18th March 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,460

FRIDAY, 18 MARCH, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigeria must produce what it eats —Buhari —P5

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

Senate moves to legalise card reader —P38

Nigerian Tribune

N150

Reps kick against computerbased UTME —P42

Rivers: Gunmen kill Major, 1 other soldier •Court restrains INEC, Army, others from deploying soldiers

—P2

Global Happiness Ranking:

Nigerians now less happy —P6

Reps to probe CBN over illegal recruitment of 909 staff —P6

S/West PDP wants North to retain national chairmanship —P3

The lawmaker, Akanni Afolabi, at the DSS headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTOS: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

DSS parades 'dead' Ekiti lawmaker alive •I am terribly sick, he says

—P4

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

Gunmen kill army major, 1 other soldier in Rivers D apo Falade -Port Harcourt

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military officer with a rank of major (name not disclosed) and one other soldier reportedly lost their lives as unknown gunmen opened fire on them in Abonemma, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday morning.

Although the reason behind the killing was not known as of the time of going to the press, the slain soldiers were said to be on patrol in the Abonemma community when they met their death.

Confirming the incident, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Captain Eli Lazarus, however, said only two soldiers, including the major, lost their lives in the encounter.

The army image-maker said no stone would be left unturned to fish out the suspected gunmen, even

as he assured law-abiding people and residents of the state that the military would make the necessary sacrifices to ensure peace and stability in the state.

“At about 11.00 a.m. today, Thursday, March 17, 2016, troops on patrol in Abonemma, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State had a fierce encounter with unknown gunmen.

“Our troops displayed extra-ordinary valour. Unfortunately, an officer and a soldier, who sustained various degrees of injury during the encounter, lost their lives.

“We are in pursuit of the criminals and we will surely get them. All law-abiding citizens are urged to go about their lawful activities.

“The army will continue to make necessary sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace, security of lives and property of all”, Lazarus said in a statement made available to Nigerian Tribune.

Reacting to the death of the soliders, the state Commissioner for Information,

Dr Austin Tam-Georg, called for an independent international investigation into it, blaming APCsponsored cultists for the gruesome killings as part of plot to pitch Rivers people against the military.

In an interview on Thursday evening in Port Harcourt, Dr Tam-George expressed shock at the level it alleged the APC was willing to go in its bid to incite violence in the state.

He commiserated with the families of the deceased and the military high command over the unfortunate killings.

Saraki

sues

for

peace

Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, urged the various stakeholders in the Saturday national and state legislative reruns in Rivers State to ensure that the poll is free, fair, credible and violence free.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, Saraki said it was high time the country moved away from turning election into event for blood letting.

“Election days are supposed to mark the renewal

of mandates and advancement of democracy which has been rightly defined as the ‘government of the people, by the people and for the people’. Therefore, it is trite that no position or interest being canvassed during the poll is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

“It is time to put an end to unnecessary waste of human lives during electioneering process. What we have lost to various conflicts across the country in recent time is not only unfortunate but unacceptable. We cannot afford to deepen the malaise we suffer as a nation,” he said.

PDP raises fresh alarm over plots by APC to rig Jacob Segun Olatunji and Leon Usigbe -Abuja THE South-South Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday, raised the fresh alarm over alleged plots by the All Progressives Congress (APC)led administration to rig

the reruns holding in Rivers State tomorrow in favour of its candidates.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by its South-South zonal vice chairman, Dr Cairo Ojoughoh.

The PDP chieftain, who

called on the supporters in the state “to defend their votes, obey all civil rules and avoid anything that can lead to confrontation with the military,” urged them to “stand firmly to collate their results at the polling units and follow it up to the collation centres.”

Rivers rerun: Court restrains INEC, army, others from deploying soldiers

•Wike alleges plans to arrest PDP leaders •His declaration of 2-day public holiday illegal —Amaechi D apo Falade -Port Harcourt A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, gave an order of interim injunction, restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from using soldiers for the conduct of the legislative rerun taking place in the state tomorrow.

Also affected by the order were former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak.

A copy of the judgment, dated March 16, 2016 and signed by one Mina Jumbo, a director in the state judiciary, was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, via email at 11:57 a.m., on Thursday.

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party had approached the court, in suit No PHC/610/2016, seeking for the enforcement of their fundamental rights in respect of the election.

Joined as respondents in the suit were Amaechi (first), Chief of Defence Staff (second), Chief of Army Staff (third), Brigadier General Steve Olabanji, Brigade Commander, Second Amphibious Brigade, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt (fourth), INEC (fifth), REC, Rivers State (sixth), Rivers

State governor (seventh) and the Federal Government (eight).

Granting the reliefs sought by Obuah and Rivers PDP, Justice George Omereji of the High Court 13 ordered “that leave be and is hereby granted the applicant that an order of interim injunction. Be and is hereby made restraining the first, fifth and sixth respondents from the use and deployment of the of the second, third and fourth respondents, whether by themselves, their agents, servants, officers, operatives or privies to conduct, monitor and supervise the State and National Assembly reruns in Rivers State on March 19, 2016.”

The presiding judge also ordered “that an order of interim order be made and is hereby made restraining the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Brigade Commander, 2nd Amphibious Brigade, whether by themselves, their agents, servants, officers and operatives or privies from interfering with the applicants’ right to freely participate in the government of Nigeria, either directly or through free chosen representatives, threatens to arrest, harass, intimidate, torture, incarcerate the applicants and their members during the reruns for the state and National Assembly on March 19, 2016.”

Saraki specifically appealed to the security agencies deployed for the poll, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), candidates, political parties and the electorate to adhere strictly to rules and regulations underpinning the conduct of elections, so as to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

He specifically urged the security agencies to be civil and firm in dealing with the people, INEC officials to ensure free, fair and credible elections and the people of Rivers State to be peaceful and orderly before, during and after the elections.

He said the interim injunction was based on judgment by the Appeal Court in 2015, in the case between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and others, detailing the non-involvement of the army and the Armed Forces in elections.

Justice Omereji subsequently adjourned till March 24, further hearing on the substantive application.

In a related development, Governor Nyesom Wike has said an alleged attempt by the police high command to arrest the state chairman of the PDP, some 48 hours to the rerun, is politically-motivated and aimed at giving advantage to the APC. Speaking during a radio phone-in programme in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, the governor also said the police, by declaring wanted the chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Sabomabo Jackrich, few days to the elections, may have been influenced by political considerations.

Insisting that the alleged planned arrest of the Rivers PDP chairman would be resisted by the people, he further claimed that policemen were brought from Abuja to disobey the court order restraining security agencies from arresting PDP leaders before the election.

He said he, as the chief security officer of the state, had given the security agen-

cies all the logistics support required for the election, pointing out that the security agencies had a duty to work within the law.

“Today (Thursday), we received information that policemen from Abuja are in the state to arrest the PDP state chairman. If the police want to arrest PDP leaders 48 hours to the election, the action is simply politicallymotivated”, he said.

He described as unfortunate, reports credited to President Muhammadu Buhari on the violence in Rivers State, noting that the president never contacted him for explanation on the security situation in the state.

The governor said PDP was prepared for the rerun, unlike APC and the Federal Government which he said were merely interested in antics which would not work.

He said the petition written by the state government to the embassies of 50 countries was a confirmation of the party’s readiness to participate in credible polls, noting that the United States, Britain and Canada, among other countries, had requested meetings with him on the issue.

Meanwhile, Minister of Transportation and former governor of the state, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has described as illegal, the declaration of a two-day holiday

for the conduct of the legislative rerun in Rivers State.

Governor Wike had, on Wednesday, declared Thursday and today workfree day to, according to him, enable all the eligible voters in the state, especially workers, to participate in the reruns.

However, his predecessor berated the governor’s action, saying Wike had, by that action, demonstrated that he had no regard for the people of the state, nor care for their well-being.

Amaechi made this known in a special broadcast he made in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, adding that it was sad to note that the state government was extending the public holidays to private institutions. Amaechi said this, from the constitutional point of view, is an illegality, which clearly shows that the incumbent governor has no regard for the people nor care for their well-being.

The former Rivers State governor, however, called on the people of the state to exercise their franchise tomorrow, saying, “this is another opportunity for us to exercise our rights and vote for candidates of our choice.”

He also assured the people of their safety as he said President Buhari had provided adequate security through the length and breadth of the state.

He cautioned that “any attempt to rig the election will not only led to anarchy, but a crisis whose end cannot be determined by anybody.”

He called on the international community, especially the United States, the European Union, China, India and the good friends of Nigerian to be aware of the massive deployment of the military personnel to the state, adding that it was an attempt to arm twist the electorate and hand over victory to APC.

REC confirms receipt of sensitive materials THE Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Aniedi Ikoiwac, on Thursday, said the commission had received sensitive materials for the national and state assembly reruns in the state.

Ikoiwac told newsmen that the materials were received from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Port Harcourt.

He said the commission would cross-check the materials to ascertain they were complete and intact.

According to him, the election materials included ballot papers, result sheets and relevant forms, adding that the items were received under tight security.

The REC said that the materials would be distributed to the Registration Area Centres (RAC) at the local government areas today, while he assured that the materials would get to polling units on time.

He assured that the commission would conduct free, fair and credible polls where every voter would be free to exercise his franchise.

He also assured that there was adequate security for the exercise.

news Again, Senate appropriation committee fails to submit budget report 3

Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

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HE Senate Committee on Appropriation, again, failed to submit report on the 2016 budget, contrary to claims by the spokesman, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, that the red chamber would have the budget laid on the table at the plenary on Thursday.

Contrary to expectations, the chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje, was not in the chamber on Thursday to lay the report.

A joint press conference addressed by the spokespersons of the Senate and House of Representatives,Senator Sabi Abdullahi and Honourable Abdulrazaq Namdas, confirmed that the budget was not ready for submission, as, according to them, the committees were still engaged in “data cleansing.”

Senator Abdullahi, who spoke first, said the budget would be laid and passed on Tuesday, adding that the National Assembly could not pass a budget full of errors.

“As far as we are concerned, we have not failed.

What is happening is the seriousness with which we take the 2016 appropriation. It’s such that we cannot also afford to make errors that will become very costly to this nation.

“We have finished all necessary work within the context of the various committees. But remember, when you do the paper work, you have to also get people who will sit down and check what we call data cleansing and integration.

“The two appropriation committees (of both chambers) must integrate. That is the essence of what you call harmonisation. This is something very technical and tedious and if you recall, this is a very voluminous document.

“You will recall that we promised Nigerians that by today, March 17, we will be able to pass the 2016 appropriation.

Yesterday (Wednesday), I also confirmed to you that today (Thursday) that same appropriation bill will be laid, barring any last minute technical hitches or otherwise.

“We are here to let you know that as of today, we are unable to lay the 2016 appropriation bill and thus we are hoping next week that process will be completed. When I briefed you, I recalled you were asking if the passage will be completed by next week. And we said ‘Yes’.

“When you lay the budget,

Friday, 18 March, 2016

the next thing is for you to discuss it and get it passed.

The two activities will be carried out next week, God willing. And let me preempt you because I know you will be saying perhaps we have failed to keep to our promise.

“So, in our own understanding, we don’t want to rush just because we want to keep to a promise that today that budget must be passed. What we owe Nige-

rians is a budget that is implementable; a budget that will kick-start the reflection of our national economy, a budget that will help to create jobs and, therefore, stimulate our economic rebirth.

“So, that is what we have seen as a key objective and I want to assure you that for those of you who know statistics, in everything you do, you must give freedom for degree of error.

“Plus or minus, if by next week, we will are able to take this, then within that margin of error, the National Assembly is still on course.”

The senator also said the budget was full of errors, which was giving the National Assembly some extra work.

“I never alluded to the fact that there was such errors that you are referring to,” Abdullahi said.

He said the House of Representatives worked as an independent chamber, while the Senate too worked as an independent chamber.

“We came back again at that level of the appropriation committee to harmonise. What we have tried to do is to be working together all along. But at the last end of the work, that harmonisation must be done thoroughly.

“So, this is not a simple job

From left, Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Waheed Olagunju; Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah and the Director General, National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi, during the launch of Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

because you are having certain things that they believe should be done, we are having certain things here that should be done and we must meet and agree on one position.

“That is the essence of this exercise. Having done that on paper, those who will go on to the computer and do the punching, we must give them time. That is where the errors can come in. And we don’t want to come back here and start telling you that there’s a printer’s devil.

“Let me also reiterate that for us as official spokesmen of the two chambers, we are not here to corroborate rumours, neither are we here to lend credence to rumours. Those who have their facts know where they got their facts. And I think it is in their own right that you go to them to make explanations.

“Based on all the work that has been done, I don’t think I have an official copy (of the budget) because that work is still to be completed. So, you wait.

“When we lay our budget, if you have any issue with it, you relate to us and then we shall answer the questions,” he said.

South West PDP wants North to retain national chairmanship • As Sheriff vows to reconcile aggrieved members Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja LEADERS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West have endorsed the emergence of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the national chairman of the party, recommending that the post should remain in the North as the party begins the process of electing a new chairman soon.

The leaders were at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, on Thursday, where they presented a position paper to the members of its National Working Committee (NWC), led by Sheriff, giving reasons why the North should retain the post.

According to the position paper, “we say this because out of the five states? in the South-East, the PDP has three governors; we have five governors out of the six states in the South-South; in the South-West, we have two governors.

“In the whole of the North, we have only two governors.

We need to strengthen the North. If not, the PDP will be branded as a regional party if we go ahead to pick the national chairman from the South.”

The paper, which was copied to Governors Olusegun

Mimiko and Ayo Fayose of Ondo and Ekiti states, respectively; former PDP deputy national ?chairman, Chief Bode George and former Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, said the resolution was reached after consultation with over 70 per cent of party members in the South West.

They paper noted with delight, the upsurge of ac-

tivities at national secretariat of the PDP since Sheriff emerged as national chairman.

“We are more than willing to join hands with all well meaning leaders and elders of the party to fund? the party in the South-West, including bearing all the expenses of the party during the coming congresses up till the national convention,

where all the delegates will be guided and supported up till where they will do the needful,” the leaders said.

Welcoming the South West leaders to the party secretariat, Sheriff vowed to work hard to ensure party members were reunited in the region.

“South-West is extremely important to me,” he said, while disclosing plans to vis-

Procurement activities for first nuclear energy plant on course — FG THE Federal Government, on Thursday, reassured that all the procurement activities for the first nuclear power plant with generation capacity of 1,200megawatts of power to the national grid by 2025 is on course.

To this effect, it said a comprehensive nuclear law is currently with the parliament and would soon be enacted.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, stated this in Abuja, when the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr Yukiya Amano, paid him a visit in his office.

He reiterated government’s commitment towards diversifying its energy mix beyond the tra-

ditional sources of gas, oil and hydro to include nuclear and other renewable sources like solar, biomass and wind.

According to him, nuclear energy is for peace, hence it could be used for developmental purposes in engineering, medicine, environmental protection, security, agriculture and food security.

Consequently, he challenged atomic energy experts to do more in the area of public enlightenment, as many Nigerians had limited knowledge about the use of nuclear technology for power.

“You must begin to break down the seeming complex issues around nuclear power into simple terms and language that our people can understand, we must try

to demystify issues around nuclear power in Nigeria,” he said.

He submitted that the nation could not afford to be left behind in the acquisition of appropriate nuclear technologies.

The two sites selected by the Nigeria Atomic Energy commission are located in Geregu in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State and Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking earlier, the visiting Director-General had informed the minister that the IAEA regarded Nigeria as an important partner, hence the agency wanted to transfer nuclear technology which it was convinced would not be used adversely.

it all the states in the region to reconcile all aggrieved members and former members of the PDP. Sheriff regretted that the party lost elections in the region because of internal wrangling, saying that he had personal relationship with the leaders of the various factions who he will immediately reach out to in order to bring them together.

Mentioning names of former governors of Oyo State, including Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala, he observed that if Oyo PDP leaders were together, there was no way the party would have lost its gubernatorial election.

The leaders, who unanimously endorsed Senator Kashamu Buruji as leader of the zone, said PDP would have won Osun, Ogun and Lagos states but for internal wrangling within the party.

Speaking for Oyo State delegates, Senator Ayo Adeseun revealed that there were influential members of the party in the state who should have been among the delegation but were not present.

He, therefore, urged the national chairman to do everything within his power to bring them back to the party.

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DSS parades ‘dead’ Ekiti lawmaker alive •Says it’s not aware of court order to release him

•I’m terribly sick, don’t know why I’m in custody —Afolabi From Jacob Segun Olatunji, Sam Nwaoko and Hakeem Gbadamosi

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HE Department of the State Service (DSS), on Thursday, paraded before newsmen in Abuja, the rumoured dead member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Afolabi Akanni, who had been in its custody over 15 days ago, saying he was hale and hearty.

This came just as the Service declared that it was not aware of any court order directing it to release the lawmaker from custody, insisting that “he was duly invited by the Service over some serious breaches bordering on state security, for which he has some explanations to make.”

Addressing newsmen on Thursday, Mallam Abdullahi Garba, stated that the service decided to parade the lawmaker before the press “in order to debunk a rumour which is being spread in Ekiti State by some mischief makers to the effect that Honourable Afolabi has died in custody.

“Nigerians and Ekiti people in particular, are convinced to see that Afolabi is hale and hearty, as he is being presented to the press today,” he stated.

Mallam Garba stated that the Service was not in possession of any court order to release the suspect as being alleged in some quarters The statement read: “You may have been aware of the recent situation in Ekiti State, in which the DSS was accused of abducting of the state’s assembly legislators.

“The fact is that one of the members of the assembly, Honourable Akanni AFOLABI was duly invited by the Service over some serious breaches bordering on state security, for which he has some explanations to make and these breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate.

“This press conference has become necessary, in order to debunk a rumour which is being dangerously spread in Ekiti State by some mischief makers to the effect that he has died in custody.

“Nigerians and Ekiti people in particular are convinced to see that Afolabi is hale and hearty, as he is being presented to the press today”.

“The DSS will, therefore, warn all those who have planned to make a meat out

of this to desist from it and steer clear of trouble, as the Service will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against anyone or persons that may engage in violent actions of any kind.”

“In a similar vein, all law-abiding Ekiti residents should go about their normal businesses, as the Service assures them of full protection by security agencies.”

However, there was a drama when the lawmaker, who looked sick and dejected was asked to speak with newsmen, as he refused to respond to all questions directed at him, but was only saying: “I need rest, I need rest, I don’t know why I am here.”

Afolabi, who rested his head on the table throughout, said: “I slumped twice today, as they refused me access to medication. They promised to buy me drugs since yesterday, but as we speak, they are yet to buy the drugs. I can not even eat now, they just me want to say what I don’t know anything about.”

However, every effort made by the operatives of the DSS to return Afolabi to his cell failed, as he could not stand to his feet, but was later escorted out of the hall by the operatives, leaping.

Earlier, the Ekiti State government had announced that the member of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Akanni Afolabi, had died in the detention of the DSS. Commissioner for Information, Youth Sports and Culture, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi, who made the announcement in a press conference on Thursday, said although the DSS had held him incommunicado since March 4, “our contacts in the DSS told us he is dead.”

According to Ogunsuyi, “we were told that he developed an ailment last night and he died by morning. The DSS had denied him access to his family, his doctor or to

anyone that knows him.”

He said they were, however, waiting for the DSS to confirm or deny the death of Akanni or produce him for his people to see.

A statement read by Ogunsuyi said: “Information reaching us indicates that one of the abducted members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Afolabi Akanni, has died in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).”

The statement added: “Significantly, since his illegal detention, he has been held incommunicado without access to his family members, doctors and lawyers.

“We call on the DSS to immediately clarify the situation as to the status (dead or alive) of Honourable Afolabi Akanni, representing Efon Constituency, by producing him physically for all Nigerians, particularly his immediate family to see.

“While we are waiting for the DSS, we urge every resident of Ekiti State, particularly the people of his immediate constituency in Efon, to remain calm.”

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State government, on Thursday, vowed to resist all attempts

by President Muhammadu Buhari and men of the Department of State Services (DSS) to truncate democracy and good governance in the state.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Modupe Alade, who stated this in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a press conference, frowned on the alleged intimidation and overzealousness of the DSS, saying this contradicted Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

Alade expressed displeasure over the state of uncertainty and intimidation to which the people of the state had been subjected, noting that the Federal Government had been keeping mute over series of arrest in the state by

the DSS. The SSG stated that no fewer than five people, including four lawmakers and the Finance Commissioner, from the Ayodele Fayose-led cabinet had been quizzed or arrested illegally in the state by the DSS in the last two weeks.

She also alleged that a list of some members of the state executive had been penciled down for arrest, saying all the members had been living in fear.

According to her, she had been receiving strange calls, ordering her to report herself at the DSS office in Abuja.

“I have been receiving some strange calls on my phone. One of the callers, who identified himself as Paul Okafor, with telephone number +447442364448, said I should make myself available in the DSS office in Abuja soonest,” she said.

The SSG, however, said there was no official invitation from the DSS, as she said the security operatives had failed to come out to say the reasons for the arrest of men from the state.

She said those arrested illegally by the DSS were kept in captive because of their support for the state governor, Fayose, over his critical stance against the Federal Government, noting that “this was how Obasanjo started in 2006, when the lawmakers were arrested and compelled to sign notice of impeachment against Fayose, but we will resist this move this time round.

“It is quite unfortunate that the Federal Government has kept mute over this illegality.

People now discuss in hush tones that the DSS officials are in the state to arrest and bundle more legislators and also some exco members, the SSG inclusive.”

She explained that they decided to hold the press conference in Akure, to evade unlawful arrest from the DSS, which may invade the

venue of the press conference to arrest some of the governor’s executive members.

She, however, said that she would be willing to honour the invitation of the DSS if there was an official invitation from the security agents, saying “I don’t have any skeleton in my wardrobe, but for them to be threatening me with anonymous phone calls, it is embarrassing.”

Alade said the state was still awaiting the outcome of findings of the committee put together by the National Assembly before knowing next line of action, but said some elderstatemen from the state have waded into the crisis.

Also, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, on Thursday, took their case before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Abuja, urging it to intervene in the continued detection of four of its members allegedly abducted by the operatives of the Department of the State Service (DSS) at the Assembly Complex in Ado-Ekiti, 14 days ago.

The lawmakers, led by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Segun Adewumi; chairman, House Committee on Health, Dr Samuel Omotosho and the chairman, House Committee on Information, Honourable Gboyega Aribisogan, expressed the concern of possible death of some of their members in the custody of the DSS, as they had remained incommunicado since their abduction.

Speaking on the contents of their petition, Honourable Omotosho urged the commission to come to the aid of the state assembly and defend its rights over the crisis, as all the activities of the assembly had been grounded, while all the members “are now in disarray, as the arrest and the state of the health of our colleagues are now a source of serious concern to

all the people of Ekiti State.”

According to him, “their arrest have affected the work of the House. This commission should rise and defend the rights of these persons.

The DSS is a creation of the law and should not behave as if it is above the law by disobeying the law that created it. We are not in a banana republic, where anybody can do anything and get away with it.

“As it is now, we don’t even know of their whereabouts.

Their family members are worried, as they have remained incommunicado.

We asked if they are dead or alive, but nobody is talking to us. The right to life and human dignity of our colleagues are being threatened.

“Arresting and detaining them without charging them to court is a breach of their fundamental human rights.

We obtained a court order in Ado-Ekiti, ordering the immediate release of one of them, Hon Afolabi Akanni by the DSS since last week, but the DSS refused to obey the order; rather its operatives threatened to shot the court bailiff, who came for the service,” he said.

In the petition before the commission, they accused the Federal Government of plan to arrest and intimidate lawmakers in the state to submission.

Receiving the lawmakers on behalf of the the executive secretary of the commission, Professor Bem Angwe, Mr Lambert Okpara promised to act swiftly on the petition and investigate the allegation in the petition.

“We will look into the petition and act on the complaints. We will also invite you further to substantiate the allegation raised in the petition. We have earlier received similar petition from the Ekiti Executive Council, we on it already, we will soon invite their representatives to shed more lights on their claims,” he stated.

Ibinabo loses bid to secure bail, approaches Supreme Court to quash charges Ayomide OwonibiOdekanyin - Lagos EMBATTLED ex-beauty queen and Nollywood actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima, on Thursday, made frantic efforts to secure bail before the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, but it suffered a setback due to incompetent application.

The three man-panel, presided over by Justice U.I. Ndukwe-Anyanwu, observed

that the appellant failed to attach copies of the judgment delivered by the court, which affirmed the five years jail sentenced imposed on her by the Lagos High Court.

Other justices on the panel were Justice Samuel Oseji and Justice Tijani Abubakar.

When the matter came up on Thursday, Ibinabo’s lawyer, Nnaemeka Amaechina, informed court of an application dated March 14, adding

that same had been served on the Lagos State government (respondent).

However, the application could not be heard, as the court observed that the appellant failed to attach copies of the judgment of the court as exhibit, thereby rendering the whole application incompetent.

Justice Ndukwe-Anyanwu (presiding) said the only option left was to strike out the

application or adjourn it till further date for hearing.

Consequently, Amaechina sought for an adjournment to enable him do the needful. Therefore, the court adjourned the matter till April 7 for hearing.

Meanwhile, Ibinabo has asked the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the lower court.

In her Notice of Appeal, the appellant stated that

Court of Appeal erred in law when it affirmed the alteration by the High Court of Lagos State by setting aside the option of N100, 000 fine and substituting it with a term of five years imprisonment.

The appellant further stated that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it affirmed the interference by the high court with the exercise of discretion by the trial Magistrates’ Court.

5 news

Friday, 18 March, 2016

We must produce what we eat —Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday, in Abuja, that we must produce what we eat.

This was as he added that we don’t have unlimited resources to continue the importation of food items that can be produced locally.

He said his administration would vigorously implement policies that would revive Nigeria’s agricultural sector and reposition it as the mainstay of the national economy.

He made the remark at an audience with the new Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Vesselin Blagoer Delcher, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said his administration would evolve and implement policies that would help Nigeria become

self-sufficient in food production, because continued

importation of food could expose the country to more

external shocks.

The president noted that

the unbridled importation of food also contributed to

From left, President Muhammadu Buhari; Zamfara State governor, Abubakar Yari; the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; FCT Minister, Muhammadu Bello; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, shortly after President Buhari declared open the International Islamic Conference on Peace and Security, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday.

We’ll commission study on Boko Haram —Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed plans by his administration to commission a study into Boko Haram, to determine its origin, causes and sponsors, among others.

In an address he delivered at the opening ceremony of the International Islamic Conference on Peace and Nation Building, in Abuja, on Thursday, he reaffirmed his position that Boko Haram was a mindless group pretending to be Muslims.

He said: “In my inauguration address on May 29, 2015, I mentioned that Boko Haram is a mindless, godless group, which is as far away from Islam as one can think of.

“I assured Nigerians that at the end of the hostilities, when the group is subdued, the government would commission a sociological study to determine the origin, remote and immediate causes of the movement, its sponsors, its international connections, if any, to ensure that measures are taken to prevent a recurrence of this evil.

“The outcome of the proceedings of this conference will be useful in that regard.”

Buhari recalled that his administration was in cooperation with neighbouring countries, leading to the substantial degradation of the attacking capability of the insurgents “to a level that has now compelled the insurgents to retreat.”

He added: “We will pursue them relentlessly, until they become an item of history.

“The tragic paradox of the global insurgency situation is that most of the atrocities committed by various insurgents all over the world today, are being carried out mainly by people, who pretend to be Muslims, yet most of the victims and casualties are equally Muslims.

“To underscore their cruelty and godlessness, they particularly target most vulnerable members of the society— children, women and the elderly.

“No religion approves of such heinous crimes against humanity; definitely not Islam or Christianity,

to which most Nigerians belong.

“This is a tragedy which all normal people must rise up against. Islam does not permit lawlessness. It frowns on extremism even in normal acts of worship.

“The emergence of any group advocating the contrary is, therefore, irreligious and unacceptable.

“Religious leaders must intensify their efforts to send out the real teachings of their religion, in order to counter the diabolical ideology that motivates the insurgent elements.”

The president called on all religious, community and political leaders to mobilise their followers against corruption and crime of any

kind.

He said they should also encourage them to be more tolerant of each other and recognise the rights of others as they want others to recognise their rights to worship and live freely.

He further said: “Our country has suffered many years of official neglect and corruption, leading to untold hardships on the common man. I wish to assure you that our government will do everything possible to safeguard lives and property and also to ensure even development across the country.

“The global economic challenges the world is grappling with today might well turn out to be a blessing for us in Nigeria, be-

cause it will stimulate the latent economic opportunities that we have left untapped for decades. Poverty breeds disaffection, which in turn leads to crime and lawlessness, including confrontation against the state.

“To checkmate this, we must work hard to lift our economy, engage our youths and rebuild infrastructure. We can only achieve these with full cooperation of all Nigerians and under a stable polity.

We are determined to do this and we shall not be deterred.”

The conference was organised by Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Iqamatis Sunna and the Muslim World League.

the depletion of the country’s foreign reserves and deprives citizens of job opportunities.

He said: “We must produce what we eat. We don’t have unlimited resources to continue the importation of food items that can be produced locally.

“Fortunately, some Nigerians have shown foresight by building factories that process agricultural products within the country.

“They have created a value chain that boosts employment, protects our foreign reserves and safeguards the economy from external shocks.

“We will do all that we can to encourage others to join in the effort to achieve national self-sufficiency in food production.”

The president said that his administration would also help and encourage Nigerian farmers to adopt modern, technology-driven methods that guarantee higher production and returns on investment.

President Buhari, who also received Mr Paul Lehmann, the new High Commissioner of Australia, Hajiya Afsatu Olayinka Ebiso-Kabba, the new High Commissioner of Sierra-Leone and Thordur Aegir Oskarsson, the new Ambassador of Iceland, told them that Nigeria would welcome further strengthening of relations with their countries, especially in the areas of agriculture, solid minerals and trade.

The president wished the four envoys, who were at the Presidential Villa, to present their letters of credence to him, very successful tenures in Nigeria.

Fayose was pillar to my emergence as PDP chairman —Modu Sheriff Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti ACTING national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff, has publicly acknowledged the role of the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, in his emergence as the chairman of the party.

Alhaji Modu Sheriff, who was in Ado Ekiti, also acknowledged that apart from Governor Fayose, other Nigerians also made him to successfully clinch the position.

This was just as the governor described President Muhammadu Buhari as superintending over a supercorrupt government, con-

trary to what he made the public believe that he was a man of integrity.

The former Borno State governor promised to reignite the fortunes of the party back to what it used to be in 1999, when it was a darling party among Nigerians. ”Let me thank Governor Fayose for his efforts to keep our party on ground in Ekiti State. It is God that makes a leader and that was why He commanded in the Holy Bible and Qur’an that He should be allowed to choose a leader for the people.

“I never wanted or thought of being chairman, but I was sleeping in

my house when Governor Fayose called me from Port Harcourt and said I am going to be the new national chairman. This, to me, was a miracle.

“With what I witnessed yesterday, it was obvious that God chose Fayose for Ekiti people, because of his popularity among them.

“He was taken to the prison and eight years after, he came back. People won’t be happy with the governor if he had not been fair to them.”

Modu Sheriff added that “in keeping the PDP together, I am not going to insult anybody; we will only do this by allowing the people to choose their leaders

through credible elections,” he said.

He promised that the PDP would remain a strong party in Nigeria through proper rebranding and by bringing aggrieved members back to rejoin the fold.

Fayose, who said his government would continue to criticise Buhari, stated that “he promised Nigerians 10 million jobs, but it had turned out to be 10 million jobs lost. He increased electricity tariff, putting PDP members in handcuffs, while Boko Haram suspects are walking free. It is only a sectional leader that does this.”

“Buhari accused PDP of

corruption, but today, he is superintending over a super-corrupt government,” he said.

Tactically referring to why he supported Modu Sheriff, Fayose said: “We want a leader who has a second address to pilot our affairs, because some of those who were raising their voices under former President Goodluck Jonathan have gone underground because of fear and what they will eat.”

“We know you have the capacity to restore the PDP and make it survive. You have the means and experience and we promise that we will always stand by you,” he promised.

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Global Happiness Ranking: Nigerians now less happy •Drops to 103 in the world, 6th in Africa

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IGERIA has been ranked the 103rd happiest nation of the world, and sixth in Africa in the World Happiness Report.

The World Happiness

Report 2016 update, which ranks 157 countries by their happiness levels, was released in Rome on Wednesday, in advance of UN World Happiness Day, March 20.

As indicated by the report, Nigeria dropped from its 78th position in the World and second in Africa in the 2015 happiness ranking.

Denmark emerged the

world’s happiest place, while Algeria, standing at 38 at the global level, maintains its position as the happiest place in Africa.

Mauritius is now the sec-

ond happiest country in Africa, followed by Libya, Morocco and Tunisia respectively.

According to the report, eight sub-Saharan countries were among the 10 least happy places on earth

Reps to probe CBN over alleged illegal recruitment of 909 staff Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

THE House of Representatives, on Thursday, mandated its Committees on Banking and Currency and Federal Character to investigate alleged illegal recruitment carried out by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The lawmakers noted that the recruitment was carried out without advertising the vacancies in violation of the federal character principles.

The House resolution was sequel to a motion on matters of urgent public importance moved by Honourable Aliyu Sani Madaki, where he drew the attention of the House to the alleged violation of section 14 (1), 3 and 6 of the constitution relating to federal character

principles.

Hon Madaki, while moving his motion, noted that the CBN, being a creation of the National Assembly, was empowered to recruit staff if the need arises subject to approvals of relevant authorities.

According to him, “the CBN has recently recruited 909 staff into various cadres of the bank without obtaining the required authorisation.”

He added that, “the recent recruitment has generated negative response from various sections of the country, with various accusations of lopsided recruitment, lack of adherence to due process, among others.”

To this end, he said that: “Based on available data on

the recruitment exercise, there’s a clear case of non adherence to the principles of Federal Character as enshrined in our constitu-

tion.”

He equally said that “this recruitment was done secretly without due advertisement carried out.”

When the motion was put to vote by the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, it was unanimously supported by members.

N400m scam: Metuh accuses judge of bias •It’s delay tactics —EFCC Sunday Ejike - Abuja

THE National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has accused Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court in Abuja, of bias and urged the Chief Judge (CJ) of the court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, to transfer the case to another judge.

Metuh and his company, Destra Investment Limited, are being tried for allegedly receiving N400 mil-

lion, part of the money meant for the procurement of arms, from former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Mohammed Dasuki (retd) in November 2014.

He had pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC).

The court had, at the last adjourned date slated Thursday for the PDP spokesman to open his defence after the court dis-

missed his no case submission for lacking in merit.

When the case came up yesterday, Metuh’s counsel, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), sought for an adjournment due to the absence of Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), leading the defence team. Ikpeazu was indisposed on health ground, he was said to have travelled to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital to keep an appointment for eye surgery.

Adedipe told the court that Ikpeazu would want to go on with the trial personally, adding that the lead counsel to the defence had written to the court, through the registrar for an adjournment to any date deemed fit by the court.

Justice Abang adjourned the matter till March 25, 2016 for the defence to open his defence.

to live.

The bottom 10 were; Madagascar, Tanzania, Liberia, Guinea, Rwanda, Benin, Afghanistan, Togo, Syria and Burundi.

South Africa and Ghana stood at 116 and 124 respectively on the Global happiness ranking.

NAN reports that the World Happiness Report, an initiative of the UN, is a landmark survey of the state of global happiness, aimed at influencing government policy.

The report reviews the state of happiness in the world and shows how the new science of happiness explains personal and national variations in happiness.

It reflects a new worldwide demand for more attention to happiness as criteria for government policy.

According to the report, leading experts across fields – economics, psychology, survey analysis, national statistics, health, public policy and more – describe how measurements of well-being can be used effectively to assess the progress of nations.

Healthy years of life expectancy, GDP per capital, social support, perceived absence of corruption in government and business, freedom to make life decisions and generosity are some of the factors the report considers.

7 news

Friday, 18 March, 2016

FG queries heads of MDAs over non-compliance with directive

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HE Federal Government has queried heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that failed to comply with its directive to submit their procurement records of 2014 to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

A top official at the Bureau told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Thursday, that letters were being disbursed to the affected agencies.

“At the moment, the letters are going out to all MDAs for chief executives who are responsible to give reasons

why this part of the law could not be complied with by them.

“They will also explain why sanctions as stipulated by the Act should not be applied to them and they are expected to reply within one week of receiving the query.

“It is based on their reply

to the query that further actions will be taken against both the entities and the chief executives that have not complied,” the source said.

The source also said after the directive was given, only

Provost makes case for degree programmes

By Kehinde Adio PROVOST, Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, Professor Kamoru Usuman, has said if the Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC),would empower colleges of education in Nigeria to run degree programme in affiliation with university within their neighborhood, the development would go a long way to improve access to university education in the country.

Professor Usuman made the remark on Tuesday, during the fourth matriculation ceremony of the college degree programme, run in affiliation with the University of Ibadan.

He noted the inadequate numbers of universities in the country against the increasing teeming youths seeking university education annually.

According to him, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, through its affiliation with University of Ibadan to run degree programme in education, has become part of the solution to this national challenge of uneasy access to university education in the country.

“One of the ways to justify this affiliation status is to increase the number of courses on the programme, as well as carrying capacity and admission quota to give more opportunity for candidates.

“In this institution, we have what its takes in terms

of human resoures, structures, teaching and research facilities to run degree programmes especially in education,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, who was represented by

the Dean, Faculty of Arts, UI, Professor Babatunde Ekanola,commended the college for its academic staff capacity development, its dedication and the doggedeness with which it had maintained the affiliation with the university since inception.

It also stated that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation hadh through circular Reference Number SGF.50/S.52/T/3, reminded them on the need to comply with the directive, but they had not done so.

Wife accuses police of detaining husband on parents’ order Olabulo Olalekan - Lagos

From left, Honourables Segun Olulade, Adebisi Yusuf, Dayo Fafunmi (chairman), Funmilayo Tejuosho and Abiodun Tobun, all of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, during their recent visit to the Managing Director of LASAA, Mr Mobolaji Sanusi.

about 100 MDAs had made their submissions.

A copy of the query, which was obtained by NAN, stated that the erring MDAs were violating Section 16(12 and 13) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.

A 28-year-old lady, Mono Orji, has accused the police of arresting her husband, Ugo Madugba, on the order of her parents.

According to her, the police were accusing her husband of marrying her without the consent of her parents and had been detaining him.

The lady, a medical doctor, also raised the alarm over an alleged plan to poison her husband.

The graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) raised the alarm through her Facebook wall.

According to Nono, the father had refused to bless her marriage to Madugba and had been trying to stop the marriage by all means.

She even stated that the father arrested all those who

stood as witnesses during the marriage between her and Ugo Madugba.

The family had allegedly accused the arrested Ugo of hypnotising her before forcing her into a marriage.

“The Nigerian Police, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, has just arrested an innocent 30 years old man, called Inno-

cent Maduagbu, for an offence of marriage.”

Meanwhile, the image maker in charge of the state police command confirmed the arrest of the man to Nigerian Tribune, adding that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station is already undergoing disciplinary process.

Kaduna community protests plan to demolish their houses Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna HUNDREDS of people residing in Gbagyi Villa, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, held a peaceful protest over the plan by the state government to demolish over 3,000 houses in the area.

The state government had, through the Kaduna State

Urban and Property Development Agency ( KAPSUDA), marked various structures in the area to be demolished within 21 days, for not obtaining building permit from the agency before erecting the houses.

The 21 days ultimatum is expected to come to an end next week.

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Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 18 March, 2016

Lagosmetro One dead, 30 injured in multiple accidents Olalekan Olabulo

One of the boats used by the robbers in the operation which was foiled by joint security operatives at Seme border on Thursday.

6 killed, 3 arrested in aborted Seme border robbery Olalekan Olabulo

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ix members of a robbery gang were on Thursday killed during a foiled bank robbery at the Seme border between Nigeria and Republic of Benin.

Lagos Metro gathered that the robbers had for some months, reportedly been planning how to attack banks at the Seme border.

Members of the gang had also reportedly planned to attack the Bureau de Change operators at the border.

The incident, which happened around 12 noon, on

Thursday, created serious confusion at the Nigerian-Benin Republic border.

Policemen from the Nigeria Police Force, Benin Republic Regional Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service and Nigerian Immigration Services took part in the battle against the bandits.

The suspects attempted to enter Nigeria through the border route, but they were resisted by the vigilant joint security force. Recovered from them are: one speed boat, 883 live ammunition, six loaded ‘Magazines’, Dynamites, rocket launcher, explosives and other deadly

weapons.

The commissioner of police, Lagos State command, Fatai Owoseni, visited the scene in company of the Regional Director Department of Police, Benin Republic, Ogouchoro Severin; Customs Area controller, Seme border, Victor Dimka, among others. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Tunji Disu said that intelligence report was received two weeks ago that some hoodlums were planning to raid some banks and Bureau de change operators in Seme.

“It was the synergy be-

tween Nigeria government and that of Benin Republic that led to the successful operation which foiled the attempt by the armed robbers,” the Lagos State police boss said, adding, “as they were going to attack banks in Seme, we gave them the fight of their lives and they abandoned their boats, arms and ammunition and fled through the waterways to Benin Republic, where we also engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

“Some of them fell inside the water. Three of them were arrested while some of them escaped with bullet in-

juries. We are appealing to Nigerians and Beninois to report to the nearest security post when they see dead bodies floating in the water or persons with bullet injuries,” CP Owoseni said.

The Benin Republic police chief, Severin said, “with the sophisticated weapon recovered from the robbers, it would have been bloody if they were not repelled on time.”

Severin also pledged that his country would continue to work with the Nigerian security forces at Seme border to fight crimes and criminality.

One person was feared killed and over 30 others injured in a multiple accident that occurred around Iyana Oworo area of Lagos State.

Five vehicles including a truck, laden with a container, were involved in the accident, which happened at mid-day.

The acting sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Michael Olopade, confirmed the accident to Lagos Metro.

Olopade also stated that the injured victims were taken to the hospital, while some of them with minor injuries were treated at the scene. The accident was blamed on brake failure from one of the vehicles.

Two Mazda buses loaded with passengers were on their way out of Lagos towards the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, when the accident happened. One of the Mazda buses was badly mangled by the truck and emergency workers had to break part of the vehicle to rescue passengers.

A Mazda bus with the Registration NoXL930 LSD, a Mack truck with the Registration No LND 395 XR, a Honda Pilot SUV with the Reg No JJJ 275 DC, a Mazda bus with the Reg No LSD 969 XM, a Toyota Crolla with the Registration No KSF 431 AH were all involved in the accident

Suspects slit Gbemi Solaja A 49-year-old woman, Grace Lucky Bassey and a 31-year-old man Benjamin Otu have been arrested for allegedly killing a 49-yearold man, identified as Lucky Bassey.

It was gathered that the incident which occurred on January 25 was first thought of as a suicide after the victim was found dead with a

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Over 500,000 unapproved distressed buildings in Lagos — LASPPPA

olanreade@yahoo.com

•Lawmakers slam agencies for negligence

Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

Chukwuma Okparaocha

Scene of an accident at Iganmu-Apapa Bridge in Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

Ambode re-opens Mile 12 Market, bans street-trading Bola Badmus Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode, has on Thursday ordered the immediate re-opening of the Mile 12 Market.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen, saying the decision followed the satisfactory meeting and agreement reached with all the stakeholders involved in the operation of the market.

According to Ayorinde, the stakeholders meeting involved the market men and women, traditional leaders in the community, residents and community development associations. He disclosed that some of the major agreements reached with a consensus amongst the various stakeholders include, relocation of the market to another suitable

location as the existing market can no longer contain the traders; ban on the use of commercial motorcycles (okada riders) in the area; co- existence amongst all ethnic groups in the market and environs and removal of all shanties and il-

legal attachments/structures within the market area.

Others are that market operation should be confined within the market area and that no street-trading and with the promise to trade in a clean and hygienic environ-

ment.

It could be recalled that the Mile 12 Market was shut by the state governor, Mr. Ambode on March 3, 2016, after a clash between residents and okada operators in the Mile 12 area.

The alarm has been raised for Lagosians to be wary of over 500,000 unapproved and distressed buildings littering different parts of the state. This was made known by the management of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), whose office was visited by the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development on Thursday.

The committee also visited Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) which shares the building with LASPPPA. Citing a November, 2011 report, the LASPPPA management indicated that just over one million buildings were recognised in the state, and that less than half of those were covered with approval.

The buildings, according to information gathered by Lagos Metro are scattered in different parts of Lagos, including Lagos Island, Mainland, as well as the suburbs. Lagos Metro got the information during a tour of the agencies by the House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Mr Setonji David, who is the chairman of the committee, said that the negligence

on the part of LASPPPA and LASBCA resulted in the building collapse at Lekki Garden on March 7 which claimed 34 lives.

“We have planned to visit all agencies under Physical Planning and Urban Development to have on the spot assessment. Personally, we have issues with your agencies. You are not doing the monitoring as expected as there are haphazard structures all over the state. It is not enough to serve notice of illegal structures; you must ensure enforcement of regulations. You cannot exonerate yourselves from Lekki Garden disaster. You don’t really have the control,” David said.

Other committee members, Mr Akeem Bello, the Minority Leader, Mr Victor Akande (PDP-Ojo I), Mr Nurudeen Saka-Solaja (APC-Ikorodu II), Mr Rasheed Makinde (APC-Ifako/Ijaiye I) urged the agencies to reduce illegal structures in the state.

Earlier, Mr Kunle Osude, Acting General Manager of the LASPPPA said that the attitude of many land owners had not been helping the agency, adding that the agency had been working to check all delays in the issuance of building approval and urged the lawmakers to support the agency.

NURTW declares war on sale of ogogoro at motor parks Apparently disturbed by the rate at which commercial bus drivers and Okada riders were being convicted by the recently inaugurated mobile courts by the Lagos State government, the Lagos State council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has embarked on elaborate public enlightenment campaign/education to create awareness for commercial, popularly known as danfo drivers and Okada riders in the state.

The state chairman of

the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, speaking at an emergency meeting, launched billboards, banners and handbills to be distributed and conspicuously displayed to remind drivers and okada riders about the do’s and don’ts of traffic law in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Agbede said, “The reason why we are organising this programme is that some of our members, especially the okada riders and danfo drivers are still flouting the traffic laws and their

actions are denting the image of our union, hence the decision of the state council to embark on the program to educate our members on the various aspects of traffic laws and the punishment for the violators.

“It may interest you to

know that some okada riders still ply highways in the state, despite the fact that it is against the law,” he said, adding that the state council will also declare war on sales of alcohol and hard drugs at motor parks and garages. “l want to sound a note of

warning to members, any member of union caught by law enforcement agent, apart from getting punished by the state government, such drivers will also be punished by the union for denting the image of the union,” he said.

t pastor’s throat, feign his suicide short note.

The incident had, earlier in January, been reported as a suicide case to the police station, Dopemu division.

The victim was popularly referred to as ‘pastor’ and was a well-respected man of God. It was gathered that Bassey was facing a serious battle with the members of his church after he was accused of diverting church funds.

The incident bothered him

so much and after he was found dead with a suicide note, news spread across the area that he probably had committed suicide due to shame.

Speaking before an Ebutte Meta Magistrates’ Court, the Prosecutor, Mr G. Kokoye, said the two suspects allegedly killed the victim on the fateful day by slitting his throat with a kitchen knife and staged his death as a

suicide to cover up for the crime.

He said the accused committed the crime at about 4:00 p.m. at 23, Aban Street Iyana Ipaja. The suspects face a two-count charge of felony and murder but pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mrs H. O. Omisore ordered that they be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter till April 12.

Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, flanked by other state officers and members of NURTW sanitasation committee, on Monday.

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businessnews

Friday, 18 March, 2016

Crude price rises to $40 per barrel •As Kachikwu advises oil producing countries on cost profile Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos

C

rude oil price hits $40 per barrel as crude market experienced further rise prices.

Oil producers including Gulf OPEC members support holding talks next month on a deal to keep production at current levels, even if Iran declines to participate, OPEC sources said on Wednesday.

A meeting would increase the likelihood of the first global supply deal in 15 years, settling dispute between members and non-members of OPEC. US crude was up 65 cents at $39.11 a barrel at 0452 GMT, having earlier risen as high as $39.38. Brent crude rose 38 cents to $40.71.

“A smaller than expected gain in inventories in the US also supported prices,” ANZ

Savings culture: FCMB adopts school in Ondo Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has urged Nigerian youths, especially students, to expand their knowledge base on financial literacy and its principles. This, the Bank stated, can be achieved by imbibing a savings and investment culture at an early age which will help to empower them and secure their future in a sustainable manner.

Speaking during an outreach programme organised by FCMB for students of Federal Government Girls College, Akure in Ondo State, on Thursday, the Bank’s Vice President/ Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Diran Olojo who represented the Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ladi Balogun, stated that imbibing financial principles at an early age will go a long way to help students and the young ones manage their resources effectively.

He said it will also help them appreciate how money works and how it can be channeled to productive ventures.

This is just as FCMB adopted the school for a full year as part of the Bank’s financial literacy programme support.

This adoption according to the bank will result in the participation of the bank’s staff in various mentoring projects, the provision of teaching services to the students and other support activities during the next 12 months. In addition, the Bank also announced the donation of a power generating set to the school.

said in a morning note.

Crude inventories increased 1.3 million barrels in the week to March 11 to 523.2 million, a much smaller build than the 3.4 million-barrel increase expected by analysts.

The market is also rallying after a less hawkish US monetary outlook, as the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady and indicated two rate hikes this year instead of the four expected.

Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Qatari oil minister, said producers from within and outside the OPEC will meet in Doha on April 17 to discuss plans for a freeze in output.

“The initiative was sup-

ported by around 15 OPEC and non-OPEC producers, accounting for about 73 per cent of global oil production,” the minister said.

Since the freeze was first proposed last month, prices have recovered about 50

From left: Mr Tunde Olukoya, Regional Business Executive, Sterling Bank Plc; Ms Linda Potticary, Principal, Day Waterman College, Abeokuta and Mr Shina Atilola, Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Sterling Bank Plc during the Financial Literacy Week held on Wednesday, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Access Bank declares N75bn profit, total dividend of 55 kobo Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

Access Bank Plc has announced a 44 per cent growth in profit before tax to 75 billion from 52 billion in 2014.

The bank proposes a final dividend of 30 kobo per share bringing the total dividend for the year to 55 kobo, in the audited results for the full year ended 31 December 2015.

In his review of the result, the Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc Herbert Wigwe attributed the lender’s performance contributions from securities trading business.

Wigwe added, Gross Earnings totaled 337.4billion in Financial Year (FY) 2015, 38 per cent increase year on year (y/y) (FY 2014: 245.4bn), with interest income and non-interest income contributing 62 per cent and 38per cent, respectively.

Profit After Tax (PAT) was up 53per cent in Full Year 2015 to 65.9 billion from 43.1 billion in FY 2014; Return On Average Equity (ROAE) of 20.4 per cent in FY 2015, from 16.5 per cent in FY 2014, indicative of the Bank’s commitment to maximising shareholder returns; Interest Income grew by 17 per cent y/y to 207.8billion in FY 2015 from 176.9billion in FY

2014 as a result of improved income from lending activities and increased yield on investment securities “This year’s results reinforce our resolve to generate sustainable returns despite challenging market conditions. We achieved strong financial progress in 2015 as the Group recorded a 44 per cent growth in profit before tax to 75 billion from 52 billion in 2014, with significant contribution from our securities trading business,” Wigwe said.

Guided by a robust risk management framework Wigwe added, the bank’s

diversified business model yielded positive results as it grew the business cautiously and recorded sound prudential ratios.

According to Wgwe, during the year, Access Bank successfully raised capital by way of Rights Issue which has significantly strengthened its capital base and now provides the bank with sufficient headroom to harness opportunities in key growth sectors of the economy.

“In addition, the recent upgrade of our national scale credit rating to ‘A’

by Fitch Ratings – even in an extremely difficult

environment will enable growth in the market share of our customers’ businesses and solidify our position as a top player in the industry.

“We also made remarkable headway in redesigning our systems and processes to enhance service delivery across all customer touchpoints, with emphasis on tailored customer interactions. Leveraging innovation, we introduced products and solutions which have enhanced our brand equity and recorded significant customer adoption and migration to our digital platforms,” he noted.

NEPC to create 1.5m jobs with NDEX programme The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has stated that it will create not less than 1.5 million jobs in the next five years with its Nigerian Diaspora Export Programme (NDEX) Mr Segun Awolowo, Director-General of NEPC, represented by Mr Olusegun Faleke, the Southwest Regional Head of the council, made this known at a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the council in Lagos.

Awolowo said that the NDEX programme had been part of the council’s efforts to rebrand the im-

age of Nigeria, outside its shores, thereby generating more revenue for the nation.

“There is no doubt that the essence of our gathering today underscores the crucial role that Nigerians living in the diaspora are expected to play in this programme, given that about 15 million Nigerians live abroad, generating over $21 billion so far as recorded by World Bank in 2013.

“Now this is just a paper work, it is likely the populations of Nigerians living abroad are more than that.

“The NDEX Programme is the one that seeks to

leverage on the presence of Nigerians in Diaspora, using their advantage of creating a strong ‘External Demand Pull’ for indigenous foods, fashion and other products.

“We have emphasis on key areas, and they are the Nigerian Heritage City (NHC), The Nigerian Cuisine beyond Borders (NCBB) and the Diaspora Export of Non-Oil Products (DENOP) “The NHC seeks to create a formalised hub where Nigerian products and services would be displayed just like we have back home in Nigeria.

per cent from decade-low levels.

In another development, Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu has advised oil producing countries to use the fall in oil price to check cost profile in doing business.

Kachikwu gave the advice at the closing ceremony of the 6th African Petroleum Congress and Exhibition, on Thursday in Abuja.

“The industry will still be in challenge in one to two years and I hope that the lesson you take away will help you either as government policy makers or practitioners in the industry, to confront some of the issues.

“Amidst all these global chaos, reducing prices, lack of investments, loss of jobs, contracting of most of the servicing companies, postponement of major projects, there are some good safer linings.

“It is a good opportunity for countries to begin to look inwards, check their cost profile,’’ he said.

According to him, during the era of 120 dollar per barrel many countries and companies assumed that it will not end and the cost profile was up the bounds.

New SMEDAN DG assumes office Gbola Subair-Abuja

The Newly appointed Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr Dikko Umaru Radda has assumed duty as the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency.

Radda who was until his present appointment was the Chief of Staff to the Katsina State Governor was on Monday appointed to head SMEDAN. The new Director-General was received by the Director Enterprise Development and Promotion of the agency, Mr Olawale Fasanya and other Directors of the agency and was introduced to the various heads of departments of the agency.

In a short speech during the briefing by management of SMEDAN, Dr Radda thanked the management for the warm reception accorded him and solicited for the managements support and cooperation towards achieving the mandate of the agency.

He also stated that he came to the agency with an open mind and to work for the development of the MSME sub sector of the economy.

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Nigerian Tribune

Fayemi reiterates FG’s commitment to boost economy through solid minerals • Urges Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria products By ’Wale Olapade

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he Minister of solid minerals and natural resources, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has called on Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria products as a crucial step to boost the economy of the country.

Fayemi made this call at the median edition of new telegraph economic summit with theme, Nigeria: beyond the oil economy, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday.

According to fayemi, As a prodigal generation, we wasted years of Oil boom after Oil boom, failing to leverage what should otherwise be a blessing, neither improving the standard of life and living of Nigerians nor saving for rainy days.

The resource trap was sustained over the years till the dramatic reversal of our fortunes in recent times, with falling oil prices in the global market and prevailing challenges relating to the Oil and Gas industry now making it imperative on us to pursue the diversification of our economy’s revenue base.

“The Muhammadu Buhari administration’s determination to fix the Mining and Agriculture sectors of our economy is simply an effort to re-enact the glorious days gone by and reclaim this promise.

Speaking specifically about the Mining Sector, the minister said a virile mining industry is not new to Nigeria, adding that mining of resources in the country began as far back as 1902 in key mining towns such as Jos and Enugu.

“Mining was a major contributor to Nigeria’s revenue base and was a leading employer of skilled and unskilled labour.

“The low contribution of the mining sector to the nation’s GDP has not always been the case as Nigeria once had a booming mining industry. Like the agricultural sector the discovery of oil resulted in the gradual neglect of the sector. Before

the oil boom, Nigeria’s economy was largely sustained by agriculture and exploration of solid minerals.

“President Buhari has repeatedly affirmed that a core pillar of this administration’s economic policy is the repositioning of two major industries – Mining and Agriculture, with a view to maximally exploiting their potentials to increase government revenue, create jobs, and expand.

“We have a regime of robust mining legislations, pro-growth policies, and supporting regulation, which are currently being examined to

see how we can improve on them.

“We also have strong and growing support from key international partners and institutions. We believe that these together serve to inspire confidence about our commitment to creating a globally competitive platform for local and international players in Nigeria’s mining and minerals processing sector.

“Our main strategy for attracting local and international investors to a resurgent Nigerian mining industry is our demonstrated commitment to policy predictability, coherence, accountability and

transparency in the sector.

Limestone is a good example of one mineral we have gotten right, and have an enviable success story to share. Deposits of Limestone abound in Sokoto, Gombe, Benue, Kogi, Edo, Oyo, Ebonyi, Ogun and Cross River States. National Annual Demand is About 18 Million Tons with eight Cement Companies Operating In Nigeria.

“Even though Nigeria has had known endowments in limestone and gypsum for decades, this did not result in self-sufficiency in cement production until local pro-

THE National Economic Council (NEC) headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has organise a two-day Retreat next week beginning Monday According to a statement which emanated from the office of the Vice President in Abuja on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari will deliver the keynote

jected to earn over $600m in 2016 from cement exports.”

“The limestone success story is a win-win one that has created shared prosperity for all stakeholders.

We are open and ready to support the replication of this model with the mining of other minerals for all investors.”

Economy in distress: WAiFEM DG gives policy options Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by the Regional Bank Head, North West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nasiru Sama (right), teaching Financial Education to students of Hilltop Model School, Minna, Niger State, recently.

NLC president tasks petroleum minister to resign, if ...

Kola Oyelere-Kano

THE Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) Ayuba Wabba, has called on the Minister of State for Petroleum Mr Ibe kachukwu to resign his appointment if it was true that he said that it is cheaper to imported fuel products than to refine the commodity locally.

This is just as the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, assured the textile industries, the present government ‘s commitment in industrialising the sector by creating an enabling environment as well diversify the economy

from relying only on mono economy , which has drastically affected the economic of the country.

The NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba , who made the call on Thursday at the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigera (NUTG ) ,11th Quadrennial delegate conference in Kano, chided the Petroleum Minister over the alleged statement, calling on him to withdraw the statement or of face the wrath of Nigerian workers.

He described the statement as further attempt by the minister to protest

certain interest that have for years continue to derail effort to successfully refine petroleum products in Nigeria , which in turn leads to loss of huge amount in revenue supposed to have accrued to the national treasury.

According to him, the failure to refine petroleum products locally has generated huge profits for private companies who rather than construct refineries in Nigeria have proceed to construct refineries outside Nigeria to where they ferry crude from Nigeria to such destination and return its finish product into the country at a huge cost.

National Economic Council holds 2-day retreat Leon Usigbe-Abuja

ducers like Dangote, BUA Group, Lafarge Plc e.t.c. were encouraged through deliberate government policy to increase local production.”

Fayemi explained that with an aggressive import substitution strategy via the local manufacturing of cement, the local cement manufacturers have moved Nigeria from being a net-importer of cement to a net-exporter in less than a decade.

According to him, “Almost $10 billion was saved in foreign exchange over the last 10 years, with $2 billion in savings in 2014 alone. The Dangote Group alone is pro-

address during the formal opening session.

The statement said Osinbajo, as Chairman of NEC, would preside over the retreat with governors from the 36 states of the federation attending, including the Central Bank Governor and the Budget & Planning Minister among other top government functionaries.

It added that the objec-

tive of the NEC Retreat is to provide a forum for indepth discussions by NEC members of the policy actions that the States and the Federal Government can consider in order to stimulate local production, cut costs and enhance public revenues among other measures to stimulate the economy.

Signed by Laolu Akande,

the spokesman of the Vice President, the statement added: “Contrary to suggestions, the Retreat is not an emergency national economic conference.

The idea was mooted at the last regular NEC meeting in January, where members requested an intensive session to review economic trends and evolve strategies to cope.”

He said the comment by the minister lacks logic, stating that, crude is ferried from Nigeria to foreign countries to be refined and returned to Nigeria with diverse taxes being paid, how then is it cheaper to import fuel that to refine it locally he queried.

Speaking on behalf of Professor Osibanjo on Thursday at the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigera (NUTG , Alhaji Aminu Aliyu Bisalla, permanent secretary, ministry of trade and investment, said that the problems facing the industries are numerous.

“With the determination of government to overcome the challenges Nigeria textile industries were facing the textile industries and the investors, so as to ensure sustainable growth He observed that straight facilitation within and across borders is given priority, adding that we can meaningfully build on these areas, which is not only addressing the needs of today but to provide for the future prosperity of Nigerians, yet unborn.

The Director General of of the West African Institute for Finance and Economic Management(WAIFEM), Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo has given a number of policy options to that will help stir the Nigerian economy which he said is in distress into the path of recovery.

Delivering his address at the inaugural lecture of the Centre for Financial Journalism in Lagos on Thursday, Ekpo warned that the economy is “on the tip of recession and called on the government to be strategic if it wants to fast track Nigerians development.

According to him, while no economic blue-print has been made available, based on the All Progressive Congress’ manifesto, pronouncements by government as well as the draft 2016 budget, President Mohammadu Buhari has several policy choices that will give quick results both in the short and medium terms.

The WAIFEM DG stated that investment in power would enhance growthand generate employment. It would result in the establishment of new micro and small-scale industries as well as sustaining existing ones.

He observed that construction of both urban and rural roads and repairs of existing roads would generate employment, even as the visible hand of government needs to recruit persons into all the security agencies such as the police, Army, Air force, Navy, Immigration, customs among others.

“The multiplier effects of government employment would grow the economy and then check the pending recession. The new workers would earn wages, pay taxes to the government and demand goods and services,” the professor advised.

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US military restricts travel to West Africa, notes recent attacks

EU, US condemn mosque bomb attack in Borno Adetola Bademosi - Abuja

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HE Pentagon on Thursday restricted U.S. service members’ travel to five West African countries, citing recent militant attacks in the region, U.S. defence officials said.

A spokesman for U.S. Africa Command, Navy Lieutenant Commodore Anthony Falvo, said that the order limits unofficial travel by U.S. military personnel to Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Ghana.

“It is just increased vigi-

lance given the recent events that have happened in that area of the world,’’ Falvo said.

A report says gunmen on Sunday, killed 19 people at a beach-side resort in Ivory Coast.

The attack was claimed by al Qaeda’s North African

branch, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

The same group said it was behind a January attack on a hotel and restaurant in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou that killed 29 people, as well as a November hotel siege in Mali.

From left, Ex Director-General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Chief Segun Runsewe; former governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Sarah Alade; Minister for Solid Mineral, Mining and Natural Resources, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph, Mrs Funke Egbemode, at the New Telegraph Economic Summit on Nigeria beyond Oil, held at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Human head theft: Kwara AG takes over prosecution Biola Azeez - Ilorin THE Kwara State office of Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has taken over prosecution of a suspected church leader caught with human head and parts.

The accused, one Gabriel Josaya, a.k.a Eli-Wakuku, is the prophet and founder of St Moses Orimolade Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Osere area, Ilorin.

Speaking when he appeared before a Magistrates court in Ilorin, on Thursday, the Assistant State Prosecutor from the Ministry, Ayoola Akande, told the court that the case file and other necessary documents had been transferred to the Attorney-General’s office, saying they were ready for prosecution.

It will be recalled that on February 5, 2016, information received from reliable source said that Gabriel Josaya, a.k.a Eli-wakuku conspired with one Gabriel Moyosore ‘m’; Yinusa Sa’ad Ayinla; Alfa Alaba Isiaka (at large) and others.

The First Information Report (FIR) said the suspects were arrested and charged to court for unlawful entry into Muslim cemetery ground, Osere area, Ilorin, since the year 2009 till date, where some human skulls had allegedly been removed by them and sold to various customers at the rate of

N8,000 per skull.

They were charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass and unlawful possession of human head, contrary to Sections 97, 348, 219 of penal code law.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the first, second and third accused persons were in court with tight security around them in the Court premises.

While arguing for bail of the first accused person, the counsel to first accused person, Mr J.O. Gbadebo, said that he had filed a motion

for the bail of his client since February 26, 2016.

He cited section 3, 4 sub section 2 and 3 of CPC and section 36 of Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria to back his argument saying that denying his client bail would amount to pre-punishment before trial.

The second and third accused persons’ counsel, led

by Mr Muhammed Aminu, expressed disappointment over how the Ministry of Justice had handled the case.

He told the court that he

was served the affidavit and counter motion few minutes to 9a.m. in court before the Magistrate commenced the court session, stressing that the action amounted to injustice and attempted plan to deny his clients bail.

He argued that the accused persons were presumed innocent until the court ruled otherwise and urged the court to grant the bail application before it.

Magistrate (Mrs) Kehinde Yahyah however, adjourned the case till 31 March, 2016 for ruling on bail application.

It is criminal to abandon project after part payment of N600 million —FG Ademola Adegbite - Abuja IT is now a criminal offence for any contractor to receive payment up to the tune of N600 million from the Federal Government to execute a project only for the government to discover that there is practically nothing done on the site.

This was the submission of the Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, during an on the spot assessment of the plant site in Kaduna State.

Mrs Mohammed, who decried the deplorable state of the Kaduna Project Scrap Metal Recovery and Recycling Plant, then declared that the government would not continue to expend its

scarce resources on projects with no appreciable work done on such site.

She added that President Muhammadu Buhari led administration would not accept such from any contractor, irrespective of how highly placed in the society, saying the government has zero tolerance for such retrogressive acts.

The minister frowned at the attitude of payment for contracts without proper execution of jobs, assuring that a thorough assessment of the situation would be made with a view to revamping the plant for optimal use.

In a related development, the minister called for the empowerment of women

and girl child as integral components in the realisation of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The minister also canvassed for the provision of equal opportunities for women and the girl child in the areas of education and technology, wages as well as right to land and inheritance.

She urged the private sector, Non –Governmental Organisations (NGOs), students and community leaders to join in the struggle for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), maintaining that the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the creation of awareness of the SDGs.

According to U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Baldanza, a Pentagon spokeswoman, the order remains in effect until June 30, and does not restrict official travel to the countries involved.

“Given the recent attacks in Western Africa, we felt it prudent to make this decision at this time in an effort to ensure the safety of our personnel,’’ Baldanza said.

U.S. Africa Command has between 1,000 and 1,200 forces on the continent at any one time, mostly in training and support roles to help local security forces combat militants.

Meanwhile, both the European Union and the United States government have condemned, in strongest terms, the terrorist bombing of a mosque on Wednesday, March 16 near Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

In separate statements, they extended their deepest condolences to the families of the latest victims of what they described as Boko Haram’s senseless brutality.

The US observed that Boko Haram continues to commit vicious attacks against innocent civilians, including children.

It noted that the group has demonstrated repeatedly its disregard for lives of tens of thousands it has killed, raped, and injured and the millions it has displaced in the Lake Chad Basin region.

The United States pledged that it will continue to support those affected by Boko Haram’s violence through ongoing humanitarian aid and victim support services.

It also said that US remained committed to assisting its partners in the Lake Chad Basin region, who are leading the fight to end Boko Haram’s wanton violence and restore peace.

In its statement, the European Union delegation and EU Heads of Mission in Nigeria decried the fact that the attack was carried out on innocent worshippers, and condoled families of victims and the injured.

The EU reaffirmed its full support to the Federal Government and the Nigerian people in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

It hinted that insurgency featured prominently at the ongoing EU-Nigeria Joint Ministerial meeting in Brussels.

According to the statement, “The EU again confirms its full solidarity with the Nigerian government and people in their fight against terrorism in all its forms.”

Nigerian Tribune

Robbers invade community, kill 2 Alphonsus Agborh -Asaba THE police in Delta State have stepped up investigation into the gruesome killing of two persons in Otolokpo, Ika North East area of Delta State last weekend, by hoodlums.

A retired school teacher, Sir David Nwadiolu and a businessman, Mr Dina Utomi, were shot dead in their houses when a gang of suspected robbers invaded the community at night.

The robbers were said to have attacked several houses and collected undisclosed amount of money, while residents in the town now live in fear.

The state police public relations officer, Celestina Kalu, told the Nigerian Tribune that no arrest has been made in connection with the incident.

Police to launch first phase of logistics, personnel for counter-insurgency today Chris Agbambu and Collins Nnabuife - Abuja THE Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, Solomon Arase, on Thursday, said that the Police will be launching the logistics procured and personnel for war against terrorism today.

The Police boss disclosed this at the second roundtable on security stabilisation in the North East.

According to him, “following the outcome of the last roundtable, the Nigeria Police has heightened its deployment process.

“In furtherance to this, massive human and material assets have been mobilised while the engagements of strategic stakeholders, particularly the military and local communities are also being pursued with vigour.

“I can confirm that by tomorrow, Friday, March18, 2016, the first logistics procured and personnel mobilised for first phase of the deployment will be launched.”

He also hailed the collaboration between the Nigeria Police and the military in taking bold steps in neutralising and sustaining the pressure on terrorists.

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Undertakers carrying the coffin bearing the body of the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr James Ocholi, at the National Hospital, Abuja to his hometown in Kogi State, on Wednesday. PHOTO: NAN

Ocholi taught us the meaning of loyalty — Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has paid a glowing tribute to late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Reverend James Ocholi, describing him as an embodiment of loyalty.

In a statement made available to State House correspondents in Abuja, on Thursday, the president noted that Ocholi, who died in a motor accident along with his wife and son, was one of his right hand men in his quest to reposition the country.

“How do I begin to pay this tribute to a man who was the epitome of civility, the archetype of intellectualism, and the paragon of loyalty?

“How do I begin to mourn James Ocholi, whom you can describe as one of my right hand men in the quest to reposition our country, and fashion a land of peace and prosperity, where no man is oppressed?

“A lot has been written about Ocholi since the tragic event of March 6, 2016, which took the life of our Minister of State, Labour and Employment, his wife, Blessing, and his son, Joshua.

“And a lot more will be written, for Ocholi was no mean man. He was a man among men, an Iroko in a forest of trees. How are the mighty fallen!

“Among many other positive and pleasant things, I will always remember Ocholi for his loyalty to our beloved country Nigeria, loyalty to our party, the All Progressives Congress, and loyalty to our administration, in which he had served for just about four months, before death took him.

“In 2011, Ocholi ran to be governor of Kogi State on the platform of our then party, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). I believed so much in him, and in his ability to add value to the governance of his state, that I followed him round the state on campaign.

“We visited all the local governments, visited the paramount rulers and urged the people to vote in a worthy

man as governor. But politics is a peculiar game in Nigeria.

The best often does not win.

Ocholi did not win. But he bore it gracefully.

“In 2015, he threw his hat into the ring again. He sought to be governor on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he had helped midwife. He still did not win at the party primaries, an eventuality he bore gracefully again.

“When the APC was being negotiated into existence among the legacy parties, Ocholi did a yeoman’s job, contributing his quota to the legal processes. This he did under a junior lawyer, who was not a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) like him then.

“But what mattered to Ocholi was the birth of a strong, solid party, which

could wrest power at the centre, and bring change to our country. Hierarchy is important in the legal profession, just as it is in the military. But Ocholi subordinated pride and ego, served under his subordinate and APC was born. Dream became reality.

“Steadily but sure-footedly, he was part of the change cabinet, resolved to bring our country from out of the woods, and pedestal Nigeria among the greats in the comity of nations.

“Then the unthinkable happened. The Grim Reaper harvested Ocholi. What a pity!

Sad and tragic. But we have this consolation: the departed has taught us fidelity, commitment and loyalty to party, to government, and to God. “He will be sorely missed,” the statement read.

We are set to affect homes positively — Family Impact Vision

By Ronke Sanya CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO), Family Impact Magazine Vision and publisher, Family Impact Magazine, Dr Mrs Bosade Ogunlana, has expressed readiness of the organisation to affect more homes and families through its upcoming Family Impact Couple’s Cocktail.

Ogunlana, the wife of Pastor Gbade Ogunlana, of popular Paito Wa television programme, stated this on Thursday, at a press conference organised to create awareness about the upcoming Family Impact Couple’s Cocktail, which is set to hold on April 2, at Mauve 21 Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan.

Mrs Ogunlana said, “Family Impact Vision is basically aimed at helping families thrive well. Impacting homes positively, thereby building nations.

“We realise that great families make great nations and stable families make a stable society. This is the reason for our upcoming Family Impact Cocktail.

“These are crucial times when moral values are fast declining in our society, as

such, family impact vision is committed to a transformation agenda in homes,” she said.

The Couple’s Cocktail, according to her, would feature question and answer segment and talk shows with seasoned marriage counsellors to address burning issues.

Also at the event, founder, Vale College Ibadan, Mrs Funsho Adegbola, in her address, entitled: Importance of stable home front on the children,” expressed disapproval at the reversal of roles between the father and the mother in a family and called for active engagement of fathers in running family affairs.

“In some homes, women have become spiritual heads, financial heads, instead of the father performing these roles. This is not God’s design. Men are to be the head of homes. Men are supposed to be the priests at home. This role reversal affects children negatively,” she said.

Chariman of Family Impact Vision, Mr Gbade Ogunlana, in his address, said the vision of Family Impact is multidimensional.

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

16 DR & DR (MRS) LEWIS @ 50

From left, Reverend (Dr) Wilson Badejo, Reverend (Dr) Damilola Lewis and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Tayo Lewis, during the inauguration of The Foursquare Gospel Church, Aba-Ibeji, Ibadan and 50th birthday of Reverend (Dr) Damilola and Dr (Mrs) Tayo Lewis, on Wednesday.

Reverend (Dr) Wilson Badejo, Reverend Sam Adesua, Reverend (Dr) Damilola Lewis, his wife, Dr (Mrs) Tayo Lewis and Reverend Emmanuel Adejoro, inaugurating Foursquare Gospel Church, Aba-Ibeji, Ibadan.

From right, Mrs Iyabo Lewis, Mrs Adebunmi Salimonu, Dr (Mrs) Ajoke Olarinmoye and Mrs Adunni Beckley.

Friday, 18 March, 2016

SEYI MAKINDE RECEIVES CCII’S NATIONAL MERIT AWARD

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji (left), with Mr Seyi Makinde, at the national merit award and OkeIbadan Festival, organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, on Thursday.

From left, the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun; President, CCII, Chief Wole Akinwande; Mr Seyi Makinde, Chief Amidu Ajibade and Chief Lateef Adebimpe, presenting the national merit award to Makinde.

Deputy governor of of Oyo State, Chief Moses Adeyemo (right) in handshake with Mr Makinde, while Alhaji Azeez looks on.

Dr and Mrs Akin Philips.

From left, Mr Makinde, Senator Gbenga Babalola and the Social Democratic Party chairman, Oyo State, Alhaji Kola Balogun.

Dr and Dr (Mrs) Lewis flanked by, from left, Titi Lewis, Bunmi Lewis, Mrs Dolapo Williams and Babatunde Lewis, to cut the 50th birthday cake.

From left, Mr Makinde, his mother, Mrs Olatunbosun Makinde and the planning committee chairman for 2016 OkeIbadan Festival, Reverend Ademola Moradeyo.

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

O

H me!, Oh me!!, that was what came out of my mouth when Omaghomi, a former Special Assistant to late Professor Ambrose Mofolorounsho Alli (a one time Governor of old Bendel State), told me of the death of Uncle Felix Ibru on Saturday 12th March, 2016. I was on my way to Ikeja Airport Hotel, Lagos to attend the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Akin Olasunkanmi, a one-time Minister of the Federal Republic, when Omaghonmi (a relation of the Rewanes of Warri) informed me of the death of respected Felix Ibru. It was a most painful news to me. All of us must die. It is an inevitable reality of life. It, however, pains when a good man departs from this world of sin. Uncle Felix Ibru was a good and kind-hearted man. Though he had reason to be grateful to God for all he had received from God as gifts of life, we still cannot but express grief at his death. Uncle Felix Ibru came from the famous Ibru family of Nigeria.

The Ibru Family is a wealthy family that has built its wealth on genuine efforts of self development. No one can ever fault the Ibrus on their contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. The industrial base of Nigeria will for many years to come reserve special place of honour to the Ibru Family.

“Egbon” Felix Ibru had a deep connection with Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos through his brother Alex. I was to attend Igbobi College, Yaba between 1964 and 1965 for my higher school certificate classes. His brother, the late Alex Ibru, was also at Igbobi College before going to Ibadan Grammar School for his H.Sc programme.

I met Uncle Felix Ibru at Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s residence at Apapa, Lagos. Uncle Felix Ibru was a great supporter of Papa Awolowo and his politics. He was never afraid to chest out as someone ever ready to defend the political interests of the sage.

I remember in 1979 when the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was experiencing political problems at the Urbobo Senatorial District of the then Bendel State.

The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was looming so large in that area of Bendel State at that time. Many politicians of Urhoboland were not keen on involving themselves with political contests with the NPN people.

Though our deputy gubernatorial candidate, the late Chief Demas Akpore (a famous educationalist) tried his best, the UPN still had problems. The then UPN’s Chief Organisation Secretary for Bendel State, Gabriel Enaboifo, and his team at our Benin Secretariat did try to penetrate Urhoboland for the UPN, it was just too difficult.

One day, Gabby Enaboifo called me in Lagos and told me “Ebino, I am happy to inform you that Felix Ibru has entered the Senatorial race on the platform of our Party.”

I immediately packed my bag and baggage and raced down to Benin to be a part of the Felix Ibru Senatorial Campaign Organisation. I was then the National Director of Organisation of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

On getting to Benin, myself and Gabriel Enaboifo did not waste time in departing to Agbara Ottor to join the Felix Ibru Campaign. The campaign was led by Chief Felix Ibru himself. It was a determined campaign group that gave the NPN a hell of a time and raced the NPN to the electoral tape that year. I can never forget the Sapele campaign of Uncle Felix Ibru. He, in a stormy sensation, led the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) into the Sapele market, alerting the interests of the people of Urhoboland to the political existence of the Unity Party of Nigeria. Sapele was enveloped by enthusiastic UPN supporters who had come from near and far to participate in the Felix Ibru UPN political offensive in Urhoboland. Urhoboland at that time was the only major area of the old Bendel State that was massively dominated by the NPN people.

At the end of the Senatorial contest, Uncle Felix Ibru and the UPN lost to the NPN in Urhoboland. The famous Chartered Accountant Dafinone led the NPN campaign against Uncle Felix Ibru and the UPN. Uncle Felix Ibru had known quite well that it was going to be tough in the Urhobo area for the UPN to dislodge Dafinone and the NPN. He was determined as an Awoist who loved Papa Awolowo passionately never to allow the NPN people a free reign in Urhoboland. The Spartan leadership of the Unity Party of Nigeria by “Egbon” Felix Ibru will ever remain in my heart until I too answer the supreme call.

Eventually, Uncle Felix Ibru became the Executive Governor of Delta State after the old Bendel State had been dissolved into Edo and Delta States. Uncle Felix

With

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And Uncle Felix Ibru died

•The late Olorogun Felix Ibru

Ibru became the Executive Governor of Delta State on the Social Democratic Party (SDP) political platform.

One day, I had a big problem that required very urgent political solution. I wanted to see Uncle Felix Ibru very desperately. I called on Patricia Otuedon, a Warriborn lady who had served with me at the Unity Party of Nigeria Secretariat at Abule-Ijesa, Lagos during the Second Republic. Patricia knew the Ibru brothers well.

She made all the contacts I needed with Uncle Felix Ibru who immediately said I should come to Asaba. I made the journey and my problem was solved within five minutes of my meeting with Uncle Felix Ibru at the old Government House, Asaba, Delta State. Uncle Felix Ibru had dealt with me so favourably on the basis of the close connections I had with Papa Awolowo.

It is interesting to report that it was when we all went

I am one of those who will miss the exit of Uncle Felix Ibru. He was, indeed, a jolly good fellow.

for the burial of Mama Ibru (the mother of the Ibrus) at Agbara Ottor that I knew the personal building of Uncle Felix Ibru at Agbara Ottor in Delta State.

Uncle Felix Ibru was programmed for political annihilation during the first coming of President Muhammadu Buhari over 30 years ago. Former Governor Lateef Kayode Jakande of Lagos State had, during his “Action Governor” years, tried to introduce the rail line to Lagos. He had worked with Uncle Felix Ibru in his attempt at introducing the Metro rail line to the state.

Uncle Felix Ibru was immediately placed on security watch while Jakande and his political colleagues (including me) were dumped in various prison cells in Nigeria. The Buhari efforts failed because the Ibrus have never involved themselves in shady business deals in Nigeria (as I have mentioned earlier).

Uncle Felix Ibru is gone now and his integrity remains great and unblemished forever.

I am one of those who will miss the exit of Uncle Felix Ibru. He was, indeed, a jolly good fellow.

I commiserate with the large Ibru family. I mourn with the people of Delta State and with all Nigerians who came into contact with him!

May his great soul continue to rest in peace!!

EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 – (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK We will continue with the serialisation of “Wale Adebanwi’s book on Mama H.I.D Awolowo.

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18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 18 March, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@tribune.com.ng or by sms to 08078891826.

It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

The choice before Ogun workers

T

HE press statement of the Ogun State Government on “no work, no pay”, which was widely published in the papers last week, and the defiance reaction of labour imply that those in the private sector, who ‘mind their own business’, may have to wait a little longer to conclude their transactions with the state government.

My former colleague lamented on phone that he traveled from Lagos to Abeokuta last week on two occasions but returned empty-handed as he could not confirm the stage of his file at the secretariat.

I have read much about the strike and my conclusion is that the workers are not yet ready to face the realities of these times in Nigeria.

From the press statement, it is evident that Governor Ibikunle Amo-

sun is resisting pressure from some quarters to reduce the number of its workforce, or in the alternative, reduce the heavy monthly wage bill, that is, reduce the salaries of workers.

Like someone remarked, you are still getting salaries and you are going on strike, what about states that can’t pay salaries at all?

By choosing the option of strike, the workers are not just complicating things for themselves, but for those of us who are not government workers but need government’s attention in our businesses.

How will government pay you if you are not in your offices to generate income, especially now that there is virtually nothing coming to the states from Abuja?

I know how much my friend’s company is to pay into the government

coffers and imagine how much the state would have lost to the industrial action.

If workers do not realise that there are economic challenges facing Nigeria, now worsened by the drop in the oil income, should the Ogun State government face the realities and reduce the size of its workforce or reduce salaries?

And if it chooses the latter option, will anyone complain since the state has been paying above the national wage, paying workers salaries more than even the richest state in Nigeria. Why should the Amosun administration pay the highest salaries in Nigeria, and has been paying this without default since 2011, up to February this year? Is it not because he cherishes the workers more than anything?

So the workers have to think twice so that they do

not push the government to the limits. It would have been a different thing if the government, in the statement, said it would not meet the demands of labour. But it said it would meet them once economic

situation in the country became better. I would have been the first to castigate the government if it had said it would never meet those demands.

Let them call off the strike and sit at the round

table with the government to see the way forward, realistically. This is my candid advice to the workers.

•Johnson Adetunji, Lagos.

Curbing domestic abuse in Nigeria It is so unfortunate that in this age, domestic violence against women still thrive in the country. In spite of the outcry by human rights organisations, there are still some heartless people in our society who have no appreciation for the rights of women.

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and/or abusive behaviour as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.

Father

rapes daughter, husband beats wife, 67-year-old man defiles eight-year-old girl, wife stabs husband to death, are few of the terrible incidences that have made the headline recently. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical violence (aggression or assault, hitting, kicking, biting, shoving,restraining, slapping, throwing objects, battery and acid attacks), sexual violence (rape), psychological violence and emotional abuse.

Domestic violence can be caused by a lot of things and part of it are disagreement with an intimate partner, protracted period of unemployment, financial issues, desperation when a partner threatens to leave, husband being drunk, rejection of a partner’s sexual advances, anger escalation, humiliation stemming from problems at work, jealousy and so on.

Domestic abuse has a significant impact on the lives of women and children, but the impact of this insidious violence is wide-spread and long-standing, generating profound personal,

social and economic cost.

Intimate partners violence ( husband and wife) remains the leading contributor to death, disability, ill-health, among others, and is one of the greatest predictors of high prevalence mental health concerns such as depression.

Along with depression, domestic violence victims may also experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is characterised by symptoms such as flashbacks, intrusive imagery, nightmares, anxiety, emotional numbing, insomnia, hyper-vigilance, and avoidance of traumatic triggers. Children may develop behavioural or emotional difficulties after experiencing physical abuse in the context of domestic violence, or after witnessing parental abuse.

Although women are the prime victims and will experience this long array of emotional illnesses, the impact on children and the community is also profound.

•Olamilehin Abisola Mercy, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State.

Kudos to Lagos police on rescue of kidnapped girls I want to commend the Lagos State Police Command for the manner in which it rescued the three secondary school girls from the den of kidnappers.

This shows that our policemen are one of the best in the world, and what they just need is the support and encouragement from the necessary quarters.

Let us not forget how the police also arrested the leader of a robbery gang who had led his team to attack banks in Festac and

Ikorodu areas of the state.

The gang leader was traced to a wedding ceremony in Warri, Delta State, where he was arrested after engaging the police in a shoot-out.

Nigeria can drastically reduce crime if the police are provided with the right equipment to do their work. Once again, I appreciate the police for the rescue of the girls.

•Adigun Adebayo, Surulere, Lagos.

19

editorial CPC’s directive to Multichoice

Friday, 18 March, 2016

I

N time, the recent directive by the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to Multichoice Nigeria Limited, providers of digital satellite content to millions of homes across the country, may come to be seen as a small step in what promises to be a long and difficult journey towards adequate consumer protection in the country. But it is no less significant for being small, and subscribers to Multichoice and Nigerian consumers in general are right to raise their glasses in celebration.

The reason is simple. For far too long, local and foreign providers of a range of services to Nigerian consumers have ridden roughshod over the latter.

Such is the long-ingrained culture of terrible customer service in the country that ordinary Nigerians are genuinely taken aback when, contra the norm, they receive excellent customer service or are treated with dignity in any establishment in the country. As a rule, tellers yell at bank patrons, while it is routine to be left unattended to in any of Nigeria’s hospitals, no matter the urgency of the care needed. Worse still, regulatory agencies behave like captured regulators, providing lame excuses for the criminal exploitation of Nigerians by the outfits they are supposed to put in check in accordance with the laws of the land.

This is the social backdrop to the CPC directive to Multichoice, and the very reason the tone of the directive is particularly gratifying. Following persistent complaints by subscribers, the CPC had launched an investigation into what appears to be a culture of customer neglect at Multichoice. According to the CPC’s Director General, Mrs Dupe Atoki, the Council’s investigations revealed that Multichoice had indeed treated its customers with respect and violated their rights. Hence the order to the company to, “within 90 days, provide across-board compensation to its subscribers, considering the fact that many of them have over time lost legitimate and paid viewing time by its conduct of not restoring service

Nigerian Tribune

contemporaneously after payment as well as other instances of disruptions.”

The CPC directive is laden with many customerfriendly provisos, including suspension of service when consumers are away, release of free-to-air channels even after expiration of subscription; compensation across board for lost viewing time, introduction of local toll free lines and reasonable equitable spread of popular sports channels, among others, and we have no reason to doubt that Multichoice will do the right thing by complying with them within the specified time frame. At the same time, we hope that the investigation and the ensuing directive by the CPC mark the beginning of a new era of consistent attentiveness to the plight of Nigerian consumers by the Council.

However, CPC’s decision that customers’ request for suspension of service be done for a period of between seven to 14 days and not more than twice in a year, with a 72-hour notice to MultiChoice, puts customers at the mercy of the company. The permanent solution, we believe, is the creation of platforms for competition.

Yet, while the jury is still out on whether the current directive kick-starts a new corporate culture at Multichoice, what is clear is that it may be too early to expect shoddy customer relations in the country to suddenly vanish. As already noted, what is ultimately at issue here is a systemic problem that goes beyond Multichoice. For instance, the March 1st “No Banking Day” joint boycott organised by the Sola Salako-led Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) and the coalition of Nigerian consumer protection associations was meant to call attention to, among other things, Nigerian banks and related financial institutions’ penchant for arbitrary customer charges.

There is therefore no better time than now for the nation’s regulatory agencies to wake up from slumber and justify their existence.

Still, the CPC directive to Multichoice is a laudable step in the right direction, and the Council deserves all the encomia it has been consequently showered with.

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opinion

Friday, 18 March, 2016

Economic crisis: Doing things differently in Nigeria

By Rasak Sekoni

T

HE love a mother has for the child is immeasurable; the tender loving care with which she nurses her baby from childhood to adulthood is unbelievably pure.

Even when the son or daughter, as the case may be, is in wedlock, the bond remains, no matter the shortcomings from the erring child. It is with this same love or something similar that this write-up is coming forth, in spite of plethora of similar write ups of the past. Perhaps, just perhaps, this will make sense.

The story of Nigeria is one that is characterised with a lot of drama. Almost like a mad man, the nation takes pride and seeks comfort in the illusion that over shadows logic, making no sense, yet believing in hyping her embarrassing ego to the world. Today, Nigeria is no better than what it was, or better put, worse than what it used to be years back due to the nonchallant attitude of the leaders, and to some extent, less than patriotic stance of the followers. The present situation of the country is yet another reminder of the danger that looms in the dark corner, ready to strike and further rub the nation of its today and undesirably its tomorrow.

The downward trend in the Nigerian economy today cannot be x-rayed without a mention of crude oil being the nucleus of the economy. Sadly however, market forces in the globe have weakened the status of crude oil. Its price has fallen drastically to an all low in recent times. This unsavory development has sent jitters down the spine of both the government and the governed such that while President Muhammadu Buhari was presenting the 2016 appropriation bill last December, he lamented that the country’s domestic and foreign borrowings would increase to N984bn and N900bn respectively, totaling N1.84tn. In all, the President predicted that the bill would have N2.22tn deficit; what a calamitous situation for the world’s sixth largest producer of crude oil! Currently, Nigeria exports 22 million tons of Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG), thus making it the world’s fourth largest exporter of the product yearly, but the challenge or bad news is that today, the United States of America, which hitherto had been an importer of LNG, is now set to export the product to the world market. The recent lifting of the sanction on Iran,

which invariably re-admits the Middle East country into world oil market, even makes it more difficult to have increased crude oil pricing as Iran, reputed to have the fourth largest oil reserve in the world (160 billion barrels) could flood the market.

Additionally, the production of shale oil in the United States and from Alberta oil sands in Canada has not only led to major cuts in oil from both countries, but has also added to excess supply of oil in the market. Add this to the increased production from Iraq and the expected supply from Iran, and then it is easy to figure out why the price of crude nosedived from $110 a barrel in 2014 to below $30 and will probably keep falling.

Without attempting to appear like a doomsday soothsayer, the situation of Nigeria at this point portrays a lot of danger.

It will, therefore, do us a lot of good if we appreciate the seriousness of the problem the country is faced with and begin to look into ways of coming out of the woods, particularly through aggressive diversification of the economy to address the issue of reliance on crude oil as our main source of foreign exchange earnings.

The suggested solutions for the way out could be categorised into two — long term and short term. Long term measures are those steps that should be taken, but may take a very long time before the effects could be seen or felt. On the other hand, the short term steps are those that if taken, the impact can be felt almost immediately.

The long term steps include the return to agriculture and diversification which would transform the Nigerian economy from a mono-product based one that it is right now. We need to go back to the basis, which is agriculture that used to be the mainstay of the Nigerian economy in the 50s and 60s. The country’s history is replete with what the three defunct regions were able to accomplish with proceeds from the agricultural products that

were peculiar to each of them.

One can still remember the famed groundnut pyramid and cotton in the North, cocoa and rubber plantations in the West and palm oil in the East. Edifices like the Cocoa House, Liberty Stadium, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) among others are some of the remarkable structures put in place as proceeds from agricultural produce in the Western region alone. Till date, they are still cynosure of all eyes.

It will, therefore, not be a bad idea if government moves to re-energise the agricultural sector. Needless to say, produce like groundnuts, palm oil, cotton, cocoa, rubber among other cash crops would become instant foreign exchange earners. This is not to forget that other food crops like rice, beans and millet could also be grown. Certainly, it will be a win-win situation for us; the country will earn foreign exchange, problem of unemployment would be solved and there would be food security.

Apart from earning foreign exchange, revamping the agricultural sector would certainly go a long way to breathe life into some local industries.

Still on long term steps, government should make haste to go into big time exploitation of natural mineral resources with which the country is blessed. Mineral resources like coal, tin, iron ore, limestone, niobium, lead and zinc among others are available in large commercial quantities in different parts of the country. With the aid of technology, all these could become instant money spinner for Nigeria.

Government should also try to strengthen tourism potentials to become another source of foreign exchange earnings. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has travels and tourism as the major thriving sector of her economy; Nigeria also can do the same.

So much for long term steps, for short term interventions, government, particularly at the centre and state level, should as a matter of urgency and necessity take a second look at some expenditure which could be reduced or done away with altogether.

Such expenditure include security votes, appointment of political aides, state banquets, retinue of aides, and long convoys, among such other sundry and frivolous spending. Governance, at this time, should be streamlined and excesses checked.

•Sekoni, a public affairs analyst, lives in Ogun State.

Should we support emergence of a global culture?

By Ajibola Taiwo CULTURE, according to Hofstede, is a concrete social phenomenon which represents the essential character of a particular nation. In other words, culture is the essence of any particular nation, expressed through different elements such as art, music, fashion, folklore, language, poetry, religion, cuisine, among others.

S. Ademola Ajayi, a scholar, defined culture as the totality of all human efforts and achievements in the struggle for survival in the midst of unfriendly and militant forces of nature.

He observed that culture exhibits some salient characteristics.

The first characteristic is dynamism, which implies that rather than being static, culture is ever-evolving in response to environmental demands and periodic challenges.

The second characteristic is that culture is learned and not inborn. It is passed down from generation to generation, mostly by informal education through agents of socialisation, including the family (either of procreation or orientation), the age group or peer groups, societies (with secrets and norms which may not necessarily make them secret societies), religious institutions (church, mosque, etc), the mass media, as well as the society at large, each one playing an active role in the life of individuals and members of a group.

The third characteristic is that culture is shared, that is, it is a collective heritage which does not belong to any single individual. And lastly, it is integrated, that is, the various aspects of culture are complementary to one another.

Ajayi opined that there is no absolute goodness or badness in culture. What is regarded as bad or immoral in one culture may not necessarily be so in another. In India, for instance, polyandry (in which a woman can marry multiple husbands) is a way of life, while it is not accepted in most other societies. Lending credence to this, another scholar, Clyde Kluckohn, aptly states that what people see as appropriate is, quite often, nothing but “culturally standardised unreason.” Culture is also employed to provide checks and balances within a social system. Moreoso, it defines people’s perception of right and wrong, good and bad, beauty and ugliness, truth and falsehood, life, and so on.

Each continent has a fundamental theme which is reflected in the different cultures of its nations. Asians, for instance, are very conservative, while Africans (at least, black Africans) are

expressive. This is then projected in the music, dressing, language, and other elements of their culture.

Hybridisation of culture could imply the combination of different varieties of culture to form a universal entity comprising of multiple facets. In globalisation theory, hybridisation of culture is the on-going blending of elements from different cultures. Indeed, globalisation is said to be the vehicle of hybridisation. The increased access to technological advances has brought in its wake unlimited access to other societies and cultures. From fashion to language, music to cuisine, even medicine to art, cultures are no longer time and space bound within national or continental boundaries.

Culture often transforms into new forms and makes new connections. Mostly, people adopt and adapt elements of other culture to fit into their own cultural backgrounds. For example, African percussion being infused into European jazz brings about a whole new musical experience. Alternatively, introducing foreign musical instruments, say piano, saxophone, trumpet into African and Nigerian music like Fuji music, to complement the traditional omele, gangan, agidigbo has caused a revolution in music and increased its appeal for a wider reach.

Incorporating the basic model of African modesty into European fashion also birthed a new trend which has distinctive features of each cultural influence. In the past few decades, traditional African fabrics have gained ground in haute culture for its vibrancy and colourfulness, heralding an era in fashion where Africans have a voice.

The pidgin English, spoken and understood throughout Nigeria, is another example of how different languages can be incorporated to form something new with the ability to bridge gaps;as any English-speaking foreigner will be able to communicate with an indigene (howbeit difficult) because of the pres-

ence of English words in the dialect. Because English language is tolerant of other languages, being able to accommodate various patterns and country’s preferences, the language has survived. Unlike the Latin language, which is extinct due to its rigidity. Africa, indeed Nigeria, is ‘multi-everything’ (multiracial, multi- ethnic, multi-cultural). Different nations within the entity Nigeria have been able to tolerate, even borrow from, but not be swallowed up by neighbouring cultures.

Because culture is a sociological field, it is difficult to measure how much is too much. Globalisation has greatly improved the standard of living across the world as access to technological advancements in areas such as medicine, agriculture, physics,etc has undoubtedly been beneficial to mankind, regardless of race or creed. Goods and services are better exchanged internationally via access to technology, which is the vehicle for globalisation. On the flip side is the effect of the access to other cultures on the average African youth.

So these questions arise: should cultural hybridisation be viewed as good or bad? Should it be opposed, or at least, strictly monitored? Should a Yoruba man be willing to sell agbada to a white man but restrict him from witnessing initiation into fraternities? How should a culture seek self-preservation to avoid being swallowed up by another? Is it possible that hybridisation will ultimately lead the world to a homogenous cultural entity in the next few decades? Would that be a good or bad thing?

Consequently, if culture is dynamic and ever-evolving, is it not expected that traditions of decades past might not hold true forever, but would also evolve over time to rise to the demands of each era?

If culture is learned and not in-born, is it not plausible that the extent of the knowledge of the teacher determines the amount of the knowledge imparted on the taught? Will lost cultural facts, traditions and arts not have a ripple effect on the understanding or lack of it, and preservation of said culture?

If culture is shared, is it not possible that the wider its reach, the better and richer it is? And if culture is integrated with different elements complementing one another, can this not also be the case with different cultures across the world complementing one another on a larger scale?

•Taiwo is a cultural enthusiast.

21

fridaytreat Female artistes need to be

taken more seriously in Nigeria — Dunnie

Friday, 18 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

I find young producers hard to beat — Puffy Tee

MTN, Emory Green rejuvenate love among couples

Musicess 101

Busin Defining / the artistefor musician iness music bu—sP22 success

22

fridaytreat

Friday, 18 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

Defining the artiste/musician for music business success

By Toyin Adeniji

DEFINING who the artiste/musician is is important to understanding the roles that the artiste/musician plays, and the functions of the artiste/musician within the scope of the music business environment.

When an artiste/musician have no sense of who they are as “artiste/musician” or have an idea of their nature and what their essential qualities or values are; it then becomes a mission impossible to effectively utilise, deploy or position the talents of an artiste/ musician for maximum exploitation in the music business environment.

To define is to identify the nature or essential qualities of a thing or person. To define the artiste/musician is to identify the nature and essential qualities of the artiste/musician. Understanding the nature or essential qualities of an artiste/musician will help the artiste/musician as an individual, the artiste manager or the management of the artiste to identify the unique qualities that the artiste/musician possesses. It is with this knowledge and understanding that the talent or qualities that the artiste or musician possess can be effectively managed and deployed for profitable exploitation. As entities that operate in a highly dynamic and unstable business environment; priority must be placed by artistes/musicians and their managements on identifying the nature and essential qualities or talents that an artiste possess in order to be able to figure out how best to position, deploy and exploit those qualities and talents for profitability.

The music industry is a multimedia business and music is one of the rare arts that

have cross-functional value and usage across the creative and cultural industries.

The terminal and concurrent usages of music transcends the boundaries of the music industry; music is used actively or passively throughout the entire creative and cultural industrial complex ranging from movies/ film production to advertising and marketing to broadcasting etc. Wherever music is used is an indication of opportunity for the deployment of the artiste’s relevant and complimentary talents/qualities for commercial exploitation outside the immediate domain of the music industry. This explains why it is so easy for artistes/musicians to transit into the film/movies industry or broadcast industry for example. But if an artiste/musician is not adequately defined or profiled with the aim of understanding the nature and essential qualities that is possessed by that artiste/musician, it then becomes difficult to effectively maximise the talents/qualities carried by the artiste which can be deployed for use in relevant industries outside of the music industry.

Defining an artiste/musician can also be liken to opening a viewing window into the mind, emotions and experiences that has moulded or shaped the personality of the artiste/musician. When the overriding emotions and experiences that has greatly influenced the life of an artiste/musician is creatively weaved into their songs and music, it produces an authentic power of expression and ability to interpret the emotions in a song which will resonate via a soul to soul communication with audiences who share similar emotions. When a deep soul to soul resonance or communication hap-

pens between an artiste/musician and their audience, a lasting bond is forged that binds the singer and the listener in a mutually benefitting relationship.

Definition gives meaning, purpose and direction to a thing or person. When the definition of a thing is not known or established, the value that it carries will remain unknown, hidden, abused or misapplied.

When the worth of a value is not known, pricing or ascribing a cost to that value becomes a difficult proposition. There are many artistes/musicians out there who are ignorant or oblivious to their own innate nature and essential qualities that defines them, and therefore are struggling with finding meaning and success for their music career in the music business. The job of an artiste/musician is to create and share emotional experiences with the people, the job however becomes a struggle when the artiste/musician cannot identify or relate with his/her own emotional being or identity.

The commercial value that is ascribed to an artiste/musician is directly proportional to the worth of the emotional experience/ value that the artiste creates and shares with his/her music. The emotional value that an artiste/musician creates with their music and shared with audience is essentially the medium of exchange through which the audience gives in return to the artiste/musician commercial value in terms of attention, followership etc, which is in turn converted to monetary values. So, the worth of an artiste/musician is defined in terms of the emotional values and experiences that the artiste/musician creates and share through their music which finds reso-

nance with audiences.

When an artiste/musician understands intrinsically his/her essential qualities and values based on their sense of definition, they are able to operate with that known knowledge to create and share musical emotional experiences that stands a better chance of resonating with their targeted audiences. The degree to which an artiste/musician can define and identify their nature, essential qualities or values will ultimately determine the level of their perceived sense of self-worth and self-value which in turn will determine their potential commercial worth and value in the music marketplace. When you can define who you are, you will also know your value and you will be able to effectively operate and maximise the use of your value. When you cannot define who you are as an artiste/musician within the scope of the music business, chances are that you will malfunction.

Self-definition is the beginning of success in the music business for artistes/musicians. It is good to take stock of your predominant emotions and experiences that moulded your personality as an artiste/ musician, accept and embrace them, and learn how to infuse them into your music.

Whatever comes from or touches the soul can be felt by any human being regardless of creed, colour, language, gender etc. It is the most authentic form of human communication and connection which has been the secret to the success of musical legends and greats in the music industry. Define who you are, identify, accept and embrace your own unique emotional qualities and experiences, then use it to communicate through your music.

MTN, Emory Green rejuvenate love among couples

By Seyi Sokoya IT was a mission accomplished for telecommunication giant, MTN Nigeria and Emory Green Limited to rekindle love between couples as well as celebrate families in Nigeria through its Valentine’s Day event entitled ‘Rhythms of Love’.

‘Rhythms of Love’ was one of the leading events that marked the love season in February in a unique way, as it hosted its customers in Ibadan, Benin and Calabar with a special treat and also created a platform for the brand to engage and appreciate their customers.

The Ibadan edition was top notch as it was filled with fun and thrills where popular comedian, Peteru cracked the ribs of the audience and also engaged couples with funny games to embrace unity and happiness even outside the home. Pop artiste, Fabulous Pizzy also entertained guests with his popular tracks.

The event, which also gathered couples from all walks of life in Benin and Calabar respectively, also had the representatives of the officials of MTN in all the three states.

While many couples won gifts including refrigerators, generators, blenders, bags of rice, among other gifts.

The CEO of Emory Green Limited, Tokunbo Nasamu, said that “we are glad to have put smiles and also revive love in many of homes with this initiative. It is our passion to make people and we are impressed that this was a reality. The event was initiated for most people who are too busy with their daily routine and do not have time to show affection to their spouse. MTN ‘Rhythms of love’ is a platform for deserving couples to have an outstanding evening, rekindle their love and make their relationship better.”

Trade Marketing Consultant, MTN Nigeria, Benin, Edo State, Olukemi Odewenwa and CEO of Emory Green Limited, Tokunbo Nasamu at the event.

23

society

Friday, 18 March, 2016

...celebrating the people

Nigerian Tribune

For Booking, contact Alaba Igbaroola alabaadewale01@gmail.com 08155975474

2016 International Women’s Day celebration organised by EME 100 Nigeria And Rubies vocational school

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State and Hajiya Aisha Babangida.

Panelists from left, Mrs Jokotade Odebunmi and Miss Mosunmola Umoru.

Panelists from left: Mr. Olusola Teniola; Mrs. Adanma Onuegbu and Mrs. Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi.

From Left: Mrs Kemi Nelson, APC South West Women Leader; Hajiya Aisha Babangida, Chairman, Better Life for Rural Women; Mrs. Temitayo Olutoye, Head, Products & Market Support, Keystone Bank Nigeria; Mr. Charles Odii, Executive Director, SME100 Nigeria; Mrs. Omoni Oboli, celebrity ambassador and Mrs. Orode Ryan-Okpu, Executive Director, Rubies Vocational School.

From left, Honourable Toyin Awoniyi-Akerele and Honourable Yinka Babalola.

From left, Honourable Omolola Essien, Mrs Jumoke Omilabu and Marie Christine.

From left, Mrs Kemi Garba, Dr Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu and Ms Jibike Babatunde.

From left, Lady Modupe Olaiya and Mrs Bola Salami.

From left, Alhaja Basirat Ojugbele, Mrs Yemi Olomi, Mrs Bola Brittol and Mrs Modupe Adelakun.

Cross section of corp members

24

25

Friday, 18 March, 2016

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

fridaytreat No real record labels in Nigeria

only money making companies — Puffy Tee record in your bathroom because you have just a laptop. As you can see here, my set-up is very small at least for my mobile studio.

So, I won’t really say that I feel challenged by what the younger ones are doing. I have never seen myself as being long in the game.

I always see myself as a new comer, I just see myself as just arrived, like I just started.

There is no competition, no challenges because anything they use, I use, anything they know, I know. However, their approach to a song is not my style. At the end of the day, I’m happy with the way the industry is going right now. It’s a wonderful step. The beat makers are happy with the industry right now.

Do you have an edge above these young producers?

For producers, sound engineers and artistes abroad, the older the better because you’ve heard songs back in the days. You’ve made music back in the days before they started coming up.

They always say this adage in Yoruba, you can have clothes more than an elder but you cannot have more rags than the elders. sO, experience is key. Some of them don’t even know what Tommy Hilfiger was in those days. Some of these new producers don’t know what Atari is or what kickwork pro is.

But they know fruity loops or what lotus is and I know it too plus the others. And this knowledge and experience give me a special edge over any super star beat maker right now.

What’s your take on us having great music but no lyrics?

The things is, first, we do not have any

Temidayo Babatope Joseph alias Puffy Tee, belongs to the league of veteran music producers in Nigeria. A director of music, singer and producer for over two decades, Puffy Tee has made his mark in the music industry, spearheading the production of Olu Maintain’s national anthem, ‘Yahoozee’ in 2007. The music producer spoke to NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA about life after his first hit song, among other things.

HOW have you been doing after ‘Yahoozee’?

I have been coping well. However, things can’t compared to what is happening now. Then, there were few hits songs. You might just be the only one with a hit song for a year or two. But now it’s different.

The success in the industry is bigger than what it used to be. There is more money now and more players in the industry. I’m coping okay. In the midst of the whole thing, I’m still here.

Does it mean you feel challenged by the young producers?

Yes, of course. It’s not as if I don’t hear beats; lovely, crazy and creative crafts from these boys.

They are really doing well because music production is different now.

Before, if you don’t have all the gadgets and all the major set-up, you can’t make some beats. If you don’t go to a major studio, you can’t record. But, now you can even

There’s no structure.

Normally in an organised setting, a record label will have songwriters, costumiers, stylists. They will have PR, they‘ll have managers, personal assistants. An artiste has about thirty people working with him because of different areas to make

the artiste a brand.

record labels in Nigeria. We have money making companies. People that want to make money and artistes are desperate.

You go on the street and see an artiste that is trying to come up and has good talent. You bring him to the studio, the next thing, he’s recording. Because the artiste is desperate, he starts singing.

There’s no structure. Normally in an organised setting, a record label will have songwriters, costumiers, stylists. They will have PR, they‘ll have managers, personal assistants. An artiste has about thirty people working with him because of different areas to make the artiste a brand. The only thing the artiste does is, he goes into the studio, performs and go for rehearsals. And go to gyms and go to shows. But here in Nigeria, we find the artiste writing their songs, you find the artiste promoting themselves, they source for money to push themselves.

So, there’s too much pressure on every upcoming artiste. And these days, songwriters in Nigeria don’t sell anymore. During the time of Sunny Ade and Onyeka Onwenu, there were song writers. Now, it’s always beats before songs. A producer will make a beat first and an artiste comes, ‘Omo dis na correct beat’ and starts free styling on it and that’s it. It becomes a song.

Gone are those days when you see an artiste with a guitar and notebook where he writes the songs but now you don’t even see them writing anything anywhere. They just go into the studio asking, ‘Bros. which beat you get for there? Ahh I like this song, this song is bad!”.

The next thing is free style. So what people do these days is listen to beats first. Before, there is nothing like beat first. You take your song to the studio, a producer listens to your song, score your songs, produce, make a beat or make an arrangement for the song, then you come and sing on it. It doesn’t happen anymore until we go back to writing, having a proper structure about recording, signing artistes, having proper record labels in this country; we’ll never get better in this country.

Our music will always be mediocre, we’ll think the music is everywhere but it’s only in between Nigerian communities all around the world. So many kids cannot even learn from our Nigerian songs these days. They can’t learn from it. There are some songs I can’t even allow my daughter to sing. But before, you can sing any song and your parents are happy you are singing it. But this time around it’s different because as the world is moving faster, we are moving with the world. We are trying to join the train. For me, until we build that structure and not everybody is a musician, not everybody is supposed to put their songs on radio or TV. What of producers becoming musicians these days?

The thing is here, most music producers that are now musicians were singers before turning producers. Some of them grew up in a church where they played keyboard and sang in the choir. Some of them have been in different bands. For somebody like me, I was the music director of a church for 15 years.

Evening when I was in London, I was training choirs. For someone like me who trained people how to sing, it means I can sing. I played the bass guitar, drums and keyboard.

So, it’s something they had in them before producing. Most producers give artistes ideas when it comes to the song.

If a song is very good, know that the producer has 40 per cent or 60 per cent input or idea in that song.

As a producer, I do back up in the studio. That why most of us sing.

There was money in the industry the way it was before.

Again the way the industry is, you take your time, you put your energy into an artiste, your strength, your sweat, ideas working with an artiste for a month to finish a project. The next thing, you start making money with that project, and they don’t come back to you. Most of the time, we don’t really sign contracts.

We work based on ‘let’s just do it’.

If you push a contract to them, they‘ll run away but because you just want to have that personal rapport you say, “Let’s work for now” and you want to do the work. And as you work, you keep enjoying the company, “Let’s do more, we are together now,” you say. And the next thing, they go off with all your time. So we do our thing. We know all these artistes, have worked with them and know their strengths. But if they don’t appreciate it, I pick up the microphone and sing my song.

‘Because the beat wey you dey use to make money, na me do am’. So I do my own and make my own. We also have families to feed. It’s not only the artistes that have responsibilities. We have our own too.

But not all producer-turned singers are successful on the music scene. How do you react to that?

An artiste is an artiste purely and a producer is a producer. If a producer decides to sing it’s not because they can’t be successful in it. If I sing, I want to make money, which is the idea. Secondly, I want to up my profile. ‘Puffy Tee, he’s been a producer for a long time’. He’s trying to change and add something else to his profile.

I can’t just be a producer for the rest of my life; I have to do something else, something a little different from what I’m doing in the industry. Maybe after some years now, Puffy Tee may become a video director or an actor.

Female artistes need to be

taken more seriously in Nigeria — Dunnie

Dunnie is a new artiste on the entertainment scene who is fast gaining ground to become a voice to reckon with. In this interview, she told ROTIMI IGE what makes her tick and her plans for super stardom.

H

OW did you discover your mu-

sical talents?

Actually, I did not discover the talents myself, my mother did. While I was in nursery school, I was always singing at home; she noticed this and she took me to the children’s church at our local parish where she introduced me to the woman in charge and told her that she would love me to join the children’s choir. That was how it all began. I started playing the drums in the adult choir at age 12 and wished wanted to accomplish myself while singing so, I learnt how to play the guitar. Later, I fell in love with music production so I picked up learning the piano as well. I also discovered that I wasn’t too good at expressing myself verbally at the time, so I started writing my emotions in form of songs.

So you play the instruments?

Yes, I play the drums, piano and guitar.

Mentors?

Asa, Alicia keys, India Arie and Lauryn Hill.

Critics opine that only a few women, especially in the Nigerian music scene, can be successful in their craft. Your say?

Well, critics once felt that musicians were nobodies and now they are celebrities. The fact that it is what it is now doesn’t mean it will always be like this. Personally, I feel that it is more challenging to be successful as a woman in the world, be it politics, law, banking , etc not just entertainment. You have to work twice as hard as the men to be taken seriously. A lot of women do not have the tenacity to put in that much work, and those who have the strength give up along the way due to certain factors such as, most Nigerian investors/record labels prefer to sign male artistes and then the ‘Big’ female artists do not support ‘upcoming’ female acts. I mean you can see a Banky W bring up a Wizkid, an Olamide bring up Lil Kesh and the rest. But with the females, reverse is the case.

In conclusion, I think, if female musicians get equal level of support from the industry, we will have more successful women in music Tell us about your music?

What’s it called?

I describe my music as Afro Fusion.

It is a interesting combination of Afrobeats, Hip Hop, Soul and a little bit of Rock.

Do you have you parent’s support?

Oh yes, my parents are in total sup-

port of what I do. I am blessed to have them in my life.

Tell us about some of your songs and the inspiration behind it/them?

My first single as an independent artiste is a conscious song titled ‘my tomorrow’. It was inspired by the rate at which domestic violence has increased in our society. My second single which will be released in a few days is titled ‘Bamidele’, it was inspired by a man I once knew who loved a certain woman unconditionally to the point that he was willing to not have sex with her until marriage as he believed marriage remained honourable when the bed was undefiled. That kind of love is rare in this over sexualized world we live in, so I decided to put the story in a song.

Is music a passion for you or a means of livelihood?

Music is firstly a passion and then also a career path for me.

Challenges faced so far?

The major challenge, so far, has been finance. This music business is really capital intensive and the fact that people really do not take you seriously as a female artist at first. But, for me, all these challenges are what keep me going because I see them as a stepping stone to greater heights.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

By God’s grace I see myself as a force to reckon with in this industry.

Most memorable achievement thus far?

Being a finalist on the musical game show ‘StarTheWinnerIs’ which was shot in Sessani studio, Johannesburg, South Africa.

What would you have been if not a musician?

Probably an intelligence officer because I love those kinds of things.

Tell us something not many know about you...

I am not sure if many people do not know this already, but I love God and his things. I am a very spiritual person.

Most prized bodily possession?

Ha! That will be my brain. That’s my beloved ‘money maker’.

What do you hope your music can achieve in society?

I hope my music can inspire love, hope and peace in the society. I also hope that my music can stand the test of time, I can only say that I have truly fulfilled destiny if years after which I am long gone my music will still be able to inspire love hope and peace.

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

NANTA AGM: Dvine Travel boss urges FG to focus on tourism Stories by ’Wale Olapade

F

OLLOWING the ongoing annual general meeting of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), western zone which comprises Oyo Ogun Osun Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara, the outgoing Vice President, Mr Olumuyiwa Adebayo Salami has called for a convergence focus on tourism development to strategically position the industry for profitability and global placement.

Salami who spoke with Travelpulse&MICE in Ibadan on Wednesday advised that despite the global crash in crude oil, the time has come for the government at all levels to shift focus to tourism.

He said that the nation is highly endowed with rich and abundant natural tourist sites, which are yet to be explored,

developed and promoted to boost the economy of Nigeria.

Salami added that the association is ready to partner with the state governments to open up inbound tourism. “You will recall that south Africa, Kenya, Gambia and Ethiopia to mention a few are all sustaining on Tourism.

He said the 40th edition of annual general meeting of the association with theme; developing a sustainable tourism in Nigeria, commenced on March 16 at Premier Hotel Ibadan and will come to an end on March 19, 2016 with a new leadership team to steer the ship of the association for the next tenure.

He explained that this is the peak of events for travel and tour stakeholders in the nation and urged that the association in conjunction with Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) will push for a workable Tourism Master Plan for Nigeria.

Adebayo Salami

Ethiopian Visa now available in Nigeria cities TRAVELERS to Ethiopia can now get their visas easily through the help of registered tour operators in Nigeria. This was revealed in Kano Nigeria by the Area Manager Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria Solomon Begashaw while addressing Kano based travel Agents at the annual Agency Seminar.

Before now all travelers have to visit the Ethiopian Embassy in Abuja to procure a visiting visa. As the headquarters of African Union Ethiopia is joining the move

by AU to simplify travel within Africa by Africans The new arrangement will see selected tour operators and Travel agents assist their passengers in approaching the

Starwood surprises travellers at world’s busiest airport KEEPING true to its mission of providing effortless travel experiences for guests so they can experience more, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, has launched a campaign ‘Delight my Journey’ aiming to surprise thousands of travellers passing through the world’s busiest airport, Dubai International Airport, with thoughtful gestures and prizes.

The campaign recently kicked off with the dispatch of a dedicated Stop Over Support (SOS) Crew to Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

The team was on the lookout to surprise in-transit passengers with random acts of kindness, including providing inflatable Sheraton bed experiences to sleepdeprived travellers, assisting passengers with their luggage, surprising couples with romantic dining experiences in the middle of the airport.

Others include offering spa experiences for those on a long journey and initiating games for families with young children.

A few lucky people also received handy travel amenities such as power banks, eye masks and travel pillows.

As part of the campaign’s next phase,

Passengers at Dubai International Airport

Sheraton has unveiled another ‘Delight my Journey’ activation this month with a Sheraton vending machine already in use, from which travellers can redeem useful items that help ease their wait for their flights until March 29, 2016.

“By simply scanning their boarding pass, travellers can win great prizes including Apple Watches, GoPro cameras, PlayStation 4 game sets and 150,000 Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) points that can be redeemed for a holiday for two at a Starwood Hotel anywhere in the world. Each person will receive two of the same item to encourage them to pay it forward with fellow road warriors.

embassy for visa.

Thus new arrangement will take away one of the obstacles for travellers to Ethiopia. Ethiopia the land of Queen of Sheba is home to the largest number of UNESCO heritage sites in Africa.

At the very successful seminar that was attended by leading agents in Kano issues involving passenger handling and hajj operations were discussed. Ethiopian Airlines started its flight to Kano in 2014, but has been flying to Nigeria since 1960. Today ET flies to Lagos, Abuja and Enugu.

Founded in December 21, 1945, but started operation on April 08, 1946, it operates its Major Hub at Addis Ababa, a second hub in Togo, Lome and the third hub at Lilongwe, Malawi.

Ownership 100 per cent by the government of Ethiopia, with Mr Tewolde GebreMariam as the Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with seven business centers.

’Wale Olapade 08161235359 wale11g3@gmail.com Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year

A/Ibom partners Jenesses Tech on first food expo

By Victor Ogunyinka THE Akwa Ibom State government has partnered with Jenesses Mega Tech Limited for the first edition of the states exhibition. the flagship tourism event.

While addressing the exhibitors and stakeholders at the event and the need for public-private partnership as a tool for diversification at the Tranquillity Hotel, Uyo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok who was represented by the Director of Culture, Mr John Offiong, stated that the food and beverage fair, in a matter of time will scale up to the likes of the Malaysian Food and Beverage Fair and the Dubai Shopping Festival.

“I encourage you not to despise this small beginning, but be assured that with unity of purpose and the dakkadda spirit of Akwa Ibom people; we would surely strike gold through this partnership. There has not been a time government showed so a serious commitment to partner with the private sector than now,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the managing director of Jenesses, Prince Esema Esema, explained that being the biggest food and beverage exhibition held in the “tourist destination of Nigeria”, the event is expected to showcase “the most comprehensive and scrumptious spread of local, national and international favourites; modern healthy ethnic cuisine; traditional “must try” pastries to food trails, cookouts and culinary workshops.

“Hundreds of exhibitors and visitors have signified interest in the event. With the readiness of the state government to support the programme, exhibitors, visitors and stakeholders can be sure of having a good outing at the end of the event,” he said.

The Deputy Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon Nse Essien also reiterated the support of the legislators in ensuring that the programme, would not only be a success, but also be a standard for subsequent exhibitions in the country.

Ecosignature signs up operations with Richton Hotel Abeokuta ECOSIGNATURE, a hotel management consultancy firm has taken over the operations and management of Richton Hotel & Suites, Abeokuta.

The managing director and chief executive officer, Ecosignature, Dr Wasiu Babalola disclosed.

“We pride ourselves on our experience and established reputation in managing properties throughout Nigeria ranging in size from limited service properties to full service hotels. On that ground, we are sure of restoring the glory of the hotel as one of the foremost hospitality outfit in Abeokuta,” Babalola said.

Richton Hotel & Suites is strategically located in a serene environment within the Ibara Housing Estate, it has about 40 rooms comprises of standard, deluxe, superior deluxe, diplomatic suite and executive suites.

The Business Manager, Richton Hotel & suites, Tijani Yusuf hinted that the hotel is equipped with a standard swimming

pool, restaurant, well-stocked bar, banquet hall that can accommodate up to 250 guests and operates a club every Fridays with ladies nights on Wednesdays.

“One of our added advantage is the availability of enough parking space for our customers vehicles with our eagle-eyed

Richton Hotel

security officers providing 24 hours services, Tijani said.

“With Ecosignature years in the hospitality management business, we are bound to serve our clients at Richton with exceptional experience based on an established reputation.

27

Friday, 18 March, 2016 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Rivers rerun

The tango, fear and reality As the people and residents of Rivers State file out, again, to elect candidates of their choice in the legislative rerun election ordered by the court of appropriate jurisdiction, on Saturday, DEPUTY EDITOR, DAPO FALADE, looks at the build-up to an electoral exercise threatening to tear the fabrics and soul of the state.

B

ARRING any unforeseen circumstance, voters in Rivers State will tomorrow be on the march again, to elect candidates to represent them in the vacant 37 seats in the National Assembly and state House of Assemlby.

The Court of Appeal, upholding the decision of the lower court, had, last October, upturned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) victory in the 2015 election. It cancelled the result of 22 seats in the state House of Assembly; 12 seats in the House of Representatives and the three senatorial seats from the state. It made the state the largest percentage of cancelled election results; 37 from a total of 83 across the country. But, inadvertently, the court pronouncement had set the tone for the frenzy of activism and increasing temper in the build-up to the rerun election.

Since the cancellation of the results and, reminiscent of the build-up to the last elections, apparent politically-induced violence had assumed a frightening proportion.

Peace had literally taken a flight from the state: cultism, kidnapping, killings and beheading of persons became the order of the day.

The authorities, including men and officers of the law enforcement agency in the state seemed helpless, even as several appeals by the traditional institution and spiritual intercessions by the Church appeared not to have brought about peace. Indeed, the culture of violence triggered perpetual fear and apprehension among the citizens.

Just last week, a ward chairman of the All Peoples Congress (APC) in Omoku community in Igba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Mr Franklin Obi, was gruesomely murdered and beheaded.

Obi’s assailants were not yet done, as they also killed the wife, Ihuoma and the son, Bestman, of the APC stalwart; all in the presence of his 16-year-old daughter. Besides few weeks back, another lawmaker in the state, Monday Eleanya, was mowed down in his residence at Rufus Ada-George Road in the Port Harcourt metropolis.

In Buguma and Opobo, APC claimed that three of its members were killed by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not immune the killings as the

Since the cancellation of the results and, reminiscent of the build-up to the last elections, apparent politically-induced violence had assumed a frightening proportion. Peace had literally taken a flight from the state: party leadership also claimed that its chairman in Obite, Mr Isaac Ikechukwu, as well as Chinedu Saidey was killed. This is just mentioning the victims who were known and popular by virtue of the position and relevance they held in their various political parties. Several others have died unsung; as at the last count, more than 90 persons have been killed across the state, In the old Ahoada axis of the state, the fear

of cultist is the beginning of wisdom. Many homes have been deserted and businesses abandoned, due to the activities of cult groups, who have made life unbearable for the residents. Men and women, young and old, have taken refugee in the bush, the once rich agrarian communities of Ahoada have become a shadow of their old selves as the people have fled to neighbouring Imo State and Port Harcourt to seek refugee, due to

the animalistic tendencies of their neighbors and probably kins and kits.

The people of Omoku Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) undoubtedly suffered (and are still suffering) the greatest human and material loss. In one fell swoop, about four weeks ago, the people of the community were visited with one of the worst crime against humanity as they lost about 25 of their own in one single attack carried out in a night by suspected cultists. Some of the victims were beheaded, including women and young secondary school boys. In the midst of it, the paramount ruler of Ahoada land, Eze Robinson O. Robinson claimed that about 70 persons had been killed in his community in the last three months, with more than 60 others taken hostage.

The community leaders and traditional rulers had made frantic moves to restore sanity. For example, Eze Robinson carried out a spiritual cleansing in the area where the continues pg28

28 politics&policy

Friday, 18 March, 2016

As Wike, Amaechi renew hostility continued from pg27

gods of the land were invoked to go after the killers of his kinsmen. Besides, the foremost Ahoada traditional ruler, sent a Save-OurSoul message to the Federal Government , just as Oba of Ogba land, Eze Sir Chukwuemeka Obi, held a stakeholders’ meeting with his colleaguess and political leaders in the area, where he warned that any political party found causing confusion before or during the election would be blacklisted.

While the admonition of the traditional ruler and the other various intervention by the traditional institution appeared to have had little impact, the military authorities deployed soldiers to some perceived trouble spots in the state. Soldiers from the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt raided Bori and Yeghe communities in Ogoniland, twice in February, in search of a former militant leader, Mr Solomon Ndigbara (aka Osama Bin Laden). According to the authorities, Ndigbara was alleged to be a prime gun-running suspect who had been stock-piling dangerous weapons, ahead the election. The soldiers reportedly got engaged in a shoot-out with some armed youths who were believed to be loyalists of the ex-military leader with about 18 persons left dead.

The incident had set both PDP and APC on a collision course.

The blame game While Governor Nyesom Wike and PDP blamed Senator Magnus Abe, the APC candidate for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District rerun election, for the incident, Abe accused the governor of recruiting ex-militants to harass and intimidate residents. On his part, the state APC chairman, Dr Davies Ikanya, accused the governor of hobnobbing with the wanted Ndigbara. Ikanya alleged that the recent killings in six local government areas in the state, including ONELGA, Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Andoni, Khana and Ikwerre, were planned and executed allegedly by the governor to stop APC candidates from contesting and winning the rerun election. He further alleged that the governor allegedly leaked security information to Ndigbara..

“The same Governor Wike, who approved the military action against criminals in Yeghe, particularly Solomon Ndigbara (alias Osama Bin Laden) who has killed many people, including the ones Wike is showing on television, is the same person who leaked information to Solomon. The same Governor Wike set the stage for the violence by calling on his PDP members in Ogoni to stop Senator Magnus Abe by all means,” Ikanga alleged at a press conference.

The Rivers APC chairman also hinged his position on the several warnings given by Wike to the effect that whoever that planned to rig the election, either INEC or its ad-hoc staff, would be treated as armed robbers.

Also, the APC governorship candidate in the 2015 election in the state, Honourable Dakuku Peterside, accused the governor of trying to bring politics into a “purely security affair”. In a recent exclusive interview with Sunday Tribune, the former federal lawmaker justified the military presence in Ogoniland, saying “There is no crisis in the first place. Security agencies, going to arrest a known a criminal who has been terrorising the people and the criminal opening fire on the military, cannot constitute a crisis...”

According to the newly-appointed Director General of NIMAAS, the mindless killings and increasing kidnapping going on in the state can be attributed to unguarded and insatiable quest for power. “Some politi-

Wike

Wike at various fora, declared his innocence and washed his hands off any criminal act in the state, especially the violence and killings which were linked to the rerun cians in Rivers State believe they must get power at all cost; that is the root cause of the insecurity in Rivers State today. People are slaughtered, beheaded, burnt, clubbed to death daily in the state and nobody is saying anything about it. The state government has gone to sleep when it comes to security, as if it is not part of their responsibility,” he alleged.

However, Wike at various fora, declared his innocence and washed his hands off any criminal act in the state, especially the violence and killings which were linked to the rerun. He said contrary to claims by APC, he was not involved in inciting people, noting that the warning he gave that those who planned to rig the rerun election would be treated as political Armed robbers was in consonance with similar warnings given by President Muhammadu Buhari, before the last general election. “If they are coming to do proper elections to let the will of the people to prevail, we will support them,” he also insisted.

The state PDP chairman, Mr Felix Obuah, equally castigated the state APC leadership, alleging that it was the mastermind of the deployment of the military to some parts of the state, with the sole purpose of rigging the election. In a recent statement, the PDP chair accused APC of making inciting statements, adding that it was regrettable that “a party that is soliciting votes from the people will choose the unholy path of using the military to traumatise the same people they want their votes during the election against all known democratic principles...From available facts, APC, in its desperation to rig the re-run elections, has resorted to the use of all the security apparatus and other illegitimate means to intimidate the people in order to have a smooth ride during the election. Evidence abound that the recent military inva-

sion of Ogoni and the present attack and occupation of Asari-Toru Local Government Area among other Ijaw-speaking parts of the state were induced by APC,” he alleged.

However, the accusations and counter-accusations notwithstanding, the military had taken hold of the whole area, even as both PDP and APC carried out separate peaceful protests in Bori, last week, both for and against the continued military presence in Ogoniland. While PDP wanted the military to vacate the area, APC insisted that the soldiers should remain to maintain peace in the Ogoni communities.

With this scenario, the main actors have upped the stake as the people look forward to today’s poll. In the course of the campaigns, both sides had defied all known laws, resorting to mudslinging, blackmail, propaganda and intimidation. The recent statements credited to the leaders of both political parties largely attest to this assertion by some pundits. Governor Wike, during most of the PDP campaigns for its candidates in the election, had told party members to be prepared for the worst. He was reported to have said at one meeting in Port Harcourt that “PDP is a party to beat in any election in the state. We have won elections before and even if the election is conducted 10 times, PDP will still win. You should not be afraid of anybody. You should not allow anybody to intimidate you. If anybody slaps you one time, slap the person two times. If somebody is talking of rule of law and slap you, slap the person two times before the rule of law will take its course. Such law will take care of you.”

The governor also had some words for INEC or any of its ad-hoe staff who may be contemplating perpetrating or aiding the rigging of the election as he told the people of the state, especially members of his political

Amaechi party to treat such a person as an armed robber.Speaking at a thanksgiving service held in Port Harcourt, early February, for his victory at the Supreme Court, Wike said: “Anybody that thinks that he or she can come to Rivers State to rig election should write his will before doing so. Nobody should think of writing election results in Abuja. Our votes must count. If you think that you can rig election, you must first write your will. If anybody plan to rig any election in Rivers, that person has to go.”

The governor had also extended same warning to the 300 lecturers from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), listed to be engaged by INEC as ad-hoc staff for the rerun exercise. Addressing the vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Ndowa Lale, who paid him a visit recently, Wike alleged that APC had compromised some of the lecturers with the aim to use them to perpetrate rigging during the election. He particularly claimed that one lecturer from the university and a known APC sympathiser from Asari-Totu Local Government Area of the state, allegedly connived with APC to draw up list of returning officers from the university for the purpose of rigging. The governor warned that such lecturers that would allow themselves to be used to perpetrate rigging would face the wrath of the people of Rivers State.

His warning generated a controversy among the lecturers, most of whom threatened to withdraw from participating as electoral officers in the rerun. They held a meeting with the UNIPORT vice chancellor, where they expressed fears about their safety. At the meeting, Dr Ekpeyong, who admitted to being a known APC sympathizer, was emphatic as he told Professor Lale that he was no longer interested in being an ad-hoc of INEC for the purpose of the election.

Governor had also variously alleged that APC, in connivance with the security agencies, had concluded plans to arrest some PDP leaders in the state in the day of the election. He however directed the party leaders to resist any arrest until after the rerun exercise.

The APC in the state did not take the warnings by the governor lightly, as its leaders claimed that his utterances amounted to a call for greater violence in the course of the election. The party leadership called on the law enforcement agents in the state to hold continues pg29

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PDP, APC in make or mar battle continued from pg28

Wike and the PDP leadership responsible in case anything untoward happened INEC officials and APC members during the election.

Just last Saturday, former Governor Amaechi stormed the state and, speaking on a live radio programme in Port Harcourt, he alleged that the governor was planning to cause violence during the election, but that Wike would be overwhelmed by the heavy security on ground to ensure a peaceful election. He added: “With Dakuku Peterside becoming the Director General of NIMASA, we will use both the police and the army to police the waterways to Kula and to Bonny.

Our waterways must be clear to allow investment. I want to assure the people of the state that the waterways will be protected on the day of election. I am the leader of APC in the state and I am here to see how Wike will shoot all of us. We want him to carry out his threat.

“On the day of the election, let everybody come out and vote. I will dare Wike and his boys to come out with guns. As at the time I left office, I was 75 per cent popular. I am not worried now; the person that is worried is Wike,” he said.

Expectedly, Wike fired back at his former boss, saying: “We will defeat Amaechi again and again. No matter the [security agencies] deployed to Rivers State, PDP will win all the seats,” He stated that the statement

by Amaechi that he alleghedly claimed he was in control of the military confirmed his (Wike) stand that APC wanted to use security agencies to intimidate Rivers people on the day of election, but the governor insisted that the alleged plot to rig the election would fail woefully “as the Rivers people will defend their mandate.”

Also reacting to Amaechi’s comments, Rivers PDP chairman, alleged that the former governor could not absolve himself from the orgy of violence in the state. Amaechi’s “avalanche of threats and unguided utterances” vindicated the PDP over its alarm that APC and its leaders planned to win Rivers at all cost.

The underlining currents It will amount to an understatement that the state, variously known as the “Treasure Base of the Nation” and “Rivers of possibilities,” is fully charged for the election. However, it is curious that the war of attrition over the rerun exercise is a straight battle only between PDP and APC. This curiousity arose from the fact that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, had disclosed that 28 parties would be fielding candidates. While the PDP leadership and its followers have been exuding confidence that all the available silverwares are theirs to keep, APC, on the other hand, said the rerun election would afford the electorate the opportunity to elect the leaders of their choice.

It is quite understandable while the two leading parties are at each other’s throat in the course of the election. Indeed, there is a lot at stake for the PDP and the APC, hence the unhidden desperation from both sides. The 32-member state legislature is presently constituted of 10 members, the judiciary having nullified the election of 22 lawmakers, who are all of the PDP extractions. While the 26 other parties are fielding candidates for the available 22 seats in contention, it is crystal clear that it will be a battle for supremacy between PDP and

Obuah APC. For Governor Wike and his party, a majority win in the rerun exercise will further consolidate their hold and grip on the state, which had been seen as a PDP state. Beyond his landmark victory at the Supreme Court, Wike would come out stronger if PDP can attain a large percentage of the total votes and win majority seats in the legislative rerun, especially the state House of Assembly. Pundits are of the view that a PDP-led state legislature would ensure that the governor would virtually have his way always. Such an arrangement will create an avenue for an easy passage of most of the policies and decisions of the executive arm of government, with little or no squabbles from the legislature.

On the hand, it is going to be a doubleedged sword should APC emerge victorious in the rerun election and succeeded in winning the majority seats in the legislature. Firstly, the state may witness a rancorous executive/legislative relationship as an APC-dominated legislature cannot be expected to be a rubber stamp for the governor. Rather, such a possibility would always keep the governor on his toes, even with the possibilities of occasional threat of impeachment.

However, and on a second thought, a situation whereby APC becomes the dominant party in the Rivers State legislature may prove to be a blessing in disguise for the state and its people. Such a scenario may possibly see to the emergence of a robust legislature where the passage of good bills and laws that would seek to promote enduring good policies that would fasttrack growth and development.

Beyond the perception of a cosy execu-

Indeed, there is a lot at stake for the PDP and the APC, hence the unhidden desperation from both sides

Petersiide

Yakoob, INEC chairman tive/legislative relationship, APC and its leaders, especially Amaechi, would have reached the end of their political tethers, should PDP have the upper hand in the election. The popularity and influence of the former governor and most of his followers nosedived after the outcome of the last election, most importantly with the eventually victory of Governor Wike at the Supreme Court, last January.

Assurance by INEC However, and in the face of the persisting killing, threat of thunder and brimstones, mudslinging and hate campaigns of the past few weeks, the question is: how prepared is Rivers State for the l election? In other words, are the stakeholders ready for a peaceful conduct of the exercise, given the combative nature of the major players in the political field in the state?

Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, who is on a second sojourn to Rivers State as the REC, had assured that the election would in the state as scheduled. In his maiden meeting with leaders of the various parties and other stakeholders in his office, last February, he called for the support and cooperation of politicians in the state to ensure the success

of the poll. Ikoiwak also declared that the controversial card reader would be used to conduct the exercise, noting that the identified problem in using it for the last general election was not with the technology but caused by the people in the field.

“This election would be done with the full complement of the card reader. That is the position of the constitution. It is not at variance with the register [voter]; it is supposed to complement the register. It was not supposed to to be an instrument that should be discarded. I also want to say it here clearly that we are going to train those who will use the card reader in the field. Let me say it here. I discovered that it is not the problem of of the card reader. 50 per cent of the problem are caused by those in the field; by those who will not want the card reader to be used and influenced somebody to remove the battery,.” he said.

While PDP and its leaders have, at various times assured that the party was ready for the election at any time, the state leadership of APC had also indicated its willingness to participate in the exercise, but in an atmosphere devoid of violence and crisis.

Honourable Peterside once told the Nigerian Tribune that APC was very prepared for the elections but “all we are asking for is security so that no voter is hurt.”

Lending her voice to a peaceful legislative rerun is the wife of the state governor, Justice Suzette Nyesom-Wike, who, last Thursday, urged the people to vote their according to the dictates of their conscience Speaking during a drama play presentation organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, held in Port Harcourt, she emphasised the need for the people to be peaceful and accommodating, irrespective of their religious and political differences. She noted that the state was big enough to accommodate all and had enough resources to go round.

She stated: “We should remember, there is a Ghanaian proverb which says that ‘when two brothers fight to death, it is a stranger that comes in and inherits their fathers’ property,’”.

It is against this background that the two main parties are deploying all arsenals to the battle field. It has also engendered fear about the outcome of the election skewing against the PDP, which has already produced governor. A drastic alteration in the status quo ante could threaten the occupant of the Government House.

General implications It is a battle for the soul of Rivers, where Nigeria derives huge revenue from crude sales. Both the PDP and the APC are locked in titanic battle to control the political lever. The election is also significant because of the current political configuration created after the outcome of the 2015elections, coupled with the judgment of the Supreme Court on petitions filed by the APC candidates. The election had favoured the PDP, with INEC declaring the party’s candidates winners of the polls at all levels: presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and the state House of Assembly.

The outcome of the poll also has serious implications for the political future and integrity of a number elders from the state.

Some of them are believed to have displayed political inconsistency in the raging battle for the control of Rivers by the APC and the PDP. The direction of victory after the poll could redefine political relevance, as a lot of them had shown to be fair weather friends to either the governor or his predecessor.

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Issues and challenges of governance in Nigeria

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the massive construction binge. This was the beginning of the “awuff” society in the country.

It is necessary at this juncture to define the word “awuff” as used in this lecture. This is a word used commonly in pidgin English to signify “free” money or unearned income which is not the product of a person’s labour and therefore can be squandered or spent imprudently. In applying it to governance, it is meant to describe a situation in which fiscal resources accrues to government not from tax revenue assiduously and diligently collected from citizens but from royalties and rent from the exploitation of mineral resources particularly petroleum which can therefore be squandered, spent imprudently or unaccountably or simply misappropriated into personal accounts. It is a situation best captured in the statement “money is not our problem but how to spend it.”

Continued from yesterday

Y views on these matters are predicated on three propositions. First, that because of the windfall from oil revenue and its own operational structure of a unified command, the military regime transformed the country away from its federal and democratic trajectory of development; secondly, that since the end of the military regime, our political leaders and various professional groups particularly the Nigerian Bar Association have failed the nation in not legally challenging some of the non-democratic distortions to our governance system, especially at the local level; the third is that unless we seriously re-visit these distortions and rectify them appropriately the nation will continue to be hostage to a dysfunctional and disempowering governance system in the country.

I have therefore divided the lecture into four parts. The first examines the nature and legacy of the military era in the governance of this country. I have referred to this legacy as the rise and fall of the “awuff” society. The second part then assesses the twist this legacy has made in leaving the nation with a most expensive and dysfunctional governance system at the federal, state and local level in the country. The third section attempts to show how the nation can get itself out of this morass by looking intelligently at its own rich historical and cultural experience in governance whilst the fourth presents some lessons of international experience especially of countries similarly caught in a situation of sudden access to “windfall revenue” from petroleum resources such as ours but which made more prudent and sustainable choices than we did about what to do with the windfall. A concluding section considers the way forward in the context of the recent National Conference and other attempts to amend our present flawed Constitution.

The rise and fall of the “Awuff” society Let me begin then with the story of the rise and fall of the “awuff” society. To appreciate the thrust of this story, I must go to the year 1951. In that year, a group of young men met in the town of Owo determined that if the evolving political situation gave them the chance, they will provide this part of the country, that is Western Nigeria with a governance system of which the citizens would all be very proud. I believe the term “governance” as distinct from “government” in the title given me for this lecture is deliberate since it encompasses not just the government as “the formal institutional structure and location of authoritative decision making” (Stoker, 1998: 34) but also its interrelationship with its citizens and other stakeholders in the determination of desirable outcomes in the civic public realm (Swilling, 1997). To this end, this group of young men produced a number of policy papers of what they would do if they got into government. Perhaps the most revolutionary of their policy papers was the one that indicated that they would provide free and universal primary education to all of the citizens.

When they did get the chance and got into government in 1952, in executing their scheme for the free and universal primary education, they began by setting for themselves a target date of January 1955. They decided to find out how many children would by them be qualified to enter school at that date, how many teachers would they have to train to cater for this number, how many teacher training colleges would they have to build to train these teachers, how many school books would they have to ensure are available and so on and so forth.Then, they set out to worry about the resources to make this realizable. Of course, it all had to come from increased taxes from the citizens. So, they raised the capitation tax from sixpence to ten shillings and six pence.

They imposed tax on salt and petrol. They put on an entertainment tax. The idea was to make every adult taxpayer pay whether he or she had children of school going age or not. Not unexpectedly, there was resentment and even open riot in some parts of the region. But the government went out to try and further explain and enlighten citizens in those rioting areas about the long term goals of the programme.

In spite of this, this political party in power in the region still lost the federal election of 1954 to its opposition party.

But when in August 1954, the government asked parents to register their children for the universal and free primary education, as against the anticipated 170,000, the number rose to close to 400,000. (Awolowo, 1981). Not daunted, the government had to find additional sources of finance. It struggled to have the centralised commodity board regionalised so that it could impose export tax on crops emanating from the region. It appealed to leadership of communities

Akin Mabogunde to assist in building additional classrooms with government providing corrugated iron sheets for the roofing. It appealed to all retired former teachers to come out in January 1955 to help fill the manpower gap until additional teachers could be trained. It all became an interesting challenge to patriotism not only for the government but for the people as a whole. Thus, when the system stabilised, every one took pride in the achievement. And it is important to stress that what was “free” in this whole programme was the access of the children to education for which every taxable adult in the region had to pay.

Almost 20 years later in 1970, at the end of a Civil War remarkable for the fact that Nigeria did not borrow to prosecute the war, the same proponent of this regional feat argued that the resources mustered for fighting the War could now be prudently diverted to organize and provide free, universal primary education for all children in the whole country. The greatest antagonists to this proposal were federal civil servants who argued that it could not be done, that resources were inadequate to promote such a national programme. Yet, two years later, with the beginning of the windfall from the rise in the price of petroleum due to the Arab-Israeli War, without any plan whatsoever, the Federal Government announced that it was launching a nation-wide free and universal primary education to start at the beginning of the following year, less than six months away. There was no plan whatsoever to find out the number and distribution of the children that would be involved or to plan for the training of their teachers. Instead, the Federal government advertised all over the world and brought in teachers from Egypt, South Africa, Phillipines, India, Pakistan and many other country. For classrooms, it got architects in Lagos and elsewhere to design model primary schools even for places as far away as Sokoto and for building these classrooms and other public buildings it began to engage contractors and, in the process, provoked a “cement armada” in anticipation of

Most of these states were thus created without asking the fundamental question as to their long-term viability or ability to provide their citizens with needed services.

Consequently, in the situation in Nigeria in the 1970s, instead of using the accruing resources from the windfall from petroleum to improve and modernize our colonial infrastructure, we began by establishing a Public Service Review Commission which enhanced personal emoluments of civil and public servants dramatically resulting in a national spending spree that depleted commercial stores all over the country of durable consumer goods such as air-conditioners, refrigerators, electric cookers, television sets, radios and so on. This, of course, forced a sharp rise in the demand for electricity beyond the capacity of the National Electric Power Authority to provide and the consequence of that singular miscalculation is still with us till today.

More serious was the impact of this “awuff” mind-set on the governance system itself. Just before the Civil War, the military government had had to announce the creation of 12 States out of the 4 regions of the country at the time.

These were to be six states in the north of the country and six states in the south. The reason for this was exigent. It was a response to long-standing agitation for a more equitable federation in which no one state would be so big as to bend the will of the federation to itself. It was a decision which did a lot to undermine the attractiveness of the Biafran secession and to consolidate widespread loyalty of people behind the Nigerian federation. But as the windfall from petroleum continued to pour in, it was decided to tamper with the fundamental fiscal arrangement of the Federation.

That arrangement was based on the “derivation principle” in which regions retained 50 per cent of royalties and rent paid in respect of mineral exploitation as well as import and excise duties of goods and services consumed in the region whilst 20 per cent went to the Federal Government and 30 per cent to a distributable pool shared among the regions on an agreed formula to even out development in the country.

With the continuing and increasing in-flow of the windfall from petroleum, the military government with its unified command structure was no longer comfortable with a fiscal arrangement in which the governor of an oil-rich state could start to have a revenue-base close to that of the Federal Government itself. In consequence, the Federal Military government set out to subvert the existing fiscal arrangement of the Federation. Instead of the “derivation principle” of revenue allocation, it passed the Petroleum Act of 1969 which decreed that all royalties and rent from petroleum accrued to a Federation Account from which all levels of government, in consonance with the unified command structure of military administration, can have a share on some agreed formula. This Act allowed the Federal Military Government to begin the process of “gratuitously” creating States and local governments without any consideration as to their economic viability. It was assumed that they could all enjoy their “awuff” share from the Federation Account which in popular parlance came to be referred to as “the national cake”.

The “awuff” mentality, however, had a down-side to it.

Since the resources being shared is largely not the product of the tax revenue from the labour of the citizens, there was no compunction or moral restraint in misappropriating or stealing significant part of it. Consequently, state governments had no compunction in misappropriating To be continued

Being text of the Guest Lecture delivered by Professor Mabogunje, on the occasion of the launching of the endowment fund for the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance, Department of Political Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos on Thursday, March 10, 2016).

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eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Healthy heart, dead heart and sick heart

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UST as the heart may be described in terms of being alive or dead, it may also be regarded as belonging to one of the following three

types:

The healthy heart On the Day of Resurrection, only those who come to God with a healthy heart will be saved. God says: “The Day on which neither wealth nor sons will be of any use, except for whoever brings to God a sound heart.” [Quran 26:88-89] In defining the healthy heart, the following has been said: “It is a heart cleansed from any passion that challenges what God commands, or disputes what He forbids. It is free from any impulses which contradict His good. As a result, it is safeguarded against the worship of anything other than Him, and seeks the judgment of no other except that of His Messenger. Its services are exclusively reserved for God, willingly and lovingly, with total reliance, relating all matters to Him, in fear, hope, and sincere dedication.

When it loves, its love is in the way of God. If it detests, it detests in the light of what He detests. When it gives, it gives for God. If it withholds, it withholds for God. Nevertheless, all this will not suffice for its salvation until it is free from following, or taking as its guide, anyone other than His Messenger. A servant with a healthy heart must dedicate it to its journeys end and not base his actions and speech on those of any other person except God’s Messenger. He must not give any precedence to any other faith, words or deeds over those of God and His Messenger.

God says: “O you who have attained to faith! Do not put yourselves forward in the presence of [what] God and His Apostle [may have ordained], but remain conscious of God: for, verily, God is allhearing, all-knowing!” [Quran 49:1] The dead heart This is the opposite of the healthy heart.

It does not know its Lord and does not worship Him as He commands, in the way which He likes, and with which He is pleased. It clings instead to its lust and desires, even if these are likely to incur God’s displeasure and wrath. It worships things other than God, and its love and its hatreds, and its giving and its withholding, arise from its whims, which are of paramount importance to it and

preferred above the pleasure of God. Its whims are its imam. Its lust is its guide.

Its ignorance is its leader. Its crude impulses are its impetus. It is immersed in its concern with worldly objectives. It is drunk with its own fancies and its love for hasty, fleeting pleasures. It is called

owner of such a heart is to tempt illness, living with him is like taking poison, and befriending him means utter destruction.

to God and the akhira [day of judgment] from a distance but it does not respond to advice, and instead it follows any scheming, cunning Shaytan [Satan]. Life angers and pleases it, and passion makes it deaf and blind to anything except what is evil.

To associate and keep company with the

The sick heart This is a heart with life in it as well as illness. The former sustains it at one moment, the latter at another, and it follows whichever one of the two manages to dominate it. It has love for God, faith in Him, sincerity towards Him, and reliance upon Him, and these are what give it life.

It also has a craving for lust and pleasure, and prefers them and strives to experience them. It is full of self-admiration, which can lead to its own destruction. It listens to two callers: one calling it to God and His Prophet and the Hereafter; and the other calling it to the fleeting pleasures of this world. It responds to whichever one of the two happens to have most influence over it at the time.

The first heart is alive, submitted to God, humble, sensitive, and aware; the second is brittle and dead; the third wavers between either its safety or its ruin.

Excerpted from “Purification of the Soul” by Imam Abu Hamid AlGhazali

Why asalatu is a priority to Muslims —NASFAT chief Coordinator of Ring Road (Ibadan) prayer group of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Worldwide, Alhaji Tawaliu Samsondeen, speaks with SAHEED SALAWU on the essence of asalatu and the preparedness of his group to metamorphose into a full-fledged NASFAT branch on Sunday, March 20.

WHAT is the essence of asalatu for which there are now many Muslim groups today?

Asalatu is meant for the spiritual uplift of the Muslim. It is Asalatu AAala alnnabiyyi.

Allah says, in Surah 33, Al-Ahzab, ayat 56, that Inna Allaha wamalaikatahu yusalloona AAala alnnabiyyi ya ayyuha allatheena amanoo salloo AAalayhi wasallimoo tasleeman, which translates as Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect. You can see that Allah Himself, the Lord of the worlds and the Master of the Day of Judgement, offered asalatu for the Holy Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, in the part of the Holy Qur’an that I have mentioned. After He did, he mandated us, the Ummah, the entire Prophet’s followers, to continue to offer asalatu to the Holy Prophet. Performing asalatu is to purify our souls. The Prophet was reported to have said that if anyone offered one asalatu for him, Allah would order His angels to offer 10 times what that person has offered him [the Prophet].

The Holy Prophet was reported to have also said that three persons would be losers on the Day of Qiyamah [Day of Resurrection]. The first is that person who, during the period of Ramadan, the most sacred month in the sight of Allah, fails to earn a reward.

The second is that one who fails to earn the pleasure of Allah through being good to both their parents. The third is that one who fails to offer asalatu for Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) when his name is mentioned. You see how important asalatu is. When you are in a gathering such as NASFAT, apart from saying asalatu, you also engage in dhikr and dua [devotional acts and prayers]. In our prayer book are lots of prayers extracted mainly from the Holy Qur’an. Asalatu makes us have sober reflection and submit more to Allah, sub-

Alhaji Samsondeen

The Holy Prophet was reported to have also said that three persons would be losers on the Day of Qiyamah [Day of Resurrection]. The first is that person who, during the period of Ramadan, the most sacred month in the sight of Allah, fails to earn a reward.

hanahu watahala. At asalatu gatherings, admonitions and spiritual diets are offered, through which we are reminded of our duties to Allah and our hearts are cleansed.

But despite the existence of so many religious groups like NASFAT, which

are meant to put people right, moral decadence and social ills have remained on the increase. Why is this so?

May Allah help us. Some of the factors that are responsible for the situation that have mentioned are broken homes, wrong preachings, lack of religious instruction at schools and poor economic conditions.

Apart from broken homes, which engender a high possibility of children straying from the path of righteousness, some parents have no time for their children because they are so caught up in making ends meet.

Some fathers, on a daily basis, leave home before their children awake in the morning and they never return until the kids are fast asleep in the evening. The likely consequence of this is lack of social or moral uprightness on the part of the children because they lack instruction from their first teachers who are supposed to be their parents.

So, there is the need for parents to strive and be alive to their duties. They must look after their children properly by giving them spiritual guidance and quality education and knowing the kind of friends they keep.

As a Muslim, you must contribute your quota to the building of the ideal society by moulding your children into what you really want them to be in the future.

How far has the Ring Road prayer group of NASFAT come?

NASFAT Ring Road prayer group came into being in 2003 due to congestion at our asalatu ground at Iwo Road. NASFAT had started asalatu in Ibadan on Sunday, 15 July, 2001, at Iwo Road as the maiden branch. The place grew bigger and bigger until it could no longer cope with the numerical strength of the members. The executive council then decided to look for other Continues on pg32

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

‘Why asalatu is a priority to Muslims’ Continued from pg31

The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola (middle), with officers of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Ibadan branch, led by the Ameer, Mr Yusuff Adelakun (second right), and others during the students’ visit to him in his residence in Ibadan.

Akinola promises support for MSSN

T

HE Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, has expressed his readiness to support the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Ibadan branch, in the performance of its duties.

Alhaji Akinola made the remark in Ibadan, Oyo State, when members of the Muslim students’ body visited him in his residence as part of activities marking their Orientation Week.

He charged the students to dedicate themselves to their academic careers and be good ambassadors of the premier university at all times.

The Muslim leader commended the initiative of the MSSN chiefs to continuously orientate new Muslim intakes into the university and expressed his conviction that the programme would go a long way in sustaining the first-year students and making them feel at home within the university environment.

He charged the MSSN not to relent in its mandate of catering for the well-being of students academically, spiritually and morally.

“It is indeed a great joy for me to welcome you all to your home, our home and the home of all Muslims in Yorubaland. This occasion is unique as this is the first time you are visiting me as the Aare Musulumi since the death of my predecessor, the late Aare Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao. May Allah grant him Aljana Firdaos.

“I praise the initiative of your leaders who have continued to organise orientation programme for new Muslim intakes into the premier university and pray that they will also grow to become more relevant in the Islamic world.

“I believe this kind of programme will sustain and make you feel at home even in the university environment. I, therefore, charge

you all to be good ambassadors of Islam and pray that Almighty Allah will see you through in your academic pursuits at the university.

“I must also use the forum to seek the cooperation of each and every one of you in the promotion of peace and harmony among all religious organisations in Yorubaland

and Nigeria in general.

“I want to assure you that I will always be prepared to give necessary support for your activities within the limit of our resources,” Akinola said.

The Ameer of the MSSN, UI branch, who led his colleagues on the visit, Mr Yusuff Adelakun, expressed gratitude

to Alhaji Akinola for the warm reception accorded them and thereafter enumerated the organisation’s activities as well as its immediate needs, some of which the host promised to meet in a short time.

He praised the contributions of the Aare Musulumi during the last Islamic Vacation Course of the MSSN B-Zone.

Muslims urged to avoid ignorance, bid’ah MUSLIMS have been charged to seek true knowledge of their religion and be patient in explaining to others in order to curb ignorance and innovation.

This charge was given in Lagos during the March Usrah lecture of The Companion.

Delivering a lecture on Bid’ah (innovation) in Islam, Ustaz Abdul Kabir Nasir Al Asfar, attributed innovation in the religion to ignorance, desires, blind partisanship and the quest to imitate unbelievers.

Acknowledging the difficulties involved in weaning people from harmful innovations in matters of the religion of Islam, he urged Muslims to study

their religion and understand the authority for their action, saying it is easier to correct someone by citing the correct authorities than to tell them what they are doing is bad.

He also recommended patience and courtesy, saying it is not easy to convince people that what they have held on to for so long is wrong and without basis.

He also warned Muslims against adopting wrong creeds which might lead them towards extremism and violence.

He particularly observed the need to monitor the young and new converts to the religion.

Answering questions from the audience, the scholar condemned sending of chain mes-

sages with the threat to send to a number of people lest something terrible happens to the person.

He said such messages don’t have basis in Islam and should, therefore, be ignored.

Asfar charged Muslims to ensure their religious practices are based on the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, warning that Bid’ah destroys one’s act of worship and ultimately leads to hell fire.

In his contribution, Alhaji Abdulghani Abdulmajeed attributed acts of extremism to the tendency to import strange innovations into Islam.

The monthly Usrah and lecture are regular features in the calendar of The Companion.

Muslims leaders should unite against terrorism —NASFAT head Bola Badmus -Lagos MUSLIM leaders have been called upon to unite and rise as one to condemn acts of terrorism being perpetrated by groups of people masquerading as Muslims.

President of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Worldwide, Mr Kamil Bolarinwa, who made the call at a press conference in Lagos, said that by being silent and indifferent, Muslim leaders had unwittingly created an impression of support for the terrorists.

“Unfortunately, Muslim leaders have not risen as one to challenge this mindset and condemn terrorism perpetrat-

ed by groups of psychopaths who masquerade as Muslims.

By their very loud silence and indifference, they unwittingly create the impression of support for these terrorists.

“It is time for Muslims to unite in the face of this changing world that aspires to change the creed of Islam and eliminate its core values and laws.

“And for us at NASFAT, our 21st anniversary provides a unique opportunity for new partnerships for public enlightenment and mass education of people on what Islam truly stands for. And we wish to challenge the mass media to take up the challenge,” Bolarinwa said.

The NASFAT head, who said Islam was not under any threat in spite of what he termed as an orchestrated global attempt to blame it for all the present societal ills, maintained that the Qur’an preaches peace, brotherhood among mankind, noble precepts, obedience and submission not only to Allah but also to those in authority.

“Clearly then, a religion that places such high premium on good, orderly behaviour will not and does not abhor violence in all forms. This is common knowledge. Religion doesn’t promote terrorism, neither do race or ethnicity.

It is people who perpetrate acts of terrorism,” the Muslim leader said.

places to accommodate people. That was how NASFAT Ring Road came about, precisely at Bashorun Ogunmola High School, Lister Bus Stop. We were making use of the multipurpose hall there. In NASFAT, we have ethics, in the sense that wherever we intend to accommodate our members, we take a lot of things into consideration. We have to think of the convenience of our members in terms of the availability of basic facilities like toilet and parking space. And then we look for an environment that is safe and secure for our members. We started out at the place with about 250 members. The number has since grown to well over 1,500.

In 2008, we moved from Bashorun Ogunmola High School to Oluyole Muslim community mosque, along Mobil-7Up Road, following a government’s decision banning all religious and social activities in public schools. And as Allah would have it, the mosque has all the facilities required to hold our Sunday asalatu conveniently. It also has a hall to accommodate our children where educationists take care of them and give them instructions. The areas covered by the NASFAT Ring Road group include Ring Road, Adeoyo Fodacis, Oke-Ado/Liberty Road (now Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Road), Ososami, Joyce B Road, Oluyole Estate and Extension and Odo-Ona. Our stay at Oluyole mosque has been wonderful. As a group, we have consistently operated according to the dictates of the national headquarters and the founding fathers. We have continuously paid all our dues and participated in conferences. Impressed by our conduct, the national headquarters offered to upgrade us into a full-fledged NASFAT branch. The inauguration day is Sunday, 20 March, 2016.

The inauguration coincides with the ongoing celebration of the 21st anniversary of NASFAT, which theme is ‘21 Years of NASFAT in Da’wah: Building Religious Harmony.’ NASFAT was founded 5 March 1995 in Lagos by a few friends. Alhamdulillah, the organisation has kept growing over the years. It is almost everywhere in Nigeria and, indeed, Africa. NASFAT is in the United States, the Republic of Ireland and several other parts of the world. And in continuation of the anniversary celebration, on Saturday, 26 March NASFAT will be holding ‘Walk for Religious Harmony’ with our Christian friends starting from 10 o’clock in the morning and this will happen simultaneously worldwide. On Friday, 1 April, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to inaugurate NASFAT’s new mosque in Utako, Abuja, where a lecture and appreciation award/anniversary luncheon will also be held that day. Sunday, 3 April, is the closing ceremony which will be marked by the launch of new asalatu book, children asalatu book and online NASFATAPPS. Insha Allah, the inauguration of our Ring Road branch this Sunday will be performed at our permanent Asalatu ground at Plot 24, Block 7, Machine & Mercantile Road, off Mobil 7Up Road, Aba Igbira, Oluyole Estate, Ring Road, Ibadan. We have not moved from Oluyole mosque because we still have to put some structures in place there before we put it into use. Our plans are to sink a borehole and build a school there where our children can receive Arabic/Islamic and Western education.

We also want to put up a clinic and skills acquisition/empowerment centre there. On the skills acquisition centre, we will be collaborating with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in order to assist our youths. NASFAT Ibadanland has always done this. The guest lecturer is Khalifa Qaseem Akilapa, who is going to be educating us on our essence in life.

What is your advice for Muslims?

My advice for them is to always obey the injunctions of Allah. Allah says in Qur’an 51 verse 56 that ‘And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.’ In essence, the reason for our being is to worship Allah. Muslims should, therefore, shun all the distractions of this world and face that which matters most, that is, the worship of Allah.

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

hers

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

is unique, each child is different. So those are some areas that we really need to look into.

Pastor Oluremi Ibilola Olajengbesi, the proprietress of Radiance Group of Schools in Apata Ibadan and NOUN Ibadan study centre’s first class graduate in Early Childhood Education, in this interview speaks with SADE OGUNTOLA on her passion for good education, how best to combine career with home among other issues. Excerpt:

You must be a very busy and strong person. How have you been coping?

One must know how to manage and maximise her time. Of course, one must not forget the dimension of God who gives grace. The God factor is what is making me strong.

Many people ask why I decided to go back to school, but I just wanted it. Of course, I had encouragement from all sides, including from my husband and family. I finished gloriously and made everybody proud.

And I know that I have made God proud too.

Y

OU initially studied secretarial administration and later enrolled to do law at NOUN. Why the change to children education?

Well, I started my career being a secretary. I graduated to be a private secretary and pulled out to start a business and later went into education. From travelling to nations of the world, I discover that in Nigeria we have not gotten our education system right; many are not what they should be. So I decided to go into children education.

Before then I had always wanted to be a lawyer because I just loved the way lawyers dress. So when I had the opportunity of being admitted into the National Open University, I enrolled for Law. After doing the first semester, the question struck me that if indeed I had passion for children education, why study law.

My study director expressed concern that I wanted to change my course from Law that everybody is scrambling to read to read education.

He said that I should go back and think about it. I responded that I am not a young person, that I had thought about it and I understood what I was doing. Then I was 45 years old. He then obliged.

Afterwards, I started asking if anybody had gotten first-class in that field of education. And the response I got was No. And I thought within myself that I could make a first class. Each time I mentioned this, my daughter would ask me if I thought having a first-class was a small thing. But don’t forget the fact that I am a pastor of a church and by that time had already started running a school.

Did you end up with a firstclass as you so wished at the end of the course?

Yes, I did. I ended up being the first person to have a first-class degree in Ibadan study centre as well as the best graduating student in early childhood education, even the entire NOUN study centers all over the nation. So I just now discover that when you are committed and determined, you can accomplish.

The Bible says faith without work is dead. I have faith that I will clinch first-class and I worked towards it. I

Every child learns

through play

— Ibilola Olajengbesi was not lazing around, I was reading and watching my grades and eventually God crowned my effort with good success. Each time people see my result, they ask what is happening. And I will not forget my bishop, Wale Oke, always telling us that we should go for the best and that we are meant for the top.

Law, many will say, is lucrative, just as secretarial work. Have you considered that childhood education is not at par with these other professions?

Money is on one side and passion is on the other side. I want to follow my passion and impact the incoming generation through education.

There may not be much money in education, but you are happy that you have impacted someone’s life.

My heartbeat is just for children and thank God, I have been seeing this in the product that will turn out in my school.

At Radiance Group of Schools, we have been able to set our standard.

Can you compare how children are handled in Nigeria with what operates in schools

Faith without work is dead. I have faith that I will clinch first-class and I worked towards it. abroad?

The way we handle children in Nigeria is the cause of some of the malpractice we see in the country. We do not allow children to understand why things are the way they are. We encourage them to memorise rather than understand things. For example, they cannot reason why two multiplied by two should be four.

They just know it so. And because of this when children go for examination, they don’t know how to reason out the questions.

Also, the way we relate with children in Nigeria is different from how they do it abroad. They relate with

children more in love to be able to attract them to learn.

Do not forget that early childhood is about play. In Nigeria, they make even a three-year old to be serious and academic minded and it is very wrong. Every child learns through play and that it why we call it the play way method. This age ranges from zero to eight years. Whatever you need to teach them must be through play. But because we get too academically serious, before you know it, instead of children loving school, they keep hating school.

Anytime they see school they see too much of seriousness in it more than what they can cope with. Some of them run away when they see the colour of the school fence. This should not be.

Childhood education is about play, it should be through play way method. Whatever is to be introduced must be through play. It is highly important and parents must understand this because at times parents push school. Every child will develop at different pace; they will reach developmental milestone at different times. Some can write early but unable to read early. Each child

But many husbands are not supportive of their wives to achieve their goals in life. What is your opinion on this?

A: There is no married woman that has never passed through one hard time or the other. Life is full of challenges, I will not call that problem; it is a challenge that with God one can overcome. I tell women whose husbands do not believe in them or their career that they can always pray. When that man sees you as a serious-minded person and as a submissive person, he will change. It is only that, a lot of women think that everything about them ends with their careers. You can have both a home and a career.

I have a home, I have a career and I am a pastor. I have a husband with whom I live. Every woman must learn how to be submissive. For him to be able to know what your dreams are, you have to tell your husband about that dream that you want to accomplish. Let him see you being passionate about that dream and that you are trying to accompany that dream, maybe to slight him or to dominate. No man likes to be dominated. Every man likes to be celebrated; everyman likes to be honoured and we must not forget that as women.

What inspires you as a woman, what keeps you moving on?

A: Before I decided to follow biblical principles and all that is written in the Bible, I just believed that I had wasted time. Although I was not too old then, yet I believed that I had wasted time. It was as if the time I had wasted, I must get it back.

So that had been my driving force.

Each time I read about or see accomplished women being celebrated, I say to myself, if this person can accomplish her dream, of course, I can.

If there is anything, I love to read.

I love to read autobiographies of people. I want to know, learn from mistakes they have made and what makes them tick.

So, the ‘I can spirit’ is pushing me.

I have not stopped; it is still moving me on. And I do not have the intention of stopping yet.

34 hersay

Friday, 18 March, 2016

Gender sensitivity: A mirage?

By Monica Taiwo

I

T has been established over time that women are an important component in every society. Their importance to the family and the nation cannot be overemphasized. But in spite of their numerous contributions to nation building, the patriarchal system operated in Nigeria ensures that they remain voiceless in every area that matters.

This enforced silence negates the natural human law and the United Nations Human rights Charter which states that, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and that “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, birth or other status.”

Equality between the genders is a facet of human reality that needs to be attained for the common good. It is a condition that ensures that human beings retain their inherent dignity and nobility irrespective of class, status or religion. And indeed, in the search for meaning, for purpose, for community; the capacity to love, to create and persevere, has no gender. This has profound implications for the organisation of every aspect of human society.

But in Nigeria, like some other African countries, gender balance and equity is an elusive

phenomenon. Situations where a particular gender feels maginalised is not strange and series of calls for redress have yielded little or no results. Year in and out the world over, it is no more news that the United Nations and other several bodies like it clamour for gender sensitivity. Words like gender equality, gender sensitivity , gender mainstreaming are no longer strange, they have become really familiar to us but this seems to be the extent of our comprehension, we do not have a grasp of their meaning or importance.

The issue of gender sensitivity continues to be a mirage in our society, with the incessant rape of young girls, abduction, child marriage and forced marriage of under aged girls which make the headlines of both the print and broadcast media every day. One is forced to raise an eyebrow especially when one puts into perspective, the recent refusal of the

The bill according to Mrs Olujimi, would seek equal rights for women in marriage, education and job.

Nigerian Senate to deliberate on the bill.

The bill sponsored by the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi, PDP, Ekiti South, titled, “A bill for an Act to Incorporate and enforce certain provisions of the United Nations Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the Protocol of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa, and other matters connected therewith”, 2016 (SB. 116) was voted out.

The bill according to Mrs Olujimi, would seek equal rights for women in marriage, education and job. She said if the bill was passed, a widow in Nigeria would automatically become the custodian of her children in the event of the death of her husband and would also inherit his property.

But it did not see the light of the day.

Those who opposed the bill argued that most of its provisions were in conflict with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the same reason given by lawmakers in the Seventh Senate, when similar bill was rejected The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremadu, who supported the bill, said Nigeria would develop if women were given the same rights that men have, but majority rejected it for several

Olujimi reasons ranging from religion to tradition and culture.

Do we still adhere to our cultural and religious norms in this day and age of civilization or do we make use of them and refer to these cultural and religious norms only when necessary and convenient?

Should we not, as a nation move forward? What then becomes of the foreign trips made all the time by our leaders? What lessons do they learn from these foreign counties; probably these lessons do not involve gender is-

sues.

Have we ever stopped to think of how discrimination against women limits the ability of men and boys to develop to their full potential? How does it impact the progress and well-being of society as a whole? How will progress towards equality transform various facets of human society: the development of intellectual life; the practice of governance; the allocation of material resources; the condition of the family? As a country, we need these reflections.

When NDDC celebrated International Women’s Day Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt THEY are mostly the unseen faces; they are the donkeys who carry all sorts of burdens to ensure the survival of the family and, by extension, the society. They have been object of abuse and various dehumanising treatments. Though they often formed the fulcrum of the outward peace and success men often exude, ironically, they are largely the unsung heroes. This has been the lot of women from time immemorial, especially in a society which frowns at women being at par or of equal status with men.

However, the role of the woman as a family, nay, country builder cannot be over-emphasised and this has come to be recognised globally. Stressing The importance of woman to mankind, the late iconic South African leader, Nelson Mandela, once said, “Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.” For this reason, the United Nations (UN) set aside March 8 of every year as the International Women’s Day (IWD), a special day to remember, celebrate and honour women across the world.

Nigeria, being part of the global community, has not been left out the annual celebration as various groups and organisations often map out special programmes and activities to mark the day. Spearheading the 2016 celebration of the event, the Niger Delta Develop-

Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Ibim Semenitari, left, welcoming the wife of Rivers State governor, Justice Suzette Nyesom-Wike, to the venue of the play drama held to mark the 2016 International Women’s Day (IWD), in Port Harcourt, recently.

ment Commission (NDDC) organised a drama play which depicted the sufferings of women generally and especially in the Niger Delta region.

The play, “Little Drops” was written by Professor Ahmed Yerima, a prolific Niger Delta playwright and was staged, Thursday, last week, in the expansive Atlantic Hall of the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Among the cast was the famous and ageless Nollywood actress, Joke Jacobs, the wife of an equally popular and versatile actor, Olu Jacobs.

Beyond celebrating the suffering women and their struggle through the ages, the play was an anecdote, bringing to bear the issues and problems confronting the Niger Delta region and the continual struggle of its people for survival and development. “Little Drops” provided an engaging platform to bring to the national conscious-

ness, through the voice of women, the need to reaffirm and consolidate on the ultimate goal of development and fostering of peace in the region.

The Special Guest of Honour at the event was the wife of the Rivers State governor, Justice Suzette Nyesom-Wike. She held the hall spell-bound and to the admiration of the audience as, speaking without a prepared speech, she dwelt on the various forms of depravities and inhumane treatment women in the African woman is passing through.

The governor’s wife spoke, among other things on the urgent need to eradicate among womenfolk, gender parity, women health, including both physical and mental. She also cited several cases of rape and instances of domestic violence against women, noting that some of the victims were often left to suffer in silence as they cannot

publicly disclose what really happened to them.

She said there was the need to discourage societal violence against women and rather treat them with respect, advocating that certain traditions, cultures and religions that saw women as being inferior to men should be transformed through education to enlighten the people on ways of life and that women should no longer be seen as an object but partners in the process of development.

“Women have suffered over the years. There are some aspects of our culture and tradition that are making things more difficult for the womenfolk. But these culture and tradition can be transformed, using the opportunity of western education and other forms of enlightenment”, she said.

Mrs Nyesom-Wike, who said it has not been easy for even a matured woman to cope with the responsibilities at the home front, drowned at the idea of girl-child marriage, not that such a small girl was not prepared for marriage and motherhood. “Marrying off young girls exposes them to a lot of dangers, leading to a total loss of which its huge calamities should not and cannot be ignored.

“Allowing domestic violence to prevail at the home front always result in the woman losing at all sides. Such a woman cannot function properly, both in her home and in the society. Rape and indecent assault also destroy woman sensi-

bility”, she said.

The governor’s wife also said the theme of the 2016 IWD, “A Pledge for Parity”, should be directed at the men, saying men should learn to respect and treat women as equals. “We need to give women a chance to develop themselves.

When you build a woman, you are not only building your child but she is also raising the next generation of responsible people”, she added.

Mounting the rostrum, the Chief Host and acting Managing Director of NDDC, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, echoed the assertion by Mrs Nyesom-Wike as she asserted that all humans, man and woman, young and old, should learn to live in a world where the man can be respected and the woman can also be equally respected.

Going down the memory lane, Semenitari said the quest for woman emancipation started in 1792, with the great work of Mary Wollstonecraft who, in her tract, “A Vindication of the Rights of Women”, laid down the first definitive principles on women empowerment.

Since then, she said the society has been struggling to find the moral courage to embrace and engender gender parity.

“As a result, the world has faced more challenges than it ought, dithered where her feet ought to be surer, because women, proven to be unquestionable and inspiring leaders of history, have not been given equal opportunities and representations”, she said.

35 hersay

H

ow do you become successful?

Good decisions. How do you learn to make good decisions?

Bad decisions.

That’s how it works. As parents, we do our best to keep our kids from making any bad decisions. After all, we are smarter, we have been there and we want to save our children from the pain of making bad decisions. Yet bad decisions are the greatest of all teachers. Stop saving your kids from all of their bad decisions.

Let them make mistakes. As long as the mistake your kid is about to make isn’t lifethreatening and doesn’t have truly detrimental long-term consequences, turn her loose and let her screw up. Let her screw up in small ways where the outcome isn’t all that damaging so she will learn how not to make that same mistake again.

When she makes a bad decision and the results are less than she hoped for, don’t say, “I told you so.Do that too often and you will soon be left out of all her decisions. Instead, let her feel the pain and

Friday, 18 March, 2016

Parenting The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu

08023242389

Decision making when the time is right, talk to her about the experience. Ask her if she learned anything. Guide her through the process of making a decision, feeling either the pain or the pleasure of her decision and what she learned from the experience. Making a bad decision is not a problem, unless you let the lesson from that bad decision pass you by. That’s just a waste.

Some kids learn the inability to make decisions from their parents. They watch their folks fret and worry and think and contemplate until they end up with “pa-

I have vagina odour!

D

ear Taiwo, I am 19, an undergraduate.

About six weeks ago, after my menstrual period, I started itching in my vagina. I didn’t know what could be responsible for this and I could not tell anybody because I am shy.

This problem is getting worse by the day because now, I find it difficult to urinate.

My vagina hurts so much. Lately, I also began to perceive a very bad odour, like decayed fish smell and a whitish discharge like mucus started coming out from my vagina staining my pant. I am so shy and uncomfortable. Please, I need your help urgently. Help me.

Helene.

Dear Helene, Though I am not a medical doctor, with my little experience about the picture you have painted, it is obvious that you have an infection.

Right now, how, where and what caused it does not matter. The most important thing now is for you to access treatment and get well.

If this is the first time such is happening to you, it is very normal for you to be shy to talk about it, but you must trust someone enough to open up to and that person is your doctor.

If you have a family doctor, please, see him/ her without delay.

Do not worry about talking to him or her, because I am sure he or she must have treated such a couple of times.

This is not a kind of situation you will keep to yourself. I wouldn’t advise that you talk to your friends about this for the fear of wrong counselling and stigma. It is a simple thing if you act on time.

See a doctor without delay, commence whatever treatment he or she advises and you will feel relieved and healed. Then, you also need to check out what you did just before you started feeling this way to avoid re-occurrence. You mentioned that it started just after you finished your monthly period, could you have reacted to your sanitary period if it is a new one? Did you have unprotected sex? You also

cryonmenow@yahoo.com

need to be careful with and rev up your personal hygiene. Above all, see a doctor without delay, please.

ralysis by analysis.” This is more dangerous than making a decision that turns out to be a bad one, in my opinion. We all sometimes spend way too much time figuring out how to make the right decision.

Often, there isn’t enough time to wait to gather the information, do the analysis, do the math, weigh all the pros and cons and then make a slow, well-informed decision about what needs to be done.

I always taught my kids my philosophy of “Make the decision, then make the decision right . also “I always say you make

your choice and your choice makes you .” This means that you just make the decision and then you go to work to make whatever you decided the right decision.

Yes, sometimes you have to work harder to make your decisions right, but it’s still better than being stuck and not making a decision at all.

Let your kids make their own decisions even from a young age. Let them decide what to wear. Who cares if their socks don’t match or if they want to wear cowboy boots with their shorts?

Let your kid have the freedom to make decisions about things that don’t matter.

It gives him a sense of control over his own life. It’s good for him. As he gets older, he can make decisions about things that carry more weight and do matter. You can guide him and offer some counsel but let the decision be his. Let the consequences be his, too. This lesson will serve him well as an adult. I have had the privilege of counselling with and going to fifty and yet they are afraid of making decisions not to talk of making a commitment.

share a

burden

With Monica Taiwo

08055001724(sms only) monicataiwo@yahoo.com

I have crush on my friend’s mother!

Dear Taiwo, Please, can you advise me on how to handle this situation and my wayward emotions? What I am about to tell you is rather naughty and I know, but I really cannot help myself.

I have a crush on my friend’s mother.

I am 20 years old, a 300 level student in one of the private universities. I met and became friends with my roommate at the beginning of this new session.

He is an only son and incidentally, his father is late, so he is very close to his

mother and they have a unique relationship that I envy so much.

Though, my mother is also caring, I covet the way my friend and his mother relate with each other. She also extends this care to her son’s friends too. Several times I will stare at her picture on her son’s bedside locker.

It was her 5oth birthday two weeks ago and her son invited all his friends home for the celebration. Like I mentioned earlier, we have since become close, so I went home with him two days before the party and that

was when this crazy feeling started.

It is as bad as having wet dreams about her. I took a couple of her pictures on her birthday and I find myself starring at her pictures on my phone even in the classroom during lectures and when I do, I feel aroused.

Please, what can I do, my friend or even our other friends must not get to know about this. What can I do to get this feeling out of me?

Adeyemo.

Dear Adeyemo, Since what you feel for your friend’s mum is just a crush, I am sure you will overcome the feeling with time.

This crush of yours is probably because of the relationship between your friend and his mum, which you don’t share with your own mother.

You are the best person to help yourself here because you need to be able to separate your feelings.

You are a young adult, get gainfully engaged and it will help you if you can delete her pictures from your phone and concentrate on your studies. You also can try to strengthen the relationship between you and your mother and improve your bond.

Not everything that glitters is gold, if it is possible, try getting a little closer to both mother and son, you may eventually discover that there are things you might not like and also find out that there are things your own mum does better too. Try appreciating your mother better and you will be able to get over this crush.

It will also help if you can pray about it, denomination or religion notwithstanding.

south-westnews

36

Friday, 18 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Salary arrears: Labour movement requests audience with Ajimobi

By Wale Akinselure

T

HE entire labour movement in Oyo State, comprising the Nigerian La-

bour Congress and Joint Negotiation Council, is expected to meet with Governor Abiola Ajimobi next week to arrive at a new arrangement aimed at en-

suring regular payment of salaries.

The labour movement, at the end of its meeting, held on Thursday, put on hold a decisive action on

the matter having requested a personal audience with Governor Ajimobi.

It will be recalled that the Oyo State government and state chapter of the

From left, Vice Chancellor, Kings University, Ode Omu, Professor Oladiran Famurewa; Co-chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Osun State deputy governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Chancellor, Pastor Mathew Asimolowo and others, during the commissioning and maiden matriculation of the university, in Ode-Omu, on Thursday.

Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is currently having an agreement to the effect that 90 per cent of the state’s monthly Federal Government revenue be committed to the payment of salaries and the clearing of all outstanding arrears of civil servants.

In an interaction with the Nigerian Tribune at the end of the meeting, Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress, Oyo State Chapter, Mr Waheed Olojede, said: “We have sent a letter seeking personal audience with the governor to discuss with labour movement on how to clear the backlog of salaries. If all fail, labour will take action.”

“The salary arrears continue to pile up and it is going beyond what we can bear. There are irregulari-

Glo, CCII paint Ibadan green As CCII honours Makinde, Olujinmi, others

By Tunde Ogunesan

Co-chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (left), exchanging pleasantries with Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, watches, at the commissioning and maiden matriculation of Kings University, in Ode-Omu, on Thursday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

NATIONAL telecommunications operator, Globacom, on Thursday, painted the ancient city of Ibadan green at the grand finale of Ibadan Cultural Festival 2016 which featured the Oke ‘Badan Festival The ceremonies were held on the grounds of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, where the national telecoms operator mounted its colourful gazebos to the admiration of all and sundry.

Also, different social groups formed by indigenes of the city displayed the richness of the Yoruba traditions with their attractive traditional ensembles of varying designs.

Why we established Kings University —Pastor Ashimolowo Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

THE proprietor of Kings University, Odeomu, in Osun State, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, on Thursday, attributed the need to raise a generation of entrepreneurs and provide space for thousands of Nigerian students seeking admission as reasons for establishing the institution.

He said the mission of the university was to produce people, who can make difference in the competitive world, by being employers of labour, instead of applying for non-existent jobs in the labour market.

Ashimolowo, who made this disclosure in Odeomu during the commissioning of the university and its maiden matriculation, maintained that “it is our

mission to raise people who can make positive difference in the world. We want to raise a generation of people, who think entrepreneurship, not job seekers. We are committed to producing leaders with strong mind, who can change the fortune of our nation.”

While explaining that the university gulped about N2 billion, he said the institution was the first in Nigeria to offer scholarship to about 150 students, stressing that the beneficiaries would continue to enjoy the scholarship as long as they conform with the principles of Kings University.

In his remark, Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, described Kings University as the ninth university in the state, stressing that “it would be the first private

university that would be in its permanent site long before being licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

According to him, “the location of the university would positively affect the socio-economic and political growth of its host community.

University is meant to advance the frontiers of the world.”

Aregbesola, who tasked the students to be ready to acquire knowledge in academics and character, urged the management of the institution to resist the temptation of being a general university, contending that “excellence comes with discipline and concentration.”

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Kings University, Professor Oladiran Famurewa, stated that

“our goal is to be propelled by our core values of learning, forthrightness, moral upbringing and spiritual development in line with our mission to be university of note and recognised for educational excellence and academic success.”

Dignitaries at the commissioning ceremony included Governor Rauf Aregbesola, his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye Tomori; co-chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria

(ANN), Plc, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Senator Iyiola Omisore; former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan; former Minister of Youth Development, Senator Rasheed Olasunkanmi Akinlabi; Alayegun of Odeomu, Oba Lamidi Oke; King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal; Senator Yinka Omilani and host of others.

Lasun to bag chieftaincy title March 26 THE Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Sulaiman Lasun Yusuf, will on March 26, be conferred with the title of Basorun of Obaagunland in Osun State.

Lasun is being honoured with the traditional title in

ties that we think it is only the governor that can address. We may also have to review our previous agreement with the state government. We understand the current economic crisis nationwide but we believe that the state government, just like other state governments, should prioritise payment of salaries.”

Nigerian Tribune gathered that civil servants in the mainstream of the public service and secondary school teachers have just received November salary, while the entire work force are waiting to be paid from December 2015 till date.

Meanwhile, primary school teachers and local government workers have collected January 2016 salary.

recognition of his immeasurable contribution to the growth and development of Obaagunland and Osun State in general.

This was contained in a press statement issued and signed by his political aide, Mr Lekan Olawoyin.

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) had earlier conducted a town parade led by its President-General, Chief Wole Akinwande.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, was in his regal best as he greeted the different groups who came one after the other to pay homage to him.

Globacom, in tandem with its commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage, is the main sponsor of the 2016 Oke ‘Badan festival which is a major feature of the Ibadan Week Cultural Festival 2016.

Among dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo; the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Balogun; Mr Seyi Makinde; Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja and the representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Ogunwusi.

The national telecoms network said it collaborated with the CCII for this year’s celebrations owing to its interest in supporting major cultural activities to entrench cohesion and unity in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the CCII, on Thursday, conferred merit awards on the former Attorney General of Nigeria, Chief Akin Olujinmi; former governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde and other indigenes of the town at the grand finale of Ibadan cultural festival 2016 held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.

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south-westnews

Friday, 18 March, 2016

SEMA charged to provide relief for Oyo rainstorm victims As Oyo Assembly decries persistent street fighting among students

By Wale Akinselure

THE Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials for the victims of the recent rainstorm which affected the lives and property of residents of Ogbomoso and Oyo, among other parts of the state.

The Assembly, at its Thursday’s plenary had accepted the prayers of member representing Ogbomosho North state constituency, Honourable Wunmi Oladeji, calling for relief measures for victims of the March 12 rainstorm.

Noting that similar incidents were yearly recorded in the area, she recounted that two persons died, many injured, while property were damaged in Isale Afon, Saja-Isale Ora, Masifa, Aguodo, Oke Ado areas of Ogbomoso in the latest incident.

Lawmakers also identified the expediency for relevant emergency bodies to be on alert.

Also noting the prediction of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) for 2016 classifying Oyo State as one of the states to experience “above-normal” rainfall, the Assembly urged the state government to put in place measures to forestall any untoward occurrence.

In her motion, Oladeji had also urged government agencies, private organisations and individuals across the state to promote the planting of trees to serve as wind breaker.

To promote tree plant-

ing, the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural resources was charged to make relevant seeds available to people at low cost and create awareness on the World Tree Planting Day. The assembly, in another motion by Majority Leader, Honourable Kehinde

Subair, and Honourable Ademola Ige of Ibadan South East II constituency, bemoaned the persistent street fighting among students in public schools.

Making reference to reported instances in Yejide Girls Grammar School, Community Grammar School, St Luke College,

Olubi Memorial Grammar School, St David High School and Anglican Grammar School, all in Ibadan, the assembly charged the House Committee on Education and Security to look into the matter.

Furthermore, the Assembly urged school administrators to set up disciplin-

From left, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, University of Ibadan, Professor Emilolorun Ayelari; lead speaker, Professor Benjamin Ehigie; Vice Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Professor Gbemisola Oke, at the 2015/2016 matriculation ceremony of the university, held on Thursday.

Power outage, fuel scarcity ground business activities in Ekiti

P

OWER outage and non availability of petrol have crippled business activities in Ekiti State.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) cor-

respondent, who monitored the situation in Ikole, Oye and Ilejemeje local government areas of the state, on Thursday, reported that none of the towns and villages has electricity supply in the

last one week.

A litre of petrol goes for between N130 and N160 while four litres go for N1,000 at the black market.

Some commercial drivers and motorcycle opera-

Ijebu-Ode people set to receive spiritual blessings from Abiara’s ministration CHRISTIANS in IjebuOde, Ogun State, particularly the Christ Apostolic Church, Osinubi District Coordinating Council, are getting ready to receive spiritual blessings as the General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, ministers in the city.

Prophet Abiara will be ministering at the first Osinubi Glorious District Coordinating Council Anniversary coming up April 3.

According to information received from the

ary committees to deal with erring students to serve as deterrent to others.

In the same light, security agencies were charged to apprehend erring students, while calling on parents and guardians to impart right behaviour in their wards and adequately monitor them.

church, Prophet Abiara will also be ministering live in a four-day revival with the theme: “Power of resurrection with signs and wonders,” which will begin on Friday, March 28 and end with a vigil on April 1.

Speaking on the church’s activities for the revival and anniversary in Ijebu-Ode, Pastor Sunday Diyaolu, the Chairman, Revival Committee, noted that “Prophet S.K. Abiara is coming to Ijebu-Ode to evangelise the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as

He resurrected. Through this uncommon revival, God shall perform miracles and people should be expecting deliverance, healings, both financial and spiritual blessings with signs and wonders from God.” Pastor Gabriel Akinwale who is the current Districts Coordinating Council Superintendent, who spoke with newsmen, urged the whole nation to benefit from this uncommon grace prepared by God for His people at the Christ Apostolic Church

Osinubi, Ijebu-Ode. He said, “This is not meant for the church members alone, but it is for the whole nation,” just as he quoted the Bible, saying: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him...Rev. 3:20.”

Also, Pastor Joseph Adenle who is Osinubi District Coordinating Council Spiritual father, appealed to all and sundry to attend the revival as bountiful blessings await them.

tors who could not afford the high price have suspended operation while others increased their fares.

A cross section of residents decried the situation and appealed to government to address the electricity problem.

Mr Yinusa Akano, a welder in Ikole Ekiti, said the non supply of electricity by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to the area was disturbing.

He said that petrol scarcity had worsened the situation as they could not use generator as alternative due to the hike in fuel price.

Mr Mike Alabi, a barber, said the prolonged power outage and non availability of petrol was becoming unbearable.

Alabi called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency make fuel available and direct BEDC to supply electricity to boost the economy.

Nigerian Tribune

UI matriculates 4,008 students THE Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, on Thursday, urged the newly matriculated 4,008 students to imbibe the academic excellence which the institution was noted for.

Olayinka said this at the 2015/2016 matriculation comprising 3,225 UTME and 783 direct entry candidates.

“The University of Ibadan has a proven track record of academic excellence and a trusted and tested solid reputation for the quality of its graduates,’’ he said.

Olayinka said that the 4,008 candidates were selected out of the 32,587 candidates who scored 180 and above in the UTME and 2,512 who applied for direct entry admission.

He said the new intakes should see their admission as a rare privilege to study in the nation’s premier university.

Olayinka advised them to be security-conscious and be wary of the associations they keep.

“I will now reiterate what matriculating students have been consistently told over the last couple of years and thus reinforce what you have been told about cultism during your orientation programme.”

Ibadan North East council boss increases street sweepers’ allowances

By Tunde Ogunesan

THE newly appointed Caretaker Chairman, Transition Committee, Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Honourable Lekan Afuye, has increased the monthly stipend of the street sweepers in the council from N5,000 to N8,000 per month.

Honourable Afuye disclosed this during a maiden edition of the meeting he held with the management and staff of the local government, yesterday.

He stated that the increment became imperative going by the current economic situation in the country so as to make the sweepers happy.

While addressing the staff at the council hall, Iwo Road, Ibadan, Honourable Afuye explained that his administration would have zero tolerance for corruption, ineptitude and lateness to work, stressing that with the support of the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, he is ready to improve the living condition and welfare of workers and bring development to the council.

news Senate backs Reps takeover of Kogi Assembly

38

Friday, 11 March, 2016 Friday, 18 March, 2016

•Moves to legalise card reader Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi, Abuja

T

HE Senate, on Thursday, voted to back the decision of the House of Representatives to take over the legislative func-

Cattle rustler arrested with cow parts, gun in Delta Ebenezer Adurokiya, Warri

A suspected cattle rustler has been arrested with fresh cow body parts and one Russian-made double barrel gun loaded with cartridges in Delta State.

The suspect, one Bright Aghanenu, who is an iron bender at Emu Ebendo quarters, Kwale, Ndokwa Local Government Area, of the state,was also arrested with one bloodstained cutlass, two wraps of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp and four expended cartridges.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that police operatives at Kwale division received a distress call from one Alhaji Musa Saidu, a Fulani herdsman, that a three-man armed rustlers shot and killed three of his cows in a bush at Emu Ebendo quarters in Kwale.

The police operatives with members of a local vigilance group, were said to have mobilised to the scene and truly observed that a cow was killed and most of its parts carted away.

The search that followed the discovery led to the arrest of Bright Aghanenu after he was caught with some dismembered cow parts and an unregistered Daylong motorcycle.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Police Command, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the report, said the suspect had confessed to the crime and mentioned his cohorts.

Kalu, who said the incident took place onMarch 9, reiterated the command’s appeal to the Fulani herdsmen in the area and their host communities to continue to maintain peace and give the police a free hand to investigate and bring the culprits to justice.

tions of the Kogi State House of Assembly, following the crisis that engulfed the state.

The red chamber, which also adopted a resolution of the House of Representatives, which declared as null and void, the impeachment of the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Honourable Momoh Jimoh-Lawal.

The chamber also condemned the activities of the Nigerian Police in the crisis, adding that the police apparently subverted the provisions of the constitution by providing cover for only five out of 20 of the Kogi Assembly lawmakers, who sat to illegally impeach the speaker.

Meanwhile,the senate, on Thursday, moved to legalise the use of card reader, following the passage through the second reading of a bill seeking to legalise the use of the cards.

Senator Tijani Kaura, who led the debate on the need for further amendment to the electoral act

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tagged “ A bill to further Amend the Electoral Act 2010 ( No 6) and for other Matters Connected Therewith”, said that the bill principally seeks to give legal impetus to the use of card reader .

He said the introduction of the device in the 2015 general election, was necessary to curtail electoral abnormalities in the coun-

try .

The lawmaker stated that if card reader and by extension, the Permanent Voter Card ( PVC), had been taken care of through the electoral act, the court would have ruled in favour of the card reader.

He said: “The card reader is not provided for by the Electoral Act 2010 (No 6 ), despite its novelty and

this was the rationale behind the rulings of the Supreme Court on gubernatorial election cases of the states mentioned.

“Thus, this bill becomes necessary as amending the law will enable the Supreme Court to reverse itself in future similar cases” He argued further that

the said card readers , if eventually legalised through an amended electoral act, will not in anyway, depose or dethrone the voters’ Register whose judicial roots are firmly embedded or entrenched in the same electoral act from which the voters’ register directly derives its sustenance and currency.

Buratai reiterates resolve to reposition army Jude Ossai - Enugu

THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, has reiterated his commitment to reposition the army, urging soldiers and officers as professionals to subject themselves to the rule of law.

Speaking to newsmen in Enugu shortly after inspecting a guard of honour by a detachment of soldiers at 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, on Thursday, General

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Buratai said that army had the constitutional responsibility to defend citizens as well as internal and external aggressions.

You should follow the rules of engagement. Do not open fire unless when it is extremely necessary. Rule of engagement also provides for human rights. But if there is the need to open fire, soldiers are protected by the law. We will not tolerate people breaking the law,” he said.

General Buratai who said he was in Enugu for familiarisation tour of Army formation, further said, “ Essentially, the Nigerian army rule is on human rights protection and indeed, perfected by the right of every Nigerian, However, once you are deployed and there is the need to open fire the use of human right does not apply”.

“So, if you apply the rule of engagement and there is cause to open fire, you are protected

by the constitution and all the various legs”, he added.

He also commended soldiers and officers of the Nigerian army in the North-East for their gallant efforts in the fight against insurgency.

Asked how far the army has gone in reclaiming the Sabisa Forest, the army boss said the army had gone deep in curbing insurgents in the forest, adding that it is very big area.

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I, formerly Ayansina Olabisi Idowu now AYANSINA BAMIDELE NIYI. All former documents remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akinola Tobi Damilola now MRS. AYENI TOBI DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Sunday Omerye Ukpounu now Sunny Omerye Ukpounu. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ojo Aderonke Yetunde now MRS. ADEUSI ADERONKE YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ganiyu Sadiat Tope now MRS MOSHOOD HALIMOT SADIA TOPE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Felix Williams now MR CHINOSO FELIX WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Fashina Omowunmi now AGBOOLA ESTHER OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Amugen Sarah now AKPOBASAH AMUGEN SARAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oladiti Busola Yemisi now MRS BABATUNJI BUSOLA YEMISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olalekan Alofe now OLALEKAN OJO ADIGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Aminu Edith Nwaka now MRS ENUJEKO EDITH NWAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Faseru Oyebanji Pinky now FASERU OYEBANJI OLADAPO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Jegede Felicia Oluwatosin now MRS FALODUN FELICIA OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Victoria Christopher now MRS VICTORIA ASAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Animaitu Akins Isalah now MRS AWE ANIMAITU AKINS EDITH and my correct date of birth is October 17, 1969. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Awoyemi Folashade Omolabake now OYEDIRAN FADEKEMI FOLASADE OMOLABAKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Mrs. Saseun Olubunmi Oyebimpe am the same person as Mrs. Dennis-Saseun Olubunmi Oyebimpe.Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as MRS. DENNIS OLUBUNMI OYEBIMPE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. IBTC Bank Plc., Diamond Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Madu Rebecca Njideka now MRS. KASSIM REBECCA NJIDEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Miss Olaiya Oluwabukola Rosaline Enitan am the same person as Olaiya Olubukola Enitan and Olaiya Oluwabukola Rosaline. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MISS OLAIYA OLUWABUKOLA ROSALINE ENITAN. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Nipost and general public take note.

I, Simon Eze, my correct name is Simon Eze not Samuel Eze. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SIMON EZE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Akinjise Helen Labake now MRS. AKINWANDE LABAKE HELEN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., Diamond Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Tijani Abiodun Adebukola now MRS. OLOKO ABIODUN ADEBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Olufunmilayo Alajiki now MRS. OLUFUNMILAYO SALAWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Fadehan Oyegunle Elijah now OYEGBADE OYEGUNLE ELIJAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

COFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Jumoke Ogunleke now MRS. ADEEYO OMOLARA ALABA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ajibade Sefiyat Omolara now AMOO SEFIYAT OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ojo Oluwabunmi Florence now MRS. FALANA OLUWABUNMI FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Gomero Terry now GOMEROMO TERRY EBIOTU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adisa Olanrewaju Ibrahim now OLAYIWOLA OLANREWAJU IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adebayo Haleemat Omotayo now SALAUDEEN HALEEMAT OMOTAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adedotun Oyebola Abegunde now MRS. ADEDOTUN OYEBOLA OKOHA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Edirin Amos now OKPADIOHWO EDIRIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oladunjoye Olubunmi Opeyemi now AKINWUNMI OLUBUNMI OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fagbewesa Deborah now MRS. AKANBI AISHAT AJOKE. All former documents remain valid.

EcoBank Plc., GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Sulaimon Aminat Bukola now MRS. RAHEEM AMINAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

COFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Bello Ganiyu Ayinla am the same person who bear Bello Ganiu. My correct names now are BELLO GANIYU AYINLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Stanbic IBTC, and general public take note.

40 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Odeyoyin Ibrahim Abiodun now ADEMOLA IBRAHIM ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, 18 March, 2016 CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Efer Nkereuwme Udofe hereby state that my name was mistakenly written as Favour Efer instead of Efer Nkereuwme Udofe. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as EFER NKEREUWME UDOFE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bode Idowu now MODINAT IYABODE IDOWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Okuekhamhen Enore Sandra now MRS OLU-AYOOLA ENORE SANDRA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Subuloye Esther Busola now MRS ALFRED ESTHER BUSOLA. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and general public take note.

I, formerly Jimoh Medinat Biola now IBRAHIM MEDINAT ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, John Idowu Odumeso am the same person as Idowu Mojeed Jimoh. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as JOHN IDOWU MOJEED ODUMESO-JIMOH. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Olatunji Temitope now MRS ADEDAPO ABIBAT. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adegbokun Helen Adenike now MRS AJOBO HELEN ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Awolola Oluwabusola Abiodun now MRS ALAO OLUWABUSOLA ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Onamusi Arinola Oluwaseun now OBIKOYA OLUWASEUN ARINOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Rapheal Alani Lawal now RAUFU OLASUNKANMI ALANI LAWAL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Victoria Agada-Akogwu now MRS VICTORIA CHRISTOPHER AKOGWU. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oladejo Abayomi Julius now OLADEJO ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Josiah Ogeyovwe now EJOH JAMIH OJIYOVWI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Olubayo Rasak Olajide now MR OLUBOYO RASAK OLAJIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olowosina Olorunfemi Peter now OLOWOSIWA OLORUNFEMI PETER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Jubril Ademola Adio now YISAU ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Talabi Ademola Adesoji now TALABI ADEREMI ADEMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adeniyi Gbenga Blaze now ADENIYI GBENGA MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Comfort Dupe Micheal now MRS. AGOSUA COMFORT IPEMOSI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Abolaji Olugbade Olaleye now BLESSING BOLAJI OLALEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Agunbiade Bola now GBADEGESIN BOLA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., Wema Bank Plc., FCMB, Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayelabola Mary Bosede now OWOYEMI MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olanike Labake Elefontuyi now MRS. OLANIKE LABAKE OLATUNBOSUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lawal Adebayo Musiliyu now KARIMU BAYONLE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc., Wema Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olasunkami Olufisayo Dotun now ODANYE OLUFISAYO PHILIP. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Funke Oluwafemi now MRS. AMIGUN FUNKE JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Babalola Fatimoh Jumoke now MRS. OLUBODE FATIMOH JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Rabiu Oguntilewa Tawa Omolara now MRS. RAFIU TAWA OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Onalami Thomas Abayomi now ONALAMI ABRAHAM ABAYOMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Olakanmi Adeolu Abiodun now OLAKANMI ABIODUN OLALEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olabinri Olufunmilayo Aderonke now MRS. ADETONA O L U F U N M I L AYO ADERONKE VIVIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Sule Aishat Kofoworola now SULE AISHAT OYIIZA. My correct date of birth is 12th May, 1996.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abideen Adigun now ADIGUN ABIDEEN AJAO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Awolola Mosunmola Omotayo am the same person bearing Afolabi Mosunmola Omotayo.

All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. GTBank Plc., Access Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Fehintola Omoboade Dorcas now MRS. ADEGUNWA OMOBOADE DORCAS. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Oyo and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinsola Omolade Busayo now MRS. AJISAFE OMOLADE BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olorundare Oluwatoyin Deborah now MRS. ADEPOJU OLUWATOYIN DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akinola Tawakalitu Olaseni now MRS AKEEM TAWAKALITU OLASENI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Lawal Mulikat Olasunbo now MRS OLONIMOYO MULIKAT OLASUNBO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Okunowo Oluwakemi Marian now AJIBOYE OLUWAKEMI MARIAN. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Hamsat Samota Gbemisola now HAMUZAT SAMOTA GBEMISOLA. All former documents remain valid. NECO, JAMB, LAUTECH and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Aremu Victoria Funmilayo now MRS ADEBIYI VICTORIA FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adepelu Dorcas Oluwayinka now MRS ODESOLA DORCAS OLUWAYINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunkoya Bilikis Kemi now MRS OLANREWAJU BILIKIS KEMI. All former documents remain valid. Office Devices, OOU, Ago-Iwoye and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Aremu Latifu now AREMU LATEEF. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Margaret Adebisi Atayero now MRS ADEBISI ADUKE ATAYERO. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, Iwo Road Branch and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Salaudeen Suleman Adigun now SULAIMAN ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adewumi Oni Esther now IPOADE ADEWUMI ADENIRE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Oyelami Sekinat Joke am the same person bearing Oladejo Sekinat Joke and Abdulrauf-Oladejo Joke Sekinat.

Henceforth, I wish to be called and addressed as ABDULRAUF-OLADEJO JOKE SEKINAT. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc., FCMB and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Dunmola Grace Adelola now MRS ONI GRACE ADELOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Ajilore Sayo Mary am the same person as Mary Sayo Oluwaseun.

Henceforth, I wish to be called and addressed as AJILORE SAYO MARY. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Augustus Adewale now EGBOWOROMO ADEBOLAWE FELIX. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Farinola Lucy Adeteju now MRS. ORUMWENSE LUCY ADETEJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Fapetu Oluyemisi Margaret now MRS OYENDE OLUYEMISI MARGARET. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Mrs Funmilayo Margaret Nosiru am the same person as Miss Funmilayo Margaret Falola.

Henceforth, I wish to be called and addressed as MRS FUNMILAYO MARGARET NOSIRU. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Erronously entered my name as Aremu Hannah Oyihin instead of Anna Onyuyi Aremu. I now wish to be known and addressed as ANNA ONYUYI AREMU. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abigail Adisa now MRS ADEGOKE FUNMILAYO KANSARA. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adediran Funmilayo Florence now MRS ADEYEMO FUNMILAYO FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Cusmas Ojo Francis now OSAYOMI FRANCIS OLUWAROTIMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Abiola Taiwo now MRS FASOGBON SOLA SADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs. Adeyemo Romoke Lawal now MRS. ADEYEMO ROMOKE AWANAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Habeeb Babatunde Olufowobi am the same person bearing Habeeb Babatunde Destiny. Henceforth, I wish to be called and addressed as HABEEB BABATUNDE DESTINY. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyelude Bose now MRS FOLORUNSO BOSE. All former documents remain valid.

Espam Formation University, Benin Republic, NYSC, EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Okunola Bolaji Mary now MRS. OLAWUWO BOLAJI MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adelaja Oluwakemi Deborah now JESULAJA OLUWAKEMI DEBORAH. My correct date of birth is 7th May, 1988 and not 5th July, 1988. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeyinka Daniel Olufayo now ADEYINKA DANIEL ROMEO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Aderibigbe Balqees Ashani now MRS BUSARI BILIKIS. My correct date of birth is 19th October, 1989 not 19th September, 1983.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Matthew Abiodun Favour now MRS OLAYINKA ABIODUN FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Chukwuka Louis am the same person as Chukwuka Louis Emeka. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUKA LOUIS EMEKA. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Hitler Joy Eveshodjiname now MRS OLADIPO EVESHODJINAME JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Professor Olu Odeyemi am the same person bearing Professor Olusuyi Odeyemi.

All documents bearing these names remain valid. CBN, GTBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Mekwunye Helen Anwulika now MRS. MOMAH HELEN ANWULIKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adedeji Foluke Roseline now MRS IDOWU FOLUKE ROSELINE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akinosho Omodele Abolanle now MRS SAKA OMODELE ABOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Omohwo Kevwe now OKWENDO AMAHWE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ibitoye John Olufemi now IBITOYE OLUFEMI SEJIRO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Abidemi Ayobusola Hassan now MRS ABIDEMI AYOBUSOLA ADENIYI. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adebisi Funmilayo Esther now MISS ADEBISI FUNMILAYO OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

Osun State Local Government Staff Loans Board and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeyemi Oluwakemi Omoniyi now MRS OYEBODE OLUWAKEMI OMONIYI. All former documents remain valid. general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ajagun Oluwafunmike Justina now MRS AMPITAN O L U WA F U N M I K E JUSTINA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Emaye Igbasan Segun am the same person bearing Olokungbemi Igbasan Segun. Henceforth, I wish to be called and addressed as MR EMAYE IGBASAN SEGUN. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Folake Atinuke Ewulo now FOLAKE TOBA-ALBERT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

news Ogbeh seeks sub-regional collaboration to tackle farmers/herdsmen feud 41

Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

W

O R R I E D over the crises caused by cattle movement, resulting in violence between farmers and herdsmen, and other attendant problems in the West African sub- region, particularly Nigeria, the Federal Government has called for a collective sub-regional solution to tackle the issues.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, made the call during a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank, led by the Vice President Africa Region, Mr Mukhtar Diop, in his office.

Chief Ogbeh called on the Ministers of Agriculture in the West Africa sub-region to work together to proffer solutions to the myriad of problems facing agricultural production, stressing “We could have a beautiful future in Africa, if we organise ourselves very well.”

The Minister explained that the issue of cattle grazing in livestock production,had posed serious problems to West African countries, resulting in violence between farmers and herdsmen. He added that the attention of the governments had hitherto focused on some segments of farmers such as rice, cotton, soya bean farmers, noting that “Nobody had remembered to do anything for the cattle farmers who now resorted to self-help that often leads to violence.”

He said cattle roaming usually depleted their nutrients, thereby reducing the quality and quantity of milk and meat produced.

The Minister also expressed concern over the population growth with high number of unemployed youths in the West African sub-region, and advocated the need for African countries to deal with the issue, saying there had not been proper attention to the plight of youths in the past.

He commended the World Bank for their supports for the country in so many areas, including agriculture over the years, and solicited for more supports, particularly in livestock production.

Chief Ogbeh expressed the urgent need for the World Bank to support the West Africa countries to solve the problem of cattle grazing, saying “it is time for West Africa to stop cattle roaming so that the production of milk will rise while the Fulani herdsmen will live normal life.”

Friday, 18 March, 2016

The Minister also sought for support from the World Bank in the agricultural value chain, packaging and

standardisation of agricultural produce, agricultural mechanisation and seed quality, among others.

Earlier, the Vice President, African Region of the World Bank, Mr Mukhtar Diop, who led the delegation, said

the team was in the Ministry to map out ways of assisting Nigeria in moving agricultural sector to the next level.

Representative of the President, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr Willy Ogbidi (left), discussing with the chairperson, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AGM and election 2016 of NIPR, Mrs Yetunde Alagbe, at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO ALOLADE GANIYU

Bello pledges to immortalise Ocholi As colleagues assure his children of assistance Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

KOGI State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Thursday, said the state government would immortalise the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Reverend James Ocholi, and also to take adequate care of the rest of his family.

Also,the Class of 1986 of the Nigerian Law School, had pledged to assist the remain-

ing family members of the late former minister.

Speaking at a valedictory court session in honour of Ocholi, held on the premises of the High Court of Justice, Kogi State, Lokoja, the governor said the death of the Ocholis was shocking, adding that it had thrown the entire people of the state into mourning.

“The outpouring of grief across the length and

breadth of Nigeria, following his death and that of his wife and son, attests to the strength of his character as a well loved gentleman, whose impact is incomparable.

“He was not one of those who were afraid to live because they are afraid of death.

James started succeeding early and by his achievements drafted an end time brief on how to live life well.

“Everyone from the presi-

National Hospital staff to commence indefinite strike Sunday MEMBERS of staff of the National Hospital, Abuja, on Thursday, threatened to embark on an indefinite strike by noon on Sunday (March 20), following the failure of the management to meet their demands.

Acting under the aegis of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), the workers made this known in Abuja, at the end of a three-day warning protest tagged: “Work to rule”.

The warning strike was to draw attention of the hospital management to pay the teaching allowances of its members on Grade Levels 07 and 08, respectively, since 2013.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that JOHESU comprised Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Senior Staff Association (SSA) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

Mr Alalade Faramade, the Secretary of NANNM,

who read the union’s resolution, expressed worry that the Chief Medical Director of the hospital,did not show any concern towards resolving the lingering problem throughout the warning protest.

“We are giving the hospital

management the opportunity to show evidence of concrete commitment towards the restoration of teaching allowance for our staff.

“This evidence will include a convincing plan for settlement of the accrued arrears from 2013 before end of official work on Friday.”

dent and commander- inchief to the to the lowest beneficiary of his impact even in Dekina and everywhere, mourn him for the great contribution he has offered to his generation.”

Also speaking, the leader of the Class of ‘86 of the Law School, Mr Joe Gadzama, said the over 2,000 members of the class met in Abuja, on Wednesday, and had resolved to support the family.

“Now that he has been taken away, to the children their father is no longer with them, but we want to believe that he has been replaced by so many fathers. We have a family of the Class of ‘86 of the Nigerian Law School and we are almost 2000, most of us are still alive, we have that understanding among ourselves that we are there for one another.”

Women charged to ensure creation of gender character commission Bola Badmus- Lagos

NIGERIAN women have been called upon to struggle for the establishment of gender character commission by the government in the mode of Federal Character Commission (FCC) that will safeguard their rights and put a stop to discriminations and illtreatment they are currently facing in the country, at the government or societal level.

Professor Ropo Sekoni made the call in Lagos while speaking at a lecture organ-

ised by the Centre for Black Art and African Civilisation (CBAAC), in collaboration with Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), to celebrate the International Women’s Day with the theme: “Encouraging Gender Parity at All Levels of Society.”

Sekoni of the WSCIJ, while observing that Nigerian women were being subjected to a lot discriminations and their rights denied them, said the gender character commission being proposed, would be

such that should be provided for in the constitution, but must be strictly made to function properly when set up.

This was just as the special guest, Mrs Onari Duke, who also tasked Nigerian women to join hands in warding off what she saw as a stereo-type and some traditional beliefs that intends to see women as inferior.

Professor Sekoni advocated for more laws to be put in place to protect and guarantee the rights of women in the country.

Delta to facilitate establishment of medical research outstation Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba

A hitch-free process in the establishment of a medical research outstation in Delta State has been assured.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Azinge gave the assurance, when he received the management team of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, led by its Director-General, Professor Innocent Ujah on a courtesy visit.

The Commissioner, while reiterating on the vital role of medical research in planning and combating disease burden, said his ministry would provide the enabling environment to facilitate a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a research station in the state.

He praised the idea of a research station as novel, saying it would help to provide answer associated with disease like Ebola, Lassa fever and Zica Virus.

Multiple salaries:

Kwara vows to prosecute culprits Biola Azeez - Ilorin

KWARA State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has vowed to prosecute any civil servant found collecting multiple salaries in the state, at the end of the ongoing Bank Verification Number (BVN) alignment exercise.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, on Thursday, Governor Ahmed, said “It was criminal and ungodly for anyone to be collecting multiple salaries from the same source while some of our brothers and sisters in parastatals and institutions are rarely able to collect their salaries on time..

“We will check how it is possible for multiple names to enter into one BVN. We must check what happened because if we don’t know what happened we would not be able to check it in future,” he said.

The governor, who said the ongoing salary alignment exercise would lead to emergence of a properly designed Kwara State database for the workers, added that the scheme would also give the management information on entry and exit from the service and other issues pertaining to the service.

On the issue of the Joint Allocation Account Committee for the local governments in the state, Governor Ahmed stated that it was a constitutional provision that only the National Assembly could repeal or amend as it may be deemed fit and proper.

news JAMB: Reps kick against computer-based UTME

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Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

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HE House of Representatives, on Thursday, kicked against the move by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to institutionalise computer-based Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and subsequent-

Friday, 18 March, 2016

ly, asked the Ministry of Education to stop the process.

To this end, the House mandated the House Committee on Education, to liaise with the Ministry of Education, to ensure compliance and report back to the House.

The House resolution was sequel to a motion under matters of urgent public importance moved

by Honourable Oghene Egoh, where she said that there was the need for JAMB to revert to the paper examination until the board was ready to conduct a hitch-free Computer- Based Test (CBT).

According to the lawmaker, over a million candidates who sat for the computer- based UTME recorded various degrees of technical hitches,

stressing that the technical hitches jeopardised the candidates’ chances of gaining admission into the universities.

The lawmaker noted that: “Already, serious admission problem is rocking the nation because JAMB receives huge allocation from the Federal Government yearly.”

Honourable Egoh added: “Yet, they charge candi-

From left, chairman on the occasion and Director,Lagos Business School,Professor Pat Utomi; guest speaker and Director-General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management,Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo and the chairman, Centre for Financial Journalism,Mr Ernest Ebi, during the inaugural lecture on the “Nigerian Economic in Distress: Policy Choices for Buhari’s Administration”, at the Civic Centre,Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: ALABA IGBAROOLA.

Tenant sets landlord ablaze in Edo Banji Aluko-Benin City

THE police in Edo State have arrested one Jeff Obasohan, for allegedly setting his landlord ablaze.

The landlord, 83-yearold Joseph Iyen, was said to have died from burns sustained from the act.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, at Uwa Street, off Second East Circular Road in Benin, was said to have created panic within the neighbourhood.

It was learnt that the relationship between the late landlord and his tenant was frosty as the landlord had, at many times, tried unsuccessfully to eject Jeff from his house on account of rent owed him and non-payment of electricity bills.

Neighbours said a serious quarrel ensued between the duo on Wednesday, leading to the unfortunate incident.

Wife of the deceased, Mrs Esther Iyen, described Jeff as a vicious man, who often threatened her life and that of her husband.

She said, “he threatened to kill me or my husband.

We took him to court. He does not pay his rent and the electricity bill. Since 2014, we told him to leave the house.”

The daughter of the late octogenarian, Faith Eganbor, said she wanted justice served on Jeff for allegedly taking the life of her father.

“I need justice in my father’s matter. My father was a good man; he was kind to a fault,” she said.

The suspect could not be reached for comments as the police said he was being interrogated.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Edo State police com-

mand, Osifo Abiodun, on Thursday, said the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), for further investigation.

“He is in custody. The suspect has made a statement. The case has been transferred to the state CID,” he said.

Remove immunity for govs, Tsav tells NASS Johnson Babajide-Makurdi

FORMER Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has called on the Chief Justice of the Federation and National Assembly to consider amending laws on immunity enjoyed by state chief executives.

Tsav, in a press statement issued, signed and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, Benue State , on Thursday, said the call was necessitated by the manner the state governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, is gagging press and critics in the state.

“Any state chief executive, who institutes civil proceedings against anyone in court should tem-

porarily lose his immunity and be compelled to appear before the court to testify in support of the suit he/she instituted and subject him/her to cross examination to ensure true justice and equity.”

“I canvass this because Governor Ortom, who is intolerable of public criticism of his administration, has instituted 10 civil suits against two Benue indigenes and some newspapers, claiming N1billion on each suit.”

Tsav further said that such move was worrisome because the legal fees is from the state treasury, when workers are owed five months salaries and pensioners are owed several months allowances with no single project ongoing

in the state, since he assumed office.

He noted that he is always ready to meet the governor in court for 10 suits he slammed on him but regretted that the governor has not been able to counter reports on social media but rather, slammed suit against the two social media men.

Tsav said, ‘in other climes, criticism of government is to put the the administration on its toes but not in Benue State, many things are been said about President Muhammadu Buhari and the American president but they never once instituted suits against their critics rather, such comments have made the presidents more focused’.

dates all manner of fees and majority of the children do not gain admission either because of the technical hitches of the CBT or the post-UTME introduced by various tertiary institutions.”

The lawmaker also said that “there were instances of double-option answers, computers malfunctioning and sudden shut down of the systems, causing absurdity that places some candidates in disadvantaged position.”

Contributing to the motion, Honourable Aishatu Dukku said that, “JAMB should make it optional for students on whether to use computer-based or pen and paper.”

On his part, Honourable Muhammed Zakari said that, there was the need to consider students in diaspora, who are participating in the examination.

When the motion was put to vote by the speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, he said it was unanimously supported by members.

2016 hajj: NAHCON opens bid for air carriers THE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced a three-day screening of airlines and excess luggage carriers that applied to provide services to Nigerian pilgrims during 2016 hajj.

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja

by Alhaji Uba Mana, Head of Media of NAHCON. The statement said that nine air carriers and four excess luggage carries made the list at the opening of application forms.

It said that the carriers to be screened were, Azman Air Services, Chanchangi Airlines, Dornier AIEP, Fly-Nas, Kabo Air Limited, Max Air Limited, MedView Airlines, Skypower Express Airways Limited and Top Brass.

According to the statement, applicants as excess luggage carriers were, Cargo Zeal Technologies Limited, Evergreen and White, Med-View International Travels and Cargo and NAHCOH Aviance.

The statement said that the chairman of the commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad, urged the screening committee to ensure transparency and due process.

This, he said, would enable the committee to select capable and experienced airline operators.

Senate passes bill to increase FCT high court judges to 75 THE Senate, on Thursday, passed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016, to increase the number of judges in the High Court of the FCT from 37 to 75.

The passage followed a clause by clause consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the bill.

The bill sponsored by Senator Joshua Lidani and co-sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator David Umaru and Senator Andy Uba Presenting the report, Umaru said the amendment of the FCT Act, had become necessary in view of the fact that it had not been amended since 2003.

He said the bill sought to reduce workload of judges in the High Court of the FCT, who had been overwhelmed due to increased population, criminal activities as well as level of political and socio-economic activities. ``The passage of the bill will increase the number of judges from 37 to 75, thereby aiding quick dispensation of justice. ``We conducted a public hearing and stakeholders unanimously agreed to the increment in the number of judges for quick dispensation of justice,’’ he said.

The chairman said further that Section 255(2b) of the 1999 Constitution (Amended), empowered the National Assembly to prescribe the number of judges for the High Court of the FCT. Contributing to the debate, some senators said the amendment had been longoverdue in view of the increased number of criminal cases and increased population in the FCT. They said that with current developments in FCT, there was urgent need to increase number of judges.

Convention THE Apostolic Church Nigeria, Surulere Area, will hold its annual convention starting from today (Friday) till Sunday, at No. 1, Tejuosho Street, off Barrack Bus Stop, Surulere, Lagos.

The convener of the annual convention, is Pastor J.K. Ibidapo, while the President of the Apostolic Church Nigeria and Lawna chairman, Pastor (Dr) G.O. Olutola, will be the spiritual father of the convention.

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Friday, 18 March 2016

A transformer blocking a section of the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway after falling off from the trailer conveying it. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

David camp residents bemoan armed robbery attacks Tola Adenubi-Lagos

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ESIDENTS of David Camp Estate located on Ijoko-Agbado Expressway in Ijoko area of Sango, Ogun State, have bemoaned incessant armed robbery attacks in recent times.

According to them, the wave of attack had become regular, while robbery operations last all through the night.

Speaking with Community News, a landlord in the area, who identified himself as Ojo, disclosed that during the last robbery operation, a young girl was raped by robbers who came fully armed.

“The last operation witnessed the rape of a young girl, who cannot be more than 20 years of age. Robbery attack has become rampant here such that many shop owners close for the day once it is 5:00 p.m..

“We have reported the situation at Agbado police station in several occasions, but nothing has been done about our predicament. We all sleep with one eye closed because nobody knows whose turn it is the next time they come,” Ojo lamented.

When Community News visited Choice Hospital and Maternity Home where the girl that was raped was taken to for medical attention, the

nurses on duty declined to give any information but said she had been discharged.

According to one of the

nurses, who did not want her name in print, the family of the girl will prefer not to speak on the issue because of the stigma it will

bring to the girl.

“The girl’s family does not want to publicise the issue, that is why she was hurriedly discharged after

medical observations had been done on her.

“The stigma such awareness will bring on the girl and her family is the rea-

son they had not reported the case at the Agbado police station,” the nurse stated.

Oluyole LG boss pledges council transformation SEQUEL to the anouncement of Mr Orelope Kolawole as Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State along with others by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, on behalf of Oyo State government, the council boss has pledged to continue the transformation agenda in the local government area.

Kolawole made the pledge at the APC secretariat in the council when

people called to congratulate him on his appointment.

He stated further that the Road Mobility Project Entrepreneurship, sinking of wells, provision of pri-

mary healthcare services and enabling environment for business operators would be his priorities, adding that empowerment and poverty alleviation would also be given atten-

tion.

He, however, expressed his profound gratitude to his Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, whom he described as a visionary leader for giving him the

LAPO reiterates commitment to women empowerment Ayomide Owonibi OdekanyinLagos

THE Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), a leading poverty focused development institution, has reiterated its commitment to gender

equality and empowerment of women.

The Executive Director of LAPO, Sabina IdowuOsehobo, made the pledge while speaking at the 2016 International Women’s Day programme organised

by the group in Lagos.

The programme was attended by LAPO clients, market women, artisans, teachers, members of religious groups, members of transport unions, civil societies, as well as students.

250 benefit from rotary hernia free surgery in Ogun olayinka olukoya-abeokuta

ABOUT 250 people will benefit from hernia free surgery organised by the Rotary Club of Abeokuta.

The exercise started last Monday, is in collaboration with Stallionaire Group, an oil and gas company with the support of Ogun State government.

According to the president of the club, Dr. Gbenga Taiwo, the feat recorded by the club had not been achieved by any other Rotary Club in Nigeria, noting that the surgery was to put smile on the faces of ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford qualita-

opportunity to serve his people and promised to live up to expectation.

He called all and sundry to join him in taking Oluyole Local Government Area to greater height.

tive healthcare.

Taiwo said the project was being organised without any grant from international donors, maintaining that the club had carried out quite a lot of humanitarian services.

He said: “We have carried out a lot of humanitarian services in Ogun State but this one is a landmark that has never been done by District 9110 in Nigeria.

“Hernia has a high risk of mortality and morbidity with that if care is not taken, it can lead to death.”

He added that 525 persons were screened, while 308 cases were confirmed but 250 will enjoy the free surgery in

the first phase.

“It will end on March 19, and we have divided them into groups, so that it won’t be jampacked. Those who could not be accommodated now have been penciled down for future consideration,” he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Stallionaire Group, Mr.Deji Somoye, said his group supported the programme as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

“We are delighted to be part of this humanitarian service and we are willing to partner with them at all times,” he said

On how much was expended on the project, Somoye said: “I may not be able to disclose that now but it is running into several millions”.

He added that the company was willing to partner with other Rotary Clubs and other clubs that are into humanitarian services.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr Adesanya Ayinde, commended the club for its humanitarian gestures over the years, saying government is always receptive to such gestures.”

Represented by the Regional Manager, LAPO Lagos, Vivian Evbotokhai, Idowu-Osehobo noted the organisation had been working assiduously to improve the lives of Nigerians, particularly women.

She said this intervention was done through the provision of various loan schemes, skills acquisition, health and social empowerment.

According to her, in 2015, LAPO provided free health services for 60,032 persons and the social integration of 10,609 others in Lagos.

Idowu-Osehobo said the health services included free blood pressure test, blood sugar test, HIV, hepatitis and malaria tests, adding that referrals were made to various health centres and general hospitals in the state.

“Women need change and humanity needs change.

This we can do together; women and girls, men and boys, young and old, rich and poor.

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Africans are least happy people —Study

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eople in a number of African countries, including Burundi, Benin, Rwanda, Guinea, Liberia, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Togo, are the least happy people in the world, according to the World Happiness Report 2016.

Jon Clifton, managing partner with the U.S.-based global research company Gallup, said the report took into account countries’ per capita gross domestic product, life expectancy, corruption, social support and freedom to make life choices as indicators of happiness.

“The report actually identifies that there are six things that contribute. The single biggest is actually GDP per capita or income.

The other five are trust, life expectancy, social support, freedom, and generosity,” he said.

Clifton said the deadly Ebola in West Africa contributed to Liberia’s poor standing in the rankings because a lot of well-being within a country can be determined by recent events.

“When we asked something about whether or not they experienced a lot sadness or anger, physical pain, Liberia is among the top 10 in the world. So, a lot of it can be event-driven by things like Ebola they experience because our interviews were actually conducted May of last year,” Clifton said.

He said one of the big strengths of Africa is its social support, which was measured by asking respondents if they were in trouble, do they have relatives or friends you count on to help you whenever you need them or not.

“What we found is that in 36 countries where we conducted this survey last year, in 33 of them, over a major-

ity of people said yes to that.

So there’s a huge strength in Africa when it comes social support,” Clifton said.

But Clifton said corruption in government continues to be a hindrance for Africa’s progress.

EIU rates Trump presidency among top 10 global risks Donald Trump winning the United States presidency is considered one of the top 10 risks facing the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The research firm warns he could disrupt the global economy and heighten political and security risks in the US. However, it does not expect Mr Trump to defeat Hillary Clinton who it sees as “his most likely Democratic contender”.

Some African children in laughing mood.

Islamic State committed genocide, says US The United States has said the Islamic State (IS) group has committed genocide against Yazidis, Christians and Shia Muslims.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said IS was “genocidal by self-proclamation, by ideology and by actions”.

He also said the group was responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in areas it controls in Syria and Iraq.

“Naming these crimes is important, but what is essential is to stop them,” Mr Kerry said.

Mr Kerry admitted that a lack of access to IS areas meant the US did not have a “complete picture” of the atrocities that had been carried out.

He said the “full facts” must be sought by an independent international investigation.

The US, he went on, would “strongly support” efforts to collect evidence of IS atrocities and brings those responsible to account.

“The fact is that Daesh

kills Christians because they are Christians, Yazidis because they are Yazidis, Shia because they are Shia,” he said, using an Arabic acronym for the group.

“This is the message it conveys to children under its control. Its entire world

Convoy of IS fighters. PHOTO: AP

otherNEWS

Gupta row: ‘S/Africa risks turning to mafia state’ South Africa risks turning into a “mafia state”, a senior governing party official has warned, as pressure grows on President Jacob Zuma over his links with a wealthy family.

Gwede Mantashe made the comments after deputy Finance Minister Mcebesi Jonas alleged the Gupta family had offered him a government pro-

Donald Trump is moving closer to clinching the Republican presidential nomination despite opposition within party ranks. PHOTO: Getty Image

motion.

Mr Zuma may be losing the During a rowdy par- confidence of influential memliamentary session, Mr bers of the party as well, correZuma denied the fam- spondents said. ily had influenced cabinet appointments.

The opposition called on him resign.

Mr Mantashe is the third most powerful person in the governing African NaSouth Africans have put President tional Congress (ANC), Protesting Zuma under pressure on a number of fronts in and his remarks suggest recent months. PHOTO: AFP

view is based on eliminating those who do not subscribe to its perverse ideology.”

As IS militants advanced through northern Iraq in the summer of 2014 they attacked villages belonging to the Yazidis, who are regarded by the militant Islamists as infidels.

Thousands of men and boys were killed and several thousands of young women were abducted as “spoils of war” and kept or sold on as sex slaves.

Tens of thousands of people were trapped for months on Mount Sinjar without food, water and shelter as they fled their attackers.

He is rated as riskier than Britain leaving the European Union or an armed clash in the South China Sea. China encountering a “hard landing” or sharp economic slowdown and Russia’s interventions in Ukraine and Syria preceding a new “cold war” are among the events seen as more dangerous.

“Thus far Mr Trump has given very few details of his policies - and these tend to be prone to constant revision,” the EIU said in its global risk assessment, which looks at impact and probability.

The EIU ranking uses a scale of one to 25, with Mr Trump garnering a rating of 12, the same level of risk as “the rising threat of jihadi terrorism destabilising the global economy”.

“He has been exceptionally hostile towards free trade, including notably Nafta, and has repeatedly labelled China as a ‘currency manipulator’,” the EIU said.

It warned his strong language directed towards Mexico and China in particular “could escalate rapidly into a trade war.”

Mr Trump has called for a “big big wall” to be built on the US-Mexican border, paid for by Mexico, to keep its illegal immigrants and drug dealers out of the United States.

Brazillian ex-president sworn in to cabinet post amid protests Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sworn in on Thursday as President Dilma Rousseff’s chief of staff, in a controversial move that Rousseff’s critics say is an attempt to shield Lula da Silva from a corruption investigation.

The swearing-in took place amid chaotic scenes in Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, with protesters at the ceremony

shouting “shame,” and gov- front of the presidential ernment supporters singing palace in Brasilia and had to “Lula” the former presi- be dispersed by military podent’s nickname, by which lice, state-run news agency he’s widely known to the Agencia Brasil reported. tune of a football chant.

Three people were arrested when pro- and anti-government factions clashed in Thousands of demonstrators protest against corruption. PHOTO: CNN

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Friday, 18 March, 2016 Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 08111845048

features

Glo propels Lisabi festival to global relevance

From left, Glo Business Director, Ogun, Mr Ayo Ogunranti; Football captain, NUD Grammar School, Ifo, Rachael Oyinbo; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; his wife, Mrs Olufunso Amosun; Principal NUD Grammar School, Ifo, Alhaja Memunat Arogundade; Football captain, United Comprehensive High School, Wasimi, Maryam Onasola, and Chairman, Planning Committee, Chief Rasheed Raji at the prize presentation ceremony to winners of the female football competition among secondary schools in Egbaland at the grand finale of the Glo sponsored 2016 Lisabi Festival recently in Abeokuta.

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he issue of relevance of some festivals to contemporary life has been a moot point for several years. A school of thought believes that some festivals have lost their relevance and outlived their usefulness. However, one festival that has continued to increase in relevance year-in-year-out since it was re-introduced 30 years ago is the Lisabi Festival, the rallying hub for all Egbas.

This year’s edition which is the sixth consecutive edition to be sponsored by Globacom broke all records and got a pass mark from the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, who described the 2016 edition as the biggest ever to be staged. The monarch who was palpably impressed by the inimitable standard of Globacom’s organisation of the festival, commended the company “for elevating the Lisabi Festival to the highest level ever imagined by Egba indigenes” since the telecoms company started sponsoring the festival.

In his keynote address to the 2016 Lisabi Festival, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr described the theme of the 2016 Lisabi Festival “Wealth creation through Small and Medium Enterprises” as germane and vital to the revamping of Nigeria’s economy. He noted that small and medium scale enterprises were the

engine of growth Nigeria needed to embrace, cultivate and stimulate at this crucial period in order to wade through the myriads of economic challenges confronting the nation.

Whilst congratulating the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo on the 40th anniversary of Ogun State and the transformation the state, Dr. Adenuga explained that it collaborated with the organizers of Lisabi Festival to keep the legacies of hardwork, courage, integrity, honesty, love and patriotism alive in order to imbue the young ones with these noble values.

At the seminar held on the theme at the iconic Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta on Thursday, March 3, 2016, participants unanimously identified training in entrepreneurial matters as a key factor for the success of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria.

Delivering the first paper on “Agricultural Entrepreneurship”, Professor Adewale Dipeolu of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta urged Nigerians to invest in food related businesses constantly demanded by people to create wealth. He said man depends on food to survive and as such cannot not eat! He counselled that SMEs should be allowed to drive the nation’s

economy because of its huge job creation potentials, adding that Nigerians should curb their taste for exotic things by buying home made goods. Professor Dipeolu identified physical resources, reputation, organisation, finance, intellect and technology as success factors for SMEs adding that government should reduce levies on businesses.

In his own remarks, a former

Dr. Adenuga explained that it collaborated with the organizers of Lisabi Festival to keep the legacies of hardwork, courage, integrity, honesty, love and patriotism alive in order to imbue the young ones with these noble values.

Commissioner for Finance in Ogun State and member, Egba Economic Summit, Mr. Kehinde Sogunle said Nigerians should stop agonising and start organising themselves to fight poverty with brain power . He proposed the creation of an Enterprise Development Fund to be jointly funded by Egba indigenes to grant loans to micro, small and medium scale enterprises.

Also speaking earlier, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo said it was imperative for all Egba indigenes to set up Small and Medium scale enterprises to reduce unemployment throughout Egbaland and beyond.

The grand finale was indeed a spectacle as gaily dressed indigenes and guests thronged the Ake Palace venue of the event in various exotic cars. The atmosphere was electrifying with sporadic gun shots by hunters, banters and music by local artistes combining to form a somewhat pleasing cadence. Club after club paid homage to the Alake. The Paramount ruler addressed the gathering and thanked all for making the week long festival which is the thirtieth in the series a unique one. In his remarks delivered in Yoruba language, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun called on indigenes of the state, at home

and in the diaspora, to join hands to develop the state by bringing investments. He enjoined them to avail themselves of the recent infrastructural development in the state to site industries and businesses that would help reduce unemployment in the state.He urged the unemployed to be productive by learning a trade or vocation to augment their educational qualifications in line with the theme of the Festival, “Creating wealth through Small and Medium Enterprises”.The Governor thanked Globacom for supporting Lisabi Festival robustly in the last six years and urged other corporate bodies to support worthwhile initiatives that abound in the state. Materials produced by the about one hundred youths who participated in the train-thetrainers training organized for the festival were displayed at the event.

The participants were trained in tie and dye, event planning and decoration, catering and ICT. In all, the 2016 Glo sponsored Lisabi Festival has generated viable ideas for the generation of jobs and sensitization of youths to look at what they can do on a small scale to feed their families and keep body and soul together.

This is the current challenge being faced by the Egba and modern day Lisabis should be galvanized into setting up micro, small and medium scale enterprises.

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features

Friday, 18 March, 2016

From left, former governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan; APC South-West Women Leader, Kemi Nelson; chairperson Better Life programme for the African Rural Woman, Aisha Babangida, Executive Director of SME 100, Charles Odii; Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli and the Executive Director of Rubies Vocational School, Orode Ryan-Okpu, at the conference held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently.

International Women’s Day:

Stakeholders make case for agriculture

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minent Nigerians who gathered together at the international Women’s Day 2016 Conference with the theme: Pledge for Parity: “Empowering the 21st African Woman,” which was organised by SME 100 Nigeria and Rubies Vocational School at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Wednesday, have identified agriculture as the panacea to the employment problem facing millions of Nigerian youths.

Instead of looking for white collar jobs which are not readily available, the youths were advised to embrace farming.

This will not only take them off the labour market it will also make them an employer of labour.

A farmer, Mrs Mosun Umoru, the founder of Harvesters Farms Ltd, who is also a Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, disclosed that she started farming as an undergraduate. ‘‘I bought a 25 hectares farm land at the outskirt of Lagos and started farming as an undergraduate. I didn’t have the gut to tell the villagers that I was the owner of the farm so I told them that I was managing the farm for my father. They used to call me alakowe (educated) farmer.

“After three years of running the farm, I brought a truck and children of that village started running after the car and were chanting: E jade, e wa wo, obinrin lo n wa ( come out and see, it is being driven by a woman). I was struck by what they said and decided to change the story. Today, the story has changed.

I have 300 hectares of farmland in Osun State. Farming is hardwork, if you are not cut out of it, you are not. However, hardwork pays. Every business should carve a niche for itself. Our customers are our greatest marketers. We get a lot of refer-

rals from them. We also do networking with other produce farmers. For instance, I have someone who sells tomatoes, I sell chicken so we are into partnership.

“My advice to women and young people is that they should walk to the top and tell their stories. Let’s stop begging for appointments so that men won’t continue to trample on our rights. Rather, let us take our place and transform our society.

The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Daily Telegraph Publishing Ltd, publishers of New Telegraph Newspapers and founder of Mummy’s Integrated Farms Ltd, Funke Egbemode, who was also one of the facilitators, urged women and the youths to embrace farming.

“For a woman to get ahead in a profession, it is not in the hands of man. Our limitations are natural because of our natural roles. You have to take time off to marry and have children. Glass ceiling is a glass and once you punch it, there will be pains and bruises. You must therefore be ready for the pains and bruises.

“I started rearing grass cutter in my house as part of my retirement plans and later bought a piece of land at Epe, where my farm is currently located. I enjoy being a farmer. Being a farmer is sexy. I get to

go to the farm in my jeans and sexy tops and hat.

“There is nothing that says a graduate should not go into farming. Many of them want to work in a company where they will earn a monthly salary of N100, 000. The truth of the matter is that N100,000 is just a few crates of egg.”

The chairperson, Better Life for Rural Women, Aisha Babangida whose organisation is educating illiterate women farmers in Abuja, so they will not be exploited when selling their produce in the market said “Women are predominantly farmers but they don’t have farm lands of their own, but we at Better Life are trying to get farms for them.

“Agriculture is responsible for over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce. We need to have a rural producing economy that will focus on production. This is achievable because land is available. What we need to do is to make funding available.”

Speaking further Aisha said it breaks her heart whenever she hears people say that Nigerian youths are too ambitious. According to her, there is nothing wrong in young people having ambitions.

“There is nothing wrong in being ambitious. We need to create an enabling en-

There is nothing that says a graduate should not go into farming. Many of them want to work in a company where they will be earning a monthly salary of N100, 000. The truth of the matter is that N100,000 is just a few crates of egg.

SME 100 Nigeria and Rubies Vocational School recently hosted a special International Women’s Day Conference with the theme: ‘Pledge for parity: Empowering the 21st century African Woman.’ Tayo Gesinde reports. vironment where they can channel their ambition in positive ways. We should teach them to empower themselves in a creative way.”

The Executive Director of SME 100, Charles Odii, while speaking on why politics was one of the areas highlighted at the training said: ‘‘We need to create awareness and enlighten women that they have to get into politics so that they can have a say and a voice.

The event also witnessed the launch of a training for 1,000 women this year.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs Orode RyanOkpu, the Executive Director of Rubies Vocational School made it known that aside from the conference, women of the rural areas of Nigeria would not be left out of the training programmes of SME 100 and Rubies Vocational School.

In her words: “Rural women across Nigeria will not be left out of the training plan for 2016. They would be trained in vocations that best suit their locality.

This training would be conducted by another group of expert such as Tara FelaDurotoye of the House of Tara for MakeUp category, Otres Restaurant for those interested in catering, Nuts about Cakes, for baking, catering and many others.”

The keynote speaker of the day, Mrs Mosun Bello-Olusoga, Chairperson, Access Bank Plc and other facilitators such as Oreoluwa Somolu-Lesi (Executive Director, W.TEC); Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson (APC, South-West Women Leader); Adanma Onuegbu (CEO, Signal Alliance) encouraged women to collectively fight the scourge of poverty by being empowered with the set skills that will challenge the status quo.

Other activities at the conference included free breast cancer screening by the Pink Pearl Foundation and there was also an extensive panel session.

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Friday, 18 March, 2016

It was crazy playing against Barca —Iwobi

S/Africa didn’t bribe to host 2010 W-Cup

By Dipo Ogunsola

—Minister

South Africa’s sports minister on Thursday denied that his country had paid a $10 million bribe to help it win the right to host the World Cup in 2010.

“South Africa did not pay any bribe nor did it illegally obtain the right to host the World Cup,” Fikile Mbalula told a news conference in Cape Town.

Soccer’s world governing body, FIFA, said on Wednesday it would seek restitution in US courts from former FIFA executive committee members who have been accused in US indictments of having accepted $10 million in bribes in return for supporting World Cup bids.

“We paid money to a legacy project in the African diaspora in the Caribbean,” Mbalula said, adding that the money had been intended for a legitimate project and had been paid to the Caribbean Football Union by Fifa on South Africa’s behalf.

“It was a resolution of the South African government, together with FIFA, to support the (African) diaspora, and that is why it is on our plate. It was our policy to support our African brothers around the world in projects based around the World Cup.” Mbalula said the allegations had badly hurt “brand South Africa” and the legacy of “the most successful World Cup in FIFA’s history”.

Iwobi (right) challenges Lionel Messi during the game.

39th ITF/CAT Junior Championships:

Osewa goes for gold today

N

igeria’s Micheal Osewa on Thursday, reached the final of the boy’s 14&under event at the 39th ITF/ CAT African Junior Championships in Pretoria, South Africa with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Ryan Randiek of Kenya.

The semi-final clash at the University of Pretoria High Performance Centre saw the two players going head-to-head for the second year running, with Osewa outplaying his East African rival with a 6-2, 6-3 triumph at the quarter-final stage of the tournament held in Tunisia in 2015.

The match was going with the serves until the ninth game when Randiek broke the Nigerian before sealing the set 6-4 on his serve.

Nigeria’s coach Mohammed Ubale had expressed worries over Osewa’s inability to win the opening game which he pointed put him under pressure, but just like he did in the round of 16 clash against number one seed, Younes Adnan of Morocco and Jason Espitalier of Mauritius in the quarter-final, Osewa kept his composure to level the match by winning the second set 6-4 to force the game into a rubber decider which he won 6-2.

He will now meet Damien Laporte of Seychelles, who defeated South Africa’s Khololwam Montsi in today’s final.

An elated President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Engineer Sani Ndanusa, who watched the

match alongside several other federation bosses who are in Pretoria for the Annual General Meeting of the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT), said Osewa’s feat has broken the jinx of players from North Africa who have always proved a barrier to Nigeria’s quest to rule Africa.

Osewa was stopped by Morocco’s Ismaal Saadi at this stage last year, while Nigeria’s best outing in recent years was in 2012 when Candy Idoko finished third in Botswana after losing to a Tunisian in the semi-final.

Osewa is also in the run for the doubles title where he is pairing Gabriel Friday. Their semi-final clash with opponents from South Africa was put on hold due to rain.

About 120 players from 25 countries are featuring in the 11-day tournament. The event which is in four categories is the biggest junior tennis tournament in Africa.

SUPER Eagles invitee for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Pharaohs of Egypt, Alex Iwobi, is excited by his sudden breakthrough into the main team of Arsenal.

Iwobi says he was surprised by the level of faith his manager, Arsene Wenger has in him, just as he lamented the Gunners exit from the Champions League after a 5-1 aggregate loss to FC Barcelona.

“I never thought I would get this far. I honestly thought I was going to go on loan at the start of the season. The manager has tried to show some faith in me and I am trying to prove him right by playing well every time I play.

“To play against one of the best teams in the world in one of the best stadiums in the world is a young man’s dream. It was crazy,” Iwobi expected in Nigeria’s camp for crucial AFCON 2017 qualifier against Egypt next week told Arsenal Player.

“I was pleased because, especially at 19, I never thought I would be here playing against the likes of Messi, Neymar and Suarez. I am just happy to be here.

“I didn’t know how to feel when I was told I was playing. I was buzzing. I just wanted to go out and show to the world how I could play in a match against the best in the world.

Iwobi was handed the sixth start of his career against the Catalan giants during the last 16 second-leg clash on Wednesday night.

“I am pleased with my performance. I just wish that the team had won. No matter the results, this was always going to be a fantastic learning experience for me.”

Always engage in sports, Ogunjobi counsels students, adults

By Olawale Olaniyan

The Chairman, board of directors, Greater Scholars International School, Mr Isang Ukpong (middle) presenting the Sports Personality of the Year award to Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi (left), at the 6th inter-house sports competition of the school on Thursday at Abraham Adesanya Sports Ground, Ajah, Lagos, while the Director of the school, Comfort Ukpong looks on. PHOTO: OLAWALE OLANIYAN.

Greater Scholars International School, Ajah, Lagos on Thursday honoured the former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi with the Sports Personality of the Year award.

The Pillar of Sports in Osun State, Ogunjobi was honoured during the sixth inter-house sports competition of the school held at the Abraham Adesanya Sports ground, Ajah, Lagos.

According to the Managing Director of the school, Mrs Comfort Ukpong, Ogunjobi was a worthy recipient of the award as he remains a source of inspiration to students across the country given his track

records both as a player and administrator in Nigeria football.

The former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) boss in his remarks expressed appreciation for the award presented to him, just as he lauded the school management for creating a platform for students to be engaged in sporting activities.

He also urged adults to always engage in sporting activities to enhance their living.

“As a sport administrator, I live and breed sports and I can tell you vehemently that sport is life and showcasing talents of the youngbuds in school is a sign of grassroots and school development.

“Physical activity can help to prevent hip fractures among women and reduce the effects of osteopo-

rosis. Remaining physically active can enhance functional capacity among older people, and can help to maintain quality of life and independence. So I urge the middle aged and the older people here to always engage in sporting activities everyday.

“Apart from making our children healthy and keeping them fit, sports now generates enormous income for families and the nation in general.

Sports and physical activities both fall under the category of exercise.

Any time you move your body in a repetitive fashion for any length of time, you are performing a physical activity. To gain the benefits of sporting activity, you should stick with a sport of your choice and this will keep you motivated to continually participate,” Ogunjobi said.

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FRIDAY, 18 MARCH, 2016

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Waiters in France are now being given the power to charge rude customers as the trend is becoming widespread. What incentive will be there for polite customers?

No Eagles job for Siasia, Amunike

—Pinnick

Says Oliseh is good but lacks leadership quality Saliu Gbadamosi - Abuja

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has categorically stated that the vacant Super Eagles coaching job will not be given to either interim head coach, Samson Siasia or his assistant, Emmanuel Amunike, even if the team qualifies for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

President of the nation’s soccer governing body, Mr Amaju Pinnick, told sports journalists in Abuja, on Thursday that the decision of the NFF was based on the fact that the duo had already been engaged with agegroup national teams.

“There is no sentiment about it at all, Siasia and Amunike are world-class coaches. They are fully occupied with other national teams, which we would want them to go and do well for the country. We don’t want anything that would make them not to concentrate on their assignments.

“We want Siasia to win an Olympic gold medal for us, same to Amunike at the U-20 World Cup. So that is what we want from them. The Super Eagles job would be there for them for the future,” he said.

Pinnick also declared that former Super Eagles handler, Sunday Oliseh, is a technically sound coach but lacks leadership quality.

“You cannot take anything away from Oliseh; he is technically sound. When you see him working on the pitch, you would see the passion that he has for his job.

“But when it comes to leading and organising the people, he does not posses that. That is purely missing and he needs to develop that. If he does that, in the nearest future, he will become one of the best,” Pinnick said.

He stated that NFF settled for the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna for the 2017 AFCON qualifier because it remains one of the best stadia in the country and brings luck for the country’s teams as well.

“Kaduna is a lucky venue for us. None of our teams has ever lost a match at that stadium and the people of Kaduna support football with all passion. They are not the type that boo their teams if they are not doing well but instead they would cheer them to the end. That is what we want and that is exactly why we took the matches to Kaduna,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pinnick also revealed that the Eagles will now take a regular flight to Egypt for the reverse fixture, saying the new arrangement has got the approval of interim coach, Siasia and his assistants.

“When it became evident that we were going to save as much as N35million to N40million to fly on regular flight, I approached the coaches and sought their consent on it and they concurred that the money can be used to offset some of the match bonuses.

“We all agreed on this, and that is why we have decided to fly them on the regular flight. If it were other African countries, we would have gone on charter flight.”

He stated that there was an alternative arrangement put in place by the NFF in case the Egyptian airline wanted to play pranks on the Nigerian delegation, saying that, “from Cairo to Alexandria is about 20 minutes and if they want to frustrate us there, we would use our second option to get things going.”

Musa

Eagles not afraid of Egypt —Musa NIGERIA captain, Ahmed Musa believes the Super Eagles do not have any reasons to be afraid going into two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2017 qualifiers against the Pharaohs of Egypt later this month as the target remains to win the games.

The first leg of the qualifiers hold on March 25 in Kaduna with the return leg in Alexandria four days later.

The CSKA Moscow forward, Musa has now restated his belief Nigeria would triumph over the seven-time African champions.

“I am calling on Nigerians and football fans to support us and keep praying for us as we will make the nation proud with victories over Egypt,” Musa told Africanfootball.com.

“We are not afraid of Egypt.

Why should we?

“We have top quality players who will do Nigeria and Nigerians proud in both games. There is no reason to panic or fear Egypt, instead they should be the ones who should be afraid of us.”

Egypt tops group with six points from two matches, two points more than Nigeria, with only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification to Gabon 2017.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 18/3/2016.