11th September, 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,325 FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER, 2015

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Fighting terrorism, oil theft not easy —Buhari —P3

•Sacks chairman of FCT revenue service

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JP Morgan: Most foreign investors are traders —CBN

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STOCK MARKET: TOP 5 GAINERS

TOP 5 LOSERS

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FULL REPORT ON PAGE 12

Buhari's cabinet: Shocker awaits APC godfathers •As plan for new breed politicians unfolds •President rejects N/West gov's nominee for FCT minister

—P2 NNPC lifts embargo on 113 crude oil vessels —P10

NIPOST workers kick against move to appoint 'outsider' as PostmasterGeneral —P37

Members of the Nigerian Labour Congress during their campaign for good governance, in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO.

Oyinlola to Soyinka: No one can take over UNESCO Centre —P40

news Buhari's cabinet: Shocker awaits APC godfathers 2

Friday, 11 September, 2015

•As plan for new breed politicians unfolds •President rejects N/West gov's nominee for FCT minister Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

HOCKER awaits godfathers of All Progressives Congress (APC), as President Muhammadu Buhari is set to unfold the list of his ministerial nominees. It was gathered that top leaders of the party, who had hints of the president's direction, were already alarmed. It was gathered that contrary to the practice where the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives would have nominees in the cabinet, the duo of the Senate president Dr Bukola Saraki and Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, had been kept in the dark over the ministerial list. It was also gathered that names of former governors who had been heavily touted in the early days of the administration had been replaced. Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune confirmed that the president might have rejected several nominees from political heavyweights in the party, in his determined bid to cultivate a crop of new breed politicians, a legacy he hopes to leave behind in the Nigerian political space. Nigerian Tribune also gathered that the president had personally composed his list of ministerial hope-

ful, with names of big time politicians missing. While details of the names remained sketchy as of press

allies and new breed politicians in the scene ahead 2019. A source actually said the

president had composed a list comprising those he described as political "minnows," adding that the big-

Safety checks: Stakeholders okay deployment of FRSC personnel to fuel depots Clement Idoko -Abuja STAKEHOLDERS in petroleum product marketing business, in Abuja, on Thursday, described as a welcome development, the initiative of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to deploy over 160 of its personnel to various depots and tanker farms in the country, for enforcement of safety compliance. A statement made available to newsmen by the Head of Media Relations and Strategy of FRSC, Mr Bisi Kazeem, said after review of the operation, the stakeholders unanimously said it was an appropriate action capable of contributing to the efforts to tackle the menace of road traffic crashes involving tankers and trailers. It will be recalled that FRSC deployed 160 of its personnel to the various depots and tanker farms on September 1, in order to enlighten and enforce minimum safety standards on tankers that load petroleum products from the facilities.

Slide 'n' Bounce, Laffta Fest berth in Ikorodu, Abeokuta THIS weekend, residents of Ikorodu, Lagos State, and Abeokuta, Ogun State, will have cause to rock and laugh, as the telecommunications solutions provider, Globacom, hits the two cities with its rave-of-themoment shows, the Glo Slide 'n' Bounce and the Glo Laffta Fest. In a statement issued in Lagos, on Wednesday, Globacom said Slide 'n' Bounce, a music concert which started in Ibadan penultimate Saturday, would move to Ikorodu tomorrow, at the Ikorodu Musical Village Hall. Similarly, the comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest, would berth at the O.K. Centre in Abeokuta on Sunday. According to the statement from the company, the Abeokuta comedy show would parade comedians such as Bovi, Seyi Law, Odogwu, Osama, Omo Baba, Mr Latin, Pappy Luwe, Bash and Memory Card, with the Fuji sensa-

time, sources said the list was consistent with Buhari's determination to ensure the emergence of his trusted

tion, Saheed Osupa and the 'katapot' crooner, Reekado Banks, spicing up the comedy with soul-lifting music. Yoruba movie actor, Odunlade Adekola and the country's funniest female stand-up comedian, Helen Paul, both Glo ambassadors, will make guest appearances at the show. For the Ikorodu Slide 'n' Bounce concert, the company promised a full scale entertainment for the residents of the city, as Mr Incredible, MI, the vocalist, Wande Coal, the gospel singer, Sammie Okposo and Di'ja would be performing at the show, with DJ Neptune take charge of the music box. Glo ambassador, Odunlade Adekola will also grace the event. "We can assure all the residents of Ikorodu and Abeokuta that this weekend will not be a dull one for them, as they will witness entertainment at its zenith at the two shows," the statement added.

The initiative was intended to save the nation from incidents of tanker crashes and spillage of fuel leading to inferno. While evaluating the operational policy, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the corps, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, noted that the idea of deploying officers to the depots was to ensure tanker drivers observed minimum safety standard before loading products, while calling on the stakeholders to do more to achieve the desired results. He disclosed that the idea was mooted at the national summit and agreed to by the generality of stakeholders, thus making it part of the plan of action which was arrived at to deal with the menace of tankers/trailers crashes. “In line with the resolutions, we commenced special operations against truck and trailer drivers who operate without observing the minimum safety standard,” he stated. “We also conducted retraining and recertification programmes at nine centres across the country and embarked on 'Operation Scorpion' in which 3,000 vehicles were apprehended, while the deployment of our personnel to the depots took place on September 1, 2015. “This review today is part of the process which enables us to assess how far the programme has gone, for us to fully realign to it and make it more efficient,” he said Oyeyemi further pointed out that the deployment was an interventionist measure that would not involve any financial commitment from the facility managers and owners. Also speaking at the event,

Mr Obafemi Olawore, the Executive Secretary of Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, commended the FRSC for the initiative, stressing that it would go a

long way in creating awareness on minimum safety standard by tanker drivers and consequent reduction in the carnage involving trucks on the highways.

FRSC not recruiting —Public Education Officer Clement Idoko -Abuja THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised the alarm over what it described as on-going activities of scammers extorting money from desperate job seekers, with the guise that they could facilitate their securing employment into the corps. Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Imoh Etuk, said the attention of the FRSC management had been drawn to the nefarious activities of scammers, while calling on the public to disregard any call for recruitment into FRSC, as the

Corps was not recruiting. Etuk, in a statement on Thursday, said, disturbed by this trend, the management of the FRSC wished to distance itself from this criminal act and advised the public especially, job seekers, to disregard such. “In the same vein, the Corps is using this medium to inform the public that the Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, is not on Facebook, as fraudsters are also using several fake Facebook accounts, with his identification, to swindle unsuspecting members of the public," the statement added.

The Ooni Ife needs, by aspirant A prince of Ile-Ife, who is aspiring to emerge the next Ooni, Adetayo Oladele, has emphasised that the new Ooni of Ife must be a man who is truly desirous of bringing developments to the town. Prince Oladele, who hails from Adagba royal compound in the Lafogido Ruling House, in a statement on Thursday, said the throne became vacant at a time IleIfe needed an Ooni that is able to reposition the town to the level of bringing pride not only to Ife sons and daughters, but to all the Yoruba in the entire world. He stressed that the new Ooni should be a man who sees the throne in terms of responsibility and service

rather than power, privilege and prestige. The Ooni hopeful, therefore, appealed to all aspirants to the revered throne as well as the kingmakers to allow the interest of Ile-Ife to take topmost priority in their considerations. “Ile-Ife is a uniquely great town. It is not only symbolic in Yorubaland but in the whole world for its historical importance. Our town has also been blessed with great kings in the past. “At this critical time in our history, Ile-Ife deserves only an Ooni that is truly dissatisfied with the town’s current state and has genuine interest in harnessing all its potentials to move it to its rightful place,” he said.

Why there was outage at NASS —Power ministry Adetola Bademosi-Abuja FOLLOWING the outage which reportedly halted the power sector probe at the Senate on Wednesday, the Ministry of Power has ascribed the development to a faulty internal electricity supply system. It said the National Assembly, with its alternative source of power supply, could have put on the stand-by genera-

tor for an assignment of that magnitude, adding that the problem was with its internal supply system. In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Press, Timothy Oyedeji, on Thursday, it said the outages experienced during the session could not have taken the shine off the exercise, as the reports generated reflected diverse and vast interest areas in the power

sector. "So, it was not electricity failure but internal supply failure, arising from faulty system at the National Assembly, venue of the session," the statement read. It further added that despite the disruption in power supply, the session still went on unhindered, adding that far reaching decisions were reached, some of which were even reported in all the dailies.

wigs who were hopeful of making the list were in for a big shocker. There are reports that the list was already with the Department of State Services (DSS), though sources close to the organisation could not confirm the development. It was, however, gathered that the government had ordered that all avenues by which the list would get to the media before its unveiling by the Senate be blocked. Officials of the DSS were said to be under strict order not to allow a slip, as anyone found to have leaked the list would face sanction. The president had said in a media interview during the week that his appointments would go to his trusted hands, who had been with him through his sojourn in the APP, ANPP, CPC and APC. Besides, the issue of loyalty is also a reason the president was determined to ensure a take-over of the polity by his crop of new breed politicians, who he believed would institute discipline and probity. "The president has made it clear to his party leaders that he needs to put in place a team that would work for the people. "He is also insisting on people with unblemished record of service. He had stated that he would not condone a public officer who would be going to court with official vehicles to defend corruption charges. "This is the time to walk the talk and the feelers we are having is that he (Buhari) stuck to his guns," a source close to the party said. It was gathered that in line with this determination to pick trusted hands, President Buhari rejected the quest of one of the governors to nominate someone who can perform wonders as minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The governor was said to have recently approached Buhari with a candidate he believed would perform well in Abuja and restore sanity to the Federal Capital, but it was gathered that Buhari told the governor that he already had someone in mind. "The president has assured his party leaders that while sensitivity of the job of ministers would not allow him pick some of their favoured candidates some names could be considered for future assignments," a source said.

news

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Fighting terrorism, oil theft challenging —Buhari •Seeks more regional collaboration in tackling terrorism •Africa loses $7bn to piracy -Togolese President Clement Idoko -Abuja

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration had been overwhelmed by the efforts to tackle insecurity arising from Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and oil theft in the South South region of the country. He spoke on Thursday, when he received the President of Togo, Mr Faure Gnassingbe, at the Presidential Villa. The Togolese president

was in Nigeria to invite Buhari to a summit on maritime security and development in Togo, holding in November. President Buhari called for more cooperation among African countries to combat terrorism, piracy and other security challenges facing the sub-region, saying no meaningful development could take place without security. He also said African leaders must pay greater attention to development of agriculture and manufacturing

sector, in order to provide jobs for unemployed youths. He appreciated the visit of Gnassingbe to Nigeria and his concern about regional security, Boko Haram insurgency, oil theft, illegal fishing, oil pollution and the dumping of toxins. “His (Gnassingbe’s) concern about regional security made it imperative for him to organise a summit on maritime security and development in November, to examine a lot of issues. “As for Nigeria, we are grateful for the sympathy

and the goodwill expressed, touching on the performance of our armed forces and law enforcement agencies since this administration came into being. “It is is not easy trying to fight on so many fronts, the North-East, the SouthSouth and then try to provide infrastructure in our country,” he said. Buhari told his guest that the cooperation of the regional countries, comprising Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin Republic, had resulted in the isolation of

Boko Haram and the peace which is gradually returning into the country. Earlier, the Togolese president, in his remark, had commended Buhari and the Nigerian security forces for combating terrorism in West Africa. He disclosed that piracy alone cost the Gulf of Guinea $7 billion a year, for not fighting the menace of maritime insecurity. He informed Buhari that the security summit being hosted by his country would deal with issues of piracy, oil

theft, environmental pollution, immigration, as well as human and drug trafficking. When asked by journalists if African countries were not hosting too many summits, Gnassingbe disagreed, saying the summits were not enough. “Piracy alone costs the Gulf of Guinea $7 billion a year, that is what we lose for not combatting it and we also know that without cooperation, you cannot combat piracy, but the first stage is to come together and talk," he said.

Boko Haram: Military hoists flag at recaptured Borno territory Chris Agbambu -Abuja THE military has hoisted Nigeria’s national flag at the border between the country and Cameroon, specifically at the strategic and economic town of Gomboru Ngala, just by the river bank that divides the two countries. The development came after the military triumphed over the Boko Haram sect in the area. The hoisting of the flag signified restoration of the country's authority and complete possession of its territory within the border area. The Chief of Army Staff,

Lieutenant-General T. Y. Buratai, performed the symbolic ceremony, after visiting the troops in the frontline at the strategic border town. Buratai, during the ceremony, commended the troops for the feat of recapturing the town and noted that the development was in line with vision and the mission of the Nigerian Army to defend the territorial integrity of the nation. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the desired leadership, support and logistics that made the army to perform effectively.

The army chief, however, noted that the war was not over, as the terrorists were yet to give up. He observed that the terrorists still planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in their attacks on isolated communities, while

urging the troops to ensure they stopped the terrorists. The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by the Commander, 'Operation Lafiya Dole' and head of Military Command and Control Centre, Major General Y. M. Abubakar;

Buhari sacks FCT revenue service boss PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate sack of chairmen of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Internal Revenue Service, the Secondary Education Board (SEB) and theUniversal Basic Education Board (UBEB).

Muhammad Sule, spokesman of the FCT Administration, confirmed the development on Thursday, saying “the sack was contained in a letter by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with reference number: SGF.19/S.81/T1/97,

Amaechi spent N8.45bn on failed hospital project —Probe panel IT has been disclosed at the resumed sitting of the ongoing judicial commission of inquiry that the administration of immediate past governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, allegedly spent the sum of N8.45 billion on the failed Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Hospital. Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health, Sir Soniari Lawrence Isaac, made the disclosure while testifying before the probe panel sitting in Port Harcourt, on Thursday. The Amaechi-led government had partnered with Clinotech Diagnostic and Pharmaceutical Services, Inc, Canada, to build a 15-storey 1,000-bed hospital in 2008, but apart from an empty space of land at Igwuruta, no foundation had been laid, even till now. According to the permanent secretary, Clinotech, from available records, appeared to have failed to honour its obligation in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) entered into by both parties in respect of the project. He said the MoU, as entered into in 2008, stipulated that while the Rivers

State government holds 40 per cent equity, Clinotech would have 60 per cent of the investment in the specialist hospital. Isaac told the commission that the original cost of the hospital was put at $98 million, out of which he said the state government paid $39.200 million, representing 40 per cent of its equity share upfront. However, available records was said to have showed that Clinotech did not pay any money in respect of its 60 per cent shareholding, even as the permanent secretary said he had checked for both the MoU and the shareholders agreement but had not been able to find them. Isaac also disclosed that the Amaechi-led administration later contracted the construction of the hospital to Clinotech Turnkey and Management Limited. “I found out that the sponsors of Clinotech Turnkey and Management Limited were also the sponsors of Clinotech Diagnostic Band Pharmaceutical Services Inc, Canada. “So, the Rivers State government was, again, dealing

Commander,Multinational Joint Task Force, MajorGeneral I. I. Abbas; Chief of Training and Operations, Major General F. O. Ali; Commander, Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps, MajorGeneral R.O. Yusuf; Coordinator of Army Aviation,

with the same persons that failed to deliver at the first instance. “From the response that we got from Clinotech, they claimed to have been disappointed by their foreign financiers. Clinotech did not tell us what happened to the $30.200 million that was paid to them by the Rivers State government. “The second instance was a straight forward contract in which the Rivers State government was meant to pay 20 per cent of the total cost of the project, which stood at N3.49 billion. The Rivers State government awarded the contract at the cost of $150 million,” he said. Isaac also informed the commission that the arrangement also included a clause on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT), while the government was the sole owner of the hospital in the second arrangement with Clinotech Turnkey and Management Limited. “From the records available to me, former Governor Amaechi was so disappointed and angry when he visited the site at Igwuruta, on October 5, 2010, that he ordered the company to

evacuate the site,” he said. When asked if he had visited the site, he said “I have visited the proposed site of the Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital. I was very disappointed. I saw pre-fabricated buildings, containers and equipment. There is no concrete structure at the site. “I also saw about five or six trucks that have been vandalised at the sight. Their engines, tyres or doors have been removed. “The destruction of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) at Old Port Township was a very wasteful exercise, considering how much was spent on the project,” he said. It will be recalled that the Justice Adolphus KaribiWhyte Specialist Hospital was moved from the Old Port Harcourt to Omagwa and later to Igwuruta. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCÀA) had then complained that it was not feasible for a 15-storey high rise building to be located close to the Port Harcourt International Airport, as its altitude may affect aircraft when taking off or landing.

sent to the FCT Permanent Secretary, John Obinna Chukwu, on Wednesday." He quoted the letter as saying that “the Federal Government’s directive, as contained in circular Ref. No. SGF.19/S.81/XIX/964 on the dissolution of the governing boards of the Federal Government parastatals, agencies, institutions and government owned companies remains extant. “That the directive applies to all the boards of the Federal Capital Territory parastatals, agencies, institutions and governmentowned companies. “In view of the above, the FCT Permanent Secretary, John Obinna Chukwu, has directed the former chair-

Major-General L.E.O Irabor; General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Major-General L.O. Adeosun; the Director of Military Intelligence, Brigadier-General A.S.H Sa’ad and the Provost Marshal, Brigadier-General A.T. Hamman, among others.

man of the FCT Internal Revenue Service to hand over all duties and responsibilities of his office, as well as government belongings in his possession, to the director of treasury, FCT; while the chairmen of the Secondary Education Board and Universal Basic Education Board should hand over all duties and responsibilities of their offices as well as government belongings in their possession to the directors/secretaries of SEB and UBEB respectively.” The letter also expressed the “profound appreciation” of the FCT Administration to the officers “for their contributions to the development of the Federal Capital Territory.”

I have not been assigned any committee in Senate —Tinubu Bola Badmus -Lagos WIFE of the national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central senatorial district at the Senate, has said that she is yet to be assigned a committee, in spite of the fact that some standing and ad hoc committees had been constituted by the leadership under Senator Bukola Saraki. Senator Tinubu disclosed this on Wednesday, at the 15th edition/first in the eighth Senate of Lagos Central Senatorial District town hall meeting, with the theme: “New Chapter, Hope

Renewed,” organised by her. According to her, three standing committees and six ad hoc committees had, so far, been set up by the Senate leadership. Tinubu said she was unable to brief her constituents on her activities in the eighth session of the Senate because she had not been assigned any committee yet, but promised to give more concrete information at another town hall meeting. Earlier, Senator Tinubu had endorsed Governor Akinwumi Ambode for a second term in office, ahead 2019 election, declaring that the incumbent would do a second term.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

news NLC, TUC protest, as workers storm Presidency, EFCC, NASS • Buhari won’t spare any looter — SGF 6

Soji-Eze Fagbemi, Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

HE first president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hassan Sumonu, on Thursday, led hundreds of workers unders the auspices of NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in a protest rally around Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory; in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption. While some prominent Nigerians have called on the president to relax its anti-corruption war, the organised labour demanded that the present administration should rather go beyond the rhetoric and ensure that corruption was fought to a standstill. They made the demand as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir assured them that despite distraction and called by a few leaders to stop recovery of our money from the looters, President Buhari would not spare anyone who had corruptly enriched himself and looted the economy. The rally, which lasted about eight hours, started at the Fountain Park by Transcorp Hilton, opposite Millenium Park Abuja, from where the workers walked to the EFCC office at Wuse 2, the National Assembly and the Presidency (Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation). Prominent Labour leaders, such as the President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, the Textile Workers Secretary General and former Vice President of NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu, ASUU President, Nasir Fagge, NULGE President Comrade Ibrahim Kalheel and JUSUN President Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu and Comrade Sunmonu, took time to address the crowd at intervals. Comrade Wabba said at the EFCC, that Nigerian workers would support justice to strengthen commission and all anti-graft agencies and decried the instances where light sentences were granted to those who looted billions of naira. He said the congress would lead the fight to en-

Friday, 11 September, 2015

sure that corrupt judges who deliberately stalled corruption cases were flushed out of the system, saying “the congress is ready to take the war to judges who are found wanting in the anti-graft war.” Comrade Aremu called on Nigerians to join the fight against corruption, adding that “the president has said if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us. Should will allow corruption kill us? This is why we must support the fight corruption. It is very unfortunate that due to corruption the nation’s education and health care sector have collapsed. Nigerians can no longer fold their arms and watch. “If you want light, you must buy generator, if you want quality education, your children must go to private schools. Nigerians workers are saying enough is enough.” In his reaction, the EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, who was presented a letter, said with the support of organised labour, the fight against corruption had been strengthened.

According to him, “with this, our hands are strengthened. We will not disappoint you. The cost of business in Nigeria is the most expensive in the world. Nigerians must speak with one voice against canker worm of corruption. We have a government that is determined to fight corruption, so it is natural that we align with this vision.” He assured that the EFCC would take the NLC and

TUC along in the quest to rid the country of corruption. However, Wabba expressed disappointment at the failure of the leadership of the National Assembly to receive them, despite prior notice to them about the protest rally. He said Nigerian workers must ensure that lawmakers enact laws to fight corruption and protect whistle-blowers. The Senate President was

represented by the Deputy Majority Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, while the Speaker was represented by Honourable Sanni Zoro The NLC president said: “This is a struggle for good governance. We are not happy. Generation unborn will suffer from the consequence if we don’t fight corruption. It is because of corruption that workers’ salaries have not been paid for eight months.

At the Presidency, the labour leaders assured the president of workers’ resolve to back his anti-corruption war and urged him not to spare any corrupt official. Responding, the SGF, David Babachir, gave assurance that the president would not spare any looter and told them that President Buhari considered labouras partner in the war against corruption.

the politicians who should march to the secretariats, because “no political office holder can steal successfully without the connivance and cooperation of civil servants.” The governor, who told the workers that his criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari was not out of hatred, said “I don’t hate Buhari, but we must understand that opposition is the main ingredient of democracy and all of us cannot see things

from the same perspective.” Also, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, on Thursday, received members of various labour unions in the state on peaceful rally to the Lagos House, Alausa, where urged them to throw their weight behind the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari. The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, com-

mended the labour unions, consisting members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), NLC, National Youth Council (NYC) and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) for their decision to show solidarity with President’s Buhari’s quest to stem corruption. He said Nigeria was currently at a defining moment of its democratic history, which would require all hands to be on deck and support the drive of the government at the centre, so as to return the nation to its glory days. In the same vein, Delta State governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged labour unions to collaborate with government in the fight against corruption, in order to have enough resources for the development of the nation. The governor gave the charge on Thursrday while addressing members of the NLC and TUC, Delta State chapter, who besieged the Government House, Asaba, on a peaceful “AntiCorruption and Good Governance” rally. He urged them to partner with government at all levels in the fight against corruption, so as to stamp out the menace, “so that we will be able to free more money that will be available to develop our state for the good of all.”

Fayose, Ambode, Okowa task civil servants, labour unions

Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, on Thursday, charged civil servants to also look inwards in the fight against corruption, just as he disagreed that the nationwide anti-corruption rally of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was necessary. Fayose, who spoke while addressing members of the NLC in the state during their rally to the Government House, said it was

Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, Jigawa NLC support anti-corruption war From Yinka Oladoyinbo, Isaac Shobayo, Ademola Adegbite and Adamu Amadu

THE organised labour, comprising Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Civil Society Organisations in Kogi State, on Thursday, embarked on protest against corruption, with a call on President Muhammadu Buhari to recover all stolen funds belonging to the country. The protest, which commenced around 11.00 a.m, saw the workers, led by state chairman of NLC, Comrade Onuh Edoka, marching from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, to the Government House. The workers, who chanted solidarity songs, said the protest was meant to express support for the anti-corruption crusade of the president. They noted that corruption had created a bad image for the country and its citizens, adding that it had also made

living more difficult for the people, since funds meant for the provision of social amenities were being pocketed by a few individuals. Also, Plateau State chapter of the NLC called on President Buhari and the Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, to ensure that all funds identified to have been stolen from the common treasury was recovered to the last kobo. Chairman of the NLC in the state, Comrade Jubril, who made the call shortly after a rally by the state chapter of NLC, in support of war against corruption, said all such recovered funds should be kept in a special account and appropriated for job creation, funding educational infrastructure from primary to tertiary institution levels and for upgrading health care infrastructure. The NLC, Nasarawa State chapter, in the same vein, tasked President Buhari, to urgently establish anti-corruption court to fast-track prosecution

of offenders and erase unnecessary technicalities and bureaucracies that delay some cases in court. The position of the NLC was made known by the state chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Danladi Sabo Namo, during its campaign tagged “for good governance” at the Government House in Lafia, the state capital. NLC lamented that some selfish leaders, both in the state and country at large, had siphoned public funds fraudulently, thereby subjecting the masses to abject poverty. Jigawa State chapter called on President Bu-

hari to establish special courts, in order to speed the corruption trails in the country. This was disclosed by the sate’s branch of NLC chairman, Comrade Usman Ya’u, in a speech delivered during anticorruption rally, to mark the national day of action against corruption and for good governance organised by NLC on Thursday, in Dutse, the state capital. The congress also urged the president to keep up with recovering stolen public funds with establishment of anti-corruption court to try corruption cases in the country.

Cleric urges people to hand over ember months to God THE general overseer of Blessed Life bible church Inc, Dr H. O Dike, has urged Nigerians to hand over their lives to God in the ember months. Dike, who initiated a prayer session and a prophetic programme tagged: “Oversize Miracles Breakthroughs” to this effect. the

event kicked off from September 7 to 13 at the prayer ground, at 79 Isheri-Osun Road, Aso-Rock Bus-Stop, Jakande, Lagos. Speaking on what prompted the event, Dike that it was high time people handed over the journey of the last quarter of the year to God to experience peace

and disaster-free months. One of the invited guests, from Kaduna, Prophet Emmanuel Valentine, is the guest speaker. It will be recalled that the man of God prophesied that Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, would become a governor, which eventually came to pass.

news

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Demand probe of past govt, Oshiomhole charges workers

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has challenged Nigerian workers to insist on a review of corrupt government policies by past administrations, saying past

misdeeds should not be swept under the carpet. Speaking at an anti-corruption rally organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Thursday, Oshiom-

hole said even as workers demand probity and accountability from the nation’s leaders, they also must shun corrupt practices in their places of work. The governor, who said the country was gradually

returning to the right track under President Muhammadu Buhari, said “until recently, I am sure it would have been so hazardous in the face of what appears to be a direct state policy that not to be corrupt is to be en-

Former ICPC boss, Akanbi, supports corruption war Biola Azeez- Ilorin Pioneer chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and and other Financial Crimes Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has canvassed support for President Muhammadu Buhari on his anti-graft war. Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Thursday, on his 83rd birthday, Jus-

tice Akanbi said corruption among political office holders had put untold hardship and suffering on socio-economic lives of many Nigerians. “Honestly, any sensible Nigerian should pray for Buhari to succeed. I did not imagine in my time that people will work for six months and not paid salaries. How will they feed their families? It is because peo-

Ondo NLC supports anti-corruption war Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

MEMBERS of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ondo State chapter, on Thursday, staged a peaceful rally in Akure, the state capital, to drum up support for the anti-graft war embarked upon by President Muhammudu Buhari. The organised labour union members, who marched from the union secretariat at Alagbaka, to the state House of Assembly and the Governor’s Office chanting solidarity songs, called on Nigerians and all workers to consider anybody or group that was against the anticorruption war of President Buhari an enemy of progress and development. The workers, armed with placards with various inscriptions, calling for support on the anti-graft war, noted that corruption had eaten deep into the nation’s system, saying the menace

was responsible for all the challenges confronting the country and had created a very bad image for the country and its citizens.

ple have stolen the money. Many political office holders have stolen money. “This administration has given more hope for now. I spoke against ICPC in the papers, that it has not been working and should wake from its slumber just as EFCC has woken up. The

By Tunde Ogunesan

PRESIDENT of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Comrade Waheed Olojede, has maintained that various levels of government are unable to

THE Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has canvassed life jail term for any public officers found guilty of corrupt charges. He said the on Thursday, while addressing members of the Labour Movement, comprising Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), after a rally for promotion of good governance in the country. The governor maintained that the menace of corruption must be fought collectively, saying “if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us.”

Amosun, flanked by his deputy, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga and the state chairmen of the NLC and TUC, C omrade Akeem Ambali and Comrade Olubunmi Fabajo, noted that corrupt practices was not limited to those in public offices only. Governor Amosun said his administration, in its bid to reduce corrupt practices in the state, closed down about 200 bank accounts through the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system in 2011. He said he would have canvassed death sentence for anyone found culpable of corrupt practices,but such was not in the world best practices.

Mrs Beatrice Itubo, in her address during the rally, said it was in support of the present leadership in Nigeria to fight corruption and to recover all stolen monies and properties. She said petroleum refineries across the country must be functional to stop importation of refined products, adding that the claim for subsidy on petroleum products was purely due to corruption practices and tendencies in the oil sector. She noted that the peaceful rally was not to offend anyone, but to create awareness among Rivers people that corruption had

created a very bad image for the country and its citizens. “This rally is to inform the world that we are in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anticorruption war. Remember that non-payment of worker’s salaries has been attributed to corrupt practices of state governors who have gone into heavy borrowing,” she said. Also speaking, Rivers State chairman of TUC, Comrade Chuka Onuegbu, said corruption had led to factory closure, retrenchment and worsening unemployment situation and underdevelopment in the country.

NLC, TUC hold pro-Buhari rally in Port Harcourt Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt

RIVERS State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Thursday, in Port Harcourt, held a peaceful rally in solidarity with the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari. Members and officials of the two labour unions and their affiliations marched from the NLC office at Ibekere Street in D/line, Port Harcourt, to the state House of Assembly, where union leaders addressed the rally. State chairman of NLC,

scale of sources of money that were diverted away from national treasury into private pockets or to put it more nicely, money that were not accounted for. “After series of efforts and struggles day and night to shut him down, we saw ministers organising public hearings inviting the parties to speak to these weighty allegations. In the end, we were told by the Minister of Finance and the then Coordinating Minister of the Economy that the numbers were not $20 billion as alleged by the CBN governor, that was they were not able to account for was ‘merely’ $10.2 billion.

Corruption, cause of salary arrears—OyoNLC

Amosun canvasses life imprisonment for corrupt public office holders Olayinka OlukoyaAbeokuta

body language of and spoken words of Buhari shows that he is going to fight corruption. Let us all support him. Nobody will succeed in fighting corruption if government does not show political will, and Buhari has demonstrated that in what he is doing now,” he said.

dangered and the way to be safe was to ensure that you participate in corrupt practices and everybody kept quiet. “We got to the point that those who raised their voice against corrupt practices were all unceremoniously removed from office and in some quarters people clapped. “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, today an Emir of Kano, as a seasoned banker, as an economist and in his younger days as an activist in the student union movement, raised his voice about corrupt practices in the oil sector and showed numbers about the

pay their workers’ salaries because of corruption, stating that the state chapter would continue to support the current leadership in its fight against corruption. Comrade Olojede made this known on Thursday, at the NLC state secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, during the anti-corruption rally held in Ibadan, on Thursday. He noted that corruption had affected all sectors in the country, such as health, education, petroleum, power

agriculture,transport and this had led to closure, retrenchment and worsened unemployment situation and underdevelopment in the country, adding that the endemic had been responsible for non-payment of workers’ salaries due to corrupt practices of most state governors. He added that the governors went into heavy borrowing from banks to carry out huge projects, which ordinarily they did not have apacity for.

“Government must stop the unfair treatment of Nigerian workers and also stop the unrealistic minimum wage that has left many workers living in penury, leaving them to suffer untold hardships as a result of no fault of theirs but simply to corruption.” Olojede disclosed that corruption had continued to erode the ethical base of the society, breeding all kinds of crimes which included vandalism, robbery, kidnapping, youth agitation, which has resulted to insecurity.

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Lagosmetro Electrocution: Unilag students give ultimatum to management, power company Naza Okoli THE leadership of the University of Lagos Students Union (ULSU) on Thursday said it has issued a two-week ultimatum to the management and the power company to bury all the cables on the campus.

Lagos fire survivor dies Olalekan Olabulo THE young girl, who survived the early Wednesday morning fire incident in Surulere area of Lagos State, is dead. Identified simply as Chidinma, she reportedly died at the Emergency section of Gbagada General Hospital, on Thursday morning. Her remains had since been deposited at Myyoung Barracks Hospital morgue in Yaba area of the state, where bodies of other members of her family were deposited. Chidinma had suffered serious burns on her face and parts of the body, but she escaped the fire accident. Her death might not be unconnected with the late treatment that she received, after the fire incident killed her parents and others. She was said to have been rejected at a private hospital and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where she was rushed to after she was rescued. Lagos Metro gathered that one of the hospitals had insisted on seeing a police report, before they could commence any treatment on the young girl.

This was disclosed by the President of the Union, Mr Abiodun Martins when he spoke with Nigerian Tribune via telephone. “EKO DISCOS must begin that work with immediate effect,” Martins said.

“The school management has said it is EKO DISCOS; we don’t know whether it is them or not. So we are telling the management that they should bring whoever owns the cables to our school to come and

bury them. We give them two weeks to finish the work. They must begin immediately. I was told this kind of incident has occurred before but was not yet a part of the Union, so I cannot be

so sure. What we are saying is that we have given them two weeks to bury all the cables in the university to prevent such thing from happening again.” Earlier, in a statement signed by the Deputy Reg-

istrar (Information), Mr Olagoke Oke, and entitled “PHCN cable kills female student in front of New Hall,” the university had emphasised that the cable did not belong to the university.

Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

of an auxiliary nurse under the pretence that he wants to anoint her private part. It was gathered that Adesoye allegedly prophesied to the victim (name with-

held) that she had spiritual husband who usually had sex with her in her dream, which had hindered her career progress. Adesoye, who resides at

Ikotun area, allegedly informed her that she needed to be delivered through prayers so that her future will be brighter stating that such prayer and deliverance

would involved him having sex with her in order to anoint her private part. Nigerian Tribune gathered that, Adesoye also told her that she would pay him N25, 000 for the prayers and warned her to do so to avoid further threat to her future. The victim accepted, paid the money and gave him her two phones and a gift. It was further gathered that Adesoye took the young nurse to a popular hotel located at Abule Odu in Egbeda area and had sex with her several times and thereafter gave her a soap to use to take her bath daily. After the victim, who was introduced to Adesoye by her friend realised that she had been duped, she told her parents what happened and the matter was reported to the police at Area ‘M’ Command, Idimu. Adesoye was arrested and charged before an Ejigbo Magistrate court for obtaining sex, unlawful carnal knowledge under false pretence and stealing under the Criminal Code. He pleaded not guilty and the presiding Magistrate, Mrs J. O. E. Adeyemi granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The court ordered that one of the sureties must be a land owner and show affidavit of means. He was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when he will perfect his bail condition. The matter was adjourned till September, 21.

Prophet conducts sex deliverance for nurse in hotel

prophet, Muyiwa Adesoye, has been accused of having carnal knowledge

Contractors getting set for the repairs of Lagos-Ibadan expressway, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

Julius Berger returns to site on Lagos- lbadan Expressway JULIUS Berger Nigeria Plc has returned to site on the Lagos-Ibadan Express Way ahead of its plan to start full repair works again by the end of September. The rehabilitation works on the road were stopped by the company some time ago, following some issues with

the Federal Government A visit by a correspondent of New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to the site on Thursday revealed that officials and other workers of the company were already on the road preparing for the work ahead. Some officials of the

company, who spoke with NAN, said that the road rehabilitation would start from kilometre 12, otherwise known as the “long bridge” and would run towards the Shagamu Interchange. They said the skeletal work started on August

8 at the Wawa Bus-stop along the expressway. NAN reports that the company has already started moving heavy duty vehicles and road barriers from its yard at the Sagamu-Interchange to Wawa Bus-Stop at Kilometre 12. The barriers were being

taken to Wawa Bus-Stop where workers were already repairing the median along the expressway. Julius Berger started the road rehabilitation from the Shagamu Interchange towards Lagos during the initial phase of the reconstruction exercise.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Edited By Lanre Adewole

08037863902 | olanreade@yahoo.com

Truck ban: NPA, govt open dialogue Tola Adenubi

MOTORISTS who work in Apapa and its environs have hailed the trucks ban policy recently put in place by the Lagos State Government (LASG). This is even as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has waded into the face-off to avert congestion at the nation’s seaports. When Lagos Metro went round the seaport environment on Thursday, it was observed that the roads linking major streets in Apapa and its environs were devoid of the usual traffic gridlock that has come to be synonymous with activities around the seaport areas. Motorists who spoke with Lagos Metro expressed happiness at the free flow of traffic in and around the seaport town of Apapa, expressing hope that the truck drivers would succumb to the Lagos State government directive to move in -between the hours of 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 a.m. “I left home around 6:30 a.m. today and got to Burma Road around past 7.00 a.m. I still cannot believe that the driving distance from my house in Ilupeju to Apapa is within 45 minutes that is if you consider the moving traffic along Agege Motor road and other parts of Lagos. “Prior to now, when I tried leaving home to the office in my car around same time, I

usually get to the office after 10 a.m. You can see the roads are free. I can even see the Apapa port end of the Wharf road from the Eleganza Round about. It’s unbelievable. Kudos to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for this. I can say I did not throw away my vote,” an elated Olusola Alade stated. Findings by Lagos Metro revealed that from the Wharf road down to Burma junction and Creek road, vehicular movement were seamless as trucks were parked along a single lane on most of the ports access roads.

However, findings have revealed that the NPA has begun talks with LASG over possible option to solve issues of container falling on unsuspecting Lagos residents other than the truck ban. In a chat with newsmen, NPA’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Iheanacho Ebubeogu said, “We have been in touch with Lagos State Government and they said they will get back to us.” The Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi also confirmed the development.

Security guards who gang-raped teenager get N1m bail Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

TWO security guards, who allegedly gang-raped a teenage girl, have been granted N1million bail by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. The accused, Gabriel Vincent, 26, and Anthony Oguche, 25, who reside at Akowonjo near Egbeda, a Lagos suburb, are facing a three-count of conspiracy, abduction and rape. The duo reportedly lured the 15-year-old girl into their room at the security post and held her hostage for several hours, held her in their room against her will, manhandled her and then raped her. The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, who granted

them a bail of N500, 000 each, also directed the men to produce two responsible sureties in like sum and ordered that their files should be duplicated and sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. The accused, however denied the charges. The prosecutor, Simeon Imhonwa, insisted that the security guards committed the offences on August 27 at 5.00 p.m. at their office at Santos Ventures, Akowonjo Roundabout. The offences contravened Sections 137,141, and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The magistrate adjourned further hearing on the case to October 26.

Okada robbers arrested Olalekan Olabulo FOUR suspected armed robbers, who have in the past been snatching motorcycles from commercial riders, have been arrested in Igbo Olomu area of Ikorodu in Lagos State. The suspected armed robbers were on Tuesday morning arrested by members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), who were contacted by residents of the Lagos community. The arrested members of the gang operated between Ikorodu in Lagos State and Ago Iwoye in Ogun State, where they also snatch motorcycle at gun point.

Lagos Metro gathered that members of the group, as a way of covering up their nefarious activities, created two markets for buyers of their stolen motorcycles. They ensured that motorcycles stolen from Lagos are taken to Ago Iwoye, while those stolen from Ago Iwoye are taken to Lagos. A resident of the community, who simply identified himself as Sile narrated to Lagos Metro that, “for quite some time now, we have been having rising cases of okada theft in this area. “Today, they were caught in the act by the OPC guys, who have been on the watch for more than two weeks now

and they have confessed to the crime,” he said. A member of the gang, identified as Kabiru told the security men that the gang had been responsible for some of the motorbike operation in the area. Kabiru stated that the gang had snatched over 20 motorcycles in Igbo Olomu and named a resident of the area as a receiver of the stolen motorcycles from Ago Iwoye in Ogun State. The suspect also added that the gang targeted a certain brand of motorcycle, popularly known as “lagata” and that they sold them to bricklayers, who take them to site.

Nigerian Tribune

businessnews

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Transcorp’s subsidiary partners Coca-Cola on new 5-Alive orange juice

he Coca-Cola Company, on Wed launched a new line of fruit juice made from concentrate: 5-Alive Pulpy Orange, and announced Teragro, agribusiness subsidiary of Nigerian conglomerate, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp) as the sole local-concentrate sourcing partner for the product. Transcorp agribusiness subsidiary, Teragro Commodities Limited, produces orange, mango and pineapple concentrates for industrial markets. Teragro first began producing concentrate for Coca-Cola in 2014. “In July, we invested in a world-class extraction cup, which revolutionised the production process and ensured that our concentrates meet the most stringent international standards,” Teragro CEO, Dupe Olusola, said, adding that “Our budding relationship with Coca-Cola is essentially the international seal of approval on our products.” Given the scale of the Coca-Cola Company’s sales network and the impact on critical resources like water, it had emphasised the importance of partnering locally to ensure sustainability of supply chain. “We are establishing long-term relationships with suppliers all over the world, and our partnership with Teragro is helping us to change the way agribusiness is done in Nigeria,” said Nigerian Bottling Company Director of Stills Prahlad Gangadharan. “We are proud to have a supplier like Teragro, that delivers the highest quality product, making sustainability without sacrificing quality, a real possibility.” Teragro recently signed a memorandum of un-

derstanding (MOU) with the Benue State government to lease land to establish citrus farms with improved varieties of citrus fruits and to diversify crops. The company employs and invests in capac-

ity building for small-scale farmers as part of its commitment for improved return to investors, while providing support to the community. “We have made investments in Teragro’s pro-

cesses to ensure quality and that has elevated us to the pinnacle of local producers and ensures that we are able to compete with any international producer,” said Transcorp Group CEO, Emmanuel

From left, Matthieu Seguin, Country Commercial Director, Nigerian Bottling Company; Emmanuel Nnorom, CEO, Transcorp Plc and Prahlad Gangadharan, Director of Stills, NBC, during the launch of 5-Alive Pulpy Orange, a new juice line made with concentrate from Transcorp agribusiness subsidiary, Teragro Commodities Ltd, on Wednesday.

BVN: ‘Why CBN’ll enforce Oct 31st deadline’ Chima Nwokoji - Lagos Bank customers who are yet to obtain their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and are hoping that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would extend the October 31 fresh deadline set for the conclusion of the exercise have been warned that the apex bank does not intend to shift the deadline again. With about two months to the expiration of the deadline, the advice from the regulator for bank customers that are yet to enroll on the BVN platform, is that they should endeavour to obtain their BVN. The CBN Deputy Di-

rector, Banking and Payments System Department, Mr Musa Jimoh, stated these at an interactive session with journalists in Lagos recently. He explained that the BVN initiative brings such critical benefits to the financial sector that the CBN was eager to finally see it commence and thus would no longer extend the registration period for the exercise. He emphasised that there would be no hiding place for people who use multiple identities to perpetrate fraud in the industry after October 31 2015 when all bank customers are expected to have their BVN.

Mr Jimoh said: “With BVN, there would be no hiding place for those people who want to commit fraud. When the deadline comes, any person who has no BVN would discover that they would not be able to deposit into or make withdrawals from their accounts. “It would also no longer be possible then for delinquent debtors to continue piling up bad debts in several banks using different identities. This is because after October 31, every bank customer is expected to have a BVN and with it, any customer that refuses to repay his debts to a particular bank would not be able to use a differ-

Etisalat Prize for Literature closes call for entries Etisalat Nigeria has announced the closing of entries for the Etisalat Prize for Literature. The annual literary prize, which is in its third year, is the first ever pan-African prize that celebrates first time writers of published fiction and aims at discovering and promoting the teeming creative talents spread across the African continent.

Nnorom. “The fact that Coca-Cola is using our product is a testimony of its high-quality and of Coca-Cola’s commitment to meeting its goals with the best suppliers in Nigeria.”

Speaking about the entries which opened on June 18 and closed on August 27, 2015, Modupe Thani, Head of Events and Sponsorship at Etisalat Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the exercise and the growing cognizance of the prize among literary buffs. “Judging from the volume and quality of entries received this year, there is no doubt that Africa is

blessed with talented and inspiring writers who are challenged to tell their stories and influence their world through literature. Lovers of literary works will be thrilled by the long list of books to be released in November, this year,” she said. This year’s winner will receive £15,000 along with a high-end device and will go on an Etisalat-sponsored

book tour in three major cities. The winner will also be awarded a fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia and mentored by Professor Giles Foden. Etisalat will also purchase 1000 copies of the three shortlisted books, which will be donated to various schools, book clubs and libraries across the African continent.

ent name to open a new account without another bank.” Besides, he said that with the BVN project, the industry would find it a lot easier determining the actual number of bank customers in the country. He said: “There are various estimates of the total number of bank customers in the country. But some people have two or three accounts. However, with the BVN, we will be able to know how many bank customers we have in the industry.” He said that the number of bank customers that had so far enrolled on the BVN platform had risen to 19 million. The BVN, which is an initiative of the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee, was launched on February 14, 2014. It is a unique identifier for each bank customer across the financial industry, making it possible to build and track customer financial history and activity. This will allow banks access to more reliable information that could inform decisions on customer loan and credit applications and other complex transactions.

Nigerian Tribune

NNPC lifts embargo on 113 crude oil vessels The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it has lifted embargo placed on 113 vessels from lifting crude and gas in any of its terminals within Nigerian territorial waters. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Ohi Alegbe, Group General Manager, Public Affairs, NNPC on Thursday in Lagos. According to the statement, the lifting of the embargo is subject to the receipt of ‘Letters of Comfort’ from all terminal operators, oil companies and off-takers in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. It said the lifting is subject to the outcome of detailed investigation into the reasons why they were embargoed. The corporation noted that in view of the above, the Federal Government has approved the establishment of an Inter-Agency Committee to investigate the vessels. The committee is made up of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Navy, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the NNPC. ``The Inter-Agency Committee will appraise the culpability or otherwise of each of the vessels in the time past and advise appropriately,’’ the NNPC stated. The vessels were banned recently after they were found to have engage in alleged shady deal in the lifting of crude within the terminals.

NPA cancels contracts initiated by former MD Tola Adenubi - Lagos The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has cancelled tenders for provisions of computerised access control gates at the Tin Can Island Ports Complex (TCIPC), Lagos. The authority also cancelled the procurement proceedings for the construction of finger jetties at Calabar and Port Harcourt Ports, among others. The tenders and procurement proceedings were initiated under the authority’s former Managing Director, Sanusi Ado Bayero, who was sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari on August 13, 2015.

businessnews Banks lose $4.1trn to US financial crisis 11

HAIRMAN, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, on Wednesday, said banks across the world lost more than $4.1 trillion to the 2008 and 2009 U.S. financial crisis. Gambari made the disclosure at the launch of ‘Confronting the Crisis of Global Governance’ a report written by Global Commission on Governance, Security and Justice in Abuja. He said that the recession drove global unemployment up by 30 million, while national and regional economies remained vulnerable to capital flight as billions of dollars were lost to illicit financial flows. Gambari, who is a co-chair of the commission, however, stated that the situation engendered access of more than three billion people to international communication network, leading to explosive growth in global trade. He stressed that the world needed a just society whose goal was to forge a mutually supportive global system of accountable, fair and effective governance and sustainable peace. He reiterated the commission’s readiness to work with a range of partners within and outside governments to mobilise and sustain the far-reaching reform agenda advocated in the report. “An effective strategy for reform requires smart coalitions of like-minded states and non-state actors. “In our research and consultations, we have learned from the hard fought successes of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, International Campaign to Ban Landmines, and the International Effort to adopt Responsibility to Protect, as a global norm. “A successful strategy for reform must, therefore, harness a new kind of leadership combined with new kinds of tools and networks from a broad range of state, intergovernmental, and non-traditional global governance actors,” he said. Gambari said that in 2014, the number of refugees in the world increased by 2.1 million while the number of persons internally displaced by armed conflicts grew by 5.2 million. He said that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had projected that between 100 million persons and 150 million persons would be displaced by climate change in 2025 and 2050, respectively, globally. “In 2013, the amount of international funding for climate adaptation accounted for only seven per cent of total climate finance,” he said. He added that current

Friday, 11 September, 2015

annual UN Peacekeeping budget of 8.5 billion dollars equalled less than 0.5 per cent of world military expenditures. The renowned diplomat said that the report contained far-reaching recommendations, which he said,

were aimed at encouraging a roadmap for broad-based policy dialogue and an institutional reform agenda targeted at 2020. He stated that to transform the United Nations to meet 21st century challenges, ‘’the commission called for the

creation of a UN Parliamentary Network to raise greater awareness and participation in UN governance’’. Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, said that the report had received a considerable media attention globally.

He said that the challenge before the commission was to translate the reform programme into a powerful and sustainable policy dialogue on building global governance architecture in line with today’s transnational challenges.

Chairman, Standard Group, Alhaji Ahmed Salawudeen (middle), commissioning Ahmed Salawudeen Gymnasium Complex at Insurance Brokers House, Yaba, Lagos, with him are his daughter, Zainab (left) and President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mr Ayodapo Shoderu, on Thursday.

JP Morgan: Most foreign investors are mere traders —CBN More pressure for stocks Chima Nwokoji - Lagos THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that most of the people being branded Foreign Investors (FIs), who JP. Morgan referred to when it announced the removal of Nigeria from its Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBIEM), are mere traders. “Recently, we have observed for sometime now that instead of those we call foreign investors using their investment portfolio, we have been seeing them now

doing more of trading. That is why someone who calls himself a foreign investor will bring in money today and tomorrow he takes the money away,” Ukeje disclosed. In a Television programme monitored in Lagos, Director, Financial Markets Department, CBN, Mr. Emmanuel Ukeje, said JP Morgan has already taken a decision and there is no going back on it. Nigeria he stressed, has been removed and the country has to wait for another 12 months be-

fore “ we can be reconsidered for re- inclusion.” To those who want to exit, said the apex bank has advised Deposit Money Banks to actually allow them to go because there are people who are also willing to come in. “The fundamentals of the Nigerian economy is very, very good and people are willing to come into Nigeria and invest,” he assured. The director further said that JP. Morgan is just a fraction of investors that are in Nigeria and that a lot of

We need N10bn to supply prepaid metres, poles —IBEDC From Biola Azeez and Olayinka Olukoya THE Regional Commercial Manager (Kwara region) of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Mr Peter Oni, has disclosed that over N10 billion is required to provide prepaid meters and electricity poles for its customers to ensure efficient power supply. Speaking at a public consultation forum on tariff review with managers of business organisations and residential customers in Ilorin on Tuesday, IBEDC manager said huge investment was required to bring about improvement in the power system, “particularly with the level of over 50 years decay in the industry.” The IBEDC manager, who sought understanding of customers on need for review on

tariff, said factors influencing tariff include cost of maintenance including vandalism cost, changes/increase in cost of gas, technical losses and energy theft, payment/ non-payment by customers, changes in bank interests and foreign exchange rate, and investment for network, among others. He also said that the review would prevent collapse of the power sector, ensure increase in power supply to customers as well as ensure that the entire power sector value chain (generation, transmission and distribution) is funded through appropriate tariff structure. “The low level of payment for electricity has a major impact on the cash flow in the entire value chain and this must be addressed to guarantee required investments

in the industry. Current tariff does not guarantee recovery of total cost of operations. Thus, this review will assist us to quickly address problem of estimated billing (through metering) which today represents over 70 per cent customers’ complaints and has been one of the reasons for various protests experienced since we took over”, he said. Meanwhile, IBEDC said it had become necessary for it to review its tariff upward for optimal and effective service to its numerous customers. Speaking during a one-day public consultation forum on tariff review for stakeholders in Ogun region, held in Abeokuta last Tuesday, the state Regional Commercial Manager, Mr Tope Bailey, said the review became necessary in view of the demand for quality and efficient service delivery from customers.

them have gone out before the 2015 election, because they never thought Nigeria will have a successful election. Ukeje said the central bank has been in contact with Deposit Money Banks and that initial panic which greeted the news has died downed after they sat back and analyzed the market. At the moment, he said there is calm in the market and everything is returning to normal. CBN, Ukeje stated, took measures to improve the market after the lender gave its initial warning, and ensured that all genuine and effective demand for foreign exchange (FX) were met, especially those from foreign investors. Meanwhile, investor sentiments over JP Morgan’s phased removal of Nigeria from its GBI-EM indices of local currency government bonds for failing its liquidity and transparency tests, is already putting further pressure on the stock market. The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSEASI) and the market capitalization decreased by 0.17 per cent.

Nigerian Tribune

FAAC distributes N600bn for July Persistent lowering prices of crude has continued to have negative impact on Nigeria’s Federation Account as the Federal Government, states, local governments, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) shared total sum of N600,956,930,863.88bn, being the gross statutory revenue allocation and value added tax for the month of July. This was against the N630.73 billion shared for the preceding month, according to exclusive documents available to Economic Confidential. The documents state that of this amount, N136, 187, 117, 173.24 (one thirty six billion, one hundred and eighty seven million, one hundred and seventeen thousand, one hundred and seventy three naira, twenty four kobo) went to NCS, FRIS and DPR in the sum of N3, 438bn, N9, 418bn and N2, 389bn respectively. With N6,330bn refunded by NNPC to Federal Government as part payment for an earlier illegal deduction, the central government got a total revenue of N206,073, 584, 969.41, while the thirty six states, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and local governments received total sum of N288, 882, 287, 21.22. Akwa Ibom State still got the highest allocation among states, receiving N16. 889billion. Lagos State followed with N15.602 billion while Delta was in third position with an allocation of N11. 715 billion. Kano State got N11.566 billion, Rivers State N11.236 billion while Bayelsa State was number six on the list receiving N7. 431 billion. Gombe got the least allocation among the states with N4. 244 billion followed by Ekiti, which received N4, 368billion, Ebonyi State with N4, 765 billion, Kwara State - N5. 079 billion and Zamfara State - N5.084 billion. Meanwhile, the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris had assured Nigerians of multiple benefits of Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Corrigendum

In our report on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, we referred to the Deputy Managing Director of IBEDC, Mr John Ayodele, erroneously as Mr Oladipo Ayodele, and Mr Moses Oyewole, who is Regional Technical Manager, as Regional Technical Director. The errors are regretted. —Editor.

business

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Friday, 11 September, 2015

tribune

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor

business

Sulaimon Olanrewaju

m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

As Buhari plans to address Nigeria-Ghana economic relations challenges By Pelumi Ajayi - Ghana

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has promised to tackle heads-on factors militating against smooth trade and economic relations between Nigeria and Ghana. This, he said, would further help foster the long standing relations of the two countries. According to him, “I have accordingly directed that all the challenges that impede trade and economic relations with Ghana be included for discussion at the next session of the Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission.” He made this promise on Monday while addressing Nigerians during his state visit to Ghana. He also appreciated the role Nigerians in Ghana are playing in deepening trade and commerce between the two countries, saying, “Your partnership with the government in fostering better trade relations with our brothers in Ghana and neighboring countries is appreciated.” President Buhari made the statement while addressing dozens of Nigerians, comprising of captains of industries, leaders of All Nigeria Community, ethnic leaders from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, student leaders and friends of Nigeria at the Nigerian High Commissioner’s residence in Accra after his meeting with President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, at Pejuase Lodge. “I insisted that part of my meeting must include meeting members of Nigerian community. It affords me the opportunity to know how you are doing in your country of residence, and it also provides a platform to exchange views on development in our beloved country, Nigeria,” he said. Expressing his admiration at the Nigeria-Ghana relations over the years, President Buhari said the state of Nigeria-Ghana relations underscored the friendship and proved the ties between “our two countries have flourished. They also highlight the fact that in spite of long years of sojourn of Nigerians to Ghana, your hearts and emotions remain deeply rooted in Nigeria.” He, however, reiterated his determination to ensure Nigerians do not regret giving him their mandates, as he promised to ensure every Nigerian benefits from the dividends of democracy. “While the issue of security remains a challenge, I must assure you that relentless efforts will be devoted by the Federal Government of Nigeria under my leadership to improve infrastructure that had deteriorated through years of neglect and mismanagement. “We must rise to meet challenges that confront us as a nation. I am confident that together, we shall overcome them and place our nation on the irrevocable

President Muhammadu Buhari path of peace, security and prosperity. It is this message of re-union, peace, security and prosperity that I bring with this visit today to our brothers in Ghana, just like I have taken them to our brothers in Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.” He reassured Nigerian community that sufficient emphasis would be placed by the government to improve power generation and distribution, as well as resuscitating Nigeria’s refineries to support the huge demand for petroleum products. He added that while Federal Government was tackling the issue of unemployment, his government would also provide a framework for small and medium-scale industries and see how they could achieve their full potential for job and wealth creation. “I am nonetheless convinced that this cannot be the responsibility of the government alone,” he said. In a welcome address by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Oluseyi Onafowokan, he expressed gratitude to President Buhari

for his commitment to strengthening the relations between the two nations through his visit, most especially during his tenure as Nigerian envoy in Ghana. He briefed the president on the constant harassment of Nigerian traders and cattle rustling in Volta, Brong-Ahafo, among other regions in Ghana, which has been put to rest for some time due to the support of the government of Ghana. President of All Nigeria Community Ghana, Moses Owharo, in his address urged the president to look into Nigerian foreign policy and as well pass the Diaspora Voting Right bill that would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in the 2019 general elections. He also enjoin the president to impress it upon Ghana government to reduce the $160 and

He reassured Nigerian community that sufficient emphasis would be placed by the government to improve power generation and distribution, as well as resuscitating Nigeria’s refineries to support the huge demand for petroleum products.

a annual renewal fee of $60 for foreigners identification card, as well as to reduce the total amount of $1000 required for resident and work permit in Ghana. During an interactive session with Nigerians, he was asked how he’s working to ensure the spirit of unity reigns among Nigerians again. Another speaker also asked how the president plans to further encourage cooperation between national oil companies in Nigeria and Ghana. In his response, President Buhari assured Nigerians of his desire to ensure Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) work in tandem with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. “In fact, as I got here, I have received intelligence on some Nigerian companies exporting Nigerian oil to Ghana. After investigation, if we find out this is done illegally, we are going to prosecute the company and people involved.” On his efforts to get other countries to support the fight against Boko Haram, President Buhari said Nigeria was enjoying goodwill from neighboring countries and outside Africa. “They are sympathetic to the position we have found ourselves.” On uniting Nigerians, he stated that “it is a phase of development we are passing through as a nation.” He, however, charged Nigerians in Ghana to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

eyesofislam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Why you should not delay performance of Hajj

“

THE feet of man will not slip on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked of five things: of his life as to how he spent it, his youth as to how he used it, his wealth as to where he got it and how he spent it, and of his knowledge as to what he did with it.” (Tirmithi) From a young age, many of us dream of going to Hajj – to see the Ka’bah in person, the Station of Ibrahim, drink ZamZam, perform tawaaf (circling the Ka’bah), wear the white garments of Hajj, and be with brothers and sisters from around the world in the greatest international gathering in the history of humanity. It is a rare opportunity for forgiveness, for change, for turning to the Creator, and for Paradise, insha’Allah. But it can sometimes feel out of reach and far away. This is especially the case with the youth. But as a person moves on in life, high school and university finish. There may be money left over, or loans that finally get paid off, and a person is in a position to perform Hajj. At the same time, there are many options in life. It could be marriage, travel or vacation – one has to choose. For the young, with all of life’s possibilities tugging at the heart, here are a few reasons to put one’s heart, efforts, and resources into making that life-long dream a reality: the journey of Hajj.

If the door is open, it may never open again The dream has finally had its means made easy – will you fulfil it? Life is so short on earth; we never know if this opportunity will come again. In fact, Allah tells us how short life on earth is: ”You stayed not but a little – if only you had known.” (Qur’an, 23:114). If the door for performing Hajj is finally open, a person should jump at the chance to perform it. Ibn ‘Umar said, “When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness and from your life for your death.” (Bukhari) Hasten toward Hajj “Expedite the performance of Hajj. For nobody knows what may obstruct one.” (Ibn Majah, Ahmad) Along with not knowing what may obstruct one if one does not take the open opportunity to perform Hajj, the Prophet told us to expedite the performance of Hajj. We are told to get it done, not put it on the backburner or be lax concerning its performance, or to put other things as a priority above it. It is a duty to be fulfilled for Allah, a pillar of Islam. For someone who has had the means to perform Hajj for some time and does not go, the Prophet informed us of the state of loss of such a person: “Allah said: ‘Any of My slaves who is healthy and is of the means for five years, and did not visit My house, he is mahroom.’” (Ibn Hibban and Musnad Abu Ya’laa: 3703:1031) The direct transla-

takes of the past, and thereafter look towards a much brighter future. Hajj is also a chance for Paradise: “An ‘umrah to another ‘umrah expiates what is in between them, and the accepted Hajj receives nothing except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim) ‘Umrah is a like Hajj except it is shorter and can be performed at any time of the year. Utilise your youth Not only is Hajj a chance to be reborn in terms of one’s past mistakes and shortcomings in life, it is also a chance for the youth to take advantage of the fresh health they are often given by Allah, the Most Generous. “There are two blessings which many people do not make the most of and thus lose out: good health and free time.” (Bukhari) Take advantage of this great blessing that is guaranteed for no one. Hajj is not only a spiritual, emotional and intellectual experience, but also a very physical one. No matter how young or inshape you are, you will stand to benefit from every last bit of youthful energy and physical health Allah has blessed you with during Hajj.

Pilgrims performing the rites of Hajj tion of mahroom is “deprive,” meaning a person who is able to go to Hajj and does not, has deprived themselves of something good and of benefits that cannot be imagined that will be regretted on the Day of Judgment. Hajj decreases poverty The Prophet said, “Keep on doing Hajj and Umrah, because they both eliminate poverty and sins just like a furnace eliminates the dirty impurities of iron, gold and silver. And an accepted Hajj has no reward less than Paradise!” (Tirmithi, Nisaa’i, Ahmad) It is important that we do not let our worries stop us from going, if we have the means. The supplication One of the most prominent features of Hajj is supplication to Allah. One does it so much on Hajj. But what is more, the supplication of Hajj is answered insha’Allah; and the best supplication is that of Arafah during Hajj. “The warrior in the path of Allah, the one performing Hajj and the one performing Umrah are the delegations of Allah. If they call on Allah, they are answered and if they ask Him for anything, it is given to them.” (Ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibban) “There is no other day when Allah sets free more slaves from the Fire than the day of Arafah, for that day He comes nearer to them and says proudly to the angels: What do these people seek?” (Muslim) Now for the youth looking to improve their lives – to get that nice job, get into that school, improve their relationship with Allah and draw near to Him, marry that wonderful man or woman, have that a family member come to Islam or get back on the straight path, Hajj is the place to be. Hajj is where it’s at. Think of having supplicated during Hajj and living life

Not only is Hajj a chance to be reborn in terms of one’s past mistakes and shortcomings in life, it is also a chance for the youth to take advantage of the fresh health they are often given by Allah, the Most Generous.

from now on benefitting from those supplications insha’Allah. The release from sin Not only is Hajj a priceless opportunity for supplication, it is a chance to wipe clean the slate of one’s mistakes and shortcomings of the past. “One who comes to this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness and sins, he returns as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Imagine having all of one’s mistakes wiped away, and having a clean and healthy conscience, mind and heart and a purified soul. Imagine experiencing this rebirth of sorts from a young age. It is a dream; it is priceless. But by Allah’s Mercy and Compassion, it is within reach for those who make Hajj. Hajj is a great way of for young person to get a head start in cleaning up the shortcomings and mis-

Experience the world As a young person, valuable life lessons taken from an early age are precious and can leave a lasting impression. One of the greatest life lessons anyone can learn and experience most vividly on Hajj is that human beings are equal to each other. Equal, that is, except in terms of taqwa, or God consciousness and reverence. On Hajj, this is not an ideal of the mind or on the tongue, but is something put into practice, witnessed and experienced. During the Hajj itself, in part of what is known as the Farewell Sermon, the Prophet said, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.” (Excerpt from Khutbatul Wada’, among collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmithi, Ahmad) From virtually every nook and cranny of the earth, men and women gather together in unity and submission to God during Hajj. Men all wear the same simple, white cloth garments; men and women perform the same acts of worship; young and old and even children participate; the rich and the poor mix. Everyone is equal before God and their piety is ultimately only known to Him, and He is their final Judge. Going through such an experience on a large scale with millions of people will open up the mind, heart, and soul to what it really means to be a human being among everyone on earth, much less what it truly means to be a Muslim in peaceful surrender to God. Source: SuhaibWebb – Ibn Shaima

16 islamicnews

Friday, 11 September, 2015

muslim

sermon

with AbdulJaleel Solaudeen 0703 030 7232

Reflection on Hajj

Women Muslim pilgrims at the K. A. International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Stop moving with strange men in Saudi, female pilgrims warned Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

EMALE pilgrims from Nigeria have been advised to desist from moving around with men who are neither their husbands nor relatives while performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The warning, according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Yunusa Abdullahi, was given in Medina by a member of

the preachers committee, Malam Sa’id Zaria Mukaddas, while addressing pilgrims in the course of the outgoing week. The statement quoted Mukaddas as saying that reports reaching the Hajj officials indicated that female pilgrims were in the habit of allowing illegal Saudi Arabia residents, who are not their husbands or relatives, to take them on sightseeing around Mecca and Medina.

“In the name of going to put gold or silver on their teeth, some of our pilgrims follow strange men around. And when they get there, men who are not permitted to touch their bodies, going by the Shariah, do so in the process,” Mukaddas added. The preacher advised any female pilgrim who desires to put gold or silver on their teeth to look for their state official guides, particularly those who understand Arabic, to accompany them to

the dental clinic. “If you go on such journey alone, and you allow yourself to be molested by bad elements, you are as good as someone who deliberately commits sin in the Holy Land, those whom the Prophet had cursed,” he said. Mukaddas advised pilgrims to make the most of their presence in the Holy Land by praising God and seeking His forgiveness at all times, as they are not there for tourism.

Don advocates zero corruption for national growth A professor of Islamic Eschatology, Ishaq Akintola, has said public office holders would perform better and the nation would grow if they eschew corruption in all its ramifications. He said this at the 11th biennial conference of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA), Ibadan chapter. Akintola, in a lecture titled “Towards Good Governance in Nigeria: The Islamic Perspective,” said public office holders should embrace discipline and righteousness for national development. “It is very clear that where a system is not transparent and accountable, development will remain an illusion. “This is because corruption, which is one of the indicators of lack of transparency and accountability, will be the order of the day. And corruption in all its ramifications certainly negates efforts aimed at development,’’ he said. Akintola, who is the di-

rector of an advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), urged politicians to do away with greed and selfishness and embrace Islamic ideals in their activities so they could have reward from God. Earlier, the outgoing chairman of the Ibadan chapter of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Lukman Akinwande, urged new officers that were inaugurated at the event to strengthen the association’s programmes for continued development. Akinwande congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and other elected office holders, urging the president to ensure that people of proven integrity were appointed into his cabinet. The chairman of the planning committee, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the choice of the topic of the lecture was to fashion ways by which Nigerians could benefit from democratic governance. In attendance were the chairman of the occasion,

Alhaji Ahmed Popoola, Managing Director, CRC Credit Bureau, Lagos; Dr Kamil Oloso, Dr Sulleiman Adediran and a host of other members of the association. Meanwhile, MURIC has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to weigh a call by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for capital punishment for corrupt officials as it obtains in China and India. The group, in a statement by Professor Akintola, commended the trade

unions for drumming support for the war against corruption in the country but warned against the killing of corrupt politicians. “It is not in Nigeria’s law books. It is, therefore, unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional. It is not only barbaric but also Bohemian. “President Muhammadu Buhari is advised to weigh the call by the trade unions very carefully against the backdrop of attempts already being made by enemies of progress to blackmail him,” MURIC said.

“BEHOLD! We gave the site to Ibrahim, of the (sacred) House (saying): ‘Associate not anything in (worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein). And proclaim the pilgrimage among men: they will come on foot and (mount) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep distant mountain highways. That they may witness the benefits provided for them and celebrate the name of Allah, through the days appointed over the cattle which He has provided for them for sacrifice then eat ye therein and feed the distressed ones in want.’” (Q22:26-28) Mecca, though a barren and rocky territory, is the most prosperous city in the world. The city enjoys the prayer of a great Prophet of Allah, Ibrahim, whose supplication was never rejected. Mecca bears this unparalleled quality also because it hosts the Ka’abah. The Ka’abah is the first house of worship established by Allah for mankind on earth. Almighty Allah (SWT) attests to this by saying, “The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakkah (an ancient name for Mecca), full of blessing and guidance for all kinds of beings. In it are signs manifest (for example) the station of Ibrahim. Whoever enters it attains security. Pilgrimage thereof is a duty men owe to Allah - those who can affect the journey… Q3: 16-97. Pilgrimage to Mecca is an obligatory duty and the fifth pillar of Islam. History has it that all Prophets of Allah since the time of Ibrahim observed Hajj. The season of regular Hajj culminates from Sa’y, Tawaf, standing at ‘Arafat, among other Manasik (rites of Hajj). The performance of the rites of Hajj is during a five-day period in the month of Dhul Hijjah (the last month of Hijrah). If the rites were performed at any other period then it is not Hajj but Umrah. The Holy Prophet performed Hajj and demonstrated all the rites to his followers after which he (SAW) said: “Whosoever visits this sacred House shall return home like the day His mother gave birth to him.” This means he would have all his previous sins forgiven. Apart from the fact that the performance of Hajj atones for our sins, Almighty Allah, in His Supreme wisdom, also encourages us to go on Hajj to experience many things of great benefits both in this life and the Hereafter. One of benefits of Hajj is the reflection of Al-Qiyamah, for about four million people of different races and colours appear on the plane of mount ‘Arafat on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah in the same uniform - Talbiyah- all equal before Allah. Another reflection is the parity between the rich (the highly placed), people of high royal heritage, including presidents of countries and nations and the poor (meanest of people) where they are adorned in the same garment of about the same quality each struggling to seek the pleasure of their Lord. The performance of Hajj also reflects the important phenomenon of a single brotherhood established based on Al-Iman (faith in Allah). Muslim brothers and sisters from all nooks and crannies of the world meet to extend the greeting of “salaam” without any feeling of superiority. This blessing and others have no par in the history of the world and neither can it be found in other religion besides Islam, the only way approved for mankind.

‘All Muslim children must go to school’ THE Muslim Ummah of South-West of Nigeria (MUSWEN) has called for a 100 per cent enrolment of Muslim children in schools. The President of MUSWEN, Alhaji Sakariyyahu Babalola, made the call in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, when he led a delegation of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas

in the South-West, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Bello Kewulere. He said the call became necessary in view of the importance of education to human and societal development. “It is our belief that access to quality and balanced education for Muslim children is an area that the Muslim Ummah must pursue with unmatched vigour.

“The Ummah cannot afford to remain behind and watch while the rest of the world makes rapid progress by virtue of good education,” he said. Babalola said the team was in Ado Ekiti to congratulate Sheikh Kewulere on his election as the new President-General of the league of Imams and Alfas (to succeed the late Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Baosari

Suara Haruna III) and to reiterate its support for his tenure. According to him, MUSWEN was formed to promote Islam and advance the cause of its adherents. Responding, Sheikh Kewulere, who doubles as the Grand-Imam of Ekiti State, expressed gratitude for the visit and promised to promote unity among Muslims.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

HIS is not the time to expose the details of why the PDP lost power in Nigeria at the last elections, but let us mention a few points here. (1) Underage voting (2) The Card Reader nonsense The ridiculous voting figures from Kano and some other Northern states 1. The conspiracy of silence of some law enforcement agencies with certain electoral officers etc. etc. This analysis will be done some other day. Let me, however, examine the way forward for Democracy in Nigeria after the 2015 elections. This will adequately answer the question which way for DEMOCRACY in Nigeria after the 2015 elections? This very aspect is where this lecture takes its relevance. We cannot dismiss with the wave of the hand the way and manner the political Parties in Nigeria particularly the PDP had jettisoned genuine aspirations of party members for non Imposition of candidates for the elections. No one can ever forget the actions of IMPUNITY and ARBITRARINESS operated by the PDP bureaucracy during the elections. There was just no respect for member’s interests in determining who should govern them and who should represent their political and legislative interests. Newspapers were jammed with stories of how party candidates for elections were removed and replaced and how candidates who had no electoral value had come up to replace those among the candidates who could have been authentic representatives of the people and the party. It is not necessary to discuss the horse trading that was reported to have taken place within the party bureaucracy over the choice of candidates. The political scene created was simply bizarre and tragic. It is indeed true that a political party aggregates the supreme interests of its members. A political party that mortgages the interests of its members in having the freedom to decide who should be their rulers can never succeed. The supremacy of the party even hinges on this well known freedom. The PDP was worse hit by this unfortunate development though the party bureaucrats can never be crucified for this. It was apparent however that the Party leaders could have ensured the freedom of their members in participating freely in deciding who and who should be their candidates. Unfortunately, this situation created lots and lots of problem for the party in the 2015 elections. A political party as strong as the PDP should never disturb or obstruct its members from choosing who their electoral representatives should be. Any political party that attempts to muzzle the unfettered rights of its mem-

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Nigeria, democracy and the future (3)

•President Muhammadu Buhari

bers to elect their own representatives, will eventually fail to mobilise the party for success. It is my hope that the PDP will never allow its members to go through this kind of political horror in the next

round of elections in the country. We must let the people decide. We must allow total electoral freedom. The political platform must ever be made open and free. We must promote and champion free and fair elections at all times. When a political party does all of the above, the stage would have been made clear for clear victory of the party at the polls. We hope and pray that our party will adhere to these laudable democratic principles. The fact remains however that, we (particularly the party elders) made mistakes in the preparations of our party for the elections. For example, it was wrong for our party’s Board of Trustees not to have met (even if only for once) when we were engulfed with the party campaigns for the elections. Our party played into the waiting hands of the opposition with this kind of situation. (b) Our party must allow the youth to now emerge to lead the party. This is very important as the old order definitely is changing, yielding place to new. While the younger party elements must give honour and respect to the old, the elders must on their own promote the growth and emergence of young party activists in the party organisation. We must allow the YOUTH to grow. Herein lies the future power of our party. Political party organisation is now undergoing very interesting development with the influence of Twitter and facebook. These areas of the new scientific development are very well handled by the YOUTH. The SOCIAL MEDIA groups on internet are directed and fully managed by the youth. The elders of our party must instantly permit our youths to join the scientific crusades. TO BE CONTINUED EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Still on Buhari’s special anti-corruption court By Jideofor Adibe

IT was a huge relief reading reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had concluded plans to submit a bill to set up anti-corruption courts to the National Assembly. According to newspaper reports, the President decided to set up the planned special anti-corruption courts “because of the long delay by regular courts in deciding corruption-related cases.” The reports further revealed that the Presidency had already commenced the “process of identifying fearless judges who would be saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting corrupt persons.” The idea of special courts to try corruption cases is a welcome development. Currently only a few countries – Pakistan, Philippines, India and Kenya- have special anti-corruption courts at the domestic level while the idea of an international anti-corruption court has remained still-born. Part of the criticisms of special anti-corruption courts at the state-level is the fear that such courts could become kangaroo courts for doing the biddings of the government of the day especially as corruption tends to be more endemic in countries where the institutions to check any arbitrariness or abuse of power, are weak. At the international level, the idea of an international anti-corruption court has been resisted by some on fears that it could turn out to be another ICC where only leaders from the developing countries who have fallen out of favour with the West will be herded. Despite misgivings and debates about the whole idea of special anti-corruption courts –whether at the na-

tion, state or international level – there are a number of reasons Buhari’s anti-corruption courts hold glimmers of hopes: First is that it will provide a framework for the whole talk about ‘fighting corruption’. Before the idea of the anti-corruption courts, all we heard was ‘probe’, ‘probe’, without any indication of the framework for such ‘war against corruption’. With many well placed Nigerians publicly calling on Buhari to “jail looters”, (as if the President had such powers in a democracy), there were concerns in several quarters about the implications of the regime’s anti-corruption rhetoric for the rule of law. I believe this is why several Nigerians, (including my humble self) took the principled position that any fight against corruption must be located within the ambit of the rule of law. Had the Presidency announced the idea of the anti-corruption courts first – especially with the report that he was looking for bold judges who would not do a “wishywashy job for him” – much of the criticisms that have dogged the current anti-corruption rhetoric would have been muted.

Second, by announcing plans to set up the anti-corruption courts, the President gives hope that under his regime we will not all be condemned to ‘group-think’. In ‘group-think’, concurrence seeking is so dominant that those who dare to be different by raising controversial or non-conforming questions or even proffering alternative solutions are marked out as enemies by self-appointed mind-guards. In the current dispensation, those marked out are either blackmailed with such silly epithets as being ‘anti-GMB’ or ‘anti-North’ – as if blackmails, rather than ideas, are the currency of trade in the marketplace of ideas which underpins our democracy architecture. The idea of setting up the anti-corruption courts is therefore a rejection of the ‘group-think’ mentality of those who arrogated to themselves the role of the mind guards of the new order. Third, if the President keeps to his promise that he is looking for judges of integrity, and not those who will do a “wishy-washy job for him”, it means that managing the politics of anti-corruption probes will be much easier as it will become more difficult for those charged with corrupt practices to play the ethnic and religious cards. Essentially therefore, embedding the regime’s planned ‘fight against corruption’, within the rule of law means that the regime will be freed from unnecessary distractions arising from the politics of probe. However while I welcome the idea of the anti-corruption courts, there are, however, several potential challenges that should be ironed out first to make such courts effective. •Adibe sent this article via pcjadibe@yahoo. com

18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 11 September, 2015

editor

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

Buhari, sell our refineries

IGERIANS can testify to the fact that there is an improvement in the supply of electricity to consumers in recent times. While many have been commending President Muhammadu Buhari for this feat, I want

Alaibe deserves the crown in Bayelsa THE entrance of Chief Timi Alaibe into the governorship race in Bayelsa State, did not take any one by surprise because it was long expected. With it came a sigh of relief to Bayelsans, who had almost lost hope that their beloved Timi would not heed the call to serve at the most critical time of Nigeria’s history. His coming into the ring is one of the few significant events that had occurred in the oil-rich state for a long time, given that the state had not been fortunate to be governed by a purposeful leader in the past four years. Unlike other aspirants, who had come into the scene with baggage of controversies and contradictions, Alaibe is unarguably a breadth of fresh air, considering that he has come to serve with clean hands. An introspection into his record in public office, speaks volume about the pedigree of this young man, who seeks to govern the state on the platform of the All Pogressives Congress (APC). While other aspirants, deserve a level playing field to actualise exercise their inalienable right, it is imperative to call on the APC leadership not loose sight of the electoral asset which Alaibe’s aspiration represents. •Temple Komonibo, Amasoma, Bayelsa State.

to say that former President Goodluck Jonathan laid the foundation for what Nigerians are now enjoying. If President Buhari had not met any structure on ground, nothing would have worked. We should not forget that it was during the administration of Dr Jonathan that the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was unbundled and sold to investors. I believe this power sector reform is the reason there is stable electricity supply in the country. There is no denying the fact that private companies thrive better than government companies. If Jonathan had not sold the PHCN, we would not be experiencing the improvements we are currently seeing. While private companies want to make more money, they also work to provide the services de-

manded by the public. This is not the same with public companies. It is as a result of this that I want to revisit the issue of whether to sell our refineries or not. While workers in the nation’s oil sector are against the sale of the refineries, the Buhari gov-

ernment should know that the three refineries will never work at optimum performance if they are still under government ownership. The three refineries can meet the nation’s local fuel demand if they are all working well. We can only imagine

how much the country has spent on Turn Around Maintenance (TAM), and what are we getting? The solution to our problem in this regard is that the refineries be sold. When they are working at full capacities, then more people will be employed to man it.

I am happy that President Buhari is out to make things work in this country, and selling the refineries is one of the steps to take if we are to stop fuel importation in Nigeria. •Nelson Ekwale, University of Benin, Edo State.

Message for Nigerian men on reproductive health IT is so funny when men accuse their wives of giving birth to only male or female children, and gone are the days when only nature determines the sex of a child. Today, science has shown that couples can actually choose which of the sex they wish to have. Biologically, the human females have two XX chromosomes while the males possess an XY pairing. So, a male child is formed when the Y chromosome from the male sex cell (sperm),

fuses with one of the X chromosomes from the female. On the other hand, when the X chromosome from the male sex cell fuses with one of the X chromosomes from the female sex cell (ova), a female child is formed. However, in determining the sex of your child, the use of the method known as “the shettles method” can be used. This method involves the timing of sex between couples. Naturally, fertilisation occurs during the ovula-

tion period of a woman. So, if a woman engages in sex during her ovulation period, there is a 100 per cent chance that she will get pregnant. Ovulation simply means the release of mature egg from the ovary down to the fallopian tube and is available to be fertilised. Therefore, it is very important that all ladies note their ovulation period. To note your ovulation period, below is a guideline: A particular woman sees her monthly flow on

the 25th of every month and stops on the 28th of that same month. To note her ovulation period, she should count back 12 days from the day her monthly flow stopped and then subtract another four days to that 12 days. She is most likely to ovulate during this five day range. Judging from this excerpt, her ovulation period should occur between the 12th and 16th of every month, that is, 14th of every month becomes her ovulation period. Furthermore, research has also shown that the Y chromosome in the sperm moves faster than the X chromosome and dies faster too. While the sperm can survive in the body of a woman for about three to four days, the ova survives for about 12 to 24 hours. Therefore, having sex on the early hours of your ovulation period increases the chance of having a male child as the Y chromosome in the male sex cell will move very fast than the X chromosome to fertilise the egg. Similarly, having sex two to four days before your ovulation period increases your chance of having a female child because the Y chromosome which moves very fast than the X chromosome must have died before your ovulation date, thereby leaving only the X chromosome in the sperm alive to fertilise the egg. Conclusively, this method is most suitable for women with regular monthly flow. This is due to the fact that calculation of the ovulation date will be much easier and accurate. •Chinweokwu Ugwuanyi, University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Enugu State.

editorial

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Special courts for looters?

ESIROUS of a decisive and pragmatic onslaught against the menace of corruption and graft-related practices, the Federal Government recently indicated that it would establish special courts to try allegedly corrupt persons in the country. Given the anti-corruption posturing of President Muhammadu Buhari and the consequent goodwill of most Nigerians in respect of his stance, the proposal has been enjoying extensive media coverage. In essence, the Federal Government decided to set up the proposed courts because of the long delay by regular courts in deciding corruption-related cases. It has also concluded plans to submit to the National Assembly a bill on the proposed 37 special anti-corruption courts, one in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and in each of the 36 states of the federation. Inasmuch as we remain tireless advocates of a graft-free Nigeria, a status which lackluster handling of corruption cases has long negated, we are nevertheless cognizant of the oddities in the special courts proposal. Much of the applause received by the proposal is rooted in the assumption that such courts would handle corruption cases swiftly and speedily and that judgments given on graft cases by them would also be credible and uncompromising. However, from experience, the delay in litigation is not entirely the fault of the existing courts. Many times, the delay was engineered by officials of the anti-graft agencies themselves, forcing the courts to dismiss some cases for lack of diligent prosecution. At other times, the delay was orchestrated by defence counsel seeking frivolous injunctions. We are therefore of the view that if public confidence in the existing courts is on trial because of apparent delayed processes and incompetence, what is needed is to sanitise the judicial system, build the capacities of the existing courts for timely dispensation of justice on all categories of cases and restore public trust in them. If the antigraft agencies have been less than stellar in their prosecution of cases the extant courts, what guarantee is there that they will be at the special courts? Certainly, the frantic search for incorruptible judges when the proposal has not even been debated let alone approved by the National Assembly indicates that the Presidency is not guided by its constitutional limitations. The Presidency has harped on fearless judges with proven track records and the requisite integrity and boldness to decide cases in line with the law and not according to questionable influence and the pecuniary gains that come with befriending fraudulent characters. Consequently, the National Judicial Council (NJC), after an internal process of scrutiny, released for screening, the names of 100 judges from the 36 states to the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Security (DSS). The outcome of the screening has been a puzzle, as the majority of the judges failed the integrity test. Still, the action of the NJC requires scrutiny. If special courts are illegal ab initio, would finding judges for them not automatically have become an exercise in futility and an indictment on the nation’s judiciary? Why include flimsy parameters such as validation of judgments by the higher courts, to determine the so-called integrity? Does a judge lack integrity simply because his or her judgment has been upturned by a higher court? By its action, the NJC implied that other judges still in the system lack integrity. If so, why are they still in the system? Judges found wanting, especially with regard to corruption, must be made to face the full wrath of the law. The foregoing notwithstanding, setting up special courts would duplicate the responsibilities of the existing courts and increase the country’s financial burden. In addition, even if eventually approved by the National Assembly, the Act establishing the socalled special courts would not have been superior to the nation’s Constitution. As such, nothing would prevent persons tried in such courts from taking advantage of the provisions of the Constitution, and the nation would thus be back to square one. Sadly, though the planned courts and the consequent screening of the judges are incidental to the terms of reference given to the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption led by Professor Itsejuwa Sagay, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), no sooner had the committee been set up than Professor Sagay pronounced that his committee had been monitoring judges that would preside over the courts and that such monitoring would have security undertones. He also mentioned that the judges would be put on surveillance; an exercise which, according to him, is meant to monitor the performance of the judges professionally, ethically and morally. In Sagay’s words, “The reform being planned in the anti-corruption war would also see anti-corruption agencies being monitored by the advisory committee.” This, in our view, is an overreach. The emphasis on the human resources and variables that would make the courts operational when they are yet to be provided for in the constitution, and when the process to legalise them is just being initiated, is suspect. Professor Sagay should avoid making boisterous statements which are not only suggestive of arrogation of powers to his committee, but also indicative of usurpation of the functions of the NJC, DSS and other agencies that the constitution saddles with such responsibilities.There is a lot more to do if the country is to tackle the issue of corruption holistically and across board.

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opinion Re: Peace returns to Oyo community after chieftaincy crisis 20

Friday, 11 September, 2015

By John Ayanwale

O start with, when the above captioned news was published in The Nation Newspaper of August 4, 2015 on page seven (7), we did not want to join issues with its author(s) and or sponsor(s), as it is a rabblerousing not worth dissipating energy on. Again, we considered it needless to dignify the falsehood that the publication represents with a response but an idiom says ‘’when a lie goes for too long unchallenged it begins to wear the similitude of the truth,’’ hence, the need to break our silence. We consider it a moral obligation to break our silence on the issue and present it as it is, vis-a-vis the provisions of the enabling law and the dictates of Ago-Are culture and tradition appertaining to the ascension to the historical stool of Aare of Ago-Are in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State. At about forty years ago, the same stool became vacant when its then occupant Oba Adesope Oyeniran joined his ancestors. The interested princes vied for the stool and the eight kingmakers following the law and culture, in their wisdom, elected and returned the immediate past Oba Jubril Oladoke without any hue and cry, even against the popular candidature of the Late Prince Emmanuel Oyebanji Kofoworola who, on his own volition, served as the secretary to the late Oba Oladoke until his demise. It is also instructive at this point to note that out of the eight (8) kingmakers, six (6) were Christians, one (1) Muslim and one (1) a traditionalist! Oba Oladoke reigned for 39 years. The stool became vacant at his transition on 4th May, 2015 and on 30th June, 2015 at the Royal Family Head, Prince (Alhaji) Lawal Oyebisi’s house, members of the royal family converged to propose and nominate candidate(s) to fill the vacant stool. In their midst was, the Head of Local Administration, Atisbo Local Government, Alhaji K.O Aleem as an observer and also in his official capacity as the representative of Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The meeting presented 15 princes to the kingmakers (13 of whom were Muslims and 2 Christians). In the face of the multiple candidatures, what happens? The provisions of section 15(1) (ii) of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 become authoritative. It provides thus: “If the names of more than one candidate are submitted who appear to the kingmakers to be qualified and not disqualified in

accordance with section 14, the names of those candidates shall be submitted to the vote of the kingmakers and the candidate who obtains the majority of votes of the kingmakers present and voting shall be declared appointed.” Armed with the above provisions and those of the declaration made under section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 2000 of the Customary Law Regulating the selection to the Aare of Ago-Are chieftaincy, the six (6) living kingmakers converged under the chairmanship of the Agoro of Ago-Are, Chief J.K Adetoro at Agoro Oloni’s Compound, Ago-Are on July 7, 2015, for the purpose of appointment to the stool. Again, the Head of Local Administration as an observer was present. It’s noteworthy that names of each candidate, from the first on the list, to the 15th, was called and the kingmakers voted in accordance with the provisions of the extant law. At the end of the whole process, Prince Abodunrin Oyetunji Kofoworola polled four (4) votes, while Prince Rasheed Oyewole got two (2) votes. All the applicants signed the result sheet, indicating that they accepted the outcome of the election, and Prince Oyetunji Kofoworola was consequently declared as the Aare-elect to the waiting ears of thousands of people who received the news with great jubilation. The whole process was free, fair, transparent and credible. At this juncture, we feel that it is unconscionable, for anybody whosoever, including the author(s) of the publication under reference, to say that “a Christian candidate emerged victorious through the strange selection process.” This is condemnable. Again, the said publication alleged that Ifa oracle was not consulted and that the “names of the interested candidates

were later presented to the kingmakers for thorough screening through Ifa oracle, in line with the age-long customs and tradition.” It goes without saying that the author(s) and sponsor(s) of the publication are bereft of the procedures for filling vacancy in Aare Chieftaincy Declaration aforestated as Ifa divination as a prerequisite for selection or appointment of Aare is neither a requirement of the law nor the dictate of Ago-Are Native law and custom. Despite the above, the kingmakers in their wisdom and apparently preferred to fulfil all righteousness, consulted Ifa oracle as to the selection and reign of each of contestants, but the response on the Oba-elect is the most favourable. But the subject of worry to every patriot is how the words of Ifa are now considered unacceptable and defamatory to the aggrieved princes. They went ahead through a legal practitioner to challenge the oracle by intimidating Maye dynasty, the age-long traditional Ifa mouth-piece in Ago-Areland. Could this be a way to convince all well-meaning stakeholders in Ago-Are royalty that no action is acceptable except the selfish interests of those that wants to rule at all cost? One doubts if those that earlier went in protest to the head of kingmakers and were appropriately addressed not to threaten the peace of the community are truly of royal descent, because genuine princes will never set to ridicule the throne. After all, “Omo onilu ki fe ko tu.” The provisions of the extant law as well as the native law and custom; “age-long tradition” appertaining the filling of vacancy in Aare chieftaincy have been strictly complied with. So, we call on anybody who feels dissatisfied to avail him/herself the sound professional advice, as the chieftaincy matter and or disputation is not addressed on the pages of newspapers. We therefore, call on anyone who feels aggrieved to display the spirit of sportsmanship, sheath his sword and join hands to collectively take Ago-Are to greater heights. Leaning on the fact that all necessary steps in filling the vacant stool of Aare of Ago-Are was exhaustively followed, we implore the consenting and approving authorities; the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi to expedite action in ensuring the coronation of the Aare-designate, Prince Abodunrin Oyetunji Kofoworola as the Aare of Ago-Are. •Ayanwale sent in this article from Ago-Are, Oyo State.

Remembering late Chief Gani Fawehinmi By Olukayode Ajulo

WITH this write-up, my intention to examine the man who, during his time among us, was a light unto our nation- a light that burned fiercely and was a terror to the denizens of darkness who sought to keep us in perpetual bondage, in a web of deceit, oppression and grand larceny. It is my intention to also answer the question “What Would Gani Do?” viz-a-viz our current political realities in Nigeria of today. The man, Chief Gani Oyesola Fawehinmi, Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM), Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)- teacher, advocate, crusader, activist, social critic, emancipator, one-time presidential aspirant and hero extraordinaire, will forever remain an exemplar of what it means to truly be “a man of the people,” and an avatar of the ideals of equal rights, justice and liberty. Indeed, for Gani, the maxim “The law must be the same for all, whether it protects or punishes; all citizens being equal in its eyes” was holy writ, and his conduct among us showed that he believed this with every fibre of his being, and lived it out every day that he drew breath here. We all agree that the man Gani was an epitome of integrity whose conduct was in total harmony with the words that he spoke-he walked his talk always. He was a stickler for justice who continually championed the cause of justice for Nigerians everywhere, in a bid to prove to the oppressor and the oppressed that everyone can, through relentless determination, pursue and obtain justice regardless of the odds arrayed against us. It is also no exaggeration to say that Gani lived and lived for the common man. It is often said that only those who have walked in your shoes can have the ability to feel the pain and truly empathise with you. Gani’s path to legal luminescence was

paved with much hardship due to lack of financial ability. Regardless of this, he endured and completed his studies in London. Perhaps this informed his love for the under-privileged and his obsessive philanthropy which saw many Nigerians depending on him- for subsistence and for advancement through education. Such was his influence and his contributions to the struggle for a truly free humanity that in 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Bruno Kreisky Prize, instituted for international figures who have worked arduously to advance human rights causes. The International Bar Association also awarded him the Bernard Simmons Award in recognition of his human rights and pro-democracy contributions in 1998. Indeed it is safe to say that without the contributions of the late Gani Fawehinmi and a few others like him, the democracy we have in Nigeria would have remained a mirage, a fantasy, a dream, a fleeting illusion- to be pursued but never attained. His stance earned him many travails reminiscent of the travails of the Apostle Paul which led him (Paul) to write: “But in all things we commend ourselves as minis-

ters of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, and in fastings…”. Like the Apostle Paul, Gani was a servant of providence, and in addition he was also a unique kind of builder- one who sought to build a new society- a new Nigeria founded on the tenets of human rights, justice and equity for all and sundry. We are glad that the seeds of struggle for emancipation sown by this great man has paid off. We can look back to where we used to be as a nation- under the jackboots of various military leaders, a pariah among the comity of nations, and feel thankful for the sacrifice offered by our avatar. We know we have come a long way from the days of arbitrary rules, decrees, terror, detentions and state-sponsored killings. We have come a long way from the days of martial music and early morning announcements of “My fellow Nigerians….”. For this, we are grateful to the Almighty, and to those whom he used to lead us out of the dark into the ever-growing light, like He once did when he used Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt towards the promised land of Canaan. We are grateful to our own very Moses, Gani, who like that Moses of yore, may have been privately informed by the Divine, that though he had, through the eyes of foresight, perceived the Nigeria of his dreams, he would not enter the land. However, the onus lies on us who remain, to stretch forth our hands to the plough and carry on the good work of building a just and true Nigeria. May we find the strength of mind and character of spirit to fulfill the words of our national anthem: “The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.” •Barrister Ajulo, National Secretary of the Labour Party, writes from Abuja.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

fridaytreat

HE MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base recently premiered MTV Shuga (series 4) at the Silverbird Galleria, Lagos, Nigeria on the 10th of September. The sizzling sex and relationships drama and multimedia campaign developed by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base in partnership with NACA, PEPFAR, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF and UNFPA carries important public health messaging aimed at a young audience to sensitise on issues related to sex and relationships. Last seen with a life-threatening gunshot injury sustained in the dramatic season 3 finale of the TV drama, former ‘runs girl’ Sophie, profoundly affected by her brush with death, and has vowed to turn her life around, working part-time on the NACA 6222 helpline and going out with Leo. Meanwhile businessman Nii, now separated from his wife Malaika (Leonora Okine), has turned his predatory gaze onto a new and younger target. Music promoter Femi should be in the blissful early stages of a blossoming new relationship with Sheila, but stigma rears its ugly head before Femi takes brave steps to confront it… Heavily pregnant Princess is struggling to come

INSIDE

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

Shuga is back to terms with impending motherhood and HIV with the help of mentor Eniola, while Weki is on an emotional roller-coasting trying to keep his HIV+ positive status secret from his girlfriend, Leila as their intimacy develops. Among the cast attending the red carpet premiere are returning cast members Dorcas Shola Fapson (Sophie), Emmanuel Ikubese (Femi), Sharon Ezeamaka (Princess), Nick Mutuma (Leo), Chris Attoh (Nii), Timini Egbuson (Tobi) and Olumide Oworu (Weki). New cast members Adesua Etomi (Sheila), Peace Hyde (Eniola),

50 Cent

relocating to Africa?

Music

Business 101

Tips for music business success

Nigerian Tribune

Zoe Favour (Mary), Jemima Osunde (Leila), Tunbosun Mohau Mokoatle (Bongi), “Tuby” Aiyedehin (Sheila’s mum), Jude Chukwuka (Sheila’s dad), Kate Adepegba (Sheila’s aunt), Paul Adams (Sheila’s uncle), Ifeanyi Dike Jr (Sheila’s brother), Najite Dede (Mary’s mum) and Olakunle Dada (Mary’s dad). Other famous faces involved in series 4 include Ice Prince, Patoranking and Reminisce, who collaborated to create “Catch Me”, the new theme song for MTV Shuga. Patoranking also appears as himself during episode 1, while Eva Alordiah,

society

Day of glamour as Olusola Obada’s son weds

M.I. and Jagz make cameo appearances later in the series. Fusing sexual and other public health messaging with world class storytelling and appealing, believable characters, MTV Shuga (series 4) picks up the story some months after the end of series 3, exploring a number of themes and storylines that include first sex, grooming of adolescent girls, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, disclosure of HIV status, sexual assault within a relationship, stigma, mentoring, and the use of helplines. Filmed on location in Lagos earlier this year, MTV Shuga Season IV is scheduled to air on 120 broadcasters across the world, making it the most widely distributed season to date. For the first time, the highly anticipated fourth season will be translated into French and Portuguese language versions, extending the reach of MTV Shuga into Francophone and Lusophone territories. MTV Shuga (series IV) premieres on MTV Base on Sunday 13 September at 21:30 WAT.

interview

‘Why I deviated from criticising movies to writing on albinism’

fridaytreat

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

By Toyin Adeniji

Aligning personality and artiste brand character for music business success

HERE is a newfound craze with the concept of brand, branding and the misconceptions associated with its meaning among Nigerian artistes/ musicians. A brand is more than just the cliché or the ‘hype’ word that it has been reduced to within entertainment circles. A brand is not a logo; a brand is more than having good looks and wearing expensive clothing. Just the same way a brand can grow and appreciate in value; it can also quickly diminish in value. In fact, while it takes a longer time for a brand to grow in value; it can lose its value within a very short time. I discussed in the previous edition of this column, that a brand at the basic level is simply the way the public or consumers perceive a product, service or personality. Branding is about perception building. A brand can be an animate or inanimate object; it can be a product or a person. Where a person is the brand, as it is in the case with artistes/musicians in the music and entertainment industries, a lot of care must be taken to ensure that the personality behind the brand lives in consonance and harmony with the essence of what the brand represents. The character of the personality behind a brand must be consistent with the perceived character of the brand itself or what the people perceive the brand to be. So, in order to build a responsible artiste brand, the artiste must imbibe the values of a responsible lifestyle that is acceptable especially within the social environment. Illegal actions, negative statements and corruption can quickly damage and diminish the brand value of the personality if caught acting irresponsibly for instance. Being a brand comes with both opportunities and threats. It comes with a huge responsibility for the branded personality as every move and action is lived out under the close scrutiny of the public. The personality behind a brand is as important as the brand itself. The credibility ascribed to an artiste’s brand derives from the character and credibility of the personal-

Artiste to watch

Profile MY name is Oladapo Akinmoladun popularly known as Dapsin Nana. I was born and bred in Ibadan. I am a Computer Science student, of the Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU). I am also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Five Star Studio, Ibadan, a producer/ director of music and video productions. Music Career I started composing songs when I was very young. I used happenings around me to compose songs. As I grew up, I discovered that I had passion for singing. I started doing music professionally in 2012 with the release of my first track ‘Enemies Lota’ and in 2013, I started my own studio. Since then, God has been helping me to strike a balance between education and music. My emergence as winner When I gained admission into JABU, I thought I didn’t have a chance because of the way students criticize the style of some artistes on campus until

Dapsin Nana

ity behind the brand. The behaviour of the brand’s personality influences the public’s perception of the brand. So, in the process of deciding what kind of brand personality an artiste wants to have, it is important to build a brand essence that is in sync with the desired image. The essence of a brand is the brand’s reason for being. In the quest to build a successful artiste brand, it is important to realise that the character that forms the personality of an artiste cannot be separated or divested from the public’s ultimate perception of the brand. Why do you exist as an artiste/ musician? What is your ultimate purpose and goal of performing music? Are you only interested in making and selling music to make millions and be rich at the expense of your fans and consumers? Are you in tune with the social developments and needs within the environment in which your fans and consumers live? I have observed certain artistes and entertainment personalities trying unsuccessfully to place themselves in leadership positions within the political sphere. Some are struggling to become opinion/thought leaders but find it hard to convince the public to buy into their ambition. The public can see through these personalities that the qualities of their character is at variance with their brand essence, hence they see or perceive them as untrustworthy of their votes and support. A brand must live in consonance with the character of the personality behind it and vice versa. Recently, the National Film &Video Censors Board (NFVCB) released a list of NTBB (Not To Be Broadcast) categorised music and musical videos. The materials were considered variously as explicit, promoting vices such as drug peddling, trading in abusive substances, and promoting prostitution with their contents etc. Artistes as role models in the society influence the public with their music, lyrics and video content and must therefore understand that they are accountable for their actions and the choices they make. All artistes/musicians have a choice to be socially sensitive and responsible or not, through the actions they take via their musical contents. Artistes have a choice to be a force for positive development and nation building with

their music by being socially aware and responsible. In an era when consumers demand for more social responsibility from brands, artistes/musicians must show signs of being socially responsible in their conducts and with their music because of the role music play in moulding and influencing the perspectives of the society. The trend of displaying wealth mindlessly on social media without any cogent purpose attached by some artistes/musicians does little to build social respect and credibility for their brand as artistes. At a time when Nigeria and the world at large is going through all sorts of humanitarian crisis, society expects and demand that artistes with their celebrity status should become voices representing the interests and plights of the victims of these humanitarian crisis. Being insensitive to social issues and challenges portray artistes especially those with huge followership as socially irresponsible and opportunistic, interested in only amassing wealth at the expense of the society that made them popular. It is important for artistes/musicians regardless of the stage in their music career lifecycle to learn to align their personality and brand character traits. It is a dependable way of building and reinforcing their social credibility and respect. Sir Bob Geldof and Bono of the rock group U2 are two examples of globally renowned artistes whom the world listens to whenever they speak out on any social issue. They are commercially successful and command a great deal of influence because they are socially aware and responsible. You cannot be genuinely concerned about the plights of your fans, consumers and humanity in general and not earn the respect of the people. You cannot have the respect of the masses and not be successful commercially. You cannot win or earn the trust of the public when the character traits of your personality and artiste brand are at conflict with each other. At the end of the day, the truly successful artiste brands are those who are genuinely connected with their fans and consumers and concerned about their well-being. They are the kind of artistes whose brands are well accepted by the people because their personality brand and artiste brand are authentic and complementary.

JABU artiste of the Year 2015, Dapsin Nana one day when I sang one of my songs to my roommate and before I knew, it was all over on the phones of many students. That was how I gained popularity. The following semester, I did my first promo CD which had four tracks with the lead song ‘Colombo’. I also distributed about 600 copies for free. When it was time to nominate for the awards, a list was sent out for voting. After compilation, I emerged one of the first four artistes nominated in my own category. Again, students were asked to vote the best among the four selected for each category. The results were not announced until the day of the awards. Korede Bello was the guest artiste. I performed on stage that day. I sang two of my tracks, ‘Colombo’ and ‘Play me’ which turned out to be a great performance. I got cheers from the crowd because of my display and style. When the winner, artiste of the year category was to be announced, everyone was eager, I was sitting firmly and holding on to friends. Immediately my name was mentioned, ev-

erywhere was silent. People did not know my real name because they usually call me by my stage name. As I stood up and made headway for the stage, there was a standing ovation. I was so happy I emerged winner. Style and songs

I am a dancehall singer but also sing reggae. Presently, I have 19 songs, 13 of which are on tracks and the other six are demos. Among the 13 tracks are ‘Enemies Lota’ ‘Colombo’, ‘Play Me’, ‘Ijo Kunta’, ‘Sisi Caro’, ‘Baby Kenny’ and ‘Ijo Jesu.’ The tracks, ‘Colombo’ and

‘Ijo Kunta’ were very popular on campus. I am presently working on two songs which featured Tennybaby from Lagos with the Colombo video starting soon. I have featured in different shows in Lagos, Ibadan, and Port-Harcourt and around Osun State.

Ayefele takes radio to Notting Hill Carnival in London GOSPEL Tungba master, Yinka Ayefele, MON marked his presence at the annual Notting Hill Carnival in London, last week, when he used a masquerade mascot to create awareness for his radio, Fresh FM. Ayefele, who was accompanied to London by his Publicist and Director, Corporate Affairs and Promotions of Fresh FM, Mr. David Ajiboye, said the move was to be distinct and different among fun seekers at the carnival. “I just looked at what we could do differently that would make us attract fun seekers at the carnival and

Dapsin Nana

the idea of using a masquerade costume with the name of our station inscribed on it came to my mind. It actually worked because a lot of people were coming to take pictures and make inquiry about the station.

“We run a global station that can be listened to anywhere in the world that’s why you see us in London using the Notting Hill platform to spread the good news about the station”, Ayefele said.

society

Friday, 11 September, 2015

...celebrating the people

Nigerian Tribune

For Booking, contact Alaba Igbaroola alabaadewale01@gmail.com 0803 329 8294

...Day of glamour as Olusola Obada’s son weds From left, groom’s parents, Otunba Babatunde, his wife, former Osun State Deputy Governor, Erelu Olusola Obada, with bride’s parents, Mr Taiwo and Princess Adeyinka A.Banasko.

From left, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Mrs Sarah Sosan, Chief Adekunle Ojora and his wife, Ojuolape Ojora.

The couple

From left, Mr Taiwo Akeju, former Philipian Ambassador, Dr Yemi Farounbi and CEO, Rave FM, Osogbo, Mr Femi Adefila.

Former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Chief (Mrs) Derin Osoba.

Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State, HRM Oba Victor Adetona and Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State,HRM Oba .Dr. Yisa Olanipekun.

From left, groom’s parents, Otunba Babatunde, his wife, Erelu Olusola Obada and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar .

From left, Princess Adefunmilola Akitoye-Braimoh, Olori Fadeke Akiolu and Olori Titilola Akiolu

Chief Jimi Agbaje and his wife.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 twitter: @rotifizzle twitter: @fridaytreat

fridaytreat Why I deviated from criticising movies

to writing on albinism — Augusta Okon

She is generally known in the entertainment industry as a movie critic, having worked worked with many movie producers and promoters in Nigeria and abroad. She reveals, in this interview with ROTIMI IGE, why she decided to write a children’s book on albinism.

OU’re known as one of the top Nollywood movie critics in Nigeria. It has been rumored that you can predict if a film will do well at the box office or not? I’m flattered about such encomium, but really, for me, it’s not rocket science to carry out such projections, having been a movie lover from childhood days and witnessed the way the art of storytelling metamorphosed from one era to the next. There are strengths and weaknesses I look out for in a movie particularly the latter and I weigh them side by side on the scale of the movie market. These, plus extrinsic factors helps me in making the projections. Apart from being a movie critic, you’re also known for spear heading film adaptation in the country. Yes, two years ago, I organized a film adaptation seminar to encourage filmmakers to collaborate with literary authors to produce films. Film adaptations have been successful in the top movie industries and with the dearth of originality in our sphere, this serves as a viable alternative content. There are great booksthat can be

made into films and we’ve had a couple of such like Half Of A Yellow Sun, Dazzling Mirage, The Perfect Church, Thunderbolt amongst others. Not only will viewers find the stories refreshing, authorsget paid, and with time the reading culture will be revived the same way we’re witnessing the change in the cinema industry Many are more in tune with your movie side as opposed to the literary, is the book ‘The Quest For The Gem Of Arubia’ your first literary experience? No it’s not. My first short story was published when I was 14 by Nelson publishers. I was a guest on the now rested popular show, ‘Morning Ride’. I published another short story two years later, ‘Trust No One’, still by Nelson. I took a break to study Law at the University of Ibadan. My debut novel, ‘The Side Walk’ was published some years back when I returned to the literary sphere. What’s the difference between writing for children and writing for adults? Writing for children requires communicating with them in the simplest form for their level so

they can understand the story and the message you’re passing across. Depending on the age grade, illustrations are required and more of narratives rather than descriptive techniques are used. This is different from writing for adults which require almost virtually the opposite. Tell us about this new children’s book? ‘The Quest for the Gem of Arubia’ is a fantasy story written for children with a blend of riddles which makes them engage in solving same. It tells the story of Omorege, a 10 year old albino,‘the chosen one’ who makes an unprecedented journey to the kingdom beyond the human realm together withhis friend Nana, to take the gem of Arubia which would be needed in stopping the evil Dominus from taking over the kingdoms in the realm. Why fantasy genre? I wanted to write something different that would be entertaining and didn’t want to tow the usual path of the tortoise, hare, lion, monkey and theusual animal character driven story. You could say my creative side of movie scripting informed this decision and what better way to keep them glued to the book than to engage their young minds into solving riddlesamidst a quest. On the surface, the riddles look easy but you’ve got to be very good at solving riddles to get the answer. What inspired the writing of the book? Stigmatization has been a thorn in the flesh of millions of albinos in Nigeria and indeed Africa. The children are vulnerable to society’s

You could say my creative side of movie scripting informed this decision and what better way to keep them glued to the book than to engage their young minds into solving riddlesamidst a quest.

stigmatization and even their families. They’re not sent to school to get an education for fear that they won’t be employed in the future, if they attend, they’re bullied, called degrading names and are deprived special attention by their teachers because of their sight issues. They grow up with low self-esteem and go through life living in fear of being kidnapped, killed, ostracized in some communities, stigmatized and are unable to live their dreams. I wanted to tell a story that would inspire them to achieve the impossible, re-orientatethe minds of other children and society at largethat albinos are no different from us and we should love and respect them and not hate them… you could have been one.

From left, MC Abbey and a guest

MD/CEO, Filmhouse Cinemas, Kene Mkparu and gospel musician, Sammie Okposo

WHILE chatter still surrounds his financial situation after his filing for bankruptcy, 50 Cent is preparing to move into a new home in Africa. Taking to Instagram with a quick clip of his new home, the rapper/entrepreneur also revealed his plans for breaking the house in. “My crib is almost finished in AFRICA. I’m gonna have the craziest House warming party ever. I’ll explain later. I got a good life Man,” he wrote. As for his 21-bedroom estate in Connecticut, it was reported last month that 50 would be renting out the colossal 50,000 home. While no word was giving on how much renting the pad would cost, Fif paid a whopping $17,400 mortgage, $14,200 utility bill, $1,500 pool maintenance charge and dropped $5,000 on gardening, according to Business Insider. If saving cash is high on 50 Cent’s list of priorities, his new home in Africa may not be as expensive. 50 has yet to divulge which country he’s moving to, but keep your eyes peeled for your invitation to the soiree.

How long did it take to write the book? It took about three weeks with the riddles taking much of my time as I tried to make it as simple as possible while writing during my spare time. How did you come about the title of the book? I had three working titles but couldn’t decide on one. I carried out a short survey amongst my friends and colleagues and majority preferred this published title as it was captivating and easily conveyed the fantasy feel, even before you read it. The book is visually appealing and as an adult I found myself drawn into it... Yes, the story is well told, and is something adults would love to read as well. Take the riddles for example, it would be nice to try and solve them while enjoying the story. It even helps you as an adult to understand what albino kids go through and even the adults. This also helpsyou enlighten other children about albinism. Albinism is a rare issue that’s being treated, is literary work the only means you’re using to kick against stigmatization against albinos? The pen is indeed a powerful weapon to kick against ills in society. Mine will not just be restricted to the pen. In the coming months, you’ll get to know about the things I intend carrying out to help these wonderful albinos who are a part and parcel of us. You can like the book on Facebook, follow on Twitter. Like I said, you’ll get to know more about what I intend doing in the next couple of months.

Seyi Babatope’s ‘When Love Happens’ premieres in the UK WHEN Love Happens (a Nollywood movie), was premiered in London at Greenwich Odeon Cinema on September 4th, 2015. In attendance were some of the cast in the movie, OC Ukeje and Weruche Opia. The movie is directed by Seyi Babatope (award-winning film-maker) which also features Nollywood actor-Desmond Elliot, Gideon Okeke, Beverely Naya, Oreka Godis, Wale Ojo, Bukky Wright and others. This romance flick comes from those (Future Gate Pictures, Phebean Films and FilmOne Distribution) who brought us successful box office smash hits-Half From left, Weruche Opia and OC Ukeje of a Yellow Sun and October 1.

50 Cent relocating to Africa?

From left, ROD Filmhouse Cinemas, Moses Babatope, Seyi Babatope, Sammie Okposo, Kene Mkparu (fifth left)

Miguel’s ‘living room’ performance raises awareness for struggling American families MIGUEL is using his music to help support families in America who are having trouble paying their rent. Teaming up with Make Room USA, an organization dedicated to raising awareness for the country’s housing crisis, the singer put on an acoustic concert in the living room for 44-yearold Devona Rollin’s struggling Michigan family. “I grew up in a single parent family, and my mom often struggled,” Miguel said of joining the cause. “I would see her work really hard, and come home and be tired, and give everything she had to us. And it’s really cool to hopefully let you know that people are paying attention.” Miguel participated in Make Room’s “Concerts For The 1st” series, and sang his smash hit “Adorn,” as well as cuts from his new Wildheart album, “Coffee” and “What’s Normal Anyway.”

Friday, 11 September, 2015

travelpulse&m.i.c.e T HE first Standard Bank Joy of Jazz concert took place at the Pretoria State Theatre 18 years ago and was the brainchild of Peter Tladi. In the beginning, it featured only South African artistes. Later, the jazzfest moved to Newtown in Johannesburg and overseas musicians such as Lee Ritenour, Bob Baldwin, Marion Meadows and Annie Whitehead were introduced. Eventually the flood gates opened and Ravi Coltrane, Joshua Redman, Branford Marsalis, Anat Cohen, Fourplay, Ingrid Jensen, Sadao Watanabe, Tord Gustavsen, Monty Alexander, Ramsey Lewis, Terence Blanchard, Eddie Daniels, Wynton Marsalis, the ghost bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington and vocalists from Dee Dee Bridgewater to Stacy Kent and Nnenna Freelon and Rene Marie and Dianne Reeves to Kurt Elling and Gregory Porter have all appeared with their own groups, and that is just a few names. Of course Abdullah Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela and many more African artists filled the mix. That is one of the strong points of Joy of Jazz it not only offers some of the greatest jazz musicians from around the world, but also top artists from South Africa and the rest of the African continent. Fast forward 18 years, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival has been the most prestigious arena on the African Continent for live, musical excellence for musicians to display their performance skills. Joy of Jazz has hosted most of the world’s exceptionally gifted jazz practitioners – from Swing to Bebop and grandmasters to the hottest prospects of Afro-jazz and avantgarde. This year’s Joy of Jazz will take place in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa from September 24-26, 2015. Over the three days musicians from the USA, UK, Italy, India, Cuba and Africa will perform. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2015 promises to be a dynamic mix of new and old ranging from the ever popular Yellow-

Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year

Marcus Miller

Simphiwe Dana

Joy of Jazz hots up with electrifying line-up jackets to the new vocal sensation Cecile McLorin Savant who won four categories including Female Vocalist and CD of the year in the Down Beat Critic’s Poll. The adventurous line-up includes what looks like an exciting musical experience with a trio of Italian trumpeter Paulo Fresu, who captures the haunting harmon

mute sound of Miles Davis, the Indian master of percussion including tablas, and from Cuba, the world renowned pianist Omar Sosa. For the avant-garde and free jazz enthusiasts there’s the brilliant bassist William Parker whose group includes the acclaimed drummer Hamid Drake. Staying with mod-

Nigerian-owned KIZA Restaurant and Lounge opens in Dubai By Rotimi Ige DUBAI’S first authentic African restaurant and lounge moves into its new sumptuous home in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) this September, as it continues to build on its success, inviting Africans and the world to experience how Africa truly is; to enjoy and engage with the spirit and culture of its people. Commenting on the opening, Lukman Akanbi, Founder, KIZA said, “KIZA is more than a restaurant, it’s an experience promoting and celebrating the best of and the best in Africa. Dubai is one of the most prominent cities in the world, with a vibrant cosmopolitan business and multicultural society with a fine dining culture, which KIZA is bringing its hospitality experience Dubai.? Renowned for its authentic cuisine blended with African flavours, signature cocktails and the best and latest Afrobeat-infused music mixes bar none, the new luxury venue brings premium African hospitality, elegance art and cultural passion to compliment the variety of fine dining in the DIFC. Joe Osawaye, KIZA Managing Partner said, “We want our guests to experience Africa in a genuine manner through a carefully crafted selection and variety of Africa

’Wale Olapade 08161235359 wale11g3@gmail.com

cuisines in a premium and comfortable setting that engages and delights all the senses. The new venue features an external facade with engaging displays of art from the continent, kicking off the unique and authentic multisensory KIZA experience on arrival. Steping into the stylish solid oak doors the opulent ambience of the lounge and vibrant bar area with the dais featuring the resident Afro-jazz band, complements the music laid down by KIZA’s peerless resident DJs.? The elegantly furnished restaurant offers a culinary journey through the regions of Africa, while the relaxing cigar lounge offers a wide selection of international premium ci-

gars in a luxurious comfortable setting. For guests looking exclusivity, there are two private dining rooms which are configured to serve different capacity diners from 12 to 25. Over the years Kiza Restaurant and Lounge has played host to a number of events and concerts platform, lke the Industry Nite Dubai, which featured local and international artists, which include Dbanj, 2face, Sauti Sol, Ice Prince, Wizkid, Timaya among others. With the launch taking place on September 25, 2015, a number of Nigeria’s top entertainers will be gracing the event, which is guaranteed to be a star studded one.

Matthew Halsall ern music is Dwight Trible from Los Angeles he’s sung with Bobby Hutcherson, Pharaoh Sanders and Charles Lloyd and has a vocal style that incorporates gospel and free jazz while trying to bridge the gap between races. From the UK comes trumpeter, arranger and composer Matthew Halsall whose influences include Alice Coltrane and John Coltrane. Smoothing things out are crossover fusion and funky guitarist Larry Carlton, American jazz singer Dee Alexander, sweet soul singer Peabo Bryson, Danish harmonica player Lee Oskar and one of the finest electric bass players on the planet Marcus Miller and his band. A group that looks very interesting comprises pianist/singer Estelle Kokot with American saxman Chico Freeman and South Africans Herbie Tsoaeli bass and Kevin Gibson drums. Africa is well represented by trumpeter Prince Langoasa, who is putting together a big band of female musicians. The National Youth Jazz Band, Steve Dyer, Vusi Mahlasela, and some amazing and provocative pairings such as Pops Mohamed and Steve Newman with a band that includes Mabi Thobejane; Jimmy Dludlu with musicians from Mozambique and Cape Verde; Jaco Maria from Mozambique and Wanda Baloyi. Others are the superb South African jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhahtini with Danish saxman Karl-Martin Almqvist and Cape Town trumpeter Robin Fassie Kock. As if that is not enough there’s also Hugh Masekela with Oliver Mtukudzi featuring the Zim Mbira Orchestra and then there’s Ray Phiri with Stimela.

Friday, 11 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Why I detest politics of bitterness —Wada Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State believes the state has moved to the next level since he assumed office, giving specific areas of such great strides, his re-election bid and chances of the opposition in the coming poll, in this interview with journalists. KUNLE ODEREMI brings some excerpts:

HAT is your attitude to the coming election, given the fact that Kogi used to be a flashpoint before you became governor about four years ago? When I came in, right from the time of the campaigns, I think my body language was quite clear that I do not support violence and no human life should be sacrificed for anybody’s political ambition. Politics should not be a do-or-die affair, where we kill people to achieve our political aspirations. I believe very strongly that power comes from God, that no matter what you want in this life, it’s only the one that God grants you that will take place. Also, only one person can occupy the position of governor at a time. Therefore, let us not fight over it; let’s try to allow the will of the people to come into place. With that body language for zero tolerance for violence, people saw that there were no sacred cows; that I will follow the law, empower the security agencies. I encourage them so that people will not get away with crime; they will be punished. And gently with the cooperation of the ministries or agencies in the state, coupled with the political will on our part, people began to understand that we would not tolerate violence. And God helping us, the environment is a bit calmer now. That’s how we have succeeded so far. It’s a continuous effort; we are not relenting and we are already strategising against the coming election, meeting every Tuesday. We have Security Council meetings; we try to plan in advance, be proactive, get intelligence and the cooperation of the citizens. We carry out periodic security awareness seminars in the various local governments to get people to know if one person is insecure, all of us are insecure. We all have a part to play when it comes to security. So, we must help the security agencies with information, try and cooperate. There was a time when we took a decision that anyone who rents a house to people must know who you are renting your property because if we find out that the person is an insurgent or criminal, we’ll knock down the house. And this happened in places where we had evidence. So, when people saw such purposeful commitment on the part of the government to such a critical issue of security, most of our citizens cooperated. How have some of these moves impacted positively on the political culture of Kogi positively? I think honestly, as a nation generally that we are growing democratically. I think the culture of democracy is stabilising in our country in a gentle way. People are beginning to respect the will of the people, expression of their preferences. Also with a less number of political parties, I think the leadership of our parties are more refined and

Wada

We must also consider the interest of even the minorities within the major tribes in our state. We are all citizens of Kogi and all these issues need to be carefully discussed overtime.

focused in trying to sell the message of the party rather than insulting each other. Once this kind of attitude on the part of our political leaders is improving, it robs down on the electorate and supporters of our parties. My feeling is that by the grace of God, it will be getting better for us politically in Nigeria. At 24, Kogi ought to have overcome the usual teething challenges of a new

state. What difference have you made in repositioning the state in terms of the provision of infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for industrialisation? I think as a state, we have done relatively well. Development must be measured against the resources available to a state. This state was created as an amalgamation from Kwara and Benue states. Kogi was

the engine room for the production of civil servants for the whole of Northern Nigeria in those days. When the state was created, a lot of civil servants came to Kogi. So, we are more of a civil service state. We inherited a lot of civil servants and about 80 per cent of our income goes to salaries and that limits the amount of money available for infrastructure development. That explains to you the level of infrastructure development we have because the state started with a lot of civil servants and pension liability, gratuity and things like that. Since I came in, I have focused on trying to attract investments and improved investments and we did signed a lot of Memoranda of Understanding with investors to exploit the solid mineral resources we have in this state. Some of these things take time for to mature; for capital formation, attract the funds, do feasibility studies, be sure that the projects will be viable and generate income. It’s one thing to have solid mineral resources and it’s another to make it a viable proposition. So, we have set up one stock shop to help people who want to do business in our state. There is one cement industry across the River Niger in the eastern side of the state, which will be completed before the end of this year. It’s more like a joint venture, a public private partnership with a Chinese company. It is almost coming online. There is an ethanol factory which is going on in Banda area along the Lokoja way. So, we have attracted some industries and some small scale industries are coming up. We believe that over time, with more industrialisation, our economy will improve. We have focused on agriculture as an engine for growth; job creation and wealth creation for our people. We have fertile land. Rather than depending on federal allocation, we believe that, in the future, agriculture will be the driver of the economy of Kogi. So with more people being employed, our tax income will improve and our overall income generation will improve and then better infrastructure development. We are also trying to sign strategic partnership with some construction companies for infrastructure development that allows us the long time to pay because again, we don’t have a large chunk of money to do big projects and we look for ways of structuring infrastructure development. Another thing we did was to take a bond. We subscribed to the bond purely for infrastructure of N20 billion. We have drawn about N8 billion of it now, and we are doing 12 key infrastructure projects with the bond. Most of the projects are at about 50 per cent completion now. The bond gives us a sevenyear repayment period which we need as a state because we don’t have the bulk money to pay a loan over a short time. We saw that as a very good for infrastructural development. So, I think we have done very well and with these new strategies we are introducing, in the coming years, our infrastructural programme will improve. To what extent have you been able to block possible leakages from the ficontinues pg29

28 politics&policy Alhaji Jubril Echocho is a leading aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant in the forthcoming PDP gubernatorial primaries in Kogi State. He recently spoke with some newsmen, insisting that he is the candidate to beat in the primaries of the PDP. Group politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA presents the excerpts:

Friday, 11 September, 2015

I can beat Wada to PDP ticket —Echocho

terprises. We need to restore people’s faith in governance by running a more open, accountable and ethical government; and strengthen institutions of government such as the civil service and local government administration.

OW prepared are you to clinch the ticket of your party, the PDP and how do you hope to win the governorship election in Kogi in the event that you emerge as the PDP candidate? I have stated previously that I am in this race to win and considering the fact that the will to win is worthless without the will to prepare, I can tell you without hesitation that I am prepared. I strongly believe that the best preparation for success is to be more strategic and that is what I have been doing since 2011 when I first signified my intent to vie for the governorship of Kogi State. I realised very early in the race that a winning strategy that is based on issues and the realities on ground is essential for a successful campaign. I thereafter constituted a very vibrant team that understood that whoever will emerge as the standard-bearer of the PDP must be one who can demonstrate to the party that he can easily win the governorship for the party. This understanding and the simple message of ours which has resonated with the leadership; and likewise supporters will see us through at the primaries because at the end of the day, it is the interest of the party, not the interest of a few that matters. This is especially important because as it stands, Kogi is the last man standing in the North Central. But you are contesting against an incumbent governor, who has not only signified intent to re-contest, but has told all that he needs four more years to complete some of the laudable projects he has started? Well, the incumbent governor is a friend and a brother. He is someone I have tremendous respect for and a fine gentleman that respects the views and aspiration of others. I want to believe that my aspiration didn’t just come out of the woods. There was a history, and a history that every wellmeaning Kogities and friends of Kogi State understand and respect, including the incumbent governor. And mind you, times have changed. The issue of power shift is another burning issue. What is your take on that? I strongly believe that everybody, regardless of ethnic or religious coloration, has an inalienable right to aspire for anything, including power shift. And Kogi can’t be an exception. The call for power shift is legitimate and it must be respected. But, who am I to say no to the legitimate agitation of my brothers and sisters from the West and Central? I believe when the time is right it will come to fruition. So, what is it that is propelling you to want to govern the state? I am in the race because I strongly believe that I can add more value to governance in Kogi State at this particular time in our history than anyone else. Governor Wada has done well in my estimation, but I believe

Can you give us more insights into the crisis that erupted in the PDP in 2011, what really happened? 2011 was a fantastic year for our party because we won the elections. In my opinion, what happened was simply a breakdown in communication and nothing more. And all the parties involved have moved on to the glory of God and we are one strong, happy and an indivisible family. But in some quarters, it’s believed that former Governor Ibrahim Idris was responsible for you being denied the ticket of the party? That isn’t correct. There was a breakdown in communication along the line. There was nothing personal or untoward about what happened. Things happen and our ability to move on stands us out of the crowd. What’s your relationship with the former governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris? A very cordial relationship I have with him.

Echocho

I strongly believe that everybody, regardless of ethnic or religious coloration, has an inalienable right to aspire for anything, including power shift. And Kogi can’t be an exception. The call for power shift is legitimate and it must be respected.

more can be done and a lot still needs to be done to actualise the Kogi of our dream. We need a new spirit of self-assurance, hope and optimism. We urgently need a revitalised economy that is diversified and less dependent on the monthly allocation. There Is need for new vigour. I believe it’s time for new ideas to accelerate the process of diver-

sification because time is running out. Oil prices are already falling due to the development of shale oil technology that has opened up new sources of energy supplies. We need a new security arrangement to secure our society and provide the enabling environment for the growth of the private sector especially the small and medium scale en-

It’s said in some quarters that since you are in-laws with the candidate of the APC candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, he might be the one sponsoring your candidature. What do you have to say? This isn’t a question but rather an insult in my estimation. How can the candidate of the APC sponsor or influence me? Let me clear the air on this. For the fact that my daughter is married to his son does not mean that we agree politically or share same political ideology. I also believe that our kids have their lives to live and we parents shouldn’t interfere unnecessarily. They saw themselves; they liked themselves and decided they want to be husband and wife. So you expect me to say no because the husband is the son of Prince Abubakar Audu? That would have been quite unfair. It’s their life and they have a right to freedom of choices. But to say because my daughter is married to Audu’s son and therefore he is behind my candidature is an insult. There is no such thing and there won’t be any such thing. Do you think you still have that state-wide acceptance that you had in 2011? Without trying to sound immodest, I think that acceptance is still there, that is if it hasn’t tripled because four years is a long period. If you fail to get the party nomination, what should your supporters expect? I am a loyal party man. My conduct since 2011 suffices as an example. My ambition is not premised on personal reasons. It’s not about me, but about the state. I am in the race to add value, to serve humanity and to bring to fruition a new Kogi. So if I don’t get the party nomination, God forbid, the world won’t come to an end.

politics&policy

Friday, 11 September, 2015

We are developing new Lokoja continued from pg27

nancial system of the state? We are doing a lot. We are doing away with most of paper receipts now and going to ereceipts. People pay money, their tax and all that, through the bank and bring the receipt or teller to the revenue office. We have computerised the operation, increasingly depending on Information Technology to drive our revenue generation. We have restructured the Board of Internal Revenue in the state. We have also recruited about 50 young men and women and trained them to go on an aggressive revenue drive. So, various strategies are being adopted to improve the revenue profile of the state. When we came in, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Kogi was about N180 million. Now, we are achieving between N550-600 million a month, which is a great leap for us because we are a civil service state. You are seeking a fresh mandate to lead the state. Are you not intimidated by the calibre of opposition, and what is your view on the issue of power shift among the three senatorial districts in the state? I have already collected the PDP nomination form. I have been screened and ready for the primaries. in my opening statement I said power comes from God and He gives to whom He pleases. I will not be intimidated by any human being. I will do my best, sell my programme and development ideas to the people. I tried my best to serve the people well and I hope that they will reflect that in their support for me if I emerge as the candidate for our party for the November election. With regards to power shift, I believe in power shift. I will call it power rotation now, not power shift. It’s rotation. That’s the new terminology our people have invented for it. I believe the state belongs to all of us and every citizen has a right to lead the state. But for me, it’s not a straight forward issue. which one man can drive. I can show leadership by expressing my view and supporting all endeavours towards actualising it. But, it requires continuous engagement of our stakeholders, our political leaders, our youths, our women, and indeed all the stakeholders in the three senatorial zones must engage themselves, discuss about it and work out the modalities. Is it a clockwise rotation; is it anti-clock wise, which should come first? We must also consider the interest of even the minorities within the major tribes in our state. We are all citizens of Kogi and all these issues need to be carefully discussed overtime. We should not bring it up only when we are running for governorship election. Let’s start now and work towards 2019, for example. That’s my own take on that. I support it, but let us not leave it till when somebody is running for governorship and then you start using tribal sentiments to whip up people’s support. Let’s agree because no zone can win alone; it needs the other zones. What do you think are your chances, given the fact that Alhaji Abubakar Audu has emerged as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC)? Coupled with that is the opposition claim that your administration has

not met the aspirations of the people. I’m not going into the election as an individual. If by the grace of God I emerge as the candidate of PDP, I will be going as the representative of a political party, which is the party in power in our state today. And in 2011, we ran against Audu, who was in the Action congress of Nigeria (ACN) then. He also is coming under the vehicle of the political party, so it will be a competition between parties, not individuals. Individual attributes will play a role, but then it’s up to the voters to decide whether they want to support someone with a gentle name or someone with a tough name. It’s a choice, a democratic choice that people will have to make. We have different styles of governance, and I believe in the gentle approach and I don’t tolerate violence and I try to work with sincerity and without propaganda. So, during the campaign, people will know what we have in mind for the state. They will know which party to support. Yes, it’s true that the APC won the presidential election, but we won the state House of Assembly elections. The colours of this election are different. It depends on the platform. What are the issues, and what platform are you running, is it presidential, gubernatorial, state assembly or National Assembly? And all of these impact on the electorate differently. And I believe that for this election, based on our record, what we have done and what we have in mind for the people and by the grace of God, the PDP will achieve victory. On the claim by the opposition that we have done nothing, you should expect that from them. It is natural for the opposition to condemn a sitting government. A sitting government has a lot of issues to deal with. The opposition has nothing to show. They are not in government, so what they have is a mere proposition. The reality is that we have done things and I can tell you that in Lokoja, we are building a 16km by-pass from Area A to Ganaja; 16km of a dual carriage way which is going to open up a new development area for the state capital. It hasn’t happened in the 24 years of our existence and it gives us the opportunity to do a layout. Lokoja is a historic town. It has a culture, a people who have sentimental attachments to their father’s property that we can’t just go and knock out and start building modern buildings. So, we have to tolerate the culture of our people and the society. Now, we decided consciously to open up a new area, develop it as a modern city. That’s a major decision of the government. We are building a 500 housing unit in lokoja and about 282 of them are at the roofing stage and we hope to complete in the next three or

Wada four months and we are doing that in three sides along Ganaja Road. We just built a most modern vocational training centre in collaboration with the Korean Development Agency to train young people on IT, welding, mechanical and automobile engineering. We also have water projects. We have done more than 300 boreholes across various communities in the state. We brought electricity to many towns and villages; we are doing water in all the major towns in the state. Some of them were done 20 years ago. We are doing a total rehabilitation and refurbishing and new ones in those places. We have built five zonal hospitals; we are building a university teaching hospital at the Kogi State University. We have a four-floor modern diagnostic centre at our specialist hospital in Lokoja; it’s almost completed. We have got most of the equipment on ground already. Four of our tertiary institutions have full accreditation in most of their programmes. So, education is witnessing a serious leap, medical service is growing, we are promoting agriculture. So, I believe that on our record, we have done a lot. But don’t expect the opposition to praise us because if they praise us, they have no business coming to compete, and that’s my view. If you go to Abuja, we are building an 11-storey Kogi House. It’s a land that the state has had in the federal capital for about 20 years. We took the bull by the horn, so the building is now on the eighth floor. We started it about

Politics should not be a do-or-die affair, where we kill people to achieve our political aspirations. I believe very strongly that power comes from God, that no matter what you want in this life, it’s only the one that God grants you that will take place.

six months ago. If you go to the Kogi State Lodge in Asokoro, for 20 years, it was not touched. It has been redesigned, rebuilt and restructured. We have added 20 room quarters for our security staff that move around and officials of our government that go to Abuja. We have turned the place around to a befitting edifice for Kogi. Our liaison office in Lagos, when I came into office was not usable. We are converting it again to a more modern and useful property that will generate revenue for the state. Also, the idea of the Abuja building is not just a symbol for our state. It will generate revenue for us. We all know the value of property in the Central Business District in Abuja. We are making these investments for the future of the state; to position us as a state to survive without depending much on federal allocation. On the whole, what is it that you are so passionate about since you became governor? I am most passionate about agriculture. I really want our people to believe in agriculture and we as a government, we promote it. We give as much incentives as we can, for liberalised land allocation for agriculture and I have signed over 5000 Certificate of Occupancy for agricultural land. We have been liberal in such a way that even if I’m not around, there is an automatic machine that can sign my signature so as not to delay those that want to farm. That’s the level of passion that we have for agriculture- to drive it and make it easy for people. And I am working with the Federal Government for the stable cup processing zone in partnership with an American company. The World Bank is supporting it, we have gone a very long in it. It is the change of government that has slowed it down a bit. But already, I am approaching the Federal Government to increase the tempo of activities. So, agriculture really is my area of passion because I believe that in a long term, it will create employment for our people; it will create wealth for them, and it will help the state to improve its IGR for survival.

politics&policy

Alhaji Ardo Jika, a retired civil servant, is the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Taraba State. In this Interview with VIASHIMA SYLVANUS, he speaks on the scoresheets of the state and federal administrations since May 29, among other issues. Excerpts:

Friday, 11 September, 2015

PDP persecuting our members in Taraba —APC chairman

nothing wrong about it. As a party, we believe in him and his sense of judgment and discretion and that is why we gave him our mandate. Nigerians believe him capable of making good choices. The only thing is that he is but one man and so the party will have to come in so playing advisory role because some of us also know some people who fit the credentials target needs across the country. The party leadership will suggest these people to him but, the ultimate choice of who to pick or drop resides with him. The party will not interfere. He doesn’t belong to the APC. He is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he has his constitutional rights to make these appointments. Mind you, the constitution makes provision for ministerial appointment in all the states of the federation. He definitely needs some suggestions and the party will be readily available to assist.

HAT is your assessment of the 100 days of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in office? I think we need to de-emphasise this issue of 100 days in office. It is immaterial. What counts is the direction of the administration so far. Change comes with time, and that is why we have a four-year tenure system and not 100 days. Having said that, I must say the president has done creditably well so far. Let’s look at the most concerned area, which is security. We had a situation where more than 17 local government areas in parts of the North-East were under the control of a terrorist group. By implication, the areas were literally under a different government. These areas have been recaptured. The roads that the insurgents were controlling such as the highway from Mubi to Maiduguri and other roads in the region that were barricaded have been re-opened now. Our people, who fled the country because of the insurgency, are beginning to return home because there is relative peace. You will also see that the attacks now are not as brazen and daring as they were. They can’t regroup sufficiently to carry out mass attacks as they used to do; riding on motorcycles, Hilux vans and armoured tanks to sack whole villages and abduct children indiscriminately. That era is over. The attacks now are more of suicide bombings, and every security specialist will tell you this is a hard nut to crack. The appointments made by the president so far are considered lopsided, as they are mostly concentrated in the North. First of all, I must say the people, who are crying foul, are completely entitled to their opinion. But, the fact is that Mr President, at this stage, needs to appoint competent and very reliable persons to man some of these key positions that we are talking about. Mind you, most of the appointments made so far are more of his personal staff and other sensitive areas that urgently need revival. So, he has the right to pick the kind of persons he can trust to do the job. In any case, he has not done anything unconstitutional. The National Assembly would not have rectified the appointments then. Besides these facts, we must not forget that most of the votes the president had came from the North. Look at the SouthEast and the South-South for instance, they showed clearly their unwillingness to work with him. You don’t go into an office and start appointing people who have shown that they are unwilling to work with you, especially in such sensitive positions. In the last dispensation for instance, appointments were equally lopsided. Nobody contested then. This is something that you cannot contest. Every leader needs a team that he can trust to achieve his goals, whatever they may be. I haven’t seen where the PDP ever appointed their enemies into positions either. Where I come from, that is Taraba, the PDP-led government is persecuting my members for identifying with the APC. Some of them have lost their jobs and other privileges because of our governor-

Jika

Every leader needs a team that he can trust to achieve his goals, whatever they may be. I haven’t seen where the PDP ever appointed their enemies into positions either.

ship candidate, Senator Aisha or because they supported Buhari. Traditional rulers have been dethroned because they were perceived to have supported President Buhari. Nobody is saying anything. The plain truth is that the region (North) played an indispensable role towards his election and he is obliged to consider them. It’s just the fair thing to do. I’m not saying that other parts of the country should not be considered for appointments. No. I’m just saying priority should be given to the people who sacrificed more for him. The argument is that there are competent people across the country, who also worked hard for the president. Shouldn’t he consider them? Or is it a winner takes all? Federal character does not only reflect on appointments. It encompasses all aspects from employment to distribution of appointments and infrastructure. It entails carrying everybody along but that does not mean you should not help those who helped you. There must be a system of rewarding loyalty. I am not saying there are no competent persons elsewhere. We have party loyalists

who are technocrats through and through and who sacrificed a great deal for his success in the Niger-Delta, South-East and all. They deserve to be appointed as well. But the fact still remains that charity begins at home. Look at the percentage comparatively. The difference is too glaring for it not to reflect in the appointments. But APC national chairman, chief John Odigie-Oyegun said the President did not involve the party leadership in the appointments made so far but assured that the party would play a key role in subsequent ones. Is this not capable of creating tension between the president and the APC leadership? The president has stated clearly on several occasions that he respects party and will maintain party supremacy. The appointments made are purely the prerogative of the president and it is incumbent of him to do them. The appointment he has made comprises of people with track records of excellence. He knows them personally. But he doesn’t know everybody. He is also a party member and leader besides being the President. So if he takes a decision, there is

The ongoing probe of the past administration has been described as a witch hunt. What is your take on that? We are in the mess we’ve found ourselves now because any time someone tries to get things right, we call it witch hunting and all sorts of things. Witches are destructive and should be hunted and destroyed anyway, otherwise, they will destroy us. There is absolutely nothing wrong in witch-hunting someone who has done something wrong; someone who has broken the law. Nobody is above the law and it is immaterial which government you supported or which political party you owed allegiance to. Former Adamawa State governor, (Murtala) Nyako was picked and quizzed even though he is an APC member. There should be no secret cow. Anybody who decided to help himself to our common wealth should be made to account for it, irrespective of their background. We must be able to criminalise crime and make criminals pay for their crimes. We are not a lawless society and so we cannot harbour outlaws. The laws have been there. The unfortunate fact that past administrations turned a blind eye to them just to allow impunity to flourish does not mean someone serious should not enforce them. People are crying foul now because most of those invited so far are PDP members but the fact is that, the government is probing those who looted our treasury and naturally, it has to be those who were in the government, who had access to these funds and their allies. And who were the people in government then, the PDP of course! If you were to probe the rot in the NNPC for instance, are you expected to go and pick someone out there on the street who does not know anything about the operation of NNPC to come and probe him so that you’ll not be seeing as witch-hunting? No, it has to be someone who was assigned the responsibility to man that agency that who have to give account of their actions or inactions. People must be held responsible for their irresponsibility. If we don’t get this right now, we would never get it right. What justification will the President have to probe people subsequently if he lets go of such huge misappropriation in the past administration? We should set precedence. He promised change. He has a duty to deliver that change.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

hers

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

Precious Chikwendu:

Nigeria’s precious jewel

Miss Precious Chikwendu was Nigeria’s representative at the Miss United Nations World Beauty pageant in 2014. Not only did she sponsor herself to the event, but she got herself groomed with her own resources up to the required international standard. With the confidence of a lioness and the heart of an amazon, she embarked on this great journey which ultimately brought not only tremendous recognition to Nigeria, but also immense respect. By Adedayo Adejobi PRECIOUS, contested in this intimidating international pageant which took place on the July 7, 2014 in Kingston, Jamaica. She competed against a host of other participants who came with the full backing of corporate and individual sponsors from their respective countries, intimidating delegations, large crowds of international celebrities and well-heeled supporters and other nerve-wracking credentials. They came from countries like the United States of America, Great Britain, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Canada, the Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Guyana, Martinique, Gaudalupe, the Bahamas, Australia, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica (the host

HEARTCOPY

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How do I stop my daugher... > <P34

nation) and many others. Amidst all this, Miss Precious Chikwendu of Nigeria, was all alone. She had no sponsors, no delegation, no international celebrities, no corporate giants, no media gurus, no lobbyists and no Olympian credentials to back her. The only things she had were her natural beauty, warm charm, brains, degree, confidence, faith in God and an impressive catalogue of the sterling achievements of her numerous works of charity here in Nigeria. Despite the tough competition and the intimidating obstacles and factors that she was faced with, she worked her socks off and got through to the final where she, in spite of all the odds, became the winner of the keenly contested pageant. This achievement makes her, not only the first ever Nigerian to have won the crown,

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but also the first ever African to have emerged as winner in the prestigious pageant whose rules, conditioning and criteria for winning are more stringent than most. This has brought honour and glory to her fatherland and further projected Nigeria as a country of not just resilient and hardworking people, but also a country where beauty and brains can walk and work gallantly hand in hand. She has proved that Nigeria is not just about all the negative things that the international media want people, to believe about her. She has proved that our ladies are not only achievers, but also individuals with very strong personalities and characters. She has proved that our women can be outstanding and that they can excel in whatever field of endeavour that they choose no matter who is involved and no matter what the competition is. Examples of such women abound in Nigeria. Women who have proved their worth in their various fields of endeavour. Such women include Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, of the World Bank and the immediate past Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Arunma Oteh the immediate past Director-General of The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the first African female Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank, Dr, Oby Ezekwesili, the former Minister of Education and former Vice President of the World Bank, African Division, Chioma Ajunwa, the first West African woman and the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold medal in a track and field event, Agbani Darego, Miss World 2001, Sophie Okenedo, the Nigerian-born Hollywood actress, Mo Abudu, the international broadcaster and entrepeneur, Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jolade-Ekhinde, the Nollywood actresses and many others. With her achievement and glaring success Miss Chikwendu has joined this noble league of great women who have brought accolades and fame to Nigeria by sheer dint of their hard work, determination, focus and faith in God. She has by this feat, convinced a very large section of the international community that Nigerian women are not only pretty faces, but that they are also hardworking, confident, versatile, industrious, intelligent, honorable and virtuous. Given her success in Jamaica and high visibility, Precious, Miss United Nations World 2014, ought to be utilised by the relevant government and non-governmental

I thought he is a friend, now he wants sex for a favour he did... <P34>

organisations in our country to help Nigerians that are in need. This can be done in addition to her numerous ongoing charity projects which she sponsors herself. She ought to be further projected to the world as the face of our ever vibrant young ladies, the character of our women and the heart of our mothers. Relevant agencies of government and other NGOs can also partner with her in enlightenment and awareness campaigns to our girls in schools and tertiary institutions . Other contestants who represented their countries at the Miss United Nations Pageant and particularly those that ended up winning the coveted crown of “Miss United Nations World” over the years have always been given due recognition in their respective countries. They have been provided with opportunities and official platforms in order to help impact their societies in a positive way and to be a greater force for good. In our case, our intermational Queen has been made to carry on all alone as if we are averse to those who bring glory to our great country. A good example of the way other nations have rallied around their Queen and celebrated, encouraged and supported them is that of Miss Sherrie Gerhardt, Miss United Nations 2015, who won the international pageant in July this year and who is Miss Chikwendu’s successor in office. Sherrie is from the United States of America and she did very well for her country by winning this year’s pageant. Since that time she has been all over the world doing charity work and all over America with the full support and backing of many American organisation and corporate bodies. It appears that the Americans appreciate the efforts and achievements of their beauty Queen far more than we do. Were it not so, Miss Chikwendu would have received far more commendation and supContinues on pg32

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32 hersay

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Precious Chikwendu: Nigeria’s precious jewel Continued from pg31

port in Nigeria than she has been getting. A former model and professional actress who has featured in popular movies and TV series such as “Thy Will Be Done”, “Love Struck”, “Onye Ozi”, “I come Lagos”, “Secrets & Scandals”, “The Hustlers” and many more, Precious Chikwendu is a well sought-after in her field. In terms of her acting career we have heard from the grapevine that offers have come flooding in from Hollywood ever since she won the international pageant. If she follows this up and decides to take the full plunge it appears that she is set to follow in the footsteps of other African actors on the world stage like Chinwetalu Ejiofor, Lupita Nyongo and others. Yet for now she is content with all that she is doing under the auspices of her Snowhite Foundation. This includes her acts of philanthropy and support for the more vulnerable and weaker in our society. To this end, she has used her own personal finances and much of the foundation’s fund to complete humanitarian projects all over the country and offer scholarships to children for both schools and tertiary institutions as part of her charity work. Amongst other things this beautiful young damsel from Nanka, Orumba North of Anambra State, has refurbished numerous schools in order to make learning more conducive for students. For example, some schools have had their dilapidated floors tiled, learning boards replaced with modern ones, beautification of the schools through the expansive and strategic planting of exotic flowers and green landscapes, distribution of free school uniforms, writing materials and enlightenment campaigns to the students on the need to always be conscious of their environment and leave it clean at all times. The A.M.E. Zion Primary School, Diamond Hills in Calabar, Cross River State, the Model College in Maitama, Abuja and a few others are amongst those institutions that have so far enjoyed the benefits of Precious Chikwendu’s philanthropy. A modern mathematical laboratory was also built by her and donated to one of the schools in Kingston, Jamaica, as a mark of honour and appreciation to the city for being the host of the Miss United Nations World Beauty pageant where she emerged the winner. She is in the process of replicating the same in Nigeria right now. As a mark of the respect and trust that they have in her, Miss

Precious with some beneficiaries of her foundation.

Chikwendu was recently awarded the local franchise of the Miss United Nations Pageant by the international body. This was done by the pageants Board of Trustees under the leadership of its Pesident, a prominent and well-respected Jamaican businessman by the name Mr. Leon Williams. Miss Chikwendu was given the mandate to organise the national version of the pageant in Nigeria on an annual basis. In her characteristic manner Precious rose to the occasion and took up this challenge with the required and necessary zeal. In short, she made a resounding success of the maiden edition of the event even though she had to more or less fund it herself. Except for a few notable individuals who made a few contributions most of the funds for the Nigerian version of the pageant were put in by Miss Chikwendu herself. Such was her passion for and belief in the project and such was her desire to ensure that Nigeria could send a strong team to Jamaica for the international pageant which was scheduled to take place a few weeks later. The Nigerian version of the pageant took place on May 16, 2015, at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. It was a grand affair and a resounding success. Together with the month-long build-up to the event, which included the numerous auditions for participants from every single zone and most

Timely example If an armed robber is displayed in the news PAPERS, it is timely example for your children to teach integrity and a life that brings honor to the name of the family. This law and form of logic must be communicated to your children at the level of their understanding based on their age and the matter at hand. You have to explain the sequence of events that occurs when your children does something, because as children they don’t always see that their actions have a consequence. If you drive drunk, you could have a wreck, lose your legs and possibly kill yourself and someone else. Believe it or not, children don’t always make that connection. They don’t see the end result of their actions. They live in the moment. It is your job to educate them and communicate the consequences of their behaviour. You have to slow things down and show them “if you do this, then, this will happen.” Even a two-year-old can learn the Law of Cause and Effect. “If you touch this and you break it, you will get in trouble.” “If you pull the kitty’s tail, it will bite and scratch you.” Will your ability to communicate “if this, then that logic change your kid’s behaviour? Sometimes. Not always. Sometimes she will still pull Tigger’s tail and will get scratched. “That’s a good thing. That consequence will teach her a valuable lesson. Better that she learns these lessons from you now while it’s still early and it’s just a cat’s scratch than learns them later and faces much harsher consequences. “COMMUNICATE REALISM.

states in the country, the training and preparation of the successful applicants and finally the grand event itself with all its razzmataz, glittering lights, celebrity content and media coverage, the whole thing eventually cost no less than $350,000.USD which she financed. Such was her commitment to the project that she funded the event with her life’s savings. Quite apart from that, unlike we have come to know about some other beauty pageants, Miss Chikwendu ensured that the integrity of the pageant was not compromised as she insisted on upholding the highest ethical standards for all crew members and participants in the contest. In the Nigerian context that is what made the whole thing different to most. With the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, as the special guest of honor together with an array of many other stars from the political, business and entertainment community, it was a night of remarkable achievements and sheer wonders. John Fashanu, the former international footballer and star celebrity, together with a handful of well respected international actors and models from the U.K. and the U.S. were the judges for the night and they did an excellent job. There were attactive prizes for those that won and A-list performers, including AY, Chidimma, Klint Da Drunk etc hired for the night. The occasion was a resounding success, especially as winners emerged

Parenting The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu

08023242389

cryonmenow@yahoo.com

Communicate realism People tell their kids, “You can be whatever you want to be.” That isn’t realistic. You should not be telling your kid that he can be whatever he wants to be. Why? Because he can’t. Stop telling your kid that he can be whatever he wants to be. The truth is that he can be whatever he has the basic talent for being and is willing to work hard enough to become using that talent. That is a realistic statement based on fact. It doesn’t sound as fairy-tale-like and it doesn’t have quite the ring to it that “You can be whatever you want to be” has, but it’s the truth. If your kid wants to play in the NBA more than anything in the whole world and he’s five feet six inches tall, it’s not going to happen. Don’t tell him it can happen just because he wants it to happen. That would be dishonest. If your kid has no musical ability and can’t carry a tune in a bucket, chances are he is never going to make it as a pro-

through a very transparent and competitive process. Unlike other pageants where commotion and shouts of ‘no, no, no’ and ‘we no go gree o, we no go gree’ followed by throwing of missiles at the judges and organizers, the winners of Miss United Nations Nigeria were not only the judges’ choices but also the people’s. 5 categories of winners emerged at the night in the different categories of Miss United Nations Nigeria, Mrs United Nations Nigeria, Ms United Nations . Nigeria, Miss Teen United Nations Nigeria and Miss Tourism United Nations Nigeria. All the 5 winners were welcomed with thunderous ovations at their announcements as approval of the judges’ choices by the audience. In addition to this, Miss Precious Chikwendu sponsored some of the winners to the international version of the pageant for 2015 which took place in Kingston Jamaica on July 18th, 2015 . By this singlular act she turned around the lives of those that went to Jamaica around and they were catapulted to great success, fame and stardom as two of them won in the respective categories that they contested. The first was a married woman by the name of Mrs. Ebele Chukwu who won the Mrs. Tourism United Nations International crown. The second was Miss Tubosoye Dokubo Charles who won the African Ambassador title. They both did Nigeria proud at the international level. Other ladies, no doubt, can be inspired through this, believing in themselves, knowing full well that achieving their dreams is always possible if they remain focused and hardworking. What more can one say about Precious Chikwendu, the young lady that made all this possible? What other great achievements does this young lady that is commonly referred to as ‘’Snowhite’’ by those close to her have in store for us? It is obvious that she is a rising star. It is self-evident that she has a compassionate heart that is obviously overflowing with the milk of human kindness. If she could do all these things alone, then one can imagine what she would do when and if she gets the necessary support and recognition from society. No doubt, at just 26, Miss Chikwendu still has age on her side and the strength and vigor to give more to Nigeria. •Adejobi wrote in from Lagos

fessional singer. A rapper maybe, but not a singer. “Don’t encourage him to try out for the next season a world singer idol.You are setting him up for failure. Instead of instilling false hope by communicating and reinforcing unrealistic ideas, encourage realistic goals based on talent, commitment and a willingness to work hard. Communicate very clearly that your kid can be whatever he or she has the talent and inclination to become and is willing to work hard enough to achieve. You have to be willing to work hard enough to achieve it. When I was growing up in my walk with God, I wanted to be a powerful preacher . I had that dream from the time I was a baby Christian .While I had the talent and the inclination, I had to face the fact and I was willing to work hard enough to achieve it. I was willing to study that hard, read books do a lot courses speed reading in particular for many years and learn the things I needed to learn to make it happen when others were watching movies, attending functions I was focused “ the game of life is not the game of LUCK L -LABOUR U- UNDER C- CORRECT K - KNOWLEDGE People say I am lucky I say I am worky ) .Talent, inclination and hard work create your reality. Teach your kids the realistic truth about their future.

Friday, 18 September, 2015

With Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

thekitchen

How to test if a dish is microwave safe

By Monica Taiwo

OME dishes can be microwaved and some can’t. This is a predicament many people have encountered. This is a little test to prove if your dishes are microwaveable. Steps Fill a microwave-safe cup or mug with cold water.

• Place the plate in question in the microwave.

DO-It-Yourself

Baked yam cheese By Olaide Fadare THIS is a new way to enjoy yam staple. It is a balanced diet. Ingredients: · 800g of white yam

Kitchen trick you might not know! • DO you know that you can amend an over-salted meal in the pot by simply rubbing palm oil around the pot and allow it to heat for few minutes?

· 800g of plum tomatoes · 300g of cheese · 300g of whitefish · 1 medium onion · 4 cubes of frozen spinach · 1 habanera pepper to taste · 1 stock cube · About 4 cooking spoonful vegetable oil (for frying) Cooking directions • Wash and blend tomatoes • Blend, pound or cut up the habanera peppers • Cut the onions into tiny pieces, cut the white fish into small cubes. • Peel and cut yam into small cubes. • Defrost, cut up the frozen spinach, then wring out water from it. • Grate the cheese and set aside. • Boil tomato, blend till all the water has dried. • Add vegetable oil, onions, fry till all the tangy taste of the tomatoes is gone. This is done the same way as tomato stew. • Add the pepper, stockcube (crushed), stir and add the white fish.

• Place the mug of water in the microwave, along with the questionable plate. • Microwave on high for 15 seconds. • When it is done, carefully feel the plate and the water in the cup or mug. If the plate is hot and the water is cold, the plate is not microwave-safe. If the

opposite occurs, which is the case with most plates, continue. • Repeat the above steps, microwaving for 30 seconds. • Repeat the above steps, microwaving for 1 minute. • If the plate has remained cold, it is likely microwave-safe.

• Cover and cook till fish is done. • Add spinach, stir, and take stew off stove immediately. • Put yam pieces in a pot and pour water to the same level as the yams. • Boil till yam is done to your liking. • Remove yam from water and set aside. • Set your oven to 200oC (390oF) to preheat. • Scoop the stew into a baking tray and spread it out to cover base of tray as much as possible.

• Add yam pieces on top of the stew, spreading them out to cover the stew. • Finally, sprinkle the grated cheese on top of everything. • Bake till cheese melts. • Bring out from the oven and allow to cool down a bit for about five minutes. This gives the cheese some time to set. • It is ready to be served. Cut it like you are cutting a cake.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Monica Taiwo monicataiwo@yahoo.com 08055001724 @taiwomonica

heartcopy How do I stop my daughter…. DEAR Taiwo, Please, I need your help and those of your readers to sort out the dilemma I am in right now. I wish, from the very bottom of my heart, that my husband will support me in this, but instead, he has left me to it and he is even making it difficult and painting me a bad mother before my children. I am a mother of three, two boys and one girl, the girl being the oldest. I cannot say

we are rich, but we are very comfortable. My husband and I made sure that our children got the best education and of every other thing possible. We both come from a comfortable home and before now, we have always been a closely knitted family, not without our ups and downs, though there has never been anyone this serious, such that it is disturbing the equilibrium of our home and the cause of all these is my daughter; Oluwa-

feranmi, who has refused to see reasons with me. Inasmuch as I believe that at a point in time, children should be left alone to make their choices, but I want to believe that as a parent and their God appointed guardian, when we see that they are taking a wrong step, we should correct them. My daughter all along had always wanted to be a lawyer, there has not been the time we had private universities all over the place. If there were, we would have sent her to one, when she could not make the cut-off point to study Law at her first attempt at Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), though she made her school certificate papers. We then advised that she should go in and study the course she was offered then. Her father and I loved and appreciated her determination, because after graduating with a 2:1, she decided to go back and study law for her second degree. She did not only do this, she further did her masters in Law, immediately. To the glory of God, she got a very good job with one of the best Law firms; though she is my daughter, without prejudice, I can beat my chest that she is good at what she does. She laid a good foundation for her siblings to follow. She has never been a troublesome child, but this one she started is threatening to tear the family and break my heart.

share a

It is just normal for any young woman of her age to come home with a suitor, since we are no longer in the age of choosing spouses for our children; but when she did, I can say with all conviction that my daughter made a wrong choice. She came home with a man I can boldly call a tout; she knows this, but wouldn’t want me to say so or call him that. A unionist, with just secondary school certificate and I am sure he didn’t pass. Though my daughter said he passed and he couldn’t further his education because of the condition in which he found himself. As far as I am concerned, he is not the one meant for my daughter, but she wouldn’t listen. I am surprised that my husband is in support of their relationship. As if the disparity in their educational background was not enough, he already has more than one wife, but lied to my daughter that he has only one wife. They met when he approached her to be his counsel; though he is rich, but like I told my daughter, we did not raise her in poverty; though we didn’t have the proverbial silver spoon, but we lived a comfortable life. My husband’s argument is that I should allow her make her choice and not meddle, but I don’t see this as meddling. If he had supported me, we would have sorted this out, but he is not supporting me. Please, advise me, how do I stop my daughter from making this costly mistake? Adunoola.

With Monica Taiwo monicataiwo@yahoo.com 08055001724

burden I thought he is a friend, now he wants sex for a favour he did….

EAR Taiwo, Please, how do I handle this situation, I am boxed in and I need your help. I have a male childhood friend, we have come a long way and we liked each other so much. We were neighbours and our parents and other siblings too are friends. Sometime ago, while I was in 200 level in the university, I ran into a mess; I had to use my school fees to clear up the mess. When it was time for me to pay my fees, I couldn’t tell my mother, because aside the fact that I couldn’t make up any story to take money from her; we lost my father. Due to all these, I confided in my friend and he helped me to raise the money from his parents, I don’t know what excuse he gave, because we attended the same school. He didn’t say he lent me, he said he gave me. We are now in our final year, and for some time now, I have noticed a change in his attitude towards me; he is becoming unnecessarily close and he even asked that we date each other. I refused and explained to him that I have no such feelings for him and also the fact that he has dated two ladies that I know; one of them is my close friend. I have always told him that I don’t have the time for dates and complications it could bring to my life now. Suddenly, he started asking for the money he gave me in 200 level. Knowing well that there is no way I can raise such money, I reminded him the fact that he gave me the money, he said he knew and that he wanted his money back or I should date and have sex with him.

He is aware of the fact that I am a virgin, and when I reminded him of this fact; I was shocked when he said that will be the best way to pay my debt. I am sad about this situation and I can’t tell anyone. Please, help me, what do I do? Chinasa. Dear Chinasa, This is really unfortunate, but I am sure you have learnt a big lesson here. Every unrighteousness is a sin. Once you sin, instead of employing a bigger one to cover up, no matter how bad, you should have confessed and be free. When your parents gave you school fees, you should not have spent it on any other thing. if you needed extra money, you should have asked them. You have learnt a lesson you couldn’t forget in a hurry; do not let such repeat itself again. That notwithstanding, however, I will suggest that you take things easy and do not allow this issue to distract you from your studies. You also must learn not to trust everybody. No matter how difficult, you have to tell your mother about it. Your virginity and pride is too precious to be sacrificed at the altar of debt. Although you did not state the amount, but I can assure you that giving up your pride for it is not worth the trouble. At this point, you have no other choice, but to come out clean and tell your mother about ev-

erything and make sure you tell her the truth. Of course, she will be disappointed in you and definitely scold you, but she is the only one who can solve this problem now. Please, don’t compound issues by telling your friends or any other person; tell your mother, beg her to forgive you and ask her to help you out, I am sure she will find a way and God also will make a way.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

arewa

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08065167178

Meet man without legs selling slippers in Kaduna

?????? Ibrahim on wheel chair with his slippers Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

HIRTY year oId Yahaya Ibrahim is a crippled man who hails from Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Interestingly, his present condition never deters him from going out every morning to fend for himself and family. For those plying Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna metropolis, the Savannah Bank roundabout and the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC), it is not difficult to sight Ibrahim on his wheel chair selling slippers to willing motorists plying the road. He told Arewa that his typical day starts around 5am when he wakes up to observe the obligatory morning prayer. He said after taking his breakfast at 7a.m, he leaves his house at Rigasa, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, to

start the business of the day. Going down the memory lane, he told Arewa that his predicament started when he was fiveyear old. “My parents told me that one day when I was five, they discovered that I could no longer walk”. Attempts by his parents to make him walk proved abortive. Thus they decided to take him to the hospital where it was discovered that he was suffering from polio. “Since then my life has never been the same again. As you can see, I am crippled”, he declared. Ibrahim refused to be constrained or discouraged by his condition. He vowed he would never beg for alms as he wanted to be independent. When he grew up, he was taken to Kano where he started pretty trading. He stayed in Kano for over six years before he eventually returned to Kaduna, his home state, to be

Yobe set to engage 40,000 youths on self-reliance —pg22

with one of his relations. He told Arewa he was not comfortable depending on people. So, one day, he realised that

he was having N1, 500 on him; he then decided to be buying and selling slippers. Today, he has a working capital of N15, 000

and makes N1, 000 on a good day while on a bad day, he could make between N200 and N500. Today, Ibrahim is happily married to Mallama Ummi Salma. When Arewa asked him whether the wife was also physically challenged like him, he said no. Narrating their love story, he said his wife started the move. “I thought she was joking because of my condition, but she persisted and eventually we got married last year”, he stressed. Ibrahim also has a word of advice for other physically challenged people, saying they should refrain from begging and try to engage in anything that could add value to their lives. He lauded the effort of the state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai in trying to ban begging, saying this would assist the physically challenged people to become self reliant and not become liability to the society. On what he wanted government to do for him, Ibrahim remarked that he was enjoying what he was doing. However, his only problem is with the wheel chair. “The wheel chair is old, I cannot even move with it freely. So it is hampering my business. I want the government, any wealthy person, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to come to my assistance.

UNDP gives victims of Boko Haram leadership training Isaac Shobayo - Jos AS part of the efforts of the United Nation to empower youths and women affected by the activities of insurgents in the North Eastern part of Nigeria and rekindle their hope, spirit and determinations to overcome their plight and all odds confronting them, the United Nations recently launched the first of the 500 first batch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-led livelihood support scheme The first batch of the trainees, who are Boko Haram victims from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states,

Lawyers demand justice for man stabbed in Borno —pg22

were recently brought to the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Jos, Plateau State, for one week orientation on leadership training and how to be useful to themselves and their communities. During the one-week training, they were exposed to rigorous physical fitness, mental training, leadership and civic education, conflict prevention, peace building and dialogue to prepare them as an asset in rebuilding their various communities. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, UN Resident Coordinator, Dr Dauda Toure, regretted that Bomo Haram insurgency in the North East had resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis with thousands of lives lost, property worth billions of Naira destroyed and over one million people displaced. Dr Toure commended the government of Norway that provided financial support for the initiative, adding that symbolic launch of the

scheme would spur more partners and well meaning Nigerians to invest in the people of the North East through laudable project. Represented by Dr Zebulun Takwa, UNDP Peace and Development Adviser, Toure commended continues pg36

CREW

Sabiu Muhammed - Kaduna 08067698878 mohsabiu@yahoo.com Isaac Shobayo - Jos 08037032359 shobayo.isaac@gmail.com Biola Azeez – Kwara State 08034276889 biolababes@gmail.com Saliu Gbadamosi – Bauchi 08052150868 ayebavi2001@yahoo.com Yinka Oladoyinbo —Lokoja 08033506541 James Bwala – Borno / Yobe 08069596659 jamesbwala97@gmail.com

36 arewa

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Yobe set to engage 40,000 youths on self-reliance

A cross section of Yobe youths at a public forum. James Bwala - Damaturu

OVERNOR Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has said that he will set up a new irrigation scheme which will engage up to 40, 000 youths across the state as part of his effort to empower youths for self-reliance. A statement from the Office of the Director of Press to the governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego and made available to the media, said the governor, who is currently on a visit to the People’s Republic of China on the invitation of Chinese agriculture and infrastructure investors, had already met and held talks with various potential investors, including an irrigation equipment manufacturing firm called Rainfine (Dalian) Irrigation Company Ltd, which specialises in the manufacture, installation and training of people in centre pivot irrigation technology in the Chinese city of Dalian. According to the statement, Governor Gaidam has also visited a modern irrigation farm company in the town of Jixian called Tianjing Jixian Lvpusheng Vegetable Planning Company Ltd and had fruitful discussions with the farm’s Managing Director, Ms Lu Xiulung. “Irrigation agriculture is very significant in unleashing the enthusiasm and capacity of our youth for self-reliance. We are very much committed to using irrigation as another catalyst for helping to empower our youths. This is why we came here to establish wide ranging partnerships that would accelerate irrigation agriculture in our state. “We are particularly interested in modern centre-pivot irrigation where a single machine or a cluster of machines can irrigate large expanse of land. We can use this

all year round to irrigate farmlands and produce crops that will positively impact the lives and future of our youths and improve on our economy in the long term. “I am confident we can begin this before the year runs out; precisely within the next three months. We have it in our budget for the year and we are determined to carry it

through”, the governor was quoted to have said after inspecting irrigation equipment on the factory floor of Rainfine Irrigation Company in Dalian. The statement further maintained that Governor Gaidam had also announced the setting up of a small committee of agricultural experts, under the leadership of for-

Lawyers demand justice for man stabbed in Borno James Bwala -Maiduguri AN independent human right lawyer, Barrister Adam Bashir, working with Talbash Chambers & Co, based in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has, during the weekend, issued a letter to authorities of Nigerian Airforce (NAF) 79 Composite Group to immediately hand over one Mr Nura, who is in its custody, to the Bulumkutu Police Station or face a legal action. The said three-page letter, duly signed and copied to Chief of Air staff, Chairman Human Right Commission in Abuja, the Police Commissioner in charge of Borno Command and journalists in Maiduguri, revealed that one Mallam Umar Talba referred to as their client was engaged by NAF to repair its machine. The said Mallam Umar Talba, after completing his work, was followed on Monday 31st August 2015, by Nura (a staff attached to NAF in Maiduguri) who seriously assaulted Talba to the extent of breaking his limb while attempting to stab him with a knife. The letter stated: “One Honourable Abba Mohammed Bashir, who is a Senior Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State and referred to as the complainant, on sighting this devilish and

Mallam Umar Talba inhuman act, rushed to the rescue of the victim and thereafter made a complaint against the said Nura to the nearest Bulumkutu Police Station. “The Bulumkutu Police Station immediately acted upon the complaint and sent its personnel to the NAF Base to arrest the suspect for investigation and further prosecution in accordance with the Provision of Section 4 of the Police Act, Cap P19LFN 2004, which states that; the police shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order,

UNDP gives victims of Boko Haram leadership training continued from pg35

the Federal Government and the North Eastern state governments for their determination to end the Boko Haram insurgency and urged them to foster collaboration among them to fight the menace threatening survival of mankind and invest in skills acquisition programme for the victims of the insurgency.

mer permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Alhaji Gambomi Goni, to work out modalities on the implementation of the partnership with Rainfine Irrigation Company, including identifying at least four locations where new irrigation farms would be set up across the state. Also speaking, RainFine Irrigation Company’s General Manager, Mr Wang Zhi, told reporters after meeting with Governor Ibrahim Gaidam that center pivot irrigation agriculture technologies were much more effective and cheaper than their predecessors. He said that they took less time to set up, required less maintenance and were much easier to handle by local farmers. Mr Wang Zhi said he was excited to work with the Yobe State Government to boost food production in the state, adding that his company had worked previously with local and state governments in Ethiopia and the Sudan in the area of irrigation agriculture. The governor is also expected to meet with the Chairman of China International Engineering Company Ltd, 18th Bureau Group, Mr. Peng Shigou in the Chinese city of Tianjing to explore the possibilities of a partnership to develop and expand infrastructure in the Yobe State capital, Damaturu. The governor said the Yobe State government would undertake an urban renewal of the state capital by building more roads and an overhead bridge in the centre of Damaturu as well as provide steady and adequate water supply.

“Investing in skills acquisition programme like the UNDP’s will empower the women and youths. This will go a long way to entrench peace and stability in Nigeria. For the way to sustainable peace lies in addressing the developmental challenges in addition to military operations” he said. According to him, other aspects of the training include management skills, book keeping and accounting, psycho- social,

trauma counseling and healing, adding that the skills would help the trainees live peacefully within their communities and ensure effective management of their businesses after their vocational trainings. Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Dr Waheed Ademola, said the programme was a life-changing one and urged the UN to continue with it.

the protection of life and property and due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged and shall perform such military duties within or without Nigeria as may be requested by them, or under the authority of this or any other Act. “The police on reaching the NAF Base to carry out their duties were unlawfully obstructed by some personnel of the Nigerian Air Force to arrest the assailant and refused to hand over the suspect to them and took the suspect to their custody in order to protect him from facing the consequences of his illegal act as if the suspect is above the law. “The personnel of the NAF went further to take the matter from the hands of the police and demanded statement of the return in order to compensate him which was denied by both the victim, the complainant and the police”. As human right lawyers, Barrister Bashir Talba & Co said they wrote to inform the NAF Commander of the 79 Composite Group that the act of his personnel was mischievous, illegal, unconstitutional and an act of impunity. “The act of obstructing the police from carrying out their duties is in itself a serious criminal Act and publishable as it is against the Police Act 2004 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2004. “It is worthy of note at this point that the NAF is a respectable Force which must be seen to fight criminality and not to support same. It is against this backdrop that we urge you with a very serious voice that you intervene in the matter and immediately direct the handover of the suspect to the police to avoid any serious and damaging legal consequences. Taking into notice that you have 48 hours to hand over the suspect to Bulumkutu Police Station, and failing to do this, we will not hesitate to institute legal action against the NAF”, the letter stated.

news

Friday, 11 September, 2015

100 days: Buhari is on track —Bamanga Tukur

Jacob Segun Olatunji Abuja one time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, on Thursday, declared that President Muhammadu Buhari in his last 100 days in office was

Impeachment saga:

very much on track of the agenda he set for himself during his electioneering campaigns. Alhaji Tukur, who was fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja yesterday to mark his 80th birthday anniversary slated for next week Tuesday, also declared that the electoral victory of President Buhari in the last presidential election was democracy in ac-

tion. The former governor of the old Gongola State also affirmed that his removal from office as the National Chairman of the then ruling party was democracy in action, but pointed out that if not for his removal, the PDP would have won the presidential election with wide margin. Speaking on the 100 days of President Buhari in of-

fice, Tukur said, “when Buhari was coming, he set an agenda for himself on fighting corruption, insecurity, unemployment and power supply among other things to propel the nation to work. We should ask ourselves ‘is the power supply not improving? Has he not been fighting the insurgency? Has he not been fighting corruption? The nation is working.”

Tukur who also spoke on the agitation from some quarters for the sack of all the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, following the woeful performance of the party in the last general election, said the proper thing to do was to find out why the party lost and “to do a post-mortem of the elections and proffer solutions.”

Osun judge has not received NJC query —Investigation Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

CONTRARY to the media reports that Justice Folahanmi Oloyede of Osun State High Court had been queried by the National Judicial Commission (NJC) over a petition against her by Osun Civil Societies Coalition, investigation by the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday indicated that the judge had not received the query as at 3.00p.m. yesterday. Credible source close to the judge informed Nigerian Tribune that “I can tell you authoritatively that Justice Oloyede has not received any query from NJC as at 3:00p.m. on Thursday.” The source queried that “how do you expect her to reply query from the judicial body without receiving the copy of the said query. It is not possible. She would only take appropriate action on the query after receiving a copy.” Justice Oloyede had been in the eye of the storm, following her petition to the Osun State House of Assembly requesting for immediate commencement of impeachment proceedings against Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Deputy, Titi Laoye-Tomori, over alleged mismanagement of the state resources. A committee was set-up by the House of Assembly to look into the petition and subsequently dismissed the petition for abandonment and lack of evidence against the respondent. The Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) later petitioned the NJC National alleging that the judge had over stepped her limit as she failed to conduct herself in such a manner as to preserve the dignity of her office being an impartial and independent organ, thereby exposing judiciary to ridicule and disrepute.

Members of the executive council of the Newspapers Distributors Association of Nigeria (NDAN), led by their chairman, Mr Babatunde Abimbola (third right), in a group photograph with the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Mr Edwards Dickson (middle) and other management staff, during a courtesy visit to the Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

Rumpus at NIPOST over appointment of post-master general Soji-Eze Fagbemi - Abuja

THE Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) workers, under the auspices of Senior Staff Association of Communication, Transport and Corporations, have threatened to resist the move to throw open the appointment of a

new Post-Master General (PMG) for the Federation. Already, the over 12,000 workforce is warming up for a confrontation with President Muhammadu Buhari, if he goes ahead to appoint an outsider as the new PostMaster General. The office became vacant

last month when Alhaji Ibrahim Mori Baba retired after nine years in the saddle. A Deputy Post-Master General (DPMG), Enoch Ade Ogun, who is the most senior director; has since stepped in as acting PMG. Although there are other six DPMGs and no fewer

African Liberty sponsors 10 Nigerians to SYPALA 2015 THE leading online platform for the advancement of economic freedom and human rights in Africa, African Liberty, recently sponsored 10 delegates from Nigeria to the just concluded 9th edition of Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Accra, Ghana. SYPALA, a partnership between the Washingtonbased Atlas Economic Research Institute and Accra-based IMANI Centre for Policy & Education, is geared toward training a new crop of visionary African leaders who will blaze the trail for a free Africa. This year’s academy, which was recently hosted at the University of Ghana Business School, explored the Africa rising narrative with the objective of educating delegates on the dynamics of policy conception, for-

mulation, implementation and evaluation in the New Africa. The 10 delegates from Nigeria were picked from over 120 candidates who applied to attend the Accra conference by submitting entries for an essay competition raised for the purpose of short listing the best brains available. Among the delegates from Nigeria were Bukola Ogunyemi, a blogger and social media influencer, and Oladiran Dolapo Abimbola, a Ph.D student of the University of Pretoria who joined the team from South Africa. Others are Adesipo Temitope Abiodun, Olasupo Abideen Opeyemi, Oyelowo Eyitayo Abiodun, Ugbabe Damian, Olaoluwa Abagun, Emmanuella Odum, Frank Eleanya and Abolaji Kazeem. The delegation was led by

one of Nigeria’s most influential columnists and media entrepreneur and a leading voice for liberty in Africa, Japheth Omojuwa. Omojuwa was also a part of the team of distinguished speakers at the conference with others like Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI; Fatim Badjie, former Minister for Health & Social Welfare in The Gambia; Dr Godfred Bokpin, Head of Finance Department, University of Ghana Business School; Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI, Ghana; Dr Franklin Oduro, Deputy Director of Centre for Democracy & Development, Ghana, among others. Nigeria is seeking to host next year’s edition of SYPALA, as the academy marks a decade of influencing government policies on the African continent.

than 45 senior assistant post-masters general, the Ministry of Communication Technology, according to informed sources, has obtained President Buhari’s consent to advertise the position of a substantive PMG. The Senior Staff Association of Communication, Transport and Corporations, has expressed worries that the decision to open the door to all-comers was a ploy to scheme out the top managers of NIPOST in favour of an outsider who may reverse all the gains made by the establishment in recent years. Top in consideration is the new impetus to boost revenue generation through the strict enforcement of the Stamp Duties Act, a scheme that is capable of earning an excess of N3 trillion for the Federal Government in a year. Indeed, the former PMG, Baba Mori, at his valedictory had noted that NIPOST adopted new technologies for its operations with the advent of ICT. He also disclosed that 70 per cent of post offices across the country had been equipped with ICT facilities. President of the association, Comrade Gabriel Imafidon, questioned the move to appoint the PMG through advertisement.

Nigerian Tribune

NIS boss suspends documents inspection of foreigners SHOLA ADEKOLA - Lagos

THE new ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Martins Abeshi, has ordered the immediate suspension of inspection of immigration documents by its officers across the country. Abeshi who said the action portrayed unprofessionalism, threatened to sack corrupt officers in the system. The development came just as the Immigration Command at the Lagos airport disclosed that the command in 2014 received 5,149 Nigerians deported from various countries under regular deportees with additional 900 special deportees. Also, between January and December 2014, the Lagos airport command processed a total of 1,294010 arrivals and 1,491,448 departures. Also from January to August 2015, total number of arrived passenger was 665 while departure was 755,817.

FGC Ipetumodu doesn’t charge high fee —PTA By Dare Adekanmbi

THE Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) of the Federal Government College, Ipetumodu, Osun State, has stated that the authority of the school does not charge any fee not approved by the Ministry of Education and agreed to by the PTA. This is against the background of an allegation credited to an unnamed parent in a newspaper (not the Nigerian Tribune) wherein he claimed his ward was charged above the N100,000 approved by the Federal Government for each student per term. A statement signed by the PTA’s chairman, Mr B. O. Akande and Secretary, Mr I. A. Bello, debunked the claim and explained that the management of the school charged only fees approved by the Federal Government. The statement clarified that the fee was far less than what was claimed by the anonymous parent, adding that the anonymity of the parent was enough proof that the claim could not be substantiated. ”We can attest to it that what is being charged are fees prescribed by the Federal Ministry of Education. The said fees are as agreed to at the meetings of parents and teachers as well as the authorities of the school,” the statement said.

38 news Tambuwal submits 22 commissioner-nominees to assembly

O V E R N O R Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, on Thursday, submitted the names of 22 commissioner nomi-

‘CWG, a recognised brand in the data centre, cloud services’ By Ronke Sanya Chief Executive Officer, Emerging Markets Payments Group (EMP), Mr Murat Ozulku, has recognised CWG as a brand in the Data Centre and Cloud Services management sector, and a strong partner that has given technical backup needed for rapid growth in clientele across Nigeria. This he said, as he led a delegation of the company’s executives on a working visit to the corporate head office of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc in Lagos. Addressing the delegation, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc, Mr Austin Okere, observed that in line with the Cloud Services offering under the new CWG 2.0 business model, a Data Centre is operated. The Data Centre, he explained, is a state of the art category 3 facility manned by a complement of experienced and certified technical personnel.

nees to the House of Assembly for confirmation. This was contained in a letter sent to the Assembly by Tambuwal and read on its floor by the Clerk, Alhaji Muhammad Mainasara, in Sokoto. The letter stated, “The nomination is in line with Section 192 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. “The nominees are selected after wide consultation within the spectre of our society and in conformity with Section 14 (4) of the Constitution; they are person of proven integrity with good track record in their various vocation. “I am confident that, they will bring to bear their wide experience in propelling the formation and execution of government policies and programmes for the overall development of the state,” the letter reads in part. The nominees were Deputy Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Sahabi Gada, Umar Tambuwal, Saidu Umar, Abdulkadir Jeli, Arzika Tureta, Jabbi Kilgore and Sirajo Gatawa, Tukur Alkali and Mani Maishinko. The others were Muhammadu Sifawa, Bello Gwiwa, Suleman Usman, Nasiru Zarummai, Isah Achida, Aminu Bello, Bala Kokani, Bello Goronyo, Manir Dan’iya, Hajiya Kulu Abdullahi, Dr Shehu Kakale and Musa Ausa.

Friday, 11 September, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Laya Kate Onome now MRS. SALAMI KATE ONOME. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I. formerly Salami Kayode Abiodun now SALAMI OLABISI LATEEF. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Nigerian Tribune CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ajayi Comfort Olufunke now MRS. TEMIDAYO COMFORT OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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PROBATE PUBLIC NOTICE

We, Mrs Esther Olufunmilola Adedoyin and Master Felix Olutayo Adedoyin of C\O their Solicitor Adebiyi Gbenle Esq, of 3, Odi-Olowo Street, Osogbo, Osun State, have applied to the Probate Registry of Customary Court of Appeal for letters of administration to administer the estate of LATE JOHNSON ADEGOKE ADEDOYIN who died intestate on 1st day of july, 2014. Any objection to this application is to be forwarded to the Probate Registry of the Customary Court of Appeal, Osogbo within 14 days of this notice.

PROBATE PUBLIC NOTICE

I, Mr Babatunde Ibironke of C\O his Solicitor T. A. Jimoh Esq, of G.A. Adesina & Co, Lere Chambers, 51, Kola-Balogun Street, Osogbo, Osun State, have applied to the Probate Registry of Customary Court of Appeal for letters of administration to administer the estate of LATE MRS IBIRONKE DEBORAH OLUWANIKE of 13, Agowande Street, Osogbo, Osun State, who died intestate on 3rd Day Of May, 2014. Any objection to this application is to be forwarded to the Probate Registry of the Customary Court of Appeal, Osogbo within 14 days of this notice.

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I. Adebayo Akeem Gbolagade am the same person as ADEBAYO AMOS GBOLAGADE, ADEBAYO AKEEM AMOS and Adebayo Akeem Amo. Henceforth I want to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO AKEEM GBOLAGADE. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank, GT Bank, First Bank and general public take note.

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39 CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, 11 September, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME

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news Oyinlola to Soyinka: No one can take over CBCIU

Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

ormer governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on Thursday, told Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka that the UNESCO affiliated Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU) is a product of some international agreements and as such cannot be taken over by any individual. He also said the board of trustees of the CBCIU headed by him was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), contending that with such development, the status of CBCIU cannot be changed by any other legislation. Apparently reacting to a recent press conference addressed by Soyinka over

Friday, 11 September, 2015

the chairmanship of CBCIU in Lagos, Oyinlola at a press briefing in his Okuku country home, Osun State, said he was disappointed that Soyinka was casting aspersions on him and other members of the CBCIU board. Accusing the Nobel Laureate of working against the establishment of CBCIU in Nigeria in 2007, the former governor argued that content of the agreement signed by former Minister for Culture and Tourism, Professor Babalola Borishade, on behalf of the Federal Government with Professor Ulli Beier made him the chairman of the board of the UNESCO affiliated centre on his personal ca-

pacity.” According to him, “I have told the story of how my name got mentioned as the chairman of the board in the agreement between the Beiers and the Federal Government. On the ownership of the centre, I wish to state it clearly here that CBCIU has four major stakeholders and these are: Osun State government (its host), the Federal Government of Nigeria, UNESCO and the Ulli Beier family. “All these interests are represented on the board of the centre. So, I believe this should serve to educate Professor Soyinka and anyone who believes in his cause that this centre does

not belong to any individual and will never be,” Oyinlola declared. He continued, “His attacks did not just start. He did much more in 2008 when he stoutly opposed the establishment of the CBCIU and deployed all his contacts in and out of the country to wage vicious war which we won ultimately. In 2008, Professor Soyinka unsuccessfully sought to enlist the support of late President Yar’Adua against us. This time around, he is appealing again to President Muhammadu Buhari with insinuations of ethical matters manifestly based on falsehood. “The UNESCO, around

May 2007 took a decision to establish a Category Two Institute (on culture) in Africa, which, it noted, would be the first of its kind in the continent. A number of countries in Africa showed interest. Nigeria was one of them. “To strengthen Nigeria’s bid for the institute, the presidency decided to acquire archival materials of renowned culture icon, Professor Ulli Beier and sent then minister of culture, Professor Babalola Borishade, to Sydney, Australia to seal a deal with him on the matter. However, Beier gave two conditions which he said must be met before he would grant the request of Nigeria.”

Police must be well kitted for optimal performance —Oshiomhole Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has called for the proper equipping of officers and men of the Nigeria Police for optimal service delivery. Oshiomhole, who made the call when he received in audience the new state Commissioner of Police (CP), Chris Ezike, on Thursday, in Benin, also said personnel of the police needed to be well trained, remunerated and compensated whenever the need arose. He said the call for adequate remuneration became necessary, viewed against the current security challenges, especially the fight against insurgency. Oshiomhole said that there was the need for effective security policing by those vested with the responsibility, adding that poverty and lack of motivation should not be excuses for not accomplishing this task. The governor, therefore, urged the CP to ensure that criminality was fought in the state, making the environment safer for the inhabitants. He gave the assurance of the state government’s commitment and willingness to partner with the new police leadership in the state, in the discharge of his duties. Earlier, the CP solicited for collaboration with the Edo government to effectively drive the machinery of security, while pledging the loyalty of the more than 7,000 police officers in the state.

Ghana suspends 22 judges over bribery Ghanaian authorities have suspended 22 junior judges accused of bribery after they were captured on video, the judicial secretary, said in a statement. The statement, made available to newsmen on Wednesday, also said that the Judicial Council was probing the conduct of 12 high court judges and several other court officials, who had been mentioned in the video. “The council fully reckons that the perception or actuality of corruption in the judiciary undermines confidence in the institution and cannot be tolerated to continue in any shape or form, hence, the need to act with utmost dispatch,” the statement stated. It further stated that the suspension would pave way for further investigation. The video, which was recorded by undercover agents and released by an investigative journalist, prompted calls for the sack of the affected persons.

Nigerians urged to promote country’s positive image From left, Mr Femi Adelegan; former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Executive Director, CBCIU, Professor Temi Ologunorisa and Chief Muraina Oyelami, at a press conference on CBCIU, at Oyinlola’s residence, Okuku, Osun State, on Thursday.

Justify training with production output, FADU tells Cocoa farmers Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure THE Programme Coordinator of the Farmers’ Development Union (FADU), Victor Olowe, has advised Cocoa farmers to put into practice all the training and techniques acquired to reflect in the output of their production. Olowe, who stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital, during the annual celebration of Farmers’ Day also called on the farmers to justify the training received by them by increasing the yield of their produce from 250kg per hectare to 1000kg per hectare. The FADU coordinator explained that the social lives of the farmers will improve when the income is enhanced and said this can only be achieved if the output of the produce increased, saying, “It is our desire to see you live good and fulfilled lives like other professionals and businessmen. Farming is a business and it is a profession. Olowe commended the

Federal Government over its various intervention activities geared towards ensuring production of good certified cocoa to meet the global growing demand and appealed to Cocoa Farmers to cooperate with government, in order to achieve the 1000kg per hectare be-

fore the end of the year. He said the overall objective of the project is to create a growing sustainable and efficient value chain for certified cocoa, thereby, improving economic, social and environmental conditions of the Nigerian Cocoa farmers in Ondo and Osun.

“The project came up as a result of poor handling of cocoa production in Nigeria. You will recall that Nigeria used to be the leading producer of cocoa in the world. All our neighbours in the West Africa sub region have exceeded our production level.”

NECO releases June/July 2015 SSCE results Adelowo Oladipo - Minna THE National Examinations Council( NECO), on Thursday, released the results of June/July 2015 Senior Schools Certificate Examinations (SSCE) results with a remarkable improved performance of 68.56 per cent in 5 credits, including English Language and Mathematics, unlike in the previous years’ results of the council’s similar examinations. Releasing the results at its National Headquarters in Minna, the Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer, NECO, Professor Abdul-

rasheed Garba, said 969, 491 candidates sat for the examinations, while 68.56 per cent had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics. This, according to him, represents 12 per cent improvement over 2014 results, where 98,886 candidates sat for the same examinations, recording 511,931 passes at credit level in five subjects and above representing 52.29 per cent. He attributed the improved performance of candidates to the homegrown curriculum operated by NECO, improved motivation of its work-

force, leading to better performance, and above all improved funding in the educational sector by the Federal Government leading to high motivation of teachers in the classrooms to deliver the best in terms of teaching and learning. The Registrar, however, lamented that despite the adequate vigilance and monitoring by his organisation, NECO still recorded substantial malpractices, leading to cancellation of established culprits’ results and black listing of culpable ad hoc staff of the council in parts of the country.

Bola Badmus - Lagos Nigeria can attain greatness if those who mirror the society to the outside world do so in a more positive way and not otherwise. Branch A Chairman and Lagos State Treasurer of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), gave the charge while being honoured by the Performing Arts Students Association of Olabisi Onabanjo University, as a Distinguished Patron of Arts, (PASA 2015). According to him, mirroring the society in a positive way is key to development and progress of any country, contending that no nation made any remarkable progress with bad image or portraying her negative side. He told members to be well armed as budding artists preparing to go into the world on the type of plays and films they would showcase to the outside world, while portraying the cultures, traditions and the general way of life of Nigerians in a positive manner. Oluomo, while enjoining them to remain committed to the profession they have chosen and be patriotic to the country, thanked the association for the Award.

41 news

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Suspected killers of Bola Ige have tried to destabilise Osun —Aregbesola Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

overnor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, on Thursday, alleged that the suspected

killers of the former Attorney General and Minister for justice, Chief Bola Ige, were the same set of people who have tried effortlessly to destabilise the state. He made this allegation

while opening the Bola Ige Mechatronic Institute, at Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke. Aregbesola noted that the Bola Ige Mechatronic Institute, is a dream come

true with the equipment alone costing N875 million and a befitting legacy in honour of Chief Ige, who he described as a leader, national icon and a citizen of the world.

From right, Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; guest speaker, Mr Ola Abraham; Managing Director, Osun State Investment Company Limited, Mr Bola Oyebamiji and the daughter of the late Bola Ige, Mrs Funsho Adegbola, during the inauguration of Bola Ige Mechatronics Institute, Esa Oke, on Thursday.

ICPC to begin corruption assessment exercise at Lagos, Abuja airports Shola Adekola - Lagos Determined to stamp out low level corruption among airport workers , the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission ( ICPC), has concluded plans to begin corruption assessment exercise for the Lagos and Abuja airports . Speaking on behalf of the chairman of the anti - graft agency : Ekpo Nta, a member of the ICPC board, Alhaji Isa Salami, declared that the corruption assessment was part of efforts to eliminate low level corruption at the airport among aviation personnel . According to Salami, the exercise was part of efforts to drive the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between ICPC and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), last year . He said the choice of Lagos and Abuja airports are strategic as major gateways into the country where all traces of corrupt practices needed to be eliminated to foster a good image for the country . Salami who said this during a visit to FAAN headquarters, said it was collaborating with aviation agencies and airport stakeholders to eliminate illegalities at airports which has the tendency to easily ruin the image of the country. ICPC, Salami said, is

carrying out a diagnostic study on corruption around the airports by addressing it from the roots and not the branches by looking at the processes, laws and procedures that encourage corruption from the grassroots. While clarifying that the exercise was not a witchhunt, but an exercise

meant to block loopholes, Salami stated that his team was in FAAN to remind its officials of the commitment it entered into with the authority by sending its officials to focus on FAAN to see how it’s laws, procedures and regulations as well as documentation impacts on corrupt tendencies and

how to improve it . He urged FAAN to cooperate to enable the ICPC implement an integrity plan . In his response, the managing director of FAAN , Saleh Dunoma, assured of cooperation to rid the the air ports of corruption.

While regretting that though, Ige was brutally murdered by those who thought they could silence him, the governor said his spirit had been restless and has been tormenting his killers who have been sinking deeper in what he termed “the quagmire of infamy.” Aregbesola, who emphasised that the institute is the first of its kind in Africa, maintained that the state’s vision for the institute began with the need to empower youths and equip artisans with the requisite skills to be relevant in an increasingly digital world. According to him: “The spirit of Ige will not sleep until the killers are brought to book. These are the same individuals that have fruitlessly attempted to plunge the state into chaos and bring about a change of government through conspiracy and subterfuge in the recent past. While the killers drink from the cup of shame, we shall continue to honour the memory of Ige as he is ensconced in the pantheons of departed Yoruba leaders”. Aregbesola stressed that the newly inaugurated institute will be training onthe-street mechanics from garages and candidates from automobile companies. He noted that the institute will also admit holders of Ordinary National Diploma and technical college graduates for skills acquisition and industrial trainings.

Rave FM 91.7 commences operations October Rave FM, a newly licenced radio station, will commence operations early next month as the first youth-oriented and urban digital equipped radio station in Osun State, on the frequency of 91.7 FM. The station is a regional and commercial radio station, that will broadcast 24/7 and offering the best of amazing music and quality talks. According to a release signed by the Rave FM’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Femi Adefila, the station will target young creative class, who are seeking new music, emerging artists and alternative sounds, while also stressing that youth culture is not defined by age but rather, by an interest in new and innovative cultural expression. He added that Rave FM is committed to deepening the culture of public discourse through refreshing and objective debates on topical issues.” Our listeners will enjoy the best of up-to-date news, business, entertainment, traffic,

sports, weather and much more through our carefully knitted programmes”. “We will serve the needs of listeners across the South West region; as well as listeners around the world via our online streaming portal www. rave917.fm and other platforms such as our IOS App, Android App, Blackberry App and Tune in Radio”. “We offer amazing mu-

sic and quality talks in our carefully weaved programme schedule that informs, educates,entertains and inspires your day. We will cut across a large and heterogeneous audience most of whom are made up of vibrant minds, innovative thinkers and all those craving to have the most exciting radio experience like never before” . The Chief Executive Officer added that the vision

of Rave 91.7 FM is to be a reference in innovative broadcasting in Africa by delivering top class and most exciting radio experience on a daily basis. “Rave 91.7 FM aims to constantly provide innovative radio entertainment by delivering amazing music and quality talks, with on-air personalities that are able to create an atmosphere of fluidity that leaves listeners captivated”.

NNPC moves to boost regular supply of petroleum products Christian Okeke - Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), on Wednesday, announced an interim Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA), with three of its joint venture companies: Duke Oil, Carlson and Napoil to boost the supply of refined petroleum products. It said the move was part of the determination to sustain the prevailing un-

impeded nationwide supply and distribution of petroleum products. In a statement, the Group General Managing, Group Public Affairs of the corporation, Ohi Alegbe, disclosed that the stopgap arrangement which was designed to run for three months, obliged the corporation to allocate a certain volume of crude oil within the period for refining at offshore locations in exchange for petroleum

products at pre-agreed yield pattern. He noted that the temporary OPA package will lapse with the advent of the fresh OPA contracts envisaged to come into effect at the end of the ongoing public tender process. The OPA arrangement, according to him, would help augment in-country production of refined petroleum products from the nation’s refineries to meet local demand.

Lanlehin testifies in own case, as exhibits increase to 141 By Dare Adekanmbi Accord senatorial candidate in the March 28 election, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, on Thursday, appeared as a witness in his petition, as the number of exhibits provisionally admitted by the Justice Usman Tanko-led election tribunal grew to 141. Lanlehin is challenging the results of the election in all the 1, 980 units in the nine local government councils of the district upon which the declaration of Senator Soji Akanbi, as the winner of the election was predicated. But, his appearance was not without some objections from Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi, counsel for Akanbi, who opposed the adoption of additional statements on oath by Lanlehin on the grounds that the new statements were not front loaded and amounted to listing Lanlehin as additional witness. Richard Ogunwole , SAN, counsel for Lanlehin, counter-argued that the Electoral Act did not require the petitioner, having been listed in the petition, to be re-listed as an additional witness.

Police parade man over attempt to sell daughter in A/Ibom Udeme Utip - Uyo A 23-year-old man, Destiny Okon Uyong, was on Thursday, paraded by the Akwa Ibom State police command, for allegedly conniving with his friend, Etim Okokon, to sell his nine month-old daughter. Uyong said he was compelled to sell his daughter in order to pay the hospital bill of his father suffering from cancer. Briefing newsmen on the arrest and other achievements, the state Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, said the baby was rescued through the combined effort of vigilance group and the police, following the alarm raised by the mother. Mani, who spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Cordelia Nwawe, said the suspect would soon be charged to court. However, the suspect on interrogation, confessed to the crime, saying that he was able to deceive his wife and took away the baby, after arranging with his friend, to sell her.

news

Friday, 11 September, 2015

We have destroyed all known Boko Haram camps —Military Chris Agbambu - Abuja

HE military, on Wednesday, said it has destroyed all known Boko Haram camps and cells in the North-East. It said that the terrorists had been so militarily defeated and weakened that they can never hold any part of the country for ransom. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Colonel Rabe Abubakar who disclosed this noted that a lot of progress had been made in crushing the terrorists, a result of the new strategies adopted by the new service chiefs. The visits, coupled with the deployment of sophisticated weapons, he said, had not only boosted the morale of the troops, but practically introduced a new dimension in combating terrorism and insurgency in the North-East. He noted that emphasis were currently placed on

ECOWAS chiefs of defence staff meet over regional security Chris Agbambu - Abuja

IN continuation with the multinational approach to end security related challenges within the ECOWAS member nations, the 35th edition of ordinary meeting of the Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) is ongoing in Dakar, Senegal. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, is leading the Nigeria delegates to the meeting. The meeting is deliberating on new structures of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) and the Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD). Other areas of discussion included ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB), Exit Strategy and the implementation of the Defence and Security Sector Reform Programme (DSSRP) in Guinea Bissau. The Nigerian delegates are using the occasion to brief the wider regional body about the Boko Haram insurgency and the efforts the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) member countries are putting in place to end Boko Haram activities in the region. It will be recalled that the CDS, General Olonisakin attended similar meeting some days back in Mali where regional efforts to curb terrorism and insurgency were extensively discussed.

credible training and retraining on the sanctity of human rights observance and protection of the combatants in the battle fields, promising an improved enforcement of rule and relations of the international standard. He said: “These terrorists have been subdued, even if they are adopting other means, as they are re-strategising, we are also doing same. “We have been coordinat-

ing on the air and ground assaults to make sure that these terrorist hideouts are completely decimated. “As I am speaking to you, all the camps have been completely wiped out. So right now they are completely in disarray, having no command and control of where to plan. “We have even taken over their camps. Most of them have even abandoned their bases and blended within towns and communities.

We have also apprehended some of them and very soon move back to their communities. “We are making a lot of headways and a lot of achievements. People should know that Boko Haram is no longer strong enough to hold ground. “Very soon, this issue of whether they are in control of any territory in Nigeria or not will come to the open. We must begin to think of the nation.

“I am assuring you that they will never again recapture the territory taken from them, because what is happening right now with the deployment of troops, equipment and morale will ensure that. “As the mop up operations and mines clearance are intensified in the liberated areas, so also necessary measures are being put in place to ensure that safety and security prevail in those places.”

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai (middle), inaugurating vehicles donated by Toyota Nigeria Limited to the Multinational Task Force, in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

More detained Boko Haram suspects to regain freedom THE military has confirmed that more persons detained for alleged links with Boko Haram insurgents will be released after being cleared by its joint intelligence cell. The acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, gave the confirmation in a telephone interview with the

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday. He said the screening of detained suspects conducted jointly by intelligence officers from the Army and other sister agencies, would be continuous. “I can tell you that more persons will be released, but contrary to views in

some quarters, the release of detained suspects is not the exclusive prerogative of the Army alone. “So, it is not for anyone to begin to insinuate that the Army alone determines who is to regain freedom or not. “What happens is that as the intelligence officers

Toyota Nigeria partners Army on fight against insurgency James Bwala - Maiduguri

THE Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria, Manufacturers of all kinds of Toyota vehicles, Mr Kunle Adeojo, has said that his company has been following unfolding events in the NorthEast with particular interest in the war against Boko Haram insurgency. Speaking on Thursday, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Mr Adeojo said that his company deemed it fit to join hands with the Nigerian Army to root out Boko Haram. Mr Adeojo who brought a donation of two Buffallo Toyota vehicles and three

Toyota Hilux vehicles for the Multinational Joint Tasks Force with headquarters in Njamaina, said the donation was a civilian way of helping the military in the fight, hoping that it would mark the beginning of a good partnership towards involving the civil society in the fight. Also speaking during the occasion, the Chief of Logistics, Army Headquarters, Major General Adamu Salihu, said that partnership with Toyota Nigeria was a welcome development. While addressing the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, represented by the

Chief of Logistics, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Olutayo Oguntoyibo, said there cannot be growth without security. Speaking on the donation, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, said the history for the donation of the vehicles dated back to when he was the commander, Multinational Joint Tasks Force. Buratai, while thanking the MD and his management team, assured that the vehicles would be used for patrol to pursue and defeat Boko Haram as well as in escorting other humanitarian assistance for the displaced persons.

identify innocent persons, they hand them over to the affected state governments for rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said. Usman said the Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to follow the rules of engagement in the operation aimed at liberating areas held by the insurgents. On the ongoing offensive against the insurgents, Usman said troops were consolidating on the recent gains as areas around Sambisa were being closed down by troops. He said the frontline commanders and their troops were working toward actualising the timeline set by President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that it was feasible. “The operation to hold on to territories taken by our troops will continue as troops advance to the general areas. “Where we are actually going to from here cannot be disclosed for operational and security reasons but what remains clear to us is that we are making progress as evident in the recent areas held by our troops,’’ he said.

NEMA receives another batch of 551 returnees from Cameroon Chris Agbambu - Abuja

THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), has transported 551 indigenes of Borno State from Cameroon who were displaced by insurgency and were putting up in the country. The Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Kanar, accompanied by Borno State NEMA Executive Director, Alhaji Bulama Dawud, coordinated the reception and security checks conducted by the military on the returnees. Information officer of NEMA, North-East, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, in a statement in Abuja yesterday said that the returnees would be camped at the Gubio Road Housing Estate IDP camp set up by Borno State government and the agency. According to him, over 5,000 returnees are expected to be transported to Maiduguri from locations in Adamawa State.

Anglican Church to launch N10m education endowment for IDPs James Bwala - Maiduguri

IN a bid to alleviate the sufferings of internally displaced people in the insurgency plagued north eastern Nigeria, the Anglican Communion in Maiduguri will next week launch a N10 million education endowment fund for affected people. The launch, which will take place at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Anglican Communion in Maiduguri, is also targeted at orphans and widows. According to Archbishop Emannuel Kana Mani of the Jos Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Maiduguri, it was the church’s way of contributing to the education of the young victims of the lingering insurgency war which has destroyed many families. Highlight of the week long celebration in Maiduguri is a planned visitation to media houses by Diocesan officials, elders and priests and a youth day celebration at St. John’s Anglican Church. A press conference will be addressed by Archbishop Kana Mani at the Chapel of Grace Church on Friday.

Friday, 11 September, 2015

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Former Afghan president denies the existence of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan

n the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Afghan President Hamid Karzai joins Mehdi Hasan in UpFront’s Headliner segment. In an online preview made available by Al Jazeera, Karzai dismisses al-Qaeda’s presence in the country, calling it a “myth.”

“I don’t know if al-Qaeda existed and I don’t know if they exist,” said Karzai. “I have not seen them and I’ve not had any report about them, any report that would indicate that alQaeda is operating in Afghanistan.” Asked whether he believed Osama bin Laden carried out the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington

DC and plotted them from Afghanistan, he responded: “That is what I have heard from our Western friends. That is what the Western media says. There is no doubt that an operation, a terrorist operation was conducted in New York and in Washington.” Asked again if he believed the 9/11

attacks were the responsibility of alQaeda in Afghanistan, the former president responded: “I neither believe nor disbelieve something that I don’t know about. I can tell you that Afghanistan was as much a victim of terrorism as was America, as were the people who were killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks.”

Jihadis release ransom posters for Norwegian, Chinese captives The Islamic State group claimed to be holding a Norwegian man and a Chinese consultant hostage and demanded ransom for their release. The extremist group posted pictures of the two men wearing yellow prison outfits in the latest issue of its online magazine Dabiq. It identifies the Norwegian man as Ole Johan Grimsgaard-Ofstad, 48, from Oslo, and the Chinese man as Fan Jinghui, 50, a freelance consultant from Beijing. The poster states: “To whom it may concern of the crusaders, pagans and their allies as well as what are referred to as human “rights” organisations. “This prisoner was abandoned

by his government which did not do its utmost to purchase his freedom.” It then lists a telegram number for ‘whoever would like to pay the ransom for his release and transfer,’ adding: “Note, this is a limited time offer.” According to MailOnline, it does not say when or where the two were captured. ISIS, which controls large parts of Iraq and Syria, has killed several captives in gruesome videos released online including British aid worker Alan Henning. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, at a news conference in

Pope adds Kenya, scene of attacks on Christians, to Africa trip Pope Francis will visit Kenya in November, the Vatican said on Thursday, a country where Christians have recently been targeted by Islamist militants. In June, the Argentine pontiff told a gathering of priests from around the world that he wanted

to go to Kenya as part of his first papal trip to Africa but that the visit was “uncertain” because there were “organisational problems.” The pontiff will go to Kenya on November 25, before traveling to Uganda on November 27.

The terror group also claim to be holding Chinese man Fan Jinghui, 50, a freelance consultant from Beijing.

Ransom posters for Norwegian hostage Ole Johan GrimsgaardOfstad.

Oslo on Wednesday, confirmed that one of the hostages was a Norwegian man in his 40s being held in Syria. She said: “Everything indicates that

(the Islamic State group) is behind it.” Solberg said the man was captured at the end of January.

Ireland to accept 4,000 refugees –Minister

Irish Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald confirmed that they would accept 4,000 refugees with the first arriving in the next few weeks. “The figure of 4,000 includes 600 people for whom a commitment is made earlier in 2015, under a proposed EU relocation programme. “Then the 520 refugees are currently being resettled to Ireland under a previous agreement,” she added. She said after a special cabinet meeting on Thursday in Dublin that Ireland would offer a welcome safe haven for families and children who have been forced to leave their homes due to war and conflict. Fitzgerald said government had decided to establish a network of emergency and orientation centres around the country.

New species of ancient humans discovered in South Africa The fossilised remains of a previously unknown species of human has been discovered inside a cave in South Africa. Named Homo naledi, the species has been assigned to the genus Homo, to which modern humans also belong. Scientists unearthed more than 1,500 bones belonging to at least 15 individuals which are yet to be dated. They say they could be anything between 20,000 and two million years old. The discovery came about thanks to

a tip-off from cavers two years ago, who had glimpsed what looked like human remains through a crack in a limestone wall, MailOnline reported. The bones were located in the Rising Star cave system in South Africa’s Gauteng province, part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, in a remote chamber that can Reconstruction of the new species only be accessed via several steep Homo naledi. PHOTO: BERGER ET AL. climbs and fissures.

otherNEWS Former Ivory Coast president Gbagbo’s party calls for poll boycott In Ivory Coast, the party of former President Laurent Gbagbo says it will make sure elections due on October 25 are not held. Boubacar Kone, interim spokesman of the Ivorian Popular Front party, told VOA the people of Ivory Coast have already begun organizing protests against the vote, seen

by many as crucial to return the country to stability since the violence that followed the 2010 presidential vote. This came after the Constitutional Council released the names of 10 candidates, including President Alassane Ouattara, who will compete in the October election.

Kone said the process is invalid because President Ouattara is not eligible to stand for a second term, according to the constitution. “What I can say is that this process is very badly started since Mr. Ouattara is not eligible according to our constitution. Secondly, our electoral commission is unbalanced and

biased, which means the process is definitely unbalanced and unfair,” he said. Kone said the Supreme Court rejected President Ouattara’s candidacy in 2000 and since then nothing has changed. He said Ouattara became president in 2010 only because Gbagbo backed him for

British 12-year-old smarter than Einstein, Hawking

China offers 20 scholarships to Somali students

A 12-year-old girl who had an inkling she might be quite clever has taken a test and proved she was absolutely right. Lydia Sebastian achieved the top score of 162 on Mensa’s Cattell III B paper, suggesting she has a higher IQ than wellknown geniuses Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. The comparison doesn’t sit well with the British student, who’s currently in Year

The Chinese government has provided scholarships for 20 Somali students this year to enable them further their education, officials said on Thursday. Minister of Education Khadro Bashir told Xinhua that the ministry selected the beneficiaries from all regions in the country,and thanked China for providing the support in the educational field. “We are very pleased to get this support from the Chinese government, and we hope that China will help us

8 at Colchester County high school, a selective girl’s grammar school in Essex, England. “I don’t think I can be compared to such great intellectuals such as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. They’ve achieved so much. I don’t think it’s right,” Lydia told CNN. Lydia sat the test in her summer holidays, after raising the idea with her

parents and pestering them for the best part of a year. It turns out the test wasn’t that hard after all. Lydia Sebastian scored a maximum 162 in the 150-minute test of mental agility.

in other areas in the near future,” she said. Bashir said this also contributes to strengthening the cultural relationship between the two countries, and hopes China could send experts on education to Somalia in order to get benefit from their experience in the area. “Relations between the two countries have always been strong, and we want to see these relationships develop day by day, including cultural relationship,” she added.

news

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Why PDP leaders moved against Wada Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

he second term ambition of the Kogi State governor, Idris Wada, is hanging in the air as powerful forces within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are said to be working against his emergence as the candidate of the party. The Nigerian Tribune learnt that among those not disposed to Wada returning to the Lugard House are former Preisdent Goodluck Jonathan, former governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and governors elected under the platform of PDP. The opposition to the governor’s ambition may have been responsible for the postponement of the governorship primary of the party originally slated for Thursday. It was gathered that the governor caught the wrath of the former president because of the result of the last presidential election, where Jonathan lost to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari. The result of the election showed that Wada lost his ward, his local government and the state to the opposi-

tion, leading to suspicion that he sold out the state to APC. It was also learnt that Wada further incurred the wrath of the former president following his visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, after the general election in April. The source stated that Jonathan saw the visit as an affront, as Wada never informed him before visiting Obasanjo, who was a known antagonist of the second term ambition of the former president. “The former president is angry with the governor over his loss in Kogi State

Thanksgiving A thanksgiving service to mark the 80th birthday anniversary of Prophet Isaiah Oladele Adeopa, will hold tomorrow (Saturday), by 12:00 pm, at Molete Baptist Church Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State. Reception follows immediately after the service. Prophet Oladele is the Baale Onigbado of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oluyole Local Government Area, Oyo State.

in the last presidential election. He is of the opinion that Wada intentionally left the state for APC to win and he is working to ensure that the governor does not get the ticket of the party. Reacting to the develop-

Tomiwa Awoniyi Amosun A girl of about four years old, Bolu Amosun, was found in front of General Hospital, Ota, Ogun State, on July 8, 2015, at about 12:50hrs.

By Rotimi Ige The Lagos audition of the Reality TV Show sponsored by Globacom took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, as the anchor man for the show, Ehis Okoegule of MTV base, stormed the judges “hallowed chambers’ in protest against a no verdict handed to sensational twin dancers, Oliver and Emmanuel Wilson. Ehis “petition” before the three-man panel of judges was that though, the judges identified ‘something missing’ in the twins, their performance was good enough to earn them a consideration for the next round of the audition. With the judges practically held “hostage” by the powerful advocacy by Ehis,

the panel overruled itself and gave a new verdict of “stand by” thus, giving the Wilson twins, the opportunity to come back on stage and fight for one of the six slots available in the Lagos audition. The audition got really hot thereafter when the show promoter, Peter Okoye of PSquare, went on the audition stage to challenge a contestant who was “messing” up the legendary ‘Bad’ dance steps of the late Michael Jackson. The studio erupted in cheers as Peter left the judges’ stand and climbed the stage to teach the contestant how to dance Michael Jackson’s steps in the “Bad” track. Though, Peter delivered and got huge applause from

the recording crew and other contestants waiting to perform, he was however, ruled out of contest by a fellow judge and dance legend, Kaffy, said with finality, “looking at you from here and given what we are looking for in this show, I say, come back to your seat and you are ruled out of contest.” This threw the studio into loud guffaws. While the ‘tension’ was dying down, 13-year-old Angel Ukaro-Agunbiade, a Junior secondary school three student of Grange School, Lagos, took the audition to the next level with her marvelous dance steps which earned her a ‘yes verdict’ from the panel of judges, with an emphatic nod from Don Flex, the choreographer for the PSquare crew.

saturday, 12 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Burial The Giesi and Osikola Houses in Ile-Ife, Osun State, announced the death of Lady Felicia Mojirola Aderin, wife of Bishop Samuel Olufunmilade Aderin (retd), of Ondo Diocese (Anglican communion). Aged 85, Lady Aderin died on August 19, at the age of 85 years. She was survived by her husband, children, grand -children and great -grand children. A Christian wake was held in her honour at St John’s Anglican Church, Ilare, Ile Ife, on Thursday. Funeral service will take place today at St Paul’s Church, Aiyegbaju, while reception will follow at Gity Events Centre, Ile Ife.

Ekiti govt, firm sign MoU on 1.15MW power plant through public-private partnership (PPP). The Solar PV Farm is to be built on 14,000 square metres of land belonging to the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES), owners of Ekiti Television (EKTV) and Ekiti Radio 91.5FM, with an agreement to provide free 150 Kilowatts to power BSES installations and equipment for 20 years. Elemi Energy Limited, which will handle the power project through its subsidiary in Nigeria, Elemi Power Solutions Limited, will also sponsor training of five engineering staff of BSES in the United Kingdom for the operation and management of the 150KW power plant. The PPP project, which is to cost over N500 million as foreign direct investment (FDI) into Ekiti State, was approved by the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose in June, this year as part of the governor’s commitment to rapid infrastructural development in the state.

n150

politics

interview

Prophet Adeopa

Bolu Amosun Anyone with useful information on the whereabouts of their mothers a or guardians should, please , contact the nearest police station or the Director of Social Welfare Service, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Ekiti State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with a United Kingdom-based company, Elemi Energy Limited, for the installation and development of a 1.15 Megawatts (MW) Solar Photo Voltaic (PV) Farm, in the state

‘Dance with Peter’: Drama as anchor disagrees over contestant

Abandoned babies

A day-old baby boy, Tomiwa Awoniyi Amosun, was found opposite C&S Irawo Ayo Church, Ita Sanni, Sagamu, Ogun State, on August 19, 2015.

ment, the governor, through his Special Adviser on Media, Jacob Edi, said it would be unfortunate for the former president to think that he (Wada), lost the state during the presidential election in order to spite him.

Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

Let us give Buhari opportunity to govern us —Senator Ogunlewe entertainment

How PDP survived APC’s tsunami in Taraba —Jolly Nyame interview

Why I refused to be Edo governor

—Ex SSG, Femi Garuba

feature

Electrocuted UNILAG student: I don’t believe in

Third to die in her class this year

Lady Aderin

Book your copy today

gossip and idle talks —Rukky Sanda

communitynews

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Ekiti Speaker empowers more constituents THE Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, has continued the empowerment of youths in Moba Local Government Area of the state through entrepreneurial training with additional 20 beneficiaries from different wards in his constituency. According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Speaker, Stephen Gbadamosi, the Speaker also witnessed the commencement of the training programme expected to last four weeks, after which the participants will be given certificates of completion. Also, after the training, which is being organised in conjunction with the Ekiti State Broadcasting station, the beneficiaries, according to Oluwawole, will be exposed to soft loans from a micro-credit firm to enable them to start off on their vocations. The 20 fresh beneficiaries were drawn from Osun, Osan and the three wards of Otun, while more forms, had been made available at the local government headquarters for more intending beneficiaries. “I am doing this in line with my promises to the people of my constituency; you are the ones that sent me to go and represent you. I must tell you that entrepreneurial knowledge is very crucial in education. “The situation in Nigeria now is such that even if you are educated up to Masters level, your vocational training cannot be useless. As a matter of fact, if you are not lucky to get a white collar job, you can rely on your vocation. “So, don’t miss this opportunity. I have arranged for the tutors to bring their services down to OsanEkiti here, instead of you going to their office in Ado-Ekiti for the training. I have paid for your enrolment. I will continue to expose you to more of such opportunities. “There is also an arrangement with a micro-credit bank to provide you with soft loans to take off after training. I will personally monitor your progress. You are the pilot scheme

and I will ensure you make a success of this. “I have sent more forms to the local government headquarters so that more youths will benefit from the training. It is an opportunity I want to be spread across the entire local government,” the Speaker said. Areas in which the youths are being trained include soap, detergent and body cream making, fishery, piggery, catering, barbing, hairdressing, among others. Tunde, urged transport unions at the park to maintain clean environment and give support to the security personnel in the area.

The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyo State council, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde (second left), receiving the Award of Mayor of Peace from the state deputy governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo (second right), which is being conferred on him by the Ajimobi Youth League, in conjunction with the Department of Music Technology, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, at SABLAK Events Centre, Sanyo area, Ibadan, on Thursday. With them are other members of the NURTW.

Ogun govt orders evacuation of abandoned trucks at Ogere

GUN State government has directed owners of abandoned trucks and vehicles at the Gateway Trailer’s Park, Ogere, in Ikene Local Government Area to remove them before October 2015 to avoid confiscation. This measure became necessary to ensure the safety of both human and materials as well as prevent keeping of explosives and other dangerous items at the complex. The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, gave the directive at a meeting with stakeholders and security personnel at the trailer’s park.

The governor, who was represented by the General Manager, Parks and Garages Development Board (PAGADEB), Alhaji Olaayo Ogunsolu, stressed the need for truck and vehicle owners to be security conscious by calling the relevant agencies whenever they observe strange objects in and outside the park. Amosun, in a release signed by the Press Officer of PAGADEB, Mr Lawal Tahoeed, said: “We should all be security conscious, all efforts must be geared towards keeping vigil to all strange movements within the park. You should not hesitate to report any strange movement or ob-

jects to relevant agencies.” Also speaking, representative of the state

Commissioner of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Omiwole Tunde, urged transport

CEPEJ counsels FG on impending flood ebenezer adurokiya-warri

FOLLOWING plans by the Cameroonian government to reopen Dagbo Dam, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has charged the Federal Government to put in place measures to avert

flooding in communities. National Coordinator of the NGO, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, gave the charge on Wednesday in Warri, Delta State. According to the environmentalist, some of the communities affected by the massive flood in 2012 were yet to be restored to their pristine

Re: Uneasy calm at Ijoko over news of monarch’s demise by tessy umunakwe

OBA Abdulfatai Alani Matanmi, the Onijoko of Ijoko - Ota, Ogun State, has been described as the only recognised traditional ruler in Ijoko land, Ogun State. According to a rejoinder by Wale Adegoke and Partners, solicitors to Oba Matanmi, in reaction to our publication: “Uneasy calm in Ijoko over news of monarch’s demise”, Oba Matanmi’s obaship was upheld in a judgment delivered on April 14, 2011 in Ogun State High Court, Ota Judicial Division by Justice M.A Ojo in suit No HCT/88/2006. The suit involved Alhaji (Chief) Fatai Alani Matanmi and Lasisi Kolapo Ogunseye and

four others. The rejoinder faulted the reference to the deceased (Lasisi Kolapo Ogunseye), as the Onijoko of Ijoko in Egbaland, saying, “Mr Ogunseye is not entitled to be installed as Oba or Onijoko of Ijoko-Ota, Ogun State or any chieftaincy whatsoever under Ijoko Native Law and Custom. In view of the purported installation of Ogunseye as the Onijoko of Ijoko in Egbaland, by the Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, the rejoinder said, “the Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, lacks any authority or power over any chieftaincy of whatsoever status and nature in Ijoko-Ota. “The appointment of Mr Ogunseye by the Olowu as

unions at the park to maintain clean environment and give support to the security personnel in the area.

Onijoko of Ijoko is null and void “Our client being the subsisting Baale of Ijoko is the only person entitled to be ungraded to the position of Oba of Ijoko-Ota. Making reference to the judgment, the rejoinder noted further that, “the purported installation of Mr Ogunseye by the Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, was consequently set aside, and orders of perpetual injunction were issued restraining Mr Ogunseye from parading himself as Oba or Onijoko of IjokoOta and the Egba Traditional Council, the Secretary, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area and the Attorney General of Ogun

State from recognising, accepting and/or dealing with Mr Ogunseye as Oba or Onijoko of Ijoko-Ota, Ogun State. The rejoinder also averred that there is no town named “Ijoko in Egbaland”, contending that the only Ijoko town is Ijoko-Ota over which the deceased was purportedly declared as monarch. While maintaining that there is no kingship crisis in Ijoko, “at least, since the delivery of the judgment”, it emphasised that there is no “passage rites” for a deceased traditional head of Ijoko that requires seven human heads or any number of heads, human or non-human for that matter.”

nature. He, therefore, urged the Federal Government to dialogue with Cameroonian and Guinean authorities and work out modalities on how to tackle the problem. Comrade Mulade catalogued the flood incidents that had ravaged some parts of the country in the past and expressed disappointment at the levity with which flood-related warningswere treated. He reasoned that given the harsh socio-economic impact of flooding, it was essential that explanatory and attenuating measures be put in place to forestall recurrence Mulade stressed the need for proactive rather than reactionary measures. He also called on state governments to work in tandem with civil society groups, NGOs and faithbased organisations to create environmental awareness and build capacity to cut down the level of vulnerability. He also advised communities living in plains to relocate to uplands.

tribunesport

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 11 September, 2015

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Brazzavile 2015:

I’m not under pressure

to win gold —Adegoke

IGERIA new female tennis sensation, Sarah Adegoke has revealed that she is not under pressure to win a gold medal on her debut at this year’s All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Adegoke will be competing in the singles, doubles and team events as Team Nigeria begins her campaign today at the Tennis Club and FECOTEN Centre, Brazzaville. Nigeria will be hoping to surpass the one gold, one silver and two bronze medals it won at Maputo 2011. “My target is to win in every event I compete for. This is my first appearance at the All Africa Games and there is no pressure whatsoever to win gold. I will take each game as it comes,” Adegoke told Tribunesport after the team’s training session at Sports complex of Stade Masambadeba. “With the people we have seen, I believe we can do well in this competition if we put in our best and if we are focused. “The highest number of gold we can win here is six and I am very confident that we can get those six medals in both male and female categories. I have absolute confidence in our team and with what I have seen here, nothing can stop

Commonwealth Youth Games:

Appah wins silver FAST rising Nigerian weightlifter, Emmanuel Appah on Tuesday clinched a silver medal in the boys 62kg category event at the 5th Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) held at Apia, Samoa. The Nigerian teenager lifted a total of 105kg in snatch and 131 clean behind Deepak Lather of India. Appah dedicated his medal to his coach and Nigerians who supported him in his quest for honours at the games. Nigeria is being represented by 13 athletes, out of which two are weightlifters. It will be recalled that Appah won three gold medals at the 2nd Youth All Africa Games Gaborone 2014. Team Nigeria at the Commonwealth Youth Games has so far won four gold, two silver and one bronze medals.

same way we have been training, we just have to be confident,” she added. Adegoke revealed that the team enjoyed the best of preparation saying “We had the best of preparations and I must give thanks to our coach (Rotimi Akinloye), I’ve never seen a coach like him, easy going, he doesn’t get angry and with him, I believe we will achieve a lot.”

Nigerian wrestlers land in Congo

Nigerian wrestler, Aminat Adeniyi celebrating after her victorious outing at a recent meet. us from doing well and I have been praying against injury as well,” said the athlete who lost in the women’s singles final of the 2014 Lagos Governor’s Cup. She expressed confidence that Team Nigeria is battle-ready for any

opposition. “The Northern Africans like Tunisia, Egypt and Southern Africans are tough opponents. I believe we can surmount their hurdles if we are confident and determined. They are people like us, they’ve been training the

Toriola leads table tennis team to victory TEAM Nigeria’s table tennis teams in both male and female categories began their quest for honours at Brazzaville 2015 on a brighter note. The male team led by Segun Toriola defeated Namibia by three straight sets while the female team also defeated their Botswana opponents by three sets. The male team will take on Sudan in the second group stage match. Table tennis coach, Nasiru Bello while speaking with Tribunesport said his wards are ready for any opposition and will not be humiliated by any country.

“We shall give it our best shot and I can say that Nigeria is not afraid of any country,” he said. Meanwhile, Team Nigeria’s badminton squad finished their campaign at Brazzaville 2015 with one silver and five bronze medals. This result fell short of the three gold, one silver and two bronze medals the team won at the 10th edition of the Games in 2011 held in Maputo, Mozambique. The break down shows the team winning the only silver in women’s singles, while the remaining bronze medals were won in Team event, men’s singles, men’s doubles and women’s doubles.

TWENTY-ONE Nigerian wrestlers are expected to arrive in Congo Brazzaville today to join their colleagues at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games. The list consists of eight male freestyle, five Grecco Roman and eight female wrestlers. The team led by head coach, Victor Kodei will see five-time African champion, Blessing Oborududu 63kg and Aminat Adeniyi, 2014 Commonwealth Games 58kg gold medallist and 19 other wrestlers vying for honours, while Kodei will be assisted by five other coaches. According to the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, other female wrestlers on the trip are Genesis Mercy 48kg, Odunayo Adekuoroye 53kg, Opene Patience 55kg, Ebi James 60kg, Hannah Reuben 69kg and Blessing Onyebuchi 75kg.

Tanzania coach lauds Falcons

COACH of the Twiga Stars of Tanzania, Rogasian Kaijage has acknowledged the superiority of the Super Falcons in African women’s football. Kaijage in a post-match interview in Congo Brazzaville moments after the Falcons trounced his team 3-0 at the Stade Massamba said Nigeria is a force to reckon with in women’s football, adding that the loss of his team was not demoralising. “Tanzania is just coming up in

women’s football so, we are not ashamed of anything, Nigeria is a super power not only in African women’s football but in the world. “For us, losing to the Falcons is not a big deal because we are not anywhere near them in standard. “We can only compete with teams like Congo and not even Ivory Coast. Nigeria and Ivory Coast are the strongest teams in African women’s football. “So, losing to Nigeria is not a

source of worry to us because we know they are far ahead of us and we cannot match them for now,” Kaijage said.

Falcons impress Danjuma HEAD coach of the Super Falcons, Chris Danjuma has lauded his team’s excellent run so far at the 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. The Nigerian ladies it will be recalled started with a 5-1 spanking of the hosts before they hammered the Twiga Stars of Tanzania 3-0 on Wednesday at the Massamba Stadium. The results earned the reigning African champions six points and the ticket to the semi-final of the competition ahead of their last group game tomorrow against the Elephants Ladies of Cote d’Ivoire. “I’m happy that we won, we have picked the semi-final ticket and that reduces the load going into the last group game against the Ivory Coast on Saturday. We wait for the last game against Ivory Coast and see what happens. “The girls have done well so far and we just hope the concentration level remains till the end,” Danjuma said.

Ajagba lands in medal zone TEAM Nigeria boxer, Efe Ajagba, has landed in the semi-finals of the boxing event at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. The 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist secured a technical knock out win over South African Paul Schafer, in a +91kg bout decided at the Talangai Indoor Sports Hall on Wednesday night. Ajagba is thus guaranteed a medal ahead of his semi-final bout tomorrow as his opponent is yet to be known at the time of this report. The Eko 2012 silver medallist it will be recalled also defeated Schafer at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year.

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

Niyi Alebiosu

reporting

SIDELINES

NO 16,325

FRIDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER, 2015

N150

In traditional lore, masquerades are celestial beings and would not be caught dead doing what mere mortals do. But these days masquerades now invade churches to beat up pastors, mount road blocks and withdraw money from ATMs. Isnt it now clear that celestial beings have stopped coming to this sinful world and the masquerades we see around are mere impersonators?

Brazzaville 2015:

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

Niyi Alebiosu

reporting

EAM Nigeria on Thursday won three more gold medals at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Otunla Balqis clinched the three gold medals in the 75kg women’s weightlifting event held at Onuna Sports Complex. Also, Ndidi Eze grabbed three silver medals in the 59kg class. Bola Adedeji, Secretary General of the Weightlifting Federation of Nigeria expressed happiness over the development. He noted that the result recorded was as a result of determination and hard work on the part of the board and the athletes, saying he expects more medals as the event continues today. Otunla, in an interview with Tribunesport says she was always ready to give her best to the country adding “I am happy with this feat. In fact this is a great thing to have happened to me and I dedicate this success story to God.” Meanwhile, Team Nigeria also on Thursday won another gold medal in the team stand trial cycling event. The Nigeria women’s team which consisted of Glory Odiase, Gripa Tombrapa, Happiness Okafor and Rosemary Marcus finished the 25km race in a time of 37.11 seconds ahead of Team South Africa’s time of 37.15 secs, while Ethiopia went home with a bronze medal.

Secretary General of the Nigeria Cycling Federation, Samuel Aminu while speaking with Tribunesport expressed joy over the result with an assurance that more medals would come from the team in the individual stand trial event today. “I feel delighted that we won the gold medal in the team stand trial female event. What makes it more sweeter is the fact that we beat South Africa to the gold medal as they

Nigeria’s cyclists from left, Happiness Okafor, Rosemary Marcus, Gripa Tombrapa and Glory Odiase celebrating their victory at the ongoing Brazzaville 2015. could only finish second. “We will be competing again tomorrow in the individual stand trial and I

3 gold for Nigeria

As cycling team beat South Africa

believe we will get something from there too. We don’t want to put much pressure on the athletes,

but we have confidence in them,” Aminu said. Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report,

FIFA elections: Ali attacks Odegbami, Platini, others PRINCE Ali bin Al Hussein has blasted his FIFA presidential rivals who according to him before now never had the guts to stand against current president, Sepp Blatter. Ali, who was the only candidate to challenge Blatter for the FIFA presi-

dency in May formally launched his challenge to run again for the FIFA presidency on Wednesday night. He did not however, mention names in a speech announcing his candidacy but effectively accused those coming

(which include the likes of UEFA president Michel Platini, Nigerian duo of Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Segun Odegbami) into the race now of being afraid of Blatter who has been in charge since the exit of Joao Havelange in 1998.

Adekuoroye clinches 2016 Olympic ticket NIGERIA sensational wrestler, Odunayo Adekuoroye has qualified for the Rio 2016 summer Olympic Games in Brazil after winning bronze at the 2015 World Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas, USA. The 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist became the second Nigerian to win a bronze medal after defeating Xeuchun Zhong of China in the second 53 kg bout on Thursday. Adekuoroye had to settle for bronze after she fell to World Silver medallist, Sofia Mattson in the quarterfinals of the games. In the qualifying match, Adekuoroye had defeated junior world champion, Natalia Malyshava of Russian by TF 5-2, before humiliating senior world medallist, Lilya Horishna of Ukraine by TF 14-3. Sofia Mattson however, became a stumbling block to the Nigerian wrestler as

Nigeria has amassed eight gold, 15 silver and 14 bronze medals on the table.

the latter fell victim to the pin fall technique of the Swedish opponent. The Ondo State born wrestler now joins the league of two time world

bronze medallist, Iheanacho Ifeoma. An elated Adekuoroye lauded the president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, her

coaches and Nigerians who prayed earnestly for her, just as she assured them of better performance in subsequent competitions.

Odunayo Adekuoroye (right) during an international meet. She has qualified for the 2016 Olympic.

“Ten months ago, I was the only person who dared to challenge Mr Blatter for the presidency of FIFA. I ran because I believe that FIFA needs change. And I had the courage to fight for change when others were afraid. I conceded that election. Not because I was not the best candidate, but because others were using me to make room for themselves. They didn’t have the guts to run, but I did. “Ever since president Blatter promised his resignation just a few days later, they have been scrambling to secure the job for themselves. “I didn’t stand for election the first time to make way for others. This election should be about football and not personal ambition. We have come too far to walk away now. I have thought long and hard on this. I believe in the road we started. I believe in the moments I shared with people all over the world, who told me their hopes and dreams. I will not be a pawn for others. I cannot leave the field that I have cleared, only to allow a flawed system to continue.” The former FIFA vice-president, who conceded May’s election after losing the first round 133 votes to 73 said as quoted by The Telegraph.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. Telephone: 08165728976; 08073598322. 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. 11/9/2015.