17th Septebmer 2015

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,329 THURSDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER, 2015

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Pipeline vandals kill 9 DSS operatives in Lagos —P8

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Again, gunmen kill 18, burn over 150 houses in Plateau

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STOCK MARKET: TOP 5 GAINERS

TOP 5 LOSERS

—P15

JP Morgan: Nigerian bonds still strong —DMO

N150

FULL REPORT ON PAGE 12

—P11

Ministers are noisemakers, civil servants do more work—Buhari

•No more devaluation of naira, he says

—P7

Osun commences payment of outstanding salaries —P8

Troops arrest more Boko Haram foodstuff suppliers —P14

From left, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on the president's arrival from France, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN.

FG drags Saraki to Code of Conduct Tribunal over 2003 assets declaration

•I'm being hounded for my stance on national issues —Senate President

—P6

APC govs meet over ministerial appointments —P6

Occasional bombings may not stop even if...

—Buhari—P7

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

NBA disagrees with NLC over death penalty as punishment for looters •Plea bargaining preferrable —NBA •It will lead to more embezzlement — NLC Soji-Eze Fagbemi - Abuja

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has disagreed with the proposition of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), that those found corrupt should face death penalty and be executed if found guilty.

President of NBA, Augustine Alegeh and the NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, sharply disagreed on the issue of death penalty when the NLC president led some management of the congress to NBA headquarters, Abuja, to seek the partnership and cooperation of the assoiation on the activities of the congress.

Alegeh, who was responding to his visitor, said the country would not gain anything from killing those who are corrupt.

He advised that the monies should be reovered and be used for the development of the country.

The NBA president, however, advocated for plea bargaining, so that the money stolen could be recovered, while the country must be thinking of proactive steps to stop people from looting, rather than waiting for them to loot and kill offenders.

He argued that the world was moving away from capital punishment and, therefore, Nigeria among comity of nations cannot be moving towards a place the world was moving away from.

Alegeh told the NLC leadership that: “A story came from one of your affiliates, it was on front pages of newspapers last week, that people involved in corruption should be sent to the gallows, that they should be killed, that there should be capital punishment. I said no.

“The international trend is that many countries are moving away from capital punishment.

“Secondly, in corruption cases, the focus should be on recovery of the stolen money. Let us recover such money and use it to develop our country and not kill the offender. If you kill such a person and his/her family has the money to themselves, have we made any progress? So, let us go for what is right.

“For us, we believe the country’s adoption of plea bargaining is very low. If we had adopted plea bargaining with the governors since 2007, we would have had a situation where we would

have more money in our system than we have today.”

He added that: “Our anti-corruption campaign should be how to get the money and put it back to the system. Punishment is taking a back seat globally.

What measures have we put in place to ensure that money is not looted, rather than wait for it to be looted and then kill the person?

We must be proactive; that is our stand.”

Comrade Wabba had earlier called on the NBA to

partner the organised labour in the renewed fight against corruption in the country.

According to the NLC president, corruption had not only crippled the nation’s development, it was responsible for the poverty rate, particularly in rural areas, where according to him, a lot of people could not afford three square meals, not to talk of having access to social amenities.

He advocated for an independent judiciary, which he

said was very important to the survival of the nation’s democracy and the rule of law.

He lamented that in Nigeria, judiciary was not independent and the way it was, it would be hard to canvass the entrenchment of the rule of law.

Wabba stated that the organised labour had intensified efforts toward ensuring good governance in the country, saying that with the NBA partnership, impunity which was rear-

ing its head in form of endemic corruption, would be checked.

Comrade Wabba said: “The issue of good governance is one issue I think as Nigerians, we need to take very seriously. Part of the decay in our system is lack of good governance, where issues of impunity and lack of transparency have dominated the polity.

“We have canvassed the issue of ensuring speedy trial of corruption cases.

We have also canvassed

strengthening of anticorruption laws, so that we all have something to be proud of. Your profession will play important role, especially on the issue of seeking perpetual injunctions by corrupt public officials restraining anticorruption agencies from prosecuting them. While it is their right to seek such, I think in a decent society, some of these injunctions, when they are perpetual, also have their effects on the nation.”

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

From left, General Officer Commanding (Goc) 1 Division, Major-General Adeniyi Oyebade; Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral Tukur Buratai and the acting Army Chief of Accounting and Budget, Brigadier-General Adeyemi Adetayo, at the 10th Biennial Conference of Nigerian Army Finance Corps, in Kaduna, on Wednesday. PHOTO: Nan

FG receives report on tackling Boko Haram Clement Idoko -Abuja

A

detailed report on how best to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East was submitted to the Federal Government on Wednesday.

The report, which was the research effort the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru, Jos, was handed to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Tijani Mohammed Bande, who presented the report to the vice president, said the institute worked with the Depart-

ment for International Development (DfID) and had produced a report on how to combat the Boko Haram insurgency on both mid and long term basis.

He disclosed that the institute had produced over 1,700 important functionaries for local, state and federal governments, which had added value to solving the nation’s problems.

The vice president, while receiving the report, tasked the NIPSS management, as a major national policy think-tank, on the need to look inwards and evolve creative strategies for raising resources to meet its funding needs.

CDS urges implementation of small arms embargo Chris Agbambu - Abuja Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, has asked the Presidential Committee on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, to urgently implement the modalities to stem small arms proliferation in the country.

He said enforcing the ban was necessary to deliver on the presidential directive of ending Boko Haram by the end of the year .

Olonisakin spoke when he exchanged views with members of the committee in Abuja.

The CDS urged the committee to pursue the agenda to a logical conclusion, adding that it is very imperative for the committee to avail itself of the opportunity of collaborating with the armed forces institutions in furtherance of their mission.

The committee, which was set up in April 2013, was designed as a rallying point in the efforts of government to stem the rise in the small arms importation into the country to ensure the implementation of the interna-

tional protocols endorsed by Nigeria and other ECOWAS member countries.

Speaking earlier, the committee chairman, Ambassador Gabriel Imohe, told CDS that his visit was to seek ways to foster mutual working relationship with the military with a view to working with existing security agencies to build synergy and curtail the incidence of illegal importation and use of small arms and light weapons.

He noted that the committee has since created institutional framework in Nigeria to tackle the issue in accordance with ECOWAS conventions recommendations in small arms and light weapons.

Commenting on the cooperation so far received from the military, the chairman said, “We can all collectively put all hands on deck in the very important effort to stem the tide of illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons. We have enjoyed goodwill among all security agencies and we solicit that this good relationship be sustained.�

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo noted that given the mandate of the institute as a think tank for the nation, it should be able to explore opportunities to collaborate with private sector towards generating the resources needed to sustain it.

He referred to leading academic institutions around the world that raised funding and support from their societies through development offices.

The vice president promised to work with the institute to achieve their funding goals, including through the establishment of a development unit.

He also assured the delegation that their concerns over Integrated Personnel and Payroll information System (IPPIS) issue would be resolved with the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Oshiomhole nominates new commissioners Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has nominated Chief Tom Uloko and Mr Gideon Obhakhan, as commissioners- designate in the state.

The names of the nominees have been forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and clearance.

Until now, Chief Uloko, a chartered accountant, was the chairman of the State Procurement Agency, while Mr Obhakhan, was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2015 House of Representatives election.

Both are expected to come on board with their wealth of experience and inject fresh ideas into the state executive council.

Thursday, 17 September, 2015 6 news FG drags Saraki to Code of Conduct Tribunal over 2003 assets declaration

•To be arraigned tomorrow •I'm being hounded for my stance on national issues —Senate President Taiwo Adisa and Sunday Ejike -Abuja

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HE Federal Government will, tomorrow, arraign the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Abuja, over allegations bordering on false and improper declaration in the asset forms he submitted to the commission between 2003 and 2011.

A deputy director in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, M. S. Hassan, who endorsed the 23-count charge preferred against Saraki, indicated that the Senate President committed the irregularities while he served as governor of Kwara State.

A source at the Code of Conduct Tribunal told the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday that the Senate President had been served with the charge sheet and would be arraigned tomorrow.

But Saraki, in a statement by his media office, alleged that his arraignment was politically-motivated, adding that he had not been served the charges.

In another engagement, Saraki told the leadership of the Public Complaints Commission, who paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday, that the era of impunity was over, adding that public agencies must be seen to do their work according to the law.

Count one of the 13-count charge read: “That you, Dr Olubukola Abubakar Saraki, while being the governor of Kwara State on or about September 16, 2003 within the jurisdiction of this honourable tribunal, did make a false declaration in assets declaration form for public officers on assumption of office as governor of Kwara State, by making anticipatory asset declaration in that you claimed to have owned and acquired No. 15A and N0. 15B McDonald, Ikoyi, Lagos, through your company, Carlisle Properties Limited, in the year 2006, when the said property was in actual fact sold by the Implementation Committee on Federal Government landed property in the year 2006 to your companies, Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited, for the aggregate sum of N396,150,000 and you hereby committed an offence under section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and incorporated under paragraph 11(1) and (2) of Part 1, 5th schedule to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Con-

duct Bureau and Tribunal Act and incorporated under paragraph 18 of part 1, 5th schedule to the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”

According to the charge sheet No. CCT/ABJ/01/15, Saraki was also accused of operating an American Express credit card account during his tenure as governor, where he allegedly wired at least $3.4 million from a Nigerian account.

The law bars public officers from operating foreign bank accounts while in service.

Count two of the charge sheet also accused Saraki of acquiring houses No 17A and 17B McDonald, Ikoyi, Lagos, at the sum of N497,200,000, which the charge said was “not fairly attributable” to his income.

The Senate president was also accused of alleged false declarations in his Asset Decalaration Form of June 2011, by allegedly refusing to declare a house located at Plot 2A, Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which he was said to have acquired at the sum of N325 million.

Another charge accused Saraki of failing to declare a house at Plot 37A, Glover Road, Ikoyi, in June 2011, besides his alleged wrong declaration in respect of a property at 1, Tagus Street, Maitama, Abuja.

The Senate president had been having a running battle with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since his emergence on June 9, while his wife, Toyin, had been interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering and diversion of Kwara State government funds while her husband held sway as governor.

Saraki rejects charges Saraki, in his reply, said the allegations against him were politically motivated, insisting that he would meet his traducers in court.

“The attention of Dr Bukola Saraki, Senate President, has been drawn to a charge sheet being widely circulated on the online media, upon which he is expected

to be tried at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

“It should be noted that at the time of writing this statement (10.00am on September 16, 2015), Dr Saraki has not been served the court process. However, we recognise that as a public officer, he owes members of the public explanation on the allegations contained in the charge sheet.

“All the claims contained in the charge sheet are false, incorrect and untrue. Dr Saraki has consistently declared his assets as required by law at every point before resuming any political office and that of 2015 is not an exception.

“It is surprising that the alleged charges is now referring to his asset declaration made in 2003, while in office as governor of Kwara State. They, therefore, ignored the recent declaration for which they, last week, issued an acknowledgement.

“We believe that the Code of Conduct Bureau, following their processes in which after a declaration is submitted to the bureau they carried out verification of the assets and ascertained the claims made, should not wait till 12 years later to be pointing out an alleged inconsistencies in a document submitted to it in 2003.

“This same Dr Saraki submitted asset declaration form in 2007, 2011 and 2015. It is unexplainable that the case in question is now based on the 2003 declaration.

“This is why we are of the opinion that the present effort is a desperate move initiated due to external influence and interference. It should also be noted that contrary to the procedure indicated in the law setting up the CCB, the bureau never wrote to Dr Saraki to complain of any inconsistency in his asset declaration forms.

“It should also be noted that Dr Saraki as governor of Kwara State never operated a foreign account.

“Some of the issues contained in the charge sheet are subjects of earlier decided and ongoing court cases.

We, therefore, believe those behind filing of these charges are engaging in forumshopping.

“It should be noted that we do not know on whose authority these charges are filed when the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act clearly indicate that any prosecution must be authorised by an Attorney General and we know the nation last had an AG in May 2015.

“This is another clear indication that the CCT is acting under influence from outside its domain and, therefore, ready to bend the rules to achieve this obnoxious objective “We, therefore, conclude that this is not an anticorruption driven case and cannot be part of the moves aimed at fighting corruption. It is simply a pure malicious and politically motivated prosecution aimed at undermining the person and office of the Senate president.

“Those behind this plot will definitely meet Dr Saraki in court, as this case, which is based on outright fabrication and mischief, will not and cannot stand the test of justice.

“It should be noted that throughout his career as a public official democratically elected to high public service, Dr Saraki has always held himself to global standards of transparency and accountability, to a far higher standard of diligence, disclosure and compliance, than required or even requested by Nigeria's Code Of Conduct protocols.

“Thus, Dr Saraki has always, lawfully and accountably, declared his assets, both directly owned and in which he may derive any historical and ongoing degree of beneficial interest.

“In view of the above, Senator Saraki hereby affirms his belief in the justice system and that when the proposed case comes to the tribunal, he will diligently state his case.

“He is also ready to cooperate with the tribunal and other lawful government agencies in the bid to genuinely fight corruption and

Gani Adams condemns northern leaders over call for new confab Bola Badmus - Lagos NATIONAL coordinator of the pan-Yoruba group, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, on Wednesday, berated northern leaders over their call for a fresh national conference and non-implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 national conference, saying their call amounted to overheating national polity.

Adam, who was a del-

egate to the last national conference organised by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, said this in his reaction to the call made by the northern ex-political office holders under the aegis of the Northern Reawakening Forum (NRF).

The group had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to convene a fresh national conference to address some pertinent issues af-

fecting the North-East and other parts of the region.

They also called on Buhari to jettison the recommendations of the last national conference conducted under Jonathan’s administration.

Adams, while saying that the call was condemnable, pointed out that it was a plot to disintegrate Nigeria and instigate hatred against the delegates of the last national conference.

eliminate impunity in our public affairs.

“We also note that anytime you try to fight corruption or insist that the right thing should be done, the system will always come after you.

This is another case of desperation to fight Dr Saraki because of his recent stance on national issues,” Saraki, in a statement by his media office, said.

Saraki, while receiving the management of Public Complaints Commission in his office on Wednesday, said public office holders should know that the era of impunity and administrative injustice in the country were over.

He said the principal reason for the establishment of the PCC was to protect the public from gross abuse of office by public servants, while pledging that the eighth Senate would strengthen the commission

to enable it perform its constitutional mandate effectively.

“As you said, you would soon be 40 years and I don’t think the impact that you have made in the society has been felt. I want to charge you as members that this is a golden opportunity to make that difference.

“What you can be reassured of is that this eighth Senate, my colleagues supporting, we will give you all the necessary backings to make that difference,” he said.

Saraki also restated the need for transparency in public life of all Nigerians, adding that “this is the beginning of our accountability to the Nigerian people.

What makes a society is for people to have a sense of belonging, to have a sense of ownership of their governance and commissioners like you.”

APC govs meet over ministerial appointments Taiwo Adisa -Abuja INDICATIONS emerged that governors elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) were, on Wednesday night, in a meeting to deliberate on the procedure for appointing ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sources close to the party

said the governors were to meet over rationale for the appointments.

It was gathered that the governors were unhappy that names submitted by most of them for appointment were being jettisoned

by President Buhari.

It was also gathered that the governors planned to meet the president today, after their meeting.

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Ministers are noisemakers —Buhari

Says civil servants, technocrats more involved in governance

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has again defended his delay in forming his ministerial cabinet, saying civil servants and technocrats are more involved in the process of governance than ministers, who are only there to “make a lot of noise.”

Buhari was speaking on Wednesday, in an interview with French television station, France 24.

Asked if the absence of a Finance Minister was affecting the Nigerian capital market and economy, Buhari said: “No. It is what we know –and which we learnt from the Western system. The civil service provides continuity, the technocrat. And in any case, they are the people who do most of the work.

“The ministers are there, I think, to make a lot of noise; for the politicians to make a lot of noise, but the work is being done by the technocrats. They are there; they have to provide the continuity, dig into the records and then guide us, (those of us) who are just coming in.

“They have been there, some of them for 15 years, some for 20 years. So, I think this question of ministers is political. People from different constituencies want to see their people directly in government, and see what they can get out of it.”

Buhari did say, though, that he intends to stick with his decision to name his cabinet before the end of the month.

“As for the cabinet, I said we will have one by the end of the month, but time flies.

The end of the month is coming too quickly for my liking.

“Yeah, I will stick to it. I will send the names to the National Assembly.”

Reminded by his interviewer that “some have quipped that the country runs better without ministers,” the president said:

“When you started introducing me, you said I was

around 1983 till 1985.

“Even then we had minis-

ters. So under this system, there is need to have minis-

Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki (left), with the Chairman, Public Complaints Commission, Chief Emmanuel Ogbile, after a courtesy visit to the Senate President, at the National Assembly, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Occasional bombings may not stop even if... —Buhari PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari told the Agence France Presse (AFP), on Wednesday, that Nigerian authorities were talking to Boko Haram prisoners in their custody and could offer them amnesty if the extremist group hands over more than 200 schoolgirls abducted last year.

The Nigerian leader added that he was confident ‘conventional’ attacks by the group would be rooted out by November, but cautioned that deadly suicide attacks, some of them waged by children, were likely to continue.

“The few (prisoners) we are holding, we are trying to see whether we can negotiate with them for the release of the Chibok girls,” Buhari said, in an interview in Paris, during his threeday visit to France.

“If the Boko Haram leadership eventually agrees to turn over the Chibok girls to us, the complete number, then we may decide to give them (the prisoners) amnesty.”

Boko Haram fighters stormed a school in the remote nort-eastern Nigerian town of Chibok on April 14, last year, seizing 276 girls who were preparing for end-of-year examination in an abduction that shocked the world.

Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, had since said they have all converted to Islam and been ‘married off’.

Buhari, who has promised to stamp out the group’s bloody six-year insurgency, said the government would not release any prisoners unless it was convinced it could “get the girls in rea-

sonably healthy condition.”

He, however, cautioned that negotiating with Boko Haram insurgents was fraught with difficulties.

“We are trying to establish if they are bona fide, how useful they are in Boko Haram, have they reached a position of leadership where their absence is of relevance to the operation of Boko Haram?” he said.

He said on Wednesday that he was confident this deadline would be respected, but only on Boko Haram’s ‘conventional’ assaults and not necessarily on the random suicide attacks that have killed hundreds since he assumed office.

“The main conventional attacks, where Boko Haram uses armoured cars they took from Nigerian troops or mounted machine-guns

...No more devaluation of naira, he assures PRESIDENT Muhamadu Buhari has assured Nigerians and the international community that the country’s official currency, naira, will not be further devalued.

The naira, which was devalued in November 2014 to 168 against a dollar, has in less than a year, seen devaluation to N197 on the official interbank market.

With falling oil prices, investors fear that the curren-

ters; and we will have ministers.”

‘Stop recruiting graduates with no NYSC certificate’

cy may be further devalued to a point, where it does not have to take so much defending the naira.

While speaking with France 24 on Wednesday, Buhari said further devaluation would be avoided, because it was not healthy for the economy.

“The naira has been devalued, it used to be around 160, and now, it is hovering around 200 and above and I don’t think it is healthy for

us to have the naira devalued further.

“That’s why we are getting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make modifications in terms of making foreign exchange available to essential services, industries, spare parts, essential raw materials and so on, but things like toothpicks and rice, Nigeria can produce enough of those.

“We don’t need to give our hard currency on that, but

those who insist on having toothpicks from Europe or from China, instead of using Nigerian toothpicks, they can go and source their foreign exchange.”

The CBN has imposed strict control on access to foreign exchange, as it hopes to build up the naira profile.

In June 2015, it restricted access to foreign exchange for the import of 41 items, ranging from rice and toothpicks, as stated by the president.

on pick-ups and so on, we believe by the end of the three months, we will see the back of that,” he said.

“What may not absolutely stop is the occasional bombings by the use of improvised explosive devices,” he cautioned.

“We do not expect a 100 per cent stoppage of the insurgency,” the president said.

DIRECTOR-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier-General Johnson Bamidele Olawumi, has decried the prevalence recruitment into public service of graduates without compulsory one year national service.

The DG stated this on Wednesday, while speaking at the 2015 Batch ‘B’ Pre-orientation in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

He urged the Federal Civil Service Commission, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the private entrepreneurs to ensure that only those who possess NYSC certificate were employed, so as not to run foul of the NYSC Act. Olawumi also called on federal and state governments to increase funding to the scheme, in view of the increasing number of corps participants as a result of increase in corps members-producing institutions in the country.

He appealed to stakeholders, especially employers of labour, to join hands with the scheme in mentoring corps members to be patriotic and committed citizens for the benefit of the nation.

We are not afraid of election —Kogi PDP Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, on Wednesday, said it was not afraid of going into contest with any political party during the next governorship election in the state.

A statement by the publicity secretary of the party in the state, Bode Ogunmola, said the PDP was confident of victory in the election, because of the performance of the state governor, Idris Wada.

The party said it was ready to support the governor, who had also emerged as the candidate of the party for the election, in order to ensure that he was victorious in the November 21 election.

The statement, however, lauded the supporters of the party for their conduct during the governorship primarries of the party held

last Monday.

Besides, the party noted that the display of maturity and high spirit of sportsmanship by the other aspirants, Alhaji Jubrin Isah and Moses Amoto and their supporters, was commendable.

It maintained that the peaceful conduct of the primaries showed that the party was ready to go into the election with a united house that was prepared for victory.

The party, however, urged the aspirants, delegates and other stakeholders to sustain the zeal to enable the party record a landslide victory in the election, saying that until the election was won, they should not rest on their oars.

The statement also lauded the efforts of the national secretariat of the party on the conduct of the primaries, noting that the exercise was transparent, free and fair.

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Osun commences payment of outstanding salaries —NLC

Workers to receive bank alerts before tomorrow Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

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SUN State government, on Wednesday, commenced the process for the payment of outstanding salaries to workers in the state.

Making this disclosure during a telephone chat with Nigerian Tribune in Osogbo, on Wednesday, chairman of the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Jacob Adekomi, assured that civil servants would start to receive bank alerts for their salaries before Friday.

Adekomi, who had earlier briefed journalists after a meeting with representatives of government on the disbursement of bailout loan for workers’ salaries at the Government House in Osogbo, commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for disbursing the bailout fund for the payment of backlog of workers’ salaries.

He stated that there was no disagreement between the labour and government on whether the bailout fund would not be used to pay workers’ salaries as speculated in some quarters.

Adekomi stressed that labour, all the while, was sure that the fund was intact, but was meeting with government on the modalities of how it would be disbursed based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of July 13 entered into with government by labour.

While commenting on the MoU between government and the committee inaugurated on disburse-

ment of bailout fund, the NLC boss said the funds to be disbursed would cover the payment of outstanding salaries for the month of January til June.

According to Adekomi, “in order to ensure sustainability of payment of salaries in Osun State, the first disbursement from the bailout fund should cover

the payment of outstanding September and December 2014 deductions, balance of January and February salaries and full payment of March, April and May 2015

salaries for state government workers.

“That workers in the employment of local governments and primary school teachers be paid their first

Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress Osun (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi (middle); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (right) and the state Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye, during the signing of memorandum of understanding between the labour and government on payment of workers salary, at the Government House, on Wednesday.

I didn’t set up probe panel to indict Amaechi —Wike Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has described as falsehood, the allegation that he set up the judicial commission of inquiry primarily to persecute and indict his predecessor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.

The governor had, shortly after assuming office, set up the Justice George Omerejiprobe panel to look into the finances of the state during

the Amaechi-led administration.

However, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the media office of the former governor had consistently maintained that the panel was targeted at rubbishing his image.

However, Governor Wike said the allegation was not true, adding that it “suffers from eclipse of reasoning and poverty of logic.”

He said a former gover-

nor, Peter Odili, appeared before the Justice Kayode Esho’s commission set up

by Amaechi, despite the fact that Justice Esho had reportedly made some uncomplimentary remarks about a perpetual injunction concerning Odili.

Reacting through his special adviser on media and publicity, Sir Opunabo Inko-Taria, on Wednesday, the governor said Amaechi, at the twilight of his administration, set up the Profes-

sor Odinkalu’s panel.

“You can’t approbate and reprobate simultaneously.

The Omereji’s panel was set up to probe expenditures made by Amaechi’s government.

“This is what any responsible government will do because the taxpayers’ money is not for one man, especially when certain financial transaction are opaque.

“It is even more important when the outgoing administration demured to hand

9 DSS operatives feared killed by pipeline vandals Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos NINE people suspected to be operatives of the Department of the state Security Service were between Tuesday night and early Wedesday feared killed and others injured in another clash between them and pipeline vandals, around Iso Oko and Konu in Ogun State and Ishawo area of Ikorodu in Lagos State .

The police in Lagos State, confirmed a serious shooting between two groups of people, but claimed that they could not identify the victims and neither could they ascertain the number of the victims of the clash as at Wednesday evening.

The pipeline vandals were reportedly coming from

instalment out of the bailout loan to cover the payment of balance of March and April 2015 salaries, as well as full payment of May and June 2015 salaries.

“That state pensioners be paid balance of December 2014, as well as January, February and March 2015 pensions, while their counterparts in the local governments and primary schools be paid up till June 2015,” Adekomi emphasised.

The NLC chairman, however, noted that subsequent payment of salaries would be paid with available net revenue from the Federation Accounts and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) will be apportioned in a way to take care of salaries, pensions and expenditure required to run government.

Adekomi maintained that labour had agreed to work with government to increase IGR, so as to increase the available revenue to pay salaries and other government expenditure.

Arepo in Ogun State, where they had successfully loaded seven tankers with petroleum products when they ran into the DSS operatives .

The oil thieves, numbering over 20, were all said to be clad in black shirts and trousers with red bands around their head and heavy guns .

There were, however, two conflicting accounts of the mission of the DSS operatives in the area, but nobody could say precisely what led to their encounter with the pipeline vandals.

The DSS operators reportedly intercepted the tankers and were standing around the seized tankers, when the oil thieves opened fire on them, killing about nine of them in the process.

While a report had it that the deceased DSS opera-

tives were responding to a tip-off by some residents of Konu of the activities of the oil thieves, another version had it that they were returning from the wake keep of one of their colleagues.

A resident of Ishawo, who pleaded anonymity, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, said the incident actually happened Tuesday night, but that the tension created was still high as at Wednesday evening.

The resident said “the oil thieves came and were shooting sporadically. They wanted to forcefully take over the seized tankers from the policemen.

The resident also added that “the gunshots lasted about more than 30 minutes before they left. There was serious confusion as

many people ran into different directions.

The resident also decried the activities of the pipeline vandals in the area and appealed to the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the problem.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Joe Offor, con-

firmed the shooting to Nigerian Tribune, insisting that no policeman had been declared missing as of the time of filing this report.

He also added that the police were planning to cordon off the scene of the clash, but were very cautious of the tension created by the Tuesday clash.

Lawmakers have till Oct 31 to renew number plates —FRSC Chukwuma Okparaocha with Agency Report THE Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has fixed October 31 for renewal of number plates for federal lawmakers.

Mr. Oyeyemi said this on Wednesday while ad-

dressing media men during a workshop organised for Heads of Driver’s License Centres of FRSC. He said clerks of the various legislative arms were expected to apply for the new number plates for legislators which would be valid for four years.

over or when there are no handover notes.

“The welter of criticisms by the APC in Rivers State is accentuated by fear of exposure. It is just a hocus pocus.

“Governor Wike inherited a hobbling economy and a suffocating treasury.

He provided the life-saving machine and today the state is recuperating. Amaechi gave us political carbonmonoxide to inhale.

“The sittings were not done clandestinely and all that was expected of Amaechi and his acolytes was to appear and prove their innocence, if they have no skeletons in their cupboards.

“After all, the governor is only borrowing a leaf from President Muhammadu Buhari, the embodiment of probity and rectitude.

“The implementation of the commission’s recommendations shall be devoid of fear or favour, affection or any ill will.

“It was the same Amaechi and his cronies who questioned the proprietary of the commission and a court of competent jurisdiction confirmed the legitimacy, with an addendum that it was set up in sync with the relevant laws.

“What else are they looking for? In my personal view, therefore, their refusal to appear before the panel is an admission of guilt,” he said.

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Nigerian Tribune

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Lagosmetro

Edited By Lanre Adewole

0811 695 4647

Traffic control: LASTMA

courts transport unions’ support Olatunde Dodondawa AS part of its efforts to ensure Lagosians have smooth travelling experience within the Lagos metropolis, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has unveiled plans to engage all stakeholders in traffic management.

The new General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Bashir Braimah, who led top officials of the agency on traffic management assessment on Wednesday, said traffic management was a collective responsibility and sought the cooperation and support of the road transport unions in tackling the menace.

He lamented the nonchalant attitude of truck and commercial drivers plying the Apapa-Oshodi expressway.

He argued that they were indifferent to the plight of other road users with little or no regard for the road traffic law.

At the MRS truck staging area along Oshodi-Apapa expressway, tanker trucks were indiscriminately parked on the dual carriage way with the excuse of awaiting the collection of fuel loading teller leading to the total blockage of access to other road users.

The LASTMA chief condemned this act of impunity and charged the Petroleum Union Drivers (PTD) to cue into the vision of the government and reciprocate the kind gesture of the government on non enforcement policy by obeying road traffic laws and personnel who are working round the clock to ensure free flow of traffic on Lagos roads.

Ban: Truck owners wait on govt, as peace meeting deadlocked Tola Adenubi All this waste was taken out from a gutter at Agege. PHOTO: CHUKS OKPARAOCHA

Ikorodu robbers got over N100m from bank raids —Police Bidemi Olowofela

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four-man gang that allegedly attacked and robbed two banks in Ikorodu, were on Wednesday, charged to court.

The alleged members of the armed robbery gang were identified as Kowei Victor, 42, Friday Abiwa, 20; Omolaja Omoboye, 39, and Agbojule Bright 25.

According to the police, the gang members armed with AK47, dynamites and other weapons, robbed FirstBank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc in Ikorodu.

It further gathered that during the robbery operation which lasted for about two hours, the alleged

armed robbers carted away N99.536 million.

The alleged armed robbers also dispossessed the two banks of $2,750 and thousands of Euros after blowing up the banks with dynamites.

The police prosecutor, Barrister Godwin O. Osuyi, therefore asked the court that the four defendants be remanded in prison custody pending the time they will be properly arraigned before a competent court.

The four defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

The presiding magistrate, Mrs. M. O. Olajuwon, ordered that the four robbery suspects be remanded in prison custody, pending

the DPP’s advice on the matter.

Olajuwon also ordered the prosecutor to duplicate

the case file and forward it to the DPP for legal advice, while adjourned the matter till October 23.

Bread hawker remanded for stabbing customer to death Bidemi Olowofela A 44-year-old man, Obafemi Yunus has been arraigned before an Ebute-Metta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing one Ajayi Peter with a knife.

Trouble was said to have started at a roundabout on Church Street where the defendant sells bread, when the deceased tried to prevail on Yusuf to give him a loaf of bread.

The development led to a scuffle, and Yunus went for

a knife with which he stabbed the deceased in the head.

It was gathered that Peter was rushed to Makoko Medical Centre where he later gave up the ghost. Yunus pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

Upon the plea of the defendant, the presiding magistrate, Mrs. A.O Ajibaye ordered that Yunus be remanded in prison custody pending legal advice from the DPP and also a duplicate case file should be forwarded to the DPP office.

FOLLOWING a deadlocked truce meeting held at the seat of power of the Lagos State Government (LASG) on Monday between the state government and truck operators under the aegis of Joint Council of Seaport Truckers (JCOST), Lagos Metro can reliably confirm that the truckers have submitted possible solutions to the incessant falling of containers to the state government.

Disclosing this to Lagos Metro in an exclusive chat,

Chairman of JCOST, Mr. Kayode Odunowo stated that, “We have submitted our possible solutions to the Lagos State government as directed by them after our meeting on Monday.

“And they have promised to get back to us. However, until then, we are still on our industrial action because we cannot work at night due to security concerns.”

Further findings revealed that cargoes have started piling up inside the port terminals even as the ban on trucks movement by the state government subsists.

Epidemic imminent, as Air Force Base abattoir emits offensive odour Shola Adekola AN offensive odour which is presently permeating the entire Bammeke area of Alimosho local government in Lagos is causing panic among the people of the community.

The odour has been traced to the illegal abattoir located within the Nigerian Air Force Base at Shasha where cows and other animals are slaughtered and subsequently taken to markets for sale.

According to information gathered from people within the community, the stench which is fast spreading has exposed people within the area to serious health hazard in the face of any likely outbreak of epidemic disease.

The odour has been attributed to the unhygienic situation at which the butchers at the abattoir are disposing of the waste of the cows after slaughtering.

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\\b\users\public\izzy\business\business news September 17 Thursday, 17 September, 2015

TSA: AGF monitors compliance, commends MDAs We warned banks 3 years ago — NDIC MD Chris Agbambu and Gbola Subair - Abuja

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he Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, has commended all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which have complied with the presidential directive on the transition to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in view of the September 15th 2015 deadline.

Idris, while expressing satisfaction with the level of

Chevron shut over anti-worker policy

compliance, affirmed that the TSA has come to stay, that the compliance was an indication that Nigeria is at the threshold of a new era of transparent and accountable management of Public finances.

Spokesperson of the AGF office, Mrs Kenechukwu Offie, said that the AGF thanked all the MDAs for their cooperation, assuring them and the general public of the preparedness to ensure a hitch-free implementation that would bring about the actualisation of the objective of the policy.

Idris noted that at the close of Business on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, almost all MDAs, especially the

revenue yielding ones, had all complied with the presidential directive to transit to the TSA. He further revealed that sanctions would be meted out to any erring MDA. Meanwhile, an economist, Mr Tosin Yusuf, on Wednesday, called on banks in Nigeria to be proactive and invest in the real sectors of the economy.

Yusuf made the call in the face of President Muhammadu Buhari’s directives that all government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should operate a TSA. The account, according to the directive, must be domiciled with the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on or before September 15.

The economist told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo that the development should spur commercial banks in Nigeria to invest in the real sector of the economy.

According to him, the withdrawal of billions of naira of government money from all the commercial banks would definitely pose a serious liquidity challenges, which could be cushioned through diversification.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has stated that banks had been warned three years ago to

take steps that would make them not to over-rely on government deposits.

Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, speaking at the commissioning of NDIC assisted Directorate of Research building complex that was donated to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, emphasised that the implementation of the policy should not be strange to the banks, because, according to him, they (the banks) had been warned about three years back to take steps that would make them not to over-rely on government deposits.

Workers should obey court order —Management Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos Following alleged anti-worker activities, the leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) shut down the Head Office of Chevron in Lagos and prevent smooth running of business.

The South West Zonal Chairman, NUPENG, Comrade Tokunbo Korodo, said the picketing of Chevron Office in Lagos on Wednesday was not the first time but it might be the last time that he would mobilise his fellow ‘comrades’ to picket the oil giant over what he described as anti-labour activities.

According to him, “We just want to correct an impression because Lagosians and Nigerians at large believed that NUPENG will just wake up and embark on industrial actions without taking the proper steps. Now, this is part of the corrective measures we are putting in place in ensuring that we keep the public abreast of what is going on here.

“We also want to send signals to the Federal Government why the Chevron management refused to attend to our demands. We have adopted a lot of peaceful means to ensure that justice prevails.”

Reacting to the workers’ protest, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Deji Haastrup, stated that Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), on behalf of the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture confirmed that some employees of companies contracted by CNL, operator of the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, blocked access to CNL offices in Lekki, Warri and Port Harcourt.

From left, Chief Editor, TW Magazine, Adesuwa Onyenokwe; Chief Executive Officer, WAKANOW, Obinna Okezie; Chief Executive Officer, Blue Camel Energy Limited, Suleiman Yusuf and Group Head, Strategy and Communications, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Shina Atilola, at the bank’s ‘Get Ready for Work’ programme in Lagos recently.

ExxonMobil pumps first oil production at Erha North Phase 2 project Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos ExxonMobil Corporation announced the pumping of first oil by its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, ahead of schedule at the Erha North Phase 2 project offshore Nigeria.

The Erha North Phase 2 project is a deepwater subsea development located 60 miles offshore Nigeria in 3,300 feet of water and four miles north of the Erha field, which has been producing since 2006.

The Erha North Phase 2 project includes seven wells from three drill centers tied back to the existing Erha North Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, reducing additional infrastructure requirements.

According to a statement from the company, the project is estimated to develop an additional 165 million barrels from the currently

producing Erha North field.

Peak production from the expansion is currently estimated at 65,000 barrels of oil per day and will increase total Erha North’s field production to approximately 90,000 barrels per day.

“Executing successful projects, such as Erha North Phase 2 ahead of schedule and under budget, results from ExxonMobil’s disciplined project management

approach and expertise.

“We are able to create additional shareholder value by optimizing existing infrastructure, which reduces capital spending requirements and improves capital efficiency,” said Neil Duffin, President of ExxonMobil Development Company.

Duffin said the aheadof-schedule start-up was supported by strong performance from Nigerian con-

tractors, which accounted for more than $2 billion of project investment for goods and services, including subsea equipment, facilities and offshore installation.

“These contracts are bringing direct and indirect benefits to the Nigerian economy through project spending and employment, consistent with project objectives,” Duffin said.

Nigerian Tribune

FGN’s bonds are strong in spite of J. P Morgan’s delisting of Nigeria —DMO The Debt Management Office (DMO) has said that the quality of Nigerian Bonds was not affected by the removal of Nigeria from the JP Morgan Bond Index for Emerging Markets.

The Director-General of DMO, Mr Abraham Nwankwo, made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja at a news conference.

He said that the Federal Government’s bonds were strong and robust.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that J. P Morgan Chase and Co. delisted Nigeria from its Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBIEM) for alleged lack of liquidity for transactions and transparency in the determination of exchange rate.

J.P Morgan added Nigeria to its index in 2012 and on Jan. 16, it placed Nigeria on a negative index watch and finally delisted Nigeria on Sept. 8.

NAN also reports that J. P Morgan is the largest financial services holding company in the United States and the world’s fifth largest bank with total assets of 2.6 trillion dollars.

According to Nwankwo, Nigeria’s removal from the index “does not amount to a downgrade of Nigeria or FGN Bonds since J. P Morgan is not a credit rating agency.

“It does not have any impact on the quality of the FGN Bonds.

“They remain risk-free securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government and are charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

“It does not imply that the Bonds are no longer liquid.’’

Nwankwo also said that FGN Bonds were supported by an active secondary market which allowed investors to buy or sell them on any business day.

Naira depreciates against the dollar on activities of currency speculators THE naira, on Wednesday, depreciated against the dollar in the parallel market.

The naira traded for N226, N247, and N345 against the dollar, Euro and Pounds, respectively, in the parallel market on Wednesday afternoon as against N224, N247, and 348 it sold on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the official interbank rate remained at

N197 to a dollar.

A financial analyst, Professor Sheriffadeen Tella, of the Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, attributed the current fluctuation in the parallel market to the activities of currency speculators.

Tella told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that cur-

rency speculators have been buying off the dollar to create artificial scarcity at the parallel market.

The financial analyst said that there was no truth in the reports that the delisting of Nigeria’s Bond Index

by JP Morgan was affecting the performance of the Naira at the international market.

“The delisting of Nigeria

by JP Morgan had no effect on the performance of the naira at the international market, rather it was the activities of currency speculators that is affecting it.

“There is massive naira conversion to dollars underground by speculators in the guise that government may bring up policies that would adversely affect the naira,’’ Tell said.

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER, 2015

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

news Troops arrest more suppliers of foodstuffs to Boko Haram terrorists

Boko Haram offer of negotiation: Buhari’s position corroborates CCC’s

Chris Agbambu – Abuja

Chris Agbambu – Abuja

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I

NTENSIVE patrols and vigilance of troops have continued to yield positive results with the arrest of 33 suspected food suppliers to the Boko Haram terrorists

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

in Damboa axis around Azir-Wajiroko Road, Borno State.

The 33 suspected Boko Haram accomplices were arrested with large quantity of food stuffs meant for Boko Haram terrorists at Korode.

Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel S.K. Usman, in a statement in Abuja yesterday said that nine of the 33 suspects were from Korode, five from Auma, 10 from Geargube, four from Kausautaya, another four from Bul-

bul and one from Dolomi villages.

He disclosed that some of the suspects claimed to be traders, but did not deny buying and selling food items to the terrorists.

According to him, interrogation is still ongoing to

further unravel the level of involvement of the suspects.

Also in a related development, troops during clearance operations of Boko Haram hideouts, have discovered and successfully destroyed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by Boko Haram terrorists at Sandia Village on Korode Road.

He said that scores of men, women and children were rescued from the terrorists at Buduwa area along Bama axis.

The rescued persons were part of those abducted by Boko Haram terrorists at Buduwa in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State which was earlier occupied by the terrorists.

Plateau is hosting 325,000 IDPs —NEMA

Some of the foodstuffs meant to be supplied to the Boko Haram terrorists in Damboa axis around Azir-Wajiroko Road, Borno State, seized by the troops, on Wednesday. Inset: The suspected food suppliers to the terrorists.

Army captures, de-radicalises over 200 insurgents in Adamawa THE Department of Civil Military Affairs at the Army Headquarters, said on Wednesday that it had captured and deradicalised over 200 Boko Haram insurgents in Adamawa State.

Brigadier-General V O Ezugwu, the Commander, 28 Task Force Brigade, Mubi, made the disclosure at the opening of a two-day sensitisation programme on de-radicalisation held in Mubi, Adamawa.

“This Brigade has rescued and de-radicalised over 200 Boko Haram insurgents from November 2014 to date,’’ Ezugwu said.

According to the commander, military operations alone cannot provide holistic solution to eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the country.

“There is need for a collaborative approach involving political, diplomatic, economic, timely information and other related lines of counter insurgency operations,” Ezugwu said.

He said that the seminar was part of the efforts by the Nigerian Army High Command to deepen collaboration with all stake-

holders.

In his lecture on relationship between the military and civil populace, Colonel Victor Olatunji said that the Nigerian Army was committed to respect for hu-

man rights in the discharge of its responsibilities.

Olatunji assured that the Army would not trample on the rights of any Nigerian including captured Boko Haram terrorists.

He advised the participants to offer useful suggestions that would promote good relationship between the military and the civil populace for the benefit of all.

Insurgents can no longer slaughter our citizens again —Air chief Chris Agbambu – Abuja THE Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said on Wednesday that the Nigerian Air Force has incapacitated Boko Haram terrorists to the extent that “they can no longer slaughter our citizens.”

The Air Chief spoke at the NAF Standard and Evaluation seminar, entitled ‘Imperatives of Standards and Evaluation in the NAF’.

The Air Chief noted that so far the air operations in the North are creating the enabling environment for the Army to move unhindered in the conduct of its operations.

According to him, “we have substantially degraded the capacity of the terrorists to move freely in

Hilux vehicles ravaging villages and murdering innocent citizens.”

He added, “God willing, they will never move freely again to slaughter our citizens or capture our military units. We will continue to do our utmost best to meet our statutory responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of the nation, acting singly or in concert with other security agencies.”

He assured the nation that the NAF remains totally committed to global best practices even in the present war on insurgency, adding “we will strive to provide the enabling environment for national development.”

Speaking to newsmen in an interview later, Sadique

said “The essence of this seminar is to ensure that we are adhering to standards.

We have standard operating procedures whether in flying or on the ground activities. The seminar is to remind our commanders of these standards so that when they get back, they will ensure that they are operating within the standards.”

He said the NAF had MoU with 15 Nigerian universities noting, “right now, we are working on an issue with Ahmadu Bello University. We are trying to also invite these universities again for us to look at particular areas we will partner with them especially with regards to maintenance of our helicopters and other machines.”

NO fewer than 325,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are taking refuge in various camps in Plateau State, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Malam Abdulsalam Mohammed, NEMA Coordinator in the North-Central, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos, on Wednesday, that most of the IDPs were from the crises-ridden states of the North-East.

“This figure was computed some months ago; from what we have heard from the fields. The figure must have gone up now,” he said.

He said, however, that NEMA was expecting the figure to go down soon, following the reported success of the Nigeria army in the fight against insurgency.

The NEMA official said that the agency had consistently worked toward improved living conditions for people in the IDPs, and promised to do even more till they all moved to more permanent abodes.

He said that officials were usually assigned to the camps, while some visit them intermittently to check their living conditions.

“In fact, I have just visited an IDPs camp located in building materials area in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, and I am happy to tell you that I met them in a very good condition.

“I took special interest in the children and can tell you that they are healthy and in very good condition too,’’ he said.

Nigerian Tribune

THE Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has noted with satisfaction the pronouncement

by President Muhammadu Buhari that some members of the Boko Haram terrorist group are in negotiation with the Federal Government over the possibility of releasing the Chibok girls abducted on April 14, 2014.

It will be recalled that while briefing the press on August 4, 2015, the Executive Secretary of CCC, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (retired), had disclosed that some Boko Haram elements approached the centre for dialogue as a way of ending the seeming intractable insurgency in some parts of the country.

While expressing support for the declaration by President Buhari that the Federal Government was willing to dialogue with genuine leaders of the terrorist group, the CCC believes the new position had become imperative in view of the fact that military option alone has failed to resolve the issue.

Island Club hosts symposium on terrorism NIGERIA’S premier social club, The Island Club, is hosting a symposium on Friday, September 18, on terrorism.

The symposium, which will hold on the club’s premises, will feature a seminar paper entitled: Nigeria’s war on terror; How to fight and win.

According to Dayo Sobowale, Chairman, Publicity Sub Committee, the paper will be delivered by retired Major-General Adewunmi Ajibade of the Nigerian Army who is also a distinguished member of the Island Club.

The lecture is the first of the club’s public interest symposium series, which is the innovation of the club’s newly elected chairman, Mr Oladipo Okpeseyi.

The lecture will involve a panel of participants and the communiqué thereafter will be forwarded to the concerned authorities as the club’s contribution to the fight against terrorism.

Members of the club and Nigerians from all works of life are expected at the event which promises to be an exciting one.

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Again, gunmen kill 18, burn over 150 houses in Plateau Isaac Shobayo - Jos

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HE spate of killings in some parts of Plateau State took a frightening dimension in the early hours of Wednesday when a large number of notorious gunmen swooped on Kadunung village in Mangu Local Government Area of the state killing 18 people and set several houses on fire.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that gunmen whose identities were yet to be ascertained invaded the community at about 12:45a.m., carried out selective killings and set quite a number of houses on fire before they bolted away without being challenged by security men.

The Chairman Management Committee of Mangu Local Government, Honourable Titus Bise who confirmed the attack, said over 150 houses were burnt by the attackers, adding that it was an organised invasion that caught the people unaware.

Honourable Bise said “After the attack, I was part of the rescue team that evacuated the victims and so far we have recovered 11 bodies burnt in their houses. Apart from the 11 bodies we picked from various places, there was a compound we saw seven people burnt. That makes it 18 deaths so far. We are suspecting there are bodies in the bushes, some youths are still searching and more bodies might be recovered.

“The attack has created serious humanitarian problems for the government. We are talking of 5,000 residents of the village displaced. Their houses were burnt by the attackers.

“Though members of the communities are alleging that the gunmen are their Berom neighbours, but that will be subject to confirmation after full investigation.

I’m not in the position to confirm that now,” he said.

But leader of the Berom vigilante group in Barkin Ladi, Mr Pam Bot, denied the allegation saying “the Berom can never attack their neighbour in this manner.”

Mr Bot said “This kind of attacks is that of the Fulani militias who are lurking around the boundary between Barkin Ladi and Mangu. I have received reports. Some of the gunmen who lost their lives in the attack are confirmation that the attackers are Fulanis, not Berom.”

However, Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said, “Its true there was an attack on Kadunung village, houses were burnt, residents were displaced.”

He said “The troop got the information very late but we have taken over the area in search of the gunmen. But we can’t confirm who the attackers are because we are yet to arrest anyone.”

Meanwhile, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has called for calm on the part of all

citizens particularly victims of the unfortunate attacks.

Governor Lalong, in a statement signed by the Director of Press Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle, said it was regrettable that as efforts are being made by government to see to the end of violent conflict in Barkin

Ladi, Riyom and parts of Jos South local government areas, the state is faced with another communal crisis.

In a related development, Senator Jonah David Jang has described Monday’s killing of 20 people in Fan Village of Barakin Ladi Local Government Area of

Plateau State by gunmen as another pointer to the fact that “at the centre of these crises is a fundamental moral question that must be honestly addressed by all stakeholders if we must entrench lasting peace in that war-ravaged area of my constituency.”

From left, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; his wife and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Bolanle; Chief Executive, Nike Art Foundation, Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye, who bagged the award of “Inspiration Woman of the Year” and the Kebbi State governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, during the opening ceremony of the annual National Women Conference, organised by COWLSO, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suite, on Wednesday.

Ambode appoints governing council members of tertiary institutions Bola Badmus - Lagos

LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the composition of governing councils for the tertiary institutions in the state, including those

of Lagos State University (LASU), Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education, Lagos State Polytechnic, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education.

The governor, on Wednesday, in a statement

signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, also appointed the governing board for the Lagos State College of Health Technology.

According to the statement, Justice George

Ekiti Muslim leaders rally behind Fayose, urge faithful to receive sallah gifts Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

EKITI State chapter of the League of Imams and Alfas in Nigeria has denied calling a meeting, and said Muslims in the state should discountenance a call that they should reject Eid-el-Kabir gifts from Governor Ayodele Fayose over appointments.

The General Secretary of the League in the state, Alhaji Abdulrazak Adenipekun, clarified in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, that as the rightful person to issue a notice of meeting, he didn’t issue any such notice.

Alhaji Adenipekun added in the statement that “the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti State, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere Bello, is presently on holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and he did not authorise any meeting of the League of Imams and Alfas.”

While describing the re-

ports as being a handiwork of impostors, the League’s secretary maintained that “no notice of meeting was issued by the general secretary and no directive was given by the president for any meeting to be held.”

Alhaji Adenipekun was reacting to a statement signed

by Alhaji Quadri Oguntuase, who said he was “Assistant Secretary, League of Imams and Alfas, Ekiti State”; Alfa Fatai Jimoh, “Representative of Ansar-u-deen Missioner” and Imam Abdul Rasak, Chief Imam, Ilogbo, in which they called on Muslims to reject ram and sundry sallah gifts from Governor Fayose for allegedly marginalising Muslims in his appointments.

Adenipekun said “it is the height of political mischief for any one or group of people masquerading as League of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti to want to use our revered religious (nonpolitical) organisation to

promote their own personal political agenda.”

He described Governor Fayose as a defender of all faiths and that he has been fair to Muslims in the appointments made so far.

The body warned Muslim faithful against being used to drag Islam into politics under any guise, saying such could erode the respect the religion commands among Nigerians.

Adenipekun said those dragging Islam into politics were incurring the wrath of Allah, if they refused to desist from such nefarious acts.

He said: “We wish to dissociate the league of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti from the purported press statement credited to Alhaji Oguntuase. While we don’t want to get involved in politics as a religious organisation, we must state that Fayose has demonstrated highest respect for Muslim faithful in the state.”

Oguntade (rtd) was appointed as Chancellor for the Lagos State University and Professor Bayo Ninalowo as Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Council.

Members included Mrs Tayo Olabenjo, Dr (Mrs) L.O Durosinmi, Mr Kayode Anibaba, Mr Koye Edu, Dr Ayo Sonibare, Mr Ken Igbokwe, Mr Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, Mrs Yewande Zacchaeus, Mrs Olabisi Deji-Folutile, Alhaji Lateef Olaseinde Karim and Professor Musliu Onilude.

Other members included Mrs Carlene Alaja-Brown, representative of the Ministry of Education, four representatives of the Senate, two representatives of Congregations and representative of Alumni.

For Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education, Alhaja Sekinat Yussuf was appointed as Chairman of the Council, while Honourable Sunday Kappo, Honourable Toun Adeniran, Mrs Shade Agbalajobi, Mr Ajibade Emiabata Balogun and Mrs Yinka Babalola were named as members.

The council also has representative of the Ministry of Education, Chairman of the State Conference of Primary School Head Teachers, Secretary of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and representative of the Ministry of Finance as members.

NCAA terminates appointments of 11 officers Shola Adekola - Lagos

THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said that it has terminated the appointments of eight officers whose contracts were not in accordance with rules and three others who were seconded to it from the Ministry of Aviation.

Sam Adurogboye, Assistant General Manager, Public Relations of the authority, said the restructuring was done with a view to enhance efficiency in service delivery and safe flight operations.

He said competent hands had been selected within the agency to fill some of the positions.

“The exercise involved the termination forthwith of the contract appointments of eight officers whose contracts were to run consecutively for four years contrary to the provision of the rules of tenure on contract appointment.’’

Police apprehend suspected robbers over N2.9m Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

BENUE State Police Command on Wednesday apprehended three suspected armed robbers who snatched a bag containing the sum of N2.9 million from a businessman in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

It was gathered that the businessman who owns a big shop at Wurukum area of the town had left his shop while driving to a nearby bank to lodge the money when the robbers who might have trailed him suddenly accosted him and made away with the money.

The man was said to have raised the alarm which made commercial motorcycle riders to give the robbers who were escaping in a Toyota Corolla vehicle, a hot chase.

However, luck ran out of them when policemen who were strategically stationed around Abu King Shuluwa Road, on sighting the robbers, engaged them in a gun duel in which two of them were apprehended while the rest escaped on foot leaving the money and the vehicle.

16 news Bulletproof cars: Court adjourns Stella Oduah’s suit against EFCC Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Lagos

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USTICE Mohammed Yunnusa of a Federal High Court in Lagos has further adjourned till November 16, 2015, to hear a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by a former Min-

ister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah.

Oduah is seeking protection of the court from possible probe over the purchase of two armoured BMW cars at a cost of N160 million in 2013 by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority under her watch.

She had on August 26,

2015, obtained an interim injunction barring the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from taking any action against her, pending the determination of the suit.

Though, after granting the interim injunction on August 26, Justice Yunusa adjourned hearing of the

main case till October 2, 2015, the matter was however listed for hearing on Wednesday.

But when the case was called on Wednesday, Oduah, EFCC and the Inspector General of Police were not represented in court.

Only the Independent Corrupt Practices and other

related offences Commission was represented by its counsel, Funmilola Oluborode.

The ICPC’s counsel said hearing notice was not issued on the commission, adding that she only came to court on the instruction of one of her superiors, who had on Tuesday, sighted

Irate youths descend on NNPC sales manager in Nasarawa Ademola Adegbite - Lafia

SOME irate youths, numbering over 50, descended on the sales manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Lafia Mega Station in Nasarawa State, Mr Kennedy Idoko Madaki, for allegedly diverting kerosene deposited at the station to the black market.

Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that the victim had been placed on surveillance by the angry youths in recent time, for allegedly diverting between 22, 000 to 33, 000 litres out of 40, 000 litres

normally deposited at the station.

Eyewitnesses told Nigerian Tribune that the sales manager was later rescued by the state chairman of the Black Marketers Association, as youths were said to have decided to take him away.

When contacted, the NNPC manager, Lafia, Mr Zubairu Bala Adamu, confirmed the incident, saying the matter has been reported to the police for proper investigations.

He, however, said he was not aware of diversion of kerosene, adding that, “those youths were thugs

from town and we know them. They came to buy kerosene and sell it out; to which we said we could only give kerosene to domestic

users alone, so that is what caused this problem.”

In his reaction, the victim, Mr Kennedy Idoko, declined comment, saying:

“I have no right to speak with any journalist because I am the representative of the NNPC here in Lafia, so I cannot speak with you.”

Fayose inaugurates committee on Ekiti airport project Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

THE Ekiti State government has set up a five-man committee to see to the take-off of the proposed Ado-Ekiti Airport project within the next few weeks.

The constitution of the committee followed a meeting held by the state governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, with stakeholders involved in the

project at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.

In a statement on Wednesday, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the committee would start with the marking out of the 2,000 hectares out of the 6,000 hectares of land set apart for the project.

The committee has as chairman, Mr Kayode Osho, who is the Commissioner for Works.

Governor Fayose, while speaking during the meeting, said the state government might start with the construction of a standard airstrip and that it could be improved upon in the future.

The governor said with the prevailing financial constraint the state is experiencing, it would be foolhardy to embark on any grandiose project.

the case on the case list for Wednesday.

In view of the absence of the other parties, Oluborode sought an adjournment till November 16.

The counsel, who said the ICPC had yet to file any response to Oduah’s suit, begged the court to adjourn the case to enable the commission file its defence.

Though the court pointed out that the suit was a fundamental rights enforcement suit which deserved urgent hearing, the ICPC counsel begged the court to adjourn till November to enable her superior appear in court in person to defend the case.

Yunusa consequently adjourned hearing of the suit till November 16, 2015.

Oduah, who is currently in the Senate representing Anambra North Senatorial District, had approached the court, claiming that the current government under the guise of antigraft war was making moves to persecute and humiliate her.

Professor Ade Adefuye: Adieu - My teacher, my friend

By Kayode Fayemi

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EACHERS play a crucial role in society. The noble occupation is undertaken by volunteer spirits for whom personal gain is not the cardinal consideration for enlisting in the corps of those on whose shoulders the task of building future generations rests. Teachers mould destinies. They identify and nurture leaders.

They build nations. I was privileged to have had Prof. Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye (January 1947 – August 2015) as my teacher and I like many others acknowledge the positive turn of my life and career to God through (to a large extent) the efforts of great teachers like Prof. Adefuye, who was my lecturer in the Department of History, University of Lagos when I was an undergraduate in the early 1980s. Professor Adefuye was a towering presence in the Faculty from the time of his arrival as a fresh PhD in 1974 to his exit in 1986 when he became Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica. Alongside many of my teachers – Professors Antony Asiwaju, TGO Gbadamosi, Jide Osuntokun, BA Agiri, Nina Mba, Jeremy White and many others, Professor Adefuye prepared us well for our future.

Though he arguably became much more celebrated and famous when he transitioned to becoming a diplomat due to the opportunity the diplomatic service offers practitioners of his pedigree to be celebrated and to engage global leaders and royalty in the hallowed courts of the worlds’ capital cities, I pride myself in being one of those to have encountered him early in the modest classrooms of UNILAG’s faculty of arts. His Diplomatic History class remains indelible.

Without a single sheet of paper, he would deliver two hours of lecture extempore on topics as wide-ranging as the Age of Enlightenment in Europe to the role of Nigeria and the United States in the Anti-Apartheid struggle in Southern Africa.

Since I graduated from the university and the trajectory of our lives took us in different directions, time and space did not permit us to see each other and be in touch frequently,

fate would however have us meet at crucial epochs – key milestones in his life and in mine so far, when our relationship was refreshed and when we had time to catch up and celebrate the values we both held dear.

I fondly remember one of such occasions – in fact the first time after the UNILAG years, when we had cause to meet on opposing ends of the barricades. It was in the year 1992 during the military regime of General Babangida when those of us in the pro-democracy movement in the United Kingdom decided to add more verve to our agitations by adopting the picketing of the Nigerian High Commission in London as one of our strategies.

The pickets gained traction over time and became a source of embarrassment to senior diplomats at the Nigerian High Commission – Prof. Adefuye was at the time the Deputy High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Court of St. James, after his stint in Jamaica as High Commissioner. On one of such pickets, Prof.

Adefuye ventured out of his office and on seeing me at the forefront of the protests pointed at me saying, “I know you, I know that one, he was my student”. I wasn’t surprised he could recognize me as I was one of his favourite students. I however shrugged off the confrontation ensuring the irreverent name calling and singing that characterized those civic actions of that era increased in tempo to drown out his voice. That was a defining moment in our relationship and sign-posted some of the ideological differences we had in the means and tactics who chose to achieve our common ends. I was to later send him a letter confirming I was the one he had confronted. I stated in that letter that “…even if we don’t agree on tactics, we all hold one thing to be the truth”, as I made my argument to him that the continued stay of men of his reputation and goodwill in the regime of General Babangida was offering the regime the legitimacy it did not deserve.

Long after that rather unsavoury episode when I was caught up in the cross hairs of my former teacher, we had the opportunity to smoothen out the relationship as our paths crossed more often at international gatherings when he served as Special Adviser on

Africa to the Commonwealth Secretary General and later Deputy Director, Political Affairs at the headquarters in London and then during his brief stint at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja. We stayed in touch through the years with him taking every opportunity to inform his associates with genuine fondness and pride that I was his student. At his last station as Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, during which I became Governor of Ekiti State, he ensured he carried me along in almost everything he did, particularly his efforts to attract foreign investments to Nigeria. He pragmatically collaborated with stakeholders in the business community and other interest groups to organize a number of conferences to this end, some of which the Government of Ekiti State participated in.

It is to his credit that one of the most successful initiatives we recorded in the Agriculture sector in Ekiti State was brokered at the Agric Summit organized by the Nigerian Embassy in the US in 2011.

It is to his credit that the relationship between Nigeria and the United States of America did not break down totally during one of the most tumultuous periods of diplomatic engagement which saw tensions between both nations simmering under the surface largely due to differing positions on the approach to tackling the insecurity challenges in Nigeria. He will be remembered for fearlessly articulating the positions of the administration he served most loyally in the finest diplomatic traditions of tact, clarity and firmness. His intellectual jousting with former US Ambassador to Nigeria and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, John Campbell was remarkable in this respect. He never skipped a beat even after the change of government in Nigeria in May 2015. Prior to the inauguration of the new President, he was already reaching out to the State Department and the White House and to those he knew on the President-elect’s team on a range of issues including the possibility of a visit to President Obama by the incoming President. The credit for President Buhari’s visit to the US in July 2015 was largely due to his efforts. He was unrelenting in strengthen-

ing those links and his sterling relationships with institutions like the Constituency for Africa, US Chamber of Commerce, and the various think-tanks in Washington DC contributed significantly to his success in office.

He was arguably Nigeria’s most effective Ambassador to the United States in the last two decades.

During his last visit to Nigeria in early August in preparation for his return home and as part of his post-Presidential visit review and follow-up, he dropped in to see me and we got talking about next steps. He loved his job dearly and wouldn’t have disapproved of an extension to his stay in the United States but he understood the basis of the President’s action. We discussed the possibility of his memoirs and I suggested he should target his 70th birthday in January 2017 as the time to unveil the memoirs. He had been involved in so many events in the last three decades in active international diplomacy and his memoirs would have enriched so many in international diplomacy. He said he was thinking of spending some time at NIPSS in Kuru, Jos and was equally eager to complete his house in Abuja. Even then, I could sense a hint of uncertainty and apprehension about his impending return home. Alas, all of these were not to be when I received the shocking midnight call that my ‘Oga’ had gone to the great beyond.

I will forever hold fond memories of his brilliance, his warmth and his generosity of spirit. His wife, Aunty Sola, was always a gracious host during my many visits to their residence in America. I am indeed privileged to have been touched by the intellect, wisdom, humility, graciousness and faith of such a great Nigerian. I join all men and women of goodwill to salute one of my most cherished teachers and mentors - a man of deep humility, great conviction and profound sense of patriotic purpose. And I pray that God gives his wife, children and the rest of his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

May the memory of Professor Adebowale Ibidapo ADEFUYE be always blessed.

Dr Kayode Fayemi is the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State.

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

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7 1. Borno State governor and chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Alhaji Kashim Shettima (left), with the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (CAAN) Mr Saleh Dunoma, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during the inspection visit ot the airport.

2. From left, guest speaker, Dr Noah A. Olasehinde; chairperson on the occasion, Dr Oyedunnu Arulogun; Acting Director-General, NISER, Professor Olukunle Frank Odumosu and Professor F. O. Nyemutu Roberts, during the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan Seminar Series, held at NISER Conference Centre, Ibadan. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE. 3. Director, Social Welfare, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr S.O Kolajo (second right), cutting the tape to commission Sola Olagunju Foundation Home. With him are Deaconess Rachael I. Alabi; the founders, Chief (Mrs) Sola Olagunju and Chief Rotimi Olagunju, recently. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU. 4. The celebrant, Mrs Eunice Modupe Fawole (third right), flanked by her children, (from right); Mrs Ronke Akinyemi, Miss Olamide Akinyemi, Mr Akintayo Fawole, Miss Olaore Akinyemi, Mr Ayo Akinyemi, Mrs Busayo Olawumi and Mrs Tayo Kuforiji, little Tofunmi Kuforiji (in gele), at the cutting of 70th birthday of Mama Fawole, held at Western Hall, House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU.

5. From left, Secretary, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Comrade Olusegun Abatan; Vice Chairamn, Mr Akande; Mr Bayo Busari; the celebrant, Mrs Ayodele Busari, Alhaji Gbadegesin Raji and Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Pastor Muiwa Laoye, during the 50th birthday ceremony of Mrs Busari, held at pensioners House, Bodija, Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE. 6. President, Nigeria Institute of Animal Science, Professor Israel Adv (fifth left); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Pastor Gabriel Olusoji Kehinde (sixth left) and others, during the fourth joint annual conference of Nigeria Institute of Animal Science, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, recently.

7. Yemi Orimadegan, with his parents, Elder and Mrs Wole Fadela-Orimadegun at the convocation ceremony held at Adeleke University, Ede, at the weekend.

8. From left, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran; Olori Omolola Aromolaran and Olori Idowu Aromolaran during the former Osun State deputy governor’s son wedding, held at Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos.

For bookings, contact ’Laolu Afolabi on 08054681741 or Tommy Adegbite on 08116954631

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

yournews

SEND YOUR SHORT MESSAGES TO: 08054005323, 08055001746

Governors and the bailout fund

Buhari should focus on job creation

ONE of the biggest problems facing this country today is the lack of employment opportunities for youths. It is so unfortunate that youths will graduate and find themselves unemployed. This is the reason crime is on the rise.

An unemployed psychology graduate for instance will be good in fraud. If we don’t utilise the brains we have, then they will use it negatively against the society. If we look well, educated people will also be behind the numerous baby factories in the South East, and the kidnapping business in the South South. Do we ever wonder that unemployed Chemistry graduates are behind the illegal refineries that dot the South South? It is, therefore, important that government of President Muhammadu Buhari should focus on getting unemployed youths off the streets, and put them into jobs.

Sanmi Adekunle, 08191143941.

2019: Sycophants are here again LAST week, it was reported in the media that some organisations have been commending some governors who just celebrated 100 days in office, while telling the world that such governors deserve a second term.

When I first saW the report, I couldn’t control my laughter. How can these groups use a three-month performance to judge a four-year race.

These are just groups and individuals that have nothing to offer the nation, while also misleading political office holders because of what they stand to gain.

No group has the right to judge the performance of a political office holder until after the end of his/her tenure. Sycophants should look for other ways to engage themselves instead of misleading politicians.

Vincent Kadiri, 08030461538.

IT seems some governors want to play smart by diverting the bailout fund meant for workers and retirees.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is, therefore, urged to monitor this money so that state governors who have mismanaged the economy of their states would not divert it for other things.It is high time it is inserted in the constitution that a governor that finds it difficult to pay workers’ salaries should be impeached. We can actually say if a governor owes a total of six months salary, then he has no reason continuing with his job, and he should be impeached by the House of Assembly.

Olawale Ishola, 08062086668.

•Innocence at its best. Photo: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

Capital punishment : To be or not to be?

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S their own contribution to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war, the president of the

Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama have jointlly called for

capital punishment for anybody found guilty of corruption in Nigeria. This kind of punishment is the act of killing an offender by firing squad, electrocution

Military men should stop bullying civillians I read with nostalgia a story published in some newspapers reports earlier this month about how Naval officers terrorise Lagos a community. The said reports explains how they the officers ‘rape women, beat men, take over homes.’

I almost could have dismissed the story as fiction or at best an imagination of the writer until I read accounts of victims of these naval ratings.

Without further ado, I wish to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari, all

the service chiefs and other top echelon of our security agencies, be it the police, navy, airforce as well as all well-meaning individuals to join hands in fighting this display of barbarism, disloyalty and disregard for the rule of law by our uniformed personnel.

We all must rise as Nigerians to resist these draculas who see their enlistment into the security services as a visa to misbehave, bully, harass and intimidate the Nigerian public from whose tax

FG, peg tuition at private varsities PERMIT me to use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, to look into the activities of private universities in the country, with a view to regulating it.

Many private universities charge exorbitant tuition from their students, and I want to say that this is immoral. When the average tuition for a Bachelors

degree in a private university is N600,000, why would businessmen and religious institutions not rush to establish their universities. In my opinion, what most of these private universities are after is the money they can make. It is, therefore, important that the government pegs the tuition they can charge students per session.

Tumini George, 09095687489.

they’re paid.

If the president who retired from the army as an army general, a former head of state and incumbent president of the Federal republic of Nigeria never had an history of molestation or harassment of the common man, who then is the military or police officer who sees him/ herself privileged enough to oppress a fellow citizen?.

It is unthinkable that anybody; no matter highly placed, be it civilian or military would forcibly sack anyone from their homes and take over the house, weird still is the allegation that some so-called naval ratings would rape with impunity in a country that’s not at war.

The naval authorities should be made to investigate the grave allegations brought against its men at the majidun area of Ikorodu and anyone indicted should be made to face appropriate disciplinary action. The outcome of the investigation should also be made open to all.

Mojibola Bickersteth, 08178749122.

of hanging.

In the old Roman empire and Greece, it was one way of dealing with criminals and offenders. Some religious organisations also saw it as a method of eliminating anybody who was opposed to the teaching of the organisation. Now, Rome and Greece no longer practice this method.

Meanwhile, the use of death penalty in Nigeria has generated mixed opinions among people in the society. Some people find this form of punishment as a tool which violates the human rights to live which is considered as a fundamental human right.

Public activists also see this type of punishment as a tool meant to discrimate the masses.

Although corruption has grown so deep in Nigeria that it has become a culture of government, but what benefit can a nation get from the implementation of capital punishment? What does the victim of murder gain when the convict is killed? These are the questions which need to be addressed by the death penalty proponent for anybody found guilty of corruption.

Some who want capital punishment say that killing the offender will bring pain to bear on him or her. But is it really true that somebody killed by two shots of

bullet or even one felt any pain? It is doubtful.

In the same vein, it is a kind of punishment that does not deter or discourage others who might want to commit the same offence. Honestly, once a criminal knows that the moment he or she is caught,only one bullet will silence him or her, such a person will become hardened, killing for living, raping and maiming, looting and hooting, terrorism-related offences, kidnapping,etc. Some people view that when a large crowd watch the public execution of an armed robber, for example, those people would avoid the offence that brought that person to destruction. But is this true?

Those who are optimistic should think that criminals can still turn over a new leaf, if their lives are spared. Examples abound of dyed-in-the-wool criminals who now preach the Gospel of God, teaching morality and good manners.

Until the major causes of corruption are addressed, the capital punishment will not, in any significant way enhance the anti-corruption war nor reduce the tendency to loot public treasury.

Sunday Ogunkuade, 08036142877.

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editorial

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Police brutality: The Chika case

ECAUSE she objected to being called a prostitute by the policemen who asked her to park her vehicle and threatened to shoot at her if she refused to comply with the order, Chika Elekwachi, an eight-month pregnant woman was beaten mercilessly by her traducers to the extent that she lost consciousness and consequently went into brutality-induced premature labour for a baby that later died. In her narrative to the media, Chika said she suddenly noticed a bus coming behind the vehicle she was driving and that the bus obstructed her movement; thereafter, one of the three policemen in the said bus came out, pointed a gun at her and ordered her to park.

According to Chika, she could not park immediately at the particular spot she was accosted at Pako Bus Stop, along Ojo Road, in Lagos, because there were so many trucks and lorries parked indiscriminately on that road. In the course of rebutting allegations of being a prostitute and a thief by the police officers, the woman was severely battered and assaulted to a point of coma, and then driven to the police station in which the beastly officers were deployed, even after she had told the officers that she was pregnant and that she was a proud mother of two children.

But for the timely arrival of Chika’s relatives whom she borrowed a phone to call after which she was rushed to the hospital where she was resuscitated, Chika, perhaps could have been sent to her early grave - a grossly unfortunate situation which denounces civility and values of life by the bad eggs and charlatans in the services of the nation’s security agencies. Although, while confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, had said that the officers who carried out the assault had been arrested, detained and would be prosecuted according to the law guiding the Nigerian Police, it is sad that the conduct of the erring officers detracts from the police motto of “serving and protecting with integrity” and the much-touted slogan: “the police is your friend.”

Sadly, it is unthinkable that a pregnant woman could be an object of cruelty at the hands of individuals whose responsibility is to protect people’s lives, among other major functions. Occurrences of police brutality of citizens, such as the Chika case, are worrisome and indicative of the indiscipline, impropriety

and resultant disappointment in the police. What punishment is to be meted out to the bad officers that would serve as replacement for Chika’s lost baby?

Would two lives not have been wasted by the police officers supposing Chika had died in the premature labour that her assault engineered? Beating up a married and pregnant woman and stripping her naked because she took an exception to being called a prostitute is a display of insanity and indiscretion.

While we sympathise with Chika in respect of her ordeal, we commend the medical team in the hospital to which she was taken for the prompt medical attention given to her, though her baby was lost. The incident is a misdemeanor and we are pained that police brutality is on the rise despite the pledged commitment of top echelon of the police leadership to renew professionalism in the Force. The Police are still being linked with various forms of harassment, torture and careless shooting of innocent people all over the country. It is regrettable that while extortion is still very rampant at checkpoints in the guise of stop and search policy, the police continue to demand ridiculous bribes from drivers and conductors of commercial vehicles.

We are disappointed that the Chika case is a confirmation of a recent report on police brutality in the country by the Amnesty International (AI), which is entitled “Welcome to hell fire: Torture and other ill-treatment in Nigeria,” - the report being a shameful commentary on recklessness of the police in dealing with civilians. Among other indictments, the organisation said the Nigerian police detain and torture civilians to extort money or force a confession out of them. According to AI, “Some of the torture techniques include nail or tooth extractions, choking, electric shocks and sexual violence.” Police brutality therefore mirrors a dysfunctional police system that operates in the country.

The Chika case is one of the many incidents of police inhumanity that widen the gulf of relationship between the civilians and the police. While we are expectant of severe legal punishment for the irrational police officers, the Presidency and National Assembly should prompt the top hierarchy of the police to, as promised, take visible and concrete steps that will put it on the path of professionalism and responsibility to the public it was set up to serve.

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opinion

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

the

avant-garde

The snare of FIRS’ Fowler

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SALM 91 is one of my favourite Songs of David. It is a life assurance cover. On its third verse, the Psalmist makes a very profound security statement. “Surely, He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler.”A similar security cover is echoed in the eighth-verse Psalm 124, which incidentally was Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s favourite as recorded by General Olufemi Olutoye in The Awo I Knew. The seventh verse says: “Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken…” All emphases are mine. In the context of the Psalms, devil is the fowler setting up snares for humanity. A snare is a device that is secretly but strategically set up to capture a target.

And often times, bait is placed in/on the snare to lure the target into the trap.

The title of the subject this week is an intertextual creation of King David’s poetic versification in the foregoing Psalms, with a deliberate play on the phrase-the snare of the Fowlerand a purposive capitalisation of the word ‘Fowler’ to echo the name of the 59-year-old acting executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Babatunde Fowler. However, Mr Fowler, former executive chairman of the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Service, is not portrayed a devil but a reputed tax administrator.

Naturally, the decline in Nigeria’s takings as a result of the sharp drop in petrodollars has warranted the need to look inwards and plug all loopholes to keep the country floating.

Maybe God is finally answering the supplication of those who have earnestly prayed that our hydrocarbon should either dry up or that crude oil should sell for $1 a barrel, to break our reliance on the non-renewable mono-product for survival and make us pay dearly for the neglect of agriculture. As a country, we have validated Dr Tai Solarin’s 1964 article, May Your Road Be Rough.

With a huge reputation as a man who astronomically upped Lagos tax revenue to double digit (in billion), Fowler’s FIRS plans to go after multinationals, corporate bodies and individuals with notoriety for dodging tax. Economists make a distinction between tax avoidance and tax evasion.

Tax avoidance is the minimising of tax liabilities through legitimate and illegitimate means. It is legitimate when government makes room for tax holiday or concession, for instance, and a body corporate moves to maximise the window of opportunity. It is otherwise, which is more often the case, when incomes are shielded from taxes through various means. But tax evasion is a deliberate dodging of the tax net by not paying at all.

Having done it for Lagos, Fowler is now required to demonstrate a repeat or even a better performance as the tax man for the country. FIRS figures show that only 125, 000, out of the 450, 000 registered companies in Nigeria, representing 27.7 per cent, pay any form of tax. The target set for FIRS by Federal Government in 2015 is N4.5 trillion out of which N2.66 trillion has been generated. Like a new broom, Fowler plans to sweep clean the Augean Stable. During his first meeting with the management staff of the service, he identified the biggest factor responsible for revenue loss through tax. “…Most of these companies have big names as auditors. Yet, they keep different records- one set of records for the banks, one set of records for shareholders and one set of records for the tax administrators…I am going to also request that the multinationals should follow our laws…,” he was quoted to have said.

Rhetoric about tax dodging is not new in Nigeria. Immediate past president Goodluck Jonathan in 2012 indicted wealthy Nigerians as the biggest tax thieves who hypocritically shout the loudest about the economic condition of the country. Only the elite have the financial muscle to own companies. In June this year, a revelation came from a UN

Nigerian Tribune

with Dare Adekanmbi

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

agency, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, that multinationals avoid paying taxes by channeling overseas’ investments through offshore financial hubs, resulting in the loss of $200 billion in tax revenue in countries with low tax rates.

It is not enough that the new FIRS boss knows what the problem is but how the agency ensures that tax defaulters don’t escape the ‘snare of Fowler’, the strategy Fowler is putting in place to generate more money for the economy should be the concern. Unless Fowler and President Muhammadu Buhari are ready to change the status quo, our retrogressive tax regime will continue to feed the greed of the system-paralysing and parasitic elite. The elite make so much at the expense of the masses and plough a bit of their profit in the venture of sponsoring politicians and their parties. Consequently, the political class watch, while the elite poison the economy with toxic waste.

Civil servants and employees in the private sector bear the brunt of tax which is deducted from their salaries from source for onward delivery to the collecting authorities.

The poor traders in the informal sector have already been constantly harassed by local government and state tax collectors. We should not continue to encourage a system that taxes the poor to death; rather, government should wipe their tax tears. Already, Value Added Tax has gone up from 5 to 10 per cent and will definitely negatively affect the prices of goods and services. What government does with tax revenue is also very important and Fowler should not fail to drum this into the ears of the Federal Government.

Those in power must not only regale Nigerians with tales of salary reduction but must drastically cut down on fat allowances and refrain from inflating contracts. They must be seen to have truly made sacrifice. Good a thing, the FIRS has restricted its tax consultants to collating data on tax revenue and stopped them from assessing and collecting taxes. State governors, who use tax consultants as fronts to milk their states through under-remittance of tax revenue should take a cue from this. It is when there is a will on the part of the authorities that tax thieves will not shout on the roof top that they have “escaped as a bird from the snare of the Fowlers” and that “the snare is broken.”How unbreakable is FIRS’ Fowler’s ‘snare?’

Peace Committee and Buhari’s anti-corruption war

By Chris Okotie

THE drumbeats of war sounded so loudly in the run-up to the 2015 general elections that it reverberated in major capitals across the world, raising concerns that Nigeria could blow apart, if the polls were stalemated.

The prospect of a political quagmire loomed very large on the horizon. But as they say, all that is now history. The transition was concluded peacefully to the glory of God, and peace now reigns in Nigeria, apart from the perennial Boko Haram insurgency which is also top on the agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

Every patriotic Nigerian should support President Muhammadu Buhari in his war against terror and its twin demon of corruption. His success or failure would ultimately be judged by the defeat of insurgency and the recovery of looted public funds.

One is, therefore, disappointed by the discordant tunes coming from some members of the National Peace Committee, which includes Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Rtd., Bishop Mathew Kukah, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’Ad Abubakar III; the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh, etc. The committee only recently visited President Buhari for undisclosed reasons.

But Bishop Kukah, who addressed journalists on behalf of the Peace Committee after the meeting with the President alluded to the ongoing investigation of the PDP government of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, saying his group appealed to President Buhari “to be fair” in his handling of the probe.

Bishop Kukah in his prolixity describes Jonathan’s governmental enterprise, inter alia, as ‘’fantastic’’. To my sanctified mind; this is not only imaginary but approaches the periphery of phantasmagoria. He castigates President Buhari in subtle verbiage for what he perceives to be a sluggish pace in revving the engine of governance.

He thus, abandons momentarily, the responsibility of his committee’s morality posture and immerses his Episcopalian garments in the quagmire of the political emporium.

However, there are several other questions still begging for urgent answers: Who sent the National Peace Committee to Aso Rock to plead with President Buhari “to be fair” to officials of the Jonathan government now under investigation? Why is the Committee putting the president under pressure, and why are they pre-empting the president by assuming that he’d not be fair?

A mitigation plea by this Committee is not only premature but uncalled for, and is a direct insult on Nigerians.

The Peace Committee is no longer relevant and should honourably and immediately disband, to save Nigerians from this gratuitous charade and national embarrassment. There’s no denying the fact that, at least, one of the committee members used to hobnob with ex-President

Jonathan, and is a beneficiary of his patrimonial leadership.

President Buhari’s crusade against corruption must begin with a comprehensive probe of past administrations, so as to send a clear signal that he means business.

President Buhari must know that Nigerians are firmly behind him. He must demonstrate to the world that he still has fire in his belly, by showing himself strong, fearless and capable of taking on the most sacred cows whose hands are soiled.

The Peace Committee should, therefore, stop whippingup sentiments about the probe and allow justice to take its natural course. Whoever is aggrieved or dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation could seek reliefs from the court, which is open to all. The probe is across party lines, President Buhari has assured. Therefore, nobody has anything to fear if his hands are clean. Whoever is found guilty of misappropriation must face the appropriate sanctions prescribed by law.

The ambience of peace we now enjoy was attained by team effort, not just the Peace Committee. The international community, especially American president, Barack Obama and British Prime Minister, David Cameron, played commendable roles.

On my part, I dare say that I contributed to the success of the transition by resisting pressures to go to court to stop the general elections because of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s refusal to allow our party, Fresh Democratic Party (FRESH), participate in the elections, despite the court verdict that voided the de-registration of our great party.

•Rev Okotie, a pastor and politician sent in this article from Lagos.

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015 Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08065167178

maka nd’igbo Group wants probe of Sickle Cell Day donations Suzy Oruya - Onitsha THE National Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder has called on the Federal Government to probe the millions of Naira donated to the association purse through different organisations, saying it was doubtful if such monies were not diverted.

The national coordinator of the association, Aisha Edwards, made the call in Awka after a ‘Walk to Life’ in honour of Sickle Cell disorder patients which began from the premises of Anambra Broadcasting Corporation (ABS) premises through the major streets of Awka.

Edward also said the association was at a loss as to how “multiple millions the Federal Government, other individuals and corporate bodies donated on World Sickle Cell Day, to Sickle Cell Day Foundation” was spent.

She lamented that rather than promote the cause of people living with Sickle Cell disorder, people were busy feasting on their plight and vowed that from now on, the victims themselves would fight for their cause.

According to her, members of her group have been exploited by healthy people who do not suffer from Sickle cell and that must stop.

She praised sponsors of the walk, particularly ABS and its Managing Director, Mr Uche Nworah, Anambra State government; Chairman of Fresh Life Water, Mr Godwin Ezeemo; Federal Road Safety Commission; Red Cross; Chairman of House Committee on Health in the state House of Assembly, Mr Obinna Emenaka, among others.

She warned people living with the disorder not to be deceived by conmen who claimed cure of the disorder through their prayers and warned young people to stop blind love, but check their genotype status before getting married.

In his speech, Anambra State Commissioner of Health, Dr Joe Akabuike, said Sickle Cell was easy to control and cure if only people could undertake simple laboratory test to ascertain their genotype status.

He said the walk was one of a series meant to challenge Sickle Cell disease besides being what would make people healthy and what would ensure that Anambra was free from Sickle Cell disease.

When tuberculosis patients smiled in Enugu-Ezike Jude Ossai - Enugu

E

NUGU-EZIKE, the headquarters of Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State went agog last Friday when a group of multinationals in oil cycle unveiled a chest clinic they jointly built and donated to the people of the area.

It was tears of joy galore as many people suffering from ailments such as tuberculosis and other related chest pains, abandoned Eke market and their businesses on the day to have a glimpse of the clinic located strategically in Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike.

Maka Ndigbo, which was at the ceremony, observed that the Enugu-Ezike Clinic is significant in many respects especially as it is expected to serve neighbouring states of Kogi and Benue in addition to servicing Enugu State.

Speaking at the commissioning of the clinic, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State decried high rate of Tuberculosis (TB) in the country, saying that 1, 542 cases were detected in his state alone in 2014.

Ugwuanyi commended the Star Deepwater Petroleum limited, a Chevron Company and Agbami co-venturers -Famfa, Statoil, Petrobras and NNPC, for donating the clinic to the state.

The facilities equipped with ultra modern x-ray machine, male and female wards, laboratories, Gene Xpert machine, treatment rooms and other state-of-the-art

The clinic donated to the people of Enugu-Ezike machines, is local inside Ogrute District Hospital.

Governor Ugwuanyi, represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Sam Ngwu, said the government was delighted at the donation which was meant for its people suffering from the unfortunate ailments of the ancient times, adding that 20 per cent of the air born disease patients were detected in Igboeze North Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that Nigeria ranked third in the world in terms of number of people with TB diseases with 590, 000 of the cases

detected in the country last year.

Handing over the facility on behalf of Agbami partners, the Director DW & PSCS, Deepwater Petroleum limited, Jeffrey Ewing, said that even though Agbami field was located 113 kilometres offshore Nigeria, it had a deep offshore community affairs engagement principles that viewed the entire country as Agbami community.

Represented by the company’s manager, policy, government and public affairs, Lagos, Mr Sam Otuonye, Ewing noted that the Agbami partners had interventions that were adding

Participants at the unveiling of the chest clinic donated to Enugu-Ezike by multinationals.

NEMA, NYSC move disaster management workshop to schools —pg22

value to Nigerians in the areas of education and health such as libraries, science laboratories, undergraduate scholarships, distributed throughout Nigeria.

“We have donated 23 chest clinics to different states of the federation including the FCT, Abuja. We have also implemented awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases in several communities across the six geopolitical zones in the country. Medications were also made available to the people of the affected communities,” Ewing said.

The Chairman of Igboeze North Local Government Area, Honourable Celestine Ezeugwu, on behalf of the people of the local government council, congratulated both the state government and Agbami partners for finding their area worthy of building the clinic, noting that the project was completed within 12 months.

An indigene of the area, who gave his name as Urama Onoja, said he was grateful to the donors, adding that it would reduce the trouble experienced by tuberculosis patients who travelled to Abakaliki in Ebonyi State for medical treatment.

CREW

Go back to agriculture, monarch tells Ndigbo

—pg22

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

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

NEMA, NYSC move disaster management workshop to schools Jude Ossai - Enugu

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RGUABLY, Nri, a community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, is the cradle of Igbo civilisation having been regarded as the origin of Igbo man.

Monday, September 14, 2015, the ancient kingdom was in the news as it played host to disaster management workshop organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Southeast Zone and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

The event, which was principally centred on disaster risk reduction sensitisation, took place at the premises of Regal Secondary School, Nri, and attracted students from different secondary schoold within and outside the area as well as teachers and community leaders. It began at about 11am and ended at 3pm.

Maka Ndigbo observed that the venue of the event was apt as the school and the communities in the area are prone to ecological problems such as erosion and flood. To worsen the situation, houses and structures erected in most parts of the area have no drainage system paving room for flood to take control.

Little wonder, encomiums from various speakers at the occasion were poured on one Omir-

Students of Regal Secondary School in a group photpgraph with NEMA South East Zonal coordinator, Major James Eze (fifth right) and others including the project executor, Mr Omirinde Francis (fifth right) at the workshop. inde Adewale Francis, a member of the NYSC 2014 Batch C who attracted the programme to the school. Omirinde, a graduate of Medical Physiology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, is currently serving in Regal Secondary School, Nri. In her speech, the Principal of Regal Secondary School, Mrs Ngozi Okonkwo, said that they would put the rich knowledge they had got from the workshop into practice, stressing that the event was informative and en-

lightening.

The first lecture entitled, “Disaster Risk Reduction in the Context of Flood and Erosion Management”, which was delivered by the Southeast Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Major James Eze, noted that the paradigm shift in disaster management focused so much on disaster risk reduction with greater emphasis on community participation.

Eze maintained that NEMA worked harmoniously with other stakeholders to mitigate disaster risks, provide prompt response

in emergency situations and assist victims of disasters with relief materials.

According to him, in NEMA’s efforts to strengthen the bottomto-top approach in disaster management, it partnered NYSC in 2008 with the aim of using corps members for a uniform proactive disaster management, pointing out that it was the collaboration that gave rise to the formation of “Emergency Management Vanguards (EMVs) as a Community Development Service (CDS) group of which Omirinde,

Go back to agriculture, monarch tells Ndigbo Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri THE traditional ruler of Umunna Autonomous Community, Eze Douglas Okwara, Okwarachukwu IV, Igwe I of Umunna Ancient Olfmodgnik in Orlu Olfaera tnemnrevog lacol, has urged every indigene in Igbo land to, as matter of urgency, go back to agriculture for self-sufficieny in food production in South-East and Nigeria in general.

According to him, the measure is to shield the present and future generation against the backdrop of changing socio-economic tide in the Nigeria federation.

He made this statement while speaking in an interview with newsmen during the 2015 Yam festival held at his palace.

The Eze explained that even though the average Igbo man was a businessman, nothing should stop anyone from active and productive farming in a measure to maximise the region’s food basket potentials to sustain her growing population and fast-track the export of local produce.

Said he: “Everybody should go to farming, whether an engineer or lawyer, because now, our food items come from the North. We

should listen to the governor’s question, “have you planted palm tree?” Is it now safe expecting our food stuff coming from the North always?”.

“Everybody is supposed to cultivate yam. Yam is important in Igbo land. Everybody should cultivate and harvest yam, maize, vegetable, etc.

“Society is changing, it is very important that we embark on massive cropping of food in Igbo

land as directed by the governor.

I am equally demanding this from my people today”.

Being mindful of the current economic challenge facing Igbo, he called for a new impetus towards aggressive agrarian revolution in the South-East zone.

“An Igbo man is an independent, self sufficient man, who is supposed to fall back on agriculture because at some point, he tells you there are no tomatoes

or that the price of tomatoes is N2,500 a basket because it is coming from the North.

“We all need to go back and see how we can help the Igbo race sustain itself. Let everyone go into farming”, he added.

Eze Okwara dissociated his kingdom from any fetish practice in the new yam festival, pointing out that his yam festival began with thanksgiving at St Patrick’s Church, Umunna.

who organised the Nri event, is a member.

The Zonal Coordinator, who lamented the growing rate of flood disaster in Igbo land, also noted that the risk of disaster occurring was based on physical, economic and environmental factors which needed to be monitored and evaluated continuously.

“Strengthening disaster management remains a priority of the Government’s development agenda. In 1999, the Federal Government of Nigeria refocused the Agency by Act 12 as amended by Act 50 from being a relief agency to one that manages disasters in all ramifications. Erosion and flood risk awareness campaigns are a veritable strategy for creating a disaster resilient society”, he added.

Earlier, the NYSC member, Omirinde (host) recalled that he went into the project because of what he saw in his undergraduate days at his institution when someone died due to lack of proper first aids.

He enjoined his colleagues to embrace the EMVs group, adding that it would go a long way in reducing disasters in the country through enlightenment.

Enugu community sues for council chairmanship position Jude Ossai - Enugu THE people of Mbulunjodo-Nike, Enugu East Local of Enugu State, have indicated their desire that their own community should produce the next chairman for the local government come December this year They noted that in the spirit of brotherliness, equity, justice and fair play, they should produce the next council boss so that they would be seen as co-partners in the council’s development project.

The community made public their preference when a delega-

tion, led by the administrator of Njodo Development Council, Chief Clement Nnamchi, paid courtesy visit to the speaker of Enugu House of Assembly, Honourable Edward Ubosi, in his office on his elevation to the position of the Speaker of the House One of the leaders of the community and former Head of Service, Enugu State, Chief Clement Okwor, urged Honourable Ubosi, who is also a Nike man, to help them actualise their dream.

Okwor said that he was convinced that if the Speaker put in good word for them during the forthcoming council election in the fourth quarter of the year,

they would get their hearts’ desire.

“Help us to get it. If it is given to us, it will be a good development.

We know you can get it for us,” Okwor told Ubosi.

Another community leader, Mr Sunday Nomeh, called on the speaker to use his position to unite the entire Nike clan by calling them for a meeting on how Nike is to be governed especially as it concerns the chairmanship of Enugu East so that no community is marginalised.

Replying, Ubosi told them that it was God that gives power, but added that he would do everything humanly possible to see that

their aspiration was achieved.

Ubosi told them that if it was the turn of Mbulunjodo Community to produce the next council boss, nobody would stop it.

His words: “I thank you for the visit. It is God that appoints Kings; power comes from Him, power belongs to Him. “When the time comes, I shall speak my mind. When the issue of who becomes council chairman comes up, I’ll do everything possible to see that Nike and Enugu East move on.

“When it is the turn of Njodo, nobody will stop it,” Ubosi stated and pleaded with them to go about it in a peaceful manner.

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

campusbeats

Nigerian Tribune Doyin Adeoye 08058130577 kreatifink@yahoo.com

Ajasin varsity VC condemns cohabitation among undergraduates

By Femi Ibirogba

T

HE Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, has condemned the prevailing cohabitation syndrome among students of tertiary institutions.

Professor Ajibefun, who was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Benson Akinnawonu, gave the disapproval in his opening remark at a one-day summit on ‘Cohabitation among Students,’ organised by the Student Affairs Division of the university, in conjunction with the Airtel Telecommunications outfit.

“Cohabitation among students is a reprobate act that requires all hands to be on deck to arrest the ugly trend. Living together and having sexual relationship without being married is a trend that has virtually eroded the level of morality among the youths, particularly students of higher institutions.

“Findings by researchers have proved that cohabitation among unmarried students has been on the rise and if deliberate and pragmatic steps are not taken by all stakeholders, including managements of tertiary institutions, parents and religious leaders, this anomaly will continue to rise unabated and the society will ultimately suffer for it,” the vice chancellor said.

Ajibefun commended the Student Affairs Division under the deanship of Dr Bolanle Ogungbamila for the initiative and thanked Airtel, one of the nation’s leading telecommunications net-

works, for the partnership to campaign against the immoral trend.

In his welcome address, Dr Ogungbamila identified low level of monitoring, mentoring and in-

adequate hostel accommodation as factors that had engendered cohabitation among the students.

Meanwhile, Professor Ajibefun, advised the 3,989 new students

THE National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has lifted the temporary ban placed on admissions into the School of Engineering of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Masa’udu Adamu Kazaure, in a letter with a reference number C/TEB/.235/ VOL.1A/247, dated 1 September, conveyed the lifting of the ban to the Rector of the Polytechnic, Mr Matthew Itopa Akpata recently.

In a statement signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Job Ekele, the ban which lasted for about two months was placed on admissions into the

cial vices that could thwart their studentship.

He gave the advice at the 2014/2015 matriculation ceremony of the university.

UDUS elects new Students’ Union leaders

An artiste performing at the ‘Hottest One Campus Tour’ held at the University of Ibadan, recently.

Infinix storms UI with ‘Hottest One Campus Tour’ IN a bid to promote their latest product, the Infinix Hot 2, the Infinix brand stormed the Students’ Union Building of the University of Ibadan (UI) on Friday.

Tagged ‘Hottest one campus

tour,’ souvenirs ranging from phones, bags, cups and armbands were given out to students as part of their promotional activities on the campus.

Speaking with Campusbeats, In-

NBTE lifts ban on engineering programmes at Idah Poly

By Doyin Adeoye

admitted to the institution to build on the landmarks of their predecessors: students and alumni.

Professor Ajibefun also counselled the students to eschew so-

engineering programmes of the polytechnic towards the end of June, following an allegation of lack of practical coverage and over enrolment from a suspected group of students of the polytechnic to the Board, for which the Board immediately set up a Fact Finding Committee to investigate.

The letter stated that the Management Committee of the Board “at its 157th regular meeting had accepted the recommendations of the Fact Finding Committee to lift the temporary ban on admission into the School of Engineering.”

In his reaction to this development, the Rector, on behalf of members of the polytechnic community, expressed his gratitude to the Management Committee

of the NBTE for lifting the ban on time.

The Rector who remarked that the Polytechnic, a second generation Polytechnic in Nigeria, established about 38 years ago, had produced world-class graduates and wealth creators with commitment to its age-long motto of “Technology for Self Reliance”, while he indicated the commitment of his Management Team to basic minimum standards in all programmes of the Polytechnic, and to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning activities in order to move the Polytechnic to enviable heights and as well meet the dreams and expirations of its founding fathers.

finix student ambassador, Samuel Obi said: “We’ve also been to Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for the tour, which is aimed at celebrating our users, as well as introducing our latest product, the Infinix Hot 2 to the students.”

While speaking on the theme and how students qualified for the freebies, Obi said: “The students were asked to take selfies with the Infinix backdrop and upload them on any social media platform with #hottestone. The student who won the Infinix Hot 2 phone garnered more than 100 comments and likes on Facebook.”

In a chat with Campusbeats, one of the winners, Odunola Oladipo, a 400-Level student of the Department of Computer Science, said she took a selfie and uploaded it on facebook, afterwards she won a phone case, armband and a cup.

Other hightlights of the tour were dance competitions, rap contest, among others.

By Chinwe ugwuanyi and Festus Iyorah

STUDENTS of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) recently elected new executive members to its Students’ Union (SU), in an election process held across 25 voting centres.

In an election considered to be free and fair, school security agents were on duty to ensure that there were no distractions in the process.

The Chairman of electoral committee, Dr Aminu Mode, later declared Umar Faruk, a 400-Level student of the Faculty of Law, as the President, with a total 2,681 votes, beating Alfa Mustapha of the Faculty of Education who had 2,357 votes.

Amina Yahaya emerged as the Vice President 1 with 2,199 votes; Ahmad Sadik Batagarawa, as Vice President 2; Abdul Rasheed Danladi Ibrahim as Secretary General.

Saifullahi Muhammad Rabi’u emerged as Assistant Secretary General; Abubakar Yahuza Kurami as the Public Relation Officer 1; Sahabi Kamaludeen as the Public Relation Officer 2. Aliyu Zaharadeen as the Financial Secretary; Surayyah Abubakar as the Treasurer.

Musa Kabir as the Social Director; Muhammad Abdullahi Gusau, as the Director of Sports; and Abubakar Adamu Muhammad as the Welfare Director.

The election came after two years of the suspension of union activities in the school. The management had replaced the SU with a caretaker committee.

Muhammad Ahmad Abdullahi, 200-Level student of the Department of Adult Education said: “The election process was free and fair.”

Tajudeen Chiso Gada, a 300-Level student of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry said, “The election was conducted peacefully. So I commend the effort of both students and the security agents for this.”

Yasin Olawumi (300-Level, English Language, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto)

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

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Thursday, 17 September, 2015

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educ ation

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

NUC approves UI School of Business

By Laolu Harolds

T

HE National Universities Commission has formally given its nod for the establishment of the University of Ibadan School of Business (UISB).

According to the university’s Director of Public Communication, Mr Olatunji Oladejo, NUC’s approval came via a letter dated 9 September, 2015 with reference NUC/FAS/ AS/FOI/VOL. 11/145, signed by the commission’s Director of Standards, Dr G. Kumo.

The approval followed a recent resource evaluation visit carried out by a panel of experts to the institution’s proposed School of Business for the purpose of assessing the human and material resources available for its establishment.

The letter reads in part, “I am directed to inform you that the Management Committee during its 460th meeting held on Wednesday, 9 September, 2015 considered and approved the establishment of the School of Business to be situated on the campus of the university to run Executive MBA with specialisation in the underlisted (Telecommunication, Agribusiness, Oil and Gas)

effective from the 2015/2016 academic session.”

The letter also stressed that further inclusion of

ZAMFARA State government has awarded various contracts worth N1.2 billion for the renovation and expansion of three girls’ secondary schools in Gusau, the state capital.

Schools affected by the projects include the Government Girls Arabic Secondary Schhol, Government Girls Day Secondary School, and School for Women’s Continuing Education, all in Gusau the state capital.

While presenting the notification of schools renovation contracts to 64 indigenous contractors at the Government House, Gusau, the state governor, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to improving girls’ education across the state.

He expressed his government’s readiness to implement fully key recommendations of the state education assessment committee that submitted

bear only the approved titles and nomenclatures (MBA Telecommunications etc), and any change will

require the approval of the commission,” it stated.

The letter noted also that the award of such degrees

must only be done by academic units, while the commission emphasised that it would monitor compliance.

The vice chancellor, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, speaking through the school’s pioneer director, Professor Adenike Osofisan, expressed delight and satisfaction with the approval, and thanked the commission for its expeditious action on the process for the accreditation.

Administrator justifies teaching of Mandarin

By Laolu Harolds

From left, FUNAAB vice chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole (2nd left); Mountain Top University Vice Chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi; Chairman MTU Board of Trustees, Prof Akintunde Obilade and MTU Legal Adviser, Mrs Yemisi Oakhire, with officials of both universities during a tour of the campus recently.

France donates books, materials to Nigerian Army Language Institute Celestine Ihejirika -Umuahia THE French government has promised to support the newly established

Zamfara awards N1.2b contract for renovation of 3 girls’ schools Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna

options would require the express approval of the commission.

“All programmes shall

their report last year on the status of secondary school education in the state.

The governor maintained that the present government of the state is committed to work with indigenous contractors so as to boost the economy of the state and support them in executing qualitative work that they can compete with other contractors’ across the country.

Nigerian Army Language Institute in the area of provision of French books and modalities on how to improve students various French courses at the institution.

Defense attaché to France in Nigeria, Mr. Mark Humbert, who disclosed this on behalf of the French embassy in Nigeria while donating various French textbooks to the institute, said her home country would continue to support the institution.

The Nigeria Army Language Institute (NALI) was established in 2012 by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.

Azubuike Ihejirika, in his country home town, Ovim, in Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, to foster multinational unity and cooperation between Nigeria and her French neighbours, bearing in mind that the countries share interests.

Receiving the French delegation in his country home, the former army chief described the visit as heartwarming.

The former army chief said there was a need for Nigerian military to embrace the French language because Nigeria is surrounded by French countries, and that

this necessitated the establishment of the institute to enable Nigerian military officers to gain proficiency in French.

General Ihejirika said the visit by the French government officials to the institute had confirmed the assurance of international community to the current administration to assist Nigeria in its present challenges.

The commandant of the institute, Colonel Joseph Bamidele Ajanaku, while receiving the books and the other materials on behalf of the institution, thanked the French delegation. He assured them that the institute would make good use of the offer.

Kogi university rated best state varsity in Nigeria Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja NATIONAL Universities Commission (NUC) has rated the Kogi State University, Anyigba, as the best state university in the country and 12th in the entire rating exercise.

The vice chancellor, Professor Hassan Isah, stated this while addressing newsmen on the forthcoming convocation for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 sets of the institution.

Professor Isah, who disclosed that the convoca-

tion comes up this Saturday, 19 September, 2015, said the rating, which took the NUC teams to 125 universities, was done after the accreditation visit.

According to him, out of the 32 programmes being run by the university, 24 received full accreditation, eight were given interim accreditation, while no course was denied by the NUC. Isah added that the result of the NUC rating was based on the quality of the courses, standard of

the academic workforce, infrastructural and academic facilities in the university.

He disclosed that as part of the convocation programme, at least 60 projects executed and completed on campus would be inaugurated by the state governor, Captain.

Idris Wada.

The projects, according to him, include medical library, administration block, skill acquisition centre and the water plant.

Speaking on the gradu-

ating students, the vice chancellor said a total of 6,983 graduands would particpate in the convocation with 11 of them graduating with First Class Honours, 129 Second Class (Upper Division), 4,256 Second Class (Lower Division) and 1,500 Third Class, while 50 would be graduating with pass.

148 graduands will receive their postgraduate diplomas, 305 will bag masters degrees and 55 will obtain doctorates.

THE Administrator, Grace High School, Gbagada, Lagos, Mrs Tokunboh Edun, says the school will continue to teach its students Mandarin, the Chinese language, despite criticism by stakeholders that Nigerian children are learning more foreign languages at the expense of indigenous ones.

Mrs Edun made the statement in Lagos recently while speaking as the chief launcher of Chinese Made Easy, a book written by Mr Olaniyi Banwo of the University of Lagos.

The book, which translates Chinese words into Yoruba, is meant to teach Yoruba speakers how to learn Mandarin.

According to Mrs Edun, those who are complaining against exposure of Nigerian students to foreign languages are not mindful of current trends in world policies and business.

She disclosed that Grace High School became the first private school to introduce Mandarin to Nigerian students because it is aware of latest trend worldwide.

According to her, right now Europeans and Americans are learning how to speak Chinese language because of the giant strides attained

by China in global business and international relations.

Moreover, she added, learning Mandarin has become a global trend that cannot be ignored by those who want to play an effective role in global business.

Mrs. Edun said that she had discovered that students who can speak major international languages like French, English, Chinese often have an edge (over others) in terms of competition for international jobs.

27

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor Sulaimon Olanrewaju

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

aviation

anchor Shola Adekola

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

Key players caution govt against owning national carrier BySholaAdekola-Lagos

K

EY players across the aviation sector have unanimously agreed that the Federal Government should not own, but help midwife a national carrier for the Nigerian air travellers.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a breakfast meeting organised by the Aviation Round Table (ART) in Lagos on ‘Ownership, Funding & Sustainability of Nigeria Airlines - A Perennial Challenge’ held in Lagos.

Among other decisions embraced at the gathering include: the advise for Nigeria to have two to three national airlines, while two must revolve around the existing carriers, and that the government should not only support, back and protect all flag carriers, but should also provide a level playing field for all carriers.

It was also agreed that the government should create an en-

abling environment for airline industry to thrive, while key players at the event called on government to stop the usual Value Added Tax (VAT) on airline tickets as is the case in all forms of transportation.

While calling on government to have a measurable short, medium and long term policy that will advance and guide the sector, the key players declared: “We must

strive to improve the aviation contribution to the GDP through improved and revised policies that will inculcate tourism.

“Government should consider the consolidation of the airlines through regulations. Government should set in motion the process of reviewing the Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) in place which is lopsided and detrimental to Nigerian carriers.”

It was also agreed that there was the need for urgent modalities for having a requisite hangar to reduce maintenance cost of the Nigerian airlines just as the Nigerian carriers were advised to improve the customer experience and services which is not encouraging while efforts should be geared at implementing a Fly Nigeria Act in future to sup- port our flag carriers.

FAAN to train 700 personnel on security, emergency THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has concluded plans to train at least 700 of its Aviation Security (AVSEC) and Airport Rescue and Fire fighting personnel and any other emergency within the airport environment.

The first batch of the 700 personnel made up of 100 delegates will soon be sent on training, while the other 600 would also embark on the same training in batches.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Engineer Saleh Dunoma dropped the hint through the General Manager, Corporate Communications, FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati.

According to him, the strategy of the intensive training was geared towards promoting safety, security and airport excellence based on International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 14 Standards and Recommended Practices, SARPS, and Airport Council International, ACI, best practices.

“The first batch of 100 drawn from the AVSEC and Airport Rescue and Fire fighting personnel are being shortlisted, after which the other 600 personnel will follow suit,” Dunoma stated.

The FAAN boss assured that the capacity building would strengthen FAAN’s capacity at mitigating safety vulnerabilities identified by the evaluation observed by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

Lufthansa launches premium economy in Nigeria with promo TO commemorate the launch of the Premium Economy Class on Nigeria routes effective 1st October 2015, Lufthansa is offering its agents and the public a special offer on the new product.

In line with the promo, premium economy class for travel in October and beyond goes for as low as $1348 to Europe, $1882 to North America and $1777 to Canada.

Sales are valid until Sept 30, 2015.

Commenting on the development, the Lagos based Managing Director, Sub-Sahara Africa for Lufthansa, Claus Becker declared: “We are delighted that we can now offer our passengers on our Nigerian routes the Premium Economy Class.”

Lufthansa Premium Economy Class is located within the cabin as a clearly identifiable separate

compartment between Business and Economy Class.

It has a high-quality design and contains between 21 and 52 seats, depending on the aircraft type.

The state-of-the-art A330 in use on Nigerian routes will be fitted with 21 Premium Economy seats.

“Our Premium Economy Class creates a completely new travel experience that combines affordability with greater comfort. The seats offer up to 50 per cent more room than Economy Class and position us in a premium segment within the international competitive environment,” said Jens Bischof, Member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board in charge of Sales, Product and Marketing.

According to the airline, customers are greeted with a welcome drink on board and will find

their own water bottle as well as a high-quality amenity kit with practical travel accessories at their seat. Meals are presented on menus and served on porcelain tableware.

The new seats are up to 3 centimetres wider and provide greater privacy as well as approximately 10 centimetres more room at the side thanks to each seat. The back rest can be reclined further and the seat pitch is a significantly more spacious 97 centimetres.

“The design and features of the new seat in particular are based on extensive passenger surveys and workshops with sales partners, a process that has been successfully used at Lufthansa.

Following the upgrade of our First and Business Class, the installation of 3,600 seats on all 106

of our long-haul aircraft in just one year will mean another step towards becoming a five-star airline. We expect to see more than 1.5 million passengers per year in our new Premium Economy Class,” Bischof added.

With a baggage allowance of two items weighing up to 23 kilogrammes each, passengers can take twice as much free luggage with them compared with Economy Class.

“Also, passengers will have the option to enjoy the comfort of our Business Lounges before their departure. Lounges were previously only open to status customers and are otherwise unavailable on a paying basis. Check-in and boarding procedures as well as hand luggage regulations are the same as in Economy Class.

28

aviation

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Virgin Atlantic partners Dyneema for aircraft emission reduction

crucial moment With Shola Adekola

0803 365 4818

The need for domestic airlines to unite

RECENTLY at a public function, the Chairman of Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi- Ikhide appealed to all the domestic airline operators to shelve their pride and form a common ground in order to propel forward airline operations on the domestic scene.

His appeal for sure was not far from the cat and mouse game the operators play with each other for various reasons.

It is no longer news that there are three different groups of airline operators in the country’s aviation sector today.

The groups include: the popular Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) being led by Captain Nogie Meggison; the Aircraft Owners Association of Nigeria (AOAN) under the leadership of Captain Mohammed Joji, while the third group is made up of operators who do not belong to any of the two groups, but are just floating.

Again, it is no longer hidden that all the operators work at cross purposes from their different ‘political parties’ due to mainly personal ego which has been attributed to the unimpressive performance of domestic airline operations in the country.

For many years, the operators have not being speaking with one voice, but prefer to run each other down for selfish reasons.

Here, in Nigeria, domestic airline operators see each other as rivals, rather than regard each other as partners in progress, which is a far departure from what is obtained among their counterparts in other climes.

Many of the domestic airline operators due to their lack of understanding of what airline business is have continued to run their airlines as a family enterprise without recourse to international practice.

Unknown to the operators, the lack of unity confronting them has been attributed to the major challenges tearing them apart, as they have always failed to come together to present a general interest before the government.

It is on record that some of the operators often engineer frivolous petitions against each other because of dirty rivalries.

It is almost forbidden to see two domestic airlines coming together to form alliance or any form of partnership on the flimsy excuses that they have different mission or vision, while the actual fact is that they have failed to see airline business as international enterprise devoid of any dirty local politics.

The time has therefore come for the domestic operators to drop their toga of pride and come together to do business in line with best international standards.

They should put aside their pride and personal ambitions and come together for there is strength in unity and it is when they speak with one voice that they can confront the government with their demands.

The need for them to unite is not far from the myriad of challenges confronting them which require urgent attention from the present government.

Such challenges calling for urgent assistance from government include: multiple taxation, expensive aviation fuel, multiple entry points to foreign carriers, lopsided bilateral agreements among many other unfriendly policies which are negatively affecting the domestic airlines.

Nigerian Tribune

From left, Managing Director/CEO, Aeroconsult, Mr Babatunde Obadofin; MD/CEO, Alpha First Aviation School and guest speaker, Elder Soji Amusan, listening to the Director, Airworthiness Standard (DAS), Nigerian Civil Aviation Aurhority (NCAA), Mr Benedict Adeyileka while speaking at the 3rd Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Zakari Musa Haruna, first Director-General of NCAA at the NCAA Annexe, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

NAMA partners ICPC on anti- corruption Stories By Shola Adekola - Lagos THE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has pledged commitment towards promoting transparency, accountability, fiscal discipline and anti-corruption in its operations and processes in line with the anti-graft posture of the Federal Government.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Engineer Ibrahim Abdulsalam made these remarks while receiving a high-powered delegation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Abdulsalam who noted that as the nation’s sole air navigation service provider, whose mandate is safety-critical stated: “NAMA would work in close collaboration with ICPC in re-orienting staff on the ills of corruption and financial crimes to ensure that the virtues and values of transparency permeate the system.”

The NAMA boss recalled that in keeping with this determination, the agency sponsored a total of 16 staff to the

recently concluded three-day anti-corruption training for aviation sector workers which took place at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Keffi, Nasarawa State even as he stressed that “a corrupt-free aviation industry would make for a safer Nigerian sky.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Zonal Commissioner of ICPC and leader of the delegation, Mr Shintema Binga informed his host that their visit was to sensitise aviation agencies

Nigeria records decline in international traffic INTERNATIONAL passengers’ traffic out of the country’s international airports has suffered a decline in the second quarter of 2015 according to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The bureau in its statistics stated that the traffic on the international routes declined by 406,369 passengers from quarter one to 1,048,598 passengers in quarter two.

NCAA workers protest over illegal payment of dues to wrong union body MEMBERS of Nigerian Aviation Professional Association(NAPA), branch of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have protested the continued deductions and payment of their subscription fees to the coffers of another association they had renounced its memberships.

The NCAA workers who held the rally at the premises of the NCAA kicked against the continuous deduction and payment of their subscription fees to the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), as against their choice of NAPA, another aviation union.

The management of NCAA had earlier invited policemen from the Airport Command to prevent possible breakdown of law and order, but the protest went on peacefully and the police later withdrew.

on the Corruption Risk Assessment for the sector to be embarked upon by the commission in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2014 with the Ministry of Aviation.

Binga pointed out that the commission intends to do a system study of the aviation sector, particularly Abuja and Lagos airports as major gateways in order to find out areas that could be prone to corruption and also come up with ways of addressing them.

Speaking during the rally, the Secretary General of NAPA, Comrade Razaq Saidu accused the NCAA Management of deliberately foot-dragging on giving response to all their previous correspondence concerning the continued illegal deductions and payments of subscription fees of NAPA members to ATSSSAN. He accused the NCAA management of dabbling into intra-union issue that is beyond its purview.

NAPA members had given the management two weeks ultimatum instead of seven days earlier offered by management to act on their complaints, and instructed that the September dues if deducted should not be paid to ATSSSAN any longer as the Trade Union Act allows staff to freely join any union of their choice or opt out.

It, however, declared that domestic travel showed a marginal rise quarter on quarter, with 16,752 or 0.71 per cent more passengers travelling in quarter two.

The NBS said the resultant 2,374,479 domestically bound passengers represented 69.37 per cent of the total number of passengers, up by 7.53 per cent points from the preceding quarter, yet down 1.35 per cent points from Q2 of 2014.

Year on year, both domestic and international passenger numbers were lower, with 73,492 or 6.55 per cent fewer international passengers and 335,908 or 12.39 per cent fewer domestic passengers relative to the corresponding quarter of the preceding year.

According to the bureau, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos continued to dominate domestic passenger travel in the quarter, with the 936,029 passengers representing 39.42 per cent of the Q2 2015 total.

Despite still recording passenger numbers lower than in Q2 of 2014, with year on year growth of -70,758 passengers or -7.03 per cent, quarterly numbers were up, with a rise of 39,505 passengers or 4.41 per cent from the preceding quarter.

VIRGIN Atlantic Cargo is to start using lightweight air cargo nets with Dyneema as part of its ongoing contribution towards the airline’s target of reducing aircraft CO2 emissions by 30 per cent by 2020.

The airline has initially ordered 600 of the nets, which at nine kilos each represent a four kilos saving on the weight of a traditional cargo net used to secure shipments on pallets.

The nets are also designed to be highly durable and have a five-year operating life compared to an average 2-3 years for conventional nets.

According to Paul Fallon, Vice President, Cargo Operations & Business Development at Virgin Atlantic: “The airline has a very proactive sustainability programme with clear goals and we are continually looking to meet our contribution to these targets.

Etihad Airways introduces new baggage policy DETERMINED to give its customers more value for their money, Etihad Airways has introduced sweeping new baggage policy enhancements in conjunction with the launch of its new Fare Choices tariff structure.

The new policy which takes effect for tickets issued on or after 14 September 2015, is to provide more choice and clarity to the airline’s guests.

The airline had explained that the “new policy has been introduced to respond to individual customer needs with greater flexibility and to more closely align Etihad Airways with other Etihad Airways Partner airlines. The changes will provide greater benefits to guests, with increased rewards for Etihad Guest loyalty program members.”

Confirming this, Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “In line with industry best practice, we are moving to a fair and transparent baggage concept. Our new Fare Choices are an easier way for guests to understand what they are paying for, offering clearer pricing, and the flexibility which best suits their travel plans. This also applies to their baggage requirements.”

29

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

anchor

maritime

Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

Inter-modalism, panacea for govt, truckers’ face-off Despite the change that blazed the trail of Nigeria’s port reform of 2006, authorities have failed to tap the benefit of an intermodal form of cargo clearance, thereby subjecting the ports to the whims and caprices of truck operators, TOLA ADENUBi writes.

For every efficient ports world over, seamless cargo clearance is key to port operations. Many leading ports have been known not to depend on one sole means of cargo evacuation from the ports. Many have been known to operate intermodal means of transporting cargoes out of the ports.

The transfer of cargo among various modes of transport generally called inter-modalism has become an integral part of the maritime transportation industry. An efficient and modern intermodal system is crucial to any port’s success.

And the secret to this success is to make the transfer between ship, rail and truck as invisible or seamless as possible.

The Port of Montreal is the hub of a modern and efficient fully-integrated seamless intermodal system. Its shipping lines offer a wide variety of regular services to markets throughout the world. Its terminal operators provide fast, efficient and safe handling of all types of cargo. But this would all be for naught if they were without the key intermodal connections that help make possible regular door-to-door transportation services.

The Montreal Port Authority operates its own railway network on the docks with more than 100 kilometres of track and direct connec-

tions with Canadian Pacific and Canadian National. Both railways have access right at dockside, with no intermediate trans-shipment, as is the case at many other ports.

This allows for efficient and rapid loading of containers, including double stack cars.

Genesis of Nigeria’s seaport trauma When Nigeria decided to adopt the landlord-tenant model of cargo clearance at her seaports, the nation forgot to effectively implement an intermodal form if transport system at her ports. Only one of the container terminals, APM Terminals, is connected by a rail network which has become moribund due to lack of usage.

The port reform of 2006 envisaged increase in cargo throughputs at the ports, but there was no preparation for the anticipated cargo haul. Out of about three container terminals which includes Port & Cargo Handling Services (P&CHS0, Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT) and APM Terminals, only one was connected to the rail.

This meant that cargo evacuation would have to depend solely on trucks. This led to the surge in the number of trucks that visits the ports on a daily basis. From about a thousand trucks that were

visiting the ports prior to the port concession, about four thousand trucks now visit the ports due to increased cargo throughput.

The focus on only trucks as a means of cargo evacuation led to the rapid dilapidation of the roads which informed the incessant falling of containers on unsuspecting motorist within the seaport area.

Skeletal rail operation The Apapa Rail network connecting APM Terminals is currently in a sorry state due to lack of adequate use. This is compared to what obtains in other climes where approximately 60 percent of containerized cargo traffic moving through the Port of Montreal is carried inland by rail. There are dedicated trains operating on a daily basis to service key markets in Central Canada and the U.S. Midwest.

The contrast is what obtains here in Nigeria, where the completed Apapa rail network has been experiencing skeletal cargo evacuation exercise after it was completed in 2013.

The project gulped about N861 million in taxpayers’ money but has since become moribund due to lack of enough locomotives to carry cargoes from the seaports.

Truckers become kings

Due to the lack of an intermodal transport system within Nigeria’s seaport system, truck operators now assumed the role of kings in the cargo clearance chain. They became feared and untouchable on most of the seaports access roads.

They virtually turned the TinCan axis if the Apapa-Oshodi express road to a parking bay without recourse to what this means to road users.

And anytime government at any level try’s to call them to order, they quickly threaten to embark on strike. Many at times, government allow them to have their way because of the implication of a strike action to Nigeria’s economy which is import dependent.

The recent truck ban enforced on articulated vehicles by the Lagos State Government (LASG) exposed the hazards that could occurto the nation’s economy due to a lack of intermodal transport system at the nation’s seaport.

This became evident when the trucks operators down tooled and refused to go inside the ports to pick cargoes. Their refusal means cargo congestion at the seaports, and this prompted the port landlord, the NPA to scramble to the doorstep of the Lagos State Government for other options aside the truck ban imposed by the State

government.

The words of the President of AMATO, Chief RemiOgungbemi sums up the whole situation the nation has found itself. “We heard that the management of NPA has started engaging the Lagos State Government on how to resolve the issue but the strike still remains.

We want the whole country to know the importance of truck drivers to the national economy,”Ogungbemi stated.

How long will this persit?

“Since government as refused to do what is necessary as regards developing an intermodal form of transport within her seaports, then we should all be ready to continue to dance to the whims and caprices of the truck operators.

“If they, truck operators, refuse to work, there will be congestion because we operate an import dependent economy. Had it been we have an efficient rail system within the seaports, then government can call the bluff of the truck operators. But that is not the case, so there is nothing anybody can do except dance to the tunes of the truck operators,” an industry observer explained.

Sanity returned to the ports access roads after the Lagos State Government imposed the truck ban on articulated vehicles. But how long will this last, only time will tell.

maritime Terminal operators not involved in revenue leakages at seaports —STOAN 30

Stories by Tola Adenubi - Lagos

T

ERMINAL operators under the aegis of the Seaport Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN) have denied that any of their members are involved in any form of revenue leakages at the seaports.

In a chat with the Nigerian Tribune, a member of the group who pleaded not to have his name in print as he is not authorised to speak stated that it is not possible for any terminal operator to under-declare the number of cargoes they handle at the ports because every vessel has a manifest of what it is carrying right from the port of loading.

“Every vessel has a ship manifest which contains the description of the quantity of cargoes it has onboard the vessel. Do you know that before the vessel departs its port of loading, the ship manifest of what it is carrying is sent to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)?

“So even before the vessel berths in Nigerian waters, the NPA and the Customs already have an idea of the quantity of cargoes the vessel is bringing to Nigerian ports. So tell me, how will terminal operators underdeclare cargoes?

“When such vessels berth, before anybody goes onboard the vessel, we have people called Cargo Surveyors who are staff of the NPA. Their duty is to go onboard such vessel and survey the vessel. They also tally whatever they see on the vessel.

“These cargo surveyors are the first people to have contact with a vessel when it arrives Nigerian waters.

After they must have tallied what they saw on the

Thursday,17 September, 2015

vessel, they give NPA and the terminal operators a copy each of what is onboard such vessel.

“So all the terminal operator does is discharge the cargoes. It is beyond

any operator to now say this is what it discharged at the seaports when it discharges more than that,” he stated.

It would be recalled that NPA workers recently

raised the alarm over revenue leakages at the seaports following the refusal of the agency to recruit adequate hands to fill the void left by retiring workers.

Acting Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Haruna Baba Jauro (right), presenting a plaque to the leader of the South South Media Professionals, Asu Beks during a visit to the agency, recently.

Training: Eastern Ports greatly marginalised —POTEMAN THE Ports and Terminal Management Academy of Nigeria (POTEMAN) has said that operators at the Eastern Ports have been greatly marginalized in terms of vessel activities and training programmes.

Speaking with journalists at the end of a training programme, Registrar of POTEMAN, Dr Babatunde Samuel said that the academy has observed in the past few years that the eastern ports have been grossly marginalized, going by the cargo through-

put and the number of vessels that come to Nigeria.

He said that the only way to create a balance and end the marginalization is to extend training to practitioners in these areas.

Babatunde said that a training programme which held recently had participants from terminal operators; Integrated Logistics Services (INTELS), Ports and Terminal Operators Limited (PTOL) Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) ECOMARINE and BUA. “The essence of our go-

ing to Port Harcourt was to have a good share of the geographical environment of Nigeria, even though the academy’s headquarters is in Lagos, we felt that activities of POTEMAN cuts across the western states, it also includes the SouthSouth and South-Eastern States respectively.

“It is when programmes like this are done that it gives people within the environment awareness that a training institution or activities are going on, not only in Lagos but equally in Port

FG reviews NIMASA employment since 2010 THE Federal Ministry of Transport has commenced a review of employments, placements and promotions embarked upon by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) since 2010.

The committee, which is headed by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Lawal Ibrahim, is expected to determine whether employments, placement and promotions in NIMASA from 2010 to

According to them, the NPA has not recruited in the last 10 years, and this is telling on the ability of the agency to monitor and curtail revenue leakages at the seaports.

date conformed to the Civil Service procedures and were also in line with the Federal Character Principle.

Commenting on the exercise, the Acting Director General of NIMASA, Haruna Baba Jauro said the main objective of the exercise was to ensure proper staff placement in line with extant Federal Civil Service regulations.

According to the NIMASA helmsman, the exercise would aid the pro-

cess of motivating the staff of the Agency and get the best out of them in the discharge of their onerous responsibilities.

“In the end, the interest of the staff will be protected as the civil service rule, which emphasises fairness and equity, will be the guiding principle of the exercise. We are confident that staff morale will be boosted for enhanced productivity when the process is completed,” the DG said.

He commended the Fed-

eral Ministry of Transport for its commitment to staff welfare and assured that NIMASA would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities for the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

The nine member committee which has already commenced sitting has a deadline of two weeks to complete the exercise and submit its recommendations to the Permanent Secretary, Mallam Mohammed Bashar.

Harcourt.

“We have equally observed in the last few years that the Eastern ports have been grossly marginalized judging by the volume of the cargo throughput and the number of vessels that comes to Nigeria.

“Statistics from the NPA showed that Western Ports have an edge, we believe this is a policy issue that has to do with infrastructure.

“I must confess that they really turned out from NPA, the PTOL, INTELS, BUA and ECOMARINE from Calabar.”

Babatunde assured that in months to come, the result of POTEMAN’s planting of training will germinate at the Eastern ports.

He stressed that operators at the eastern ports also have contributions to make in the area of policy formulation, especially to influence the National Assembly and respective State Governments.

“We encouraged them to go into export, because ship owners are not coming to your port just to discharge cargoes, but to also lift cargoes,” he stated.

Nigerian Tribune

FOU seizes N56.4 million contrabands in two weeks THE Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, said it has seized goods worth N56.4 million in two weeks and arrested eight suspects in connection with the seizures.

Speaking during his inaugural press briefing in Lagos, the Comptroller Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ ikeja, CmptrollerAmade Abdul said that the unit from 27th August to 11th September, 2015 had 59 different seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N56.4 million.

According to him, FOU carried out twelve different seizures of 50kg parboiled rice with a Duty Paid Value of N12.2 million within the period under review.

Abdul said the unit also made thirty-three different seizures of smuggled frozen poultry products totalling four thousand, eight hundred and fifty- four cartons with a DPV of N26.

2million was also seized.

He said two different seizures of vehicles made up of four vehicles with a Duty Paid Value of N9.9 million was seized less than two weeks of his tenure.

On general goods, he stated that FOU successively carried out twelve different seizures of general goods such as textile materials, vegetable oil, used shoes, fruit juice among others with a Duty Paid Value of N8.01 million.

Abdul promised to deal with economic saboteurs through aggressive patrol of all flanks and flash points to achieve his antismuggling mandate.

He said that with adequate support, he will surpass the anti-smuggling records of his predecessors and ensure that the unit maintains its enviable status as the center of anti – smuggling activities in Nigeria.

“We are complimenting the efforts of the other commands in ensuring that there is total compliance with the fiscal policies of the Federal government.

“To achieve this, I have put in place intelligence gathering, collaboration with critical stakeholders, such as marine operators, security agencies of the federal government and the communities where we operate,” he stated.

31

Thursday, 17 September, 2015 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

How Jolly Rogers Youth Book Club is encouraging children to read again

By Adewale Oshodi

O

NE thing is obvious among Nigerian youths today; they are relegating the reading culture to the background, while embracing the visual and technology culture. Reading has a lot of advantages, as it broadens the mind of the reader, and takes him or her to distant places.

Nobody can visit all the places in the world, but through reading, one can ‘travel’ to unimaginable places.

It is the concern that Nigerian youths are not reading that made former President Goodluck Jonathan launch the Bring Back the Book project during his tenure, but unforunately, the various internal problems in the country at that time did not allow him achieve perfect success with the project.

Several organisations have also been at the fore-front of the promotion of reading culture, among which is the Jolly Rogers Youth Book Club, under the leadership of Olusegun Sanni.

Founded about four years ago, the Jolly Rogers Youth Book Club has been organising monthly reading for young children at the NAS Secretatiat, Oluyole, Ibadan, with the aim of encouraging reading culture among young children.

Speaking on the book club, Sanni said he was concerned with the fact that Nigerian children now prefer to watch movies, or fiddle with their mobile phones, surfing the internet for irrelevant things, while neglecting the reading culture.

“It was because of this concern that I decided to come up with the book club, where young children can come to every month to talk about books, folk stories, and other literary issues that can develop their intellect.

“We complain that our children are not doing well in their final year examinations in the secondary school, but have we looked at the background of those children who are not doing well? They definitely cannot be children who love books.

“And this is why I am committed to changing this trend through my own little contributions,” Sanni said.

However, the book club has scored a new first by getting the commitment of renown artiste, Ropo Ewenla, who is an Assistant Director at the Universirty of Ibadan Media Centre.

Ewenla has, therefore, introduced a new dimension to the monthly reading session; he is now promoting the local languages.

Speaking on this, Ewenla admits that one cannot be a fluent English speaker if he is not fluent in his local language.

“Professor Wole Soyinka, the late Professor Chinua Achebe, among other literary giants would not have reached the heights they attained if they neglected their local languages.

•Participants after the September book reading session

•Segun Sanni, President, Jolly Rogers Youth Book Club

“It is so unfortunate today that many of our young ones don’t even speak their local languages, and I will put the blame at the feet of parents, as well as the society, which celebrates the foreign languge.

“It is as a result of this that I am introducing reading in the local language to participants,” Mr Ewenla said.

Ewenla then read from D.O Fagunwa’s Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmole to the children, who were so happy with the narrative of the book.

Another participant at this month’s session was Dr Yomi Ogunsanya, also of the University of Ibadan, who expressed happiness that despite the fact that the children could not summarise what was read to them in Yoruba language, the person who did in English gave a good interpretation of what was read to them.

“I am really so happy with this, but it shows that we should continue to encourage our children to speak the local language, whether it is Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa or other languages.

where outside the home,” Dr Ogunsanya said, while giving his committment to the book club.

In his brief remarks, Mr Ayodeji Oyedokun, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Drivers Institute, charged the children to imbibe the reading culture as their future depends on it.

“It is inside the book that we have knowledge; therefore, you must always tell your parents to buy story books for you so that you can develop your understanding about different issues,” Mr Oyedokun said.

One thing that stands out the Jolly Rogers Youth Book Club, which meets on the second Saturday of every month is the fact that it extends a hand of fellowship to different orphanages around the meeting area.

It also gives out books to participants who take it home and return the following month to summarise what they have read.

With these efforts, it is hoped that withing a short time, Nigerian children will come to love the book again.

•Ropo Ewenla “Parents must encourage their children by speaking their local languages to them at home, since they (children) can pick up the English language in schools or any-

Venezuelan film wins Venice festival award A Venezuelan film set among the chaos and violence of Caracas — Desde Alla, translated as From Afar - has won the top Golden Lion prize at the Venice film festival.

In his debut feature film, director Lorenzo Vigas tells the story of a rich man who gets sexually involved with a young man from one of the city’s gangs.

“I want to dedicate this prize to my amazing country, Venezuela.

“I know we have a few problems, but if we talk about them we will overcome them,” Mr Vigas said.

Venezuela is going through a serious economic crisis, which led to months of

street protests last year over the shortage of many goods.

Last week, prominent Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was sentenced to 13 years and nine months in prison for inciting violence during the protests.

Films should help Latin American countries “learn from the mistakes of the past,” Mr Vigas added.

Meanwhile, Pablo Trapero’s Argentine crime thriller, The Clan, won the Silver Lion for best director.

The film, which was a blockbuster in Argentina, tells the true story of an ordinary Buenos Aires family that abducted

wealthy people for ransom and hid them in their house before killing them.

Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron was the president of this year’s Venice Film Festival jury.

He said he was pleased by the fact that a Latin American film had won the top prize, but said it was “only a coincidence” that the jury had been led by a Mexican.

The runner-up Grand Jury Prize went to the American comedy fantasy Anomalisa, directed by Duke Johnson and Charlie Kaufman.

The best actor prize went to Frances’s Fabrice Luchini, who played a judge in Christian Vincent’s L’Hermine, or Courted.

32

arts&review

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Dance, drama as Educare ends 2015 Holischool session

T

HE holiday period has come and gone for pupils and students in the primary and secondary schools, but while many used the opportunity of the holiday period to ‘play,’ some used it to increase their knowledge through ‘edutainment.’

Edutainment is a learning process which is completely different from what is obtainable in schools, but which focuses of using entertainment to train the young ones.

According to the Coordinator of the Holischool programme of the Educare Trust, Mr Moshood Folorunsho, “students know they are on holidays, so it is always very difficult to call them to start some form of lessons during the holiday period.

“However, what we do at Educare Trust is that we infuse education and entertainment together, which, therefore, makes it easy for students to learn in a relaxed atmosphere.

“We started this year’s Holischool programme on August 5, when schools vacated, and more than 35 students registered for the programme.

“We presented them with attractive

children, she also learnt perseverance, as she had to repeat many lines several times.

The good thing about Ajakaiye’s efforts is the near-perfect dance and drama performed by the students.

One of the participants, Azeez Olatunji, thanked Educare Trust for the opportunity, while saying he was already looking ahead for next year’s Holischool programme.

“I really learnt a lot here, and I will tell more of my friends about this programme when I get back to school,” Olatunji said.

•Scene from a play, Bimpe and her grandmother, performed by the students. learning process using drama, dance, book reading, paintings, artcrafts, among others.

“This programme also afforded them the opportunity to develop their reading, communication and debating skills, and I can say that it was a worthwhile experience for the children,” Mr Folorunsho said.

An instructor at the programme, Miss Faith Emmanuel, who taught the chil-

dren how to make bow ties, bags, flipons, among others, said she was surprised that the children became perfect in just five weeks at the programme.

“When I learnt all these, it took me more than five years, but here are young children who learnt how to produce these items in just five weeks,” Miss Emmanuel said.

Another instructor, Seun Ajakaiye, who took the children in dance and drama, said while she was teaching the

Alliance Francaise promotes duo dancing competition

•Mr Alain Croguennec IT was a night of dance last Saturday at the premises of the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, when duo dancing groups from across the state stormed the French cultural centre to exhibit their talents.

•A dance duo during their performance In his opening remarks, the Director of the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, Mr Alain Croguennec, said the centre decided to partner with the organiser because danc-

The Perfect Guy, The Visit share US, Canada box office honours MOVIE

THRILLERS, The Perfect Guy and The Visit shared the honours at North American cinemas last week, coming first and second at the US and Canada box office.

The Perfect Guy, about a newly single woman whose new boyfriend is not all he seems, topped the chart with a first weekend tally of $26.7m (£17.3m).

But M. Shyamalan’s latest nail-biter was not far behind, taking $25.6m (£16.6m) between Friday and Sunday.

The films’ success has been attributed in part to a strong female turn-out.

An estimated 69 percent of The Perfect Guy’s audience were women, while The Visit’s audience was 60 percent female.

With its three black stars — Sanaa La-

than, Michael Ealy and Morris Chestnut — The Perfect Guy continues the recent trend for chart-topping films with African-Americans in leading roles.

Prayer-based film, War Room and Straight Outta Compton, a biopic of rap group NWA, were the previous occupants of the number one berth.

The Visit represents a comeback for Sixth Sense director, Shyamalan, whose last film was the critically savaged 2013 sci-fi opus After Earth.

Produced by Blumhouse, the studio that made the Sinister and Paranormal Activity films, The Visit tells of a brother and sister who make an unsettling revelation at a remote Pennsylvania farm.

War Room dropped to third place with a second weekend haul of $7.4m (£4.8m).

ing, as a form of arts, brings out the artistic talents in people.

“We have always supported visual arts, as well as literature, and partnering to support the Duo Dancing competition is another way through which the Alliance Francaise is promoting arts in the country.

“As I always say, we will continue to support the development of the arts in our host cities, and this is what we are doing with this dancing competition,” Mr Croguennec said.

The brain behind the project, Mr Segun Akeredolu, said he decided to seek the support of the Alliance Francaise in hosting the competition because of its pedigree in its support for the arts in Ibadan.

“With this competition, I know that a lot of young dancers in the ancient city will be given the opportunity to exhibit their talents.

“I am in Ibadan now, but my plan is to take this competition round the country, and I know the French centres in other cities will welcome us,” Mr Pius said.

More than 15 duo dancing groups participated in the competition, with Infinity Dance Crew taking the first prize.

POEM

Time to act You must set to work You who hold the people’s mandate Telling famished fables of no results And you in mad search for jobs In state owned institutions for fat salaries For your lives are wasting away In ignoring land begging for attention In virgin region wherein you live.

You must put your brains to work You who are dogs to pot-bellied men And run after greedy gods To keep hunger at bay Preferring to die under their jagged boots Not caring to lose your names Spreading your white apparel, casting It before age-long swine To feed hungry stomachs at home.

You must wash and cleanse your minds You who prophesy doom for the land Thinking all hope is lost for The downtrodden littering the terrain Like a broken china Men begging for handouts from saintly lords Who see no crime in milking The nation dry for personal comfort And you who think this You must set forth at dawn You who guard this land against odds Given arms to rescue Our young scholars in Sambisa’s cage Crying, longing for mother’s warmth As against violent storms and winds And creatures which broke their hymen Shaming their womanhood, tainting Their minds, twisting them against Fellow humans in the name of service To the ancient and eternal sage Whose name is reverenced here and there You must crush Sambisa to death Like the ghoulish pounding of a Demolition crane and bring back our girls.

•Emmanuel Ikuoye, Epe, Lagos.

33

Thursday, 17 September, 2015 Editor:

health YOU&EYE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

SEX,SEXUALITY&YOU

NATURALHEALTH

INSIDE

‘Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry heavily importdependent’

Page 36

NATURAL HEALTH Foods you can make your medicines Page 37

Why erection dissatisfaction become worse HEALTH QUOTE

Page 37

From left: Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), Mr Okey Akpa; President, West African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (WAPMA), Chief Bunmi Olaopa; Secretary, Pharmaceutical ManufacturersAssociation of Nigeria, Mr Kunle Okelola and representative of President of ECOWAS Commission, Mr Salifou Tremtore, at the event in Lagos, recently.

Pharma industries groan from ECOWAS Common External Tariff

By Sade Oguntola

I

T was the gathering of pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulators, policy makers and other stakeholders on ECOWAS common external tariff and the pharmaceutical sector in West Africa. What was topmost on the agenda was the impart of the ECOWAS common external tariff (CET) on pharmaceutical manufacturing.

It was a special forum by Economic Communities of West African States and the West African Pharmaceutical manufacturers Association on ECOWAS common external tariff.

With over 160 pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, producing a wide range of pharmaceutical products including antimalarials, anti-retrovirals, antibiotics, as well as medicines for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and other tropical and neglected diseases in the region, the manufactures stand was that the review of ECOWAS common external tariff was critical to their growth.

ECOWAS common exter-

nal tariff is aimed at ensuring trade liberalisation and to stimulate production in the region, thus helping to consolidate the market in the region. It is also to attract investment and so ensure a deep regional integration.

With its tariff ranging from zero to almost 30 per cent, depending on the item being imported, President West African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Chief Bunmi Olaopa said its implementation in its current frame clearly favours importation of finished products at the expense of local production of pharmaceutical products.

Under the CET, importation of finished pharmaceutical products attract a tariff of zero per cent, while importation of pharmaceutical raw materials and packaging materials, for manufacturing products within West Africa attract tariffs of five per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

Chief Olaopa said: “this position greatly disadvantage local production of pharmaceutical products and goes against the policies of our governments, ECOWAS and the African Union which seek to promote local production of pharmaceutical products,

to ensure self-sufficiency in the provision of our pharmaceutical needs, create jobs and contribute significantly to the economic growth of our respective countries.”

Further, Olaopa said, “CET should not be implemented to the detriment of local manufacturers in the region,” adding, “if we allow foreign manufacturers to keep dumping their products in our region, we will never be in a position to be self sufficient.”

Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), Mr Okey Akpa remarked that Africa has peculiar disease burdens and as such the need to pay serious attention to the impart of ECOWAS common external tariff on pharmaceutical industries’ role of facilitating access to medicines, generating employment and revenue, reduction of poverty as well as foreign exchange.

“Globally, major pharmaceutical players do not necessarily pay attention to diseases that are peculiar to Africa because they see them as not attracting adequate returns on investment. So, if we lack the capacity to make them within our region, there is the

risk of such diseases creating major epidemic,” Akpa said.

With manufacturing being the surest way of reducing incidence of fake medicines, Akpa said any policy that would impede medicine accessibility, affordability, quality and sustainability like the ECOWAS common external tariff, needs to be urgently reviewed.

According to him, “We have always been advocating for policies that protect the pharmaceutical sector; we therefore support the review of the tariffs and other trade policies to encourage local manufacture of medicines in ECOWAS. But its implementation should be such that each country is allowed to apply adequate protective measures for its local producers given that the level of production differs from one country to another.”

Already, Dr Steve Onya, Managing Director, Chi Pharmaceutical Limited, said the negative impact of the ECOWAS common external tariff is already creeping on the industry.

“A month ago, Chi Pharmaceutical Limited made a tender and lost by 15 per cent

because of the ECOWAS common external tariff to another company in India who will be importing at zero tariff, so we cannot compete. So, about 40 per cent of the staff has to go.

We just have WHO prequalified; does it mean it is for fancy?

“In the next six months, many would lose their jobs because those placed orders yet on the high sea will be here.

“There are potentials for diseases like Ebola coming back.

Do we go to other countries to look for a cure for these potential dangers when we can develop our capacity to tackle these diseases? This is a security issue.”

Dr Fidelis Ayebae, Managing Director, Fidson Pharmaceuticals, in a reappraisal of the effect of the tariff, said that Nigerian’s level of unemployment is bound to increase.

“Fidson Pharmaceuticals have an investment of 48million dollars and I am about to lose my job because the CET has opened a Pandora box for all kinds of products to come into the country. I came late to this meeting because we have started short-listing the names of 120 people to be fired by the end of the month.”

President, ECOWAS commission, Dr Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, who remarked that the ECOWAS common external tariff was pro-industry, however, said that the tariffs for medicines were still under review.

Dr Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, who was represented

by ECOWAS Commission’s Director, Directorate of Customs, Salifou Tiemtore, declared that an improvement in the classification for pharmaceutical products, tariffs on the pharmaceutical raw materials would resolve the problem.

Also, he added that countries can evoke support measures and other trade defences on highly taxed inputs to provide relief for manufacturers.

Assistant Comptoller of Customs, Mr Anthony Ayalogu, however, said resolving the ECOWAS common External tariff disparities would also require resolving the ambiguity in the classification of raw materials and products used in medicine production.

When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no “I’ll start tomorrow.”

Tomorrow is disease. —Terri Guillemets

34

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

What kind of doctor are you?

“What kind of doctor are you?” asked Grandma. I was seized with fear. “Why?” Grandma was just recovering from a crippling stroke. Initially, her speech was slur and incoherent but improving every day and in the last two weeks had become more fluent. Now, she has developed a twisted sense of humour and making expensive jokes. I was worried that my visitors might take whatever she said as Gospel truth.

Recalling the story a friend of mine had told me about an elderly lady who was asked a simple question as a witness in a court of law. The prosecutor had called the grandma to the stand as his first witness. He approached her and asked, “Mrs. James, do you know me?” She responded, “Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams.

I’ve known you since you were a young boy, and frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a big shot when you haven’t the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.”

The lawyer was stunned! Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the

room and asked, “Mrs. James, do you know the defence lawyer?” She again replied, “Why, yes, I do. I’ve known Mr. Johnson since he was a youngster, too.

He’s lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can’t build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him.” The defence attorney almost died. The judge asked both lawyers to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said, “If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I’ll send you to the electric chair.”

It has been difficult to forget this story so I braced up for the worst. Grandma repeated the question, “What kind of doctor are you?” I quickly answered, “I am a medical doctor.” “No, you are not!” retorted grandma. I was alarmed! Grandma had always known me as a doctor. What exactly does she mean? I was worried. “I have searched through the Internet and to my amazement I could not understand why you call yourself a doctor. I stumbled on your university certificate and it read, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.” For all practical purposes, you

are a Bachelor of Medicine not a Doctor.

I heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank God we are not going along the line of the other grandma and the lawyers. If that’s all, I can deal with it.

“Grandma, you are right. The appellation of Doctor (Dr.) is just a title describing the vocation of those in the profession of medicine. It is not a university degree.

We can say it is descriptive just as you associate a bricklayer with bricklaying and a barber with taking care of the hair. The title is endorsed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria which is the regulating body. It is not a university degree.

Grandma seemed pleased with my response but as I was about to take my leave, she asked again, “Ben, I am a bit confused.

What about the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Optometry?” “These two are notable exceptions - aberrations.

They are both first degrees awarded by the university. They are neither medical doctors nor Doctor of Philosophy. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the universities as a postgraduate degree,” I explained carefully to grandma.

“Ben, you are yet to answer my question.

What kind of doctor are you?” Grandma asked again. “I am a medical doctor who

later specialised in medical and surgical treatment of the eye,” I replied. “Doctor Ben do you mean you’re an Ophthalmologist?” “Exactly, you got it right! After a 6-year study in the university and graduating as a medical doctor with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees, I spent another 6 years studying ophthalmology to become a specialist eye doctor,” I explained.

“I can see you are in a hurry to leave.

I have just one more question for you.

What exactly is the difference between an Ophthalmologist and an Optometrist – both prescribe glasses and both are called doctors?” “Grandma, an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has undergone additional training to become an eye specialist and takes care of both medical and surgical treatment of the eye. A doctor of optometry (an optometrist) is a first degree university graduate who is trained to assist in eye care with special emphasis on prescription of glasses and optical aids.

He is not a medical doctor; should not give any treatment beyond first aid and primary care; cannot issue sick certificate or write medical report on the state of health of a patient.” My phone rang and I quickly seized the opportunity to scram.

Dr Abayomi Ajayi

ivf &you

info@nordicalagos.org

0700 6673422

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Continued from last week · Most women who have PCOS can benefit from losing weight. Even losing 10Ib (4.5 kg) may help get your hormones in balance and regulate your menstrual cycle. PCOS can make it hard to lose weight, so work with your doctor to make a plan that can help you succeed. · If you smoke, consider quitting. Women who smoke have higher androgen levels that may contribute to PCOS symptoms.

Smoking also increases the risk for heart disease.

A doctor may also prescribe medicines, such as: · Birth control pills. They can help your periods to be regular and can reduce symptoms such as excess facial hair and acne. An androgen-lowering medicine, spironolactone, may be used with birth control pills to help reduce symptoms even more. These medicines are not used if you are trying to get pregnant. · A diabetes medicine called metformin.

It can help restore regular menstrual cycles and fertility. · Fertility medicines, if you are trying to get pregnant.

It is important to see your doctor for follow-up to make sure treatment is work-

ing and to adjust it if needed. You may also need regular tests to check for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other possible problems.

It may take a while for treatments to help with symptoms such as facial hair or acne.

In the meantime: · Over-the-counter or prescription acne medicines may help with skin problems. · Waxing, tweezing, and shaving are easy ways to get rid of unwanted hair. Electrolysis or laser treatments can permanently remove the hair but are more expensive. Your doctor can also prescribe a skin cream that slows hair growth for as long as you use it regularly.

It can be hard to deal with having PCOS. If you are feeling sad or depressed, it may help to talk to a counselor or other women who have PCOS. Ask your doctor about local support groups, or look for an online group.

It can make a big difference to know that you are not alone.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Cause The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not fully understood, but genetics may be a factor. If you have PCOS, your sisters and daughters have a 50 per cent chance of developing PCOS. PCOS problems are caused by hormone

changes. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another. PCOS problems may include: Ovary hormone imbalance. When the hormones that trigger ovulation are not at the right levels, the ovary does not release an egg every month. In some women, cysts form on the ovaries. These cysts make androgen.

High insulin and blood sugar levels. About half of women with PCOS have a problem with how the body uses insulin, called insulin resistance. When the body doesn’t use insulin well, blood sugar builds to high levels. If not treated, this can lead to diabetes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Symptoms Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms tends to start gradually. Often, hormones changes that lead to PCOS start in the early teens, after the first menstrual period. Symptoms may be especially noticeable after a weight gain.

With PCOS, you may have only a few symptoms or many symptoms. It is common for PCOS symptoms to be mistaken for other medical problems.

Early symptoms Early symptoms of PCOS include: Few or no menstrual periods. This can range from less than nine menstrual cycles

in a year (more than 35 days between cycles) to no menstrual periods. Some women with PCOS have regular periods but are not ovulating every month. This means that their ovaries are not releasing an egg each month.

Heavy, irregular vaginal bleeding. About 30 per cent of women with PCOS have this symptom.

Hair loss from the scalp and hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest, back, stomach, thumbs, or toes. About 70 per cent of women in the United States with PCOS complain of these hair problems caused by high androgen levels.

Acne and oily skin, caused by high androgen levels Depression or mood swings Living with PCOS symptoms can affect your sense of well-being, sexual satisfaction, and overall quality of life. This too can lead to depression.

Gradual symptoms PCOS symptoms that may develop gradually include: Weight gain or upper body obesity (more around the abdomen than the hips). This is linked to high androgen levels.

To be continued next week

35 everydayhealth

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Foundation donates N30m medical equipment to UCH OLAJUMOKE Akinjide Foundation (OAF), has donated millions of naira worth of hospital equipment to boost healthcare delivery services at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The medical equipment and supplies that were donated include wheel chairs, electric bed, walking aids, paediatric examination tables, dental examination chairs, operating tables, trolleys, blood donors chair, resuscitation beds, consumables, thermometers, among others.

The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof Temitope Alonge while receiving the equipment from the Chairperson of OAF, Mrs Modupe Akindeko, said this is the second batch of donation from OAF, adding that it will go a long way to address shortage of medical equipment in the hospital.

“The last four months strike by the doctors in this hospital has paralysed our financial activities and we

can’t even buy some equipment needed, but with this kind gesture by this foundation, tremendous healthcare delivery will be provided. For instance, we were just thinking of raising money to buy the operating table which cost N5million, but OAF has just donated four to us now.

“OAF is meeting the needs of this hospital by divine connection. Many politicians donate to where they can benefit during their political aspirations, but this foundation and it’s founder, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide is committed to humanity,” he said.

In her remark, Mrs Akindeko said OAF which was established in August 2005 is poised towards giving back to the society and meeting their needs.

According to her, the foundation has positively impacted lives in the state in health, agriculture, capacity building, provision of potable water, and relief material to flood victims and construction of classrooms.

From left, Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Awute and MD/CEO Neimeth Int’l Pharm. Plc, Mr Emmanuel Ekunno at the FITGAH Executive Presentation recently in Abuja.

15 people benefit from SPDC free cleft lip surgery Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

N

O fewer than 15 people will benefit from a week-long free medical exercise for cleft lip/ palate and benign jaw tumour surgery to be sponsored by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, (SPDC). It is to be organised by a Non Governmental Organisation known as Health, Education, Work

and Shelter ( HEWS).

The one - week surgery exercise which will take place at the Gani Fawehinmi diagnosis centre, in Ondo, Ondo state was put together in collaboration with the state government that will be providing all the necessary assistance during the operation.

Speaking during the take off of the exercise, the General Manager, External Relations of SPDC, Igo Weli said the corrective medical

Passing urine freely should not be taken for granted —Expert

By Sade Oguntola A medical expert, Professor Linus Okeke has said that passing of urine is usually taken for granted, warning that several conditions such as cancers and benign prostate enlargement, when left unattended can make this impossible.

Professor Okeke speaking in an inaugural lecture at the University of Ibadan, entitled “Lord, That I many Urinate” said inability to urinate completely could be distressing and as such better imagined than experienced.

Okeke, who remarked that problems with urination due to benign prostatic enlargement occur with age, declared that two out of every 10 men aged less than 50 years develop this condition.

Although the enlargement affects different individuals to varying degrees, he added that its occurrence rises to nine out of 10 in men over 80 years.

The expert, linking BPH to imbalance between blood levels of two hormones, androgen and oestrogen, dispelled the notion that the condition was caused by too much sexual

intercourse, especially with multiple partners.

Okeke, saying that BPH is only preventable when a boy is castrated before puberty or dies before reaching adulthood, two conditions that are not particularly palatable, said “with long life comes grey hairs and prostate enlargement.”

The expert, however, said not all persons with an enlarged prostate have symptoms.

“Half of the patients with BPH will present with symptoms. These symptoms include hesitancy (delay in initiating urination), poor urinary stream, feeling of incomplete voiding, double voiding and dribbling urine.

“Some patients, in addition, also find themselves hurrying to go and urinate otherwise the urine may escape by itself. Sometimes, the patient presents with complete inability to pass urine.”

According to the expert, individuals with BPH also have abnormally high levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA).

Although abnormally high levels of PSA, could also be indicative of prostate cancer and prostate infection or inflammation,

Okeke said further tests can be done to differentiate what may be the cause of this abnormally high PSA when such men gets to the hospital.

Okeke, however, said BPH is not a death sentence as it can be treated satisfactorily, stressing that not all patients with the condition will require

an operation.

“When operation is indicated, it can be done as a day case in most patients without any wound on the body and they can return to normal activities by the same day. Only patients with very large BPH will require an operation and nobody is too old for this operation,”he declared.

surgery was put together as one of the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility to its immediate environment.

Weli said the aim of the exercise was to strengthen its immediate community health programmes and provide improved health care services in major communities in Niger Delta region.

He commended the HEWS foundation for providing an enabling platform in putting smiles to the faces of these special group of individuals by establishing a synergy with the SPDC. He said that the oil company has also funded corrective cleft lip and upper palate surgery of more than 20 children in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

The founder of the HEWS foundation, Remi Adeseun disclosed that this will be the second edition of the exercise in the state, saying similar exercise was organised by the foundation in 2010.

He stated that the foun-

dation decided to bring the free surgery exercise to Ondo state again because of the numerous health programmes introduced by the state government especially at the area of Primary Health Care level.

Adeseun, however, said similar surgery operation had been organised by the foundations across the country in LUTH, LASU, FMC Owo, Ekiti and Jos among others.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju reiterated the commitment of the state government to continue giving priority to the health of the people of the state.

Adeyanju, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Health Management Board, Dr. Ikuomola urged the beneficiaries to cooperate with the medical team. He added that they should not see their present medical status as an affliction, saying the deformities are curable.

Oyo outreach recorded many cases of goitre, malnutrition

By Sade Oguntola IT was an epoch making occasion as thousands of people benefited from a free medical outreach that lasted for three days and a donation of mobile clinic, as part of activities to mark the fourth Oranyan Festival in Oyo town.

The medical outreach, which was led by medical experts from America and 20 other volunteers, its leader, Dr Anu Esuola, said treated many health problems, including many cases of goitre, cleft palate and hernia.

Dr Esuola, stating that the cases of goitre, was indicative of people’s wrong diet, and as such of concern, said over 3,000 pairs of glasses were also given to individuals with poor sight.

The expert, who decried the high number of children with malnutrition seen during the outreach, promised that the team’s next outreach would increase the amount of multivitamins it would supply to be community.

Aside, the donated mobile clinic with facilities for dental care and X-ray, which would start visiting different communities to offer care, she assured of a continuous supply of medicines every three months to those the team treated.

Hon. Bode Esuola, who financed the initiative, including the $300,000 mobile hospital, said it was his own contribution to developing Oyo. According to Esuola, “I decided on this because of the importance of health to the

growth of a community. If a person has hectares of land and he is not healthy, such a person cannot be productive.”

Lion’s International District 404B President, Dr Funke Adebajo, said the organisation also supported the medical outreach because of its committment to humanitarian services.

Dr Adebajo, promising continuous support for provision of glasses, said its members form part of the volunteers that helped carry out medical screening during the 3-day exercise.

Earlier, Retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, the Coordinator of the Oranyan festival, who applauded the members of the medical team, said testimonies abound from people whose lives were

touched by the exercise.

He assured that the annual festival to showcase Oyo culture, arts, dance and crafts, would always focus on other areas to help meet the needs of people in the community.

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who appreciated Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s financial support to the exercises, declared that health is wealth and life, thus his several attempts at soliciting free medical outreach during his trips abroad for people in his domain.

Acknowledging the success of the exercises that recording zero mortality, he urged people in his domain to avail themselves of services from the mobile clinic, without any prejudice to race or political affiliation.

36

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

healthpeople is; we that are being taught, are we actually applying what we were taught? One may be hindering the other. But if one is hindering the other, what is the way forward? The fact remains that we have to start from somewhere, things have to be done properly.

Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry heavily import-dependent

What is it that Nigerian’s pharmaceutical industries do not import?

Only water as well as low cadre workers.

So, where should we start from if President Muhammad Buhari were to ask you?

It should start with government being fully committed to industrialisation. Laws that will enhance local production must be enforced.

For instance, if we say Nigeria wants to start to make matches, then importation of matches into the country must be prohibited. Part of it would entail asking manufacturers of the required machines coming to Nigeria to fabricate them than allowing their importation. This will afford Nigerians to learn. Of course, if I have seen how these machines are made and I decide to start to manufacture, with my book knowledge that will be possible.

Also, finance is important. The country must make a law that will enable easy finances for long project to start off. No sooner than taking a loan at the bank, they are asking for the interest. How do you want to grow? So there must be financial provision to be able to take off from the very scratch.

And then the government must be committed to ban importation so that whatever we make here, we are using it. When we see the fault, we can now build upon those ones.

That is how to grow.

s c ti io b a it V , a n ja e d la A —

Mrs Lydia Aladejana, the Vitabiotics quality operations manager, in this interview with SADE OGUNTOLA, expounded on the heavy dependability of the pharmaceutical industry on importation, saying it will not engender people being proud of made in Nigeria products.

H

OW accessible are machines for production of drugs in Nigeria?

We do not manufacture equipment for drug manufacturing in Nigeria; we depend on foreign sources to procure and equip. However, there is no particular manufacturer of equipment that have everything and as such in a factory, you will have machines from different manufacturers and different countries, including, India and China.

Is there any preference to import these machines from India and China because they are cheaper?

It is not the case; rather they have the know-how on what it takes to manufacture these equipments. For long, they are home to pharmaceutical equipment and drugs, whether in its raw or finished forms.

Is it not possible to fabricate these machines in Nigeria?

It is possible to fabricate these machines in Nigeria since we have iron and steel. But we need to seat up and be committed to putting in place all that is required to manufacture them.

In time past, India was also importing from United Kingdom, Germany and so on. But at a point in time, they stood up to the challenge. India started to manufacture when they closed their doors to importation.

Back then if a foreigner wants to bring anything into their country, they would ask that you come and manufacture it in their country. And when you get there, they give you their own citizens to work in your factory, looking at how the things are done.

They will import just one as sample.

That sample, will now be pieced into parts and reassembled, so thereby their citizens were able to learn.

But where did Nigeria miss it, since we also have iron and steel?

It is a case of non commitment. We know what we need but until we become serious and have the interest of this country at heart, we might remain at this level.

Mrs Lydia Aladejana An average Nigerian must take pride in made-in-Nigeria products. No matter how rugged they may be, they must be ready to make use of it. India started this way, and over time was able to improve on the quality of their products. Today, there is nothing that the Indians are not making; planes, jets, satellites etc.

India, for instance, started building from the rugged background. But technology has advanced in such a way that Nigeria can meet them where they are, if we are serious.

There have been many cases of Nigerians developing things. Not too long ago, an individual was reported to have made an aeroplane, which was able to fly, but who is supporting them to ensure they become a reality?

What are the common machines that you need for pharmaceutical manufacturing?

The machines required are dependent on what are to be manufactured; those for manufacturing oral preparation are different from those for sterile products or ointment. They are unique and different. But these machines are expensive, since they are all imported and must meet set world standards.

However, this challenge is not peculiar to the pharmaceutical industry. The problem of having to import machineries is a common one for most industries in Nigeria. It is a national issue, which must be jointly tackled.

We have engineering professional bodies, for instance, yet we rely on foreign experts to build roads for us. It is the same fate in

all the professions, we depend so much on importation, instead of looking inward to manufacture from here and then export to other countries. Despite this, we are talking about unemployment when we are not focusing on such areas as this, so where are we? Is it just to make money? By having a mind of making money through importation and not exportation, we can never be self-sufficient.

Currently, we import virtually everything.

At times we also import human beings, which we call expatriates to come and put us through. Eventually, they also refuse to go back, but rather seat tight and refuse to leave.

Our laws are not even helping matters because of corruption. They continue to renew their stay and some end up spending as much as 15 years. So how do we take off, where do we go from here? If I have been well taught, but the expatriate boss does not leave, how do I act?

Unfortunately, the other side of the coin

The problem of having to import machineries is a common one for most industries in Nigeria. It is a national issue, which must be jointly tackled.

If virtually all the machines for drug manufacturing are imported, how do you cope with getting parts for their maintenance?

In the company where I have worked for so long, we rely on local people for maintenance of these machines. Fortunately, some of the parts of these machines are fabricated in the Eastern part of Nigeria. But with increased empowerment, they might be able to help out with tools and kits for maintenance which are still majorly also imported.

With Nigeria’s heavy dependency on importation of machines, what does that portend for drug sufficiency in Nigeria?

Some pharmaceutical companies have invested heavily to ensure they are WHO pre-qualification. At the moment, the pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria can meet the health needs of the country. But that will require that government stop placing heavy tariff on importation of pharmaceutical raw materials, packaging materials and machineries.

This would ensure that drugs are available at lower costs. Currently, the overhead is so much that the pharmaceutical companies can hardly make profits.

Taxation is a problem to production. Certainly, the country must grow, but taxation must be commensurate with the conditions of operation in the environment of operation. We are not saying we do not want to pay taxes, but the conditions of operation must be made friendlier for local production.

37

BY HRH Oba (Dr.) Qumas Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and rectum. Sometimes, the veins around the anus swell, become stretched, thinner and irritated when passing faeces.

Signs and symptoms of haemorrhoid (pile) 1.

Pain from the anus especially during defaecation (passing of faeces) 2.

Painful swelling or lump near the the anus 3. Itching from the anus 4.

Mucous discharge from the anus 5.

Bleeding from the anus 6. Sometimes, there is leaking of faeces 7. Soreness around the anus 8.

Anaemia (low blood level) due to bleeding Types of haemorrhoid (pile) Internal haemorrhoid and external haemorrhoid Internal haemorrhoids: They lie far enough into the rectum and anus. You cannot readily see or feel them. They hardly give so much pain but could cause bleeding from the anus. Although, some internal haemorrhoids may protrude outside the anus (prolapse). If prolapse occurs, it may may be painful due to irritation from push, clothing and sitting. Sometimes, the protruded haemorrhoid may be pushed gently back into place if it does not go in by itself.

External Haemorrhoids: They lie within and around the anus and are very uncomfortable. A prolapsed (the one that protrudes or extends out of the anus) external haemorrhoid can be seen and felt. It is very painful if the vein of the haemorrhoid bursts (A condition called thrombosis). It may look very frightening and bleed when this happens. Haemorrhoids are the most common cause of bleeding from the anus.

Causes of haemorrhoids

Why erection dissatisfaction become worse

F

or men 50 or above, erection changes are normal and inevitable. But some lifestyle factors can postpone or even temporarily reverse them: falling madly in love, getting in shape and making love earlier in the day when you have more energy can help.

Unfortunately, other factors exacerbate erection dissatisfaction, include; anxiety, alcohol, some drugs or medi-

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

natural

health Free yourself from pile:

The way out

Anyone can be affected by haemorrhoid and it may even occur during pregnancy. However, recent research shows a high incidence of haemorrhoid in young people.

In western medicine, the exact cause of haemorrhoid is not certain but in natural medicine, the cause is known. It is worthy of note also that weak haemorrhoidal veins can be inherited. Therefore, making some people have a greater tendency to develop haemorrhoid than others.

Other factors that may trigger haemorrhoid include the following: Obesity, pregnancy, standing or sitting for long periods, straining in the toilet, holding your breath while straining to do physical labour and very notably, Your Diet (What You Eat).

Diet and your haemorrhoid A diet high in processed food may cause haemorrhoid. Also, avoid sugary foods. A high fibre diet is always advised. Avoid heavy carbohydrates and low fibre meals like yam, cassava meal (fufu), processed rice, pastries like meat pie, chicken pie, junk food, generally, eat more of vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and meals as much as

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com cation, relationship problems, and making love when fatigued; late at night after a long day and a big dinner with wine.

Anxiety particularly causes serious harm. It triggers the fight-or-flight reflex that sends blood away from the central body, including the penis, and out to the limbs for self-defense or escape. Less blood in the central body means less blood available for erection. Erection dissatisfaction is upsetting, but you must try to accept it as normal because when you become anxious about it, erections become less likely.

You can minimise anxiety with a hot shower before sex, and during lovemaking, deep meditative breathing, a slow pace, and lots of sensual touch all over; which is the kind of sex most women want, also goes a long way to help.

Erection dissatisfaction can actually enhance lovemaking. The dark cloud of erection changes has a silver lining. Young couples often have problems because young men become aroused faster than young women. Young

possible.

Inadequate intake of water may cause constipation which can contribute to haemorrhoid because constipation makes you strain in the toilet and makes your stool hard, thereby, irritating the swollen veins. So by all means, avoid being constipated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Also, monitor your salt intake.

Some foods consumed by certain people may not affect them negatively whereas same foods may cause adverse effects like pile in others. In some people, pile may be triggered by eating of plantain especially the ripe type. Even sweet fruits like banana intake may worsen the condition in others. So it is important you know your body make up.

The intake of alcohol should be avoided as much as possible as well as soft drinks and juice. That was why our fore fathers used to take very potent and highly qualitative herbal syrups(commonly called Agbo) to reduce the accumulation of sugars and excess unwanted components of food eaten and to detoxify(cleanse) their body. That was why our forefathers in Africa never suffered from pile (haemorrhoid).

Treatment of haemorrhoid (pile): the way out In Africa, our forefathers have been treating pile for hundreds of years successfully long before the advent of western medicine. They used natural remedies, herbs, leaves, shrubs and roots successfully to treat pile without any side effects. Those treasured herbal remedies and ancient secrets are alive and very much in use at Qumas herbs. At Qumas herbs, HRH Kabiyesi Oba (Dr.) Qumas, the Onidun of Igbo idun with more than 35 years experience in herbal medicine effortlessly, successfully and permanently treats haemorrhoid (pile) and many other health problems with herbs. No need for surgery.

Contact HRH Oba (Dr.) Qumas, Onidun of Igbo Idun on 08033017350 for a powerful and highly effective solution to your haemorrhoid. No need for surgery. Permanent solution once and for all.

men are often all finished before young women have even started to get aroused.

Post-50 erection changes slow men’s arousal process so their erotic pace more closely matches women’s. A slower pace allows plenty time for kissing, cuddling, and wholebody massage, all essential to most women’s enjoyment of sex. Seen in this light, for many older couples, erection dissatisfaction can be a gift.

Healthy lifestyle minimises risk of ED. Erection depends on blood flow through the penis. Anything that impairs it increases ED risk: smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, being overweight, sedentary lifestyle, more than two alcoholic drinks a day, and fewer than five daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

Avoiding these risk factors does not prevent post-50 erection changes, but it preserves erection function and helps prevent ED. Drugs and medications: The drugs are worth trying, but don’t expect miracles. Erection drugs improve erections in around two-thirds of men. They don’t work for about one-third. When they work, they do not produce pornography-star erections. Over time, many men need larger doses. But as dosage increases, side effects become more likely, notably, headache and nasal congestion. Finally, the drugs have no effect on arousal, so men may raise erections, but don’t feel particularly interested in sex.

Many men eventually feel disappointed with the drugs.

Additional report from google.com

titbits Wrist to tip of middle finger This is something people like to use in order to surreptitiously determine a man’s length. The myth here is that a man’s penile length is equal to the distance from the end of his wrist to the tip of his middle finger. If this were in any way true, you’d see porn stars with hands that could palm a basket-

ball. And, for that matter, guys who can palm a basketball but are unable to wear shorts with their team uniforms.

I’m looking at you Shaq – with a hand length of about 11 inches (27.94cm) long, he’d nearly have to wear his genitals like a belt in order to play unimpeded.

38

Thursday, 17 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi handing the result of Kogi State governorship primaries to Wada.

Wada’s long walk to victory In this report, YINKA OLADOYINBO captures tension and intrigues that characterised the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in Kogi State, won by incumbent Governor Idris Wada.

T

HE stage is finally set for the governorship election in Kogi State, as candidates of the political parties participating in the November 21 election have emerged. The two dominant parties in the state have settled for candidates they consider best for the job. And at the moment, the choices of the parties form the central issue of political discourse in the state.

The atmosphere around the venue of the primary election was electrifying. Nothing was given to chance as law enforcement agents were alive to their game. Neither did the delegates betray the significance of the epic battle, as gents of the leading contenders for the PDP ticket embarked on a last-minute aggressive horse-trading to shore up the chances of their principals.

It will be recalled that a former governor of the state, Alhaji Abubakar Audu had earlier picked the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium in the state capital, the delegates overwhelmingly voted for the incumbent, Governor Idris Wada, as the party’s candidate for the election. His emergence has thus paved the way for a titanic between two political gladiators from Igala-speaking area of the state.

For the PDP faithful, Monday’s primary

election was energy-sapping and frightening.

There was palpable fear and apprehension.

Many had thought the bubble could burst, given the rising temperature among party faithful over the intra-party contest. In short, the primary election was the climax of weeks of high wired horse trading and all manner of permutations in the political circle in the state and the PDP at large.

For all the major stakeholders in the party, the stake was not only high at Monday’s primary election; it was one event that has far-reaching implications for the PDP in Kogi in the coming weeks. Each of the leading camps in contention for the ticket deployed its full machinery to the field, burrowing into

perceived difficult terrains. So, for Wada, his victory at the primary was not achieved on a platter of gold: he had to battle the high and the mighty, as well as the ‘ordinary’ members of the party before he could secure the ticket for another term in office.

Before Monday, there were uncertainties about the conduct of the primary election.

It was initially scheduled for September 10, but the PDP national headquarters in Abuja rescheduled it 24 hours to the time. The postponement was based on what the PDP national leadership “logistic problems.” Necessary machinery had already been put in place for the event by the state chapter of the party to show its seriousness and determina-

The governor in particular used the fresh opportunity to worm himself into the heart of the delegates by moving from one hotel to the other from Sunday night till around 4 am on Monday, telling the delegates why he should be their preferred candidate.

tion when the sudden announcement came from the PDP headquarters.

For instance, the Kogi PDP organised a press conference to enable the party chronicle the chain of events that will culminate in the choice of the party’s candidate. But that was not to be, as the state party chairman, Sam Uhuotu, was about briefing the press when he was abruptly interrupted. It was at that point that many believed that all was not well within the party.

It was thereafter announced that the exercise had been rescheduled for September 14. Unfolding events later showed that the postponement was informed by ongoing negotiations and discussions between the camp of the governor and that of his major challenger, Jubrin Isah, popularly called Echocho for possible compromise to lessen the burden of conducting the primary election.

The party found itself at the crossroads because of the sharp division within the PDP top hierarchy on who to support for the ticket between the two aspirants. Ordinarily, one would have expected the governor to have a smooth sail with his second term ambition.

But some powerful forces in the party were vehemently against his return to the Lugard House. Prominent among those said to have stood on Wada’s way to the ticket were some state governors elected on the platform of the party, a past governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris, some members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), among others. continues pg39

39

politics&policy

Friday, 28 August 2015

What next for Echocho? continued from pg38

The stakeholders were said to have availed themselves of the opportunity provided by the postponement to re-strategise for the purpose of putting themselves in good stead to tilt the race in favour of their preferred candidate. Many propositions were made, particularly by the PDP Governors Forum under the leadership of the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, to enable Wada and Echocho shift ground for a truce. Both of them were met separately and given conditions upon which they should sacrifice their individual ambitions. But as much as the governors tried to convince them, the aspirants opted for a primary to decide the candidate of the PDP for the election. so, both Wada and Echocho had to face the delegates at the primary election.

By the afternoon of the day preceding the exercise, party delegates from the 21 local government areas of the state began to converge on Lokoja. The presence of the delegates afforded the aspirants and their foot soldiers the opportunity to crumble some seeming political walls. The governor in particular used the fresh opportunity to worm himself into the heart of the delegates by moving from one hotel to the other from Sunday night till around 4 am on Monday, telling the delegates why he should be their preferred candidate.

A source at the venues of one of such meetings said Wada took time to explain to the delegates why he needed their support to consolidate on the achievements of the last three and half years of his administration.

He reportedly told the delegates that his government is a listening one and has the overall interest of people of the state.

Day of decision There was much expectation. It was one moment most of the delegates had been waiting for, having queued behind those that favoured the conduct of primaries to determine the PDP candidate for the election. Following the initial fear of possible breakdown of law and order in many quarters, security was beefed up around the venue of the primary.

Human and vehicular movements were restricted in parts of the location through a joint effort of men of the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The electoral committee, headed by the Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, took charge of proceedings and by 1pm, the accreditation of delegates commenced outside the stadium. Only delegates and those that had any businesses with the event were allowed entrance. Ballot boxes were strategically placed in the main bowl of the stadium and bore the names of local governments, where delegates were expected to drop their ballot papers. The arrangements initially caused confusion, as the camp of Echocho was seen complaining about the voting pattern, which would allow the aspirants know which local government voted for them and those that did not. The argument from the camp was that the arrangement was meant to intimidate and expose the delegates.

The complaint lodged by the camp over the arrangement was reportedly not entertained, as leaders of the party argued that the same procedure had been consistently used at the national level to elect presidential candidates. They explained that ballot boxes were identified with their states at the national level, noting that nothing was wrong with writing the names of the local governments on the ballot boxes.

At the end of accreditation, which took five hours, the Enugu governor announced

Echocho that a total of 864 delegates were expected to vote at the election. He however said 858 of them were accredited to vote. So, voting commenced at 6.17 pm and came to an end at about 9 pm, when the delegates from the last local government area cast their votes.

There was another round of suspense after voting by the delegates. Virtually all of them were glued to the location of the ballot boxes.

It was apparent that they kept an eagle eye on the boxes in case anyone might try something strange. There was a seeming pin silence when the process of sorting out the votes as a prelude to the counting of votes by the officials.

The results of the election were announced on local government basis according to the voting pattern. By the time the results from five local government areas were announced, it was obvious that Wada was coasting home to victory. When the returning officers got to the 15th council and the gap between Wada and Echocho was already above 500 votes, Echocho stood up in the main box, where the dignitaries were seated and embraced Wada, conceding victory to the governor. There was spontaneous deafening ovation from the party faithful in the entire stadium. But this did not in any way impede the officials from completing the whole process of announcing the results.

The final result of the primary showed that out of the 848 valid votes, Wada scored 709, Echocho got 139, while the third aspirant, Moses Amoto got zero. So, the atmosphere in the stadium became ecstatic with supporters of the governor in wild jubilation as Uguwayi announced Wada as the duly elected candidate of the PDP for the November 21 election.

Mimiko

Speaking before he left the stadium midway into the declaration of result, Echocho declared that the exercise was a clear battle, adding that it was well fought and won. He said: “This is a clear battle that was well fought by brothers. The governor has clearly won; I will work with him. He is my brother and I will remain in PDP to nurture it to victory.”

An elated Wada could not hide his feelings, as he beamed with smiles throughout the duration of his acceptance speech. He expressed joy and happiness over the outcome of the primary and promised to work with other stakeholders, particularly his co-contestants. Realising that the battle ahead would not be won with a divided house, the governor appealed to the people to join hands with him and ensure that the PDP retained power in the state. He said: “I want to appeal to the people, particularly those that we contested together to join hands with me for our party to win the next election so that we can continue with the transformation programme we have embarked upon in the state.”

Wada did not also shy away from the fact that the contest brewed bitter rivalry and that there was the need for genuine reconciliation before the party could go into the general election. “I will do all I can for us to reconcile because I cannot do it alone I however want to plead for the cooperation and assistance of everybody, particularly the other aspirants in the contest,” he stated.

But a lot still needs to be done in the PDP if truly the party is serious about retaining the state. Feelers from the camp of Echocho during and after the exercise were that of dis-

The way and manner the national secretariat of the party and Wada handle the issue of reconciliation will go a long way in determining if the PDP will go into the election with a united house.

content, as some of the leaders expressed reservations with the primary that threw up the party’s candidate. One of the leaders of the camp, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, Sunday Karimi, expressed displeasure over the exercise. According to him, the foundation on which Wada’s victory was based was faulty and could not stand. He claimed that the ward delegate congress that produced the delegates that were sued for the primary election was fraught with irregularities and should not have been used. “Ab initio, the exercise was based on a faulty foundation. When the ward congress was conducted, it was made towards achieving one result and that is having Wada back as governor.

The people that came from Abuja to conduct the congress did not supervise it adequately.

You find a situation where returning officers to the local government are appointees of the governor. I instead of conducting the real congress, people just collected the forms and wrote names of people they are sure will do their bidding.

“You are not supposed to be a judge in your own case; having your aides, assistants as returning officers in an election you are participating is not ideal. My principal made a complaint to the appeal panel and they saw reason with us that the about 11 local government areas that election did not take place should be re-taken. But instead of the PDP national secretariat agreeing, they decided to accept the faulty foundation. They already know the candidate they want and when they get the candidate, the people of Kogi will decide what they want, not the National Working Committee that will decide for them.

Kogi people will vote and if we make a wrong choice, we will suffer for it.”

Political observers however believe that there could be more to the way Echocho easily conceded defeat. They noted that events in his camp in the coming days could determine whether he truly accepted the result of the primary election and was ready to work with the governor for his re-election. According to pundits, the way and manner the national secretariat of the party and Wada handles the issue of reconciliation will go a long way in determining if the PDP will go into the election with a united house.

40 politicscommentary

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Global warming: Can we save our planet?

E

By Tomiwa Erinosho

NVIRONMENTAL degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil leading to the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be deleterious or undesirable and is one of the ten threats officially cautioned by the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change of the United Nations.The destruction of natural habitats or depletion of natural resources leads to environmental degradation and efforts to counteract this problem include environmental protection and environmental resources management.

Climate change is projected to further reduce the already low quality of life of many poor people. It will affect their health, access to water, homes, and infrastructure.

By affecting economic growth in the hardest hit countries, income opportunities via the natural ecosystem will increasingly dwindle. This further leads to asymmetries in regional food security particularly in Africa, Latin America, as well as in South and SouthEast-Asia.

For example, the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has incredibly well-endowed ecosystem and contains one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity on the planet, in addition to supporting abundant plant and animal species, arable terrain for farming and more species of freshwater fish than any ecosystem in West Africa.

However, the region has and is continually experiencing a drastic loss of its inhabitable terrain as a result of the carelessness of the oil industry.A 1983 report issued by the state petroleum company(NNPC) quotes “We witnessed the slow poisoning of the waters of this country and destruction of vegetation and agricultural land by oil spills which occur during petroleum operations. But since the inception of the oil industry in Nigeria, more than twenty-five years ago, there has been no concerned and effective effort on the part of the government, let alone the oil operators, to control environmental problems associated with the industry.”

Increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide emission levels have been attributed to account for global warming; a term used to describe the upward trend of the earth’s average temperature over the last century.

Other postulates have earmarked 2050 as a standpoint at which global temperatures will skyrocket provided current CO2 progression rates are left uncontrolled.Meinshausenet al. in their 2009 Nature article report that CO2 levels increased from 325 ppm in 1960 to 380 ppm in 2000 andcomputational extrapolations further predict enormous increases at a 2 ppm per year rate which will lead to tremendous thermal fluctuations already evident today.

These estimates and postulates have prompted research into ways of lowering both atmospheric CO2 concentrations and input rates from secondary sources.

Despite the trace composition of CO2 in the atmosphere (less than 1 percent), contributions from other sources especially human related process have resulted in increased atmospheric concentrations.

Buhari

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is continually experiencing a drastic loss of its inhabitable terrain as a result of the carelessness of the oil industry.

Trends in CO2 emission levels in industrialised countries resulting from processes such as fuel combustion, industrialisation and manufacturing raise concerns, and, finding ways of stabilising the increasing trends of CO2 levels- the driver for climate change- has become paramount.

This cemented the focus on environmental degradation and climate change in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), derived from the Millennium Declaration agreed by political leaders from around the world in the year 2000 with roots stemming from the Kyoto Protocol- the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In passing, the comprehensive MDG document highlights the year 2015 as the rallying-point to achieve concrete goals in poverty reduction, food access, education, gender equality, health and environmental sustainability.Clearly, these objectives have not

been surmounted but,there has been quite substantive progress on some of the goals whilst others are lagging behind. However, emphasis is placed on environmental sustainability in the newly proposed post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda which is a continuation of the MDGs that aims to largely further propagate solutions to protecting our planet.

Firstly, industrialised countries’ fossil fuel and industrial greenhouse gas emissions would have to drop rapidly and almost be fully phased out by 2050. This will have significant impacts of energy generation and improvement of green technologies. The focus on developing sustainable solutions to protect our environment has driven and will continue to drive technological innovations in materials manufacturing, aviation and energy. For example, the recent development of a solar powered aircraft pushes further the frontiers of ap-

proaching environmental sustainability.

Secondly, deforestation emissions would need to be reduced globally by at least 75 per cent or more by 2020. Deforestation involves tree cutting or loss of biodiversity for use as fuel or timber whilst the cleared land is also used as pasture for livestock, plantations of commodities and settlements. With the current expansion in human population and the need to for cheap sources of livelihood in poorer countries, achieving this MDG goal seemed unrealistic based on current trends thereby highlighting the enormity of the task facing the human race.

Thirdly, developing country fossil fuel and industrial green-house gas emissions would need to peak before 2020 and then decline with high levels of binding support by industrialised countries. With increasing reliance on fossil fuels, developing countries will need to start adopting alternative sustainable strategies to meet the increasing demand for energy and industrialised countries are required to pursue cleaner manufacturing processes.

Climate change has been accepted as a global problem and we are all stakeholdersthis is the first step towards healing. The menace is impeding the livelihood of many and its venom is especially felt among the vulnerable in developing countries in Africa and South-East Asia. Regardless, the onus is on governments, civil societies and individuals to contribute to tackling this problem by increasingly embracing the adaptation approaches highlighted above.

Governments should look towards creating appropriate financial, technical and capacity building supportthat enables them to secure lives, sustain livelihoods and maintain healthy ecosystems.Individuals must participate in the process of protecting the environment by reducing human contributions of greenhouse gas emissions because the future is actually as close as tomorrow. And, civil societies should continually clamour for better sustainable approaches towards development from the government by ensuring that technology innovations are balanced with environmental protection.

In conclusion, the fallout of the MDGs is the proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)envisaged to transform the world by 2030. Whilst the SDGs is arguably broader and more holistic compared to the MDGs, the issue of climate change remains dominant. Of the 17 proposed goals, approximately ten are synergic with mitigation processes for greenhouse gases emission, ecosystem protection and conservation of human settlements. Adopting the SDGs is expensive- estimated to cost approximately $66bn per year globallyrequiring significant commitment from ‘richer’ nations. Regardless, in the face of current global issues, the extent to which the SDGs will be adhered to is a collective effort that will task our seriousness in protecting our planet.

•Dr Erinosho, who has PhD in Materials Engineering from Imperial College London, is currently a Research Associate at University of Bristol, UK researching Nuclear Materials. as well as the Director of Sustainable Development, Centre for Convention of Democratic Integrity (CCDI).

41 news

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Tax evasion, cancer tearing Nigeria apart —FIRS director Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

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AX evasion is a cancer that is tearing Nigeria apart. It is not a coincidence that developed countries like Norwich, Denmark and others are moving forward inspite of the limited natural resources. It is on record that their development is hinged on tax payment.”

This statement was made by the Regional Director of Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) in charge of North Central and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Femi Faniyi, on Wednesday, when he raised the alarm over the rate of tax evasion in Nigeria, saying the development would continue to hinder the country’s economic development.

He added that, “Nigeria cannot continue to depend on oil for its development, aside its dwindling fortune; it is also not alright to continue to evade tax and expect development. It is not oil that will develop Nigeria; it is the tax culture, which must be revived for us to enjoy maximum benefit.”

Speaking during his visit to the state Board of Internal Revenue in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, he said drastic steps should be taken by the authorities and Nigerians to halt the trend in order to record meaningful growth.

According to him, the aim of the country to be among the top economies of the

world would be a mirage, unless Nigeria dealt with the syndrome, on time.

Faniyi said there was the need for the FIRS to collab-

orate with state internal revenue service, to checkmate the activities of tax evaders, who hide under the disguise of the state to evade paying

their taxes.

Faniyi said part of his visit to the state is to see how to collaborate with the State Internal Revenue Service

Governor Adams Oshiomhole (right) presenting a souvenir to Comrade Fackson Shamenda, Minister of Labour, Zambia, during his visit to the governor in his office, on Wednesday.

Nigeria now true African leader —Zambian minister THE Zambian Minister of Labour, Comrade Fackson Shamenda has stated that Nigeria is now the true leader on the African continent despite being on the back seat for so many years.

Speaking during a visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, on Wednesday, Comrade Shamenda said, “Nigeria is supposed to be the big brother of Africa, but the

first GSM Company came in from Zimbabwe when you are supposed to take development to Zimbabwe.

“This time, Nigeria is different. A Nigerian went to Zambia and established a branch of his cement plant in our country. It is gladdening, because it shows Nigeria is now truly taking up its role as the leader in Africa.

“We shall always cooperate with this great Nigerian,

Dangote. We are a proud to see a Nigerian take the lead in Africa, unlike the way it used to be. It is for Africans to develop our continent; it is for us to do it ourselves.

You don’t expect others to do it for us. It is time for us to play our role so that we make the continent better.”

While applauding Governor Oshiomhole, the Zambian Labour Minister said: “I was very delighted when I

Smart Adeyemi closes case as tribunal adjourns till Sept 22 Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja A former senator representing Kogi West senatorial dictrict, Smart Adeyemi, on Wednesday closed his case before the National Assembly and Legislative House Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, Kogi state capital over the petition brought concerning the conduct of the March 28 National Assembly poll.

Adeyemi, who opened his case at the last sitting of the tribunal, called two witnesses to prove his case before the Justice Akon Ikpeme led three-man panel.

Adeyemi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had challenged the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dino Melaye as the winner of the election into the

to harmonise on means and method to enhance tax administration in the state urged them to collaborate with the agency.

Kogi West seat by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At the end of the proceeding, however, the petitioner closed his case and the tribunal fixed Tuesday, September 22 for the next sitting of the court to enable Melaye and the APC present their defence. This

is just as counsel to Melaye, who is the first respondent, Chukwuma Ani and the APC’s counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye, said they would not be presenting any documentary evidence before the tribunal.

The first witness, Mr Fehinti Dada, told the tribunal under cross examination by

Ani, that the election was fraught with irregularities in 21 units of five wards in Lokoja Local Government Area.

According to the witness, election results in the affected units were falsified, fabricated and concocted

by INEC in favour of the APC candidate.

heard that you were elected the Governor of Edo State. I have no doubt in my mind that the people of this state made the right choice and will not be disappointed and I don’t think they have been disappointed so far.”

On his part, Governor Oshiomhole thanked the Minister for the right policies which attracted a Nigerian businessman to invest in Zambia, saying African countries should have policies to promote the unity of the continent.

According to him, “I want to thank you for the policies, which the Zambian Government has put in place not only to encourage foreign direct investment in their sector but to give necessary incentives to an African to penetrate the market, to locate the plants and provide the security they needed to establish and to do a lot of things they have to do to get the plant in operation.

NESREA condemns dumping of refuse on roadside

By Tunde Ogunesan THE Zonal Director National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr T.A. Ajani has condemned the indiscriminate dumping of refuse at road sides by some residents of Oyo State.

Mr Ajani made this known recently when he paid a courtesy visit to the

state headquarters of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State.

Ajani, who was received by the state director, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu in her office urged the NOA to help raise peoples’ awareness in this direction, according to a press statement signed

by NOA’s press officer, Mrs Banke Adeniyi.

According to Mrs Adeniyi, Mr Ajani lamented the poor

attitude of the citizens to environmental issues and condemned the “indiscriminate dumping of refuse at road side, defecating at any available spot, blockage of drainage, bush burning, illegal felling of trees and air pollution.”

He further disclosed that NESREA has promulgated and gazette 33 regulations on various environmental issues, thereby soliciting

the assistance of NOA in sensitization of these regulations, giving the grass root oriented structure of the agency.

The NESREA director used the occasion of the visit to intimate NOA of the existence of NESREA Guild marshal corps who enforces environmental laws, correct and sanction erring citizens while promising to initiate NOA officers into the corps.

102 suspects charged to court in 2 days —Cross River police commissioner Ubong Anthony - Calabar NO fewer than 102 suspects have been charged to court in just two days after the judicial workers called off its strike action, according to the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Mr Henry Fadairo.

Court workers under the aegis Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria in the state had on Monday resumed after an eight-month old strike that crippled activities.

Fadairo, who disclosed this on Wednesday, said those charged were suspected armed robbers, cultists, and kidnappers, among others.

He said within the period under review, the command had been managing to accommodate over 177 criminals that were apprehended for various offences.

He said the remaining suspects would be charged to court by the end of the week so as to further decongest the overcrowded cells.

Ogun promises to support prisons reformation Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta THE Ogun State Government has pledged to redouble its efforts at alleviating the plights of inmates at various prison formations across the state.

This was stated on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, while addressing members of the Prisons Rehabilitation and Law Abiding Organisation (PRALARG), Ogun State chapter, who embarked on a peaceful demonstration, demanding better living conditions for the inmates.

Adeoluwa, who commended members of PRALARG for their efforts at fighting for the rights of the inmates, refuted claims that the State Government had not supported the Nigerian Prisons Service and welfare of the inmates. He insisted that the Ibikunle Amosun-led government had carried out some welfare packages for prisoners in the state.

He noted that the proper authority to equip the Prison Service was the Federal Government, explaining that the State Government notwithstanding had not failed in meeting their requests.

42 news Fresh crisis hits PDP over proposed national conference Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

A

fresh crisis is now looming in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over its proposed national conference slated for next month by the Professor Jerry Gana led-PDP reform committee aimed at reorganising and reforming the party after its woeful performance in the last general election .

At the centre of the crisis are the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the organisers of the proposed conference led by Professor Gana.

The committee was said to have been inaugurated in Abuja, at the International Conference Centre, on Tuesday, along with its various sub-committees.

However, the NWC of the party, through a statement

signed by its national secretary, Professor Adewale Oladipo, on Wednesday, suspended all the activities of the committee on the proposed national conference.

The statement stated that its NWC took the decision in order to create room for further consultations.

The statement added that the action would also allow for “exhaustive consider-

ation by critical stakeholders, of the report of the PDP post-election assessment committee, headed by the deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, which is due for submission this month”.

It explained that: “while the national leadership notes and appreciates the eagerness, commitment and dedication of our leaders and members in re-

From left, Group Chief Technology Officer, Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc, Mr James Agada; Chief Information Officer, Emerging Markets Payments Group (EMP), Mr hany Fawzy; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CWG Plc, Mr Austin Okere and the Data Centre Manager, CWG Plc, Mr Adetoyese Oyerinde, at the corporate head office of CWG Plc, Lagos, recently.

Media kick as NBA bans congratulatory advert for new SANs Lanre Adewole - Lagos The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), has barred the newly-appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), from accepting congratulatory advertorial from members of the public over their elevation to the new rank.

The 21 newly-appointed Silk will be sworn-in on September 21.

The decision to ban all media celebration of the event was communicated to the affected legal practitioners on Tuesday.

However, the media, the worst hit of the decision, didn’t take kindly to it.

The secretariat of NBA was bombarded with calls on Tuesday following the request to media houses by the new Silk cancelling all congratulatory advertorial already scheduled for the event.

In an instance, about 10 pages of congratulatory advertorial had to be cancelled in respect of a particular legal practitioner, leading to a huge revenue loss for the affected media houses.

Senior lawyers contacted on Tuesday night, sympathised with the media but said the ban was in order and was the right position of SANship rules of engagement, despite being observed in breach in the past.

The rules of the Legal Practitioners Privileges

Committee (LPPC) also reportedly forbid such celebration.

One of the new SANs, the national legal adviser of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire on Wednesday appealed that all congratula-

tory advertorial scheduled for him, be cancelled.

In a statement Wednesday signed by Kunle Adegoke Head of Chambers, M. A. Banire & Associates, he appealed to his family, friends and well wishers who had indicated their in-

tention to place congratulatory advertorial in the media over his elevation to cancel such immediately in deference to the rules of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, LPPC and the Nigerian Bar Association’s decision on such.

Sunny Ade sues marketers, record labels over copyright infringement Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin - Lagos

Popular musician, King Sunny Ade, has approached a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, to award him N3 billion damages in an alleged copyright infringement case against some marketers and record labels.

The seven defendants in the suit, filed in 2007, include musical records and cassettes marketers and a cassette jacket printer in Nigeria.

Sunny Ade instituted the

suit against the defendants for alleged copyright infringement on 43 works categorised as singles, extended, series and others.

He is also seeking a court order directing the defendants to deliver to him the master tapes of the said musical works.

He also wants the court to bar the defendants from printing his photographs or his likeness on any musical works.

The defendants in the suit are African Songs Limited; Take Your Choice Re-

cords Store Limited ; Lati Alagbada Nigeria Ltimited; and Records Manufacturer of Nigeria Limited.

Others are Ibukunolu Printers Nigeria Limited; Alhaja Awawu Ade Amodu and Sons and M. O. Alagbada Nigeria Company.

In his 41-paragraph statement of claim, the musician claimed to have, in 1970, entered into a fiveyear agreement with the defendant to reproduce the said works and sell under its record label.

FERMA embarks on nationwide roads repairs

By Tunde Ogunesan THE general manager, Traffic Engineering and Safety, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mr Alfred Ajayi, has disclosed that the agency is embarking on rigorous road repair across the country to free the roads of troubled spots on major federal roads ,including roads in Oyo State, recently.

Ajayi made this disclo-

sure why speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, during the inspection of all the federal roads in the state and make them pothole free.

The FERMA team led by Ajayi, last week, embarked on inspection tour of roads currently under repair in Oyo State. The roads inspected include Ibadan/ Oyo Expressway, particularly, spots along Iroko and Ilora axis and two major spots along Ogbomoso/

Ilorin Expressway.

Ajayi said the agency is currently fulfilling it’s task of ensuring safety on Nigerian roads, saying the agency is more than ever committed to the cause.

According to him, “FERMA is having a task of making all the roads in the country potholes free and make them out of danger and is carrying on the task of repairing the roads accordingly.”

building of the party, we have also noted the need to allow proper consideration of the report of the Senator Ekweremadu-led post election assessment committee accordingly, especially ,as that committee is headed by the highest elected PDP member in the nation”.

According to the statement,”In that regard therefore, the NWC directs that all activities of the said committee on the proposed PDP nationalConference be put on hold forthwith.

“The consideration of the report of the PDPpost election assessment committee will include inputs from members of PDP leadership organs, including PDP Governors’ Forum, PDP National Assembly Caucus, Board of Trustees, National Caucus, NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC), immediately upon receipt of the report,” it said.

The party, then, reassured that in the final composition of all the committees to be inaugurated by the leadership of the party in due course, all critical stakeholders would be consulted and all necessary interests accommodated.

However, in a swift reaction to the NWC’s decision to stop the conference, a member of the organising committee, Dr John Dara, told newsmen that the event would hold as planned.

According to Dara, who was a former governorship aspirant in Kwara State, “we believe the reform conference will take place because it is not the party’s national secretariat that is driving the conference”.

“The PDP governors’ forum believes we need a reform conference. The BoT believes we need the conference. The only group that has shown hostility and lukewarm attitude to the conference is the NWC”.

“Such statement postponing the conference is not surprising and does not reflect the wishes of overwhelming majority of party leaders and members”.

“Sovereignty of the people in any organisation supersede the interest of a handful of elected people. Definitely, members of PDP will take the party in their hands and make sure PDP is brought back to winning ways with the people of Nigeria”.

“So, we will make sure that the wishes of the overwhelming majority in the party come to pass”.

Some of the organisers of the proposed conference include. Professor Tunde Adeniran, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, Ambassador Nkoyo Otoyo, Governor Olusegun Mimiko among others.

Buhari appoints Abonyi as EHORECON registrar President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr Dominic Abonyi, as the registrar and chief executive officer of the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON).

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Kehinde Openibo, Head, Press and Public Communications of the council, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the appointment commenced from September 3, in furtherance of the provisions of Environmental Health Officers Act of 2002.

Abonyi, who holds a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Microbiology, was until his appointment, Head of Department of Registration, Ethics, Standard and Enforcement of the council.

He was also the Head of Department, Environmental Health in the School of Health Technology, Orji River, Enugu and member of several professional bodies.

Abonyi succeeds Mr Augustine Ebisike, whose tenure expired on August 14.

Nigerian envoy endorses new book on diplomacy in Ghana A new book that documents the activities of Nigerians and the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana and other West African countries recently received the endorsement of the outgoing Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Oluseyi Onafowokan.

Titled “Nigeria’s diplomacy in perspective: Issues, people and ties in West Africa”, the book written by Ajayi Oluwapelumi Tobi, has been described by the envoy as an insightful piece of journalistic work that has recorded happenings of history for prosperity towards fostering Nigeria-Ghana relations.

“The reports, as vast and as varied as they are, when carefully sifted, aggregate into the Nigerian story in Ghana. Carefully distilled, they tell of how we fare as people in a foreign land,” the envoy said.

While adjudging it as “a gauge of the temper and tempo of the diplomatic issues that affect the sub- region at large in the last four years, particularly, at the official level of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),” Onafowokan expressed firm faith in the book’s potential to impact positively on Nigeria-Ghana relations.

news Even in death, Awo remains Yoruba leader —Okuwa 43

Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

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he National Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Professor Bankole Okuwa, has said the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, remains Yoruba leader, even in death.

Just as he said that the party would field candidates in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Balyesa states respectively.

Okuwa wondered why former chairman of the party, Chief Fredrick Fasheun, would say that the party would not contest in the elections in both states.

He said the party is directly concerned about the contention for Yoruba leader.

“There are several Yoruba leaders and what we are saying is that our posthumous leader that is Chief Obafemi Awolowo remains lofty, he is high above any other Nigerian, not even Yoruba leaders alone, even late Ojukwu, who was his arch enemy, called him the best president that Nigeria

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

never had.

“He never became prime minister, he never became president, but Nigerians felt the effects of his rule more than any other leader. There are three of them, Ahmadu Bello, Dr Azikiwe and Chief Awolowo. Chief Awolowo rose through his devotion and ambition to

become the leader of this country, no doubt, Chief Awolowo was and remains Yoruba leader of all times.”

He accused Fasheun of nasty and anti-party romance and illegal hobnobbing with People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in both states where elections were about to be conducted.

He said, “About two, three days ago, Dr Fasheun has been calling on people and telling the nation that UPN will not contest in the elections for governorship in Kogi and Bayelsa states, that is not so, he is only making deals with party like PDP and considering how to get money for him-

self.

“We are going to contest in the elections, we have candidates there, and they are going to run and INEC is going to register them as candidates for UPN, he (Fasheun) is going to be ashamed of what he is trying to do and I think he needs to be sanctioned.”

From left, Head, Department of Agriculture and Fishery Management, University of Ibadan, Professor Bamidele Omitoyin; representative of the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Ambrose Aiyelari; Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Professor Eustace Iyayi and the representative of Waapp-Nigeria, Mr Daniel Kuzhkuzha, at the closing ceremony of Waapp-U.I enterpreneurship fish farming programme, in Ibadan, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Ooni: Reactions trails kingmakers’ decision to select from Giesi Ruling House only Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

As Ife kingmakers resolved to pick the next Ooni of Ife from Giesi ruling house, the OoniIlare ruling house within the Ogboru Dynasty, Il-

are, Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, kicked against the development, saying the decision of the kingmakers was capable of stoking crisis in the ancient town.

The kingmakers, led by Obalufe of Iremo, Oba

Solomon Folorunso Omisakin and the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, had on Monday, at a press conference in Ile-Ife, stated that going by the latest Ife Chieftaincy Declaration of 1980 which places

Bury your head in shame, don’t distract Buhari, Lagos APC tells PDP The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to bury its head in shame instead of trying to distract the present President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration by its statements.

The party said that for a PDP that totally destroyed the Nigerian economy and stole 16 years of the nation’s providential oil boom to now mount a daily credo of rootless criticism of a regime that is working so hard to recover the country, shows that it is insulting the intelligence of Nigerians who rejected it some months ago.

In a release in Lagos, signed by the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Joe Igbokwe, the party said that the shocking revelations of looting,

corruption, plundering and impunity of the nation’s treasury by officials of the PDP is enough to lead to the proscription of the party and wondered why it feels it will distract the present Buhari government from rescuing Nigeria with its baseless noises.

The party advised the PDP to bear the burden of its corrupt acts as its pranks will not deter President Buhari from rescuing Nigeria from the pits dug by the PDP. “We observe that rather than keep quiet as Nigerians brace up with the shocking details of its nefarious acts, the PDP has inundated the Nigerian space with spurious wolf crying as a way of staving off prosecution for its acts. When it is not crying wolf, the PDP is making specious and ridiculous

allegations of non performance on a regime that has in three eventful months cleared much of the debris of decay it built to wreck Nigeria in 16 years of leadership.

emphasis on rotation, it was the turn of the Giesi ruling house to produce candidates for the exalted Ooni of Ife. They also noted that the same official 1980 document which had not been reviewed was the one used to install Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, whose transition in July left the Ooni’s stool vacant.

However, the spokesman of the Ooni Ilare royal family, Prince Adewuyi Adetogun, in a statement made available to journalists in Osogbo, criticised

the position of the kingmakers, contending that there was a lacuna in the 1980 chieftaincy declaration which knocked off rotational arrangement established in the 1957 Ife chieftaincy declaration.

While giving a break down on who is qualified to ascend the throne of Ooni, he maintained that “what is expected from the kingmakers is fair play and justice by inviting all the four ruling houses to present candidates and then allow the Ifa oracle to pick the best among them.”

INEC laments high cost of legal defence at election tribunals Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

The Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hajiya Amina Zakari, on Wednesday lamented the high cost of legal fees being incurred by the Commission for its representation at various election petition tribunals, now sitting across the country.

Zakari who was speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while inaugurating a 13-man Committee on management of election petitions stated that the

Commission decided to set up the committee on how to reduce the cost to the barest minimum.

She lamented that the numerous petitions at the election tribunals, where the commission was joined “as a respondent, subpoenaed to testify and at the same time ensuring the provision of materials to these tribunals at enormous cost” was now taking a toll on the management and staff of the Commission .

She further explained that the commission, which was expected to de-

fend its role in the conduct of the elections, had to deploy its in-house and external solicitors to appear for and on behalf of the commission.

According to her, “this informed our desire to ensure better management of the various election petitions involving the commission, thus the setting up of this commission.”

Zakari expressed the hope that members of the committee would employ all modalities appropriately necessary, including interviews, visits and reviews in course of its assignment.

Be good ambassadors, Seyi Makinde urges hajj pilgrims A clarion call has been made by Oyo State Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate in 2015 election, Seyi Makinde to this year’s Hajj pilgrims from Nigeria to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, during the spiritual trip to the Holy Land.

He made the call while addressing the contingent he sponsored to this year’s Hajj.

In the message delivered by his personal assistant, Alhaji Azeez Akeem at the send forth prayer organised recently for the spiritual trip. He re-emphasised that politics or not, his decision to contribute positively for the advancement of humanity will not cease because God has reasons for making him a Nigerian.

Makinde also prayed for Muslims, who lost their lives in the recent incident of a crane collapse, which claimed hundred of lives and left several others injured and also prayed for a successful spiritual exercise for those alive.

He emphasised the importance of the annual trip to Muslims as contained in the five pillars of Islam and it is on this basis, he as a liberal Christian, decided over a decade a go to sponsor Muslims on annual holy pilgrimage.

Delta guber poll:

Tribunal cautions Ogboru over unruly conduct The three–man panel of the Delta State Governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba, on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction over the unruly behaviour and conduct of the petitioner’s witness.

The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Nasiru Gunmi while presiding over the cross examination of the 13th witness to the petitioners; the Labour Party (LP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Chief Great Ogboru, repeatedly cautioned Turna Ogboru over his disobedience to tribunal procedures and rules.

Turna Ogboru, the younger brother to Great Ogboru, while testifying at the tribunal in the petition challenging the electoral victory of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, had declined to give a direct answer of “ yes or no”, to questions put to him by the respondents counsels during cross examination.

44

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Zimbabwe’s VP submits Mugabe’s ‘correct speech’

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Violence erupts at Hungarian border as police, migrants clash

H

ungarian riot police have once again sprayed tear gas and water cannons at thousands of refugees gathered along the country’s border with Serbia.

As desperate men, women and children pleaded to be allowed through the newly completed razor wire fences, several hundred finally lost their patience and attempted to break through the barricades.

Hungarian police responded by firing their tear gas and water cannons across the border into Serbia and charging through the gates in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

The reaction triggered a stampede among the refugees, as thousands of women and children panicked at the sight of armed riot officers wearing helmets and gas masks. As a cloud of tear gas engulfed

the refugees, many people were in tears trying to wash away the gas from their eyes.

The news comes as it emerged that hundreds of migrants are putting their lives at risk by attempting to reach western Europe via the Croatia-Hungary border - a route still littered with more than 50,000 active landmines, MailOnline reported.

As Hungary finished erecting the final stretch of razor wire fence sealing its border with Serbia, desperate refugees have

immediately started looking for alternative ways to reach western Europe.

This morning refugees stuck at the Hungary-Serbia border finally lost their patience, storming the gates as riot police threatened to tear gas them.

Ebola resulted in thousands of unregistered births in Liberia During the height of the Ebola crisis, rumours swirled that health clinics were not only inadequate but also were contributing to the deaths of the stricken who were taken there. Health officials said that because many pregnant women chose to have their babies at home, tens of thousands of children today have not been officially registered.

According to VOA, the officials said only 700 births were recorded between

January and May 2015. But Liberian Health Minister Bernice Dahn said the government has been moving to update registrations, including a backlog from before the Ebola outbreak.

Deirdre Kiernan, senior emergency coordinator in Liberia for the U.N. Children’s Fund, said that without birth certificates, thousands of children, and society as a whole, are at risk.

“It harms society overall because you don’t know who exists and who doesn’t,” she

North Korea warns US it’s ready to use nuclear weapons In its latest bout of saber rattling, North Korea says it is ready to use nuclear weapons against the United States and other foes if they pursue “their reckless hostile policy” toward Kim Jong Un’s regime.

In a statement carried by the North’s state-run Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday, an atomic energy official said Pyongyang

Some protesters put damp cloths over their faces to limit the impact of the tear gas and went back to continue the protests.

PHOTO: REUTERS.

is improving its nuclear weapons arsenal “in quality and quantity.”

“If the US and other hostile forces persistently seek their reckless hostile policy towards the DPRK and behave mischievously, the DPRK is fully ready to cope with them with nuclear weapons any time,” the director of the North Korean Atomic Energy Institute

said, using an abbreviation of the country’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

North Korea’s main nuclear complex at Yongbyon, which includes a uranium enrichment plant and a plutonium production reactor, is operating normally, the official told the news agency.

said. “You are taking away statehood by not providing a birth certificate. To which country do they belong?

They are not counted, and if they are not counted then they are not visible.

“That means state services can’t be calculated properly because you don’t know how many children there

are. You don’t know where to put schools, the health facilities, how many teachers you should have … because you can’t project.. You don’t have accurate numbers of children.”

Kiernan also said that children who can’t prove their age are at risk if they come into conflict with the law.

Zimbabwe’s Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has submitted a speech to parliament that the president was supposed to give on Tuesday.

President Robert Mugabe accidentally read a state-of-the-nation address he had already delivered on 25 August.

The error has been blamed on a mix-up in the president’s secretarial office.

According to BBC, it took Mr Mnangagwa two hours to table the correct version of the speech because of heated questions and demands from opposition MPs for an apology.

Wednesday’s extraordinary session of parliament was called so that Mr Mugabe’s speech could be officially tabled. The staterun Herald newspaper has printed the speech in full.

The incident has prompted questions from members of the opposition over whether the 91-year-old president remains fit to lead the country.

Russia, Angola delay UN South Sudan sanctions Russia and Angola moved on Tuesday to delay the imposition of targeted United Nations sanctions on leading South Sudan government and rebel officials obstructing peace in South Sudan.

This came as three human rights groups Enough Project, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International -- called on the U.N. Security Council to impose targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for crimes and human rights violations in South Sudan, VOA reported.

Lindsey Hutchison, a 21-plus months of this conSouth Sudan policy ana- flict without serious conselyst at Enough Project, said quences for these high-level her organisation is disap- officials who are responsible pointed by the Russian and for cease-fire violations and Angolan action. She said other human rights abuses,” blocking targeted sanctions she said. undermines the Security Council’s pledge to impose serious consequences on those standing in the way of peace in South Sudan.

“The impunity will only continue in South Sudan as it has for the last South Sudan President, Salva Kiir. PHOTO: AP.

otherNEWS Over 100 arrested in Burundi province amid rebel fears

The governor of a province in central Burundi says more than 100 men have been arrested in two days by security forces trying to prevent men from being recruited to fight the government, AP reported.

Gitega Gov. Venant Manirambona said Wednesday that the men were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday while trying to relocate to the southern areas of the country.

He said a group of 50 young men was ar-

25-year-old has watermelon-sized scrotum A man whose scrotum has swollen to the size of a watermelon and weighs nearly a stone is desperate for life-changing surgery to treat his condition.

Tyrone Bowd, 25, has been diagnosed with scrotal lymphedema, a rare ailment in which the lymphatic vessels become blocked, causing fluid and tissue to accumulate in the skin around the testicles.

Over the past two years his scrotum has swelled from the size of a mango to the size of a watermelon.

The enlarged testicle makes it

difficult for Mr Bowd to walk, and he has been repeatedly hospitalised with a bacterial infection as a result of it.

Mr Bowd has been diagnosed with scrotal lymphedema.

rested Wednesday morning while trying to leave the province. No rebel group has been identified, but security forces have recently reported rebel attacks on military outposts.

The capital, Bujumbura, remains prone

to violence amid a wave of gun, rocket and grenade attacks in which both supporters and rivals of the president have been targeted. President Pierre Nkurunziza was reelected in July amid controversy.

Female artist crashes 30ft to the ground during circus performance A popular trapeze artist had a ‘miracle’ escape after falling 30ft while performing without tightening her safety harness properly.

A shocked audience including hundreds of children watched as glamorous Kseniya Elkina, 21, hit the ground in Russia.

While some onlookers thought she had broken her spine, others were convinced she was dead.

A disturbing video aired by Russian website LifeNews shows the moment she lost her grip during an act with partner Sergey Volkov.

The show at the Idol-2015 Festival at Moscow’s main circus was halted as she was rushed to hospital.

But five days after her fall, doctors predict she will make a full recovery, and she is even tipped to go back to her act.

Askold Zapashny, founder of the Idol-2015 contest, said: ‘Kseniya fell from 10 metres right onto the barrier. She lost consciousness for some time.

“We feared that her injuries were very serious indeed. But doctors said it was a miracle.”

45

Thursday, 17 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Nigeria’s Dream Team player (middle) battles for ball possession during the semi-final game against Burkina Faso at the ongoing Brazzaville 2015. Nigeria lost the game 3-1.

Dream Team faces hosts today in bronze battle NIGERIA’S Dream Team VI will be without three key players when they face the hosts, the Republic of the Congo today in the bronze medal game at the All Africa Games.

According to the team’s media officer, Timi Ebikagboro, the trio are captain Azubuike Okechukwu, Umar Aminu and Ndifreke Effiong who have been ruled out of the game due to injuries.

“Dream team loses three players, capt Azubuike, Aminu and Ndifreke due to injury in tomorrow’s third

place game against hosts Congo at the AAG,” Ebikagboro said on twitter.

The Red Devils handled by veteran French coach, Claude Le Roy will be looking forward to placating their teeming fans with victory today against Nigeria and end the competition with at least a bronze medal.

Also, the match serves as an avenue to avenge the home loss suffered at the hands of the Super Eagles last November during the 2015 AFCON qualifier.

Nigerian Army athletes win boxing medals Chris Agbambu - Abuja THREE Nigerian boxers, Lance Corporal Kehinde Obareh, Lance Corporal Edith Agu and Private Caroline Linus who won medals at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville have received plaudits from the Nigerian Army for their heroics.

Obareh, who is also the African champion had on Sunday won the gold at Brazzaville 2015 in the 57kg, while Edith, the reigning African middleweight champion won the gold in the 75kg, as Linus settled for the silver in the 48kg.

The Nigerian Army noted that the trio have made the country proud by winning medals at the African version of the Olympics.

Director of Army public relations, Colonel S.K. Usman in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday noted that

the Nigerian Army boxing team has been consistently coming out tops in competitions.

According to him, the team won laurels in the pre-tournament event organised in Nigeria adding that, other Nigerian Army athletes are participating in other events of the All Africa Games, while more laurels are expected to be won by them for the nation.

Dream Team fumbled against B/Faso —Siasia

N

IGERIA’S national U-23 Coach, Samson Siasia has blamed his defenders following the team’s 1-3 loss to the Stallions of Burkina Faso on Tuesday night in

the semi-final of the men’s football event of the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

Speaking with Tribunesport at the games village after the match at the Masamba deba Stadium,

the Dream Team VI coach admitted it was an off day for his team as they lost to a better side.

“My defenders went sleeping. The tactics of Burkina Faso worked for them, long balls, fast and strong guys and we can’t defend against them. We made so many mistakes, playing offside when you don’t even know your opponent is offside.

“We can’t keep making all these mistakes and expect to win. We didn’t play well in our defence and we didn’t create enough chances to

score, that means we are not ready,” said the former Super Eagles coach.

Siasia also expressed worry over the team’s readiness for the African U-23 Championship scheduled to hold in Senegal later in the year which serves as the qualifiers for the 2016 Olympics.

“It’s going to be very difficult to go out there and say we want to compete if we don’t take care of these problems, we have a long way to go, we just have to go back to the drawing board and try to see what went wrong, look at other people.

“I don’t know what happened, they never played this bad before. Every time they had one against one is always a problem. The tactics of Burkina Faso worked as I said and I just wish them the best in the final,” he said.

AFN won’t tolerate drug cheats —Ogba

Falcons must forget Cameroon defeat —Oshoala LIVERPOOL Ladies FC striker, Asisat Oshoala has urged her team-mates in the Super Falcons to remain united and strong despite Tuesday’s 2-1 semifinal loss to the Lionessess of Cameroon at the 11th All Africa Games.

The reigning African Women’s Footballer of the Year was dropped from the competition owing to her nearly ten-week long knee injury since July and had missed the Super Falcons’

Brazzaville 2015

Olympic qualifier against Equatorial Guinea as well as the All Africa Games.

While lamenting her absence, the former Rivers Angels star is confident the Falcons can still finish with at least the bronze medal and redeem their image.

“I’m not happy missing the All Africa Games but I wish the girls good luck. It’s been tough no doubt but I believe they have tried to make the country proud,” Oshoala told Goal.

THE president, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba says AFN has zero tolerance for the use of performing enhancing drugs by its athletes.

Ogba who expressed happiness over the performance of Nigerian athletes so far at Brazzaville 2015 said AFNwill rather not win many medals than to be disgraced through doping.

He told Tribunesport at Stade de Lumite that the athletes are doing very well going by the time they posted Super Falcons striker, Desire which he said showed improvement.

Oparanozie (left) shields Ogba stated that he is pleased the ball away from an opponent during a recent with these results than to have international game. a hero for few minutes only to

be disgraced the next minute if the athlete is caught to have used drug.

“We have an athlete here at the Games who we suspected during the Warri championship, we conducted test on her and now that the result is out, we asked her to stay back in the games village because if she ran and won and then a test conducted on her showed that she used drug, that will be a big disgrace to Nigeria.

“Many people will be asking us why did we take her to the Games in the first instance?

So the athletes have so far impressed me and I appreciate them for what they have done and I believe they can do more,” Ogba said.

46

tribunepools

BEST BARGAIN (1, 2, 7, 10) 08163084077

WEST BROM At Away No 1 - is the key for us to celebrate ILEYA Festival. The key brings another four draws in Week 11, Week 12 and Week 13. Registration remains N250,000, while each week costs N25,000 from next week.

Our celebration begins now.

DR JK POOLS – 07039275802. (2XX 7) 23 – 25 – 29 – 34 – 43.

Welcome, finding or pointing draws in the local coupon is not hard for those who are seasoned pool consultants who has studied it. You can see what I did in week 7 and 8. Payment in week 7 on numbers 26x 30x 36xx – and numbers 8x 17x 21xxx all drew 3 Nap. Now, for your week 10 good win Payment to EHIHOMI – JOHN. Zenith Bank a/c no 20857959336. Now pick two draws from 23 – 26 – 29 – 34 and 43 and add to the above bracket games.

Good luck says Dr. J.K.

LABAEKA NAP–08053303522 WK 09 – 14X 22X 41XXX 23F 36 NAP 38 AND OTHER - NAPS. Our last week winners are our living witness. Our come back Nap of 4 weeks Nap is for sure WIN. Week 11 Nap will cost N50,000 = please pay in favour of Labaeka Rasheed Access Bank a/c no: 0033390303.

Don’t be left out. Pay in advance no more card payment - call now for your week 10 sure Nap against week 11 win. Good luck.

SHADOW 08087670776 34 PAIR 37 (45 PAIR 49XX) WK 09 RESULT– 12XX22XXX42XX

The master will remain the master forever. Shadow the master of all Pool Forecasters has done it again last week 09 as he scored 3 over 3 correct and the pair produce a draw.

This week 10 is another jackpot week for pool staker that can buy my 3 Nap draws and 1 hot pair.

Send to shadow #5,000 MTN recharge card and collect your 3 life draws.

10 BET 17 THE – LILIES 08086944309 Mark a draw between nos 10 bet 17 and call for more draws to put a smile on your face draw is a draw you must win and win well send N1,500 MTN card for 3 jackpot x5.

LAST HOPE 2015= 08103222635=22XX 43XX TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 09 NO 6X 20X PAIR 31X 35F WK 10= 2015 N6, 000 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP WITH. 22. 43 BURY VS PORTVALE NO 22X= YORK VS CARLISLE NO 43.

KEY: EVERY WEEK 10, 20, 30, 40, BANK BURY TO DRAW NO 22 BANK YORK TO DRAW NO 43XX PLUS 3. OTHERS N6000 CHECK WK 10= 2014 NO 12X 13X 32X 39X WITH. KEY 36X 44X Wk 20= 2014 No 22x 35x 36x 43x with Key. 34x 44x Wk 30= 2014 No 11x 12x 20x 42x with Key 43x 45x Wk 40= 2014 No 17x 25x 48f 49x with Key= Wk 10= 2015 No. Nap Nap Nap Nap with Key. 22. 43.

SAM AYO–(37 MUST 41) 08109152433.

Hartlepool and Plymouth make a good friend to our 3 sure nap this week. All stakers are advice to join our magic winning power.

Welcome – N10,000. Call and win – Good luck.

SINBAD NAP IS BACK –

07083993858 FREE WK 10 WIN – 15, 18, 19, 23, 25.

My coming back from my overseas tour is of good to all stakers my week 10 games is tagged empowered free week for my special release in weeks 11, 12 and 13. A week miss is a great loss. Sinbad is ready to serve you better than ever. Call now.

(20XXX11) SIR BRAKA 08078052128

20xxx11 for a draw call 3 nap able draws send #2,000 glo card for draws.

HERITAGE NAP

08032428168 06 MUST 08 Stakers must continue to enjoy our releases which started last week with the pair above which must supply with other gazette draws which must play. The game costs #25,000.

Promoters are in real trouble. We must continue to enjoy the new sequence.

WEEK 10 STATUS PPP— 13 LKO— 04 SUNDAY— MATCHES 03,06,09,21,44 & 47

Thursday, 17- 23 September 2015

MBA EXPERT 08077247137 / 08104694618 PAIR – 29 VS 30

Week 9 results did not to this column despite the 1 over 3. All the 3 games at numbers 21F 22X 25F appeared like form draws which were not to be.

Now that the 2nd BLUE is on board with this week 10, accommodate all the segments from Barcleys Premiership to the Scottish Premiership. It is yet another visit to the CREWE as they play an away encounter Shrewsbury on number 29 on which same number the later in week 06 held Oldham to a draw.

Swindon vs Burton A on number 30 is the alternative. Similarities abound in positions of teams both in weeks 06 and 10. Leagues 1 – 11 points to potential draw bankers just as the championship is not lying low either.

Draws are hidden in both Barcleys Premiership and the Scottish Premiership. So far, the EPL had produced 13 draws while the Scottish had recorded just one at Dundee vs Inverness C.T (48). Call now for your winning details. Good luck.

DR B4 DR – 08062748396 (25XX 27) SILENT BREAKER ON ANNUAL 10 – 10WKS NAP Week 10 – 2014 – 5 + 6= 11xxx= BLACKPOOL X BIRMINGHAM Week 20 – 2014 – 07 + 19= 26xxx= BLACKPOOL X BIRMINGHAM Week 30 – 2014 – 06 + 19= 25xx= BLACKPOOL X BIRMINGHAM Week 40 – 2014 – 09 + 17= 26xx= BARNET X BIRMINGHAM Welcome to our 4 weeks 10 – 10 Weeks Annual 2015 gazetted winning sequence.

Week 10 – 2015 – X + X= ? XXX – OLDHAM X WALSALL Week 20 – 2015 – X + X= ? XXX – OLDHAM X WALSALL And week 30 and 40= respectively.

If only you can follow winning Expert directives 2015 is year of abundant blessing. (WIN + WIN) Week 10 – cost N25, 000 – Wk= 20 – N100, 000 Week 30 – N500, 00 – Wk. 40 – 1 MILLION Please the above price is not negociable.

Make haste while the sun shine. No STORY of am a new client please join the progressive Now. Good luck – N25, 000 – once again.

OBINYAN PROMISES TO GLADDEN STAKERS The wizard of 1.2X and chairman /managing Director of king and George group of forecast papers. Prince Willy Ehi Obinyan has assured stakers that he was up to the task of dishing out draws. He also assured stakers of more rewarding harvest of draws this season. Africa’s number one bookmaker in pools compilation and computation has enjoined stakers to weekly buy his papers and rely effectively on the late News of his papers for regular winning.

The papers are Pools telegraph, Zetters, Pools Guild, Shoot pointer, Murphy sports, the NEW DREAM and Final result.

FORTUNE DONOR DONATES 34/35 (08099111828) As scarcity of draws continues, your selfless and hardworking Fortune Donor was on song in the pair given for free last week on 39xx 41xx.

We have often said it that you need credible and reliable compilers to assist you regularly.

You can always rely on as for your weekly banker. Our IBK cost only N1,500,2 Drs cost #3,000,3 Draws cost only #10,000 on 08099111828.

You are sure to win!!!

HON. EMMANUEL PROMOTERS ENEMY 08102874949 – (25XCBKx25)

Week 09 – 06x 20x 42xxx – (31x).

BI – ANNAUL (2/2 YEARS) GUARATEED WIN BRENTFORD vs. PRESTON = 2/2 YRS. Week 9’2011 – 04x 15x 30xxx 25xBK-10draws Week 35’2013 – 07x 32x 43xxx 25xBK -9drs Week 10’2015 – x x x -25x CBK-8drs Never mind if you were unable to reach as at when due, the reason is best known to us. Promoters hunting! No compromise! No dialogue! Wise stakers are frigle and we have them in mind. No going back, BEWARE of mushroom/Underground and Unregistered promoters, they are everywhere, Agents are not spared. Our winning records gave us an outstanding recognition worldwide. My cell line is roamed so my contact is sure - N50, 000 –IM. Good luck.

HOPE NAPS & CO. 08107128449 BANK ON (NO 33 & NO 34) (NO 33 & NO 34) (NO 33 & NO 34) Believe it is must on Saturday.

Life without obstacles is an illusion. A world without problem is a grave yard.

A problem is a challenge – without challenges how can we distinguish and seprate winners from losser. Don’t give up. There is a chance for you to make it now. Call Hope Naps for ILEYA BAIL OUT PARKAGES. THESE WK 10, 11, 12 respectively cost N10, 000 each week, pay to First Bank Plc A/c No 3088328923 in person of Mr. Gbadebo. Stephen A. while the week release will be sent to you. Please, make sure your payment are confirmed. Thanks God bless. Bye.

WINNER CODE 505= 08135637650= 32 NAP 33 U.K. SYSTEM TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 07 NO 25X 26X WK 08 NO 35X 36X WK 09 NO 20X 42X WK 10 NO NAP NAP WK 11 NO NAP NAP Winner code 505 two Bankers N2000 Wk 07 No 2x 26x Wk 08 No 17x 35x Wk 09 no 6x 41x wk 10 No NAP NAP Wk 11 No NAP NAP. ADESURE NAP TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 07 NO 37X 38X WK 08 NO 17X 34X WK 09 NO 31X 41X WK 10 NO NAP NAP WK 11 NO NAP NAP. Power X Power two Bankers N2000 Wk 07 No 36x 39x Wk 08 No 5X 6F Wk 09 No 14x 22x Wk 10 No NAP NAP Wk 11 No NAP NAP 4 Expert. 4 Special Draws this wk 10 cost N25, 000 Wk 08 No 17x 34x 35x 36x= 4/4 Wk 09 No 5x 20x 41x 42= 4/4 cost N25, 000 Wk 10 No NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 Send M.T.N Card 08135637650. The Game will send to you by text message.

ZENITH OUTWIT PROMOTERS AGAIN –08146879314 2013 AND 2015 – 3WEEKS 8 TO 10 WIN WIN & WIN Week 8 – B.B.C on 123 – 08x 17x 21xxx - 45XXX Week 9 – KIDDERMINISTER 49 – 06X 20X 22XXX – 42XXX Week 10 – PARTICK 49 – = X X X - 25XX Week 8 – Week of played, MANSFEILD and PORTSMOUTH – 8X 17X 21X Week 9 – 06x COLCHESTER, BRADFORD CITY, BRAINTREE = 6X 20X 22XXX Week 10 – X X X – 20XX 21.

Partnership with Zenith unregrettable winning team the wealth solution forum on boyant winning changes many stakers condition for good in 2 weeks 8 and 9. Now the final outwitting week 10 scheduled win attracts many Punters – Refundable N50, 000 – in weeks 8 and 9 confirmed our week 10 dawn Win. ‘PUNTERS RESORT” Welcome all now clients.

DR SANJ, WITH CONFIRMED GAZETTED DRS NO 3/3... 4/4... 5/5.. !!

BOMB – SHELLS WK10 AND BLUE COLOUR SYSTEMS (GILLINGHAM/OLDHAM) KEY’S CURRENT UPDATE 2015) = (23 PAIR 24) 07038878227 OR 08189472447 1st win wk06, = no 26x, 37x, 39x. (alt: -29x) 1st set, now set again wk10, (100%) blue wk 1st win wk07, = no 25x, 26x, 27x, (1x, 11x) 1st set, now set again wk10, (100%) RED WK 1st win wk09, = no 31x, 41x, 39x,(5f, 6x) wks of all “9”, 19, 29, 39, (Now wk09)WON!! 1st win wk10, = no 3/3...

4/4... 5/5...(by the key’s(gillinggham/oldham) a must win We told you in our past weeks bettings wkly reports on our DISCOVER RESEARCH, on this new session. Last wk09, come to me as a week of free – ofer to you and saw it yourself on nos :-31x, 41x, 39x,(5f, 6x) only DR SANJ CLUB MEMBERS WON. Check our advert for wk10. Pay to first bank acct no 2018702734.. FEMI OLUWA JOHNSON.. Access bank acct no 0692898125.. FEMI JOHNSON.

EMIRATES SUPER= 08087104491

Week 9 – 06x 14x 20xxx(READ & WIN) Congratulation all my client/ friends that made a good success from our last week nap from 11 draws on board.

Many thought our week 10 nap will cost N100, 000 as discussed BUT… Hurray! Am a year older today, My birthday parting is on. 17x 25x 36x 45x 21xxx.

Free win must emerge from the above 5 games. Appreciation expected-(gift is welcome). Be prepared for our weeks 11, N 50, 000 =Nap=weeks 12 and 13 Naps is a must for my well wishers.

AUSTINE CHUKWU 08054462577 NAP: 10, 34, 45 Perm 40, 18, 19.

After two weeks of hard to get draws 1 offered everybody the games. Also i want to let you know that 14, 17, 18, 19 for 3 draws. Call for details.

LEKE INTERNATIONAL

NAPS (09091798611) 18CBK Bank No.18 plus 2 others

My birthday Special.

Release to all stakers start in weeks 10, 11 and 12, with 3clear and direct Nap draw, no pair, cost N20, 000 cash per week. I assure all and Sunday that they will win again this year. No regrets!!

Bank No. 18 as a draw. Then call me now for more details.

A.T.M LIVE

08182287493 / 07040478677 PERM WELL: 10, 16, 39, 40, 17, 19.

Stakers are advised to invest on the above games against wk 11, wk12. Special release which cost N25,000 cash each week. Payable to Mrs Modupeola Oseji, A/C No 2016981168, UBA Bank.

PETER NAP 08076546261 (20 PAIR 30) Congratulation to all those that will get my release this week as the blue colour that got 6xx, 8x, 17xx 3/3 in week 6 must get it again this week, my release cost just N25, 000. 00 pay to saving acct. no. 3023114822 First Bank in person of Mr Onaolapo Peter A. mean while bank on 20 pair 30 for X.

MAGIC KINGDOM IS BACK – 08056753098/07085060512

NAP – 31 – 32 – 33 XXX PAIR 21 AND 29.

ILEYA bonus win all stakers as my welcome Nap from my U. K. Trip. Congrats, am back with 4 weeks operational fixed Nap. What are you waiting for, play well. Week 11 will cost N25,000 = payable to F C M B Bank a/c no 0279550010, Wema Bank No 0206965116 or GT Bank No: 0115505082.

Balogun Adesina Kamoru. Call 07085060512 for details. Good luck.

47

tribunepools

MR. CYRIL NAP– 08154836338 (45X25)

STOKE HOME 7 – MORECAMBE HOME 40 H-H-H on 49 in weeks 6, 7 and 9.

Week 6 – 37X 38X 39X – 3/3 Week 7 – 36X 27X 38X 39 – 4/4 Week 9 – 39X 40 . 42X 42 – ¾ STOKE HOME 7 and MORECAMBE HOME 40 Reference to week 29-2014 and week 10-2015/16 our winning crew is at it again to enrich our esteem clients. Trust Mr. Cyril for your sure win this week - N20,000=reasoned.

20 MUST 30 LUCKYMAN 08054352685 It’s N40,000 when you win big eid – il kabir ram awiat all our fans all our fans wil celebrate eid –ilkabir with big ram call for our 3 sule draws today and win big cash for ileya festival send #1,000 mtn card or contact your nearest agent for the 3 unpaking sure drains to celebrate Eid –el-Kabir perm with 20 must 30.

MISTER – DRAW 08030415683 Barnetia super draw plus 2 super draws cost N2,000 mtn card winning is assured call now and win.

4 MEMBERS. 4 BANKERS= 08162705220.

25XX 26XX 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 08 NO 17X 32X 34X 36X= 4/4 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 09 NO 14X 20X 31X 41X= 4/4 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 10 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 Stakers try to get 4 members 4 Bankers this Wk 10 cost N5000 system Booklet out cost N30, 000.

The system Booklet bring 4 Draws this Wk 10, 11, 12, 13. The Game will send to you by text message.

MAGIC SUPER – (08186673842) 9X 10X 19X 20XXX – 2 for 4 Winning key: Reading at away Number 12 is to produce 3 fixed banker draws on BURY – 22 plus 2 others and a pair. Refrence weeks 6 – 2013 and week 27 – 2015. Again this year in week 5 and 10 – 2015/2016. All interested winning desired stakers should pay to IBTC Bank A/C no : 0001361916 in favour of Mr. S. B. Odesola. N10,000= Good luck.

TRIPLE GIVES 1 – 2 (08035324990) This week is a week of luck as Aston villa and Bournemouth on nos 1 & 2 are billed to supply a good draw this weekend.

On sequence and form, they remain the best pair for draw this week.

Add them to our IBK and get your 2/3 coolly. Our IBK still sell for only N1500, 2 draws cost N3000 and 3 draw sell for N10,000 on 08035324990. Be a regular winner.

DONOHILL NAP 08107048991 - 47XXBK PLUS TWO OTHERS KEY POINTER: Every week 10, Niger no 47 to draw plus two others and 1 hot pair this week 10.

Donohill Nap has done it in many seasons and he is ready to do it again this week 10 2015. All you should do is to send #5,000 MTN recharge card to me, immediately your recharge card confirm valid, I will call you. Don’t miss it.

MAGIC EXPER GOT 3 OVER 3 DIRECT CALL

08160742266–Pair 25x or 33x Our 4 weeks operation still… first week got 3/3 Nap. Now week 10 Nap xxx pair 25x33x @ N15,000. Registration in progress @ N250,000. Payment Firstbank – 3041310631,Mr Victor Makpa.

Call 08160742266 for more information. God Bless you.

ALAJI SADIKU, TALK OF THE TOWN RELEASE IS HERE

08057416201 PAIR 29, 30 Stakers, I Don’t publish except I have geniue current Nap; so you can rely on my release for weeks 10 and 11 cost N10, 000 Cash weekly.

Do not miss it. Pay at DTB, to Alhaji Sadiku Adedoja, accts No. 0030411077. Call 08057416201.

MALLAM BAWA FOR BLUE 08052506287 HOT 19, 20 WK. 6 BLUE= 22X, 23X, 45X

Sorry fans, last week the Brown colour Nap let us down, but assure you that my Blue coupon key is bringing 3 unstoppable Nap that can not fail you. Cost N10, 000 cash. Payments at Access Bank, to Mallam musa Ibrahim Bawa, accts No 0042075587.

PLEIAD – DE – MAXWELL – 09099968585 DUNDEE UTD — HEARTS —AT VILLA PARK. Scottish division is always a non winning region, but with the settings of Dundee utd — Kilmarnock your winning chance is brighten.

Most importantly the sky bet league Two, another winning spot Accrington – Dagenham to showcase a good win.

10 – 20 – 30 for 2 draws from the Experts desk. Contact the Maxwell draw clinic for your week 10 sure win TOKEN MANAGER.

MADAM DE MADAM 08023329191.

OLDHAM AWAY 25 Madam unequal winning sequence is strictly on our Expert directives.

Some clients call us Chike Obi the mathematician. Infact our Arithmetical Nap is always a bitter pill for promoters.

Last week our madam had an honourary Professor from the African association of bookmakers, the new feather to our cap is a challenge to advanced your winning chances.

ANOTHER ARITHMETICAL NAP Week 7 – HUDDERSFIELD vs QPR = H + Q = 8+17 = 25= OLDHAM Week 10 – HULL vs QPR= H+Q = 8+17 = 25 = OLDHAM QPR away 15 visiting Huddersfield and Hull on No 15 and Addition to fall on OLDHAM = 25XX. OLDHAM AWAY 25 —Week 7 = Results – 01x 02x 10x 11x 25x 26x 30x 36x 37x 38x 39x 48xxxx= 11draw.

Week 10 – Results – X X X X X 5/5. — 10drwss - Hum! BLACKBURN position suppose to confirm the number of draws. Madam is unique–winning fee #50,000 — #100,000 = Call Mr Joshua for payment details. All stakers are potential millionaires, Stop your lack! Pay all dues. – YOU ARE A WINNER!

NAZAR MASTER COMMENDS STAKERS Nazar Master Pools Company Limited Ibadan has commended stakers and other stakeholders for their continued patronage and for believing in the company week in, week out.

The leading Pools company in Oyo State and environs gave the commendation in a statement made available to TRIBUNE POOLS during the week.

According to NAZAR master, “the patronage from stakers and other stakeholders every week has been tremendous. We shall not disappoint them and that is the reason we have made it a point of duty to pay winning in full as and when due. There is no cause for alarm” says the stakers friend

DR. JACKSON ON GOOD TARGET. 08156829811 = 39XXXBK40?

WINNING ON TEAMS MOVEMENT ON SCHEDULE. Week 9 – WESTBROM – 0 SOUTHAMPTON – 0. = 9XXBK In week 5 – WATFORD – 0 WESTBROM – 0. 8XXBK SOUTHAMPTON to 0 – 0. Goaless draw.

In week 6 – Watford – 0 / Southampaton – 0 (8xxBK) Week 9 – Westbrom – 0 / Southampton – 0 = (6xxBK) Week 9 – B.B.B = 14X 22X 42XX = 06XXBK =4/4 Week 10 – On another Gazetted winning movement.

LUTON and OXFORD = MANSFIELD. Week 5 – Luton – Oxford = 39xxCBK Week 6 – Mansfield – Oxford = 39xxCBK Week 10 – Luton – Mansfield =39xxCBK Never compromise your winning again this week on our 3 fixed matches as draws Week 10 – WIN WIN WIN = 39xxCBK. Welcome to out laughter foundation with #30,000= Winners are liable to laugh while losers groans. = Dr. Jackson NEW Era winning solution is your comforter. Win pls win & win.

NEW PROFF TRIUMPH WITH STOKE AWAY NO 1 WEEK 7 AND SUNDERLAND AWAY NO 1. IN WEEK 9.

2 weeks unit week win. Controlled by STEVENAGE at away 4 down – XXXX – 48x – 11drs STEVENAGE at home 4 up – XXXX – 48x – 11drs Week 10 – SHUFFLED 3 NAPS COST N25, 000 = NEW FRIENDS. ONLY

NIDAS —08033510149 (3x 43x + NAP)=5/5 See Information: Note: this key will work for only 4 colours this season and this week 10 is the third colour. It worked in weeks 05, 07 and will work this week 10. Now the key says whenever you see Wolves Wigan and York on the bar at home on each other and opponent of Aston Villa and Man United in week 07 must meet each other to draw in week 06 = KEY. Again, opponent of Aston Villa and Man United in week 10 must meet each other to draw in week 09 = KEYED. Thus pave the way for our 5 NAP in weeks 05, 07 and 10. Check your record.

Week 05 = 9X 15X 25X 26X 41X = 5/5 Week 07 = 2X 10X 26X 35X 38X = 5/5 Week 10 = NAP NAP NAP 3X 43X = N25,000.

Week 10 costs N25,000 cash + appreciation after winning or payment of N500,000 cash after winning with a deposit of N10,000 for collection of the NAP. Registration continues at NIDAS, registration fee = N2million, deposit = N250,000, balance = instalmental payment after winnings.

Pay all cash to UBA account number = 2023019865. Account name = ADESIDA ADENIYI.

MID – WEEK OFFERS. 5 – 6 (08087176217) The last 2 weeks with 9 and 11 draws on the cards have not been favourable to most compilers and stakers. This week however looks brighter as the fixtures portend good omen.

For instance Nos 5 and 6 are so good for a draw and punters are advised to add the duo to our IBK this week for good dividends.

Our IBK still sells for only N1,500, 2 Draws with pair cost #3,ooo while 3 Draws with pair cost N10,000 on 08087176217. You have won!!!

MADAM HILLARY – PHASE OFF WINNING CONTD PROMOTERS CRUX – 08163902330 NAP – X X X – WALSALL AND ROTHERHAM = 17X25.

WEST HAM away 1 in week 4. WESTBROM Away 1 wk 10 In premiership we have 2 WEST – TEAM = West ham and westbrom – AT AWAY NO 1 controlled a unique hidden 3 draws to be unveiled by only the Experts with Authetic draws formations and tabulation. Our Experts are up to the task. In God we trust. Stakers relief – N25,000 = Price reduced to assist all muslims fatefuls.

WISDOM SURE – 07088103080 (25xx47) YORK ON LAST BAR – WINNING RIGHT. (4TIMES) Week 5 – 12x 36x 41xxx – 49xx Week 7 - 10x 25x 39xxxx – 48xx Week 10 – X X X - 47x Week 12 - X X X - 46x 4 weeks on a week interval winning spree.

Again our unregrettable Nap is mostly enjoyed by stakers that knows the beauty of winning.

Winners a kings! Our free 2 dates of play as a registered pair from week 7 is now talk of the town. Read our previous adverts for details.

Enough References week 10 Nap goes for #50,000 for new friends ONLY.

WEEK 09 XRAY

Alas! Yet another hammer blow on promoters as our compilers exposed draws for stakers winning pleasure. Winning galore at Fortune Donor, winner code and money makers on 2 bankers and our pair managers are too many. To mention a few, the likes of Wisdom, Mallam Bawa, Dr. Jackson, Akin Mr Akin, Mr Cyril, Hon. Emmanuel, Zenith, Akande, Heritage, 4members, Sunderland, The arithmetical Madam De Madam while last hope got is one banker Best Bargain and Dr. J.K pools and Dr. San J remain stakers choice.

Attention: our compilers are ready to give stakers their best as the season progresses. Browse and scan thoroughly for the outstanding ones. Please appreciate our experts, they have blood in their veins to serve you better.

Continue winning!! Good luck

Thursday, 17- 23 September 2015 MODUPE (08033566694) 8, 16, 30 2drs

Call for super winning now.

VICTORIOUS VICTOR = 08126994034 09X 23X 25X 34XXX. Controlled with York in last Bar Week 5,7,10,12 & 14 Play well week 11 Nap will cost N50,000 – flat – Don’t ignore.

PROFESSOR ONE BANKER=

08055230300=21XX 29XX

PROFESSOR 3 BANKERS N7500 WK 07 NO 36X 37X 38X= 3/3 PROFESSOR 3 BANKERS N7500 WK 08 NO 17X 34X 35X= 3/3 PROFESSOR 3 BANKERS N7500 WK 09 NO 20X 41X 42X= 3/3 PROFESSOR 3 BANKERS N7500 WK 10 NO NAP NAP NAP= 3/3 PROFESSOR 2 BANKERS N5000 WK 8 NO 34X 36X PAIR 39X 49X PROFESSOR 2 BANKERS N5000 WK 09 NO 31X 41X PAIR 20X 21F Professor. English system booklet out cost n30, 000 membership group a. Cost n100, 000. Send M.T.N Card to 08055230300.

SHORT – GUN(29 HOT 47)

08050614477/ 08168241902 Our winning trend continues this week with the pair above other three fixed draws which must play to gladden the hearts of stakers. the new season is progressing very well and promoters must pay millions this week. The game costs N25,000.

MAC ANTHONY FANS SMILES FOR REGULAR WINNING ACTION (01xx bet 02xx)0806-904-8857 Congratulation to my fans and weekly subscribers on our regular success as last week 9 got group A = 4 over 5, group B = 3 over 5 and weed Nap cut. Please send my appreciation and subscribe for week 10 sure Nap Nap = 3/3 plus above pair. I want to use this medium to remind you of my Birthday come 07th October to control 3 Nap and win for 3 weeks 11,12 and 13.

Weekly Nap now cost #15,000 cash pay @U.B.A to Engr, Michael Akam – No -2029382770.

AKANDE FULLY BACK WITH 3 DRAWS IN WEEK 11 08025572554 = 32/33.

Akande 3 draws is authentic as I am known for not MOUTH – WATERING. Draw is draw especially when EL – KABIR is fast approaching. I am also a muslim and my hope is my draws in week 11. Insah – allah.

All my regular and registered clients should call on Thursday – 17/9/2015 for my detailed arrangements prior to my release next week 11 for my 2 Expert draws this week 10 and a pair to give you a staking power for my next week special Nap - #10,000 – pay in favour of Akande Ashatoku Bola Mustapha. Goodluck.

SUNDERLAND. SYSTEM= 27. 29 09038460009= 4. SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 08 NO 17X 35X 36X 37 4. SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 09 NO 6X 20X 31X 42X 4 SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 10 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 08 NO 34X 36X PAIR 5X 6F TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 09 NO 20X 42X PAIR 31X 32F TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 10 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP Time to win pool this wk 10 BLUE.

ADEOTI SYNDICATE – 07051327960 NAP: - 21XX 37XX 46XXX 14X 15.

Sorry, for disappointment of my last week release got two draws Nos – 19f 22x – 31x – 32f. so, I will send compensation games to you all in week 12. This week Nap the above 3 draws and take Nos. 14x & 15x to perm it. “BARIKA – DESALLAH”. Goodluck to you.

PETER NAP(20 PAIR 30) 08076546261 Congratulation to all those that will get my release this week as the blue colour that got 6xx, 8x, 17xx 3/3 in week 6 must get it again this week, my release cost just N25, 000. 00. Call for account details.

LARA OPEYEMI SCORES 08135624088 BET 29, 30. WK. 9= 20X, 22X, 41X=3/3.

Clongrats! Winnings to continue in Wk. 10 with another 3/3 correct Nap cost N10, 000 cash Payable at Access Bank to Mrs. Lara Opeyemi, accts No. 0045098435.

Phone 08135624088.

NJOROGE MR. ASSURANCE – 08177474535

STAKERS PAY POINT–ASTON VILLA (05X 25X 29X 47XXXX17X22)

The above games is free to all intending members as a gift for my 25 years (silver jubilee) in compilation of pools fixed matches as draws. Congrats once again all my friends. For Assurance family only – the 3 direct draws cost N20,000 flat. Others play reasonably for our week 11 Nap – N100,000 from 3 weeks winning right from our overseas winning manager.

SIDELINES

NO 16,329

N150

THURSDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER, 2015

“The State Houses of Assembly have the powers to make laws with respect to primary education. Rather than embark on programmes which have already been embarked upon by the State governments pursuant to laws enabling them in that regard, the Federal Government should identify other ways of keying into the programs of the States. One of such ways could be an increase of funding to the State Governments to strengthen the powers of the states to make adequate provision for students in their primary schools.”

O

N the 3rd of September, 2015, it was reported that the Federal Government had taken a decision to feed all primary school pupils across the federation. In reporting the development, the Punch Newspaper reported as follows: “The vice president said the free feeding scheme was a core project of the Federal Government that would in turn yield about 1.14 million jobs and increase in food production…He said the government would be investing more in the people, education and job creation. Speaking on the topic “Repositioning Nigeria for Sustainable Development: From Rhetorics to Performance,” Osinbajo said that the multiplier effects of the introduction of the school feeding scheme would help to create 1.14 million new jobs; increase food production by up to 530,000 metric tonnes per annum, as well as attract fresh investments up to N980bn.

He said, “One of the most important interventions required in the education sector is capacity building to improve teacher quality. This programme is intended to drive teachers’ capacity development; boost basic education; attract talents to the teaching profession. Better educated population increases economic potential for productivity.”

Before the advent of the current administration, the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had also announced the adoption of a similar policy. At that time it was similarly reported that: According to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina,..“To address the problem of malnutrition among children, especially those of school age, the Federal Ministry

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

A housewife in Lagos, Mrs Faith Uduozor, who dragged her husband, Paul to court after she became blind as a result of battery burst into tears when the magistrate ruled that the latter be remanded in prison custody. Love is indeed blind but will the love remain the same between Romeo and oneeyed Juliet?

afeonthursday

aareafe@gmail.com

FG’s recurring policy to feed pupils: Constitutional considerations of Agriculture and Rural Development has proposed the introduction of school feeding as a pilot scheme in Sokoto State and the Federal Capital Territory in the 2014 budget….Adesina stated that in addition to being a major cause of mortality and morbidity among children and vulnerable women, extreme poverty and hunger are also silent mental capacity killers among children, as an underfed and malnourished child finds it much harder to learn than his well-fed counterpart.

What is clear from the above is that the government at the centre in Nigeria has in recent times, irrespective of political inclination, identified the feeding of pupils and their nourishment as a cardinal policy. These objectives are noble and commendable. However, I am more concerned with the implications of the project on the Federal Structure of government which we currently operate. I am worried that yet again, at a time when there are calls for decentralisation of governmental actions the Federal Government is about to dabble into an area which in my opinion is, with adequate planning, best suited for the state governments. I intend to discuss this with reference to the legislative competence of the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly vis-à-vis the Federal System of government which we operate.

CONCURRENT AND LEGISLATIVE LISTS The legislative powers of the Federal Government and the states are conferred by the provisions of Sections 4 and 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. For the avoidance of doubt, the said

sections read as follows:

Section 4 (1) The Legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in a National Assembly for the Federation which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives Section 6 The Legislative powers of a state of a Federation shall be vested in the House of Assembly of the state.

To avoid conflict, the Constitution also provides a list of matters over which the National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly can legislate. While only the National Assembly can legislate on the 68 items contained in the exclusive legislative list found in Part 1 of the 2nd Schedule to the Constitution, both the National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly can competently legislate on the 30 items contained in the concurrent legislative list found in Part 2 of the 2nd Schedule to the Constitution.

Pursuant to this Item 30 on the concurrent list provides as follows: “Nothing in the foregoing paragraphs of this item shall be construed so as to limit the powers of a House of Assembly to make Laws for the state with respect to technical, vocational, post-primary, primary or other forms of education, including the establishment of institutions for the pursuit of such education.”

From the clear wordings of the above, the state Houses of Assembly have the powers to make laws with respect to primary education. I am aware that pursuant to these powers many state governments, including the government of Osun State had initiated

programmes identical to that which is now proposed by the Federal Government. The administration of Mr Segun Oni in Ekiti State also embarked on such a programme.

Rather than embark on programmes which have already been embarked upon by the state governments pursuant to laws enabling them in that regard, the Federal Government should identify other ways of keying into the programmes of the states.

One of such ways could be an increase of funding to the state governments to strengthen the powers of the states to make adequate provision for students in their primary schools. Afterall, one of the reasons for the creation of state is that state government will be better positioned to assess and meet the needs of the people.

I do not see how easy it would be for a government sitting in Abuja to properly determine firstly the number of primary schools spread across all the states of the federation and secondly the number of pupils registered in those schools without input from the state governments. In this way, the federal government would be avoiding unnecessary litigations that may arise from different states on the powers of the federal government to make legislation on matters on the concurrent list of the constitution where there are existing laws made by states on such matter.

Finally, it is suggested that the constitution should be amended to limit the jurisdiction of the federal government to make laws for only higher institutions and exclude the federal government for making laws on primary schools.

AARE AFE BABALOLA, CON, OFR,

Brazzaville 2015: Another Nigerian, Oyema

sets new world record

TEAM Nigeria’s Esther Onyema on Wednesday at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games broke her own world record when she lifted 133kg in the women’s powerlifting event to also claim the gold at the event.

Her feat came barely 24 hours after Yakubu Adesokan sets a new world record in the men’s 49kg with a lift of 182.5kg.

The Edo State-born lifter, Oyema who competed in the 55kg in the event decided at Stade Ornano also sets a new African record.

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

Niyi Alebiosu

reporting

She had in July this year settled for the silver at the IPC World Powerlifting Championship in Kazakhstan.

“When I lost the gold in Kazakhstan, I was never disturbed because I knew it will not distract me from winning the gold at the All Africa Games and thank God it is a better story today,” Oyema who also won the gold at the London 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games told Tribunesport.

Also, Kehinde Olumide clinched the gold for Nigeria and also sets a new African record in the men’s 65kg powerlifting when he lifted 214kg.

Team Nigeria also raked in medals in powerlifting as Anthony Ulonaan won a silver in the men’s 59kg when he lifted lifted 190kg in his third attempt. He had earlier recorded 177kg and 185kg lifts in his first and second attempts.

Also, Lucy Ejike made it to the podium as she grabbed the bronze in the 61kg with a lift of 137kg.

Oyema

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. Ag. EDITOR: TINU AYANNIYI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 17/9/2015.