NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,633 TUESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com
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Presidency raises alarm over imminent famine Nigerian Tribune
@nigeriantribune
TribuneOnline
•Laments as exporters move grains abroad •Says 500 trucks leave Nigeria weekly —P5,11 •Inflation now 18.3% —NBS
Nigerian Tribune
Govs not comfortable with probe of bailout fund —ICPC —P11
ASUU begins strike tomorrow —P33
NLC, PENGASSAN vow to stop planned sale of NNPC, refineries —P5
TODAY'S SPECIAL
How coffee can make you live longer
AD RALLY IN ONDO: Crowd at the kick-off campaign of the gubernatorial candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Ondo governorship election, Mr Olusola Oke, in Akure, on Monday.
9 killed as Shi'ites, police clash in Kano
—P5
Presidency, Saraki, Dogara, govs meet—P33 •Deliberate on board appointments
A new study published in the journal Circulation found that regular coffee drinkers—people who drank less than five cups of coffee in a given day—have a lower risk of dying early from a number of different causes. That doesn’t necessarily mean that coffee is the answer to longevity. But the researchers found that Continues pg5
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How coffee can make you live longer Continued from front page
A new study published in the journal Circulation found that regular coffee drinkers—people who drank less than five cups of coffee in a given day—have a lower risk of dying early from a number of different causes. That doesn’t necessarily mean that coffee is the answer to longevity. But the researchers found that those who drank coffee on a regular basis had a lower risk of dying during the study’s 30 year follow up from problems such as heart diseases, diabetes, brain conditions and suicide. The findings only show a link, and cannot confirm that coffee is directly responsible for the reduced risk of death from these causes, but the scientists report that the many compounds in coffee are known to help lower insulin resistance or inflammation, which could result in better health. The researchers studied several large groups of people
totaling 208,500 men and women. They asked the volunteers about their coffee drinking habits every four years for the three decades. The connection between coffee consumption and a lower death risk was even more pronounced among people who never smoked. The researchers admit that the self-reports of coffee consumption aren’t completely reliable, and the study was not designed to find a direct health benefit from coffee. But, they argue, the link deserves more research to understand what might be driving it, since previous studies have isolated some potentially beneficial compounds, from antioxidants to inflammation fighting agents, in coffee. Interestingly, the researchers found the lower risk of death was similar among people who drank caffeinated as well as decaffeinated coffee. That suggests, the researchers write, that “other components in coffee besides caffeine might play a beneficial role mediating the association between
long-term coffee consumption and risk of mortality.” The results are only the latest in a rehabilitation of coffee. For many years coffee was deemed unhealthy. As TIME previously reported, much of that concern came from research in the 1970s and 1980s that linked coffee to higher rates of cancer and heart disease, but didn’t account for the fact that coffee drinkers are also more likely to smoke, possibly drink and engage in other behaviors that contribute to cancer and heart problems. More recent studies that account for these factors are starting to find the opposite, showing that coffee drinkers might have a slightly lower mortality risk. As with any food or behaviour, however, it’s all about moderation. As long as you’re not overdoing it, says the study authors, “results from this and previous studies indicate that coffee consumption can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle.” Courtesy: www.time.com
9 killed as Shi’ites, police clash in Kano From Kola Oyelere and Muhammad Sabiu
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IGHT members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shi’ite, lost their lives in Kano on Monday while a policeman was killed and four others injured following a violent clash that occurred along Tamburawa, General area, located at kilometre 20, Kano-Zaria road. When briefing journalists on the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Yusuf, said today, Monday, the 14th November, 2016 at about 0800hrs, thousands of Shi’ite members obstructed motorists and other road users free access to KanoKaduna Expressway, between Kwanar Dawaki and Tamburawa village in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the state. Yusuf stated that in the process, “Shi’ite members who were armed with bow and arrows, catapults with metal bolts, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons attacked the police team killing one policeman and critically injured four.” “Combined team of PMF, CTU SARS and conventional police were adequately deployed to ensure peace and safety of the people.” His words: “They also attacked innocent citizens, damaged public and personal properties, thereby causing mayhem that could lead to general disturbance of public peace in the state. They also snatched an AK 47 rifle from a policemen, which they used in attacking the policemen.” He, however, disclosed that “the AK 47 rifle was later recovered, eight members of Shi’ite were mortally injured and rushed to hospital where they were confirmed dead
by the doctor on call.” Yusuf, therefore, warned that the Police will not allow anybody or group of persons to hold the state to ransom. The Police Commissioner then called on law-abiding people of Kano State to go about their normal
businesses, without fear, saying the deputy commissioner of police in charge of CID will commence a thorough investigation into the incident while the arrested suspects will be charged to court. “Normalcy has been
restored, the good people of Kano State are hereby enjoined to report any suspicious person or group of persons to the nearest police station.” Meanwhile, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ite, has said it is
embarking on this year’s annual symbolic trek, known as the ‘Arbaeen Trek,’ in some parts of the Northern states, in spite of efforts by government and security agencies to weaken the movement from embarking on such annual rites.
NLC, PENGASSAN vow to stop planned sale of NNPC, refineries Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to resist any plan to sell the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), refineries and other assets by the Federal Government. The Federal Government, in a Draft Petroleum Policy 2016, reiterated its commitment to restructuring the petroleum sector by scrapping the NNPC, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and creating a National Oil Company (NOC) that would be private sector driven. However, in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, on Monday, the General Secretary, NLC, Comrade Peter Izon Eson, stated that the labour union would resist any move by the Federal Government to sell the NNPC. According to him, “We are completely against any move to sell our national assets. We have seen the results in the power sector when it was privatised by the Federal Government. We have seen situations where Nigerians are being exploited everyday through estimated billing, poor service delivery and lack of investment as promised by those investors. Recently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo called for urgent reforms of the NNPC. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has warned the Federal Government to desist
from its plans to scrap the NNPC, DPR, PPPRA and other agencies in the oil and gas industry without proper consultation with the unions. The union stated in a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Igwe Achese, and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Monday, that it was another attempt by the government to reduce the workforce in the sector and would be resisted by the union. NUPENG added that the current back door policy to retrench workers in the Federal Government corporations would not augur well for the industrial
peace and harmony in the oil and gas sector under the guise of a national oil policy. The union reiterated that what was necessary now was to strengthen the companies by granting them autonomy and not to be controlled by red-tapism in government. It went on to say that scrapping those bodies and putting them under one umbrella to be known as Petroleum Regulatory Commission (PRC) would be too cumbersome and make the Petroleum Minister too powerful. The union called on the Federal Government to put pressure on the National Assembly to pass the
Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which would make the oil and gas industry much more efficient, transparent and accountable and in the long run to bring the needed investments in the sector. NUPENG warned that it would not tolerate what the Federal Government was presently doing in aviation agencies like NAMA, FAAN, NIMET, where workers were being sacked in the name restructuring. The union advised the National Assembly not to allow the scrapping of NNPC, DPR, and PPPRA as they were set up by law and could not be scrapped overnight by government fiat.
Inflation now 18.3% —NBS Sanya Adejokun- Abuja
INFLATION, otherwise referred to consumer price index (CPI) continued its unrelenting upward movement as it increased by 18.3 per cent (year-on-year) in October 2016, 0.48 per cent points higher from the rate recorded in September (17.9 per cent). Increases according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) were recorded across almost all major divisions, which contribute to the Headline Index. Communication and Restaurants and Hotels recorded the slowest pace of growth in October, growing at 5.7 per cent and 9.4 per cent year-on-year respectively. The Food Index rose by 17.1 per cent (year-on-year) in October, up by 0.47 per cent points from 16.6 per
cent recorded in September. During the month, all major food groups which contribute to the Food subindex increased with Fruits recording the slowest pace of increase at 11.5 per cent. Price movements recorded by the All Items less farm produce or Core sub-index rose by 18.1 per cent (yearon-year) in October, up by 0.4 per cent points from rates recorded in September (17.7 per cent). During the month, the highest increases were seen in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels as well as, fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment and Education. Significant price movement under the Core Sub-index was also recorded for Clothing and Footwear, which recorded as increase of 17.8 per cent year on year.
The groups with least growth pace recorded in October were Communication (5.7 percent), Restaurants and Hotels (9.4 per cent) and Recreation and Culture (10.3 per cent). NBS explained Headline Index “is made up of the Core Index and Farm Produce items. As. Processed Foods are included in both the Core and Food sub-indices; this Implies that these subindices are not mutuallyexclusive.” On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index rose by 0.83 percent in October, higher from the rate recorded in September (0.81 per cent). The Urban index rose by 19.9 per cent (yearon-year) in October from 19.5 per cent recorded in September, and the rural Continues pg11
Speaking at a news conference in Kaduna, on Monday, before embarking on the trek, a leader of the Movement, Nasir Mansur, affirmed that the symbolic trek was going to take place. Mansur disclosed further that the movement had marked some cities across the Northern states where members would converge for the annual rites. According to him, these cities were Kano, Kaduna, Funtua, Pambegua, Malumfashi and Birnin Gwari. Buttressing why the sect had to embark on the trek, the spokesman said: ‘The Arbaeen trek is a religious duty incumbent on all supporters of the holy Household of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to undertake as a sign of solidarity. According to the Shi’ite leader, it was a response to a clarion call made by Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the prophet on the plains of Karbala, some 1,400 years ago, which enjoined the faithful to trek. “The prophet household trekked bare-footed in chains as captives from Karbala to Damascus after killing Imam Hussain,” he stressed. According to him, the sect had received information on the grand plot by security operatives to attack the trekkers, saying, “we are also aware of the sinister plots by security agencies to obstruct the trekkers by mounting check points.” “It should be clear, therefore, that these threats and many more will not deter us from practising our faith,” he said. To this end, Mansur remarked: “We are calling on people of conscience to speak out against this clear religious discrimination and minority cleansing being embarked upon by the Nigerian government.”
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Nigeria cannot diversify economy without oil sector —FG Ademola Adegbite -Abuja
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HE Federal Government, on Monday, said Nigeria’s chances of deriving maximum benefits from the petroleum industry was narrowing, going by global energy trends. It also said despite the dwindling chances of optimal benefits, Nigeria still needed the oil sector in its quest to diversify the economy of the country away from oil. According to the Federal Government, “as we move to diversify our economy, we are acutely aware that we need oil to get out of oil. Yet our window of opportunity to benefit maximally from the petroleum industry is narrowing.” The vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, stated this in Abuja, while speaking at the presentation of three books (Compedium of Oil and Gas Cases in Nigeria; Legal issues in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry and The Petroleum Industry Bill: Getting to the Yes) authored by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu. He stressed that the Federal Government had to deal frontally with the critical issues bedeviling the sector, such as the deregulation of the downstream sector and its continuing challenges,
with a view to ensuring that the country derived the maximum benefits from the petroleum sector in spite of the global challenges. Professor Osinbajo then lamented that the country’s oil and gas laws and policy were bereft of quality materials, pointing out that
the three books authored by Kachikwu would help fill that lacuna. Earlier, Dr Kachikwu had said Nigeria was going through difficult times, where thinking outside the box was absolutely key for the country to succeed as a nation.
109 staffers redeployed in NNPC shake-up Ademola Adegbite -Abuja THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), on Monday, redeployed about 109 staffers to various positions, with its spokesman, Mallam Garba Deen Muhammad, replaced by the corporation’s Group General Manager (GGM) in charge of Government and Labour Relations, Mr Ndu Ughamadu. Garba Deen will now serve as the General Manager in charge of Communications, Strategy and Policy. It was exclusively gathered, however, that all positions of Group General Manager (GGM) Strategy & Execution (S & E) created during the era of former Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr Ibe Kachikwu, within the entire directorates had been abolished to save cost. A copy of the redeployment document
seen by the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, on Monday, showed that the head of the NNPC Human Resource Department, Mrs Adekemi Akitoye Adunni, had been replaced by Oyeyemi Ladipo. The position of the company Secretary and Legal Adviser (CSLA), which was occupied by Mr Chidi Momah was splitted into two, as part of the changes. Mrs Hadiza Coomasie is now Legal Adviser, while former CSLA, Chidi Momah, is now secretary to the corporation. The other over 100 changes in positions in the corporation were effected across managerial cadre and some subsidiary companies of the NNPC. Informed NNPC source said nobody was sacked, adding that the changes were normal staff reshuffling.
RETURNS ON SOURCES OF FUNDS SOLD TO CUSTOMERS FOR THE WEEK BANK: CITIBANK NIGERIA LIMITED WEEK ENDED: NOVEMBER 11, 2016
S/N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49
SOURCE AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS AUTONOMOUS
DATE OF FUND PURCHASE 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16
EXCHANGE RATE
CCY
AMOUNT
305.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 242.35 242.35 315.00 346.35 315.00 242.80 242.80 242.80 242.80 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 241.80 241.80 241.80 241.80 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 305.00 239.15 239.15 239.15 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 344.80 315.00 387.60 340.06 238.65 238.65 315.00 341.90
USD USD USD USD AUD AUD USD EUR USD AUD AUD AUD AUD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD AUD AUD AUD AUD USD USD USD USD USD USD AUD AUD AUD USD USD USD USD USD USD EUR USD GBP EUR AUD AUD USD EUR
50,000.00 4,166,641.00 4,166,641.00 1,666,643.00 3,058.73 4,873.04 547.64 50,000.00 4,999,975.00 730.96 6,372.11 3,334.46 17,393.25 542.96 1,140.25 284,900.22 164,742.28 41,223.66 54,137.17 288,774.36 300,000.00 300,000.00 203.19 6,119.23 1,555.05 2,980.81 990.38 150.97 57,256.70 31,305.74 100,000.00 100,000.00 252.73 4,813.02 1,933.79 848.58 185.05 160,210.91 33,121.91 18,444.44 206,349.21 20,000.00 4,000,000.00 50,000.00 8,451,000.00 10,128.11 1,323.49 969.96 2,000,000.00
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RETURNS ON UTILIZATION OF FUNDS SOLD TO CUSTOMERS FOR THE WEEK BANK: CITIBANK NIGERIA LIMITED WEEK ENDED: NOVEMBER 11, 2016 SN
CUSTOMER
ITEM OF IMPORT
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AFRICAN FOUNDRIES LIMITED CITI HK GC PLATINUM MOHAMMAD MUDASSIR AMRAY NAMPAK BEVCAN NIGERIA LIMITED NAMPAK BEVCAN NIGERIA LIMITED NAMPAK BEVCAN NIGERIA LIMITED NAMPAK BEVCAN NIGERIA LIMITED NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC PARCO ENTERPRISES NIGERIA LIMITED PARCO ENTERPRISES NIGERIA LIMITED PARCO ENTERPRISES NIGERIA LIMITED PARCO ENTERPRISES NIGERIA LIMITED PARCO ENTERPRISES NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. AFRICAN FOUNDRIES LIMITED AFRICAN FOUNDRIES LIMITED ARVEE INDUSTRIES LTD CITI HK GC PLATINUM CITI HK GC PLATINUM CITI HK GC PLATINUM CITI HK GC PLATINUM CITI HK GC PLATINUM CITI LN GC PLATINUM CITI LUX GC THREADNEEDLE AM DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC PARCO ENTERPRISES NIGERIA LIMITED PARCO ENTERPRISES NIGERIA LIMITED PARCO ENTERPRISES NIGERIA LIMITED WORLDWIDE COMMERCIAL VENTURES LTD WORLDWIDE COMMERCIAL VENTURES LTD CFAO MOTORS NIGERIA LIMITED CITI HK GC PLATINUM DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED INDORAMA ELEME PETROCHEMICALS NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED RETAIL SUPERMARKETS NIGERIA LIMITED UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC AFRICAN FOUNDRIES LIMITED AFRICAN FOUNDRIES LIMITED CITI HK GC PLATINUM CITI HK GC PLATINUM DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED FRIESLANDCAMPINA WAMCO NIG. PLC. INDORAMA ELEME PETROCHEMICALS PMINTL NIGERIA LIMITED PMINTL NIGERIA LIMITED PMINTL NIGERIA LIMITED PMINTL NIGERIA LIMITED PRIME PLASTICHEM NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED SEVEN-UP BOTTLING COMPANY PLC SEVEN-UP BOTTLING COMPANY PLC SEVEN-UP BOTTLING COMPANY PLC SUMO STEELS LIMITED UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC AFRICAN FOUNDRIES LIMITED BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO NIG LTD CITI HK GC PLATINUM DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED DE UNITED FOODS INDUSTRIES LIMITED FRIESLANDCAMPINA WAMCO NIG. PLC. PRIME PLASTICHEM NIGERIA LIMITED PRIME PLASTICHEM NIGERIA LIMITED PRIME PLASTICHEM NIGERIA LIMITED PRIME PLASTICHEM NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED PROCTER AND GAMBLE NIGERIA LIMITED RECKITT BENCKISER NIGERIA LIMITED SEVEN-UP BOTTLING COMPANY PLC SEVEN-UP BOTTLING COMPANY PLC STANDARD CHARTERED BANK STANDARD CHARTERED BANK STANDARD CHARTERED BANK STANDARD CHARTERED BANK UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC WEST AFRICAN SEASONING COMPANY LTD
LOAN REPAYMENT REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES PERSONAL HOME REMITTANCE SPARE PARTS USED IN THE PACKAGING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS USED IN THE PACKAGING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS USED IN THE PACKAGING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR MACHINERY USED IN THE BEVERAGE CAN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY PSL HEINEKEN 600 ML FRONT & BACK RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT WITH MINIMUM PROTEIN RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT WITH MINIMUM PROTEIN RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT WITH MINIMUM PROTEIN RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT WITH MINIMUM PROTEIN RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT WITH MINIMUM PROTEIN RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS INTERBANK SALES INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS LOAN REPAYMENT FOIL OF ALUMINIUM FOR LAMINATION REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES FLAVOR CHICKEN (KAD) PSL HEINEKEN 600 ML FRONT & BACK RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT WITH MINIMUM PROTEIN RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT WITH MINIMUM PROTEIN RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT WITH MINIMUM PROTEIN PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS SPARE PART FOR YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES FLAVOR CHICKEN (KAD) IMPELLER PSL HEINEKEN 600 ML FRONT & BACK RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS CAPITAL EQUIPMENTS COLD ROLLING MILL SPARES INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES SEASONING FOR SPECIALIZED AND FRANCHISED FOOD (INSTANT NOODLES) SEASONING FOR SPECIALIZED AND FRANCHISED FOOD (INSTANT NOODLES) FLAVOR CHICKEN (KAD) FLAVOR CHICKEN (KAD) 198MT OF SKIMMED MILK POWDER HHHS 30+ BAG COMPRESSOR SPARES CIGARETTE PRODUCTS CIGARETTE PRODUCTS CIGARETTE PRODUCTS CIGARETTE PRODUCTS POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (GRADE 5385 AND / OR 1091) RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING SANITARY PADS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS 272 UNITS PEPSI COLA 876 UNITS MIRINDA BITTER LEMON 876 UNITS MIRINDA BITTER LEMON COLD ROLLING MILL SPARES ICON 450ML CAPS INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS POLYETHYLENE PLASTIC RAW MATERIAL IN GRANULES KENYAN BLACK TEA INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY TIPPING PAPER FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIAL MENTHOL AND FLAVOURS CONTRAP FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY TIPPING PAPER FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY CIGARETTE PAPER FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY SPARE PARTS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY RAW MATERIALS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRY TECHNICAL FEES PAYMENT REPATRIATION OF PROCEEDS FROM EQUITY SALES SEASONING FOR SPECIALIZED AND FRANCHISED FOOD (INSTANT NOODLES) SEASONING FOR SPECIALIZED AND FRANCHISED FOOD (INSTANT NOODLES) FLAVOR CHICKEN (KAD) SEASONING FOR SPECIALIZED AND FRANCHISED FOOD (INSTANT NOODLES) SEASONING FOR SPECIALIZED AND FRANCHISED FOOD (INSTANT NOODLES) 17MT OF SKIMMED MILK POWDER MH FOR UHT BAG POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (GRADE 5385 AND / OR 1091) TDI (TOLUENE DI) - ISOCYANATE) LINEAR LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (GRADE LL 1001KI) LINEAR LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS RAW MATERIAL FOR PRODUCING PAMPERS IPA PURE 272 UNITS PEPSI COLA 272 UNITS PEPSI COLA INTERBANK SALES INTERBANK SALES INTERBANK SALES INTERBANK SALES POLYETHYLENE PLASTIC RAW MATERIAL IN GRANULES INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIALS T31106057 MSG FILM & T31106083 MSG FILM 100G
DATE OF FUND PURCHASE
EXCHANGE RATE
CCY
AMOUNT
7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 7-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 8-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 9-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 10-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16 11-Nov-16
315.50 243.05 315.50 305.50 305.50 305.50 305.50 348.91 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 338.00 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 243.50 243.50 243.50 243.50 243.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 349.25 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 3.00 242.50 315.50 305.50 346.70 346.70 346.70 346.70 305.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 239.85 239.85 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 305.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 343.60 343.60 343.60 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 340.56 399.42 399.42 399.42 399.42 399.42 314.50 314.50 314.50 363.01 363.01 363.01 363.01 363.01 363.01 363.01 363.01 363.01 314.50 239.35 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 314.50 391.55 342.81 314.50 315.50 315.50 315.50 315.50
USD AUD USD USD USD USD USD EUR USD USD USD USD USD EUR USD USD USD USD AUD AUD AUD AUD AUD USD USD USD EUR USD USD USD USD USD JPY AUD USD USD EUR EUR EUR EUR USD USD USD USD AUD AUD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD EUR EUR EUR USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP USD USD USD EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR EUR USD AUD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD GBP EUR USD USD USD USD USD
3,999,982.00 3,447.47 22,086.91 8,996.25 4,058.32 8,996.25 1,175.92 90,000.00 148,462.00 1,410,000.00 1,410,000.00 1,410,000.00 1,410,000.00 28,218.68 211,550.00 37,976.00 1,749,986.00 369,412.95 206,000.60 8,350.90 73,471.91 25,218.38 13,644.16 32,907.26 57,181.40 130,587.05 455,000.00 392,038.00 1,410,000.00 1,410,000.00 28,672.25 91,327.75 2,070,092.00 50,939.76 68,608.15 22,607.65 59,246.00 24,956.09 4,841.15 20,037.40 31,690.95 34,550.00 311,407.45 92,000.00 22,380.80 82,517.04 102,120.00 88,536.00 69,279.15 347,250.00 498,080.88 21,414.29 199,044.00 59,664.00 69,168.00 163,044.00 166,320.00 28,723.60 75,872.16 76,213.54 138,710.00 76,488.58 24,662.38 24,771.65 73,924.25 74,506.05 73,222.97 24,627.00 42,585.56 277,440.00 297,837.02 191,721.38 122,409.00 34,921.60 104,846.02 179,883.00 62,265.00 157,031.24 302,876.86 397.49 13,186.00 125,476.00 17,378.32 125,076.00 16,438.31 5,477.20 58,975.50 28,118.72 236.50 7,030.80 23,587.13 29,141.60 3,443.00 17,418.24 7,056.80 48,671.60 3,784.20 98,617.98 116,979.67 2,211.80 12,235.20 174,595.56 1,802.16 43,854.07 3,732.62 6,628.14 66,589.19 28,118.72 827,892.00 45,850.00 394,747.26 27,540.00 7,025.68 340,362.00 209,484.00 529,650.00 77,760.00 342,738.00 104,658.00 3,684,636.00 5,077.85 102,470.00 102,120.00 190,617.50 19,256.85 62,135.00 36,070.09 166,320.00 129,000.00 108,900.00 20,790.00 53,149.07 46,548.31 25,344.00 295,800.00 106,115.64 1,232,630.00 10,000.00 19,300.00 75,300.00 65,068.44 43,946.79 188,614.00 48,466.58
8
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
9
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
10
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
11 news Presidency raises alarm over imminent famine
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
•Laments as exporters move grains abroad •Says 500 trucks leave Nigeria weekly Clement Idoko -Abuja
T
HE Presidency has raised the alarm that Nigeria, currently Africa’s largest producer of cereals and grains, risks famine from early next year. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, who gave the the grim forecast in a radio interview in Kano, said this followed a huge demand in the global market that was targeting the country’s surplus production. He said: “Huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian grains across our borders and unless this is curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of food by January next year.” The presidential
spokesman said the Ministry of Agriculture had advised the president on the need to draw the attention
of all Nigerians to this issue, which, if not addressed promptly, could lead to shortage of grains in the
country by January. “Over the past year, providence has blessed Nigeria with bountiful
harvest of grains, more than enough to feed the country and to export to other countries. At present,
Govs not comfortable with probe of bailout fund —ICPC CHAIRMAN, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission (ICPC), Mr Ekpo Nta, said most state governors were jittery when the commission commenced investigations into the spending of bailout funds. Nta stated this in Bauchi State, on Monday, in his speech, at the opening of Bauchi State AntiCorruption summit, entitled: “Transparency and Accountability: A Panacea for Good Governance and Sustainable Development.” He said when the commission commenced investigations into coffers of state governments’ accounts, most of the governors were uncomfortable.
“Most of the governors thought I was going to find out how the bailout funds were utilised, not knowing that the commission had different intention. “We witnessed a situation where most of the states were bedevilled with ghost workers syndrome in spite of the fact that their resources could pay workers’ salaries. “Staff verification could not be authentic, as most agencies alerted both their authentic and fake staff to appear during such exercises,” Nta said. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he said the commission, therefore, had to fall back on Bank Verification Numbers
(BVN), and matched same with staff nominal list and a lot of malpractices were discovered. “Some of the workers were discovered to be receiving double and even triple salaries, with two or four accounts, different names in different banks and one BVN. “They draw salaries from all the accounts on monthly basis, as such I urge all agencies to address the issue of ghost workers with dispatch,” Nta said. He called on members of the National Assembly to monitor projects executed by the executive to ensure that such projects tallied with funds appropriated in the budget. In his speech, the Bauchi
State governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, said in line with the anticorruption campaign in the state, a committee was set up to recover all funds and property acquired illegally by some government officials. “In line with the present administration’s commitment to fight corruption in all the sectors of the economy and the civil service, the Bauchi State government set up a committee to recover all public funds and property acquired illegally by some persons in the past administration. “The committee has submitted its reports and released a white paper on the findings of the committee,’’ he said.
Arms deal: Obanikoro handed over N1.2bn to me at Akure airport —Witness Sunday Ejike -Abuja THE first prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Biodun Agbele, an associate of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, on Monday, in his testimony before a Federal High Court in Abuja, said the former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, handed N1.2 billion to him at Akure airport. The witness, Mr Alade Sunday, who was cross examined by Chief Mike Ozekhome, counsel representing Agbele, told Justice Nnamdi Dimgba that it was Obanikoro that handed down the sum of N1.2 billion to him at the Akure airport. However, Mr Sunday had earlier testified before the court that his zonal manager, Abiodun Osodi, had informed him that a customer would be bringing
Ex-finance minister, Usman, seeks transfer, severance of criminal charge A former minister of Finance, Nenandi Usman, on Monday, informed a Federal High Court, Lagos, of her application seeking severance and transfer of a criminal charge pending before the court. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Usman was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside, a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode and Danjuma Yusuf, on a 17 -count charge bordering on the offences.
in some money, but when he was asked to read from his witness statement, which stated that he was informed by one Lawrence Akande, the Prosecution Witness 1 (PW1) got agitated, sprang to his feet, insisting on clarifying the fact that he was informed through his zonal manager. The PW1, who said he had never met the defendant prior to the June 17, 2014 transactions, also insisted that he never discussed anything related to money nor any meeting, but said he was not worried that a customer he had not met before was bringing raw cash in two aircraft via the Akure airport, but got worried when the second aircraft arrived. Having confirmed he was worried over the huge sum of money, when asked if he knows about the Suspicion Transaction Report (STR) or any financial task force, which he said he knows and he was even a part, he, however, said he did not report the transactions because it was not his duty to do so, and as a compliance officer, he insisted that he did not report the transaction because there was a department to do that. Earlier, Wahab Shittu, prosecuting counsel, while announcing his appearance, had informed the court that he had initiated the process of retrieving the defendant’s international passport from the EFCC, to be brought before the court. It will be recalled that the court, at the last adjourned date, had asked the EFCC to produce the defendant’s international passport, having written the court that
the defendant would embark on a foreign trip for medical attention. During cross examination, the PW1 affirmed that when the aircraft landed at Akure airport, it was the defendant, Biodun Agbele and Obanikoro who took custody of the money. When asked on whose instruction the monies were transferred, he said “the instruction was given by Biodun Agbele. “The transaction was processed on behalf of Agbele, the cash was mostly in N1,000 bill, while the rest were in N500, and were deposited into the accounts of Spotless Investment, De Privateer Limited of Ayodele Fayose.” At this point, the trial judge adjourned the continuation of trial till November 17, 2016. Agbele was arraigned alongside Obanikoro (in absentia), Sylvan Mcnamara Limited, A. O. Adewale, Tunde Oshinowo and Olalekan Ogunseye (all at large) before the court on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.2 billion allegedly transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) by the embattled former NSA, Sambo Dasuki. In a related development, a witness of the EFCC in the ongoing trial of Mr Azibaola Robert, Managing Director of One-plus Holdings and cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, told a Federal High Court, in Abuja, that the $39.9 million paid to OnePlus Holdings by the ONSA was inconsequential, as Azibaola was “High Profile
Net Worth Customer” of Zenith Bank Plc. The witness, Olabode Farinuola, a compliance officer of the bank, during cross-examination by Gordy Uche, counsel for Azibaola and his wife, Stella, admitted that cash inflows into Oneplus and its sister company, Kakatar CE Limited, made Robert and his wife one of the biggest customers of the bank. The bank official told the court that Oneplus and Kakatar CE have several big construction projects cutting across the country, especially in Abuja. Farinuola, who is the second Prosecution Witness (PW2) in the case, told the court that he did not know the purpose $39.9 million was paid into OnePlus’ account by the ONSA and the purpose to which it was disbursed. He stated that the bank complied with all regulations for opening a corporate account for Oneplus Holdings under the KYC (Know Your Customer) principle. Asked if, as a compliance officer, the bank had ever received any complaint of any form of financial misconduct from any law enforcement agency, the witness said, “No” and added that the only letter from EFCC to the bank requesting for the account package was what it had ever received. “No other agency has written to question any financial transaction by Oneplus Holdings,” he said. In his earlier testimony of October 6, led by EFCC counsel, Mr Tahir Farinuola had stated that, “On 22nd January, 2016, we received
a letter from EFCC on investigation activities, on Oneplus Holdings Limited, on the domiciliary account requesting for the account opening documentation, we have forwarded the statement of account and a certificate of identification to EFCC.”
Inflation now 18.3% —NBS Continued from pg5
index increased by 16.95 per cent in October from 16.4 per cent in September. On month-on-month basis, the Urban index rose by 0.81 per cent in October from 0.79 per cent recorded in September, while the Rural index rose by 0.84 per cent in October from 0.83 per cent in September. The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve-month period ending in October 2016 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelvemonth period was 14.2 per cent, higher from 13.5 per cent recorded in September. The corresponding twelvemonth year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index increased from 14.4 per cent in September to 15.3 per cent in October, while the corresponding rural index also increased from 12.6 per cent in September to 13.3 percent in October. The Composite Food Index rose by 17.1 per cent in October 2016. The rise in the index was caused by increase in prices of Bread and Cereal, Fish, and Meat.
there is a high demand for grains from Nigeria, from African countries as distant as Libya and Algeria, and from places as far away as Brazil. “However, the ministry of agriculture has raised concerns about a massive rate of exportation, which could lead to shortage of grains in Nigeria by January,” Mallam Garba said. He explained that Nigeria currently enjoyed a free market situation. “President Muhammadu Buhari is not in any way opposed to or intent on tampering with that. “On the other hand, exporters also have moral obligation to make their produce available to Nigerians who live within our country’s borders, to ensure that our citizens have access to food.” The president’s senior special assistant on media and publicity informed the radio station that the ministry of agriculture estimated that no fewer than 500 trucks laden with grain leave Nigerian markets every week, headed for countries outside our borders. The major markets involved in this exportation are: the Dawanau market in Kano, Naigatari in Jigawa, Bama in Borno, and Ilela in Sokoto, as well as three other main markets in Kebbi State. He further explained that President Buhari had, on various occasions, reiterated his plan for Nigeria to become a food-producing giant, self-sufficient to the point of depending very little on imported food. “This noble plan could easily be defeated by the pull of the foreign market if food continues to leave our shores to feed people elsewhere. If care is not taken, Nigeria could face a famine by January,” he stressed. “Building our country into the edifice we envision it to be will require sacrifice and strategy from every single Nigerian. Let us remember that charity begins at home,’’ he said in the programme. Asked a question on what the government was doing to avert the frightening situation, the presidential spokesman said President Buhari had asked the Ministry of Agriculture to present a quick plan for the purchase of surplus grains to be stored in warehouses across the country to save for the rainy day, but opined that there was the need for moral pressure on exporters by traditional and religious authorities to curtail the depletion of the home market.
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news
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
Fayose at 56, rededicates self to service
All patriotic Nigerians must appreciate Fayose —Hon Adekola By Sam Nwaoko and Bode Adewumi
T
HE governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said that he would not relent in his efforts to serve his fellow men and declared a fast to mark his 56th birthday. In a statement on Monday to commemorate the occa-
sion, Fayose condemned the All Progressives Congressled Federal Government for abolishing the middle class in Nigeria by allegedly bringing untold hardship on the people. In the statement entitled: “I stand for Nigeria”, Fayose said: “I use this occasion to solidarise with our people who are suffering and lacking the basic necessities of
life at a level never seen before in this country. “It will make no meaning for me to be celebrating birthday in the face of the muzzling, arm-twisting, ridiculing and blackmailing of the judiciary, legislature and the opposition in the name of anti-corruption war. “When a democratically elected government em-
barks on systematic efforts to kill the opposition, legislature and subjugate the judiciary, it is no time for lovers of democracy like myself to pick samba and tambourine to celebrate birthday. “Rather than wine and dine, which, usually, is the hallmark of birthday celebrations, I shall spend today, fasting, meditating and praying to God that
He should graciously and mercifully intervene in the affairs of our great country, Nigeria, which, regrettably, has been laid prostrate by this clueless, fumbling and wobbling administration.” Fayose added that he would dedicate the occasion of his birthday “to the desperately poor, the poor, and the once vibrant middle class Nigerians that have now been reduced to an unprecedented level of marginalisation, untold suffering and virtual nothingness.” Meanwhile, the member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency of Ekiti State in the House of Representatives, Chief Segun Adekola, has said the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has refused to keep quiet in the face of current hardship facing Nigerians.
He said it was difficult to think that a lot of Nigerians are keeping sealed mouths when the country is drifting on the precipice of disaster. According to Adekola, people like Fayose had seen beyond the lies and propaganda being bandied around by the current leadership in the country. “Even as they are trying seriously to stifle the opposition, it is becoming increasingly clear that the country is not making any progress. “He should be celebrated by all progress loving Nigerians for being the lone voice at a time people are in trance. Look at the transformation he has brought to the state in just two years or can they say he has not put Ekiti State on the right track even when the central government is giving excuses for its inability to put food on the tables of Nigerians?
Protest rocks FUNNAB as SSANU shut down activities From right, matriarch of the Saraki family, Chief (Mrs) Florence Saraki; wife of the Senate President, Mrs Toyin Saraki; Dr Bukola Saraki; Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; his wife, Omolewa and Senator Baba Kaka Garbai, at the fourth year remembrance prayers for the late Senate Leader in the Second Republic, Dr Olusola Saraki, in Ilorin, on Monday.
117 graduate with First Class at UI convocation By LAOLU HAROLDS
THE Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, on Monday, disclosed that a total of 117 graduates of the premier university obtained First Class honours this year. A total of 1,207 also obtained 2nd Class honours (Upper Division); 3,020, 2nd Class (Lower Division); and 666, Third Class. It was Professor Olayinka’s first graduation address since assuming office as the vice chancellor of the institution. He, however, said that the 117 that graduated with First Class represented only 2.2
Fani-Kayode gains freedom after perfecting bail conditions SUNDAY EJIKE-ABUJA
FORMER spokesperson of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign organisation, Chief Femi FaniKayode, was on Monday released from Kuje Prisons custody, after perfecting all his bail conditions. Fani-Kayode, who was flanked by his wife on the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he perfected his bail conditions, told journalists that he gave thanks to God and Nigerians who were with him during the travails.
per cent of the total graduands this year. The visibly excited vice chancellor told the congregation that, indeed, one of his strategic objectives when he applied for the vice chancellor position was to significantly increase the proportion of students of the university who graduate with First Class and Second Class honours (Upper Division), and reduce the proportion that graduate with Third Class – without lowering standards. The vice chancellor also
listed some of the feats achieved by staff and students of the university in the course of the past one year, particularly the ranking of the University of Ibadan among the top 1,000 best universities in the world by the Times Higher Education (the first Nigerian university to break into that bracket). He also disclosed that two of the products of the university obtained First Class honours at the Nigerian Law School Bar Final Examination.
Professor Olayinka congratulated the graduands on their successful graduation, appealed to them to be good ambassadors of the institution. Miss Christianah Oluwatosin Falaye, who emerged the overall best student in this year’s graduation, commended the university for offering the graduands a “liberal education” which she said equipped the students with transferable skills, which can be used creatively to solve personal problems.
LG election: OYSIEC releases timetable By Tunde Ogunesan
OYO State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), on Monday, released the timetable for the elections into the existing 33 local government areas and the newly created 35 Local Council Development Authority (LCDAs) in the state. The election is slated for Saturday, February 11, 2017. Chairman of the commission, Mr Jide Ajeigbe, released the document while addressing journalists in Ibadan. Ajeigbe disclosed that prospective candidates are expected to obtain nomination forms in respect of the election from the electoral officers at the local government areas not later than
Wednesday, December 28, 2016. According to him, “Commencement of campaign by political parties and conduct of party primaries will hold between November 16 and 19, 2016 while collection of personal data form for candidates by political parties will hold from November 21 to 24. “Submission of personal data form for candidates by political parties is between November 28 and December 1, 2016 while verification/screening of councillorship candidates will be between December 9 and 10. “Delivery of list of qualified candidates to political parties by OYSIEC will hold on December 12, 2016. Appeals/Substitution of uncleared candidates will be
between December 14 and 16. Screening of substituted candidates by OYSIEC is between December 20 and 22. Collection of nomination forms by all cleared candidates will be between December 26 and January 4, 2017 while submission of nomination form will be between January 9 and January 11, 2017. “Publication of names of qualified candidates will hold on January 13, 2017. Submission of names and addresses of party agents to the commission will hold on January 16 to 25 while electioneering campaign will end February 10, 2017,” he stated. The OYSIEC boss stated that the run off and re-run election will hold on February 18, 2017.
Alake promises to wade into crisis Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta
ACADEMIC and administrative activities were temporarily put on hold on Monday, as hundreds of members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) shut down the university. The crisis rocking the university community took a new dimension, when members of the union from the Western Zone, barricaded all access roads leading into the university, protesting the sack of their members. The university governing council had, last week, sacked 23 members of staff of the institution on various allegations such as stealing, absconding from duty, wilful disrespect to constituted authority, among others. The protest, which started at about 6:30a.m., caught many students and staff of the institution unaware as movement into the school was disrupted for the better part of the day. Bonfire and vehicles were used in blocking the Alabata road, as the protesters chanted anti-management songs. Security personnel, including the men of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were on ground to maintain peace and orderliness. Addressing the protesters, the National Vice-President, SSANU Western zone, Alfred Jimoh, urged the governing council to recall their colleagues unconditionally. Jimoh called on the Federal Government to probe
the activities of the institution under the leadership of Professor Olusola Oyewole. He wondered why his colleagues who were demanding for probity, accountability and transparency in the handling of the finances of the institution, became the hunted. “The Federal Government should beam its searchlight on FUNNAB, if truly and indeed sincere with the anticorruption war,” he added. He added that the action of the institution’s management should be condemned in its entirety by Nigerians of good conscience. Meanwhile, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has promised to wade into the crisis rocking the institution. He said this while receiving members of SSANU at the Ake Palace. The union national vicepresident, Alfred Jimoh, appealed to the monarch to prevail on the school management to reinstate workers relieved of their appointments. The monarch said, “We are not happy in the town about what is happening at our university. We are praying that you will get back on track soon, but do not shut down the university, take it easy and don’t resort to self help. “All that you said have been noted but conduct yourself in a civilised manner. “High-handedness will only make the matter go on. You don’t sanction people without first hearing from them. They should follow the rules before doing anything.”
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editorial
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Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
The new private universities
AST week, the Federal Government approved the take-off of eight private universities in the country. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) announced the approval of these universities sequel to the submission of an approved memo from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to it by the Federal Ministry of Education. Briefing state House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Minister of Education, Professor Anthony Anwuka, said the reason behind the approval was to give the teeming youths the opportunity to acquire university education. According to him, the new universities would be supervised by the older universities within their zone for a period of three years, to assist them to put the necessary infrastructure in place. He added that the supervision was in agreement with the law. However, it may be quite difficult to overlook the speciousness of the Education Minister’s presentation, especially the part which attempts to justify the approval of these universities on the basis of the clamour for university education by the country’s “teeming youths”. Ideally, universities are established for higher purposes than the banal ones which the minister cited. In Nigeria, the university degree has not gone beyond the request for a meal ticket. It has hardly guaranteed capacity building and, arguably, most of the investors in that sector, sometimes hiding under the cloak of evangelical ministry, are only interested in quick returns on their investment while cashing in on the desperation and quests of the vulnerable admission seekers. Tellingly, the majority of aspiring students of tertiary institutions of higher learning in Nigeria would rather opt for the public institutions with tame fees and experienced lecturers, although with overstretched infrastructure. A university actually consists more in its faculties than in overpriced infrastructure with little learning. In any case, many of the already existing private universities do not have enough students to justify the huge investments that went into their establishment, so it is difficult to see how establishing more of these institutions can help to increase the opportunity for
university admissions for the “teeming youths” of the country. It would seem that the profit motive is central to the establishment of these institutions, in spite of the pretentious altruism of many founders. Will the mentoring to be done by the older universities be limited to assisting the new private universities in putting certain infrastructure in place, when these older universities have challenges themselves in this area? What about their faculties and the research and teaching that are the core essence of the university experience? We note the tendency of some religious bodies to proliferate these universities for less than wholesome motives, especially in the face of the dearth of qualified teaching staff. Even the NUC recently admitted that only 60 percent of university staff in the country are qualified to teach. If only 60 percent of the staff are qualified to teach, where did the FEC get the confidence to approve another eight that have surely come on board to further clog the drain? We are of the opinion that the planning department of the Federal Ministry of Education must ensure due diligence on each application for license to make these new universities comply and conform to the human power needs of the country. It is disconcerting to live with the mushrooming of universities in the country when the oldest university is not yet 70. It is an experience that countries with centuries-old universities are yet to go through. The NUC should not be recommending the approval of licenses of private universities to the FEC at the drop of a hat. It has become crucial for it to conduct a comprehensive review of all applications in order to ensure that approved universities have genuine reasons to exist as fully fledged institutions with social yearnings to fulfil. It is true that the teeming youths desire tertiary or university education, not just some letters after their names, but the exposure and capacity building that will universally enhance their chances. But it is imperative that the NUC licenses only institutions, private or public, that are capable of delivering the goods.
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14 LETTERS TO THE
Teusday, 15 November, 2016
editor
Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@tribune.com.ng or by sms to 08053412982. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.
How Trump’s presidency will benefit Nigeria
I
S anybody really surprised by what is going on in global politics of recent? Western countries are now turning their backs on immigration, and as a result, there is strong anti-immigrant sentiment sweeping over the West. The influx of refugees into Europe made it possible for the world to see the limit to which a people can accept uncontrolled immigration. From Germany, to France, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Bulgaria, Hungary, among others, anti-immigration parties are now thriving. This was also what happened when the British people voted to leave the European Union (EU), thereby making popular the term ‘Brexit.’ In Germany, locals are now against the refugee policy of Chancellor Angela Merkel, thereby pro-
testing against her party by voting for anti-immigration parties in regional elections. So when Donald Trump started his campaign by attacking several people, countries, religions, among others, and he was scoring high on the polls, I knew America was heading the way of Brexit. While the campaign lasted, Trump attacked Muslims, Mexico, Africa, China, women, but all these did not bring about a loss of his popularity. Just a week to the election, a tape was leaked when Trump claimed he could do some things to women and still get away with it. With this, many people thought his presidential ambition had evaporated, but somehow, he stayed in the race. Now, after the election, the world is shocked that we will finally have a President Donald Trump,
and questions are being asked about what actually happened in the American election when a political outsider came from nowhere to ‘snatch’ the presidency. What happened here can be likened to what is happening in Europe at the moment; with anti-immigrant feelings spreading across Europe, and Donald Trump campaigning
that he would deport 11 million undocumented workers, stop visa issuance to citizens of countries that support terrorism, among others, it was only a while before Americans revealed where they stood. After Donald Trump’s inauguration next year, nobody really knows what is in stock for undocumented workers in the US, or even honest Muslims who will
want to visit the US, or the even the several trade deals the US has with China and other countries, which the president-elect had promised to cancel. However, I believe Trump’s presidency will be of benefit to Nigeria. On several occasions, he had accused our leaders of being corrupt, saying they only cared about siphoning money out of their country.
With this, our leaders will have a second thought before mismanaging public funds placed in their care. Trump’s reign, hopefully, will also stop brain-drain, as our professionals will stay back at home and contribute to the development of the country, instead of relocating to the United States. •Tajudeen Alalade, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Oyo White Paper on education, a welcome development PERMIT me to use this medium to express my views about the recently released White Paper on education by the Oyo State government. We, the citizens, should not sit on the fence when policies are being made and we should always air our views, whether it is positive or negative. In essence, when government action needs
to be commended or condemned, we should not hide under one finger. To this end, I write this to commend the Oyo State government on the creation of the school governing board which will provide management functions for secondary schools in the state. Although, it is unfortunate that this decision was taken after the
crisis witnessed in the education sector recently. The government should have considered this option instead of the ones some people considered as a step to sell public schools in the state. The policy will open effective channels of communication among the various stakeholders in the education sector. This will improve the conditions of our various schools in terms of academics, infrastructure and furniture. Parents, community leaders, old students, among other various stakeholders, will have first hand information about the happenings in
schools. Not being privy to the programmes in our schools has affected the educational standard of our various schools. While commending the Oyo State government for this worthy initiative, I urge it to follow this policy to the letter in accordance with functions and guidelines highlighted in the White Paper. This, and many other initiatives, will save the education of the state from further decay and bring forth the lost glory of our education system. •Tolu Agbeja, Sanda Street, Molete, Ibadan.
Afenifere, South West governors, immortalise late Olaniwun Ajayi I want to urge Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, and governors in the South West states to immortalise the late Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, who recently answered the supreme call. Sir Olaniwun Ajayi left good virtues for all Yorubas to emulate, and in his life time, he worked tirelessly for the advancement of the Yoruba cause. Baba wanted the Yoruba nation to thrive in a progressive Nigeria. It is a pity that Nigeria has lost one of its greatest and courageous leaders. I, therefore, want to urge the governors in the South West states, and particularly that of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to rename schools after the late Ajayi. Baba was also a lawyer,
and it will be better for an annual lecture to be instituted in his name. All these will go a long way in appreciating all the good he did for the Yoruba race while he was on this side of the world. With this, I want to appeal to the children and immediate family of Baba Ajayi not to be too downcast, as Baba did his best for Yorubaland, and Nigeria as a whole. Baba Ajayi also died at a very ripe age, while leaving behind a good legacy. It is, therefore, important for Yoruba sons and daughters to be appreciative of the struggles Baba embarked upon for the race. May God grant Baba eternal rest. •Jimoh Mumin jimohmumin@yahoo.com
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opinion
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
The ‘eeny, meeny, miny moe’ veracity prophecy with Vera Onana
veraonana@gmail.com 08054680688
I
F you ever played the game tag as a child, you will be familiar with the phrase filled with nonsense-sounding syllables. It was usually used in the children’s game to select a person who leaves the game or does something stupid. In the tag game, however, the child who is pointed to by the chanter on the last syllable is ‘counted out.’ After the result of the just-concluded U.S election permeated through America to other nations of the world, I have been asking myself this question: was the self acclaimed infallible seer/ prophet playing tag? The holy writ admonished expressly “touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm.” I may not be the quintessential follower of the creator, but I work really hard to decipher good from evil and adhere to the commandments. Consequently, I have never sailed on the waters of disrespecting a prophet or made port at the shore of a prophet’s ridicule. The reason for this is contrived and here is my postulate: doing either of those would mean condemning my soul to an early immortality that would be attributed to walking off the plank like on the Flying Dutchman. However, my mind has been reeling in an almost permanent state of entropy since the 45th President of the United State of America emerged. What did T.B Joshua really see? Nigeria’s Synagogue Church of Nations (SCOAN) leader, Prophet T.B Joshua, sans any hesitations, in some smug manner, announced to his mega church in Lagos, during a Sunday service that the next president of the greatest nation on the face of the earth will be a woman. The prophesy was posted on his official Facebook pageTB Joshua Ministries, and was later published on YouTube, on November 6, 2016, two days to the American election. In a video clip taken from his Emmanuel TV channel, T.B Joshua claimed that “he saw a woman” winning the presidency. The prophet prophesied that “10 days ago, I saw the new president of America with a narrow win, by the way, what I frankly saw is a woman.” Naturally, his prophecy was followed with wild cheers from a congregation going agog with insight into such classified international intelligence. Sure, they revered their prophet more greatly for he would probably be earning a place in the White House. Alas, his prophecy, that claimed that the candidate of the Democratic party, Hilary Clinton,
a WOMAN, would NARROWLY win the 2016 U.S. presidential election, ahead of Republican candidate, Donald Trump, went south. Donald Trump, a man, did not only win the November 8, 2016, U.S presidential election but did so with a wide margin, becoming the United States 45th president. My capitalised emphasis on the words ‘woman’ and ‘narrowly’ was not mere aesthetics. It was to underscore certain salient facts; the most riveting aspects of T.B Joshua’s prophesy were interred in those words. Those two words were, for me, the lifeline of his prophesy, if it had any. They were the defining fragments that were supposed to stun not just Nigeria, but the world as a whole, but as reality unveiled and Trump hilariously won the election, the circumstances surrounding his win showed huge disparity from what the prophet claimed would happen. Trump, a man, won the U.S. presidential election flawlessly with the electoral votes. So, what exactly did the prophet see? In the book of Psalms, we hear the prophet explicitly say, ‘once has the Lord spoken, twice have I heard him,’ this not only points but attests to the fact that God’s messages to HIS prophets are never nebulous or ambiguous. The holy writ speaks of Him as ‘not a man that he should lie’ and people of the faith, understand with evidences that his constancy is immutable. With him, there are no forked prophesies because that was the forte of the perilous three hags who paltered with Macbeth in double sense, heralding his doom. So, what did the prophet hear? The scripture in the new testaments tells
the purpose of prophesies to be for the edification, encouragement, and comfort of men, never for their confusion! It is sad to begin to witness instances and hear of tales in which prophets, not only goof, but obliterate the evidences of their prophesies going south immediately the truth is unraveled. For, interestingly, as the news of Trump’s victory filtered through the world’s atmospheric on Wednesday, November 9, T.B Joshua ministries pulled down the Facebook post that had at that time become controversial, false and inaccurate. Why do prophets, self acclaimed men of God in general, dabble into the politics of the world? Is their place not in keeping the flock? What exactly are they coveting? Are they expecting to rule the nations of the world by dishing out prophesies or by, like in this case, playing tag? If Hilary had emerged President, T.B Joshua would have become world famous by being the prophet who predicted her win. I would want to assume he was closely following the American media who unprofessionally endorsed Clinton and made her popular. I would bet that his vision was influenced by the sweet tidings coming from media and now, the media’s defeat has become his ridicule. Perhaps, he should have taken a cue from the Indian psychic fish, Chanakya III, who swam towards the floating stick bearing Donald Trump’s photo all the time, picking him as the President of the United States, for that prophesy came true! Or maybe T.B Joshua should have towed the path of the mystic Chinese monkey described as the “king of prophets” who tipped Trump for the US presidency. The monkey was reportedly given a chance to pick between life-sized cut-outs of Trump and Clinton. “After deliberate thought”, the five-year-old monkey chose Trump and behold, it was Trump! Or maybe, he should have just stuck with preaching the gospel as the scripture mandates to his mega congregation, staying clear of any form of politics, most especially one as unique as the just-concluded U.S election. If I were in his trustees, I would have given him those three options and assuredly picking one would have, maybe, saved him from that ridiculous Facebook page sanitation exercise.
Muhammadu Bello: FCT’s anointed apostle of change By Stephen Adeoshun
MOST of the times, human beings have tendencies to react negatively to change, but when the ‘change agent’ sends the right signal that sincerity and fairness are parts of the components of the said ‘change’, then, the process becomes embraceable. It is about a year now that the residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) started experiencing this kind of ‘change’ – many are now so sure that if sustained, the future will be better assured, especially with the current Minister, Mallam Muhammadu Bello still in charge. What has he actually achieved in the past one year at the Federal Capital Territory? And within the specific spheres of transport, education, health, security, rural and urban development, what has been the nature of his influence on the citizens? In seeking to answer these questions and assess Muhammadu Bello’s administration, the first thing to acknowledge is that the FCT is like a state and the powers of the Minister are limited, certainly in comparison to governors of states and chief executive officers of other world cities. For instance, Mexico City’s mayor can pass far reaching legislations. In Berlin, the mayor can block federal legislation; the mayor of New York, arguably the world’s most powerful mayor, has a gigantic budget of £45bn (N22.5tn) at his disposal, while his London counterpart has a budget of £17bn (N13.5tn) to control and superintend on all services ranging from police to education. Abuja is not a ministry, its administration, structure, composition is like that of a state, as a ministry, it is faced with many challenges and duplications of functions across departments and it was obvious it can no longer be
run as a ministry. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), was created on December 31, 2004, and Mallam Muhammadu Bello, was appointed as Minister of the FCT by President Muhammadu Buhari on the November 11, 2015. The mandate was to: provide critical infrastructure, services to the FCT residents, wealth creation and poverty reduction, an effective and efficient administrative framework and also a safe and secure environment. The minister inherited a city whose infrastructure was grossly overstretched and whose planning was eroded and by-passed, a capital that was “developing towards some level of chaos in terms of service delivery and traffic management.” According to him, insecurity pervaded parts of the city, also contractors had already stopped work, laid off their staff and abandoned work. He said the territory was, however, well conceived, well planned, and had first-class infrastructure, although it had grown exponentially more than any other city in Africa. At inception, the administration had funding issues, for 11 months, there were no releases for capital projects. To be able to develop critical infrastructure as part of the mandate, the minister requested for extension of
the budget by three months so as to mobilise available contractors to site. To provide effective services to the residents, he axed the entrenched land cabal in the Federal Capital Territory, and replaced land and other key directors with competent hands. A lot of building plans are now being approved on time and failed applications receive feedback as soon as possible. To safeguard the environment and maintain peace, the minister met with members of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders and insisted that herdsmen must move their cattle out of the Federal Capital City as there is no way such animals could co-habit with residents. He allocated over 33,000 hectares for grazing, thus putting an end to the long term problem. The administration focused on upgrading the slums in Abuja through urban renewal programme and not through demolitions, where demolitions are needed for new roads and diseases control, the administration adopted best international practises. Muhammadu Bello was quoted recently as saying that: “My focus is for us to make the city efficient by completing all ongoing projects. All stretches of roads from the airport to barracks will all be completed. And, I hope to strengthen the institutions, and complete the Abuja light rail project on time. That is the legacy I want to leave.” Just like his namesake, President Muhammadu Buhari, FCT’s Muhammadu has his eyes strictly on anti-corruption crusade because he believes that when this ‘malady’ is removed from the polity, the real ‘change’ will be manifested in no time. •Adeoshun wrote via stephen@solomonglobal. co.uk
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The power centres of Yorubaland
EVENTS lately indicate a rising surge for rennaisance in the political circle in Yorubaland. KUNLE ODEREMI burrows into the well-kit camps of some power blocs in the South-West, the permutations and impact.
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ROM Lagos to Ibadan through Abeokuta, down to Ado-Ekiti, Akure and Osogbo, the tempo of political horse-trading is on the rise. Political leaders are crisscrossing the landscape of the South-West trying to forge fresh alliances and evolve what they have called a unified Yoruba Agenda. Notable figures are leading the frenetic moves to build a new consensus on burning national issues. The crisis in the major political parties has become the major catalyst for the mass movement, coupled with the perceived inadequate appreciation of
the role and contribution of the zone to electoral victory of the government of the day in 2015. Hitherto political adversaries are closing ranks because of the overall interest of the South-West, though some see the alignments as seeming unholy alliances. so, beyond the exchange of visits by Governors Ayo Fayose and Rauf Aregbesola of Ekiti and Osun states is political undercurrent as they represent different political inclinations and divergence. There are established power centres that have continued to stand the test of time in Yoruba land. But most of
them derive from one main source. It is the awolowo politicalsynasty, whichhas succeeded in rallying the Yoruba political eliteand nation together. Virtually all other power centres trace their roots to the political dynasty and profess its ethos. Apart from the traditional institution, which also formed a veritable powercentre, other power blocs have emerged built around prominent individuals like former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Bola Tinubu, serving governors and former governors, as well as apostles of Continues on pg20
YEMOJA FESTIVAL IN IBADAN
—Hon Dapo Lam-Adesina
The celebration of the ‘Mother’ of mankind
Inside
PLACES
Obafemi Awolowo Stadium is an eyesore
20 thesouth-west
The scramble for South-West
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
Continued from pg19
the June 12 struggle with late business mogul Chief MKO Abiola, as the indisputable symbol. Over the years, some of these power centres did not largely interface, but the situation appears different today, as their supporters and promoters as well as power brokers cum kingmakers are involved in intense discussion for possible collaboration, cooperation and alliances. It will be recalled that a similar scenario was prevalent not too long ago in history political grouping and alliances. There was the Fourth Dimension, led by late Chief Sunday Afolabi in Oyo State; the Primrose group, founded by Chief Dapo Sarumi, and the Imeri Group, which was the initiative of Dr Bode Olajumoke, which tried to evolve a common agenda and serve as a power centre between the South-West and the North and the East. It is in this light some observers have situated the ongoing processes at forging a unified voice in Yoruba land. Investigation indicate that the various power centres are, however, cautious in the ongoing moves for fresh alliances, ostensinly to avoid being either shortchanged during negotiation or marginalised at the end of the day. The mutual suspicion and intrigues have crystalised in a number of permutations and assumptions based on past experiences of most of the major political gladiators on the politics of Yoruba land nay the country. Though the kingmakers/power brokers still believe they hold the ace, the new elements want to play along with the hope they could outsmart the hawks. Like phoenix, part of their permutations is to flaunt their ‘clean’ credentials’ to reposition themselves as the new dominant forces. But, there are serious challenges in the ongoing moves by the groups to unite and forge a common agenda. While some of the groups in the power blocs favour the quest to form a new party in alliance with like- minds from other geopolitical zones of the country, another bloc prefers the adoption of one of the existing political parties as a launch pad preparatory to the next political dispensation. The latter group is believed to favour the adoption of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) as the veritable choice of a platform to articulate and promote the agenda. The other group, which is inclined to the formation of a new party, is urging the ovival camp to key into the project on two critical grounds. One of them is the assumption that the establishment at the centre could go after those perceived to have outstanding issues”, dating back to the period some of their leaders were in power. The other ground is the theory that the past of such individuals could have a domino effect on the older political parties, if adopted as some of their leaders are believed to have some baggage. However, the group that is championing a new party is counting on the goodwill of Obasanjo and his loyalists if he acquiesces to the new project. The significance of the new spirit of unity and concord in Yorubaland is underlined by the conviviality that informed a recent meeting between Tinubu and some Yoruba leaders at his Bourdillon Ikoyi residence in Lagos. Most of the leaders harped on the need for unity and common agenda meant to enhance the status, capacity and gains of the Yoruba in contemporary politics in the country. Some of those leaders that attended that meeting recalled the contribution of Sir Olaniwun Ajayi at the meeting. He was seen as a critical rallying point when it came to the issue of Yoruba unity. This was how Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State graphically captured the scenario, when news broke about the demise of the late nationalist and lawyer: “I recall my last meeting with him just about three months ago at the residence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it was like a premonition. He had admonished all of us to give him a long legacy and ensure that the Yoruba hegemony is not trampled upon and tarnished.” The reverence of the late political titan was equally reflected by Afenifere in its condolence message, as it stated: “His last days of his life were spent in worries over the state of affairs in Yoruba land in particular and in Nigeria at large. He was not just lamenting but he was taking practical steps to find verb for our noun in the syntax of human experience. It is hoped that all those involved in such intervention would keep those efforts on as a memorial for this worthy son of Oduduwa.”
Fayose
Fayemi
It has also been discovered that some Yoruba elements are involved in another political movement comprising more than 250 groups and individuals. The aggressive drive to build a consensus is a direct response of the political class in the South-West to the governorship poll coming up on November 26, 2016. It is another contest for supremacy among the powerful forces and centres in the South-West, as well as those at the national level, especially the political establishment. The various groups are trying to fill an obvious vacuum created by the seamless intrigues and crises that appear to have either weakened or castrated the leading parties. A kind of symbiotic relationship now exists among the powerful and influential political figures that belong to separate political divides.. It was gathered that some of these forces are in contact with either PDP or APC as real buffer in the battle for the soul of Ondo State on the Election Day. They are working on strategies that could swing voters and sway votes to specific candidates with the likely far-reaching implications for the overall interest of the political establishment in Yoruba nation. For example, the thinking is that the outcome of the Ondo election could define the direction of subsequent governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states in 2018, as well as the general election in the country a year after. The scramble for power in Yoruba land can further be attested to from the manner of campaigns ahead of the Ondo election. Most of the candidates have deployed all arsenals in an attempt to subdue perceived stronger opponents via sheer propaganda. The artillery fire is being complemented with the plethora of pseudo non political groups and bodies that, however have submerged themselves in the murky waters of politics. They engage in mudslinging to orchestrate the cause of their promoters and principals and their major stakeholders in the election. On its own, a new political association, The Patriotic Movement (TPM) took the initiatives to unite the Yoruba because of what it described as the need to get
Amosun its derived share of things in the country. The group cuts across members of the existing parties and boasts of senior citizens, eminent politicians, elder statesmen and professionals, including academicians. Some of the leaders include Chief Oladosu Oladipo, who is the national coordinator; Professor Soji Adejumo, Professor Taoreed Adedoja, among others. It has held consultations with former President Obasanjo, proposed meetings with first class monarchs, other leading politicians in PDP, APC and others. It has expressed serious reservation concerning the perceived ill-treatment, marginalisation of Tinubu by some forces in APC after assisting the party to come to power in 2015, a predicament that informed a rally in Lagos last Saturday by his loyalists and sympathisers. The TPM, according to Ladipo, has succeeded in making the business tycoon in Yoruba land to see reasons they need to key into the current rennainsance in the Suth west among the sons and daughters of Oduduwa. Some former governors and ministers, as well as APC chieftains from the South-West currently serving the establishment have emerged as another power centre. Their influence has increasingly become noticeable in the new power equation in Yoruba land. They have begun a gradual process of building their structures, hoping that they would boast of the capacity to march any opposition and be in a good stead to serve as buffer for the top echelon of the Establishment now and in the nearest future, though some loyalists of the those pro-establishment benefactors are accuse of betrayal and conspiracy after coming to political limelight through a particular power centre. It has also been discovered that some Yoruba elements are involved in another political movement comprising more than 250 groups and individuals. The group is yet to come up with a name but it has almost finalised arrangements to hold a retreat on democracy in Abuja early December as part of its events to kick-start serious politicking. The group comprises eminent scholars, pro democracy and rights activists, politicians, lawyers and economists drawn from virtually all the zones of the country. As the old power online appear to be reaching out to one another in the quest to build a concensus on a Yoruba political Agenda, a new power configuration could be around the corner. But what form and shape will it be? How enduring will be power centres become? Will they be based on principles or built around individuals, who will not only aquire more powers but also continue to dictate the pace of events in the politics of Yoruba land?
21 thesouth-west
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
ICON
Wale Tinubu: Appraising master of the business
One of the emerging economic actors of the South-West extraction is Mr Wale Tinubu. His steady rise in business world beyond the shores of Nigeria has placed him at a vantage position among the promising sons of Yorubaland in particular and Nigeria in general. TUNDE BUSARI writes on the brain behind Oando Plc.
DUE to his phenomenal breakthrough in the oil and gas enterprise, not a few easily connect with the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc., Wale Tinubu as a lawyer. Yet, Tinubu did not only study Law, he did at the prestigious Liverpool University in England and consolidated it with master degree (LLM) at the London School of Economics. This fact underscores his diversification gift from law to business. This feat also deservedly earned him a space on the cover of the elitist Forbes Magazine which described Tinubu as ‘The king of African oil’. The history of the 49-year-old Lagosian is characterized by doggedness, focus and determination to make a difference in his chosen career. Findings revealed that Tinubu’s journey is not all a bed of rose as he had a fair share in those experiences that make life complex. However, the doggedness in him saw him playing a cat with nine lives. At every point of challenge, he maintained his composure and faced the obstacle headlong and had a last laugh. History is replete of hitherto successful business magnates who abysmally failed to survive economic rough weather. But Tinubu is an exemption because he is driven by a positive spirit and indomitable energy. In the last quarter of 2014, when oil price crashed in the world market, oil producing countries like Nigeria felt the heat as the in-
cident marked a significant loss of foreign exchange earnings resulting in unhealthy economy. The implication is that the international and indigenous oil company needed to struggle to stay afloat. Tinubu’s Oando recorded an N184billion loss in its year-end 2014 results due largely to assets impairments. Consequently, tension rose among the shareholders thereby putting Tinubu and his management team at the receiving end. However, the resilient Tinubu at the company’s 38th annual AGM, 2015, came out strongly with an assurance of regaining the shareholders confidence. He told them that the company would return to a safer zone by 2016. Like a business prophet he is a whopping N4.1Billion after-tax profit was declared in the first quarter of 2016 in alignment with Tinubu’s promise to the shareholders. Besides, Tinubu just concluded a $210million recapitalization of Oando Downstream by HV Investments, a joint venture owned by Helios Investments Partners, a premier Africa focused private investment firm and the Vitol Group (“Vitol”), the world’s largest independent trader of energy commodities. To his close associates, this unprecedented feat makes no news on the strength of their belief in Tinubu’s depth and uncommon ability to turn things around without making noise. He is a living justification of paying dues
before smiling to bank hall. His partnership with the duo of Omamofe Boyo and Onajite Okoloko to co-found Ocean and Oil Services Limited in 1994 is the background to his success story. The trio was into supply of diesel and Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) to various industries, shipping firms and exploration companies in Nigeria. As ambitious young entrepreneurs, they defied all odd on their path and bought their first vessel, MT Carolina, in the mid-90s to supply diesel to off-shore companies from the Port-Harcourt Refinery. It was therefore not surprising that they grew the company to a multi-million dollar multinational with strong presence in five
Wale Tinubu
countries in sub-Sahara Africa. MT Carolina of the 90s has turned a wise risk. Today the company boasts of seven ships. Ocean and Oil Services hunger for more breakthrough is insatiable. Because Tinubu always dreams big, there was no difficulty in proving experts wrong when he successfully bided for the former Unipetrol. Unipetrol at the time of bidding occupied a front seat at the Lagos Stock Exchange, thereby making Tinubu and his management appear like a group of jesters. However, backed with its foreign technical partners, Compagnia Espanola De Petroleos (CEPSA), the second largest oil group in Spain, the deal sailed through and Tinubu finally acquired Unipetrol. By 2005, Oando Plc became the first African company to secure a cross-border listing on the Johannesburg stock of exchange (JSE) in South Africa and in the same year Oando Energy Services was incorporated. Through his leadership, Gaslink a subsidiary of Oando Plc successfully phased and executed the construction of about 100km of natural gas pipeline distribution network from the Nigerian Gas Company city gate in Ikeja, to cover the Greater Lagos Area including Ikeja, Apapa and their environs. Gaslink currently delivers over 60 million standard cubic feet per day of gas to over 150 customers on the Greater Lagos gas distribution network grid, with the capacity to deliver up to 101 million standard cubic feet per day.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Akinyele: Touching the grassroots in an all-encompassing mode
Though Akinyele Local Government is made up of many new sites and villages in the hinterland, this has not stopped the people from feeling the impact of government, even in the face of scarce resources. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports. AKINYELE Local Government with headquarters at Moniya in Ibadan is one of the local councils that make up Ibadan city and is also one of the oldest, having been created since 1976. However, it is also one of the councils with a large number of local communities that can be termed the hinterlands and new sites; consequently, it is filled with a concentration of areas that require special attention in terms of infrastructure. This has however not deterred the administration in office from touching the people’s lives in spite of its meager resources. The caretaker chairman of the council, Hon. Ope Salami, divided his team into eight and together, they have been effectively serving the community as one to make lives easier for people in the council. Hon. Salami in describing his activities stated that he is poised to take democratic values and dividends to the people at the grassroots level in his local government in line with the reformation and transformation agenda of the state government. He believes in development of human capacity, education, good health facilities and a good road network in a peaceful environment. And Salami does not only put his vision on paper, he backs his words with actions, indeed, he has done so much in the council right from his first term as a caretaker chairman. As a result, he focuses on training, agriculture and road construction. To drive his vision on agriculture, he put in place a project tagged the Oyo State Agricultural Initiative Programme. And to expand this scheme in the local government, the council in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and NIHORT, put in place a vegetable farm scheme; the Ajeja vegetable farmland.
The farmland was mapped out and distributed to registered unemployed youths across the 12 wards of the local government and to ensure that the scheme is a success and the young farmers don’t abandon the trade along the line due to stress of commuting to the farm, participants are conveyed to the farm twice weekly to ease transportation challenge. Salami and his team did not end at this; they further empowered farmers by registering them for a growth enhancement scheme project and an Anchor Borrowers programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria which gives facilities to farmers practicing within the local government area. He also engaged over 150 youths in the local government to reduce the unemployment rate, distilled Ojoo roundabout drainage, provided equipments for the magistrate Court, generating set for the Moniya police station and the rural electrification of Abaosa Talontan village. The Salami led team embraced massive road renovations and drainage constructions in various areas across the local government. In his term as caretaker chairman, he has complete many projects that is yet to be commissioned; a health center at Olorisaoko town, construction of 17 meters retaining wall underpinning and earthworks along Tokunbo Ojo street, Ojoo, construction of three classroom with headmaster’s office , store and toilet at CPS primary school at Kajorepo and Dabiri communities. Others include construction of 900 meters culverts and drains, earthworks and asphaltic paving of Trinity Adekanbi Street, construction of 820 meters culverts and drains, earthworks and asphaltic paving at Omowale street, Shasha and construction of 590 meters
Salami culverts and drains, earthworks and asphaltic paving oat Agbala Daniel road. He further constructed 750mm and ring culvert at Igbo Oloyin town, 900mm and ring culvert at Iroko Olode village road, 900mm and ring culvert at Iroko Molade village road, 900mm and ring culvert at Aroro Makinde junction, Arulogun road, 900mm and ring culvert at Ajobo junction, Arulogun road, 900mm and ring culvert at Bola town junction, Arulogun road as well as 900mm and ring culvert at Iyana Offa road. Others include 750mm and ring culvert at Ui Quarters, Arulogun road, 750mm and ring culvert at Ikereku town road, 750mm and ring culvert at Babamogba village road, 750mm and ring culvert at Idi Apa village road, 750mm and ring culvert at Adekunbi village road, Pade, among many others. Also, he constructed box culvert along barrack road, Moniya, sheep/cattle kroal main entrance, Akinyele, repairs of drains at Onikeke/Orioke olounkole road, improvement/ palliative measure on Iyana Offa village road, improvement/ palliative measure of Onikoro
road link express and dredging/ channelization of Alade/Oro eran along Iseyin road. His environmental health services department is also very vibrant and ensures the safety of the environment; house to house inspection was carried out within the local government area, 1512 houses were inspected; 1172 were found satisfactory while 341 that were not found conducive for living were giving abatement notices. He enforces compliance with no street trading, market sanitation, control of flood, school inspection and market sanitation. He has so far inspected 130 schools and has cleared public drains blocked by debris to prevent flooding in his local government. He has also ensured that there is routine inspection and monitoring of local government housing scheme to prevent encroachment and tackling of 30 per cent land compensation for families that originally owned lands on which government scheme falls. Salami is a man of peace and has over the last seven months settled rifts for warring parties in various sectors within the council and in spite of the economic situation of the council; he has tried to touch all aspects of the people’s lives. “Though the local government is saddled with enormous responsibilities and the present economic reality is unfriendly, it is our vision to ensure we touch all aspects of life so that people within this council will feel the impact and presence of government. “Our aim is to make an impact and ensure the days ahead spell good tidings for people in our council in terms of basic amenities; good road networks, rural electricity, portable drinking water and such other infrastructural facilities for the people at the grassroots level,” salami explained.
22 thesouth-west
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
ROYALTY
‘We loved ourselves till her last breath’
They grew together in Ijebu Ife like brothers and sisters; they loved each other so much and later became husband and wife. They were married for 55 years, but death, the ultimate end of everyone, a few weeks ago, took Olori Yeyeluwa Olayinka Oguntayo; wife of Alayeluwa, Oba Adegbesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, the Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife, away from the arms of her loving and devoted husband, during a protracted illness of eight years. In this interview with MONICA TAIWO, Kabiyesi, reminiscenced about their years together; things he cannot forget about his dear wife and how much he would miss her. Excerpts.
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ABIYESI, e ku araferaku sir, we greet you on the demise of your wife, ojo a jina sirawon sir. Kabiyesi, I will like you to talk about your life together with Olori. Mama was very close to me. So close to my heart. We are from the same town and started dating ourselves when she was in the secondary school at St Agnes College Maryland, Lagos. She was a professionally trained teacher and she was also from my family. So, initially it looked like I was marrying my sister in Ijebu Ife. We were married for 55years and she gave me six lovely children; three boys and three girls and we have nine grandchildren as at the moment. So you can see that this is a successful marriage. We were so close that people remarked after her demise that they have never seen me without her and vice versa. This has endeared her to many people.
Did you have the premonition that she was going to leave you when she did? Well, she had been sick for the past eight years. She was a strong woman; even her doctors confirmed it that she was strong; a great fighter. We fought the illness but it was at the last moment that her doctor told me and her son who resides in London about three or four weeks ago that her chances of survival was between 30 to 40 per cent. When you are told by a consultant and specialist, you have no choice. Then I prepared my mind that anything could happen. Even when I went to London two weeks ago, I went with the intentions of bringing her back home; to Ijebu Ife, since I have been told and my mind had been prepared that she may likely not make it. Despite the fact that we were told that she may likely not make it, I never told her. I made arrangement that we would leave London on Thursday to arrive here on Friday, hoping that she would pass on here at the palace, but as God would have it, I was with her on Sunday the 30th of October and early on Monday, the 31st of October, we got a call from the hospital that she passed on peacefully in her sleep. That was how I lost her. We are making arrangement to bring her body back home on the 16th of this month. The wake keep will be on the 17th and she will be buried on the 18th of November. Being the Iya Ijo; the head of the women section of our church, Christ Anglican Church, we will have the thanksgiving service on Sunday, the 20th of November.
Before you became a king, what were you doing? I am a Chartered Accountant by profession; I am also a businessman I set up some industries especially in Ijebu Ife here. I make Ijebu Ife my priority. I am also into oil business; I worked for the British Petroleum (BP) before I retired in 1969. So I am more or less a businessman and chartered accountant before I became the Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife. During your younger days before you got married and became a king, you must have more than one female friend; typical of young people, can you tell me why you chose Olori as your wife. What were the qualities you found in her that made you make her your wife? She was a Christian from the catholic faith; we all grew together in Ijebu Ife. As you said in those days when we were young and such brilliant person that I am, there were many other girls whom I was courting and we all played together, but I saw her as my choice. Patient, religious and a properly trained teacher and so, I was convinced that she was my wife, I knew she would become a good wife to me, she also knew and was convinced that I will be a good husband too. And in fact during courtship, when we were married and even until her death, she always told me that she was convinced that I am from heaven and her God ordained husband. She was so devoted, so loving to me and I tried to be the same to her. I want to take you back some few years, can you remember the day you proposed to her, what was her reaction and how did you feel? Normally, typical of women, no matter how much they love and want you, they never say yes the first time. But like I said, we grew together. We were looking at each other, trying ourselves and when the time came that I decided to take a wife, I asked her and she also made up her mind to be my wife and it clicked. We believed God joined us together and we decided to be husband and wife. What are the things you cannot forget about her? You must have had your differences, how did you settle and what are those things she did that you feel other women cannot do? My wife was very loving to me, like I said
Are you permitted to remarry after her demise and would you want to? Look, mama was 77 years old and I am 79 years old now, what marriage do you want me to go into again? We had enough of married life. The marriage had been blessed, we had a happy married life, so…..
Oba Adegbesan Afolorunso Oguntayo, the Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife. PHOTO: ADEYANJU OLOWOJOBA. earlier, she was convinced that I am her God ordained husband, everything in my life pleased her. When we were young, I always told her that “I know you love me and if you love me, you must love my dog,” she did just that. She loved everything about me, she was so caring and to show you how loving caring and devoted she was to me,; even when she was on the sick bed a couple of weeks ago, she was asking her son, “ what is happening to Kabiyesi, has he eaten”? She makes my food her priority; she was so concerned about my life that she never wanted anything to happen to me. And that was why I was so devoted to her and gave her all the support she needed and I am happy that until her death, we were together. Can you remember any of your clashes and how you made up? We couldn’t have been married for 55 years without clashes, but as I said, I wouldn’t want to call it clashes, because there was never a quarrel, because the love was there and the respect and regard for each other’s feelings was reciprocal; we always resolved
our differences. Throughout the 55 years of our marriage, there was no occasion, no day when people or anyone interferred in our private affairs. Never! So you can see why we had a successful marriage.
Look, mama was 77 years old and I am 79 years old now, what marriage do you want me to go into again?
With everything you have said, you must have enjoyed your lives together and enjoyed your marriage; can you share the secrets behind this and then what do you have to say to young people about marriage and how to manage matrimony? Our marriage was very, very successful, because we loved ourselves. Once there is love between the couple, the marriage definitely will be a success. One very important thing is that both husband and wife must work to keep the fire of love burning. With my wife, she was my partner, my friend and my mother. Everything about me pleased her. I also appreciated her in every aspect. I know beyond conviction that she loved me as much as I did. That is the secret of our successful marriage. Mama was a wife in a million, a Christian, caring, loving and it was natural with her, she didn’t love me for a purpose. She loved me right from her heart and definitely, I will miss her. I am already missing her, but for all our years and loving period we had together; I want to immortalise her name so as to be a good example to other young couples to emulate the sort of life we had together, because people who knows us know that you can never see me without her; even after becoming the Ajalorun and people appreciated that and credited that aspect of our union. We had a loving and happy marriage.
23 thesouth-west
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Nigerian Tribune
PLACES
Obafemi Awolowo Stadium is an eyesore —Hon Dapo Lam-Adesina
Dapo Lam-Adesina, a former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Oyo State, represents Ibadan North-East/South-East in the House of Representatives. He speaks with Deputy Editor, DAPO FALADE, on his recent motion on the infrastructural decay at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan and affairs of his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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T has been over one year since you won an election into the House of Representatives. How has been the experience? It has been quite challenging, hectic and sometimes, I can say, it could be very frustrating. But, we thank God, the Yoruba will say, ‘ibi ti o ba le la ti nba omokunrin’. But for somebody who has never had the experience of being a lawmaker-all my life, I have been in the executive arm of government, it is really very tight. But I just said to myself, ‘I was not born into the executive arm also, yet when I got there, I was able to make my little mark’. So, for me, it has been a learning cub so far, but gradually I am getting my feet. You recently moved a motion concerning the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan. What informed the motion? First and foremost, maybe coming from the background of a sportsman and a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports who had seen some of these things and the fact that the stadium is the first in Africa with international facilities and it was named after one of the greatest men that trot the sand of Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The stadium is also situated in Ibadan where I am from. I believe that it is supposed to be a tourist centre; it is supposed to be our heritage. For one, anytime I go there, I feel very disappointed that we can allow such a facility to rot away. I remember the very good days of 1999; it was just shortly after my father (the late Lam Adesina) won the election as the Oyo State governor that we were invited to come and watch the Junior World Cup. I saw what it looked like then; the bright floodlight and other beautiful facilities. One would look at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium now and it is a shadow of itself. So, this is what exactly what informed the motion to call the attention of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports to look at that edifice. I believe that it should not be allowed to rot away; that even if we are going to start to build new stadia, I believe that the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium should be well taken care of. Beyond moving the motion, what other steps are you taking to ensure an effective maintenance of that stadium? What can I do? I am not the Minister of Youths and Sports so, what can I do? And let me take you back a little: the Lekan Salami Stadium that I fixed as the Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, am I maintaining it? I can only do my bit. When we have opportunities, we can only do our bits. The onus lies on anybody and the career officers in the civil service to make sure that things like these that are done by politicians are not allowed to rot away. So, there is little or nothing that I can do. I can only speak now, as a legislator, in favour of things; to make sure that things don’t go the wrong way. But you are in a vantage position now to liaise with people that are concerned... What of if I talk to to them and they go to do what I want them to do and after I leave, they turn around to do something else? We have had experiences; while as a commissioner,
PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE
Lam-Adesina anytime I get to the Lekan Salami Stadium, the civil servants and the career officers will troop out to do all sort of things. We cleaned together; we picked dirts together but when I leave, they say all sorts of things. I have left the place now but have they continued with that process of cleaning? They did not. It is only when you are there that you know that you can correct whatever anomaly that is in place; it is only when you are there that they seem to do the right thing. When you leave, you cannot force them to do what they are supposed to do. You left office as a commissioner to became a federal lawmaker and fortunate enough, the same administration under which served at the state level is still in office. But don’t you think that there should be a linkage, even concerning the Lekan Salami Stadium? I believe you can still have the ears of the state governor concerning the rots you mentioned. Is it the job of the governor to clean up the state? It is not enough to talk to the people, that is what I am trying to pass across. It is for the people to want to do the right thing. For
First and foremost, we were informed that they have just one gardener for the whole of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium. How can it be possible for just one gardener to cater for the whole of the stadium?
example, I can assure you that if the governor enters Lekan Salami Stadium tomorrow and starts to pick dirts, you will see everybody trooping out to pick along with him. But immediately he leaves, they will be saying and doing another thing. The next day, they will not pick on their own. So, it is about all of us; it is not about the people in position. Government is supposed to be a continuum; the career officers are permanently there but politicians would come and go. So, either it is my political party that is there or it is another party, what is supposed to be constant is for the career officers to be doing the right thing. We can only come, do some good jobs but it is for them to continue to maintain the good jobs. It is not the job of a politician to monitor. For example, if I go there tomorrow and talk to them about what they are supposed to do, if there is an argument, the media will be the first to say this guy is intruding; he has gone to where he is not in charge. So, knowing that as a politician, I will be very careful because that will be a bad PR for me. A lot of people will not bother to investigate why there was an argument. The news will just be, ‘Lam Adesina’s son in fisticuffs with civil servants’. Away from the digression, what areas did your motion looked at concerning the rots at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium? First and foremost, we were informed that they have just one gardener for the whole of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium. How can it be possible for just one gardener to cater for the whole of the stadium? They have just one cleaner. Also, there is what they called running cost which they are supposed to be using to buy diesel, brooms, brushes, cleaning rags and all those stuffs. But the money has not been coming. Are you expecting career
officers to be using their money to do all that? So, like I said, it is about all of us. If you want somebody to go to the farm and you have not given that particular person cutlasses and hoes, is he going to use his teeth or bare hands to work? Also, when you now provide the cutlasses and hoes, it is not enough to provide, it is enough for that person to also want to farm. There is this common saying that you can only force a horse to the river but you cannot force it to drink from the river. What are the other things you looked into in that motion? When you look at the indoor sports hall of the stadium, it has now become an avenue for social parties now. When you look at the training pitches, they are all dilapidated. The most annoying one is the hostel where they are supposed to be the sportsmen/sportswomen and athletes. You cannot camp anybody there. If you do, you are just suffering them because it has dilapidated. It is not the fault of the people running there; it is because the infrastructure has dilapidated. So, for me, it is not even the issue of floodlight. Who plays football in the night in Nigeria these days? But if it were to have been in place, two things are necessary; there must be consistent power supply. If you don’t have that, how do you power the floodlight? You know how much it will cost to fuel the generator to power the floodlight? So, it is a big challenge. A lot has gone wrong and when you talk about infrastructural decay, it is not only about the stadium. What about our roads? What about our schools? What about our hospitals? What about almost everything? I am sure you will not expect those people in government to use their personal money. When the money is not there, it is simply not there and there is nothing anybody in power can do when the resources are not there.
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YEMOJA FESTIVAL IN IBADAN
The Chief Priest of Yemoja, Baale Olukunmi Egbelade, on arrival at Ogunpa River, Ibadan, for the festival rites.
The Ogunleki Statue of Yemoja being carried by the “Arugba Yemoja” on the way to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland and other key Orisa shrines within the Ibadan metropolis.
The “Arugba Yemoja” on the way to Ogunpa River during the just-concluded annual Yemoja festival.
The Chief Priest of Yemoja, Baale Olukunmi Egbelade performing rites during the Yemoja festival at Ogunpa River, Ibadan.
The Chief Priest of Yemoja, Baale Olukunmi Egbelade with the Ogunleki Statue of Yemoja.
Yemoja festival: The celebration of the ‘Mother’ of mankind
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EMOJA is the Orisa (deity) that brought water for Obatala-the creator, god, during the time man was moulded with clay by Obatala. So, Yemoja is regarded as the mother of mankind and Orisa. During that process, Yemoja used the leg of a hippopotamus to navigate the rivers and she was called “Erinminlokun”. Yemoja is also the Orisa that owns the Oogun river. She is the owner of the Sea cowrie divination system we refer to as “Erindinlogun” and also the mother of Sango, Obaluaiye and Dada. Yemoja has many manifestations such as Mojelewi, Asaba, Asesu, Iyake, Opalalu etc. These are different aspects of Yemoja that has devotees all over the world and different classes of priests. In Ibadan, the Chief Priest of Yemoja is Baale Olukunmi Egbelade, Are Isese of Oyo State, while the ‘Amoja Yemoja’ is Solomon Omojie and also the ‘Arugba Yemoja’, these are the major priests, while there are other titled chiefs too. The Yemoja festival lasts for 17 days and it is a period of festivity, prayer and sacrifice where different Orisa groups and worshippers from various towns such as Iseyin, Oyo, Saki, Lagos and even from the diaspora participate. The first day’s event begins with a ‘Night Vigil’ and the consumption of the New Yam called “Ilasu”. This is followed by the worship of Yemoja with goats and ram on the third day and other subsequent events. The night before the conclusion of the festival is also for a vigil and a sacrifice is taken out
in the night, while the following morning, there is Yemoja worship at Ogunpa River. Later in the day, the Ogunleki Statue of Yemoja’ which is regarded as the Essence of Yemoja is taken to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland and then to other key Orisa shrines within the Ibadan metropolis accompanied by hundreds of worshippers singing and chanting in praise of Yemoja. The Ogunleki Statue of Yemoja is carried by the “Arugba Yemoja”. After that, divine messages by the Orisa to individuals and communities are revealed by the Baale Yemoja who is, the mouthpiece of Yemoja. The festival comes to an end the next day when “Olorisas” have performed “Erindinlogun” divination and carried out the prescribed sacrifice. This they do in order to know what the future of next year will reveal and the sacrifice is to enhance the positive things and to remove the negatives. The Yemoja festival is a festival that attracts people from within and outside Nigeria such as the United States of America (USA), Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), Togo, Ghana etc. It is therefore imperative for the Oyo State government to look into ways of promoting the Yemoja festival to meet an international standard in the near future. This festival usually attract hundreds of people and it could attract thousands of people if government invests in it as it will promote the culture of Ibadan natives and improve tourism in Oyo State in general, thereby generating income for the government as well as investors via the use of hotel services for accommodation, buying of arti-
facts as well as sundry items apart from food and drinks while the annual festival lasted. This will no doubt improve local economy during the festival. This year’s Yemoja festival was concluded on Sunday, November 6 amid usual pageantry. According to the Chief Priest of Yemoja, Baale Olukunmi Egbelade, during the visit to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland
with the Ogunleki Statue, the Orisa warned public office holders to guard against any argument or thorny issue as it can lead to tragedy, just as it warned that measures be put in place to forestall the outbreak of measles in the state. Prayers were offered for Oyo State and Nigeria in general during the festival as Yemoja was asked to usher in a new era of peace and stability in the country.
The Chief Priest of Yemoja, Baale Olukunmi Egbelade (first right) and other priests of Yemoja during their visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji (middle),to present the Ogunleki Statue of Yemoja as part of rites for the Yemoja festival before being taken to other key Orisa shrines within the Ibadan metropolis.
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ASUU begins strike tomorrow Clement Idoko - Abuja
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HE leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Monday, directed its members to commence a week warning strike effective from Wednesday (tomorrow) over failure of the Federal Government to implement the 2009 agreement reached with the union. The president of ASUU, Prfessor Biodun Ogunyemi, who spoke while addressing newsmen at the University of Abuja, on Monday, said the lecturers were concerned that even the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in 2013 to end the then prolonged strike, had not been implemented. He said the union had given the current administration enough time to commence the implementation of some aspects of the agreement but nothing has been done. According him, following a nationwide consultation with members, the National Executive Council (NEC), of ASUU, has resolved to embark on a week warning strike from tomorrow He said the introduction of the Single Treasury Account (TSA), has adversely affected the smooth running of universities in the country He also noted that ASUU has consistently called on
the Federal Government to begin renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, adding that no effort had been shown by the government on the issue. “The agreements are: Payments of staff entitlements since December 2015, funding of universities for revitalisation, pension, TSA and university autonomy as well as the renegotiation of 2009 agreement. “Failure by the Federal Government to implement this agreement has put ASUU
leadership in difficulty,” he said. He added that during the warning strike, there would be no teaching, examination as well as attendance at statutory meetings in all branches. “With the release of the 2016 annual budget, our union wondered aloud why allocation to education dropped from 11 per cent in 2015 to eight per cent in 2016. “With the introduction of TSA, the federal universities find it difficult to discharge their core responsibilities of
By Tunde Ogunesan
HOODLUMS numbering over 20 from different groups in Ibadan on Monday morning attacked residents and traders on Akala Road, Osundina Street, Isale-osi, Ibadan, destroying properties worth millions of Naira. The hoodlums, known as Foko/ Isale Asaka boys, according to the Nigerian Tribune’s findings were on revenge mission on another group, the Ekugbemi boys, who sources informed were resident in the affected areas. According to sources, the Asaka boys threatened the residents to expose the Eku boys in their midst following an alleged attack on Foko gang’s camp recently. They vowed not to allow peace reign in the community until
those boys were released to them for punishment. Problem, it was learnt, began on Sunday around 10.45 p. m, when Foko boys stormed the area, threatening to unleash attack on the residents the following morning if they fail to expose their rivals who were involved in the attack on their camp. The move, it was gathered, gave the residents sleepless nights, as they were helpless on the herculean task required of them by these hoodlums. And true to their words, before 8.00 a. m. on Monday, hoodlums from Foko Asaka joint came and unleashed terror on the residents. Properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed, while people had to flee for safety.
•As crisis over MTEF, loan lingers THE Presidency appears set for a change of strategy in the way it has been dealing with stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC), following a consultative meeting held among the stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday. Sources close to the meeting presided over by VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo said the main focus of the meeting was to set templates for selecting nominees into board appointments. It was gathered that unlike the exclusive manner the Presidency handled issues of appointments in the past, the Villa, this time, called stakeholders to deliberate on the manner by which those to be appointed into the boards would emerge. It was learnt that Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal and six governors, one each from the geopolitical zones, were called for the meeting. Saraki had, in the last one
demands. In a related development, the University of Ibadan branch of the union has commenced mobilisation towards the recent call for national strike by ASUU, for one week warning strike. The development, Nigerian Tribune, gathered, may force the university to shift the examination timetable by a week. The institution started its convocation ceremony on Monday and runs till Thursday.
Hoodlums sack community in Ibadan
Presidency woos Saraki, Dogara, govs From Taiwo Adisa and Clement Idoko
teaching, research and community services. “We tried to correct the erroneous impression in government circles that the capital and research grants to universities were being handled by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund),” he said. Meanwhile, a source at the Federal Ministry of Education, said government would meet with the union to prevail on them not to throw the nation’s universities into another crisis as efforts were being made to address their
week, visited the Presidential Villa twice, a rare occurrence. In fact, Saraki entered into the record books for being the first Senate president since 1999 who was not welcome into the Presidential Villa in the first four months of his tenure. Sources had said last week that the presidency was beginning to realise the need to engage the National Assembly positively, following some negative trends emanating from the chambers in recent times. The senators, in the last two weeks, rejected the planned foreign loan of $30 billion, while the list of ambassadorial nominees escaped being rejected through Saraki’s ruling, as the lawmakers had voted against it in the voice vote. It was, however, learnt that while the Monday meeting was largely devoted to the issue of board appointments, some governors at the meeting also raised questions over the list of non-career ambassadors currently being considered by the Senate. The development is coming on the heels of the growing anger in the National
Assembly over lack of consultations between the executive and the legislature on critical state matters. Continues on pg 38
ADERONKE
I, formerly Mrs. Aderonke Anike Balogun now FATIMAT ADERONKE BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.
It was also gathered that they barricaded the Akala Road throughout the time they operated. Some of the residents who spoke under condition of anonymity confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune that some hoodlums who resided in the area were the first to throw stones, but they complained that their retaliation was taking its toll on them. According to the sources who all pleaded anonymity for fear of attack, informed that “the boys who were most unclad, but were putting on knickers, jeans and all sorts came with machetes, destroying shops, houses and shooting sporadically into the air.” Speaking further, the sources said “as you can see, all shops and houses have been closed since morning. Some residents are presently seeking refuge somewhere else. The most fearful
ABOMAH
I, formerly Abomah Franca Ewomazino now ABOMAH FRANCA. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and the general public should take note.
FOLAKEMI
I, formerly Miss Folakemi Famoriyo now MRS. AFOLAKE OLUWAKEMI SEKONI. All former documents remain valid. UBA, Zenith Bank and general public take note.
is their threat to storm this place tonight and attack us. We don’t know where to go, we want government to save us from this nightmare. “We saw men of the Nigeria Police around this morning, but we don’t know why they left before the time the hoodlums promised to be back.” When contacted, the Police Public relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said: “We have deployed adequate policemen to forestall breakdown of law and order in the area. Two suspects have been arrested and are currently helping us in our investigation.” “The Commissioner of Police has ordered 24-hour surveillance and aggressive patrol of the affected areas and other parts of the metropolis. “Hoodlums and other criminal elements are, hereby, warned against any breach of peace in the state,” Ajisebutu stated.
Igbimo Agba Yoruba mourns Olaniwun Ajayi By Ibukun Adenuga
A social Yoruba elite group, Igbimo Agba Yoruba, has described the death of Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, as a rude shock . The group’s condolence was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary –General of the council, Chief Idowu Sofola. The group stated that, the late statesman, with his achievements, had lived a fulfilled life which should be sought after and imbibed. The group further counted Olaniwun’s selfless efforts in his contributions to the legal profession, nationalism, Yoruba race and the nation as a whole. The group described Olaniwun’s death as “loss of a Yoruba patriot.” “We regret this deep loss of a quintessential unrepentant Yoruba patriot, a true progressive Nigerian nationalist who remained steadfast in his pursuit of progressive political philosophy for Nigeria for over six decades.” It prayed that what Olaniwun fought for and stood for all his life in the Nigeria state “togetherness, oneness, unity, progress, human dignity, prospered nation, etc” would come to reality. It, therefore, prayed for the comfort of the family at this trying period and for the peaceful rest of the late icon.
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Ondo 2016: Oke flags off campaign as AD resolves crisis HAkeem Gbadamosi - Akure
A
S the countdown to the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State begins, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the state on Monday flagged off it’s campaign, with the national leadership stating the crisis in the party over the its standardbearer, chief Oluwole Oke, has been resolved. Speaking during the rally, the national legal adviser of the party, Kehinde Aworele, who headed to court challenging the emergence of Oke and his deputy, Ganny Dauda, told the people of the state that the suit would be withdrawn “There was a court action based on the misunderstanding on the appropriateness of Chief Olusola Oke’s emergence, because his victory is sure we don’t want some people to go to court after his victory to challenge him. “This was why I was in court. And the fact that I am here addressing this mammoth crowd today shows that there is no more crisis in the party; no cracks within the party; we are one indivisible party. “There are several means of getting a case out of court; by abandonment; by withdrawal and by discontinuance. There is no more case in court, as we have resolved the issues raised and I can assure you that Olusola Oke will be the next governor of this state. “Oke means mountain in the Yoruba language. Like his name, he is on top. Ondo State will be on top. Yorubaland is on top. No matter how tall an Iroko tress may be, it cannot be taller than the mountain, Olusola Oke is on top and he will win, “ he told the elated crowd who thronged the Democracy Park venue of the rally. The National leader of the party, Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, described Oke as the inheritors of the Awolowo legacy, nothing that when he is elected as the governor of the state, Ondo State will rise again. He explained that the state had been in the wilderness for the past 13 years after the administration of the former AD Governor, late chief Adebayo Adefarati but that said the party had come back from its recess to rebuild the state. Akinfenwa noted that the two other parties contesting in the governorship race
were swimming in crisis and controversy and solicited for the support of the people by voting for Oke and AD in the election. He said “For 14 years, we have been in the wilderness; now, it has pleased God to give us a leader that is capable of putting Ondo back on tracks. “If you look at the PDP, it is full of crises; people deceive people, they are at each other’s throats. The APC too is not faring better. They are an amalgam of strange bed fellows, who cannot deliver on their promises. But, we are happy today that the party of Papa Obafemi Awolowo; that of Papa Adekunle Ajasin, and
Papa Adebayo Adefarati is here and I want you all to vote for the AD. “If you vote for Oke, he will replicate all those good programmers of old, he will revamp our education, bring back the revival of our agricultural sector, education shall also be brought back to reckoning,” Earlier, the AD national chairman, Joseph Avazi, assured that the party was poised to form the next government given the spontaneous show of love for a party that merely came into reckoning in barely two months. According to him, a new dawn is now breaking in Ondo and AD is set to bring
back the lost glory of the Sunshine State. We have ruled this state before; this is our second coming, and we shall not disappoint you. Speaking after receiving the party’s flag, Oke assured that under his watch, Ondo would be better and the people would thrive under his government, saying priority would be given to peopleoriented projects. He frowned at the campaign of calumny against him and the party. “Some people have been out on campaigns of calumny against me that I will abandon most of the projects I will meet on ground. I want to assure you all that we are not out to destroy what-
ever we meet but to build on whatever we meet on ground. “Today, Ondo State is undergoing a difficult situation; all our industries are dead and there is want and abject poverty in the land “The priority of my government shall be the good of the people of Ondo State. I greet our mothers, we shall ensure we give you life abundance; we shall give you money to trade. Our workers shall receive their salaries and other entitlements as at when due. “Our youths shall be gainfully employed, as we shall wake up all our dead industries and make them functional again.
“I want our people to be wary of those who pelt you with hardship, yet ask you to vote for them. They can never give you good governors but hardship compounded. “I will be in a hurry to deliver good governance; all our dead industries will be completed in a hurry. We shall all laugh and be glad that we voted the best party, AD, into power on November 26, 2016, “Oke assured. He pledged to be dedicated to the people’s welfare and accountable to the people at all times, but pleaded with them to ensure that they all come out on November 26, 2016 to vote for the AD.
Jegede: PDP relies on impartiality of Judiciary —Ikpeazu Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti
THE Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would
get out of the Ondo State governorship primary’s quagmire through the impartial judicial system. Ikpeazu affirmed the PDP’s confidence in the judiciary to reverse the alleged in-
justice done to the candidate of the party, Eyitayo Jegede, in its case pending at the Appeal Court. The governor also lauded Governor Ayodele Fayose for giving Ekiti infrastruc-
tural facelift in spite of the economic recession the country. “It takes a man with passion and love for the people to be doing this at this time and under this harsh economic situation,”
Dele Ologun with Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, at a campaign rally.
“I’ll do everything necessary to make APC win Ondo” A staunch supporter of the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr Dele Ologun, for November 26th governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeedolu condemned the reaction of people on social media to what he described as his “kind gesture” towards the Akeredolu campaign. Some days ago, he distributed 400 pieces of customised bread to APC members in Akure ward 1 in Akure North Local Gov-
ernment Area of the state. He also donated two buses to Akeredolu to aide his campaign, just as it was believed that Ologun placed about five billboards along the Ogbese-Owo road in support of Akeredolu. “The most important thing that we can do is do whatever it takes for our candidate to win”, Ologun said in reaction to the criticisms against the bread he donated on social web. “My interest is about our candidate. Immediately I
saw the bread online I was mad. Like what nonsense is this? Why people,?” “Some people have branded water, which is vital, what is the big deal in putting the name and face your candidate everywhere,” Ologun queried. Asked about the quantity of bread made, Ologun revealed that a total of 400 pieces were made specifically for Ward 1 in Akure North LGA which had since been distributed for consumption.
Meanwhile, while many supporters APC saw the resurfacing of the Aketi bread images on social media as a desperate attempt by the opposition to destroy Akeredolu, with some members and supporters of the opposition parties seemly it as an opportunity to pay back APC supporters in their own coin over their condemnation of the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose when he (Fayose) did a similar thing during his campaign in June 2014.
Ikpeazu noted. The PDP governor said this in Ado Ekiti on Monday during a visit to his counterpart in Ekiti to felicitate with him on his 56th birthday. Speaking against the substitution of Jegede’s name with that of Mr Jimoh Ibrahim , Ikpeazu added that the whole country understood clearly the problem confronting the PDP in Ondo as having political undertone, exuding confidence that all the crisis would be resolved by the judiciary. “The politics in Ondo State is an issue that is clear to all Nigerians. But no matter the underlining politics that was involved, I have confidence in the judiciary that it will rise to the occasion and save the issue from degenerating into crisis,” he said. Ikpeazu after inspecting the ongoing High Court Complex and the flyover project, both in Ado Ekiti capital city with Fayose, described the projects as “wonderful and awesome”. “It marvels me that projects like these could be going on under this economic recession. It takes a man with passion and love for his people to do these. “This singular action underscored the fact that development does not understand whether you belong to a particular political party or not, it has no party colouration.” On Fayose’s 56th birthday, the Governor prayed to God to give his Ekiti colleague the strength and wisdom to be able to stand tall and deliver more dividends of democracy for Ekiti people.
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Critics of Aregbesola’s administration merely playing politics —Akinola
In an interaction with correspondents, Ayo Akinola, Senior Special Assistant to the governor, State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, speaks on the successes and challenges of the state government in the last six years. Excerpts:
I
N few days, the government of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola will be six years in office. How has the journey been? I can tell you in truth that the journey has been very rough for government, finaancially, most especially in the last three years. I always like to tell people that the present government of Osun and even that of the Federal are like surgeons. Nobody wants to come under the artery forcep, literarily referred to as the operation knife. But for the surgeon to help remove the tumour, he or she has to carry out the operation, which in all cases, are very painful, because if this is not done, worse things or even death could occur. The surgeon is the person who has been entrusted with the life of his patient. So, whether we like it or not, he has a job to do. But really, he has to carry his patient and his family along. The situation we find ourselves in, nobody envisaged it. Who could have predicted that the oil price will go this low? The government is like the father in the home setting: he wants the children to go to the best schools for the sake of not only today but also the future, good health services, good home, beautiful car all for the present and future. So, his projection is based on available resources and projected incoming incomes. That is what we call long term planning. If any parent does not plan for the future of the children, then he does not worth to be so called. But if unfortunately the father’s source of income starts to dwindle based on unforeseen situation like retrenchment and his company’s dwindling financial fortunes, and so couldn’t fulfill most of his projection, do you blame him? It is easy to blame government for ambitious projects when salaries are not paid as at when due but many fail to take into cognizance the chronically dwindling resources accruing to states and even the federal government. And financing institutions will always take their dues because they are in business, not charity. We all talk of internally revenue sources, but because our people are not used to strict compliance to tax regimes, it is quite difficult to expect much in voluntary payment. Not much is coming in true internally generated revenue. You talk so passionately of developmental stride in the last six years. Could you be specific?
Akinola
A leader must have plans as to what he intends to do for his people. This is contained in Governor Aregbesola’s six-point Integral Action Plan. Plan derives from the cardinal development action points defined by his administration to realise the development agenda for the state. These are banishing hunger, banishing poverty, banishing unemployment, promoting healthy living, promoting functional education and to promote communal peace and progress. If we want to be honest to ourselves, this government has done exceptionally well in all these areas. The government has even gone further to do more. Wherever you turn to in Osun, you will not fail to notice his presence. He’s like the octopus, whose hands are everywhere. Have you ever heard of an Ona Baba Ona from anywhere apart from Osun? Have you not seen the schools? Visit any university structure in the country and see if our secondary school structures will not surpass them in functionality. Statesmen all over the country have come to Osun to marvel at our developmental strides despite paucity of funds. The primary school feeding system has become a source of good copy from all over the country, and the Federal Government is also beginning to implement it. Opon Imo tablet is a technological innovation to help students learn better. Tell me: which state can rival all this? The good thing is that these strides are spread all over the State. And as we are speaking, infrastructural deployment is ongoing.
If Osun government is achieving all these, why is his criticism so fierce? A few years back, I was also wondering just like you. And that exactly explains why somebody like me took interest in this administration. If a government is trying day and night to secure the present and future of citizens, the least expected of all and sundry is support. Why one is not too surprised is because of the high tempo of opposition in Osun because no matter how much we try, the opposition will always berate us. So , we have ignored them and concentrate on good governance. Even the holy books say we should look diligently, to find out the truth in every situation, if we are truly educated and enlightened. Some members of our constituency, the press is equally guilty of inaction. If you’re in Lagos or Abuja, the way the government of Osun is portrayed, you will almost think nothing is happening in this state. But if you do on the spot assessment, even without any reference to government, you will be dazzled with development strides going on in Osun. When President, Muhammadu Buhari came here, he was pleasantly surprised such that he had to ask the governor where he got all the money used for the development from. He could’nt believe his eyes. To him, it was miracle in this time of paucity of funds. So, if we say that the governor is a financial innovator, we can’t fault it. So, to answer your question, everything in this country is now enmeshed in politics, Osun inclusive. It is so bad that honest assessment is rare nowadays. Scoring a government good or bad now depends on which political party you belong to. And it is unfortunate. Good is good and bad is bad irrespective of who is concerned. But really, everything is colourised in politics. Secondly, and most unfortunately, is the involvement of our elite in untruth as far as Osun development is concerned. Our media need to do more in unraveling developments and give kudos to where it belongs. Most of us in the media are armchair practitioners. We sit at the comfort of our editors’ suit and theorerise. We need to move out of this comfort zone and do on-the-spot. This will help in removing doubts.
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politicsnews
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Injustice boosts Jegede’s popularity —Mimiko • I’m close to retrieving my mandate —Jegede
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NDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has said the passion of the people of the state for the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the coming election, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede,( SAN), was becoming higher as a result of the injustice done to him temporarily, by removing his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list. He said the recent crisis in the state was a battle of the Lord and had been taken care of by God himself. “Despite the little challenges because of people who want to short change the people of Ondo State who don’t know what the people
of Ondo State want, the passion for the man they wanted to remove his name from the ballot paper is growing up the more,” the governor stated. Mimiko, who thanked the religious people in the state for their persistent prayers for the prevailing peace in the state, even as he thanked God for the sustained peace. In the same vein, Jegede said he was very close to retrieving his mandate using the instrumentality of the rule of law. Speaking with newsmen following the decision of the Special Panel of the Appeal Court to grant him Leave to appeal Justice Okon Abang’s ruling which ordered the substitution of
his name with that of Jimoh Ibrahim, as PDP candidate for the November 26 governorship election. He expressed confidence in the ability of the judiciary to correct all manipulations of his candidacy by those opposed to democracy. “I again reiterate that I am absolutely committed to the rule of law, I have submitted my grievances to the courts and despite the contrivance and manipulation by those who are opposed to democracy, we have been vindicated at the first step and God willing, we will continue to “trudge on”. There is no looking back, we are here because we have the interest of the people at heart,” he said.
Presidency woos Saraki, Dogara, govs Continued from page 33 At the end of the meeting, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, who almost opened up to speak with waiting journalists, was made to hold back by his Zamfara counterpart, Abdulazeez Yari, who is also chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). Okorocha quickly waved at newsmen in approval and said “they said I should not talk.” Outside the office where their cars were parked, the governors were joined by
Saraki and Dogara and were crowded by newsmen. At this time, all of them were complaining about one thing or the other in hushed tones. As newsmen continued to pester them for comments, Saraki asked Yari to address them, but the governor declined and threw the responsibility back to Saraki, who he asked to speak on the meeting as Senate President. When Saraki made to enter his car, he stood behind the rear door, paused and said: “I’m sure the VP will issue a statement. But nothing of
great alarm. It’s all for good governance, inclusion and collaboration with all arms. The states are here, National Assembly executives just came up with ideas on how to make things work even better, that’s all.” To a question on whether the meeting was stormy, the Senate president responded: “there is nothing like stormy session, it has do with inclusion, good governance, collaboration and to make things better.” The meeting was attended exclusively by chieftains of the ruling APC.
Jimoh Ibrahim remains our candidate — Sheriff Hakeem Gbadamosi- Akure
THE factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alli Modu Sheriff, on Monday, maintained that Mr Jimoh Ibrahim remains the candidate of the party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. Sheriff, who stated this during the flag off of the faction governorship campaign in Ore in Odigbo local government area of the state, expressed optimism that Ibrahim and the party would win the election. He explained that the party remained a party to beat in any election in the state, urging all party member to start campaigning for the party and its candidate to ensure victory in the election. He said: Today, we begin the journey to victory and I will come again on October 23 to close the journey. We present before you the best candidate for the election, a candidate who can turn around the state within his first 100 days in office. Speaking before receiving the flag from the factional Chairman, Ibrahim pledged to turn around the state positively and assured that all outstanding salaries and pensions of workers in
the state would be cleared within his first three months in office. Ibrahim said his government would initiate innovative programmes for wealth creation and youth empowerment in order to create job opportunities for the youths in the state. He explained the need to revive the education sector in the state, with a promise that his government would start with the introduction
of boarding facilities in 100 secondary schools within his first three months. He promised to give attention to rural electrification saying all areas without electricity would enjoy the facilities while priority would be given to rural development Ibrahim lamented the relegation of the traditional institution to the background saying all traditional rulers would be accorded their rightful place, if elected as governor .
INEC should be called to order —Group Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare
A pro-democracy coalition, the Coalition in Defense of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC), has raised an alarm, warning that the manipulation of the electoral process in the country was unhealthy for democracy. The group specifically accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of engaging in “electoral travesty,” and setting some dangerous precedents, which could make the conduct of the next general election almost impossible. CDNDC in a statement by its Co-Convener, Ariyo-
Dare Atoye, catalogued some “worrisome trends,” which it accused the commission of “deliberately contriving.” “We wish to alert the country that the culmination of some unsavoury things that INEC is doing or failing to do as an umpire that ordinarily should be seen as thorough and unbiased, from Abia to Ondo and Rivers States, is fast creating some bottledup political tension in the land and gradually spreading. Only an independent, truthful and unbiased review of the commission’s activities can reveal the danger ahead.”
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Tuesday, 15 November, 2016 Editor: Wale Emosu tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08111813054, 08055444383
Women’s U-20 World Cup:
Falconets will bounce back —Dedevbo
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IGERIA Coach, Peter Dedevbo, has expressed optimism that despite the 0-6 loss suffered by the Falconets at the hands of The Young Nadeshiko of Japan in the group opener of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea last Sunday, his players remain focused. Dedevbo, who acknowledged the superiority of the Japanese side, insisted that the Sunday’s result will not mark the end of the road for Nigeria in the tournament. He is optimistic that his playe r s will bounce back to pick maxim u m points from the remaining two group matches, and charged the players to put behind them the horror of the first game and focus on the Canada and Spain challenge. “We are down but not out, and this is the time for us to fight till the end of the competition. It would be fool–hardy for us to start feeling sorry for ourselves because it will affect our focus for the remaining games in the tournament. “I must acknowledge the fact that the Japanese side was good, even though I didn’t envisage the goal margin. The outcome means that we will return to the trenches and re-strategize,” Dedevbo said according to thenff.com. Meanwhile, Falconets central defender, Glory Ogbon-
Nigeria name squad for ITTF world junior tourney
na, has
vowed that the team will fight on and revive their World Cup trophy hopes as well as redeem Nigeria’s image in Papua New Guinea. Ogbonna, who plays for Ibom Angels, noted that the loss to Japan serves as a wake up call to the Falconets to gird their loins for the challenge against Canada. “Collectively as a team we have accepted the fact that we started badly against Japan, but it doesn’t mean that we have given up because all hope is not lost. I believe that the reason for Sunday’s defeat was a clarion call for us as a team to wake up to the harsh realities on ground. If we had won or drawn that game, apparently, the whole team would feel that we have arrived. “Canada is a must-win for us and it is not negotiable.
Falconet striker, Ihezuo Chinwendu
Gov Bello settles Kogi Utd, Confluence Queens’ sign-on fees KOGI State governor, Yahaya Bello has paid the sign-on-fees and allowances for players and officials of Kogi United and Confluence Queens for the
2015/2016 football season. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the chairman of the state owned clubs, Abdul Sule on Monday in Lokoja.
The former Stationery Stores striker, Sule thanked governor Bello for his support, just as he promised that the state clubs would reciprocate the gesture with
Ivorian legend Laurent Pokou is dead FORMER Ivorian footballer, Laurent Pokou has died. Pokou, who died in Abidjan on Sunday, was the holder of the record for the most number of goals at the Africa Cup of Nations finals for almost 40 years. Aged 69, Pokou, who died after a long period of illness, took just two tournaments to set the record of 14 goals - six goals in the 1968 finals
Pokou
in Ethiopia where the Elephants finished third and eight in 1970 in the tournament in Sudan where the Ivorians were fourth. It stood until 2008 when Samuel Eto’o passed it, albeit when the Cameroonian was competing in his fifth
Nations Cup finals. But Pokou’s five-goal haul for Ivory Coast against Ethiopia in Khartoum on 10 February, 1970 in the group phase of the finals remains a record for the most in a single Nations Cup finals game.
an improved performance in the coming football season. “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has paid all the sign-on-fees for both Kogi United and Confluence Queens for the outgone season. “We are not owing any player a dime, we’ve cleared all our players’ transfer fees and His Excellency has also encouraged us with necessary motivation to do well in our campaigns,” said the former Super Eagles defender.
Enyimba, Pillars, Lobi set for Gold Cup ALL is set for the fourth edition of Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament as clubs have confirmed their participation scheduled to begin on November 25. LAST year’s finalists, Kano Pillars and Supreme Court will engage eight other clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) in a 10-day soccer fi-
esta. The championship which would take place at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode till December 4, will feature Kano Pillars, Enyimba, Niger Tornadoes, MFM FC of Lagos, Sunshine Stars, FC Ebedei of Sagamu, Remo Stars, Crown FC, Supreme Court and Lobi Stars. General Coordinator of the tournament, Tunde Sham-
sudeen, said the teams in group A are Kano Pillars, FC Ebedei, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars, while Enyimba, Crown FC, Lobi Stars, Supreme Court and Remo Stars will compete in group B. He noted that the teams are expected to play four group matches with the first two teams with highest number of points qualifing for the semi-finals.
Sule, who is also the Chairman of Club Owners for the Nigeria National League, NNL clubs explained that in order to further empower the youth in the state, his management has decided to raise a Feeder team for the Confluence Queens which will serve as the nursery for players to break into the main team. “When we raised the Feeder club for Kogi United last year, we knew it would assist us to empower the youth in the state, draw them from the steeets and make them professionals, that has yielded rapid result as we now have about ten of them that have broken into the main team of Kogi United FC and they (Kogi United Feeder) have become a force to reckon with in Kogi State grassroots competitions as we have also had few of them going out to join other top clubs. With the support we are getting from present administration, we can have the 21 LGAs represented in the feeder team and eventually in the main team.’’
THE Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has named an eight-man team for the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Junior Championships holding in Cape Town, South Africa. The boys’ team will be led by national junior champion, Amadi Omeh as well as Azeez Solanke, Tobi Falana and Rilwan Akanbi while the girls’ team will be spearheaded by national junior sensation, Tosin Esther Oribamise. Others are Ajoke Ojomu, Alimot Ayinla and Agnes Onoja. The team will compete for honours in the singles, doubles and team events of the championships, which runs from November 30 to December 7. According to the President of NTTF, Wahid Oshodi, the tournament would be used to groom female players for the senior national team and add more male players to the senior team. “I hope we will be able to remedy the lack of quality female players in the senior team with the girls’ team going to the World Junior Championships in South Africa. The four young girls on that team need to grab this opportunity and start to build a serious career for themselves. In all this, I must continue to give credit to Olufunke Oshonaike that despite all her years in the game, she continues to show great commitment to the cause of our country and we hope these girls can take a cue from her,” Oshodi said.
Alimot Ayinla, one of the players to represent Nigeria at the tourney
SIDELINES
NO 16,633
TUESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, 2016
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Natural disasters force 26 million people into poverty each year, the World Bank has said. This is indeed very sad, but what is even more saddening is that leadership disasters force many more millions of people into misery and despair.
W-Cup ticket:
Eagles can’t celebrate yet —Ezenwa
Eagles must prepare very hard for Cameroon
—Rohr S By Wale Emosu
UPER Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has said that there is the need for Nigeria to prepare very well for the country’s next World Cup qualifier against Cameroon. African qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia resume in August 2017 and the Franco-German says the Super Eagles cannot afford to toy with the match. “We must prepare very
hard for Cameroon, though that is still nine months away. The Lions are a good team and we must be at our best,” Rohr said in Abuja on Monday. Nigeria currently lead the Group B of the African qualifiers with six points from two matches, while Cameroon are second with two points from the same number of matches. Nigeria host Cameroon on August 28, 2017 in one of the third round of matches. Rohr also attributed the
Super Eagles’ defender, William Troost -Ekong (right) challenges Algeria’s Islam Slimani. Super Eagles beautiful run in the qualifiers to “positive attitude, discipline, dedication, good team spirit and mental strength.” “A positive attitude has helped us thus far, and I also want to commend the play-
ers for their discipline and dedication, and very good spirit in camp. They have been excellent,” he said at the Glass House secretariat of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). “The mental strength is
Argentina coach warns Messi, others
Lions have to get 6 points from Eagles —Fecafoot CAMEROON have said that victories over Nigeria in their next 2018 World Cup Qualifying fixture remain their surest way to get a ticket to Russia 2018 after a dismal display against Zambia in Limbe. A Vincent Aboubakar first half stoppage time penalty helped Hugo Broos’ side salvage a 1-1 draw against Wedson Nyirenda’s men placing the Indomitable Lions second in group B with just two points, four adrift of Gernot Rohr’s men. In a statement released by the Cameroonian Football Federation, the four-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners have set their sights on halting the Super Eagles’ great run of form to get to the quadrennial tournament. “The coming months will be
months of hard work: in January and February next national team will have to confirm its ambition to restore the national coat of arms, during his participation in the CAN GABON 2017 more under its qualifying campaign for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, that of September 2017 will be of great importance with two decisive matches against Nigeria, currently first in our group,” Fecafoot wrote on their website. “To maintain the positive report on the performance of our various national teams, one goal is needed, one to shine in Gabon and win these two matches against Nigeria.” Cameroon will hope to stage an upset when they visit Nigeria on August 28, 2017 before playing host on September 2.
also there, because if you have to survive in such a difficult group, you need very good mental strength and focus. We have shown in the first two matches that we have the personnel and the good spirit to go all the way.”
SUPER Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, has said that the side have more work to do than indulge in wild celebration in the race for Russia 2018 World Cup ticket. The Nigerians beat Algeria 3-1 on Saturday in Uyo to maintain a 100 per cent record in the group’s sole ticket campaign. Ezenwa said his side must immediately turn their attention towards winning the upcoming home clash against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in August next year. “I do not think we have reached the mark where we can indulge in celebration as well as jubilation as far as the 2018 FIFA World Cup race is concerned. “The clash against Algeria has been won so the whole focus right now is the upcoming home clash against Cameroon next year. “Of course, we know the football rivalry between the two sides. The encounter is certain to be tough, especially after Cameroon’s two draws against Algeria and Zambia. “We know we have six points, four ahead of challengers Cameroon, but we will not start yet to celebrate qualification.
Messi
LIONEL Messi and Argentina’s stars will have to take “risks” to beat Colombia and keep their World Cup hopes alive, coach Edgardo Bauza said ahead of their must-win clash tonight. Messi used expletives to Argentinian media to highlight his anger after the Albiceleste lost 0-3 to Brazil last week. That left them in sixth place in the South American World Cup group – and only four go through automatically. So far, they are only one point behind fifth place Chile, but anything aside from a win over Colombia could see a critical gap open up. Barcelona midfielder, Javier Mascherano said after the Brazil defeat that Argentina had hit “rock bottom”. With the pressure on him and the team, Bauza said it was good for Mascherano to show his anger, and he was still confident of reaching the 2018 finals in Russia. “We need the team to improve in terms of production and this means they will have to impose themselves,” Bauza said after the final training session last Sunday.
Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 15/11/2016.