvest loses in fishery. He highlighted inadequate power supply as one of the challenges confronting fish production in Nigeria, as his Ministry looks forward to stabilizing the Niger Delta region for preservation of fish.

On some of the requests

by Iceland, especially on duties paid on fish, Chief Audu Ogbe said his Ministry would liaise with the Ministry of Finance and get back to the delegation. He also requested for contact list of private sector organizations in Nigeria, Iceland would want to relate with, so that his Ministry can open discussion with them.

Earlier, Iceland Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mrs. Alfredsdottir requested for a total understanding of Nigeria’s needs, regarding commodity prices, in order to enhance trade between the two countries. She also called for improved trade balance and exchange between Nigeria and Iceland.

She called for a formal mechanism between the two countries, as Iceland would like to explore available opportunities to improve export from Nigeria, in order to enhance trade balance between the two countries.

She solicited for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen trade relationship between the two countries.

As part of mechanism to reduce losses in domestic fish production, Mrs. Alfredsdottir hinted on the provision of solar system to reduce the challenge of power supply.

FG targets 7 million tonnes of rice annually from 2017 Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

THE Federal Government has said that the present administration is targeting an annual production of Seven million tonnes of staple rice with the new technology of rice production from the year 2017.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh dropped the hint during his meeting with a delegation from the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), led by its Chief Representative, Nakamura Hirotaka in his office.

He lauded the Rice PostHarvest Processing and Marketing Pilot Project (RIPMAPP) developed by JICA especially the new technology to small scale rice processors, saying that, rice production which was

three tonnes per hectare had improved to 7 tonnes per hectare in some states of the federation with the new technology of rice production and new formula of fertilizer production and soil mapping in which each state has its own soil mapping and soil texture which made the production high.

Audu Ogbeh thanked JICA for its supports to Nigeria and assured them of full support and collaboration that would be needed to develop the nation’s Agricultural sector.

The minister informed JICA of the Federal Government’s plan to buy some rice milling machines from Japan which would be proposed in the 2017 budget and asked them to explore the idea whereby rice chaffs would be converted to briquettes for household uses.

18

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

From left, Managing Director, JAIZ Bank, Hassan Usman; Kwara State governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed; Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Baba Abdulwahab and the Kwara State Commissioner for Finance, Demola Banu, during the courtesy visit by JAIZ to Government House, Ilorin.

From left, Divisional Head, Small and Medium Enterprises (South), Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Abdul-Ganiyu Mohammed; Regional Head, South-West, Mr Ganiyu Jimoh and the Group Head, Loan Recovery and Risk Management Division, Mr Monday Ejigbo, during the Quarterly Customers’ Networking Forum of the South-West, at Aurora Event Centre, Osogbo, Osun state, last week.

From left, Master Kunle Babatola; bride’s mother, Mrs Comfort Komolafe; the groom, Mr Peter Dapo Babatola; his wife, former Miss Folakemi Abiodun Komolafe; bride’s father, Mr Olubunmi Komolafe and the groom’s mother, Mrs Omolara Babatola, during the wedding reception held at Shamarmahi Hall, Ring Road, Ibadan, at the weekend.

The couple, Ridwan and Aminat Inaolaji, cutting their wedding cake recently at Armed Officers Mess, Ikolaba G.R.A., Agodi, Ibadan.

The Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba Dr Adedapo Tejuosho, assisting his wife, Olori Yetunde Tejuosho, to cut her 60th birthday cake in Abeokuta, last weekend.

Winner, Seaman’s Ayo Olopon competition (female category), Mrs Bosede Arolasuyi (left), receiving a gift from the Otun Ajaguna of Osogbo, Chief Bolarinwa Popoola (second right); supported by the Ajaguna of Osogbo, Chief Gabriel Oparanti (centre); while the Area Sales Manager, Grand Oak Limited, Mr Dauda Abdulrasak (right) and Prince Kayode Adewoyin (second left) watch, at the recently concluded Osun Osogbo festival.

Mr and Mrs Olatunde Okoya and their children, Mumtaz (second left) and Muneeb, during teir Walimat Quranic graduation at Rahmatullahi Islamiyyat Arabic and Islamic Studies Centre, Lagos.

Venerable Oluseye Ogunrinde, Vicar and Archdeacon of Odo-Ona Archdeaconry and his wife, Deaconess Seyido Ogunrinde, during his induction and installation by the Bishop of Ibadan South Diocese, Right Reverend J.A. Ajetunmobi, held at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Odo-Ona, Ibadan, recently.

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

19

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

H

OW prepared is the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State?

Thank you, Nigerian Tribune, for your usual support for the commission. As expected, the commission in the state is preparing very hard for the election, in collaboration with the national headquarters in Abuja. We have done a lot of things right from early this year, meeting the stakeholders, particularly the party leaders in the state, to discuss the modalities for a very peaceful and successful poll.

Besides, we have also the continuous registration exercise in the state. Over 1,000 new voters were registered, though we are still expecting the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) which we hope will come this month or early October. We are also getting our stores ready to accommodate materials and we believe that after the Edo State governorship election, the focus will be on Ondo.

I have met with our chairman already and he promised that all we need to ensure credible election in the state will be provided and timely.

Since this new commission was inaugurated last year, we have been having cases of postponed of elections. Ondo, being a riverine area, what measures are you putting in place to avoid inconclusive elections in the state?

Let me correct that impression on inconclusive elections. Since this commission came on board last November, it has conducted about 138 elections, out of which only 16 were inconclusive. Unfortunately, the majority are what we can call rerun elections as a result of court cases. A few of them were bye-elections, either as a result of death like we had in the Osun State House of Assembly, or a withdrawal. Somebody resigned in Sokoto State, and a few others like that.

So, I will not agree that we have inconclusive elections and even if they are inconclusive, they emanated as a result of violence in most of these areas. Where card readers were not used, where you had over-voting, there have to be inconclusive elections. Like I have given examples of what happened in my state last year when we had election in Ilaje. At the end of the election in Ilaje (1),47 polling booth, about 25, 365 people were disenfranchised. At the end of the day, APC had 3870 votes while PDP had 9,764 votes, so the difference between the two leading candidates was 5874 and if you take 5,874 and then you compare the 25, 365 people that were disfranchised under our guidelines such an elections is called inconclusive.

It is not the fault of the commission when, early in the morning, you have thugs attacking electoral officials on the sea, taking about 19 card readers and dumping them in the sea, casting away all election materials, tearing them and dumping them in the ocean. I want to appeal to our politicians that they should let us play the game according to the rules. We should not worship somebody who wants to rule at all cost or to win at all costs.

Nigeria is too old and too big to be seen as fighting during elections. Smaller countries around us conduct elections in a very peaceful manner. In Benin Republic, the electoral officer carries the ballot box on a motorcycle from the collation centre. If we do that in Nigeria, politicians will wrench the ballot box from the man, even with the police that are there, because the police are not armed owing to the global practice forbidding arms

Our greatest challenge ahead Ondo election —REC

In this Interview with JACOB SEGUN OLATUNJI, the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Segun Agbaje, bares his mind on the forthcoming governorship election in the state and the commission’s preparations towards a hitch free poll.

What are the major challenges facing the commission?

Definitely, the major challenge is the issue of the Ilaje axis. We have discussed it at our security meeting and I believe that next month, when we meet again, we are going to discuss how to take proactive measures.

One of the measures INEC is taking on Ondo is to have a very serious and rigorous voter education in that axis, if possible, to get all the people that are contesting in that election to follow us to that axis and talk to the people; let them see the reason we must have a peaceful election.

We want this election to be conclusive at the first ballot. The politicians will have to talk to their people to ensure that we have a peaceful election. If there is violence, then they don’t want us to do our job. It means they don’t want us to have a peaceful election. We are going to appeal to their sensibilities so they can also be on the same page with INEC.

Agbaje

Whoever is found to have committed any offence shall be dealt with appropriately because when you talk about electoral offences, it’s not only about hoodlums, it is also about INEC staff — ad hoc and permanent staff.

being carried around polling units. They are not armed and the hoodlums are taking advantage of this to attack the polling or collation centres. We are going to embark on massive voter education, especially in Ilaje area in particular and every other part of the state, to ensure that we have a very peaceful election in Ondo this year.

Are you not worried of possible violence during and after the election, based on recent developments in the two major political parties in the state?

I don’t think it will affect the election; we still have 85 days to go for the election.

Chairman of the commission, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, made it clear that where there is any threat to the life of the electorate or that of INEC staff, the election would be cancelled or rescheduled. What are you doing to

prevent such a scenario in Ondo?

We have not got to that stage now in Ondo.

The atmosphere in the state is very calm; the police and other security agencies are doing their best to ensure that we have a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the election.

How far have you gone in distributing the Permanent Voter Cards?

We have been distributing PVCs since February this year, when the chairman authorised us to start it at the local government level. We have gone far but unfortunately, we still have about 300, 000 cards that are yet to be collected from us. By October ending when we start the distribution of the new PVCs as a result of the Continuous Voters Registration we did in June this year, maybe people will come to the wards again. This is because we are now going back to the ward centres where they are going to do the distribution.

In Edo State, one of the political parties is accusing the commission of recruiting party loyalists as ad hoc staff.

In Ondo, how far have you gone in recruitment of staff and training?

I believe that they understand me very well because everything that we are doing, we also bring them in. They see what we do.

They know what we do, and we encourage them to partner with us and ensure that all of us are on the same page. The issue of being friendly with one party or the other doesn’t exist. If you are not neutral, that is when they would start to accuse you of wrongdoing.

What I do to party A that is what I do to party B and do to party C. Anytime we call them, we advise ourselves as brothers and I believe they are also watching us and I also tell them that anytime they see me or any of my staff going wrong, they shouldn’t hesitate to call us to order.

Whoever is found to have committed any offence shall be dealt with appropriately because when you talk about electoral offences, it’s not only about hoodlums, it is also about INEC staff — ad hoc and permanent staff.

Even the security officers are not left out. So, all of us must work together to ensure that we have a peaceful election. In regard to your latter question about the ad hoc staff and training, we have not started training yet.

Training is usually done two weeks to the election and we still have 85 days to go.

What we are doing now is partnering with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

When the youth corps members were in camp, we went there to give them lectures and in their various local governments, our electoral officers have been encouraged to partner with the NYSC officers. On their community development days, we can also talk to them, teach them what they need to know on smart card readers and some other few things. Before the actual training will start, they must have got used to some of these things.

politicscommentary Between Dogara, Abubakar and Bauchi people 20

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Gov Abubakar

Dogara

By Ibrahim Mohammed

I

recently read comments credited to the governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, is leading other federal lawmakers to wage a political battle against him because he was not in support of his emergence as Speaker.

It is instructive to note that the Speaker himself has never been on record to have said anything negative about the governor. I have searched in vain for a shred of evidence.

The governor reportedly told State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on August, 31, 2016, that, “My problem with Rt. Hon. Dogara Yakubu started during the election for the leadership of the National Assembly, I stood on the side of the party. I directed every Bauchi lawmaker to toe the line of the party by voting Femi Gbajabiamila as speaker. At that time, nine out of the 11 lawmakers did that and later the candidate of Bauchi (Dogara) won.”

The governor also said that the Speaker, who hails from the same Bauchi South zone with him, is the brain behind the troubles he is witnessing in the state and at federal level. This came as a surprise, considering the well-known fact that it was the Speaker who gave Governor Abubakar a consolidated bloc vote of delegates from Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa during the primaries, where he ran against his fellow lawmaker and friend, Hon. Yusuf Tuggar and former federal minister, Dr Yakubu Lame and won by 36 votes only.

There is no informed Bauchi indigene, including the governor, that will deny the known contributions of Speaker Dogara to his emergence as governor of Bauchi.

Sadly, this gesture was not returned by the governor, as he himself confessed

that he refused to support Dogara during his race for the seat of the Speaker of the House. Instead, he mobilised Bauchi members to vote against him. But the Rt. Hon. Speaker is not one to bear grudges.

Interestingly, the governor presently does not have the support of 11 out of these same 12 members of the House of Representatives. As a testimony to what the Speaker stands for, even Hon (Dr) M S Abdu, his own brother from Bauchi State, who nominated his opponent during the speakership election, is now a committed ally, ditto so many honourable members who voted against him.

He is also not known to hold any resentment against his main challenger, the Rt Hon Gbajabiamila, who later be-

It’s his responsibility to provide the needed leadership by uniting the people behind him and to deliver on the APC change mandate which will end the stoning. No smart adviser would counsel otherwise.

came the House Leader. The question agitating my mind is why should the case of Gov Abubakar be different, when the Speaker has reconciled with those who worked against him?

The questions Governor Abubakar should be asking himself are: Why is it that nearly all NASS members from the state are not with him? Why is nearly all Bauchi elites not with him? Why is he being stoned all over the state? Why are preachers and traditional rulers against him? Are all these happening to him simply because he refused to support the emergence of Speaker Dogara? Certainly not.

Indeed, not even a fool would fail, in the present circumstances, to see that the governor’s problems are much more deeper than just a mere issue with the Dogara over his emergence as Speaker.

The sooner the govenor realises this, the better for him. It seems it’s the entire people of the state or an overwhelming majority of them that have had enough of the Govenor and his antics and have decided to face him on their own.

Why is the governor scared to mention other reputable stakeholders like Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ali Wakili, Senator Nazif Gamawa, Hon Yusuf Tuggar, Dr Yakubu Lame and others too numerous to mention, who are all strongly united in rejecting his retrogressive brand of politics? Is it cowardice or share brinkmanship? Is he saying they are not important enough to warrant his attention? Is he telling us that all these principled and distinguished stakeholders from Bauchi have abandoned him and joined forces with Speaker Dogara to fight him for no reason other than what he alleged? Where are the marines that would buy the governor’s story?

He talked about lies being spread about him without telling us what the lies were in specific terms. Has Speaker Dogara become so central to the poli-

tics of Bauchi so much so that he can orchestrate a counter revolution at will or spread lies so well that the mass of Bauchi will start stoning the governor in all the local government areas he visits.

From all indications, Governor Abubakar does not have to look far to identify the cause of his woes. Neither the speaker, nor the federal lawmakers are responsible for his troubles. His antipeoples policies and actions are clearly the reason for his estranged relationship with the Bauchi people.

As if that is not enough, the governor is incurring the wrath of the people for sabotaging the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi in making his key appointments, including composition of local government area caretaker chairmen and committees.

Since 2015, he sanctioned an unending salaries verification exercise for all public service staff to remove “ghost workers” and all this while, most workers and pensioners, who have been denied verification, have not received their salaries and entitlements, an exercise which governor Abubakat himself admitted in a BBC Hausa interview that is a failure!

It is time to focus on building the state and its institutions to serve the people of Bauchi. This can be achieved faster if there is a synergy between the governort, Speaker Dogara, Mallam Adamu Adamu, senators, other legislators and stakeholders. Honestly, any fight with any or all the major stakeholders, as is presently the case, will not do the governor any good. It’s his responsibility to provide the needed leadership by uniting the people behind him and to deliver on the APC change mandate which will end the stoning. No smart adviser would counsel otherwise. But if the governor hopes that he can go alone and still succeed, then good luck. Time will tell!

Mohammed wrote in from Alkaleri, Bauchi State

21

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016 Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 0811 184 5048

features As Lagos joins oil-producing communities:

Whatdowestandtogain?

Sceptical Badagry residents ask FG

Much joy greeted the news of the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in Badagry, Lagos. But after a visit to Aje , which is the host community, CHUKWUMA OPARAOCHA brings to fore the fear and concerns of the residents.

PHOTOS: ADEMOLA ADEREKUN

Aje community

O

NLY very few communities have very strong ties to Nigeria’s rich history, like Badagry does. The ancient community, which is situated in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos, tells a story of the brutality of man towards man, as expressed in the regrettable recollections of slavery, bondage, total separation from loved ones and deaths.

Many artifacts and monuments which signpost this brutality now adorn the shores of this ageless community, where people from all walks of life pay periodic visits to.

But in the last few weeks, the community seems to have transformed from this unenviable and historical status as a major transit point for slaves to the Americas and Europe in the 15th century, into an oil community in Nigeria. The status has in turn lifted Lagos into the group of oil producing states in Nigeria.

As already known, the coastal community recently became Nigeria’s latest crude oil destination following the breakthrough recorded by an indigenous oil company, Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited, after what is believed to be years of sheer hard work, resilience and focus, especially given the about $400 million the indigenous company had invested in the business in the last 25 years.

But desperately willing to avoid the mistakes made in the likes of Oloibiri, Ogoni

land and other parts of the Niger Delta where oil also at times referred to as the black gold, was discovered decades ago, the leaders and residents of Badagry say they would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the mistakes of the past were not repeated.

To find out how the community is bracing up for its newly found love, and more importantly what residents want put in place so that their beloved community which is renowned for its aquatic life and tourism tendencies before full exploration would begin in the community’s coastal waters, Nigerian Tribune had to travel to the heart of Badagry spanning a distance of over 100km.

The journey to Badagry began from the very noisy Iyana Ipaja, where yellow-painted and ubiquitous commercial buses popularly known as fanagon littered the roads, each looking for passengers. Nigerian Tri-

bune correspondent walked past a horde of bus conductors with each bellowing out places like Idimu, Egbeda, Ikotun, Ayobo, and Ipaja, among others, in their bid to outwit one another to attract passengers. Eventually, a section carved out for bigger buses heading to Iyana Iba was spotted, and one of them was eventually boarded.

The journey to Badagry was generally uneventful, but a quick stop made in front of the once popular French Village, showed a somewhat pathetic picture of what has become of an institution that once attracted French speaking individuals from all over the world.

A peep into the premises of the school revealed an environment whose buildings seemed to be fast falling apart, while a section that was perhaps meant for other purposes, had been converted into a spot where some youths were seen playing a game of

Why should I be excited about the discovery of oil in Badagry when eventually only a few people will share the money that comes from it among themselves?

table tennis.

The journey eventually culminated in Aje, the closest community to the shores where the oil wells were discovered.

A trip round various sections of the community showed residents who appeared somewhat unperturbed by the discovery, as they went about their regular business activities without any form of excitement or ecstasy in the prospect of their community becoming one of the most developed in Badagry in years to come.

The community which is largely a fishing one, has houses built in such a way as to encourage communal living and interactions among residents; there were no barriers, no fence, or walls separating one house from the other.

A community unruffled Half-dressed children were seen running across untarred street roads, while the adults sat in the shades of stalls made from palm fronds.

As earlier indicated, a large number of residents accosted by Nigerian Tribune did not show any indication they were excited by the oil discovery, thus many of them preferred to steer clear of the matter, while a few just discarded the whole idea as another government’s invention to enrich a few at the expense of the majority.

For instance, an elderly woman, who was Continues on pg22

22

features Continued from pg21

seen attending to a bunch of kids in what appeared to be the once popular jelosimi (a makeshift school for kids to temporarily stay away from home) class said she wasn’t getting carried away with the whole story.

‘What do we stand to gain?’

“Why should I be excited about the discovery of oil in Badagry when eventually only a few people will share the money that comes from it among themselves? We have seen this being demonstrated over and over again, when the collective wealth from oil was taken by just a few people. What I am interested in is what will bring food to my table,” she said.

Though her stance seemed to fall in line with that of a number of other people who are of the opinion that anywhere oil is discovered, there’s bound to be troubles and destruction, a few have however shared the optimism that the development would eventually lead to the growth and development of their beloved community. However, they were quick to note that the government must ensure the right things are put in place so as to avoid the mistakes in the NigerDelta.

One of those who share this view is a middle age man who identified himself as Mallam Shehu.

Seen sitting in the company of others in what appeared to be a mechanic workshop, meters away from the popular Oba Akran of Badagry’s palace, Mallam Shehu wasted no time in advising the government not to rush to explore the oil wells or make money, but rather to ensure that the right things are done in such a way as to give no room for error that could either lead to oil spillage or destruction of the environment in any form.

“We appreciate what the government has done so far and how all those involved worked tirelessly to ensure that the mineral resources hidden on our shores were eventual found after what appeared to be years of efforts without results. However, there shouldn’t be any rush to start mining or making money, as all measures must be put in place to ensure that things are done right. Efforts must be given to the tiniest of details. We do not want the misfortune that befell some of the Niger Delta communities repeated here. A lot of us are fishermen, if our waters get destroyed as a result oil exploration, where do you want us to go?” he said.

Shehu also had a piece of advice for the government in terms of employment generation for members of the Badagry community, especially youths, who he said, should be the first beneficiaries of whatever accrues to the state in terms of employment.

“We want our youths to be empowered, as we believe that the whole thing should have a marked improvement in the lives of our youths. Again, we don’t want what is

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

‘Don’t degrade our environment like you did Niger Delta’

The offshore field happening in Niger Delta to happen to us in Badagry, thus if the youths are properly engaged, they will not have time for mili­ tancy,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune also visited the palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry, Aholu Wheno Menu-Toyi 1, where efforts had previously been made to book an interview appointment with the monarch.

However, the monarch was not available for comments, and the Palace secretary, identified only by his first name, Julius, who had earlier promised to help book an appointment with the Oba, made efforts to work out an alternative which involved booking an interview with one of the king’s high chiefs.

But the high chief himself also declined granting an interview with our correspondent, citing a previous interview granted a newspaper (not the Nigerian Tribune) also on the oil discovery, which he said did not go down well with some communities in Badagry.

“The Oba himself gave the directive that we should avoid granting interviews for now until some issues in Badagry which are connected to the oil discovery are finally resolved. So I am very sorry, I won’t be able to attend to you, and I can assure you that other high chiefs will also decline,” he said.

FG must be careful—Lawmaker But in his comments, the lawmaker representing Badagry 1 Constituency in the Lagos House of Assembly, where the oil wells fall, David Setonji, also called for a lot of caution before exploration would

commence in full.

He said he personally received the news of the discovery with mixed feelings, because of the failure of past Federal Government to carry out its promises to ensure full protection of the environment.

“This is a very serious issue that must be well planned. I got the news of the discovery with mixed feelings. Ordinarily, I should be happy, but going by what happened in the Niger Delta, I am not very excited, and as such I want the government to tread carefully,” he said.

He further added that while the community will gratefully accept what accrues to it from the 13% derivation that would come to Lagos State as an oil producing state, he said the community would not sacrifice this on the altar of the environment degradation of Badagry.

“We therefore want a conduct of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the entire oil field and the results made known. But the Lagos State government, being a sensitive government, I know will do the right thing, yet we will want them to take the right step all the way, so that we will not regret discovering oil in Badagry in the future,” Setonji said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly is seeking for a suspension of all oil exploration activity in Lagos to give room for the meeting of all major stakeholders with a view to avoiding all future problems associated with oil exploration as currently being witnessed in the Niger Delta region of the country.

The stakeholders’ meeting which will be held at a yet-to-be determined date will

We therefore want a conduct of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the entire oil field and the results made known. We will want them to take the right step all the way, so that we will not regret discovering oil in Badagry in the future Setonji, lawmaker representing Badagry 1 Constituency, Lagos House of Assembly

Shehu, a resident of Aje community involve all investors, exploring companies, the ministries of Energy and Mineral Resources and Environment, other relevant state government officials, as well as members of the host communities in Badagry, among others.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, stated this recently, while urging the state government to be proactive on the matter and learn from the mistakes of the past which he said had led to the environmental degradation and consequently all forms of violent agitation in the Niger-Delta.

Thus the Speaker added that all oil companies involved in the exploration of oil in Badagry had to stop production promptly if they had already started doing so. This, he said was to give room for the state government to be better prepared and to put adequate measures in place before exploration would start in earnest.

“We must safeguard the host communities but we must also commend the companies that have been investing in oil exploration in the state over the years before oil was eventually discovered there,” the Speaker said.

“All necessary infrastructure must be put in place to protect the state and the host communities so that we would prevent what is happening in the Niger Delta from happening in Lagos State,” he further said.

23

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Tunde Busari 08127593530 Yejide Gbenga - Ogundare 08116706853 Tunde Ogunesan 08116954634

Nigerian Tribune

The

South-West Editor Wole Efunnuga 08111813056

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

South-West Obas:

Set to mediate with modern dispute resolution techniques As the judiciary spreads the gospel of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and mediators reiterate that the increasing conflicts within communities need traditional methods of resolution, traditional rulers in the South-West have been selected to become recognized mediators and ensure the enforcement of settlements resulting from dispute resolutions based on their antecedents as natural peace keepers . YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE, who was at a conflict management and ADR training for the Obas writes on the willingness of traditional rulers to rival any court of law in arbitration.

C

Inside

ONFLICT is a part of human life.

And the ability to resolve disputes within a community has been said to be a determinant of how successful such a society will be as well as the level of development that will be experienced in such a community.

Being an enlightened society, the Yoruba community since time immemorial had a solid structure on the management of its community which served them well and ensured that every aspect of human endeavor operated smoothly.

The South-West part of Nigeria which was

Owatapa is a priest title —Elerinmo

a huge chunk of the old Western Region in years past was known to have a large number of traditional rulers that are saddled with the responsibility of community relations, maintaining peace and security as well as a sound community justice system. Today, the region still enjoys this structure of traditional admin-

istration.

These traditional rulers were held in awe and respect and because they understand their community and its nuances, they enjoyed success in their efforts at conflict resolution and peace keeping while their words were law.

Continues on pg24

Yoruba traditional black soap:

Back bone of the beauty industry

24 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Yoruba rulers: Positioned to create traditional arbitration institutions in their communities Continued from pg23 In the past, issues of security, inter personal, group or community levels conflict were all reported at the palace and were resolved without anyone feeling cheated.

Thus, conflict resolution, enforcement of laws, provision of security and peace building formed part of the oversight functions of traditional rulers even before independence.

As custodians of culture and tradition, Yoruba traditional rulers have a structured work schedule based on specific roles; provision of safety and security to the community, conflict management and resolution of disputes in land, marriage religious or boundary issues that they carried out effectively.

They also have a judicial system that gives room for checks and balances through hierarchy. In fact, the Yoruba traditional institution has a structure that makes it easy to mediate in cases the way a court would and also gives room for appeal. Cases in a traditional Yoruba setting are first reported to the Baale, the head of a compound, who tries to put out any raging fire but when his efforts fail or a party is displeased with the way such a matter is handled moves to the Baale, the head of a settlement before it goes to the Oba, who serves as the Supreme Court with his High Chiefs as the council.

This system ensured that there were laid down principles to settle issues and even when the colonial masters came with their structures, they still worked hand in hand with traditional rulers that were on ground to run the communities.

Consequently, the subjects had a strong belief in their rulers and the institution of traditional leadership developed and flourished.

But the story changed. Though, traditional rulers still mediate in matters, many people especially the educated and the enlightened including youths have over time been found to have lost respect for traditional institutions and few see them as a viable option in the resolution of conflict.

Rather, many visit the courts to mediate in conflicts; even in disputes that could be resolved amicably within the confines of their homes or immediate environment.

Though many attribute this to civilization, another school of thought believes it is because government supervision and approval has eroded the powers of the traditional rulers while others think it is due to the involvement of the rulers in politics.

Others put the blame on policy failure, arguing that the 1999 constitution does not define the role of traditional rulers and this undermine their powers, calling for an amendment to the constitution in a way that will grant adequate powers to traditional rulers to put authority behind their actions and further empower them to carry out their functions.

Speaking on why traditional rulers seem to have lost their position as community mediators, Mr. Emmanuel Mamman, Deputy Director, Research, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), stated that one of the things that made people to lose respect for traditional institutions unlike in

From left, Onpetu of Ijeruland, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran; Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola; Onjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale Mustapha; Alagoare of Ago Are, Oba Olagoke Jubril and the Akibio of Ilora, Oba Stephen Olufemi Oyeniyi, at a workshop, in Ibadan, last week.

Violent conflicts have become a common feature in Nigeria on interpersonal, group and community levels and these conflicts need traditional methods of resolution

Mr Emmanuel Mamman, Deputy Director, Research, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) times past is involvement in politics.

According to him, “when traditional rulers are involved in partisan politics, then the different degrees of interest in politicians and their ambition especially that of those who want to take advantage of people to achieve their selfish ends, other people in the community that sees that the traditional ruler has been partisan will gradually lose respect for such leaders and would not trust their judgment. So traditional rulers should avoid partisan politics and be father to all so that their subjects will find them credible and respect them,” he said.

However, the recent advocacy in the judiciary both in Nigeria and other developed climes on the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), as the best conflict resolution procedure that leaves no victor or vanquished and the understanding that since time immemorial, traditional rulers in the South West had been resolving conflicts using ADR techniques to create a win-win situation, has shifted the focus

from judiciary officers to people that have naturally been saddled with dispute resolution responsibilities, the Obas.

And to make them more efficient in their efforts to achieve amicable resolution of conflict in their communities, a workshop was put in place to further enhance the knowledge of the Obas.

Traditional rulers in the South-West were gathered together for three days intensive training on conflict prevention, peaceful coexistence and Alternative Dispute Resolution at the Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to intimate them of new trends in ADR and also share from their practical experience and knowledge.

In his speech at the training which was read by Emmanuel Mamman, the Director General of IPCR, Professor Oshita Oshita, stated that the workshop will enhance the capacity of traditional institutions to effectively and efficiently carry out their agelong pivotal role in conflict resolution and peace building in their communities.

“As the custodians of culture and tradi-

tion, there are specific roles and functions traditional rulers play in the provision of safety and security to communities. The role traditional rulers’ play in the resolution of disputes over land, boundary, religion, marriages, etc is enormous and therefore needs to be encouraged,” he said.

According to him, violent conflicts have become a common feature in Nigeria on interpersonal, group and community levels and these conflicts need traditional methods of resolution, adding that as a result, there is the need for requisite knowledge and skills by the traditional rulers to adequately respond and prevent conflicts from becoming violent and build social cohesion, unity and peace in their communities.

He stated that the inability of communities to manage disputes contributes to under development and poverty as there can be no development without peace, adding that premium must be placed on having an effective conflict resolution and peace building mechanism in every community to have meaningful peace, progress and development.

Prof. Oshita described South-West traditional rulers as enlightened people that have what it takes to take on the responsibility they have been saddled with. “I am happy that majority of you, members of our traditional institutions represented here are well educated and experienced in administration. Many of you attained high positions in government and the private sector before you took on these roles,” he stated.

Speaking on the expected outcome of the training, Emmanuel Mamman, stated that traditional rulers are expected to be more sensitive to conflict. “We expect that each traditional ruler will go back to his domain and be conflict sensitive, there are a lot of things involved in this; whatever the traditional ruler does should revolve around issues that will secure overall peace of the community, they should resolve issues the Continues on pg24

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Nigerian Tribune

‘Partisan politics, Government interference, cause of Obas’ problems’

A cross section of the Obas at the workshop.

Continued from pg24 way they should be resolved, govern the community the way the community should be governed, people should be respected with their rights and not oppressed as we see happen in some communities and when certain issues are reported in the community, we expect that with the agelong skills that they have and what they learn here, they should be able to bring that to bear and allow peace in the community.

The traditional rulers apart from sharing practical experiences on dispute resolution in their community were taught rudiments and new trends in alternative dispute resolution; they were taught the importance of having a case intake process and how to develop a checklist that will ensure there are laid down processes that will determine which cases to take and how do identify a frivolous matter, procedures of vetting to determine whether parties have confidence in the process and if they will abide by the outcome.

Also factors of referral and monitoring were discussed and traditional rulers were taught how to identify and explore resources around them for mediation, how to identify institutions that can take some cases and monitoring such bodies to ensure the cases are not swept under the carpet.

The challenge of enforcing settlement was also treated and traditional rulers were taught procedures of ensuring that proscribed dispute settlement is enforced within the community and methods of punishing troublesome subjects within the kingdoms were highlighted.

Other things taught include effective communication, approaches to dispute resolution, modes of interviewing parties to get basic facts and the importance of documenting procedures and ensuring parties sign agreements after dispute resolution so that enforcement will be easy even if the case finally goes to court.

At the end of the workshop, there was a consensus that the Yoruba community has a laid down traditional structure that can resolve conflicts and ensure many people do not take their cases to court again.

And the traditional rulers all expressed the readiness to ensure that they put in their best to restore the confidence of people in traditional institutions and their abilities to resolve issues without fear or favour.

With the Obas geared to set the pace as seasoned mediators with the prerequisite modern skills and rival the courts of law, the South West is about to make history again as a structured community that has what it takes to stand tall among its peers.

We are more equipped to mediate using modern trend —Oba Shakirudeen Adesina Kuti IT is a very good programme that will make the job of traditional rulers easier. This training is very good, we have been mediating in issues all this while but this one adds to our skills. Once you have been doing a certain job and you get the opportunity to be trained in what you have been doing to enhance your skills, you get better and can handle issues in a more technical manner When we get back, we are definitely more equipped to mediate in issues using modern trends and technique. But I must add that this type of programme is supposed to be taken to states, not picking some Obas out of a state to represent all. It is supposed to be done state by state so that every traditional ruler will be involved and we can all learn these new trends of mediation, I want all traditional rulers to learn what I am learning so that they can update their knowledge and improve on their mode of settling issues

and their mediating skills.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Shakirudeen Adesina Kuti, the Oba of Ewu land, Lagos.

We are now better equipped —Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola THE workshop on peace and conflict resolution which we just concluded will definitely enhance our knowledge, not that we have not been acting in this capacity before but because we are able to understand the peculiarity of other areas in the South Western states and be familiar with the peculiar conflicts they experience in such areas that is different from our own situation, we are learning so that tomorrow, if such cases come before us in our community, we can apply tested techniques that had been used elsewhere to settle such situations Apart from learning new trends, we share ideas and we now know modern methods of settling conflicts and we are now better equipped to function better in our various kingdoms The moment Obas are more equipped to do their jobs, they will definitely checkmate the influx of minor conflicts that become court cases and troublesome approach to issues. It is the duty of traditional rulers to engage the youth, let them know that violence is not the way and the moment they

are getting fair justice, they wouldn’t want to go and spend their money engaging lawyers and going the extra mile delaying justice.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Eleruwa of Eruwa and the Vice Chairman of the Oyo state Council of Obas and traditional rulers.

Our modus operandi more standardized —Oba Micheal Obatuga Adetoye IT is a very good development and it will yield great results because when you learn something, you have to make use of what you have learnt and then it should be noted that all these things were what we have been doing in our communities but now, we know more technical procedures and trends to approach our duties. We have not only refreshed our memory but also we have learnt new methods that will make our modus operandi more standardized.

And on whether many people especially youth seems to have forgotten the tradition and have lost respect for traditional institutions, that is the essence of this Alternative Dispute Resolution training, some people will go to police station and thereafter go to court, but the moment they know that they will get fair and objective judgment in the palace, they will definitely come back to the palace because in my own case, I know I just have to be fair to every party irrespective of who the person is, even if you are my biological brother, I will not subvert the course of justice, I will be impartial. When as tra-

ditional rulers, we are impartial and we ensure those that sit in our courts to mediate in issues are beyond reproach, people will see this and come back to us for amicable resolution of matters.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Micheal Obatuga Adetoye, the Jegun of Idepe, Okiti pupa, Ekiti State.

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Owatapa is a priest title —Elerinmo

Sitting under a complete royal mien and flanked by his High Chiefs, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II, speaks with authority without betraying any emotion. He sets the record straight on the contentious issue of Owatapa and declares it nonexistent in the history of Erinmo. In an interview conducted by TUNDE BUSARI, he also speaks on his journey to the throne in 2014. Excerpts:

W

HEN did you ascend the throne?

I ascended the throne on 29th of July 2014.

How can you describe the selection process from which you eventually emerged?

It was a long process. In Erinmo, there are four ruling houses-Arowotawaya, Oboyilekan, Ajeranbialate and Osupaidimi. Osupaidimi produced my immediate predecessor.

When there was vacancy. I was unanimously selected in the presence of officials of Oriade Local Government. The seven kingmakers had a meeting and accepted and formally wrote to the local government. The local government also wrote to state government. Afterwards, the state wrote formal letter to me on behalf of the governor that I have been chosen. we went through traditional installation after which date of coronation and presentation of staff of office was picked.

Presentation of staff of office was done on August 6, 2014 on behalf of the governor by the commissioner for chieftaincy affairs. After this was done, I then got a certificate. Every Oba has it. In the letter you are addressed as prince but in the certificate you are addressed as Oba. You cannot really say you are king without going through all this official processes of appointment, and certification, which are officially gazetted. If you are not gazetted, you cannot claim you are an Oba. What was going on in your mind on your coronation day?

I thank God everything came like dream come true. I give glory to God. Unless God makes one King there is nothing anybody can do. I found out that day that I was on a journey of no return. I felt the huge responsibilities on me. I felt challenged and I am determined to make the difference during my reign.

Can we quickly go through your profile?

I am first born of Joseph Olubowale Ajayi , who is a direct descendant of Arowotawaya royal family. I had first degree at age of 20 at the University of Ilorin. I studied Sociology, Business Administration and Accounting in 1987. Before I completed my final exams at the university, I had got employment into the largest conglomerate in Nigeria at that time, UAC as a management trainee. I received the letter of appointment even before I left for national service. I joined UAC fully in October 1988. I did my NYSC at Police College, Kaduna. I had a MBA Marketing at Lagos State University.

Working with UAC afforded me opportunity to have crossfunctional and cross-sector experiences. Within the conglomerate, I worked for different companies some of which include GB Olivant, MDS, Mr Biggs and others. I became an expatriate working in Ghana. I later set up my own company. I also emerged the Director-General of Ghana-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce.

The Owatapa title is said to be seen differently by the Elerinmo-In-Council. What is the position of the council on it?

There has never been any oba by that name in the history of my town. This is not hidden. The fact is there to confirm.

What then is the bone of contention?

There is nothing to contest. We are not contesting against any non-existent thing. What I am only after is the peace of my town. I want my chiefs and people to all live in peace.

Elerinmo I don’t want break down of law and order. I am a peaceful Oba who ascended the throne peacefully. I am the true Ilufemiloye (Town’s unanimous choice) So, I should be seen to be promoting that peace and not giving any room for thugs to disturb the peace.

How far have you gone in your effort to maintain the peace given the circumstance at hand?

We have made some efforts which are interestingly yielding results now. As I said earlier, I should not allow chaos for any reason, hence the steps we have taken. God is always in support of the righteous ones. We are happy with what He has done for us so far on the matter. For instance, on August 19, 2016, Osun State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, Water Resources, Rural and Community Affairs issued a letter in which it declares as non-existent the so-called Owatapami, saying it runs contrary to Section 21 sub-sections 3 (a) and (b) of the Chief’s Law, Cap. 25, Laws of the State of Osun, 2002. Even before the ministry’s letter, on July 16, 2016, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of Osun State Command, sent a letter to the palace, further clearing the air on the matter. The letter was a reply to the petition which the palace had earlier sent to the police. The police letter stated that its investigation had shown that there is no community ever known as Itapa within the various communities under the jurisdiction of Oriade Local Government. The letter also confirmed that there was an earlier litigation on the matter during the era of my predecessor, which the palace had won.

Is that so?

There is nothing I am telling you that is not in black and white. All these facts are all documented for verification.

We have nothing to hide because there is no reason to hide anything. The Owatapa title we read in your paper was an Ifa priest title conferred by the Owa Obokun, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran in June 1982 and which was withdrawn, according to a letter by the Owa Obokun himself. The letter put to rest everything about the matter. The then Sec-

There has never been any oba by that in the history of my town. This is not hidden. The fact is there to confirm.

retary to the Military Government and Head of Service in the former Oyo State, F.B. Adisa on July 19, 1984 acknowledged the Owa Obokun’s letter and affirmed his decision.

The letter read: “I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of Alayeluwa’s letter dated 20th June, 1984 addressed to the Military Governor of Oyo State, Lt Col, Oladayo Popoola, and to say that the State Government does not raise any objection to the exercise of Kabiyesi’s power under the Chief’s Law as far as the measures which Your Royal Highness intends to take on the Atapa Chieftaincy is concerned.”

What can you say you are missing in this your new world?

I am missing my freedom. That is the truth. I have lost my privacy too. But the fact that the throne is a call to serve ones people makes it worthwhile. I can, therefore, say that I am okay with the new world as you put it. There is nothing like putting your years of experience into the service of your people. My people wanted me and showed it and rallied round me. I am blessed.

How can you describe your chiefs as regards your relationship with them in steering the ship of the town?

I just said that I am blessed. I am really blessed with a group of chiefs who are ready to work for the town and support my four cardinal programme of turning around this town. Where you have this type of chiefs, you are assured of steady progress. Their ages and experiences are combined with my youthfulness and exposure to breathe a new life to Erinmo and our people. I am, therefore, expressing my satisfaction at their commitment so far. When I told them that Tribune would be here and I wanted them to be present, they all expressed willingness to be here. And you can see their contribution so far.

Are you comfortable with agbada unlike suits you were used to wear as a corporate personality?

I don’t have a choice. Right now, I am in the position of Baba of my town and I am comfortable with it because that is where I should be. Life is about phases.

Traditional rulers are said to have power to pick any beautiful girl for wife. What is your view on this?

That traditional rulers can does not mean I will. We are in a new millennium unlike those days when an Oba had a concentrated power as the chief judge, commissioner of police, senator and everything. Taking wives is not my priority.

My focus is to develop my community beyond I met it.

27 thesouth-west

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Yoruba traditional black soap:

Back bone of the beauty industry

The traditional black soap which many have abandoned as unrefined in times past, is now a hot cake in the Nigerian market as more people learn of its healing powers and efficacy in curing any skin disease. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports.

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HE traditional black soap common to the Yoruba people has been around for centuries and had been in use for so long. Though at a time, attention shifted away from the locally produced material for some better packaged soaps but the tide is changing in favour of the soap popularly called abuwe or ose dudu by the Yoruba people.

In the last decade, the once rejected black soap has become a huge, mainstream industry for beauty products which continues to grow bigger by the day. And recognizing the efficacy of the black soap as well as the rising campaign for use of organic products, beauty experts have gone back to the roots and capitalized on the usefulness of the local soap by turning it to the base of their numerous products.

Indeed, many people that buy cosmetics and beauty products today do so without knowing that the black soap is the basic ingredients in the beautifully packaged products that they spent huge sums of money on.

The local black soap has been said to work for so many things; skin care – dry skin, stretch marks, spots, pimples, acne, oily skin, clear blemishes, eczema, body odour and soothe skin irritations and diseases from simple rashes to contact dermatitis and psoriasis amidst many other skin break outs and conditions, hair care - scalp itchiness and irritation as well as treatment and cure of a myriad of diseases.

Many beauty experts have at different times, claimed that the traditional black possess antioxidants that protect the skin from premature aging, wrinkles and facial lines, firms, tones skin and improves skin texture, fade brown spots and discolorations, reduce inflammation and skin irritations, heals skin problems, has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties for deep pore cleansing and makeup removal, exfoliates and alleviates razor bumps among many other functions.

The black soap is also said to be good at healing diseases of diverse types aside from the publicized skin ailments. Omolara (surname withheld), a student at the Polytechnic, Eruwa, once had an experience of the efficacy of the black soap. She told Nigerian Tribune that she once fell sick and was cured of measles just by using black soap.

“I was feeling terrible and uncomfortable with itches; I couldn’t explain what was happening to me or describe what I was going through. I was so uncomfortable that I thought I was going to die. After some hours, I went to some friends to tell them what was happening and they took me to their landlady, an old woman with a hearing defect “They explained that I wasn’t feeling well and she just looked at me and said it was measles and I was uncomfortable because it didn’t break out. She gave me a small black soap and instructed that I put it inside pap and drink it without sugar or milk then use the rest to bath.

And an hour after I took it, the measles indeed broke out like she predicted and I was covered from head to toe with but surprisingly by evening that day, everything dried up and by the next morning, the spots had disappeared.

There was no sign that I had measles the previous day.

“I’m sure it wasn’t soap alone but since then, I have been using the black soap to bath and I can confidently say that I have a healthier skin

Traditional black soap

and I don’t have skin rashes like I used to,” she said.

Toun, a banker, is another lady that could attest to the power of the black soap. “I used to have breakouts a lot but at one point it became serious as no one could say whether it was pimples or boil; it comes out as pimples but will be so big that I would be in so much pain and I was so self conscious because people were always looking at me with pity and I was offered various advice on how to cure what had become a malaise as I constantly had headache due to the one on my face.

I used diverse things; foreign, medical and traditional, I was treated by so many dermatologists who diagnosed all sorts of allergy and I consumed medications like food. At a point, I was stopped from eating so many things but there was no difference.

“But one day, my aunt met a woman that said there is a solution, we were taken to Bode market in Ibadan and one young lady gave me a black soap to bath. It not only cured the said allergy in two days but I have not experienced such again and I have been eating the food that dermatologists said I can’t eat without trouble, it was a once and for all cure,” she said.

The efficacy of the traditional black soap had been attested by a doctor as a stress control.

Dr Obafemi Jegede, the unit coordinator at the Traditional Medicine and Belief System, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, attested that the black soap is a veritable means of treating many conditions that afflict the body including stress, malaria and in improving general body wellness.

According to him, apart from being used for healing in traditional medicine, it can also be used for stress control when bamboo extract is added to it. “It is argued that the bamboo tree is frail looking; but no storm can blow it off.

So, its resilience is why it is used in the construction of houses. In traditional medicine, the characteristics of plants are harnessed. So including bamboo extract is to tap into its resilience for stress control,” he said.

But in the production of the variety of black soap for stress management, Dr Jegede stated that active, living and potent water, usually collected from a flowing stream, is required, adding that many disease conditions can be treated with specially formulated black soaps.

Also, for someone that have sleeping challenges, he said such a person only needs to take his bath using a decoction made from the

Princess Funmi Ajibewa.

root of neem, bark of mango, leaves of lime and pawpaw tree with the black soap.

Another popular use of the traditional black soap is to alleviate teething issues in babies. It is called the Aboke, which going by its popularity seems to be a huge success.

An herb seller at Basorun market Ibadan, who wanted to be called mama alagbo, though still a young woman told Nigerian Tribune that the black soap should be described as ero, which literarily means soother as it can do a whole lot of things.

“Using ose abuwe is a good thing because it cleans deeply and protects against many diseases. It is like taking immunization against skin diseases. But it is even more important when we add it to some things that I won’t tell you to cure ailments; it can do a lot of things.

“It is the ignorant people that say it attracts evil spirit all in the name of being spiritual when some churches even use it for spiritual baths. Ose dudu is good and it cures diseases if you know what to add and how to use it.

Even without adding anything, it is very effective,” she said.

Black soap recipes have been passed down in families from mother to daughter and had from ancient times been a source of cure by traditional healers. Today, many purchase the black soap in huge quantity and add their own ingredients depending on the purpose the soap is to be used.

Ingredients that are added to the black soap includes lavender oil, aloe vera leaves and gel, lime, honey, cam wood, fragrance, fine egg shell powder and Ficus exasperate, shea butter, turmeric powder, sandal wood powder, different leaves and bark for traditional healing and artificial ingredients like licorice and soap lightening powder among many others.

Speaking to Nigerian Tribune, Princess Funmi Ajibewa, the Chief Executive officer of Ajibewa Beauty World, Lagos, confirmed that the traditional black soap has a myriad of advantages especially in skin maintenance and for treatment of skin related diseases.

Ajibewa further explained that it is possible for an individual to drink the black soap as

part of traditional treatment. “Ose dudu has a lot of advantages; it smoothens the skin and eradicate diseases like ringworm, eczema etc. if you notice, often, when a new baby arrives, the Yoruba people usually bath the baby with ose dudu because they believe it will clean better than any other soap because it has natural cleansing ingredients.

“Yes. I believe one can drink the black soap because as it is used for the skin, it is also used for the treatment of some ailments like chicken pox, measles, piles etc,” she said.

The beauty expert further confirmed to Nigerian Tribune that they use it a lot as a base for their products and often add other things to it to ensure it performs various functions.

“We use it a lot mainly because it exfoliates and it is true that it is not just mere traditional soap that we use, it is true we add some lightening agent to it to make it effective for fair complexioned people and other things depending on the function that the product is meant to serve.

“Things we add include soap lightening powder, turmeric powder and sandal wood powder among many other active ingredients but like I said, it depends on what you want to use it for that will determine what you add,” she concluded.

Some advocates of the use of black soap have argued that if one really takes a look at the ingredients of the soap they take off the shelves in stores, they won’t hesitate to use the traditional soap even in its crude form. According to them, so many soaps contain triclosan which can disrupt the thyroid hormone and can contribute to the development of breast cancer and fragrance which mainly often means pthalates, a chemical which can cause birth defects and liver damage.

They argued that whatever one cannot eat should not be applied on the body as whatever soap one uses will be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin.

With these numerous benefits and the argument that the black soap is the safest, it is no wonder that the demand for the local Ose dudu is on the increase and business savvy people are making so much money from it.

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Nigerian Tribune

When Yoruba in the diaspora gave succour to South-West Some Yoruba indigenes who are domiciled in North America have resolved to give back to their region by sponsoring people-oriented projects that will enhance the living standard and growth of people in the south west. AKIN ADEWAKUN who had an interaction with members of the group concerning their intention concerning what they termed “Yoruba Unity Summit” scheduled for later part of the year, reports.

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RGANISED by a pressure group, Egbe Omo Yoruba, in the North America, the president of the association, Agbaakin Bolu Omodele, observed that the Summit becomes imperative since the South West region no longer enjoys its pride of place among other regions in the country.

He identified lack of unity among the Yoruba as one of the factors militating against the progress of the average Yoruba man.

Besides, he argued, some of the trades the region was known for in the past had suddenly disappeared, with the average youth in the region frantically searching for jobs that are nowhere to be found.

As part of its efforts at contributing to the restoration of the region’s past glories, Agbaakin Omodele disclosed that the organisation had concluded arrangements to hold The World Yoruba Summit in Ibadan in October 2016 with a view to sensitising the Yoruba nation on the need to have a united force. The group also identified the need for economic empowerment of the youth as the leaders of tomorrow and a vital component of the repositioning plan.

Tagged Yoruba Renaissance: Understanding Our Past fora better future, the summit, which is expected to feature individuals of Yoruba descent, both within the shores of the country and in the diaspora, according to him, will hold at the University of Ibadan between October 17 and 22.

He noted that the association, which was founded as a result of the unexpected annulment of the June 12 election in 1993, decided to organise the summit to promote Yoruba unity and empower the youth.

Agbaakin Omodele expressed grave concern over what he termed the self-centred attitude of the present Yoruba leaders toward issues of general interest and their unbridled concern for financial gain.

He, however, disclosed that the group had been able to interface and win the support of some notable Yoruba leaders, who are equally concerned about lack of unity among the Yoruba, and are also interested in arresting the situation.

He expressed the organisation’s belief that such a big platform like the proposed Ibadan summit will help leaders of thoughts in Yoruba land to come together and identify challenges facing the people, with a move to chart a new path for the development of the nation.

‘23 years after we formed the association with record of involvements in some national discourse, we have decided to move in at this critical period of our country to address issues relating to unity.

‘We have not had any meeting in Nigeria since then, that is why we are convening a world summit of all Yoruba people in October in Ibadan. I stand to be corrected but the truth is that we have discovered over time that the Yoruba are not as united as our counterparts from the Northern part of the country.

‘It appears that our leaders are more concerned about personal gains in the power game. We members of Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America now think there is urgent need for us to bring our people together to talk about our unity, our culture and those inherent values deposited in us by Almighty God that will help us speak with one voice. We believe the best thing to do is to allow our collective interest to override our individual interest,’ he said.

In his remarks, a former president of the association, Agbaakin Adeola Odusanya, appreciated the new Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, whom he said, had, since assuming office, been campaigning for the unity of the Yoruba race.

He also commended one of the nation’s former Presidents and a notable figure in the South West region, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as a source of inspiration for the association.

From left, President Egbe Omo Yoruba, North America, Mr Bolu Omodele; secretary Dr Duro Akindutire and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi during the visit of the group to the monarch.

Obasanjo, he said, had advised members of the association to come to the country to galvanise their people on the need to have a united force, during one of the former president’s visits to the United States.

He expressed the hope that in spite of the precarious situation that the Yoruba nation has presently found itself, there is still hope with supports coming from eminent citizens of the region.

According to him, the Ife monarch is fully aware that the Yoruba cannot get anywhere without a united voice. He pointed out that with such a royal father as a chief campaigner, members of Egbe Omo Yoruba believe that they could add their voice at this critical period in the nation’s socio-political life to bring Yoruba together and address salient issues that would help reposition the Yoruba nation.

To make the impact of the summit felt across the region, and even outside the shores of the country, Agbaakin Adeola stated that the group was mobilising the Yoruba in the diaspora, especially in Cuba, Brazil, Republic of Benin and other places to assemble for the summit and participate effectively.

He also stated that the leadership of the association will continue to go round to meet more traditional rulers, leaders of thought and top government functionaries in the South-West to impress on them the importance of buying into the summit.

He, however, noted that though the organisation was set up to further Yoruba interests, the group is not aversed to interactions from other socio-cultural organisaations in the country too.

‘Before now, we have been having our annual conventions in the United States and we have been working closely with other organisations like the Igbo Union and the Sumunta, which is the umbrella body of the northerners in the US. On the possibility of the Summit being hijacked by politicians for selfish interest, the Publicity Secretary of the asso-

The leadership of the association will continue to go round to meet more traditional rulers, leaders of thought and top government functionaries in the South-West to impress on them the importance of buying into the summit.

ciation, Mrs. Sola Yusuf-Aiwinnilomo, said the funding of the summit is restricted to members’ donation and support from individuals, who share their dream.

Giving information into how the association was formed, Aiwinnilomo described it as a product of the injustice that heralded the annulment of the June 12 elections, believed to have been won by a frontline Yoruba man, Chief Moshood Abiola.

‘Two decades ago, the Yoruba in the United States of America came together following the unjust annulment of the June 12 Presidential election, which was believed to have been overwhelmingly won by late Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba leader.

‘Egbe Omo Yoruba was established 23 years ago following what happened after the June 12 general elections. That was when it occurred to us that Yorubas in America should come together as one. Prior to then, there were Yoruba Organisations in North America.

‘But as a result of the annulment, the national body called Egbe Omo Yoruba, North America – EOYNA, which is the National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America, was established.

‘The organisation is the umbrella organisation of all Yoruba Organisations in USA and Canada. Our mission is to promote the unity, progress, and empowerment of The Yoruba people in USA and Canada for peaceful co-existence based on justice for all,’ she stated.

Throwing more light in the empowerment programme, which is part of the Summit, the Publicity Secretary said the summit will create a forum for workshop on empowerment, where youths will be given orientation on how they can invest and double such investments.

‘We want to use the workshop to galvanise the youth to be agents of change. We want our people to support federal government move on job creation and economic diversification. The truth is that we have many of our people out there who have no clue about how to create wealth. This is one area where the Igbos are better and that is why we want to nurture entrepreneurs among our people.

‘We are sad that we have many graduates out there doing nothing. For instance, we are in Ibadan recently at a local cafeteria and we saw a young man next door making shoes without any modern technology. We reasoned instantly and imagined what such a guy could contribute to the economy if given the needed encouragement,’ she stated.

Expressing her optimism that the Summit would be a huge success, Aiwinnilomo disclosed that the Summit has started receiving support from individuals and even royal fathers in the land.

One of such support, she stated, is a donation of some hectares of land, by the monarch of Ile Oluji, the Jegun of Ile Oluji kingdom, Oba Oluwole Adetimehin, for agricultural purposes in the town.

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Nigerian Tribune

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

ASCSN urges FG to pay workers’ salary arrears to stimulate economy

Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, conducting the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and the Director-General of NDE, Mr Kunle Obayan, and other dignitaries round the ultra-modern Calabar garment factory.

ALARMED by the untold suffering that Nigerians particularly civil servants are going through, especially in the past few months, organised labour under the auspices of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps and pay the Federal Civil Servants their outstanding salaries and allowances.

The association, who said it was alarmed by the suffering that Nigerian people, particularly the civil servants, have been going through in the last few months, said the payment of the money to thousands of civil servants will

Mass unemployment: Ngige flags off NDE School-to-Work scheme Stories By Soji-Eze Fagbemi

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HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has flagged off a special skills acquisition training programme, the School-to-Work scheme, to address the problem of mass unemployment among the youth and young school leavers.

The School-to-Work scheme is a new innovative scheme by the directorate; aimed at introducing the concept of skills acquisition training very early to the youths, especially the secondary school students.

The scheme was recently flagged off in Calabar, Cross River State by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, with a training for 150 secondary school students in the state.

In his keynote address, the minister said secondary school students from JSS2 to SSS2 have been selected to participate in a pilot phase simultaneously, running in six states which include Cross River, Kogi, Anambra, Bauchi, Katsina and Ondo States.

He said the scheme will enable them to acquire skills that will change their future in the absence of white collar jobs.

“The School-to-Work curriculum has been designed to deliver vocational, agricultural, entrepreneurial and life skills training to the trainees within the two months vacation period.

“Those who need up-skilling would be assisted during the next long vacation of the following year.

Apart from skills acquisition, the scheme is also aimed at ensuring that these young ones are creatively and meaningfully engaged while on long vacation, thereby shielding them from negative and injurious behavioural practices.

“This initiative fully supports the

policy thrust of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment which seeks to fully entrench the decent work philosophy in Nigeria,” Senator Nigige said.

The minister said the scheme, when fully implemented, would have created a new army of young responsible Nigerians who are equipped with 21st century skills and are very willing and prepared to take not just their own destinies in their hands, but that of this great country.

He stated that their attitude to work, nation building and wealth creation would have been properly shaped to fully align with the change agenda of the All Peoples Congress (APC) led government at the centre.

“I have directed the NDE Management to expand the scope of the scheme next year to accommodate more trainees and to ensure that the valuable lessons derived from this pilot phase will be applied to enrich the content and form of the scheme subsequently.

Let me therefore use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians at all levels to give their maximum support to the policies of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari,” he added.

Senator Ngige pointed out that the Federal Government was not unaware of the high level of unemployment in the country, but he explained that the government has designed programmes and schemes towards skills acquisition for both graduates and non-graduates as part of measures to address it.

“To this end, it has launched websites which presently have registered well over 800,000 graduates in its database under the N-build programme. Under this programme, graduates and

non-graduates who wish to acquire skills in construction related trades are advised to enrol in the programme,” he said.

Each state of the federation, according to him, is expected to recruit a total of 1,500 persons with the exception of such states affected by insurgency and states with high poverty index.

The minister advised all unskilled and unemployed persons to take maximum advantage of this opportunity offered to them by the government at the centre.

Acting Director-General of NDE, Mr Kunle Obayan, said the directorate has taken yet another important step towards repositioning the country for sustainable development, adding that the NDE is constantly preoccupied with providing initiatives that will address the ever changing forms and patterns of unemployment.

“The idea behind the School-toWork scheme is a novel one which is conceived to provide diverse vocational, agricultural and entrepreneurial skills training for secondary school students during the long vacation period.

“We have in the NDE discovered through research and many years of experience that the best time to address the challenge of youth unemployment is at what we refer to as the ‘upstream level,’ other than the ‘downstream level.’

“The downstream level of unemployment occurs immediately youths complete their education and begin what most times may appear like a futile search for wage employment. To this end, if constructive efforts are made to mitigate the situation at the upstream level, we stand a great chance of reducing unemployment to tolerable levels.”

stimulate the economy.

The Secretary-General of ASCSN, Comrade Alade Bashir Lawal, emphasised that if the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari proceeded to pay arrears of salaries and allowances, including promotion arrears owed thousands of federal civil servants, their purchasing powers would surely increase.

“This is the right time to act.

Government should therefore not waste the opportunity. We believe that since these federal civil servants and their dependants live in different parts of the country, if these outstanding entitlements are paid to them, it will have positive ripple effects on the economy and douse the tension in the land.

“There is anger and hunger in the country and as a patriotic trade union organisation, we have decided to bring this deplorable situation to the notice of government so that it can take necessary measures to stem the tide by doing the needful,” he said.

The Secretary General wondered why the Federal Government that doled out N713.7 billion to states to pay arrears of salaries and allowances to their workers had refused to settle similar debt owed its own employees, even when a committee it set up to compute the outstanding liabilities completed its assignment and submitted its report to the presidency more than 10 months ago.

“Generally, while the cost of goods and services has continued to rise astronomically, salaries of workers have remained static and these are not even paid in some states for the past six months.”

Recession: Labour calls for united action for recovery, demands wage increase ORGANISED labour has admonished the political and economic class to cultivate “a bipartisan and pan-Nigerian approach” to overcome the current economic crisis instead of passing blames and giving excuses.

General Secretary of Textile Workers and NLC NEC member, Comrade Issa Aremu, gave the labour position while commenting on the recently released Quarterly National Accounts (QNA) of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) at a CBN interactive session with stakeholders in Owerri at the weekend.

Comrade Aremu observed that all Nigerians, regardless of their callings are dammed by the data on rising inflation, double digit interest rates, factory closures

and general underdevelopment.

He advised that all Nigerians must collectively confront underdevelopment instead of giving excuses and blaming each other.

On the views of the two former governors of Central Bank, Charles Chukwuma Soludo and the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi on the policy thrust of Buhari administration, comrade Aremu said their comment were unhelpful.

“The two voices sounded too familiar, predictable but unhelpful for an economy begging for solutions,” he said, adding that it is time to “work the recovery of Nigeria,” based on 1999 Constitution’s provision that says that the purpose of governance is welfare and security of the citizens.

According to him, after 30 years of structural adjustment programme of privatisation, trade liberalisation and currency/financial liberalisation, Nigeria urgently must replace the current disjointed policies with sustainable national development agenda consolidated in various national discourses articulated in visions 2010, 2020 and 2014 National conference.

The labour leader said Nigeria has for so long failed to plan, making the country “perpetually preparing to fail” and insisting that it was time the National Planning Commission be replaced by functional federal ministry of planning, to ensure implementation of all the policy recommendations.

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Nigerian Tribune

E-PPAN unveils top officials for with Bode Adewumi eGovt summit on m:08055001765 e:bodekafi@yahoo.com cashless policy

Recession: NCS advises FG to patronise local ICT manufacturers, experts Stories By Bode Adewumi

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HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has called on the Federal Government to rely on home-grown technology instead of turning to foreign technology to solve the country’s domestic challenges, especially at this time of unstable economy.

The president of the NCS, Professor Adesola Aderounmu, in a statement at the weekend said it was an indisputable fact that the present economic downturn in the country could no longer sustain the capital flight that the country is known for in time past.

Aderounmu said outsourcing the country’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) needs to foreign organisations could not be supported by the scarce foreign exchange.

“At the just-concluded National Conference of Nigeria Computer Society held in Abuja, discussing the Sub theme of the conference, ‘Enhancing Security Using Software Systems,’ experts in the profession averred that there was the need to have home-grown technology, instead of relying on foreign technology to solve our domestic security challenges, especially at this time of unstable economy.

“The discussants were unanimous in their opinion that government should look inward and patronise made in Nigeria goods to save our economy from total collapse. They should uphold the Local Content Policy and work with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the office for Nigerian Content in Information Technology. The ICT needs of government MDAs must be localised,” he said.

He pointed out that Nigeria is blessed with ICT experts, who he said are registered members of the NCS, both as corporate bodies and individual members.

“Among our corporate members are, Sidmach Technologies Ltd, Dataflex Plc, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Data Sciences Ltd, Chams PLC, VEDA Technologies, Zinox Technologies Ltd, OMATEK Computers, BETA Computers, RLG Communications, BRIAN Integrated Systems,

MainOne Cables, CBC emea, Systemspecs Ltd and many others,” he added.

He advised the government to patronise locally certified computer manufacturer organisations in its quest to buy 500,000 computers for the 500,000 unemployed graduates it is in the pro-

From left, Mr Bankole Femi, Editor-in-Chief, TechCaabal; Mr Stephen Ballot, Chief Technical Officer, OLX SSA, Lola Masha, Country Manager, OLX and Mr Stephen van der Hejiden, Product Owner, OLX SSA, during the partnership of OLX and TechCabal product masterclass for developers in Lagos, recently.

National ID: NCC boss approves data release to NIMC EFFORTS by the Federal Government to harmonise biometric data captured by different agencies in the country has received a major boost, as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, has agreed to release the commission’s data from the ongoing Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards registration exercise to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Danbatta, who made this known while receiving the Director Gen-

eral of NIMC, Mr Aliyu A Aziz, who paid him a courtesy call in Abuja, recently said the decision to release the data is in line with similar Federal Government’s instruction to transfer validated data to the sister agency.

It can, however, be recalled that inter-agency and other stakeholders’ collaboration is a key component of the 8-Point agenda the Professor of telecommunications engineering unveiled in February this year, with a view to moving the industry forward.

“I would like to pledge our com-

Dell, EMC set to become Dell Technologies September 7 DELL and EMC Corporation have announced that they intend to close the transaction to combine Dell and EMC tomorrow September 7. Dell Technologies, the name of the new combined company, will begin operating immediately following the close of the transaction.

Last week’s announcement follows regulatory approval of the Dell and EMC transaction by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), which has granted clearance for the companies’ proposed combination. MOFCOM approval was the final regulatory condition to closing the transaction. EMC shareholders approved the transaction on July 19, with approximately 98 per cent of vot-

cess of recruiting and deploying to schools and other sectors of the economy.

According to him, a full implementation of the local content policy will definitely create more wealth, resolve the problems of unemployment and build capacity of our youths.

ing EMC shareholders casting their votes in favour of the merger, representing approximately 74 per cent of EMC’s outstanding common stock.

“This is an historic moment for both Dell and EMC Combined, we will be exceptionally well-positioned for growth in the most strategic areas of next generation IT including digital transformation, software-defined data center, converged infrastructure, hybrid cloud, mobile and security,” said Mr Michael Dell, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dell Technologies.

“Our investments in R&D and innovation, along with our 140,000 team members around the world, will give us unmatched scale,

strength and flexibility, deepening our relationships with customers of all sizes.

“I am proud of everything we’ve built at EMC, from humble beginnings as a Boston-based startup to a global, world-class technology company with an unyielding dedication to our customers,” said Joe Tucci, chairman and chief executive officer of EMC. “The combination of Dell and EMC creates a new powerhouse in the industry - providing the essential technology for the next era in IT,” he added.

At closing, EMC shareholders will receive $24.05 per share in cash in addition to a newly-issued tracking stock linked to a portion of EMC’s economic interest in the VMware business.

mitment to this cooperation between the NIMC and the NCC to ensure that we have a secure, reliable database containing biometric information for all Nigerians, which will definitely augur well for the security of the country among other benefits.

“So, we are committed to this.

We recognise the importance of this cooperation and I would like to stress the need to give it all the seriousness it deserves. I am happy that there’s an MoU and there’s also a Federal Government’s directive, which would help in facilitating the data transfer,“ he added.

The EVC, however, called for the reinvigorating of the existing inter-agency committee handling the exercise in order to fast-track the peace-meal data transfer to NIMC. In the same vein, the EVC directed the NCC to ensure that the data transferred to NIMC are fully backed up to avoid any hitches in future.

Responding to a question at the occasion, however, the NIMC boss, who expressed delight at the cooperation between the two agencies, said that the data transfer from NCC would also improve the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) exercise of the commission.

He said NIMC would use the NCC’s data to assign NIM to Nigerians who were captured in the validated data received.

THE E-Payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN) has unveiled a rich catalogue of high-profile speakers comprising top government and private sector executives expected at this year’s edition of the annual E-Government Summit 2016.

The summit, fifth in the series, is scheduled to hold between 27 and 28 September at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

The summit is hosted in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), with the support and sponsorship of Galaxy Backbone (GB) Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Visa Inc and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

According to the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of E-PPAN, Mrs Regha Onajite, during the two-day intensive dialogue session, the Summit will pull together over 500 top decision makers in government and private sectors on a single platform.

She said the stakeholders would brainstorm to proffer solutions and proactive measures for Government to generate and increase Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) using smart solutions, while achieving transparency and accountability among expected deliverables.

Ericsson, Galaxy Backbone partner to transform public services using ICT Sanya Adejokun-Abuja Galaxy Backbone has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ericsson to design and deploy ICT based solutions and services supporting the delivery of efficient public services in the country.

The partnership according to officials, is in keeping with the Federal Government’s commitment to leverage ICT for job creation, improved security, economic diversification and social inclusion.

It will also support the vision of the Ministry of Communication’s to deploy e-Government as a tool to improve governance and efficiency in the delivery of quality public services.

“The transformative role of ICT for improved delivery of public services has become quite significant and in Nigeria, Galaxy is at the forefront in terms of the provision of the infrastructure and services that empower federal ministries, state departments and government agencies to achieve their mandates through better service delivery to the citizens they serve,” said Mr Yusuf Kazaure, the Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone.

Under the terms of the partnership spanning three years, Ericsson will serve as advisor, systems integrator and implementation partner for ICT based solutions and services covering the transport, utility and safety and security sectors of the economy.

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with Chukwuma Okparaocha

m:08038984495 e: chukscop2005@gmail.com

Urban Renewal Scheme:

Ambode’s uncommon transformation of Epe township Stories by Tunde Alao

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HAT a complete rural or a semi-urban environment could be transformed into a 21st century urban status in the face of the enormous economic and security challenges which Nigeria is currently facing may appear a mirage, but the reality on ground is that an unprecedented transformation is ongoing in Epe, a Lagos suburb.

To those familiar with Epe, the township is one of the oldest six divisions that Lagos State is comprised of. Others are Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Island, the Mainland and Ikeja. But of all, Epe has been less fortunate to witness any form of modernisation.

However, by a stroke of luck or divine intervention, a new dawn has berthed in Epe, courtesy of the governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who is turning this once agrarian/fishing community into a modern community.

Two projects aimed at Epe’s transformation in recent times are infrastructure provision, especially road networks and tourism development.

During the flag-off ceremony of what officials described as “the world class Epe-Marina Lagoon reclamation project” recently, the latter was aimed at giving a quantum leap to the tourism potentials of the state. But to make tourism development meaningful, it was considered that road construction had become imperative.

Ambode, who was accompanied on the inspection tour by top government functionary at that time, stated that the lagoon reclamation projects in Epe and Badagry, upon completion, would look like that of Dubai in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Epe-Marina Lagoon reclamation project is a complete redevelopment of project site to facilitate development of the area and promote tourism. It comes with sand filling to the lagoon of up to about 200 meters and dualisation of the network of roads in the axis with functional walkways.

The road network project stands out as one ambitious vision which places Epe on the map of fast growing communities in Lagos with the possibility of attracting migration from the metropolis.

The project, handled by Messrs Granebury Construction as contractor, is to be executed in three phases and involves rehabilitation of strategic/arterial/inner roads.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ganiyu

Johnson, listed the roads to include Lagos Road, Oke Osho/T Junction, Aiyetoro/ Roundabout; Central Mosque Junction/Orita Marun Stream, all categorised as ‘Grade A.’ Others are Oloja Estate; Bature/Otunba Adeniyi/ Omotayo/Uthman Mustapha and Raman/Ishawu Owolabi, which are in category ‘B.’ However, according to Johnson, it is imperative for people to know that properties that fall on the right-of-way (ROAs) would need to go, but that as a responsible government, the state government wants to carry everyone along in the execution of the project.

Realising that there can be no gain without some level of pain and discomfort, he said the project would affect some existing structure in order to achieve the desired right-of -way and this was successfully excuted, thereby keeping the project going in an acceleration speed.

Currently, the road project is 60

Ongoing Epe Road project at Oke-Oso per cent completion stage with drainage facilities almost completed, especially, from Oke-Osho/T-Junction axis, Odomola/ Orita Marun-Ita -Opo. Apart from drainage facility, some section of the road are just waiting for asphalt overlay, while others are witnessing unusual progress despite the seemingly unfavourable weather, as it has been rainy ceaselessly for quite sometime.

Speaking on why the Epe-Marina and Badagry-Marina projects were embarked upon simultaneously by the state government, Governor Ambode said “We want to actually duplicate what you see

in Dubai-Marina. This is a whole stretch of two kilometers of real estate and new tourist centres that we are putting in Epe and Badagry at the same time.

“We believe strongly that coming out from our retreat that we said we are going to grow the IGR of Lagos State by 2017 to N30 billion and 2018 to N50 billion, we believe that some of these projects that we are commencing now are just inlets to our dream of growing the IGR. “We know that by the time we are expanding tourism potentials of Badagry and Epe at the same time, we will be able to get new investors that will be able to come

Owners of demolished structures in Ikoyi duly served contravention notices —LASG Vows to rid state of illegal structures THE Lagos State Government on Saturday said owners of the buildings demolished in Ikoyi were duly served with contravention, removal and quit notices before the exercise was carried out, just as it vowed to intensify efforts to rid the State of illegal structures.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, the government said it had noted with dismay, the flagrant disobedience of building regulations, and has therefore resolved to ensure removal of all structures that are in contravention of the law.

Speaking against the backdrop of recent demolition of some illegal structures in Ikoyi, Ayorinde reiterated the government’s determination to rid the state of illegal developments saying, “In our effort to maintain a sustainable, organised, liveable and friendly environment, the government will not renege on its declared stance of zero tolerance for structures and properties without development permit or approved building plans.

He also warned that all those who choose to erect illegal structures in violation of our laws in

order to take advantage of third parties will not only have those structures removed but will also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

According to the commissioner, the buildings in question were situated in an area originally designated as residential area, but the developers unilaterally and without recourse to the state government commenced development of industrial and commercial concerns in these locations thereby distorting the master plan of the area; causing environmental nuisance, traffic snarls and more importantly a security threat to the neighbourhood.

On the allegation that the buildings were not duly served with necessary contravention, stop work and removal notices, the commissioner said that the state government will not succumb to blackmail in any form.

“We have documentary evidence of service of all statutory notices, the buildings were also marked with the X red oxide to also call the attention of the owners to physical planning contraventions.”

Ayorinde added, “Having served the statutory contravention no-

tices on the offending structures and when owners of such structures failed to remove them within the statutory notice period, we were compelled to remove such structures.

“This government is committed to following due process and will strictly enforce provisions of the law on this subject matter,” he said.

He said the state government is desirous of restoring the original master plan of all residential areas in the state, adding that “Arbitrary location of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside restaurants and other unplanned commercial centres have contributed in no small way to distorting physical planning designs of the state.”

While reiterating the government’s commitment to “a safe, clean and prosperous Lagos,” the commissioner warned that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as the organ of government saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with town planning laws, will not allow the state’s planning aesthetics to be destroyed by people who have no regard for beauty, serenity, law and order.

to our new locations to do other things beyond what you see about recreation, tourism or entertainment and then get a whole lot of investments into Lagos State.

This is part of our dreams and dreams do come true.

“We are looking at the future of tourism from both axis. You cannot put tourism in those places without doing the infrastructure that is required to allow people to come in and that is why we are also doing the road network,” the governor said.

Reacting to these initiatives, the traditional ruler of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, while admitting that Epe, out of the six divisions that Lagos comprised had suffered neglect for long.

“However, we thank God and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for this opportunity. We will support the project and it is compulsory, because Epe is now faced with unimaginable developmental projects.

“We have Lagos Free Trade Zone, the proposed airport, fertilizer plant by Dangote Groups and others like that. At the end of the day, it is Epe that would benefit most,” said the traditional ruler.

Oba of Noforija, Babatunde Ogunlaja, while assuring the contractor of molest-free engagement in the course of executing the project, urged parents to warn their wards and children.

“We don’t want the governor to regret coming with this laudable project. Let us all join hands to ensure that its successful completion,” pleaded the traditional ruler, and truly there has been a tremendous coopration since the commencement of the project.

From women group came the pleading for immediate rehabilitation of some portions along Epe-Temu, Imota Agbowa and Isiu axis where there are craters and potholes.

Mrs Khadijat Ibiyemi, one of the women leader said while the road network within Epe Township is admirable, there is need to address the road leading from the town to places like Ijebu Ode, Ibeju, Ketu-Epe, the three major roads to Epe Township.

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Tragedy as 7-year-old shoots mate to death in Ijero-Ekiti Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

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RAGEDY struck in Ijero-Ekiti, headquarters of Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Monday, as a seven-year-old boy shot his mate to death with his father’s gun.

The incident, which occurred in the community at the weekend, the Nigerian Tribune gathered, had caused tension in the town as the boy who pulled the trigger was said to be an indigene while his victim was from the eastern part of the

country.

It was gathered that the incident, which many described as “an unfortunate accident”, had initially brought the town to a halt as the initial news about the incident was that “a Yoruba boy has killed an Igbo boy in Ijero.”

However, tension was doused when the leaders of the town, especially the Owa Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, the police and other stakeholders intervened.

Speaking on the incident,

Oba Adewole said: “Two seven-year-old boys, one from Ijero and the other from Igboland, were said to be playing with a gun belonging to the Ijero boy’s father. We learnt that he didn’t know that it was loaded and he shot and killed the other boy.

“It created a lot of anger and tension, especially among the Igbos in the town, who naturally expressed dismay. But we calmed them and pleaded with them to understand that this was an unfortu-

nate accident involving two young, innocent boys.

“It is not Ijero fighting Igbo and we have been living in peace in Ijero. The Igbo businessmen in Ijero are living in peace and there is no rancour. We explained all these to douse the tension and put the incident in proper perspective.

“The police have also waded into the matter and we know they would conduct their investigation and we wish to appeal to the people to remain calm.”

The Public Relations Offi-

cer of the Ekiti police command, Mr Alberto Adeyemi, confirmed the incident.

The PPRO said: “What we learnt was that two sevenyear-olds were playing with a loaded gun and one shot the other and he died. We are already on top of the situation.”

Adeyemi said the incident had been reported by the police hierarchy in Ijero division and explained that the matter was still being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department and would give further details at a later date.

Senator Buhari makes case for youth empowerment

By Tunde Busari

From left, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello; guest speaker, Mr Frank Nweke Jnr; Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr Mike Okonkwo; wife, Bishop Peace and the chairman on the occasion, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, at the 17th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture and Bishop Okonkwo’s 71st birthday, held at MUSON Centre, Lagos, last Thursday.

Ekiti govt set to turn ‘waste-to-wealth’ EKITI State government said on Monday that efforts were in top gear to embark on a project to turn all household refuse collected in the state to manure, through a waste-to-wealth programme.

The House Committee Chairman on Environment, Mr Dele Fajemilehin, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti.

The lawmaker said that the present practice whereby refuse collected by the State Waste Management Agency (EKSWMA) was burnt at designated points would soon become a thing of the past.

“We have received several complaints from residents close to where wastes gathered across the state are burnt along the Ilokun and Odo-Ado. “The people have complained of the hazards of odour and smoke, and my committee and the state Ministry of Environment are fine-tuning plans to now apply chemicals to the garbage, rather than burn-

ing them.

“These chemicals will make the refuse to decompose and be used as organic manure,” Fajemilehin said.

He said that although the programme would have commenced long ago, its im-

plementation was, however, delayed due to the paucity of funds in the state.

“Governor Ayodele Fayose would have since commenced the waste-towealth programme, but there wasn’t enough funds for its commencement.

“Our governor has assured us that in less than two months, the programme would commence.

“When this project commences, it would also boost the Internally Generated Revenue of the state government,” he added.

Adegoke Adelabu’s home now tourist site THE Oke-Oluokun, Ibadan home of the late Chief Adegoke Adelabu, is to be officially enlisted as one of the tourist sites in Oyo State.

This was revealed at the weekend during the memorial programme tagged “58 years after 1958”and public presentation of the newly rehabilitated home (TAJ MAHAL) in honour of the late minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, who represented Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the event, the state government explained that the move was in “recognition, remembrance and celebration of the eloquent and flowery

politician’s enviable academic records, exceptional writing skills, oratorical prowess and contributions to the Nigerian political landscape especially as the pioneer of grassroots politics in the then Western Nigeria during his lifetime.

The spokesperson for the state government commended the efforts of the Adegoke Adelabu foundation at immortalising the political hero, emphasising the need to ensure that our past heroes did not labour in vain.

He, therefore, pledged government’s commitment to promoting the site as a tourist centre by listing it officially as a site to visit in the state.

According to him, “The

Oyo State government is sufficiently enthused with the development at late Chief Adegoke Adelabu’s Taj Mahal. It is our desire to partner with the family in promoting this historical monument. Our first step is to place it on the official list of tourist sites in the state as a mark of honour, respect and in remembrance of the late hero of the masses.”

Adegoke Adelabu’s home, located in the heart of the ancient city of Ibadan, popularly known as the Taj Mahal, has undergone extensive rehabilitation and positioned as a monument containing his grave, library, literary works, office, personal effects, photographs and other historical items.

CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology and Cybercrime, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, has advocated a review of the existing policies on youth empowerment to accommodate effective and pragmatic entrepreneurial education.

This, he maintained, would boost employment generation in the country.

Senator Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial district, stated this in a paper he delivered at the annual convention of Ogbomoso Sons and Daughters in North America (OSDNA), held in Dallas Texas, United States.

The paper was entitled ‘Solving unemployment through entrepreneurship training in Ogbomoso.’

He said the measure should be considered by universities and post-university schemes like National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as a critical enabler for creating employment and raising life expectancy level with projected impacts on national socio economic development.

The senator added that capacity building, in terms of skills and attitude, ability to set and pursue goals and good management practices are essential requirements for entrepreneurial success, which government and private sector should accord much priority.

He stressed the need for legislation of a law by the National Assembly that supports entrepreneurship training in Nigeria as well as involvement of stakeholders and private organisations in complementing government efforts at improving entrepreneurship training in communities.

Nigerian Tribune

Ogun Assembly begins 2016 budget performance monitoring OGUN State House of Assembly has commenced the monitoring of this year’s budget performance at the various ministries, departments and agencies of government in the state.

The monitoring is meant to ascertain level of compliance at ensuring effective and efficient service delivery in line with the policy thrust of the present administration.

A release signed by the acting Clerk of the House, Mr Adedeji Adeyemo, indicated that the annual exercise, which is part of the oversight functions of the legislative arm in promoting good governance, is in consonance with Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) The annual budget performance assessment tour, the release noted, would end on September 21.

Support Buhari, cleric tells Nigerians THE President, Christ Apostolic Mission Church (CAMC) Worldwide, Oke Agbala, Cistern of Life Parish, off Bodija Market, Ibadan, Pastor Simeon Adesoji Ajayi, on Sunday, urged Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari.

Pastor Ajayi said this at a sermon delivered during the 33rd annual harvest thanksgiving service and dedication of new church auditorium.

While saying that Nigeria is passing through a phase in its political history, the cleric averred that the nation would witness unprecedented development under the current administration, adding that Nigerians needed to summon courage.

“He cannot be faulted. He should be appreciated. He is a transparent man and the fortunes of the country will change for better soon,” he said.

Earlier, he had commanded the parish pastor, Lanre Oyeniyi, who was elevated to Area Superintendent as well as Pastor S. S. Bamigbola, who was elevated to District Superintendent for the unprecedented spiritual growth and development of the church.

Also, Pastor Oyeniyi, commanded the CAMC president for the visit and the spiritual and financial help to the parish.

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Nigerian Tribune

Ondo APC primaries: Leaders petition appeal committee, demand fresh exercise Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

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RITICISM, on Monday, trailed the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the forthcoming governorship election, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, as some leaders of the party in the state have petitioned the Election Appeal Committee rejecting the outcome of the election.

The aggrieved leaders, in the petition, called for the outright cancellation of last Saturday’s primaries of the party which produced Ak-

eredolu as the party candidate for the November governorship election.

In the letter sent to the Appeal Committee by the APC Central Senatorial Chairman, Mr Adegboyega Adedipe; the Ondo East Chairman, Mr Akintunde Samuel and Chairman of the party in Ondo West, Mr Adeola Ademulegun, demanded for fresh primaries that would reflect true reality of the election.

The petition read “A strange delegate list was introduced on the night of the election after everybody has gone to sleep only for us

to wake up in the morning of the election to see a massively corrupted delegate list.

“Names of 47 per cent of delegates in Ondo East were either deleted or substituted with people who are unknown to the party as executive members. Some of the injected names are not even aware of the development and so did not come for the primary election.

“We wrote a petition to the Election Committee Chairman on the morning of the election and it reiterated that only people that

had been voting in previous primaries would be allowed to vote with a promise to stand down the voting process for Ondo East and West Local Government Areas. We were shocked that the committee never honoured the pledge.

“In all, a total number of 64 names were injected into the delegate list. The names were unknown to the party.

For instance, somebody who never contested any election, and some even unknown to the party suddenly became ward chairmen in wards four, six, two and seven of Ondo East Lo-

From right, Chairman, Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation, Comrade Ayodele Akele; guest lecturer, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa; Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; National Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP), Tanko Yinusa and a human rights activist, Comrade Femi Aborisade, at the seventh annual Gani Fawehinmi memorial lecture, held in Akure, on Monday.

Ondo 2016: Factional PDP shops for Ibrahim’s running mate Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure THE Ali-modu Sheriffled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, on Monday, said the party has put all machineries in motion to pick a running mate for its candidate, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, ahead of the governorship election in the state.

The factional chairman of the party in the state, Biyi Poroye, who stated this in Akure, the state capital, said the party had constituted 11-man committee to suggest possible names who will be Mr Ibrahim’s running mate.

According to Poroye, members of the committee included, member of the State Executive Committee (SEC), party candidate and the elders forum of the faction.

He disclosed that the campaign team and the Director General of Jimoh Ibrahim Campaign Com-

mittee would be unveiled by next week while campaign would kick off immediately.

He said other committee for the campaign would also be inaugurated and listed some of the functions of the committee to include preparing mani-

festoes, organise fundraising, research, media, and mobilisation.

Poroye also congratulated Mr Rotimi Akeredolu for his emergence as the flag bearer of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 26 governorship election in

the state.

He commended the party for the emergence of Akeredolu in a free and fair primaries.

However, Poroye said the APC’s candidate will be defeated by the candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming election.

Akeredolu will take Ondo to greater heights —Prof Adejumo

By Dapo Falade FORMER chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYSUBEB), Professor Soji Adejumo, has said the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has what it takes to ensure the greatness of the state.

Akeredolu, in a keenly contested primaries, held in Akure, on Saturday, defeated other major contenders, including Dr Olusegun Abraham, Chief Olusola Oke and Senator Ajayi Boroffice, to emerge the APC flag bearer for the

November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

Reacting to the outcome of the APC governorship primaries, Professor Adejumo told the Nigerian Tribune on Monday that Ondo State was lucky to have strong contenders vying for the governorship ticket of APC in the state.

“In fact, I can tell you that I am not disappointed by the outcome of the Ondo APC primaries, held in Akure, on Saturday, given the calibre of the personalities that came to seek for the governorship seat.

“Ondo State is fortunate and lucky to have three very strong contenders

for the seat in the persons of Rotimi Akeredolu, Olu Agunloye and Eyitayo Jegede. These are very credible persons who have made landmark achievements in their chosen professions.

“While the three of them are eminently qualified, however, I see Akeredolu as being the right person to be the eventual winner of the governorship election in the state.

“I congratulate him for emerging as the APC flagbearer. Akeredolu is a man of substance. His humility and forthrightness will see him through as the next governor of the state.”

cal Government.

“Our total valid delegates are 135 out of which 64 were disenfranchised, meaning 47 of the delegates on the unlawful list were illicit voters.

“The absence of many legitimate voters paved the way for “See and Buy” voters that were eventually used to further corrupt the process. Many voters were recruited from the road side including okada riders, bread-sellers, street hawkers and others who were not party members, but just loitering around

the venue of the primaries.”

The petitioners explained that they were not against the beneficiary of the alleged fraud, but were disturbed by the fraudulent process that produced manipulated result.

They, however, called on the Appeal Committee to order the use of the same premises for accreditation as the voting centre during the re-run primaries to avoid the repeat of the situation where ‘compromised’ security agents load nondelegates to voting centre and give them delegate tags.

Mimiko craves alternative policies to end downturn GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has stressed the need for urgent development of alternative and clearly defined economic agenda as a way of moving Nigeria forward.

The governor made the submission at the 7th Gani Fawehinmi Annual Memorial lecture, entitled “Nigerian State of Impunity: Where would Gani have stood”, held at the International Event Centre, in Akure, on Monday, with the state deputy governor, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo and other top officials of government in attendance.

According to him, Nige-

Ondo APC senatorial chairman resigns Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure THE crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State deepened on Monday, as the chairman of the Ondo Central Senatorial district, Mr Gboyega Adedipe, resigned his position.

It was gathered that Adedipe’s resignation might not be unconnected with the emergence of the party’s candidate, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, last Saturday.

Confirming Adedipe’s resignation, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Abayomi Adesanya, said the former senatorial chairman of the party had returned all the property of the party in his possession to the party secretariat in Akure.

Adesanya said, “I can confirm to you that Mr Adedipe has resigned as the chairman of Ondo Central Senatorial District of the APC. He said he took the decision for peace to reign in the party and also for the progress of the party.”

rians must be mindful of the real progressives that are determined to feel the pains and sufferings of the masses and not those who are deceiving the people.

He also emphasised that Nigeria must be restructured in line with the recommendations of the last national conference as a way forward.

While calling for the sustenance of the passion of late Gani Fawehinmi to alleviate the suffering of the masses, Dr Mimiko challenged activists in the country to have a clear cut ideological definition that will make Nigerians identify with them.

He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria, in spite of her present challenges, would soon be a great nation.

In his speech, the chairman of the occasion and former governor of the old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, who was represented by the chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr Tanko Yinusa, condemned the anti-people policies of the Federal Government that have brought the masses into untold hardship.

He noted that the failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to fulfil its campaign promises to Nigerians would have been protested by late Gani Fawehinmi if he was alive.

He thus called for the continuity of the Dr Mimiko legacy in Ondo State, saying that good leadership is determined by what had been done to the people.

Earlier, the guest lecturer and human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, regretted the high rate of impunity in the country, saying that “Gani would have been on the street mobilising Nigerians concerning the harsh economic situation in the country today.”

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

GCE candidates protest planned relocation to Ondo, Delta Banji Aluko-Benin City

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ANDIDATES writing the 2016 November/December West African Senior Certificate Examination in Edo State, on Monday, protested the plan to move them outside Edo State to write the Mathematics 1 and 2 papers following clash in the paper and that of governorship election in the state on Saturday, September 10.

Reports indicate that

WAEC would ask the 1,742 candidates, who registered to write Mathematics in the examination in Edo State to move to neigbhouring Ondo and Delta states due to the election.

The students, who stormed the Government House, Benin City, with placards with various inscriptions said holding the examination and the poll same day would disenfranchise them.

The students also said

they would kick against any plan to be moved to other states for the Mathematics examination as planned

by WAEC, adding that this would not only disorganise them but also put them at a disadvantage.

“The plan to relocate us out of Edo State, our state to other regions to sit for the examination because of the September 10 election in Edo State as scheduled by INEC will affect our chances of performing well in the ex-

amination. We have found this situation very disturbing, discouraging and we cannot take the risk.”

“Remember that the conduciveness of an environment has a great impact on the performance and outcome of examinations for students. We enrolled for this examination in Edo State and we have prepared for the examination in Edo State. We are used to the environment for safety, comfort, accessibil-

ity of examination centres and psychology.”

He said, “This examination is about our future, and therefore, we will not take or accept the risk. We call on INEC to do something about this situation. We call on all the political parties concerned to do something to save our future.

“The examination has already started in Edo State and it will be dangerous to now move us out of the terrain we are already used to and compel us to write one of the most important papers outside the state.”

Another candidate, Aliu Samson, said “Saturday

will be the day I will be writing Mathematics. I am more than 18 years old and I’m a Nigerian. It is my basic duty to exercise my franchise on Saturday by voting. Due to the security situation in the country, it will not be ideal for me to travel outside my terrain to write my examination.”

In his response, Governor Adams Oshiomhole said the responsibility for fixing the governorship elections rests on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), explaining that he was not consulted when the election for September 10 was scheduled.

INEC to use incident forms

•NYSC DG solicits safety of corps members Banji Aluko-Benin City

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director-General, Brigadier-General Sule Kazaure (left), presenting a souvenir to the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Edo, Mr Sam Olumekun, during his visit to INEC office, in Edo, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN

Buhari leads Osinbajo, APC govs to Edo grand rally MR Anselm Ojezua, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, said President Muhammadu Buhari will lead the party members to Benin, on Tuesday, for the governorship campaign finale.

Ojezua disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Benin, on Monday and said that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and all APC governors would be at the event.

He said that the rally would take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governorship poll in the state will hold on Saturday.

Ojezua said that the National Campaign Council for the election headed by Gov Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State was already in Benin to prepare grounds for the rally.

He said that all arrangements had been concluded to ensure that the event was hitch-free.

“All logistics to ensure free movement of the visitors and party supporters across the state have also been perfected.

“Anytime APC is holding rally, there is always mass mobilisation.

“Once the people know that the president is coming this time around, our people will be so excited to receive him,” he said.

The party chairman called on the people, irrespective of party affiliation,

to come out enmasse to welcome the president and his entourage to the state.

Meanwhile, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the venue of the rally is wearing a new look ahead of the event.

When NAN visited the stadium, soldiers and other security operatives took charge to ensure adequate security ahead of the event.

They were also seen at major roads leading in and out of the stadium.

Edo gets new police commissioner Banji Aluko-Benin City

FEW days to the conduct of governorship election in Edo State on Saturday, there has been a change of guard at the state police command with the Commissioner of Police in the state, Chris Ezike, handing over to Oluwafimihan Adeoye at the headquarters of the state police command in Benin, on Monday.

Speaking during the handover, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Mr Ezike, assured the people of the state that adequate security arrangements have been put in place for Saturday’s election.

He urged the new Police Commissioner, Oluwafimihan Adeoye, to implement the already laid down security arrangement for the success of the gubernatorial election.

Ezike, who has been posted to the Police College, Ikeja, as Commandant, pointed out that some elections in the country have been inconclusive because of security challenges, urging officers and men of the Edo State Police Command to remain professional and police with integrity.

Ezike said, “For the election, Nigerians are looking up to Edo State to lead so that others will follow. You either remain a professional or a ‘politician police.”

He said he was leaving Edo better than he met it, adding that cultism has been fought to a standstill, even as he urged his successor to continue in the same spirit, because according to him, cultism is the root of all crimes in the state.

In his comment, the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeoye, thanked Ezike

for his briefs and achievements recorded, promising to improve on what he met on ground.

THE Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Sam Olumekun, has disclosed that Incident Form will be used in Saturday’s governorship election in a situation whereby the Smart Card Reader fails to authenticate a prospective voter.

Olumekun, who spoke with journalists shortly after receiving the Director General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brigaider-General Sule Zakari Kazuare, in his office in Benin, however, said that the INEC anticipates that the use of the incident form will be few and far between on Saturday.

When asked if incident forms will be used on Saturday, he said, “we don’t expect that there will be too many of such cases, but if condition warrants it, of course we will use it.”

The REC also disclosed that distribution of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) will continue at the local government INEC offices until Thursday, adding that some people, who tried to hijack the 2014 PVCs in the

PDP guber candidate meets with artisans Banji Aluko-Benin City

THE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has met with members of the Artisans’ Union in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Speaking with them at the Adesuwa Road branch, the PDP governorship standard bearer promised to create an enabling environment in which they can be gainfully employed regularly.

He decried the situation whereby the present APC administration in the past eight years has not been able to create sustainable jobs or an atmosphere for

the artisans to be profitably engaged.

He also drew their attention to what he termed the wastefulness of the state government through the over-inflation of contracts for road projects.

The members through their spokespersons pledged their support for the PDP governorship candidate’s ambition. They requested to be carried along when eventually he is elected.

One of their leaders, Raymond Akaji, requested that the governorship candidate provide them agricultural loans o enable many of them, particularly the elderly ones, retire to farming.

state, were arrested by security agents and the PVCs collected from them.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the NYSC, Brigaider-General Kazaure, has met with corps members participating in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, warning them that any corps member found wanting during the election will bear the full weight of the law.

Brigadier Kazaure, who visited Edo State to solicit for adequate security for corps members participating in the Edo election, visited the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Benin, headquarters of the state police command in Benin and the state headquarters of the INEC.

PFN president denies endorsing candidate Banji Aluko-Benin City

THE national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev Felix Omobude, has denied reports suggesting that he may have endorsed a governorship candidate in the state, pointing out that as a religious leader his duty was to pray for everyone that visits his church.

A statement endorsed by Deacon Ralph Okhiria, media aide to Dr Omobude, on Monday, in Benin, stated that the said publications were laced with distortions and in some aspects complete falsehood.

Deacon Okhiria disclosed that Rev Omobude is saddened at attempts by these publications to drag his name into partisan politics.

The statement reads in parts, “Our attention has been drawn to some recent publications in some print and social media in respect to the visit of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Godwin Obaseki, to Rev Dr Felix Omobude.

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Eid-el-Kabir: Ram sellers lament low patronage in Kaduna

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AM sellers in Kaduna, on Monday, expressed regrets about the low sale they had recorded, barely a week to the Eid-el-Kabir festival, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has reported.

Many ram selling points which include Zango, Bachama Road and Rigasa markets in Kaduna metropolis, saw the presence of many rams that remain unsold for days.

Alhaji Rabo Mohammad, who sells his rams at Bachama Road market, told NAN that the ram sellers had never had it so bad.

Mohammad, who came

from Sokoto with rams, said he sold only five out of the 50 rams he brought to Kaduna two weeks ago.

“The economic situation has contributed to the low patronage and is affecting even our pockets.

“There is still hope, as the festival is one week from now, we pray to make some sales before then.

“Returning the animals to Sokoto will be a great loss

to me because of the expenses involved,” he said.

Mohammad said prices of the animals ranged from N25, 000 to N120, 000.

Another ram dealer, Baballe Yaro, also blamed the current economic recession as the main factor responsible for the low sales recorded so far.

“The current economic meltdown has now become a threat not only to ram

sellers, but also to the entire business activities in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government should do something urgently to address the suffering of the masses.

“Although,people want to buy rams for the festival, they cannot afford to, due to the prevailing economic situation in the country.’’

Yaro believed that the price may eventually crash

as many traders would not want to return back with the animals.

According to him, some of the traders bought the rams from Niger Republic, Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states.

“But, there is hope since we have one week before the celebration if all civil servants will have their salaries before Sallah,” he said.

Stakeholders laud Bello on even development in Kogi Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja KOGI State stakeholders have commended the Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration for even development and its transformation efforts, despite distractions from some external elements.

Speaking on the 25th anniversary of the state, they applauded the governor for making the construction of rural and urban roads, welfare and security of the people, a priority The Kogi Democratic Forum (KDF), in a statement, in Abuja, on Sunday,said that the state had already achieved more under the administration of Bello in view of his intention to move the state forward.

The leader of the group, Alhaji Ozigi Omeiza, said that there is a paradigm shift in the political governance of the state, which had led to equitable and balanced distribution of appointments and development projects among the three geo-political and cultural groups in the state.

He claimed that no part of the state is being left out in the scheme of things as all the ongoing projects, especially, roads rehabilitation and other infrastructural facilities such as water, schools, health care delivery and agriculture, are being fairly distributed across the three senatorial zones of the state.

“The emergence of Governor Bello-led administration is providential. We are very grateful to God, who brought him on board at this period to salvage our state from the grips of backwardness and forces of retrogression. He has been fair-minded in the way he is distributing development projects in the state. No part of Kogi State is being left out in the scheme of things.”

From left, Justice Walter Onnoghen; Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed and the administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Rosaline Bozimo, during a refresher course for chief registrars and other officials of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), in Abuja, on Monday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

Why we didn’t scrap GIS —FG From Olayinka Olukoya and Yinka Oladoyinbo THE Federal Government, on Monday, said the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) was retained by the current administration because it has been able to reduce graduate unemployment across the country.

Besides, it said no fewer than 41,161 graduates, had benefitted from the programme with over 35,000 already exited and secured jobs.

The project director, GIS, Federal ministry of Finance, Mr Dennis Chukwu, said this in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, at the career development and entrepreneurship skills training for beneficiaries of the scheme.

He said many of the graduates had also secured credit facilities and grants to expand businesses they established with GIS stipends.

He gave the breakdown of the beneficiaries to include 68 per cent male, 31 per cent female, while the vulnerable, had one per cent.

According to the director, who was represented

by Mrs Memunat Usman, the programme had been able to give hope to many young school leavers that would have been roaming the streets.

“As a government, we can boldly say that the purpose of setting up GIS, which is for unemployed graduates to acquire employable skills is being achieved.

However, as long as thousands of graduates still remain unemployed, we will continue to improve the capacity of the scheme to absorb more applicants”.

According to him, the career development and en-

trepreneurship skills training, was designed to help the beneficiaries to answer the question of “what next” and begin plans for the future.

Also, Chukwu said at a three-day workshop organised for GIS internship in Abeokuta, with the theme “Orientation and employability skills training for interns and firm representatives in Ogun State” through Mr Eronwu Emmanuel, that the Federal Government was poised at tackling high rate of unemployment in special partnerships with government and non-governmental or-

ganisations to have graduates trained, mentored and supported in non-oil sectors.

“This is part of government’s commitment in contributing towards the enhancement of their capacity in service effectiveness, especially, through staff assessment, official etiquette and staff management through structured mentorship. It also provides an opportunity to share ideas with other partners and interns on work place ethnics, performance and how to optimise on the benefits of the scheme”.

Episode 8 of Professor Johnbull X-rays indecent dressing As Comedian AY visits

INDECENT dressing in society is the focus of the eighth episode of Globacom-sponsored TV comedy drama series, Professor Johnbull, which comes on air at 8.30 p.m, on Tuesday, on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes.

Viewers are in for endless fun and laughter as the episode entitled “Happening Guys”, parades top co-

median Ayo Makun (AY), who will be a special guest of the Emeritus Professor.

Globacom, in a statement in Lagos, on Monday, described Episode 8 as “one that will change the conversation on the rivalry between old school and modern swags.

Viewers will get to know what “indecent dressing” and “happening guys” stand for in the programme. Also, what is the

view of Professor Johnbull on this? How does he relate with the comedian, AY? Globacom advises viewers to watch out for answers to these puzzles and others on this week’s episode of Professor Johnbull, which as usual, promises to live up to its billing as an educative and entertaining satire.

The repeat broadcast of the episode will be on the same channels at the same time on Friday.

Benue gov postpones cargo airport foundation laying ceremony JohnsonBabajide-Makurdi BENUE State governor, Samuel Ortom, on Monday, cancelled the foundation laying ceremony of the proposed construction of a cargo airport in the state.

The project, expected to cost billions of naira, is to be executed under Private Public Partnership (PPP), arrangement with a Chinese firm.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that all was set for the ceremony at the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) farm,in Daudu, Guma Local Government Area, of the state Though, no official reason was given for the cancellation, but sources within the seat of government in Makurdi, the state capital, told the Nigerian Tribune that the governor considered the implication of embarking on a gigantic project at this time of economic recession where workers’ salaries were yet to be paid .

According to the source, “how can government embark on such project when workers are owed several months of salaries.” Efforts to get any of the officials of government to give reason for the cancellation of the project, were not successful as all contact lines were switched off.

Fayemi to address investors at ADU, Australia

MINISTER of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, will discuss investment opportunities in the Nigerian mining sector on Wednesday (tomorrow), at the 2016 African Down Under (ADU) conference, in Perth, Australia.

Dr Fayemi, who leads the Nigerian delegation to the conference, is among African ministers of mining, billed to make presentations at ADU, which will hold between September 7 and 9.

A special session on Nigeria, on recent developments in the country’s minerals and mining sector, would be the focus of engagement by international investors, operators, academics and professionals will hold on Thursday.

The ADU conference is one of the leading fora for facilitating discussions on how to grow investments and participation in the African mining space and attracts significant interests from organisations prospecting for business opportunities in the mining sector in Africa.

news 4 soldiers drown in Bayelsa boat mishap 36

Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa

A

NOTHER tragedy occurred on Monday, as a boat mishap along the Brass Water Front in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, reportedly claimed the lives of four soldiers of the ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ in Bayelsa State.

It will be recalled that a

month ago, three soldiers were also shot dead by militants at the Nembe waterfront in Nembe Coastal community in Bayelsa.

Also missing are service rifles belonging to the missing soldiers.

It was gathered that the incident, which occurred at about 10:a.m on Monday, created panic among newly deployed soldiers.

An indigene of the com-

munity simply identified as Etta, said attempts by community youths and other soldiers to assist in a rescue operation failed as the drowned soldiers could not be found.

According to Etta, “In recent times, we have been noticing increased movement of soldiers in our area. The boat that capsized was conveying a new batch of soldiers to the

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

water front. I was going to dispose of refuse at the waterfront and I saw uniformed soldiers struggling to rescue their colleagues in a capsized boat.

“When the confusion subsided, four soldiers were found to be missing with their rifles and other military gear. Some others that were rescued had their rifle missing and struggling out of the wa-

ter.”

The state Chairman of the Maritime Union, Comrade Lyyod Sese, who confirmed the incident said the union had received the report on the boat incident, adding “but don’t have details on the numbers of casualty.”

Attempts to get confirmation from the authorities of the Joint Military Action known as Operation Delta Safe (ODS), failed as the Acting Coordinator of the Joint Media Centre, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Otuji did not pick his calls.

However, Captain Lazarus confirmed the incident, saying the command would issue a statement on the boat mishap that claimed the lives of the four soldiers.

Air Force to conduct mock exercise on counter- terrorism at Abuja airport Shola Adekola - Lagos

General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Major-General Adeniyi Oyebade; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai and the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, during the visit of the Chief of Army Staff to the governor in Port Harcourt, on Monday. PHOTO: NAN

Why I’m supporting ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ —Wike •Buratai explains nature of the operation

By Dapo Falade

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has declared his support for the “Operation Crocodile Smile” launched in the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian Army, saying it will ensure the safety of the region.

He made the declaration when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai and senior army officers in his office in Port Harcourt, on Monday, assuring that he would do anything to ensure peace and security in the region.

In the same vein, the Chief of Army Staff explained that the “Operation Crocodile Smile” was introduced to train army personnel on the techniques of operating in the Niger Delta area.

Wike, in a statement issued by his media aide on electronic media, Simeon Nwakaudu, said, “The Rivers State government is fully in support of the “Operation Crocodile Smile”.

I was fully briefed by the Brigade Commander and

we associate ourselves with the programme because it will make the Niger Delta safer.

“One of the advantages of the programme is that hoodlums in the creeks are being uprooted for a safer Niger Delta. I support the programme insofar as it is done [in line] with the constitution.”

He said the state government would sustain its support for security agencies to create the right atmosphere for democratic governance, adding that six new Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) had been procured for the police, while process was on to

conclude the acquisition of 10 gunboats for the Nigerian Navy.

Speaking earlier, the Chief of Army Staff said “Operation Crocodile Smile” would address the pervading security challenges in the Niger Delta and also enhance peace in the region.

“The “Operation Crocodile Smile” is an exercise to train our troops on amphibious operations”, he said, adding that the exercise sought to provide the civil authorities with the right environment to carry out governance.

General Buratai also said the exercise would ensure

that the troops were professional with the required training to conduct operations within the law.

“Our waters are generally porous. The Nigerian Army has amphibious capabilities, in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy, to carry out limited operations within the creeks,” he said.

He said another aspect of “Operation Crocodile Smile” would witness the Army intervening in critical areas of need for the communities, adding that the Army had already embarked on medical outreach in Bille (Rivers State) and Nembe (Bayelsa State).

seized 14 oil workers and their driver on their way to a project site.

He said the command had mobilised its anti-kidnap unit and other special units for the operation.

“So far, we have succeeded in retrieving the car conveying them to work where it was abandoned and efforts are on to rescue them un-

harmed,” he said.

Omoni said the command was determined to ensure that the workers were freed and refused to give more details on operations carried out so far.

He, however, urged the public to give the police useful information that would assist it fight crime in the state.

Kidnapping: Police begin search for abducted oil workers in Rivers THE police command in Rivers has begun a search for 15 oil workers kidnapped on September 2 along Omoku-Elele Road, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, has said.

Omoni told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt, on Monday, that gunmen

THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has alerted air travellers and the general public of the plan by the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a mock exercise on counterterrorism simulation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Though the timing for the exercise was not disclosed for security reasons, the Nigerian Tribune gathered that the mock exercise would take place within the week.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr Saleh Dunoma said the exercise was part of the strategies to reinforce the safety and security of air transport and the nation’s airports, besides sustaining international best practice, regulatory policies and world-class service delivery.

He explained further that the exercise might comprise aerial and land maneouvers, which he said, might create some dramatic spectacles that could affect vehicular and human movements.

He, therefore, enjoined air travellers and members of the public to go about their normal businesses, sayimg operations in the airport would not be affected.

While apologising for any inconvenience the exercise might cause, he advised air travellers and other airport users to always adhere to laid down rules and procedures for the safety and security of all.

FG plans pension review for military retirees Chris Agbambu - Abuja

THE Federal Government through the Military Pension Review Committee under the auspices of the Chief of Defence Staff is currently working to review military pension for all retirees.

The board in conjunction with the National Salary Income and Wages Commission is working to ensure that the approved table by the Federal Government was applied during implementation.

In a statement on Monday, the board said its attention had been drawn to online information circulating among its pensioners, conveying wrong figures for the implementation of harmonised military pension.

It said pensioners should endeavour to find out the actual gap in pension between the two categories of pensioners to avoid speculation.

“The mostly affected rank brackets for harmonisation are Private to Sergeant as well as Brigedier General and above. The harmonisation took effect from August 2016,” the statement noted.

Militancy: CSO tackles Amnesty International over interference Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

A civil society organisation, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET), have told the Amnesty International that Nigerian government is capable of solving its problems and cater for its citizens.

CESJET made this known to the United Nations on Monday, during a protest march to the United Nation’s office in Abuja, against what it described as campaign of calumny by the Amnesty International.

The thousands of protesters led by Comrade Ikpa Isaac, the Executive Secretary of CESJET, said they were aware of several efforts by the Amnesty International to rubbish and undermine the ongoing struggle to maintain the nation’s unity.

CESJET said inasmuch as the west might have been of immense assistance in the ongoing battle against insurgency, it would also be instructive that they counsel any and all interested parties to avoid manipulations by enemies of this successful battle.

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Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

foreig naffairs

08116954632 with seyi gesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

Hong Kong: 23-year-old protester elected as youngest lawmaker

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ATHAN law, 23, has been elected as the youngest lawmaker in Hong Kong.

Voters flew in from around the world, lined up until the early hours and turned out in record numbers to elect the city’s parliament Sunday.

The poll for the Legisla-

Protesters urge South Africa’s Zuma, top ANC leaders to quit party posts

South Africa President Jacob Zuma MEMBERS of South Africa’s ANC chanted slogans outside its headquarters on Monday in Johannesburg demanding President Jacob Zuma to step down in a rare public show of anger.

A report noted that the demonstrators that outnumbered on the streets gave a list of their grievances to Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe.

They argue that Zuma, whose rule has been tainted by scandal, is responsible for the African National Congress (ANC) losing major areas.

The protesters said that they lost control of three major urban centres in local elections last month by mismanagement of the economy that is now teetering on the edge of recession.

tive Council is the first major election since hundreds of thousands took to the streets for the 2014 prodemocracy Umbrella Movement that shut down parts of the city, a special administrative region of China.

The poll for the Legislative Council is the first major election since hundreds of thousands took to the streets for the 2014 pro-democracy Umbrella Movement that shut down parts of the city, a special administrative region of China.

Several prominent Umbrella Movement protesters were elected across Hong Kong, including Nathan Law, who co-founded Demosisto with activist Joshua Wong, who was unable to run as he is not yet 21.

Law, who at 23 will be Hong Kong’s youngest ever lawmaker, described his win as a “miracle.”

“This is absolutely unexpected, nobody imagined this would happen,” he

told reporters after results were announced.

Demosisto advocates for a referendum to be held on Hong Kong’s future after 2047 -- when current constitutional arrangements run out, and for that poll to include the option of independence from China.

The debate over Hong Kong independence has

defined the election, with several candidatesbarred from running for allegedly breaking electoral rules by advocating separation from China.

Edward Leung, one of those banned, urged his supporters to elect similarly minded “localist” politicians, and threw his weight behind them.

Umbrella Movement protest leader Nathan Law has been elected in Hong Kong. PHOTO: CNN

governments.

Asked by CNN about his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the President described it as “candid” and “blunt” fo-

Russian President Vladmir Putin (left) and United States President Barack Obama

Syria conflict: IS claims wave of bombings that kill dozens AT least 40 people have been killed in bombings in mainly government-held areas of Syria, state media report.

Four attacks took place within an hour in Tartous, Homs and in a suburb of Damascus, with one in Hassakeh, which is dominated by Kurdish forces.

The deadliest incident was outside Tartous, home to a Russian naval base and in the heartland of President Bashar alAssad’s Alawite sect.

The Islamic State (IS) group said it was behind the attacks.

BBC revealed that the group made the claim in a statement carried by its affiliated news agency, Amaq.

The attacks took place between 08:00

and 09:00 (05:00-06:00 GMT) on Monday.

Syria’s official Sana news agency reported that 30 civilians had been killed and 45 others injured in the Tartous countryside.

First, a car bomb was detonated on the Arzoneh motorway bridge, a local police source told Sana.

Two explosions hit the Arzoneh motorway bridge at the entrance to Tartous. PHOTO: AFP

South Sudan President Salva Kiir

South Sudan accepts 4,000 more UN peacekeepers SOUTH Sudan has agreed to allow 4,000 additional United Nations peacekeepers to enter the country, after first rejecting the regional protection force as a breach of national sovereignty.

The announcement late on Sunday came after a meeting in the capital, Juba, between President Salva Kiir and ambassadors from the UN Security Council’s 15 member states, Al Jazeera stated.

“The transitional government of national unity gives its consent for the deploy-

ment of the regional force,” the government and the security council said in a joint statement, which was read out by Martin Elia Lomoro, the South Sudanese cabinet affairs minister.

The threat of an arms embargo on South Sudan loomed over the meeting amid warnings by the Security Council, which had approved the deployment of the protection force in mid-August, that it would pursue such action if the government in Juba did not accept the additional peacekeepers.

Angolan president sacks finance minister over economic crisis

Gaps of trust hamper Syria deal with Russia —Obama UNITED States President Barack Obama says an agreement with Russia on ending the violence in Syria is being hampered by “gaps of trust” between the two

otherNEWS

cusing mainly on Syria and Ukraine.

Mr Obama called the discussion on Syria “productive” about what a real cessation of hostilities would actually look like.

“We have had some productive conversations about what a real cessation of hostilities would look like that would allow us both... to focus our attention on common enemies.”

Obama added that currently the gaps have not been closed in negotiations between Russia and the US in a way that they think would “actually work.”

Obama urged Kerry and Lavrov to work together in the coming days to get aid to those in need.

Obama and his Russian counterpart Putin met Monday as talks between their governments on ending violence in Syria ended without an agreement.

The two leaders conversed on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit here for ninety minutes, a senior US official said, and worked to clarify gaps in negotiations over on the Syrian crisis. The pair also discussed Ukraine and Russia’s cyber intrusions, the official said.

ANGOLAN President Jose Eduardo dos Santos Monday sacked his finance minister Armando Manuel, the presidency announced, as the country battles an economic crisis caused by sinking oil prices.

No reason was given for the dismissal of the 44-yearold London-educated minister who has held the post for three years, AFP said.

He has been replaced by Augusto Archer de Sousa

Mangueira, 53, who was chairman of the country’s Capital Markets Commission prior to the new appointment.

The new minister takes over of struggling economy which has slumped mainly due to the steep drop in crude oil prices.

The country’s currency, the kwanza, has lost more than 60 per cent of its value against the dollar since the start of last year.

Ethiopian deaths in fire at prison ‘holding Oromo protesters’ AN unknown number of inmates have died after a fire at an Ethiopian prison where prominent antigovernment protesters are reportedly being held.

Sustained gunfire could be heard coming from Qilinto prison, on the outskirts of the capital Addis Ababa, after the fire broke out, local media reported.

The government confirms “some” deaths, while local media report that at least 20 people had died in the

incident.

There has been an unprecedented wave of protests in Ethiopia in recent months.

BBC reported that the fire was started deliberately as part of an attempted jailbreak has not been independently verified.

There have been numerous protests in the Oromia region by members of the country’s largest ethnic group since November 2015.

Political activists from the Oromo ethnic group are believed to be held in the jail.

PHOTO: REUTERS

38

communitynews

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016

Ambassador advocates cultural synergy between Germany, Edo community Abiodun Jimoh-Benin City

T

HE ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nigeria, Herbert Ingo, has advocated a synergy between his country and Ukhiri community in Edo State with regards to the promotion of culture and tradition.

Ambassador Ingo said this recently when he visited HRH Godwin Aigbe, the Enogie of Ukhiri Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The ambassador, who was on a working visit to Nigeria, said he was highly impressed by the ways of Benin people, especially their cultural values, promising to create time to come and witness the popular Igue festival which is held annu-

Obazagbon community decries govt neglect Abiodun Jimoh-Benin City THE Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA) in Obazagbon community in Benin City, Edo State, Comrade Joshua Edo, has described the neglect of his community by successive governments in the state as an act of wickedness.

He said lack of social amenities, especially good roads, potable water and healthcare facilities had brought great hardship on his people.

The community boss stated this during an interactive session with newsmen in Benin City, recently.

According to him, most of the projects executed in his community were done through self- help, adding that his community was ready to partner the government, organisations and individuals in bringing development to the town.

He urged the incoming governor to give special attention to the community in relation to the provision of social amenities in order to give the people a sense of belonging and make them benefit from the payment of their taxes which they do regularly.

Meanwhile, the chairman has lauded the efforts of his co-CDA chairmen in Iyekogba communities and appealed to them to work in synergy to alleviate the sufferings of their people.

ally in Benin Kingdom.

Speaking further, the ambassador said his country was ready to assist the community in setting up cottage industries to reduce urban-rural migration and curb the mass movement of illegal immigrants, especially youths from Edo South Senatorial District, who go through the Mediterranean Sea and the desert in their bid to gain entry into Europe.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Enogie applauded the ambassador, describing his visit as timely and unique being the first time an ambassador would visit his community.

He observed that the ambassador came to propagate peace and culture, stressing that culture is the basis of his office.

He said: “A lot of things have been written on the pages of newspapers, broadcast on radio and television but today, you have come to see for

yourself. I am hereby appealing to your country to come and invest in this community. We have vast

land available for use. All we have here are health facilities, functioning boreholes, an abbatoir and a

skill acquisition centre.

“My community is a peaceful one. I am a trained lawyer and I served in the

Nigerian Police Force for35 years. I am also a United Nations Peace Ambassador.”

Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, presenting staff of office to the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukman Abimbola Jayeola Agunbiade. With them is the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state, Mr Kayode Idowu-Ojumo (left) and other dignitaries.

Ifedapo/Oke-Odo residents commend foundation

By Gbenga Olumide RESIDENTS of Ifedapo/ Oke-Odo community in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State

were in a happy mood recently when a bridge that was reconstructed by a voluntary organisation, Akin Alabi Foundation, was inaugurated.

The bridge, which was said to be the albatross of the residents, had claimed many lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira during rainy season.

Speaking at the inauguration of the bridge, founder and president of the foundation, Chief Akin Alabi, said the community

Amosun charges traditional rulers on fair play, development

By Gbenga Olumide OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has charged traditional rulers to use the powers conferred on them in a manner that will ensure justice and fair play in their respective domains.

Amosun gave the charge during the installation and presentation of staff of office to Alagbara of Agbara in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state, Oba Lukman Abimbola Jayeola Agunbiade.

Amosun, who was represented by the state Com-

missioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, further charged Oba Agunbiade to focus on things that would enhance rapid development of his community.

He said, “Kabiyesi, I’m urging you to forget

Foundation awards scholarship to 15 students in Ilorin Biola Azeez-Ilorin A non-government organisation in Kwara State, Tajudeen Olesin Foundation, has bankrolled the WAEC and NECO fees of the three best SSS III students in a summer school organised by the foundation in Ilorin.

The foundation also awarded scholarship to the 15 best performing students in JSS and SSS I-II classes.

Speaking during the presentation of scholarship in Ilorin at the weekend, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mr. Tajudeen Olesin, said the foundation had also renovated a classroom at the Gov-

ernment Day Secondary School in Amule, Oke-lele, Ilorin, venue of the summer school.

Olesin, who said students of public schools in the state were competing well with their peers in private schools, urged government to aid effective teaching and learning in public schools through adequate supervision and provision of basic infrastructure.

He further stated that 1,000 students participated in the summer school programme, adding that out of the 23 students that performed brilliantly, 19 were from public schools while four came from private schools.

Stating that the summer school would be an annual

event, the CEO said the foundation ventured into the programme because it “realised that it was imperative to support the Kwara State government’s efforts in the education sector.

“We did not do it to get reward from anybody. We are expecting reward from Almighty Allah.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Musa Yeketi, who was represented by the Director, C and A, in the ministry, thanked the organisers for the gesture.

While restating the commitment of the state government to teachers’ welfare, Alhaji Yeketi called on other well-meaning people to invest in education.

the past and mobilise your people towards coping with the challenges of the physical development of this community.”

In his welcome speech, the council chairman, Mr Kayode Idowu-Ojumo, commended the people of the community for allowing peace to reign after the confirmation of Oba Agunbiade as the traditional ruler.

Ojumo expressed the hope that the prevailing peace and tranquility in the community was an indication that the issue of Alagbara had been resolved amicably.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Agunbiade, in a release signed by the local government Information Officer, Mr Oloyede Oyeniyi, thanked the governor for the approval given to his installation as Alagbara of Agbara.

He promised to cooperate with both the state and local government to ensure that the people of the community pay their taxes, rates and other statutory levies without coercion.

development projects and other projects embarked upon by the foundation were not politically motivated, but service to humanity.

He said: “We go around looking for what we can do that will impact on the lives of the people. As you know, ‘touching lives, one person at a time’ is our motto; this is why we go to communities to find out what the people need in their respective domains.

“When we came here, we saw that the residents couldn’t move out because of the state of the bridge, especially when it rains.

This was why we considered the bridge as an important project and today, we are all happy.”

In his remarks, the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ona-Ara Local Government Area, Mr Shina Adebayo, who officially commissioned the bridge, said what Chief Alabi was doing in terms of provision of amenities to the people of the council was commendable.

While thanking the donor for the gesture, the chairman of the landlords association, Mr Oladele Ahmed, said residents of the area usually have problem whenever it rained, saying “we always stay indoors whenever there is downpour. We thank Akin Alabi Foundation and its founder for rescuing us from our predicament.”

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tribunesport

Tuesday, 6 September, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Mohamed Musa (right) takes on Tanzania’s Shiza RamadhanTahaya during Saturday’s 2017 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.

1 Div wins inter-brigade tourney Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

Rohr praises ex-U-17, U-20 captain, Mohammed over Tanzania clash

S

UPER Eagle coach, Gernot Rohr has praised Musa Mohammed for displaying a solid performance on his competitive debut against Tanzania at the weekend.

The Turkey-based defender started and finished Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in the Eagles problematic right fullback position, which has previously featured the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose and Shehu Abdullahi.

However, he was booked in the 25th minute for a late tackle.

“The player who made me proud was Musa Mohammed – he didn’t play like

Oba Adeyemi

he was making his competitive debut,” remarked Rohr.

“To me, he was one of the many positives I saw in the game, he did very well and I am happy for him.”

Former Nigeria U17 and U20 skipper, Musa had featured for the full international team in friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg in May. Belgium-based defen-

sive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi was the other player who made his competitive Eagles debut against Tanzania, when he replaced skipper, Mikel Obi in the 63rd minute.

‘Oba Adeyemi United Boxing Championship will unearth future champs’

BY Niyi Alebiosu

THE much talked about Oba Adeyemi United Boxing Championship billed for the Durban Stadium, Oyo town, Oyo State next month will help unearth budding talents.

This was the submission of the sole financier of the event, Mojeed Okedara, a former National and UBC champion.

The tournament, which is part of arrangements to mark the 78th birthday celebration of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III promises to be competitive according to Okedara.

To Okedara, the primary objective of the event is to celebrate the reverred monarch, who was a professional pugilist and also to help discover budding boxing talents, who can help put Oyo State on the international boxing map again.

Okedara who made this

disclosure in an exclusive interview with Tribunesport last Sunday, said he was convinced that the tournament is capable of turning the fortunes of amateur boxers for good in the near future.

The boxing competition is meant for amateur boxers drawn from the Southwestern states of the country and those from Edo and Delta states.

On what the future holds for eventual winners, Okedara said: “The best boxers in the 11 weight categories will be given medals and cash rewards, we are also looking at the possibility of having them further their boxing careers in the United States of America, I run an agency in the US and I can assure them of the best of exposure.”

Okedara stated further that the Alaafin’s love for boxing spurred into investing close to N7million on the project, which he hopes would become an annual

THE one Division Garrison has emerged the overall winner of the inter brigade sports competition organised by the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Kaduna.

The competition was organised to select representatives of the division at the 2016 Nigerian Army sports festival billed to hold later this month in Abuja.

At the end of the competition, 1 division garrison came first with 7000 points, 1 brigade emerge runners up with 4800 points, 31 Artillary brigade came third with 4200 points while 3 brigade came fourth with 3600 points.

One Division Garrison took the day in all the sports competed for, namely cross country, handball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis and badminton.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the competition, the General Officer

Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters, Kaduna, MajorGeneral Adeniyi Oyebade commended the participants and charged them to ensure that those who will be representing the division return with every available medals at the NA sports 2016.

“The inter brigade competition was among other reasons to pick those that will represent our division during the Nigeria Army games and more importantly access the physical fitness of our men.

“We will make sure we present a very formidable team that will participate in the 21 events at the NA games and am sure we will come back top on the medals table.

“As a division, we will give all those representing us all the required support that will boost their morale for optimal performance at the NA games,” Adeniyi said.

event.

Also speaking, the son of the monarch who represented the Alaafin at the media parley to herald the competition, Prince Akeem Adeyemi, a member of the House of Representatives having expressed appreciation to the sponsor promised to support the boxing competition personally and also ensure that boxing in the state gets the desired promotion with sole aim of discovering more talents and bring the game back to the fore front where it rightly belong.

“Having expressed appreciation to Mojeed the sponsor of this boxing competition, I want to assure our people here that, I will personally support the event as I have always been doing for football and table tennis completions being sponsored annually by me, and I will ensure that boxing regain its past glory in the state,” he said.

World record holder, Nigeria’s Yakubu Adesokan set for Rio 2016.

Rio Paralympics: Dalung counsels

Team Nigeria athletes

THE Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has urged members of Team Nigeria to the 15th Paralympic Games scheduled to begin in Rio, Brazil on Thursday to compete fairly and be of good behaviour.

He made the appeal at a short ceremony held before the departure of the 23 athletes accompanied by 12 officials including medical personnel, helpers, loaders and team administrators, who have since landed in Brazil for the Games.

Six athletes will compete for honours in para-athletics, 14 in parapowerlifting while the remaining three athletes will compete in para-ta-

ble tennis.

“I bring you warm greetings from the father of the nation President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President sends his goodwill and encouragement which is reduced to “Go and make Nigeria proud. I congratulate you on qualifying for the Paralympic Games at a time the country is undergoing trials. One thing that amazes me about you is your determination, commitment and patriotism.

As you go for the games, compete fairly, honestly and give it your best.”

Dalung also urged the athletes to comport themselves and allow officials accompanying them to resolve any crisis that may arise.

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The DSS, on Sunday, announced that it had arrested a Boko Haram commander, one Idris Audu, who was getting set to join the Nigerian Army. Indeed, former President Goodluck Jonathan once said that Boko Haram had infiltrated every organ of government. While thanking the DSS for its vigilance, shall we pray: O Lord, expose the rest of them wherever they may remain!

US Open: Nadal crashes out FRANCE’S Lucas Pouille claimed the biggest win of his career as he beat fourteentime Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal in a sensational US Open in the fourth round.

The 22-year-old recovered from a break down in the fifth before converting his fourth match point in the tie-break to win 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6).

“It took everything. I could not dream better than that,” the world number 25 said after his four-hour victory.

Pouille will play compatriot Gael Monfils in his next game, who beat Marcos Baghdatis.

The defeat means that 2016 is the first year since 2004 in which Nadal, 30, has failed to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal.

“I am close to being 100 per cent again and I believe I

can have a couple more good years,” said Nadal whose most recent Grand Slam title came with his ninth French Open in 2014.

His best runs since have been two quarter-final spots at the 2015 Australian and French Opens.

“I fought to the end today but I needed something that was not there. I will keep working to try and find it,” said Nadal who won his second Olympic gold medal alongside Marc Lopez in the men’s doubles at the just-ended Rio 2016 in Brazil.

Two-time US Open champion, Nadal had dropped only three games in an emphatic win in the pair’s only previous meeting, but Pouille has been on a steady rise through the rankings since that 2015 defeat in Monte Carlo.

Nadal Ideye

Eagles will fire up at World Cup qualifiers —Ideye

O

LYMPIACOS of Greece striker, Brown Ideye has assured that the Super Eagles will have their shooting boots on when the 2018 World Cup qualifiers begin next month.

Nigeria barely sneaked past Tanzania with Kelechi Iheanacho’s 78th minute’s scorcher last Saturday in Uyo, after they squandered a rash of chances.

However, Ideye said he believes the Eagles will be more clinical in front of goal beginning with the October 3 World Cup qualifier in Zambia.

“I believe we were a bit unlucky not to score more than the goal we got against Tanzania. But by the time of the World Cup qualifiers, we will be scoring many goals,” he said.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner also said he was pleased to return to competitive action with the Eagles.

“I am delighted to be back to the national team,” he said.

“It is the dream of every player to play for his country and hopefully, I will improve on what I did previously with the team.”

Interestingly, Ideye was a 73rd minute replacement for Watford striker and childhood friend Odion Ighalo last weekend.

“I went to school in Ajegunle with Odion. I am happy for him that he is now doing well in the Premier League,” said Ideye, a former West Bromwich player.

Meanwhile, Captain John Mikel John Obi, has buttressed Ideye’s remark saying their focus is now on the game against Zambia in Ndola on October 3.

The Chelsea star said the result against Tanzania would have been different if the Eagles had maximised

their scoring opportunites.

“I appreciate the support we got here in Uyo. On behalf of the team, we are thankful for that. We played really well though we created lots of chances.

We couldn’t score more than one for a couple of reasons. Now we need to stick together and we want the same kind of support we got here and do well for the World Cup qualifiers which is very important now.

“I hope the next time we come back here we will have many more victories here,” he said.

We have quality players to face Eagles, others —Zambia coach ZAMBIA head coach, George Lwandamina has dismissed claims that his side’s failure to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a sign that they don’t have quality players that will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles and other teams in the race for the 2018 World Cup ticket.

The Chipolopolo ended their campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Harambee Stars of Kenya at the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium last Sunday and finished third in group E behind Guinea Bissau and Congo to miss Gabon 2017 ticket.

Zambia begins its 2018 World Cup campaign on October 3 in Ndola and Lwandamina says he is not losing sleep over the cracker.

“We have so many players and we have previously cast the net wide. But many

are called, few are chosen,” Lwandamina told fazfootball.com.

“This is the international scenario we are talking about. It is totally different from the local league.

“Some players may shine in the local league, but for reasons best known to themselves they tend to be overshadowed when called to the national team.

“This is down to lack of exposure. Until we start exposing players to the international scenario we will keep facing the same challenge.

“This was close also the case with former coach, Havre Renard. He called almost 200 players but none of them played for the national team except for Mbola. The rest were players who were built way back, those are the players he used.”

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. 23/8/2016.