7th July 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,540

THURSDAY, 7 JULY, 2016

5 killed as container falls on 2 vehicles, 7 okadas

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Umaru Shinkafi dies in —P8 London

Negotiate, return your loot in peace, Buhari tells looters —P3

•Warns militants to embrace peace, says 'Nigeria's unity not negotiable'

No Nigerian bank in distress —CBN —P12

Messi sentenced to 21 months in prison —Back Page

FG has okayed N2,500 post-UTME screening fee

—Vice Chancellors —P4

President Muhammadu Buhari, flanked by the Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Mansur Mohammed Dan-Ali (second left) and others, praying at Mambilla Barracks, to mark the Eid-el-Fitri celebration, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Strike: FG meets PENGASSAN, NUPENG today •Ngige, Kachikwu to lead parley

—P12

3 years after, Army reopens MaiduguriGamboru Road —P34

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

news Negotiate, return your loot in peace, Buhari tells looters 3

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

•Warns militants to embrace peace, says ‘one Nigeria not negotiable’ Leon Usigbe -Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has told looters of country’s treasury to negotiate and return the money which does not belong to them and be in peace.

He made the assertion on Wednesday, while receiving Sallah homage paid on him by some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by the minister, Bello Mohammed, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria was seriously in need of the stolen funds to uplift the quality of life of its citizens.

“Please tell those with plenty of money which does not belong to them should try and negotiate and return it in peace, so that both they and us will be in peace. Otherwise, we will continue to look for it.”

He signalled that he was

comfortable with negotiated refund of money stolen from the public treasury and, therefore, advised all

that may be in possession of public funds to explore the opportunity or face the consequences.

The president also warned the militants should be told that the unity of Nigeria was not

negotiable.

He cited a quote from a former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, that

President Muhammadu Buhari (third left); Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (third right) and some religious leaders who paid the president a sallah homage at his residence, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Rise and save democracy, Fasehun tells activists

By Kunle Oderemi FOUNDER of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Fredrick Fasehun, has asked activists in Nigeria to rise and save democracy in the face of what he perceived as deliberate subversion of the basic tenets of democratic values.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, on sundry national issues on Wednesday, he warned against the current lethargy (siddon look) by pro-democracy and rights activists to the ongoing undermining of democratic and judicial processes in the land.

“Democratic activists like me fought for the entrenchment of this seeming democracy the country all enjoy today and we shall not sit idly while some people put up actions and conducts that will turn back the hands of the clock. Therefore, I seize this opportunity to call on civil society groups, workers unions and democratic activists to return and play their watchdog role.

We fought and sacrificed for this democracy.

“We should not turn away and let some fly-by-night politicians and carpet-baggers come and ruin it for us and our children. Eternal vigilance is the price of democracy. And in this responsibility, we cannot afford to fail,” he stated.

Fasehun, who doubles as the national chairman of the Unity of Nigeria (UPN) and the Coalition

of Ethnic Nationalities of Nigeria, said the country had, in last one year, witnessed “some strange occurrences that constituted landmines, warned that “we cannot continue to maintain the siddon look kind of attitude, because we need to raise the alarm to wake those on the driving seats of this nation and help them avoid those landmines,” he said.

According to him, the latest of such landmines is the confusion in Abia State, over the ruling by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on the petition brought by Mr Uchechukwu Ogah, that ordered the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) to issue the litigant a Certificate of Return and that he should be sworn in immediately as governor.

Fasehun claimed that such order was not only provocative, but also injudicious and suspicious, as the judgment “flies in the face of the law and against common sense.

“The judiciary in other places always strives to dispense justice and fairness to both the litigant and the respondent, and allows everyone to exercise his right to fair hearing to the maximum through appeals made to higher courts; in this case, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. What if the case had been one of homicide and the death penalty passed, would the judge order that the prisoner be executed immediately, depriv-

ing the accused his chance to appeal?

“The judge should have borrowed good precedents from the recent governorship cases that went not just to the Court of Appeal, but all the way to the Supreme Court. These include those of the sitting governors of Rivers State, Ekiti State, Nasarawa State and Sokoto State. No judge of the lower

court should pretend he is the Alpha and Omega over the fate of anyone in the country. Such a stance is injurious to societal sanity,” Fasehun stated.

Accusing INEC of allowing itself to be stampeded into issuing the Certificate of Return to Ogah without first withdrawing the one earlier issued to Governor Ikpeazu, the OPC leader explained

that under the Electoral Act, the commission had the latitude of one full week to issue a Certificate of Return to a winner.

Besides, he said the Electoral Act provided that a person, whose election got nullified had 21 days, that is 504 hours, to file an appeal and would remain in office for as long as it takes to determine his appeal.

Sallah: PDP seeks support for Buhari Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja THE National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to pray for and support President Muhammadu Buhari to enable him to deliver on his electoral promises.

In its Sallah message issued on Wednesday, in Abuja, by the interim National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the opposition party invited “all Nigerians to join hands with the Buhari-led Federal Government, to deliver on his campaign promises by giving the people the desired dividends of democracy as promised.”

The party urged Nigerians to pray for its leaders “to be divinely guided in piloting the affairs of the nation, especially at these trying times.”

It cautioned the ruling class “to desist from actions and inactions that

tend to divide the nation and threaten its unity.”

The PDP noted that the occasion of Eid El-Fitr should be utilised for self-reflection, adding that “only in oneness we can surmount our differences and move on to greater height.”

The Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP, on behalf of the entire members of the PDP, called on Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on various sermons received during the Ramadan to pray for peace and unity in

Nigeria and to imbibe all the lessons learnt beyond the Sallah celebration.

The party urged all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion, to eschew all forms of bitterness, saying: “As a party, we wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters happy Eid El-Fitr and urge them to use this period to reflect on the virtue of faith, service and total submission to the will of the Almighty God as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed.”

Adeboye in Ibadan on Sunday GENERAL Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye, will be in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday, July 10, 2016 to dedicate the stadium-like RCCG Covenant Sanctuary, opposite Zartech, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan.

Time is 8.00 a.m. Chief Host is Pastor Dele Balo-

gun, the pastor-in-charge of Region 21.

Pastor E. A. Adeboye

“to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”

The president appealed to Niger Delta militants to give Nigeria a chance and desist from sabotaging oil and gas facilities in the region, just as he assured that justice would be done in terms of what was due to the area.

“On security, we have made a lot of improvement. We are now concentrating on the militants to know how many of them in terms of groupings, leadership and plead with them to try and give Nigeria a chance.

“I assure them of the saying by General Gowon that to keep Nigeria is a task that must be done.

“Those days, we never thought of oil. All we were concerned about was one Nigeria.

“So, please, pass this across to the militants, that one Nigeria is not negotiable and they had better accept.

“Nigerian constitution is clear as to what they should get and I assure them there will be justice,” he said.

The president noted the problems which had continued to beset the country and expressed confidence that the agricultural sector would soon bounce back to enable the country feed itself.

According to him, “I know that there are a lot of problems in the country, but it’s unfortunate the Minister of Agriculture is not here, he is working very hard.

“The Governor of Central Bank is helping him by lending him money outside the budget, so that he can assist states, especially those states, about 13 of them, which can produce rice.

“That programme is good.

It is giving us confidence; it is getting the farmers into the farm.”

In his remarks earlier, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo observed that the president had lost weight, but expressed confidence that now that the Ramadan fast was over, he would regain the lost weight.

He prayed for good health for President Buhari to enable him to continue the task of rebuilding the county.

Osinbajo noted that the past one year had been tough for the government and Nigerians, because the Buhari-led administration had been busy clearing up the mess it met on ground.

He, however, stressed the Continues pg8

news Imbibe spirit of sacrificial leadership, Awolowo Dosumu urges leaders

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

By Taiwo Olanrewaju

L

EADERS ALL OVER the world, especially Nigerian leaders, have been

urged to imbibe the spirit of sacrificial leadership of the sage and his jewel of inestimable value, Chief Obafemi and Mama HID Awolowo.

Speaking with the leader-

ship of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State chapter, at her Ikenne country home, on Wednesday, Ambassador (Dr) Mrs Olatokunbo

Awolowo Dosumu said she would love her parents to be remembered for their sacrificial leadership.

Her words: “The kind of sacrificial leadership that

Niger State governor, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Sani Bello (left), exchanging pleasantries with former President Ibrahim Babangida, shortly after eid prayer at the IBB Hilltop residence, Minna, on Wednesday.

Edo 2016: PDP calls for Sheriff’s arrest, prosecution From Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

THE National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the arrest and prosecution of former national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, for issuing a Certificate of Return to a parallel candidate in the September 10 Edo State governorship election.

The party maintained in a statement issued by its interim national publicity secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, in Abuja, on Wednesday, that the act was in contempt of court judgment that declared

Sheriff validly removed from office.

Despite the Monday’s judgment, Sheriff had maintained his claim to the office of the national chairman and had, on Tuesday, gone ahead to issue the Certificate of Return to Honourable Matthew Idurioyekemwen, who emerged the candidate in a parallel congress conducted by the Sheriff group.

Idurioyekemwen had earlier lost the ticket to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the congress conducted by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee.

The leadership of the

PDP has now called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately order the arrest and prosecution of the former national chairman of the party and Honourable Iduoriyekemwen for disobeying court’s judgment and charge them for contempt.

The party said the actions of Sheriff in issuing a Certificate of Return to Iduoriyekemwen, after the judgment of Monday, July 4, was utter disobedience and disrespect to court judgment and should not be treated with levity.

The PDP condemned, in strong terms, the attitude of Sheriff in recent times

and urged security agencies to live up to their responsibilities before Sheriff brings the judiciary to ridicule, recalling that it’s not the first time he was disobeying court’s judgment or order.

“We are shocked at the attitude of the former national chairman of our great party, Senator Sheriff, who has become an authority in the country with flagrant disobedience for the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution without being arrested or detained by security agencies. Is he above the law? Prince Adeyeye queried.

puts other people and places the interest of the community at large above personal interest.”

Ambassador Dr Awolowo Dosumu, who is the Executive Director, Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, CoChairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles and the Vice Chairman and Co-Director, Dideolu Specialist Hospital, Ikenne, while commenting on population control, said it made eminent sense for parents, especially mothers, to have the number of children they could successfully cater for.

The Medical Doctor, who noted that it might be difficult to control the population in the nearest future as it would endanger culture, however, opined that it

FG has okayed N2,500 post-UTME screening fee —Vice Chancellors Clement Idoko -Abuja THE Federal Government has yielded to pressure by the authorities of the various tertiary institutions and has allowed them to charge N2,500 for screening of their candidates.

The screening, according to reliable information obtained by the Nigerian Tribune, is for the candidates offered admissions to any of the tertiary institutions by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), after sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Professor Michael Faborode, confirmed on

Veteran actress, Bukky Ajayi, dies at 82, buried Newton-Ray Ukwuoma-Lagos with agency report

VETERAN Nollywood actress, Bukky Ajayi, is dead.

Sources close to the elderly actress, who confirmed the report to the Nigerian Tribune, said the Diamond Ring actress passed away on Wednesady afternoon at the age of 82, during a protracted battle with a heart-related disease.

She has since been buried at the Atan Cemetery, according to Islamic rites.

The burial ceremony was attended by her son, Kunle Fawole and a few Muslim faithful. The entire movie industry has been wet in tears at her demise.

Meanwhile, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) described the

death of the veteran Nollywood actress as a loss of an entertainment icon.

Mr Agility Onwura, the Chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the AGN, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Ajayi died at a time when the young generation of actors were still drawing from her wealth of experience.

Onwura said: “The news of her death came to us as a surprise.

“She died when her wealth of experience and guidance were most needed by the younger generation of movie stars.

“Though at 82 one can say she was quite old, but we in the entertainment industry were still learning from her,” he said.

Also, Mr Pretty Okafor,

the national president of PMAN, mourned the late actress, extolling her contributions to the growth of Nollywood and the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

“She was an enviable professional, who inspired us with her outstanding roles in many home movies.”

“Just this morning (Wednesday) I sent her a Happy Birthday wish on her Facebook page,” Nollywood producer, Zeb Ejiro (The Sheikh) told the Ni-

gerian Tribune over the phone.

“In what will go down as her last official outing, the widely respected role interpreter, who was pulled to the podium in wheelchair received a standing ovation from guests which comprised actors, actresses, producers and stakeholders of the Nigerian movie industry. As tears rolled down her cheeks, the legendary actress pleaded with everyone she had offended to forgive her just as she had forgiven anyone that had offended her. Though her voice quivered, her words were emotional and enveloped the hall in silence.

“I was moved to tears when she said those words asking for forgiveness,” Former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Segun

would sustain quality life.

In order to reduce the number of street children, therefore, the executive director implored women to make provision for looking after their children as soon as they began to have them.

According to her, going by the reality of life these days, most women go out to work, urging them to create time to teach their children how to live and cope with life.

Led by Oyo NAWOJ chairperson, Comrade Foluso Lala, the association noted with enthusiasm, the contributions of Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu to the development of Nigeria through her activities in the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, for which the women group hoped to honour her before the end of the year.

Arinze, also told Nigerian Tribune. “It was a sign of a soul reconciling herself to God and mankind. She was a mother, a role model, a screen goddess, a fighter and a true legend.”

“It is both shocking and heart-breaking that we lost her to death,” Nollywood actress, Stephnora Okere said.

“I grew up watching her.

She was my hero in the movie industry. Nollywood has been thrown into mourning.

We just lost a legend. This is sad news,” actress Nkiru Umeh prayed.

The octogenarian on the March 5, 2016 received an Industry Merit Award at the fourth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for her contribution towards the growth of the Nigerian movie industry.

Wednesday in Abuja that N2,500 for screening of students after admissions were offered by JAMB was agreed upon at a meeting with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in the tertiary education sub-sector.

He said the agreement was reached after a deliberation of officials of the ministry, federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Faborode said it was agreed that the screening by the institutions must not be another Computer Based Test or formal examination as being done by JAMB. “From the statement made by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, at the meeting, there is no objection to screening by universities as long as it is not another CBT. “She agreed that universities should advertise and the maximum fee that should be charged for the screening should be N2,500 – bank charges inclusive,” he said.

Faborode, however, said the committee would formally convey its stance to the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ben Bem Goong, when contacted, said he was not aware of the development, insisting that government had not changed its position on the scrapping of post-UTME. In a statement he issued penutimate week, Goong confirmed that the minister reiterated the ban on postUTME conducted by tertiary institutions.

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Wednesday, July,2016 2016 Wednesday, Thursday,676July, July, 2016

Fresh doubts trail 2017 census Adetola Bademosi - Abuja

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RESH indications, doubting the possible commencement of the next national census in 2017, have again, emerged.

This is following revelations that the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD), activity for the 2017 census has since been placed on hold due to lack of funds.

The EAD, is regarded as a mandatory pre-census activity to ensuring a credible census exercise.

A source at the National Population Commission (NPC) headquarters, Abuja, who confided with the Nigerian Tribune, revealed that out of the over N4.5billion 2016 budgetary allocation for the commission, nothing has been released by the Federal Government to the commission.

The development, he said, halted the entire process coupled with the overstretched wait on Federal Government’s proclamation on the com-

mencement of the census.

He noted that the entire census process is dependent on funding, which was not readily available.

The source, who raised doubts on the commencement of the census, said much time had already been wasted waiting for proclamation and release of funds.

It should be noted that to ensure credible and reliable census exercise, a minimum of two years is used for pre-census activities.

“Even the commencement of exercise not feasible any more, time has really gone. For the census to hold in 2017, we ought to have gone farther than where we are in the precensus activities but things are really getting complicated.”

He noted that although, apart from the budget from the Federal Government, the commission also receives funding for census from international donors.

He, however, quickly said that donors will only come

Train commuters appeal to NRC over repair of locomotive engine Adelowo Oladipo - Minna TRAIN commuters in Niger State have appealed to the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), to expedite action on the repairs of the locomotive engine of Minna to Kaduna mass transit train.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the engine was taken to Lagos at the instance of the national headquarters of the corporation for repairs.

A cross section of train passengers, who converged on the Minna railway terminus to board the train to Kaduna, indicated that the train was no longer in operation as the engine for the MTT to Kaduna is undergoing repairs in Lagos.

The concerned train passengers in Minna, in an interview on Wednesday, told the Nigerian Tribune that the coaches of the passenger train would also be taken to Zaria for another purpose.

The commuters, who would not want their names in the prints, expressed reservations over the absence of the train.

They appealed to the Minna district of the corporation, the state and federal governments, to as a matter of urgency, intervene in ensuring the return of train services in the state.

Prior to the current inactivity of passenger train in

the state, they noted that passenger trains operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, from Minna to Kaduna, which has contributed to the socioeconomic activities of the state.

in, if the Federal Government shows an expression of interest.

“Yes, we have international donors but for donors to come in, there should be an expression of interest on the part of the government.” he said.

According to him, for the census to hold as expected, much activities ought to have been carried out, part of which is the EAD. He said so far, out of the 774 local government areas where the EAD is supposed to cover, only 37 local government areas have been covered.

The last national census was held in 2006 and expected to be conducted within the intervals of 10 years.

However, the next census is due in 2017 and for the country to provide a credible, reliable and adequate data, which will be used for planning, the NPC resorted to conducting a biometric and scientific-based census.

The commission, sought to eliminate the controversies that trailed the figures gathered in the 2006 census, especially, where Lagos faulted the 9,113,605 population figure ‘allocated’ to it during the 2006 census.

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Nigerian Tribune

6 south-westnews Embrace dialogue, Ajimobi tells labour

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

•But negotiation committee hasn’t been inaugurated —Labour

By Wale Akinselure

G

OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State celebrated this year’s Eidel-Fitri with a call on the labour movement to embrace dialogue in resolving the current industrial impasse in the state.

Ajimobi, speaking just after observing prayers at Eid ground, Ibadan, on Wednesday, pleaded that the state could only pay salaries from available funds.

He, therefore, sued for peace and understanding of labour movement and other stakeholders for the state to move forward.

“I am using this opportunity to call on labour and all stakeholders in the state, including teachers, students, traders, farmers, artisans, even thugs, brigands, miscreants, to come together to improve Oyo State. We don’t want anything else. We just want peace. Where there is peace, there will be progress. Democracy is about dialogue; it is about talking, not about fighting, because, in the end, when you fight and fight, you still come to the table to talk.

So we call on everybody to please imbibe peace.

“We will pay salaries if we have money. We don’t have money, but the little money that we have, let us sit down and allocate it. Oyo State is not made for workers alone. Workers are less than one per cent of Oyo State. All other stakeholders also deserve the right to enjoy the dividends of democracy. So workers and everybody should come together for us to discuss,” Ajimobi said.

Meanwhile, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress

(NLC), Mr Waheed Olojede, has said that the 14-man joint negotiating committee set up, on June 27, 2016, to look for ways to resolve the impasse was yet to be inaugurated or sit.

Olojede urged the state

government to show more seriousness in resolving the impasse by activating negotiations through gearing the committee to action.

Furthermore, Ajimobi, in his message to Muslims admonished peaceful liv-

GUNMEN suspected to be kidnappers, on Monday night, invaded the palace of Laragunsin of Iyasan, in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Abiodun Oyewumi and whisked him away.

The gunmen, who arrived at the monarch’s palace around 10:30p.m., headed straight towards the palace and went into the monarch’s room and forcefully abducted the monarch.

According to a source, the hoodlums operated in the palace for more than 30 minutes before leaving through the river with the royal father.

He explained that the kidnappers entered the town through the Owena River in speed boat

having the fear of God. We should tell the truth at all times; avoid evil machinations; avoid thuggery; live peacefully together. The main tenet of Islam is peace; Let us live peacefully among ourselves,” he said.

Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo (right), Professor Femi Lana, Olori Moriyike, Prince Gbade Lana, wife of the donor, Chief (Mrs) Amoke and her husband, Chief Bode Amoo, during the dedication of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade’s Memorial Church, at Fadina village, Lagelu Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State. PHOTO: TUNDE OGUNESAN

Okubadejo commissions church built in honour of Oba Odulana

By Tunde Ogunesan

THE Diocesan Bishop, Ibadan North Diocese, and Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan, (Anglican Communion) The Most Rev Segun Okubadejo, on Monday, commissioned an ultra modern church named after Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, at Fadina village, Lagelu Local Government, Ibadan.

The church, christened

Oba Samuel Odulana Memorial Anglican Church, Fadina village, Lagelu Local Government Area in Ibadan, was built in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadan by business mogul, Chief Bode and Chief Amoke Amoo.

The commissioning of the ultra modern church, situated directly opposite the ancestral home of the late Olubadan, drew special dignitaries from the Anglican Church and traditional ruling class from the

Gunmen kidnap traditional ruler in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

ing and godliness among the people.

“We should not leave any differently from the way we lived during Ramadan. We should obey the tenets of Islam to include being accommodating to others and

and headed towards the boundary between Ondo and Edo states.

The Chairman of Irele Local Government, Honourable Sanmi Elumaro, who confirmed the abduction of the monarch, said the kidnappers, numbering about 10, came into the town through the waterways and headed straight to the palace.

He said that the kidnappers were armed to the teeth, saying no resident of the town could come out to challenge the kidnappers until they finished their operations and took the monarch away.

He, however, could not ascertain if the kidnap of the monarch had to do with the chieftaincy dispute in the town but said the monarch was properly

installed as the monarch despite the legal tussle over the throne.

Elumaro said security agents have been drafted to the town, saying “since the abduction, the Navy and the Police in the riverine area have been on the trail of the suspected kidnappers.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, who also confirmed the abduction of the monarch, said investigation has begun to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Joseph added that the state Police Command would soon brief newsmen on the development as soon as there was any breakthrough in the investigation.

village and its environs to the occasion.

Speaking during the service, Most Reverend Okubadejo, who expressed appreciation to the Amoos, who he said were known for such practices, added that the church in honour of Oba Odulana was the 10th the Amoo family had donated to the Anglican family.

He then thanked the family for their effort in assisting the archdeaconry in evangelism work, adding that Chief Amoo was a close ally of the late traditional ruler.

Speaking with newsmen, the donor, Chief Amoo, said he could never forget

the role the late traditional ruler played in building his Christian life. He revealed that the late Odulana always asked after his progress in gospel work.

Revealing real reasons he christened the church after Oba Odulana 1, Chief Amoo said,” his mother enjoined him to build churches to worship God. This is what I have determined to fulfill as long as I live.

In addition, Oba Odulana was my benefactor. I can’t underestimate his role in my life. He tutored my ways in spiritual growth and was always interested in my performance in gospel work.

Climate change: Ogun to distribute free seeds

By Gbenga Olumide

THE Ogun State government has concluded plans to distribute free seedlings of teak, gmelina and other species of trees to individuals and residents of the state in order to effect the climate change and environmental degradation.

The state Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, made this known while addressing stakeholders during an official visit to Sagamu, Iperu, Ago-Iwoye and OwodeEgba forest ranges.

Chief Lawal said planting of trees was crucial in sus-

taining the eco-system as the benefits derivable from planting trees were immense and vital to human survival.

He said that apart from its economic importance, the effects of climate change would be mitigated with a significant reduction in carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere through gaseous exchange.

The commissioner said that government had decided to encourage private bodies and individuals on tree planting across the state, calling on them to key into the tree planting exercise by applying for free tree seedlings in the ministry.

Embrace love, self discipline, Senator Buhari tells Muslims THE chairman, Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Cybercrime, Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, has urged Nigerians to continue to imbibe the principles of love, compassion, self discipline and obedience to constituted authority Buhari, in a congratulatory message to Muslim faithful at Eid el-Fitri, said part of the teachings of Islam was to continue to pray for enduring unity, peace and progress of the country at all times.

“With our sincerity of purpose and supplication to the Almighty Allah during and after Ramadan, I believe that we can overcome all our challenges as a nation.

“I implore you to also continue to support the government in prayers,” he said.

He also used the occasion to restate his commitment to contributing to the advancement of Nigeria’s development through ICT and other areas.

NBA, Ijebu-Ode branch holds annual lecture Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta

THE Nigerian Bar Association, Ijebu-Ode branch, will on Thursday, July 14, hold the 19th edition of her annual Bar Lecture at the Chris Ogunbanjo Centre, Erunwon via IjebuOde. The occasion would be chaired by Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, the Chief Judge of Ogun State.

In a statement released by the chairman of the branch, Mr Adeniyi Lawal, this year’s lecture is in honour of late Professor Safiriyu Abiodun Adesanya, SAN, who was a patron of the association during his life time.

The lecture, titled SWOT Analysis of Modern Legal Practice in Nigeria, would be delivered by Mr Mohammed Dele Belgore, SAN. The event would also include the investiture of Sir Bonajo Badejo, SAN as one of the patrons. The association also boasts of Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, Hon Justice S.A. Oduwole and Otunba Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN as patrons. It is a black tie event and would commence by 1p.m.

Nigerian Bar Association, Ijebu-Ode branch is one of the prestigious branches of the NBA. The branch boasts of eminent legal practitioners and has produced several judges, magistrates, law makers, political office holders and captains of industries.

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Lagosmetro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

6 jailed 60 years for forging customs documents Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

SIX people have been sentenced to 60 years imprisonment without a fine option, for conspiracy, forgery and counterfeiting of customs documents and seal.

The convicts, Abiodun Ojo, Uche Nwamaka Mike, Charles Ali, Abutu Emmanuel, Sunday Nwaeze and Ngozi Ibeh were found guilty of the five-count charge brought against them by the Nigerian Customs Service.

The convicts, during arraignment on September 11, 2013 were alleged to have counterfeited Nigeria Customs Service Allocation paper ref. NCS/ADM/MGT/012/ S.1/C VOL IV dated June 4, 2013 with serial number 0002095 for 1x20ft container number GESU 2339750.

They were also found to be in possession of counterfeited official seal of the Comptroller-General of Customs, counterfeited the seal of the officer in charge of valuation, Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, Ogun State Command and the official seal of valuation seat, Apapa port in Apapa Command, contrary to the provisions of section 162 (a) and (d) of Nigeria Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

Each of the convicts was sentenced to two years each, on the five counts, making a total of 10 years.

Justice Musa Kurya sentenced them to prison without an option of fine.

The sentence will run concurrently.

Man hits pregnant neighbour on lower abdomen Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

A man, Innocent Ukwenya, who reportedly beat up a heavily pregnant woman, Jennifer Omini was on Friday charged before an Apapa magistrate’s court.

The accused, who resides at 7, Goriola Street, Ajegunle, was said to have warned his neighbour’s

wife, before giving her a blow on her lower abdomen, causing her to be hospitalised.

Ukwenya, who pleaded not guilty, was granted N50,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum by Magistrate A. Shonubi who adjourned the case till October 3.

Scene of an accident involving a 40ft container and a commercial bus at Alakija Bus Stop, Mile 2, on Wednesday. PHOTO: LASEMA

Sallah tragedy: 5 killed as container falls on 2 vehicles, 7 Okadas Chukwuma Okparaocha and Gbemi Solaja with Agency Report

T

HE Eid-el-Fitri celebrations, turned tragic in Badagry area of Lagos on

Visitor from Warri disappears while strolling in Lekki Opeyemi Owoaseye

MR Hope Ejerovbo from Warri, Delta state has been declared missing by his family members.

The victim was last seen about 7:00am on Monday, near Lekki-Epe, Expressway, Lekki, Lagos.

It was reported that he had come from Warri, to visit his brother who lives in Lekki area of Lagos State.

Missing Mr Hope Ejerovbo

He was also said to have taken a walk down the street to relax before he was declared missing.

Lagos Metro, gathered that he was an easy-going man who does not have many friends.

Mr Abraham, the victim’s brother told Lagos Metro that the victim went for a walk down the street before he was declared missing.

“I saw him when I came

out from my room in the morning and he said he was going to take a walk down the street.

“To me, I believed it was going to be a short walk because he does not really know this area.

“In fact, it was my wife who opened the gate for him and that was all.

“Around 8:30am that same day, we became curious about his whereabout.

“We tried his mobile and found out that it was switched off and that got us really worried.

“I searched all the road till 12noon and did not find him. I had to go to the police station to report the case.”

The police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP), Dolapo Badmus confirmed the case.

She said “The information received was that he strolled out of his apartment and never returned.

Policeman dies in another accident

Wednesday as no fewer than five persons died when a container fell off a trailer and landed on a bus, crushing it alongside its occupants.

The accident which occurred at the Alakija Bus Stop area of the Badagry Express Road, occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, as preparations for the Eidel-Fitri prayers began.

Eye witnesses, confirmed that a trailer with registration number KRD 526 XP, conveying some goods, lost control and ended up throwing its container on the ill-fated bus before any of its

occupants could escape.

Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr Michael Akindele, told Lagos Metro that the agency received a distress call at about 8.00 a.m, and swiftly swung into action. The PHCN in Alakija was alerted to switch off the power supply in order to prevent any form of electrocution as it also damaged some PHCN poles, Akindele stated.

According to the LASEMA boss, “Five persons were

Caretaker without address, in serial fraud Olalekan Olabulo A caretaker identified as Sanni Kennedy, who was arrested and charged on Friday, appeared before an Ikeja magistrate’s court for fraud and stealing.

Sanni, who had no fixed address, was accused by one Abimbola Henry who claimed that the accused allegedly obtained N690,000 under false pretence and also stole N750,000 from him.

Sanni, was further alleged to

have fraudulently obtained the sum of N2,680,000, which he collected as rent on a property located at Serah Abimbola Street Fajulo Phase 3, Ijegun, and also forged the document and receipt of the property .

The accused pleaded not quilty, while the presiding magistrate, Aje Afunwa granted him bail of 400,000 with the two sureties in like sum. The matter was adjourned till 16th september 2016 for mention.

killed in the accident.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Lagos State Police Command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

In a related development, Badmos said that Felix Oyeleye, a police corporal attached to Operations at the command headquarters, lost his life on Monday, after his patrol motorcycle was knocked down by a vehicle.

Badmos, said that the hit and run driver, allegedly hit the motorcycle carrying Oyeleye and one Corporal.

Macaulay Esimiye while on patrol on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway at about 5 p.m. on Monday.

Badmos stated “They were knocked down while on patrol on their motorcycle along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, inward Mile 2 by one bus, with registration number AKD 949 XF, driven by a yet to be identified driver In the meantime, the vehicle has been impounded while efforts are being made to arrest the driver,’’ Badmos said.

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news

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Umaru Shinkafi dies at 79 From Sabiu Mohammed and Leon Usigbe ORMER presidential aspirant of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi is dead.

He died on Wednesday, at a London hospital at about 4.07 p.m. at 79.

A family source disclosed that the late politician, who had been battling his health for several years, left behind three wives, among whom is the daughter of the late premier of the North region, Sir Ahmadu Bello

F

and five children.

One of his daughters is Zainab, wife of Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State and another is Hadiza, wife of Zamfara State governor, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Yari.

Alhaji Shinkafi, who held the traditional title was a native of Zamfara State.

He was the vice-presidential candidate of Olu Falae in the APP/AD alliance in 1999, although they lost to the Olusegun Obasanjo/Atiku Abubakar on Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket.

He was also head of the secret police, the Nige-

ria Security Organisation (NSO), which was rebranded Department of State Services (DSS) from 1979 to 1983.

He was running neck-inneck with Adamu Ciroma in the race for the presidential ticket of the NRC in 1992, before the military government cancelled the primaries.

“The body will be flown back to Nigeria on Friday, for burial, at Abubakar III burial ground in Sokoto according to Islamic injunctions,” our source said.

Meanwhile, sympathis-

My properties duly declared in assets declaration form —Fayose Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said properties he owned were duly declared in the assets declaration form he submitted when he became governor of the state.

Fayose, in a statement through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, on Wednesday, said any property that might be linked to him or his company was bought legitimately and his property were duly declared in his assets declaration form and sources of such funds were not illicit.

He maintained that his election was funded by donations from many people, saying “as a promising candidate of my party, I can-

not stop Nigerians from supporting my election like every other candidate of other political party, including President Buhari.”

He said the money he got for his election was from legitimate sources and not from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as being concocted.

He stated that how the money was spent remained his own business and not that of anyone.

The governor also debunked the reported allegation by the EFCC that he received bribe from any contractor in Ekiti; saying “if they have anything against me, they should keep their gun powder dry, because in 2006, when they took me to court, their allegations crumbled like

a pack of cards, as court decisions are founded on facts and law and not on media trial as currently being done by the EFCC, as teleguided by the APC, in their desperation to set the people against me, knowing fully well that they are not on ground.”

The EFCC had, on Tuesday, in a counter-affidavit filed in opposition to Fayose’s ex parte motion asking a federal high court in Ekiti to grant a mandatory order lifting the ban placed on his Zenith Bank account, accused the governor of collecting kickbacks from contractors in the state.

The commission also alleged that some of the bribes were used in buying properties in some locations in Lagos and Abuja.

ers have started trooping to his residence at the Government Reserve Area (GRA) in Gusau, Zamfara State, when the news of his death was aired on the state radio.

The state governor, Alhaji Yari, who is his son in-law, described the late Marafan as a fine gentleman and a loving father.

In a statement, the governor also said the country had lost a giant, whose counsel have helped in tackling the crisis in the Niger Delta.

Also, in a telephone interview, the former governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi, who is one of his siblings, described the death of his brother as a colossal loss to the family.

He said last week, “I was in London to see him and was told that he would be alright, not knowing that would be the last time I would set my eyes on him.”

Shinkafi noted that the deceased had been a pillar of support and an astute adviser when he was the governor of Zamfara

State, saying “we will definitely miss him.”

Another title holder in Shinkafi Emirate, Alhaji Mamuda Isa, Sardauna Shinkafi, said “we have lost a father and a dependable son, whose vacuum will be difficult to fill.”

Buhari, Dogara mourn Shinkafi President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Sokoto State on the passing away of one of their illustrious sons, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja, on Wednesday, Buhari described the departed politician, administrator and technocrat as an expert, whose contributions to the development of the security architecture of Nigeria remained indelible, adding that others should carry on where he left off.

The president recalled that the former Federal Commissioner of Internal

Affairs and boss of the National Security Organisation (NSO), played frontline roles in the activities leading to the eventual return and enthronement of democracy in the country.

He called on family members, friends and associates of the departed community leader to take solace in the fact that the late Shinkafi played the parts assigned to him diligently , conscientiously and patriotically.

He enjoined them to emulate the good virtues that he left behind.

Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, commiserated with the government and people of Zamfara State and all Nigerians over the death of Alhaji Shinkafi.

Dogara, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, Wednesday, described the death of the elder statesman as a huge loss to the nation.

He said Shinkafi was a true democrat who contributed immensely towards the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999.

‘Nigeria’s unity not negotiable’ Continued from pg3

administration’s commitment to placing the country on a sound footing, saying: “things are already looking up.’’

He prayed that the president would continue to get the wisdom and strength to overcome all challenges facing the

country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Minister of FCT, Alhaji Muhammed Bello and the leadership of the Presidential Villa Chapel presented Sallah greeting cards to the president.

Buhari had earlier performed the ‘two-Raka’at

Eid-el-Fitri prayer at the Mogadishu Mosque in Abuja.

The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Major Hamisu Mustapha, whose sermon centred on the need for Muslim faithful to continue to exhibit the virtues of the Ramadan fast.

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

11

eid-el-fitri

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Senators, emirs, monarchs, clerics, others stress peaceful coexistence

By Our Reporters

F

ORMER governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has charged Muslim faithful not to forget the very tenets of the religion, which are love, obedience and perseverance.

Akpabio, whose goodwill message was contained in a release by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, urged Muslim faithful to close ranks and work for the peace, unity and development of the country adding that “it is only in a state of peace and tranquillity that governments at all levels would be able to deliver dividends of democracy.”

Senator Isiaka Adeleke also called on Muslims in Nigeria to allow sobriety attend their daily lives at this material time in the annals of Nigeria’s history.

This was contained in his Sallah message signed by his media adviser, Olumide Lawal.

Senator Adeleke representing Osun West District, said more than ever before, Nigerians should embrace the old wise saying of “cut your cloth according to your size,” thereby making them to live within their legitimate means, without cutting corners.

Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi 11, urged Muslim faithful to apply lessons learnt during the Ramadan in their dayto-day activities.

He also advised them to observe the obligatory sixday fasting in the month of Shawwal.

The emir advised Muslims ummah to stay in peace, tolerate one another and help the less privileged in the society.

Eid prayers were peacefully conducted in all prayer grounds in Kano metropolis and some other parts of the state amid tight security.

In his sermon, the Imam of Murtala Mosque, Sheikh Kabiru Badamasi Dantaura, urged Muslims ummah to stay in peace.

In Zaria, Kaduna State, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, described religious tolerance as a critical element necessary for national integration.

In Uyo, the Chief Imam of the Uyo Central Mosque, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu, urged the Federal Govern-

ment to come up with policies and programmes that would help revive the nation’s economy to reduce the suffering of the people.

In Gombe State, Alhaji Alkali Pindiga, the Chief Imam of the Gombe Central Mosque, called on the Muslim faithful to continue to pray for the peace and stability of the state and the country at large.

The Imam of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Tahir, called on Muslims to use their wealth to improve the lives of the under-privileged.

He gave the advice after the Eid prayers held at the division’s praying ground.

The traditional ruler of the ancient town of Offa in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Mufutau Oloyede Gbadamosi, has urged all Muslims to continue to preach peace, unity and tolerance among themselves with people of other religions.

Oba Gbadamosi called on them not to jettison all the good works done during the Ramadan, saying “let it be the foundation upon which all our actions will rest for the next 11 months when the opportunity will again present itself.”

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim, on Tuesday, charged Muslims to apply the lessons learnt during the Ramadan in their daily endeavours to create a better society.

Apart from this, the traditional ruler enjoined the

people of the state to support the government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello in his quest to develop the state.

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) enjoined Muslims to keep to the discipline and selfrestraints maintained throughout the month of Ramadan in their subsequent ‘day to day’ lives.

The group commended President Buhari on his anti-corruption war and called on the anti-graft agencies to be diligent in their official activities and the judiciary to exhibit judicial efficiency and effectiveness to make the fight against corruption succeed.

A social rights group, the Democrat, has urged Nigerians, regardless of religious divide, to continue to pray for the prosperity, peace, stability and unity of the country.

The group, in a statement signed by its National Leader, Mr Kehinde Ojoawo and National Secretary, Mr Abdulkabir Aroyehun, called on the nation’s leaders to propagate messages of peaceful living among Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic groups.

The Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also congratulated Muslim ummah in the state and Nigeria as a whole for the successful completion of the Ramadan.

The party urged the people of the state to continue to remain peaceful, lawabiding and respect constituted authorities.

President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and some childen during Sallah homage to the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. PHOTO NAN.

From right, Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Faruk Bahago; former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and the Governor of Niger State, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Sani Bello,at praying ground in Minna.

Mild drama at Ilorin Eid prayer ground Biola Azeez - Ilorin A mild drama was played out at the Ilorin main Eid praying ground on Wednesday as a large number of worshippers that came to observe Eid-elFitri prayer were shocked to learn that two Rakat prayers had been said before their arrival.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the annual Eid prayer was usually said at 10:00am, but was reportedly said at 8:30am.

The astonished worshippers, who still trooped into the central Eid prayer ground, later went to different community prayer grounds to observe the prayer which concluded Ramadan.

However, the Nigerian

Tribune gathered that the prayer was said before usual scheduled time to avoid the rumoured planned activities of some people ready to cause havoc due to delayed-payment of salary of local government workers in the state.

Meanwhile, a leading Ilorin-based Muslim cleric, Uztaz Abubakar Aliy-Kamal, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to wade into salary crises bedevilling most states of the federation.

He said deliberate effort should be made to improve the nation’s economy to allow state governments and even the private sector meet their obligations to Nigerian workers.

Continues pg33

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (right), discussing with the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyuAbubakar Agbotomokekere, at Yidi Praying Ground, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (right); Alhaji Lekan Adegbite, Commissioner for Works, Professor Ishaq Oloyede; Secretary-General, SCIA and Alhaji Sharafa Tunji Ishola, former Mine and Steel Minister, at Lantoro praying ground, Abeokuta.

MORE PICTURES ON PAGE 33

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businessnews

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Imminent nationwide strike in petroleum sector: FG meets PENGASSAN, NUPENG today •Ngige, Kachikwu to lead parley Soji-Eze Fagbemi-Abuja

A

HEAD a planned nationwide strike to commence today by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Federal Government has scheduled a crucial meeting with PENGASSAN and NUPENG today.

A two-paragraph statement signed by the Deputy Director (Press), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Prince Samuel Olowookere, on Wednesday said the Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige and the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu will today hold a crucial meeting with the two unions to find a lasting solution to the problems in the petroleum industry.

“The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Nwabueze Ngige and the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu will tomorrow (today) hold a crucial meeting with Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to put a lasting solution to the lingering problems in the oil and gas sector.”

Olowookere said.

The meeting is scheduled to hold at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Minister’s Board Room, 11th Floor, NNPC Towers, Abuja by 10:00am Prompt.

PENGASSAN had on Monday warned of an

impending fuel scarcity in the country as it has ordered its members to leave their duty posts in all oil installations and offices throughout Nigeria as from Thursday, July

7, 2016,, beginning from 12.01hrs.

PENGASSAN has also ordered its four zones, which include Lagos Zone, Port Harcourt Zone, Warri Zone and Kaduna Zone to

PREMIER e-payments solution provider, eTranzact International PLC consolidated its dominance in key sectors of the industry in 2015, actively driving financial inclusion while meeting its key goal of delivering sustainable returns to shareholders.

This was disclosed at the company’s 12th annual general meeting held in Lagos recently.

Gross revenue for the year 2015 was N8.7billion representing a 22 per cent growth compared to 2014.

Operating profit grew from N380m in 2014 to N851m in 2015 representing a 124 per cent annual growth.

Profit before tax(PBT) grew by 76 per cent from 2014 performance while Profit after tax (PAT) grew by 73 per cent compared to 2014’s performance.

eral Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, will affect all sub-sectors of the oil and gas industry, which include the upstream, the midstream and the downstream sectors.

From left: Head, ICT, Nigerian Export promotion Council, Essien Idongesit; Head of Trade Information, Lagos office, Francisca Odega and ICT Consultant, John Obi, during the workshop on appropriate ICT Tools for export, in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

No Nigerian bank is in distress —CBN THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that no bank in the country is distress.

Tihis was contained in a statement signed by the apex bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor.

The statement read, “the attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to malicious rumours and unfounded speculations that some

banks in the country may have gone or may be going into distress.

“The CBN wishes to reiterate in the strongest terms that these rumours and speculations are untrue and do not reflect the actual health of the individual banks and, indeed, the entire banking industry.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the infusion of a new board and manage-

Financial report: eTranzact grows PAT by 73% Bt Paul Omorogbe

commence sensitisation of its members with details of the planned action as from last Monday, July 4, 2016.

The strike, according to a statement signed by the PENGASSAN Acting Gen-

At the event, Founder and CEO,eTranzact International Plc, Mr. Valentine Obi said, “We have experienced consistent growth in revenue and profitability over the last three years.

Key to our growth has been a renewed product and customer focus setting key performance indexes around user experience, platform stability and technology development, and we plan to continue doing this.

Speaking on the company’s performance for the period, Mr Felix Ohiwerei, who was re-elected as chairman of the Board, said, “As a company, we pride ourselves as one of the pioneer organizations in the business of electronic and mobile payment technology in Africa, and as such, we continue to hold ourselves to very

high professional, ethical, technical and operating standards. We remained resilient as we improved our business performance whilst managing the impact of various macroeconomic challenges.

ment for Skye Bank Plc is a proactive regulatory action meant to ensure that the bank does not continue to fail in its relevant prudential ratio. Neither Skye Bank nor any other bank in the industry is in distress.

“Therefore, the CBN would like to request the general public to ignore speculations or rumours to the contrary as they could only be the handiwork of mischief makers who do not mean well for the Nigerian banking system and its economy.”

The statement added that as the regulator of the industry, the CBN hereby reassured the banking and general public that their deposits remained safe in

any Nigerian bank.

“There is, therefore, no need for panic withdrawals from any bank. Going by both the CBN’s Examination Reports as well as analysis from market watchers, International Credit Rating Agencies, and Development Finance Institutions, the Nigerian banking industry remains strong in spite of the global economic challenges emanating from the collapse of global commodity prices.

“We therefore urge the banking public to remain calm and go about their normal businesses without panic. It is important that we do not create problems when none exists,” the statement stressed.

Heritage Bank MD explains support for young entrepreneurs IN its continued effort to create and preserve wealth andcurb unemployment among youths, Heritage Bank Plc in partnership with the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) has graduated 100 young entrepreneurs inthe CVL Young Entrepreneurship Training Programme (YETP) in Ajegunle, Lagos.The CVL is aimed at identifying young people, especiallyyouths in densely populated communities and putting them through a full year of train-

ing in small business management.

These young entrepreneurs who have beentrained in various skills such as catering, bead making, event management, fashion design, arts, hair dressing, shoe cobbling among others have alsoimbibed comprehensive business management and entrepreneurship skills thatwould equip them to be successful business owners. Speaking at the event.

The Managing Director/

Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, expressed appreciation to the founder of CVL, Professor Pat Utomi, for the initiative and implored thegraduands to reciprocate by making the best of theopportunity.

In his words, “we are attracted to CVL because we seek how we canharness entrepreneurial skills of people, reduce unemployment and fosterdevelopment of communities, like the Ajegunle community.

NEPC says value addition, organic farming can boost export of Nigeria’s nonoil products MR Macpherson FredIleogben of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said that value addition and organic farming are possible strategies that can boost the export of Nigeria’s non-oil products.

Fred-Ileogben, who is NEPC’s Trade Promotion Advisor and Export Assistant in Benin, made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Wednesday.

He said that these strategies were “necessary to enable Nigerian exporters know how to make their products acceptable in the foreign markets and earn more value for them.”

According to him, the government is looking at diversifying the country’s resource generation from oil to non-oil products.

“The government is also promoting the exportation of non-oil products because it is a way to boost foreign exchange earnings, conserve the foreign reserve and create jobs.

So, exporters and wouldbe exporters should key into this policy and generate more foreign exchange for the country and in the same vain strengthen the valve of the naira,” he explained.

The NEPC trade advisor said that value chain addition was, therefore, imperative to making Nigeria’s non-oil exports more competitive and acceptable in the international market.

“On the average, our products are up to standard but we have to do more so that they can compete well at the international market. The country needs to do more in the aspect of infrastructure, such as improving power, processing facilities, access roads and rail transportation to ease conversion of raw materials into semifinished or finished goods for exportation.

“This is because most semi -finished or finished products attract more value at the international market than products in their raw forms. If you are taking anything outside the country, we expect that the standard and packaging should be acceptable abroad,” he said.

He also advised farmers to adopt the emerging international trend in organic farming.

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editorial

R

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Noise pollution: The Lagos example

ECENTLY, in an apparent move to enforce compliance with the extant law on noise pollution in Lagos State, the Ministry of Environment and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) went after some perpetrators of dangerous and intolerable noise levels in the state. By the time that assignment was completed, 70 churches, 20 mosques and 11 hotels, club houses and beer parlours were sealed off for running afoul of the law. However, the ensuing controversy was very unsettling. The controversy was not hinged on the ignorance of the law, which could not have been an excuse anyway, but on allegedly selective and biased implementation of the law. The relative number of worship centres affected in the clamp down were showcased to buttress a trivial case of partiality.

It would appear that it is being suggested that notwithstanding the disparity in the levels of compliance with the law on noise pollution, there should be parity in the number of worship centres of Muslims and Christians sanctioned. Sadly, the infraction of the law by organisations which are supposed to be exemplary in guiding their members to be law-abiding became secondary. This, unfortunately, is a very dangerous trend that is fast gaining currency in the land today.

The Lagos State government is urged to continue its commendable pursuit of a noise-free Lagos by 2020. It should not succumb to blackmail by any individuals or organisations that are only interested in feathering their nests under the guise of serving God. Service of God under the Christian or Islamic faith should not imply noise making and constituting a nuisance to other people. There is no scriptural support for this. Solemnnity and sobriety in the conduct of services are even advised. Yet there are pervasive worship centres in residential areas in many cities in the country competing for noise making with blaring speakers and horn speakers mounted on their roof tops and or the fences. That is unacceptable.

Freedom of worship cannot possibly include acts that constitute health hazards to others. What is the objective of using musical instruments that could be

heard half a kilometre away in churches or mosques?

If it is to woo potential members/adherents, it is a wrong-headed strategy. Any noise level that is above the recommended 55 decibels during the day and the 45 decibels at night should be regarded as being purposely created to disturb and cause harm.

The productivity of the average Nigerian worker is already low, and that situation can only be aggravated if hearing impairment occasioned by prolonged or frequent exposure to dangerous noise levels is added to other factors. We therefore urge that, rather than waver in the enforcement of the antinoise pollution law, LASEPA should try to expand its scope and coverage. While religious worship centres that arguably created more noise nuisance particularly at odd hours could be the main focus, enforcement of compliance should be intensified at social gatherings where intolerable levels of noise are perpetrated. Social clubs in particular are known to release much noise through their loud speakers mounted strategically within communities to woo more patrons. Hotels and beer parlours, especially those that employ the services of disc jockeys that play from night till dawn, should come under the radar.

In addition, busy interstate motor parks in the city where blaring loud speakers unceasingly announce the destinations of vehicles should be covered. Mobile salesmen that mount blaring horn speakers on their vans should no longer have a field day. Experts have posited that the human ear is designed to process naturally occurring sounds but not well equipped to handle the high noise levels that are common today because such loud sounds seldom occur in nature. It should be stressed, therefore, that today’s advances in science and technology will not become a curse to humanity only if moderation is exercised in the use of its products.

Overall, the Lagos State government is on the right path with the new policy and this example is highly recommended to other states of the Federation where noise levels that are not environment-friendly still prevail.

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

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Survival of the fittest. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

On Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

I

T has become imperative to call the attention of the Federal Government to the precarious condition of the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway. The road is making life unbearable for its users on a daily basis.

The toll gate, Sango, Joju, Owode, Iyana-Ilogbo and Ifo axis of the road are in such terrible conditions.

People living in these areas never get home until midnight everyday.

Unfortunately, going through the Federal Government’s 2016 budget, this road was not part of the listed roads for rehabilitation. This is disheartening because the road has become a death trap as accidents occur there frequently.

It must be noted that the road is always busy, and it is a major link from Lagos to Ogun State. It is, therefore, important that the Federal Government takes

urgent action to rehabilitate the road before it collapses totally and becomes unmotorable.

However, as a palliative

ments.

Even the United States does not speak with Al-Qaeda and other violent Islamic groups when they seize its citizens. While many may be saying that speaking with the Niger Delta terrorists will help solve the problem of pipeline bombings, it will only shift our evil days forward. These militants will never allow peace to reign in that region; once they feel a government is not doing what they want, then they will return to blowing up oil installations.

I, therefore, feel that the Federal Government should look for another way through which it can bring about lasting solution to

ment finally awards the contract.

•Olanipekun Taiwo, 08035649558

FG, implement confab report now THE truth is that this country is structurally and politically defective; the ongoing bombings of oil installations, the cry for secession by the Igbo people, as well as the Fulani herdsmen’s

FG should talk with IPOB, MASSOB too IF the Nigerian government will talk to the Niger Delta militants, then it should also speak with leaders of the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as well as the Boko Haram militants, as what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

What I am saying in essence is that talking with the militants will only encourage violence in other parts of the country.

While I am not in support of war breaking out in any part of the country, I feel that it is not fair enough for government to be speaking with some disgruntled ele-

measure, the large companies located along this axis need to contribute towards rehabilitating the road before the Federal Govern-

these bombings.

Also, there is need for ethnic militias in the country to embrace peace. The violence being embarked upon by the NDA to press home their demands will never bring about any positive result.

•Tumini George, 09095687489

attacks on farmers in the Southern part of the country reveal why it is important for the Federal Government to implement the national confab report which we had during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.

This is the best time for the confab report to be implemented, as it documents how each region wants to be governed in the country.

If the Federal Government agrees to this, then it will go a long way in solving the myriad of problems facing the country today.

I hope President Muhammadu Buhari can give members of the National

Assembly the go-ahead to implement the confab report.

This government was elected on a popular movement, and it is also necessary for the same government to hearken to the yearnings of Nigerians on how we want to be governed.

Democracy is about respecting the wishes of the people. Even in the United Kingdom, the people voted to leave the European Union, and the government had no choice than to implement the wish of the people.

•Jimoh Mumin, 08034435211

Nigeria needs unity SOME people just like to talk of secession as if it is easy to divide the nation.

As someone who witnessed a civil war, I will never wish to experience such again.

Nigerians should sit down and talk about how we can develop the country.

I, however, don’t want Nigeria to disintegrate.

We are more respected and appreciated as a single country.

We are Africa’s biggest economy, and we are on course to become one of the top 10 economies in the world by 2030. The ongoing violence in some parts of the country is the only impediment towards achieving our glory on the international stage. I, alongside a larger percentage of Nigerians, want a united country.

•Tayo Ishola, 08062086668

Nigeria will be great DESPITE all the challenges we are facing as a nation, I know that our country shall be great. We just need to have the fear of God; we should seek the kingdom of God and every other thing will be added unto us. When we fear

God, we won’t cheat our fellow citizens; we won’t cheat our country of its resources, and we won’t work towards destabilising it for our own gain.

We all need to keep praying for Nigeria. It is just a matter of time before we

overcome our challenges, and when this happens, we will be unstoppable. Citizens of other countries will struggle to come to Nigeria, as our youths are currently struggling to travel to the United States.

Our country shall be

great, and that is very, very soon.

However, praying for our leaders to achieve success will go a long way in taking us to the promised land.

Pastor Israel Alabi, 08070928355

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opinion

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Towards achieving true federalism

By Paul Alaje

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federal system or Federalism refers to the mixed or compound mode of government, combining a general government (the central or ‘federal’ government) with regional governments (provincial, state, cantonal, territorial or other sub-unit) in a single political system. To an extent, an individual state in such arrangement is independent and it could legislate over its own residual list – as provided for in a Constitution, while the central government legislates over the federal exclusive list. The two governments – at the centre and at the state levels – would legislate over the concurrent list.

Nigeria became a sovereign state on October 1, 1960.

Civil leaders were ushered in under a federal system, but on January 16, 1966, there was an unprecedented military coup d’état which truncated the civil rule. With the emergence of uniformed men on the corridors of power, led by Gen. Aguyi Ironsi, there was the pronouncement that the country would no longer practice a federal system of government but a unitary one. A unitary state being one governed by a single power in which the central government is ultimately supreme and administrative divisions (sub-national units) exercised only the powers the central government choose to delegate to them. This was the case until Ironsi was overthrown and killed in another military coup on July 29, 1966.

The new set of dictators, led by General Yakubu Gowon, reversed the pronouncement and created 12 states on the eve of the Civil War. The nine-year Gowon administration witnessed huge volumes of oil production from the Niger Delta after the war. Again, that government was overthrown in another coup d’état. In between these coups was the reduction of the influence of state governments due to the long presence of military personnel at the helm of affairs, since the usual practice of military governments, whether it was federalism or the unitary system, was to have a central command centre which the subordinate states follow. Although we have left the unitary system, it seems to be only on paper as recent activities show that everyone still looks up to the centre for direction and funds.

Since oil was discovered in Oloibiri in the Niger Delta, the agriculture sector which requires a lot of labour engagement was gradually abandoned for the easier income from crude oil. Everyone became used to the national cake, and state governments found it more convenient to receive monthly allocations from the big brother at the

centre rather than ensuring development through several engagements in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, ICT, innovation and so on.

Unknown to us, year after year, the world was busy searching for substitutes for oil. It should be noted that global oil prices are susceptible to severe shocks due to several interests. Since our economy has been built on oil rent, we are now badly affected. It is common to see policy makers rant during price falls. In fact, political leaders, usually increase foreign trips to donors with begging bowls that leak due to ghost workers, corruption, an overbloated civil service, heavy wage bills of public officials, amongst others.

Presently, our state governments are broke and can barely pay workers’ salaries, with 21 out of 36 states now owing at least four months’ salaries, and some owing up to seven months’ salaries. In the South West alone, four out of six states are on strike due to unpaid salaries. Only Lagos and Ogun States are exempted. The North-Central states are not different as only one state has a clean record of salary payment. In fact, the Benue State government has just extended the weekend by one day in order for civil servants to work for four days and farm for the three other days. The South-Eastern states have their fair share as three out of five states do not have a clean salary payment record. The oil rich region has also demonstrated lack, with two states including Bayelsa government claiming that it does not have enough to pay salaries. In the North-West and East, at least seven out of 13 states have salary backlogs.

We have recently seen state governments approach the Federal Government for bailout. However, six months af-

ter, the begging bowl seems to have been emptied. State governments are in another round of application for bailouts. Clearly, something is wrong. The begging bowl is leaking. Most of our states are not productive. Two-third of the states cannot internally generate 20 per cent of the allocations received from Federal Government according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). They have poor IGR collection techniques characterised by a lot of leakages. States have to battle with their heavy payrolls for both civil and public servants. In most cases, no one remembers what is happening to infrastructure, as it is usually neglected.

Where did we go wrong and what is the way out? Rent seeking from oil revenue cannot save our nation. It comes with indolence and unwillingness to embark on genuine developmental programmes. It presents itself as free money. Thinking faculties often shut down when there is no need for competition and aspirations.

Governments across the country promised growth and development in coming into office, but much of the growth witnessed are those of joblessness. The fact is that we may not see genuine development if state governments keep running their programmes on the basis of federal allocations. The way forward would be fiscal independence – where states generate their fund and pay taxes to Federal Government. This will not only bring inclusive growth but also positive changes and healthy competition among states and regions. Until this is done, the poverty rate may remain 67 percent, and unemployment may remain in double digits. The job of the Federal Government would be to use fiscal policy to encourage regional development.

True federalism cannot be achieved without fiscal inclusion. To move forward as a nation, we must consciously build inclusive growth which guarantees jobs. States or regions and local governments must be the platforms for income generation and policy direction. The Federal Government should receive lifelines from its components and not vice-versa (particular in terms of revenue generation). With these, politicians without plans for genuine development will stay off public office. If they find their way in by hook or crook, I am sure their people will not return them to office. This is because the power of the people is stronger than the people in power.

•Alaje, an economist, can be reached via p.alaje@spmprofessionals.com

Before our IDPs starve to death

By Ahmed Oluwasanjo FEW months ago, the news that our internally displaced brothers and sisters were returning back to their homes, after Nigerian troops had recaptured their towns and villages as part of territories formerly under the control of Boko Haram – the deadly terrorist group that has killed over 20,000 people and left close to two million persons displaced in North-Eastern Nigeria, came to many of us as a pleasant one.

More touching were pictures circulating on social media of hordes of jubilant children, surrounding some soldiers and taking selfies as IDPs cheerfully return to their homes. In the words of Gimba Kakanda in a media post, “The recent images of happy ‘returnees’ posing for selfies with their liberators, the soldiers, were the most beautiful symbols out of Nigeria since 2009, the year the terrorist cult became an uncomfortable menace from a carelessly managed face-off with the security operations in Maiduguri.”

Kakanda is spot on. That picture brought many of us relief and gave us a sense of triumph over the blood sucking terrorists group – Boko Haram. Sadly, just a few months after that wonderful event, other horrid pictures and reports coming from the Bama IDPs camp, are pointing to the fact that there are legions of demons more deadly than insurgents, lurking therein.

A report published in online newspaper on June 18 read that, “Boko Haram victims dying of starvation as Borno officials steal relief materials”, reveals that “Thousands of IDPs in over 20 camps around Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, are left hungry as officials enrich selves from the sales of diverted food meant for IDPs…” And, “The theft is not restricted to food items alone, medical drugs, toiletries, beddings and wrappers have been diverted to the market and sold by greedy officials.”

The fallout of this heinous act of some saboteurs is what Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF), an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation, reported thus: “…In Bama

new graves are appearing on a daily basis. We were told on certain days more than 30 people were dying due to hunger and illness. Since 23 May, at least 188 people have died in the camp – almost six people per day – mainly from diarrhoea and malnutrition.”

From these reports, one would have an insight into the unending agonies and miseries of IDPs, as it seems that they have escaped death in the hands of insurgents, only to be starved to death by some group of wicked official kleptocrats, cornering their provisions. It’s so sad.

For “188” deaths – mostly children – to have been recorded within a month in the Bama IDPs camp that is not under armed siege, we should be highly alarmed that the number of children dying as a result of severe malnutrition is almost six times more than the deaths recorded in Madaya, a Syrian town under siege, where local relief workers reported 32 deaths from starvation within a month, according to Reuters.

Of course, raising an alarm now cannot bring the dead IDPs back to life. However, it can prod those responsible for their welfare to swing into action to save prospective victims. Besides,

if the singular death of Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian boy who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea in September 2015, could trigger international lamentation, we ought to be more worried that an average of “six children” die daily in the Bama IDPs camp, just because some blood sucking officials are helping themselves to the food and relief materials meant for IDPs. To be candid, saboteurs who divert food and relief materials meant for IDPs have simply continued the act of terrorism from the point where Boko Haram stopped, and they must be apprehended and duly prosecuted. In addition, those who want us to believe that deaths in Bama IDPs camp are unconnected to malnourishment and starvation but to the “torture and hunger” that some of the rescued IDPs earlier suffered in the hands of their captors, would possibly need to have their heads examined. Because, if the rescued IDPs could survive the “torture and hunger” suffered in captivity, then wouldn’t it be logical for us to conclude that the hunger and malnutrition in Bama IDPs camp has been far more severe than the hunger and torture in Boko Haram’s den?

Still, before the last IDP in Bama and other IDPs camps die of hunger, it would be apt to remind the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration that while fighting insecurity and rescuing IDPs from insurgents and raising funds for their welfare are greatly charitable acts, yet the failure to tackle the wilful acts of sabotage involved in the diversion of their food and relief materials, leading to the starvation of these IDPs to death, would amount to one of the worst forms of humanitarian betrayal, and complicity in their mortalities.

President Muhammadu Buhari should no longer hesitate in ordering a probe into the causes of the starvation and deaths in the Bama IDPs camp to apprehend those behind the criminal diversion of the provisions meant for the extremely vulnerable.

•Oluwasanjo can be reached via ahmedoluwasanjo@gmail.com

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Femi Olukunle Coordinating Editor 08158610216

FG seeks consolidation of ties with India Jacob Segun Olatunji-Abuja THE Federal Government has assured that it is doing everything possible to ensure that its bilateral and trade relations with India are consolidated for the benefit of the two countries.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelama, stated this in Abuja during the launching of Association of Chambers of Commerce India - Nigeria Business Promotion Council and the investiture of a Nigerian-based Indian national Biju Koshy as the chairman of the organisation.

The minister pointed out that since Nigeria was the most important economic power in Africa while India was Asia’s business destination hub, the setting up of the organisation in Nigeria was very timely, as it came at a period when Nigerian government was implementing several reforms aimed at diversifying the economy to free it from over dependence on oil.

According to him, “this is timely, it is coming at a period when the Federal Government is implementing several reforms aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy to free it from over dependence on oil; this will be of great benefit for both countries.”

While declaring the event open, the president of the association, Sunil Kanoria, disclosed that the group was one of the oldest industrial associations in India with over 450,000 members and had so far opened branches in 10 countries in Africa alone.

Kanoria said the association was established to serve as catalyst and facilitator for Indian businesses abroad through policy advocacy especially in favour of small and medium enterprises which he said were the driving forces for economic development of any nation.

Nigerian railway coach.

Excess passengers: FG to consider more locomotives, coaches for Abuja-Lokoja route Tyavzua Saanyol-Abuja

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HE Federal Government is set to purchase more locomotives and coaches for Abuja-Kaduna rail route in order to accommodate large number of passengers who continue to patronise it.

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amechi, who reacted to the high patronage, said that the number of passengers using the route was already more than the capacity of the available coaches.

He said: “From what we saw, the number of passengers boarding the rail outlives the number of coaches available.

We have about four coaches that have the capacity to carry about 380 persons, but right now, more than 380 persons have been boarding those coaches.”

The minister said there was the need to

buy more locomotives and coaches when the programme was properly flagged off.

It will be recalled that the minister

US donates 160 metric tonnes of seeds to IDPs Christian Okeke-Abuja THE United States (US) government, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), delivered over 160 metric tonnes of seeds (maize, sorghum, millet, groundnut, and cowpea) to over 6,000 households in Adamawa and Borno states in June.

More than 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDP) in the local government authorities of Madagali, Michika, Gombe, and Fufore of Adamawa, and Kaga of Borno benefited from this effort, according to information obtained by Abuja Xtra.

Minister enlists women’s support for fight against substandard products MINISTER of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, has urged women in the country to sup-

port the fight against substandard products.

She emphasised the need for the coun-

FCT secretariat ordered to account for two-year revenue Christian Okeke-Abuja SOCIAL Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administrational has been ordered to account for all the revenues accrued from a cinema and all the shops it has administered for two years.

The administration also ordered immediate closure of the cinema hall following the perceived poor accountability by the management of the complex.

Permanent Secretary for FCT, Dr Babatope Ajakaiye, gave the order for the closure when he paid an unscheduled visit to the complex.

The secretariate, like its counterparts, has remained without a Secretary since the current Federal Government came to power, leaving its administration in the

hands of career civil servants, with myriads of challenges.

During the visit, Ajakaiye vowed that the administration would audit the revenue accruable from the cinema and all the shops administered by the Secretariat in the last two years.

He said that the administration would also probe the lease agreements for all the shops with a view to ascertaining that all monies collected were duly paid into government coffers.

The Permanent Secretary lamented that the administration could not account for the revenue coming from the complex.

“The cinema hall that is said to have been leased out is now closed down with immediate effect. We are going to check the agreement that was signed very thoroughly,” he said.

flagged off the test-running of the project weeks ago, and it has been free ride for many moving on that corridor.

try, as the largest economy in Africa, to take the lead in issues of standardisation in the continent.

The minister made the call at the 4th African day of standardisation, an annual event organised by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Abuja with the theme, Women Empowerment and Development towards AU Agenda 2063.

According to her, the role of women in economy goes a long way to affect even the choices of their households in terms of the products they buy.

The minister further called on manufacturers to endeavour to patronise the various product certification schemes offered

by SON to ensure quality of their goods.

In his address, the acting Director-General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Paul Angya, acknowledged the importance of women participation in economic activities in the society and enjoined them to support the fight against substandard products.

He also urged government to patronise made-in-Nigeria products in procurement processes.

It was gathered that the USAID collaborated with the Adamawa State Ministry of Agriculture, the American University of Nigeria’s Adamawa Peace Initiative, and the Borno State government to ensure the distribution ahead of this year’s planting season.

“These distribution efforts are literally sowing the seeds for recovery and resilience of IDPs,” said Michael Harvey, who is USAID/Nigeria Mission Director.

He noted that by working with the Nigerian government and other partners, USAID played an active role in helping the Northeast realize its full potential.

USAID supports several humanitarian, transitional, and longer-term development activities in Northeastern Nigeria, totalling $133 million in collaboration with the Nigerian government at the federal, state, and local levels.

Current and forthcoming activities target to improve governmental capacity and performance, strengthen food security and provide services for IDPs.

Crew

1. Christian Okeke chidiabujatribune@ yahoo.com 08030947856 2. Clement Idoko idokoajiga@yahoo. co.uk 08034412281 3. Kolawole Daniel kolawoledaniels@yahoo.co.uk 08030763782 4. Adetola Bademosi gloriaadetola@ gmail.com 08182214290 5. Collins Nnabuife chideraacollins@yahoo.com 08039521408 6. Ajayi Joseph syntacticjoe@yahoo.com 08107754190 Abuja Xtra email & GSM: abujaxtra@ gmail.com 08054501406

17

Thursday, 7 July, 2016 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

Again, stakeholders seek support for projection of Yoruba language

By Adewale Oshodi

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EVIVING the dwindling fortune of the Yoruba language was once again brought to the fore recently in Ibadan when a Canada-based Nigerian, Rotimi Osuntola, launched the audio version of the books of the late Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa.

At the event, which was held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, were language and cultural stakeholders, who emphasised the need for parents to pass the language on to their children.

In his opening remarks on the occasion, the initiator of the project, Rotimi Osuntola, said he was bothered by the fact that Yoruba sons and daughters find it hard to read Yoruba literary works.

“We have great Yoruba literary works that can enrich our lives as Yoruba people, but due to the fact that we don’t value our language, we are neglecting some of these works and the values they teach.

“That is why I took it upon myself to read the works of the late literary genius, D.O Fagunwa, for the benefit of those cannot read in the language. I did this work in partnership with Evans Publishers, which has the right to the print copies.

“The project wasn’t that easy, as some other people had even approached Evans with the same idea, but I was able to include different sounds in mine to depict the situation being read at a particular time. With this, I got the attention of Evans, and the result of that is the presentation we are having today,” Osuntola said, while commending the efforts of the late managing director of the publishing firm, Mr Wale Olayaawo, who he started the project with three years ago, but passed on last year.

While also speaking, the managing director of Evans, Alhaji Lukman Dauda, who was represented by Mr Femi Anifowose, commended the project by Mr Osuntola, admitting many people no longer have the time to read the books, but with this, they can enjoy books at their leisure time.

“Apart from not having the time, many can’t also read Yoruba fluently, so this is a great opportunity for all Yoruba sons and daughters to enjoy the works of the late D.O Fagunwa,” Alhaji Dauda said.

Also in his remarks, the Coordinator of the Centre for Yoruba Engineering, University of Ibadan, Professor Kola Owolabi, lamented the fact that Yoruba parents are no longer passing on the language to their coming generations.

“Parents now prefer to speak only in English to their children, and as a result, the Yoruba language is suffering; sooner than later, a language that is not being passed to the coming generation will die.

“However, stakeholders have come to-

•From left, Mr Femi Anifowose of Evans Publishers; the initiator of the project, Mr Rotimi Osuntola and one of the coordinators, Pa. Kolawole Ajakaye, during the public presentation of the project. gether to ensure that the language continues to thrive, because in it are cultural values that should be sustained.

“So what we are doing at the Centre for Yoruba Engineering is to find the Yoruba names for some English items like ipads, computers, chandeliers, pinging, chatting, among others.

“We want Yoruba children to be versatile in the language, so that they won’t be mixing it with English words, and that is what we are currently doing.

“We have also been able to produce car-

toons in the Yoruba language, and this is interesting to our kids, but unfortunately, we are being supported by Igbos in producing the cartoons; I hope more wealthy Yoruba sons and daughters can also partner with us in this area,” Professor Owolabi said.

For Chief Dipo Gbenro, the policy of the Oyo State government which makes it compulsory for students of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, to study the Yoruba language as part of

their General Studies, is a step in the right direction.

“I hope the government can also apply this policy to all primary and secondary schools in the state, while other states in the South West can also embrace this policy.

“Our children need to understand the language from their early years, as it becomes difficult for them to pick it up when they are older,” Chief Gbenro said.

A professor of the Yoruba language from the United States of America, Professor Moses Mabayoje, charged Yoruba parents to project their language.

“When you tell your children to speak in English, you are not projecting the Yoruba language, but suppressing it at the expense of the English language.

“Our language is just so rich, particularly in the area of respect for elders, and we can’t just lose that because we want our children to speak in English.

“Studies have also shown that children who are fluent in their mother tongues can be fluent in other languages, so why are we relegating our language to the background? Our culture is the only thing that distinguishes us from people from other parts of the world, and no matter how fluent we are in English, we can never be English people, we can only be Yoruba,” Professor Mabayoje said.

Meet Dr Olajide, a dentist with passion for books PASSION is in-built, and that is why Abimbola Olajide, though a dentist, has fallen in love with with the world of books.

Born 35 years ago in the Oyo town, but had her early education in Ibadan, before proceeding to the University of Lagos where she bagged a degree in dental surgery in 2001.

While the passion for dentistry still remains in her, her love for books is already taking much of her time; as it is now, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Book Affairs, a concern dealing mainly, as the name suggests, with books.

Dr Olajide says as a young child, she always had a passion for books, and most of the time, she was either always reading or writing. She always had a note pad around and was always scribbling down something; she wrote down her thoughts, wrote articles on topical issues, faith issues and whatever came across her mind.

This love for reading and writing is what has today given birth to Book Affairs. In her words, “reading and writing go together.”

Today, this is the passion which she wants to pass on to the younger generation. She says she wants to make books accessible to people at affordable rates.

According to her, :”I have always loved

•Dr Abimbola Olajide the printed word; even while in dental training, when we had to rely on a lot of online journals, I would rather go for the printed copies.”

She says that a lot of people still want to read but in the battle for priorities is hindering them. This is the vacuum which Book Affairs seeks to fill by making books available and affordable.

She, however, admits that presently, the reading culture is poor, compared to what obtained in her days. In those days, she says, children took pleasure in reading

and always wanted to read and exchange books, but nowadays, they prefer to watch TV, forgetting that reading is an art and involves putting the imagination to use. It is in her words, “imagination set in motion.”

According to Dr Olajide, today’s youths don’t want to do intellectual work and this, to a large extent, has led to the decadence in the society. There is too much concentration on recommended texts.

People don’t bother to study encyclopaedias, or even read newspapers any longer.

In the pursuit of her passion, Dr Olajide says she is motivated by the need ignorance presents. She says she sees a lot of ignorance all over the place and is trying to rectify the situation by encouraging people to read .

According to her, a lot of information is derived by reading, and I am always impressed by people who have open-minded, analytical minds.

In her line of business, Dr Olajide says she encounters some challenges, but efforts are on towards solving them, particularly the problem of funding.

However, on the long term, Dr Olajide is also thinking of setting up a reading society, with the aim of capturing people with a passion for reading.

18

arts&review

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Remembering the late literary genius, D.O Fagunwa

By Femi Kehinde

E

VERY town or community has its shining stars that would etch the name of the community or town in the heart of the people, for example, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Ikenne; Samuel Ladoke Akintola’s Ogbomoso; TafawaBalewa’s Bauchi; Goodluck Jonathan’s Otuoke and William Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon Avon, United Kingdom and Fagunwa’s Oke-Igbo.

Daniel Orowole, later (Olorunfemi) Fagunwa, was born to a family of Christian pioneers in Oke-Igbo, in the present day Ondo State, in 1903, Aderinsoye Ologbenla, an Ooni-elect, who had reigned in Ile-Ife for eight years and continued in this capacity until his death in 1893, was a scion of the Giesi ruling house, Ile-Ife. His name was Aderinsoye, but popularly called Derin. The short form of his name, Ologbenla” is one of his praise names, meaning-”a person who inflicts heavy wounds.”

After Derin Ologbenla’s army, in his war expedition, had conquered the Ondos, he left Ondo to pitch his army in OloriIgbo, seven miles to Ondo. Later, his army decided to found a town, in memory of their conquest and chose the present OkeIgbo site, where they first passed their fateful night; “let’s move to this hill in the bush.”(Oke Igbo).

Oke-Igbo is a hilly and thickly-forested environment. Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa

•The late D.O Fagunwa attended St. Luke’s Primary School, OkeIgbo, from 1916 to 1924 and then taught there afterwards, as a pupil teacher for a year. He then trained as a teacher at St. Andrew’s College Oyo, from 1926 to 1929.

He was the foundation Headmaster at St Andrew’s Practising Primary School, Oyo from 1930 to 1939. It was in Oyo that his writing skill blossomed, most especially in folk philosophy, which draws heavily on folk tale traditions, including supernatural elements, gnomes, witches, wizards and Yoruba hunters who were usually his heroes.

He pioneered Yoruba language novel and remains the most widely read Yoruba

language author and major influence on other writers like Amos Tutuola, author of “ThePalm Wine Drinkard.”

In 1938, he entered a literary contest with his first major work- “Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo in irunmale” which was widely considered to be the first novel written in any African language. The Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, translated this book into English Language in 1968 as “The Forest of a Thousand Demons.”

His later works include “Igbo Eledumare” (Forest of God) in 1949, “Ireke Onibudo”(The Sugar Cane of the Guardian)in 1949, “Irinkerindoninu

Book Review: Understanding the lessons of ramadan A review of Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke’s book, Ramadan: The Great Teacher by Olusakin Babalola.

RAMADAN, The Great Teacher, in its face value, looks like a book exclusively for Muslims. However, in-depth study of the book reveals that it takes care of the interest of all faith. Even atheists who read it will accept the supremacy of God Almighty, whose messengers stressed beyond reasonable doubt the essence of fasting in human lives. The 16-chapter book examines many interesting topics like, How Islam Entered Nigeria, Who Is a Godly Person, Religion and Politics: The Inseparability Factor.

Chapters that dwelled essentially on the Islamic faith are: Ramadan, the Chief Lecturer, Rajab and Dhul Hijaah: The Link, The Mosque: The Users and Societal Development, The Role of Arabic Language in the Society, Ramadhan Blessing: Potentials Yet to be Tapped, among others.

Unlike William Shakespeare who authored so many dramatic and poetic works, Olagoke uses prose to convey his message to his readers who cut across all strata of the society. He has authored so many books apart from those rooted in his faith. Olagoke, who is currently a Chief Lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, is also a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering Practice in Nigeria (COREN).

The author starts by tracing Islam in the North and the South West, while using the management of Islam in Ibadanland as an interesting case study.

On pages 75 to 77, the book focuses on Ramadan: The Month of Knowledge and Mercy, as the author remarks: Allow Ramadan fasting exercises to achieve a desired aim for you and your society, allow your sensory organs to be functional, alert, sensitive and active.

Ensure functional system is enhanced.

Live a life of mentorship and charity, exemplary enough for others to follow.

Professor Olagoke points out that one of the objectives of fasting is to correct people’s behaviours or attitudes, particularly in the spiritual realm.

Like Christians and believers of other faiths who also dwell on fasting and prayer as tools against all life challenges, the author says on page 80, “we can only overcome problems, obstacles, barriers or have victory or success over is-

sues through sincere fasting exercise, attitudinal change and prayer.

Ramadan is, therefore, designed to correct, teach and promote adherents as problem-solving to establish and justify its period as the month of knowledge and mercy.

He puts many case studies for readers on which to brainstorm. He also does not overlook the fact that religion and politics are like siamese twins. On page 169, he writes: religion is about life; politics is about survival, hence the inseparability.

Religion is inalienable to mankind.

We cannot separate politics from religion that provides an environment for divine intervention.

In “Theo-Democracy: A New Political Concept,” the author points out that the alignment between religion, man and politics is the solution to the impending peril of mankind due to his frivolity and waywardness.

Professor Olagoke, who has his first degree in Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, makes use of equations in analytically discussing democracy and the two environments of secularity and divinity. In his words, religion and education must produce the ethical guide for functional democracy.

Democracy, on the other hand, is justice plus equity in an environment of secularity; this is, therefore, ethicallyguiding for the leaders in democracy to embrace peace, development and security.

The book explains everything one needs to know about fasting, particularly in the holy month of ramadan, as well as the lessons to learn therein.

Igbo Elegbeje” (Expeditionto the mount of thoughts) in 1954 and “Adittu Olodumare.” (The Secrets of the Almighty) in 1961. He was also writing Part two of “Adittu Olodumare” which he called “Ireola Olodumare” (Experience in the Land of the Almighty), before his demise.

Unfortunately, nobody could trace the manuscript after his passage.

Writers are usually strange people. In the course of writing the book, Fagunwa, like a mystic, had to look for a bush path.

He left Oyo town and moved towards Ibadan road. Somewhere along the road, he created a path, through a bush, to a very big tree, which was so huge, that one could not see sunrays under the tree. He brought a small table, a chair and books underneath the tree to begin writing his first novel- “Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irunmale.”

Fagunwa did not know that opposite the bush path he created, there was a woman selling yam and other things in a kiosk. He did not know that the woman was suspecting that he was not a human being. He used to come out of the bush to buy yam and returned there. The bush path did not lead to anywhere. The woman then contacted some hunters and villagers to search the bush. God saved him, the period they came was when he had gone to buy yam; otherwise, they would have searched the place and could have killed him. He was returning to the bush after buying yam when those men stopped him.

They asked him where he was going and where he came from; he said he told them story about himself. They asked- “you say you are writing a book, is it in the bush that writers work?” They followed him inside the bush and behold, they saw a chair and table and books on the table.

They asked him where he originated from, he told them that he was the Headmaster of St. Andrew’s Practicing School, Oyo; that was how they spared him.

Fagunwa, in his active writing years, had very little time to himself, even though he was married to two wives.

He used to get up in the night and drive out. He went to cemeteries and other places, sat there and thought of what to write with an expectation that perhaps a spirit would come up and say something to him.

His Personal Assistant/ Confidant, Anthony Olajide Fayemi, an indigene of Ile-Ife, recalled that if you travelled with Fagunwa from Ibadan to Lagos, when there was not much traffic gridlocks, you could spend several hours on the road…

Why? He never went straight to his destination.

If a rabbit ran across the road, he would ask the driver to stop, he would check where it passed and ask what it meant if a rabbit came from the left side of the road to the right side. He would query himself.

If it was a bird, he would stop, and if the bird flew or ran somehow, he would have something to put down.

Fagunwa was always constantly researching and writing. He died in 1963 after an accident at a river in Niger State, and he was buried at the cemetery of the St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Oke-Igbo, his home town on the 10th of December, 1963. His body did not disappear as it was speculated.

•Honourable Kehinde was a member of the House of Representatives, Abuja.

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

education

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

YABATECH donates patrol van to Nigeria Police

A brand new Toyota SUV recently donated to the Nigeria Police by the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos

Industrial crisis looms at DELSU As ultimatum for payment of salaries, promotion arrears expires today Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

T

HE one-week ultimatum given the Delta State government to pay arrears of promotion exercises carried out in 2014 and 2015 as well as May and June salaries of workers of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, expires today (Thursday July 7, 2016).

Staff unions of the university, comprising the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-DELSU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU-DELSU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU-DELSU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT-DELSU), had held a press conference on June 29 in Abraka, calling on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to stop the segregation of DELSU workers and pay their May and June salaries as well as their 2014 and 2015 promotion arrears.

The chairman of ASUU, Professor Abel Diakparomre, who spoke on behalf of leaders of the other unions, said the situation among workers was unacceptable, wondering why workers at the institution were singled out for “deliberate financial strangulation” while other workers in the state are being paid regularly.

He bemoaned the pathetic state and gloom the institution had been thrown into owing to governments’s refusal to pay the May and June salaries as well as the promotion arrears.

The ASUU chairman had warned that if the backlog of salaries and the promotion arrears were not paid within a week, academic activities, especially the examination, which is supposed to commence this week, might be affected, as the unions would resort to “Plan B.” The Plan B, according to the workers, could include boycott of duty posts, since they have run out of money to transport themselves to work and discharge other responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Dr Okowa, had shortly after the unions’ statement, said the state was finding it difficult to pay salaries owing to a dip in the state’s allocation from the Federal Government and the activities of pipeline vandals in the state.

The unions, however, warned against possible brain drain, warning that if the situation persisted, lecturers could be lured outside the country to seek greener pastures.

“This ugly trend may lead to brain drain as many lecturers and other workers have threatened to relocate to universities abroad in search of conducive working conditions.

“Today, many (workers) earn less than their current status as professors because those who have been promoted since 2014 still receive salaries of lower ranks that they were.

“Arrears are being owed from 2014 till date,” he noted.

Unease over appointment of rector at FEDPOLY Offa Biola Azeez - Ilorin ACADEMIC Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, and the polytechnic community have urged the federal government to announce a substantive rector for the institution without delay.

There was tension on the two campuses of the polytechnic at the weekend over delay in the appointment of rector.

Tribune Education gathered that while members of the local branch of ASUP and other unions were rooting for one of the three recommended candidates from the interview conducted on March 21, 2016 for the post of rector, a group that calls itself Concerned Group said the exercise lacked credibility.

The development had made ASUP members and the polytechnic community to urge the Federal Government to announce the substantive rector without delay.

Speaking with journalists on the mini campus of the polytechnic at the weekend, the branch chairman of ASUP, Dr Sola Adeniyi, wondered why the Federal Government was foot-dragging in announcing the rector.

“The question is: what is the basis for the lethargy on the part of the Federal Govern-

ment in announcing the rector? ASUP has spoken, NASU has spoken, SUG has spoken.

All other voices are noises, and the Federal Government should in the interest of peace and industrial harmony at the polytechnic should stop listening to the noises.

“We wish to reiterate that the process that produced the three recommended candidates from screening, shortlisting and interview are credible. Due process was followed and the results are acceptable to us.

“The interview was conducted by chartered professionals and experts; and chaired by the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Education. The executive secretary of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), two representatives of the Federal Character Commission, two democratically elected representatives of the academic board of the polytechnic and representatives of all other relevant agencies concerned were on the panel of the interview.

“The interview panel has done a good job.

As such, the exercise has been variously described as credible, free and fair. One of the three recommended candidates has been acting in the capacity of rector since February since 2016. Apart from her impressive credentials, she has been acting creditably well.”

YABA College of Technology (YABATECH) has donated another brand new four-seater patrol van to the Nigeria Police to improve security of life and property on the campus and oil the partnership between the two organisations.

Handing over the vehicle to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, last week, YABATECH rector, Dr. Margaret Kudirat Ladipo, said the gesture was to further boost security on campus and support the Nigeria Police in securing the college.

“YABATECH is located in a very hot spot; but for your support and camaraderie, it would have been pretty difficult securing this campus in view of its situational circumstances. We thank the Nigerian police for the support in time past. Our appreciation goes to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police for the assistance in time past.

“This is a federal institution and people come in and go out of the College en-masse on daily basis, yet the College is surrounded by hordes of gangsters from every angle. We thank God for the peace we daily have, and we thank the Nigeria Police too for the support they extend to us”.

Receiving the fully air-conditioned vehicle fitted with siren and police head lamp, the deputy commissioner of police, SCID, Panti, Mr. Abiodun Ogidan, thanked the college on behalf of the IGP, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, for the gesture.

He said, “We are happy and challenged.

This is a peculiar gift because this is the first Corporate Social Responsibility gift the new IGP is receiving. We will let him know that YABATECH has done this for us.”

He promised on behalf of his team of officers from the SCID to continue to support the college.

ABU launches e-Learning MBA programme Naza Okoli - Lagos AHMADU Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has launched an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, with examination centres in Lagos, Abuja and Zaria, a statement issued by the university last week has said.

According to the statement which was signed by the Director of ABU’s Distance Learning Centre, Professor Adamu Zoaka Hassan, the programme was designed to allow students to attend lectures without coming to the physical campus, as lectures would be “available electronically on both the web platform and mobile devices”.

He added that the programme can work even offline to give the desired flexibility needed to study at the pace of the students.

He said: “The admission process is also fully electronic and is done on the website from application to payments, to course registration, to lectures. You do not have to submit physical forms or cash, everything can be done digitally on the website. This is the e-learning revolution where learning is brought to the comfort of the students.”

According to Hassan, each student will be provided with a device to allow them to “watch lecture videos, take quizzes, submit assignments, interact with their lecturers and classmates, download and upload assignments, and have access to an endless collection of books from the e-library.”

education Over 10,000 schoolgirls participate in 2016 Mathematics Olympiad 20

Clement Idoko, Abuja VER 10,000 secondary school girls drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory took part in the national stage of the 2016 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad for Girls (PAMO-G).

The competition is to select students to represent the country in next year’s Pan African Mathematics Olympiad for Girls.

President of the African Mathematical Union and director/chief executive officer of the National Mathematical Centre, Professor Adewale Solarin, who spoke at the event in Abuja, said the competition was aimed at dealing with the inherent phobia associated

O

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

with Mathematics and the sciences.

He added that competition, which was initiated by

the African Mathematical Union (AMU), was also to elicit and sustain the interest of girl students in the

subject.

The AMU president stressed that as a result of the obvious gender bias

in Mathematics and the mathematical sciences, the union evolved the competition to strengthen the

Etisalat holds seminar on healthy environment for Kano students Naza Okoli, Lagos SECONDARY school students in Kano have been urged to “imbibe the culture of environmental safety”.

This was the central focus of a seminar organised

by Etisalat Nigeria to mark the 45th edition of the annual World Environmental Day, with the theme ‘Driving Nigeria’s Environmental Health’.

The one-day event took place at the Government Girls’ College, Dala, Kano State, one of the telecoms company’s adopted schools.

In her opening remarks, the Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Etisalat Nigeria, Oyetola Oduyemi, said the occasion was a reflection of the company’s commitment to the development of the nation.

“This celebration is to create awareness on the state of our environment and also to drive positive environmental action, to protect and preserve our planet. This is of utmost importance as some parts of our nation are prone to desertification, deforestation and drought,” she said.

A keynote presentation on the ‘Environment and its Health Significance’ was given by the Mary Elika Foundation (MEF), an Abuja-based non-governmental organisation.

The Strategy Manager of the Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Adikwu, urged the students to “take up the challenge of becoming environmental ambassadors with goals to safeguard the environment against unwholesome activities that are threats to its sustainability.”

From left, Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju; participants of ‘Indomie Team Yourself Up’ Students Competition, Jim Ihemadu, Miracle Igwe (both of Chris Mercy Academy, Ojo); Co-ordinator, Indomie Fan Club, Mrs. Faith Joshua; and Marketing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Girish Sharma, at the ‘Indomie Team Yourself Up’ competition exhibition held at Dufil Prima Foods Plc HeadOffice, Surulere, last week Wednesday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

teaching and learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to develop a critical mass of young female scientists in sub-Saharan Africa.

The competition, which began in 2014, is in the Junior and Senior categories. The best girls in each state of the federation will be crowned Mathematics Queens, while the African Queen will subsequently emerge at the continental championship.

Meanwhile, the National Mathematical Centre has expressed commitment to producing adequate high level manpower in statistics to fill the obvious gap inherent in that area of study.

Professor Solarin stated this at the closing ceremony of a one-week workshop on ‘Fundamental Statistical Skills for Postgraduate Research in Abuja’.

A statement by the Head, Information of NMC, Mr Onyekachi Njoku, quoted Solarin as urging participants to apply what they learnt from the workshop in their respective careers.

Samsung, Softcom, Mountain Top University partner to implement MLS

By Bode Adewumi SAMSUNG Electronics West Africa, alongside one of its Information Technology partners, Softcom, has collaborated with Mountain Top University to implement a Mobile Learning Solution (MLS) for teaching and learning within the university.

This collaboration will see Samsung and Softcom make available learning applications and tablets to the university, while providing the security component that enables the university to enforce school policies on the tablets and still ensure that students have access to relevant educational content.

Mountain Top University recently admitted its first 300 students into its undergraduate programmes.

Speaking on the collaboration, the vice chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, said: “It is very important to us as an institution of higher learning to offer only the best to our students, and

what better way can we do so than to introduce the mobile learning programme at the inception of this institution?

“Mountain Top is an ICTdriven institution, and we are glad to have the opportunity to collaborate with the big players in the technology industry on the project.”

In his remarks, direc-

Lack of political will bane of Nigeria’s educational development Hakeem Gbadamosii, Akure LACK of strong political will has remained the biggest problem dogging Nigeria’s education system.

This was the submission of some speakers at a conference held at the Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo, Ondo State with the theme: ‘Restructuring the Nigerian Educational System for Global Best Practices and Poverty Alleviation’.

Speaking during the lecture, the chairman of the occasion, Mrs Titi Akinsiku, noted that political will is imperative towards the collective development of the nation’s education.

Mrs Akinsiku noted that the Nigerian education system had constantly metamorphosed from the 6-5-4 to 6-3-3-4 in 1982, which was replaced with the 9-34 educational system, so as

to meet the developmental needs of the nation.

She attributed the unstable educational system to lack of political will and inconsistent government policies in the nation’s educational system.

“To me, these are matters of semantics. The problem bedevilling our educational system in Nigeria is not nomenclature or just playing around semantics but a hydra-headed issue called lack of political will,” she said.

The chairman, alongside the keynote speaker, Dr. Olusola Adesina, from Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo State; the lead paper presenters, Dr. Afolabi Oluwole from the Department of Educational Administration, ACE; Professor Kehinde Taiwo, the dean, Faculty of Technology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-

Ife all enjoined the government and stakeholders to invest more in education.

“In restructuring our educational system to meet our future needs in Nigeria, there is the need to

back up the existing structure with a strong political will. This will make it more productive and effective.

Political will involves real and serious investment in education.”

tor, Business to Business, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr Olumide Ojo, said, “through the mobile learning programme, the university is able to enforce school policies on the device of students by permitting access to only educationally relevant content per time.

“This programme also guarantees time reduction in continuous assessment, easier class management, easy access to learning materials, and real-time collaboration by students from any location amongst other advantages. We are confident that this will change the face of learning in Nigeria.”

Varsity administrators urged to embrace ICT Laolu Harolds ADMINISTRATORS in Nigerian universities have been urged to embrace the application of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to remain relevant in the 21st century.

Former registrar of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Mr. Ayorinde Ogunruku, gave the advice while delivering the first Annual Registry Lecture of the Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

Speaking on the topic, ‘University Administration in an Emerging De-

mocracy’, Mr. Ogunruku said that the universities in an emerging democracy must design ways of tackling under-funding, increase in population of students and staff without corresponding increase in infrastructure.

He stressed that university administration in the 21st century must design student-friendly procedures, and warned that any university that fails to give quality education to its students would lose out in a competitive democratic society where free market enterprise determines choices.

Earlier in his welcome ad-

dress, the registrar of the university, Mr Omololu Adegbenro, described Registry as the hub on which the wheel of university administration revolves.

According to him, the success or failure of any university depends, to a large extent, on the competencies and otherwise of its registry staff as the custodians of university rules, regulations, culture and ethics.

He said the need to make Elizade University a worldclass institution prompted him to organise the lecture barely four years after the establishment of the university.

education Afe Babalola cautions against government interference in varsity administration

21

Laolu Harolds

E

MINENT jurist and proprietor of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola, says that Visitors to Nigerian universities (president for federal and governors for states) have no constitutional powers to sack a vice chancellor without referring the case to the governing council of such university.

He also said it is improper to appoint chairmen of governing councils of universities on political basis.

Afe Babalola made the declaration in Ado-Ekiti last week while delivering the 21st Convocation Lecture of the Ekiti State University.

In his 54-page lecture entitled ‘University Administration: The Role of Stakeholders’, he reminded Visitors to universities that the process of appointing vice chancellors is through the governing councils of universities, and that Visitors should always permit governing councils to handle the discipline or otherwise of erring vice chancellors.

He maintained that the

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

procedure for the appointment and removal of vice chancellor should be in accordance with the university’s Act, and wondered why some Visitors to Nigerian universities sidetrack the governing council to sack vice chancellors when gov-

erning councils are on the ground.

Babalola strongly recommended that the appointment of pro-chancellors should never be on political basis or through political parties; neither should prochancellors see their ap-

pointment as an avenue for making money, but to make positive contributions to the development of education.

He cited several constitutional provisions and university Acts as well as court rulings to back up his argument.

Aare Afe Babalola also advised vice chancellors to familiarise themselves with the laws of the university and do their job without fear of favour.

Dignitaries at the event included traditional rulers, stakeholders from the edu-

A leading manufacturer and marketer of frozen and nonfrozen dairy food products, FanMilk Plc, recently donated a new bus to the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The company, which has been in operation in Nigeria since 1963, has been active in giving back to its host communities in Oyo and Lagos states.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony which took place at the FanMilk factory premises in Eleyele, Ibadan, the Managing Director, Mr. Hans Pedersen, said “FanMilk Plc is pleased to be contributing to the development of Eleyele. In 2013, we constructed culverts for the community.”

He added that as an environmentally responsible company, FanMilk Plc is committed to international best practice in waste management.

“FanMilk upgraded its Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to international standard.

All the liquid waste from operation processes is treated before being discharged,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony was Mr. Abam Caesar,

Etisalat launches e-Learning App for school children Naza Okoli - Lagos

From left, provost, Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, Dr. Oyebade Emmanuel Olusegun, presenting the key of a brand new bus to the Students’ Union President, Mr. Mosaderin Mutiu Adewale; while the managing director, FanMilk Plc, Mr. Hans Pedersen, watches, at the FanMilk Plc premises in Eleyele, Ibadan on 14th June 2016.

FanMilk Plc donates bus to Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan

By Tunde Ogunesan

cation industry, vice chancellors of many universities as well as members of the public.

Corporate Communications Manager, FanMilk Plc, who explained that the decision to donate a bus to the educational institution was as a result of discussions between FanMilk Plc, the school’s management and Student Union.

Receiving the key to the

brand new bus, the provost of the college, ……, said, “We express our heartfelt joy for the donation of this brand new bus which will be used by the Student Union. We have had a good relationship for some time with FanMilk. Today’s donation marks a milestone.

We are truly grateful.”

The Student Union President, Mr. Mosaderin Mutiu Adewale, also corroborated the provost, saying the donation showed the commitment of FanMilk to the college.

Also as part of its CSR, FanMilk Plc has started a pilot project with the Lagos

State government to reduce the impact of plastic waste products on the environment.

It also partners with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment on its Climate Change programme, which it has been supporting for the past three years.

Government carpets educationist over comments on Lagos schools However, a statement tion); Quality of Provision registered. Although, many Naza Okoli, Lagos

THE Lagos State government has described as “unfortunate, self-serving and reckless” statements credited to the Proprietor of First Islamic English Foundation Academy, Lagos, Prince Mohammed Mansur Williams, in which it was alleged that “most private schools” in Lagos State were “mere recreational centres.”

Mr Williams’s comments, which were contained in an article published recently in a daily newspaper (not Tribune), also alleged that there were often some underhand dealings between prospective proprietors and officials of the state Ministry of Education.

issued by the assistant director, public affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji, said the allegations were intended to “cast aspersion on the image of the ministry.”

It read in part: “Lagos State is arguably the only state that has an agency dedicated to education quality assurance with offices in all local government areas.

“The office is responsible for quality-assuring and grading of public and approved private schools below tertiary level in a 3-year cycle, using Outcome for Learners (achievements & standards, learners personal skills & participa-

(teaching &learning, curriculum & other activities, care, guidance, &safety and learning environment) and Impact of Leadership and Management as criteria.

The results are manifest in the performance of our pupils and students in national and international competitions.”

Reacting to the proprietor’s claim that many private schools were owned by “either an ex- or dismissed (member of) staff of the ministry of education,” Ogundeji said there was no law against ownership of schools by former members of staff.

“Lagos State has over 12,000 private schools, out of which over 4000 are

that are close to satisfying the criteria for registration, there is no doubt that there are also those that fall short of the standard for registration. These challenges are, however, receiving due attention.

“While no one is saying that ex-ministry officials don’t own schools and no known law excludes them from doing so, the question to be addressed here is how many of the schools in the state belong to them to justify the sweeping generalization.”

Mansur Williams had described the state of education in Nigerian schools as poor, saying few schools could boast of quality education.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS company, Etisalat, last week launched an e-learning programme specifically designed for primary and secondary school pupils between the ages of eight and 16.

The internet-enabled application, known as Cliqlite, offers schoolchildren unlimited access to a wide range of reading materials.

Speaking at the launch which was held in Lagos, the chief executive officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Matthew Willsher, said the new product would combine normal academic work with fun and entertainment in order to capture and sustain the interest of young people.

He said: “The product is an innovative service that supports education and learning. It gives both students and parents access to educational materials not just on the tablet but also on any internet-enabled device.”

Willsher said the initiative was in line with Etisalat’s vision of supporting efforts geared towards providing quality education to all children.

He listed other programmes undertaken by the company to include Adopta-School Programme, Etisalat Telecommunications Engineering Postgraduate Programme (ETEPP), Career Counselling and Merit Awards.

Also speaking, Ifeoluwa Oyeyipo, manager, Teen Segment, said Cliqlite offers a bouquet of NERDC (Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council)-approved education materials such as textbooks and instructional lessons on different subjects, past questions from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and IGCSE and interactive games.

“Cliqlite has been a huge break with testimonials of success among students.

We wanted to expand the scope to enable millions of students who have other internet-enabled devices access the product and enrich their learning experience.

“By this, we are using what they love to give them what they need, which is quality education,” she said.

22 education

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Aregbesola renews call for use of mother tongue in schools As TOFAC 2016 kicks off at RUN

By Laolu Harolds

T

HE need for Africa and Africans to rediscover themselves, look inwards and adopt homegrown solutions to their problems was central to the various interventions by speakers at the opening of the 2016 Toyin Falola International Conference (TOFAC) on Africa and African Diaspora, hosted by the Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.

In his address at the event on Monday, entitled ‘Africa Must Look inwards’, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State said it was regrettable that Africa “is more a mystery to Africans than non-Africans.

“Continental Africans,” he said, “are hardly conscious of their ‘Africanness, and therefore take their identity as Africans for granted.”

Indeed, he noted, “it is this ignorance of ourselves that fuels the discrimination and negativity” that Africans consistently suffer on the world stage.

He commended as apt the choice of the theme of the conference, ‘Africanity’, which he said is about the distinct African identity and Africa’s contribution to humanity in the face of increasing marginalization of the continent in global events.

Aregbesola recalled, with pains, that Africa, some centuries ago, was at par with the best Europe had to offer in science and metallurgy; yet today, not only has the continent regressed; it gleefully consumes what others produce.

But the continent can retrace its steps, he said.

“Our mineral resources should be developed to feed our industries, instead of feeding Europe

and American industries.

Our education should be reviewed. Our educational institutions should be made to produce graduates equipped with life-sustaining skills and ready to stand on their own, instead of looking for jobs.”

More than anything else, the governor emphasised the need to reconsider the language of instruction in Nigerian schools. Nigerian children are not being taught in their mother tongues, “and it’s destroying them,” he said.

Nigeria, he said, should borrow a leaf from the Japanese and the Chinese, who teach in their native languages and are making phenomenal progress in science and technology.

TOFAC is an annual conference in honour of renowned Nigerian historian and professor of African Studies, Professor Toyin Omoyeni Falola, who is currently the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin, United States of America.

The keynote speaker at the event was Professor Nimi Wariboko, professor of Social Ethics, Boston University, USA. In his brief remarks, the honoree, Professor Falola, described the vice chancellor of RUN, Professor Bayo Adeyewa, as a “very progressive vice chancellor.”

According to him, the objective of TOFAC is being fulfilled, “which is to elevate the profile of the university where we host it.”

Four individuals were honoured with awards at the event for their outstanding contribution to Africa and Africanity.

These are Professors Akinjide Osuntokun, who was given the Nelson Man-

dela Award; Jide Owoeye, who got the Kwame Nkrumah Award for Service to Africanity; Oluyemisi Obilade, who got the Thabo

Mbeki Award for Leadership, and the keynote speaker, Nimi Wariboko, who got the Alli Mazrui Award.

The TOFAC plaque was

later transferred to the vice chancellor of Redeemers University, Professor Bayo Adeyewa (from Pretoria the immediate past host), who

will keep it for the next one year, when it will be transferred to the Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, the next host of the conference.

Activities pick up at FUNAAB REGULAR activities have fully picked up at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with the announcement of the pre-admission screening exercise for the 2016/2017 academic session.

This follows the suspension of an industrial action embarked upon by members of the three nonteaching staff unions in the university – the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU), under the auspices of the Joint Action Committee (JAC).

A statement from the university’s information unit

stated that issues bordering on welfare are being resolved, while productivity bonus has been granted to staff.

It also stated that advertisements to fill existing vacancies for various positions have been published, and encouraged relevant staff to present additional qualifications, when such qualifications are acquired, “for lateral conversion, subject to approved budgetary provision.”

It also said that the process for the 2016 conversion exercise, which commenced earlier in the year, would be concluded within the shortest period of time; while provision for others would be made appropriately within the 2017 budget.

These are some of the schools that Education Tribune has discovered and also found worthy to entrust one’s child for qualitative education and character building.

If we find more of these standard schools anywhere in the country we shall publish them for parents to make their informed decisions on the best school to send their wards.

If you are interested in this publication as a proprietor of school, you can contact Laolu Harolds On 080111845016, or Kehinde Adio on 08051000572

23

Thursday, 7 July, 2016 Editor:

health

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

Sugar: Should we eliminate

it from our diet?

Sugar is a basic nutrient that cells in the body need to keep alive. In this report by SADE OGUNTOLA, experts caution that its moderate consumption and increased level of activity are important to ensure wellness

neutralise its effect, said Dr Tolulope Adewole, a consultant chemical pathologist and Executive Director, Pathcare Laboratories, Lagos.

He declared that what is not known is who has malfunctioning insulin or has a poor production of insulin since individuals have different genetic predisposition to diabetes.

Nonetheless, Dr Adewole said, people need to be cautioned not to take excessive free sugar.

But the source of sugar that we eat is much more than from free sugar. All foods, whether rice, beans or bread, are broken down into sugar in the body.

“So, in essence, the amount of food consumed is as important as cutting down on intake of sugar as well as avoidance of refined sugar like fizzy drinks,” said Dr Adewole.

Food labels contain only information on total sugars per serving, and tell us nothing about added sugar. It is therefore almost impossible for consumers to determine the amount of added sugars in foods and beverages.

The American Heart Association recommends that women should consume no more than 100 calories (six teaspoons) a day from added sugar, while men should consume no more than 150 calories (nine teaspoons) a day from added sugar.

S

UGAR seems to have developed a reputation as being bad for health.

Numerous studies have associated sugar intake with increased ageing, tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, obesity and even cancer.

Such research has led to health experts calling for reductions in the recommended sugar intake, with some saying individuals should cut out sugar completely.

But sugar, a simple carbohydrate that comes in many different forms such as sucrose, glucose, lactose, and fructose, is one of the nutrients that keep the cells of the body alive.

In March 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published new guidelines recommending that adults and children alike reduce their consumption of free sugars to less than 10 per cent of their total energy intake, with further reduction to below five per cent associated with additional health benefits.

The WHO is worried that consumption of free sugars may cause people to eat fewer foods that contain “nutritionally adequate calories” and increase total daily calorie intake.

What is sugar?

Free sugars include glucose, fructose and sucrose added to foods and drinks, as well as those naturally present in syrups, honey and fruit juice. However, it does not apply to sugars found naturally in fresh fruit, vegetables or milk.

But is it really that bad for our health?

Should it be eliminated from one’s diet?

Being aware of the existing and added sugar contents of the foods and drinks consumed is vital for health, especially today that so many products have sugar added to them. However, free sugars are better avoided by persons with diabetes as well as those predisposed to diabetes, said Dr Adebowale Adewunmi, a consultant nephrologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

But it is even difficult to say the amount of sugar those without diabetes should take in a day. He said: “Sugar is an energy source and, as such, the caloric or energy need of an office worker is far lower than that of an artisan.”

While an artisan will burn the sugar off faster than an office worker, he said “for a diabetic, no matter the level of activity or exercises that is done, the sugar stays in the blood unused and will continue to rise.”

Why individuals should monitor

sugar intake A persistent high level of sugar in the blood is poisonous to the body and, overtime, leads to complications such as poor vision, kidney failure and so on.

Consumption of sugar, Dr Adewunmi said could also be age related.

“The level of production of insulin by the

I usually advise that anybody who is above 40 years should not be adding sugar to their food

pancreas, the hormone that helps the cells to absorb sugar from the blood, reduces with age. So, some elderly people do not have effective insulin production and they must cut down on their sugar or stop its consumption.

“I usually advise that anybody who is above 40 years should not be adding sugar to their food. Rather they should use a natural sweetner like honey.

“Even for those that are not diabetic, there is a tendency for sugar problem from age 40. That is when type 2 diabetes begins to show up even in people without a family history of diabetes.”

Moreover, Dr Adewunmi said a past epidemiology study found an increased incidence of diabetes when a soft drink manufacturer was doing a promo. With the cork of the soft drink, its manufacturers said consumers had the chance of winning a million naira.

Sugar can be a part of a healthy diet and when one’s pancreas works well, it would

Added sugar consumption far too high How much sugar is in some common everyday foods and drinks? Most soft drinks contain about 8.25 teaspoons of sugar; bananas contain approximately three teaspoons of sugar (fructose); a medium slice of cake contains approximately three teaspoons of sugar and a scoop of Ice cream contains three teaspoons of sugar.

Tips to reduce added sugar intake: •Purchase sugar-free or low-calorie beverages •Try cutting back on the amount of sugar personally added to food and drinks, such as pancakes, coffee and tea •Avoid fruit canned in syrup. Instead, go for fruit canned in water or natural juice •Add fresh fruit to cereal or oatmeal instead of sugar •Add spices such as ginger to enhance foods instead of using sugar •When baking cakes, cut the amount of sugar used by one third to one half •Try non-nutritive sweeteners- such as aspartame or saccharin - in moderation.

SEX, SEXUALITY&YOUR HEALTH

NATURAL HEALTH

Eating garden egg reduces weight by 42 per cent—Study Page 26

The sensual parts of a woman’s body Page 26

24

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

Confession – I am an agent of darkness

M

Y name is Glaucoma. I am a child of the universe. I don’t really know my birthday, but every second Thursday of March, I am celebrated all over the world. I am told this is to make everybody aware of my presence and the devastation I could cause.

People really need to be aware of me because I am very dangerous. It isn’t my fault and I cannot do anything to stop it.

I wish I could because I know what grief I have caused a lot of people.

People seldom give their secrets away.

Even doctors, as much as they have tried, know very little about me. They’re working hard at it and soon they will find my innermost secrets. But I feel for you and I am sorry for the numerous cases of blindness and visual impairment that I have caused. I would like to help you, if you would allow me, by letting you into some of my secrets because I don’t want you to go blind.

I am an agent of darkness; a silent thief of vision. If I enter into anyone’s eyes, I gradually replace light with perpetual darkness. I cause no pain or discomfort so my landlord is completely unaware of my presence in his eyes until I have done a great deal of damage. I steal your vision even before you know you have provided me a place of abode in your eyes!

Take the case of Ojuri, a 35-year-old man. He was slapped by his neighbour.

His lawyer asked him to bring a medical report so that he could sue for assault. He went to see his ophthalmologist who revealed my presence. It was found, to his dismay that I had become entrenched inside his eyes.

He was nearly blind in one eye and the other was more than 50 per cent gone.

Let the ophthalmologist, like a well-trained detective, search your eyes at every turn for me when you go for eye examinations – once a year if you’re below 40

I could hear the doctor tell him that the damage was unrelated to the affray.

I smiled to myself as he asked him to thank his neighbour instead of suing him.

Do you know that more than four million people have me, Glaucoma, inside their eyes? Two million of these don’t even know!

My friend, named Malaria, is easier to deal with. His presence is heralded by fever, malaise, headache and other recognisable signs. Everyone knows as soon as Malaria gets inside you. They can easily “cure” it with tablets or injections but you cannot get rid of me that way! I am too strong for that!

Have you met a “bold face” thief before?

You see him; a hefty man and you ask him “What are you doing in my house?” He replies that he has come to rob you and clear all your possessions. That’s me! You are helpless against me. You can’t drive me out like you do to Malaria.

You are stuck with me for life and any part of your vision that I have eaten up is lost for ever.

They have tried tablets and eye drops to weaken me and stop my exploits. Often they succeed for a while and I relent in my destruction. Sooner or later I am able to wriggle out. Then they try something new.

They’ve tried their knives on me too, carving out channels in the eyes for me to flow

out with the fluid. It doesn’t always work with me.

Now, let me tell you some of my secrets so that you can keep your vision for as long as you live. Imagine the powerful Samson giving Delilah the secrets of his strength!

Use it to the fullest and to your advantage.

First, I like to stay within families. So if one of your parents has already given me a place of abode in his eyes, I may find your eyes even more suitable than theirs.

Secondly, I love the eyes of diabetics and hypertensives. Thirdly, I have a preference for those who are above 40 years of age but if you are below 40, I may find your eyes attractive enough to want to install myself in your young and palatial residence.

Remember, I live quietly and obtrusively in people’s eyes, stealing their vision.

The only way you can catch me is to be on the lookout for me.

Let the ophthalmologist, like a welltrained detective, search your eyes at every turn for me when you go for eye examinations – once a year if you’re below 40 and once in two years if you’re above.

Let the detective check for signs of my presence when you change your glasses and at every opportunity that may come your way. And if they find me in your eyes, follow your doctor’s advice. It may keep you sighted for the rest of your life.

Dr Abayomi Ajayi

ivf &you

The procedure of IVF

By Dr V. D Ajayi Continued from last week

TIME needed for IVF There is usually no need to be admitted in hospital for IVF. From commencement, after carrying out the relevant basic tests, a series of ultrasound scans leading up to egg collection, embryo transfer and the pregnancy test may take between four and six weeks.

Success rates Over five million babies have been born worldwide from IVF since 1978 when Louise Brown the first IVF baby was born. IVF does not work all the time however it has a good success rates depending on certain factors.

One of the factors that affect success rates is the woman’s age. Younger women generally have higher success rates than older women using their eggs so the earlier women embark on IVF, the better their chances of success.

Average success rates are about 40 to 50 per cent. IVF success rates are even higher than natural pregnancy rates which are

about 20 per cent per month. There are other factors that affect success rates for example the condition of the inside of the woman’s wombs, the man’s sperm quality etc.

Risks of IVF It is generally a low risk procedure and

The couple would usually be advised to avoid intercourse during the two weeks you are waiting for the pregnancy test after the embryo transfer

info@nordicalagos.org

0700 6673422

generally goes well but like anything in life there are risks. Risk of the ovaries over reacting to the IVF drugs and causing some problems are possible but this is easily preventable in most cases and this condition called ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) is better prevented than treated. Risk of injuries to organs during egg collection can be prevented by ensuring qualified and trained personnel carry out the procedure and under ultrasound guidance.

There are risks of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy just like in naturally conceived pregnancies. Risk of multiple births is higher in IVF for example twins, triplets etc however this can be controlled by limiting the number of embryos transferred back into the womb.

Any Dos and Don’ts?

Healthy living, healthy diet, moderate exercise, avoiding alcohol, cigarette smoking, stress around the time of your treatment are beneficial. The couple would usually be advised to avoid intercourse during the two weeks you are waiting for the pregnancy test after the embryo transfer.

The woman should also avoid other

strenuous activity, swimming, hot baths or sauna but can usually resume normal daily activities 48 to 72 hours after the embryo transfer. She should generally take things easy the first 24 hours after the transfer.

Are IVF babies normal?

Yes, very normal. In fact they may even more intelligent because usually they come from the best egg and sperm of their parents.

Donor gametes Sometimes it is not possible for the woman or man to produce eggs (for example due to age) or sperms (for example due to azoospermia) for use in IVF. They may use eggs and sperms from other people.

These are called donor gametes (donor eggs and sperms).

Surrogacy Sometimes a woman’s womb may be absent or be able to safely carry a baby till delivery. She may ‘rent’ a womb from another woman in a special arrangement called surrogacy. This must be legally and ethically done.

25

healthnews

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Fidson set to reward brilliant kids with Astymin brilliance reward

From left, Dr Michael Sanusi; President and Chief Executive Officer, Babcock University Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Professor Karma Adeleke, Dr Seyi Oyesola and Dr Kunle Iyanda at the media briefing.

Why FG should prioritise heart problem enlightenment, treatment— Don

By Sade Oguntola

P

RESIDENT and Chief Executive Officer, Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre, Babcock University Hospital, Ilisha-Remo, Ogun State, Professor Kamar Adeleke has asked the Federal Government to prioritise awareness creation and access to treatment of cardiovascular disease, the major cause of deaths in adults, to boost the country’s life expectancy.

Adeleke who spoke at a media facility tour to the Centre in Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, said that the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, include heart problems, were factors that ensured countries like USA and Cuba had a life expectancy of 80 and 78.7 years, respectively.

Adeleke, saying that Nigerians need not travel abroad to treat heart conditions since the centre now carries out such treatments on a daily basis, declared that the

centre was also opening five more centres across Nigeria to further boost access to care of these conditions.

According to him, “Nigerians need to know that we have these facilities and that people need not die from cardiovascular conditions. Now, only few Nigerians can travel abroad to get treated.”

The expert, noting that prevention of cardiovascular disease was key rather than its treatment, said “people need to know of this number one killer; it is very common.”

According to him, “one of its strongest drivers is undiagnosed and untreated hypertension, which affects nearly one in two Africans over the age of 25.”

Adeleke assured that facilities at the centre were state of the art, adding that the centre had achieved 98 per cent success rate in all the surgeries it did.

While the centre had provided subsidised or free treatment in the past, he said its sustainability now

requires that people pay fully for their treatment.

For those that couldn’t afford the cost of treatment, he said the Tristate Heart Foundation had been established, with its mandate including fund raising to augment payments for treatment of indigent patients and awareness creation on cardiovascular diseases in the community.

Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, a paediatric and adult congenital cardiologist with the centre stated that 75 open heart surgeries had been performed by the Centre since January, 2014.

He added that hole-in-the heart was a major heart problem in children while blocked blood vessels and bad valves in of the heart were the biggest problems in adults.

Majekodunmi declared that currently in Nigeria, bad heart valves are only reparable at the centre.

Chief Operating Officer, Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre, Dr Olukunle Iyanda, noting that cost of

Communication gap cause of attitudinal problems in medical staff – CMD LASUTH Newton-Ray Ukwuoma – Lagos

PROFESSOR Wale Oke, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), has blamed poor communication as the cause of the attitudinal complaints levelled against health workers in Nigeria.

Oke disclosed this during an in-house training for the medical staff of the institution with the theme “Attitudinal Change for Effective Service Delivery’’ at the teaching complex in Ikeja Lagos over the weekend.

Oke who said that the objective of the trainings

was to improve on the operational efficiency of the staff, lamented that the gap between patient and staff communication has robbed the medical practices badly in the past and was an aspect that needed to be addressed in order to reposition the health sector.

“We need to improve on the services, most especially in the conduct and delivery of qualitative healthcare to our patients. We have had some complaints in the past from our patients in the service rendered by some staff; so we need to correct this imbalance; we need to discharge our duties as profes-

sionals on the job without leaving no room for lapses.

“About 90 per cent of attitudinal problems associated with medical staff are caused by communication gap,” he declared.

Speaking about the strike action embarked by resident doctors, Oke, said that the hospital had experienced high influx of patients as a result of resident doctors’ strike adding that it was an uphill task attending to all the patients.

“LASUTH was able to cope with the influx through the cooperation of the consultants who were ready to handle the emergencies.

treatment at the centre was same with that in countries like India, urged for government policies to ensure sustainability of cardiac care in Nigeria.

That government could reverse medical tourism, he said, would require creating an enabling environment for organisations like Tristate Heart and Vascular Centre that had shown their commitment and competency to thrive.

According to Dr Iyanda, such things as payment of withholding tax when services are rendered to government establishment should only be applicable to construction firms.

He also urged that the government ensure health insurance cover all Nigerians, adding when funds are pulled together; it brings down the cost of heart treatment.

RIDING on the success of previous editions and its impact on children’s academic development and performance in the last five years, Fidson Healthcare Plc. is set to commence this year’s edition of its flagship children academic reward programme Astymin Brilliance Reward. The annual event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the Grange School, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

The programme, which berthed in 2010, is aimed at developing the mental and academic performance, while rewarding hard work and academic excellence amongst Primary School pupils, through special acknowledgment and provision of educational materials.

This year’s programme will witness the convergence of the very best graduating pupils from over 200 private and public schools across the south-west and Southeastern region, as well as parents, teachers and stakeholders in Nigerian educational system. The kids will be recognised and rewarded with certificates of excellence and valuable prizes.

According to the General Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc., Mr Ola Ijimakin, this year’s edition is an evidence of Fidson’s unrelenting commitment to supporting the kids in all their academic endeavours, through its Astymin brand, in line with the corporate brand promise of valuing lives.

“Like we have always emphasised, the ABR is our attempt to bring back the glory days of our education

by throwing our weight behind the children’s drive for academic excellence.

This is another season of delight for the kids who have worked so hard and perform exceptionally in their academics; but for us as a brand, it is another day of celebrating excellence”, he said.

Expressing concern over the dwindling reading culture amongst teenagers and youths in Nigeria, and the untamed passion for fast money, fame and interests in social or political affluence, for which academic excellence has been traded, Ijimakin explained that Astymin Brilliance Reward is one of the ways the company is partnering with government and other well-meaning stakeholders to develop the country’s educational system.

“We believe it is better to catch them young and put them on the right path to success. Therefore, Astymin will continue to take the giant stride in rewarding brilliant primary school kids in a way that will motivate them to stay focused on their studies, believing that merit and hard work can still be rewarded”, he said.

Explaining the rationale for the event, Ijimakin noted that Astymin Brilliance Rewards is the brand’s biggest and most prestigious event.

He further explained that Astymin brand supports various school programs in primary schools. Every month, there is an Astymin Genius of the Month.

Essentially, students in primary schools in Lagos state write an essay on a topic agreed upon by their teachers.

Ministry embarks on HIV/STIs sensitisation in Alimosho communities Newton-Ray Ukwuoma – Lagos

FOLLOWING research results by AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria (APIN) in February 2016 ranking communities in Alimosho Local Government Area at the top of councils with the highest number of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Lagos, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development has embarked on a sexual reproductive health prevention sensitisation campaign in Alimosho communities.

The sensitisation campaign with the theme: “Know Your Status: AIDS is Real” began with a walk on Human Immune Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections (HIV/STIs) prevention awareness from Abesan Housing Estate

in Ipaja-Ayobo to the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat last Tuesday.

The ministry’s commissioner, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, who led a team comprising health workers and members of staff of the ministry on the first sensitisation walk, said the prevention campaign was crucial.

Addressing members of the community, she enjoined them to know their statuses by visiting medical centres within the state as well as to abstain from unprotected sexual intimacies by using condom.

Akinbile-Yussuf, who described HIV as a significant public health challenge especially among the youth, said, “Even if you test positive, it is not the end of the world, the

best thing is to seek medical advice at the early stage. Then you will be counselled and guided on how to live a healthy life as it is not the disease that kills, but the virus which gradually affects the immune system of the infected person. You know the immune system is the body’s natural defense against illness. So without it, one becomes vulnerable and that is what leads to death”.

Also speaking, the Sole Administrator of MosanOkunola LCDA, Mr Rotimi Ogunwuyi, who reiterated the prevalence of the disease in Alimosho, commended the ministry for its efforts.

The sensitisation walk was followed with free HIV test at Ipaja-Ayobo Youth Friendly Centre.

26

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

natural Eating garden egg reduces weight health by 42 per cent—Study

By Sade Oguntola

B

ESIDES being touted as a natural anti-ulcer recipe, experts are asking weight watchers to eat more of African garden egg, a fruit that can help with maintaining a good weight and cholesterol levels in the body.

In a new study, researchers at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, found that inclusion of the fruit in one’s diet can ensure a significant reduction in weight gain, They found that eight per cent supplement of two different types of Solanum aethiopicum and Solanum macrocarpon, two common types of African garden egg, caused 54.24 per cent and 42.24 per cent weight gain reduction respectively in tested rats.

In addition, it also ensured stability in blood glucose level, thus suggesting that the fruits can be used to mitigate weight gain, obesity and type II diabetes.

However, they suggested that the observed stability in blood glucose level was because of its dietary fibre content, the indigestible portion of plant foods.

Fibres help to normalise blood glucose levels by slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach and by delaying the absorption of glucose following a meal. It also increases insulin sensitivity.

Also, by slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach, it promotes a sense of satiety, or fullness, after a meal, which helps to prevent overeating and weight gain.

The 2016 study published in the World Journal of Nutrition and Health involved Opeyemi Christianah Emiloju and

Shalom Nwodo Chinedu.

They investigated the effects of dietary supplements of two African eggplants, Solanum aethiopicum and S. macrocarpon, on weight gain and glucose metabolism in rats.

Weight gain, blood glucose and liver glycogen levels of the rats were determined after 28 days.

African eggplants, Solanum species, have been described to have beneficial effects and

potential uses in reduction of weight gain and lower blood cholesterol level as well as in the treatment of several ailments such as pains, asthma, and glaucoma.

In fact, researchers at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, suggested that eating African garden egg is better at reducing blood cholesterol than apple and oat. It

was published in the 2005 edition of the Pakistan Journal of Nutrition.

A high level of blood cholesterol level, more particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart disease.

According to their observation, garden egg plant significantly reduced weight gain in those rats that eat this fruit compared with those that had oat and apple in both the mid-term and full-term studies.

The experts linked the health benefits of eating foods like garden egg to its effectiveness at boosting the level of High plasma HDL-cholesterol, the good cholesterol.

They stated that it may be beneficial since studies have unequivocally established an inverse relationship between HDL-cholesterol and incidence of cardiovascular diseases like stroke.

Previously, expert in a study indicated that garden egg could be used for the treatment of stomach ulcers. The study, according to the 2011 Journal of the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine found that African garden egg to be a cheap source of natural anti-ulcer remedy.

Even though garden egg is generally said not to contain huge amount of protein and other nutrients, it is low in sodium, low in calories and very rich in high dietary fibre.

It is also high in potassium, a necessary salt that helps in maintaining the function of the heart and regulate blood pressure.

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com

The sensual parts of a woman’s body AROUSING a woman can be considered an art; the methods vary for different women and there are always new ways if you are creative. Seductive moves range from stroking their ears to gently massaging their thighs; however, there are some erogenous zones which dominate others.

Note that it is not very hard to be creative in the bed, especially when you know which parts of the body to explore.

places among the most sensitive parts on the female body. There are ways to utilise them to their maximum potential.

Cupping a breast in your hand while gently touching or licking regions around the nipples will slowly stimulate the body.

Then turn your focus to the nipples by holding it with your lips and rubbing it with your tongue. Studying your partner’s reaction can help you judge the nuances that work for them.

Ears The ear is covered with abundant nerve endings and is one part of the body that experiences the least amount of physical contact in a day, which adds to its intrigue.

It would be wise to start slow by gently exploring the shape of the ear before caressing the earlobe with your lips. Slowly combine these moves and penetrate the ear with your tongue to both surprise and pleasure your partner. Low guttural sounds or whispers are another way to leverage this sensitive part.

Lips There is a reason why couples find it imperative to kiss because it is not just some romantic convention but a stimulation of the countless nerve endings on the lips.

This can cause secretions that affect the

Clitoris The clitoris is a part of the woman’s body that is custom made for pleasure. The slightest touch can set it off, and it is important to understand just how much it sgets your partner going. Gently work it with two fingers or your mouth, varying the type of motion and speed to see what she likes. It is important to be gentle and even use lubrication if needed.

whole body and make you feel good.

Kissing, however, is only one of the ways to exploit a lady’s lips. The tongue, teeth and fingers can also be used to induce the same secretions in your partner. Sim-

ply brush those lips while catching your breath!

Nipples Nipples are one of the most well–known

Inner Thighs These are extremely sensitive to touch and are best stimulated gently with the tongue or fingers. Down here, blowing over parts that are moist is another way to excite your partner. Caressing the thighs will increase the flow of blood to the genitals and will make oral sex that much more pleasurable, if done simultaneously.

27

Thursday, 7 July, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

u

ntil Monday 27, June 2016, there was relative peace in Abia State, even as some politicians in the state harboured bottled anger resulting from the fallout of the Supreme Court ruling that favoured the embattled Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

But dramatically, the order by the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should issue a Certificate of Return to Uche Ogah forced many Nigerians and even passive politicians into guessing who becomes the authentic chief executive of the state.

The Abuja court had held that Ikpeazu did not possess the requisite qualifications to contest the election as governor, as he did not furnish credible evidence of payment of tax to the state government. The court ordered INEC to issue the Certificate of Return to Ogah, who came second in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries as the elected candidate and governor of Abia State.

Some legal experts claimed that Ikpeazu ceased to be the governor of the state on the day Justice Okon Abang gave his judgment. Both Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Chief Femi Falana (SAN) belonged to such school of thought.

The Senior Advocates went further to state that Ikpeazu’s filing of a Notice of Appeal could not stay execution of the judgment, as INEC acknowledged the receipt of only the Notice of Appeal. President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), Olu Omotayo, said the arguments of the two legal giants are in order.

Omotayo told Nigerian Tribune that his organisation believed that the order of the State High Court, Aba, thwarting the execution of the judgment of the Federal High Court was not only ridiculous but a shame to the judiciary.

Now that the Chief Judge of Abia State has not been seen since June 28, Oguntayo said, the option is for the most senior judge to take over the functions of the Chief Judge. He alleged: “It is our submission that with the disappearance of the Chief Judge of Abia State for almost a week and without any communication to the National Judicial Council headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, he is unfit and incapable to perform the duties of his office by virtue of Section 271(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended). Section 271(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) states: ‘If the office of the Chief judge of a State is vacant or if for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the person holding the office has resumed those functions, the Governor of the State shall appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court to perform those functions.”

According to the right activist and lawyer, “There can never be a vacuum. The most senior Judge in Abia State High Court should save the state and the nation from the looming anarchy and swear in Uche Ogah as the new governor of the state.”

As a matter of fact, the current crisis began when opponents of Ikeazu alleged that his taxes for three years were paid on the same day. The plaintiff faulted the authenticity of Ikpeazu’s tax clearance certificate and the information contained in his INEC Form CF100. In his reaction, however, Ikpeazu challenged the competence of the Federal High Court Abuja to hear the case but the court overruled his objection. The Court of Appeal however ruled that the case ought to have been filed at the Abia State High Court.

Apparently to get justice, Ikpeazu’s opponents went ahead to seek redress at the Supreme Court following the Court of Appeal ruling and in a judgment handed down on January 22 by five Supreme Court justices led by Justice Mohammed Muntaka-Coomassie, the court faulted the decision of the Court of Appeal and affirmed the competence of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to try the case.

The justices then ordered the Federal High Court to begin a fresh hearing of the suit challenging Ikpeazu’s qualification for governor, ordering the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to ensure that the case was heard. As a result of the Supreme Court order, the Federal High Court in Abuja re-opened the case against Ikpeazu, after which the governor was ordered to immediately vacate his office.

As things stand, both Ikpeazu and Ogah are laying claim to the governorship seat. To Ikpeazu’s supporters, the present constitutional crisis is not the first litmus test

Still on the turmoil in God’s own state South-East Bureau Chief, JUDE OSSAI, probes the dillema in which Abia State has found itself, with two persons laying claim to the position of governor.

Ikpeazu

before their boss, as he had faced a similar threat when the Election Petitions Tribunal nullified his election on December 31, 2015 and declared the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Alex Otti, winner.

To stem the current crisis, Ikpeazu had appealed to his supporters to remain calm, saying he remained the legitimate governor of the state. He said:“I have received with concern, the report of the purported issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr Uche Ogah by INEC as governor of Abia State despite the dependency of a notice of appeal and motion for stay of the orders made by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

“Our laws are clear on this issue. No one may be issued with a certificate of return, let alone be sworn in as governor when there is a subsisting Appeal and application of stay. I want to appeal to Abians to remain calm and law abiding in the face of this provocation, unless and until the Appellate courts have conclusively resolved the appeal, the status remains. I am still the governor of Abia State.”

In line with Ikpeazu’s submission, Ebun Olu Adegberuwa, a legal practitioner, stated that Ogah could not be sworn in as the state governor, alleging that there was a plot to swear in Ogah, who would subsequently defect to

Will Abia remain the same after the storm? This question will be answered with time.

Ogah

the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the excuse of factionalisation in the PDP along Modu Sheriff and Ahmed Markafi lines. Adegboruwa said that on June 29, 2016, Ikpeazu filed an appeal against the said judgement together with an application for stay of execution of the judgement of the court, the consequence of which is that the judgement of the court could not be enforced.

“It is settled in our laws, up to the Supreme Court, that once a an appeal has been filed against a judgement and the appellant has also filed an application to stay the execution of the said judgment, that judgment cannot be enforced until the application for a stay of execution is heard and determined.

“It is a dangerous precedent that the APC-led government is setting for our democracy, if it is lying in wait and prodding INEC to violate the basic tenets of democracy which is respect for the rule of law and due process. In the times past, APC governors and public officers under its platform have benefitted robustly from this hallowed principle of law, the latest example being the President himself, Muhammadu Buhari. In one breadth, we are told the judiciary is the headache of this present administration. But when it suits the same administration, it frustrates, intimidates and muzzles the judiciary, judicial officers and even lawyers.”

So far, government’s activities have almost crippled since INEC issued the certificate of return to Ogah. Some commissioners and other top government officials are reportedly jittery, prompting them to pack some of their personal effects out of the Government House, Umuahia.

The situation is tense in the state capital as people now discuss the political crisis in low tones.

Will Abia remain the same after the storm? This question will be answered with time. The state is fast moving towards the precipice, with gladiators on both sides allegedly recruiting jobless youths for political advantage.

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politics&policy

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Plateau Assembly: Is APC, PDP

romance over?

The friendly relationship between members of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State is now threatened by supremacy politics , ISAAC SHOBAYO writes.

T

he cosy relationship between APC and PDP lawmakers in the Plateau State House of Assembly has ruptured, thanks to the sharp disagreement over the extension of the tenure of management committees chairmen in the 17 local government areas of the state.

Governor Simon Lalong, shortly after assuming office, sacked all elected chairmen on the premise of corruption and other misdemeanour. He appointed management committees chairmen to man the council areas, though the suit instituted by the ex-chairmen is still in court, the State House of Assembly at the request of the executive arm of government has been extending the tenure of committees chairmen every two months.

People have been wandering about the relationship between the 10 PDP members and 14 APC legislators considering the simmering cold war between the two leading parties on the Plateau. The deputy speaker, Honourable Yusuf Gagdi who is a PDP member, recently told the Nigerian Tribune that the peace in the House was as a result of the maturity exhibited by members irrespective of political afflictions and the determination to focus on Plateau agenda.

However, the bubble burst last week when the executive transmitted a letter to the Assembly requesting for the extension of tenure of the chairmen by another six months, having exhausted the two months approved. At the plenary, the Speaker of the House, Peter Azi, had read a communication from Governor Lalong, for stability and focus. According to the governor, the six-month extension is to allow the government to put some necessary machinery in place for a peaceful conduct of local government elections the state.

Immediately the speaker read the letter, the convivial atmosphere in the suddenly changed and the 10 PDP members vehemently kicked against the extension by six months. They insisted that, based on the earlier agreement, tt should be extended by just two months, subject to the performance of the chairmen in the past months.

The PDP members posited that there was an existing resolution of the House that the tenure of the management committee chairmen should not be extended more than two months and therefore want the House to to jettison the letter.

In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker Honourable Yusuf Gagdi, representing Kantana constituency on the platform of PDP, disclosed that giving the chairmen six months was like trying to perpetuate illegalLalong Gagdi ity and corruption. He said that the house was in the receipt of 11 petitions against the committee chairmen, patronage. “There is no basis for the disAt the inauguration of the Assembly last adding that if they were doing well, there solution, moreso that many of the com- year, the PDP had14 members while APC would be no petitions against them. He mittees are yet to complete the assign- the governing party had 13. The PDP then pointed out that there were allegations of ments given to them. The APC simply could not use its numerical advantage to massive corruption against the manage- wants to position more of its members position its member for the speakership ment chairmen, arguing that their tenure as chairmen of some perceived juicy due to internal wrangling. In the process should not be extended by more than two committees,” he said. But Speaker Azi of voting, two of its members played Jumonths. explained that the dissolution was done das Iscariot and lost the position to APC. But the APC members disagreed with the without any prejudice but in line with the But PDP was consoled with the positions PDP, saying that the extension would give laid down procedures. of deputy speaker and others. The Electhe chairmen ample time to carry out deHowever, those who have been watch- tion Petitions Tribunal however further velopmental projects and also enable the ing the trend of events since the 8th As- worsened the plight of the PDP when it executive arm to make adequate prepara- sembly was inaugurated said APC simply ordered a rerun for three PDP seats. APC tions for council polls. The member repre- wants to take full control of the House, eventually won the elections, thus besenting Jos North constituency, Ibrahim based on the numerical strength. They coming majority party in the House.

Baba Hassan, urged the house to consid- argued that the party, at the inception of Analysts said the dissolution of the er the extension to pave way for proper the assembly, had conceded the positions House committees and extension of six planning of council election in the state. of the deputy speaker and leadership of months for the committee chairmen, all The atmosphere in the House was powerful committee to PDP because it of whom are APC members, was in indicharged and it took the Speaker more had a majority of members. cation that the ruling party is no longer than five minutes to calm members who willing to dilly dally with PDP. A source had stated exchanging words and were close to the House revealed that the popoised for a showdown. But as he was sition of deputy speaker occupied by the about to subject the motion to a vote, the PDP in the House is under threat. The PDP lawmakers walked out of the chamsource revealed that pressure is presentber in protest, while the APC members ly being mounted on the speaker and the carried the day. Shortly after the PDP governor who is the leader of the party to members’ walk-out, the House further find way of removing the PDP member, dissolved all standing committees, some Gagdi, and replace him with pone of the of which PDP members chaired. The NiAPC members. gerian Tribune learnt that this further According him, anything could happen infuriated the opposition. at anytime, and without any sweat. “PDP Responding to the dissolution of the allowed internal wrangling to rob it of the committees, the Minority Leader, Honleadership position in the house, having ourable Daniel Dem, said it contravened lost the governorship election. The APC the house rules and procedures, adding is closing in on them.” that investigation by the PDP revealed From all indications, the romance is that the decision was taken for political over. APC is all out to take full control of the House.

Shortly after the PDP members’ walk-out, the House further dissolved all standing committees, some of which PDP members chaired.

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Shola Adekola

m:0803 365 4818 e:sholanig@yahoo.com

crucial moment 0803 365 4818

Why we oppose privatisation of airports —NUP

With Shola Adekola

Why Nigeria should take a cue from Ethiopia

IT was a case of mixed feelings for those who witnessed the arrival of Ethiopian Airline’s latest A350-900, the newest aircraft in the world at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport last week.

The arrival of the plane was celebrated with pump and pageantry with a colorful water canon shower displayed by the officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to welcome the aircraft to Nigeria.

According to the General Manager, Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Solomon Bengashaw, the arrival of the plane in Nigeria made Nigeria the first in Africa with Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to receive the aircraft.

Still speaking on the occasion, Bengashaw maintained that Nigeria was favoured to receive the newest Aircraft in the world, just as he did not waste time in declaring year 2016 as a year of major milestone achievements for the African airline.

“As a pan-African airline, Ethiopian, is committed to introduce the continent with the latest and most advanced aviation technologies and systems of the century. Ethiopian Airbus is beginning to roar on the African skies and beyond, the question is which city is to host this state-ofthe-art aircraft first in African soil. Indeed the answer is obvious and you all are here to witness and confirm that the first African Airbus A-350-900 arrived on the soil of Nigeria, particularly Lagos for first time ever. It’s also another honor and milestone for Ethiopian airlines, Nigerians and particularly Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMI to welcome the first commercial flight of the A350 to the land of Lagos.”

There is no doubt that Ethiopian has been able to position itself solidly not only on the continent but even amongst the so called successful airlines in Europe and America in view of the excellent and well coordinated manner the airline is being run by Ethiopian born professionals.

It is no longer news that Ethiopian flies to many countries around the world competing favourably with the likes of British Airways, Emirates, United Airlines of this world.

In other words, Ethiopian Airlines has been able to prove to the developed world that there is hope for the black race.

Therefore, it a case of mixed grills when the airline landed the newest plane in Lagos last week with some people wandering if the feat was actually achieved by a fellow African carrier.

In Africa it has almost become impossible for any airline on the continent to operate successfully due to barrage of reasons ranging from corruption, lack of patriotism to sheer individualism amongst numerous other reasons.

These can be traced to the poor performances displayed by the African carriers with many after operating for few years ended up collapsing.

Therefore, a ray of hope flashed through the minds of those who witnessed the arrival of Ethiopian last week that Africans can actually succeed if they are determined.

While the celebration was ongoing, among the questions most people who gathered there asked included; where does Nigeria, the giant of Africa belong in this critical sector and why is it so difficult for Nigeria to succeed in this sector if other smaller African countries like Ethiopia is making waves?

Besides, while the Ethiopian government in view of its consistency and resolute to sacrifice anything to keep the flag of the airline flying all over the world, reverse has been the case here in Nigeria where government will say one thing about floating a new national carrier after the unwise killing of the former one 13 years ago today and shift the goal post tomorrow.

NAHCO signs string of new businesses Stories By Shola Adekola

T

HE Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, (nahco aviance) has attributed the recent signing of a string of new international and local businesses with some airlines to its determination to continue to cement its leadership position in the industry.

The businesses the handling company signed include:international air operators, Meridiana Fly (Italian Airline), Mid – African Airlines (new Gambia Flag Carrier) which are making entries into Nigeria for the first time.

While the handling company has also signed agreement with Rwandair which had just concluded

Etihad Airways celebrates 4 years in Nigeria ETIHAD Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, this week celebrates the fourth anniversary of the launch of its non-stop services between Lagos and Abu Dhabi in July 2012.

In celebration, the airline had on Monday offered free Wi-Fi access for guests traveling on its flight between Lagos and the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi.

The free Wi-fly package was supported by the airline’s award-winning in-flight entertainment system, which included over 750 hours of movies, TV shows, documentaries, children’s programmes, music channels and games.

George Mawadri, Etihad Airways’ General Manager in Nigeria, said the airline was delighted to celebrate the milestone and thanked everyone who had contrib-

uted to its success.

“We are proud to have carried many thousands of guests to and from Nigeria since we launched our services here four years ago.

Nigeria is a very important market, and we are committed to providing our travelers with world class travel experiences, renowned hospitality, and a greater choice of destinations whether they are traveling for business or leisure.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to all our partners in the local travel trade for their tremendous support over the last four years, and look forward to working even closer together in future.”

Etihad Airways currently operates four-times-perweek using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured to carry 254 guests, 18 in Business Class and 236 in Economy Class.

plans to fly the Abuja – Kigali route, NAHCO has equally concluded a new deal with Mainstream Aviation; a major Cargo AirFreight (Logistics) Airline operating both international and local flights.

On the domestic scene, the Company has also signed deals to provide ground handling service for Air Peace in Akure, Ondo State, and for fast rising local operator, Azman Air in Maiduguri and Yola.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of the Company, Mr Seyi Adewale said: “It’s during difficult business periods or cycles that the ‘wheat is separated from the chaff’.

At this stage, it’s very clear that NAHCO is an excellent and efficient brand that has endured 36 years of Aviation (Ground) Handling Efficiency and Qualitative Standards.

“Our high-end Ground Support Equipment is well maintained and upgraded.

We have a strong and motivated workforce, and we are sticklers for continuous business development and innovation. Our professional and operating ethics sets us far above other Terminal operators and this is further proven by our growing local and international airline partners. We would continue with our driving force and slogan to deliver Service Beyond Expectation.”

NIGERIA Union of Pensioners (NUP), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), branch has kicked against the Federal Government’s plan to concession or privatise four viable airport terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt .

Speaking to some journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, the national chairman of NUP, Comrade Razak Ope and the administrative secretary, Comrade Emeka Njoku, argued that it will be against national interest to concession the four major airports as the persons or company to be contracted to handle these international airports could be hired or compromised to allow weapons into the country .

According to the union, the previous attempts by government to achieve any form of concession in the aviation sector has been fraught with controversies adding that rather than concession the airports, FAAN, should be allowed to run existing airports without interference.

The union while citing how the last administration of Goodluck Jonathan excluded FAAN from privatisation or concession based on security implications, they urged the Federal Government to give more priority to unviable airports rather than its planned privatatization or concession of the viable airport terminals.

According to the union, since the minister of aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika is determined to make the airports profitable, he should concentrate on unviable airports and make them viable.

While citing previous how attempts to privatise some government entities including PHCN, Ajaokuta Steel, NITEL and the Nigeria Airways did not yield the desired results, the union declared: “How can we give out our national heritage to individual to operate, thereby undermining Nigeria sovereignty, losing sight of security implications, which is supposed to be paramount in every sphere of any nation.

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

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Thursday, 7 July, 2016

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news

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Sallah tragedy: Royal dispute claims ‘pastor’ in Jebba Biola Azeez - Ilorin man, identified simply as ‘Pastor’ has been reportedly killed by gunshot in a post-sallah dispute over the traditional leadership of Jebba in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Wednesday, while three people were also injured The Nigerian Tribune also gathered that property with unestimated value were also burnt.

Eyewitnesses account revealed that the dispute was a renewal of an age-long disagreement between factions loyal to the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Abdulkadir Alabi Adebara and members of an opposing camp, simply identified as Okedares.

It was gathered that pandemonium broke out moments after the Eid -el Fitri prayers when some indigenes began making some sinister displays at the frontage of the palace.

As efforts to stop the display were allegedly rebuffed, it was gathered that one popular man in the town also decided to stage his own version of

A

Burial

CHIEF (Mrs) Elizabeth Olufunke Durosinmi, mother of a businessman and Babalaje of IlaroYewa, Ogun State, Chief Adewale Adesina, is dead. She died on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at the age of 107 years.

Final burial activities started yesterday (Wednesday) with a Christian wake-keep, at St. Paul’s African Primary School, Iwoye-Yewa, Ogun State, by 5.00 p.m.

Burial and thanksgiving service will take place today (Thursday), at St. Paul’s African Cathedral Church, Iwoye-Yewa, Ogun State, by 11.00 a.m.

Reception will take place after interment at St. Paul’s African Primary School field, Iwoye-Yewa, Ogun State.

She was survived by Chief Adewale Adesina, popularly called Wale Saranda, many grand-children and relatives.

Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Durosinmi.

display at the same venue.

Irked by the developments, some loyalists of the traditional ruler were said to have allegedly attempted dispersing the crowd by force, leading to violent resistance.

“It was at this moment that we started hearing the sounds of gun shots at Oke-Oja, where the palace is located. The shots hit three people who were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital. One of them died moments later.

He was one man we called

‘Pastor.’ The other two are in critical conditions. Besides, a vehicle and a motor cycle at the scene, were burnt beyond recognition,” the source said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Ajayi Okasanmi, however, said that he was yet to be officially briefed on the incident.

He, however, confirmed that policemen from Bode Sa’adu, headquarters of the Moro Local Government Area, had been drafted to the town.

Wike donates security vans, bulletproof vests to police Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has donated 20 patrol vans fitted with communication equipment to security agencies in the state.

The latest donation brings to 130 the number of security vans given out as the governor and the 23 local government areas of the state had, last year, released 110 units to security agencies operating in the state.

He also released bullet proof vests and helmets to the Rivers State Police Command, even as he facilitated the release of dedicated telephone lines to the police for quick and faster response to residents in distress.

Making the presentation of the security facilities to the state police command, Wike assured all security

agencies operating in the state of his commitment to assisting them with the required logistics to perform.

Wike, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Onyemachi Nwankwo, said the state government would continue to play its role in strengthening of the state security architecture.

This, the governor said, was to ensure that people of the state can continue to live peacefully and do their legitimate businesses and commended the police for enhancing the security of lives and property in the state.

Receiving the patrol vans, the state Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, commended Governor Wike for responding to the demand for facilities that would help to nip crime in the bud.

Strike: CCII appeals to NLC, NUT, Oyo govt to shift ground for peace to reign

By Tunde Ogunesan

THE lingering crisis between the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the state government could be resolved in a matter of days as the leadership of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has called on the two parties to shift ground to give room for resolution of the conflict.

The new position, Nigerian Tribune gathered was arrived at after series of closed door meetings between the representatives of the labour union and NUT, held at the Ibadan House, OkeAremo, Ibadan, under the chairmanship of the President General of CCII, Chief Wole Akinwande.

Sources informed Nigerian Tribune that the state chairman of NLC, Comrade

Waheed Olojede, led a team of Oyo State delegation to the meeting which lasted over two hours.

The source said the meeting ended with a “resolution that both parties should shift ground for amicable resolution of the conflict.”

It was gathered that the closed door meeting “dwelt on the grievances of NLC against the state government.”

The leadership of CCII was reported to have assured the labour leaders that their position would be well presented to the governor unfailingly within the shortest time possible.

The two teams; NLC and NUT, appealed to CCII team to prevail upon Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration to pay at least, four months from the seven months’ salaries owed by the government.

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eid-el-fitri

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

National peace a necessity —Clerics, CP Sultan advises on agric

By Our Reporters

T

HE Chief Imam of Dutse in Jigawa State, Dr Umar Sani, said the nation’s security, peace and unity are necessities.

The Chief Imam made the disclosure in a sermon delivered at the Eid-elFitri prayer.

He said that “development of any society depends on peaceful leaving and unity of citizens.”

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command,

Leye Oyebade, assured Muslims in the state of a hitch free celebration, urging them to use the period to promote peaceful coexistence.

In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adekunle Ajisebutu, the CP had put adequate security in place for the celebration.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Wednesday, advised Nigerians to embrace farming

to produce adequate food for local consumption and export.

Abubakar gave the advice in Sokoto while delivering his Eid-el-Fitri message to the Muslim ummah.

He said: “Nigerians are really facing difficult times, occasioned by the global financial crunch, due to the falling prices of oil.

“But happily, God, in His infinite mercy has endowed Nigeria with vast fertile land, with each region having its own peculiar comparative advantage.”

From left, Sarkin Rafi, Alhaji Buba Dangaladima; Senator Aliyu Wamakko and other Muslim faithful at Wamakko Praying Ground, at Wamako, Sokoto State, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Mild drama at Ilorin Eid prayer ground Continued from pg11

Aliy-Kamal, who is the Imam of Issa-Elelu mosque, Murtala Muhammed Way, Ilorin, spoke after the Eid-el-Fitri prayer in his mosque.

The Issa-Elelu and other smaller mosques where prayers were observed recorded huge turnout of worshippers, while there was water tight security at the Ilorin praying ground, apparently to forestall

any breakdown of law and order.

Also at the Ilorin Yidi praying ground, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Soliu, reminded Muslims of the importance of Zakatul Fitri.

From left, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi; Osun State SSG, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Honourable Ibraheem Gbadebo and the chairman, APC, Iwo, Alhaji Semiu Ayofe, at Iwo praying ground.

From left, Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyah Islamic Society, Fuad Adeyemi and a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Muhammed Uwais, shortly after the Eid- fitri prayer in Abuja.

The Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, addressing the crowd, during prayers in Lagos.

From left, Oba of Lagos, the Oba Rilwan Akinolu; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Fatai Owoseni; Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila and Baba Adini of Lagos, Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou, at Dodan Barracks praying ground, Ikoyi Obalende, in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

From right, Adamawa State governor, Muhammadu Jibrilla; Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha and the Galadima of Adamawa, Alhaji Mustapha Raji, observing prayers at the Yola Eid Ground. PHOTO: NAN.

news Kidnapped Sierra Leonian envoy freed in Kaduna 34

Leon Usigbe - Abuja

S

IERRA Leone’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, MajorGeneral Nelson Williams, kidnapped last Friday, while on a trip to Kaduna,

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

has regained his freedom.

Sources confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune, on Tuesday, that he had been released by his kidnappers, and had gone back to his

office in Abuja.

The former head of the Sierra Leonian army was abducted by assailants while heading for a function at the Command and

Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State.

The Nigerian Tribune learnt that his kidnappers had contacted the Sierra Leonian Embassy in Abuja,

and demanded for a ransom of N44 million (about $150,000) for his release.

However, it was not clear whether any ransom was paid before his release.

2 arrested over Delta lawmaker’s wife’s kidnap Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba

TWO suspects, Safianu and Darlington, have been arrested in connection with the kidnap of Mrs Cynthia Diden, wife of Michael Diden representing Warri North Constituency at the Delta State Assembly.

According to the AntiKidnapping Committee set up by the House standing committee on peace and security, the breakthrough of the arrest of the suspects was tasking.

Diden, a close ally of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, is the chairman of the House standing committee on peace and security.

Leaders of the Anti-Kidnapping Committee, Mr Austin Opubor, Mabiaku Omassan and Abraham Obarume, who gave details of how the suspects were arrested, said immediately the report of the kidnap of Mrs Cynthia was received, they mobilised in collaboration with the police to rescue the victim.

According to them, they were closing-in on the hoodlums when the victim was quickly released by the hostage takers, adding that “making a major breakthrough in apprehending some of the suspects so far was quite tasking.”

Opubor said Safianu was swooped on by a crack team from the state police command and surveillance squad of his committee, led by Austin Opubor, Mabiaku.

Confirming the arrest, Public Relations Officer of the command, Celestina Kalu said the matter was still being investigated with a view to arresting more suspects in connection with the kidnap.

Mrs Diden was kidnapped on Sunday, June 26 alongside her younger sister, Elizabeth at Effurun Roundabout in the Uvwie Local Government Area of the state while returning home from work.

Family sources claimed that she was released four days later without the payment of the N15 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

Akinyele Oladeji loses father THE demise of Pa Ezekiel Oladele Oladeji, father of Tax Consultant cum lawyer, Chief Akinyele Oladeji, has been announced.

In a special release by Chief Akinyele, his beloved father passed on to glory on June 28, 2016 around 10.10 p.m.

“He lived a few weeks shy of 90 years. He is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Burial arrangements shall be announced after consultations with my siblings, some of whom are in the diaspora.

“Adieu my good father, Ishola omo oloja – you will be greatly missed. I remember those glorious days that you used to take me to Loyola College, Ibadan for my exams and you would wait patiently for me. I bless God for the privilege of being the scion of such an honourable man.”

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar (right), with the Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, during the Eid-el-Fitri celebration in Sokoto, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Salary delay: Kogi ALGON begs LG workers THE Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kogi, has appealed to local government workers for understanding, due to delay in the payment of their salaries.

The chairman of the state chapter of ALGON, Alhaji Taufiq Isah, in a statement signed by his special adviser on media, Mr Abubakar Hussain, made the appeal in Lokoja, on Wednesday.

Isah, who also doubles as the Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, blamed the development on the rigorous screening and verification exercise of

workers and the audit exercise by the Office of the Auditor-General of Local Governments.

The chairman said the ongoing payment of cleared workers in batches would be sustained and improved

upon to speed up the pace of payment, assuring that all genuine workers would receive their salaries soon.

Isah while felicitating with Muslims on the occasion of the Eid –el- Fitri celebration, enjoined

No going back on salary review, Al-Makura tells workers Godwin Agwam- Lafia

NASARAWA State governor, Umaru Tanko Almakura, has said there is no going back on the downward review of workers’ salaries, in view of the

current economic downturn affecting the state and the country at large.

The governor made his position known on Wednesday, when he played host to top government functionaries who

Army reopens Maiduguri-Gamboru Road 3 years after closure due to insurgency THE Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, reopened the Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru Road three years after it was closed as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the road was closed to motorists in 2013 at the peak of Boko Haram activities in Borno, adding that Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno, accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral Tukur Buratai, kick started the reopening of the road.

The governor, in his remark, commended the military for containing the

them not to relent in their prayers for the country and its leaders.

Isah also urged Muslims to emulate the virtues of Prophet Mohammed by continuing to live with other Nigerians in peace.

insurgency within the short period which facilitated the reopening of the road.

Shettima said the state remained eternally grateful to the Army and sister services that contributed to the defeat of Boko Haram.

He said reopening of the road would automatically revamp the economy of the state and improve the lots of the people.

“Two years ago, Borno was in a bad state and about a year and half ago, the state almost fell completely in the hands of the insurgents.

“Today, the story is different and anyone who wants to be fair to the Nigerian

Army and General Buratai must juxtapose these scenarios before drawing conclusion.

“With the reopening of this road which is the life wire of the state, there will be a quantum leap in the economy of the state,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff said the road was not only important to the people of the state but was strategically significant to the ongoing military operation in the region.

He assured the people of the state that the Army would provide adequate security for motorists using the road.

paid Sallah homage to the governor, at the Government House in Lafia.

He explained that, the review became imperative, given the dwindling revenue accruing to the state coffers, saying he could not continue to vote such amount to workers, who constituted just one per cent of the state’s population The governor, who decried the high level of unemployment in the state, said if workers salaries were reviewed, opportunities would be created for young graduates without jobs.

He added that workers’ salaries in the state was bogus, noting that other projects could not be embarked on with the current salary template.

He also urged workers to accept the review in good fate, and return back to work in the interest of the state.

Pa Ezekiel Oladeji

Eid-el-Fitri: Display love, unity, Senator Obadara urges Nigerians IN the spirit of the season, the immediate past chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, has urged citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to display true love and unity to one another irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political differences.

In a statement by his media special adviser, Mr Victor Mark, Senator Gbenga Obadara, chairman, the Lucinda Media Limited (owners of Sweet 107.1FM), called on Nigerians to remember the values, ethics and virtues embraced by Muslim faithful during this holy month.

“Beyond Ramadan, we all must continue to deal with one another with love, respect and unity so as to lead our nation to greater heights,” Obadara said.

He further urged Nigerians to use this opportunity to pray for the Federal Government, as well show support for the anti-corruption fight vis-a-vis their actions.

35

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

France IS trial: Seven jailed for training in Syria SEVEN men have have received prison sentences in France for recruiting and training with fighters of socalled Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

The men, aged 24 to 27, were given jail terms ranging from six to nine years.

Among them is Karim Mohamed-Aggad, the brother of one of the militants involved in the attacks in Paris that killed 130 people last November.

Meanwhile, Belgium has extradited to France two suspects of involvement in those attacks, a prosecutor said.

Mohamed Amri and Ali Oulkadi are accused of having helped fellow suspect Salah Abdeslam.

According to BBC, prosecutors said Mohamed Amri was with Hamza Attou in the car that picked up Salah Abdeslam on 13 November, helping him escape to Belgium.

Hamza Attou was extradited to France last week to face preliminary charges of helping a terrorist criminal linked to an act of terrorism.

And Ali Oulkadi is said to have driven Salah Abdeslam from Laeken to Schaerbeek the day after the attacks.

The seven men sentenced on Wednesday were from Strasbourg and had gone to Syria between 2013 and 2014.

Prosecutor Nicolas Le Bris said during the trial each of the involved was determined to join a jihadi group and once in Syria “fitted in perfectly”.

ISIS group. PHOTO: AP

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Boston taxi driver returns $187,000 left in cab

Then British Prime Minister Tony Blair meets soldiers at Shaibah logistics base, Basra, Iraq, Dec. 22, 2005. PHOTO: AP

Chilcot report: Blair defends action,

accepts full responsibility on Iraq invasion

B

RITAIN’S former prime minister Tony Blair said on Wednesday he could not delay the invasion of Iraq in 2003, responding to a critical report on the war which found that taking military action was not the last resort that had been presented to parliament and the public.

The Chilcot report, published earlier on Wednesday, said the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq came while diplomatic options were still open, but Blair said that because the United States had decided on action, he could not afford to wait any longer.

“The inquiry claims that military action was not a last resort, but it also says that it might have been necessary later. With respect, I didn’t have the option of that delay,” Blair told reporters.

“I took this decision because I believed it was the right thing to do based upon the information I had and the threats I perceived.”

Blair’s justification, planning and handling of the Iraq War involved a catalog of failures, a sevenyear inquiry concluded on Wednesday in a scathing verdict on Britain’s role in the conflict.

Eight months before the 2003 invasion, Blair told U.S. President George W. Bush “I will be with you, whatever”, eventually sending 45,000 British troops into battle when peace options had not been exhausted, the long-awaited British public inquiry said.

More than 13 years since the invasion, Iraq remains in chaos, with large areas under the control of Islamic State militants who have claimed responsibility for attacks on Western cities.

Many Britons want Blair to face criminal action over his decision to take military action that led to the deaths of 179 British soldiers and more than 150,000 Iraqi civilians over the following six years.

Critics also say it fueled a

other NEWS

Willie Kimani: Kenyan lawyer tortured before death KENYAN lawyer Willie Kimani was tortured before being killed and his body dumped in a river, a pathologist has said in court.

Mr Kimani, his client and their driver were abducted last month after filing a complaint against the police.

Their bodies were found a week later.

Four police officers have been arrested; they have not commented, BBC said.

There have been nationwide protests, with com-

IF you found $187,000 in cash, what would you do?

When Raymond MacCausland, a 72-year-old taxi driver, dropped off a Saturday afternoon fare in Boston, he didn’t expect to make such a discovery.

But in good Samaritan fashion, he returned the enormous sum, CNN revealed.

MacCausland, nicknamed “Buzzy,” turned in the bundles of cash to Boston police after discovering the money in a backpack that was left in the back seat of his cab. The money belongs to a homeless man who had just cashed his inheritance, Boston police said.

“That’s the way I was brought up. I was told to do the right thing,” MacCausland said.

The “upstanding, honest” cab driver of nearly 50 years found the money while searching in the backpack for some form of identification, Boston police said.

About a mile into the trip, the passenger asked the cab driver to stop the car and wait outside a motel for five minutes, MacCausland said.

plaints that extrajudicial killings are widespread.

Pathologist Andrew Gachie said Mr Kimani had 14 injuries to various parts of his body.

His skull and genitals had

Willie Kimani. PHOTO: IJM

been crushed and he died from blunt force trauma to his head, the pathologist’s report said.

Mr Kimani’s client Josephat Mwendwa died from head, neck and chest injuries.

Their driver Joseph Muiruri had had a rope tied round his neck and died from strangulation.

Mr Mwendwa had filed a complaint saying he had been wrongfully shot by police.

deep distrust in politicians and the ruling establishment.

The report was issued 13 days after Britons delivered a stunning blow to their political leaders by voting to leave the European Union.

The inquiry, which was given unprecedented access to confidential government documents and took longer to complete than British military involvement in the conflict itself, said Blair had relied on flawed intelligence and determined the way the war was legally authorized was unsatisfactory.

The threat posed by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s supposed weapons of mass destruction - the original justification for war - had been over-hyped and the planning for the aftermath of war had been inadequate, it found.

“It is an account of an intervention which went badly wrong, with consequences to this day,” said the inquiry chairman, former civil servant John Chilcot.

Boston taxi driver, Buzzy MacCausland, who returned $187,000 after finding it in his cab. PHOTO: CNN

Syrian government violates Eid ceasefire THE Syrian government has forces who shot shells into violated a three-day cease- the town of al-Zahra, the fire with air strikes and shell- Observatory said.

President Bashar aling in the country’s Aleppo province, according to the Assad’s government had United Kingdom-based Syr- earlier in the day unilaterian Observatory for Human ally declared the three-day ceasefire, which is set to Rights.

War planes dropped bombs last until the end of Friday, on the northern Aleppo area according to the state-run on Wednesday, while gov- news agency SANA. ernment forces fired shells in the nearby town of Anadan.

Al Jazeera stated that at least two children were One of the buildings affected by the perennial killed by rebel Syrian war. PHOTO: GETTYIMAGES

Zimbabwe ‘shut down’ over economic collapse

THE streets of Zimbabwe’s main cities are deserted during a nationwide stay away to protest at the lack of jobs and unpaid wages.

The protests were organised through the messaging site WhatsApp but it is not clear which group is behind it.

The internet was often unavailable on Wednesday morning but the government has denied blocking it.

The BBC reported in the capital Harare that it is one of the biggest protests in many

years.

Protesters also set up burning barricades in Harare.

Some of the messages calling for a stay away also urged President Robert Mugabe to step down.

Robert Mugabe

The 92 year old has governed the country since independence in 1980.

On Twitter, activists have been using the hashtag #ShutDownZimbabwe2016 to mobilise support.

Many civil servants have not been paid in more than a month - they went on strike on Tuesday.

On Monday, taxi drivers complaining about police extortion clashed with the security forces in parts of Harare.

36

communitynews

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Orhionmwon communities demand NDDC commissioner’s post banji aluko-benin city

O

il and gas producing communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint the next commissioner that will represent Edo State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from the area, in the interest of justice, fair play and equity.

The communities, Obozogbe-Nugu, Ikobi, Oben and Iguelaba in an open letter to the president that was signed by their Public Relations Officer, Victor Enoma and six others, decried the marginalisation of the area in terms of appointment since the establishment of the NDDC despite their contributions to the nation’s economy through production of light sweet crude and gas.

They cited the gas reserve in Oben and the over

95 operational oil wells in the area which, they said, had been in operation

since 1972, adding that the strategic importance of the area to the economy of the

nation cannot be overemphasised.

The communities said

they lack good roads, water, electricity among other facilities.

Ophthalmologist examining the eye of a resident of Alaba Rago, during Boska Pain-Free Day programme in Alaba, Lagos, recently. PHOTO: NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA

‘We are making efforts to ensure clean environment in Osun’ The General Manager of Osun Waste Management Agency, Alhaji Ganiyu Oyeladun, on Monday, said efforts were being made to make the state clean and environment friendly.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo, Oyeladun said

the clean environment drive of the state government in recent years was yielding positive results.

He said that the recent provision of uniform to highway managers across the state by Governor Rauf Aregbesola was an indica-

tion of government’s determination to sustain clean environment in the state.

According to him, the zeal exhibited by the highway managers in the past had encouraged government to incorporate them into the O’ Clean programme of the

Potholes take over Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway tola adenubi-lagos

Potholes have taken over the Sango BusStop axis of the LagosAbeokuta Expressway in Ogun State, causing traffic gridlock, which sometimes stretches from Sango Bus-Stop to Dalemo Bus-Stop.

When Community News visited the area recently, it was observed that the potholes have spread to Temidire Bus Stop and the Sango branch of the FirstBank of Nigeria Plc. As a result of this, motorists from the Tollgate end of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway heading towards Sango en-route Abeokuta are subjected to untold hardship trying to navigate their way.

Also, a section of the road opposite the Tollgate Office of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has started caving in due to large potholes that are threatening to render that axis of the road impass-

able.

Community News learnt these potholes are the cause of chaotic traffic situation that is ever present at the Tollgate axis.

According to a motorist, Ibrahim Mahmud, it was high time government took responsibility of repairing the bad portions of the LagosAbeokuta Expressway.

“It is a Federal Government road; that is why nothing has been done to fix the bad portions by the Ogun State government.

“Although the Ogun State government has started repairing the Poultry Bus Stop end of the bad portion of Sanjo-Ijoko Road, we need them to come over to Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, particularly in-front of FirstBank and opposite FRSC office.

“Driving along these areas has become a painful experience for commercial drivers like me and the amount I spend to re-

pair my vehicle is taking its toll on my finances,” Mahmud said.

state to make major highways across the state clean all-year round.

Oyeladun stressed that the state government was not taking issues about the environment lightly because of its importance to the health of the people.

“We are redefining the tenets of waste management in Osun State, we are effortlessly building on the foundation we laid for clean environment through the concept of O’Clean, which has been very effective.

“Our strategies and plans

of making our environment clean is all-inclusive and comprehensive.

“Aside the huge employment opportunity the O’ Clean concept has generated, it has also reduced the rate at which people visit the hospital for treatment and completely eradicated epidemics,” he said.

Oyeladun said the state was planning to start a waste recycling programme where materials generated from the environment would be turned into raw materials for industrial use and wealth generation.

Cleric donates to widows, orphans in C’River anthony ubong-calabar

As part of activities to mark his birthday, Founder and General Overseer of Christ for the World Mission, Reverend Nicholas Eze, last weekend, put smiles on the faces of widows by presenting them with food items and cash.

The food items include bags of rice, cartons of tin tomatoes, bags of salt, seasonings, toiletries, detergents, vegetable oil and a cash donation of N200,000.

The widows were drawn from the 18 local government areas of Cross River State.

Presenting the items to the widows at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Calabar, the state capital, Reverend Eze said he had made a

covenant with God to celebrate his birthday, every July, with widows, orphans and the underprivileged in appreciation of God’s abundant blessings on him.

The cleric said God has elevated him beyond expectation since he arrived the state on January 8, 1973, adding that when God blesses a man, he should touch the lives of others.

He said the gesture was also intended to complement the efforts of the state government.

The man of God told the beneficiaries that the items distributed to them were aimed at reducing their burden and admonished them to be prayerful in order to generate the faith that will become channels of God’s blessings for them.

Responding, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Stella Odey, commended the benefactor, noting that the gesture would in no small measure cushion the effects of the high cost of living.

She said that the governor is passionate about the welfare of widows, for which reason, he created a department of Widow Affairs to take charge of the welfare of widows in the state.

One of the widows, Rose Akpama, commended Reverend Eze for the gesture and prayed God to bless him abundantly.

The man of God also visited Uwanse motherless babies home where he donated food items and cash to the orphans.

According to them, since the inception of the NDDC, commissioners that have represented Edo State on the board of the commission were picked from non oil-producing communities.

They appealed to the president to halt the trend by appointing one of their own as the next commissioner in the NDDC board that will soon be reconstituted.

“The appointment of candidates from non-oil and gas producing communities can no longer be accepted. We have demonstrated more than enough maturity and patience by agitating for our right and amicably appealing for a change.”

Lagos traders get free medical service against cold newton-ray ukwuoma-lagos

An Indonesian Pharmaceutical Company and makers of Boska and Dexa Medica, on Monday, launched its PainFree Day programme in Lagos.

The free medical service, which took place in two markets in Lagos namely Alaba Rago and Ile Epo markets in Alaba and Iyana Ipaja attracted hundreds marketmen and women and residents of the areas.

The medical team comprising general physicians and experts in ophthalmology and otolaryngology educated the people on how to prevent flu-like illnesses during rainy season.

Speaking during the opening ceremony in Alaba Rago market, Boska Brand Executive Manager, Tunde Ojedokun, charged the people to maintain stress-free lifestyle and abstain from body exposure, especially during nighttime, stating that flu-like illnesses such as running nose, sore throat and cold are symptoms triggered by exposure of the body during rainy season.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, he said, “We’re committed to improving consumers’ health because health is crucial to life and should be taken seriously. The high level of consumer response today shows that this kind of programme is beneficial to them.

The beneficiaries also received free eyes, nose and throat check-up and prescription.

37

Thursday, 7 July, 2016

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Rio 2016:

Yusuf is fit for Eagles’ job —Obuh

We can’t expect Olympic gold without money

Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja

—Siasia

C

OACH of Nigeria Olympic team, Samson Siasia has raised the alarm over the team’s shoddy preparations for the Rio Olympics, saying “we cannot be going for gold and we are begging for money.”

The country’s team to the Rio Olympics in August are training in Atlanta, United States of America, ahead of the summer games, but Siasia has been far from impressed with his team’s build-up.

“It is not a good image to go to the Olympics while trying to beg for money around, actually begging people for money to take care of the Nigerian Olympic team. How are we going to win gold, if we keep begging for money to take care of our athletes?,” lamented Siasia.

“We don’t have money. We are in the (United States of) America now without any money. So, it is a big problem.

“We are without any money in our pocket. There are no funds coming from anywhere. That is not a good thing.

“When you have players who are not motivated and encouraged, but you want them to come and do a miracle. Everybody needs to be encouraged at one time or the other.”

He added: “We just want to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to come to the rescue of sports in the country as our father and sports-loving President.

“The sports sector is dying and it is adversely affecting the Olympic teams that have qualified to represent Nigeria at the Rio Olympics, not just football, but the other (seven) sports that Nigeria will campaign in in Rio. “The reason is well known which is the sports ministry needs to be funded adequately. This has adversely affected the Nigeria Football Federation too.

Everybody is borrowing.”

Daniel Akpeyi, Dream Team keeper

Pistorius sentenced to 6 yrs in jail SOUTH African athlete, Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

It comes after his initial five-year conviction for manslaughter was changed to murder last December on appeal.

He was taken immediately to jail. Both the prosecution and defence can appeal, but his lawyers say they will not.

Pistorius, 29, shot Steenkamp four times through a locked toilet door in February 2013.

He admitted shooting her, but said he had mistaken Ms Steenkamp for an intruder and acted out of fear.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said mitigating circum-

stances, such as rehabilitation and remorse, outweighed aggravating factors, such as his failure to fire a warning shot, for deviating from the prescribed 15-year sentence.

Many have expressed shock at Pistorius’s sentence, which is much less than the prescribed minimum for murder. South Africans have taken to social media to express their unhappiness, with some describing the prison term as an insult.

Euro 2016: France puts too much pressure on Pogba –Lizarazu THE pressure on Paul Pogba has been too much for the Juventus star to bear at the ongoing Euro 2016, said former France full-back, Bixente Lizarazu ahead of today’s semifinal clash with Germany.

The form of Pogba on home soil has come under constant scrutiny by supporters and media alike, particularly during Les Bleus’ unconvincing displays during the group stage.

The 23-year-old scored his first goal of the tournament with a towering header in the 5-2 quarter-final victory over Iceland on Sunday, as

the host nation produced their best performance of the finals to date.

But Lizarazu, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 during a glittering career, believes Pogba has been inhibited by his billing as one of the potential stars of the competition.

“Pogba has great potential. He has it all - technical quality and physical prowess. The problem is we expect a lot from him and we want to see him at his highest level all the time,” he told AS. “Sometimes, we forget that he is only 23, that there’s always develop-

ment in a footballer. It’s not easy for him to cope with the pressure and that’s been noticed in the tournament.”

Focusing on the rest of Didier Deschamps’ squad, Lizarazu was keen to praise the performances of key attacking duo Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet - both of whom have lit up the tournament.

“Griezmann is a player who always looks calm on the pitch. This is not the Griezmann of the World Cup, who was able to play well but wasn’t obliged to make the difference,” he said.

Pistorius

AS the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to release the list of coaches who apply for the vacant Super Eagles job, a former Flying Eagles head coach, John Obuh, has drummed up support for interim coach, Salisu Yusuf, to lead the Eagles in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, where Nigeria is drawn gainst Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon, in a group dubbed a ‘group of death’.

Obuh told Tribunesport in Abuja, that Yusuf had paid his dues having served as assistant to some Eagles coaches in the past including the late Stephen Keshi and Sunday Oliseh.

The Kwara United technical adviser noted that the country had invested in Yusuf, a former Enyimba coach, for him to pay back by taking full charge of the Eagles.

“For how long will Salisu serve as an assistant with the national team for him to be competent enough to lead the team? Does his competency end as an assistant?” Obuh remarked.

The former Wikki Tourists coach stated that, “What is the position of the first assistant in a set up like ours? Is it not to take over in situations like this? Why will he always be good for assistant and will not be good enough to coach the team?

“Salisu is a good coach and should be entrusted with the job if the fans and NFF are ready to give him the time and conducive environment to build the team.

“Don’t forget the government has invested in him to go and understudy some coaches and learn some of the modern things other coaches elsewhere do. So why would he not be given the full responsibilty of exhibiting all he has learnt,” Obuh said.

He, however, warned the NFF against hiring a less qualified coach because he’s a white man, declaring that there were more competent and qualified indigenous coaches to handle the team.

“If the NFF decides to bring a foreign coach, it must be someone with high pedigree and good track records to lead our senior national team,” he said.

38

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This week 52 Purple colour, I have a very accurate and highly reliable key direct from my Overseas compilers that must draw 3/3 Nap correct only on Purple coupon. Week 48 = 16XX, 26XX, 36XX = 3/3 Nap correct. Week 52 Nap complete with key cost N25,000 cash but Nap alone is N10,000 cash. Payment at Access Bank is Mallam Musa Ibrahim Bawa, accts No 0042075887. Cost N25,000 – Goodluck.

ACHIEVER INTER. (08034097902). 16XX 25

Congratulations to all our numerous customers, members and who bought our Aussie 2016 systems booklet which has been working wonderfull well, has been promised to dish out naked draws in our system booklet. We carefully set aside Wks 47, 48, 50 and wk 51 to enable you win enough money to get you ready for the U – K 2016/2017, season congratulation Wk ‘47’, system No ‘1’ inside booklet: Coupon Red colour first letter opened sougherland at ausey XX, MAITHAM at ausy XX, and count 4 down xx… making 3 live drs. With nos:- 16xx, 23xx & 39xx score 3/3 with system no ‘3’. Will be seething again in wk 52 inside booklet. In wk 51 we had God on our side with nos: 17xx, 18f, 19xx, & 44xx 3/4 . we are successful. There is another powerfull systems free in week 01 & 02.

It contains ‘5’ original Authentic life systems plus 3 life draws & 4 games for 3 drews in Wk 01 & Wk 02 inside booklet.

BAYS WATER C. SYSTEM 23XX BK= 08139714848 = 08142362005

Wk 51 No 19.plus 3 Others wk 51 No key 19x 17x 26x 47x KEY as from wk 47 first wk of Aussie the first letter Home No. 6 to Draw Wk 51 No. 19 X Plus 3. Others E.G wk 52 first letter home No 6. W. No 23 Wk47 Vol. l No Key lx 12x 20x 34x= 4/4 Wk48 Vol. 2No Key 23x 16x 26x 36x= 4/4=N6,000 Wk 49 Vol. 3 No. Key 18 x 29 x 34 x 47 x 4/4 = N6,000 Wk 50 Vol. 4No. Key 23x 14x 17x 32x 4/4=N6,000 51 Vol. 5 No Key 19x 17x 26x 47x= 4/4= N6, 000 52 Vol. 6 No. 23 NAP NAP NAP = 4/4 N6,000. Time to win pool this wk 51 as BAYS WATER C system 4 special draws this wk 51 purple cost. N6,000 the Game will play 4 over 4 correct Hurry up to get you copy to day send M.T.N. Card to 08139714848, 08142362005 the Game will send to you by Text message.

OLA – CITY WEEK 52 RELEASE SET TO GET ALL CORRECT THIS WEEK.

WEEK 52 PAIRS 13XXX 19XXX. PHONE 08140575314, 08085005634 The compiler of Ola – City international assures stakers and readers of his 3 fixed Draws for this week 52 cost N10,000 cash which will surely get all correct with full odds on Board. Pay your N10,000 cash to first Bank plc. Account No 3033318854 in the name of OLAFENWA R. OLA – CITY. Our U.K. Wizard key for 2016/2017 English season cost N30,000 cash will be out in week 4. As system number one will open the full English season with 5 correct Draws with control key system inside the system Booklet. May God Bless you all. Amen.

BEST BARGAIN INTERNATIONAL:08092621480

WK 52 = 20cbk, 47cbk + OTHERS We welcome punters back to the exciting world of pools forecasting with our superlative track record in the last English season before we went on break. We are now fully back with vigour to serve you better and dish out the elusive draws to you. By the power given to me by the Pools Panel, coupon Nos 20 and 47 must draw with other fixed draws this week 52. To get the full complement of the game, just pay a token N10,000. For further details, call 08092621480 for us to discuss on the mode of payment. You are welcome back to the winning formula that has never fail.

MR. A GEORGE, 08036224198 WK. 52, 1 OR 44, 16 OR 29, BANKER NO. 32XXX

Congrats week 51 result scored 3/5 on numbers 19, 28, 47, pair 29 and 41, still remaining weeks 52, 01 and 02 on sale at N50, 000 each week with guarantee beyond your inauguration. Am still on special visit to all V.I.P members in Benin, Wari, P.H, Uyo etc. Come and you can be lucky to be visited or pay through the Bank, account No. 2028316301, (MBA) Assam George, address No. 160 Ring Road, Ibadan.

AMUKO & ASSOCIATES AVENGE AGAIN 07014686970= 17 SURE 45

ADAMSTOWN and CHARLESTOWN= 45XX Calculated and Tabulated confirmed winning directives on Adamstown and Charlestown on No 45. With good reference to week 51 – 2014 winning track records of 9 draws.

Wk 51’ 2014 – 02x 29x 40xxx – 45xxx Week 52’ 2016 – X X X =45xxcbk Your winning is confirmed again. Welcome to the associate winning crew.

New friends N50, 000 – only. Goodluck.

MAGIC KINGDOM –08056753098/07085060512 21X 22X 23XXX PAIR 29 AND 33.

Congratulations is advance with OLYMPIC at away No. 1 and HAMILTON. O at 49 away. Dandemong .C to fail and cluster 3 games under other information is our KEY booklet in weeks 01 and 02 cost N25,000 = payable to Balogun Adesina Kamoru. FCM Bank no 0279550010, Wema Bank no 0206965116 or G.T. Bank no 0115505082. Call 08056753098/07085060512.

Our KEY booklet is now out for sale cost N100,000 – Don’t be a doubting = Thomas.

WITH FULL AUSSIE FIXTURES TRIPLE SET TO ENRICH STAKERS–08035324490.18XX27

Your Indomitable Triple Spice Internation is set to make waves again on a new track after a dull and ill period on poor result.

We are now back with unparalleled winning clue to serve you better them ever.

Our IBK cost N150, 2Drs sell for N3,000, and 3 Aussie draws cost N15,000.00 on 08035324990. Be a winner!

NOW GODWIN AUSSIE RESCUE – 08156829811 BOXHILL= 17X 26X 33X 44XX ¾ (16XX 23)

The 8th Avenue sure Nap in week 51 was calculated on plus nine in 3 places for sure win on BOXHILL. BOXHILL= 17x Plus 9= 26x + 9= 33x + 9=44, = 17x 26x 33x 44xxx= ¾ 6 draws played favoured Promoters only our clients won. Our source is on direct draw information on records – N50, 000 Again WIN.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! TEXT MESSAGE OF WRITE UP WITHOUT ADVERT IS REGARDED VOID. PLACE YOUR ADVERT FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLICATION OF YOUR FORECAST. THANKS.

Thursday, 7 - 13 July, 2016 MODUPE NAP (08033566694) 16/33/44 for 2 draws Wining galore at Modupe Nap. Call for details. Goodluck.

FAITHFUL WINNING INTERVENTION – 07082899957

WEEK 52 CONFIRMED INTERVENTION WIN KINGBORO L. – LAUNCESTON C. (17XX 16) Meeting of kingoro L and Launcestone C. on coupon 4 years Annual winning programme in July note – July Week 2-2014-13x 22x 41xxx- 15x Week 2-2015-18x 30x 43xxx - 16x Week 52 -2016 - X X X - 17x Use your faith to win us on the above winning illustration – N50, 000 (FAITH MISSION)

MID-WEEK GIVES – 22XX23 (08087176217)

The Juicy mid week International gladly offers 22/23 as an alternative to our 3 fixed draws that we are priviledge to dish out. Come let celebrate you in Aussie. One IBK still cost only N1500; 2draws cost N3,000.00 and 3BKs sell for N15,000 this Aussie on 08087176217. Best of Luck

NEW CURRENT INFORMATION KEY

09038633666 = 08166222529

Wk 52 No 18xx 24xx Wk 52 No 18. 24 plus 4.Others cost N8,000 two Bankers = N4,000 Wk 51 No 17x 26x 30f 47x= 3/4 4. special draws N8,000 wk 49 No 14 x 29 x 34 x 47x with. 2 X 49 X 4 SPECIAL DRAWS n8,000 WK 50 Blue No 8 x 17 x 23 x 41 x with lx 48 .4. Special Draw N8,000 Wk 51 Red No. 17x 26x 30f 47x with 3f 19x wk 52 No Nap Nap Nap Nap with 18. 24 two Bankers N4,000 wk 49 no 14 x 34 x Pair 47 x 49 x Two Bankers N4,000 wk 50 No 8x 23x Pair. lx 48F. N4000 Wk 51 No 17x 47x pair 3f 19x wk 52 No Nap Nap Pair Nap Nap. Stakers try Key Letter B.B. at Home and a way No 1 and letter S.S. at Home and away No. 5 to control 4. Special draws this wk 50 Blue cost N8,000 and two bankers cost N4,000 following wk 51 Red to control 4 . special draws cost N10,000 two bankers cost N5,000.

MADAM EMILIA – 08068523407 (32XX47)

THE WINNERS CHOICE OF POOLS STAKERS For week 42 PURPLE!!! BANKER 19XXX plus (2) others. HOT PAIR (32 and 47) we are going to give you the best. All hope is not lost yet, its not over until its over. So join the winning team and keep moving – FOR WEEK 01 and 02 costs N50,000.00… FOR MORE DETAILS OR CONFIRMATION – Call 08068523407.

Address: No 110 Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State. Goodlck and Best wishes to you all.

AUSSIE BETS MASTER RELEASE

08134496635

CLASSIFIED PURPLE COUPON KEY: WEEK 48 = 16XX, 26XX, 36XX PAIR 17XXX 18F WEEK 52 = BET, BET, BET PAIR 19, 20.

Dear Sir/Ma. This is your golden chance to win real big money from pools.

Week 52 Nap will be released together with the current classified Purple coupon key. Cost Price = N25,000 cash. Pay to MR. BETHEL INIOBONG. Account No: 2073819297, UBA or Account No: 3101363223, First Bank. Call 08134496635.

DOSA 08072216644 (18 PAIR 20)

The road to success is open this week 52 with only N1, 500 MTN recharge Card, you will be in money on Sunday with my 3 jackpot Nap draws and 1 hot pair. Don’t allow doubting Thomas confuse you from sending to me this week 52 thanks.

PETER NAP:5 PAIR 6, 5XX 08076546261

The even week system that got 1xx, 8xx, 23xx in week 50, when 23xx was published free is set to get it again this week cost just N25, 000. 00 pay to saving acct no: - 3023114822 first bank in person of Mr Onaolapo peter a and call on 08076546261. Meanwhile 5 or 6 for x.

LEKE INTERNATIONAL NAPS(09091798611) BET 23XXXBK

This is the week I have been waiting for.

I am hereby assuring all stakers and my entire customers of 3/3 Nap correct.

No mistakes!!! Week 52 Release cost N30,000 cash. Call me for further details and my accts No. call 09091798611.

CHARITY NAP 08054325929

13 = NORTH COTE C =13

Ladies and Gentlemen. Opportunity comes but once as SOUTH HOBART VS HOBART Z = NORTHCOTE C to draw plus 2 other Nos. ref week in 2014 = wk 02 = North cote, 13xx 27xx 2015 = wk 52 = North cote 10xx 30xx 2016 = wk 50 = North cote 14xx 32xx So also NORTH RANGERS VS HOBART.Z met = NORTH COTE C to draw plus 2 other Nos. ref week In 2014 = wk 49 = North cote, 26xx 36xx.

2015 = wk 02 = North cote 23xx 30xx 2016 = wk 52 = North cote Nap Bet. The ball is in your court to decide and call 08054325929 for the Nap details.

IDBIC RELEASE FOR WEEK 52 (08124257898)

17X 23X 28XXX ALT. 38 Gift for the preparation of our special Nap in week 01. Cost N50,000 = Take good advantage of this free offer now.

Goodluck.

GET A COPY AND WIN

WEEK 52 STATUS SUNDAY MATCHES

03, 09, 11, 15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49

BASWATER. C. SYSTEM= WK 52. NO 23XX BK KEY AS FROM PWK 47 FIRST WK OF AUSSIE THE FIRST LETTER HOME NO 6 TO DRAW WK 52 NO 23X PLUS. 3 OTHERS WK 47 NO KEY. 1X 12X 20X 34X= 4/4= N6, 000 WK 48 NO KEY. 23X 16X 26X 36X= 4/4= N6, 000 SEND D: WK 49 NO KEY. 18X 29X 34X 47X= 4/4= N6, 000 CAR WK 50 NO KEY. 23X 14X 17X 32X= 4/4= N6, 000 MTN 14848\ 7 9 WK 51 NO KEY. 19X 17X 26X 47X= 4/4= N6, 000 0813 362005 WK 52 NO KEY. 23 NAP NAP NAP= 4/4= N6, 000 142 8 0 WK 01 NO KEY. 23 NAP NAP NAP= 4/4= N6, 000

PORTUGAL

TWO BANKER WK 51 N3,000

X19X X47X WK 52 PURPLE NAP NAP

COROATIA

TWO BANKER WK 51 N3,000 X26X X44X WK 52 PURPLE NAP NAP

TURKEY

TWO BANKER WK 51 N3,000 F18F F28F WK 52 PURPLE NAP NAP

SEND MTN CARD TO 09038633666 DRAW COMMANDER BEST ENGLISH MAGIC TWO BANKERS N3,000

WK 50 X14X X23X PAIR X01X F02F

WK 51 X17X X26X PAIR X19X F23F

WK 52 NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP

TWO BANKERS N3,000

WK 50 X21X X41X PAIR X23X F24F

WK 51 F23F F33F PAIR F01F F02F

WK 52 NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP

SEND MTN CARD TO 08095602590.

MRS. HENRY: 08170779623 & 08071554934 26 MUST 32. KEY-VALENTINE P vs WESTOWN AT 49.

In advance open to previous week Bank 26 and 32 and other 2 bankers. Congratulation Mr. Robinson the PPA President will be celebrating his birthday starting from week 01 to 03. DON’T BE LEFT OUT. Call for your winning details. Goodluck.

NJOROGE MR ASSURANCE 08177474535

BUMPER HARVEST AT ASSURANCE PLACE IN WEEKS 51, 52 and 01.

WK 50-12X 21X =32XXX. Wk 51-17x 29x 47XXX WK 52-X X X 18X 24X. ANOTHER ASSURANCE WIN AGAIN ON ANNUAL WEEK 51 (2013 — 2016) WEEK 52, 2013= 01X 27X 48XXX 18X WEEK 52 2014= 06X 13X 45XXX 24X WEEK 52,2015= 04X 10X 46XXX 18X WEEK 51, 2016= X X X 18XXX 24X At new Njoroge your winning is our pride. N50, 000. Goodluck!

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

39

tribunepools

AKIN MR AKIN –

07067202291 (16XX 17)

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE

THE WINNERS CHOICE

CAPALABA vs PENNISULA. P=

Latest winning version.

After Rain is Sun scheduled win with reference performance in week 1’2013 and week 52’ 2016= Result of 8 draw in 2013 Records are kept for reference purpose.

Week 1 – 2013= 12x 23x 30xxx= 6x 7 Week 52 – 2016 – X X X= 16xx 17. Akin 2 Experts in one redeemed Nap is a must win for all stakers. You are a WINNER. N25, 000 – free for all win.

DANDENOKGC.SYSTEM 09038460009 =18. 24 PAIR

4.special draws = 2016. No 9X 26X 40f 47x with 16Xf. 17x 4.special draws = 2013. Wk 52 no 1x 27x 34x 39x with. 18x 24f 4. special draws = 2014. Wk 52 No 16x 17x 27x 45x with. 18x 24x 4. special draws 2016 wk 01 No. Nap Nap Nap Nap with Nap Nap KEY: Every wk 52, Bank Niger No 18. 24. To draw plus, 3. Others cost N6,000 wk 52 2015 No 10x 30x 40x 46x with 18x 24x wk 52 = 2016 No NAP NAP NAP NAP with 18-24 following wk 01 to control 4. Special draws cost N6,000 Wk 01 No Nap Nap Nap Nap 4/4.

KARMARK SUPER – (08186673842) 24 MUST 24

Key – whenever Brisban. S vs Olympic on N0 1 the above games is SURE and other 3 direct draws in week 52 in preparation for our super week 01 Naps. Cost N10,000 = Permutation cost N7,500. All interested stakers are to in favour of Mr. S.B Odetola at IBTC Stanbic Bank Alc number 0001361916. Goodluck.

JOSEPH INITIATIVE – 08167278061 (32 MUST 24)

Campbeltown Home 32 Winning Rights.

4 years approved win-2013,14, 15 & 2016.

WK. 51-2013-06X 27X 45XXX-32/24 WK. 50-2014 -05X 19X 43XXX-24/32 WK. 46-2015-04X 16X 35XXX-32/24 WK.01-2015-06X 20X 45XXX-24/32 Congratulats we had 2 times outings in 2015 and 2016. Week 3 is another proposed week – N50, 000= Stationed Win.

MR LUCKY–(18 MUST 45) 07086378641

The key that drew Dandenong. C. in week 48 and other 3 teams is set again to smooth stakers nerves on 3 special fixed draws for in week 52. (PURPLE WIN) Call for details.

VICTORIOUS VICTOR-

08126994034. (23X 16X 18X 24X 45X)

FREE WIN, get victorious and be prepared for weeks 1 and 2 Nap.

SHORT – GUN 08050614477 (09 HOT 45)

The pair above is to welcome stakers back to our world of pools forecasting.

The pair must play with other gazette draws this Week 52. The game costs N25,000. You must win this week

Thursday, 7 - 13 July, 2016

WISE STAKERS DELIGHT GET A COPY AND WIN.

MBA EXPERT (08104694618) PAIR – 09 XX 33

Numbers 01x09 are contesting to pair 33 this week 52 both numbers come from the dates of play while no 33 is from week of play. One of the family members of NINE is tipped as one of the 3nap draws. Already, one or 2draws from the trio of 1x 9x 33. Call / text now.

STAKEHOLDERS LAUD NAZAR MASTER

The leading pools company in Oyo State and environs, NAZAR Master Pools Company Limited, Ibadan has again been lauded for its role in charting a new course for the pools business.

This was disclosed to TRIBUNE POOLS in a statement from NAZAR Master made available during the week.

The pools company was lauded for its first class services to stakers, agents, collectors and other critical stakeholders, coupled with the promptness winnings are paid no matter the amount involved so that our Muslim faithful will have money to celebrate the Eld – Fitri.

FLY EMIRATES – 08087104491. (22 XX 23)

Records are kept by the wise. Our fresh foreign Experts revealed many draws formation calculation, Tabulation and computation to us.

Aussie started in week 47 48 Red as since then to date there is no week numbers 22 and 23 failed to record a least draw and other scheduled fixed draws, RED coloured weeks 47, 52 and 3. Join the safe trip with Emirates N30,000.

HOPE NAPS & CO. 08107128449 (42XX32)

BELIEVE THIS IS THE PROMISE. WELCOME TO AUSSIE BANKER ON (NO 42 OR NO 32) BANK ON (NO 42 OR NO 32) BANK ON (NO 42 OR NO 32).

This week 52, those Nos must give you a Draw on Saturday to make you recover your past. With others three. Call Hope and pay to first bank plc on Acct No 3088328923 in person of Mr. Gbadebo Stephen A. while the wk. release will be sent to you on phone through text message wk 52. Cost just N20,000. Please make sure that the payment is confirmed. Thank god bless. Bye.

ISRAEL BAIL OUT – 09085712800.

17X 19X 29XXX CELEBRATES STAKERS.

Your evergreen doubt-free Israel Bail Out Nap is now Talk of the Town, we made, mould, fetch, waiting the kingsman is here. Be bailed out. FREE PAIR – 16x 23xx To end the count of the season week 52 NAP = N25,000.

INNOCENT Nap= 08095602590 No 24. 24. 23. 23.

4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 48 purple key. 23x 16x 26x 36x= 4/4 4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 52 purple key 24 Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4 4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 01 brown Key Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4 2. Special Draws N3000 Wk 48 purple No 26x 36x Pair 16x 34x 2. Special Draws N3000 Wk 52 purple No Nap Nap Pair Nap Nap 2. Special Draws N3000 Wk 01 brown No Nap Nap Pair Nap Nap Time to win pool this wk 52 Purple Key every puple colour bank whittlesea. R at home on top of the Bar to draws wk 52 purple no 24. 24. 24. Plus 3 others cost N6, 000 two Bankers cost N3000 send MTN Card 08095602590= 08095602590.

SOLOMON RESORT: 09091111800 (22XX 33X) CROYDON K. AND BRUNSWICK C. ON SAME DIGIT.

Controlled 3 undisputed fixed matches rated as super draws. Culled from our 2016 Aussie winning instruction from our Overseas Compilers. Join the winners and let celebrate you. Welcome. N25,000.

WEEK 51 XRAY

9 draws of Promoters week, only our Pools page reliable compiler made easy win to our dear readers Bayswater top our one banker fixed draw, our pair Experts are New current information, Dandenong system, Winner Code and narrow missed at Madam Emilia. Zenith and Babson now Godwin put smile to our readers faces. Bail out is not leftout he meant biz. Aussie draws are hidden only our Pools page compilers/Experts has the unveiled rights. Call them for your winnings and make sure you appreciate them to serve you better. Goodluck.

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

FREE WIN AT IKECHUKWU NAPS – 08168157259

16x 17x 22x 23x 33xx Winning must Congratulation our soft landing 4 week Aussie 2016 start with the above pathfinder win against our weeks 01, 02, and 03 fixed Naps. (3 Nap from the above games cost N10,000).

Its cost implication is high but we have you in mind and wanted to boost your finance against next week (01-03) Naps cost N100,000 (NOT NEGOTIABLE) = flat rate.

SUNDERLAND SYSTEM= 09038460009=2 NAP 6

4 Bankers N6, 000 Wk 51 No 17x 18f 19x 29x Pair 49x 48f 4 Bankers N6, 000 Wk 51 No Nap Nap Nap Nap Pair 2. 6 4. Bankers N6, 000 Wk 01 No Nap Nap Nap Pair Nap Nap Two Bankers N6, 000 Wk 51 No 17x 19x Pair 47x 48f Two Bankers N6, 000 Wk 52 No Nap Nap Pair 2. 6 Two Bankers N6, 000 Wk 01 No Nap Nap Pair 1. 2 End of Aussie season release Sunderland system 4 special draws this week 52 purple cost N6, 000 two Bankers cost N3000 winner membership group A. Hurry up to get your copy today. Send MTN Card= 0903846009

DONOHILL NAP

08107048991 (27 PAIR 37)

Buy 3 life banker draws and 1 hot pair this week 52 enjoy the weekend with money. Just send N1, 500 MTN recharge card to me. You will not regret if you send.

HERITAGE NAP 08032428168

42 CBK The above one banker must play this week with other fixed draws.

This game has just arrived from the Bookmakers in Melbourne, Australia.

The game costs N25,000. Don’t miss this opportunity.

MADAM DE MADAM 08023329191 (23X 45)

KINGSTON C. and CHARLESTON C.= 23XXX 45 Approved week 52 sure NAP Last week we confirmed 6 drs on coupon and so it was. Once again we are out to put smile to wise stakers faces.

Call Mr. Joshua our media manager for your winning details N35, 000= Madams winners world.

IDBIC RELEASE FOR WEEK 52 (08124257898)

17X 23X 28XXX ALT. 38 Gift for the preparation of our special Nap in week 01. Cost N50,000 = Take good advantage of this free offer now.

BOXHILL WINNING SOLUTION : 08072974298 BOXHILL 2 WEEKS SURE WIN I 2015/2016.

Weeks 49 and 50 – 2015, Weeks 51 and 52 – 2016 BOXHILL 24x 24x 24x – XXX – 6 drs BOXHILL 17x 17x 17x – XXX – 5 drs. In 2015, wks 49 and wk 51 – 2016 we had 6 draws on board. In wk 51 ’2015 – 6 draws. Wk 52 – X X X ?drs. Confirm from your the draw records. N65, 000.

Again – Welcome to the winning solution.

JACOBSON THE AUSSIE DIRECTOR : 07065292905 NO AUTHENTIC INFORMATION – NO WINNING.

ANNUAL WEEK 52 – 2014 TO 2017. 4 YEARS WINNING PROCUDURE Wk 52 ’2014 — 1st alphabet Home 49 = M = 13X, WK 52-’2014 — 09X 27X 45XX - 16X18.

WK 52 ’2015 — 1ST ALPHABET AWAY NO 1= R = 18X, WK 52 – 2015 - 04X 30X 40XXX – 16X18 Wk 52 - ’2016 – 1st alphabet = X, Wk 52 – 2016 – X X X - 16x18 BONUS – ST. ALBANS IN EVERY WEEK 52. FROM 2014 – 2017XX.

WERRIBEE.C

BALCATTA

MODBURY

TWO BANKER WK 51 N3,000

TWO BANKER WK 51 N3,000

TWO BANKER WK 51 N3,000

WK 52 PURPLE

WK 52 PURPLE

WK 52 PURPLE

X29X X47X NAP NAP

X17X X19X NAP NAP

F23F 36F NAP NAP

SEND MTN CARD TO 08162705220

Baraje slams NFF on foreign coach

P

LATEAU United head coach, Zachary Baraje says he finds it absurd that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is talking about hiring a foreign manager for the Super Eagles despite all the training and re-training done on present interim boss of the team, Salisu Yusuf and other Nigerian coaches who participated in the capacity enhancement courses in England.

Baraje told Goal that the cash,

energy and the time expended on the trip would amount to a waste if the NFF eventually hands the vacant technical adviser job of the Eagles to an expatriate when the body has sent over 20 Nigerian coaches abroad to be tutored on the modern techniques and playing tactics.

“I want to state my own view regarding the craze for a foreign coach,” Baraje told Goal.

“I want to ask a question, what

has happened to the training received by some coaches taken abroad by the NFF last year? Will the training they had just go down the drain like that?

“I am not in support of bringing a foreign coach to lead the Eagles when we have coaches who are qualified and have gone through the necessary training to be equipped for the challenge of coaching the senior national team.

“Salisu Yusuf was part of the

Euro 2016 s/f: France has learned from Germany

defeat —Lloris

HUGO Lloris believes France has evolved as a result of its loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Mats Hummels’ early header set-

tled a low-key quarter-final contest in Rio de Janeiro two years ago and, after dismissing the notion they are seeking revenge, Lloris claimed the loss was a valuable

Lloris

part of the team’s learning curve.

Ahead of their Euro 2016 semifinal clash in Marseille today, the France captain said: “There are always lessons to be learned from defeats, as there are [from] victories.

“It’s not just the quarter-final defeat that allowed us to grow, it was the World Cup in general but we came up against a better side on the day, a more experienced team at the time and they succeeded.

“But I think our team has grown, we’ve acquired experience, the players that were involved have stepped up at their clubs and have become more important in the France team.

“Things are going in the right direction but the only thing that matters is what happens on the pitch and we’ll find out about that tomorrow (Thursday).”

coaches sent to the United Kingdom not too long ago for a training course and he has worked with past Super Eagles coaches as assistant coach and should be given the chance to lead the team now.

“We are still struggling to pay the salaries of national team coach-

es including the ones who are dead, how are we going to offset the salaries of a foreign coach?”

The NFF has announced that over 20 coaches including Peter Ijeh and Salisu Yusuf have applied for the plum job of the Super Eagles with applications expected to close on Wednesday (yesterday).

Lagos lawmaker facilitates trip of 3 football youngsters to France Bola Badmus-Lagos THREE Nigerian outstanding students undertaking leadership training under the auspices of Deputy Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Olumuyiwa Jimoh, on Thursday left for France to join their counterparts for the Streetfootballworld Festival 16.

Rachel Olabanji, Baliqees Rasaq and Faris Afolayan will be in France for the next two weeks, having been selected for the tournament that will involve other youths from 52 countries.

According to organisers of the event, the climax of Festival 16 will be a street football tournament played using football3.

“The tournament will be open to the public and played in the internationally mixed- teams, demonstrating the power of

football to bring people together from diverse backgrounds.

“Instead of referees, the young leaders from the festival delegations will act as mediators, enabling the players to take responsibility for their own actions and demonstrate their commitment to working together, on and off the pitch,” the organisers said.

They added that the game, which is a “three halves” one was aimed at promoting value of fair play and also show-case the cultural identity of each participating country.

Speaking at an event to bid the beneficiaries farewell, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Caleb Awolola, who represented the party chairman of Apapa-Iganmu, lauded Honourable Jimoh, just as he enjoined the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in general during their stay in France.

SIDELINES

NO 16,540

“Members of the National Assembly cannot legitimately argue that the same people who voted them into office cannot be heard in a referendum on a matter of primary importance including those affecting their pecuniary interest such as (a) membership of both national and state assembly on part-time basis, (b) creation of 8 additional states, (c) modification of presidential system of government, (d) rotation of presidency among six geopolitical zones of the country, (e) scrapping of local government and (f) revenue allocation etc.”

A

N150

THURSDAY, 7 JULY, 2016

S I stated last week, it is not enough that the last Constitutional Conference was able to complete its work. The recommendations of the Conference are overdue for implementation. What is the point of having over 500 recommendations if they are never examined nor evaluated? It is disheartening that most of all these recommendations are yet to receive any attention. Whilst I acknowledge that the National Assembly has made attempts to incorporate some of the recommendations in the form of amendments to the Constitution, I continue to hold the conviction that only a referendum can bring about wholesale consideration and implementation of the vast majority of the recommendations. It is my view that such recommendations must be subjected to a referendum in which Nigerians will be able to indicate whether or not the recommendations should form the bedrock of any amendment to the current Constitution or even an entirely new Constitution. It is not a matter that should be left to the National Assembly. I state this for the following reasons: (i) The Conference of over 500 members was more representative of the diversity that exists in Nigeria today than the National Assembly. Members of the Conference were drawn from the various ethnic groups in Nigeria including minorities. What is more, the Conference ensured representations amongst even interests and professional groups. This ensured that the

OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D, D.Litt

A commercial cab driver, Clement Ogunsola, who was nabbed recently in Edo State for armed robbery, confessed that he robbed his passenger of her mobile phone and N18,500 which he spent to discharge his sick child from hospital. This is a case of the end not justifying the means because armed robbery is utterly condemnable irrespective of the excuse.

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Report of National Conference: Need for a referendum (2) debates leading up to the recommendations were thorough and all encompassing. Representation in the National Assembly on the other hand is based on geographical and political party considerations. (ii) The reason stated in (i) above is further strengthened by the fact all the recommendations were passed unanimously.

So what is the point in making the recommendations subject to the approval of members of the National Assembly who as stated earlier owe their said membership mainly to political affiliations? (iii) The nature of some of the recommendations may in reality make a non-partisan appraisal of the report by members of the National Assembly a difficulty. Members of the National Assembly have always been openly criticical of the recommendation for the creation of additional states. Whilst this criticism may in some instances have been genuinely made, it is difficult to set aside the thought that the fact that the creation of new states will affect the political fortunes of some members may also have played a part. (iv) In all parts of the world decisions on proposed crucial changes to the political structure of a country such as those forming the basis of the recommendations of the Conference or important policy decisions such as the recent referendum in the United kingdom on continued membership of the European Union (EU) are ultimately taken to the citizenry in the form of a referendum.

Another example was the vote on the proposed breakaway of Scotland from the United Kingdom. Teenagers as young as sixteen (16) were be permitted to vote in the refer-

endum. This is despite the fact that Scotland has since 1998 had its own Parliament by virtue of the Scotland Act 1998. As a matter of fact the decision to have a Parliament was taken after the people voted in favour of the idea in a referendum conducted in 1997.

I have no doubt that if it were to be Nigeria, proponents of the so called supremacy of the legislature would have argued, as they have always argued in relation to the recommendations of the Conference, that the vote on the proposed independence of Scotland should have been limited only to the Scottish Parliament and not the people.

However sovereignty belongs to the people.

This much is provided in Section 14(2) of the Constitution which reads as follows: “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority” (v) It is thus clear that what the Nigerian people have done in electing members of the National Assembly to their positions can be likened to the relationship between a donor of a power of Attorney and a donee. The authority of the done is to do any act which the donor may have done himself. Such authority can never preclude the donor from taking steps or actions which he conceives to be in his self-interest. So even members of the National Assembly cannot legitimately argue that the same people who voted them into office cannot be heard in a referendum on a matter of primary importance including those affecting their pecuniary interest such as (a) membership of both national

and state assembly on part-time basis, (b) creation of 8 additional states, (c) modification of presidential system of government, (d) rotation of presidency among six geopolitical zones of the country, (e) scrapping of local government and (f) revenue allocation etc.

The referendum which I propose should also contain a question as to whether the recommendations if passed should form the basis of further amendments to the current 1999 Constitution or an entirely new Constitution. I am of the view that it would be far better to simply adopt a new Constitution. However in doing so, some workable portions of the current Constitution should not be jettisoned. Happily the Conference did not itself recommend a wholesale abandonment of the 1999 Constitution. So in effect some parts of the current Constitution should be merged with the approved recommendations to form a new Constitution.

However if the decision is taken to make amendments to the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly must realize that their duty would be limited only to incorporating the approved recommendations by means of amendments to the Constitution. They should not see it as an opportunity to examine or reject the recommendations of the Conference which at that time would have received the approval of the people of Nigeria Next week I will consider in some detail the reasons why the majority of the recommendations of the National Conference should be subjected to referendum.

(To be continued)

Tax fraud: Messi sentenced to 21 months in prison

Messi (left) with dad, Jorge in the court.

FC Barcelona star, Lionel Messi has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud.

His father, Jorge Messi, was also given a jail term for defrauding Spain of €4.1m (£3.5m; $4.5m) between 2007 and 2009.

They also face millions of euros in fines for using tax havens in Belize and Uruguay used to conceal earnings from image rights.

However, neither man is expected to serve time in jail.

Under the Spanish system, prison terms under two years can be served under probation.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner and his father were found guilty of three counts of tax fraud in Wednesday’s ruling by the court in Barcelona.

Messi, who announced his international retirement after the Copa America final loss to Chile a few days ago, was fined about €2m and his father €1.5m.

During the trial, the former Argentina captain insisted he “knew nothing” about the management of his financial affairs, saying he was “playing football”.

For his part, Jorge Messi claimed he did not have enough knowledge to orchestrate such a fraud, blaming his tax consultants instead.

Meanwhile, Barcelona has said it will support any decision Messi and his family should decide to take in the wake of the

ruling.

“FC Barcelona gives all its support to Leo Messi and his father with relation to the sentence for tax evasion handed out by the Provincial Court in Barcelona today,” a club statement read.

“The club, in agreement with the government prosecution service, considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish Tax Office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case.

“FC Barcelona continues to be at the disposal of Leo Messi and his family to support him in whatever action he decides to take in defence of his honesty and his legal interests.”

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