9th December 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

World Bank wants Nigeria to remove oil subsidy NO 16,388

WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER, 2015

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Nigerian Tribune

N150

—P5,37

•As FG budgets N150bn for oil subsidy in 2016 •Proposes N500bn social welfare •To spend N39bn on oil exploration in the North •Nigeria not in control of its oil —Akinjide

Protesters storm NASS, demand withdrawal of social —P6 media bill Recovered N29bn police pension fund returned to FG —DG —P42

Yoruba summit calls for economic plans, —P34 infrastructure reforms

From left, Afenifere chieftain, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti and another chieftain, Chief Olaniwun Ajayi, at the Yoruba summit, in Akure, on Tuesday.

17,760 flats to be provided nationwide —Fashola

•Says tolls will be reintroduced on roads •Asks consumers to accept current high electricity tariff

—P7

Fayose presents 2016 budget, to forward copies to —P35 ICPC, EFCC Alao-Akala set to join —P5 APC

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

news

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

World Bank wants Nigeria to end fuel subsidy Gbola Subair -Abuja

HE World Bank has cautioned the Federal Government over contin-

ued fuel subsidy payment, disclosing that Nigeria was unable to accumulate a fiscal reserve in the Excess Crude Account because of the $35 billion cost of fuel

subsidy incurred between 2010 and 2014. The bank also said $35 billion could have protected the country from the recent oil price shock but Ni-

geria wasted it on subsidy. “Fuel subsidy obligations are expected to reach 18 per cent of all government’s oil revenues in 2015 and if the current regulat-

2016 budget: FG budgets N150bn for oil subsidy in 2016 •Proposes N500bn social welfare •To spend N39bn on oil exploration in the North •Cuts NASS budget by N5bn Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja THE Federal Government is planning to spend N150 billion on fuel subsidy in 2016, while it projects another N63 billion as its share of fuel subsidy in the new year. This was contained in the details of the 2016 economic framework as contained in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper(FSP) submitted to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari. The government, in the document, projected a budget of N6.04 trillion for 2016. It expected to earn N3.82 trillion, while also projecting a deficit of N2.2 trillion. The government expects to spend 30 per cent on capital projects while projecting a 70 per cent capital for recurrent expenditure. Despite the passage of the supplementary 2015 budget of N521 billion to cover fuel subsidy claims for 2015, the Federal Government is projecting another N145 billion as arrears of 2015 fuel subsidy for domestic consumption in the 2016 budget. If the new figure is approved by the National Assemby, the government would have paid the sum of N546 billion on subsidy in 2015. The government, however, projects to spend the sum of N150 billion on fuel subsidy in 2016.

The approved subsidy payments for January to December 2015 stands at about N402 billion, while N120 billion was said to be balance of subsidy claims for 2014, totalling about N522 billion. Last week, the National Assembly approved the sum of N413 billion as subsidy payment for January to September 2015 and added another N108 billion to cover the months of October to December of the same year. However, the sum of N217 billion was contained in the budget for subsidy in 2015. The government also planned to spend N500 billion on social welfare packages in the 2016 fiscal year. According to the document, the Federal Government would collaborate with state governments to institute social welfare interventionist programmes in the areas of school feeding programme, conditional cash transfer to the most vulnerable and the post-National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) grant. “N500 billion has been provisioned in the 2016 budget as social investments. These interventions will start as a pilot scheme and work towards securing the support of donor agencies and our development partners in order to minimise potential risks,” the document stated. The government also stated that it planned to increase support for medium enterprises through loans to market women

and artisans through cooperative societies. The document, however, indicated that the social welfare programme was to be phased and that beneficiaries would have to show evidence of child’s enrolment in school and evidence of immunisation. “A phased social welfare programme will be created to care for a larger population of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians upon the evidence of children’s enrolment in school and evidence of immunisation,” the document stated. It restated the government’s decision to prune the size of the its ministries, departments and agencies for efficiency, but ruled out the possibility of salary increment. “However, while security exigencies necessitate the employment of more personnel which would have an upward impact on the wage bill, the mounting number of claims for increases in salaries and allowances, including pensions and other benefits, will a need to be curtailed in the efforts at rebalancing the structure of government’s spending,” the document added. The government also indicated a reduction of National Assembly budget for 2016 by N5 billion from N120 billion, pegging it at N115 billion, while also projecting an expenditure of N39 billion on oil explorations in the frontier areas (the North). In the budget framework, the Federal Government

Alao-Akala set to join APC

We are not aware —APC, LP lawmakers By Wale Akinselure FORMER governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, on Tuesday, stirred the political waters of the state as he intimated of his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision was reached at a meeting which he held with his supporters on the “Destiny Group” platform, at his Ibadan residence. In what he regarded as a historic step, Alao-Akala noted that the decision to

leave Labour Party (LP) for APC had become expedient, considering that the different political parties were set to commence their congresses, as well as the fact that APC offered the best political platform, at the moment. While enjoining his supporters to gear up to become members of the APC, he hinted that a date for a formal declaration would be made public as soon as he finished consultation with the leadership of the APC.

On the fate of lawmakers elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), AlaoAkala hinted that such honourable members should continue on that platform in the meantime. Speaking further on the development, Director, Alao Akala Campaign Organisation, Dr Kola Balogun, who Alao-Akala asked to speak on his behalf, said the decision was a response to the yearnings of supporters Continues pg46

also planned to borrow the sum of N2.2 trillion in the new year. The government plans to borrow the sum of N1.2 trillion from domestic market, another N635.88 billion, from foreign creditors and planned a total of N1.835 trillion new borrowings in the new year. The document also indicated that the Federal Government had recovered some “misappropriated funds” totaling N350.33 billion. The breakdown indicated that the sum of N137.90 billion was recovered from strategic alliance contracts, another sum of N162.43 billion recovered from the NNPC/CBN and another recovery of N50 billion was indicated under “recoveries of misappropriated funds” category.

ed prices are maintained, this is projected to increase to more than 30 per cent by 2018,” the bank said in the Nigeria Economic Report (NER) it launched in Abuja, on Tuesday. According to the report presented by the lead economist of World Bank, Mr John Litwack, the recent sharp decline in oil prices in the context of the high dependency of Nigeria’s public finance on oil revenues and slower economic growth, Nigeria is hard pressed for a major fiscal adjustment to lower oil revenues - even if oil prices rebound, the general rapid trend toward a decline in the share of oil revenues in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should continue. “Adjusting to new fiscal realities will be a critical challenge for Nigeria in the short and medium term. On the upside, however, and as the report highlights, important gains can be made by increasing efficiency in the public sector and improving regulatory effectiveness” the report said. The report also examined Nigeria’s natural gas sector which, it said, had great potentials to boost

the country’s power supply with right policy framework and credible political commitment. “The authorities will also need to re-examine critical issues, including regulatory institutions and uncertainty, pricing policy and payment arrears. “Realising the vast potential of Nigeria’s natural gas sector, Nigeria will demand a bold new strategy that includes revisiting the pricing policy and regulations from 2008, taking steps to ensure that gas prices paid ensure reasonable returns to investment and establishing an independent regulator,” it noted. Litwack also noted in his presentation that in spite of Nigeria’s economic crisis, it had a space for borrowing but warned that the money should be channelled into productive ventures and not wasted. Earlier, the new Country Director for Nigeria, Mr Rachid Benmessaoud, had stated that Nigeria had windows of opportunity to diversify its economy and improve the efficiency of public finance and regulation if right policies were put in place.

news Protesters storm NASS, demand withdrawal of anti-social media bill

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

•Online publishers drag Senate to court FromAyodeleAdesanmi,Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare, Tunde Ogunesan And Bola Badmus

ivil society organisations stormed the National Assembly in their hundreds to protest, on Tuesday, the bid by the Senate to pass a bill for an ‘‘Act to Prohibit Frivilous Petitions and other Matters Connected therewith” also known as “anti-Social Media Bill.” The protesters complained loudly about the proposed bill which states that: “where any person through text message, tweets, whatsapp or through any social media, using a statement knowing same to be false with intent to set the public against any person and or group of persons, an institution of government or such other bodies established by law shall be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, shall be liable to an imprisonment for two years or a fine of N2 million or both fine and imprisonment.” The protesters, however, added that the above was against Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that “ everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” Those who spoke on behalf of the civil society groups included Aisha Yesufu, Anthony Ehilebo, Ariyo Atoye, Muhktar Dan’Iyan, and Dr Ahmad Isa. They warned that if the Senate continued legislative processes on the controversial Bill, they would be forced to pressurise the international community to impose travel bans on all Nigerian legislators. According to them, “After years of military dictatorship, Nigeria in finally coming into its own as a vibrant democracy; it is, therefore, unacceptable and unconscionable for us to return to the league of pariah nations by enacting laws which stifle the fundamental hallmark of any free people: their right to self expression. “We are of the firm opinion that our request shall be adhered to and the process of turning this bill into law shall be discontinued. However, if it doesn’t, we shall continue to take di-

rect action, but not limited to pressurising the international community to impose travel bans on all the Nigerian legislators who voted to turn this bill into law and deny citizens their fundamental human right.” However, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Shehu Sani, who addressed the protesters, promised to communicate issues raised by the protesters to relevant committees. President Muhammadu Buhari had, on Monday, distanced himself from the bill, saying he would continue to guarantee the freedom of the press and not assent to any bill that contradicted the 1999 Constitution. The Senate, last week, passed for second reading the bill sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’ Allah (Kebbi/APC) seeking two years imprisonment with an option of N2 million fine for Nigerians who post ed “abusive statements” on the social media.

According to the Bill, it would be unlawful to submit any petition, statement intended to report the conduct of any person for the purpose of an investigation, inquiry without a duly sworn affidavit confirming the content to be true and in accordance with the Oaths of Act. In a related development, the Registered Trustees of Online Publishers Association of Nigeria have dragged the Nigerian Senate to the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over the passage of a bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith. The online publishers, through their counsel, Osuagwu Ugochukwu, on Tuesday, filed an originating summons pursuant to Order 3 Rules 6 and 7 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2009, asking the senate to, within 30 days after service of the summons, enter an appearance in the suit. They are, in the suit, ask-

ing the court to determine whether in view of the provisions of Sections 39(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the defendant, their members, committees or privies can lawfully debate, consider and pass into law a bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith. The online publishers also asked the court to determine whether in view of the provisions of Sections 39(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the proposed bill for an act to prohibit frivolous petitions and other matters connected therewith is not an attempt to criminalise free speech and freedom of expression of the plaintiff. Meanwhile, a group, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), said on Tuesday, that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, has

concluded plans to return the country to the dark days of the military where freedom of expression and speech were seriously disallowed. Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, who led the group, said this in an interview with newsmen in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while reacting to the bill now before the Senate that aimed to punish publication of false petitions, when passed into law. The rights activist urged Nigerians not to sleep with their two eyes closed over what he tagged: “Evil” bill being proposed by the APC Senator, Bala Ibn Na’ Allah,’’ saying the anti- media bill could be comparable to Decree 4 that was used to gag the press during Buhari’s era as Military Head of State between 1984 and 1985. He said it was not enough for President Buhari to dissociate himself from the bill, but should tell the APC senators who

Members of the Civil Society Group, during a protest demanding the withdrawal of anti social media bill by the Senate, in Abuja, on Tuesday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Group raises the alarm over plot to frustrate anti-corruption fight

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Advocates of Social Justice for All (ASJA) has raised the alarm over the activities of groups that were attempting to frustrate the anti-corruption fight by President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as security agencies with frivoulous petitions to clog the system and slow down the process. This was disclosed in Abuja, on Tuesday, at a press

briefing held by the 13 CSO Coalition under ASJA. The briefing, addressed by the Executive Secretary of ASJA, Comrade Asongo Torkuma, further drew the attention of Nigerians to what was termed the activities of paid agents who were out to malign the image and reputation of some public officials in the country. Torkuma told newsmen: “We have discovered that

many universities’ vice chancellors who are basically academics and who fear for their reputation being dragged into the public arena for negative reasons are suffering from these elements in recent times and there is need for Mr President to come to their rescue before overzealous citizens take advantage of the war against corruption to defraud unsuspecting

Nigerians under the cover of anti-corruption crusade within his regime.’’ “More worrisome to us is the recent springing up of emergency groups under the auspices of NOUN Congress of Staff and Students and Congress of NOUN Students making clandestine moves to extort, blackmail and intimidate the Vice Chancellor, Professor Vincent Ado Tenebe.”

were behind the bill to throw it into the dustbin. According to him, the bill, if allowed to become law, was an invitation to chaos and anarchy. The CHRSJ boss reiterated that Section 22 and 39 (1) of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guaranteed freedom of speech and expression to the citizens as an antidote for the deepening of the country’s democratic experiment. He noted that any law that contradicted the General Provision, part 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, was null and void. He further described the proposed anti-media bill as curious, undemocratic, evil, ungodly, anathema, abomination, anti-masses and aberration which should not be allowed to stand. NPAN urges NASS to enhance FoI Act The Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has called on the National Assembly to desist from considering or passing any laws seeking to abridge constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech in the country. The association, in a press statement signed by its national president, Nduka Obaigbena, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, said the freedom of Information Act should be enhanced instead. According to the statement, “The attention of the NPAN has been drawn to a so-called Bill for an Act to prohibit Frivolous Petitions and Other matters connected therewith currently being considered in the Senate of the Federal republic of Nigeria. “The NPAN urges the National Assembly to cease and desist from considering or passing any laws seeking to abridge constitutionally-guaranteed free speech as such laws will not only be unconstitutional, they undermine our system of democracy and the rights we all fought for. “We cannot because of a few irritations on the social media seek to clamp down on the rights of citizens to freely hold and share opinion on any platform. We believe any untruths should be confronted by facts not laws, and indeed the Freedom of Information Act should be enhanced to promote more openness in governance.”

news FG to deliver 17,760 flats nationwide —Fashola 7

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

•Set to reintroduce tolling of roads

•Asks consumers to accept current high electricity tariff

Christian Okeke - Abuja

HE Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has said that the ministry will deliver 17,760 flats nationwide to address housing deficit in the country. Addressing his maiden news briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, he said that 480 homes would be built per state. He said that the ministry would collaborate with state governors to provide land of between five and 10 hectares with title documents and access roads to the project sites. “In the housing sector, if we complete our ongoing projects, and we get land from state governors and the FCT, using the Lagos Homes model, we should start 40 blocks of housing in each state and FCT. “We see this leading to potential delivery of 12 flats (homes) per block and 480 flats (homes) per state, and 17,760 flats (homes) nationwide, for a start. “These figures are only examples and not fixed in definition and they are subject first to budgetary approvals and availability of finance.” Fashola said that the projects would create job opportunities for many Nigerians, especially the youth. The minister said that government would appraise the national housing policies and make changes where necessary. “Beyond a policy, what is important is consistency of implementation. “Government will lead the aggressive intervention to increase supply, by undertaking construction of public housing and formulate policies that will invariably lead to private sector participation and ownership, to reduce our housing deficit. “We are mindful of some numbers about the size of housing deficit. “Those numbers need to be verified and we will undertake a process of scientific assessment to define the accuracy of that data and the actual demand.” He stated that the ministry would change the budget for national housing, current construction method and time frame for completing construction. “We must change the budget for national housing from N1.8billion in 2015 to something in the hundreds of billions of Naira that matches our ambition. “If we can spend N10 billion in each state and the FCT on housing alone every year, subject to the capacity to raise the money and the capacity to utilise the funds having regards to our cur-

From left, Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Mustapha Shauri; minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Abubakar Magaji, during the ministerial briefing, in Abuja, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN. rent construction methods and the time it take to complete construction, which our ministry intends to change by research and industrialisation of housing. “We are also considering the re-designing of existing housing roof types to make them ready to receive solar panels for electricity without damaging the roof or cause leakage during installation. “If we are successful, this will open a new vista for local manufacture of solar panels, create jobs at manufacturing, distributorship and installation levels especially for technicians as we have seen with cable TV, which would not have happened without privatisation,” he said. Fashola said that the ministry would ensure that many Nigerians were captured in the new housing policy, when formulated. The minister said the Federal Government would reintroduce highway tolling to raise additional funds to finance road infrastructure and ensure efficient road maintenance. He said that adequate funding of the nation’s road infrastructure would generate job opportunities and reduce unemployment in the country. “Maintenance would be our watchword. We are setting up a robust maintenance regime to keep our highways in good shape. “This shows that tolling is necessary to support government funding. So, it will not be too much if we ask every road user to pay little to augment government funding for road maintenance. “It is eminent commonsense for us to find that money. We will use technology; so if we don’t pay cash, you will pay by tokens or tickets and the money is accountable and it will go to the right place. “We will manage that fund properly and we will hold those who we put there to

account.” He said that as a shortterm strategy, the ministry would start with quick completion of ongoing interstate roads in order to facilitate connectivity, before working on those that bear heavy traffic. “We commit all our skills, energies, and collective integrity unreservedly to playing our part, but how much success we deliver is dependent also on the citizens’ commitment to their own part.” The minister observed that lack of funding had caused many construction companies to retrench their workers due to the huge debts owed them by the various tiers of government. He said that with adequate budgetary allocations, the three ministries have an enormous role to play in repositioning the economy and creating jobs. “Clearly, good roads will help reposition and grow our economy, reduce travel time, cost of transportation of goods and services, and restore jobs that have been lost to transport-dependent services. “Some of the numbers from only four construction companies that were sampled suggested that at least 5,150 workers have been laid off as at March 11, 2015. “If each contractor has only 100 employees at each of the 200 contract sites, it means at least 20,000 people who lost their jobs can return to work, if the right budget is put in place and funded for contractors to get paid. “The possibility to return those who have just lost their jobs back to work is the kind of change that we expect to see by this shortterm strategy.” Fashola further said that the ministry would soon embark on enforcement of the right of way by disman-

tling all illegal structures infringing on the highways. He advised persons infringing on the right of way to voluntarily dismantle the inappropriate structures before the government commenced the demolition of such structures. “In order to make the roads safer, we intend to re-claim the full width of all Federal roads, representing 16 per cent and about 36,000km of Nigeria’s road network. “We are immediately now asking all those who are infringing on our highways, whether by parking, trading, or erection of any inappropriate structure to immediately remove, relocate or dismantle such things voluntarily. “This will be the biggest contribution that citizens can offer our country as proof that we all want things to change for the better,” the minister said. Fashola also appealed to consumers to forbear and accept the high electricity tariff which they are being billed. He said that although the tariff may be higher than the current official tariff, it will bring about more significant improvement in power than what the consumers had witnessed. He said that it was much more important that government, as consumer of power through its ministries, departments, and agencies show example at federal, state and local governments by paying up backlogs of power bills and ensure that it pays for what it uses. “Our ministry intends to champion this at the federal level and I hope that the state governors, heads of parastatals, national and state assemblies, the various state and federal courts, local governments, military, police, and other related security agencies will find this a worthy undertaking to join and

ensure payment of all their electricity bills,” he said. The minister stated that he cannot imagine any government today not paying for airtime for telephone use, noting that “the truth is that if consumers do not pay their bills, the business will collapse.” Fashola stated that “what government intends to do is to liquidate verifiable and agreed debts that had accrued, approve a market tariff and hold the discos to a more efficient and fair collection system based on the use of meters so that consumers pay for only what they use.” According to him, National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been mandated to work out fair market tariff and announce it when finalised. He disclosed that over N5billion is needed to complete 22 transmission lines, out of the 142 transmission projects embarked upon by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Fashola said there was need for immediate construction of additional transmission lines for effective transportation of power between generation and distribution companies GENCOS and DISCOS. According to him, the TCN had identified 142 transmission projects out of which 45 were at 50 per cent completion stage, adding that 22 of these can be completed in a year. Fashola also disclosed that the sectors will also pursue aggressive completion of all abandoned projects as part of its short-time goals. The minister disclosed that the amount of power that is available in the country is slightly larger than the capacity which the transmission network can support and noted that the surest way not to have power is to oppose the implementation of the tariff order. He said, “For emphasis and

clarity, let me state that the previous administration had actually approved the tariff in January 2015, but what they did not do was to fully implement it.” Fashola, however, disclosed that the past administration suspended the implementation of the part that affects residences in the onset of elections. He said after the elections, the operators are now asking for payment because they were producing at current tariff and selling at old tariff. He said, “We expect that this will aggressively energise the local meter production, sale, repairs and maintenance industry and create spin off jobs for our people. We expect to see the growth of meter recharge small businesses like we saw in telecoms recharge cards and telephone hand set sales. “One thing citizens can do, and which they must do, is to conserve power.” On contracts awarded in works sector, the minister said that by paying the contractors, government would restore the lost jobs. “We will start from LagosIbadan Expressway and work our way across Nigeria gradually,” he said. He said, “For those travelling for Christmas, we regret that because of the budget and financing structure in 2015 that have been explained and it is now only 17 days to Christmas, we cannot honestly promise that your journey times will be shorter this December but we are optimistic that with works hopefully resuming next year, things should improve over the next few months. “In order to make the roads safer, we intend to re-claim the full width and set back of all federal roads, representing 16 per cent and about 36,000km of Nigeria’s road network by immediately asking all those who are infringing on our highways, whether by parking, trading or erection of any inappropriate structure to immediately remove, relocate or dismantle such things voluntarily. This will be the biggest contribution that citizens can offer our country as proof that we all want things to change for the better. “From these, we will move on to construction of biggest highways and bridges, sharing the specifics as we go on, with a view to ultimately updating the National Infrastructure Master Plan if need be, which we intend to retail to all Nigerians down to the schools, so that everybody in every state knows what is coming in terms of infrastructure, where it will be, when it will start and how long it will take.”

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Lagosmetro ‘Lagos has lost over N16bn property to fire in 2015’ Bola Badmus

he Lagos State government on Tuesday disclosed that properties worth N16.38billion were lost to various fire incidents this year alone while goods worth a total of N98. 28billion salvaged. The government also warned Lagosians against the use of fireworks popularly known as “bisco” and “banger” as the festive period approaches because of the potential hazard associated with the product. The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Oluseye Oladejo, disclosed that a total of over 1,667 emergency calls had been responded to from January 1, 2015 to date, adding that 15 distress calls for fire outbreaks were responded to on Tuesday. Oladejo said beside the fire outbreak that could result from use fireworks at

this festive and harmattan period, the noise and debris created by them after usage were health hazards and environmental nuisance which could cause a disaster. The commissioner also drew attention to the danger posed by dropping of cigarette butts indiscriminately, recalling as an example the recent Ojuelegba tanker accident.

According to him, someone had reportedly dropped a cigarette butt into a canal where the spilled content spread which ignited fire. “It would be recalled that the sad incident of the December 26, 2012 Jankara fire outbreak caused by the storage of fireworks in some shops along Ojo- Giwa Street, Lagos Island Local Government of the state led

to loss of lives and properties worth millions of naira,” he said. Oladejo maintained that the state remained safe and secure for people living and doing business, in spite of terrorist activities in the country and around the world. He, however, charged the people to be vigilant especially when in a large gath-

erings such as religious programmes, carnivals, clubs, events centres and restaurants. The commissioner warned that henceforth the state would order closure of amusement parks, shopping malls, casinos, cinemas, restaurants, clubs, hotels, among others which failed to have more than one exit.

Hoodlums Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Residents of Mushin have called on the state government to come to their aid as suspected criminals have taken over an abandoned public school in Mushin. The school initially owned by Catholic missionaries was previously named Bishop Aggrey Memorial School, located off Layi Oyekanmi Street in Mushin and was taken over by the Lagos State government for many years. The school was given back to its original owners a few years ago and the state gov-

American visa: Travel agent docked for fraud Modupe Mosaku A 40-year-old man, Godwin Daniel, has been accused of defrauding of one Jude Chuks Nwabule. Daniel who operates a travel and tour company promised the complainant that he would help him secure a visa to the United States of America. The complainant allegedly paid N400,000 to Daniel who refused to procure the visa for him. When Daniel was confronted he assaulted the complainant who reported him to the police and he was arrested. The presiding Magistrate, B.O Osunsanmi granted him N200,000 bail and adjourned the matter till March 3, 2016.

Every day scene on Lagos roads: A trailer fully loaded with cows and fodder at the back, thereby overloading the trailer. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Jigawa, Delta States, others abandon 90 containers at Ikorodu terminal Tola Adenubi Fifty containers of tricycles (Keke NAPEP) and 20 containers of building equipment have been reportedly abandoned at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal (ILT) by the Jigawa and Delta State governments. According to the acting Assistant Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service in charge of Zone A, Comptroller Charles Edike, the 50 abandoned contain-

ers of tricycles belong to the Jigawa State government while 20 abandoned containers containing building equipment belong to the Delta State government. This would not be the first time that the service has had to call on state governments and other government agencies who have abandoned their goods at the ports to claim them. “There are also a lot of containers, more than 20 of them, loaded with electricity

equipment lying un-cleared at the terminal; they belong to the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria. These containers were deployed there from the ports,” he said. He added that the companies that took over the assets and liabilities of the defunct PHCN must remove the abandoned imported electricity equipment from ILT by December 31, 2015 or forfeit them to the Federal Government. “The relevant agencies must

remove the overtime consignments before December 31 or forfeit them to the Federal Government. We have a directive from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), to decongest the terminal of overtime containers. “It is therefore obligatory on all officers, including myself, to support the CG to achieve his policy thrust, anchored on transparency, honesty and integrity. “To enable the owners to

clear the goods from the terminal, the NCS has also reduced charges. We are pleading with them to take delivery of the goods and use them for the benefit of Nigerians,” he said. Edike also said that the NCS had auctioned the goods to the owners which they had refused to remove from the terminal. Some of the containers were said to have been transferred to the terminal between 2011 and 2015.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Edited by

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

take over abandoned school in Mushin ernment transferred the students elsewhere. However, since the school was vacated by the state government, it has been empty and no functional activities going on there, thus allowing criminals to take over the place. Findings by Lagos Metro revealed that the premises is used for smoking marijuana and other hard drugs and prostitution. Some of the residents who spoke on condition anonymity said that they were overwhelmed by the activities of criminals in the premises. According to them, they were forced to keep silent after reporting to security agents such as the police and SSS who did nothing about it. A resident who identified himself as Yinka narrated that it has been an open secret that criminals use the place as their hideout. He added that some time ago, residents mobilized and went to both SSS and police and reported the situation and obtained a promise that they were going to look into the matter.

He said the criminals who virtually live in that place have warned the residents to mind their business and assured them of their safety inasmuch as they were not disturbed. Yinka said both in the day and night, all manner of people come into

the compound to smoke marijuana or sniff drugs, gamble till evening and then drive out and come back early the following morning to continue the same routine unmolested. “You will hear sounds of guns and people speaking strange language and

behaving in an unruly manner. But we usually keep quiet because of our safety,” he explained. Efforts to speak to the spokesperson for the Lagos State Commander, as at the time of filing this report was not successful as his phone was switched off.

2 men docked for robbery Modupe Mosaku

Two men, Kelechi Okorie and Chukwuma Ikechukwu have been charged to court for armed robbery. The two men allegedly committed the offence at Alakija Bus Stop, along Badagry Expressway. It was gathered that they armed themselves with guns

NITEL building gutted by fire Olalekan Olabulo From left, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule; Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; Managing Director, Thomson Reuters Africa, Sneha Shah; Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; Chairman, House Committee on Judicial Commission, Honourable Olufumilayo Tejuosho and Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, during the Launching of the Lagos State Laws at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.

Man tries to escape from court to avoid being sent to prison Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 22-year-old man who was arrested and charged before the court on Tuesday tried to escape from an Ejigbo Customary court to evade trial.

The suspect, Tomiwa Bolaji, had already evaded the court security guards and was attempting to escape through the adjoining street close to the court premises but the registrar, security guards and police officers

present pursued him and later re-arrested him on the street and brought him back into the courtroom to face trial. Tomiwa Bolaji was arraigned for allegedly stealing a generator set valued at

N25,000 belonging to Moses Udeze. The incident happened at 11, Adenekan Street where Udeze resides. While he was escaping with the generator, he was caught by the residents and

Lagos creates online platform for state laws Bola Badmus Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said on Tuesday that the state has perfected plans to launch an online platform where people all over the world can access laws enacted by the state from 1967 till date. Ambode made this known at the formal launch of Laws of Lagos State 2015, saying the online platform would not only enable investors and would-be investors to

and other offensive weapons and robbed one Idris Mohammed of an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle valued at N180,000, and attempting to kill him by shooting him on his waist. They were also accused of robbing one Vitta Drop ‘pure water’ company of the sum of N250,000, three Nokia handset phones valued at N42,000,and a Samsung handset valued at N50,000. They were further alleged of being in possession of one Czechoslovakia-made brownie pistol No.C63119 with six rounds of live ammunition without licence issued to them by the Inspector General of Police. The men, however, pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate court The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A Osunsanmi adjourned the case till March 3, 2016.

make informed decisions about investing in the state, but would also help them to appreciate the various legal protections available for their persons and investments. The 2015 Laws of Lagos State was put together in partnership with Thomson Reuters. The governor said that the Law Reform Commission of the state was already saddled with the task of developing the online platform, adding that the development was

geared towards promoting a platform for accountability and responsibility in fulfillment of the obligation of the government to create easy access to the laws of the state. He said through the online platform, people from any part of the world could easily access and download all the laws in the state since inception in 1967. Ambode, while alluding to the fact that Lagos had always taken the lead in legislation and law reform

initiatives in Nigeria, said the need for legislation to be up to date and relevant could not be over-emphasised in ensuring the necessary legal infrastructure for socio-economic transformation. “The publication of the 2015 Laws of the State, marks the beginning of the process of continually making the Laws accessible to the general public not only in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, but also beyond its borders globally.

handed over to the police at Ejigbo Division. At the station, Bolaji confessed that he actually stole the set to sell in order to raise money. He was charged to court on a one count charge of stealing under the Criminal Code. When he was arraigned, he pleaded guilty. The prosecutor, Mr Ishaku Babaji urged the court to give a short date to enable him present facts. Consequently, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs J. O. E. Adeyemi ordered him to be remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending the date for fact and sentence. The matter was adjourned till 14 December for fact and sentence. While the court officials were preparing for his remand papers, he suddenly got up and jumped out the court building before he was re-arrested and sent to prison.

The popular NITEL Building in Marina, Lagos State on Tuesday evening went up in flames. The timely arrival of fire fighters from a nearby fire station of the Lagos State Fire Service saved the situation as only the topmost floor of the multiple storey building was partially affected. Director of the state fire agency, Rasak Fadipe, confirmed the incident to Lagos Metro and added that the fire was immediately put out before it could cause much damage. The fire incident was blamed on an electric cable which fell on combustible materials during a process to switch over from power generating set. It was gathered that the engineer at the multiple storey building might have mistakenly dropped the power cable, which fell on the combustible materials. Thick smoke was noticed on the topmost floor of the multiple storey building forcing workers to raise an alarm.

news

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigeria’ll no long experience major B\Haram attacks by December 31 — Lai Mohammed Chris Agbambu, Collins Nnabuife – Abuja

HE Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday said that the military has done excellently well by decimating the capacity of the Boko Haram terrorists, adding that Nigeria will no longer experience major attacks from Boko Haram insurgents from December 31st this year. Answering questions from newsmen at a worldpress conference in Abuja, the minister noted that the war was not a regular war but a guerrilla one, where you are fighting an enemy you don’t know. Also on the bombing of places, Mohammed noted that even though the terrorists will be finally defeated by December ending, such occurrences can not be ruled out. Citing examples of countries that have fought terrorism in the past such as Columbia, the minister said

that the rebels once in awhile attack to tell the people that they are still existing The minister solicited the support of civilians in the area of intelligence gathering to help the military curb the activities of the terrorists to barest minimum. According to him, the military is largely winning the war against insurgents as a result of the success made so far in reclaiming all territories formerly under the control of Boko Haram. His words “From what we saw on ground, the military have largely won the war and am confident that by December 31, the military would have achieved the objective of substantially decimating the capacity of the Boko Haram insurgents in the manner that they will be unable to henceforth launch the kind of spectacular attacks they used to launch. “What the government sort to achieve is that by the end of this month, the Boko Haram will not be in the position to hold any territory and say we are operating from this

territory.” He further said that the clean up of the recovered territories have already commenced both by the Federal Government and the Borno State government. “At Bama, from where Boko Haram once declared a caliphate, we were astounded by the level of destruction and devastation, not a single building was unaffected by the activities of the terrorists and no building is being occupied by its original resident, even the emir’s palace was not spared by the terrorists. “The clean up of the town as well as Konduga and other villages have started. The government of Borno State has also kick-started the reconstruction efforts being spareheaded by the state Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement,” he added. The minister, however, said that what was missing in the war was the civilian component which will make Nigerians see the war on in-

surgents as a collective effort and support the military. “What is missing in the war now is the civilian compo-

nent, the need for all Nigerians to support our gallant men and women in uniform and the need for them to

own the war. This is not the war for the military alone, it is a war for all Nigerians,” Mohammed explained.

Chris Agbambu – Abuja

in a statement in Abuja yesterday said that during the encounter many of the terrorists were killed while one was captured alive. According to him, the troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun, several rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions, 47 rifle magazines, 36 hand grenades and quite a number of Shil-

ka gun empty shells. He said that troops also dealt decisively with Boko Haram terrorists at Buni Yadi area. The Army spokesman disclosed that the troops recovered a Toyota Hilux, 2 boxes of 7.62mm ammunitions and some Improvised Explosive making Devices cords.

Troops intercept fleeing Boko Haram terrorists at Pulka FLEEING Boko Haram terrorists attempting to escape from military onslaught in Sambisa Forest, through Pulka, were intercepted and dealt with by troops. Acting Army Public Relations Officer, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman,

Benin’s 800 MNJTF troops contribution now ready —Yayi Leon Usigbe - Abuja THE 800 troops pledged by Benin Republic for the Mult-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) fighting Boko Haram insurgents

Count me out of N310m robbery —Saraki Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

SENATE President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, dismissed claims by one online medium that he was the owner of the N310million said to have been stolen during a robbery operation involving some military and State Security Service (SSS) officials. In a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said the stolen money did not belong to him and that he did not know the owner, who is said to be a Bureau De Change operator. “The Senate President was in Paris attending the Globe COP 21 Conference for Legislators on the Climate Change when we read the report on a statement issued by the spokesperson of the SSS. “The initial reaction of the Senate President when his attention was drawn to the story in Paris was that the owners and their sponsors of the online medium simply wanted to draw him into a needless controversy and therefore they should be ignored. However, on his return to Abuja on Monday night when many of his friends and well wishers expressed concern over his silence on the report, it became necessary for him to make

clarification on it. “We want to say categorically that Dr Saraki is not the owner of the stolen money. He does not know the owner who is said to be a Bureau de change operator. The police that investigated the robbery incident and the SSS, which issued a statement on it, can confirm that there is no link between the Senate President with the ownership of the money. “Unfortunately, two of the suspects in the case are said to be part of the men attached to the security team of the Senate President. As anybody could confirm, the SSS selects its officers who are attached to top officials. In most cases, the principal does not select who work in his security team. “In fact, the first time the Senate President heard about the incident was when the Commissioner of Police, Abuja, requested

the Aide-in-Camp to get his permission for the SSS agents to report to his office in connection with an ongoing investigation on a robbery incident. “The Senate President, just like any interested Nigerian, followed the police investigation as it progresses, believing that justice will be done at the end of the day. “The report by the on line

medium is another case of manipulation and distortion of facts and situations to achieve some sinister purposes. This online medium is, with every false reports it publishes against the person and office of the Senate President discrediting itself and making it clear that it is not worth believing by reasonable members of the public,” the statement added.

FG plans re-planning, refinancing for battered N/East infrastructure Christian Okeke - Abuja FEDERAL Government, on Tuesday, said that rebuilding battered infrastructure in the North-East of the country requires replanning and refinancing . It noted that achieving the result, however, requires what it described as integrated effort. Minister of Power, Works

and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who disclosed this in Abuja at a press briefing noted that the government currently has over 200 road contracts that it needs to finance, and argued that it does not make common sense to start new ones when it has not finished the ones it started. On the second Niger

IGP appoints new Deputy Force PRO THE Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has appointed Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sogbeba West as the new Deputy Force Public Relations Officer. This is contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP

in the North-East are now ready to be deployed, President Boni Yayi has assured. Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, he said the soldiers were ready and waiting to be deployed. Following the formation of the MNJTF by West African countries including Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic, Benin pledged to assist with troops to tackle the terror menace. Speaking through an interpreter, Yayi assured that Benin Republic would always support Nigeria in the war against the insurgents

Olabisi Kolawole, in Abuja, on Tuesday. The statement said that West, who holds a Diploma in Security Strategies, hails from Rivers State. It said that West served in Enugu Command as a Personal Assistant to the then Commissioner of Police of the Command. He had also headed the

Special Anti-robbery Squad, Enugu, as well as worked in Taraba Command. The statement said that West also served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in Kosovo and East Timor. “His experience in policing has seen him through in Nasarawa, Rivers and Kogi commands,” it said.

Bridge, the minister described the project as a priority, but appealed to those causing trouble in some parts of the country to know that they scare away contractors and that they have a choice to decide whether they want development or not. He said, “I want to appeal to stakeholders, let’s sheath our swords. We have a clear line now. We are still owing all sorts of things including compensation. ‘‘The communities should understand that the compensation will be paid, but they must give way for work to continue.” The minister disclosed that he would be travelling by road to states of the federation to meet with officials at the state level on the Federal Government projects there.

and corruption. He added: “President Buhari took over the mantle of government at a time terrorism occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram is high. “To fight terrorism, Benin is ready to send about 800 men to join the men that are already prepared to fight terrorism. The team is battle ready for deployment. “The will power is there and Benin is committed to deploying the men. Benin will always remain on the side of Nigeria in its trying times. “The sub region is also going through serious problems of development. Fighting Boko Haram is becoming difficult because OPEC countries are going through oil crises. “We will always stand beside Buhari in his fight against corruption.” In his remark, Buhari said military operation against Boko Haram has shifted to the remotest parts of the North-East, noting that it was in the interest of Nigeria to be in good terms with its neighbours for security and economic reasons. In line with this, he revealed that Nigeria would soon host a meeting of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS). While congratulating Yayi for almost completing his second five-year tenure in office, Buhari promised that Nigeria would assist Benin Republic in the conduct of its forthcoming general election to ensure a free and fair exercise.

businessnews

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

AMCON to publish names of debtors

Releases new timetable for sale of Keystone Bank soon Olatunde Dodondawa And Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

hief Executive Officer, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Chief Ahmed Kuruh, has said the corporation is set to expose big debtors in its books, who had refused to pay their debts. He also revealed that earlier plans to sell Keystone Bank Limited after the general elections and emergence of new administration would have to give way for a new timetable to be released soon. According to AMCON’s boss, one of the major challenges facing the corporation going forward was how to recover its funds from chronic debtors. To debtors, Kuru said, “come and pay or get published. I want the public to know some of the personalities that owe AMCON. We are going to publish all the big names that have taken our money and they are enjoying in Abuja and building big palaces. If you have taken AMCON’s money, you must pay,” Kuru said. On Keyston Bank, he said, “there was already a plan to sell Keystone Bank. But unfortunately, because of

the change in management and board of AMCON, we have not been able to sell the bank. So, obviously we are coming up with a new timetable. “What is certain is that anything you see as an asset in the books of AMCON will be sold, and we will come out with a timetable for you to know when each of our assets will be sold.” Keystone is the last of three nationalised lenders

to be sold after Mainstreet Bank was purchased by Skye Bank Plc and Enterprise Bank by Heritage Banking Co. last year. According to the helmsman, the practice had been to dispose AMCON’s assets in private. But with the new board and management, all that is set to change. “If you tell me you want to buy any asset privately from AMCON, if I tell you

it is possible I am lying. In fact, that will even complicate issues. Now we do open and competitive biddings. I am sure you must have seen our placements in the papers. So there will be no hanky-panky or secret deals in the disposal of our assets,” Kuru said. He observed that some banks had not been able to clean up their debtors’ list to ensure that names and figures are published.

So sometimes people take them to court based on differences, or the directors’ names that were published. “But by and large, I can tell you that publishing a debtor’s name may not be the best way of debt recovery; it is an effective way. I can tell you also that the response was very huge. A lot of people are rushing to the banks on daily bases to restructure their debts oth-

Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa (2nd right), presenting an award to chairman\CEO, Kam Industry, Dr Kamaldeen Yusuf. With them are, from left, Executive Director, Large Scale Enterprises, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali; Executive Director, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr Waheed Olagunju and Presedent, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr Frank Udumba Anthony, during 2015 BOI award presentation ceremony at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos. PHOTO BY ALABA IGBAROOLA.

CBN introduces N220bn loan among traders The apex bank in the country, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has introduced a N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF), a business development intervention among market men and women in the country. Speaking at a two-day interactive programme on financial inclusion among traders in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Head, External Communication, Corporate Communication Department of the CBN, Mr Isaac Okorafor, said the N220 billion fund is cheaper, affordable and it is at nine per cent all inclusive interest rate per annum. “Also, the interest rate is maximum of 9 per cent interest per annum, unlike the normal tradition among other banks to charge every month. “Now, N53 billion is out for distribution across the country. The state governments have taken not less than N45 billion because they fulfilled the minimum requirement,” he said. The CBN official also said that the uniqueness of the fund was 60 per cent allocation for women, two per cent for people living with

disability while 10 per cent is for start ups, that is those in fresh businesses. The apex bank official, who described women folk as a more reliable

group of loan takers when compared with their male counterparts in the country, said the women folk do not default like most men. “Even if you start small,

you can still produce and export and you make more money. And the Central Bank of Nigeria is ready to support you even if it requires you are using

NSE loses N103bn in market capitaliation due to profit taking The market capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) lost N103 billion on Tuesday to reverse the gains of the last three days due to profit taking. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation, which opened at N9.569 trillion, dropped N103 bil-

lion or 1.08 per cent to close at N9.466 trillion. Similarly, the All-Share Index lost 300.86 points or 1.08 per cent to close at 27,533.03 against 27,833.89 achieved on Monday. Market analysts attributed the development to profit taking embarked by investors to take advantage

of the gains recorded in the last three trading days. NAN reports that Forte Oil topped the losers’ chart, dropping N12.75 to close at N235.90 per share. Nigerian Breweries came second with N2.50 to close at N113, while Lafarge. Africa dipped by N1.99 to close at N90.01 per share.

Aba goes ‘gaga’ for Glo Laffta Fest Residents of Aba, Abia State trooped out en mass to watch their favorite comedians perform at the much anticipated Glo Laffta Fest comedy show which took place at the popular Binez Hotel, Umungasi, on Sunday December 6. The comedy show arrived the commercial city from Nsukka, Enugu State, where the show was a tremendous success. News of the event had spread

throughout the town like wild fire, ahead of the arrival of Nigeria’s top comedians. On sighting the branded Glo bus conveying the comedians, the enthusiastic residents including commercial bus drivers, traders and keke Napep operators followed the vehicle, hailing and ushering them to the venue, like the Biblical triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The auditorium of Binez

Hotel had been filled to capacity as early as 1 p.m. for a show scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Interestingly, some entertainment lovers who were not on the Glo network quickly switched their lines to Glo when informed of the prerequisite for admission into the event. Those who did not have a Glo line bought Glo SIMs and the required airtime needed to be admitted.

foreign exchange to produce something that you will export, we will give you access to buy foreign exchange at a reasonable rate. That is the attitude now, produce, add value and export. The 41 items that we have removed from the list from accessibility to foreign exchange means that we are creating market, we are creating an opportunity for people who want to produce and export”, he said. On issue of some micro finance institutions that had allegedly defrauded some of the market men and women of their earnings in form of one programme or the other that were introduced to them, the CBN official said the apex bank would sharpen its regulatory machinery through the relevant department as the regulator of all financial institutions. “We are aware of it. We will sharpen our regulatory machinery through the relevant department to be able to check their books to know if they are complying and we will enforce compliance. A number of them have been made to reverse. By the nature of their operations, they charge upront, high interest rate and monthly.”

erwise, the list would have been longer than what you have seen,” he said, stressing that lists that had been published were lists of chronic debtors. “No responsible Nigerian would want to see his name on the pages of Newspaper as a debtor,” Kuru added. The Senate recently confirmed the appointment of Ahmed Lawan Kuru as the Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), to replace Mr Mustapha Chike Obi who was relieved of his job by President Mohammadu Buhari. Also confirmed were Kola Adeye, Eberechukwu Fortunate Uneze and Aminu Ismail as executive directors of the corporation. This followed the submission and the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions. The corporation however expressed concern that a weak economy is hindering efforts to recover billions of dollars of loans and other assets it took on five years ago to rescue banks in Nigeria. Companies that owe money to AMCON were struggling to repay their debts, while the value of its property assets was dropping, Kuru told reporters in Lagos on Tuesday.

Tech4her Africa kick-starts digital business training By Ronke Sanya

Based on its aim of building smarter business women, Tech4her Africa commenced another edition of its Digital Business Academy on Tuesday, December 8. The business academy, in collaboration with Institute of Commercial Management (ICM), UK, is set to help women adapt technology tools and boost their digital business ability. According to the founder, Tech4her Africa, Elizabeth Olorunleke, “this edition of the business academy is for women in Lagos to position themselves and their businesses for 2016. It is for working and home mums; female graduates and undergraduates and women who have business of their own.” The training, which is supported by Institute of Commercial Management (ICM), United Kingdom and Self Training Institute (STI), will hold from December 8 till December 20 at Oak Business School Building, Ogba, Lagos.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

news Kogi: Wada sets up transition committee

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

•Vows to challenge Bello’s victory at Tribunal •As Faleke resumes duties at NASS From Jacob Segun Olatunji, Kolawole Daniel and Yinka Oladoyinbo

he Kogi State governor, Captain Idris Wada, on Tuesday, said he would challenge the result of the governorship election in the state at the Election Petition Tribunal. This is just as the governor has set up the Transition Committee to drive the process of handing over to a new government in the state. Wada made his decision to challenge the result of the election that was eventually decided with a supplementary election last Saturday known in Lokoja, the state capital, while addressing stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to him, the decision to challenge the result of the election in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared Alhaji Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner were based on many fronts. He said he and the party

would approach the tribunal to seek proper interpretation of the law and relevant sections of the constitution and the Electoral Act in connection with the election. The governor said, “We are contesting the election on the basis of malpractices and also issues regarding the application of the law; the constitution and the Electoral Act. It is not a personal thing. It is purely a legal issue and we need those relevant sections of our electoral laws to be properly interpreted in view of the unique incidences that have happened in connection with this election. We believe that posterity has entrusted this responsibility on our party to seek interpretation of these issues.” Also, the crisis generated by the nomination of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the governorship candidate of APC in Kogi State may not be over despite the victory of the party as some members of the party are prepared to approach the tribunal over the development. It was gathered that

members who felt cheated by the decision of the party to pick Bello as a replacement for the late Prince Abubakar Audu are considering the option of approaching the tribunal to seek redress. Already, there is disquiet among party members in the state as many of them were not in celebration mood despite winning the governorship election. The secretariat of the party that is expected to be beehive of activities following the announcement of the results by the INEC on Sunday had been deserted. A visit by the Nigerian Tribune to the office, located adjacent to the Lokoja Local Government secretariat, on Tuesday, at about 1:30 p.m., showed that there was no state official of the party in the premises. Party members and supporters that were always present in their number in the build up to the election have also disappeared and the place was like a ghost town. Sources however told Nigerian Tribune that ma-

jority of the party members were still not happy with the way the national secretariat handled the issue of the state after the demise of Audu. It was gathered that the members’ indifference to the party might not be unconnected with the failure of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to toe the line of the majority in the state. Meanwhile, Honourable James Abiodun Faleke, the running mate to late Audu of the APC, on Tuesday, resumed plenary session in the House of Representatives. The APC had named Faleke as the running mate to Bello in the supplementary governorship election in Kogi State, but he refused and headed for court, insisting that INEC should declare him the winner of the poll. Faleke represents Ogba Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the eighth House of Representatives and is also the chairman, Committee on Customs and Excise. He stormed the green

chamber in style, spotting a white flowing ‘agbada’ and a hand-made red cap, amid cheers and ovation from his colleagues in the House as he approached the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and had a brief discussion with him for a few minutes before resuming at his officially allotted seat. After the plenary session yesterday, Faleke attended the inaugural meeting of the House Committee on Customs and Excise. He, however, directed the deputy chairman of the committee, Honourable Hamed Chachangi, to preside over the proceeding, saying that he decided to attend the inaugural meeting as a sign of solidarity with his colleagues. The presence of the twotime lawmaker in the House, having transferred his voter card from Lagos to Kogi, to enable him exercise his franchise, had also raised new legal questions “as to whether or not he still has the legal right to represent the people of Lagos.” Faleke, who rejected his

re-nomination as deputy governorship candidate to the eventual winner and governor-elect, Alhaji Bello, has since gone to court, asking the judiciary to declare him governorelect instead of Yahaya Bello, whose name the APC forwarded to INEC as subtitute to the late Prince Audu. In the suit, Faleke argued that both the INEC and the APC erred by, first, declaring the election inconclusive when the circumstances leading to cancellation of votes in most of the affected polling units bothered on over-voting and refusal to use card reader which amounted to violation of the electoral Act of 2010. He also faulted the APC’s decision to substitute late Audu with Bello when he (Faleke), who participated in all the stages of the election with the late candidate, should have been the replacement as against Bello who did not participate in all the stages of the election apart from the primaries where he came second.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

tribune cartoons

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA

i Mobolaj Johnson FUNOLOGY

• B o r n February 9, 1936.

CHURCH BOY

• He is a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier and former military Governor of Lagos State, from May 1967 to July 1975, during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. • His father was from Abeokuta, Ogun state. The Johnson family moved to Lagos during the early parts of the twentieth century. Johnson had five other siblings including his brother, Femi Johnson, founder of Femi Johnson and Company in Ibadan.

SEGELUULU

• In May 1967, Lagos State was created and General Mobolaji Johnson became the first governor of Lagos. • Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson is now 79 years old.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THE CARTOONS BELOW. THE DIFFERENCES SHOULD BE MARKED IN B

18 LETTERS TO THE

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08055001747 or 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Nigeria and the war against cancer

ECENTLY, I listened to Prof. Aderemi T. Ajekigbe, a professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology, speaking passionately about how unprepared Nigeria is in the war against cancer. He explained that cancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth that persists even after the stimulus that initiated it has been removed. He highlighted some factors that could trigger cancerous growth which includes dietary, genetic, viral, environmental, occupational, socio-economic and racial factors but he maintained that when it comes to the main cause, the answer is yet to be known. Presently, there are about 2million cancer cases recorded in Nigeria with over 100,000 new cases

Still on the fuel scaricty I want to believe that those responsible for the current fuel scarcity in the country are economic saboteurs, and there is need for the Federal Government to go after them. Nigeria is a country where anything happens, but until we have a strong judiciary that will administer justice without looking at the background of suspects, then we will never develop. It is painful when rich and influential people run foul of the law and are given mild sentences, but this is not the case with poor people, who the judges use to exert their judicial power. We need to imbibe China’s anti-corruption model, which spares no one, no matter how highly-placed. Our anti-corruption agencies should ‘bite’ more. We need to see those who have gone against the law of the land to be behind bars. This is the only way we can truly develop Nigeria. I hope those behind the fuel scarcity can now be dealt with by government. •Idayat Kassim, Ilorin.

recorded annually. Out of this number, 10% or about 200,000 have access to hospitals with Radiotherapy facilities. About 5% of this, that is 10,000 has resources to go abroad where they pay between $10,000-$15,000 per patient for a 3-5 weeks course of radiotherapy which translates to about $100,000,000 per annum foreign exchange drain. He emphasised that chemotherapy cost is about 5-10 times the cost of radiotherapy which shows how costly cancer is treated. About 27% of the 2million cases are breast cancer while about 25% are cancer of the cervix which means that women share 52% of all cancer occurrences. Alas, there are only three parts of the body that are immune to cancer and they are the nails, hair and teeth because they are made up of dead cells. However, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was ready to spend on cancer as he was the only president to have brought cancer

treatment machines into Nigeria and out of the eight megavoltage machines only four are now functional which amounts to 33.3 million citizens per machine; also only 30 radiation Oncologists are available in Nigeria today so most patients have little or no access to radiation oncology services. Cancer pain is the world’s greatest pain and the multiplication of labour pain by a thousand is not up to a cancer pain, it can also surrender the patient to the will to die. Cancer has been treated through many ways which includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biotherapy, pain control, and hospice care which is a place where the patient is taken when the doctor says NMTBD (Nothing More To Be Done). He however advised the government to donate an oil bloc to cancer treatment instead of giving individuals or 10% income of all executives will be enough to enhance our proficiency in the

treatment of cancer. Cancer can only be fought by early detection and treatment because when cancer becomes painful it is getting too late so one is advised to go for cancer screening at least

twice a year when at the age of 40 and above. I write this letter as a voice for all cancer patients in Nigeria who lack treatment and as an appreciation to Prof. A.T Ajekigbe for his

love and effort towards a cancer-contained Nigeria. •Shittu Sodeeq Solape, Department of Mass Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Biafra: Let’s blame South East political leaders IT is no longer news that some people in the South Eastern part of the country are agitating for a separate homeland (Biafra). This has led to mass protests in major cities in the region. While it is fine that these people are expressing their minds for their own republic, I think it is better we stay united in Nigeria. There are many benefits we can derive as a single entity; at the moment, we are the most populous country in Africa. It has been projected that Nigeria will become the third most populous country in the next couple of decades, and if we capitalise

on it, then we will reap huge economic gains. Why are the youth even agitating? If they have those things that make life more meaningful, then there will be no reason to cry for an independent state. If there are job opportunities, good health centres, schools, good roads, then things would have been different. I, therefore, want to blame all past and present South East political leaders for underdeveloping the region. With what we are experiencing now, I hope the governors, senators and representatives will wake up to their responsibili-

ties. The governors in these states should try as much as possible to empower the youth; when this happens, they (youths) will be occupied economically and will have less time to protest. Finally, people of the South East should realise that they can’t survive being an independent nation because no region is an island unto itself. I, therefore, want to urge President Muhammadu Buhari to use all Federal resources to develop the region, and this will go a long way in bringing an end to the agitation. •Fatoki Olaoluwa, Olasmart4eva@yahoo.com

World should unite to defeat ISIS THE attacks in Paris, France that left 130 people dead, and the one in San Bernardino, California, USA, which left 14 people dead has shown that Islamic extremism is taking a new dimension. I am happy that the United Kingdom and Germany have voted to join the ongoing war in Syria. This is the time soldiers need to go into Syria to engage the terrorists, as nothing much can be achieved from the air. The United States should lead by contributing troops to fight in Syria. If the world can come up with 100,000 soldiers, then the terrorists will be defeated in no time. •Yakubu Aishat, ABU, Kaduna State.

editorial

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

DISCOs, defaulters and planned tariff hike

HE media hype that heralded the transfer of electricity supply from the government to private hands greatly heightened expectations that the myriads of problems that had plagued the entire sector for decades were about to come to an end. There were predictions that dealers in power generating sets would be out of business faster than anyone could anticipate. Although the performance of the utility is a shade better than what it used to be, the hours of darkness are still noticeably longer than the hours of illumination. The problems in vital aspects of electricity supply have remained intractable. What has become apparent is that the interest of the electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) is, most of the time, in conflict with that of the public they exist to serve. While the consumers are yearning for better service delivery, the DISCOs are preoccupied with modalities for the imposition of higher tariffs without corresponding improvement in the duration and quality of service. Privatisation has not solved the age-long problem of metering, billing and revenue collection. The fact that a significant percentage of electricity consumers are unmetered has created room for the arbitrariness in the billing system. One constant source of discord between the DISCOs and a sizeable percentage of consumers is the issuance of outrageous bills that are patently indefensible. According to the Assistant National Secretary of the Nigerian Electricity Consumer Advocacy Network, Mr. Obong Eko, the efficiency level of most of the DISCOs in revenue collection is very low. He said the faithful customers were being overbilled to make up for the losses resulting from failure to collect their revenues. This shows that the DISCOs have not manifested the efficiency and seriousness expected of business enterprises. They have not demonstrated the awareness that the existence of a sizeable number of unmetered consumers gives ample room for manipulations and provides opportunities for fraudulent practices. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) which exists to oversee the performance of the sector has been more of a passive onlooker than an effective supervisor. The commission at a time gave the DISCOs the licence to virtually fleece consumers by granting them the freedom to fix their own tariffs . At another time, it looked on helplessly when the companies unjustifiably increased the cost of pre-paid meters which belong to the DISCOS and not to the consumers. Five months ago, the NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, announced that a

regulation that would pressure the companies to install pre-paid meters in consumers’ premises was in the offing. Nigerians are still waiting for the regulation which should have checked some of the excesses of the DISCOs. It is not a pleasant surprise that the NERC which instructed the distribution companies to buy meters from local sources, has opted to remain silent when certain DISCOs were reported to have placed orders for the same instrument from foreign countries. The Association of Nigerian Meter Manufacturers has had cause to complain that its members’ warehouses were filled to the brim while some DISCOs were flouting the directive of the regulatory agency and getting away with it. How did the companies get the foreign exchange approval for the importation of goods that are locally available in the face of the current squeeze? It was recently reported that the military and many Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have not been paying their electricity bills. They were said to be among the major defaulters that have been contributing to the financial predicament of the DISCOs. This partly or largely explains the desperation of the distribution companies to pass the burden to faithful consumers. It is highly reprehensible to saddle responsible customers who have been settling their own bills with the burden of paying for those who have chosen not to settle theirs. Business entails service and payment. Any organisation that cannot diligently pursue and ensure payment for service rendered should not be in business. The DISCOs should know that they cannot survive by robbing Peter to pay Paul. The planned increase in tariff has provoked the ire of different segments of the Nigerian public. The House of Representatives on October 6, 2015 urged the NERC to stop the DISCOs from giving effect to the proposed increase. The House called for the installation of prepaid meter in subscribers’ premises and summoned the management of the distribution companies to come and provide justification for the planned hike in tariff. The contention of the member who raised the issue was that the cost of electricity had been going down in other climes as a result of the sharp drop in the price of crude oil and the corresponding effect on the price of gas which is being mostly used to generate electricity. The purpose of privatisation is to bring about an improvement in power supply and not to increase the cost without providing value for money.

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opinion

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

December deadline: Another trip to Maiduguri By Yushau A. Shuaib

T was neither a vacation trip nor a tour for seasonal ceremony. It was a journey to attend a crisis communication seminar for humanitarian workers and journalists covering disasters which was held in Maiduguri in the first week of December 2015. My family members could not dissuade me from the trip that hopefully would provide me another opportunity to assess one of the Boko Haram worst-hit cities in Nigeria. The flight was smooth from Abuja to Maiduguri but I was glued to the window to see if I would sight soldiers and terrorists engaging in shoot-out… At the same time, the dreadful feeling that Boko Haram members could shoot down our aircraft with their home manufactured rockets lurked in a corner of the mind. Driving into the town, it was easy to observe that the city wasn’t bubbling as most roads were deserted, exotic mansions abandoned and fine hotels had low patronage even with their generous discounts on accommodation. I used the opportunity of the seminar to interact with some of the highly patriotic and exceptional Nigerian journalists who have been covering the war on terror with great responsibility. For the national interest, they have observed self-censorship against sensational reporting. On a visit to the Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps, the sights of orphans and widows were quite disturbing even though NEMA and other stakeholders are taking good care of them. Passing through security check-points, the sacrifice of Nigerian troops, especially young soldiers in their zeal and determination to defeat Boko Haram terrorists was obvious from their faces. While some of them are bachelors with parents, others are married with children they left at home to defend Nigeria. Incidentally, almost everyone was concerned about the Presidential directive for the military to end Boko Haram this December. During the inauguration of his service chiefs on July 13, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the military to end the Boko Haram terrorism in three months. Immediately after the directive, the National Security

Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno led service and security chiefs to the frontline to seek the cooperation of community leaders, traditional rulers and pressure groups to support the new drive against war on terror. He also visited and commiserated with IDPs and reassured them that the war would soon be over. The Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai has not led from the back, he was in the warfront by actively participating in some of the operations where terrorists were either captured or killed. He has so far spent most of his time on the battle field. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashall Sadique Abubakar has personally commanded fighter jets in the war on terror to motivate fighter-pilots into putting in their best. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin has ensured effective coordination and cohesion in the operation so far through mechanism of inter-agency collaboration, even as the Chief Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has also confirmed that Special Forces from the Navy are actively involved in the operation. The military has so far destroyed dozens of Boko Haram camps and freed more than 1,000 kidnap victims since inauguration of President Buhari. Nevertheless, there is the fear that the military may not be able to end Boko Haram by the deadline. The Executive Secretary of Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Air Commodore Anas recently disclosed that there is nothing wrong in im-

posing targets on the military but due to the asymmetric warfare which Boko Haram is prosecuting against civilian “soft targets” the December deadline is unrealistic. There are also worrisome reports of fresh kidnap of dozens of girls and burning of buildings in Bam Village of Yobe State; reported missing and fleeing soldiers in Galtumari town in Borno State; destruction of military base in Gulak, Adamawa and media allegations that terrorists snatched military trucks, artillery guns that were bought by the previous administration. During private conversations with stakeholders, many expressed beliefs that concerted efforts are required through credible intelligence to address the insecurity in the North-East. Beyond ‘body languages’ theory and political grandstanding, others were of the opinion that some tougher actions taken by the past administration could be deployed in curtailing the excesses of terrorists. For instance, a journalist observed that even though many doubted the sincerity of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki when he sought and obtained approval for postponement of 2015 general election to enable the military to degrade Boko Haram and ensure maximum security of voters, all known terrorists’ camps were destroyed before the emergence of new government on May 29; Sambisa Forest was stormed by “Special ‘M’ forces” and about 300 kidnapped women and children were freed; 22 terrorist occupied towns in three states were recovered; and Boko Haram could not disrupt the elections. It is public knowledge that some of the towns recovered from terrorists during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, but if the military failed to meet the December deadline, we shouldn’t blame the previous administration of Jonathan or the current government of Buhari but should encourage the military to improve the tempo. Afterall, the Nigerian troops have succeeded in the past and are succeeding now. We should, therefore, avoid taking actions that would rubbish the integrity of critical institutions including security and the media. • Shuaib sent in this article via yashuaib@yahoo.com

Fashola: How to succeed as minister of Power By Ikeogu Oke

AT his inaugural meeting with staff of the Ministry of Power, the new Minister of Power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, reportedly inquired if the problems with the Nigerian power sector are man-made or systemic. For the former governor of Lagos State, whom Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka fondly described as a “mechanic” for his methodical approach to and efficiency in solving problems, this inquiry is not surprising. It is a mark of a germane type of curiosity, which seeks understanding as a pathway to improvement. It also hints at such discretion that would rather not rush in where angels should fear to walk, seeing that most of his predecessors have had their reputations scarred while treading the same tempting but treacherous grounds into which he was about to step with that meeting. Need I name such predecessors or relive their experiences to drive home the wisdom of what I perceive as his cautious and openminded approach to his new office and its grave responsibilities? And to answer his question, relying on my experience working as a maintenance crewman in the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and thereafter in various capacities in the power sector: The problems with the Nigerian power sector are both manmade and systemic. They are manmade because they are largely created by humans and systemic because those who create them are part of systems inclined to perversity. (In another sense, they are systemic because they arise from a system bogged down by technical and other inadequacies, in which case they can be addressed by eliminating such inadequacies.) Unfortunately, the stories to justify this answer, drawn from my personal experiences while working in the NEPA, are too long to be accommodated by this piece. But suffice it to say that they show how some of the problems in the power sector are created – and persist – because those who created them from within and outside the sec-

tor profit from them, and seem determined to continue to do so indefinitely. Such people, and the negative forces behind them, are no respecters of persons, virtue or vice. Their only interest is their survival and the sustenance of the profits they derive by creating such problems. Therefore, solving such problems would entail getting rid of such illicit profit bases. But there is no easy way to achieve this even for a change agent with the legendary powers of a Hercules, to which I doubt that Fashola would lay claim. For it would threaten many entrenched interests determined to ensure their survival, besides requiring a sweeping change in our citizens’ attitude to protecting our nation’s interest. But the problems are surmountable if the right things are done, of which further details cannot also be accommodated by this piece due. However, I shall proceed below with specific instances of what Fashola may do to improve his chances of succeeding as Minister of Power. First, he should harmonise the activities of the various agencies in the power sector to work in synergy towards improving the power situation in our country. In some cases, the agencies and their heads have tended to operate as rivals rather than partners in progress, creating friction that could undermine the common goal of improving power supply in our country. By such harmoni-

sation, he would be putting in a more efficient system to harness the human and managerial resources in the sector, which are the fulcrum of all other resources. It is desirable to continue to develop the power sector multi-dimensionally, through projects in the areas of solar, biomass and wind power. But to succeed as Minister of Power, Fashola may need to guard against spreading government’s developmental efforts in the sector too broadly, considering the attendant risk of making an overall low impact in terms of power availability. By this, I mean that he should focus on what is most easily achievable to improve power generation, while striving to match improved generation with improved transmission and distribution capacities by commensurate infrastructural development across the entire value chain of the power system. For instance, some of the plants built under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) have been commissioned but are not generating at full capacity. Altogether, the plants have a generating capacity of 4,775 megawatts. This is slightly higher than the quantum of power currently being generated in our country. So we can practically double the amount of power we currently generate to about 9,000 megawatts by ensuring that the NIPP plants operate at full capacity and aligning that performance with our transmission and distribution capacities. With the overall completion stages of the ten NIPP plants located nationwide having exceeded eighty percent, they are what a former Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji, described as “low-hanging fruits”. Therefore, as his second step to success as Minister of Power, Fashola should focus on plucking these fruits and securing them in the nation’s power generation basket while propping up the transmission and distribution capacities of the power sector to support the resultant dramatic increase in power availability. •Oke is an Abuja-based public commentator.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

anchor

ecoscope

Doyin Adeoye

m:08058130577 e:doyinadeoye@tribuneonlineng.com t:@kreatif_ink

Waste disposal in Nigeria

An evergreen challenge

Waste management in Nigeria has been a challenge for decades. Besides the foul smell and the dreadful sights of illegal dumpsites, the adverse environmental impact cannot be overemphasised. DOYIN ADEOYE brings stakeholders’ views on the issue.

“When you get to the dumpsite ahead, make a turning to the right.”

ot only did it come as a shock to hear such description, the realisation unfortunately is that illegal dumpsites have become landmarks in Nigerian society, and a norm to many. Waste management is one of the most daunting tasks for many governments worldwide, as people still dispose waste on plots of land, sidewalks, roads, streams, channels and drains, and almost every available space. With ever increasing rate in population, the demand for food and other essentials is on the rise, and as a result, there is an in-

crease in the amount of waste generated daily by many households. According to reports, the quantity of waste generated in Ibadan metropolis in 2012 was estimated to be about 635,000 tonnes with 0.55kg per person, per day. Although, much progress could have been said to be attained by the Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA) in collection, transportation and the management of dumpsites in the city, there is still room for more to be done in sensitising residents on waste management. While some have adopted the most recent standard means of waste disposal, which is dropping waste at waste collection points for waste collectors, illegal dumping of refuse for others still

Surviving the

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remains a habit. Speaking on the criteria for selecting a waste collection point, General Manager, OYOWMA, Mr Joseph Alabi, said dumping refuse anywhere or anyhow is against the law. “The first criterion is where people live; they must have a storage facility, which would be managed by them, so that it won’t be abused by others. That is the policy now. Storage facilities are also encouraged in markets, and where there is no opportunity for this, vehicles go to such locations at an agreed time and date so that as they dump, they pay, which is the policy. However, waste generators must pay for waste management. “There is a Law enacted for sanitation

2015

that established this organisation, and there are sections of it that tell you not to dump refuse indiscriminately and make use of storage facilities and a private sector participant to manage your waste. So if you dump refuse in unauthorised place, the law will catch up with you. We have personnel moving around to enforce these laws, and when such occurs, such person will be tried and sanctioned,” he said. Yet despite various enlightenment programmes by the body and other environmental agencies to sensitise Ibadan residents, many still do not key into the idea of paying to dispose their waste, while others will not even think Continues pg22

Why it rained in November — Expert

By Doyin Adeoye Although rainfall in Nigeria varies across regions, the raining season which often begins around March is expected to last till September, with a peak period at mid October. In recent times, however, the pattern of the season seems to have changed. Speaking on what could be responsible for the prolonged rain till November this year, Dr Matthew Olaniran, a research fellow at the Climate Impact Studies, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), opined that although one cannot really tell what is responsible for the prolonged length of rainfall this year, the sharp departure from what we used to have, particularly in recent years, could be normal inter-annual variability, that is a change in rainfall pattern from one year to another. “The change in annual rainfall is a function of many processes such as change in sea surface temperature,

strength of the South-East trade wind, which brings moisture/rainfall across the Atlantic Ocean, or weakness of the North-East trade wind, that is the wind system that brings harmattan from the Sahara. If these changes persist in the years to come and there is no tendency to return to what it used to be, then these are consequences of climate change.” Noting that this has been predicted to happen in recent published researches, Dr Olaniran said that the effects of these changes on the environment could be both positive and negative. “It can be positive for production of some arable food and cash crops due to the prolonged growing length, and it might be negative to some animals and plants, due to possible reduction in the dry season,” he said. According to him, the length of the raining season is about eight to nine months in the southern parts of the country and four to five months in the north.

ecoscope

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

COP 21:

Saraki advocates cleaner environment Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, at the weekend, urged stakeholders from across the world to lead the move to save the environment. While presiding over a session of the Globe COP 21 legislators’ summit at the French National Assembly Complex, under the theme: ‘Developments in National Legislation on Climate Change, Disaster, Risk Reduction, Energy and Sustainable Development: Towards Integrated National Planning on the 2015 Agenda,’ Saraki said the success of the move to make the environment safer required effective leadership which legislators were better placed to provide. He said legislators at the global summit had a challenge to go back to their home countries and domesticate the issues raised and share the experiences gathered so as to spread the success recorded in some places and avoid the mistakes encountered in some other countries. “We must make changes through our parliaments. Parliamentarians are better placed to lead the campaign through legislations and advocacy programmes for the needed change of attitude, required investment and consistent attention necessary to reduce global warming and its dangerous consequence,” Saraki said.

‘Many dumpsites are illegal’ Continues from pg21

twice before littering the ground. The era of enforcing waste bins on commercial buses to reduce littering roads seem to have been long gone, while waste bins placed at different locations across the city have also been removed. So the question remains who is to blame for these illegal dumpsites and where lies the sanctions for perpetrators? “Nigerians generally are dirty. You can hardly take three steps on our major roads without seeing nylons, papers and the likes. But I personally don’t blame residents, but the authorities in charge. In many developed countries, waste bins are placed at strategic points, so where there are no bins, people are forced to litter, knowing especially that nothing will be done. Also, because I can afford to pay waste disposal companies monthly does not mean every other person can. So many people cannot afford it,” Mr Eniola Alagbe said. Another resident, Mr Charles Fawole said: “No matter what, Nigerians will still litter. I gave up on the dream of having a clean Nigeria the day I saw heaps of refuse on an uncompleted site just few days after abusive words had been written on the wall to restrict people from dumping refuse there. If curses can’t stop a Yoruba person from dumping refuse in a place, then I don’t think any law can. The authorities, I believe, are playing their roles, but with so

German Embassy, NEST erect boreholes at Orile-Owu By Doyin Adeoye The hardship people of Orile-Owu community in Osun State face to get water was recently alleviated when the German Embassy, through the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST), erected a borehole in the community. Through a press release, the German Embassy noted that access to clean water and sanitation is one of the explicit goals of the international 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted at the United Nations Summit in New York in September, as well as one of the focus points of Germany’s national development cooperation. The water and sanitation community project commissioning programme, involved two boreholes, water and sanitation training, as well as some measures to promote livelihood. Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, NEST, Professor Chinedum Nwajuiba noted that the course is meant to positively raise the quality of living and the environment of the community. “These projects were done with sponsorship from the German Embassy in Abuja. NEST in her 28 years, has remained committed to serving the Nigerian people and her environment. The project was also done to support the women, who are often the ones directly affected with the issues of unavailability of water,” he said. While receiving the NEST team, the High Chief Akogun of Orile-Owu, Chief Yaya Akintude, said that the community over the years had battled with the challenges of shortage water, but appreciated the two bodies for the gesture, as that was not the first time NEST had provided the community with boreholes. “We appreciate NEST and the Germans for the gesture, and we promise to take good care of it, hoping that more of such innovations will be introduced to the community,” the Ekaarun Iyaloja, Hawu-

latu Emiola said. Speaking on why it partnered with NEST, the Germany Embassy said: “NEST has proven to be a reliable partner in this task, being willing to go the extra mile to make sure that community members not only have access to clean water, but also learn about how water, sanitation and hygiene contribute to better health in families and communities like this one,” the statement read.

Nigerian Tribune

The chairman, Ayedaade Local Goevrnment Area of the state, Honourable Jacob Awodiran, while speaking through his representative, Honourable Quadri Azeez, also appreciated the organisations for the kind gesture. Other NEST officials at the event include: Mr Isaac Oloogunebi, the finance manager; Lilly Mwaniki, the fund raising advisor and Mr Ahaneku Chidi, the administration officer.

From third left, High Chief Akogun of Orile-Owu, Chief Yaya Akintude; Executive Director, NEST, Professor Chinedum Nwajuiba; Representative of the Chairman, Ayedaade Local Goevrnment Area of the Osun State, Honourable Quadri Azeez and members of the project managemnet committee.

many counteractions from residents, their efforts will only be like a drop of water in the ocean.” For waste collectors, it is a fight that will take a while to overcome. “Many times, we often have to pet people and make them understand the importance of patronising waste collectors,” Mr Dele Olupitan, CEO, Deletech Golden Links Services said. Ineffective enforcement of environmental sanitation laws has continued to be a contributing factor to the lukewarm attitude of people towards waste disposal. Although the national environmental sanitation exercise: War Against Indiscipline (WAI) held every last Saturday of the month and that of Oyo State every Thursdays is making an impact, many of the regulatory agencies seem to be more interested in restricting movement, rather than focusing on the main purpose of the exercise, which is to ensure that everyone cleans their environment. In her reaction, the acting Head of Local Government Administration, Oluyole Local Government, Mrs Oyedeji Oluwakemi, said restricting the movement in a way, would also make people clean. “We not only restrict movement, we also move around nooks and crannies to ensure that neighbourhoods engage in cleaning. That is the essence of saying that people should stay in their houses. The issue is we often have to educate them, because this is a democratic society, we cannot force them,” she said. So what are the laws; how can people be firmly discouraged from littering? Answering these questions, Mrs Oyedeji said dumping of refuse wrongly is illegal, and so, attracts sanctions. “Illegal dumping of refuse is a violation of Section 10 of the Oyo State Environmental Sanitation Law. At the onset, when we arrest people who don’t conform with the cleaning exercise, we often take them to the police where they are warned and later released. But by this month, harsh sanctions will be meted out to violators, as the court will soon be involved,” she warned. The Director, Advisory Services, Ernst & Young Nigeria, Mr Ayodeji Ogunyemi also emphasised that it is illegal to litter. “The laws are there; it is illegal to litter. In fact, the laws require that the person generating the waste engages licensed operators to collect them. Dumping of waste in unauthorised places is illegal. But unfortunately over time, and because of strong cultural background and traditions, these laws have not been really adhered to in Ibadan. ” Besides clogging of the drainage system, which exposes to flooding; air pollution, which includes odour and smoke from burnt refuse, the environmental and health hazards of such illegal dumpsites cannot be overemphasised, as the pollution caused to the earth: be it land, air and water is enormous. Also, the odour while transporting these wastes is always unbearable for many. Since organic domestic waste ferment, they create conditions favourable to the survival and growth of microbial pathogens, and as such aids some communicable diseases. The refuse workers also face hazards such as parasite infection, injuries from glass, razor blades, syringes, and the likes. So where does wastes from Ibadan metropolis go? There are four dumpsites in Ibadan: Lapite in Akinyemi Local Government; Ajakanga, Oluyole Local Government; Aba-Eku in Ona Ara Local Government and Awotan, in Ido Local Government, all located at the four cardinal points of the city.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

by Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com

President Muhammadu Buhari

The G 20 Tourism Ministers

PMB, Tourism mustn’t die in Nigeria By wale Ojo Lanre

HE scrapping or merging of some ministries by President Mohammed Buhari in his efforts at scaling down the cost of governance , reducing overlapping in government agencies and lubricating the wheel of operation of the civil service for optimum performance and national development is apt , right and welcomed. Truly, there are some of these ministries which can justifiably function while in alliance with others without duplicating offices and personnel. However, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism with its nine parastatals is definitely not one of the ministries which should be merged with another ministry because of what it stands to plant, grow, nurture and showcase. Thus, the scrapping of the hitherto Ministry of Culture and Tourism is not only an anathema to the development of tourism in Nigeria, but one of the faux pax which I believe this regime has committed which I hope it could be redressed very soon . It is unfortunate that Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ministry had to go which is one of the youngest Ministries out of all. The defunct ministry was not just created as an avenue for the jobless boys, but as a result of the necessity of growing the tourism industry as an alternate to oil. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who had passion for tourism not just because he saw it as an entertainment or recreation driving sector but a sector, if properly grounded has the wondrous capacity to empower , generate employment , mobilise fund and serve, as an alternate revenue to oil. Chief Obasanjo knew the essence of having a separate ministry for the tourism and culture sector as obtains in other countries that are tourism consious explore and exploit the sector for the development of their countries. And before Chief Obasanjo’s tenure, tourism has no permanent ministry. It was either with Ministry of Commerce or Ministry of Information and under these ministries; the highest categorisation for tourism has a mere department while the permanent secretary was the highest officer for all. Chief Obasanjo then created the Ministry relying on ad hoc committee’s report he initiated to look into ways to enhance the tourism industry and groom it to a level of world acceptance and patronage. The informal committee made many suggestions and underscored the need to have a separate Ministry for Culture and Tourism.

The committee pointed out that one of the ways to grow , nurture and mobilise the numerous tourism resources available in this country for national development and growth is to “create a separate from Ministry to drive the vision of Mr President on tourism”. The committee listed 20 countries which today reap bountifully from tourism and emphasised that separate ministry was created in this country solely for tourism to drive the economic potentialities in culture, entertainment, recreation, wildlife and others. The countries are: Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, Brazil, Bahamas, Croatia, Canada, Ontario, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Israel, Mauritius, New Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Vietnam. In Ghana, the ministry was created in 1993 to promote, develop and coordinate tourism related activities in the country. In 2003, under John Kuffuor’s administration, the ministry’s name was changed to the Ministry of Tourism and Modernisation of the capital city. This was due to the expansion of the ministry’s portfolio to include the development of Accra into a modern international capital city. The ministry had another name in change to the Ministry of Tourism and Diasporan Relations. In 2009, the John Atta Mills administration reverted the name of the ministry back to the Ministry of Tourism. Ghana has only six notable and well kept, internationally branded tourism sites and maintained a separate ministry for Tourism and the result is that last year only, the country made one billion dollars revenue from tourism. Chief Obasanjo created a separate Ministry for Culture and Tourism in 2000 and matched his passion with guts, vision and direction. The ministry’s first minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe laid the foundation for the industry which consecutive ministers built on. It was because of the fact that there was a fully fledged ministry with a minister and even a minister of State who were all members of the Executive Council that enabled the sector achieved much under Chief Obasanjo, It is to the credit of the ministry and the ministers then that, Nigeria was not only admitted to the Commonwealth Tourism Ministers Committee but was within four years of it’s existence, it hosted the Commonwealth Tourism Ministers’ Conference. Chief Maduekwe was able to push some reforms with his clout at the Executive Council meeting such as 48 hours visa for intending tourists to Nigeria, abolition of embarrassing road block being mounted then by officers security, Immi-

gration and Customs which was seen then as encumbrance to travel and tourism. Chief Obasanjo inaugurated the Presidential Council on Tourism which was not only visible, but active throughout his tenure. Throughout Chief Obasanjo’s tenure, tourism was not only given a pride of place, but declared as one of the six preferred sectors. And it was so. And then, Nigeria’s image soared to high heaven and wielded a respect in the comity of tourism nations. Though the passion with which Chief Obasanjo drove the tourism sector was not the same by his successors in office, yet they were able to retain the ministry with its nine parastatals. . Though President Muhammed Buhari has no tourism agenda, but bearing in mind his ability as an efficient person and people’s expectation that he is coming to make things work, no one expected him to scrap or merge the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The expectation of President Buhari was fuelled by his body language after his meeting with the officials of the ministry where he assured that his government would soon be inaugurating a Tourism Development Fund. It was a shock to all that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism was never considered as worthy of those ministries that survived the onslaught of merger. What the stakeholders were expecting was a reinforced Ministry of Culture and Tourism which will include National Parks, while National Orientation which should go to Ministry of Information. By not having a separate Ministry for Culture and Tourism with a substantive minister , it has relegated Nigeria to the lowest step in the global tourism ladder and debar it from having a say of reference at the comity of tourism countries in the world . Also, Nigeria will not have the strong latitude to negotiate and host International Tourism Summit like African Tourism Ministera’ Conference, Commonwealth Tourism Minister Conference and negotiate talks at G20 Tourism Ministers Group. For now, Tourism has no designated ministry except Culture which has been effectively taken control of by the Ministry of Information, National Orientation and Culture. However, the situation is not out of hope. The President can still rise up and transform the relics of the ministry to a strong Tourism Commission which will be under the presidency with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, (NTDC) as the arrow head of the nine parastatals including National Parks and Wildlife.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

tribunetourism Over 20 Nigerians die yearly in The Gambia — President Nigerian Community By Wale Ojo Lanre, Who Was In The Gambia

From left, Akin Durodola, a tour guide and Folasade Orimolade of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria at the Church of Ascension, Mount Olives, Israel.

Lessons from Israel By Akin Durodola, who was in Israel

HE second batch of more than 400 pilgrims from Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Adamawa states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) arrived in Jerusalem on Saturday, October 24, 2015 via the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel-Aviv, Israel, to begin the 11-day pilgrimage to Israel. The special thing about the batch was the inclusion of special dignitaries who were mostly Nigerian leaders who also formed part of the special pilgrimage organised by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) led by its Executive Secretary, John Kennedy Opara. The special team, led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Yakubu Dogara, included governors of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; Benue State, Samuel Ortorn; Ebonyi State, David Umahi; Plateau State, Simon Lalong; Taraba State, Dairus Ishaku and deputy governors of Imo and Adamawa states, Eze Madumene and Martins Babale respectively. Some federal lawmakers were also included. Israel, otherwise known as the Holy Land, is about 20,770 square kilometres. It has significant religious importance for Judaism, Christianity and the Islam. There are several holy sites for Christians of all denominations in Jerusalem. There is the Cana of Galilee and other locations. Our 11-day trip took us to sites of many important events in the life of Jesus Christ, including Bethlehem, his birth place; the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem where Jesus was buried and resurrected; the Basilica of Annunciation in the Galilee town of Nazareth. The other spiritual sites we visited included Da-

vid’s tomb in the City of David, Mary’s tomb at the foot of Mount Olives in Jerusalem; Mount Tabor, site of the Transfiguration of Jesus, and Jericho. We also visited the room where Jesus had the Last Supper with his disciples; the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Olives, and the River Jordan where Jesus was baptised. Each city of the Holy Land has its own identity, messages and miracles and all these the pilgrims took advantage of, to pray and take photographs. Nazareth is one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Israel with many shrines commemorating biblical events. The holy sites here are some of the most important in the world for the Christian faith.

This is where the Annunciation took place (when Mary was told by Angel Gabriel that she would have Jesus as her son). Jesus was also brought up in Nazareth. Capernaum is where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (also known as the Beatitudes). All other spiritual sites like Mount Carmel, where Prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal; the Mount Tabor, where Jesus was transfigured and where Deborah defeated the enemy. The pilgrims on arrival at these holy sites expressed joy and excitement, describing them as lifetime experiences. More importantly, they said they had spiritual encounter with God. One of the pilgrims from Benue State, Mr Isaiah

Asanga, said, “whenever I read my Bible, I always look at the map of the City of David and I thank God that today, I am here live and on it.” He said his yearning and aspirations in life had been to have the privilege of visiting Israel to have direct experience of what he read in the Bible. Another pilgrim said, “God has answered my prayers. I have seen the realities of the Bible stories and if I die now, I will go a happy man.” In each of these holy sites, churches are built there to commemorate the historical events. For example, the Church of Annunciation was built where Angel Gabriel proclaimed the birth of Jesus. The Church of the Beatitudes was built where Jesus Christ delivered sermons to his disciples and the Church of the Agony is next to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was said to have prayed before his arrest. Also of note and which pilgrims to Israel don’t joke with is the Western Wall, otherwise known as the Wailing Wall. At these sites, pilgrims write their prayer requests (including ones that have been given to them by family members, friends or relatives), pray over them and slip the sheet where prayer requests are written into any of the holes on the wall. There have been testimonies that prayers made on this wall are answered. The Holy Land is not only a holy place, but also a country in which to find culture; where tourists can experience folklore and heritage by visiting many museums and gardens. Some of these places our tour guide, Meir Shalom, took us to include the Dead Sea which is one of

the “world’s most wacky natural wonders”. It is the mineral-rich and orderly salty sea where no one can sink, as we were told by Shalom. The main purpose of embarking on the pilgrimage is for spiritual regeneration, but if care is not taken, one may lose touch on this aspect as many pilgrims do and focus on the other aspects; as a lot of commercial activities are brought into the exercise, which erode its spiritual purpose. The commercialisation of the pilgrimage by the Israeli authorities is a distraction to the pilgrims, as opined by Pastor Wale Abanikanda. “While we are here for spiritual assignment, the Israelis are seeing it from a tourist perspective; so they are commercialising the whole activities. As the tour guides are leading the people, their activities are directed toward activities that are affecting the spiritual benefit the people would have had. As wonderful as the 11-day sojourn in the Holy Land was, it is also important to relate here the experience at Kibbutz, a communal farm settlement in Israel. Here, people live and work together on a non-competitive basis and they have access to amenities on equal basis. We saw modern fish farming techniques a nd the wonders of drip irrigation technology at the boarder of Israel and Jordan. No doubt, to any serious pilgrim, the pilgrimage to the Holy Land should bequeath one lesson or the other. These experiences, one expects the pilgrims to bring to bear in their private and public lives, and by extension, to the development of the nation.

Over 20 Nigerians who domiciled in The Gambia always die every year in their efforts at obtaining the Nigerian national passport. The President, Nigerian Community in The Gambia, Asiwaju Bashorun Ojikutu made this revelation during an interview with Tribune Tourism Magazine (TTM), at the Sunset Beach Hotel, Kotu Serekunda, The Gambia Asiwaju Ojikutu who lamented that ‘It is sad and tragic that we have to weep and gnash our teeth every year over the deaths of our members who always meet their untimely deaths through road accidents and other means on their way to Dakar to obtain passport because there is no passport printing machine in The Gambia”. He pointed out “although we have a functional and responsive Embassy here in The Gambia with responsible and dutiful officials, but it is regrettable that this Embassy has no machine for the issuance of national passport which then necessitates our members travelling all the way from The Gambia to Dakar”.

Basorun Ojikutu, President Nigerian Community, The Gambia.

Emirates reminds passengers to check before packing

Emirate hub

Monday, November 30, 2015 — DUBAI, U.A.E, 30 November 2015 - Emirates is reminding all passengers to check the permitted list of carry-on and checked-in items for safe and undisrupted travel this holiday season. To ensure the safety of passengers and crew, spare lithium batteries used for electronic devices such as cameras, mobiles phones and laptops are restricted from checkedin baggage. A popular item containing lithium batteries is the smart balance wheels also known as ‘hover boards’. Emirates restricts all smart balance wheels – with or without lithium batteries removed - from checked-in or carry-on luggage. “With the upcoming holiday season, we expect many passengers to be carrying gifts for their loved ones including the popular smart balance wheels. We prioritise the safety of our passengers and crew, and regret we will not

accept these as part of checked-in baggage or as hand luggage. We urge all our customers to check the full list of restricted items before travelling for safe and undisrupted travels,” said Mohammed Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President – Airport Services. All liquids, gels and aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, drinks and other items of similar consistency must be in containers with a capacity no greater than 100ml. Those carried in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only partially filled. As with any busy travel period, Emirates is advising customers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before flight departure, and plan extra time to get to the airport. Early check-in is available at the normal counters from six hours before departure and from car park check-in counters from six to 24 hours before departure.

Asiwaju Ojikutu revealed that , “The Nigerian Embassy here seems to be helpless as the only machine available to print the passport for the two countries is located at the Nigerian Embassy in Dakar. We have to travel over 160 kilometres barring all the attenuating circumstances and risks”. Asiwaju Ojikutu disclosed that “We have made several representations to the Embassy and sometimes we have written letters to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the need to make available the equipment needed for the issuance of passport here in The Gambia so as to minimize the loss of lives, but all our efforts have been futile.’ He called on President Muhammed Buhari to help in this direction by ordering the allocation of passport printing machine to the Embassy in The Gambia. “Nigerian population in The Gambia is about 5600. In each year,we always record nothing less than 20 deaths of strong, virile, responsible and patriotic Nigerians just because they are seeking to have their country’s international identity which is passport. We believe that President Buhari will save us here the pang and pains of losing our members yearly. This death is preventable and stoppable. A passport printing machine is what is needed here to safe over 20 lives”. Asiwaju Ojikutu believes that “We have absolute confidence that President Buhari will come to our aid. We know he cares for the life of a single Nigerian, and we are sure an end has come to the serial deaths of our members” He disclosed “Most Nigerians here are law abiding and we have hidden our ethnic jingoism in Nigeria . Here in The Gambia, a Nigerian is a Nigerian, discrimination don’t normally surface . Here we see ourselves as one” Asiwaju Ojikutu revealed “Most Nigerians here are law abiding. You see, The Gambia is just about 1.9 million population. It has a very good and efficient security system which makes it easy for quick identification and investigation whenever a crime is committed. Most crimes ascribed to Nigeria are not perpetuated by Nigerians who domicile in The Gambia, but majorly by those who use this place as a transit route to Europe”. He commended President Yahya Jammeh for being friendly with Nigerians “We must commend the president and the people of The Gambia for their friendly posture towards Nigerians. They have been good hosts.”

Customers are also encouraged to check-in online or use the convenient Self Service Kiosks and then the baggage drop facilities to expedite their airport experience. Those checking in online are required to check in their luggage no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Customers holding an e-boarding pass and travelling with carry-on bags only, can proceed directly to passport control and security clearance. Customers who check-in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. Boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes prior to departure, and gates close 20 minutes before take-off. These time checks will ensure the minimisation of delays and missed connections.

Our members who always meet their untimely deaths through road accidents and other means on their way to Dakar to obtain passport because there is no passport printing machine in The Gambia

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

energy

Nigerian Tribune

anchors Tunde Dodondawa

m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

OPEC assures of adequate oil, gas to meet global demand Stories By Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has stressed that the world has enough crude oil and natural gas to meet global demand if it rises in future. Glut in the crude market has resulted in supply exceeding demand thereby resulting in decrease in crude prices. The Secretary General of OPEC, Dr Abdalla Salem ElBadri, indicated that there was no doubt that the world had enough oil and natural gas resources to meet the expected future needs. He said the most recent analysis for the remaining ultimately recoverable oil resources puts the figure at 2.8 trillion barrels. “It should be underscored that despite the continuing cumulative production, these numbers have increased over the past five decades. Moreover, these numbers do not take into account the large amounts of available unconventional oil and gas resources. Of course, as well as opportunities, there will be challenges too. For instance, there is the global economy, human resources, technology, investments and the environment and climate change. In terms of the environment and climate change, we need to remember that this is a concern for us all. “Current climate change negotiations to develop an agreement in Paris and raise the level of ambitions for the pre2020 period are extremely important. But we need to make sure the interests and concerns of all of us are taken into account. Overall, we need to keep in mind that the three pillars of sustainable development, ‘economic, environmental and social’, mean different things to different people,” he added. Besides, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and former President of OPEC Conference, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said the demand for OPEC crude is expected to rise by 1.2 million barrels per day to average 30.8 million barrels per day for the year 2016 leading to a more balanced market. Dr Kachikwu who was also head of Nigeria’s delegation to the 168th Ordinary OPEC Meeting made this assertion at the recently concluded OPEC Ministers’ Conference in Austria, Vienna. He noted that a balanced and stable market would be of crucial importance in the years ahead to ensure continued investment in the industry as it gears up to meet the world’s burgeoning energy needs. He stated further that the conference is centered on enhancing market stability which would benefit all stakeholders and contributes to global economic growth stressing that this can be achieved only through the concerted effort of all stakeholders.

NNPC, marketers begin importation to end lingering fuel P27 scarcity

“Dialogue and collaboration with consumers, non-OPEC producers, oil companies and investors are essential in reaching our common goal of a more orderly oil market. In 2015, we have seen positive examples between OPEC and Non-OPEC countries and the Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable held in Qatar in November. OPEC has also held bilateral dialogues with Russia and China this year, and later this month the OPEC-India Energy Dialogue would have its first meeting,” Dr Kachikwu stated. He said that world oil demand in 2015 grew by 1.5 million barrels per day, up from 1 million barrels per day in 2014. “Next year, we foresee growth of 1.3 million barrels per day to average 94.1 million barrels per day, with most of this growth coming from non-OECD countries,” he noted. According to him, as far as supply is concerned, non-OPEC countries would continue to see significant reduced production growth as compared to past years. In fact, in 2016, we anticipate a contraction in non-OPEC oil supply. He said the downward trend stems mainly from the impact of investment cutbacks and the drop in US tight oil output, which has been declining since May 2015. He added that this is clearly illustrated by the drop in the number of newly drilled wells and the reduction by half of active drilling wells. Dr Kachikwu maintained that OPEC remains committed to do its part in protecting the environment and supporting sustainable development adding that OPEC and its member countries are taking part in the climate change negotiations in Paris with the goal of full, effective and sustained implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider

France unveils $2bn energy project for Africa

P29

(Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

NEITI supports FG’s reform agenda in oil, gas sector The Chair of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Clare Short, has expressed the support of the world body to the on-going reforms in the oil, gas and mining sector in Nigeria as recommended by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). In a message to the inauguration of NEITI Companies’ Forum in Lagos, Clare Short, stated that: “The international community watches with admiration how NEITI has over the past 11 years fed comprehensive and reliable information into the Nigeria public on management of its oil, gas and solid minerals sector. The key test is whether the new administration will deliver on its number four priority to implement the findings of these NEITI reports. When I met Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President of Nigeria, in August when I visited Abuja, I was left in no doubt about his commitment to use the NEITI reports for reforms.” She said EITI is delighted that NEITI Reports is helping the Reforms. Short used the opportunity to congratulate President Buhari for the appointment of the former Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, as the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning in his cabinet. “We congratulate Zainab and are proud of her. We must Continues on pg28

Crude price decline: Nigeria’s oil servicing sector under threat

P28

energy

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

NNPC, marketers begin importation to end lingering fuel scarcity Stories By Olatunde Dodondawa Lagos

ollowing approval of the Supplementary Budget of over N500 billion by the National Assembly, there are strong indications that marketers have begun massive importation of refined petroleum products to complement importation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with the aim of ending the nation’s prolonged fuel scarcity. A source within the industry confided in the Nigerian Tribune that Nigerians might celebrate Yuletide amidst surplus of petroleum products as against the fear that scarcity might extend beyond Christmas season. While some marketers were urging speedy passage of the Supplementary Budget, NIPCO Plc took the bull by the horns by commencing the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol in support of the Federal Government moves to eliminate scarcity. The company dislcosed that the first consignment of imported product arrived via MT CHAMPION, which has already discharged 37 million litres in NIPCO’s terminal in Lagos even in the face of the challenges in the downstream sub-sector. The oil company stated that its action was also to heed the call by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, that oil marketers should bring in products to augment supplies from the NNPC. Investigations showed that the consignments are meant to meet the growing demands of the company registered marketers. It was gathered that Nipco had mapped out measures to ensure that all the products get to designated stations at regulated prices. The corporation had in the past few weeks made frantic efforts to tackle the scarcity without much success because of the activities of illegal operators. The Executive Director, Commercial of the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (POMC), Mr Justine Ezeala, had remarked that a projected volume of 1.4 billion litres of petrol are available for distribution to fuel stations across the country. Ezeala had informed that as part of the extra measure in place to tackle the artificially induced queues, PPMC has increased the volume of petrol being trucked out to fuel stations across major cities in the country, adding that most of the 37 NNPC Retail Mega Stations across the country have been directed to commence 24-hour service. “NNPC Retail has 513 retail outlets all over the country and the strategy is that every one of these stations is designed to have products at all times. In addition we have decided that most of the mega stations will adopt 24 hours operation model and where for security reasons that cannot be met,

we are going to have extended hours of operation in such location starting from 5am and end till about 10.pm daily,” he had said. The Head of NNPC Retail, Mr Oladipo Fagbola, had also indicated that in addition to the commencement of the 24-hour service, the company had opened up some hotlines to enable members of the public provide useful feedback and intelligence on the operations of Mega and affiliate filling stations across the country. He had urged members of the public to provide useful information to assist the corporation achieve its mandate. Besides, the situation started to record improvement when the NNPC made public the engagement of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Economic and the Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a renewed effort to arrest hoarding and diversion of petroleum products by some unscrupulous marketers. The engagement of the security agencies is also meant to assist in the monitoring of nationwide fuel truck-out to retail outlets. Last week, DSS officials arrested black market operators along Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, shortly after Kachikwu paid unscheduled visit to filling stations along that axis and other depots within Apapa and its environs. The NNPC assured that it was doing everything possible to normalise the fuel supply and distribution situation. The Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment, NNPC, Dr Babatunde Adeniran, had said any marketer found wanting in the sale of petroleum products including the NNPC Retail outlet dealers, would be sanctioned appropriately. Adeniran maintained that there

would be no sacred cows as the Corporation was working round the clock by supplying sufficient petroleum products to marketers to ensure that Nigerians enjoyed a yuletide season without the pain of fuel queues. “We must all make sure that petroleum products get across to Nigerians at the regulated price especially as the yuletide season approaches. We have enough products and we want to plead with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) not to be involved in the diversion of petroleum prod-ucts in order to avoid causing untold hardship to motorists,” Adeniran stated. Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, Mrs Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, had said the DSS and EFCC have been mo¬bilised to bring to book any marketer involved in sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government in making petroleum products available

to mo¬torists across the country. “We have invited the EFCC and DSS to join us in this campaign of monitoring the movement of petroleum products and they have our mandate to sanction any errant marketer. Enough is enough,” Mrs Nnamdi-Ogbue cautioned. Shortly after this, many stations that claimed they had no fuel before started to sell. The development gives impression that the scarcity was also political in nature. Observers maintained that oil marketers whose outstanding has risen to over N300 billion might have used the scarcity to make case for immediate settlement of their outstanding claims. The Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr Femi Olawore, had argued that when government refused to pay its outstanding to settle the loan obtained by marketers to import petrol on behalf of government, marketers were forced to stop im-

portation and the resultant consequence is scarcity. “The government has refused to reimburse marketers, thinking that they can do it alone, but we know government has never succeeded as sole importer to satisfy the market. As we speak, nobody has been paid any reimbursement since August. All payments we received were for products imported since last year,” Olawore stated. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which many observers have regarded as a ‘toothless bull dog’ announced at the weekend it has sanctioned almost 100 filling stations for one infraction or the other. The agency was also quick to televise dispensing of petrol for free to motorists as a measure to address hoarding by marketers. All these efforts are yet to resolve the lingering crises of fuel scarcity but it is hoped that it will be resolved before mid-December.

Shell’s Afam plant receives UN non-emission award The Afam VI Power Plant in Rivers State has been recognised and rewarded by the United Nations for reducing carbon emissions through environmentally friendly operations. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) issued the 650-megawatt plant some 541,537 Certified Emission Reductions (CER) credits for its first crediting period between November 1 2012 and October 31, 2013. This makes the plant, built and operated by the Shell Petroleum

Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) Joint Venture, the first energy efficiency project on power generation registered from Nigeria and also the first UN registered Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) initiative in the Shell Group. “The achievement is a solid demonstration of the philosophy of operational excellence that underpins the business of Shell companies in Nigeria,” said Osagie Okunbor, SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria.

“Over the years, Afam VI Power Plant has proved to be a reliable generator of electricity in Nigeria, and the sound management of operations by staff and contractors has continued to make it a world-class facility.” The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has identified carbon emissions from burning of fossil fuels for energy as a major cause of climate warming, and called for concerted action by governments around the world to cut down such emissions.

energy

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Crude price decline: Nigeria’s oil servicing sector under threat Stories By Olatunde Dodondawa Lagos

he Nigerian oil & gas servicing industry is under threat due to decline in crude price which has forced many oil majors to reduce budget drastically. The servicing industry is estimated to be worth around $4.2 billion per annum or about 2.5 per cent of the global market for oil & gas servicing sector. The industry was valued at $167 billion in 2014. The oil & gas servicing industry’s goods and services such as drilling, seismic data acquisition, pipelines, equipment, valves, fittings and engineering, procurement and construction are largely procured during the development phase and thus represent capital expenditure. But the militancy in the Niger Delta followed by the uncertainty surrounding the conditions and passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) had put a damper on the growth of exploration and production. However, the government’s Amnesty Programme and a number of pro-indigenous oil & gas upstream policies have brought significant reduction in militancy in the Niger Delta and encouraged the development of previously shut-in wells as well as marginal fields. This led to growth in demand for oil & gas servicing goods and services which was largely met by indigenous servicing companies. According to a rating agency, Agusto & Co., the Nigerian oil & gas servicing industry is expected to witness some decline in activities in the short term amidst the harsher operating environment due to the significant drop in crude oil prices. The decline is, however, not expected to be as steep as that witnessed in the United States of America, Canada and other unconventional oil producing regions due to the lower cost of producing Nigeria’s oil deposits, which are primarily conventional. The militancy in the Niger Delta and the impasse of the Petroleum Industry Bill had already suppressed the level of major exploration and production activities in the Nigerian oil & gas upstream industry with many of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) choosing to delay investments while the uncertainty around these two issues remains high, it said. Therefore, the decline in activity in Nigeria is expected to come mainly from the development of smaller wells as the cost of production can be as high as $60 per barrel on these marginal fields. Agusto & Co. observed that the Nigerian oil & gas servicing industry has great potential to develop but this was highly dependent on the development of the country’s oil & gas upstream industry from

where demand for servicing is derived. The decline in crude oil prices is expected to work in favour of the Nigerian oil & gas servicing industry in the medium term as “Nigeria remains one of lower cost crude oil production areas in the world. We expect to see the resources of many oil majors diverted from the higher cost crude oil production locations such as the oil sands in Canada and shale in the USA to low cost of crude oil production countries like Nigeria. “There will therefore be a marked increase in crude oil exploration and production activities in Nigeria and thus demand for the oil & gas servicing industry in the medium term. “Resolution of the uncertainty surrounding the PIB will be imperative for the Buhari administration in light of OPEC’s decision not to cut output but to target growth in market share by leveraging the cost advantage the organisation’s members have over non-OPEC producers,” the company said. The oil & gas industry across the globe is currently facing a major upheaval with oil prices crashing to an average of about $50 per barrel in 2015 from an average of around $100 per barrel in the preceding four years. In November, crude traded at an average price of $40 per barrel. The global supply of crude oil has increased significantly in the last five years from unconventional oil production in countries such as the United States of America (USA) and conventional oil production in Arab States such as Iraq. However, the global demand for crude oil has not risen at a commensurate rate with economic growth in Europe yet to recover in the aftermath of the subprime crisis and Asian economic growth fading. The slower growth in demand for crude oil and the attendant

lower crude oil prices have left many of the exploration and production companies across the globe with no option but to rein in on costs. The quickest path to achieving such cost cutting objectives for

oil and gas upstream companies is through a review of investment plans with the aim of limiting capital expenditure to all but the most critical or profitable projects. Globally, oil and gas servicing

companies have therefore been the first to fall under the sword of the significant decline in crude oil prices and the consequent cost cutting drives embarked upon by exploration and production companies.

NEITI supports FG’s reform agenda in oil, gas sector Continues from pg26

all learn from the work NEITI has done. Corruption and mismanagement remains commonplace in too many EITI countries. In Nigeria as elsewhere, the EITI is not the whole answer to these challenges, but it is part of the solution,” she said. In a presentation to the Companies’ Forum shortly before its inauguration in Lagos, the Acting Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, explained that NEITI independent reports in the oil and gas sector between 2006 and 2012 revealed a total of $293 billion was paid by oil companies as taxes, royalty, dividends etc to government. “From the NEITI independent reports, a breakdown of the payments showed that $44.7 billion

was paid in 2006, $43.7 billion paid in 2007, $60.4billion in 2008 and $30billion in 2009. In 2010, the companies paid $44.9 billion, $68.4 billion in 2011 and $62.9 billion was paid to government in 2012,” he stated. Dr Orji informed the Companies Forum in Lagos that the payments were made by a combination of 42 oil companies covered by the NEITI Audit process during this period. He explained further that the era when tax and royalty payments made by companies was a secret at the disposal of the exclusive few was over. Nigeria’s membership of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative has enthroned a regime of openness and voluntary public disclosure in the industry.

The Acting Executive Secretary stated that the work of NEITI is to place vital information and crucial facts at the public dormain. The information is required by the citizens through the civil society, the government and the companies to promote dialogue, constructive debates that would lead to reforms and prudent resource management for the benefit of all citizens. Dr Orji explained that NEITI decided to establish a special forum for companies in the extractive industry to provide a platform for effective exchange of information and productive engagement in the implementation of EITI in Nigeria. He said that full participation and support of companies in the on-going reforms of the extractive industries by the present administration

will help to promote good business environment, enhance opportunity for profit and inflow of investments into the sector. The Chairman of the Oil Producing Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) represented by Mr Toba Akinmoladun welcomed NEITI’s initiative to establish the NEITI’s Companies’ Forum and pledged the support of the oil majors. The President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sani Shehu, used the forum to call on the federal government and investors that the time to shift attention to the solid mineral sector has arrived following the crash of the oil prices. The Forum was attended by representatives of the civil society and development partners.

energy

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Lekoil to acquire Afren’s interest in OPL 310 for $13m By Agency Reports

ekoil, an oil and gas exploration and production company with a focus on Nigeria and West Africa, has agreed to acquire Afren plc’s entire 22.86 per cent participating interest in OPL 310, which contains the Ogo discovery, for a total cash consideration of $13 million. Lekoil Nigeria Limited via its wholly owned subsidiary, Mayfair Assets and Trust Limited, holds a 17.14 per cent participating interest and a 30 per cent economic interest in OPL 310 obtained through a farm-in agreement signed in 2013 with Afren. The OPL 310 acquisition will be undertaken by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Lekoil 310 Limited. Following the OPL 310 acquisition, and prior to the drafting and formalisation of the detailed documentation that follows the signing of the term-sheet with Optimum Petroleum Development Company, the operator and local partner in OPL 310 which retains a 60 per cent participating interest, Lekoil will hold a consolidated participating interest of 40 per cent (pending Nigerian Ministerial Consent) and an economic interest of 70 per cent in OPL 310 and will become the technical and financial partner. Following the significant oil discovery at Ogo in June 2013, the Company acquired 3D seismic over the remaining 80 per cent of the OPL 310 licence and interpretation of the seismic is ongoing. And following the completion of the deal, the partners will commission and announce a detailed work programme for 2016. Of the consideration, $12 million is due immediately and $1 million is due upon the earlier of receiving Ministerial Consent or two years following the signing of the OPL 310 Acquisition agreement (the “OPL 310 Acquisition Agreement”). The Consideration will be funded from existing cash resources. The Company executed a term-sheet with Optimum, which will be expanded in due course into a full suite of agreements (the “OPL 310 Commercial Agreements”). Under the OPL 310 Commercial Agreements, Lekoil to recover carried costs from 70 per cent of cash flows and be entitled to a further 12 per cent of cash flows as profit oil. Following recovery of all carried costs, Lekoil’s entitlements will revert to its consolidated1 participating interest of 40 per cent. Lekoil’s carried costs will be recovered at a 50 per cent uplift with additional adjustments for its cost of capital. An aggregate amount of $13 million of Optimum’s past costs will be paid by Lekoil to Optimum within six months of signing the agreement. The OPL 310 Acquisition allows

the OPL 310 partners to progress with exploration activities and field appraisal planning, following a delay caused by Afren’s insolvency and administration processes. Commenting, Lekan Akinyanmi, Lekoil’s CEO, said, “We have long stated our ambition to become a leading indigenous, risk diversified E&P business focused on Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. We believe that today’s acquisition is a great result for our shareholders. “It further demonstrates our ability to build a strong portfolio and marks the culmination of a busy period in the development of the Company. Lekoil now has a suite of assets at different stages of development, with different teams working on them. “Otakikpo provides near-term production with excellent expansion potential to 10,000bpd in phase 1; a 2P+2C gross recoverable resource base of 56.6mmboe, as well as additional prospects in the project area with gross P50 STOIP estimates of 163mmboe onshore and significant upside in the shallow water. Capital requirements for expanding production beyond 10,000bopd will be met from a combination of internally generated cash flow, debt financing and offtake arrangements. “As previously announced, the recent OPL 325 transaction increases the known basin exploration part of the portfolio. For a $16 million signature bonus, Lekoil has secured a 62 per cent economic interest in a licence hosting very large exploration targets. “Lekoil geoscientists have been analysing the potential on this licence for several years and it gives the Company great optionality in the Dahomey basin with limited work obligations. “Finally, I am delighted to say that today’s acquisition significantly enhances one of the key assets of our portfolio, OPL 310. The licence hosts world class exploration and appraisal potential at the Ogo field and also further upside potential in several other targets. Lekoil has a dedicated geological and geophysical team working on OPL 310 and in the coming months we expect to announce the interpreted results of

the 3D seismic survey as well as the work programme as soon as it is approved by the relevant authorities. “Our near-term focus is to bring Otakikpo into production. From this low-cost operational platform we will then work to de-risk Lekoil’s extraordinary suite of appraisal and exploration assets so as to crystallise value for our investors and for the benefit of all stakeholders”. As part of its corporate strategy, Lekoil is continuing to progress the development of its key assets, OPL 310, OPL 325 and Otakikpo, and build a balanced portfolio of producing, development and exploration assets in Nigeria and

West Africa. On 1 February 2013, Mayfair, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lekoil Nigeria, farmed into Afren Investments Oil & Gas (Nigeria) Limited’s (“OPL 310 HoldCo”) interest in OPL 310 for a 17.14 per cent participating interest and 30 per cent economic interest. Lekoil’s right to the participating interest is subject to Ministerial Consent to the farm-in agreement. On 31 July 2015, Afren was put into administration and its assets up for sale. On 25th November 2015, Lekoil entered into an agreement with the administrator of Afren and Afren Nigeria to acquire OPL 310 HoldCo, Lekoil’s partner in OPL

310 and technical adviser of the licence, for a total consideration of $13 million, increasing Lekoil’s consolidated1 participating interest in OPL 310 to 40 per cent. Total consideration for the OPL 310 Acquisition is $13 million payable in cash, of which $12 million is payable immediately and $1 million is payable on the earlier of receiving Ministerial Consent or two years following the signing of the OPL 310 Acquisition Agreement. The acquisition also transfers the intercompany loans between Afren, Afren Nigeria and OPL 310 HoldCo, and certain of OPL 310 HoldCo’s past costs and tax losses in relation to the licence to Lekoil.

France unveils $2bn energy project for Africa By Agency Reports France said it will provide $2billion to help develop renewable energy in Africa. French President Francois Hollande disclosed at the climate change summit in Paris that the country has earmarked about $6.4billion, over the next four years to help with electrification in Africa. Of that, one third is to help the continent develop renewable energy. Hollande’s announcement

came during a meeting with about a dozen African leaders to discuss climate threats in their countries. He also announced about $1.5 billion for an African Union project called the Great Green Wall to help people plant trees and adapt to an encroaching Sahara desert. The announcements were made as world leaders began heading home, leaving their negotiators to deal with the tough job of finding consensus on a climate plan.

Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank similarly talked about a “new deal” on energy for Africa. He said the bank will invest $12 billion (11.3 billion euros) in energy projects by 2020. “The Africa Renewable Energy Initiative is one of the key parts of our efforts to light up and power Africa,” he said. Speaking at the summit, Niger’s President, Mahamadou Issoufou, described the effects of climate change in his country:

extreme temperatures, drought and floods, a dying lake Chad and the Niger River that is silting up. He said Niger and other Sahel countries were waiting for a strong response from the international community. A group of 43 countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are now calling for a new deal to limit global warming to 1.5º C above pre-industrial levels, rather than the two-degree target the Paris meeting hopes to reach.

politics&policy

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Ondo 2016: As gladiators gear up As the countdown to the end of current year begins, HAKEEM GBADAMOSI examines some emerging factors that might play out in the 2016 governorship in Ondo State.

Y this time next year, perhaps the governorship election in Ondo State would have been concluded, with the winner of the contest awaiting inauguration on February, 24 2017, when the two-term tenure of the incumbent Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko will expire. The conduct of similar polls in Kogi and Bayelsa states seems to have triggered frenzy among most of the caucuses and political leaders preparatory to the election year. Based on the political structures that are currently on ground in Ondo State, the 2016 election is most likely to be a straight fight between the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). A lot of residents of the state are already debating the issue. Such debate gathered currency, following the chain of events occasioned by the governorship elections conducted in Kogi and Bayelsa states lately. According to stakeholders in Ondo State, the 2016 governorship poll in the state means different things to the two leading parties. While the PDP will want to re-assert its authority and supremacy in political contests in the state, the APC will attempt to use the election to tell the whole world that the wind of change has berthed in Ondo. Apart from this, Governor Mimiko might want to make a political statement by installing a successor, which will be an addition to his political profile as the first governor of the state to successfully do so in the 39-year history ofstate. Though, real horse-trading was at the lowest ebb in the state in the last six months, recent developments in APC indicated that some its members were already warming up. The public declaration of the lawmaker representing the Owo/ Ose Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Honourable Bode Ayorinde appears to have set the ball rolling for other contenders in APC. But, the touted names in the PDP are still expressing their intention to close political allies, apparently to avert sanctions from their party for jumping the gun. The separate scenario in the two parties has not in any way foreclosed possible realignment of forces that could lead to the emergence of a third force. The last time such serious realignment took place in the state was before the 2015 general election, when some members of the PDP dumped the party for the APC. Contending issues The 2016 election has already thrown up

Ondo State map some major issues, which are likely to determine the direction events. Some of these issues include; zoning, workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; salaries, performance in Office, infrastructural de-

velopment, band wagon effect and personalities that will be involved in the election directly or otherwise. The zoning, which has become a phe-

The three zones in the state: Ondo South, Central and North have tasted power since 1999. So, it is currently assumed by most stakeholders that power could shift to any of the zones. It has given rise to the birth of different ethnic agenda: Akure Agenda, Ilaje Agenda, Akoko Agenda and Owo Agenda.

nomenon in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s politics, will go a long way in determining the fortunes of the parties, because the principle is seen as a mechanism of uniting diverse people to achieve their political dreams. The three zones in the state: Ondo South, Central and North have tasted power since 1999. So, it is currently assumed that power could shift to any of the zones. It has given rise to the birth of different ethnic agenda in the state such as Akure Agenda, Ilaje Agenda, Akoko Agenda and Owo Agenda, among others. But some stakeholders argued that the Central senatorial district should not be in contention, having produced the incumbent who is on the running a second term of four years. Most analysts have come up with different permutations. Suffice to say that the consensus is that the Central Senatorial district might turn out to the veritable continues pg31

politics&policy

Odigie-Oyegun

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Mimiko

Secondus

Factors that may play out continued from pg30

battle ground for the parties; that the area might decide the winner of the poll. Some observers are of the opinion that PDP stands a better chance to retain the governorship seat if its candidate comes from where the strength of the party lies, which is the Southern Senatorial districts. On the other hand, some observers believe the APC could settle for a candidate from the North, thus making the Central senatorial district the battle ground for the two parties in the election. But, the APC, director of Media and Publicity in the state, Mr Steve Otaloro said the race for the part’s ticket was still open. He stated: “Let me say this with all sense of responsibility that APC has not in any way zoned its gubernatorial election in Ondo State to any area in particular. The party leadership has been advising whoever wants to be governor to go round the state and campaign vigorously for the primary election that has not yet been fixed. However, it is incumbent on the leadership of the party in the state under the leadership of Honourable Isaac Kekemeke to receive whoever is vying for this position at the party secretariat as a way of encouraging them and to trigger political activities within the party in the state so as to drive publicity for the party towards the coming governorship election next year.” The PDP publicity secretary, Mr Banji Okunomo seems to be on the same page with Otaloro, as he said the party would field a candidate who is ready to key into the ideology of the party and would continue with all the developmental projects of the present administration in the state.

“Zoning is not ruled out in politics, it is done to reflect the yearning and expectation of the party members and also to ensure that the party wins because that is the ultimate of contesting an election. But, I am assuring you that we will be thorough in picking our candidate and I believe what PDP will do at the end of the day will ensure victory at the end,” Okunomo said. He is optimistic that the PDP believes that the remarkable achievements of the Mimiko administration will played a key role in swaying voters during the next election. According to him, many projects executed by the administration in the last seven years can be found across the length and breadth of state. Okunomo emphasised: “The state has witnessed unprecedented achievements in the last seven years. Governor Mimiko achievement are too numerous to mention as he has touched all the sphere of the economy, education, health, infrastructural development, community development, agriculture, and many more. I am very sure the good people of this state are yearning for more developmental projects.” He said the APC at the centre had failed

keep its pre-election promises to Nigerians, adding, “I believe they 9the people) will be wise enough not to enter another one chance by voting for APC in this state.” However, the APC director of publicity described the six years of Mimiko’s administration of not encouraging, with a promise that his party take advantage of the existing situation to win the 2016 poll. “The governor engaged in playing more of politics than facing governance to which he was elected,” the APc spokesman claimed. He said “This government introduced all kinds of new tax regime to make up for its shortcomings. These taxes have brought hardship to the people.” Nonetheless, a number of political observers claimed the APC in the state is enmeshed in crisis that posed a big threat to its plan to defeat the PDP in any election. According to them, the party must first put its house in order before thinking of creating an upset during the poll. one of the pundits said: “Mimiko has been too quiet and seems confident that the APC is no match to the PDP in this race. It is unusual to see the governor not to bother about an election; he is

Most analysts have come up with different permutations. Suffice to say that the consensus is that the Central Senatorial district might turn out to the veritable battle ground for the parties; that the area might decide the winner of the poll.

keeping his ace up his sleeves. The APC will be shocked again because the governor look good to have won the election for his party even before the process begins. Workers’ welfare This is another issue that may influence the forthcoming election in the state. Like all the other states in the country, Ondo has had its fair share of financial and economic challenges lately. But if has not been overwhelmed by those challenges in meeting its obligations to workers in the state civil service. Bandwagon effect. Some political pundits are of the view that certain current happenings in APCcontrolled states might be an albatross for the party in Ondo State towards winning the next governorship election. According to them, those states are grappling with more critical challenges that have pitched them against workers. Some the states are bogged down by more than eight months’ salary arrears to workers, while most of the developmental projects initiated by governments remain abandoned. For the PDP, the reconciliation efforts of Governor Mimiko appear to have calmed frayed nerves among the ‘ old PDP members.’ Many of them have been integrated into his government, while mush official attention is being put on the provision and rehabilitation of infrastructure. Potholes and craters are disappearing from roads in Akure, the state capital, and major towns in the state. Not a few observers see all these as a strategic move to water the ground for the PDP standard bearer in the 2016 governorship election.

politics&policy

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Between Badaru and Jigawa children By Adamu Muhd Usman “It often happens, that he who endeavours to ridicule other people, especially in things of a serious nature, becomes himself a jest and frequently to his great cost.” ---Giovanni Boccaccio (1313 –1375), Italian writer and humanist.

HILDREN are precious gifts from God. We are therefore duty-bound to train, educate and protect them from societal ills and alike, most especially in contemporary Nigeria because of injustice, heinous crimes like kidnapping, child abuse, arm robbery, political and religious uprisings, as well as the menace of Boko Haram and the decay of moral attitudes in the society. There are no gifts from either government or parents to the younger generation (children) more precious than their protection and good moral training. Many will agree with me that the ceaseless violent activities of Boko Haram and incidence of kidnapping, even adults are in danger, not to talk of children. Therefore, as leaders, parents and good citizens, we must show to the younger generation (children) that we love and care for them; that we will always be there to protect them, especially when they are in danger. I want use this medium to appeal to the

governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Badaru Talamiz, to protect the life, future and well-being of our children. I cannot comprehend why the state government should deprive thousands of primary school pupils and students of postprimary schools of learning for a whole day by assembling or parading them under the sun in buses for many hours just to waive at the governor along the routes his convoy passed through because he was returning from a 15-day trip to China. This is in spite of the current insecurity posed by Boko Haram. Or have they forgotten the various attacks carried out by the insurgents on schools and the Chibok girls’ episode? We need positive approach and consideration to issues affecting the lives and security of our people and the society at large. It is of paramount importance that we continue to provide health facilities, Free and Effective Education (FEE), as well as cultivating a reading and writing habit in our children through the provision of both religious and western literature as your predecessor, Sule Lamido did. The morality of love and care for our children’s lives, upbringing and happiness, and not their destruction is the first and only legitimate objective of any good government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. It states inter alia: “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government….”

Badaru We must be conscious of the popular saying: “Children are a remarkable perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the massages they absorb.” So, we must protect and direct them to the right path. Government should not punish its citizens (children) by not providing adequate security to them. Never view your children only from the point of their weaknesses, differences or disadvantages. Give your children special or presidential treatment. Remember, there will be a time you may become weak,

fragile and vulnerable. There will come a time you will no longer be able to do anything for yourself. They may patiently take care of you, endure your complaints and cries all the times, accommodate your foolishness, provide, protect and support you. Failure to protect, train and take care of them, as well as appreciate and reciprocate such deeds now might culminate in many miseries you may see around you, (but we pray not). However, we must bear in mind that “many people suffer in life not from lack of food, but from eating the wrong food.” My advice is that you should learn what you need to know and do what you ought to do now. We must not only do the right thing, we must also do things right. The time to act is now and not tomorrow. There is no better way to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of our children than now. We have to make the best opportunities we have to make tomorrow count. I am assuring you that today bring a very fresh and new one. We have to do more to achieve a higher degree of piety and spiritual growth in the same manner we expect our children to become divinely blessed, morally refined and sincerely closer to the Almighty God ever than before. May God help us! •Adamu is a former aide to immediate past Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido

When Kwarans remembered Oloye Biola Azeez - Ilorin THREE years after the strong man of Kwara politics, Senator Olusola Saraki passed on, his image still looms large in the politics of the state. Thousands of his supporters and admirers talk about his enduring legacy of philanthropy, political sagacity and uncommon wealth of experience. Dr Saraki, who died on November 14, 2012 at the age of 79 years, is celebrated for his brand of politics that emphasised the people’s welfare. He took a bold step of propagating such philosophy through his participation in the 1964 federal election. Worried by the poverty level in Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas, he resolved to find a possible way to assist those actually in need. On July 7, 1979, he won a seat in the Senate, and became the Senate Leader. It was not a surprise that within four years of service at the Senate, Saraki had established himself as a towering figure. He endeared himself to the people through dedicated service to humanity and love education, awarding scholarships not only to indigenes of Kwara and Kogi states but extended the gesture to children of the poor wherever they were. Thus, the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, regarded as university for community development, took it upon itself to organise a yearly community summit on the life and times of the late political icon. At the third in the series of the event in Ilorin, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, said that the authorities believed the deceased touched so many lives positively and deserved being immortalised.”We believe we cannot exhaust his history, and that’s why this programme is an annual event. I learnt

Saraki a lot of lessons from the previous summit. For instance, it was last year I understood that it wasn’t late Saraki that voluntarily came home to jpin politics. It was true that he contested election and lost initially, but he returned to Lagos to continue his medical practice.It was the people, who went to invite him back home for humanitarian service after so much agitation for a tarred road from Isale Oja to Pakata area of Ilorin.

To demonstrate his willingness to serve his people, he hearkened to their call and helped tar the road. This wa unprecedented in the history of Ilorin. He sigle-handedly guided the political, social and economic development of Kwara state. The state has escaped the political crisis through the principle of consensus,” he said. Professor Na’Allah used the occasion to appeal to the nation’s political class to honour the deceased by way of cooperating with the scion of the Saraki political dynasty and current Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki in redefining a new political direction for the country. The don said: “People should not see the son as a new beginning. They must see the son as the continuation of what the father had achieved in the area of people’s welfare and well being. If you attack the current, you are also attacking the past. The Second Republic could not have been successful without the late Saraki. . The late icon stood for Nigeria’s survival, greatness and people’s welfare and development.” Many other people, who spoke at the summit, paid glowing tributes to him, describing him as the god father of Kwara and Kogi politics. A former legislator in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon-

He gave his substance that others may live their lives. He brought smiles and hope to many faces and families. He helped both the high and the low. Of him, Shakespeare’s Mark Anthony could never say that his ‘good are buried with his bone.’”

ourable Kayode Omotose, declared: “All his life, he represented the interests and yearning of the poor people. He is fair and just, simple but great, incredible but true, gentle but powerful. Oloye’s life was that of un-faulted honesty, enviable courage and sincerity,” he said. Also speaking, the Head of Service in the state, Mrs Zahra Omar, narrated how late Saraki helped the widow and two infant children of a journalist, Tunde Oladepo, who was murdered in 1998 during the turbulent days of the General Sani Abacha regime. She recounted how the philanthropist after reading about the predicament of the widow and her children in newspaper and sent a sum of N250, 000 cash (a lot of money then). “Mrs Oladepo was overwhelmed and she knew that it was an answered prayer. With the money, she had the resources to leave Nigeria and, with the support of the NADECO network, she moved to the relative safety of Ghana and from there, with the support of the coalition and the Canadian Embassy in Accra, got a visa to Canada and settled there permanently with her family. “Dr Saraki did what he did out of his love for God and humanity and it was done quietly without any fanfare. I have little doubt that ‘Oloye’ did the same and perhaps much more for many others while he lived, and I wonder how many of our leaders have the same kind of charitable and compassionate spirit as he did. That was Dr Olusola Saraki for you and it is that kindness, that selfishness and that warmth of heart that spoke before God on his behalf all the days of his life. That was the secret of his success. He gave his substance that others may live their lives. He brought smiles and hope to many faces and families. He helped both the high and the low. Of him, Shakespeare’s Mark Anthony could never say that his “good are buried with his bone.”

news

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Yoruba summit calls for economic plans, infrastructure reforms Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

oruba leaders of thought and sociocultural groups, on Tuesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, called on the Federal Government to roll out a comprehensive economic plan to rebuild the nation’s infrastructures, reflate the economy and create employment opportunities. The groups which comprised the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Afenifere, Oodua Foundation, Oodua Peoples Congress, Agbekoya, among others, also urged the Federal Government to raise the standard of education, provide affordable healthcare and review monetary policies driving foreign investors out of the country, while the local manufacturers and business are also groaning. This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the meeting of the Yoruba Summit and signed by the leaders of the groups which included the chairman of (Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Rt Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Afenifere chairman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, OPC leader, Gani Adams, YCE chairman, General Adeyinka Adebayo and the chairman of the summit, Dr Kunle Olajide. The summit noted that the economy of the nation has collapsed due to the dwindling oil revenue which necessitated the diversification of the economy, in order to create new corridors of prosperity. According to the summit, this might not be possible without changing the 1999 Constitution, which it observed, prevented the federating units from exploring the resources under their soils. The communique read in part: “the summit calls for the meeting of Yoruba states’ governors with leaders of the nation to fashion out an agenda for cooperation that would leverage on the economic strength of each of the state to create a conducive atmosphere for entrepreneurs to tap into the resources across states, that could empower our people to float businesses that can engage our millions of unemployed youths. They are enjoined to pay particular attention to SMEs and tourism potentials of the region in creating jobs.” The summit also observed the protracted agitation by the indigenous people of Biafra for a republic, and urged true Federal Government to critically look into the causes behind separatist feelings and initiate constitutional reforms to give a sense of belonging to all the constituent units of the country. The summit also called for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference report, saying the report would provide solutions to many of the challenges fac-

ing the country. In his remark, the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, said that for Nigeria to make a quantum leap in economic development and meet up with the rest of the world, the country must be restructured. He said this is not the best of time for the people of the country and the nation, but advocated total restructuring of the country, saying this would bring about healthy rivalry amongst the ethnic nationalities. The governor called on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly commence the process of restructuring to bring about the expected and promised change for

the people of the country. Mimiko also frowned on the security challenge in the country, noting that the Federal Government has failed to curtail the Boko Haram insurgency. He said the terrorists had regained their strength, killing 1,600 people in the last six months. He equally condemned the two recent elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the two elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states called for great concern. He appealed to Yoruba leaders and political leaders irrespective of their political affiliation to always

come together and speak with one voice in moving Yoruba nation forward. The summit themed: “Economic downturn and unemployment in Yorubaland” was delivered by Dr Yemi Farounbi who described Yoruba nation as the economic hub of the nation in the pre and post colonial era. Farounbi noted that Yoruba nation has been relegated to the background and expressed the need for Yoruba leaders to wake up to their responsibilities in repositioning the region. He advocated vocational education and training which should go side by side with education saying

this would go a long way to create employment opportunities for the unemployed youth in the region. He urged the people of Yoruba nation to go back to the drawing board to remain in its vintage position, saying “ the best part of Yoruba nation should not be in its yesterday but should be in its tomorrow.” The occasion had in attendance the Afenifere leader, Pa Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Gani Adams, Alhaji Raji Rasaki, Dr Kunle Olajide, Chief Ajayi Olanihun and emissaries of traditional rulers across the Yorubaland, among others.

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal (right) with the Executive Secretary of National Christians Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy Okpara, during a courtesy visit, at the Sokoto Government House, on Tuesday.

PPN, APA, KOWA, set for Ekiti council poll Dec 19 As the local government election in Ekiti State draws near, more political parties have indicated interest to participate in the election slated for December 19, Aside from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), other political parties that have indicated inter-

est in the upcoming council poll, are the African People Alliance (APA), Kowa Party (KP) and the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN). It will be recalled that a few weeks ago, the United Progressive Party (UPP) also made public its intention to participate in

the election. This is just as the umbrella body of all political parties in the state, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) lauded Governor Ayodele Fayose for his prudent management of state resources and sustenance of peace in the state.

Steer clear of Falgore Forest for now, Ganduje warns cattle rearers Kola Oyelere - Kano

Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has cautioned pastoralists in Falgore Forest in the state, to vacate the place for safety, in view of imminent invasion of the area by security operators to flush out cattle rustlers. The governor, therefore, warned that any Fulani herdsman found within the forest would be arrested as rustler. Ganduje made the declaration on Tuesday, while receiving 1,048 cows and 146 sheep recovered from cattle rustlers by the state police command, later handed over to cattle distribution committee at Dawakin

Kudu, . The governor, who acknowledged the success of the anti-cattle rustling crusade of security agencies in Kano State, noted that

11 suspected rustlers were killed while seven were apprehended in the forest, during a recent exchange of gun fire with security operators.

In separate press statements issued by the state chairman of Kowa, Pastor Ade Ogunkolade; state publicity secretary of APA, Victor Adebisi and the state chairman of PPN, Honourable Ilesanmi Omolayo, the parties which also comprised IPAC, commended Governor Fayose for allowing a smooth local government administration in the state. The parties also declared their willingness to participate in the poll because of their implicit confidence in the State Independence Electoral Commission (SIEC) led by Justice Kayode Bamisile (retd).

NAFDAC destroys N15m fake drugs in Kebbi In a renewed offensive against menace of counterfeit drugs and other regulated products, the National Agency for Food and Drug administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake drugs worth over N15million in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii, represented by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) coordinator of the agency, Mr

Abdulsallami Ozigis while carrying out the destruction exercise in company of community leaders and security agencies, said the exercise had become necessary to prevent the offensive products from making re-entry into the market and to raise public awareness on the dangers of counterfeit regulated products. “The essence of destruction is to invariably prevent the seized products from

finding their way back to the market. This will eliminate the dangers associated with the consumption of the spurious products to the consuming society,” he said. Speaking further, Ozigis said eliminating the undesired regulated products from circulation, would assist medical practitioners and other stakeholders to render qualitative service to Nigerians and guarantee public safety.

Fake police woman, 58, docked for impersonation A 58-year-old woman, Adetolani Afoke, who allegedly wore the uniform of a deputy superintendent of police(DSP) with an intent to impersonate, was on Tuesday, arraigned in Lagos. The accused, who resides at 13, Bamgboye Street, Orilowo -Ejigbo, a Lagos suburb, is facing a threecount charge bordering on impersonation and possession of stolen property, before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. She, however, pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Inspector Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused committed the offences on November 25, at the Bolade-Oshodi axis of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos. He said the accused was arrested by members of a police patrol team that had stopped the Volkswagen commercial bus loaded with building materials that she chaperoned. The prosecutor told the court that the accused had accompanied the busdriver under the guise of being a senior police officer. “Afoke wore the complete uniform of a DSP and also had in her possession a forged identity card.

Do what is right, Ajimobi urges youths By Olaide Sokoya

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has advised the youth in the state, to make use of their good time doing what is right to become successful in their chosen areas. He made this statement during the official inauguration of the Ibadan City Polytechnic, held on the campus, at Alakia Isebo, Ibadan. The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo commended the school management for their service to humanity. The proprietor of the school, Mr Amos Ajanaku in his address, also declared that the school focused more on entrepreneurship education, saying: “There is no way a student could graduate from this school without being equipped with entrepreneurship skills that will make him or her to be selfreliant.”

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Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Fayose presents N67bn 2016 budget, forwards copy to ICPC, EFCC

To pay N5,000 allowance to 10,000 indigenes Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

kiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has presented a budget proposal of N67,044,395,547.91 for the 2016 fiscal year to the state’s House of Assembly and announced that despite the paucity of funds, the government would begin payment of N5,000 allowances to not less than 10,000 underprivileged persons in the state. Governor Fayose, while presenting the budget

on Tuesday, also disclosed that copies of the state’s 2016 appropriation bill would be sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) for effective monitoring. He also reiterated his dissociation from the position of the Governors Forum to reduce minimum wage of their workers and the proposal to reduce the number of their workers. According to him, the

economic sector of the state was expected to gulp 57 per cent of the budget while N100 million is expected to be expended on his government’s “stomach infrastructure.” In the proposals, Governor Fayose said three capital projects, the airport project, the Oja-Oba ultra modern market and the flyover bridge are designed to open up Ekiti State to the entire world and present the state as an emerging land of opportunities. The governor described

the 2016 budget as 83 per cent of the 2015 budget of N80.78 billion, and explained that the reduction in the budget size was informed by “the desire to live within the means of the state and achievable estimate, rather than decorate the budget with unrealistic figures.” He said the budget would be funded by the revenue from the Federal allocation accounts and internally generated revenue. The governor, who said the 2016 budget was dubbed “Budget of Real-

ity” said last year’s budget could not achieve the desired result because of several factors including the gloomy economy, political turbulence in the first half of the year caused by the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (APC/PDP) lawmakers crisis, which he regretted impacted negatively on the revenue performance of the state. Fayose said the proposed budget would focus on the implementation of projects and programmes that will drive home the six cardinal programmes of his administration which are empowerment, agriculture, infrastructural development, education, science and technology, health care services and good governance. He promised that the 2016 budget would diversify the economy from federation account dependent to the exploitation of natural resources and widening its tax base for more money for the development of the state.

FG approves the conduct of 2015 promotion examinations for workers Clement Idoko-Abuja

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, presenting the 2016 budget, tagged ‘Budget of Reality’, to the House of Assembly, in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday.

Delta budgets N265.66bn for 2016 Alphonsus Agborh-Asaba The Delta State Government has announced a budget proposal of N265.66 billion for the 2016 fiscal year. The proposal, which is comprised of N153.156 billion recurrent expenditure and N122.511 billion capital estimate showed a marginal increase of N12.724 billion when compared to the 2015 approved amended budget of N252.943 billion. Presenting the budget estimates tagged “Budget of Renewed Hope Inclusive Development” to the State house of Assembly in Asaba, on Tuesday; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said the sum of N137.948 billion of the projected total revenue is expected from the statutory allocation from the federal account in the fiscal year. According to him, the sum was marginally more than the N137.052 billion in the revised 2015 budget of N895 billion. The positive forecast for the new year, Governor

Okowa said was based on the assumption in the improved fiscal and financial discipline in the operating environment hoping that the ongoing reform by the Federal Government including the Treasury Single Accounts (TSA) and full disclosure of all revenue would facilitate the process. The Governor stated that the receipt have been scaled down from N59.164 billion in 2015 to N42.122

billion in 2016, which underscored the need for caution and desire to instill greater fiscal discipline in the system, even as “we hope to attract foreign direct investment, which will in turn increase our revenue base.” Under the recurrent expenditure (N153.156 billion) personnel costs is to gulp N68.453 billion and over head cost N30.166 billion.

A sectoral breakdown of the capital expenditure (N11.511 billion) which is higher than N90.198 billion in the last year revised budget showed that the state Oil Producing Area Commission (OMPADEC) takes the lion share of N28 billion followed by environment N26.9 billion, economic N23.85 billion, Social N17.3 billion and the general administration N15.56 billion.

Reps okay bill for timely cabinet composition Jacob Segun Oatunji And Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, passed for second reading, a bill that sought for a timely composition of the cabinet with attached portfolios by the President of Nigeria. The proposed bill equally stipulated eight weeks time, to which the President forms his cabinet but upon announcement of nominees, portfolios should also be known before they are sent to the Senate for screening.

The proposed bill was sponsored by Honourable Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama. According to the sponsor of the bill, “The primary objective of the Act is to prescribe a timeframe, within which the President shall constitute and inaugurate his cabinet.” Speaking further, he said, “The Act also aims at ensuring that a ministerial nomination list sets out the proposed portfolio, which every nominee is intended to be assigned.” The House Leader, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila argued that the screening

exercise was not quite efficient due to not knowing where the ministerial nominees will eventually oversee. He said that in drafting the legislation, it should not be put in a way where it would be compulsory for the President stating that if made compulsory it will contravene section 147 of the constitution. Supporting the bill, Honourable Zakari Mohammad said that the bill if passed would create value for the workings of the government and give it meaning anytime there is the screening process and formation of cabinet by a new government.

THE Federal Government has approved the conduct of the Year 2015 Promotion Examination Exercise for officers on Salary Grade Levels 06-13 in the pool of the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, who made this known on Tuesday, said the exercise is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 17 at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN). In a Circular titled “Year 2015 Promotion Examination for officers on Salary Grade Levels 06-13 in the Pool of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,” signed by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Innocent Ogbonnaya and issued to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), of the Federal Government, the Head of Service said that eligible officers on Grade Levels 06-13 must have spent a minimum of two and three years respectively on their present grades by January 1, 2015.

Jazz Integrated services organises workshop on canteen safety IN the bid to ensuring safety in public kitchens, a leading service provider in human capacity building, Jaaz Integrated Services limited in collaboration with Office of the Oyo State governor’s wife, Ministries of Women Affairs, Health and other stakeholders, has organised a one-day workshop on safety in canteens, eateries and cafeterias. The workshop with the theme: “Safety in the kitchen; the Journey so far,” will hold on Thursday, December 10, at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Ibadan. It is organised for members of Oyo State Canteen Workers Union and is designed to address safety challenges in kitchens and equip participants with necessary professional method of safety in the kitchen. The workshop will be declared opened with a keynote address by the wife of Oyo State Governor, Chief Florence Ajimobi, who will also be honoured with an award as Safety Ambassador of Oyo State.

Water shortage prediction: Expert urges govt to ensure effective management of facilities By Tunde Ogunesan

FOLLOWING the prediction by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), that Nigeria is among the 48 countries that will experience water shortage in 2025, a former Governor of World Water Council, Mr Michael Ale has advised government to effectively manage water facilities and policies in the country to prevent FAO prediction. Ale, who also doubles as the National President of Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) stated this while featuring on a national television, noting that poor water infrastructure management and unimplemented policies are the bane of water shortage in the country. He added that most factors that led to the mismanagement of water system in the country for the past 50 years can be traced to lack of proper maintenance.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Edited by: ‘Gbenga Opadotun olojaekuro@gmail.com 08037149731

Avoid partisanship during LG polls, activist advises commission

Sokoto-based activist, Hajiya Ni’¬ima Abubakar, has advised the state Indep¬endent Electoral Commission to provide a¬ level playing ground for the smooth con¬duct of the local government el¬ection in the state. Abubakar told the newsmen Sokoto that the commission must pave the way for all the parties’ -candidates to contest the polls to ensure smooth conduct of¬ the exercise.

She observed that free and fair election¬ would only be possible if the state commission shunned partis¬anship in its affairs. She called on party leader¬s to do more in educating their follower¬s on the need to shun all kinds of viole¬nce for the peaceful conduct of election¬. “Contesting political elections must no¬t to be seen as a do-or-die affair. ``There is the need for candidates seeking elect¬ive positions to mobilize their support¬ers to

adhere strictly to the rules and ¬regulation of polls,” she said. She also called on security agencies in¬ the state to provide effective s¬ecurity measures to apprehend those who involved in violence an¬d thuggery. She said that effective security measures¬ would give credibility to the election and make the electorate to vote for c¬andidates of their choice. Meanwhile, an All Progres¬sives Congress (APC) chieftain in Dang¬eShuni Local Government Area of the state, Bello Umar, has advised the leadership to support the

party’s candidates for the loc¬al government election. Umar told the newsmen in Dange-Shuni that it was only b¬y so doing that internal democracy would ¬thrive in the party. He said that the wishes of the delegates¬ must be respected by adhering to the ou¬tcome of the party’s primary elections. He explained that the electorate was increa¬singly becoming politically educated, hence the need for the leaders of the¬ party do more in promoting internal de¬mocracy. Umar explained that lack

of internal de¬mocracy was purely responsible for the f¬ailure of many electoral fortunes i¬n the country.

LGs over bloated with staff —Delta ALGON boss Alphonsus Agborh Asaba The present position of local government administration is a reflection of what Nigeria is today, the Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Delta State, Mr. Malik Ikpokpoh, has said.

Speaker calls for more creativity in revenue generation The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, said that the dwindling revenue from the federation account to the states required more creative initiatives by states and local governments nationwide. The Speaker said that only such initiatives would enable the states and local governments to be able to give the masses more dividends of democracy. Adekunbi made the remark while receiving the State Monitor of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Mr Adebayo

Gov Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State

Council boss tasks workers on revenue generation The chairman, Pankshin Local Government of Plateau State, Mr Stephen Jings, has urged council workers to increase revenue generation efforts to enhance its financial resources. The chairman said this in Pankshin, during a parley with the workers at the council’s secretariat. Jings said the effects of the nation’s dwindling resources had necessitated a re-think on how to source for money to tackle developmental challenges. “If you look at what is coming to this local gov-

ernment as subvention in the last two months, it is a signal to us that we need to wake up. “We need to do something drastic about our Internally Generated Revenue. “We need your cooperation because we hope to go all out in unison to explore all areas in boosting our revenue towards meeting the social and infrastructural needs of our citizens, `` he said. He said the council would explore ways of boosting its revenue base in Pankshin and Jing markets, among other areas.

The chairman said his administration would address workers’ welfare matters subject to availability of funds. Responding, the council’s chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Mr Pankyes Benwuk, promised the cooperation of workers to achieve the objective of developing the council. “As citizens of this council, we are ready to give 100 per cent cooperation towards generating the desired revenue for the development of the area,” he said.

Oriyomi, in his office at the assembly complex in Abeokuta. The Speaker said that there was the need for the FIRS to embark on a comprehensive sensitisation of members of the public to educate them on the importance of taxes in the running of the economy. He assured the FIRS officials of a sustained collaboration in ensuring the success of the relevant taxes, including the Withholding Tax and the Value Added Tax (VAT). Adekunbi said that with the right orientation, the people would be willing and ready to pay their taxes, as a way of contributing their quotas to the development of their states, in particular, and the nation, in general. The Speaker said that the bulk of government revenues in the developed nations came from taxes, urging that more efforts should be initiated to ensure increased revenues through friendly tax administration. Earlier, Oriyomi sought for the collaboration of the lawmakers and other stakeholders in the state to ensure the success of tax administration and collection, particularly in respect of the

He cautioned the party against imposing¬ any candidate as it would not augur wel¬l for the development of the party.

withholding tax and VAT. He explained that relevant information exchange with all the stakeholders was crucial to successful tax administration at both the state and federal levels. The FIRS boss lauded the Assembly and the Ogun Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) for their continued support for the FIRS.

According to him, as much as local governments were seen as appendage of the state government, the third tier would continue to contend with huddles. Mr. Ikpokpoh who is the chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, stated that local governments were over bloated with staff adding that most of the workers hardly reported for duty but collected salaries. While commending the bailout fund to local governments in the state, the ALGON chairman said the fund was used to pay at least three months’ salary areas as 21 out of the 25 local government in the state were yet to be up to date in salary payment He lamented the abysmal revenue generation by councils in rural areas which he said had also affected in meeting some statutory obligations.

Wives of gov’s aides donate to Argungu LG Wives of the Chief of Staff to Kebbi State governor, have donated school furniture, including desks and chairs, to secondary schools in Argungu Local Government Area of the state. Presenting the donation on behalf of her mates, Hajiya Hauwa’u Argungu, urged the beneficiaries to ensure judicious distribution of the items to the schoolgirls. She admonished wealthy individuals and other philanthropists to assist in promoting girl-child education in the state. “The gesture was to respond to the call by Governor Atiku Bagudu that all hands should be on deck to compliment the efforts of the government in educating our children, especially the girl-child who are more

vulnerable,” she said. Receiving the items on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Principal of Sama Girls Secondary School, Argungu, Hajiya Mariya Mera, commended the donors for their contribution to the development of the girl-child education in the state. She, however, urged other spirited individuals to complement government’s efforts at boosting girls’ education in the state. “The governor’s call should be answered not only by women but also the well-to-do and spirited individuals,’’ the principal said. Mera said the religion of Islam had stresed the need to educate the girl-child so as to enable the womenfolk discharge their roles effectively in the society.

news

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

FG’s multiple applications stalls Dasuki’s trial Sunday Ejike-Abuja

ROCEEDING in the trial of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Mohammed Dasuki (rtd), over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering was on Tuesday, stalled due to Dasuki’s response to Federal Government’s multiple applications. The Federal Government said yesterday, when Dasuki’s trial for unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering came up before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, that it needed time to respond to issues raised by Dasuki in his objection. Federal Government’s counsel, Oladipo Okpeseyitan (SAN), told the court that the government had two applications pending before the court. One of them was a motion seeking to revoke the bail granted Dasuki by the court and the second was an application seeking a stay of further execution of an order directing the release of Dasuki’s International Passport. He said although the applications were ripe for hearing, the defendant’s counsel had served him a preliminary objection in court that challenged court jurisdiction among others. Okpeseyitan said Dasuki’s application contained serious averments which the Federal Government must respond to in the interest of

justice. In his response, the defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), said he was not opposed to the prosecution’s request for an adjournment if that would enable him respond to the objections. Consequently, the trial

judge, Justice Ademola, with the consent of the counsel, adjourned the matter to January 20, 2016. In its applications which has little to do with the five count charges before the court, the Federal Government had asked the federal

Biafran leader, Nnamdi Kalu, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja, to set aside an order earlier granted to the operatives of the Directorate of Security Service (DSS) to detain him for 90 days over an alleged charge of terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government. Kanu, who is the founder of the Radio Biafra and the Director General of the Indigenous people of Biafran Republic, also asked the court to strike out a criminal charge with reference No: FHC/ABJ/ CS/873/2015 brought against him by the DSS. In a motion on notice argued before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, on Tuesday, Kanu applied for an order of the court admitting him to bail and also directing the DSS to obey an order of the Chief Magistrate Court,

return for trial on November 27 was however prevented by the Department of Security Services (DSS) who are investigating him for money laundering running into over 2.8 billion U.S dollars.

From left, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Oyo State governor, Mr Yomi Layinka; the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, guest lecturer, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) and the chairman of Oyo NUJ, Comrade Gbenga Opadotun, at the 2015 Press Week, at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Tuesday. Photo: Alolade Ganiyu.

Nigeria has no control over its oil By Tunde Ogunesan NIGERIA’S foremost legal luminary and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide, CON, SAN, has disclosed that Nigeria has no oil because its has no

control over the resources. Chief Akinjide made this statement on Tuesday, while delivering a lecture on the topic “Nigeria beyond oil” in continuation of 2015 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, held at the

Biafran leader asks court to set aside order on his detention Sunday Ejike-Abuja

high court to stay the order made on November 3 that modified Dasuki’s bail conditions, the release of his International passport and permission to travel abroad for medical care. Dasuki, who ought to have utilised the court order and

which had earlier granted him bail in the motion argued by his counsel Mr Egechukwu Obetta. Kanu claimed that the order of the Federal High Court that permitted the DSS to detain him for 90 days pending the investigation of terrorism allegations against him was obtained fraudulently by the DSS. The grounds of Kanu’s application was among others, that the exparte motion

dated and filed on October 26, 2015 by the DSS and upon which the permission to detain him was granted was an abuse of court process. The detained Biafran leader alleged that the DSS did not reveal to the Federal High Court the fact of the pendency of a criminal charge already brought against him by the DSS before the Abuja Chief Magistrate Court.

Dapo Aderogba hall, Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. The former Minister of Justice and Attorney General said “Nigeria knows little or nothing about oil and gas. By now, all our universities should have departments in oil and gas. If you have oil and gas and you do not control it, your economy is not in your hand. Nigeria’s economy is in the hands of foreigners. “The price of oil and gas now dictates the state of our economy. There is oil and gas in Lake Chad. They now produce what they need and they do not rely on us. They supply oil and gas to the foreign countries and I will not be surprised if our own part of Lake Chad can produce plenty of oil and gas. “As regards oil and gas, Nigeria is in a hole and we continue digging. Angola is making better use of their

—Akinjide oil and gas than Nigeria, but I hope they will not make the mistakes of Nigeria,” he noted. He went further to reveal that Nigeria’s oil and gas do not belong to Nigerians because the country collects rents on them. “We haven’t got oil. What we collect from our oil is rent because we lease out our oil and collect rent on it. The actual owners are the people that pay us the rent.” Commending the founding fathers of Nigeria, though, he maintained that the country was created to serve the commercial interests of the Europeans, Akinjide, who was also a member of the Parliament in 1959, advised that Nigeria should find alternative to oil. “Our critical product before was agriculture. We must go back to that in a big way.

Wike assures of completion of Federal High Court annex

Preaches religious tolerance Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has restated the commitment of his administration to complete the Federal High Court complex annex in Port Harcourt. This, he said was to ensure that more residents of the state have access to justice, adding that the old Obio Customary Court would be demolished to create space

for the construction of the state Customary Court of Appeal to accommodate more customary courts. The governor made this known after inspecting ongoing work at the new court building within the Federal High Court Complex, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday. According to him, the new Federal High Court Complex

would have four floors, several courtrooms and offices for judges and staff of the judiciary. “Our commitment to the creation of access to justice is total. We will complete this new Federal High Court building of four floors with new courtrooms and offices,” he said. In her response, President of the Customary Court of

Appeal, Justice Christy Gabriel-Nwankwo, expressed happiness that the state governor was promoting access to justice by funding the construction of the new complex of the court. Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike has admonished the people of the state to be tolerant of each other’s religion.

Why Oyo PDP exco must be dissolved —Olopoenia

By Nurudeen Alimi THE crisis in the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might be far from being over, as a chieftain of the party and the initiator of Reformed PDP in the state, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoenia, has asked the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to, as a matter of urgency, dissolve the party’s executives from ward to the state level if the PDP hoped to win back the state in 2019. Olopoenia, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune in Ibadan, on Sunday, called on the national secretariat of the PDP to do all within its reach to reposition the party in order to stand it in good stead for the 2019 general elections. He also declared that there is no overall leader in Oyo State PDP, but many leaders who control different zones of the state.

J.K. Randle annual thanksgiving service The Randle family will hold its annual thanksgiving and Memorial Service in honour of late Chief J.K. Randle, Lisa of Lagos, who died on December 17 1956 shortly after his return from Melbourne, Australia as ChefDe-Mission of the Nigerian Olympic Team. He was an all-round sportsman, businessman, politician and philanthropist. This year’s thanksgiving is in celebration of the bequest of his property – jointly owned with his brother Chief Jack Romannes Randle - Eagle Club (previously known as Shell Club) in 1955 (60 years ago) as a trust with the proceeds to be shared by Ahmadiyya College Agege, Lagos; Ansarudeen College, Isolo, Lagos; Holy Cross School, Catholic Mission Street, Lagos; and Brigade of Boys and Girls, Lagos. Several landmarks in Lagos are named after him – J.K. Randle Memorial Hall, Onikan; J.K. Randle Road, Onikan; Randle Hospital Surulere; Randle Road, Surulere; Randle Road, Apapa; Randle Memorial School Apapa, etc. He was following the footsteps of his illustrious father Dr. J.K. Randle, the pioneer medical doctor, who in 1928 donated the Swimming Pool at Onikan, Lagos and the “Love Garden” next door to “the people of Lagos for their peaceful enjoyment and recreation.”

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Wednesday,99December, December,2015 2015 Wednesday,

NITDA boss, Afe Babalola advocate electronic governance By Wale Akinselure

IRECTOR GENERAL, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Peter Jack, has urged government at all levels in the country to embrace electronic governance so as to enhance access to and delivery of services to the people. Jack, represented by Reverend Sunday Folayan, emphasised the importance of e-governance in ensuring a more efficient, accountable and transparent government at the 25th anniversary lecture of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science (ACRIS), University of Ibadan. Contained in his speech centred on “Emerging dimensions and issues in Nigeria’s ICT space: Progress, challenges and prospects,” Jack urged government to tap into the use of ICT as catalyst for sustainable economic growth and socio-economic growth. Bemoaning that the

nation’s ICT sector was plagued by informal employment and underemployment in urban areas, and increased poverty rate, he noted the relevance of information technology in the creation of jobs and wealth as well as inclusive development. President, Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, who chaired the occasion, identified the ability of ICT to bridge the digital divide, through tremendous access to information. Afe Babalola, whom Provost, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Professor Abiodun Ojo ,stood in for, noted that graduates of Information Science had continued to add value to the society. He added that a nation that failed to focus on ICT development tilted towards its doom. He, therefore, called for increased research and training in ICT to improve local content generation which will in turn improve the relevance of Nigeria on the global information scene.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Umoru Ibrahim now IBRAHIM BUKERU EJEH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Latifat Ajibola Onifade now MRS. LATIFAT AJIBOLA OWOYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Moshood Yusuff Akinkunmi now ADIGUN AKINKUNMI JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Yetunde Ebudola Ogunbase now MRS. YETUNDE EBUDOLA ADALEMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Mary Ngozi Ogunbiyi now MRS. MARY BOSE OLUBIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adie Francis Akpanke now EMMANUEL USHIE AGBA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., Wema Bank, Fidelity Bank, Technocrime Security Limited and general public take note.

I, formerly Iyanda Alli Oladosu now TIAMIYU ALLI OLADOSU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Hammed Jamiyu Ayodeji now HAMMED JAMIYU JIMOH. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Lateef Adeyinka Adedokun now LATEEF ADEYINKA ADENIYI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olowoporoku Eunice Bosede now MRS. ADEBISI EUNICE OLUKEMI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

Bolanle Morufat Morufat Bakare Bakare Alarape Alarape I,I, Bolanle am the the same same person person bearing bearing Bolanle Bolanle am Morufat Bakare. Bakare. Henceforth, Henceforth, II Morufat want to to be be known known and and addressed addressed as as want BOLANLE MORUFAT MORUFAT BAKARE BAKARE BOLANLE ALARAPE. All All documents documents bearing bearing ALARAPE. these names names refer refer to to me me and and remain remain these valid. First First Bank Bank Plc., Plc., and and general general valid. public take take note. note. public

I, formerly Miss Clara Olufunke Alalade now MRS. CLARA OLUFUNKE OSIBAJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeniran Basirat Omolara now ADERINOLA BASIRAT OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Williams Ifeloya now OMOSEHIN IFELOYA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Anaeme Mariagorathy Omata now GORETTI OMATA OBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Gbadamosi Olasijibomi Aminat now ADEBAYO GBADAMOSI OLASIJIBOMI AMINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Bishop Moses Oluwole Fakunle now BISHOP MOSES OLUWOLE DAVID. All former documents remain valid. Relevants Authorities and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Idiat Oluwatosin Azeez now MRS. IDIAT ELIZABETH OLUWATOSIN AJAO. All former documents remain valid. Bowen University, Iwo and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ene Anita Ochoche now MRS ENE AGATHA FYANKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Alhassan Toluwalashe Idayat now MRS GBADAMOSI TOLUWALASHE IDAYAT. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

formerly Miss Miss Omotoso Omotoso Funmilayo Funmilayo I,I, formerly Bukola now now MRS MRS OYEDOKUN OYEDOKUN Bukola FUNMILAYO BUKOLA. BUKOLA. All All former former FUNMILAYO documents remain remain valid. valid. Ministry Ministry documents of Lands, Lands, Physical Physical Planning Planning and and of Urban Development, Development, Osun Osun State State and and Urban general public public take take note. note. general

I, formerly Miss Amidu Rukayat Ololade now MRS AZEEZ RUKAYAT OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Awodoye Esther Oluwafunmilola now MRS. ADEYANJU ESTHER OLUWAFUNMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Okemakinde Akinloye now MR. OKEMAKINDE AYOTUNDE AKIN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Ganiyu Dauda Olalekan now MR. GANIYU DAUDA LAWAL OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr Sunday Etim Akpan now MR. SUNDAY ETIM NTAH. All former documents remain valid. Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olufunke Oluseye now OLUFUNKE BLESSING OLULABI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adebowale Odion now ADEBOWALE ODION JENNIFER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Usseni Mosurat Ololade now MRS BALOGUN MONSURAT OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeyoju Olawumi now MRS DARAMOLA OLAWUMI MARY. All former documents remain valid. State of Osun SUBEB, Osogbo, Atakunmosa West LGEA, OSU and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr. Samuel Oluwatosin Ojo now MR. ALABI BENJAMIN OJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lawal Titilayo Mary now AJIBOYE TITILAYO MARY. All former documents remain valid. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LTH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Babatunde Janet Yemi now SOLOMON JANET YEMI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, CBN and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Amusat Ibrahim Alaba now AMUSAT IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Isiaka O. Hajarat now MRS OBAMI JULIUS BRENDA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Olanrewaju Festus Adeseye now MR OBISESAN OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Abiodun Debby Monishola now MISS ABIODUN KIKE MOSEBOLATAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olufunmilola Oyeteju Ibikunle now MRS. OLUFUNMILOLA OYETEJU OGUNYEMI-ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. Bowen University, Iwo and general public take note.

39 CHANGE OF NAME

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Fehintola Lateefat Tade now FEHINTOLA LATEEFAT AGBENLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Amosu Aliatu Adunola now MRS AMOSU ALIATU AYOKA ADUNOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Blessing Amenawon Otuokpa now MRS BLESSING AMENAWON ORUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Chika Cynthia Nwocha now CHIKA CYNTHIA OKORONKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeniji Benedicta Toyinbo now MRS ADELEKE BENEDICTA TOYINBO. All former documents remain valid. BDF Ventures and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Jimoh Morufu Titilope now MR OLANREWAJU JIMOH MORUFU TITILOPE. All former documents remain valid. Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ajoke Abosede Olasiyan now MRS EGBEBODE ABOSEDE OLASIYAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Mary Oluwayemisi Aina now MRS MARY OLUWAYEMISI OMIKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. Akwa-Ibom State Polytechnic, Osun State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Kabir Imuran Ayobami now KABIR AKINGBADE AYOBAMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Fatimo Fatayo now MRS OKUNOYE FATIMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Lamidi Sikiru now MR OLANREWAJU IGE MORAKINYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Alhaji Issa Mogaji , Alhaji Mogaji Ibn Isa and Mogaji Isa now IBNISAH MAGAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Salinsile Aduke Adijat now AZEEZ ADENIKE ADIJAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Alake Racheal am the same person bearing Alake Racheal and Alake Badirat. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as ALAKE RACHEAL. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Eruteya Omejevwe O.F. now MRS EKPO OMEJEVWE O.F.. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Abegunde Esther Temitope now MRS AJANI ESTHER TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Bakare Oluwakemi Esther now MRS OLOLADE OLUWAKEMI ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fagbemi Oluwabukola Omotayo now MRS AFOLAYAN FAGBEMI OLUWABUKOLA OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Sobaloju Mustapha Adeola am the same person as Muritala Mustapha Adeola. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as SOBALOJU MUSTAPHA ADEOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oluwabukola Basirat Iyabode Ismaila now MRS OLUWABUKOLA BASIRAT IYABODE OLAIFA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Rufai Mathew Sunday now RUFAI MATHEW ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Badejo Busayo Bukola now MRS ADEMEFUN BUSAYO BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Omotola Omotunde Saheed now AKINWALE TUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Onifade Fatimo now MRS OKUNOLA CATHERINE ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olanrewaju Olayinka Dayo now MRS ADEGUN OLAYINKA DAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Nkwor Daniel Eze now NWANKWOR JOHNSON DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Ige Aderemi Oluwafemi now IGE ADEREMI OLABODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olasehinde Opeyemi Oluwakemi now MRS MORAKINYO OPEYEMI OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Olaniyan Bolanle Adetayo now ORIMOGUNJE BOLANLE ADETAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ojerinde Babawale Folarin now RAJI BABAWALE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Olovo Ngozi Justina now BENJAMIN JUSTINA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. EcoBank and general public take note.

I, formerly Lawal Azeez Adegboyega now LAWAL LASISI ADEGBOYEGA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ayodele Elizabeth Iyabo now MRS OKUSANYA ELIZABETH IYABO. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Nina Tochi Ogbenyi now MRS NINA TOCHI ADETONA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Toye Jumoke Titilope now MRS TINUOYE JUMOKE TITILOPE. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Lydia Adenike Ojo now MRS LYDIA ADENIKE OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Oyetola Folashade Alimot-Sadiat now ENIOLA FOLASHADE ALIMOTSADIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Gbolarunmi Oluwafunmilayo Oluwabukola now MRS IDEMUDIA OLUWAFUNMILAYO OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. University of Ibadan, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education , Oyo and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olubunmi Ayobami Onatola now MRS OLUBUNMI AYOBAMI BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Emmanuel Akinola Bankole am the same person as Akinola Bankole Adeleke. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL AKINOLA BANKOLE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Ajayi Oluwatoyin Dorcas now MRS OLUYOMI OLUWATOYIN DORCAS . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Azeez Sikirulahi Owolabi now AZEEZ DIHIKRULAHI OWOLABI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olawepo Dorcas Iyabode now MRS ALABA DORCAS IYABODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Arinlabi Olusoji Elijah and AKINLABI KEHINDE ELIJAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Babasanya Sainab Adesola am the same person bearing Babasanya Adesola Abosede. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as MRS SUNMOLA ADESOLA ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. F.C.A.H&P, GTB and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bunmi Abosede Akinpelu now MRS CLARAH ABOSEDE OLANREWAJU. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Salahudeen Khadijat Kemi now MRS IBRAHIM SALAHUDEEN KHADIJAT KEMI. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State TESCOM and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunwale Oluwabukola Omolara now MRS TAIWO O L U WA B U K O L A OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Atolagbe Bukola now MRS OPEYEMI BUKOLA FISAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Woke Ichechukwu now WINSTON KENJIKA ICHECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adedokun Adebisi Abike Taiwo now MRS TAIWO ADEBISI ABIKE ABIGAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olukotun Olalekan Saheed now SADEEK SAHEED OLALEKAN . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oni Ayodele Ibrahim now ONI AYODELE JOHN. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oladeji Maroof now KAREEM MAROOF. All former documents remain valid. EcoBank Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mukaila Adesina Amidu now ALOFE OLUWASINA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, UBA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ibrahim Fatimoh Opeyemi now MRS OLADIMEJI FATIMOH OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Julianah Ifeoluwa Fasedemi now MRS JULIANAH OLUFIROPO AREGBESOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ajibade Fatiat Adewumi now MRS BALOGUN FATIAT ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Union Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Faniran Moronfolu Rebecca now MRS ADEBAYO MORONFOLU REBECCA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adesope Toyin now MRS OMIDOKUN ROSELINE TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Aderibigbe Basirat Adenike now MRS TIJANI SULEIMAN BASIRAT ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akosile Serif now LAOYE AKOSILE SERIF ALANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Raji Kamorudeen Olaide now DAUDA KAMORUDEEN OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adebayo Oluwafemi Martin now ADEBAYO WASIU OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olabisi Deborah Dada now MRS OLABISI DEBORAH ONI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adaramaja Oyetokunbo now MRS FATILE OYETOKUNBO. All former documents remain valid. Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Baruwa Kuburat Olabisi now MRS YUSUFF KUBURAT OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Adedeji Hakeem Adewale now LAWAL SAHEED ADEKUNLE ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oshunniyi Mary Oluwafolakemi now MRS OJO MARY OLUWAFOLAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Omileye Sakirat Toyin now NURUDEEN SAKIRAT TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Sagir Umar Maemagudu now ADAMU MAGUDU SAGIR. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Onifade Temitayo Oluseun now MRS OGUNKOLA TEMITAYO OLUSEUN. All former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Babawale Aanuoluwapo Toyin now MRS MOHAMMED AANUOLUWAPO TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Yemisi Osunwale now MRS ESTHER YEMISI OLAWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adesina Funmilola Christianah now MRS AJAYI FUNMILOLA CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adewole Kafayat Ajoke now MRS ADEBAMIJI KAFAYAT AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyedele Serifat Amoke now MRS EBERE OLUWASEYI . All former documents remain valid. OAUTHC, Ile-Ife and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akeusola Sakirat Abolore now MRS ADEYEMO SAKIRAT ABOLORE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Sanusi Atolani Shakirat now MRS DUYILEMI ATOLANI SHAKIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Okunade Esther Adedoyin now MRS OLAMIJULO ESTHER ADEDOYIN. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Hospital Management Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adebimpe Mulikat now MRS SULAIMAN MULIKAT ARINOLA. All former documents remain valid. GTB, First Bank Plc and General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Isihak Alimat Omotayo now MRS ISIAKA ALIMAT OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mojisola Agbeke Olonade now OLONADE ESTHER MOSOBALAJE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Arowolo Akangbe now ALHAJI TIAMIYU IBITUNDE. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note.

40 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, OLUKANNI KEHINDE OMOTAYO (with date of birth 09/03/1980 in my GTB Account) am the same and one person as OLUKANNI KEHINDE ADETAYO (with date of birth 09/03/1981 in my FCMB Account). All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTB, FCMB and general public take note

I, Siyaka Emmanuel Onoka am the same person as Bello Siyaka Emmanuel. Now I wish to be known and called BELLO SIYAKA EMMANUEL henceforth. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Union Bank Plc and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ogundele Halelluyah Bukola now OGUNDELE JEREMIAH BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adebimpe Folape Lanlehin now MRS ADEBIMPE FOLAPE OLAOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Peter Joy am the same person as Peter Joy Ocholi. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as PETER JOY. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Makinde Oluwaseun Agnes now MRS OJO OLUWASEUN AGNES. All former documents remain valid. APC, Osun State and General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Bada Rasidat Oyewumi now MISS ADEBISI RASIDAT OYEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. National Commission for Museums & Monument and General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyesowo Kikelade Mercy now MRS ADEOYE KIKELADE MERCY. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Salihu Anahi Rukayat am the same person as Shuaibu Rukayat Ohunene. Now I wish to be known and called SALIHU ANAHI RUKAYAT henceforth. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, Comfort Maiyaki am the same person as Onsachi Comfort Iyeye. Now I wish to be known and called ONSACHI COMFORT IYEYE henceforth. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Isah Ibrahim Onufari now IBRAHIM ACHUJA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Mrs Usman Okatahi Aino am the same person as Ibrahim Aino Adisa. Now I wish to be known and called IBRAHIM AINO ADISA henceforth. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Union Bank Plc and UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Rasheeda Bidemi Azeez now MRS GHAZALI RASHEEDA BIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ali Bayero now ABDULLAHI BAYERO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ajadi Kafayat Omobolanle now MRS ADEOYE KAFAYAT OMOBOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Mabel Onyinyechi Acha now MRS MABEL PRINCEWILL OFAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Abdulmuizu Michael am the same person as Suleiman Abdulmuizu Dividson. Now I wish to be known and called SULEIMAN ABDULMUIZU DIVIDSON henceforth. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Obafemi Sunday now KOMOLAFE SUNDAY STEVEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Joseph Adinoyi Victor now SADIQ ADINOYI VICTOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olufodun Adeola Zainab now MRS OLANREWAJU ADEOLA ZAINAB. All former documents remain valid. GTB and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ajayi Bukola Godswill now MRS YUSSUF BUKOLA GODSWILL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

THIS BOX IS FOR SALE

I, formerly Uzairu Limawa now UZAIRU SABO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, UBA Bank, Law Enforcement Agencies and general public take note.

My name Ogharaerumi was wrongly spelt as Erumi while Oritsegbubemi was also omitted in my result of WASSCE 2015 Exam No. 4112328012. Henceforth, my correct name is OGHARAERUMI ORITSEGBUBEMI THEODORE. WASSCE and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Yunisa Deborah Ene now MRS ONOBRAKPEYA DEBORAH ENE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Williams Damilare Solomon now KUSHIMO OLALEKAN OLUWASEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Dauda Simon am the same person as Daudu Simon Makafan. Now I wish to be known and called DAUDU SIMON MAKAFAN henceforth. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ewuruje Sandra Ejiro now MRS OLOJEDE EJIRO SANDRA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lasisi Kamilu Adewale now ABDULAZEEZ LASISI KAMILU ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. Corporate Affairs Commission, Banks, Ibadan Local Government Property Company, Oyo State Ministry of Lands Secretariat, Ibadan and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bakare Ismail Ojo now JIMOH ISMAIL OJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. I, formerly Miss Durosinmi Ibukun Jumoke now MRS FOLORUNSO IBUKUN JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Bank, First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oyebade Eunice Oluwayemi now MRS AFOLABI EUNICE OLUWAYEMI. All former documents remain valid. State Universal Basic Education Board and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olajide Olayemi Ayobami now MRS DAVIES OLAYEMI AYOBAMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oguntoyinbo Omolola Christianah now MRS ADENIYI OMOLOLA CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. N.I.M.C. and general public take note.

I, formerly Marcus Iliya now SAMSON DANJUMA MUSA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Idayat Ronke Okewale now MRS IDAYAT RONKE YUSUFF. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, MISS EMAKE OKE GIFT am the same person as MISS AMUAKOPOYERI OKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, DADA TAIWO DADA am the same person as DADA TAIWO OLAYIWOLA and TAIWO DADA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTB and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Isiaka Raimi that my correct name was wrongly spelt as Raheme Isiaka Oladejo instead of ISIAKA RAIMI All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Funmilola Adesina now MISS FUNMILOLA IFEOLUWA OJOFEITIMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Hammed Gbemisola now MRS ADERIBIGBE M. GBEMISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Koyinsola Josephine Buraimoh now MRS KOYINSOLA JOSEPHINE OLORODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Uzuh Ngozi Blessing am the same person as Uzuchukwuka Edith. I want to be known as UZUCHUKWUKA EDITH. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Johnny Chukwuemeka Peter now JOHNNY ACE CHUKWUEMEKA ODEGA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Moses Keku now KEKU EKIAYE SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olaku Aishat Oluwaseun now MRS ABDULAZEEZ AISHAT OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Abosede Omolola Ayeni now MRS ABOSEDE OMOLOLA FATUNBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Samuel Ikuku now SAMUEL SALLY IKUKU EWRHUOJAKPOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Akin Praise Osuolale now AKINWANDE PRAISE DAMILARE OSUOLALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adebola Busurat Olajumoke now MRS TIJANI BUSURAT OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ebiemi Temitayo Olajumoke now MRS ELUDIPO TEMITAYO OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Abubakar Surajo Nababa now ABUBAKAR SURAJO MUHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Emmanuel Okunlola now IYANDA O L U WA T O Y I N OKUNLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ijaodola Idowu Dorcas now MRS AWORENI MORENIKEJI DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, AKINGBEHIN HAMEEDAT ABIODUN am the same person as AKINGBEHIN HAMEEDAT ADEBISI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTB, Access Bank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mejindda Charles now JINDDA CHARNES. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olulayo Aina Felicia now AINA FUNMILAYO FELICIA OLULAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Omidokun Fatimah Ajibola now OMIDOKUN FAITH AJIBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Paul Okechukwu Duru now IFEANYI EMMANUEL DURU. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bolatito Elizabeth Akinola now MRS BOLATITIO ELIZABETH AINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME

I, formerly Dajiyere Gabriel and Dajiyere Edwin Eseoghene now DAJIYERE GABRIEL. All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ms Chunny Chiwendu Demesi (Nee Ojingwa) now MRS CHUNNY CHIWENDU DEMESI-LEWIS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Akinwale Oluwatayo Dare now OBALEKAN ODUNAYO DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Owuru Moses Kehinde now ODEYALE KEHINDE ALAO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Makinde Busola Samson now SAMSON SOLA DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adewole Adekemi Oluwaseyi now MRS OLABIYI ADEKEMI OLUWASEYI . All former documents remain valid. Amabek School Ibadan and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Atilola Bukola and Atilola Bukola A. now ATILOLA BUKOLA STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adejoke Adepeju Oyegoke now ADEJOKE ADEPEJU TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Apeh Gloria Ruth now MISS EGBURU RUTH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Odocha Urenna Ugochi now MRS AJIBADE URENNA UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Sunday Ayinde Olafuyi now MR. EMMANUEL SUNDAY ONIFADE. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Sijuade Aderenle Florence now MRS ILORI ALADE FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid. FMC, Birnin Kebbi, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public take note.

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I, formerly Shehu Danladi Mohammed now SHEHU DANJUMA MUSA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Eyagomare Efemena Meekness now OKAH EFEMENA MEEKNESS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Uchendu Ngozi Celina now MRS OKAFOR NGOZI CELINA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

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I, formerly Olusola Abiola Elizabeth now MRS IREFIN ELIZABETH ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Bamisaye Olubukola Omolara now MRS BAMISAYE BUKOLA PAULINA. All former documents remain valid. GTBank and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Akinyemi Folasade Atinuke now MRS OLAFISOYE FOLASADE ATINUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Ogunbanjo Olajumoke Omowumi now MRS AKINPELU OLAJUMOKE OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunwale Aminat Bukola now MRS AFONRINWO AMINAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Subiru Kehinde Ayodele now MR SUBERU KEHINDE AYODELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Sulaiman Sakirat Modupe now MRS MODUPE SULAIMAN OMOGORIOLA. All former documents remain valid. Unity Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly Mufutau Rasaki now RASAKI MUFUTAU ADEOYE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, NURAIN ASMAU OMOTOKE am the same person as NURAIN OLALEYE ASMAU OMOTOKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. FUTA Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

fortherecord

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Yoruba summit a veritable platform for engagement with other ethnic nations Address by Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo State governor, on the occasion of the Second Yoruba Summit, at Akure, Ondo State on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. Protocols Introduction It is my honour and privilege to welcome the distinguished leaders and elder statesmen of Yorubaland to the second edition of the Yoruba Summit, holding here in Akure, the Ondo State capital. It is a thing of joy for us that you have found our state worthy to hold this all-important summit. On behalf of the good people of Ondo State, I most humbly welcome you all. It is particularly heart-warming that after a very long period of time, our revered organisations, the Afenifere, the Yoruba Council of Elders, the Yoruba Unity Forum, the Agbekoya, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), the Oodua Foundation, etc, are now all operating on the same page to discuss issues that affect the Yoruba nation. This initiative is significant because the Yoruba nation has finally put a lie to the insinuation that it was incapable of comprehensive unity and has found in The Yoruba Summit a veritable platform for engagement with the other ethnic nations in the country and a basis to jointly express our concerns to the rest of the world at this crucial moment of our national life. The Ibadan Declaration The first edition of The Yoruba Summit, which held in Ibadan, our historical political capital, focused on “National Insecurity and the Menace of Fulani Herdsmen in Yorubaland”. It was timely. It was well-thought out and issued the Ibadan Declaration, a profound piece of document. The summit took a clear position on the growing menace of nomadic Fulani cattle grazers across Yorubaland. It spoke the mind of our people that those who want to engage in cattle business in Yorubaland should establish ranches, as our people had become sick and tired of encroachment on their farmlands, brutal attacks on their families and wanton violation of their essence. The unfortunate abduction of one of our revered leaders, Chief Olu Falae put in bolder relief the need for something to be done to arrest this ugly trend. As if to corroborate the concern of our people across Yorubaland on these issues, the itinerant Fulani herdsmen have since been named the fourth deadliest terror group in the world in the latest Report of the Global Terrorism Index. This speaks to the need for an urgent national response to the activities of these groups if inter-ethnic relations that has in very recent times been greatly tortured is not to completely spiral into full blown crisis of gargantuan proportions. And while one notes the spirited efforts of some leaders across the national landscape and NGOs to weigh in on these issues, it is saddening that not a whimper has been heard from the arena of the Federal Government that has the constitutional responsibility for peace and security in the land. It is apposite for the Federal Government not to treat this issue of growing concern to many of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria in any cavalier manner. It is one considered view that as an emergency, the Federal Government and State Governments especially in the North (acting alone or jointly) should build Ranches in selected parts of the country. Urgent action is required as the patience of many of the victim-communities is running out. I am highly impressed that the Ibadan edition of The Yoruba Summit did not close without a reminder to the Yoruba people to come together and be our brother’s keeper. It called for an end to all form of rancour that had existed or was brewing among them. This admonition from Ibadan is still as germane now as when it was made. I cannot but thank the leadership of the various Yoruba formations for these initiatives. Critical Challenges Our respected leaders, ladies and gentlemen, a meeting such as this remains fundamental to the constant examination and re-examination of the place of the Yoruba nation in our country, Nigeria. This gathering is indeed essential for us as a people to think through so many things considering the present state of the politics, economy and security of Nigeria. The security challenges confronting Nigeria are daunting. The Boko Haram insurgency tops the scary security situation of our country. The scourge has pitted neighbour against neighbour, displaced close to half a million people, destroyed hundreds of schools and government buildings and devastated the economy. According to Netsanet Belay, Amnesty International’s Africa Director for Research and Advocacy, “attacks by Boko Haram have claimed the lives of at least 1,600 people since the start of June 2015”! It is sad that Boko Haram that was in its extinction phase as at May 28, 2015 has suddenly bounced back and been terrorising Nigerians in the most brutal manner. Unfortunately, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have also become victims of Boko Haram. Without a doubt, terrorism has become a major global concern. Day by day, the world is becoming troubled and

Dr Olusegun Mimiko vulnerable. Indeed, the world is in a state of severe bleeding. The truth is that terrorism cannot be justified under any guise or colouration. If there is any lesson that we must learn from the Paris experience, it is that we need a new approach to countering terrorism. The time has come for all of us to painstakingly look into various areas and issues of conflicts across the world from objective and methodical point of views. Our world is currently bleeding. Now is the time to address this profuse haemorrhage. Economic Downturn in Nigeria The theme of today’s summit is “Economic Downturn and Unemployment in Yorubaland”. Leaders of our people, Nigeria is currently not enjoying the best of times. At the moment, the country is suffering the adverse effect of the dwindling revenue from the Oil and Gas sector, which overtime, has accounted for about 95 per cent of its income. The economic situation is biting so hard in several States. Allocation from the Federation Account has sharply declined, thereby incapacitating the payment of workers’ salaries not to talk of the provision of infrastructures and delivery of social services across the nation. That the precarious situation is not about ending was signposted by the adoption, just a couple of days ago, of $38 as the benchmark price per barrel of crude oil as a basis for packaging the 2016 Budget. As things stand, the President is yet to reveal the scope of his economic policy. Critical issues of where we are vis a vis the national economy, where we want to be and how to get there, remain conjectural as the Federal Government continues in its deafening silence on this supremely critical issue of governance, several months after coming into office. The vacuum created by lack of fiscal policy has left the Central Bank of Nigeria, contrary to all known conventions, with no option than to attempt to put both monetary and fiscal policies in place in its jerky attempts at filling a yawning gap that is quite difficult to explain. The apparent lack of policy direction of the Federal Government has become completely dysfunctional. Investors are on a wait-and-see mode; several have pulled out their investment from the capital and bond markets, as others are scurrying out of the country. Undoubtedly, the gains the Nigerian financial markets had witnessed under the former government are virtually lost. This is more than anything else evidenced by the rather pathetic state of our national currency in relation to the dollar. The times call for clear-headed and focused attention to the national economy. Dependent on the hydrocarbon sector as it is, cyclical crises are inevitable in the economy. The economy, therefore, has to be multilateralized and put on a productive keel. It is then we can begin to tackle the challenge of youth unemployment, the full implications of which for social stability can only be dimly fathomed. Political Restructuring Ladies and gentlemen, recent events in Nigeria have shown us that those centrifugal forces that had continually threatened our national unity and cohesion are not fatigued. Multiculturalism, which the rest of the world has turned to strength, remains a major challenge to Nigeria. Diversity has become a bitter pill, which the country is constantly forced to swallow when the rest of the world has used same as a launch pad into greatness. Today, almost everything keeps separating us. Language has divided us, religion has torn us apart

and culture has alienated us. Yet, these could be sources of strength and cohesion. Unfortunately, we may remain in this miasma for as long as we deny the need for us to redesign the federation such that we would be able to create multiple centres of development in the true spirit of competitive federalism. A great piece of document remains on the table if the present Federal Government will find the courage to implement it. I have in mind here the Report of the 2014 National Conference. Recall, distinguished leaders, ladies and gentlemen, that at that Conference, Nigerians had an uncommon opportunity to discuss their collective future. The 492 Delegates, through consensus, passed over 600 Resolutions. The Resolutions touched most, if not all, the critical issues that had served as impediments to Nigeria’s rapid development and the attainment of nationhood. The overreaching recommendation was the need for political restructuring. This is to retain a Federal system of government with states as the federating units, with all the powers and resources thereto. It would allow states that wish to merge do so in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), a possibility that is no longer too far-fetched given the financial crises in which most States of the Federation have now found themselves. The restructuring would also accommodate the establishment of State Police to enhance national security. In the economic domain,exploitation of solid minerals would be taken from the Exclusive Legislative List, such that states would be able to harness the solid minerals in their jurisdictions, thus creating employment, generating more revenue and developing at their own pace. It is evident that implementation of the 2014 Confab Report has the potentials to liberate every part of Nigeria and ultimately, open up the political space. It is only such a courageous move that would extirpate centrifugal forces burgeoning and threatening to tear Africa’s largest nation apart. The latest is the resurgence of the demand for an independent Biafra. I use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to exercise utmost restraint in managing this renewed agitation, which the implementation of the Confab Report would have made otiose. The 2014 National Conference Report must, therefore, not be allowed to be confined to the dustbin of history, as it possesses inherent capacities to replace the centrifugal forces threatening the existence of Nigeria with centripetal forces that could build a nation. I implore this august body to keep the demand for re-structuring and indeed, the implementation of the 2014 National Conference in the front burner of national discourse. Emergent Distortion of the Electoral Process I cannot end this address without mentioning the growing concern across the land on the shenanigans going on in the electoral process under the present Federal Government. The crises attending the two gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states say it all. Permit me to say, distinguished leaders of our people, that a representative democracy is as good as its electoral process. The need to sustain the legacy of free, fair and transparent elections that Dr Goodluck Jonathan bequeathed to this nation cannot be over-emphasised. That a President would preside over the type of obvious constitutional abracadabra that Kogi has become is indeed worrisome. The reports of untoward attempts to deny the people of Bayelsa the choice of determining who to govern them that has been so unequivocally demonstrated in the results so far released is troubling. This summit would, therefore, do well to call the attention of Mr President, under whose watch all of these fatal threats to our democracy are happening, to all of these. A stich in time, they say, saves nine. Conclusion As I end this speech, let me on your behalf thank our people and indeed, all Nigerians for the honour done to the Awolowo dynasty during the highly successful farewell rites to our great Matriarch, Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo. Mama was indeed a great woman. She was a queen and was buried as such. Now that the “jewel of inestimable value” has gone to rest in the bosom of her creator, all of us, leaders of the people have a responsibility to keep the flag flying, to keep alive the democratic and development-oriented legacies and ideals of Mama exemplified in our sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Distinguished leaders, ladies and gentlemen, I thank everyone here for your commitment to getting the Yoruba nation to speak with one voice. I have no doubt that the Yoruba shall through today’s summit come up with profound recommendations to address the high rate of unemployment in our land. I wish you all a fruitful and rewarding Summit and journey mercies back to your various destinations. God bless us all. Thank you for your attention.

news

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

Buhari inflicting hardship on Nigerians —PDP

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday accused President Muhammadu Buhari that his policies and apparent lack of viable economic initiatives “are currently inflicting hardship on Nigerians.” In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party lamented that “it is disheartening that the Buhari-led administration has remained insensitive and unresponsive to the groaning of Nigerians occasioned by the apparent lack of competent hands in the management of the economy.” The statement reads “Rather than evolving economic initiatives to improve the lot of the citizens, this administration has in the last seven months churned out policies that stifle productivity in the formal and informal sectors, thereby inflicting hardship on them. This

has resulted in the semidestruction of the longstanding extended family system in our society. “It is a statement of fact that under President Buhari’s watch, the nation has witnessed the gloomi-

est festive season. Under this government, Nigerians have had the worst Sallah celebration and by all indications, this Christmas season is going to be the bleakest ever. “More worrisome is the fact that there is no indi-

cation that the government has any plan for ameliorating the hardship of the people. Instead, the situation may get worse as this administration, in its lack of economic initiatives, is now rolling up its sleeves to introduce

true that the government has a hand in this fuel crisis, then they should have a rethink and show pity on innocent Nigerians. “We advise the government to note that any attempt to increase taxes and duties will overstretch the lean income of ordinary Nigerians and gradually inflict intolerable poverty in the land.”

N29bn recovered stolen police pension fund returned to FG —DG Jacob Segun Oatunji And Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

Reps to probe PPMC Jacob Segun Oatunji And Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

The House of Representatives on Tuesday mandated its committee on petroleum resources (down stream) to investigate the subversion of due process and corruption by the management of Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC). The House resolution was sequel to a motion on matter of urgent public importance, moved by Honourable Ndukwe Nkole, entitled “urgent need to address the subversion of due process and outright corruption by the management of PPMC.” According to the lawmaker, “funds from oil products, which is the main source of the country’s revenue is being diverted by the management of the PPMC through illegal transactions.” Speaking further, he said, “Some known oil companies have been programmed to lift Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) without making payments for the products and without even having bulk purchase agreements with PPMC, while there is a backlog of companies with paid off invoices, which have not been programmed to lift products.” When the motion was put to vote by the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, it was unanimously supported.

some stringent tax policies, in addition to completely removing the social palliatives Nigerians benefit from. “On the issue of the persisting fuel queues across the country, we demand that the government come clean. Is it market driven or a product of government conspiracy? Our take is that if indeed it is

Members of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ibadan and District Society, during a health walk tagged ‘Walk for life’ in Ibadan, on Saturday.

Okonjo-Iweala should account for N3.2bn Safe School Initiative —Borno govt ...Says Boko Haram killed over 320 teachers, destroyed 520 schools Clement Idoko-Abuja

THE Borno State Government has said that the former Coordinating Minister for Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, should account for the N3.2 billion realised in support of the “Safe School Initiative” under the previous administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Chairman, Borno State, Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Shettima Kullima, who made the call on Tuesday, in Abuja, at the 14th quarterly meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) management with Executive Chairmen of SUBEBs. Jonathan had approved

$10 million (N1.6 billion) in support of the “Safe Schools Initiative,” while former British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, also announced the contribution of $10 million fund to help match investment by government to promote save schools in the North East, ravaged by Boko Haram insurgencies. This brings the total amount in support of the initiative to about N3.2billion. Kullima, while speaking with newsmen at the event, said Borno State has never benefitted from the fund, describing the project as “mere rhetorics” by the then government of President Jonathan. He said the last government did nothing to assuage the plight of people

of the state, especially in terms of reconstruction and rebuilding of schools destroyed by Boko Haram. He revealed that over 350 teachers were killed with over 520 school buildings destroyed by the Boko Haram sect since the insurgency began in 2009. According to him, on one particular occasion, the insurgents came across basic school books meant for distribution to pupils, freely, they intercepted the textbooks, tore them into shred and set them ablaze. “You will be amazed what insurgency has inflicted on us over the years. Boko Haram has afflicted the basic education delivery in Borno State to the extent that, no fewer than 520 schools have been destroyed.

The Pension Transition Administrative Directorate (PTAD) on Tuesday disclosed that the sum of N29 billion recovered from the stolen Police Pension Fund had been returned to the coffers of the Federal Government. The Director-General (DG) of Pension Transition Administrative Directorate (PTAD), Mrs Nellie Mayshak stated this on Tuesday, in Abuja while briefing the House Committee on Police Affairs, chaired by Honourable Haliru Jika. The DG, while confirming that the police pension was adequately funded by the previous administrations lamented that the previous police pension managers misappropriated the excessive fund through inclusion of ghost pensioners. She stated that the agency, which was saddled with the responsibility of handling old pension scheme of various federal agencies, civil service, parastatals, including police, during the last nationwide verification exercise for the police, discovered about 2,800 ghost pensioners out of the 18,000 officers on the pension payroll. She added that out of the additional 16,000 names of pensioners, who have never been captured in the pension scheme submitted to PTAD, only 3,128 appeared during the verification exercise. The PTAD DG further noted that civil service pensioners were 105,000 while pensioners from Customs, Immigration and Prison were 13,000 and assured that the endemic fraud in the pension administration was now a thing of the past. She stated that the authentic report of the authentic federal pensioners would be submitted to relevant authorities including National Assembly. Speaking earlier before the committee, the interior Minister, Abdulrahman

Dambazzu, stated that the report on the merger of the Ministry of Interior and Police Affairs had been submitted to the Head of Service of the Federation and would subsequently be transmitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval. The Minister assured that he would change the image of the Nigeria police for better and make Nigerians and the society to change their negative perception about the police.

PSN charges Mimiko on kidnapped member in Ondo State By Victor Ogunyinka

THE Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has appealed to the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko to intervene and guarantee the safety and prompt release of Queen Adeyeye, a pharmacist at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen. The president of the pharmaceutical body, Ahmed Yakasai, condemned the act, declaring that “We must take advantage of the protests of pharmacists in Ondo State to appeal to the governor, Dr Mimiko to personally intervene and guarantee the safety and prompt release of this woman, who was probably kidnapped on the assumption that pharmacists and healthcare providers are moneybags. “It is important to reiterate that pharmacists are mere hardworking and diligent professionals who are guaranteed the essential things of life through service delivery wherever they find themselves. We therefore appeal to the kidnappers to release this woman who is an innocent widow on purely compassionate grounds.”

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

foreig naffairs

08116954632 with seyi gesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

Nigerian couple jailed in UK for keeping fellow Nigerian as slave for 24 years

Nigerian-British couple have been jailed for six years each for keeping a Nigerian immigrant as a slave for more than two decades, a London court clerk said. Emmanuel Edet, 61, and Antan Edet, 58, were sentenced at Harrow Crown Court in northwest London late on Monday after being found guilty last month of child cruelty, slavery and assisting in illegal immigration. The couple brought the man to Britain in 1989 when he was 14 years old, the Crown Prosecution Service said. Emmanuel Edet, a former NHS obstetrician and midwife, Antan Edet, kept fellow Nigerian, Ofonime Sunday Inuk, as a “houseboy” after telling immigration officials he was their teenage son when they arrived the United Kingdom in 1989. They said they would educate the teenager and pay him, but they forced him to work long hours for no pay and threatened him with deportation if he tried to escape, prosecutors said. He received no education and had only very limited contact with his family and the outside world. The couple took his passport, and he had no identity documents, prosecutors said.

The victim, now 40, was forced to cook, clean, garden and care for the couple’s children without any pay for up to 17 hours a day, they said. He had to eat alone and typically slept on the floor of the hall, they said. Prosecutor Damaris Lakin said the Edets told their captive he would be arrested as an illegal immigrant and deported if he left the house and contacted police. “He believed this and felt trapped and completely dependent on the Edets,” Lakin said in a statement. “Emanuel and Antan Edet have cruelly robbed this victim of 24 years of his life. They have treated him with complete contempt.”

their family passport as their son when they brought him into Britain.

Emmanuel Edet and his wife, Antan, were jailed for keeping a young man, fellow Nigerian, as a slave for 24 years. PHOTO: MAIL ONLINE.

Oscar Pistorius, who murdered his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013, was granted bail on Tuesday and has the freedom of South Africa’s capital Pretoria as he waits to appeal his conviction in

Oscar Pistorius in court on Tuesday

April. Reuters reported that the Paralympic champion, nicknamed “Blade Runner” because of the prosthetic legs he uses to race, was granted bail of 10,000 rand ($686), after spending the last two months under house arrest at his uncle’s home in a wealthy Pretoria suburb. Pistorius had been meant to serve the rest of a fiveyear sentence there but the Supreme Court upgraded the 29-year-old’s conviction to murder from culpable homicide last week. He will appear in court on April 18 to give an update on his appeal

otherNEWS

Rights Office (UNJHRO) in Congo said in a report that it had documented 143 human rights violations and at least 649 people arbitrarily detained in connection with the electoral process during the first nine months of 2015, Reuters said.

President Joseph Kabila

Syrian opposition groups discuss peace push

President Bashar al-Assad

Prosecutors said the Edets had changed the victim’s name and added him to

South African court grants Pistorius bail after murder conviction

Rights abuses likely to undermine Congo poll credibility —UN A crackdown on political dissent in Democratic Republic of Congo, including summary executions and arbitrary detentions, is likely to undermine the credibility of upcoming elections, the United Nations said on Tuesday. The U.N. Joint Human

“This was a shocking case of modern day slavery,” he said.

Saudi Arabia is hosting a threeday meeting in Riyadh to try to unite the Syrian opposition before potential talks with the government of President Bashar al-Assad. There have been attempts to do this before, but this time international peace efforts are gaining momentum. There is a need for the opposition to speak in one voice and present a common vision for Syria’s future.

The Saudi meeting comes amid international efforts to restart peace negotiations with the Syrian government and there is a need to create a delegation to represent the opposition. Global and regional powers recently met in Vienna and agreed on launching peace talks and a political process but there was no agreement on Assad’s role in that process.

at the constitutional court. He faces a minimum 15year sentence for shooting Steenkamp in a case that

has fascinated and divided South Africa, a country beset by high levels of violent crime.

Over 10 million Ethiopians will need food aid next year —Charity More than 10 million Ethiopians will need food aid in 2016, up from 8.2 million this year, due to the worst drought in decades, the charity Save the Children has said. Although it has one of the highest growth rates in Africa, Ethiopia’s economy still depends heavily on farming, which employs three quarters of the workforce in the nation of over 90 million people. Caused by failed spring and summer rains and worsened by the El Nino weather phenomenon, the drought has led to food and water shortages. Reuters said about 8.2 million people are expected to have received aid this year, according to the government and the United Nations. The figure could spike to 15 million next year, the U.N. has warned.

US faces attacks if Muslims not banned from entry, Trump warns presidenRepublican tial hopeful, Donald Trump, warned on Tuesday that there will be additional terror attacks in the United States if his temporary ban on Muslim immigration is not put in place. “You’re going to have many more World Trade Centers if you don’t solve it -- many, many more and probably beyond the World Trade Center,” Trump told CNN’s Chris Cuomo in a contentious interview on “New Day.” According to CNN, a defiant Trump said he believes that there are already terrorists in America eager to harm the country. “They want our buildings to come down; they want our cities to be crushed,” he said, noting that the Trade Centers were attacked twice and citing last week’s shootings in San Bernardino. “They are living within our country. And many of them want to come from outside our country.”

Donald Trump

Cuomo repeatedly pushed back against Trump’s plan as not what America stands for

and the host noted that most of the developer’s Republican rivals have criticised it.

Cameroon authorities have said that schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamist militant group Boko Haram last year were not among a group of 900 hostages liberated by the West African country’s army. Last week’s hostage release raised hopes that some of the girls might be among the group. The army also said it killed at least 100 Boko Haram fighters in the operation as it seeks to strike back after a series of attacks, not least in its Far North region. “The people that were freed are just villagers. The schoolgirls who are missing are not amongst the group,” Information Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakari told Reuters by telephone. The freed hostages were driven in crowded opentopped trucks to the town of Maroua in the Far North at the weekend and given food aid and water by regional officials, Reuters television pictures showed. Boko Haram seized around

200 schoolgirls in April 2014 from their dormitories in the town of Chibok, northeastern Nigeria, about 50 km (30 miles) west of the border with Cameroon. The kidnapping stirred international outrage. Efforts to track them down have proved fruitless, in part because they have probably been split up into small groups and settled with families in villages across a wider area of terrain, according to analysts. Cameroon is part of an 8,700-strong task force including troops from Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Benin that has pledged to destroy Boko Haram, which though based mainly in Nigeria has become a major threat to wider regional security.

Chibok girls not among freed Boko Haram hostages — Cameroon

President Paul Biya of Cameroon

communitynews Power outage: Alaguntan community on its knees

ChukwumaOkparoacha-Lagos

FTER two months of total blackout, residents of Alaguntan Community in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos, have appealed to Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to put an end to the situation. Some elders of the community told newsmen that the situation has not only paralysed economic activities but worsening the health condition of residents. According to them, several efforts have been made to ensure the restoration of power supply to the community without success. The community’s transformer was taken away by the company. In his remarks, the Community Development Association’s Chairman of Electricity, Alhaji Ahmed Amosa, said: “Our transformer has packed up for almost two or three months now. We have been meeting the management of

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

IKEDC to no avail. “They keep promising us that another one will be brought but up till now, we have not seen anything. We appeal to them to help us with

another transformer because we are already in dry season when heat will be getting worse by the day. “Let them help our children, who use elec-

tricity to read at night and pregnant women who could be affected by the heat” Also, the General Secretary of the CDA, Mr Saubana Bada, who de-

cried what he deemed the insensitivity of IKEDC to the plight of residents, said the electricity provider had continued to send bills to residents for power not consumed.

Some participants at the 5-day training workshop for nomadic teachers in the South-West, held at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre, recently.

South-West nomadic teachers undergo training By Kehinde Adio

Professor Ayo Hamed of the University of Ibadan, has commended the National Commission for Nomadic Education for the ongoing series of capacity building programme for nomadic

teachers in rural areas across the country. Professor Hamed made the commendation recently at the University of Ibadan during a five-day teachers’ training workshop designed to boost South-West nomadic children’s access to basic edu-

cation. According to him, the development will go a long way in developing Nigerian communities through youth empowerment. Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor asRashid Aderinoye,

serted that the commission had observed that a large percentage of nomadic children living in the country’s hinterland were not in school, hence the efforts of the commission which has the mandate to ensure that no Nigerian child is without

Ondo lawmaker donates vans to police Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

A member of the House of Representatives, representing Ifedore/ Idanre Federal Constituency, Honourable Samson Baderinwa, has donated two hilux patrol vehicles to the Ondo State Police Command. The lawmaker, who also promised more vehicles forthe police, said the do-

nation became imperative in order to curb crime and criminal activities in the state. Baderinwa, who also donated 30 wheelchairs to the physically challenged in the area to mark his 100 days in office, also gave out cocoa treatment chemicals, which include herbicides and pesticides to cocoa farmers in the two local government ar-

eas. Speaking at the event, Baderinwa said the gesture was part of his electoral promises to the people of his constituency. According to him: “This is my convenant with the good people of my constituency. Today marks the beginning of the official fulfillment of the covenant which spans a period of four years.

IBSW LG holds interactive session on environmental sanitation Stakeholders from the 12 wards of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, recently gathered at the council secretariat, Alesinloye, to deliberate on and come up with sustainable measures aimed at making the local government filth-free. Speaking at the meeting, Oyo State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Honourable Kehinde Subair, decried the activities of some people who have made them-

selves clogs in the wheel of achieving a filth-free society, which, according to him, is one of the major policy thrusts of the present administration in the state. Kehinde Popoola, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Habitat, informed that to ensure proper monitoring of environmental sanitation exercises, an environmental task force will soon be put in place. He enjoined the people

in the state to cooperate with the ministry. Earlier, the Head of Local Government Administration of the council, Mr Sunday Laoye, noted that it was worrisome that in spite of the financial and moral commitment of the state government in making the state filth-free through both weekly and monthly environmental sanitation exercises, some members of the public still indulge in disfiguring roads with refuse.

“I believe that the patrol vehicles will enhance the performance of policemen in our communities. We need to assist law enforcement agents to better secure life and property . “It is also my belief that a thorough application of the empowerment items by our farmers will no doubt, increase farm produce in the next couple of years.” Some of the projects executed by the lawmaker include provision of boreholes in Odode-Idanre, empowerment of the aged in all communities within his constituency, grading and maintenance of major roads leading to Ero community in Ifedore Local Government Area and donation of vehicles to the traditional ruler of Ero community. One of the beneficiaries, Adelanwa Motunrayo, a cocoa farmer, commended Honourable Baderinwa for his contribution to the development of cocoa farming in the area.

basic, civic education or skill that will make them self- sufficient and peaceful citizens. Professor Aderinoye attributed the success of the workshop to the support from the Universal Basic Education Commission, and all the states’ universal basic education boards in the country. He said the commission introduced the periodic special training for nomadic teachers in the country to equip them with special teaching skills peculiar to nomads so as to bridge the gap between them and normal children in the formal school system in Nigeria According to him, if community leaders and parents in the various communities in the country, especially where nomadic people reside, would collaborate with the commission to support basic education and vocational development in their localities , under coexistence education that fosters unity among people and communities, mindless killings, destruction of properties and other forms of vices in these areas would be brought to an end. Meanwhile, some of the participants, who spoke with Community News, described the training as relevant to their job schedule on the field.

He said, “Blackout in this community has lingered for more than two months. We don’t like this insensitivity of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to the plight of the people. “This development has not only ruined businesses in this area but affected the health of the people. It has caused so many problems for us. The heat now is beyond explanation, it is unbearable and fuel is not available to power our generating sets.” Bada lamented that the IKEDC had continued to renege in its promises to restore power to the community. “We need our transformer quickly and there should be no billing again until there is power supply. It is an injustice to charge people for the service they never enjoyed.” Also speaking, a former chairman of the CDA, Sir Emmanuel Ashefon, said: “I have questioned why an electricity company can be operating without necessary spares. It is just as criminal as driving a car without a spare tyre. “They (IKEDC) took our transformer away and they have not replaced it.” According to him, the IKEDC had continued to fail in its promises to replace the transformer over months. The community elder, said that for more than two months, he had not been sleeping because of heat. “My appeal to them is that they should replace the transformer to allow us live a normal life, “ Ashefon said. One of the residents, Mr Ayobami Adesina, said he had spent a lot of money fueling his generator to allow his new born baby sleep at night. Another resident, Mrs Odunayo Adeleye, who described the lack of electricity and continuous billing as “bad,” said, “it is heart achingwhen we see power supply in neighbouring communities, while we are in total blackout.” Yet, another resident, Mr Ayo Alade, described the removal of the transformer as similar to removing the joy of the people. Alade said that the community had been contributing money to replace damaged poles, burnt and stolen cables. “We will appreciate it if IKEDC will become responsive to our plights and complaints,” he said.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

news Tension in Bayelsa over inconclusive election 46

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015

ENSION pervaded Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Tuesday, as groups divided along the party lines continued to issue statements over the inconclusive governorship election in the state. The social media was also bombarded with reactions from politicians of both parties registering their grievances over the outcome of the election, with no winner declared by

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and postponement of the exercise until a later fixed date. At various newspaper stand across the state, the situation was not different, as residents engaged in heated argument over the inconclusive election. The pervading situation in the state, it was observed, forced some residents to remain indoors, owing to presence

of military operatives on the streets of Yenagoa and neigbhouring communities. A group under the aegis of Sylva Democratic Watch condemned the cancellation of the Southern Ijaw council result, on the strength that the result would have won the election for the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that its governorship standard-bearer, Chief Timipre Sylva, had

Arms deal: FG drags Dokpesi to court THE Federal Government has dragged the owner of Daar Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, to court, over allegations bothering on money laundering. A six-count charge was filed against Dokpesi for allegedly

laundering N2.1 billion. The charge was filed before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The funds were said to be meant for the purchase of arms. The charge, which was filed by the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the registry of the court, was marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/380/2015.s Joined with Dokpesi in the charge is Daar Holding and Investment Limited. As of press time, the suit was yet to be assigned to any judge.

Oshiomhole retires HoS, perm sec EDO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has directed the state Head of Service, Mr Jerry Obazele, to proceed on compulsory retirement. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, the permanent secretary, Information and Communication Technology

Agency, Mr Dan Aigbavboa, was also retired. The governor also suspended the Director, Software, Edo State Information and Communication Technology Agency, Mr Toju Onaiwu All members of the Edo State Pensions Board, according to the statement,

were directed to report to the State Civil Service Commission for proper investigation and disciplinary action, in accordance with the Civil Service Rules. The governor, however, appointed Mrs Gladys Idahor as the new Head of Service.

scored over 90,000 votes from the almost 120,000 votes in the area. Also, pro-Seriake Dickson groups, though in support of the cancellation of the election conducted in Southern Ijaw council, noted that from the seven local government councils where result had been declared, the state returning officer, Professor Zana Akpogu, should have announced the PDP candidate, Governor Dickson, as the winner of the election. Meanwhile, Governor Dickson of the PDP and his APC counterpart, Chief Sylva, have continued to trade accusation over the exercise. While Dickson described the cancellation of the Southern Ijaw council election was a welcome development, affirming that APC was rigging in the council, Sylva averred that the PDP and its governorship candidate were known for telling lies, stressing that facts and evidence were there as proof that the PDP sponsored thugs from neigbhouring Delta State to attack some of its loyalists. Though, there were few trucks load of security operatives out of Yenagoa, a sizeable number of police,

Alao-Akala set to join APC

We are not aware —APC, LP lawmakers Continued from pg5

who wondered what their next step was on the political scene. “The party members had been asking Alao-Akala what our next step would be, considering our nottoo-good experience with the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). "Alao Akala had said that at the right time, he would call a meeting where we would jointly decide after looking at all options available. We looked at the available options which are PDP, LP, Accord Party and APC. “We have considered the options on ground. The people that destroyed the PDP are still the leaders of the party. These were the same people that denied us the ticket, having won the state primaries three times. Teslim Folarin is in charge of the PDP in Oyo State. So, PDP was not an option.” “Labour was not a party until Alao-Akala joined, so it is not an option. When we came into Labour Party, they had taken up all elective offices and it was difficult for them to concede

some of these positions to our people, especially those who are electorally useful, hence we had a poor showing at the election. "Labour Party was not considered about winning election, but about what they will get materially. Our experience with them was not the best, so Labour was not an option. “Accord Party is not an option, Moreover, Alao-Akala had served the party leader as deputy governor, And, we know ourselves very well in Ibadan, because we have been interacting. “For APC, we have never had any dealings with them. We have only been interacting with the APC and they are waiting for us to help strengthen the structure of the party. The APC knows our worth politically, we also know their worth. We think if we come together, we can solidify the structure of the APC. APC will be a mega party. “Majority of members have made up their mind and advised him to join the APC. The final decision, therefore, is that all supporters of Alao-Akala will join APC. We will inform the general public on when

we will make a formal declaration after meeting with the leadership of the APC,” Balogun said. The meeting also had in attendance, Honourable Tajudeen Abisodun, Dr Adetunji Gbola, Senator Brimo Yusuf, Alhaji Omilabu Ghandi, among other politicians in the state. Speaking further on the development, a member of Destiny Group, Mr Lukman Agboluaje, said “we are staunch supporters of AlaoAkala and testify to his style of leadership. We are loyal to him. He invited us to review the political situation in the state and reach a decision. We resolved that it was expedient for us to join the APC en masse.” Also, another supporter, Mr Ezekiel Agbomojo, said Alao-Akala's loyalists will always be with him and would join him at his preferred party. Speaking with Nigerian Tribune, select members of the Oyo State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Labour Party said they were yet to be properly briefed about the decision. They, however, noted that the decision of their party

leader would be respected. State Director of Publicity, APC, Mr Wale Shadare, however, said the party was not aware of the development. According to him, AlaoAkala was not a member of the party and was yet to activate the process of becoming a member. “We are not aware at the state level. In APC, we have a constitution that guides our activities and it cannot be compromised for any reason. "As far as we are concerned, he is still a member of the Labour Party. For now, he is not one of us. “The state APC is not aware. I am speaking on behalf of the state executive led by our chairman, Chief Akin Oke, who is also from Ogbomoso zone, same as Alao-Akala. Even at his ward level in Ogbomoso North, nobody has informed us of such. We see this as a rumour. We are not aware. “However, if he wants to join the party, he is welcome, because he is a major political leader in the state, provided he is ready to follow the normal process of becoming a member of the party,” he said.

army and other sister security agencies were till manning strategic locations in

the state, to avert possible breakdown of law and order.

Ajulo quits as LP national secretary Bola Badmus -Lagos NATIONAL Secretary of Labour Party (LP), Mr Olukayode Ajulo, on Tuesday, announced that he has resigned his portfolio with the party. Ajulo said his decision to resign his position had already been communicated to the national chairman of the party, in a letter addressed to him. According to the party chieftain, he took the step to enable him to concentrate on his law practice and busi-

ness, as well as enable him to do projects that promote humanity. Ajulo, a versatile lawyer, was the Abuja-FCT senatorial candidate of the party in 2011 and founder of the acclaimed Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA). The legal luminary confirmed his resignation to the Nigerian Tribune in a telephone chat, dismissing insinuation that he took such step based on irreconcilable differences between him and the party leadership.

OAU set to graduate 5,350, receives $1.12m foreign grant Oluwole Ige -Osogbo AUTHORITIES of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Tuesday, hinted that no fewer than 5,350 would be awarded first degrees at its 41st convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday. Addressing a press conference as part of the activities lined up for the convocation, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Bamitale Omole, also disclosed that the university had received a $1.12 million grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, to advance its research and curricular programmes, most especial-

ly on indigenous vegetables. According to the vice chancellor, “the Senate of the university has approved the results of 5,350 first degree graduands, drawn from 13 faculties in the university and 2,444 postgraduate diplomas, masters and doctorate degrees.” Omole maintained that the grants received from IDRC for research on indigenous vegetables would not only reposition the university in a greater dimension to deepen its research endeavours, but would also go a long way in helping the consortium of the lecturers in the Faculty of Agriculture and the students to break new grounds.

Edo tertiary institution lecturers protest 6-month-old salary arrears Banji Aluko -Benin City LECTURERS in some Edo State-owned tertiary institutions, on Tuesday, in Benin City, protested the nonpayment of their salaries, spanning about six months. The protesters, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and the Coalition of Unions, included lecturers from College of Education, Ekhiadolor; College of Education, Igueben; College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and Institute of Management and Technology, Usen.s. They first assembled at the secretariat of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) before they proceeded to the Edo State Government House. President of the Coalition of Unions, Edo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions, Mr Fred Omonuwa, said the protest became necessary as they were referred to the state government by the management

of their institutions. “We agitated last year and even went on strike. We met with the governor eventually around November. The governor told us that he was going to bail us out; that was even before the president came with the bailout funds. “As we speak, after he came up with the first instalments, he never came up with another one. We have been living in abject poverty,” he said. When contacted, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr Godwin Obhakhan, said a meeting between the Ministry of Establishment and the workers had been scheduled as part of efforts to address their claims. “I know we have had meetings where they put their claims on the table and we are having discussions with them. But there is a meeting scheduled for 2.00 p.m. to continue the negotiations,” he said.

Wednesday, 9 December, 2015 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Adekuoroye (right) deals with an opponent.

2016 Ahmadi Youths All Africa Games begin in Ijebu Ode Feb 17 By Oluyomi Fashakin

due to the unavailability of funds. The COPA tournament which is part of the build up to the Rio 2016 Olympics qualifiers in Alexandra,

Egypt will end on December 11. An 11-man team had earlier been named by the Federation for the COPA tourney.

ARRANGEMENTS have been concluded towards the successful organisation of the 2016 Ahmadi Youths All Africa Games scheduled to hold from February 17 to March 26, 2016 at Dipo Dina International Sadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. This was revealed by the Information Officer of the Majilis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya of Nigeria (MKAN), an organ of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria, Mr Murtadha Abdulrafii, during a courtesy visit to the Tribune House, Ibadan, on Tuesday. According to Abdulrafii, 20 African countries have indicated their participation in the sports fiesta, while five other countries outside the continent are also being expected to come to Nigeria for the historic event. He said the AYAAG 2016 is part of the events to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Nigeria.

THE Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung has expressed unhappiness with the state of medical equipment wasting away in different storages at the National Stadium, Abuja. Dalung was stunned to find that equipment worth more than N280m, imported 16 months ago were wasting away at the stadium. The equipment include HP Cosmos testing treadmill,

anti gravity treadmill, body composition analyzers, ice making machines, nebulizers, boxes of PR Power body torso, boxes of dumb bells and dumb bell racks, body sculptors and muscle toners. Other equipment include selector chest press, digital lean machines, steppers, cones, gymnastic mats, etc. Some of the equipment were said to weigh up to 1000kg. The minister had demanded an explanation on why all the equipment were unmounted and left to waste. “Why will the sports ministry buy such expensive machines and allow it to waste? So you people are now experts in importation and dumping?” The Director, Sports Medicine, Ministry of Sports Dr Abdulkadir Muazu said there was no space to mount such heavy duty equipment. “This building cannot take the entire equipment when installed and we need the centre to be close to the athletes when they need treat-

ment. So it has to be located close to the stadium but we don’t have the space for it. Moreover, the equipment can only be installed by the suppliers and the one year warranty for such services had already elapsed” Muazu explained. It was also gathered from Muazu who led the inspection tour alongside the Director-General of the ministry, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, that the contractors were given 15 per cent as mobilisation fee with a balance of 85 per cent to be paid between 8-10weeks, but there was a breach of contract leading to a breach of trust hence, their failure to come and install the equipment. Barrister Dalung then asked for the contractors to see him as soon as possible to state their own side of the issue. Three contractors, according to Dr Muazu supplied the equipment worth more than N280m. Some of the equipment had already expired as at the time of inspection.

NWF confirms Adekuroye for Indian league

HE Nigeria Wrestling Federation has confirmed that two-time African champion, Odunayo Adekuoroye will be participating at the highly rated Indian league which kicks off tomorrow and run till December 27. The 2014 Commonwealth gold medallist was earlier denied a visa by the Indian embassy last week in Lagos, but it took the intervention of the Federal Government alongside her Indian club side to bail her out. It will be recalled that Adekuoroye signed a two-year deal with an Indian wrestling club Mumbai team. According to the female coach, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Purity Akuh, Adekuoroye needs to com-

pete with international wrestlers if she is to win a medal at the 2016 Olympics. Purity who guided Adekuoroye to her bronze medal finish at the 2015 World Wrestling Championship in the United States, stated that the sensational wrestler needs international matches to get acquitted with different styles in the sport. According to the coach, the technical director of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Chief Damien Ohaike has advised the National Sports Commission (NSC) to invest heavily in Adekuoroye adding that, she would make the nation proud at the World Class Championships. Meanwhile, no Nigerian wrestler will be able to take part in the ongoing 2015 Copa Brazil Tournament

Dalung summons contractors over expiring N280m equipment

SWAN urges minister to revive sports in FCT Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, has been called upon to make sports a priority of his administration. The call was made by the FCT chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in a press statement signed by the secretary of the association, Martin Odiete and made available to Tribunesport on Monday in Abuja.

According to SWAN, if nothing was done to redress the current state of sports in the territory, FCT may lose its good athletes to other states of the federation, which the association stated might place FCT as one of the backward sports states in Nigeria. In order to address the situation, the FCT chapter of SWAN urged the minister to fully renovate the Area 10 football facility, while the Area 3 pitch be provided with a comfortable spectators’ stand.

SWAN urged the minister to put a stop to every attempt by some forces to sell off these facilities to private persons, adding that he should ensure that all facilities reserved for sports in the territory which had been converted to other uses be restored to their original purpose. FCT SWAN also appealed to Bello ensure that all abandoned sporting facilities in the area councils which have been completely paid for be completed and handed over to the councils.

Abdulrafii stated that the competition is among other things promote the spirit of sportsmanship among the participants; identify and develop new talents, inspire young people as agents of change and to advocate new policy directions in terms of youth empowerment and or engagement. Other events for AYAAG 2016 project include capacity development programme at centre one billed for Port Harcourt, from February 26 to 29, centre two in Lagos from March 20 to 23 and centre three at Ijebu Ode from March 20 to 25 with its theme as “Building a new world: Youths as agents of reformation”. It also includes centenary tree planting across Nigeria, African conference, inter-religious peace conference, charity walk, gala night and free medical camp. Abdulrafii stated that the events to be competed for at AYAAG 2016 are football, volley ball, table tennis, scrabble, taekwando, basketball and track events. In his remarks, the Managing Director/EditorIn-Chief (EIC), of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Mr Edward Dickson, who was represented by the Associate Editor, (Saturday Tribune), Mr Wale Emosu, while receiving the delegation, lauded their initiative for the inclusion of sports in the AYAAG 2016 project. He noted that it was remarkable that the event will be pulling participants from across 20 countries in Africa, just as he charged the organisers to keep the database of the participants, which he noted would help the nation in curbing issues relating to age discrepancies. Mr Dickson also assured the organisation of the support of ANN Plc towards the success of the event. A copy of the the first publication of the Nigerian Tribune was later presented to the MKAN delegation. Also on hand to recieve the MKAN delegation were the Distribution Manager, Mr Ben Ojetunde; the Deputy Manager (Personnel), Mrs Ijeoma Adesanya and the Group Sports Editor, Mr Ganiyu Salman.

SIDELINES

no 16,388

Wednesday, 9 december, 2015

n150

Ebola:

2016 Olympics ticket:

CAF lifts Sierra Leone ban

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has lifted the ban placed on Sierra Leone that has restricted them from hosting international football matches and club matches. The ban was placed on the west African country in August 2014 in the wake of Ebola outbreak that hit the country in May 2014. Sierra Leone played their home games on opponents’ grounds before they were permitted by Nigeria to use Port Harcourt for home matches in August. In a letter signed by the Caf Secretary General, Hicham El Amrani and addressed to president of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Isha Johansen, the revelation was made. “International football matches and CAF competitions can again be organised in the West African country, something which was not possible since August 2014 when CAF upon the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) suspended football matches in countries affected by the epidemic Ebola virus.” The development means that they will resume their quest for a 2017 African Nations Cup ticket in Freetown next year March.

A man who was recently arrested after attempting to pick up his girlfriend from prison in a stolen truck claimed he borrowed the vehicle. Perhaps, he might have resorted to a stolen vehicle so that he will surely land in prison too so as to keep the company of his girlfriend.

No retreat, no surrender, Siasia tells Dream Team By Ganiyu Salman

IGERIA’S Dream Team head coach, Samson Siasia has warned his wards to deliver the 2016 Olympics ticket today as they face the hosts in the semi-final of the ongoing African U-23 Nations Cup in Senegal. The match holds at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal, and the winner is guaranteed the Rio 2016 Olympics slot. Siasia according to thenff.com said it is going to be a fight to the finish. “We are not going back home empty–handed; it’s no retreat, no surrender. We have to get ourselves ready for Wednesday’s game; it’s going to be a difficult one. It’s going to be eleven players against eleven, so we have our chances to qualify,” said the former Super Eagles handler. The man who coached Nigeria to win the silver at Beijing 2008 Olympics however, said the defence worry has been overcome based on the team’s last game against Algeria. “We have learnt our lessons. Two games in which the first half looked good and the last half didn’t. We made our corrections and you can see from how we played in the last game,” he said. The ex-international believes the absence of the team’s captain, Azubuike Okechukwu, who is suspended after a second yellow card booking will be missed in today’s game. “We would have loved to have Azubuike because he is the captain and a big motivator, and you have to have a leader on the field. But he’s suspended, so we have to live with that. There is no need crying over spilt milk. In life, you always have to make adjustments in several areas. Azubuike’s absence will give another player the opportunity to prove himself,” Siasia said. Meanwhile, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick has charged Dream Team players to make Nigerians proud today. “It is not going to be easy playing against the host nation that is high on confidence, having won all their three group phase matches. Extra effort will be needed in all departments; hard work and courage are critical virtues that the U-23 boys must take to heart on Wednesday (today). “Our country is on a run of excellent results in international competitions. We are determined that run must continue and that is why the U-23 boys must defeat Senegal to assure of a place in Rio de Janeiro next year,” Pinnick said.

Dream Team striker, Etebo Oghenekaro.

Nigerians make Eagles difficult to coach —Oliseh Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja SUPER Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has declared that Nigerians are very impatient, thus make coaching the country’s senior national team difficult for anyone to handle. Speaking with sports journalists in Abuja, the former Eagles’ skipper, who said he understood criticism done to make the team get better, submitted that coaching the national team was not difficult in terms of sporting aspect but for

Nigerians’ impatience. “Coaching Nigeria is difficult not because of the sporting aspect but because of the fact that we are very impatient. Because we went to Tanzania after two days of training and got a draw, it was as if we lost the World Cup. We lost to DR Congo in a friendly it was as if oh! ...,” Oliseh said. He, however, threw a challenge: “Go get the best coach in the world. Let him come and coach players for two days and let see if he will get the desired result.”

Oliseh called on Nigerians to always be realistic, saying that though sometimes the Eagles and himself needed to be criticised if they did not play well. “I understand criticism; some times we need it. I build up my team from my assistants’ support. Criticism is what makes you get better. If it is constructive, then we can work on it. If my players didn’t play well attack them; if I don’t do well attack me as well,” Oliseh said. The winner of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) believes

he has what it takes to handle the Eagles successfully. “I have been coaching for 10 years. Even while I was a pundit, I was already a coach. And I was part of FIFA Technical Study Group. “You cannot be a good coach if you are not a good analyst because when you stand there you have to analyse how your team is doing well and what you have to change,” Oliseh, who was described as the African Pep Guardiola by the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pennick, said.

Oliseh

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 9/12/2015.