10th Septebmer, 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,324 THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2015 www.tribuneonlineng.com

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Appointments: Buhari has violated laws —Senators •Lay ambush for appointees who resumed before confirmation —P3

Pregnant woman, 6 others rescued as hotel collapses in Delta —P13

We will pay workers' salaries before Sallah —Aregbesola —P6

Troops of the Nigerian Army clearing Boko Haram enclaves along axis of advance from Bitta to Tokumbere, Sambisa Forest, Borno State, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN.

Tinubu at Aso Rock, says Buhari not a dictator —P3

Outage cripples Senate hearing on power sector •We lose N20bn monthly –Investors

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Thursday, 10 September, 2015

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Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Appointments: Buhari has violated laws —Senators •Say Senate not a rubberstamp •Lay ambush for appointees who resumed before confirmation Taiwo Adisa -Abuja ENATORS are angry over the refusal of the presidency to subject nominees into appointive offices to screening and confirmation processes before they are asked to assume office, with many of them declaring that what is fast becoming a fad under the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is an affront on the legislature. The lawmakers, who spoke under strict condition of anonymity, insisted that the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to name some appointees without a recourse to the Senate was not only a violation of the laws, but also a way of tying the hands of the Senate in confirming such appointments. President Buhari had named the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in acting capacity, besides the appointment of the board of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) and the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) before referring them to Senate for confirmation. The president also named appointees to the National Communications Commis-

sion (NCC) without confirmation by the Senate. Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, two weeks ago, said the letter requesting the confirmation of AMCON appointees had been prepared in readiness for dispatch to

the Senate. Sources in the Senate, however, said the lawmakers were angry that their powers to dispassionately assess the nominees were being eroded, as the appointees had already assumed office, started drawing sala-

ries and allowances and had also started implementing policies. “It is wrong for an appointee, who is supposed to be confirmed by the Senate before appointment, to assume office and then come for confirmation. In such

situation, the man is already enjoying the pecks of office and the confirmation is being made to look like a fiat accomplished,” one of the senators said. The lawmaker said the general opinion among his colleagues was to lay am-

From left, former chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande; President Muhammadu Buhari and national leader of APC, Senator Bola Tinubu, during a visit to President Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN.

Tinubu at Aso Rock, says Buhari not a dictator

•Denies rift with Atiku over APC BoT chair •President inherited piles of rot from Jonathan —Akande Clement Idoko -Abuja NATIONAL leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to keep quiet if they do not have anything to say, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari is not a dictator. This came as a former national chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, said President Buhari inherited piles of rot from the immediate past government of President Goodluck Jonathan and needed time to clear the mess. The two chieftains of APC were at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday and had long hours of closed-door meeting with President Buhari. Reacting to allegation by the PDP Governors' Forum that Nigeria is sliding into dictatorship under President Buhari, Tinubu told the PDP governors to keep quiet. “I disagree with that. He was elected on a platform of democracy, he has adhered to the rule of law so

far. What is dictatorship about what he has done? He has helped to stimulate the economy in the various states and that is where the people are. “So what is dictatorship? It is very important for a steady man like the president to really help the nation recover from the paralysis and that is what he is doing, so I don't see what is dictatorial about that. If they don’t have anything to say, they should rather be quiet. “They created what is wrong here today and we

can’t sweep that under the carpet. There must be rule of law,” he said. He debunked speculations that he had brought list for ministerial appointments, saying “what can I do about that? They have the right to speculate, they have the right to their lies and I have the right to debunk.” Tinubu also denied rumours doing the round that there was bickering between him and former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, over who becomes the chairman, Board of Trustees

(BoT) of the party, insisting that there was not struggle between him and Atiku for the position as being speculated. “Don't listen to rumours, there is no struggle. Our party is not even looking at the direction of power struggle or anything of such. “The support structure is to encourage and support the president as you have heard from Chief Akande, to help him institutionalise his goal, principle and vision for a new Nigeria,” he said. Speaking on the criticism

Buhari inherited a country that cannot pay workers’ salaries —Oshiomhole Soji Eze Fagbemi and Collins Nnabuife -Abuja EDO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari came into office when the country was unable to pay workers’ salaries. He made this known in Abuja, while commissioning the N1.3 billion Medical and Health Workers' Union of Nigeria complex.

The Edo State governor, while lamenting the deteriorating status of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), noted that the congress lost some grounds over the last couple of years. According to him, “you (NLC president) inherited an NLC that has lost a lot of public goodwill, just as President Buhari inherited a country which, at a point, cannot even afford to pay

salaries.” He further noted that even when oil was sold at $140 per barrel, which later dropped to $108 per barrel, some states were still unable to pay workers salaries. His words: “With oil selling at $140 per barrel down to an average of $108 per barrel, just a little shock in oil price, almost 50 per cent of the states could not pay Continues pg4

by Nigerians on the delay in the ministerial list, the former Lagos governor said there was pitfall in rushing, quick fix, depending upon the depth of the rot, saying such rush could lead to mistakes of unimaginable magnitude. “There is equally glory and recovery in slowness, when you have a slow fix of a bad foundation. So, to me, I would rather take the one that will last the country and endure for a longer period of time than the rush hour shopping,” he said. Speaking against the backdrop of criticism of the delay in appointment of ministers by Buhari, Akande said the president required time and must be encouraged to deal with the rot in the system. “President Buhari inherited piles of rot in the Villa and I said ‘let me see him, talk to him and report to my party,’ with a view to knowing how to encourage him to change the rot to good,” he said. When asked by journalists on what they were discussing for over two hours, the former APC chairman retorted: “It is the rot, piles of rots upon rots.”

bush for those who had assumed duties before their confirmation by the Senate. “Notwithstanding the argument being held on to by the Presidency, the fact is that the Senate was not set up as a rubberstamp institution. “The Senate should be in a position to confirm or reject a nominee and it is absurd for the nominee to appear before the Senate for confirmation with all the paraphernalia of the office he is seeking,” another senator said. “You don’t see this in the United States of America from where we borrow our democracy. Appointees are grilled by the Senate and the chamber reserves the right to reject anyone without ruffling feathers. “In our case, however, once any of these nominees is rejected, the media would shout it that Senate removes Buhari’s nominee. It’s unprecedented and uncalled for,” another senator said on Tuesday. A senator further said the appointments by Buhari amounted to a violation of the constitution, since the appointees had resumed office and started acting before their appointments were confirmed by the Senate. According to him, the constitution provided that the appointments shall be subject to Senate confirmation, adding that it was absurd that some of the appointees had started spending money from the office before their confirmation. “What we are seeing concerning these appointments amount to an offence and gross breach of the constitution. I am aware that senators are peeved by this conduct and there is the thinking that some of those who have assumed office might have disqualified themselves. “The lawmakers consider the development as an abuse of their respect for Buhari and that the act is undermining the Senate,” a senator in the know said. Another senator said tough questions actually await any nominee who assume office before clearance by the Senate, adding that the lawmakers would be tempted to ask why they needed Senate confirmation after they had assumed duty. “They will also be asked what legal grounds they relied on to assume duty when the Senate was yet to confirm them,” a source in the legislature said on Wednesday.

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Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Nigeria deserves a seat on UN Security Council —Osinbajo Clement Idoko -Abuja VICE President Yemi Osinbajo has advocated a permanent membership status for Nigeria in the Security Council of the United Nations (UN), in view of the country's contributions to international peace keeping, the size of its population and the economy. He spoke while delivering a keynote address on Wednesday, at the Africa launch of the “Global Commission Report, Confronting the Crisis of Global Governance,” held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. He said Nigeria fully shared the views expressed in the report that the United Nations Security Council should be expanded, including the call in the report for restraint on the use of veto by the five permanent members of the council. Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, quoted the vice president as saying that Nigeria’s position was “based on our peacekeeping role in the United Nations, the size of our economy and the fact that we have the largest population in the continent. Nigeria deserves a permanent status in the Security Council.” The vice president was of the view that since Africa was the only continent without a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, Nigeria had the strongest profile to represent Africa and, therefore, balance the membership composition of the council. Regarding trans-border problems, Professor Osin-

bajo said “Nigeria fully shares the view that no one state or states can effectively deal with such challenges. “For us as a nation and government, the issue of security, justice and human rights, climate change and sustainable good governance constitute the cornerstone of responsibility we owe our people.” He, therefore, disclosed that such a realisation “explained why the Federal Government of Nigeria was meticulously re-assessing the entire governance question with the hope of putting in place structures and institutions that can sustain Nigeria in confronting multitudes of challenges identified in the report.” The vice president, who was the event’s special guest of honour, launched the report at the gathering chaired by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Osinbajo used the occasion to laud the commitment and vision of Madeleine K. Albright, former United States Secretary of State and particularly Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, both co-chairs of the commission that produced the report for their pursuit of global security, justice and governance. In his presentation of the report, Professor Gambari underscored the significance of global alliance for security, justice and good governance, especially for Africa as a continent. He also supported the vice president’s call for a permanent Security Council membership status for Nigeria.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (middle), launching the African Global Commission Report on Governance, Security and Development, organised by Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday. With him are Ambassador Babagana Kingibe (left) and Chairman/Founder of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

Outage disrupts Senate power probe •Committee alleges sabotage, vows to investigate •We lose N20bn monthly –Investors Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

HE power probe the Senate ad hoc committee on power suffered a setback on Wednesday, as power outages persistently disrupted the investigative hearing. The committee had kicked off a two-day investigative hearing on Tuesday, ahead of a planned public hearing on the state of power supply in the country. But the Wednesday’s sitting suffered several power outages, which disrupted presentations by critical stakeholders. Power went out at least eight times, in 10 to 15 min-

IPAC crisis: Bashir woos aggrieved members Christian Okeke -Abuja THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-recognised chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mallam

Bashir Ibrahim, has moved to woo aggrieved members of the association. Crisis broke out in the association after its election of July 24, with Peter Ameh insisting that he was the duly-

Buhari inherited a country that cannot pay workers’ salaries —Oshiomhole Continued from pg3

salaries. That is the kind of economy President Buhari inherited. Oshiomhole, however, expressed optimism that with the cooperation and support of the organised labour, President Buhari would bail Nigeria out, making it a country that would provide comfort for its citizens. The complex, located at Durumi in Abuja, was named after the current NLC president and also the

immediate past president of the Medical and Health Workers' Union of Nigeria, Comrade Ayuba Wabba. Speaking on the occasion, the president of NLC, Comrade Wabba, noted that the structure was built solely by the union without levying its members. Comrade Wabba, who was the initiator of the project, further stated that the union did not get support from the government directly or indirectly to erect the structure.

elected chairman. The crisis has continued despite the swearing-in of Bashir as chairman by INEC. In a statement on Wednesday, leaders of political parties who participated in the election noted that the poll, which was supervised by INEC, was free, fair and credible. They disclosed that apart from the certificate of return issued to the new executive members by the electoral body, the new leaders had since been inaugurated at another public ceremony by a notary public on August 26. The parties insisted that no other IPAC election had taken place after the previous one and described reports on faction regarding the group as false.

utes interval, leading to the resort to usage of rechargeable lamps, torchlights and telephone camera lights. The presentation of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali and that of the committee chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari, were interrupted by the power outages, just as other critical stakeholders, including the Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Benjamin Ezreal Dikki; chairman of National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi and some of the managing directors of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). Many of the dignitaries were frustrated as the source of power was intermittently changing from generators to public power and, at a time, many resorted to improvised illumination like rechargeable lamps. A frustrated chairman of the investigative committee, Kyari, said the lawmakers suspected sabotage and that the senators would investigate the cause of the incessant disruptions. The Wednesday session had started at 11.30 a.m. but ended about 4.00 p.m., after no fewer than eight interruptions due to power outage. Igali suffered the most, as his presentation was severally disrupted. He was making a submission on behalf of the various electricity companies. Others that suffered similar fate included the Director-General of BPE, chairman of NERC and some of

the managing directors of Discos as well as Senator Kyari. Kyari told newsmen after the sitting on Wednesday that the committee would investigate the cause of the series of outages during the session. “The power outages experienced here today further underscores the relevance of this committee at this critical time, but we shall investigate whether they are deliberate or not,” he said, adding that the planned public hearing on the power sector would soon hold. In his submission, the Managing Director of Enugu Distribution Company, Mr Robert Dickerman, who spoke on behalf of the Discos said the companies were losing the sum of N20 billion on a monthly basis. He stated that power investors in the country were running at huge losses due to a variety of factors. According to him, the power sector was burdened by a huge deficit of N20 billion per month, as a result of the non-metering of over 50 per cent electricity consumers, while another 30 per cent of consumers were not on the billing system of electricity providers. He also alleged that the Federal Government was yet to pay the N100 billion subsidy injection promised the sector. His submission was corroborated by the Chief Executive Officer of Ibadan Electricity Generating Company, Adeoye Fagbembi, who spoke on behalf of the six generating companies (Gencos).

He said the losses being incurred by the Gencos and electricity distributors had been a big issue. Director General of the BPE, Benjamin Dikki, however, said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had paid N5 billion out of the N100 billion promised by the Federal Government. He also agreed that the sector was presently being run at a loss by the investors. Dikki said the initial hiccups were, however, envisaged by the Bureau, adding that such challenges were embedded in the performance agreement reached with the investors. Amadi said that the allegations that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would soon be privatised by the Federal Government was false. The NERC chairman insisted that the government had no plans to sell the TCN as a result of the sensitivity of that particular component of the power sector. Chairman of the committee, Senator Kyari, reacted to reports of the amount spent on the power sector since 1999, as reported in the newspaper on Wednesday. He said the final figurew would be more than N2.7 trillion quoted by the media as, according to him, only the Ministry of Power and the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) submitted the amount which totalled N2.7 trillion. He said the committee would arrive at the final figure when all agencies concerned had submitted their report of expenses.

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Thursday, 10 September, 2015

I am having interesting experience as Senate President —Saraki Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

ENATE President Bukola Saraki said on Wednesday that he was having a time of his life as Senate President of the country so far. The Senate President who stated this after a tour of the National Assembly complex said that his experience since assumption of office three months ago has been both interesting and challenging.

He told newsmen after the tour that he was happy with his job. The Senate President spoke to reporters after his official tour of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the first of such tour to be embarked upon by any Senate President since 1992, when the National Assembly moved to its present location. He said: “It is interesting and challenging but I think what is rewarding about it is the support from one’s col-

leagues and the enthusiasm from some of the members of staff of the National Assembly. Also, similar support from Nigerians from all walks of life and the international community.” Saraki told newsmen that the familiarisation tour was meant to allow him and the principal officers of the Upper Chamber have onthe-spot assessment of the environment so as to make for understanding of issues and challenges being faced by both staff and manage-

ment of the National Assembly. He further said: “The Assembly complex represents the image of the National Assembly. So, it is important for us to see what the issues are and have an understanding of the environment. Unless you go round and have a first hand understanding, sometimes, it is difficult to understand what the issues and challenges are, including the members of staff, their conditions, productivity and all that. By

Nigerian writers urged to contribute to nation development By Tolu Olamiriki NIGERIANS in the literary world have been urged to always contribute positively to the changing nature of the society so as to make it habitable for all and sundry. Dr Areoye Oyebola, stated this during the launch of a book entitled “African time: Black Man’s tragedy” authored by Victor Olu Taiwo, at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan,

Oyo State, on Wednesday. Dr Oyebola, who decried the rot in Nigerian society, said that if the country could have a handful of its headers like the author, the socio-political and economic problem facing it would be reduced. While lauding the author for his courage, endurance and prolific writings, he averred that the author is so deliberate in changing

Onitsha marketer traders shut down shops over flooding Suzy Oruya - Onitsha SOME traders at the Onitsha International electronics market, along the Onitsha/Asaba expressway have shut down their shops as a result of man made flood that trail through the back of the market caused by the blockage of the access gates and gutter allegedly caused by the activities of the Anambra State Urban Development Board, (ASUDEB) policy. The secretary of the market, Damian Ogudike and Public Relations Officer, Ikechukwu Onwuama stressed that the recent flood that took place in the market destroyed goods worth N160 million adding that when

they wrote to ASUDEB to assist the market in removing the obstacles, instead of coming to their rescue, they rather came yesterday and close the drainage and gates entirely. In their reaction, officials of the ASUDEB, led by the general manager, Mr Nathan Enemuo, officerin- charge of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Mrs Ngozi Atisele on Wednesday escaped death by the whiskers while making effort to lock-up three access gates in the market. Enemuo denied being bribed adding that he locked the gates as directed by the commissioner for Lands, Mrs Stella Onuorah.

Brief THE death has been announced of Mr Kayode Odusoga who was aged 76. He was until his death the President Old Boys Association of Methodist Boys High School, Ibadan branch and was a devoted member of the Torch Bearers of the Cathedral Church of St James The Great, Oke Bola, Ibadan and Patron of the choir of Emmanuel Church, Italupe, Ijebu Ode. A community leader, he was the Chairman Oke Ado Residents Association. Ibadan. He will be buried in Ijebu

Ode on Saturday 12th September after a commendation service at the Cathedral Church of St James the Great Oke Bola Ibadan on Friday 11th. He is survived by his wife Olabisi,Children and Grandchildren.

the nation for better due to his style of literary writings, which endeared many readers to him. There cannot be a breakthrough in this country unless our leaders embrace drastic and pragmatic change through revolutionary writings. Poverty and other social evils have continued to be on the increase,” he said. Dr Oyebode, however, averred that the author needed to be encouraged, adding that he had con-

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Baba Ajarat Arinola now MRS YUSUF AJARAT ARINOLA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

tributed greatly to the social – political as well as economic transformation of Nigeria as well as the African continent through his literary writings, adding that he is an author who believed that Nigeria as well as the African continent needed to be placed in the right perspective. Earlier, in his address, the author had said that the event will also witness the inauguration of “Project Africa’s rebirth,” as well as celebration of integrity.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Umennaesie Chizoba Happiness now MRS DIM CHIZOBA HAPPINESS. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

the time I go round; I will have a better understanding.” A statement by his media office also quoted the senate President as saying that: “By and large I think for an institution like this and over the many years of its existence as well as the number of staff, I think the maintenance is generally acceptable.” The Senate President added: “I think, of course, there is still area of improvement here and there, considering the number of people here, people that are coming in and out. I think there are some areas that again, particularly key areas of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Research. Saraki said: “There is a general desire to make the country proud with what we are doing here and I think we all have to keep to the promises we have made to all Nigerians that we will do our best to connect with

Nigerians and let Nigerians appreciate that we are here to serve and to work for the good of this country.” The statement quoted the areas he visited as including the Offices of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Foreign Affairs Office of the Senate, the Senate Press Centre, the Police Station, State Security Service (SSS), Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms, Senate’s Tea Room, Hansard Reporters section, National Assembly Television and Radio Studio, Clinic, Library, the Nigeria Police and Defence Liaison Offices. Others are the Procurement, Estate and Works Directorate, Corporate Services Directorate, Personnel Department, Offices of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Assembly Station of the Nigeria Fire Service, Dental and Eye Clinics, Legal Department, Finance and Accounts Directorate and the Canteen.

news We’ll pay workers’ salaries before Sallah —Aregbesola 6

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Pry school cert not condition for payment of salaries —HoS Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

SUN State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, on Wednesday, disclosed that his administration would ensure the payment of workers’ salary arrears before the forthcoming Sallah celebration. He made the disclosure while addressing some workers and other stakeholders of the state, Tuesday evening, in Osogbo, the state capital. Describing the state workforce as cooperative, Aregbesola said he personally shared in the pains they had gone through, stressing that the storm was over, as the state had started a new era of development, progress, transformation and everlasting peace. He said “by the grace of God, the state will come out again, we will pay workers their salaries before the Sallah celebration. Our government is one that is committed to workers’ welfare. “We will also like to implore workers to join government in its effort to block some channels of leakages. It will be of great help to government and the people if you turn yourselves to whistle blowers by reporting any act or persons that are doing anything that will affect the state,” Aregbesola remarked. Aregbesola, therefore, urged the workers in the state to keep an eagle eye as soon as the payment commenced by helping the government in fishing out any mischievous or fraudulent act that might be perpetrated by those who want to reap from where they did not sow. He explained that the payment would have commenced immediately, but for the verification exercise which the workers called for. He noted that “we would have paid before, but the payment has been a bit delayed because of the unanimous request of the labour union to conduct a screening and verification exercise, so as to serve as a prerequisite to any release of funds. The workers themselves demanded that they need a clear verification of those who are qualified to receive the salaries,” Aregbesola said. Meanwhile, the Osun State government, on Wednesday, said that Pri-

mary School Leaving certificate is not a condition for the payment of arrears of salaries to Osun workers. This disclosure was made on Wednesday, by the Osun State Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye, in a programme monitored in Osogbo, on the State television, the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC). He described as incorrect the report in media report that the state had

asked all workers in the state to present their Primary School Certificates before the arrears of salaries due to workers were paid. The Head of Service pointed out that the circular sent out by government was not meant for the payment of salaries, but for monitoring and control within the civil service. Owoeye held that the verification of workers under a normal civil service

situation was an exercise that was supposed to be carried out yearly, adding that streamlining the civil service must be an ongoing process,. Be it public

or private, in order to grow and remain healthy, such outfits need to examine and check itself regularly. He emphasised that the circular and forms that

Navy redeploys 61 senior officers Appoints 5 new FOCs Chris Agbambu – Abuja

CHIEF of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-EteIbas, has approved the re-

deployment of 61 senior officers of flag ranks in the Nigerian Navy. The appointments affected 28 Rear Admirals

From left; chairman, Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Henry Ajomale; Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) and APC leader, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, at the 15th Lagos Central Senatorial town hall meeting, in Lagos, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Loss of speakership act of God —Gbajabiamila As Tinubu urges women to reject corruption proceeds from husbands Bola Badmus- Lagos

MAJORITY Leader, House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, said on Wednesday, that he nursed no ill-feeling about his loss of speakership position to the incumbent, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, saying all that happened was the act of God. Gbajabiamila said this while speaking in Lagos at the 15th Edition/first in the Eighth Senate of Lagos Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting with the theme: “New Chapter, Hope Renewed,” which was organised by Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Gbajabiamila, who spoke at the event attended by dignitaries, while expressing appreciation to God for his present position, said the Majority Leader post remained the most important position in the House of Representatives in prac-

tical terms. The lawmaker said “the will of God has been done and the sky is the limit for Surulere Federal Constituency, the sky is the limit for Lagos Central and the sky is the limit for Lagos State.” Meanwhile, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, in Lagos, joined the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ ad Abubakar, in his recent call on Nigerian women to refrain from collecting proceeds from corruption from their husbands. This was as she said it was time for Nigerians to turn a new leaf and change from old ways of doing things. Senator Tinubu gave the charge while speaking at the 15th edition/first in the Eighth Senate of Lagos Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting, with

were distributed to worker to fill were like questionnaire that civil servants needed to input information that were applicable to such category of workers.

the theme: “New Chapter, Hope Renewed,” which took place at the Musson Centre, Lagos. Twenty- six students were beneficiaries of the N2.6 million scholarship awards to post-secondary school students, which she doled out at the event, at the rate of N100,000 per beneficiary, per annum, with the programme designed to run for four years. “However, 19 others, who were not qualified for the scholarship scheme, will be given N20,000 each to defray the cost of purchasing books,” she said. Tinubu, who said all hands had to be on deck to achieve that “‘new Nigeria we voted for,” admonished Nigerians to shun bribery, corruption and respect the rule of law, and not being an accomplice to crime, as the Sultan of Sokoto admonished women recently. Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabi-

amila, while speaking, commended Senator Tinubu, saying what she had accomplished within the 100days was remarkable. According to him, it would take a lot of efforts on the part of any of her peers to rival her, saying “for me, what she has done in her 100 days, let me say as a member of the House in all honesty, is remarkable. Chairman, Lagos State chapter of APC, Prince Ajomale, also lauded Tinubu on the gesture, urging other lawmakers on the party’s platform from South-West and East to emulate her. Dignitaries at the programme included the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Sotobi; Honourable Gbajabiamila’s mother, Lateefat; Mrs Kemi Nelson, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Lagos APC chairman, Honourable Jide Jimoh, white cap chiefs, among others.

and 33 Commodores. According to a statement released in Abuja, on Wednesday, by the Director of Naval Information, Rear Admiral S.U. Chinweuba, formerly Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Lagos, resumes as Chief of Naval Engineering, Naval Headquarters Rear Admiral P.A. Agba, formerly Chief of Logistics moves as Chief of Naval Transformation. The statement also said Admiral J.A. Ajani was moved from Defence Headquarters to Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre as Admiral Superintendent, while Rear Admiral S.I. Alade, formerly Chief of Naval Transformation, was moved to the National Defence College as Commandant. Also affected were Rear Admiral A.A. Dacosta, who moves from Defence Headquarters to Naval Headquarters as Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Rear Admiral K.B. Ati-John is new Director of Plans, Naval Headquarters. Rear Admiral B.A. Egbedina moves to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Administration from Naval Training Command, where he was Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral M.M. Salami resumes as Director of Policy Naval Headquarters and Rear Admiral O.C. Medani, formerly Chief of Training and Operations is now Director, Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate. Also deployed were Rear Admiral G.A. Anyankpele, formerly Chief of Administration is now Chief of Logistics Naval Headquarters. Rear Admiral H.H. Babalola, former Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command is now Chief of Training and Operations at the Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral E.G. Ofik resumes as Flag Officer Commanding, Logistics Command. Continues on pg7

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Thursday, 10 September, 2015

It will be unwise to scrap NNPC —Kachikwu As FG mulls new refineries for optimal performance of oil sector Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

HE Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, has said it would unwise to scrap the petroleum industry. Apparently, he was reacting to the recent statement credited to the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir elRufai, advocating the scrapping of the NNPC, because of the perceived monumental corruption in the organisation. Kachikwu, who was on a familiarisation tour of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) on Wednesday, disagreed sharply with the idea of doing away with the NNPC. He said it would amount to throwing away a healthy baby with the bath water. The NNPC boss said: “As a businessman, if we get to a point where business is not doing well enough and it needs to be killed, we look at what alternatives there are. Today, whether we like it or not, let’s be realistic here, irrespective of the fact that negatives get more publicity than positives, this organisation had kept this country going for the last 30-40 years. “It has built and sustained the refineries; it has delivered fuel the moment our refineries don’t work, it has delivered retails in a very difficult terrain. “My impression on touring KRPC is that there are alot of work to be done, and like I saw in Port Harcourt and Warri, there is alot of resilience and determination by engineers and people who run these plants. “Obviously, we need new modules, because with them, it won’t get us to where we need to be very rapidly. Three out of the six units of the plants are down, some of them for a very long period, we need to sit down

and see what modules, how do you turn around the new refinery. How do you work on emergency basis com-

ponents of the one that are there? “Kaduna has a very unique place in my heart

like I said, because I grew up in Kano and I used to come here often. It is so key to the survival of the economy of

Kaduna State and the rest of the North that we really have to be focused on getting things work and getting

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (second left), discussing with the Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr Ding Yonghua (second right); Managing Director, Lekki Worldwide Investments Limited, Mr Tajudeen Disu (right) and the Chairman, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Chief Olusegun Jawando, during the governor’s inspection of the Lekki Free Zone, Imobido, Ibeju-Lekki, on Wednesday.

We’ll fast-track development of Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ambode assures Bola Badmus - Lagos LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has assured that his administration will provide all incentives required to hasten the development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone that parades multi-billion dollars investments. The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday, while speaking with newsmen after inspection tour of the Free Trade Zone nestled on 16,000 hectares of land and habours $11 billion Dangote Refinery, as well as other multi-billion dollars investments driven by consortium of Chinese companies. According to Ambode, inputs from the zone was needed to boost economic prosperity of the country and a major catalyst for

the development of Lagos State, saying he came for the tour to see the level of development going on here. “I came here to see the level of development that is going on here. The Free Trade Zone is a major catalyst for the development of Lagos State. It was started during the administration of Senator Bola Tinubu and continued by my predecessor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola. “I have come here to give my commitment that we would follow up with this project, because it is going to be a major catalyst to the economy to this particular zone, as well as the economy of Nigeria. “Whatever it is that we need to do together alongside the community, we have gotten their commit-

ment that we would join hands together to move this project forward,” Ambode said. The governor also said his administration would look at the Lekki Seaports which had been idle for about nine years and ensure it was revamped. According to him, “there is no way we would have this Free Trade Zone, if the port is not activated. It needs to be reviewed. My administration will look at it and make sure the port is activated and construction starts immediately. While lauding the community and the consortium of Chinese Companies for supporting the state in the project, Governor Ambode, who expressed surprise that some communities in the area did not have electricity in the last five years,

assured the people that the issue of electricity would be looked at within the next four weeks. “I also want to assure the people here that the issue of electricity will be looked at. Its surprising that some communities here do not have electricity in the last five years. “In the next four weeks, something must happen. It is totally unacceptable and we would make sure that we bring succor to our people. “That is why we are in government and that is what they have told us we should do and that is what we will do everyday in this administration,” he said. He lauded the community and the consortium of Chinese Companies for supporting the state in the project.

Volatile oil price: FG not making contribution to Sovereign Wealth Fund —Orji Clement Idoko - Abuja MANAGING Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr Uche Orji, has disclosed that the volatile oil price has adversely affected the Federal Government’s contribution to the fund. NSIA is the operator of

the country’s $1.5 billion Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which is a deduction from the excess crude account. Speaking with State House correspondents on Wednesday, after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, Orji said no additional

contribution had been made by the government to the fund since oil price was below the benchmark. He said “the government gave us $1billion, which is the only contribution we have received,” disclosing that the authority had made N15.7 billion turnover for its 2014 operating year. “Oil price is below bench-

mark and because we are supposed to be funded when the oil price is above benchmark, so it will not make any sense for the government to make any contribution now when the oil price is still low. “But there are other ways to support the fund, which we have discussed with the president, but when the time is ripe, that will be

made known by the president’s spokesperson,” he said. Orji said the fund was structured in such a way that it could remain continuously profitable. He said the meeting was to update the president on activities of the authority and sought his support where his intervention was required.

it to expand.” Meanwhile, Dr Kachikwu has said the Federal Government would consider establishing new refineries for optimal performance of the oil sector. Kachikwu stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after he was conducted round the Kaduna Refining Petrochemical Company (KRPC) in Kaduna. The GMD said the NNPC was working to get the refineries across the country to work to their optimal production level, with “new business modules, new commercial modules and new approach on how we can get to where we should be.

Navy redeploys 61 senior officers

continues from pg6

The redeployment also affected Rear Admiral A.L. Akintola, who is now the Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos. Rear Admiral J.K.Z. Ango, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command resumes as Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral J.D. Michika resumes at Defence Headquarters as Director of Logistics. Rear Admiral J.O. Okojie formerly Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordinance Depot moves to Defence Headquarters as Director of Plans. Similarly, Rear Admiral J.O. Oluwole resumes as Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Navy Holdings Limited, Rear Admiral A.A. Osinowo moves from the Defence Headquarters to Naval Training Command as Flag Officer Commanding, and Rear Admiral A.S. Abdulkadir is now the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command. Also affected were Rear Admiral R.O. Osondu, formerly Admiral Superintendent Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre is now the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, while Rear Admiral A.O. Odeh, formerly Managing Director, Naval Engineering Services Limited, resumes at the Naval Shipyard Limited as Admiral Superintendent. Rear Admiral U.E. Essien resumes at the Naval Headquarters as Director of Operations from the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral S.O. Paul resumes as Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordinance Depot.

Nigerian Tribune

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Lagosmetro UNILAG students protest electrocuted colleague’s death

• Electric pole belongs to PHCN — UNILAG Naza Okoli

NIVERSITY of Lagos (UNILAG) students on Wednesday shut down academic activities to protest the death of a 300-level Accounting student, Oluchi Anekwe who was electrocuted on the university campus Tuesday night after an electric cable fell on her. When Lagos Metro arrived at the campus around 10am on Wednesday, both gates of the university had been shut by the protesting students who blamed the

management for Anekwe’s death. Many of those who spoke to Lagos Metro said the death could have been prevented if the management had taken steps to remove the cable which they said was in bad condition. “Something like this happened at Moremi Hall on Monday,” a student said. “An electric pole began to spark and we all ran away. The school should do something about these poles before they kill everybody.” Oluchi Anekwe, who was described as one of the best students in her class, was

Probe begins over Isuti boat accident, operators flee Olalekan Olabulo THE Sunday boat mishap in Isuti area of Egan in Lagos State has been blamed on the recklessness of the two boat operators. The deceased six-year-old victim of the accident, Isaiah Bamidele, his mother and three other siblings of the deceased were returning from their father’s site at Tototowu in Ogun State, when the accident happened. Apart from Isaiah and his mother, 10-year-old Wuraola Bamide, eight-yearsold Samson Bamidele and three-year-old Florence Bamidele were also on board the boat when the accident happened. Lagos Metro’s investigations also revealed that boat operators around the scene of the accident had wanted to sweep the incident under the carpet but for the timely intervention of the Zone A command of the Neighbourhood Watch. Neighbourhood Watch, other law enforcement agencies and officials of the

state government have begun investigations into the activities of the boat operators. Meanwhile, the two boat operators, Ola Oju Abo and Kehinde Sofola have been on the run since the report of the accident got to the public domain. Lagos Metro gathered that one of the boat operators was driving recklessly and therefore muddled the whole waterway, when the accident happened. The boat was said to have crashed into the other one and forced it to sink with more than 22 passengers on board, before others were rescued by local divers. Lagos Metro gathered that the deceased Isaiah was the last to be brought out of the water after the mother raised the alarm that one of her children was missing. Father of the children, Bamidele Sunday, while speaking with Lagos Metro appealed to the state government to ensure that those who are responsible for his son’s death are brought to book.

said to have been indoors all day on Tuesday. Her classmates who spoke to Lagos Metro said she had left her hostel at Makama Hall that night to “see her sister off.” “She was a very intelligent girl,” one of her classmates whose room is on the same floor as Oluchi’s said. “She always stayed indoors. She just left the hostel to see her sister off. She planned to go to the chapel after, for her fellowship meeting.” According to the protesting students, the campus security officers who were close to the scene of the incident ran away when it happened. They added that it was a group of students who eventually took her to the Health Centre where she eventually died. The protesters also alleged that officials at the Health Centre “wasted valuable time” asking for Anekwe’s identity card and medical card. When contacted, the Deputy Registrar (Information), Mr Olagoke Oke, said it was not true that security officers ran away from the scene of the incident and that the electric pole belonged to PHCN. “It is sad that a life has been lost,” Oke said. “People that knew her said she was a bright student. It is not true that security officials ran away. As soon as the incident occurred, we de-energised the pole. The cable does not belong to the school; in fact, it doesn’t supply power to the school. It is a PHCN pole that supplies power to Onike. All our own cables are buried in the ground.” Meanwhile the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Rahamon Bello, who later addressed the protesters at the main gate at about 2 pm on Wednesday appealed to them to be calm.

Site where the incident occurred in UNILAG.

Truck container hits high-tension cable, electrocutes conductor Olalekan Olabulo A truck conductor was early on Wednesday morning electrocuted. The unidentified conductor died in the incident while his driver and one other person sustained injuries around Jakande Estate area of Isolo in the state. The container, at the

back of the truck which was heading towards a warehouse at Jakande Estate, reportedly hit a high tension cable and the three occupants were trapped. One of the conductors and the driver were rescued with varying degrees of injuries while the other conductor died.

Rasak Fadipe confirmed incident to Lagos Metro and enjoined drivers of high vehicles to be always cautious of electric cable and poles. Ibrahim Farinloye, the spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency, also confirmed the death of the conductor to Lagos Metro.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

Father, mother, new baby, others consumed by midnight fire •Truck crushes sleeper Olalekan Olabulo FIVE members of a family were burnt to death and a six-year-old boy injured in an early morning fire incident that occurred in Lawanson area of Lagos State on Wednesday. An unidentified man, who was fast asleep under a truck, was also in the early hours of Wednesday crushed to death by the truck. The deceased persons in the family include: father, mother, grandmother, a girl and a one month-old baby. They were all sleeping in a bungalow situated at 23 Michael Ogun Street, Obele Lawanson. The grandmother had come to the home to help the family to take care of the new born baby who was given birth to about a month ago. The Lawanson fire incident created serious panic in the neighbourhood as residents of the area abruptly ended their night sleep and made frantic attempts to put out the fire. Lagos Metro gathered that fire fighters, who arrived at the scene, met the fire well alive and could not do anything to save the lives of the five victims of the fire accident. Their bodies were recovered from the room in the selfcontain apartment, while the rescued boy was found in the bathroom.

The fire, however, did not affect the kitchen which was not far from the burnt room in the apartment, where the father, mother, grandmother, girl and the baby were consumed. The fire was said to have started around 12:10 early Wednesday morning but nobody could say what caused it.

UNILAG rape: Lecturer reportedly ill,

absent in court Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin AKIN Baruwa, a part time lecturer at the University of Lagos who allegedly raped an 18-year-old admission seeker, was on Wednesday absent in court. It would be recalled that Baruwa who was a family friend to the victim allegedly raped the victim in a study room within the university premises.

The teenager, who relayed the incident to her parents, was taken to a non-governmental organisation where she was tested. The medical result revealed that the teenager was indeed violated. Baruwa had, however, denied the claim that he raped her but that they had consensual sex as the teenager forced herself on him. He was later arrested and charged before an Ikeja Mag-

FOUR men were on Wednesday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly kidnapping nine policemen in Arepo area of Ogun State. The accused men who were said to have kidnapped the policemen on May 24, 2014 were arraigned on 10 counts of terrorism charges. The four men who were arraigned before Justice Mohammed Yinusa include one Sergeant Akowe Jacob, Mayibi Hazeez, Godwin

claimed that his client was sick. The presiding magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, however, adjourned the matter till September 21 for advice from the Director of Public Prosecution. Lagos Metro observed that the victim and her father were officially absent during the court proceedings but were within the court premises.

Members of joint action committee of the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Yaba protesting over the dilapidated state of the hospital facilities and non-payment of staff promotion allowance since 2011, in Lagos on Wednesday.

Accountant, driver in N12 million fraud saga TWO men, Adekoya Olusola and Da-Silva Bankole, have been accused of stealing N12million from their em-

ployer. The defendants who are aged 35 and 33 respectively are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and stealing.

The duo who are accountant and driver respectively and reside at 8 Islamic Street Berger and 3 DaSilva Lane, Ijegun-Ikotun suburb area of Lagos are

said to be employees of UPDCN Nigeria Plc. It was gathered that the accused persons forged and duplicated several payment documents belonging to the

German and Tamarami Tunwa. The prosecutor, Raymon Odion informed the court

that the accused men kidnapped the policemen at about 9am on May 24, 2014 which contravened section

2(c)(ii) of the Terrorism Prevention Act. He also said that the accused were liable to punish-

ment under Section 33(1)(a) of the terrorism act which prescribes a jail term of up to 20 years upon conviction.

Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

Kidnappers of 9 policemen remanded in prison Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

istrate’s Court where he was granted a N250,000 bail. UNILAG, however, set up panel to investigate the matter headed by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Tunde Babawale, after authorities at the university initially denied that Baruwa was on its staff list. Baruwa, who was absent in court on Wednesday, was however accounted for by his counsel, Terry Adeniji who

2,500 C of O released to applicants Bola Badmus LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, has signed and approved the immediate release of 2,500 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to property owners across the state. Executive Secretary in

the Lands Bureau, Mr Olukayode Ogunnubi, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, saying the approval takes effect from Wednesday, September 9, 2015. “This is a standard milestone as the last time such was witnessed was during the era of the

first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande,” he said. The list of all the 2,500 C of O’s will be published in national dailies from Wednesday. According to him, the development was in line with Governor Ambode’s effort to clear the

backlog of C of O that was carried over from the previous administration. “That’s what we are trying to achieve and that’s the reason why the governor decided to clear the entire backlog. Now, we do not have pending C of O on our table,” he said.

company with which they used to steal the said sum from their employer and converted same to their personal use. The defendants pleaded not guilty when they were charged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court. Counsel to the defendants Imonighara Ese, urged the court to grant the duo bail in the most liberal terms, as they are still presumed innocent until proven guilty. The magistrate, Ronke Komolafe, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1million each with two sureties each in like sum. She ordered that the sureties must show two year’s tax payment, their addresses verified and deposit N100,000 each in to the account of the court. The matter was adjourned till October 21, for mention.

news UI names Professor Olayinka as new VC

By Tunde Ogunesan

ROFESSOR Abel Idowu Olayinka, 57, was on Wednesday named the 12th vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. This was announced by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of council, Dr Umar Musa Mustapha, during a press conference held at the Senate Building, yesterday. Making the announcement, Dr Mustapha said Professor Olayinka, a geologist, is the first person to be appointed as vice chancellor since 1948 from the Faculty of Science and was selected among 13 candidates who initially declared interest from the first day. The pro chancellor stated that the journey to appoint the new vice chancellor began six months ago through advertisements placed in three national dailies. Dr Mustapha said 13 formal applications were initially

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

received. These applicants were screened and a shortlist of six candidates emerged. He added that out of the six candidates, the selection committee conducted open and credible interview where three candidates were recommended to the council for final appointment. According to Dr Mustapha, the new vice chancellor who is expected to understudy the out-going VC will resume on December 1. He said the new vice chancellor emerged after an open and credible process. The pro chancellor said “in the process, UI interest was put first. Nobody was under any pressure that was not controllable. I hope other universities will learn from the university.” The new vice chancellor

was formally presented with his letter of appointment. Dr Mustapha then advised the new vice chancellor to carry everybody on board, be creative and innovative. In his address, the outgoing vice chancellor, Professor Isaac Adewole, described the appointment of Professor Olayinka who is a former deputy vice chancellor, as historic in the life of the institution. The new vice chancellor, Professor Olayinka said the university is a national resource, saying it belongs to all Nigerians. He stated that the students will remain the priority of his administration, coupled with academic excellence. He assured that he will

ensure that “UI is locally relevant, nationally preeminent and globally competitive,” adding that his administration would reposition UI with accelerated innovation. Born on February 16, 1958, Professor Olayinka attended the University of Ibadan in 1977 and completed his B.Sc (Geology) with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in 1981, becoming the best graduating student in his class. Professor Olayinka proceeded to the United Kingdom in September, 1983 for his postgraduate studies. He read Geophysics at the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine and obtained an M.Sc of the University of London and the Diploma of Impe-

rial College, in July, 1984. Between 1985 and 1987, he was at the Research School of Geological Sciences, the University of Birmingham, for a doctoral research in Applied Geophysics. He subsequently had post-doctoral training in Germany, first at the Institute for Geophysics and Meteorology, Technical University, Braunschweig (1996) and second, at the Department of Applied Geophysics, Technical University, Berlin (1997-1999). He joined the academic staff of the University of Ibadan in April 1988, as Lecturer Grade II. He rose through the ranks, being promoted Lecturer I in 1991, Senior Lecturer in 1994, and Professor of Applied Geophysics in 1999.

60 pupils bag Shell’s special secondary school scholarship SIXTY pupils from primary schools in the Niger Delta states of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers were on Friday, September 4, awarded full secondary school scholarships under the ‘Cradle-toCareer’ (C2C) programme run by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) operated Joint Venture. They are the latest beneficiaries in a scholarship scheme that has placed 360 bright children in top secondary schools since the initiative was launched in 2010. “The C2C approach marks a significant improvement in our portfolio of scholarship schemes,” pointed out General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli, while speaking at the award ceremony in Port Harcourt. “It is designed to bridge educational inequalities resulting from geographic and socio-economic differences. SPDC and its joint venture partners are proud of the achievements of the scheme, which has received local and international accolades.” The Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Ministry of Education, Michael West, commended SPDC and its joint venture partners for the life-transforming programme and charged other private companies to emulate the example. He said: “Any organisation that invests in educational development is to be commended.”

From left, outgoing Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Adewole; Pro Chancellor, Dr Umar Musa and incoming Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, at a press briefing held at the Senate Chamber of the institution, on Wednesday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

Court cautions FG/NCP against handover of Aba territory to APL Sunday Ejike - Abuja

THE Federal High Court, Abuja, has cautioned the Federal Government and the National Council on Privatisation against the planned handover of the contentious Aba ring fenced territory in Abia State to Aba Power Limited (APL). The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) had, specifically compelled the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to handover the contentious territory to APL. The formal handover was scheduled to take place today, September 10, at 11:00a.m. at the NERC office. However not satisfied with the development, the EEDC and Interstate Electrics Limited went to court asking it to stop the impending handover. Justice Gabriel Kolawole,

after listening to the counsel to the plaintiffs, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, ordered the defendants to appear before him on September 22, to show why the order of injunction being sought by the plaintiffs

would not be granted. Kolawole cautioned the defendants against going ahead with the planned handover of the territory, pointing out that any attempt by the defendants to interfere with the subject

matter would be treated as an act of disobedience to the orders of the court. In essence, he directed that the status quo be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the case.

Another stowaway arrested at Lagos airport Shola Adekola - Lagos A man was arrested on Wednesday while attempting to stow away on board a Med View Airline aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed Airport. According to information gathered, the stowaway man had successfully hid himself in the tyre compartment of the aircraft which was ready for taxing from the private terminal otherwise known as MMA2 at the airport. The eagle eye of the pilot caught him when he was doing the last inspection round

the plane before taxing to take off. The man, whose age was put at 25, was at once apprehended and handed over to the police at the domestic airport. During the interrogation, he confessed to have been hibernating around the airport for two weeks trying to achieve his purpose. The stowaway was said to have confessed that he did what he did out of desperation to leave the country for greener pasture. When asked how he managed to find his way into the

tyre compartment of the aircraft, he declared that he jumped through the fence that demarcated the VIP from the tarmac where the plane was waiting for clearance for take off. When the Nigerian Tribune contacted an officer from the airport police, though he said he did not have the authority to speak, but he confirmed that the incident actually happened. He, however, said the stowaway has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further questioning.

RTEAN/NURTW clash: 11 NURTW members regain freedom in Kwara Biola Azeez - Ilorin THE 11 members of the Kwara State branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) allegedly arraigned in court in connection with the recent clash between members of the union and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Offa have regained their freedom. It will be recalled that members of the RTEAN and the NURTW in Offa, were recently involved in a violent clash over issues bordering on loading of passengers. Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune in Ilorin, on Wednesday, the state secretary of the NURTW, Alhaji Rasheed Yemi Aliyu, said the acquittal of the transporters was made possible by the intervention of eminent personalities in the state. Alhaji Aliyu, who said that none of the union leaders of various branches of the NURTW were still being remanded in prison custody over the clash, added that the union had always encouraged peaceful coexistence in the state.

Gunmen abduct Dickson’s political adviser Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa BARELY 11 hours after Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State declared publicly his intention to contest the governorship election for a second term, unknown gunmen have abducted his political adviser, Honourable Fyneman Wilson. According to a statement issued in Yenagoa, the state capital, the gunmen numbering five, at about 4:00a.m. invaded the Sagbama Local Government Area residence of Mr Wilson and forced him into a waiting speedboat into the mangrove creeks. The governor’s political adviser, according to the statement, was abducted with his personal assistant, Mr Fred. The gunmen, according to reports, shot sporadically into the air to weaken any resistance to their operation. The state police command confirmed the abduction of Dickson’s political adviser. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Asinim Butswat, said investigation is ongoing.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 11 businessnews Stop depending on foreign market, CBN urges Nigeria

Advises states to adopt TSA Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wants the country to reduce dependency on foreign markets and become self-sufficient. The Governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele, made the call yesterday at the 9th annual banking and finance conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), with the theme, ‘Financial Service Industry Agenda for a New Nigeria.’ He explained that challenges facing the nation’s economy due to sharp decline in crude oil prices, end of Quantitative Easing Programme of US Fed and heightened geographical tensions following the annexation of Crimea by Russia, calls for re-structuring, re-inventing and re-strategising in order to diversify the economy. According to him, to achieve self-sufficiency goal and boost domestic productivity, the banking industry should re-orient itself by supporting strategic development sectors and infrastructural projects. He warned the nation not to sacrifice long-term national development for short-term profits. Giving instance of how the advanced economies’ financial industry deliberately supported development and productive sectors using ‘direct methods’ of intervention,’ Emefiele noted, “Our financial industry can be reoriented to support the rapid development and industrialisation of the Nigerian economy.” Meanwhile, the CBN on Wednesday in Abuja advised state governments to adopt the Federal Government’s system of using a single account for all its revenue deposits. Mr Kure Abubakar, Head, Client Services at the CBN, gave the advise while presenting a paper on “Understanding Treasury Single Account (TSA)’’at the close of a two day workshop on

the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, which

began on Tuesday, was organised for government revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

pants urged them to comply with the Federal Government’s directive and adhere to the Sept. 15 deadline to avoid sanctions.

From left, Sales and Distribution Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr ‘Tsola Barrow; winner, MTN Best 11 Retailers Promo, Mrs Shittu Kafayat and Frank Edoho, during the cheque presentation of the MTN promo in Lagos, on Wednesday.

RMAFC orders banks to return N12bn unremitted funds to federation account Gbola Subair -Abuja TWO years after commissioning a consultant to verify and reconcile revenue collections and remittances by 19 collecting banks, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has ordered some banks to return over N12bn unremitted funds into the federation account. The unremitted funds are those collected on behalf of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by the banks. Reverend Ajibola Fagboyegun, Chairman, Non -Oil Committee of the Commission, made this known Wednesday in Abuja when he received the draft report of the reconciliation and verification exercise presented to him by the lead consultant, JK Consulting Co. Ltd hired by the commission for the job.

According to Fagboyegun, the purpose of the exercise which commenced in November 2013 was meant to improve the public finance system and ensure that all revenues collected on behalf of government were remitted accurately and promptly. While praising 15 of the banks which cooperated with the consultants during the exercise, the chairman berated the remaining five for their uncooperative attitude which delayed the completion of the exercise, pointing out that their laxity could force the commission to take drastic measures against them by barring them from collection of government revenue and directing Central Bank of Nigeria to enforce deduction at source from the affected banks’ reserve deposit. Speaking earlier, the lead consultant, Mr. James Naiyeju, thanked the commis-

CAC to de-list 50,00 firms over annual returns Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on Wednesday said 50,000 companies would soon be delisted for failing to file their annual returns. The Registrar General of the CAC, Mr Bello Mahmud, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Mahmud said that the defaulters would be delisted after due notification through different channels of communication as prescribed by law. He disclosed that 9,347 companies had so far been delisted by the commission

He said the TSA, if adopted by states, could help them to get maximum benefits. Abubakar, while answering questions from partici-

since inception for failing to file their annual returns. According to him, 623,659 out of a total of over 1.2 million registered companies in the country had not filed their annual returns. Mahmud said that the 623,659 companies, which represent 49 per cent of the total number, were those that “have not filed a single return since their registration”. He said that others were those in partial default of between two and four years, but he did not specify the number in this category. Mahmud noted that the

commission did not delight in deregistering companies because some of the defaults were due to economic reason. The Registrar General said that was why the commission ensured that laid down procedure was followed to allow for remedy by defaulting companies before they were deregistered. He, however, could not immediately specify the total revenue lost by government as a result of the defaults. He said that the commission had come up with a number of measures to ensure compliance.

sion for its understanding and appreciation of the challenges involved in the exercise adding that with

the commission wielding the big stick, the work would be completed in the next couple of weeks.

World Economic Forum selects Waltersmith as global growth company THE World Economic Forum (WEF) has selected Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, a wholly indigenous Nigerian oil exploration and production company as a member of the Forum’s Global Growth Companies (GGC). Head of Business Engagement at WEF, Olivier Schwab said in a statement that the selection of the Nigerian company was based on the company’s business model, annual revenues and growth rates, as well as executive leadership and market position. “When choosing entrants to our community of Global Growth Companies, we assess companies on their business model, annual revenues and growth rates, executive leadership and market position. Waltersmith is a dynamic company with a clear potential to shape the future in its relevant business sectors and so is a perfect fit to our GGC community,” said Schwab. With the selection, Schwab noted that Waltersmith has become a member of a group regarded as the most dynamic, high-growth companies, which are trailblazers, shapers and innovators, committed to improving the state of the world. Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited was incorporated in 1996 as a joint venture between Walter Smith and As-

sociates Limited, a Nigerian investment company, and Petroman Oil Limited of Canada, to operate as an oil exploration and production company. In 2001, Waltersmith became a wholly indigenous company after the divestment of Petroman Oil. Responding to the honour, the company’s Chairman/ CEO, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa said his company was delighted to be selected by WEF. “Waltersmith is delighted and proud to be selected as a member of the Global Growth Companies of the World Economic Forum. This is clearly a recognition of the giant strides the company has made in the past 10 years in the realization of its long term goals and objectives. Waltersmith is focused on creating a resilient and robust enterprise with a clear vision of being an integrated energy company, with interests in gas, power and petroleum refinery. The emergent Waltersmith will have a significant impact on employment while making important contributions to the national GDP,” Isa said. With almost 400 members from about 65 countries, the World Economic Forum believes each GGC has the potential to become a leader in the global economy arising from their business models, growth records, leadership and unique markets.

Nigerian Tribune

JP Morgan: Market Capitalization down by 2.98% Chima Nwokoji - Lagos A day after the United States based JP Morgan threatened to remove Nigeria from its bond listings the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSE ASI) and the Market Capitalization have decreased by 2.98 per cent, while the Year-to-Date return stood at -15.01 per cent. The All Share Index closed at 29,454.09 against the previous close of 30,358.87 while Market Capitalization closed at ?10.129 trillion against previous close of ?10.440 trillion. However, Volume traded increased by 102.72 per cent from 226.648 million to 459.458 million, while the total value of stock traded increased by 114.44 per cent from ?1.999 billion to ?4.287 billion in 3,396 deals. Dealers said the Financial Services sector led the activity chart with 394.461 million shares exchanged for ?3.311 billion. Information Communication Technology (ICT) came next with 25.207 million shares traded for ?0.013 billion, Conglomerates, Consumer Goods, Oil And Gas sectors followed in that order on the activity chart.

Producers brace up for competition after Dangote cuts cement price By Paul Omorogbe MANUFACTURERS of cement in Nigeria are set to take the competition tussle a notch higher following the reported slash in the price of the essential commodity implemented by Dangote Group. Dangote Cement, is said to have cut prices in its home market of Nigeria in an attempt to boost cement consumption. The price cuts to its 3X cement brand by N6,000 per metric tonne, translating to N300 reduction per 50kg bag, allows Dangote to still achieve strong returns, CEO Dangote Cement, Onne van der Weijde, said in Lagos. Meanwhile, a survey across the country revealed that distributors and retailers are beginning to implement the new price regime, resulting in gradual decline in the price of cement across the country. A retailer in Benin City, Edo State, Sebastian Iwemgiwe, noted that the essential building material, which was sold at N1,850 per 50kg bag, has since last week come down to N1,650 per bag and is likely to decline further.

business

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

DAILY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) FOR WEDNESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 13 news Pregnant woman, 6 others rescued from collapsed hotel in Delta

Govt orders temporal closure Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

EVEN persons, including a pregnant woman, were, on Wednesday, pulled out of the debris of a collapsed wing of Makaval Hotel, in Delta State. The hotel, where patrons of Mercy Land Church usually lodge, is located off Refinery Road, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state. The wing of the hotel was said to have caved in at about 3:00a.m on Wednesday. Rescuers were made up of members of Mercy Land Church. They were said to have rushed to the scene after a loud bang, culminating in the collapse. The victims, it was gathered, are in one Divine Grace Hospital receiving medical attention. Officials of the hospital

prevented journalists from accessing the victims. They said they were in critical condition as a result of injuries and shock they suffered during the mishap. It was not clear whether the pregnant woman lost her baby, but eyewitnesses said she was heard crying for help until the rescuers got to her at about 10:00a.m. The pregnant woman, who was handed over to her father identified as Gambia from Bayelsa, said she had

been in the hotel for a week on a miracle programme at the Mercy Land Church. A landlord around the area, Akpoguma Davis, related how the building went down, saying “At about 3:00a.m, my dogs were backing seriously, so I came out not knowing they were reacting to the noisy cracks from the first vibration. “I took my torch and went round wondering if there were robbers lurking around. After three minutes,

this whole wing of the building collapsed. About seven persons have been rescued alive. I heard one woman shouting ‘I am Mercy Land visitor, help me.’ We got her out after four hours.” One of the victims who escaped with slight injuries, Benjamin Hosu (51), who came visiting from Lagos, said “I and a colleague came to town to execute a project yesterday. We were lodged in the first floor. Around 3.10a.m., we heard

a noise and thought they were armed robbers. Suddenly, our room went down on the floor. Some rescuers came out with torch lights as we shouted for help. They started breaking in till they got us out.” Efforts to speak with staff members of the hotel proved abortive, as they all declined comments. Following the collapse, the state government has ordered a temporary closure of the hotel.

PDP clears self from protest over Audu’s candidacy Yinka Oladoyinbo -Lokoja

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Kogi State, on Wednesday, cleared itself from the protest embarked upon by some youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at its national secretariat rejecting former governor, Abubakar Audu as the party’s candidate for the next governorship election in the state. The PDP Chairman in the state, Sam Uhuotu, in a statement warned the APC not to drag it into its internal problems. Some youths had last week staged a protest at the National Secretariat of the APC to kick against the emergence of Audu as the party’s flag bearer for the November 21 governorship election in the state. The PDP however alleged that one Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed later accused it of sponsoring the protest, describing the allegation as mischievous and a calculated attempt to smear the integrity of the party. The statement signed by the publicity secretary of the party in the state, Bode Ogunmola, noted that the opposition party was only looking for a scapegoat from its problems. He said the party advised the APC to come to terms with the reality that it had made an unpopular choice, adding that the choice was already threatening to tear the party apart.

Scene of a collapsed portion of a hotel building in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Confusion as PDP postpones primaries in Kogi Jacob Segun Olatunji and Yinka Oladoyinbo

THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has postponed the Kogi State governorship primaries, earlier scheduled to hold today, in Lokoja, the state capital ahead of the gubernatorial election holding on November 21st this year. In a statement made available to news men in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the Party said that its National Working Committee, NWC had to postpone the exercise due to some logistic problems. According to the statement, consequently “the National Working Committee, NYC, has approved a new date of, Monday, September 14, 2015 for the primary election and directs all members to be guided by this.” It stated that the NWC reassured members of the party and other critical stakeholders, particularly the gubernatorial aspirants, of a transparent, credible, free and fair primary election. Earlier, the PDP secretariat in Lokoja, was thrown into confusion over the conduct of the primaries as the

leadership of the party in the state had already put necessary machineries in motion for the exercise before the confusion set in. The state chairman, Sam Uhuotu, had arranged a press conference where the media was to be briefed on the modalities for the exercise before the event was hurriedly put on hold. Uhuotu was about to commence the briefing when he was abruptly stopped following what they called ‘unfavourable’ signal from the

headquarters of the party in Abuja. However, journalists who had gathered for the event left the secretariat as the chairman and his executives went into a closed door meeting. A source in the secretariat, who pleaded anonymity, however, said the signal from Abuja was not favourably disposed to the conduct of the exercise today. It was learnt that the postponement might not be unconnected with the division

among the PDP governors over the candidacy of the incumbent, Governor Idris Wada. The Nigerian Tribune gathered that while some of the governors were of the view that Wada should be supported for a second term, others raised support for Alhaji Jubrin Isah. The situation was not different with the members of the NWC of the party as they were said to have been divided between Wada and Isah.

We are ready —Kogi PDP, Wada Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

THE Kogi State secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state governor, Idris Wada, on Wednesday, said they were fully ready for the governorship primaries of the party. The Publicity Secretary of the party, Bode Ogunmola, told newsmen at the press centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Lokoja, that the party was set to conduct the election. He said there was no counter directive from the national secretariat that the exercise slated for today

would not hold as scheduled. At about 6pm on Wednesday, he said, “As I am talking to you, the national secretariat has not contacted us, they have not given us a counter directive that it will not hold. “We are on ground and we are providing logistics for the exercise, on our part, we are ready to provide a level playing ground for the three aspirants and anyone that emerge will be fully supported as the candidate of the party.” Also, the governor, who

spoke through his Special Adviser on Media, Jacob Edi, said he was ready for the exercise. According to him, the PDP was not known for imposition, adding that it is a party that gives equal opportunity to everyone to achieve their political ambitions. “On our part, we are prepared, we have won before and we are prepared for victory again. The people of Kogi have the opportunity to choose between the past and the present, between a governor that has the capacity and others,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune

Kogi AOPSHON confers award of excellence on Wada THE Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Kogi State chapter, has conferred an award of excellence on the state Governor, Idris Ichalla Wada. The Chairman of the association, Comrade Dominic Ondeku, who performed the ceremony at a workshop for head teachers in the state, said the award is anchored on the monumental achievements of the governor especially in the area of prompt payment of salaries and construction of new class rooms across several local government areas of the state. The chairman, who said the governor has made remarkable efforts on the state public schools, equally drew the attention of the governor to proliferation of private nursery and primary schools in the state. He added that the trend if not checked will negatively impact on basic education in the state. “Most of these private nursery/primary schools are situated in unhealthy an environment that does not promote proper teaching-learning processes,” he added.

ICPC partner NYSC on corruption prone processes Adetola Bademosi -Abuja

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC has partnered with the National Youth Service Corps NYSC to wage war against corruption prone processes in the scheme. This is just as the (ICPC) advised staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to live above board by ensuring strict adherence to procedures and guidelines of the scheme. Chairman, ICPC, Mr Ekpo Nta stated this in Abuja On Wednesday when he inaugurated the new Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the NYSC and also charged them to discharge their duties without fear of intimidation. The 5-man committee, with a three year tenure which can be renewed for second term, is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring transparency and accountability in the NYSC. Nta at the inauguration and induction of the ACTU, said taking appropriate measures in correcting and disciplining erring staff will not only engender fidelity to responsibility, but also build confidence and integrity in the system.

news

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Smile seals $365 million deal to accelerate 4G LTE Network expansion Otakikpo By Bode Adewumi

MILE Telecoms Holdings Ltd (Smile), which owns and operates mobile wireless 4G LTE broadband networks in the 800MHz band in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda, has announced that it raised $365 million of debt and equity financing (‘the funding’). The funding will be used to expand Smile’s existing 4G LTE mobile broadband networks and services, such that by the end of 2015, Smile will offer clear voice services and have national coverage comparable to the largest 3G network in each of its current countries of operation. Smile will also launch its broadband network in Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) early in 2016. The funding is comprised of $50 million of equity, raised from the Public Investment Corporation on behalf of Government Employees Pension Fund (“PIC”), and a $315 million multi-tranche, multijurisdictional debt facility led by African Export-Import Bank with participation from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, Diamond Bank PLC, EcoBank Nigeria, the PIC, the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited and Standard Chartered Bank. Smile’s shareholders now comprise Al Nahla Group, a Saudi Arabia-based company, which is the majority shareholder; Renven Investment Holdings, a panAfrican investment vehicle, in which Nigerian investors, including the Obijackson Group, are the majority; Verene, representing Smile senior management and social entrepreneurs

from South Africa; Telecom Investments, a Saudi Arabian-based investment company; Capitalworks, an active alternative management company, special-

ising in investment in the African mid-market”; the PIC; and Smile employees. Under the terms, the funding will be used to accelerate national net-

EKITI State House of Assembly has passed resolutions permitting the government to obtain loans and “explore avenues to help the government extricate itself from current financial crisis.” It resolved that the governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, should “partake in the Excess Crude Account (ECA)-backed loan being made available to state facing challenges of finance to the tune of N10 billion.” The House also passed a resolution on the intention of the state government to partake in the Federal

London Point of Presence and expanded international backhaul services, and to fund operational expenditure and working capital.

From right, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Ekpo Nta; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Suraju Adekunbi and the Deputy Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye, during a Capacity Building Workshop on transparency and accountability for speakers and members of houses of Assembly in South West, at ICPC headquaters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

FirstBank asks court to declare Okumagba bankrupt Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin FIRST Bank Nigeria Plc has asked a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, to declare that the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of BGL Securities Limited and BGL Plc, Chief Albert Okumagba, is bankrupt. First Bank had approached the court with a petition accompanying a bankruptcy note filed by Dr Joseph Nwobike (SAN), stating that Okumagba became indebted to it in the sum of

N1, 407,904,748.16 by reason of the judgement of the court delivered on September 26, 2014, by Justice Mohammed Idris in suit FHC/ CS/953/2012. Nwobike said in the petition that since the judgement was delivered, Okumagba and BGL have failed to pay the judgement sum of N1, 407,904,748.16. Okumagba and BGL appealed against the judgement at the court of appeal and also filed an application for stay of execution of the judgement, but the application was not granted.

Ekiti Assembly approves N19bn loan, FG bailout for state govt Sam Nwaoko- Ado Ekiti

work roll-out, including equipment and services provided by Alcatel Lucent and Ericsson, a full MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) network, a

Government bailout package for payment of backlog arrears of workers’ salaries and bonuses. The resolutions were consequent upon an announcement by the Speaker, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, that the state governor had written a letter to the House seeking its resolution over the matter. A statement by the Speaker’s media aide, Stephen Gbadamosi, said “N19.6 billion loan will, thus, be accessed by the state, as apart from the N10 billion from ECA, the government would access N9,604,430,000 from Skye Bank on a 20-year repayment plan at nine per cent interest.”

Contributing at the House plenary, the Leader of the House, Akinyele Olatunji, urged members to give speedy considerations to the requests, saying government’s access to the loans would better the lives of Ekiti citizenry.

Rather, the court made an order directing the debtor to pay the judgment sum into an interest yielding account in the name of the Chief Registrar of the court within fifteen days from October 31, 2014. The bank stated further that, by the Debtor’s actions, he has become bankrupt and incapable of paying the judgement sum or honouring his obligations. Consequently, First Bank prayed that the court should grant an order adjudging the Debtor, Chief Albert Okumagba, businessman and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of BGL Securities Limited and BGL Plc of 12, Catholic Mission Street, Lagos State, bankrupt. They are also seeking an order directing that all assets, interests and holdings of the Debtor, Chief Albert Okumagba, either held personally or through third parties and privies, be liquidated and the proceeds applied towards offsetting his debt

obligations to First Bank. An Order divesting the Debtor, Chief Albert Okumagba of all interest and holdings in all public and private companies. An order of perpetual injunction restraining Chief Albert Okumagba from appointment as Director in any public or private company in Nigeria. An order freezing or attaching all the assets of the Debtor for the direct benefit of the Creditor. However, in a notice of intention to oppose the petition filed before the court on behalf of Chief Albert Okumagba filed by Barrister Ayoola Ajayi, the Debtor, while specifically denying some paragraphs of the petition averred that on September 29, 2014, he had promptly appealed against the aforesaid judgement and he also has a motion for an order of unconditional stay of the execution of the order at the Court of Appeal.

Benue govt opts for staff audit Johnson Babajide- Makurdi

BENUE State governor, Samuel Ortom, has stated that the state government has set up biometrics to authenticate the workforce of the state civil servant before the bailout fund due to be ready in two weeks will be paid.

“We are not comfortable with the figures, so we want to authenticate before payment is made and channel whatever remains into development activities.” Ortom, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday, to commemorate the 100 days of his administration said N15.5 billion will be

required to offset the salary arrears of state civil servants while the 23 local government councils would require N12.5 billion. He added that the bailout fund, which is sourced from the CBN as a loan with a single digit interest, would be offset in 20 years.

marginal field gets first oil Ayodele Adesanmi- Abuja

ONE of the recently licensed oil explorator in Nigeria, Green Energy International Limited, the operator of the Otakikpo Marginal Field has found oil from the field. It achieved the feat on Saturday, September 5, 2015 and it was subsequent to a successful re-entry and integrity test of the Otakikpo well -02, followed by a perforation and testing of the E1000A sand of same well. This achievement was barely 15 months after receiving its Ministerial consent for the Farm from Shell and its JV, Technical Partners, LEKOIL Oil & Gas Investment Ltd. Dr Bunu Alibe, the Technical Director of GEIL, in his comment, was full of praises for the company’s technical team in achieving this feat in record time. The field, which lies approximately 60 km South East of Port Harcourt , Rivers State of Nigeria, is based in the Southern of SPDC’S OML 11, between the shore to the South and Chevron’s OML51 to the North and about 35 km East of Bonny Crude Export Terminal. The field, according to a statement from the company, was discovered by Shell and its JV partners in 1980 while the Appraisal wellOtakikpo-02 which the company re- entered to produce the first Oil was first drilled in 1981 and this was followed by Otakikpo-03.

Nigerians charged to help underprivilege Aderibigbe Adedoyin

DEACONESS Bola Oluyide has charged all Nigerians to contribute their quota towards helping the underprivilege, giving them meaningful existence. She made this charge at the official commissioning of Sola Olagunju Foundation Home, at Bodija area in Ibadan, noting that such a foundation was a right decision in assisting the underprivilege as the future of the physically challenged depended on the country as a whole. Oluyide further said that positive impact should be made in making life worth living for these special ones by using available resources at each and everyone’s disposal to build a better place for them. “Every well meaning Nigerian should contribute their quota towards giving a meaningful life to these strata of members of our society.’’

15 news

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Fayose gives physically-challenged shoe maker N500,000

He was comfortable before he became governor, Fayose’s aide tells APC

T was a carnival-like atmosphere at Ikoro Ekiti on Wednesday, when Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose presented a cash gift of N500, 000 to Mr Timothy Iseoluwa at his residence in Iloro Ekiti. The governor, who said he was watching the state owned television station on Wednesday, when he came across a documentary detailing Iseoluwa’s predicament and his urgent need for assistance said, “I immediately called the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Toyin Ojo who incidentally is from Ikoro Ekiti to give me details on the man’s situation. It was then that I was reminded that I was the one who gave him motorcycle and shoe-making instruments during my first term in office. If someone, despite his type of challenge can eke out a living and not resort to begging, we have to come to his aid.” The governor presented N500, 000 in cash to Mr Iseoluwa, whose house and working tools got destroyed in an inferno few weeks back. The governor thereafter presented him a brand new motorcycle and directed the Local Government Council boss to place him on N20,000, monthly salary. Mr Iseoluwa thanked the governor and prayed for the success of his administration. Reacting to the gesture, the Onikoro of Ikoro Ekiti, Oba (Dr) Olanrewaju Adewaju thanked the governor and bestowed on him the title of Bashorun of IkoroEkiti. Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the Ekiti State Governor on Public Communications and News Media, Mr Lere Olayinka has counselled the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State to inform President Muhammadu Buhari to make his assets public properly as he promised

Nigerians, rather than ask Governor Ayodele Fayose to declare his assets. “Governor Fayose was comfortable before he became governor. He does

not go about parading mud houses and cattle herds as assets for cheap political publicity,” Olayinka said. Reacting to a statement issued by the APC, asking the

EKITI State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, has again warned civil servants in the state against lateness to work, saying the state government would no longer condone indiscipline in the workforce. Speaking on Wednesday, during an unscheduled visit to the Local Government Service Commission, AdoEkiti, the governor decried

and whoever is not satisfied can approach the court or the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for copy of his assets declaration form.” He added that the APC was

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose (with microphone), on Wednesday, donating N500,000 and a new motorcycle to a crippled shoemaker, Mr Iseoluwa Adelabu, whose shop and working equipment got burnt in Ikoro-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Kidnappers kill Israeli national

As Police kill two armed robbers in Abuja Chris Agbambu - Abuja AN Israeli National (names withheld), said to be working with a Construction company, GILMOR, in Abuja, was on Thursday killed by suspected kidnappers in a community known as WASA, after the Apo Mechanic Village at about 8. 30 a.m. An eyewitness informed Nigerian Tribune that the Israeli national, was on the way to the construction site of the company, when four young men suddenly accosted him, forced him out of his Toyota salon car. Meanwhile, two members of an armed robbery gang on Thursday met their waterloo, during a gun duel with the Police.

The robbers are said to have been terrorising residents of AMAC Estate, along Airport Road, Abuja, in the last four months. Other members of the gang fled before they could be apprehended. Nigerian Tribune gathered that victims of the notorious robbery gang include residents of the area, who are journalists, medical doctors, traders

the poor attitude of some workers, despite the efforts of the state in paying their salaries on time. According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor said earlier in the day he had sent a delegation to one of the local governments outside Ado-Ekiti and the report he got was bad. “The team got there and as at almost nine in the morning, more than half

and senior civil servants. Christians returning from vigil were also victims of the attacks. Hundreds of thousands of naira were reportedly carted away from residents of the area, including laptops, flat screen televisions, expensive mobile phones, jewelleries and other valuables. Confirming the development, Federal Capital Territory Police Commis-

sioner, Wilson Inalegwu said men of the Counter terrorism Patrol team on Wednesday ambushed the gang at about 1.30 a.m and engaged them in a shootout during which the two robbers were killed. Items recovered from the robbers include one pump action shot-gun, four live cartridges, one giant iron cutter, one giant iron bar and some charms.

Cultists attack youth leader, injure 5 others in Anambra Suzy Oruya - Onitsha MEMBERS of a cult group were said to have attacked the chairman of Obosi land Management Council, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State,

Again, Fayose warns workers against lateness Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti

governor to publicly declare his assets, he said, “Governor Fayose has declared his assets as provided by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

of the workers were yet to resume duties, including some directors. This is really bad. We are doing our best to make everybody comfortable and we want you to reciprocate the gesture. “Spread the message to everybody that we will no longer tolerate poor attitude to work. There are many people outside waiting to come and take over your job,” he said.

Mr Ezeugo Ikemu Zion on Wednesday, at his office. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the cultists stormed the chairman’s office but met his absence. However, when they were about to leave, the chairman was spotted close to his office environment. The attackers, reportedly pounced on him, and attacked him with a machete, giving him a deep cut on his head. Four other people who were with him were also attacked. Speaking to newsmen on his hospital bed, Zion said, “Because I am picked as the chairman of Obosi land Management Council, the cultists have continued to terrorise our community. They stormed my office with the intention to kill me because I am not their member.”

He accused a community leader of sponsoring the cultists, adding that two of them were arrested with the concerted effort of the local vigilance group led by Arthur Ilongwu and the Special Anti-Cult Squad and taken to Enugwu-Ukwu. “Four of my officials were injured in the process and I managed and called the police,” he disclosed further. Another victim of the attack, Mr Chukwudi Ilobi said, “the cult group members are from 22 fraternity. They hit me with a club on my mouth when I was defending our chairman. What they are planning to do is to frustrate the upcoming Ofala festival of His Royal Highness, Igwe Chidubem Iweka and possibly dethrone him and install their member as Igwe,” he stated.

MedView commences scheduled flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Shola Adekola and Opeyemi Akintilo - Lagos MED-VIEW airline designated by the Federal Government as flag carrier to Saudi Arabia has started scheduled operations with four flights a week to Jeddah as approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Saudi. The four direct flights are routed: Lagos- Abuja -Jeddah and Lagos-KanoJeddah. The schedule released by the airline coincided with the 2015 Hajj airlift to accommodate international passengers who are not going on the platform of the various states’ Pilgrims Welfare Boards for the pilgrimage, and other passengers not on pilgrimage. The flights which started September 6 will run throughout the summer period.

NAEND’s 13th annual conference holds Sept 15 By Kehinde Adio THE 13th annual conference of the Nigerian Association of Educationists for National Development (NAEND) Ogun, Oyo and Osun zonal chapter, is set to hold on September 15. According to the president of the association, Professor Oyetunde Awoyele at a press conference held recently, educationists across the country would join other members of the association for the conference scheduled to hold at Adeyemi University of Education Ondo, Ondo State. Speaking further, he said “Constant review of the nation’s educational system is compulsory to proffer solutions to challenges in the education sector. This informed the theme of the conference, “education and nation building. The threeday conference will feature the Registrar, Joint Admission Matriculation board, (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde, Professor Joel Babalola of Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan (UI), Vice Chancellor, Adeyemi University of Education, Professor Olukoya Ogen with his Dean, Faulty of Education, Dr (Mrs) Oyenike Oyinloye, as resource persons at the occasion.”

16 news

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Buratai leads army into liberated Gamboru Ngala, releases 128 cleared detainees James Bwala - Maiduguri

HE Nigerian Army, in its continued effort to end insurgency in the North East, has on

Wednesday, released about 128 suspected members of Boko Haram, to Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, for integration into the larger society. The 128 members, in-

cluding women and children, were released by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and handed over to Governor Shettima, at the Maimalari Barrack parade

ground. Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief of Administration, Army Headquarters, Major General A. B. Abubakar, said those suspects being handed

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials registering the 650 Nigerian returnees from Cameroon, at the internally displaced person (IDP) camp at Fufore, Adamawa State, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Troops making steady progress in Sambisa forest —Army spokesman THE Nigerian Army has said troops involved in the counter-insurgency operation, code-named; “Operation Lafiya Dole” are making steady progress toward clearing all Boko Haram enclaves in and around the Sambisa forest. This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman. Usman said in the statement that troops were currently clearing Boko Haram hideouts around areas that had already been taken over by the army within the forest. “I am glad to inform you that our troops are making substantial progress within the fringes of Sambisa forest. “Nigerian army troops are clearing Boko Haram enclaves along axis of advance from Bitta to Tokumbere,” the statement said. It reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian army towards ending insurgency and to ensure a safe and secure Nigeria in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari In a related development, the army announced the arrest of some suspected suppliers of hard drugs and other stimulants to Boko Haram terrorists by troops of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army. The army said the suspects were arrested between Depchi and Geidam in

Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State,on Tuesday. The arrested persons were also said to be engaged in the supply of fuel in

addition to hard drugs such as Cannabis (Indian hemp) Chlorofone substance and Tramol. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported

that the development reinforces an earlier statement by the army that the insurgents were operating under the influence of drugs.

over to the government are those who were arrested during military operations and were cleared after interrogation. According to him, among the released suspects, are 109 men, seven women, 11 under aged and a child, which is an offspring of one of the suspects. He also said that, three Chadians and a Cameroonian, were among the released suspects. In his address at the occasion, General Buratai ,said the task of his new operation, is to defeat the insurgents, facilitate humanitarian activities and to restore administrative functions of the liberated areas. He said, the released people have been cleared by the army, police and the DSS of the joint intelligence team and are found worthy to be integrated to the larger society. Also speaking, Governor, Shettima, who received the released suspects, commended the Nigerian Army, stating that, this is the second release of suspected Boko Haram members to the state government by the army in the last few months.

No territory will ‘ever again’ be taken by Boko Haram, DHQ assures Nigerians Chris Agbambu – Abuja THE Defence Headquarters, on Monday, assured Nigerians that no territory would “ever again” be relinquished to the Boko Haram insurgents or any other rebel group within or outside Nigeria. The acting Director of Defence Information, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, gave the assurance while fielding questions from defence correspondents, at his maiden media parley in Abuja. He said the Nigerian armed forces had severely decimated the command structure of Boko Haram, stressing that the group no longer had the capacity to hold any territory in Nigeria. Rabe, who said the recent exploits and gains of the counter-insurgency operations would soon be open for all to see, noted that the Nigerian military had been reinforced to stand any form of aggression. “I believe that Boko Haram is no longer strong enough to hold any territory in this country because of the level of losses they have suffered as a result of

our offensive, I make this comment not only about Gamboru Ngala, but it applies to any other territory in this country and very soon, this issue will be clear for all to see”. “But, I can assure you that we are doing a lot and

“never again”, will Boko Haram or any group at all, be allowed to recapture territories taken by our troops. “What happened was in the past, I can tell you that it will never happen again,” he assured.

The director added that the Defence Headquarters was working hard on the smooth take off of the Ndjamena-based Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), to complement the efforts of the Nigerian troops.

Army cautions against recruitment fraudsters Chris Agbambu - Abuja THE Nigerian Army has warned against recruit-

ment fraudsters demanding money from applicants of the 74 Regular Recruits intake for trades and non

Another 650 IDPs return from Cameroon THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) camps coordinator, Mr Sa’ad Bello, said on Wednesday, in Fufore, Adamawa State, that NEMA had received another 650 Nigerians sent back home from Cameroon Republic. Bello told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the repatriated Nigerians were mostly women and children. “So far, we have received over 9,000 Nigerians, who escaped from Boko Haram attacks to Cameroun Repub-

lic. The repatriated Nigerians were mostly women and children from Borno State.” According to him, the agency had settled the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in four major camps in the state which include the NYSC orientation camp, at Bajabure in Girei Council Area and Malkohi IDPs camp in Yola South Council Area. According to him, others are Fufore Camp in Fufore Local Government and Saint Theresa Catholic Camp in Yola North Area.

trades men and women In statement in Abuja, on Wednesday, Colonel Oyema Nwachukwu, on behalf of the Director Army Public Relations, said that the fraudsters had disseminated bulk short messages (SMS) to mobile phones, instructing applicants to pay the sum of N85,500 as acceptance processing fee. According to him, another fraudster posing as a policeman at Umuahia, Abia State, had demanded a sum of N200,000 to sign the recruitment form for an applicant. He said that “the Nigerian army wishes to state that the processing of application forms into the army is free of charge”. He advised applicants to log on to www.narecruitment.org to process their application forms.

Oshiomhole sacks 4 commissioners Banji Aluko - Benin City EDO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Wednesday, terminated the appointment of four commissioners in the state executive council. The termination is with immediate effect. According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs to the governor, Kassim Afegbua, the move was aimed at strengthening the system towards optimal performance. Those affected were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Lucky James; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Blessing Maigida; Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr Patrick Aguinede and the Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Mr Chris Ebare. The former commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. The governor also expressed appreciation to the former commissioners for their services to the state and wishes them well in their future endeavours.

Revival ACTIVITIES marking the quarterly revival of Sanctuary of Christ Evangelical Church, Ibadan, Oyo State, will begin tomorrow, at the church auditorium, Olabiyi Agoro Street, Semi-N-Bio Bus Stop, opposite C.A.C. Grammar School, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ibadan, at 5.00 pm. prompt. The revival, tagged: “Provoking God’s favour,” will be followed by a special church service on Sunday, by 9.00 am, at the church auditorium. The programme will be rounded off with a special men’s vigil on Monday, September 14, also at the church auditorium by 10.00 pm. The presiding pastor and chief host is Dr Gbade Ojo, Expected minister is Pastor E. A. Adetuberu, as guest revivalist.

Pastor Gbade Ojo

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

7 1. From left, Director, Research and Training, NILS, Dr Adeyemi Fajingbesi; DirectorGeneral, Dr Ladi Hamalai; the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi and the Director, Finance and Administration, NILS, Dr Kabir Ahmed, during an advocacy visit to the Emir of Kano, in his palace, recently. 2. From left, chairman, Sports Writers Assocciation of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos State, Mr Fred Edoreh; Vice Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Mr Babatunde Jimoh; Chairman, Lagos State NUJ, Comrade Deji Elumoye and the Secretary, NUJ, Mrs Bimbo Oyetunde during the MED-VIEW NUJ Media Games 2015, held at SWAN secretariat, National Stadium, Lagos, on Tuesday. 3. From left, Managing Director, Sachol Aviation Company, Alhaji Ropo Owolabi; groom’s mother, Mrs Modupe Owolabi; the couple, Ibitomilola and Itoro Owolabi; groom’s father and former Secretary to the Government of Ekiti State, Dr Ganiyu Owolabi and Mrs Nike Owolabi, at the wedding ceremony of Owolabi’s son, held recently in Lagos.

8 4. The 70th birthday service of Pastor (Mrs) Hilda Adenike Olayinka was held at the African Church Ebenezer Cathedral, Anfani, Ibadan. The celebrant (third from right) with her husband, Pa Aronfara Olayinka and the children. 5. Mr Bolanle Johnson with his wife, Tosin, during their wedding in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the weekend. 6. The newly-wedded couple, Mr Abraham Oluyemi and his Wife Taiwo during their wedding ceremony at C.A.C. Oke Ife, Agbowo U.I, Ibadan 7. The newly wedded couple, Mr and Mrs Adeyemi Oni, after the solemnisation of their marriage at First Baptist Church, Tede, Oyo State. 8. Advisory board members of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim, led by the leader, Baba Aladura, Dr Lazarus Anuba Onyeleonu (middle) and former DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who is also the Deputy Baba Aladura, Dr Harold Demuren (second left), at a press briefing on the 90th anniversary of the church, held on Monday. PHOTO: SEYI SOKOYA

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

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Humility and the Nigerian politician NIGERIAN leaders need to humble themselves before God and before their fellow citizens if they want to gain the acceptance of all. Being humble before God and man will make politicians see themselves as being equal to the people they are ruling. When this happens, they will do those things that will make their people live in comfort. Pride is what is killing our leaders. They don’t want their followers to be equal to them in status. They prefer to be enjoy-

ing the good things of life alone, and this is why they are not doing what they ought to be doing for the people. These same politicians travel abroad; they see how these foreign countries are, but they will never work towards replicating the structures over there here in Nigeria. I hope our leaders can be humble, as this will go a long way in making them realise that the masses too are humans. Femi Dada, 08167567147.

Govt should make life more meaningful for the people

should not relent until our country is safe again. Sanmi Adekunle, 08191143941.

WE are passing through a phase in this country, and it is during this period that we need to be closer to God. We also need to be committed to Him. It is highly regrettable that we are suffering in the midst of plenty in this country. We have tried different economic policies to no avail. The situation in the country has got to a point where despair has become the lot of the youth, and this has been transferred to the society. This, therefore, poses danger for the very survival of the country, especially, as we gradually move towards another general elections in 2015. The government should, therefore, do more to make life more meaningful for the citizenry, since Nigeria is blessed enough to take care of its people. The government needs to resuscitate ailing industries and provide an enabling environment for entrepreneurial growth to guarantee job creation. I need to emphasise that the church is relevant in every facet of human endeavour. As a result, religious lead-

is just a matter of time before we overcome our challenges. We should work together to make the country great, and when this happens, we will be unstoppable. Citizens of other countries will be strug-

gling to come to Nigeria, the way our youths are struggling to travel to the United States and other countries. Our country shall be great, and that is very, very soon. Tumini George, 09095687489.

What a loss. PHOTO: DADA JOSEPH

Remembering a hero of human rights

EPTEMBER 5, 2009 will forever be remembered by many admirers of Gani Fawehinmi, a true democrat who fought tirelessly, even when on sick bed, to ensure democracy survives in our nation.

A man who was well respected by Nigerians; a man who was widely known for being truthful and factual in all matters, being a man who cared so much for the under-privileged most especially beggars, and the cripple.

Gani, on several occasions, was jailed unjustly and still continued the struggle to stabilise our democracy. Here was a man who spoke without fear or favour. It’s uncommon for a man like Fawehinmi to reject a national award

during his lifetime just because the masses were living in abject poverty. What a great man. He will always be remembered. Oloyo Toyin, 08169633145.

Nigerian politicians should focus on education WHENEVER a politician wants to give back to members of his constituency, he buys motorcycles, grinding machines, stoves, among others. Most of our politicians are so uninnovative.

They should look at policies that will empower the people for years to come. Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education policy is a good example. Politicians should make lasting im-

pression on the lives of the people, and this can only happen through education. Again, we are having the problem of insurgency; this can be eradicated if adequate attention is given to

education. Education has a way of liberating people, and this is what our politicians can give us, not Okada or grinding machines. Stanley Umoh, 08029518875.

Still on the Lebanese terrorist’s Nigerian visa THE deadly Islamist group, the Islamic State, is already controlling large areas in Syria and Northern Iraq. The group has also moved into Libya. The fact that a top official of ISIS got a visa to travel to Nigeria shows that global terrorists are working towards distabilising the country. If something is not done on time to ruthlessly crush this insurgency, then we might have a situation

whereby more militants will be rushing to join the war in Nigeria, as terrorists are currently rushing into

Syria. I am happy that the Nigerian military has done a lot to reduce the activities of the terrorists. They

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

When we fear God, we won’t cheat our fellow citizens; we won’t cheat our country of its resources, and we won’t work towards destabilising it for our own gain. We all need to keep praying for Nigeria. It

ers should also contribute to the development of the country. We need to wake up to our responsibilities as the salt of the earth and the light of this world. As religious leaders, we should also pray for, and advise those in positions of authorities. This will, therefore, help them take positive decisions in the interest of the people and country. Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel, 08033733470.

Appeal to Ondo gov, Mimiko I want to appeal to the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, to focus on Ore and Ode Irele towns in his developmental programmes. These two towns have not really benefitted much from his administration. The roads in the towns are not tarred, and as a result, everywhere is dusty; there are no street lights, no good roads, no recreation centres. The stadium project in Ode Irele had been abandoned, while the link road to Okitipupa had also been abandoned. Again, I want the governor to know that the Ore expressway needs a pedestrian bridge, which people of the town can always use when crossing the express, instead of risking their lives. Bamidele Akindele, 08172741878.

editorial

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Rape as communal sanction

UST as Nigerians and the world generally are daily being inundated with the repugnant reports of rape in the media — sometimes with a dash of incest — in a bizarre expose of mankind’s worst basic instincts, a community in India recently sentenced two sisters to be gangraped and paraded around a village with blackened faces for the “crimes” allegedly committed by their brother. Their brother had earlier eloped with a married woman from a supposedly higher caste, a clear violation of the established tradition in India. Although the reports confirmed that thousands have signed a petition to stop this horrid judgment by an all-male council of a community in India and Amnesty International (AI) has called on Indian authorities to ensure the safety of Meenakshi Kumari (23) and her 15-year-old sibling, the community remains adamant. As a matter of fact, another brother of theirs told AI that “after we went to the Supreme Court, the villagers are even more aggressive. In the panchayat, the Jat decision is final. They don’t listen to us. The police don’t listen to us. The police said anyone can be murdered now.” It is a curious irony for India to be caught in what is clearly a conflict between its traditional mores and the international standards of morality and criminal justice. It is also difficult to reconcile India’s status as a modern democracy and an intellectual power house in ICT with this crass cultural atavism. If rape is basically a universally condemnable violation of the fundamental rights, how can it then be a sanction endorsed by a local community against another unrelated crime? How can two innocent women, one of them still a minor, be made to recompense for the violation of a local mores by another violation of a universal code? Not even the country’s Supreme Court, according to reports, can make this local community comply with its judgment and the police are also complicit in the strange untoward practice? Little wonder then that India is considered as having an unenviable record of rape and violence against women in the world. We recall with indignation the widely reported case of a gang rape which eventually claimed the life of a young female student of medicine a couple of years ago in a public transport which generated

a worldwide outrage. It is disconcerting that the leadership in the country has not shown enough revulsion to the slur which developments like these may cast on the country’s national pride. The leadership of Mr Narendra Damodardas Modi in India must begin a copious campaign to change the status quo in terms of the general attitude to women in that country to give them respect and dignity and dousing the strength of the caste mores and code in the direction of modernisation but still in the context of the country’s values and without necessarily replicating the decadence in the modernity of the West. This charge represents both a dilemma in this age of globalisation and a challenge as the uniqueness of the country must also not be lost in the attempt to change the prevalent behavioural pattern. We understand how herculean such a task could be for a politician in a country with conservative values like India because it could lead to loss of votes eventually but we believe that with public education and persuasion the desired positive change can still be effected. In Nigeria, rape is no less common although it is not yet a sanction in any known local community. Young girls and women are daily being mauled by different violent perverts often including parents and relatives. In some communities also, some of the young men have turned their attention to vulnerable widows, raping them serially to slake their bizarre libidos. Unfortunately, matters are not helped by the concomitant stigmatisation and shame that attend the crime making it difficult for the victims to report or come up to admit that they have been violated. Recently, a man was arrested for having serially defiled his daughter and a lawyer was also arraigned for raping a nine-year-old girl in the premises of a court! Both acts, reprehensible and revolting as they are, should interest researchers in human behaviour and encourage them to find an explanation for them so that enlightened efforts can be made to stop such strange acts in the society. We join our voice with the global condemnation of one of the vilest violations of womanhood in the world in which India tragically takes the cake.

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opinion

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

the

avant-garde

Is Buhari’s goodwill account active or dormant?

N June 25, this year, the focus of this column was entitled Buhari, 100 days and the press. In it, I stressed the essence of time in governance and by extension in all human affairs, especially as captured in the Renaissance period’s concept of carpe diem, which means seize the day (or seize the moment). President Muhammadu Buhari had, during his interface with State House correspondents in June, lamented the depletion of the country’s resources and the attendant miseries it had brought on Nigerians. He had hinted that the road to delivery of any democratic dividend to Nigerians in 100 days was strewn with difficulty on account of the near-emptiness of the treasury and humongous debt. Spending the first 100 days in office to celebrate the early accomplishments of a government, I said in the piece, started with Franklin Roosevelt presidency in United States in 1933 and became a global political culture. The underpinning philosophy of the concept is that power and influence, especially of a new government, are at the peak during the first 100 days of the administration. Although opinion differs, Nigerians can see Buhari making some impact in his first 100 days of office. He appears to have scored a point with one of the refineries now working at 60 per cent of installed capacity, producing about 1.6 million litres of petrol daily. At least, the huge claims by fuel importers will vanish with the resolve to restore the three other refineries back to full health. His anti-corruption stance has also made some yield to his goodwill account. Buhari started performing in this regard before his inauguration. Public funds that were making for the airport onwards to foreign countries were said to have been returned to the treasury before his inauguration. His perception by many as a no-nonsense president has restored some order into some areas of our national life. Most Nigerians agree with Buhari that killing corruption is a sine qua non to returning the country to the path of progress and development. Buhari has not done anything in the power sector. Yet, the private owners

of the DISCOs have seen the need to end their disco dance, play by the rules and give electricity to Nigerians. But the president also recorded some minuses in Nigerians’ Buharimeter, one of which was the lopsided appointments he has made so far. The appointments were truly reflective of a northern agenda. The non-composition of his cabinet, particularly as it affects the office of Finance Minister which has the duty of overseeing the country’s fiscal policies has taken a huge toll on the economy with job losses everywhere, against the promised job and wealth creation. The retention of Aminat Zakari as the acting head of INEC, despite criticisms against the decision, fits Buhari in the mould of a president with a military psyche. But we are in a democracy. Buhari’s men have also tried unsuccessfully to discredit some documents containing his campaign promises. When these documents were circulating during the campaigns, they never disowned them. Why now? For this, Buhari has won the gown of a typical politician who ensnares the populace with rhetoric and empty platitudes. Ignobly, Buhari’s government has placed a deceptive semantic border between the office of the First Lady, which he vowed to abolish, and the office of the wife of the President. Are Nigerians fools? In spite of these negatives, the masses’ narrative, for those who relate with them, shows that Buhari’s goodwill account is still active, though he has obviously lost many whose hearts he won in the build up to the election. But Buhari is still seen as the man who has the get-up-and-go to kill corruption in the country and unchain its progress and development. This is still his staying power. But how long he can sustain the remaining goodwill will be answered in the future.

Nigerian Tribune

with Dare Adekanmbi

m:08053412982 e:samueldare2002@yahoo.ca t:@dareadekanmbi

Re: The (re-) Egyptianisation of the Yoruba My brother, you have spoken well through your column. The recent appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari are totally in breach of Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Only buffoons in the South-West APC will be hailing this blunder by Mr President. Be that as it may, I recommend your column in Nigerian Tribune to all Nigerians to read and digest. — Prince Gbade Adelakun, Osun State chairman, Democratic Peoples Party and the Secretary Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Osun chapter. Dare, you have said your own. Are we ready to learn from our mistakes? The Yoruba man who put his wife in the Senate and his daughter to lead market women and men and has hands in appointments both at the federal and states under his control is only building an empire for himself and his family members. I remember vividly Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s warning to the Yoruba before the elections. The man Femi Fani-Kayode has advantages over many of us because he can fall back on his father’s library. How many of us read any book now? Corruption is not only stealing money. Obdurately insisting your sister-in-law should supervise the nation’s election is corruption. It is lack of integrity. — Anonymous Your write up on Yoruba is apt. We have not left Egypt. As it was in the beginning, so is it now. If it will not be so forever depends on us Yoruba. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was jailed by a Yoruba man. The Yoruba judge immediately after the judgment took off to Sokoto to pay a visit to the Sardauana, that is to say “here I am; the job has been done.” — 08033468598. I quite agree with you on all the salient points you raised in your column in Nigerian Tribune. I am worried about the direction of President Buhari’s government, whether he is Nigerian president or king of the North. I think the Yoruba have just boarded a ‘one-chance’ bus. — Bamidele Akinola, Abuja.

Who is afraid of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor? By Clem Aguiyi

ONE of the most revered Scottish Philosophers Thomas Carlyle, in his famous quotes noted that, “No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men.” In the annals of Nigeria, one of the great men whose biography is engraved in the history of the Nigeria is Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). In simple terms, he is not just the representative of the Christian constituency in Nigeria, he is equally a shepherd whose definition is wrapped up in words like, truth, peace, love, justice and equity. Of such personalities did the American essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson say, ‘great men who see that spiritual as greater than material force - that rules the world.’ Following the train of ‘doing the right thing’ for the sake of good clearly is the hardest transportation system in life’s journey. It comes with litany of problems, distractions, libellous statements, and cheap blackmails. Apparently, these are the woes of great men, and those who intentionally obstruct the good in the society, obstruct peace. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor spoke and speaks of peace. Those who are afraid of peace, the agents who need their linens covered are afraid of him. Having served as a minster of God for over four decades, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor despises fear and embraces courage and boldness in all situations. He was a lone voice, shouting in favour of peace and security in the Northern part of Nigeria, against the then ravaging Boko Haram insurgents in that part of the country. Pastor Ayo had addressed the United States Congress on the need for an International eye and a clampdown on not only the leadership and activities of Boko Haram, but their sponsors, not minding that America held back from listing Boko Haram as a terror organization at the time. His declaration at that occasion that Boko Haram is a Terrorist Organization was

disparaged. Today, Boko Haram has not only been classified as a terrorist organization in Nigeria but worldwide with ties to terrorist organizations across the world like the so called Islamic state (IS), al -shabab, al-huthi rebels, al-Qaeda, Taliban, jabhat al-nusrah, Islamic front, seleke, etc. According to a Roman Stoic Philosopher, “fire tests gold and sufferings test great men.” In the simple nature of a minister, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has piloted the Christian affairs of Nigeria to a point of praises, but all he gets are fire and brimstones, hates and scars. His acts and works speak for him, His greatness precedes him. Still in the knowledge of all he has accomplished, who is afraid of him? In the twists and turns of life’s events, Pastor Ayo’s name was soiled and painted in the mud because an aircraft which was donated to him by his congregation and some of his sons and daughters in the ministry was leased out to another company to augment its maintenance. The Federal Government of Nigeria hired it from the said company for a mission to South Africa, according to government sources, to cater for the security needs of the nation. All without Ayo’s knowledge. Mischief makers who like to make a mountain out of a molehill

have elected that only Pastor Ayo’s head in a platter will placate them. They have smeared and ruffled his name so badly that if you don’t know him well, you will be swept away with the tide of tirade they have poured on the pastor. Nigeria, as a matter of fact owes him unreserved apology. But being an icon of peace, love, justice and equity, he has kept calm and allowed facts to speak for him. Truth is that those who promoted insurgency, killed Christians, abducted Christian girls, destroyed churches because they want their religion to be seen as superior are desperate to turn the victims into villains. And they are about to get away with their callousness because we are not thinking. One of the notable efforts made by the previous government was to see to a free and fair election, in an efficient and effective manner. In the build up to this, the then administration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), introduced the system of voting with the permanent voters card (PVC). The distribution system became so problematic that even up to this moment, a great number of Nigerians still have no permanent voters card (PVC). Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor out of his awareness of the role of religious leaders in every community, sort for the attention and meeting of the then INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega to discuss how to effectively and efficiently get these cards to their owners. After agreeing to meet, the former INEC Chairman declared himself ‘too busy’ to hear the voice of the people through Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. Who knows what could have happened if his request had been considered favourably? Recently, Pastor Ayo was included in a peace committee headed by General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd) for progress and attainment of peace in this country. In the final analysis, question remains, who is afraid of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor who thinks he must be silenced by all means? When God fights for a man, he holds his peace. •Aguiyi, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08065167178

maka nd’igbo

Wife of Enugu state Governor, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi (left), speaking before the distribution of 50 wheelchairs to the physically challenged persons in the 17 local government areas of the state, while the Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Princess Peace Nnaji (2nd left) and others watch in admiration, recently.

Jubilation as Ugwuanyi’s wife gives succour to physically-challenged Jude Ossai - Enugu

T was jubilation all through at the weekend in Enugu, the Enugu State capital as the wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi, extended goodwill to physically challenged persons with gift items

including wheel chairs. Over 50 wheel chairs were distributed to the disabled persons who came from across the 17 local government areas of the state. The event, which attracted top government functionaries, was held at the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development

in Enugu metropolis. Speaking at the occasion, Mrs Igwuanyi noted that so many people had distinguished themselves in many fields and professions despite their physical predicament, adding that the beneficiaries of her gesture should lift themselves out of despair, stigma and discrimination.

In her words: “Why is the lion addressed as the king of the jungle and the savannah? It is because the lion has a mentality of domination. You have to imbibe that mentality and the time is now. You don’t have to resort to begging mentality”. Mrs Ugwuanyi commended the Commissioner for Gender

Group wants government to restructure youth ministries NDIGBO youths, under the Youth Empowerment and Leadership Foundation, have called on the federal and state governments to re-jig the functions of Ministries of Youth Development to align it with modern challenges affecting the youth. Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday in Enugu, the President of the group, Mr Chinedu Ugochukwu, said the call had become necessary following efforts to integrate young people into government’s programmes. He regretted that the current system had not been responsive to the plights of the youths, adding that with a population of over 70 million, the potentials of the young ones had not been maximized. He regretted that the National Youth Council of Nigeria

(NYCN), which needed to be their rallying point, was constantly enmeshed in leadership crisis. “The greatness of Nigeria depends on the quality of our youths and we suggest that government at all levels needs to overhaul the youth ministry for greater efficiency,” he said. Ugochukwu said that government needed to engage experts and youth workers to drive the process of youth inclusion in governance.

“Government at all levels should establish an identifiable communication channel with the various youth organisations. “This can be done through the establishment of youth parliaments at the various states of the federation as well as at the centre,” Ugochukwu said. Also speaking, the Secretary/ Programme Coordinator of the group, Mr Chukwuemeka Uzu, decried what he described as government’s interference in

Imo unveils new number plates —pg22

the activities of NYCN. Uzu said that a situation was responsible for the incessant leadership crisis in the council. He said that a situation whereby over three persons would lay claim to the leadership of the NYCN was an embarrassment to not just the youths but also the nation. “The Council should be allowed to function without undue interference from government. continues pg22

2 EEDC vandals electrocuted in Enugu

—pg22

Affairs and Social Development, Honourable Princess Peace Nnaji and her team for making the occasion a success. In a remark, the commissioner, Princess Nnaji commended Mrs Ugwuanyi for her kind gesture to the physically challenged in the state, describing it as the first of its kind in the recent past. Princess Nnaji noted that Enugu State was privileged to have a mother like Mrs Ugwuanyi who had a compassionate heart towards the welfare of the less privileged in the state, adding that she had indeed written her name in the sand of time. One of the beneficiaries, Mr Anthony Beluonwu, thanked Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi for bringing succuor to the disabled persons in the state, promising that they would reciprocate by living up to the expectation of the government.

CREW Jude Ossai-Enugu -South East Bureau chief 08052817955 Joe Nwachukwu- Owerri 08033271227 Suzy Oruya- Onitsha 08063653735

22 makandigbo

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Imo unveils new number plate Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri

OVERNOR Rochas Okorocha has unveiled new number plate for government house,

Owerri. Showing samples of the new plate numbers to different security agencies in the state, Chief Okorocha explained that it would go a long way to sanitise the use of government number plates while checking the indiscriminate and illegal usage of the facility. Said he: “We have introduced a new government house number plate and these numbers plate will only be for those who are entitled to it legally, and by reason, all previous old plate numbers are no longer legal and anyone found with them will be dealt with according to law”. He explained that government

had decided to check the unlawful use of tinted glasses in vehicles of unauthorised persons, adding that many people, who used tinted glass vehicles, used them to convey kidnappers or carry kidnapped victims. “So we advise that anyone with tinted glasses should please remove them”. He decried incessant and unauthorised use of siren all over the state and condemned a situation whereby every Hilux van in the state is operated with siren, adding that even the notorious kidnapper, named vampire, also moved about with siren. According to him, they are doing these to check crimes in the state as government is bent on bringing criminal activities to its barest minimum. He warned those who used sirens illegally to remove them or risk having their vehicles

impounded, while the owners would be prosecuted according to law. The governor advised owners of vehicles with unauthorised, government number plates to dismantle them to avoid arrest and prosecution as they were now deemed illegal having been replaced with new ones. He said the new government plate numbers started with figure rather than IMGH, pointing out that “as long as you are not a house member or government house official, you are not entitled to use government plate numbers as they are reserved for serving house members and top government officials. He explained that government had noticed that the wrong use of government house numbers had created a lot of problems in the system.

Group wants government to restructure youth ministries continued from pg21

We have continued to ask if the NYCN represents the interests of the youths. “The programmes of the council begin and end within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while core issues are left unresolved at the grassroots,” he said. The programme coordinator said that it remained to be proved if the Nigerian youth had been enabled by the presence of NYCN in their locality. “We appeal to governments at all levels to encourage the formation of parliaments made up of leaders of students unions, community and religious youth leaders,” he said. He said that such group would serve as a watchdog on the executives of the NYCN, which he said was becoming partisan and self-serving.

He said that the crisis, which had bedevilled the council, was so embarrassing that various

political parties had their factions during the build-up to the 2015 General elections.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo youths condemn Zakari Biu’s reinstatement Jude Ossai - Enugu THE militant wing of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the youth council, has expressed outrage over the new twist in the dismissal of commissioner of police, Zakari Biu. Biu was on Friday reinstated and statutorily retired by the Police Service Commission, nearly three years after he was found guilty of aiding Boko Haram mastermind, Kabiru Sotoko, to escape from detention. It will be re-called that Bui went on military trial in 2012,

following which he was found guilty and dismissed from the Force. Reacting to the development, the Ohanaeze Youth Council said it was now clear that the current administration was pursuing a Northern agenda. The group said the latest event had shown that the government indeed belonged to the North and not to everybody. While reacting to the reinstatement and retirement of the former Commissioner of Police, the OYC President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the de-

2 EEDC vandals electrocuted in Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu TWO persons, who specialised in vandalising installations of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) were electrocuted over the weekend while attempting to remove the power distribution property. It was gathered that the two men, Francis Ezeugwu and his accomplice, whose identity could not be established as at press time, were short-circuited on top of EEDC pole at Okpunnoegbu Ekulu Nnewi and Agulu town. It was also learnt that a young man of about 25 years of age is currently hospitalised in Anambra State for burns he sustained while attempting to vandalise the

Governor Rochas Okorocha

EEDC’s 2.5 MVA transformer, which serves customers within Nnewi town. EEDC’s Public Affairs Manager, Mr Eugene Aniowo, who made the disclosure to reporters in Enugu at the weekend, said the incidents had been reported to the Police, even as he lamented incessant vandalisms of EEDc’s installations in various parts of South east. Recalling that a High Court in Abakaliki recently convicted a young man for vandalising property of the company, he said that about thirty transformers had been vandalised in the last six months at Nnewi. Narrating the present incidents, Aniowo said that Ezeugwu used iron ladder to carry out his nefari-

ous act, adding that he was electrocuted in the process, while the mangled body of the of the Agulu episode victim, “ was found inside EEDC substation having got electrocuted while attempting to vandalise the transformer components. His tools were also found litter around his dead body”. Aniowo said: “The oil in the transformers was drained and the cable installations were stolen, putting thousands of customers out of service. “EEDC condemns this spate of vandalism and will continue to work with the Nigerian Police and other security agents, PresidentsGeneral of Town Unions and the general public in the war against vandalism.

cision of the PSC was against all known norms and true justice. He wondered why the life of the 44 worshipers who died owing to the bomb blast masterminded by Sokoto at the St Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, was now less important to the new administration. “The recent happenings in Nigeria are leaving us with strong belief that the government is pursuing a Northern

agenda. It shows that this government is not for everybody but for the North”, he said. “Before now, we were shouting over lopsided appointments, where the South-East was deliberately ignored, but the worst has come by the way of rewarding a man who aided Kabiru Sokoto after he snuffed life out of over 44 Igbo indigenes and left over 70 others critically injured.

Njaba monarchs create jobs for unemployed youths Joe Nwachukwu—Owerri in tandem with Rochas Okorocha’s policy on job creation and reduction of unemployment in Imo State, the traditional rulers of Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State have initiated a programme for the youths in partnership with an Information Communication Technology (ICT) firm to train them on how to repair, assemble and produce cell phones. Speaking at the graduation ceremony and presentation of certificates to the first indigenous cell phones production graduates, the chairman of the occasion and permanent secretary of primary, secondary and non-formal education, Ichie Nobert Okoro, said that he was highly elated that their traditional rulers would set up this kind of initiative in order to curb unemployment in rural communities.

According to him, it is a great thing and worthy of commendation by the people of the state and Nigerians. He observed that what the youths needed was encouragement, maintaining that the moment they automated their system, they would go places. He disclosed that right now, they were operating it manually, and this, he said, was not the practice of 21st century. Mr Okoro explained that with the programme, the monarchs had empowered their youths with skills which, he said, was the primary thing for every business as the fund for setting it up was the secondary. It observed that the business did not need too much money, suggesting that if local government could help these youths to secure funds, they sky would be their limit.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

campusbeats

Doyin Adeoye 08058130577 kreatifink@yahoo.com

Organisation trains students on internet entrepreneurship

HE University of Benin (UNIBEN) was recently agog when Sky Combabs Nigeria Limited visited the campus to train students on internet entrepreneurship, in an event tagged ‘Business Empowerment Invasion.’ The seminar, according to a 500-Level student, Samuel Ugwumba, was exciting and rich, as it created a passion for the students to channel the time spent on vanity into productive use. “I have never seen an event that is as direct and expository as this,” he said. Speaking with Campusbeats, the organiser of the event, Ajayi Adebayo, said after he graduated from the university, he was frustrated by the fact that there were no jobs. He stated that he had to spend four years before he was mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). “I ensured that I empowered myself while waiting for the NYSC call up. It is common knowledge that people graduate from schools with nothing to do afterwards; they just wait for the government. “I didn’t want to tell the same story, so I ventured into internet business. So I train students on what I have learnt so far for free. The University of Benin is the fourth university I have been to, but I must confess that it is the largest reception I have ever had.” Adebayo stressed that the aim of the programme was to train students to make legitimate money online, laying emphasis on the fact that there is no need for graduates to wait for the government.

“The government you are waiting for needs help also. There is abundance of money online. We need to let the students know these things. Instead of wasting time chatting on Facebook, WhatsApp and BBM; convert those megabytes into dollars,” he said. He noted that Facebook is a blessing to this generation, adding

that it is a fertile ground to make money. After giving out clues on how to make legitimate money online, especially on Facebook, he gave a live demonstration, which attracted a thunderous applause from the participants. Many of the students who registered for the free mentorship

The award was presented to Adekunbi alongside other winners from five tertiary institutions on Thursday, September 3, by the institute, at its 50th anniversary gala/award night, which was held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

FEDPOFFA Union congratulates WAPOGA gold medalist

THE Students’ Union (SU) of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (FEDPOFFA) has congratulated a 25-year-old Accounting student of the institution, Oyegoke Abiodun Afusat, who won gold medal of the Female Single Lawn Tennis event at the just-concluded 2015 West Africa Polytechnic Games (WAPOGA). Afusat is also the defending champion in the game at the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA). In a statement issued by the SU Public Relations Officer (PRO), Olorunnisola Shodiq, the union also thanked every other student who represented the school at the games for giving their best. “We are particularly happy that Abiodun who represented Offa Poly in lawn tennis made the institution proud, and this is indeed worthy of celebration and it is our

programme, pledged to begin the trade as soon as they complete the programme. There was a raffle draw afterwards, where students went home with standing fan, iron and blender. Ezekiel Efeobhokhan (400-Level, Department of Pharmacy, UNIBEN)

UNILORIN student wins ICAN national essay competition A student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Adekunbi Ademola Alexander, has emerged the 2nd prize winner in the recently concluded Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)’s 50th anniversary essay competition.

hope to see her registered with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for her to get to the top of her career. “The union equally appreciates the efforts of the school’s Rector, Dr Mufutau Olatinwo; Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; the majority leader of the Kwara House of Assembly, Honourable Taiwo Hassan; and Professor Oyawoye for supporting FEDPOFFA team to Ghana.” In a chat with the assistant coach of the institution’s sports team, who simply gave his name as Coach Ade, he stated that the WAPOGA was held to foster the spirit of love and mutual understanding among polytechnic students in Africa, adding that the first edition was held in Nigeria in 2007. He disclosed that FEPOFFA participated in six events namely

basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, athletics, badminton and lawn tennis, adding that the school could only manage the 18th position on the medals list. Fifty polytechnics across West Africa participated in the sporting competition, which saw the host school, Accra Polytechnic, leading the medals table. The SU president, Imran Yusuf, said: “it was necessary to celebrate the gold medalist and all the students who represented us at the games,” adding that hardwork and excellence must be encouraged. Suleiman Salahudeen, a Mathematics and Statistics student of the school, said he was delighted to have participated in the competition, saying that it was an avenue for young students to showcase their talents. Hameed Muritala (Federal Polytechnic, Offa)

Nigerian Tribune

Adekunbi, a 300-Level student of the Faculty of Law, and a Senator representing his faculty in the Senate Council (SC) of the university, has won for himself several essay contests. The essay topic titled: ‘The Next 50 Years of Professional Accountancy Practice: Making ICAN Globally Relevant,’ was keenly contested by students across Nigerian tertiary institutions. In a congratulatory statement signed by the president of the Students’ Union (SU) of the institution, Alao Idris Ibrahim, the union celebrated Adekunbi for his outstanding feat. “The union is highly elated by this achievement and hereby felicitates with the distinguished senator who had won for himself several writing prizes. We hope that the entire members of the union take a cue from this enviable attainment.” A student of the university recently won the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) essay competition, and it has always dominated the list of winners in the annual Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPMN) essay competition. Abdul Ganiy Shehu (Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ilorin)

Offa students in UDUS celebrate sweet potato night THE Offa Students’ Union (OSU), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) chapter, recently organised ‘Anomo (sweet potato) Night’ for members of the association. Held at the IBB Centre of the main campus, the president of the union, Salahudeen Abdull Majeed Adesina, in his remark, said the event was put together to celebrate every member of the union. “I appreciate everyone behind the success of the event, and I salute the executives of the union for their progressive minds, and for being the brain box of this administration,” he said. Various activities such as cultural displays, cracking of jokes and talent shows, were held to entertain the audience. The highlight of the event was the Anomo eating competition, where eight local chapters were represented, and each contestant given two minutes to eat a required portion of sweet potato. The first round was won by Ajongbade Mutiu, an indigene of Osun State, while Yakubu Saliu and Abdullahi Ologun emerged second and third respectively. Ajongbade, again won the second round, where pounded sweet potato was served to the contestants, with sachets of water. This, they had to finish within one minute. Outstanding members of the union were also given awards of excellence at the end of the event. Speaking with Campusbeats, Yusuf Hussain Oyekanmin, a 200-Level student of the Department of English Education said: “the event was well organised and quite entertaining. The large turnout of students was really encouraging, considering the fact that social life here is only just coming up.” He also urged the management of the institution to introduce more social events for the students. Another 200-Level student from the Faculty of Law, Oyeyemi Yusuf said: “It was indeed a nice event and everyone had a good time. Kudos to the organisers of the event, and I hope that we can do more of this in UDUS.” Also at the event were members of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) UDUS chapter; president, National Association of Oyo State Students, UDUS chapter, Abdulkadir Bashir; president, National Association of Ogun State Students, UDUS chapter, Ridwan Sodipo; president, Offa Students’ Union, Sokoto chapter, Abdul Hakeem Ayodeji; National president, Offa Students’ Union, Muhammad Saliu; and the social director of the national body of the Offa Students’ Union, Hameed Tope Kabir. Yasin Olawumi (300-Level, English Language, UDUS)

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

education

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

Work-study: ‘There is dignity in labour’

HE desire to seek and explore opportunities to earn wages, legally, on campus by students while studying can hardly be more appreciated than now when parents’ ability to sustain their wards in school is stretched by harsh economic realities. Interestingly, managements of some tertiary institutions are recognising the need to inculcate the sense of responsibility in their students and are making such opportunities available through the work-study programmes. Through this scheme, students are recruited to work for the school and earn some money, while still on their academic pursuit. This has been helpful to many – especially those from the low-income background. And the vice chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Professor Kayode Makinde, once put it in an interview: “There is dignity in labour.” It is uncertain how many tertiary institutions in the country currently offer such part-time employment opportunities for their students, but, as Tribune Education found out, many more are buying into it. Some of the institutions that already operate functional work-study programmes include the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo and the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. “Our work-study programme is attached to the Counselling Unit under the Students’ Affairs Division,” Dr Karo Ogbinaka, Deputy Dean II of Students Affairs at the University of Lagos, told Tribune Education. “It is, in fact, the first in the country. It is designed to accommodate indigent students who ordinarily would have withdrawn from school due to lack of finance. They function as ad-hoc or support staff, or office assistants. “In the libraries, you find some of them filing books and taking records. The interesting thing about it is that the student gets to discuss his schedule with his unit head; his schedule must be tailored to suit his timetable, and he must round off two weeks before the examination.” Since the programme was designed to “help” the student, does the school really benefit from the student’s work? “Yes, of course,” Ogbinaka said. “There is the need, the vacuum, and that is why they are employed – to fill the need. However, the most compelling reason is to help.”

Irregular However, a student who recently participated in the scheme at the University of Lagos told Tribune Education last week that a major setback was that the scheme does not permit students to participate for more than a semester. “I worked at the Information Unit,” the student who wished not to be named said. “We were paid N400 per hour, and we were allowed to work for a maximum 10 hours a week. Nobody is entitled to work for more than a semester, and we don’t get our money until the end of the exercise.” Is it helpful? “Well, it is helpful, but that is mainly for the subsequent semester. In my own case, I was paid during the holiday; I was paid

Increasing number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria are opening up opportunities for their students to earn some wages, on campus, while studying, through the work-study scheme. This, they say, helps reduce the burden on beneficiaries’ parents as well as engender the sense of responsibility. NAZA OKOLI writes

Babcock University, Ilishan- Remo, Ogun State. N20,000. Some were paid at the beginning of the new semester. The process takes a long time. There are files you have to submit. They tell you they will forward your details to the Cash Office, and so on. It takes time,” he said. Dr Ogbinaka, however, said there are plans to expand the scope of the programme in UNILAG so as to accommodate and retain more students. “The students work only for one semester because we want to be able to give room for other students,” he said. “In the future, we will involve private organisations, so that our students can also work outside the school, especially during the weekend and the holidays.” “Up to 40,000 a month” The Student Work-Study Programme (SWSP) at Babcock University is supervised by the Human Resource Department of the institution. The director of the department, Dr Abiola Makinde, told Tribune Educa-

“It is not only the poor who are attracted to the programme. Sometimes, other students who are not on the programme go to assist their friends; some of them may then be recruited as volunteers.”

tion that students can earn as much as N40,000 per month. She said, “What the students earn is to subsidize their school fees and, for others, to take care of their upkeep,” she said. “These two objectives for students have been largely met. Some students earn up to N40,000 in a month. But the earning depends on how many hours of work done and the job output. Most of those who work live well without pocket money from any other source. “Many students depend largely on the work study for completing their term papers and research productions. This experience has given many students who seek postgraduate programmes overseas advantage of easily finding means of partfunding of their programmes for already having some work experience.” Makinde also said no limits are imposed on the duration of work, and that it is only after graduation that the student ceases to be eligible. “Every semester, we have over 400 students that sign in for work study,” she said. “Any bona fide Babcock student is eligible to register for work-study. The work done during the semester is limited to 20 hours a week and 80 hours a month. This is to avoid the temptation of encroaching on study time. During vacation, a student can work for up to 160 hours in a month to earn more money for the next semester. When a student completes his studentship, he also ends his privilege of work-study. “The earning depends on the type of assignment. The more dignifying jobs that require staying in the office do not attract the highest pay. The rigorous jobs attract more pay. Our payments are on hourly rate. It currently ranges between N150 per hour to

N250 per hour. We have work for students in our offices, ICT, janitorial, horticulture, grounds, food services, halls of residence, and supermarkets,” Mrs Makinde said. “Work and learn” But work-study is, in fact, a part of a growing appeal for higher education programmes that are designed to accommodate workers. Evidence of this can be found in the proliferation of part-time and correspondence courses in most of the higher institutions in the country. Viewed in this light, the purpose of work-study programmes is beyond financial. “It is another way of showing that there is dignity in labour,” said Dr Karo Ogbinaka. “It is not only the poor who are attracted to the programme. Sometimes, other students who are not on the programme go to assist their friends; some of them may then be recruited as volunteers.” Perhaps at the forefront of this new consciousness is the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) which promotes the slogan ‘work and learn’. Twenty-one-yearold Elijah Boluwatife Oyeyinka who studies Peace and Conflict Resolution at NOUN said combining work with school is a good way to prepare oneself for the future. “Even though I have parents who can pay for my education, I believe strongly that I don’t need to depend on them. In fact, I don’t like to depend on people,” he said. “I am a music producer. My studio name is ‘JockyBeatz, the Humble Producer’. I produce hip-hop, gospel, jingle, and voiceover. Doing my work and studying at the same time is not a big deal. It is like having two lives – a part that works and a part that studies.”

education FUTA commences traffic lights production

HE Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, has embarked on the fabrication and installation of locally produced traffic lights on campus to control traffic, in demonstration of its drive for ‘technology for self-reliance’, which is the university’s motto. According to the head of the Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering (EEE), Dr. Samson Oyetunji, and the project manager, a technologist in the same department, Mr. Sola Oladiran, the univer-

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

sity management has mandated the department to harness locally fabricated equipment to control traffic within the campus. The two men revealed that the project, which already has its pilot stand in place at the Middle Belt Road (School of Engineering junction) on the campus, is a pet project of the university, and is completely designed, constructed and installed by the department. The solar inverter-powered project is designed to retain charge for a period of seven days at a time.

‘Distance Learning’ll curb mass illiteracy’ Naza Okoli - Lagos

• Locally fabricated street light at FUTA The vice chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, while commending the ingenuity of the project team, pledged the full support of the university, say-

ing the management would ensure that steps are taken to replicate the project at other levels after the successful completion of the pilot scheme.

THE Dean of the School of Education of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Ibrahim Olatunde Salawu, has described online and distance learning as a formidable means of tackling the problem of illiteracy in Nigeria. Salawu who made this known while delivering the university’s 8th Inaugural Lecture last week said it was “puzzling” that a great many people would spend several years seeking admission

into “conventional” universities even when there are ample opportunities they can utilise to get education”: “One of the sure means of dealing with this high rate of illiteracy, ignorance, and ill-health in Nigeria is Open and Distance Learning driven with strong ICT. “However, the attitude of a good percentage of Nigerians to this reality remains a puzzle. The reason for this least expected attitude, even on the part of students who are qualified but cannot gain admission into universities, stands very difficult to explain.” Salawu, who spoke on the topic ‘Educational Technology in Teacher Education and Distance Learning: the Facts, the Puzzles and the Remedies’, noted that “nonwriting of JAMB exams, non-writing of post-UTME, no provision for participating in national youth service” were not enough reason to shun distance learning.

UAC concludes 7th annual free holiday classes Naza Okoli - Lagos UAC of Nigeria Plc has concluded the seventh edition of its annual Free Weekend Classes for secondary school students in Lagos State. The classes which were held at Lanre Awolokun Senior Secondary School, Gbagada, and Newland Senior Secondary School, Ajegunle, and were designed especially for SS2 and SS3 students, lasted seven weeks. Speaking during the ceremony, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, of UAC, Mr Joe Dada, noted that the aim of the initiative was to help address the issue of mass failure in senior school certificate examinations. He said: “Since 2008, the company has been ‘doing good’ in line with UAC’s corporate tagline, and leading from the front in the grand march to stem the tide of increasing deterioration of educational infrastructure and programmes in our country.” Dada also appealed to other Nigerians – individuals and organisation – to join in the campaign to revive the standard of learning, especially at the basic and senior secondary levels.

education 11 graduate with First Class at Adeleke varsity’s maiden convocation 26

By Adebola Adeniyi

total of 11 persons graduated with First Class honours at the Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, during the university’s maiden convocation held on Sunday September 6, 2015. 80 others had Second Class (upper division); 33, Second Class (lower division) and one person, Third Class. Adeleke University was one of the nine universities granted full operational licences last month by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Speaking at the event, the pro-chancellor, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, thanked God for making the dream of the university become a reality. He said the convocation proved that the hope of building an excellent intellectual enterprise had not

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

been lost. “Education is what elevates man’s conscience and unleashes human initiative. It is the energy of perfection through education that sparks the great values which secure a peaceful world order,” he noted. Giving a brief history of how the university came to be, Dr. Adeleke thanked God for his late father who encouraged him to purchase the estate that is now called Adeleke University temporary site. He also thanked guests who came to honour the occasion. The university’s vice chancellor, Professor Oluwole Amusan, also expressed his joy at seeing the first convocation of the institution, and urged the graduating class to always be good ambassadors of the university. The Chancellor of the institution and former gover-

nor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, congratulated the prochancellor and chairman of

the council, together with his team for job well done. He also commended the management and staff for

The General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Laz Ilo, presenting a souvenir to Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Professor Matthews A. Ojo, during a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor on Tuesday.

Oyo govt approves new private secondary school in Ibadan By Kehinde Adio A new private school, the Mount Zion Comprehensive High School, has been granted approval by the Oyo State government, through the Ministry of Education, to commence operations this month for the 2015/2016 academic session.

The proprietress of the new school, Mrs. Joy Adeniji, gave the name of the school as Mount Zion Comprehensive High School, located at the Oluyole Extension, Ibadan. Speaking on the new school, Mrs Adeniji said her Japanese educational training and experience would be

applied to boost learning in the school. “For education to thrive in this country, Nigerian educational system calls for trained, dedicated teaching staff as well as adequate teaching aids, conducive learning environment and stable academic calendar. “My personal experience

in primary school education management in Nigeria over the years, and the empirical study of secondary school education to identify the gap in the system informed my decision to apply for approval to start a secondary school with boarding facility,” she told Tribune Education.

FUNAAB to mentor Mountain Top, Chrisland varsities FEDERAL University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), is set to mentor two newly-approved private universities at becoming a force to be reckoned with as citadels of learning. The institutions are the Mountain Top University, owned by the Mountain of Fire and Ministries (MFM), and Chrisland University, both located in Ogun State. Professor Olusola Oyewole, FUNAAB vice chancellor, disclosed this while receiving officers of both institutions who paid him courtesy visits to seek partnership in terms of staff development, knowledge exchange, facilities sharing and other areas that would promote teaching, learning and research in line with the set standards by the National Universities Commission (NUC). While receiving the team from the Mountain Top University, Professor Oye-

wole said that FUNAAB was delighted when it received a memo from the NUC urging it to mentor MTU for a period of five years. He told the visitors that the university has a worldclass agenda that borders on the provision of visionary leadership, commitment to quality and sound funds management. Professor Oyewole also stated that FUNAAB is open to collaboration from within and outside the country, while it places emphasis on the acquisition of skills and competencies in teaching, as well as engaging in quality and relevant research. He intimated the MTU team of unique programmes at FUNAAB that could be of paramount interest to the new university, such as the Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), Graduate Farming Employment Scheme (GRADFES) and the Commercial Tree-Crop

their commitment and service to the university. Very many prominent personalities graced the

Plantation Programme. He, however, charged the MTU team to prepare a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would include their expectations, as well as define the extent of the collaboration between both universities. Responding, the vice chancellor of MTU, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, who noted that the visit was not his first time to FUNAAB, expressed his delight at the pace of development on the campus. Professor Ayolabi said: “Today, I can see a lot of transformation around. When the NUC told us that FUNAAB would be our mentor, I think God must have been working behind the scenes. The University of Lagos is the closest to us, but we were not given to them; we were sent here only to discover that it’s like sending us home. We found someone who understands

our language, who understands the mission and the vision of the proprietor of the university, who would be able to support us both physically and spiritually.” Professor Ayolabi stated that the vision of MTU is to be a dynamic centre of academic excellence in the liberal tradition for the production of top rate, morally sound graduates who would be globally competitive as well as make outstanding impact on the Nigerian society. “One of our cardinal objectives is to be able to raise leaders who would have both moral and spiritual strength required to build a nation and to transform our country from this present state to what would be enviable by everyone in the world,” he said. The delegation was later taken on a guided familiarisation tour of the university.

event, including Governor Rauf Aregbesola; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Laminisa 1; and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 1, and the former governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, among others. The executive secretary of the NUC, Professor Julius Okojie, was represented by Professor Peter Onwualu. The governor, in his brief address, rejoiced with the university and said that he was greatly honoured to be at its maiden convocation. Miss Ruth Boluwatife Alabi from the Faculty of Science emerged as the best graduating student with a GCPA of 4.90..

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

anchor

maritime

Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

Why seaport nightmare now haunts Lagos metropolis

In recent days, motorists in Lagos have been exposed to the dangers of containers falling off the back of trucks on victims. TOLA ADENUBI writes on why the menace now stares Lagosians in the face.

N a spate of five days, the city of Lagos witnessed the falling of either a containerfrom the back of a truck or the falling of a truck used in carrying containers. While one of such incidence resulted in a fatal accident, the other recorded no casualty. Last Wednesday, a container fell off Ojuelegba Bridge, crushing to death three occupants of an unidentifiable SUV believed to be male adults in their mid 50’s. Two days later, a container truck with Lagos licence number plate JJJ933 XA fell on its side and blocked vehicular movement at Winners Bus Stop, located between Lagos State Polytechnic and Jubilee Estate in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Prior to the falling off of the Ojuelegba container, the trend had been an almost everyday occurrence along the roads leading to the seaports in Lagos. The blame then was hinged on the dilapidated nature of the ports access roads. However, with the scenario rearing its ugly head along major roads in Lagos, there is need for attention to be shifted to other factors, other than the state of the roads, which could cause more havoc on the streets of Lagos.

Dilapidated trucks The states of many of the trucks that carry containers from the nation’s seaports into urban areas have remained questionable over the years. Many of the trucks could hardly strap a container firmly to their backs because their hooks and latches have become very weak due to rust and decay. It is common sight to see containers dangling on the back of trucks along seaports access roads. Many of the trucks are old and rickety, thus their backs are weakened and unable to carry some containers whose content are weighty. According to the Managing Director of Uburu Maritime Services and Logistic chain, David Pius, “the truck operators can no longer blame the road for their woes any longer. It is time they look inwards and address the state of their trucks. “If a container can fall off the back of a truck along Ojuelegba road, then there is a problem with the resources at the disposal of the truck operators. The container fell off because the latches that should hold or pin the container to the back of the truck is damaged. “That is the state of the many trucks that ply our seaports. Due

Nigerian Tribune

to the weak state of the hooks and latches attached to these trucks, containers fall off the back of trucks along the seaport access roads easily once they attempt to navigate the very bad ports access roads. “You cannot compare the trucks that carry containers from our seaports to the ones used by conglomerates like the Dangote Group or Lafarge to lift cement or rice. Most of the trucks plying our ports are death traps.”

The money for new trucks is beyond us because it is very expensive, but we can maintain the old ones we have if we pay less to government agencies, but that is not the case.

Reckless driving Another reason containers will keep falling off the back of trucks inside Lagos metropolis is the attitude of some truck drivers. In most cases, many of the truck drivers are drunk after taking too much alcoholic contents while waiting along the ports access roads to go inside the ports and lift containers. Thus, in such state, many of them see themselves as demi-gods while driving along major roads. “It is imperative that law enforcement officials do a ‘stop and smell’ exercise on container laden truck drivers on the streets of Lagos to ascertain those that are already tipsy from those that are fit to drive,” Pius David explained. Failed interventionist effort In 2014, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) began moves to implement minimum standards for trucks that would operate within the seaport area. The agency said that the new haulage policy would be inaugurated at Lagos ports with an awareness campaign for truck drivers. NPA had earlier informed the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, AMATO, of its intention to implement the policy.

The agency said that the strategy was necessitated by the truck owners association’s appeal to NPA to make the operational standards implementation a gradual process and also safeguard their business. However, findings have revealed that a year after that interventionist move by the NPA, many of the trucks that ply the roads still fall below the required minimum standard of a good and viable truck. According to sources within the agency, “the odds were stacked against the NPA, so the agency allowed the sleeping dog to lie. “When we wanted to implement the minimum standard required of a good truck, we had to waive many of the requirements because we found out that if we implement those standards, no trucks will come to the port to pick containers. “And we need trucks to pick containers from the ports to avoid congestion. So the agency had to relax many of the requirements back then in order to allow seamless cargo traffic at the ports.” Investigation by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that many of the trucks within the fleets of truckers associations like the Joint Council of Seaport Truckers (JCOST) and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) have seen better days and are struggling to stay in operation. Many of them carry containers on their backs without their latches holding the containers firmly. Most of the trucks are rickety and old, a situation that tells the plight of truck operators in the country. Why rickety trucks? On why the truckers have not been able to procure new trucks, the Chairman of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi explained that, “truck maintenance has been a great challenge for we truck operators as a result of the multiple levies we pay to different agencies of government regularly. “After such payments truck owners have very little money left to care for themselves and also maintain their trucks. That is the problem we truckers face every day. “The money for new trucks is beyond us because it is very expensive, but we can maintain the old ones we have if we pay less to government agencies, but that is not the case. “If you will recall, some of our members recently had a confrontation with security agents over extortion at the seaports. If we are exempted from this undue extortion at the seaports, we can better maintain our trucks and reduce the menace of incessant falling of containers from our trucks back.”

maritime

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

NPA is grossly understaffed — Workers Stories by Tola Adenubi - Lagos

ORKERS of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have the raised the alarm that the agency is currently under-staffed, claiming that there has been no general recruitment carried out by the agency in the last 10 years. Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune in an exclusive interview, the President NPA branch of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), AdelekeSanni stated that the recruitment done four or three years ago was only for the Harbour department. According to him, “about four years ago, the agency recruited people in the Harbours department. There has not been a general recruitment in the NPA for almost 10 years now. The recruitment done last year which is still pending is for the Fires department. “For the past 10 years, we are yet to see a general recruitment drive. We need people in all the departments because people are retiring. We need to fortify all the departments. “Yes automation is the way forward, but we still need people to monitor some aspect because we are not so advanced in terms of technology to leave some critical aspects of our operation unmanned. “We need people at the quay apron. All the terminals are supposed to be manned. We need people in departments like the Commercial department, Traffic department and others. Take for instance; the Commercial department which is in charge of billing and collection of revenue are grossly under-staffed.

“We still need people in the Harbours department because the recruitment done about four years ago is still not enough. “The Harbours department are the ones who bring in the vessels, so we need more people. “They keep talking about privatisation but people

are leaving the agency either by way of voluntary retirement or death. Departments like the Harbours, Traffic and even Personnel should be reinforced. “The one done last year for the Fires department should be concluded. The agency needs more

hands to curb revenue leakages at the seaports.” When contacted on the allegation, the General Manager, Public Affairs of the NPA, Captain IhenachoEbubuegou denied that the agency is under-staffed. “We have statistics to back up the fact that we

From left: Dr. Oluropo Owolabi, Managing Director/CEO, Skyway Aviation Handling Limited (SAHCOL); Mr. Markus Brinkmann, Managing Director, Sifax Group; Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Honorary Consul of Djibouti in Nigeria and Mr. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman, Djibouti Ports and Free Trade Zone Authority, during the Djibouti Business Forum organised by Sifax Group and Djibouti Consulate in Lagos.

...As NACCIMA lauds NPA over RIMS innovation THE National Vice President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Chairman, Dala Inland Dry Port, Kano, Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu has said that the organisation is very happy with the introduction of the Revenue Invoicing Management Systems (RIMS) into the cargo clearance system by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). In an email correspondence with maritime journalists, Ahmad Rabiu congratulated the maritime

community on the RIMS initiative. According to him, “We are happy with the introduction of Revenue Invoicing Management Systems (RIMS) by the NPA. We say big congratulations to the Nigerian Shippers, Cargo owners and shipping lines. “It is an excellent initiative that will improve efficiency and save so much time and costs. NPA need to keep it up. With a combination of this initiative and the robust change process of President MuhammaduBuhari administration, we shall soon

be happy and be proud of our country and our ports. “As we know that some of the neighbouring’ ports of countries like Cotonou are already crying due to the forex control measures recently introduced, we must support the NPA and do more as Nigerians to block revenue leakages, block channels for corruption and improve efficiency in our ports.” In a related development, NPA’s Executive Director Finance and Administration Mr OlumideOduntan told journalists what the agency

Anxiety in customs as Seme, Port Harcourt CACs reject postings There are unconfirmed reports that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) may take disciplinary actions against two of its Customs Area Comptrollers (CAC) for failing to hand over two weeks after they were posted out of their commands. Area Controller in charge of Seme Customs Command, GarbaNdalati and his counterpart in Port Harcourt Area 1, KuffidanGarba were said to have re-

have adequate hands working in the agency,” Ihenacho affirmed. It would be recalled that the NPA recently launched the Revenue Invoicing Management Systems (RIMS) to curb revenue leakages at the seaports.

fused their postings out of the commands. Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of finance, Administration and Technical Services (FATS), John Atte who until penultimate Thursday was the Acting Comptroller General of Customs had approved the redeployment of five Area Controllers including Ndalati and Garba. Both Area controllers were redeployed to the

Strategic Research and Policy (SR & P) unit at Customs Headquarters, Abuja. The redeployment, which was contained in a statement issued by the service Deputy Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah in Abuja said the new postings were with immediate effect. It was learnt that the three other affected Controllers have since assumed duties at their new posts. It was gathered that the

action of both Controllers had infuriated the Custom management who summoned them to Abuja on Wednesday and subsequently allegedly suspended the duo. However, when contacted, Customs Deputy Public Relations Officer, Joseph Atta said he was not aware of the development. “I am not aware of that. Their postings took them to Abuja and they are now here,” he said.

intends to achieve with the new platform. “Based on our expectations, the RIMS solution will improve cargo based revenue by 52 per cent in one year and 65 per cent subsequently. “The deployment of e-SEN and RIMS Solution by the NPA has blocked all leakages in our operational activities by 95 per cent and the remaining five per cent would be blocked upon the launch of a command and control centre which is expected to go live by the end of November 2015.” Also speaking, a senior official of the Federal Ministry of Finance who craved anonymity told newsmen that with the full automation of the operational process of the NPA, its revenues from the ports would exceed its projections based on the positive efforts of its management The official said the overall budget performance for 2013 and 2014 showed that NPA was doing fine. He said with the Port reforms, management of the NPA had been able to monitor the activities of the terminal operators to ensure strict compliance and track revenues through the several automation platforms they have introduced.

Nigerian Tribune

CRFFN to introduce degree programmes in freight forwarding in 2016 The Council for the Regul tion of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has reiterated that it will be introducing Degree programmes in Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain Management at all tertiary institutions in 2016. Registrar of the CRFFN; Sir Mike Jukwe gave this assurance in a press release made available to newsmen recently. In the statement, Jukwe equally lampooned the Registrar of the Freight Forwarders Academy of Nigeria (FFAN); Mazi Joseph Anabaraonye who had alleged that freight forwarding academies has lost relevance in the scheme of things within the CRFFN. Jukwe reaffirmed the CRFFN’s commitment to the actualization of its mandate, especially in the areas of training and capacity building, adding that the Council will not be deterred by detractors. On Anabaraonye allegation, Jukwe said that the era has gone where the freight forwarding profession was seen as all-comer affairs where unqualified individuals, unregistered and unaccredited corporate bodies, institutions or associations find themselves at the helms of affairs of the industry. He stated that the Registrar of the Freight Forwarding Academy of Nigeria (FFAN). Joseph Anabaraonye has become embattled ever since his institution fell short of the criteria for accreditation by CRFFN, adding that Anabaraonye has tried all he could in the past to lure the Council into accrediting his institution even when it failed to meet the guidelines and since then, he has seen nothing good in the efforts of CRFFN to reposition the freight forwarding sub sector. He re-affirmed that the Council has a laid down procedures, guidelines and principles as stipulated by the CRFFN enabling Act number 16, 2007 on registration of qualified individual freight forwarders and Corporate Bodies as well as accreditations of Associations and Training Institutions and Programmes and would not fall short of those criteria. “Anabaraonye’s claims lacked substance since the institution is not accredited by CRFFN, and so has no locus to speak for other maritime institutions, as its operations are deemed illegal,” he said.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

aviation Airline pilot caught texting during flight takeoff AN airline pilot flying as a passenger from Charlotte, North Carolina to Tampa, Florida was reportedly caught last week texting on his cellphone while the plane was taking off, in violation of federal regulations. The Charlotte Observer reported passenger Chad Tillman using his own cellphone to capture footage of the unidentified pilot as he was texting in his seat. Both men were on an American Airlines flight, but a spokesman for American said the pilot works for a different airline. As soon as the plane landed in Florida, Tillman was said to have written a letter to American Airlines CEO, Doug Parker to tell him about what he saw, according to the Observer. “I’m sure he is a good pilot, but even a small lapse of judgment in his profession could get people killed, and it bothers me that he can so casually disregard FAA regulations in public view,” Tillman wrote. Though the FAA has eased the rules governing electronic devices on planes, passengers are still not allowed to text or make calls during takeoff and in-flight. They are still allowed to access their phones, as long as they are set to airplane mode.

NCAT graduates 16 air traffic controllers DETERMINED to continually strengthen capacity of personnel in the critical area of operations, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has successfully trained another batch of 16 Air Traffic Controllers in Area Airways Non-Radar course at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria. The three-month course which began in June and ended in August 2015 had participants drawn from airports across the country. Titled ACC 34, the non-radar training is designed to equip Air Traffic Controllers with the ability to control traffic procedurally in the event of radar failure. The Managing Director of NAMA, Engineer Ibrahim Abdulsalam, who was represented at the graduation by the Director of Operations, Mr UzomaFyneboy congratulated the course participants for “studying hard to achieve success in flying colours.”

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Shola Adekola

m:0803 365 4818 e:sholanig@yahoo.com

We are not carrying out airline audit because of crash —NCAA DG

Captain Muhtar Usman is the present Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the authority saddled with the responsibility of ensuring all key players including airlines, aviation Organizations, air travelers and other relevant agencies adhere strictly to all aviation rules for safety purposes. In this interview, he spoke on issues ranging from controversial sale of kerosene for aviation fuel to the ongoing audit of airlines.

IL marketers selling kerosene as aviation fuel First of all I will have to say that jet A-1 is the highest grade of kerosene and is also a kerosene even though it is not for domestic use .Having said that, aviation fuel quality control goes from the department of petroleum to the oil marketers and also on our own side we do ramp inspection and do random checks on fuel qualities that are being supplied .In addition ,the engineers that release aircraft also do their own checks and of course the pilots during re-fueling do their own checks to ensure that the grade that we get is what is required for safe operations of our aircraft in Nigeria. So, NCAA as the regulatory body is doing everything possible to ensure that whatever quality of fuel that aircraft use in Nigeria are up to standard. What do you intend to achieve with this workshop? First of all, I will like to say that aviation is very dynamic. There have been a lot of changes and in order to keep up with those changes especially as regards the documentation that we are supposed to adopt and use here in Nigeria from the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO), there have been a lot of changes and we are now bringing our regulations to be in line with those changes that have taken place. This is a continuous exercise and this one is a major one but we do it continuously anytime there are changes we update. This is the first major amendment since promulgation of the regulations. Of course when you are using any document, you test it and after sometimes, where you see the need to amend, you amend and it is very normal since the regulation is meant for the stakeholders that are here as you can see. We need to bring them in to make their own inputs because the regulation is not for us but for the stakeholders and for safe and efficient air traffic flow in Nigeria. Passengers Bill of Right. What is NCAA doing to ensure that the average Nigeria is aware of his or her rights?

and civil liabilities. The most important thing is that when something happens, we try to make sure that it does not happen again and that is why we do that through regulations, surveillance, inspections to ensure that mishaps don’t happen. But of course we are all humans and accidents do happen unfortunately. If we investigate them, and we make sure that we learn lessons from them to prevent them from happening again. And such incidents and accidents do happen not only in Nigeria but in fact there are worldwide but we try to keep it to the barest minimum.

Usman, Director General, NCAA It is an area that NCAA is taking very seriously .One, we have been training our own people and also the operators on how to handle cases whereby such cases don’t have to come to us. In the area of enlightenment, we have trained and along with you the media because you have a big role to play in enlightening the general public on their rights. We have posted at strategically points at the airports some of those rights. The only thing we keep appealing is that when they come with those rights, they should come through

decent means and not manhandling any of the NCAA staff, airport authority staff, the airline staff and so on. They should demand for their rights and we are going to stand for their rights and wherever we want to use the big stick, we will use it. Collision on the ramp: What has NCAA done to ensure that sanction was given to the airline that breached safety at the ramp? When we talk about safety, we don’t go about talking of criminal

Debt Recovery I am happy to say that we have a lot of responses from all the debtor airlines. They are willing to come forward and reconcile their accounts and also make commitments in terms of either in rescheduling and given us a definite payment plans .So, I am happy to say we are making head way in that direction Audit of the airlines, what level Well, I think as I mentioned in the release we sent out to the media that audit is continuous process .We did not do it because there was a crash .It is a continuous process. We have been doing it and in the process, as I said safety is about seeing a trend and arresting that crime that could lead to something that are not pleasant .That is why we carry out inspections, audits, monitorings, surveillance and so on. So,it is an ongoing process and it is part of the responsibilities of the NCAA and we continue to do it to discharge our mandate.

Bi-Courtney hosts orphanage, donates gifts AS further demonstration of its social responsibility, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, has played host to children from a Lagos-based orphanage, Light for the Lost Orphans Home (LLOH). The children, accompanied by their minders, were first taken on a guided tour of the terminal before being hosted to a party at the terminal’s conference hall. Highlights of the party included: fun games,

dance competition and career talk. While addressing the children and their handlers, the Chief Operating Officer, BASL, Ms. Adebisi Awoniyi, commended the owners of the orphanage for their noble efforts saying:“we can only be sure of having a better society when resources are pulled together to make life meaningful for the less privileged in our neighbourhood. There are great potentials waiting to be harnessed among these kids and it is only reasonable and worthwhile not to allow those po-

tentials to waste away. “The facility tour, coupled with other exposures, will forever remain indelible in their minds. It has opened another vista in their quest for knowledge and this I think will help them as they grow in life and learn more”. The orphanage’s founder, Evangelist Ebenezer Anyaene, lauded the management of BASL for the kind gesture, while encouraging other corporate organizations and wealthy Nigerians to emulate the gesture by company.

aviation

Thursday, 10 September 2015

Why we don’t employ Nigerian pilots, engineers – Arik Air Chief

crucial moment With

Shola Adekola

0803 365 4818

Why FG must clean its aviation ministry LAST week, the Chairman of Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, at a public gathering in Lagos, openly lampooned the officials in the country’s ministry of aviation, describing them as the major problem dragging the sector backward. Arumemi, who did not hide his disdain for the negative role of the ministry officials because of their corrupt tendencies, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to carry out an urgent forensic audit of the aviation sector, especially the Ministry of Aviation officials. According to him, the high level of corruption by the officials has impacted negatively on the industry. Arumemi lamented how the corrupt attitude of the ministry officials have been responsible for lack of growth of Nigerian registered airlines as they continue to put many clogs in the wheel of progress of the airline by favouring foreign airlines in the allocation of lucrative routes while denying Nigerian carriers same. “Many of the Civil Servants in Aviation Ministry are richer than many airline operators as a result of their corrupt practices and collection of bribes from some foreign airlines in the allocation of routes. “We wanted to code-share with Etihad airline, they (ministry officials) frustrated our move. Again, we tried to go to Libreville, the civil servants in the ministry blocked us by not attending to our request. This is why I disagreed with people who are used to saying that Nigerian registered airlines are weak, when Nigerian civil servants who were supposed to protect Nigerian airlines favour foreign airlines because of perquisites they receive at the detriment of Nigerian carriers.” To many stakeholders present at the public function where the Arik Chairman made this outburst, he has not said anything new as many before him had raised the same alarm over the illegal activities of the ministry officials. From all indications, it has been discovered long time ago that most of the unfriendly policies in the sector today were traced to the officials who often used their position to misinform many aviation ministers. This can be attested to in the lopsided Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) they unprofessionally lured Nigeria into signing with almost 78 countries which have been to the country’s disadvantage. Many of the officials have been accused of unilaterally doling out extra frequencies to many foreign airlines who in return ‘bless’ them at the expense of the general public. This was attested to by a former minister of aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who vowed to expose them but could not do so until he left office. There is no doubt that if the officials have been doing their work sincerely, all the lopsided BASAs and other policies that had been formulated and implemented which have negatively affected the sector would have been avoided. The ability of many of the officials to misuse their positions is not far from the failure of the past governments to appoint professionals as ministers of aviation.

Nigerian Tribune

Genet W/Michael, Area Manager, Ethiopian Airlines, Ghana ( middle), receiving the certificate of best international airline from Mr Michael Adegoke (right), while the Sales Manager, Mohammed Abdurahman displays the award plaque for the Best International Airline, during the Business Executive awards at Holiday Inn, Accra Airport Hotel, recently.

Factors against the proposed new national carrier Stories By Shola Adekola - Lagos ESPITE the sincere efforts being made by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to float a new national carrier for the travelling public after the unjust liquidation of the former Nigeria Airways over a decade ago, revelations have emerged as to why the plan may be aborted after all. The Nigerian Tribune has gathered that this has become obvious following the divergent tunes trailing the move as key players in the industry have continued to speak in discordant tunes towards the project.

NAHCO deploys new N1.5bn equipment THE National Aviation Handling Company (NAhco aviance) has announced the deployment of new equipment worth N1.5 billion in major airports across the country. The company noted that the equipment started arriving the country in August and were currently being deployed to all airports where Nahco operates. According to the Head, Corporate Services, NAHCO, Ahmed Bashir, “We are deploying these new equipment in the airports to satisfy our domestic and international clients. The equipment are the types you will find in the best of modern airports in the world.” Gulma further disclosed that the first batch of the 131 units of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) arrived the country last month and had been deployed even as the Federal Government was still putting finishing touches to the airports it was remodelling across the country. Among the equipment were aircraft passenger steps, self-propelled pallet transporter, belt loaders, wide aircraft cargo loaders, aircraft tow loaders and towable toilet service units. Others include towable fuel bowsers, pallet dollies, container dollies, baggage trailers, belt loaders and ACUs. Industry watchers have commended the management of the ground handling company on his retooling policy, which they described as a cardinal principle of the company.

According to those who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune, there were many factors that might work against the successful midwife of the new national carrier which the government needs to tackle. Among the endless list of the factors that might lead to premature death of the new national carrier include the failure of the government to settle the over 4,000 workers of the liquidated Nigeria Airways even when their counterparts in the United Kingdom and United States had been paid their full entitlements almost immediately after the controversial liquidation. Besides, stakeholders have reminded the Buhari-led government of some debts owed by the defunct carrier towards the tail end of its existence due to the unwise liquidation. Again, many believed that the proposed new national carrier has started failing from the beginning. This group have attributed their position to the composition of the membership of the committee recently set up to look into how the government can achieve the tall dream.

THE Chairman of Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, has finally opened up on why the airline hardly employ Nigerian pilots and engineers. Speaking at a one-day forum organised by the Aviation Round Table (ART) in Lagos, Arumemi-Ikhide explained that when the airline commenced operations in 2007, it came in with brand new generational aircraft, which many Nigerians were not expert in. According to him, the airline took it upon itself to train Nigerian pilots and engineers to be type-rated on the new aircraft, but lamented that few months after training, they abandoned the airline for other airlines, especially the Middle East carriers. While lamenting how the carrier regularly spent massive amount of money on training of these personnel but gained nothing in return, the airline chairman further declared that no fewer than four of the airline’s pilots had been poached by the Federal Government for executive presidential fleet, rather than training pilots for the industry. Though he agreed that employing Nigerians would be far cheaper, more convenient for the carrier and create jobs for the teeming populace, but he decried the attitude of the technical personnel, which, he said, had driven the airline to hiring foreign expatriates. His said: “It’s in our own interest to have Nigerian pilots and engineers as jobs would be created for the country. Unfortunately, we have new generational aircraft with no Nigerian expertise on them. However, we sent some of them to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria and other aviation colleges around the world for training, but as soon as they were trained, they left the company to join Middle East carriers. “Arik Air has done a lot in training for the industry, but they moved out almost immediately. We approached the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on this, but the agency told us that it’s a free market and that there was nothing they could do. “Now, we have some Ethiopian Airlines’ pilots and engineers working with us now. Until NCAA does what it is supposed to do, we will not employ much Nigerian pilots and engineers.”

Air Peace Chief faults FIRS blacklist of airlines THE Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, has faulted the recent blacklisting of four airlines by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over delay in migrating to the tax platform designed by the agency but poorly communicated to the airlines. The airlines include Air Peace, AZMAN, Overland Airways and First Nation Airways. Onyema said rather than going public to tell Nigerians not to buy tickets from the airlines, the FIRS should have done its home work by engaging the airlines through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) before taking a decision that has dipped sales of ticket by the affected airlines. Onyema, therefore, called on the tax agency to immediately retract the public notice on the airlines. The airline chief said the challenges faced by airlines in Nigeria were not limited to high cost of operations, but also the unfriendly investment environment and the re-introduction of import duties on aircraft spares, as well as absence of tax holidays for fledging carriers.

While enjoining the Federal Government to design a package of incentives for domestic airline operators who are struggling with a myriad of challenges, Onyema said such package has become imperative to cushion the effects operators go through in their bid provide air transport services around the country. Speaking in an interview in Lagos, the airline chairman said rather than encourage indigenous airline investors, some agencies of the government continued to erect obstacles on their way thereby frustrating efforts to develop the air transport sector. He said the government ought to consider tax holiday for fledging indigenous carriers to enable them create more jobs for Nigerians in the transport sector, just as he stressed the need to remove unnecessary bottlenecks that kill private business. He called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to mediate between domestic airlines and other agencies to avoid any infraction on airline operations.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

‘Research is the backbone of conspiracy writing’ Obinna Udenwe is a conspiracy theory writer. His debut novel, Satans and Shaitans is already making waves in the literary community. In this interview, he speaks on his style of writing, which is not common among African writers. EXCERPTS:

might interpret your novel too literally and think that Boko Haram is tied to a global political plot against Nigeria? This is what has continued to generate discussions. But I want you to agree with me that nothing is ever the way it appears. What is said to be blue could really be red after all. You see, the pastor in your church in Nigeria could even be one of the sponsors of Boko Haram. Your wealthy friend who lives in Nairobi could be one of the sponsors of ISIS. That is the world for you. Never doubt or underestimate what people could conceive in their minds or do. Never. Again, having observed Nigeria for a long time, there is a lot that go on that is controlled and influenced by clandestine groups, some of them dark and occult.

HAT actually influenced you to write a conspiracy crime thriller? I can’t really say exactly because Satans and Shaitans took me a very long time to write. It metamorphosed from a romance story to crime thriller, then to a conspiracy crime thriller. I started writing Satans and Shaitans in 2007 and completed it on Holy Thursday, 2013. So it took a long time and the story, during these years, took a path of its own, took its own shape and became what it desired for itself. Did you get inspiration from international conspiracy theory writers like Dan Brown? To some extent, yes. I believe that everything you read must have some influence on what you do or write. But I started writing Satans and Shaitans long before I read any of Dan Brown’s work. My dad gave me a copy of Da Vinci Code in 2009, I think. I’ve since read all his works. Da Vinci Code is actually not my favorite. I love The Lost Symbol so dearly, perhaps, because it’s about the Freemason. But there is also Luis Miguel Rocha, another writer I admire. One thing conspiracy writers have in common is their effort to portray a group or people as strongly influencing what happens around them. I believe so much in this because I come from a family where my father and his friends exert a lot of influence on what happens around where I live. Your writing on Islamic teachings and culture is impressively detailed. How much research did you have to do? It was a particularly difficult part of writing the book. You can’t be a good conspiracy or crime writer without research. Everything you postulate, no matter how fictitious must be made to appear real, so you have to research and research. In this case, I delved into very sensitive areas: terror, jihad and Islam. I had to ensure that the premise of the story was within the confines of the teachings of Islam, and realistic in the world we find ourselves as regards terror and jihad. So there was a lot of research. I read the Holy Quran several times. I got a gift of the Hadith from

•Obinna Udenwe a friend, who also helped in the research. I read books on terror provided by my father. I also got help from other people in Nigeria, Egypt and someone in UAE. They were in regular interaction with me. And about the security issues too, I had to befriend some guys at the Department of State Security in Nigeria, who helped with names of guns and models, the security situations in Nigeria etcetera. At some point, I had to research on how to make

Improvised Explosive Devices. It wasn’t easy. My editor, Jazzmine Breary, is also an extraordinarily talented person. A lot of research went into writing the book, without which we would have published it earlier than we did. But we had to be sure of what we were doing. I can just say that research is the backbone of conspiracy writing. Do you care that some readers

Satans and Shaitans is a novel about organised crime, terrorism and murders. Was it difficult weaving a romance story into such a dark, twisted tale? It wasn’t very difficult because Satans and Shaitans started first as a romance story before taking a different turn. When the story came to me, it came in the form of a dark romance story of a young man who murders his girlfriend for a simple crime of being pregnant for him. But then it changed along the way as I kept trying to figure out what could influence him to do such a thing—parental influence? How? What could be the qualities of their parents? Then the idea of occult organisations and terrorism came along as Nigeria continued to deteriorate into chaos. I finally decided to explore and merge both strands into one story with different twists.

ICPC recommends Okediran’s novel, Tenants of the House, to Nigerian lawmakers THE Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recommended Dr Wale Okediran’s book, Tenants of the House, to legislators in all the 36 states Houses of Assembly in the country. Subsequently, the Commission has commenced the purchasing and free distribution of the books to the lawmakers. Speaking with Arts and Review on the development, the Provost of ICPC Anti-Corruption Academy, Professor Sola Akinrinade, said the book would assist the lawmakers in their learning process. “The book, Tenants of the House, is a fiction, but it reveals the intrigues in a legislative hall, and as a result, it is easier for the legislators to relate with. “We must not forget that the author, Dr Okediran, was also a former member of the House of Representatives, and he details the happenings in the House in the book. “So when the legislators are reading it,

•Dr Wale Okediran they will know how the scenes in the book fits them. “However, the most important thing is

that the ICPC is simply trying to leverage on the experience of the author, Dr Okediran, when he was a member of the National Assembly, to train legislators in the 36 states Houses of Assembly,” Professor Akinade said, while explaining that the novel is not a study guide for legislators, but just for them to read at their own leisure. The author, Dr Okediran, said he was glad that what he brought out of the National Assembly while he was a member is now useful to state legislators all over the country. “I am grateful to the ICPC for the opportunity to use my experience to benefit lawmakers in the country through my book. “I know the lawmakers will find everything that happens on the floor of the legislative chamber in the book, although it is fictional. “The most important thing is just that I am contributing my quota to the strengthening of the legislature in the country,” Dr Okediran said.

arts&review

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Towards developing Nigeria’s future entrepreneurs A review of Wale Akinyanmi’s book, Entrepreneurial Development Handbook by Isaac Akinwumi.

BOOK REVIEW

HE book under review with the title; Entrepreneurship Development Handbook contains 151+50: small businesses for Entrepreneurs, making money from business ideas, turning passions to profit, start small, finish big, and it is written to encourage Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship as a way of life and also as a sure way to escape poverty. The book is meant for

young people in and out of school and it is also a resource book for anybody who desires to take venture into the world of business creation especially these days when paid employment is hard to come by. Those who take this advantage by studying this book could transform to job creators rather than remain job seekers. The author, Wale Akinyanmi is the CEO of Concepts &Actualities Limited renowned for its exploits in investment and business promotion, enterprise and entrepreneurship development,

media consultancy, leadership and capacity development. He is an alumnus and a faculty member of the Hagai Institute of Advanced Leadership. Prolific in idea generation, he has a penchant for creative and innovative approaches to problem solving. The book is grouped generally into two parts. The first part is Introduction to Entrepreneurship. This is dealt with from pages (i) to (xix) and it is a quick introduction to some theoretical aspects of entrepreneurship. It begins with Entrepreneur: Origin and Meaning, and Special features of Entrepreneurs. Next was: Tips on How to Become an Enrepreneur. Here, the author deals with the

fact that an entrepreneur must first of all understand him/herself which the author refers to as “Who are you?”. It discusses the attributes that could enable a prospective entrepreneur start a new business and be successful at it. Some of the attributes dealt with here include: performing SWOT on yourself, having a vision and transforming the vision to reality, relating to the right people that can champion your course and stuffs like that. The author then describes location where a business can be started and what you need to start the business. Standing out here is business planning. Another interesting aspect of the Introduction is Just

Jobs film being considered for Oscars MOVIE

tween 1984 and 1998, using the story of three seminal product launches - the Apple Macintosh, the NeXT “Cube” and the iMac - to tell the story of the volatile character who founded, and then was forced out of Apple before returning to rescue the company from bankruptcy. Boyle, whose CV includes Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting and the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, has called Jobs “the kind of brilliant, flawed character that Shakespeare would have relished writing about”. “This is not a story that sugar coats his past,” noted Sasha Stone in The Wrap’s review. “Jobs suffered no fools. He is, in many ways, a monster who feeds on ego.”

MICHAEL Fassbender has become a front-runner for next year’s best actor Oscar after an early cut of his new Steve Jobs biopic was screened in the US. “He completely owns the screen,” said Variety, despite his character being “very unlikeable throughout” the film. “You get the strong sense from Fassbender of a mind that is always several steps beyond everyone else’s,” agreed The Hollywood Reporter. Steve Jobs was shown as a “work in progress” at the Telluride Festival. British director Danny Boyle is expected to premiere the completed version at the New York Film Festival on 3 Octo-

ber. The film will also close the London Film Festival on 18 October. Co-starring Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels, it is the most high-profile of half-a-dozen films and documentaries about the Apple founder since his death

BOOK REVIEW

Diagnosing the country’s parliaments

•Steve Jobs

A review of Professor Bunmi Ayoade’s book, The Legislature and Governance in Nigeria. PROFESSOR Bunmi Ayoade’s book, The Legislature and Governance in Nigeria is about the legislature, perhaps the most crucial organ in democratic government, in view of its pivotal role and functions as the watchdog of other arms of government, particularly the executive and holder of the representational mandate of the people with whom sovereignty and power reside. It is a book of 28 chapters grouped under four basic sections and spread over 584 pages inclusive of three leaves of index, and it evaluates a crucial organ in the political life of the Nigerian nation – the legislature, against the backdrop of a logical deduction one is tempted to make that the legislative houses at every level of government would play “highly exalted roles in governance, especially as protectors of diverse interests and voices of the people,” given the ethnic and political diversities of Nigeria and the usually robust competi-

tiveness in partisan politics and its political processes. However, it submits that this vital branch of government has regressively declined in the exercise of its legislative powers and powers of oversight over the executive functions of government, in its role as the voices of its remote constituencies and lost its voice in the enunciation of party positions on matters of national importance. Chapter after chapter illustrate this issue in perspectives for us to appreciate this malaise and the underlying factors that account for it, as well as the consequences, notably the emasculation of the legislature due to frequent military intervention ills and corrupt tendencies to which the organ itself was subjected or exposed to and strong tendency towards despotism in governance respectively. The introductory chapter dwells on the legislature in

in 2011. The film was written by Aaron Sorkin, who previously dramatised the life of Mark Zuckerberg - another tech billionaire with personality issues - in the Oscarwinning The Social Network. It spans a period of 14 years be-

democratic political theory and extensively puts the Nigerian experience in comparative perspective. It identifies the salient functions of the legislature as legislation, representation and oversight that ensures both the vertical accountability of rulers to the ruled as well as the horizontal accountability of all other government agencies to the one branch- the legislature. From illuminating definitions and thougths of various scholars, the writer notes that the legislature’s powers cover that of the “purse, approval of executive and judicial appointments, adoption and ratification of treaties, investigation of public officials (for wastages/ corruption) and impeachment proceedings. Of all these, the power of the purse would appear to have emerged as the most important. However, the writer of this chapter regrets that often than not “the definition of who has power over the budget does not tell us whether or not the budget

is under control,” as the parliamentarians fail or prove incapable of exercising their oversight power over aberrations or excesses of the executive in terms of withholding of appropriated funds and virements (that is ability to relocate or transfer funds and budget items during implementation). Articles in the second section reveal how the National Assembly has become malleable in the hands of the executive which used carrot and stick principle as a tool of intimidation, coercion and compromise to make lawmakers toe the line of its dictates. Finally, the book’s conclusion is that despite occasional pretences to the contrary, the legislature in Nigeria tends to manifest attributes of declining legislature, than one on the rise. It argues that its powerlessness in face of an overbearing executive and other internal and external pressures undermine the opportunities for institutionalisation of the social partnership and results in apparent general meltdown in public confidence.

Before Taking-Off. Here some fundamental of business education is presented. Standing out here are the following: feasibility study, information management, forecasting, staffing, costing, and marketing. The second part contains the practical guide to entrepreneurship. In this part the author presents his 151+50 micro, small and medium enterprises. The format generally is introduction to the product or service, material resources which will be required to start, and finally cost implications. There is a wide range of products and services available in this book and it can assist anyone willing to take opportunities in his/her environment to embark on a venture, either literate or illiterate, able-bodied or physically-challenged. This second part is again grouped into sections. I can only discuss a few. #1 Educational Life Management Services. Here he presents services like; day care/nursery services, evening coaching classes, learn and play centres, adult literacy services, continuing education centres, children vocational centres, selling of books, magazines and stationery and writing books among others. In #2 Household/ Personal Care Projects, he presents businesses like laundry soap production, toilet soap making, detergents and body cream production among others. This book has made life easy for anybody venturing into business since it has exposed a prospective entrepreneur to many possible micro, small and medium enterprises that he/she may wish to pursue. The author may wish to consider the following suggestions in next edition. The Table of Contents on pages (xx) to (xxviii) should have come earlier in the book say before Introduction To Enrepreneurship. Not reflecting it in the Table of Contents presupposes that it is not very important whereas in my view, it is a necessary stuff for anyone contemplating to become an entrepreneur. It is therefore important to page this part in numbers not Roman figures. The cost estimates quoted in the business plans will have to be reviewed in the light of inflationary trend. The book was written in 2012 and our currency, that is naira, has plummeted a lot since then. On the whole I strongly recommend the book to both prospective and practicing entrepreneurs and I am sure they will benefit from it. •Akinwumi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 Editor:

health you&EYE

INSIDE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

sex,sexuality&You

naturalhealth

What is in that eye drop bottle? By Sade Oguntola

M WHO prequalification, proof of quality of drugs made in Nigeria

Page 36

natural health

Corn silk, remedy for kidney problem, poor vision Page 37

Erection dissatisfaction not erectile dysfunction! HEALTH QUOTE

Page 37

edication errors are rife, from wrong dosage prescribed, wrong dosage administered to wrong usage. Some errors also occur when individuals do not read medicine leaflets or what is written on the container of their medicines. Unfortunately, medication errors sometimes have serious consequences, including blindness. Early in September, in Yobe State, a three-weekold baby was brought to a doctor. The baby was blind due to injury in the eye as a result of using what the mother described as eye drops. The eye drop was given as part of a pack to support the delivery. The bottle, on examination by the doctor, contained chlorhexidine digluconate that is used as an antiseptic gel to be applied to the newborn’s cord stump to prevent infection. Unfortunately, its bottle was taken by the mother as the usual means of dispensing eye drops. So, rather than applying it to the baby’s cord stump, she applied its content to the eye of the new born baby. Cases of white plastic bottles used for eye drops becoming source of blindness in many babies, especially in rural communities are increasingly becoming rampant. The packaging was misleading and parents mistakenly used these as eye drops. A report on Nigeria Health Watch reported five known cases of irreversible blindness associated with the use of these plastic bottles used for eye drops. It included three children in Yobe State and two others in Adamawa State. These are children aged between three weeks

and two years. Their mothers were uneducated; their fathers, farmers. An unknown number of these containers were distributed to patients in Yobe and Adamawa through government primary healthcare centres. Ironically, the source of these bottles is not yet clear and has no NAFDAC number inscribed on them. President, Ophthalmology Society of Nigeria (OSN), Professor Sebastian Nwosu, who described the incidence as unfortunate, stated that the medication error arose from people’s association of the white plastic containers with eye drops in Nigeria. He declared: “Chlorhexidine digluconate should never have been applied to the eye. Of course, it ought not to be eye drops bottles, especially when it is meant to be used by poor people living in mostly rural communities. People just assumed that it can be applied to the eye since they are used to eye drops in such containers.”

Nwosu declared that chlorhexidine digluconate when applied to the eye can cause a burn injury to the cornea, the clear front window of the eye. According to eye expert, OSN decided to raised the alarm to ensure that mothers become aware of the need to always read and ask questions on whatever medicines, including eye drops, they give to vulnerable to errors in medications. “Children are more vulnerable to such injuries since their mothers may think its use will prevent them from developing eye diseases and as this resulting in an irreversible blindness,” he added. Nwosu, however, said the error was because people were stereotyped on what drop bottles should contain, and as such would never carefully read what is on the label of the container or the accompanying medicine leaflet. Dr Adegboyega Ajayi, a consultant opthamologist, Ojulowo Eye Clinic, Ibadan, Oyo State, expressed concern that the

number of children that might have gone blind as a result of the wrongly applying chlorhexidine digluconate into their eyes was likely to be more. “Last week, I attended to a 9-year old, whose eye looked very white. Initially, I thought it was an artificial eye. The mother claimed to have put chloraphenicol, an antibiotic but on examination, I could see the eye problem was due to burn injury,” he recounted. Dr Ajayi, who remarked that a mistake such as using eye drop bottles to pack chlorhexidine digluconate had led to many children becoming blind of life, said such an incident is better prevented given its grave consequences. Ajayi decried industrialists trying to deviate from the age long practice of using dropper bottles mainly for eye medication and different colour codes to help classify them. He declared: “In the 70’s, every eye dropper bottle had a code based on what its content was used for in eye care. Drugs like atropine that can cause serious problems are always in red bottle with a red cap or at least the bottle will have a red cap. Topical anaesthetics come in yellow bottles while antibiotics have white bottles and cap. “This practice is maintained for the simple reason that at that time, people were conscious of the possibility of people making mistakes. Why try to cut cost or maximise profit by packing such chemical substances as chlorhexidine digluconate in eye dropper bottles? It is the packaging that is causing the confusion and this is better avoided since, often times, many people do not bother to read or ask questions on the medications they are given.”

Today, more than 95% of all chronic diseases is caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies and lack of physical exercise.” —Mike Adams

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

What kind of people are you?

n 1985, a colleague of mine from an East African country, who had shared an apartment with me when I was in USA, visited Nigeria for the first time. Looking pensive, he asked, “What kind of people are you?” I drew blank. So he repeated the question, “What kind of people are you Nigerians?” As I was trying to figure out where he was going, he volunteered the answer. “Ben, I can’t understand you Nigerians. When we were in Baltimore, you were always complaining about your country. You complained about everything and everyone. I arrived at the airport in Lagos a few days ago, it wasn’t particularly impressive but I made one remarkable observation.” “What’s it, Dave?” I asked, now all ears and anxious to hear what he had to say. “From the moment my plane taxied to a stop to the time I arrived at my hotel, I did not see any foreigner directing the affairs, pushing Nigerians here and there. Then I arrived here at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH), the administrators, doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and all those directing the affairs of this huge and beautiful edifice are all Nigerians. For the first time in my life, I am in

an African country where Africans are in charge of their affairs.” He said now almost breathless and added, “Come to my country, we are the cleaners, messengers, stewards and housekeepers. The airport bosses, hotel managers, doctors, nurses and those directing the affairs are all foreigners. You may not be doing it right now but you have started and one day you will do it right.” Tears welled up in his eyes as he lamented, “In my country we are yet to start.” He had stirred up my memory. I remembered vividly that whenever we Nigerians in USA met, all we did was to tell stories about how rotten our country was – the corrupt leaders; bribe taking policemen and custom officers, NEPA, the poor state of our roads, etc. We criticised everything and everybody as Dave had said. I was still ruminating over this, when Dave asked again, “Ben, what is the driving distance from Lagos to Ibadan?” “It’s about 120km,” I answered, wondering what he was going to say next. “That distance would take just a little over one hour on an express road in USA. It took us over four hours owing to severe traffic congestion. Your government needs to do something urgently about it. I would sug-

gest the provision of parallel service roads at all exit and entry points along the road. In addition, it is imperative that alternative means of transportation such as a fast train service be provided.” I couldn’t but agree with him. It is distressing that 30 years after Dave’s visit and suggested remedies, the gridlock has continued; travel time is about three hours occasionally but most times uncertain and could between four to six hours! The road is now being rebuilt with more lanes but without the parallel service roads at entry and exit points. And more importantly, no alternative to road transportation has been provided. Goods, passengers and all have to take to this road which is perhaps the busiest in Africa and one of the busiest in the world. It is clearly obvious that just rebuilding the road as is being done is not a solution to the perennial gridlock. Now it is my turn to ask, “What kind of people are we? Why should we have a problem for over 40 years and cannot think of innovative ways of solving it? Why do we continue to use yesterday’s solutions to solve today’s problem? These questions are equally pertinent to health care in Nigeria today.

Nigerian is blessed with skilled experts in all fields of endeavour yet we continue to wallow in abject poverty of mind and body. If we are doing exactly the same thing, in exactly the same way as we did yesterday, we are certainly not doing well. We must begin to think outside the box and train appropriate health care workers who will meet the challenges of today. If need be, we must break down professional barriers and rebuild the entire health sector. Faced with dwindling resources, we cannot afford the luxury of the compartmentalisation of healthcare professions of the developed countries and must adapt new technology to find solutions to the challenges we are facing. Finally, I ask, “What kind of person are you? Have you had a comprehensive eye examination in the last one year? We are still seeing patients who are nearly blind from glaucoma, who felt all was well with their eyes. If you are seeing very well and you haven’t had an eye examination in over a year, you could be one of them. Please visit an ophthalmologist today for a comprehensive eye examination. Keep what you have. The eye is not yet replaceable!

Dr Abayomi Ajayi

ivf &you

info@nordicalagos.org

0700 6673422

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Polycystic ovary syndrome (say “pahlee-SIS-tik OH-vuh-ree SIN-drohm”) is a problem in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS may also cause unwanted changes in the way you look. If it is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is common, affecting as many as one out of 15 women. Often the symptoms begin in the teen years. Treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems. What are hormones, and what happens in PCOS? Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger many different processes, including growth and energy production. Often, the job of one hormone is to signal the release of another hormone. For reasons that are not well understood, in PCOS the hormones get out of balance. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another. For example, the sex hormones can get out of balance. Normally, the ovaries make a

tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens). In PCOS, they start making slightly more androgens. This may cause you to stop ovulation, get acne, and grow extra facial and body hair. The body may have a problem using insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn’t use insulin well, blood sugar levels go up. Over time, this increases your chance of getting diabetes What are the symptoms? Symptoms tend to be mild at first. You may have only a few symptoms or a lot of them. The most common symptoms are: • Acne • Weight gain and trouble losing weight. • Extra hair on the face and body. Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back. • Thinning hair on the scalp • Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding. • Fertility problems. Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility). • Depression Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why

it is called polycystic ovary syndrome. The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances. What causes PCOS? The symptoms of PCOS are caused by changes in hormone levels. There may be one or more causes for the hormone level changes. PCOS seems to run in families, so your chances in having it is higher if other women in your family have PCOS, irregular periods, or diabetes. PCOS can be passed down from either your mother’s or father’s side. How is PCOS diagnosed? To diagnose PCOS, the doctor will: • Ask questions about your past health, symptoms, and menstrual cycles. • Do a physical examination to look for signs of PCOS, such as extra body hair and high blood pressure. The doctor will also check your height and weight to see if you have a healthy body mass index (BMI). • Do a number of laboratory tests to check your blood sugar, insulin, and other hormone levels. Hormone tests can help rule out thyroid or other gland problems that could cause similar symptoms. You may also have a pelvic ultrasound to look for cysts on your ovaries. Your doctor

may be able to tell you that you have PCOS without an ultrasound, but this test will help him or her rule out other problems. How is it treated? Regular exercise, healthy foods, and weight control are key treatments for PCOS. Medicines to balance hormones may also be used. Getting treatment can reduce unpleasant symptoms and help prevent long-term health problem. The first step in managing PCOS is to get regular exercise and eat heart-healthy foods. This can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It can also help you lose weight if you need to. •Try to fit in moderate activity and/or vigorous activity on a regular basis. Walking is a great exercise that most people can do. • Eat a heart-healthy diet. In general, this diet has lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains. It also limits foods that are high in saturated fat, such as meats, cheeses, and fried foods. If you have blood sugar problems, try to eat about the same amount of carbohydrate at each meal. A registered dietitian can help you make a meal plan. To be continued next week

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 35 everydayhealth Drug manufacturers task FG on local patronage, N200b intervention fund

ITING the milestones homegrown companies have achieved lately, manufacturers of pharmaceutical products have urged the Federal Government (FG) to insist on local patronage of drugs and other items that are now produced in the country. The manufacturers, under the aegis of Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Group of the Manufactur-

ers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), said the call was in line with relevant industrial policies and quest for global competitiveness in the sector. The manufacturers and other stakeholders, who met at the opening of third Nigeria pharma manufactures’ exhibition 2015 in Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, also said that it was high time the Federal Government allotted a N200 billion intervention fund for

the pharma sector, coupled with other initiatives to help the sector maximise its potentials. Chairman of the PMGMAN, Okey Akpa, said with the recent milestones recorded by companies in the sector, the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry was already positioned to operate at the global level, should government assent to their demands. Akpa noted that while four companies had been

certified by the WHO, at least 10 local companies had also complied with the requirements of International Standards Organisation and already supply drugs to the United Nations Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women’s Children’s Health (UNCoLs). According to him, “without doubt, patronage of Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers by government, donors and interna-

tional procuring agencies is critical and must be backed by political will. “We are therefore calling on the Federal Government to implement the Domestic Preference Policy of the Public Procurement Act 2007 as well as the implementation of the Presidential Directive on Patronage of Nigerian Manufacturers,” he said. Orhii, who was the chairman of the occasion, commended the manufacturers for the feat so far achieved, adding that NAFDAC would continue to collaborate with them and rid the Nigerian market of fake products. Orhii appealed to the FG and Bank of Industry to revisit an earlier proposal for N200 billion intervention

trust fund for the pharma manufacturer. He recalled that the proposal was considered by the last administration but nothing was heard of it. While he expressed delight that the National Drug Distribution Policy, which regulates drug distribution national wide, is due to take effect, Orhii expressed concerns that stakeholders have not done enough to put the necessary infrastructure in place. President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Olumide Akintayo, said that beyond the provision of intervention fund, the government must critically look at the sector to help it maximise its potentials for the good of the country.

Workplace stress as bad as secondhand smoke, poor diet

From Left: Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii; Chairman, PMG-MAN and MD/CEO, SKG Pharmaceutical Limited, Mr. Okey Akpa; Operations Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Biola Adetayo and Managing Director/CEO, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, at the opening of the Nigeria Pharma Manufacturers EXPO in Lagos.

UCH seeks private partnership on sickle cell treatment By Sade Oguntola Following the dwindling funding of health facilities and worrying plight of persons living with sickle cell disease, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is soliciting for support from the private sector in their treatment. The hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor Temitope Alonge, made the disclosure yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital while conducting representatives of Japan-based health providing company, “TERUMO” on a facility tour of the hospital. The company had earlier donated medical equipment for the management of sickle cell anaemia patients attending the hospital while its representatives assured of more assistance to the hospital after the tour. Alonge, who remarked that no government could adequately fund health care by its effort, said the hospital had identified with private public partnership in its bid to ensure that it sustain its services.

The hospital, which in 2012 had recorded mortality mainly from infection, injuries (trauma), cardiovascular problems and cancer, had taken steps to put in place interventions to give the best of care and reduce deaths arising from these problems. Alonge, who added that the hospitals load of patients with sickle cell anaemia was making it look also for partnership to ensure the hospital gives them the best of care, assured that the hospital had not charged extra over services provided in its 10 PPP initiatives. “The cost of our CT scan, the first PPP intervention in 2007 is far cheaper than what is obtained in Lagos. The cost of a test in the PPP laboratory is exactly that in the routine or conventional laboratory. Our MRI is the cheapest in Ibadan and the best. “Cost of care in UCH is still cheaper because we are serving a heterogeneous community, if these equipments are kept in private establish-

ment, they will be more expensive.” The UCH CMD, however, urged the media to assist the hospital in securing more genuine interested parties offer more assistance to the hospital. TERUMO Group Chairman, Koji Nakao, however, declared “UCH has

potentials and Professor Alonge has been trying to do many things here” According to him, “Just like many endeavours, there are also challenges but we believe with what we have seen on ground, the hospital is forging ahead and should be supported and encouraged.”

Medical experts at the Harvard University Business School in conjunction with Stanford University, have warned that workplace stress may be just as harmful as secondhand smoke. Of course, individuals are not exposed to smoke in the workplace, but in a study from the group, they said that the culprit is stress— and the body can only do so much to deal with stress, regardless of the source. The study also said that persons might have trouble dealing with workplace stress regardless of the kind of workplace they might have. While certain variables definitely exist, one constant remains: among the 225 studies conducted on this subject, the researchers observed that all work related stress can, in fact, contribute to health risks that have an effect similar to that

of secondhand smoke or an unhealthy diet, or the lack of exercise. The study, most importantly, indicated that, perhaps, we need more interventional care at the work place. There are lots of programmes to address the public health concerns of secondhand smoke and healthy eating and improving exercise, but there is nothing, really, in place among offices across America to help reduce workplace stress. “Wellness programmes are great at doing what they’re designed to do,” said Harvard University Business School assistant professor Joel Goh, recently, to the Boston Globe. “But they’re targeting [employee behaviour], not targeting the cause of stress. There are two sides of the equation and right now we focus on one side. We’re trying to call attention to the other side [of the equation], which is the effect of managerial practices.”

‘Health workers wasting expensive malaria drugs’ providers Health trained to perform malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are still prescribing valuable malaria medicines to patients who do not have malaria, according to new research published in PLOS ONE. Almost 5,000 participants from 40 communities took part in the study, at a variety of public health facilities, pharmacies and drug stores in the Nigerian state of Enugu. Despite the three different training interventions that they received and their satisfaction with the courses and materials, rates of RDT use remained less than 50%. The researchers from the Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) Consortium at the Uni-

versity of Nigeria and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in the UK split the health workers into three groups, to either receive a comprehensive RDT training or the same training plus a health campaign in schools, while the control arm received basic instructions to use RDTs. The first group had the highest rate of testing (48%), especially in public health facilities. Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe from the University of Nigeria, lead author of the study, said: “This study confirms that treating malaria based on signs and symptoms alone remains an ingrained behaviour that is difficult to change. If governments want RDTs to effectively target the use

of ACTs and avoid their misuse, then they must be supported by varieties of intensive and sustained interventions aimed at changing the behaviour of health providers and the expectations of patients and their families.” Dr. Virginia Wiseman, health economist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and also a principal investigator in the study, said: “Many studies have investigated the performance of RDTs in ideal settings. With this research we aimed to see how our interventions influenced behaviours, according to the different health services and contexts. We have shown that training alone is not enough to realise the full

potential of an RDT. We must continue to explore alternative ways of encouraging providers to deliver appropriate treatment and avoid the misuse of valuable medicines especially in the private sector where we found levels of testing to be lowest”. At present, many health workers in malaria endemic countries usually treat patients based on their signs and symptoms without testing their blood for the presence of malaria parasites, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. This can result in patients with a fever being overdiagnosed with malaria and receiving an ACT which they don’t need.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

healthpeople WHO prequalification, proof of quality of drugs made in Nigeria —Okelola, PMG-MAN executive secretary Mr Kunle Okelola, executive secretary, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), in this interview with SADE OGUNTOLA, says for Nigeria to remain a power broker in medicine manufacturing in West Africa, production of medicines should be prioritised.

overnment ministries, including the agencies are expected to patronise local manufacturers in compliance with presidential directives as well as back it up with prompt payments. Is Nigeria really doing that? The policy is partially implemented and the PMG-MAN is just advocating through the Bureau for Public Procurement that it should be implemented fully. What the policy actually says is that when a local manufacturer, not only of medicines, is bidding for a product or service and the difference between the quote is not more than 15 per cent, it should be given to the local manufacturer. This is what we want implemented. In fact, in the review of the act, the percentage differential should actually be more than 15 per cent because of the cost of doing business in our environment. However, the problem is those local medicines manufacturers who were fortunate to have those contracts for the past two and half years have not been fully paid. There is an outstanding payment of over N1.2 billion to manufacturers of medicine since 2012. About 11 companies in all are affected. This debt being owed members of PMG-MAN, what does it portend for their day-to-day running and the body as a whole? Of course, it will starve the company of needed working capital. Some of them went to the banks to get these funds and are now paying interest for over two years. This is already affecting their cash flow. In addition, when another pharmaceutical company goes to the same bank for such a facility, they are not likely to respond because of non payment of the initial one. We have appealed to government and we have expectations that with the change in regime, these debts will be cleared.

ers. Howbeit, we have a policy situation at hand right now, an international convention called ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), which is affecting local production of medicines. So that products manufactured in Nigeria will not be too expensive compared to imported products, we are insisting that government should impose an import adjust tax of 20 per cent on imported finished pharmaceutical products of HS code 3003 and 3004 immediately, as it applies to other sectors where Nigeria has capacity as allowed by the CET. In addition, under the national list within the CET, input into pharmaceutical manufacturing such as raw materials, excipients and packaging should be allowed to be imported at zero per cent by bonafide pharmaceutical manufacturers. What we are saying is that there must be an incentive to manufacture and a disincentive to import.

Mr Kunle Okelola There are insinuations that government, despite being indebted to local manufacturers, now patronise foreign companies for medicines. Is this the case? We are not happy with that but we still believe that those in government should do the right thing. They have set the criteria, they should just follow it. We have good relationship with the Bureau for Public Procurement, the government agency that moderates these things, and we believe they will do the right thing. Also, we are working with them to make sure that things are done correctly. What is the level of patronage for locally manufactured medicines by the government? In actual fact, the National Drug Policy expects that government by now should be buying at

least 75 per cent of its essential medicines from local manufacturers but it is still less than 30 per cent. Is this because local manufacturers do not have capacity to produce enough? This is not the case, but there could be other reasons known to those people that we cannot fathom. But it is an illegal act; they are committing a crime against the Republic. If Nigeria as a country makes a law and it is not obeyed by those who are paid to serve the people, then it is a crime. Does this have to do with the continuous policy summersault, which experts say is a major inhibition to industrial growth and economic development? Certainly, periodic reversal of policies generally does not pay off with local drug manufactur-

But there are some drugs that must be imported, for example those for the treatment of cancer? Those ones within the common external tariff, they are already enjoying zero tariff. Medicines in this group include vaccines and other things that are not easy to manufacture. But importation of other medicines that can be manufactured in Nigeria should attract 20 per cent tariff. Also, raw materials for medicine production should enjoy almost zero tariffs because we do not manufacture them in Nigeria. A case where raw materials come in at five per cent tariff and finished products are imported at zero tariffs cannot work, it is unrealistic. It is an error that has to be adjusted. It is just being equitable. Without the adjustment in the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) policy, we can become a dumping ground for medicines. For a lot of French speaking West African countries, they do not have manufacturers to protect and, as such, do not mind the tariffs. Within the Common External

Tariff, government has windows to put tariffs up to 35 per cent, actually. Doing this will make local manufacturers more competitive. How will it affect Nigeria’s quest for drug self sufficiency if nothing is done? It will just mean that the local manufacturing is not encouraged. What that portends is that there may come a time, like during the Ebola period, that the country will require a particular medicine and its country of production will decline because it also needs it for its own people. Drug should be a security issue. In war, after bullets, you need food and medicines. If people are injured and there is no medicine, you will be in trouble. If there is no food, they will surrender on their own. So, there should be a special status for the pharmaceutical industry. It should be protected because of its strategic importance. This can only be done by the kind of policies formulated and special allocation of foreign exchange to it. Health care should be a priority. Nigeria is an emerging hub for pharma market expansion in Africa; don’t you see this as a case of Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for medicines in Africa? Nigeria is not a powerhouse in Africa for medicines, but it is a power house for medicines in West Africa. In West Africa, we have about 160 medicine manufacturers and 120 of them are in Nigeria. Certainly, we will continue to work along this line. In West Africa, there are only four pharmaceutical companies that have been given WHO requirements for good manufacturing practices and all these companies are in Nigeria. We see this as an opportunity to leverage to show our ECOWAS countries that Nigeria can do quality products. The Nigeria Pharm Manufacturers Expo 2015 which started on Monday was organised by PMGMAN. What does it aim to achieve? It is to showcase Nigeria to the international community through its over 100 manufacturers that have their products on display. Second, it is to bring our partners from China, India, France, Germany and so on to come and display their machines. Several manufacturers instead of travelling to these countries can then easily do business with them. Aside the pharmaceutical industries, others allied company such as food, beverages and cosmetic industry also can benefit from new technologies at the exhibition.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

naturalhealth Corn silk, remedy for kidney problem, poor vision By Sade Oguntola

orn is a common food. Be it roasted or boiled, it is widely patronised because of its delicious tastes. Besides this, few people understand the healing properties of corn and its other parts, including the husks and corn silk. For long, corn silk has been used traditionally by the Chinese and Native Americans to treat many diseases, including, kidney diseases, prostate disorder, urinary infections, bedwetting and obesity. Interestingly, scientists at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, have also proven its efficacy in the treatment of kidney disorders, lowering of blood pressure and in promoting good vision. Led by Mr Sabiu Saheed of Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, the researchers found that corn silk tea is an alternative treatment for kidney disorders that can be packaged into teabags. Cornsilk tea or infusion can be made by pouring one cup (240 ml) of boiling water over two teaspoons (2.5 g) of dried corn silk. The mixture is covered and steeped for 10– 15 minutes. The tea should be consumed three times daily. In a presentation, “Phytomedicine: A Case Study of Nephroprotective Potentials of Corn Silk”, he said that corn silk tea can also be used to treat diabetes and urinary tract disorders, among others. Corn silk is suggested to help kidney disease patients lower their high creatinine level. Kidney disease patients, especially patients who have less than 50 per cent kidney function, often suffer from high creatinine levels. Creatinine is a break-down product of creatine, which is mainly excreted by kidneys. When the kidneys are dam-

aged severely, the creatinine will build up in blood, which will cause high creatinine level. Corn silk, regarded as a natural diuretic, helps people increase urine output. In this condition, creatinine can be excreted through urine, so the creatinine level will be decreased. Besides, it can also help to remove some other toxins and excess fluid from body. Given that the swelling and high blood pressure in such persons are well controlled well, people will not get further damage to their kidneys.

Previously, Indonesia researchers also linked the effectiveness of corn silk tea on kidney problems in the journal, International Journal of Pharmacology, to its ability to improve functions of the kidneys. In fact, the longer the animals took the tea extract, the greater the improvement in their kidney function. Further tests by Saheed and his co-researchers have found that corn silk tea is harmless, so concluding that it is as safe as other widely used green tea. The researcher, however, declared in the 2015 edition of the Toxicology Reports that corn silk extract was a good candidature in the management of coronary heart diseases if consumed at the doses investigated considering its ability to help lower the level of bad cholesterol. Also, researchers have corroborated the effect of corn silk extract on human blood pressure and intraocular pressure and found a significant reduction in average intraocular pressure and blood pressure within eight hours of its administration. The study, published in the 2015 edition of Clinical and Experimental Optometry involved Segun George, F.K. Idu, L.F. O. Obika, all from the University of Benin. It involved 40 participants with ocular hypertension but no detectable glaucomatous damage. Ocular hypertension is a precursor to glaucoma which is a sight threatening eye disease. The researchers found corn silk extract lowered intraocular pressure significantly. Its peak effect on intraocular pressure was observed after four hours. This was preceded by the peak effect on blood pressure, which occurred after three hours of administration. The blood pressure lowering effect was dose-dependent in the two groups.

sex,sexuality&yourhealth

means that a man who’s sober; takes no alcohol or other erection-impairing drugs cannot raise even a semi-firm erection after extended masturbation. ED is not inevitable, according to landmark studies by University of Chicago researchers, among men aged between 50 and 64, about onethird suffer ED. From age 65 to 85, the figure is approximately 44 per cent. While ED becomes increasingly common in older men, more than half never develop it. Older men do not suffer ED, but erection dissatisfaction. Starting around age 50; often earlier among smokers and/ or diabetics patients, erections change. In some men, the process is gradual, while in others, it happens more quickly. Either way, older men lose the ability to raise erections solely from sexual fantasies. Direct fondling of the penis becomes necessary. When erections appear, they rise more slowly and do not become as firm as they were during their 30s and 40s. And minor distractions may also cause wilting. These changes alarm many men, who jump to the conclusion that they must have ED. If you can still raise erection during masturbation, then you don’t have erectile dysfunction, what you have is erection dissatisfaction. To continue next week

Erection dissatisfaction not erectile dysfunction! rection changes after 50: The fact, however is that, most men develop "erection dissatisfaction," not erectile dysfunction

(ED). Based on different attractive advertisements for erection enhancing drugs, one could be misled to think that every man over 50 has erectile dysfunction (ED), this is not true. The different advertisements, however, have done a poor job of elucidating what happens to the erection of older men. Here are some facts about the erection

of older men and what the women who love them need to know. Erectile dysfunction (ED) means no erection from masturbation. According to the American Urological Association, ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. If you define an erection as what you see in pornography or pictures and satisfactory sexual performance as pornography sex; instant, hard-as-rock erections that last forever with climaxes always on cue; then just about every man has ED. ED, for practical purposes,

titbits

Ra ce

Race can play a large factor in the prevalence of many stereotypes – both negative and positive. It doesn’t always stem from hatred or intolerance, but simply a lack of understanding. The thing is, Asians don’t necessarily have small penises, Africans don’t necessarily have large penises, and Caucasians aren’t necessarily average. Humans don’t come colour-coded based on the size of their penises, though some people would like to think so for questionable reasons.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Unanswered questions over Mr President’s asset Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari unveiled the lid on his assets, a much awaited development in line with his campaign promise. Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, examines the unanswered questions raised by the declaration.

N February 20, 2015, a number of newspapers carried reports which indicated that then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari will publicly declare his assets and liabilities if voted into office in the March 28 presidential election. Some elements of the APC had leaked a document detailing Buhari’s promise to Nigerians within the first 100 days in office as President. One of the major issues in the document was his pledge to declare his assets publicly. It was a huge publicity stunt for the APC, which claimed all the accolades. It also gave a sort of unique ovation to Buhari, who would be the second Katsina State-born man in power to so publicly declare his assets. Going by the sentiments around the political space then, it was clear that the APC had gained a huge mileage from that declaration. That momentum must have contributed a long way in winning the party the victory it secured in March. Not a few Nigerians were however downcast as Buhari foot-dragging started when the chips were down. Weeks into his administration, mum was the word on the well-publicised promise. And Nigerians were agitated, especially about the issue of asset declaration, as they believed the action would give them insights into the kind of leader they have as far as corruption issues were concerned. President Buhari has been painted and adorned in different robes, most of which have dictated a Spartan lifestyle, frugal personality and incorruptible. Many had during the electioneering campaign painted Buhari as of no means, who had to reject his due as a former Nigerian leader because of the “huge allowances” attached. Those who have painted the pictures of the Buhari they know and the Buhari they want to see waited eagerly to catch a glimpse of the asset declaration documents and it was not going to be long before mere grumbles turned into a loud protest. Civil rights activists and other commentators started an open protest and alleged that the president must have deceived them into voting for him with a promise he never intended to keep. Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu however issued a statement indicating that Buhari would make the assets public within 100 days. He also stated that the documents

Buhari

Yar’Adua, who initiated the asset declaration mantra, had in 2007 published the forms he submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). He left the burden of verification for Nigerians.

were already in custody of the Code of Conduct Bureau, which he said was verifying the documents. Following the uproar that greeted recent appointments made by the President, it became imperative to hit the airwaves with

some attention catching news that could get Nigerians taking in other directions. The publicists did what is expected by releasing details of the assets of President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the heat of the conversations over lopsided appoint-

ments. The statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu indicated that President Buhari has N30 million in his bank account at Union Bank, the only bank account he operates, several cars, including donations from well-meaning Nigerians; a total of seven houses, including one in Kaduna, Daura, Kano and Abuja plus two mud houses in Daura; two undeveloped plots of land in Kano and Port Harcourt, an orchard and a ranch in Daura with 270 herd of cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, a variety of birds and a number of economic trees. It was news to behold for many, who believed that Buhari had finally opened the lid on the much-awaited news. But not a few raised questions about the manner of the declaration. Though the 1999 Constitucontinues pg39

politics&policy

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

The task before Code of Conduct Bureau continued from pg38

tion did not mandate a public office holder to publicly declare his assets, Buhari hand made it a personal burden when he announced his intention to make his assets public. But going by the declaration, it was apparent that Buhari has only fulfilled the promise half way. In contrast to the declaration made by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua on June 28, 2007, a month after his inauguration as president, Buhari left too many holes and did not actually tell Nigerians about his true worth. How, for instance, do Nigerians quantify a man who said he has “several cars,” when the value of the said cars are not attached. Again, how do the citizens value shares in three companies whose volumes they do not know. Yar’Adua, who initiated the asset declaration mantra, had in 2007 published the forms he submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). He left the burden of verification for Nigerians. According to the document made public by Yar’Adua, the late president was worth N856, 452,892, in cash and assets and an annual income was put at N18.7m. Details of the Yar’Adua declaration showed that the late president had N43, 702, 892.43 as cash in his bank accounts, while the value of the assets made up the balance of N856.4 million. Some of the assets named by him and their value included his family compound in Katsina State (N105m); a multistorey building at A8 Wuse 2, Abuja and a duplex at Malali, Kaduna State, valued at N212m and N120m, respectively; a sevenbedroom duplex at 2, Lema Jubril Close, valued at N90m, and a vacant plot at Asokoro New Layout in Abuja, valued at N50m. He also disclosed his 2,000,000 units of shares at Habib Bank; 100,000 units of shares of Intercity Bank Plc; and another 100,000 units of shares of Muradi Hotels Limited. His 29 vehicles were valued at N181, 250, 000 including campaign vehicles. The late president also declared that his wife Turai was worth N19 million, which was made up of houses and other listed properties. Contrary to what was largely parroted that Buhari had only one house in Daura Kano and Kaduna during the election, the President has put paid to all uncertainties and also confirmed that he has a house in Abuja. One missing link is however the value of the houses and the vehicles which number no one even knows. What is the nature of the houses owned by Buhari? Are they single buildings, bungalows, duplexes or block of flats? What is the value of the lands upon which these houses are erected and what value does the houses themselves cumulatively amount to? For instance, while the president declared that he has one house in Abuja, the house on 9, Udo Udoma Street, Asokoro Abuja is actually a Mini estate, which comprises four-bedroom luxury duplexes, which was said to have been originally occupied by Directors of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), when Buhari served as Chairman of the Fund. The value of the mini-estate is put at not below N1.5 billion. No one also knows the volume and value of shares owned by Buhari in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank, as well as the amount of his “several” cars. There are also questions as to why a president who told the public that he obtained a loan of N27 million in 2014 to be able to pay for APC’s nomination form would six

Late Yar’Adua months after declare a cash of N30 million in his account. And then the questions also extend to how the 150 heads of cattle declared in a post in 2014 rose to 270 in six months. In a Facebook post in December 2014, Buhari had indicated that he had about N1 million in his bank account and about 150 of cattle. The post also confirmed he has one house each in Kaduna, Kano, and Daura. Lawyers and other opinion molders immediately jeered at Buhari for only meeting Nigerians half way. Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined the fray when it insisted that Buhari has only listed some of his assets and was yet to declare his assets. PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh said in a statement that the asset declaration by Buhari amounted to a “window dressing” meant to hoodwink Nigerians. The party stated that Buhari had in his own words announced his decision to make his assets public at a forum on March 18, 2015, “at exactly 5 pm.” The party quoted Buhari as saying that, “I pledge to publicly declare my assets and liability and also encourage my political appointees to publicly declare their assets and liability,” adding that what was published by the President did not contain details of the value of the assets.

The PDP said: “We have noted the release of a flimsy list of belongings of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo by the Presidency, who want such to pass as the public declaration of assets as pledged by the President. Nigerians are not deceived by this poor attempt at windowdressing designed by the Presidency to hoodwink the unsuspecting populace in a desperate bid to shore up its diminished image. “We ask, is the resort to a mere list, instead of true copies of the declaration not a ploy to give the Presidency a window for denial in consonance with their widely observed inclination for flip flopping, backtracking and brazen denials of their statements and actions? “All we want is credibility, integrity and sincerity of purpose. We are not questioning how a President, who by December last year, declared that he had only N1 million in his account, could suddenly now list N30 million in the same bank account by May 29, and after an expensive campaign; we are not yet demanding the public declaration of his assets in his wife’s name. “We are not even applauding the multiplication of his cows from 150 to 250 in a space of three months, arising from his dual and conflicting pronouncements on this issue. What the PDP and discerning Nigerians de-

One missing link is however the value of the houses and the vehicles which number no one even knows. What is the nature of the houses owned by Buhari? Are they single buildings, bungalows, duplexes or block of flats?

Sam Baba, chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau mand is for Mr. President to always stand by his words and pledge. Mr. President, this is a mere list of your belongings and not public declaration of assets in fulfillment of your covenant with Nigerians.” Vocal Lagos lawyer and civil rights activist, Ebun Adegboruwa, had said in the media that Buhari’s asset declaration was not only belated but also lacking in details. The lawyer insisted that information is lacking in the asset declaration form announced by Buhari adding that the President hoarded vital facts from the people. He also said that the asset declaration was coming after many Nigerians have uncovered the “secret assets” through diligent efforts. He stated that details of the President’s asset declaration were already in the hands of Nigerians. Adegboruwa was quoted in the media as saying: “He should have let us know the worth of those assets, especially the ones in Abuja. So without knowing the worth, we cannot estimate what the President has. The information supplied to the public by the President is so scanty, as to totally amount to hoarding vital details of his assets. For the assets declaration to make any meaningful impact, it should have been declared voluntarily and without any prompting upon the President by Nigerians. The implication of this is that the President was forced to declare his assets.” But some will say that the President’s asset declaration was work in progress. Some will also say that since the CCB was still vetting the assets, the President could still announce the details. Whatever happens in the later days, the fact for now remains that Buhari has given out too little through the celebrated asset declaration. Asset declaration is not supposed to mean a list of the title of the assets, but rather a detailed listing of the assets and their values. The example having been shown by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua should remain the yardstick for any other President who wishes to follow that path.

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Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Nigerians need to be educated about NASS operations â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Omogbehin Honourable Mike Omogbehin is the member representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency of Ondo State in the House of Representatives. In this interview with YINKA OLADOYINBO, he speaks on the House and the criticism against some of its operations, among other issues. Excerpts:

N the last three months you have gone on recess three times and Nigerians have been complaining. Do you think something tangible can be achieved if this trend continues? One of the fastest things I learnt is about the public perception of the recess in the legislative arm of government. Recess does not mean legislators are on holiday. It does not mean that the National Assembly is shut down. It simply means that we are on recess away from the plenary. The period of the recess is expected to be used for part of our parliamentary assignments. It is expected that we use the period to meet with our constituents. We are also expected to use it as a moment for research, a moment for us to work on further motions from the issues that have been discussed in the previous sittings in the House, and from the issues that are evolving in Nigeria, so that we can be prepared for the next plenary. It does not mean that we are going on a jamboree. Within the short period, I have been to my constituency twice and this is what I expect my colleagues to be doing. Our staff are in the office, we also need to meet them to collect and collate information that will be used for legislative duties when we resume. So, we will get it wrong if we assume that parliamentarians going on recess means that the National Assembly is shut down. How will you react to the criticism over the budget of the National Assembly which many people believe is too bogus? This has been a very sensitive issue in the country and I will not shy away from it. First, we should note that the current budget was inherited from the seventh assembly. We should also note that the seventh assembly made a huge sacrifice in the preparation of the budget as it was slashed by over N20 billion. There is another point we need to get. When we say the budget of National Assembly, people think that that is the money the 360 members of the House plus the 109 senators will spend, which is untrue. Just like we have the Civil Service Commission, we have the National Assembly Service Commission, the Institute of Legislative Studies; we also have staffs in the offices and capital projects. The budget of the National Assembly is meant to finance all these projects. It is not meant only for expenditure of the members of the house. We must also put vis-Ă -vis the budget of the executive and the judiciary. It is not only the judges that make up the judiciary; it is not only the president and the ministers that make up the executive. It is when we look at it in that context that we will appreciate that the budget of the National Assembly is not too much. Secondly, Nigerians will need to sit down and define what we want. Democracy is not cheap and most of the time, it is only the legislative arm that is new in government, even when there is no democracy. The executive and judiciary work without democracy. But each time democracy is disrupted, it is the legislative arm that is disrupted and it simply means that Nigerians overtime are not used to the situation. So we must sit down and look at the type of the legislative arm of

Lamorde

When a congressman in America visits his constituency, the best he does is to sign autograph and move around. But you cannot do that in Nigeria. These are some cultural analysis and comparison that we need to do to appreciate what is happening government that we want in Nigeria. Do we want to continue with the bicameral or we want a unicameral? As a federal lawmaker, what type of legislature will you suggest for the country following the arguments that we should return to unicameral system to cut cost, among other reasons? As an individual and a member of the National Assembly, it is beyond me to conclude on the exact type of legislature that Nigeria needs. People who sat down to adopt a presidential and bicameral system must have taken into consideration a lot of factors, one of which is the size and diversity of the country. They may have concluded that having two houses being able to assess issues from different angles because of the diversity in

the country will be better for us. It is not just the cost of running the legislative arm that should be considered. If we are looking at the cost, we must also look at the opportunity cost, that is, if we are not practicing a bicameral system, what are the consequences, the dangers in us making mistakes. That is why I said we need to sit down and experts will need to take a second look at it. There have also been controversies over the salary of the lawmakers, what is your view on the calls for a slash of the salary It is good when one speaks from outside the system, but when you wear the shoes, it is a different ball game entirely. I am wearing the shoes now and that is why I said by the time we are through with the average

need assessment of a lawmaker or the entire legislature, it will be presented to Nigerians and those who have different opinions will see. But when you talk about salary, it is laughable attimes as people talk about allowances that are not existing. Sometimes ago, Nigeria was agog with wardrobe allowance. I do not see where wardrobe allowance is part of my allowances. I also read recently that we collect recess allowance, which is also strange to me. Most of the time, Nigerians speak about things that do not exist. We are good at doing comparative analysis in the country; we always compare what is obtained in some other countries with that of Nigeria. No two houses or congresses across the world have similar factors. If we want to compare the Nigerian parliament to the American congress, we must be able to compare in totality. For instance, many Nigerians do not know that an American congressman just after four years is entitled to pension for the rest of his life provided he has attained the pension age. The Nigerian legislator is not entitled to that. We do not also take into consideration the cultural differences. When a congressman in America visits his constituency, the best he does is to sign autograph and move around. But you cannot do that in Nigeria. These are some cultural analysis and comparison that we need to do to appreciate what is happening. There is also the erroneous impression about constituency projects. People believe that, as members of parliament, we are given certain money to do constituency projects. In Kenya, every parliamentarian is given one million pounds every year to run constituency project and the executive arm has a monitoring unit that will monitor the projects being executed. This makes the parliamentarians have a one-on-one relationship with their constituency, but this is not obtained in Nigeria. The best we do as parliamentarians is that each year we submit our plans for our constituents as constituency projects. This will be given to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and they will only implement it subject to availability of fun. At the end of the day, the member will be held responsible for not impacting on his people. Nigerians should be educated; they should know what to and what not to blame us for. We are however coming close to it with the present leadership of the National Assembly. How prepared is the PDP for the opposition role in the National Assembly? The PDP has been a ruling party for 16 years, but we have suddenly found ourselves in the opposition. Every stage of life needs transition, and we are transiting very well. We are not going to engage in opposition just for the sake of opposition. We are not going to engage in bitter opposition like the APC and the rest did when we were in power. We are going to engage the APC constructively, issues by issues. They made some promises to Nigerians and they must keep these promises. Where they failed to keep the promises, we are going to talk and inform Nigerians that they are being deceived. We are going to insist that the country should be governed according to the constitution of Nigeria. It does not matter if the injustice is to us as a party, or to members of their party. We have started engaging in constructive opposition already.

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Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Tribunal to rule on Ondo lawmakers’ petitions Sept 11, Oct 6 Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

HE Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure, the state capital, on Wednesday, reserved its ruling on the petition seeking the nullification of the election that produced the member representing Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Kolade Akinjo till October 6.

The three-man panel which was headed by Justice Ojobor Ogar reserved its judgement after the submissions by the two parties involved. The petitioner, Orimisan Ayedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the court to nullify the election that produced Akinjo as the lawmaker representing the federal constituency, saying Akinjo who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Patty (PDP)

Tribunal set for judgment in Nasarawa Ademola Adegbite - Lafia

COUNSEL in the ongoing Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Wednesday, adopted written addresses in the matter, just as the tribunal announced that a day of judgment would be communicated to the parties involved at a later date. It will be recalled that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who was also the immediate past Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, was challenging the victory of Governor Umaru Tanko AlMakura of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state. In his argument, the counsel to the petitioner,

Joe Gazama, said his client deposited documentary evidence, having presented 56 witnesses to substantiate his claims and was not contended by the parties, urging tribunal to declare his client winner. While citing the case of Dariye versus PDP 2011, Gazama submitted that Maku won with a far magin of 26,000 votes, saying the election was not conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act, hence, the reason why tribunal should declare Maku winner of the April governorship election. In his own submission, counsel to Governor AlMakura, Yusuf Ali, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition, saying the petitioner failed to proof his case and urged the court to dispose the case in its entirety.

was not qualified to contest the election because he was still a member of the Labour Party as at the time the poll was conducted on March 28, 2015. In his submission, the APC counsel, Mr Yinka Orokoto, told the tribunal that he had submitted enough evidences to show that the PDP lawmaker was not duly registered as member of the party when he got the party’s ticket on November 6, last year. However, counsel to Akinjo, Olabamji Ayenakin, faulted the APC argument in his submission, insisting that his client had left the LP before the election and registered by the PDP before he was given the ticket to contest. Similarly, the tribunal will determine the fate of another federal lawmaker, Honourable Joseph Akinlaja on Friday, September 11, over a petition filed against him by the APC candidate in the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election, Dele Olanubi. The APC candidate, in his petition, prayed the court to nullify the re-election of Akinlaja of the Peoples Democratic Party, who represents Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, on the grounds that the election that he was declared winner was characterised with irregularities and non-compliance to the electoral Act.

Akpabio opens defence THE Akwa-Ibom National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, entertained two witnesses in defence of the election of Senator Godswill Akpabio (PDP-Akwa-Ibom NorthWest). At the resumed hearing of the case, counsel to Akpabio, Mr Paul Usoro, told the tribunal that the first respondent intended to call 25 witnesses. One of the witnesses, Professor Adewale Ladipo, who is the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that Akpabio won the party’s primaries for AkwaIbom North-West Senatorial District. “PDP sponsored Chief Goodswill Akpabio for Akwa-Ibom North-West Senatorial District election and he won with a very wide margin. “Also, I am aware that parties submitted to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), forms indicating list of names of contestants and Akpabio‘s name was among. INEC did not complain that we

mislead it,” he said. In his testimony, the second witness, Mr Olatunji Oshuntokun, who supervised the PDP primaries in A’Ibom North-West and South Senatorial districts, said the elections were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. Oshuntokun added that

they were free and fair, adding that Akpabio won the A’Ibom North-West primaries. The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Inibehe Okori, and APC, had taken Akpabio, PDP and INEC to court over the outcome of the election.

Court orders arrest of Minna-based contractor Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

A Minna Senior Magistrate’s Court, on Wednesday, issued a bench warrant for the re-arrest of one Charles Chukwura, Chairman of Nigeria-based foreign construction firm, Italworks Nigeria Limited, who was granted bail by the court two weeks ago. Also, the guarantor of Charles Chukwura, a woman, may also forfeit the bond she entered into if she did not produce the accused person in court on the next adjournment date. Senior Magistrate Abdulrahaman Idris declaration followed a presentation to the court by Police Pros-

ecution Officer, Inspector Pius Asawa that the suspect had failed to appear in court on two previous occasions saying that the action was an attempt to frustrate the hearing of the case. Inspector Asawa also said that neither the counsel nor guarantor of the accused person had shown up or given any reason for their absence in court actions that could amount to denial of justice. The prosecutor also urged the court to join the two Police First Information Reports (FIR) filed against the suspect because the first FIR led to the second alleged offence.

Bayelsa on the march again By Sam Akpe The heat has been turned on; and it’s gushing at full blast. You can even feel it as you drive into the city of Yenagoa, the headquarters of Bayelsa State; a state where oil was discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956. That was at a place called Oloibiri. With the discovery, Nigeria hit the legendary jackpot. It was the beginning of the petrol-dollar era; when money wasn’t a problem but what to spend it on. Oil or Oloibiri is not our focus today. Bayelsa State is in the headlines for a different reason. Politics; yes, that is it! The whole state is soaked in political fragrance. There is what some people call fear of the unknown: the fear of disqualification and the fear of ultimate failure. Both have gripped the hearts of several politicians and political jobbers. Even the political pundits are confused. The situation is unpredictable. Both the politicians in power and those aspiring for power are connected in a hypertensive race to the power podium. While the sitting governor, Seriake Dickson, surrounded by hangers-on, is fighting against being unseated in the upcoming election, the fresh aspirants themselves, especially those in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s main opposition party, are pretty unsure of who among them will challenge Dickson in the real contest. Dickson, for now, is the sole candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Being the only candidate, however, has its advantages and setbacks. That no PDP member is challenging Dickson to the ticket is suspicious. It is normal to assume that they have all queued behind him either out of fear or in solidarity with his leadership. It could also be that the sitting governor has driven them into silence and they are all waiting to see his back. This is politics. Every consensus has both positive and negative sides. It is even assumed that with the emergence of a strong opposition in Bayelsa State led by former governor, Timipreye Sylva and the irrepressible political optimist, Timi Alaibe, everyone believes that PDP only exists in the shadow of its old self. What this means is that Dickson’s sole candidature may not be an advantage. It could be a signal to what lies ahead—being left to die alone; I mean politically. However, what if it is the opposite? When I looked through the advertisement he placed in the papers last week, I noticed that names of big political leaders were splashed all over the pages. That shows that it is not yet over although the man is under pressure to redeem his four year-old promises to the people. At the last count, more than a dozen members of the APC in Bayelsa State were eager to pick what they call Expression of Interest Forms. By the end of last week, only one known aspirant had openly picked, filled and submitted the form. The unconfirmed report is that with Alaibe in the race, every other aspirant, except Sylva, has decided to queue behind. But is Sylva seriously in the race? Let’s leave it there for now. Some of the APC members who have just joined the party and who are yet to fulfil the required number of years, months or weeks as required by the party guidelines before seeking elective offices, were last week applying for waivers. Yes, waiver: just like you would wave your hand in dismissal of resistance or objections. In this case the party is expected to waive aside certain provisions of its rules or constitution regarding eligibility to contest for public office so that the new comers, whose membership in the party is of utmost importance, can participate in the race. The only difference is that in this case, the party will have to put the waiver in writing to give it a legal status.

With the APC primaries fixed for September 19, in spite of the number of aspirants who have so far picked the form or are aspiring to pick the form to contest the governorship position, political soothsayers believe that the real battle is between the former governor Sylva and Alaibe who is a former presidential adviser and chieftain of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This is why the incumbent is worried. As a sitting governor, the gentleman lawyer and a former member of the House of Representatives, should really, based on the Nigerian factor, have nothing to worry about. The belief is that incumbent political office holders are hardly defeated by fresh aspirants to the office. That has happened again and again. However, former President Goodluck Jonathan has since demystified that belief after the last presidential election. He lost at the polls and quickly congratulated his opponent, Muhammadu Buhari. This is perhaps, Dickson’s greatest concern. When, or perhaps, if he is beaten at the poll, he will have no moral authority to fight on because the man who established that intimidating template is his political godfather. Maybe it’s too early to start talking about the real election at this point when it is yet unclear who would challenge Dickson at the polls. Let’s return to the APC primaries. In what could pass as an expensive joke on Sunday, someone told this writer on phone that Dickson and his supporters do wish above all things that Sylva beats Alaibe at the APC primaries because Sylva would be easier to beat in the real election in the same manner it would be almost impossible to beat Alaibe. By this calculation, it therefore means that if APC is serious about winning the governorship of Bayelsa State, it should ensure that Alaibe emerges the standard bearer. It also implies that if the party cannot persuade Sylva to step down, Bayelsa APC delegates who will vote at the primaries must ensure that the more popular of the two aspirants emerges the winner. There is also another joke that since Alaibe, just like Muhammadu Buhari, has been in the race more than once, although at other times, power wielders in the PDP always advised him to step down for either Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha or Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, this may be his chance. Buhari tried four times before an incumbent lost for him to win. Alaibe does not need to equal that record. The upcoming Bayelsa election is crucial. More crucial however, is the courage and foresight of the delegates during the primaries to elect a politically buoyant contender with the needed pedigree and grassroots connection that would confront and probably uproot the historical might of the incumbent. I watched a television programme the other night in which one of the discussants said with so much assurance that the emergence of Alaibe from the APC camp has generated an unquestionable confidence in many Bayelsans that APC would win the governorship election. He went ahead to say that delegates to the primaries would be guided by what has happened in the state between 2007 and today. In his view, Bayelsa people have become wiser. He even hoped aloud that Sylva himself will read the handwriting on the wall and withdraw from the race so that APC, as one house with one destiny, can muscle up against the PDP in December. If that be the case, then Alaibe will accomplish on December 5 what Buhari accomplished in March this year. Sam Akpe, a policy analyst, sent this piece from Bayelsa State.

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

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Queen opens £294 million Scottish Borders Railway as she becomes Britain’s longest-reigning monarch

HE Queen on Wednesday surpassed the record set by her great-greatgrandmother Queen Victoria to become Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. But rather than mark the milestone with high-profile celebrations, it will be business as usual for Her Majesty as she carries out official duties in Scotland. The Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip as she met First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the station. The party boarded a steam train to the village of Tweedbank, where she opened the new £294million Scottish Borders Railway. The monarch’s wish to make the day as normal as possible did not stop hundreds of well-

Australia to take 12,000 refugees, join coalition airstrikes in Syria AUSTRALIA will take in an extra 12,000 migrants fleeing conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said, as he confirmed the country would be joining airstrikes against ISIS in Syria this week. According to CNN, the intake almost doubles the number of people currently allowed into Australia through its humanitarian programme, which is currently capped at 13,750 each year. Priority would go to persecuted minorities especially women, children and families who are currently in camps in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, Abbott announced on Wednesday. “We want the 12,000 to come in as quickly as possible. We’re not putting a timetable on it because we do have to make all of these important checks; health, security, character, because it is important that we bring in people who are going to be contributors to the Australian community,” he said.

wishers from gathering outside, clutching Union flags and in a show of support. Her arrival was met with a huge cheer, as a pipe band played to mark the occasion. The exact moment the Queen eclipses Queen Victoria’s milestone is not known as there is no precise time for the death of the Queen’s beloved father, George VI, who died in the early hours of February 6 1952, MailOnline reported. But Buckingham Palace has calculated that at around 5.30 p.m. the Queen will make history as she will have reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours and roughly 30 minutes, a few minutes longer than Queen Victoria. Steam billowed out of the train as it pulled away from the Edinburgh station. Inside, the Queen could be sitting next to Nicola Sturgeon at a linen-covered table. Her husband the Duke of Edinburgh was sat opposite. The party are making their way to the village of Tweedbank, where the official opening ceremony for the Scottish Borders Railway will take place. They are taking the same route as

Waving to her loyal subjects, the Queen is seen looking out the window as the train leaves Waverley Station on Wednesday. PHOTO: PA.

the new rail service, stopping in Newtongrange, Midlothian on the way. The Queen is expected to deliver a speech but it is thought the focus will remain on the railway, with only an oblique reference to the significance of the occasion. She will later return to Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, where she is currently spending her summer holiday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister David Cameron led MPs in paying tribute to the Queen in Parliament today. Mr Cameron said it was ‘truly humbling’ to comprehend the scale of the Queen’s public service, comparing her reign to a “golden thread running through three post-war generations.”

ISIS kidnaps 127 children in Mosul so as to train them to kill ISLAMIC State militants have kidnapped 127 children from the Iraqi city of Mosul and intend to turn them into blood-thirsty killers, it has been claimed. The 11 to 15-year-olds were snatched with the intention of taking them to camps where they will be indoctrinated with the terror group’s sick ideology, according to Saeed Mamouzini, an official from the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Mosul. In these camps, the child recruits are taught how to fire weapons, wrestle and perform close combat moves, and are known as the ‘cubs of the caliphate.’ Mr Mamouzini told IraqiNews.com: “The organisation kidnapped, during the past few days, 127 children aged between 11 to 15 years.’ He said the children had been sent to special camps to be trained how to use weapons and the ‘implementation of terrorist operations.’

Al-Qaida-led rebels seize airport from Syrian military ISLAMIST rebels have captured a major airbase from government forces in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, according to Syrian state television and a war monitoring group. The state TV report on Wednesday announced the military retreat from Abu Duhur military airport, where the Islamist extremists had imposed a nearly two-year-long siege. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Nusra Front and allied Islamist groups are now in con-

otherNEWS

trol of “nearly all” of the facility. The coalition, the “Army of Conquest,” took over the city of Idlib, which is the provincial capital, and several other areas earlier this year. The airport had been one of the military’s last remaining strongholds in the province. According to VOA, it is the latest in a wave of rebel gains across the country that are raising renewed questions about the long-term viability of the government of Syrian President Bashar alAssad.

The youngsters, known as ‘cubs of the caliphate’, are taught how to become terrorists.

Child mortality falls by 50% since 1990 —Report CHILD mortality has fallen by more than 50 per cent since 1990, a report by the World Health Organization and UN children’s agency Unicef says. It says that 25 years ago 12.7 million children under five died, but this year the figure is projected to drop below six million for the

first time. But aid agencies warn that huge challenges remain, BBC said. They point out that the UN target of reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015 will not be met. The rate fell by 53 per cent over this pe-

riod, the report says. “We have to acknowledge tremendous global progress,” said Unicef’s deputy executive director Geeta Rao Gupta. “But the far too large number of children still dying from preventable causes before their fifth birthday... should impel us to

redouble our efforts to do what we know needs to be done.” The report says that 16,000 children under the age of five still die every day. Many become victims of preventable illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea or malaria.

Hillary Clinton apologises for using private email

6 African nations ‘among worst places to grow old’

HILLARY Clinton has apologised for her use of a personal email account for official business whilst US secretary of state between 2009-2013. In a Facebook post, she wrote she was “sorry” and had made a “mistake”. Her use of private email has generated a barrage of criticism as Mrs Clinton runs for the Democratic presidential nomination for the 2016 election. Critics say that her set-up was not secure, contrary to government policy, and meant to shield her from oversight.

SIX African countries, including Malawi and Mozambique, have been ranked among the 10 worst places to grow old, according to HelpAge International. The charity’s Global AgeWatch Index measured the social and economic welfare of those over 60 in 96 nations. Switzerland topped the list and Afghanistan came last. According to BCC, it measured income security, health and whether someone had access to public transport, social connections as well as their physical safety.

Mrs Clinton apologised for the first time for using a personal account during an interview on Tuesday. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign has been damaged by the email saga. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES.

Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda and Uganda were all in the bottom 10 countries for people over 60-years-old. The survey may reflect more about data collection across Africa, than the quality of life for older people on the continent. Toby Porter, chief executive of HelpAge International, said he could not include many countries as there was not enough data available. He told the New York Times that out of 54 countries in Africa, there was enough data available to include only 11.

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Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Kenyan men arrested with explosives at mall in Nairobi THREE men have been arrested at a shopping centre in Kenya’s capital with a suspected explosive device, which has since been detonated in a controlled explosion, police say. The Garden City Mall, one of the biggest shopping centres in the city, has also been evacuated. One of the men refused to be searched by security guards and was overpowered in a scuffle, a witness said. In 2013, al-Shabab gunmen killed 67 shoppers at the city’s Westgate mall.

Police spokesman George Kinoti told the BBC that the three men in custody were all Kenyans and the explosives were discovered in one of their bags. “The situation is under [the] absolute control of our security agencies and the entire country is under multiagency surveillance,” he said. The BBC’s Alastair Leithead in Nairobi says it is believed to have been a small explosive device with a battery and a mobile phone attached, which could have been used as a trigger.

Rwanda court agrees to hear case to block president’s 3rd term RWANDA’S Supreme Court said it would hear a case brought by the main opposition party that aims to block changing the constitution to allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third, seven-year term. The debate about term limits has flared in several countries in Africa. The United States, a major donor to Rwanda, said last week it was concerned by the country’s decision to set up a commission that could lead

to changing the constitution. Judge Immaculee Nyirinkwaya, who heads a panel of eight judges, said the Supreme Court rejected the government attorney’s argument that the case should be thrown out and the next hearing was set for Sept. 23. The Democratic Green Party, the tiny but main political opposition group in a nation where rights groups and activists say opponents of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front are stifled.

Man kills 3-year-old son in washing machine, for behaving badly at school A father allegedly killed his three-year-old son by putting him in a washing machine and turning it on, a French court heard today. Christophe Champenois, 37, allegedly sought to punish his son Bastien for ‘behaving badly at school,’ prosecutors say. Bastien’s mother Charlotte Cotte, 29, is charged with collusion and appeared alongside Champenois at the Assize Court in Melun, in a Paris’ suburb on Tuesday. During the first day of his

murder trial, Champenois claimed he had no memory of the events on November 25, 2011, when Bastien died. It was Champenois himself who called emergency services in the town of Germigny-l’Eveque, east of Paris, saying he had a ‘small problem’ as his son had fallen down the stairs. He added that he had given him a bath to refresh him and that the toddler must have drowned because he had water coming out of his nostrils.

British Airways plane catches fire at Las Vegas airport, 14 injured The plane was travelling at 90mph when the engine exploded, but the pilot stopped it within nine seconds.

hero British Airways pilot averted disaster by bringing a 350-tonne plane accelerating down the runway at 90mph to a standstill in just nine seconds, saving the lives of everyone on board.

The pilot named Chris Henkey, from Reading was readying the plane for take-off when it burst into flames at a Las Vegas airport on Tuesday evening. It had been bound for London Gatwick, and was travelling at 90 miles per

hour when the left engine caught fire after a catastrophic failure. Passengers described a loud bang, and the increasing heat from the fire near the windows. But in a mayday call to the control tower, Captain

Henkey remained calm and collected, asking for ‘fire services’ and then informing them ‘we are evacuating.’ The passengers and crew exited the plane, which was still in the middle of the runway, Fourteen people were then taken to hospital for treatment many suffering from suspected smoke inhalation while others were hurt when they evacuated. They have all since been released. Writing in the Guardian after escaping the plane, passenger Jacob Steinberg revealed there was applause when the pilot emerged. Without him, the football and tennis writer suggested, it wasn’t worth thinking about what would have happened next.

3 new Ebola patients found in Sierra Leone THREE more people have tested positive for Ebola from the same village in Sierra Leone’s northern Kambia district of the country where a 67-year-old woman died last week from the virus, federal health officials said. Chief medical officer Dr. Brima Kargbo told VOA on Tuesday the new patients came from among the 50 high-risk people identified as close relatives of the deceased woman. Sierra Leone has had nearly 14,000 cases of Ebola and about 4,000 deaths since the outbreak began in 2014. But Kargbo said the latest outbreak is containable because its origin is traceable. “These are people who stayed in

Medical staff working with Doctors Without Borders deliver food to the isolation area of an Ebola treatment centre in Sierra Leone’s Kailahun district, in July 2014. PHOTO: REUTERS. the same community,” he said, adding that “some even participated in washing of the corpse. So that is why the entire village was quarantined to avoid transmitting the infection from one place to anoth-

er.” The latest outbreak temporarily dashed the country’s hopes of being declared Ebola-free following the release from the hospital late last month of the country’s last known

Ebola patient. But Kargbo said Sierra Leoneans should not fear a widespread outbreak like a year ago. “Now we can actually trace the origin of the infection,” so the virus can more readily be contained, he emphasized. In addition, Kargbo said, the experimental “Guinea ring vaccine” is being administered in the community. “We have actually vaccinated more than 130 people in that same community to protect them, but also to prevent those who may have come in contact with the deceased woman from actually getting the infection,” Kargbo said.

otherNEWS Motorists stranded on highway in Indian 26-lane jam A rush hour commute is a pain in the backside in any major city in the world, but this 26-lane traffic jam in New Delhi, India takes road rage to another level. Traffic between New Delhi and Gurgaon on highway NH-8 has been a long-standing issue, which has been made worse by lo-

cal government ‘experiments’ to solve the problem,Time of India reports. Last year’s dismantling of a 32-lane toll station between the two cities was said to be the relief commuters had been waiting more than five years for, however, as the toll plaza had helped regulate the flow, the result has been bottlenecking further

down the express-way. These images were published by New Delhi based Anil Sood, founder of ‘Society for Protection of Culture, Heritage, Environment, Traditions and Promotion of National Awareness’ (CHETNA), who has been running a long-standing campaign to highlight the issues of India’s public transport and traffic system.

He posted the pictures on his Twitter account, with the caption: ‘Corruption, inefficiency, robbery, fleecing of Commuters colossal national waste of precious FE man hours[sic].’ The demolition of the toll plaza has also drawn complaints from residents in Gurgaon, who as early as last year highlighted the issues with noise and a higher risk of accidents as the barriers that had regulated traffic disappeared.

UN establishes ‘weapons-free zone’ in Central African Republic

Motorists driving between New Delhi and Gurgaon this week faced a 26-lane traffic jam during their morning commute.

THE United Nations has established a “weaponsfree zone” in a town in Central African Republic to protect civilians from armed groups involved in inter-religious clashes that killed more than 10 people last month, the head of peacekeeping operations said. Thousands of Central Africans have died and more than 800,000 remain displaced following two years of violence that erupted after mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian country in 2013.

Fighting in the town of Bambari, a Seleka stronghold, began when members of the mainly Christian “anti-balaka” militias, which have emerged in response to Seleka abuses, beheaded a Muslim youth. Reprisals by Muslims followed. “(The U.N.) took the decision to set up a weapons-free zone in Bambari to ensure the physical security and free circulation of the civilian population as well as access for humanitarian workers,” Herve Ladsous said during a visit to the country.

news

Thursday, 10 September, 2015

Lawmaker raises the alarm over herdsmen’s attack on Delta farmers alphonsus agborh-asaba

HE Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Friday Osanebi, has warned that armed herdsmen have become a major threat and security risk in Delta State. Consequently, the deputy Speaker charged security agencies in the state, to step up surveillance in order to apprehend criminal elements among the cattle rearers. Osanebi, in a statement in Asaba, observed that the herdsmen are reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK 47 rifles and other dangerous weapons with which they harass, attack and rape women as well as kill innocent unarmed farmers in different parts of the state. According to him, the call for extra vigilance had

become imperative in view of the recent unprovoked attack on former Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Aneke Ifemeni, and the killing of six farmers at Onicha Ukwuani in

Ndokwa West Local Government Area. Similar attacks on farmers in Ogume, also in Ndokwa West Local Government Area in the past, according to the deputy speaker, led to the death of 10 persons,

while the marauders have been destroying crops and farmlands in other parts of the state in an unrestrained manner. Osanebi lamented that many farmers in the state and members of their fami-

lies were now afraid of going to the farm. He, therefore, enjoined affected families to be more vigilant and report any strange and suspicious movement of the armed cattle rearers to security

Ado-Ekiti Lions Club donates materials to orphanage sam nwaoko-ado-ekiti

THE President of AdoEkiti Metropolitan Lions Club, Dr Pius Adeojo, has donated various items worth several thousands of naira to Wining Children Foundation, a private children’s home in Usi community in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State with a call on orphanages operating in the country to be vigilant

and security-conscious. Dr Adeojo said the advice became necessary in view of the rampant cases of child trafficking in many parts of the country. He noted that there was need for operators of babies’ homes/orphanages “to take the issue of security serious so as to prevent criminallyminded people from using the vulnerability of

these children to perpetrate evil.” The Lions Club president urged the government to invest in the education of children who “found themselves in this pathetic circumstance, to not only reduce crime but also secure the socio-economic future of the state and country.” He said “many of the children in this category have been used for bomb-

ing and destruction of lives and property by insurgents,” and lamented that “it is disheartening to be hearing on daily basis, reports of cases of child abandonment, baby factories, child labour and trafficking even when we have a functional government in place.” According to the Lions Club chief, “the government and private organisations owe it a duty to

C/River moves to end communal crisis in Abi ubong anthony-calabar

WORRIED by the lingering feud between Ediba and Usumutong communities in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, the state government has taken a drastic step to end the age-long dispute. To this end, the office of the Surveyor-General has been directed to acquire the piece of land in dispute for government use. The state deputy governor, Professor Ivara Esu, gave the directive in his office during a meeting with leaders of the two communities. Professor Esu warned that the state government would stop at nothing to deal with anyone who kills a fellow human being in the name of communal clash. He said the present administration was committed to the development of the state and would not tolerate any distraction. The deputy governor further warned that when the land in dispute is fully acquired by government, any encroachment by any individual from the two communities would not be tolerated. He also directed the leaders of the two communities to identify and produce the perpetrators of the recent killings in the area for necessary action.

agencies. While assuring farmers in the state that government would never shy away from protecting their lives and properties, the lawmaker advised them not to take laws into their hands.

General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, acknowledging cheers from the crowd as he arrives the venue of the Lagos City-Wide Crusade at Ketu, on Wednesday.

Zamfara to sustain family planning services in communities muhammad sabiu-kaduna

THE Zamfara State government has vowed to sustain the provision of family planning services in communities across the state. Dr Lawal Bungudu, Permanent Secretary, Zamfara State Ministry of Health, made this pledge on behalf of the state government during the endof-project dissemination of Accelerating Scale-up

of Implants (ASI) project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Gusau . The project, which is being undertaken in the state by Jhpiego, an international non-profit health organisation in collaboration with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in the past two years, had been offering prenatal and child spacing services

to women in the various communities across the state. The permanent secretary assured that the state government would promote and sustain all necessary efforts needed to make family planning services available and accessible in rural areas. Lawal further acknowledged the contributions of international partners in making prenatal and

child spacing services affordable among the rural populace. In his presentation at the event, Dr Oniyire Adetiloye, Deputy Country Director of Jhpiego, explained that the ASI project was aimed at fast-tracking the introduction and strengthening of high quality family planning services in Zamfara and Akwa Ibom states in Nigeria.

protect the future of these children. They should not allow anyone to seize the opportunity of their vulnerability to use them as slaves or for other evil things. “That was why the Lions Club is taking this step,” saying “we will continue to partner with the owner of this orphanage and those owned by government to make lives better for these children. They might have been abandoned by human beings, but God had decided not to forsake them.” Adeojo promised that the organisation he personally founded, “Women and Children Development and Health Research Initiative,” would study the blueprint of the orphanage to know where best to lend a helping hand that would be in the interest of the children. Commending the Lions Club for the gesture, the orphanage’s coordinator, Mrs Funmilayo Adeyemi, said the home started in 2005 with 105 orphans, who were to undergo rehabilitation to make them fit and useful to the society. She said the home now has about 1,000 children at various levels of academic cadres across the country, revealing that about 30 of them are in tertiary institutions within Nigeria while one is studying Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. She said: “When I incorporated this organisation with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2005, what I intended to do was to rehabilitate the children by to providing them with home and food. “I later realised the need to give them education. It was then that I reached out to philanthropists who had been of help. I am happy that these children are proving that they are better than those who even have parental care.”

Thursday, 10 September, 2015 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

11th ALL AFRICA GAMES SEPT. 4 - 19, 2015

Niyi Alebiosu

reporting

Onuah wins first gold for Nigeria

LIZABETH Onuah became a heroine on Wednesday as she won the first gold medal for Team Nigeria at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Onuah on the day finished with two gold and one bronze medals in the women’s weightlifting event decided at the Stade de Henunona. She picked the two gold medals in 48kg snatch and total and bronze medal in clean and jerk to the applause of fans at the venue which included the former Lagos State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Waheed Enitan Oshodi. Also in the medal zone was Monica Uwah who won a bronze medal in snatch and two silver medals in clean and jerk and total. While speaking with Tribunesport after the event, an elated Onuah dedi-

cated the gold medal to God saying she will continue serving her Lord, for giving her the victory adding that determination also played a part in her success. Uwah on her side having thanked God for the medal said she was happy being the first time as an athlete on the level. “I am happy because this is my first outing at the international level. First time in camp, first assignment and I won medals. I am extremely happy for putting Nigeria’s name on the medals table at such a big competition and my family too,” Uwah said. Bola Adedeji secretary of the Weightlifting Federation of Nigeria while speaking with Tribunesport commended the athletes for their performance and expressed hope that the Federation would still win more medals as the weightlifting event continues today.

Dream Team silences Ghana 2-0 NIGERIA’S Dream Team VI on Wednesday pipped defending champions, Ghana’s Black Meteors 2-0 in a group B clash at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games, Brazzaville 2015 to qualify for the semi-final of the men’s football event. After a barren situation, the Nigerian U-23 team shot ahead in the 55th minute through Junior Ajayi who completed the effort of Etor Daniel. The Ghanaians fought back spiritedly but were unable to convert the scoring chances that came their way before Kingsley Sokari in the 87th minute put the game beyond dispute with his

strike. Dream Team coach, Samson Siasia in a post-match interview said his wards would lift their game when they face Senegal on Saturday in the last group game. “We are happy over this victory. Yes, we played well but there is still room for improvement. We have to play better in

our next match and that we are surely going to do,” said Siasia, who led Nigeria to win silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. He stated that his team’s dream of winning the gold is on course adding that “we are here to win the gold medal and we are working hard towards achieving this objective.”

Volleyball team loses again THE Nigeria female volleyball team on Tuesday night continues its poor run at the 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville with a 0-3 loss to Kenya. The team had earlier lost 1-3 to youthful Algerian side at the

Stade de Masanba de ba on Monday. The results have already diminished the chances of the team from making it to the quarter-final ahead of the last two group games.

Nigeria’s Amadi Nwabueze (right) during his -60kg bout with his conqueror, South African Ngcofe Balungile on Monday, at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

Team Nigeria, officials groan over unpaid allowances OFFICIALS of Team Nigeria and their athletes have continued to lament their unpaid allowances since arrival in Congo Brazzaville for the ongoing All Africa Games. The athletes and the officials were wearing long faces due to this develop-

ment as many of them could not meet their needs. Tribunesport gathered that aside from the allowances which have not been paid, the camping allowance is still being held back by the National Sports Commission (NSC) as well for reasons

Tennis team will make a big impact—Akinloye NIGERIA national tennis head coach, Rotimi Akinloye says his set of young players is ready to take Africa by surprise and dominate the sport at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games, Brazzaville 2015 just as he maintained that he is not at the games on jamboree. Team Nigeria is expected to begin its hunt for medals when the tennis event starts tomorrow at Stade de Masamba de ba in Diata. Only national number one seed player, Clifford Enosoregbe who was part of the team to the last edition in Mozambique made the cut this time round. Akinloye told Tribunesport after a training ses-

sion on Tuesday that despite not having the familiar faces like Onyeka Mbanu, Shehu Lawal and Candy Idoko, his young players are capable of surpassing the one gold, one silver and two bronze medals won in Maputo 2011. Other male players the coach is banking on are Thomas Otu (Lagos) Christian Paul (Abuja) and Moses Michael (Abuja). The women’s team is made up of US-based junior player, Elizabeth Pam, Melisa Ifidizhen, Osarhemen Eirhunmde and Sara Adekgoke (Ibadan). Akinloye who disclosed that the team will participate in six events says he is looking forward to playing in the final of each event.

yet to be ascertained. “It is sad that we have not been paid since we arrived here though we were told the money is intact,” an official told Tribunesport. The source stated that: “Can you believe that the allowances due to us for the camping back home were yet to be paid and nobody is saying anything about it? Is it when the games is over or when we return home that we are going to be paid?” An embittered athlete also told Tribunesport that the delay in recieving their allowances is having a psychological effect on them. “Is it not when you have money that you will be motivated? Yes of course but when you don’t have and you need to get some few things, you get worried and lose concentration. Even to make the matter worse, we don’t know what they have for us as bonus for winning medals because we have to know so that we can compare it with what we received in the previous Games. We need to know so as to remain focused,” said the athlete who craved for anonymity.

tribunepools

BEST BARGAIN 08163084077 06, 09, 20, 34

We are set agin for our annual week 9 to week 12 sequence which played 4/4 last year week 9. Check sporting Tribune week 9 last year for confirmation. The key is perfectly set again from this week. Registration remains N250,000, while weekly releases cost N50,000 from week 10.

DR. JK POOLS – 07039275802 (3XX 6) 13 – 20 – 21 – 29 – 34. Promised fulfilled with unlimited winnings in full payment on 26x 30x 36x in wk 7 and 08x 17x 31x in wk 8. The difference is clear am now back to my good form in the 40s. Stay with us as I promised 3/3, 4/4 and 5/5 as the weeks progresses. Please all those that wanted to show appreciation on my free win are all welcome. Please it is better to be a registered member all payment to EKHOMU JOHN. Zenith Bank a/c – no – 2085795936. Now pick 2 bankers from 13, 20, 21, 29 and 34. Add to the above bracket games. Goodluck.

LAST

HOPE

2015=

08103222635= KEY NO 20XX

4. . SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK9= 2012= KWY 20X 8X 9X 19X 20X 4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk09. 2013= KEY 20X 17X 18X 19X= 4/4 4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk0== 214. KEY 20X 12X 13X 14X= 4/4 4. Special Draws N6, 000 Wk09= 2015 KEY 20 NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 2 Special Draws N3000 Wk 06 NO 12X 22X PAIR 29X 39X WK 07 NO 25X 36X PAIR 25X 26X 2 Special Draws N3000 Wk09 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP CONGRATULATION WE HAVE DONE IT IN WK9. 2015 KEY EVERY WEEK 9 BANK NIGER NO 20. 20. 20. TO DRAW PLUS. 3. OTHERS. M.T.N Card= 08103222635.

MADAM EMILA 08068523407 (08X 24X 36XXX 29) The winners choice of pools stakers for week 09……8x 24x 36x 29xxx. This key system runs for weeks 10, 11, and 12 with 3 Nap draws and a pair each week cost N15,000. Also VIP membership Registration is still on. For more information pls call. Together we shall make it.

WOMEN COMPLIERS FORUM RELEASE 08038245181 SURE PAIR 15, 17 This is to inform the general staking public that the women compilers forum will release 3 sure nap draws and pair in their first special release of the UK season release to all stakers in week 9. Cost price is N10,000 cash. This is an ample opportunity for all stakers to win. Please do not miss it. Pay at any First Bank to Mrs. Sanni Faleti Abiodun, acct no: 3007847537. Phone: 08038245181

MAC- ANTHONTY FANS SMILES FOR REGULAR WINNING (PAIR 6X FACE 40X) 0806- 904-4457. I congratulate all my fans and I am using this medium to remind group A, REG fan to balance up their registered fee with wk8 good sorry please group B and weekly naps failed. This week 9 and 10 both group winning is 100, 90 guarantee Nap Nap Nap call let’s negotiable 6x 40x. Please call let’s negotiate before any payment U.B.A-2029382770 Engr Michel Akam. I congratulate week 9 and 10 patronizers in advance. Stay connected. God bless you all.

AUSTIN - CHUKWU – 08054462577

NAP – 5 – 6 – 7 PAIR – 04 and 08 This is another week of chain draws from me therefore, Nap above game to win Perm 4 to 9 for four draws.

INNOCENT NAP 08095602590 29 NAP 30

4 Special draws Wk cost N6, 000. Wk 05 NO 17X 18X 29X 36F 4 Special draws N6, 000 Wk 07 NO 25X 26X 36X 37X PAIR 6F 7X 4 Special draws N6, 000 Wk 08 No 17X 32X 35X 36X 4 Special draws N6, 000 Wk 09 No NAP NAP NAP NAP 2 Special draws N4, 000 Wk 06 NO 12X 29X 13F 17X WK 07 NO 25X 26X PAIR 7X 37X WK 08 NO 17X 32X PAIR 35X 36X One Banker N2000 Wk 04 NO 29X WK 05 ON 13X WK06 NO 36F WK 07 NO 36X WK 08 NO 32X WK 9 NO NAP Time to winners try to get INNOCENT NAP 4 Special draws this week 9 N6, 000 cash, 2 special draws cost N4, 000 and 1 banker for N2, 000. ) One banker, Wk 4 No 29X Pair X X Wk 5 No 13X Nap Wk 6 No 36F WK 07 NO 36X WK 8 NO 32X. ADEOTI PROVES HIS SUPERIORITY 07051327960 YES! Am now draw commander as I did to PETERHEAD and others last week. I enjoined wise stakers to be with the draw syndicate group (millionaires place). Sorry our week 9 super Nap cost #10,000 due to much cost on it. Read our advert for details -#10,000.

WEEK 09 STATUS EKO - 17 LKO - 03 SUNDAY - 13

Thursday, 10- 16 September 2015

M B A EXPERTS – 08077247137/ 08104694618 21 – 22 – 25 = A DRAW.

CREWE versus Millwall and Fleetwood vs Bradford. C with portvale vs Wigan Althetics are contending for likely in the Skyebet Division one this 2nd Brown colour this week 9 on numbers 21 – 22 – 25 respectively. The trio emanate from WEEK and Millwall in past week 09 had drawn their respective matches on numbers 28 and 15. In Barclaycard premiership, matches to wach include Norwich and Arsenal based at home, Norwich vs Bournemouth appears balanced to create sensation. It should however be remembered that the likes of Sunderland among others had on time or the other held the Almighty Arsenal to draw right at their backyard. It is also worthy of note that Manchester City had in the last 4 years of week 09 drawn back – back with 3 score draws and goaless. Watch out and call/ text.

ZENITH PANIC PROMOTERS -08146879314 8X 17X 21XXX – FREE 45X

KEY – WEEKS – 8 To 10 = 2013 and 2015(2 YRS) BRITISH BROCASTING CO-OPERATION – B.B.C. Congratulations to all winning desired staking public and our Registered clients. On our 3 weeks,scheduled Nap last week on. Week 8 – B.B.C. on 123 = Week 9 – KIDDERMINISTER ON 49 Week 10 – PARTICK ON 49 Reference to weeks 8 to 10 2013 and 2015. Week 8 = WEEK OF PLAYED, MANSFIELD and PORTSMOUTH =8X 17X 21XXX 45X Week 9 – watch Kidderminister 49 and Partick 49 in week 10 to complete 3 weeks scheduled NAPS. Partnership with unregrettable Zenith to wealth solution on Buoyant winning with full payment. Attracts -N50,000- starting/New clients – Last week winners(as agreed). Congrats again to all paid clients.

OBINYAN PROMISES TO GLADDEN STAKERS

The wizard of 1.2X and chairman /managing Director of king and George group of forecast papers. Prince Willy Ehi Obinyan has assured stakers that he was up to the task of dishing out draws. He also assured stakers of more rewarding harvest of draws this season. Africa’s number one bookmaker in pools compilation and computation has enjoined stakers to weekly buy his papers and rely effectively on the late News of his papers for regular winning. The papers are Pools telegraph, Zetters, Pools Guild, Shoot pointer, Murphy sports, the NEW DREAM and Final result.

HON. EMMANUEL EXCELL ON 9 DRAWS. 08102874949 (31 TURN 13)

WEEK 7 = S.S.S (NAP) – WEEK – 8 = A.A.A (NAP) – WEEK 9 XXX Again we are not going back on our mission to enrich stakers at the expense of PROMOTERS. Promoters seeking dialogue but ‘NO GOING BACK’. In Aussic they suffered many compilers and stakers Now this is stakers harvest time. Our winning sequence is gave an outstanding winning account, controlled by W.W.Y = What else are you waiting for? Lets fetch water when it rains’. Week = 7 (S.S.S) – Sunderland, Scuntrope & Stevenage. Week = 8 (A.A.A) – A. Winbledon, Accrington & Albion . R Week 7 = 01 x 26x 39 – 36x Week 8 = 17x 21x 45 – 36x Be honoured with Hon. Emmanuel guaranteed NAP – N30,000= freshers (N100 – above). Welcome.

MADAM DE MADAM – 08023329191 31XXX = 08X

The duo of Madams on song again. Many call us Madams of Mr. Joshua, YES! You are right. Record are kept only by the wise. ‘LETS WIN’ LETTER Q = 17, NOW QPR ON 17 : NAP WIN. Week 4 – 3X 14X 20X 42X 43XXX 5/5 Week 9 – X X X X X = 5/5 QPR at 17 away in week 4 played the above tabulation 5/5 nap. QPR at 17 home in week 9 to play another 5/5. Calculated winning: Week 4 = Charlton vs QPR = C + Q = 3 +17 = 20XXX Week 9 = QPR vs Nottfor = Q + N = 17 + 14 = 31XXX NOTE: The illustration above is to remind all our esteem clients/friends. N50 N100,00. Good luck. 1 milllion. Good luck.

FORTUNE DONOR DONATES (39 – 41) 08099111828

As teams are getting settled, we are gradually grapping the set – ups and in accordance with this observation, punters are strontly advised to pick a good draw from coupon no 39, 41 this week. Combine yhe good pair with our 1BK and have your sure 2/3. Our 1BK sells for N1,500, 2BK costs N3,000 and 3 draws sell for N10,000 on 08099111828. Good luck as you register with us now.

OLA-CITY GO FOR MORE RESARCH SET FOR CORRECT DRAWS IN WEEK 10. WEEK 9 PAIRS 28XXX 29XXX 08140575314, 08085005634

The compiler of Ola-City International assures stakers of his 4 fixed Draws for week 10 cost N20, 000 cash which will surely get the 4 Draws correct interested stakers to pay to first Bank PLC. in favour of OLAFENWA and collect the draws on phone after confirmation of your payment. Happy Ileya Festival. DR.SANJ, WITH FREE OFFER WK09, = NO 29, 30 31, 41. = “XXX” (ALT: 5,6,7,) FOR “XX” .. (2ND BROWN –WK09) UPDATE CURRENT 2015!!! 07038878227/08189472447 Last wk08 is gone it’s was Nos : 17x 12x 10p. Other (f) on DR SANJ late news (12f,24f,17x,21x,= 2/4.=net (5/5) so great .!!! we can’t loss in all . Dear fans are you coming with me on this stand if yes. The above free offer Nos 29,30,31,41. = “xxxX” (alt: 5,6,7,) 2nd Brown – wk09 update current 2015. So hot-next Wk10, wks of all “0” 10, 20,30,40,50, (first wk10) with the update current live fixed drs by the system (GILLINGHAM/ Oldham) 2nd blue wk. in wk07, drew no; 25x26x, 27x.(1x,11x) = 5/5. All drew no void (only on pools). Cost N20, 000.00. Jon DR.SANJ winners club now call us for our bank Acct in for, DR.SANJ I am saying congratulation to you all in our wks of all “9” ,19,29,39.49. Now wk09 = free offer. Did you say the key’s? !!! Good luck happy winning to you all.

HOPE NAP & CO 08107128449.

WIN JACKPORT! WIN JACKPOT!! WIN JACKPORT !!! With (No5 & No 20) (No. 5 & No 20!) (No.5 & 20!!) (No. 5 & 20!!!) Never surrender, it is not too late for you to make your dream come true. Worry is negative thinking about the future. It breeds unhappiness and leads to tension and nervous breakdown. Forget the past and call Hope to First Bank PLC. Account No 3088328923 in person of Gbadebo Stephen. A. With just N10, 000 Naira only and receive the week jackpot when you payment is confirmed. Win Jackpot. With (No5 & 20) win Jackpot (NO. 5 & 20) win Jackpot (No. 5 & 20). God bless bye.

NEW PROFF. INT. – 07069009601 = 34XX 13 STOKE! STOKE !! STOKE!!! AWAY NO1

Our 2015/2016 information booklet has it hat the first appearance of stoke at away No I attracts and promotes 3 sure \nap – reference week and years. 2013WEEK 10 – 16X 25X 44XXX – CRAWLEY – 13X 2014/15 – WEEK 26 – 09X 28X 41XX – CRAWLEY – 13X 2015/16 – WEEK 09 – X X X– CRAWELY – 13X It is well New proff week 09 sure win with assured fee of N25, 000 = win with New PROFF INT. – Good luck.

DR. JACKSON AGAIN – 08156829811 (13X22)

Week 8- MILWALL and MANSFIELD X32 = 8X17X32XXX Our week 8 welcome back nap put many promoters in bankruptcy. BLACKBURN and BRADFORD .C – winning sequence is a winning assurance to our week 9 nap. Welcome to the laughter foundation with N25,000 again.

WINNER CODE 505 GROUP= 08135637650= 41XX 42XX

U.K. SYSTEM TWO BANKERS N2000. WK07 NO 25X 26X WK 08 NO NAP NAP 35X 36X. WK 09 NO NAP NAP WK 10 NAP NAP WK 11 NO NAP NAP – ADE SURE TWO BK N2000 WK 07 NO 37X 38X WK8 NO 17X 34X WK 9 NO NAP NAP Winner code 505 two. Bankers N2000 Wk 07 No 2x No 2x 26x Wk 08 No 17X 35X WK 09 NO NAP NAP Wk 10 No NAP NAP power X power. Two Bankers N2000 wk 07 No 36x 39x Wk 08 No 5X 6F Wk 9 No NAP NAP. 4 Expert. 4. Special draws this wk 09 cost N25, 000 Wk 08 No 17X 34X 35X 36X 4/4 WK 09 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 N25, 000.

NIDAS – 08033510149

READY FOR WEEK 10 – AGAIN. Another opportunity to win pool is again open to all lovers of Nidas column in week 10 (2nd blue coupon) Expect 3 Nap and 1 pair. See our wonderful performance in weeks 4,5,6, and 7 Now it’s your turn to win WATCT OUT. AKANDE NAP – 08025572554 5 and 6 for IBK – 28 CBK It is do or die with my 3 draws in week 11 as confirmed by the expert. Akande emphasized. Our 3 draws remains #10,000 payable to Akande Ashatokun Bola Mustapha.Keystone bank Acct.no 6017037192 – Goodluck MERCY NAP – 08176825238 13 SURE 34 WEEK 08- 05X 32X 36XXX 35X 22F Oh yes were enrich our clients as promised what else are you waiting for when your winning manager is ready Call for week 9 win now \N15,000. WALTER NAP – 08069759520 = FULHAM MUST BLACKBURN = 13XXX Addition setting is on BOLTON and wolves - 08 Your convinent wining place in walter spot where many stakers get refuge. Your winning is sure this week again congrats to all our last week callers/ clients that won with us on 9 draws – 8 and 13 for N 20,000 = BLACKBURN MUST BOLTON = WIN &GOODLUCK.

PETER NAP (9 PAIR 10 ) 08076546261

Congratulation to all those that will get my release this week as the system that got 5XX, 32XX, 36XX, 3/3 the pair 17X, 18F making 4/5 last week will get it again this week. My weekly release cost N25, 000, pay to the saving acct no: 3023114822 FIRST BANK in person of Mr. Onaolapo Peter G. And call on 08075646261. Meanwhile bank on 9 pair 10 for X. IBUKUN OLU (07026839837) 28XXCBK Readers and stakers of Nigeria Tribune should go all out with coupon no 28XXCBK plus 2 others this week because week 9 and week 10 are my target week. Play it anywhere, its 3 over 3you must win. Call me for detail. MR CHRIS NAP & CO (08021365017) 13 FIXED 13 We don’t have much grammar to blow than to mean business. This is another 3 weeks operational released in weeks 9, 10 &11. Dear stakers and determined customers, the first and second released was very much authentic. As we did in week 4 & 5, this week 9 is going to be bumper to bumper. Don’t wait for anybody, cost splashed to N20, 000.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH TEXT MESSAGE OF WRITE UP WITHOUT ADVERT IS REGARDED VOID . PLACE YOUR ADVERT FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLICATION OF YOUR FORECAST. THANKS POOLS EDITOR

tribunepools

LUCKYMAN 08054352685 8X BK PLUS 2 SURE DRAWS Wolves must hold Bolton plus 2 sure draws = N2,000 MTN card. You must win and win well, call now and win big fortune for yourself. Act now!! FLY EMIRATES – 08087104491 – 03 MUST 08 Week 8 – 05x 34x 45xxx – 35x 39F.

Unbelievable to doubts on 9 draws. Winners rejoices while losers groans. Why can’t you board Emirates if once to greener pastures. Boarding fee remains - N25,000 on unequal fixed matches as draws. Welcome. SIR-BRAKA 08078052128 (6X 19X 26X 28 = 3/3 DRAW) Bank on 6XXX 19XXX 26XXX 28 for 2 or 3 draws. Wk 10 special draws cost N5000. SHORT- GUN 08050614477 / 08168241902, (23 HOT 35) The pair above and other fixed draws are for wise stakers willing to win millions in the on – going U.K Football season. The game costs N25,000. Don’t be left out of the largesse in the new season.

DONOHILL NAP (35 PAIR 36) 08107048991 It is now time to say halleluyah to God if you can send to me N5,000 MTN recharge card for my 3 draws and I hot pair. Don’t be a looser again, join the winning team this week 09. You are told.

OMO-OBOKUN 08067504930 (26 DRAW 31) We have the exclusive draws. Call for 3 unfailing draws now, send N1500 MTN card for 3 unfailing draws. Good luck to you all. MALLAM BAWA MUSA, SO FANTASTIC! ( 12 OR 13) 08052506287 HOT PAIR WK. 8 = 5XX, 21XX, 32XX. PAIR 44F, 45X This week 9, stakers will laugh again with my special brown colour key that is bringing 3 sure nap draws and pair cost N10, 000 cash. Last week, purple key was fantastic with 5X, 21X, 32X, so do not miss this week nap. Payments at Access Bank to Mallam Musa Ibrahim Bawa, Acct no: 0042075587. MR CHRIS NAP & CO (08021365017) 13 FIXED 13 We don’t have much grammar to blow than to mean business. This is another 3 weeks operational released in weeks 9, 10 &11. Dear stakers and determined customers, the first and second released was very much authentic. As we did in week 4 & 5, this week 9 is going to be bumper to bumper. Don’t wait for anybody, call 08021365017 be sure of winning. Cost splashed to N20, 000 for all to be a partakers. Best of luck.

KAMARK SUPER WEEK 9 08186673842

Bankers free: 6x 7x 10x 17x 18 COMPENSATION FREE DRAWS For all customers / stakers for week 9. (6x 7x 10x 17x 18) against week 10. When I will be having another 3 secret draws for the week. The cost of the 3 games is N6,500, while permutation is N5,500. My Acct number is 0001361916, the name of Acct is Mr.S.B. Odesola. Thanks and God bless you. HERITAGE NAP 08032428168 (39 MUST 40) Stakers are in for a good time this week with the pair above and other gazette draws for them to smile to their banks on Monday. The game costs N25,000. Check your record in the current season and stay with the best. MONEY MAKER NAPS WITH 3 DRAWS THIS WEEK & WK 10 (08070541822) Week 9 Pair 48xxx 49xxx The Compiler of Money maker Naps assures stakers of his 3 Draws for this week 9 cost N2, 000 cash while his 3 Draws for week 10 cost N5000 cash send your N2000 cash GLO Recharge card, you will receive from me when your massage is confirm. Phone 08070541822.

SAM AYO – 08109152433 34 MUST 37

Congratulations our week 9 Nap is irresistible for all winning desired stakers with the above sure pair. Call for your winning details.

MOLLY ONE BANKER GROUP= 08055230300= 5XX 6XXX

WITH GOD ONE BANKER NI000 WK 06X NO 18X WK 07 NO 26X WK 08 NO 17X WK 9 NO NAP. USA ONE BANKER NI000 WK 06 NO 26X WK 07 NO 36X WK 07 NO 32X WK 8 NO NAP. MOLLY ONE BANKER NI000 WK 05 NO 22X WK 06 39X WK 7 NO 39X WK8 NO 35X WK 08 NO NAP Big Man. One banker N1 000 Wk06 No 8X Wk 07 No 38x Wk 08 No 36X. Stakers try to get Molly one banker group this Wk 9 4 special draws cost N10, 000 Wk 07 No 26X 36X 38X 39X WK 8 No 17X 34X 35X 36X N10, 000 Send MTN Card. 08055230300 the game will send to you by text message 08055230300.

PLEIAD DE MAXWELL 09099968585 MAN UTD – LIVERPOOL = BOLTON.

The battle of the titan, after a dismayed result when visiting Westham walloped Liverpool (never work alone but they suffered the defeat alone) at home in front of their teeming fans on 3 unreplied goals. WHAO! In the same vain Swansea suffered Man. United now, Liverpool promised to put Old Trafford in flame but Roony at his best and his team has what it talkes to control the hard fighting Liverpool to score line of barren draw but a draw won’t add to Ronny’s record yet a draw is expected?. Bolton trashed Wolves 2 goals to nill in April 2013 and to 2 goals each in Jan’ 2015. Nothing strange than a draw again. For further draws analysis contact De Maxwell Draw clinic for confirmed winning. TOKEN MANAGER.

FAITHFUL – INTERVENTION – 07082899957

NOW STAKERS DELIGHT – WINNING MANAGER. YOUR EVERGREEN FAITHFUL PAY MASTER IS AT IT AGAIN COME LETS DO IT TOGETHER SURE WIN. BOLTON MUST WOLVES WINNING PILOT = 08 Week 38’ 2012/13 – 06x 20x 28xxx – 12F 13x Week 29’ 2014/15 – 10x 17x 44xxx – 13x 13x Week 09’ 2015/16 - X X X - 08X 13X Strictly on 2015/2016 UK winning encyclopedia. The home of winners where MILLIONAIRES were discovered. N50,000 new client only.

NAZAR MASTER GETS STAKERS NOD

The leading pools company in Oyo state and environs Nazar Master Pools company Limited Ibadan continued to receive commendation from stakers and other stakeholders in the pools industry for paying winnings on time without delay. The pools company made this know in a statement made available to TRINBUNE POOLS during the week. According to Nazar Master we have been overwhelmed by the words of encouragement we receive daily from stakers and other stakeholders. We have no choice than continue to maintain the standard and even do more by paying bigger dividends on our Trebble chance odd and pay winning on fixed odd as and when due.

WISDOM SURE – 07088103080 (08XX13)

SUNDERLAND, SHREWSBURY AND STOKE AWAY NO 1. 3 WEEKS WINNING PROJECT IN WEEKS 7, 8, 9 WITH LETTER ‘S’ AT AWAY NO. 1. INCREDIBLE THE 3 WEEKS OF FULL PAYMENT OF S.S.S AWAY NO.1 WEEK 7 – 01X 26X 39XXX 29/30X WEEK 8 - 17X 32X 36XXX 05X/06 WEEK 9 – X X X 12X/13X. OUR UNREGRETTABLE NAP IS FREE TO ALL WISE STAKERS THAT KNOWS THE BEAUTY OF WINNINGS. GET WISDOM NAP N50,000 – WEEK 9 NAP IS FINANCE SOLUTION. BONUS AGAIN – FOR WEEKS 7 TO 9 = 2 DATES OF PLAY IS SCHEDULED FOR A DRAW. - N50, 000 - 1M

MID-WEEK GIVES 8 - 10 (08087176217)

With only 9 draws on the cards last weekend, we expected them to be tractable, but thing went the other way for most compilers. Not to worry, the season is still young. Lets make a good investment on coupon no 8 and 10 for a good draw this weekend. Our 1BK still sells for N1,500, 2 draws cost N3,000, 3 draws, all with pairs cost N10,000 on 08087176217. Call now for registration and have a good deal with us this season. You are a winner.

4 MEMBERS 4 BANKERS= 08162705220= 19XX 20XX

4 BANKERS N5000 Wk 08 NO 17X 32X 34X 36X 4 Bankers N5000= 2015 Wk 09 No Nap Nap Nap Nap 4 Bankers N5000= 2015 Wk 10 No Nap Nap Nap Nap 4 Bankers N5000= 2015 Wk 12 No NAP NAP NAP NAP 4 Bankers N5000= 2015 Wk 13 No Nap Nap Nap Nap= 4/4 Stakers try to get 4 membeI:s. 4 Bankers this Wk 09 Cost N5000 we set for 5 weeks operations. 4 member ENGLISH system booklet out in Wk 9 cost N30, 000 The system booklet bringing 4 draws in Wk 8, 9, 10. The game will send to you by text message 08162705220.

TRIPLE OFFERS 8 – 9 (08035324990)

As the season progresses and teams are getting settled, things are expected to go positively henceforth. Let us 8 – 9 for a good and sure draw this weekend. BOLTON and BRIGHTON on nos 8 and 9 are due for an X on Saturday. Use them. Add the duo to our 1BK and get a good dividend. Our 1 BKcosts only N1500:00, 2 draws sell for N3000:00 and 3 draws cost N15, 000:00 this week. Be a winner! Join the winning team! Best of luck!

LARA OPEYEMI BACK IN ACTION!!!

08135624088 (bet 16 or 18) Stakers I have 3 sure naked draws for weeks 9 and 10. Cost N10,000 cash weekly. Payments at Access Bank to Mrs. Lara Opeyemi, Acct No. 0045098435. Olfsi siht my first release this season, don’t miss it. Call 08135624088.

ROFESSOR. ONE. BANKER= 08055230300= 20 NAP 21

PROFESSOR 3 Bankers N7, 500 Wk 07 NO 36X 37X 38X= 3/3 PROFESSOR 3 Bankers N7, 500 Wk 08 NO 17X 34X= 3/3 PROFESSOR 3 Bankers N7, 500 Wk 09 No Nap Nap NapPair Nap Nap . PROFESSOR 2 Bankers N5000 Wk 07 NO 36X 38X PAIR 39X 49X PROFESSOR 2 Bankers N5000 Wk 08 NO 34X 36X PAIR 17X 35X PROFESSOR 1 Bankers N2500 Wk 05 No 20x Pair 35X 37F Wk 06 No 18X Pair 4X 5X Wk7 No 36X PAIR 37X 38X WK 8 NO 17X Professor English System Booklet out N30, 000 system booklet out N30, 000. The system booklet out in Wk 10 Membership group. A N100, 000. Send MTN Card to 08055230300. The game will send to you by text message. MADAM HILLARY – IN PHASE OFF WITH PROMOTERS AGAIN – 08163902330 Week 7 – 01x 10x 39xxx 25x 26x – 5/5 – 11 draws Week 8 – 08x 21x 32xxx 35x 45x – 5/5 - 9 draws Week 9 – X X X - X X - 5/5 - 7 DRAWS To God be the glory, it is well and thanks to our Reliable winning source. Stakers rescue - #50,000 = new clients NIB:- winners as discussed. WIN! WIN!! WIN!!!

IKECHUKWU NAP – 08168157259 Annual week 09 and 10. 2012 - 2015

Congrats our annual winning sequence is at it again in every week 09 & 10 = 2012 – 2015. PLUS ONE WINNING SEQUENCE. WEEK 09 – 2012 – 07X 19X 36XXX Wk 10-2012- 08x 20x 37x NAP WEEK 09 – 2013 – 11X 17x 43XXX Wk 10-2013- 12x 18x 44x NAP WEEK 09 —2014 – 01X 14X 20XXX Wk 10- 2014- 02x 15x 21x NAP WEEK 09 —2015 – X X X Wk 10- 2015- X X X NAP Your winning is crystal clear in wks 09 and 10 2015 with your indomitable IKECHUKWU Nap on fixed matches. Why can’t you partnership with the leading draw Experts on fixed draws. 2 WEEKS independent winning. N100,000. Good luck.

DR. JACKSON AGAIN – 08156829811 (13X22)

NJOROGE MR ASSURANCE – 08177474535

ASSURANCE REMAIN ON TOP. WEEK 08 – P. VS. A. and. P. vs A= 21X 45XX= 35/36X= 44 FOUR OVER FOUR UNCOMPROMISED WINNING ASSURANCE ON 9DRS, ON JUSTIFIED= PAID N50, 000. IN GOD WE TRUST - WEEK 09. WIN ON 2 - 2YRS WINING DIRECTIVES = ASSURANCE WINNING. KEY:- BRIGHTON – HULL! - 08X 09 Week. 13 – 2011 – 03x 18x 36xxx = 13x 14x= 14drs Week. 30 – 2013 – 05x 21x 47xxx= 29x 30x= 12drs Week. 09 – 2015 – X X X = 08- 09= 10drs Congratulations if you are part of our success last week. Our new Assurance Experts made our recent success possible, after week 10 our Experts will be on a short break. So join the Assurance family to win in weeks 9 and 10. Let’s full our store house till our next release. At Njoroge our PRIDE is you. While your winning is our PRIORITY. Get insured with the Assurance family. N50, 000 – Assured winning fee. Welcome & Good luck.

Thursday, 10- 16 September 2015 MODUPE (08033566694) 9- 16- 40. 2drs

Call for super winning now. MR CYRIL – 08154836338 08x 21x 35xxx – 17x 41 HEARTS, HAMILTON, HALIFAX HOME 49. H – H – H at HOME 49. Week 6 – 37x 38x 39x – 3/3 Week 7 – 37x 38x 39x – 36 4/4 Week 9 - X X X - 31X35 Newport Home 35 and LEYTON O. AWAY 31 And other NAP confirmed our week 9 NAP =N25,000. Goodluck. WINNER POINT – 08127589219 NAP – 24, 34, 37 = FREE against week 10 special releases that cost N50,000 cash. Time has come for you to win. Cheers. THE LILIES 08086944309 (35 BET 36) The Lilies is set to help you win big fortune on pools. Our 3 jackpot XS will help you win big jackpot on pools. Send N1500 MTN card, the road to big jackpot will be widely open for all our fans. 35 BET 36. LABAEEKA NAP – (08053303522) 22 WED 23 and 3 other Naps. Our 3 more weeks winning operations continues. Be a winner. Call now. Good luck. AKIN MR. AKIN – 07067202291 = 13XX22 FULHAM AND BLACKBURN winning sequence will be at rest on Saturday when they met. Since the beginning of the season Fulham and Blackburn always formed a formidable pair. Also same letters on Number 28 ‘S vs S’. Promotes our week 9 .= 2 in one winning MUST N25,000 – guaranteed. HENRY CURTIS PHONE 07032757574 PAIR 12XXX 13XXX Call for our weekend Special Tips. You must win, Phone 07032757574. MISTER DRAW 08030415683 YEOVIL must draw plus 2 super draws. Cost N2000 MTN card, call now and win fortune on pools. You must smile to your bank on Monday. MIGHTY INT NAP (08032300297) 13 HOT 09 “Good name is better than riches”... our good old name is house hold of pundits makes us different among others. This week 9 is very special and we can’t miss every bit of it. As we are also ready to make all homes happy with our special release of wk 9 & 10. Don’t waste time, grab your own now. Cost = N20, 000 negotiable. Good luck. AUTHORITY NAP – 09030084552 3-4-5 = 2 DRAWS. Call now for your good win in preparation for our face off Nap with promoters in week 10. Goodluck MAGIC EXPERT ST FOR WKS 9,10,11,12 Operation (Hotline:08160742266)(4xx5xx) I am fully prepared and set to deliver direct to your handset 3/3 guarantee naps is 4 good week 9,10,11 and WK12 at very affordable price N10,0000 cash in favour of our new clients pay @ first bank Victor makpa please kindly notify me with a call/sms after payment. SUNDERLAND. SYSTEM= 09038460009= 31 NAP 32 Wk 06 BLUE NO 4X 5X 6X 7X Wk 07 NO 1X 2X 39X 48X Wk 08 NO 17X 35X 36X 37X= 4/4 WK 09 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 06 NO 4X 7X PAIR 3F 4X WK 07 NO 1X 2X PAIR 39X 48X WK8 NO 34X 36X PAIR 5X 6 TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 09 NO. NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP Stakers try and get SUNDERLAND. SYSTEM 4 Special Draws this week 09 COST N6, 000 cash Wk 06 NO 4x 5x 6x 7x Wk 7 No 1X 2X 39X 48X WK 08 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP N6, 000 N6000. Send MTN Card= 0903846009. = Two Bankers cost N3000 Wk05 No 12x 20x Wk 05 No Nap Nap. Wk 06 No Nap Nap.

WEEK 8 X RAY

No retreat No Surrender! Promoters in cross roads as our Pools page Experts Unmarsked draws in series ways. The duo of Madam Hillary, Madam De Madam and labeeka got their 2 bankers. Our one banker Expert were outstanding Mr. Chris and Adeoti while our reliable pair Experts performed brilliantly the likes of Emirates, Donohill, Wisdom, Dr Jackson, Hon Emmanuel, Ikechuckwu, Zenith, The Lillies, Mercy, Mallam Bawa and Sir Braka. Dr. J.K gave a good account of himself on his current free 3 draws. Browse through the page for a good win our Experts are ready for your winning delight. Embrace & appreciate them. Goodluck.

EDITOR’S

PLACE

21 x 22

ATTENTION ALL COMPILERS, OUR POLICY ON NO ADVERT NO WRITE UP STILL IN PLACE — MANAGEMENT

SIDELINES

NO 16,324

N150

THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2015

“I am aware that in choosing institutions, students and their parents take a lot of things into consideration such as proximity, cultural or traditional background, the status or reputation of the university and even religion and economic means.”

N continuation of my examination of the controversy generated by the policy announced by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board by which the choice of students in deciding which institution they would attend was limited, I will this week discuss the salutary effects which the introduction of Post-UTME tests had on the admission process and conclude with a suggestions as to how the current controversy could have been avoided with emphasis on a need to protect the right of every student seeking admission to decide which institution he will attend. EFFECTS OF THE INTRODUCTION OF POST-UTME The Post-UTME screenings have had a profound effect. It has greatly increased the quality of students admitted in the Universities. At the inception some students who scored very high marks in the examination conducted by the JAMB failed to justify such high ratings in the Post-UTME screening. The experience we had at the University of Lagos immediately after the introduction of the exercise encouraged us to continue in it. For example, there was a case of a candidate who applied for law in the university. His UME result was so impressive that we could easily have passed him as a first class candidate. During the post-UME exercise, he was asked whether, as a literature student, he knew a novel called “Things Fall Apart”. He quickly responded, “yes.” We asked him the name of the author and he responded ABACHA! That was an example of many other heart-rending experiences we had on that day. This has been the case in almost all the universities in Nigeria. The screening exercise is however helping the universities to reverse this trend. The introduction of screening exercise saw instant reduction in the large number of candidates parading high JAMB scores. There has been a noticeable decrease in the number of students who are often asked to withdraw after the first academic session for reason of poor performance. This in turn has increased the quality of scholarship in the Universities as Lecturers now have students who are truly interested in academic pursuits and are thus more easily engaged in class. Even JAMB itself was positively affected by the introduction of the Tests. Seeing

OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D, D.Litt

On Wednesday a senate hearing on the power sector was practically crippled by power outage. Thank God it happened, at least the senators and stakeholders could see first hand that in spite of what Nigerians may be experiencing now in form of improvement in power supply, we are still very far from the promised land.

afeonthursday

Post-UTME and access to functional and qualitative university education: The answer (3) the success recorded by the Universities, which was in effect an exposure of the failings on its part, JAMB was forced to reinvent itself. This led to the introduction of several innovative measures including computer based tests which amongst others enabled results to be released hours after the conduct of the examination and also reduced the chances of manipulation. For this and many innovations, JAMB under the stewardship of Professor Dibu Ojerinde must be commended. STUDENTS MUST HAVE A CHOICE This is why in my estimation, the policy introduced by JAMB and which resulted in so much controversy should have been avoided. As stated earlier, as Universities were allowed to set their own cut-off points different from that recommended by JAMB, the Policy thus mandated that students who did not meet the cut-off points of their universities of choice would be referred to other Universities which they did not choose. It is my belief that availability of educational opportunities to the citizenry carries with it a choice on the part of the citizen to decide just where he would be educated. I am aware that in choosing institutions, students and their parents take a lot of things into consideration such as proximity, cultural or traditional background, the status or reputation of the university and even religion and economic means. A student whose parents are of less than average financial means may for example be reluctant to choose a school too far away from the location of his family. He may decide to commute to school from home rather than incur added expenses of hostel accommodation. As sad as it may sound, there are students whose major obstacle upon resumption of the school year is not even the payment of school fees but transportation fares to take them from their home state to their school. Therefore adopting a policy whereby students would be allocated to schools that were never in

their contemplation was totally unnecessary and I believe Government was justified to intervene. In any event, the controversy brought to the fore, the huge gaps that still exists between some first generation public universities and other universities that came after them. While Universities like University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife attract the large majority of applicants every year, other Universities including some state University attract very few applications. The same thing applies amongst Private Universities as Universities such as Afe Babalola University, Covenant University and Babcock University attract a huge number of applicants, others attract very few applicants. This lopsidedness in choices may have influenced the now suspended policy of JAMB. MEASURES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF EDUCATION However I feel a better approach would have been to address wholesale issues contributing to the decline of qualitative university education in Nigeria. Some of the measures which I have identified on several occasions are: Public Universities To improve the quality of education in our public universities, it is suggested that: 1. Government should increase funding of universities as much as possible and as well encourage them to seek alternative funding or income. This could be done by setting up income-generating enterprises. 2. Public universities should be made fully autonomous so that they can take their fates in their hands and run their programmes within their income. 3. The NUC which is the regulatory body should be strengthened by giving it more powers especially for the Executive Secretary.

The American could become the first player to win all four majors in the same year since Steffi Graf in 1988. Venus, 35, was playing in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2010, but threatened to derail her sister’s grand ambitions. The 23rd seed battled back to force a final set, only to see younger sister Serena capitalise on an early service

4. Pro-Chancellors of public universities should be chosen from philanthropists and educationists, who have demonstrated their interest in qualitative education. 5. University Councils are not avenues for council members for making money. Only contented men who are also interested in education and willing to make sacrifices should be made members of council. 6. Research must be encouraged seriously among teachers and students. 7. The existing federal universities should be well funded and expanded instead of spending a few billions of Naira for the establishment of nine universities in abandoned buildings or schools. Private Universities In addition to some of the measures suggested for public universities above, government should ensure: 1. Strict compliance with the law on establishment of private universities and the terms of their licenses in terms of carriage, infrastructure, and staffing. 2. Private universities must be made to register as non-profit outfit and continue to be run at no profit to the proprietors. 3. Stiff penalties should be meted on proprietors who abuse or breach the terms of their licences. 4. Private universities which are registered as non-profit which: (a) have been granted permanent license (b) have graduated three sets of students and (c) have full accreditation in such programmes should be entitled to share in Tetfund since at the end of the day, they are rendering service to the public 5. No license to operate a private university shall be granted to any proprietor until he has put up sizeable quality structures with modern teaching aids on a permanent site. AARE AFE BABALOLA, OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D

11th All Africa Games

US Open: Serena beat Venus again SERENA Williams on Tuesday night overcame her sister Venus at the US Open to move within two victories of her first calendar Grand Slam. It was Serena’s 16th victory over her elder sister’s 11, as the world number one held her nerve to win 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 and reach the semi-finals in New York. Serena, 33, will play unseeded Italian Roberta Vinci in the last four today.

aareafe@gmail.com

break and claim her 33rd straight win at the Slams. The Williams sisters had played each other 26 times on the professional circuit, but their 27th contest was as highly anticipated as any. Serena might already hold all four Slam titles, but her bid to win them all in the same year has elevated tennis in the US sporting headlines.

Nigeria wins first gold Dream Team conqueurs Ghana Turn to page 45 for stories

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. Ag. EDITOR: TINU AYANNIYI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 10/9/2015.