18th Septebmer 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,330 FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER, 2015

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TSA: CBN ready to inject liquidity into banks if... —P11 —Emefiele

Nigerian Tribune

The Sun Deputy MD's wife released at 2.20 a.m. Thursday —P8 •We have debriefed her —Police

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

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False asset declaration: Saraki goes to —P12 court •Wants arraignment stopped •Senators back him

Excess Crude Account hits $2.257bn —P6

•18 states access N500bn bailout fund •FG reimburses states N535.5bn for road repair

NDLEA arrests 7 for ingesting $156,000 —P2

Cash crunch hits NASS —P37

Foreign currency wrapped as capsules and ingested by some suspects who were arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Lagos, on Thursday.

Army nabs producers of fake National ID for Boko Haram members —P40

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Friday, 18 September, 2015

NDLEA arrests 7 for ingesting $156,000 Shola Adekola - Lagos

HAIRMAN/ CHIEF Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has dislodged a suspected money laundering syndicate that specialises in swallowing dollars. Six suspected members of the group, including a bureau de change operator have been apprehended in connection with swallowing $156,000. This is the second suspected money laundering case involving a bureau de change operator in two months. Reacting to the arrest, Giade promised to track down smuggled narcotics and currency. He warned that operators of bureau de change who failed to work within the confines of the law establishing them shall be severely sanctioned. “The agency will continue to rely on manpower training and intelligence-led drug control strategies to outwit criminal syndicates. We shall take reasonable measures to dislodge drug cartels and eradicate narcotics from our society. Any bureau de change operator that violates the law shall be punished accordingly,” Giade stated. Operative of the NDLEA attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) apprehended the suspects with $156,000 meant for export to Brazil at Excel Oriental Hotel along Airport Road, Lagos, where the dollars were being swallowed. Those arrested, according to the NDLEA commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), Adeniyi Muyiwa, included 37-year-old Nwokenta Kingsley, a bureau de change operator, also known as Buchito, Onwuasoanya Augustine Chukwuemeka, 54 years old, who lives in Brazil and Christian Okoli Ifor, 35year-old, based in Brazil. Others are Nwokenta Emmanuel Maduakolam (31), Ezenwa Ikenna (28), who is a specialist in wrapping and Ezenwa Uzoma (33) hotel manager. Interim investigation report by the anti-narcotics agency, revealed that Nwokenta Kingsley, also known as Buchito, is the brain behind the suspected criminal act. He allegedly supplied $120,000 to be swallowed and illicitly exported to

Brazil. Onwuasoanya Augustine Chukwuemeka swallowed 74 wraps of dollars, amounting to $111,000. Christian Okoli Ifor, who resides in Brazil, had $45,000 he wanted to swal-

low. Nwokenta Emmanuel who is the manager of Amazon bureau de change played a supportive role in the alleged crime. Ezenwa Ikenna, who was hired to wrap the money is believed to have acquired

his skill from illicit drug wrapping. Ezenwa Uzoma, the hotel manager, who has a strong link with members of the syndicate wilfully obstructed the officers from discharging their duty.

The illicit exportation of currency by ingestion is a new trend in circumventing money laundering legislation. The agency considers the discovery of United States dollars in wraps similar to

narcotic packaging as most revealing. Giade directed that the suspects be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

Why we shifted proposed national conference —PDP Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

THE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday, gave an insight into why its proposed national conference slated for next month by the Professor Jerry Ganaled PDP Reform Committee aimed and reorganising and reforming the party after its woeful performance in the last general election was put on hold. Fielding questions with newsmen in Abuja, on Thursday, its national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, who dismissed the speculation making the round that there was crisis between the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the organisers of the national conference, which led to the postponement , insisted that the con-

ference was put on hold in good faith and in the overall interest of all the stakeholders of the party. According to Metuh, “on Wednesday, the NWC received a letter from Professor Gana, on behalf of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party for a proposed conference. The NWC, however, noted that the proposal had

members of the committee and everything. So, the NWC now wrote back to the BoT, through Professor Gana, that the NWC will have to study it and communicate back in due course. “Because we felt if we are going to do it, all interests will be accommodated in terms of the leadership of the National Assembly, we

Leadership crisis rocks Kogi IPAC Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

THE Kogi State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) is embroiled in crisis, as two people, on Thursday, laid claim to the chairmanship of the group. A faction claimed that some powerful interests in the state were bent on imposing one Ibrahim

Itodo on the group, while Itodo claimed to have been duly elected to head IPAC, which was a group formed by smaller political parties to give voice to the masses. Speaking in Lokoja, the state capital, on Thursday, the interim chairman of the council, Chief Simeon Ojonugba and 15 other chairmen of member political parties, said Itodo was

Institute launches schemes to address youth unemployment THE Institute of Science and Technology, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has launched a number of innovative, practical job creation schemes designed to tackle youth unemployment and insecurity in Africa. The schemes are Teach First Solutions (TFS), Public-Private Partnership Job Creation Solutions (PPPJCS) and the Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurial Training Solutions (YEETS). TFS is aimed strictly at African governments experiencing unemployment among their university graduates in Mathematics, science and technology fields, while the PPPJCS is aimed at both governments and private sector organisations and is particularly useful for addressing unemployment among educated or literate young people. The latter scheme is also designed to provide high technical skills to young people, as well as aid workplace productivity. The third scheme, YEETS, is aimed at government experiencing high unemployment among their artisans or low skill people. It is particularly useful in dealing with challeng-

will take interest of the governors’ forum into consideration, we will take nominees from state Houses of Assembly in Nigeria. We will take nominees of the youth leaders and all the youth forum, because we want the party to go back to the youth now because we want the youth to be involved in whatever we

es pose by youth violence, kidnapping and insecurity. In all the three schemes, the Centre for Youth Employment and Job Creation at the Institute of Science and Technology will design and write-up the scheme and train people who are to implement them. Each scheme, which comes with built-in review, monitoring, research and evaluation – all designed to guarantee results and assure quality, guarantees jobs and train-

ing places for the unemployed young persons. Speaking on the new innovations, James Ogunleye, professor of innovation and enterprise and Deputy Rector at the Institute, said: “A significant reason for the current high rate of youth joblessness in Africa is a virtual absence of interactions between education and the labour markets. Be that as it may, what is missing between the youth and employment is innovation.”

not an executive member of any political party. He said for anybody to become the chairman of the council, such a person must be an executive member of one of the member political parties, saying this was not the case in the issue at hand. According to the Ojonugba, Itodo who was the state secretary of the Labour Party (LP), was last month, suspended by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party over some allegations, following which he was relieved of his position, as the state IPAC chairman pending when the suspension would be lifted. The council, however, argued that instead of Itodo stepping aside to serve his suspension term, he allegedly collaborated with some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct an election, where he proclaimed himself as the state chairman of IPAC.

Ogun govt, residents praise Glo Laffta Fest NIGERIA’S telecoms operator, Globacom, last Sunday, treated residents of Abeokuta to an evening of comedy, music and drama at its flagship show, Glo Laffta Fest, described as a veritable initiative designed to promote harmony, reduce stress and teach good citizenship in the society. Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa and other attendees of the Glo Laffta Fest organised for residents of Abeokuta and its environs at the OK Events Centre, Ibara Housing Estate, on Sunday, agreed that the show was an avenue to unwind and

also socialise. He expressed delight that Globacom brought the show to Ogun State, adding that Laffta Fest had added value to the programmes of the Ogun State government, as evidenced by the thrusts of the various performers, who taught morals and etiquettes by condemning vices with their jokes. He said: “Globacom is doing remarkably well in Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and we are very proud of Dr Mike Adenuga. A gathering like this is very good, as it encourages our youths to invest their time in worthwhile ventures rather than

vices like cultism.” An Editor with the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Mr Biodun Ogundipe, was of the view that residents of Abeokuta had long craved for a show like the Laffta Fest, especially because of the extant restrictions on movement. Glo ambassador, Odunlade Adekola, said Lafta Fest confirmed Globacom’s second-to-none status in the telecommunications industry, adding that: “I give it to Glo for spreading joy all over the country. For recording this impressive crowd in Abeokuta, known for conservatism, big ups for Glo.”

are doing. “However, there was a communication gap. Professor Gana proceeded with the preparation for the national conference before he got the letter of the NWC. Despite that, immediately the advertisement was aired, the NWC was bombarded with lots of complaints, saying why would we spread the membership of the committee to include some of those who have left the party, including a lot of people whom they felt should have been involved and not those who walked out on this party. “So, the NWC felt that the delay was necessary, especially when the highest elected member of the party, the person of the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, had been given an assignment that he is yet to turn in its report.”

EFCC declares Izuagbe, ex-Societe Generale Bank director wanted over N3.6bn fraud FORMER director of Societe Generale Bank Nigeria Plc and Managing Director of Carlisle Properties and Investment Limited, Kennedy Izuagbe, has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Izuagbe, 45, is being investigated in a case of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N3.6 billion. He is linked to the several shady deals and gross financial misconducts that took place in the bank, in which several millions of naira were granted as loan without due diligence. The suspect is a native of Iviukhua village, near Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The EFCC enjoined members of the public with information on the whereabouts of Izuagbe to contact any of its offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Gombe and Kano or the nearest police station.

Friday, 18 September, 2015

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Friday, 18 September, 2015

INEC to reduce observers’ number in Kogi election

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Thursday that it thoroughly screened and reduced the number of observers that would monitor upcoming governorship election in Kogi. Mrs Rose Oriaran, Head, Civil Society Organisations Unit, INEC, stated this at a meeting with representatives of civil society organisations in Lokoja. She explained that the measure was to avoid infiltration into the electoral process by political agents, who had been masquerading as observers. Oriaran added that the step was also part of ef-

forts by INEC to organise a free and credible election in the state. She expressed appreciation of the commission for civil society groups’ contributions to the successes of past elections. She, however, disclosed that INEC had come to a stage when it would separate the wheat from the chaff ‘’as far as election monitoring is concerned’’. The unit head said that the commission was bent on correcting past mistakes where some groups offered to be election observers only to turn out to be politicians. She appealed to groups in the state to show understanding and continue to

be good partners with the commission in its quest to bequeath a credible electoral process to the nation. She also advised youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used as thugs by unscrupulous politicians during the election. In their remarks, some of the representatives of the civil society groups commended INEC for the decision, but insisted that it should be fair and firm in the implementation of the decision. One of them, Mrs Esther Audu, urged the commission to empower observers who would be selected to monitor the election so that they would do a thorough job.

Ondo Election Tribunal: INEC boss confirms

irregularities, violence in Ilaje election Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

The Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Segun Agbaje, on Thursday, told the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in the state that the election of the Ilaje Constituency II into the state House of Assembly was marred with irregularities and violence. Agbaje, who made this declaration while giving witness at the ongoing House of Assembly Tribunal, said the commission would have

declared the election inconclusive, but for the security report over the safety of the commission’s officials conducting the election. The INEC boss explained that the electoral officer in the area contacted him over the charged atmosphere of the area, saying the electoral officers were advised to declare the result after seeking security advice from the then Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Eke, who confirmed that the atmosphere was tensed.

He said: “On the fateful day, the electoral officer in the area called me to brief me about the tensed atmosphere in the area. He said his life and that of the returning officer are in danger. I told him I will call him back. “I called the then Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Eke on phone. He said he was going to call me back, he called back and told me that he has gotten in touch with his officers on phone and confirmed that the area was tensed.”

Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI, Kalafite Adeyemi (third right), Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade (second right) and the Deputy Commissioner in charge of operations, Sanusi Buba (right), during the inspection of Safer Highway vehicles, on Thursday. PHOTO: OLUWATOYIN MALIK

Safer highway: AIG Zone XI inspects patrol vehicles By Oluwatoyin Malik

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Mrs Kalafite Adeyemi, has warned Safer Highway patrol men to shun acts of extortion or corruption, just as she asked them not to mount roadblocks when senior officers are not looking. The AIG stated this during her visit to Oyo State Police Command on Thursday to inspect the Safer Highway patrol vehicles which were recently given to state commands, Oyo inclusive, by the Inspector General of

Police, Solomon Arase to secure all the highways in Nigeria against activities of the men of the underworld. She said they were given because of the IG’s decision not to have road blocks on the highways again, saying that the presence of roadblocks on the highways had constituted a nuisance in the past and made so many civilians to suffer. Mrs Adeyemi said further the inspection was to make the vehicles to be in good shape for the task ahead, especially in the last quarter of the year usually referred

to as ‘ember month and associated with increased number of travelers using the highways. She charged the safer highway patrol men not to put their vehicles in obscure areas but places where civilians could see them and approach them for help when necessary. She advised them to be courteous in the course of performing their duties and to show the public that the police are responsible, warning that the IG would not tolerate any police officer involved in corruption.

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Friday, 18 September, 2015

From left, Secretary to the National Economic Council (NEC), Mr Bassey Akanyung; Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Nebolisa Emodi; Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Mr David Babachir Lawal and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during the NEC meeting, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

Excess Crude Account hits $2.257bn •18 states access N500bn bailout fund •FG reimburses states with N535.5bn for repair of federal roads

N spite of the dwindling oil price, the Nigeria Excess Crude Account rose to over $2.257 billion as of September 15, the National Economic Council (NEC) has revealed. The council, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also disclosed that 18 states of the federation had, so far, accessed about N500 billion of the bailout fund. It was also revealed that the Federal Government had reimbursed 13 states of the federation with over N535.5 billion, being the cost of expenses incurred in the repair of the federal roads in their respective states. Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, briefed the State House correspondents on the outcome of the council deliberations. He was supported by governors of Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje; Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa and that of Benue, Samuel Ortom. The Ministry of Finance had reported to the council that Nigeria's Excess Crude proceeds stood at $2.207 billion as of August 2015. Thus, the new figure presented to the council on Thursday represented an increase of over $50 million, despite the current low price of crude oil. While briefing the council, the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, said 18 states had been able to draw from the bailout fund as of Thursday, while a number of other states were processing the soft loan facility. Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mr Abraham Nwankwo, also informed the NEC that the second phase of the debt restructuring offered to the states was now in effect, with 13 new states now being considered and 12 banks involved. “Basically, we had five areas listed for discussion. The first one being the report of the Excess Crude proceeds

that we discussed earlier in the day. The Accountant General of the Federation reported to us that we have ECA as at 15 September amounting to over $2.257 billion. This was established and we confirmed the position. “Secondly, we discussed the issue of NEC ad-hoc committee on the management of the ECA and the federation account, the main point he raised which we discussed extensively was divided into six. “First, he presented to us on behalf of the chairman of the committee, the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who was unavoidably absent, and it was in agreement with all of them that they confirmed that the committee interacted with revenue generating agencies of the Federal Government. “It was established among others that there was lack of transparency and accountability in the operation of the federation account and they also noted that there were no checks and balances in the operation. “Secondly, they also told the council that the work of the committee is ongoing. So we still have more reports to receive from them. That in its interaction with the revenue generating agencies, it was revealed that a number of issues with respect to accruals into the federation account and the management of it necessitated the forensic audit. “That the engagement of the audit firms is essential and the terms of reference have already been finalised with the audit firms. “The other major item that was discussed had to do with the restructuring of bank loans to state governments, and the restructuring was done into FGN bonds and the Director General of DMO reported as that 26 states applied for the loans, 11 states have concluded and submitted all

relevant documents, with 13 states involved in the second phase to commence immediately. The total money involved in the restructuring stood at over N500 billion. “Another issue discussed is on refund of expenses incurred on repair of federal roads by states. As listed here, we have 13 states that have fully complied with the reimbursement requirements, we have eight states that have partially complied, 21 states without compliance and the total sum of claims to be reimbursed is exactly N535,596,386. In other words, N535.5 billion,” he stated. According to the Oyo State governor, N13 billion had been disbursed to the states as of 2013, adding that challenges they faced had to do with inadequate funding in the ministry of works. The council also discussed on the issues of the current and future agricultural policy direction. “The Permanent Secretary made a very lucid presentation and it was extensively discussed and he gave us information on data base of farmers in proceeds production capacity of food storage and grains and increased fertiliser usage. “He told us specifically that fertiliser used by farmers increased by over 71 per cent, which was commendable, but the conclusion was that there was the need for more interaction with the states and local governments and their approach in agriculture should be bottom-top approach. "The council was also briefed about the planned agricultural training programme that the Ministry of Agriculture intends to pursue and that 12 states and FCT have been selected for the first phase. The second phase would include noneducated youths and spread across states by geopolitical zones,” Ajimobi added.

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Lagosmetro Landlord stole my $6000 —Pastor

Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

Agbala Health Centre, Ikorodu, on Thursday. PHOTO: ALABA IGBAROOLA. INSET: The paediatric ward inaugurated at the general hospital, Agbala in Ikorodu, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

Sun deputy MD’s wife released at 2.20 a.m., Thursday

•We have debriefed her —Police Olalekan Olabulo

he Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni has disclosed that the police in the state had been furnished with some pieces of information on the abductors of the wife of the Deputy Managing Director of the Sun newspapers. The police boss, while speaking with newsmen at the command headquarters on Thursday, stated that the victim had been debriefed by the police about the abductors. The Lagos CP said “I was with Mr Steve Nwosu and other members of the family, when she reunited with them and she has been debriefed.” CP Aderanti also added that “from the debriefing, I want to assure you that the Nigeria Police will deploy necessary tools to arrest those involved in the crime and their sponsors. We will

do all it takes to ensure that they are brought to justice. Detectives are working day and night to ensure that they are arrested to send a message to other criminals.” The wife of the deputy managing director of the Sun Newspapers, Oluwatoyin was released in the early hours of Thursday

by her abductors. Lagos Metro gathered that an unspecified amount of money was paid by the family, before she was released The abductors reportedly released her around 2:20 a.m. at First Gate area of FESTAC, where she was picked up by the police and some

members of her family. The Lagos police boss, while speaking on the incident, commended Mr Nwosu for cooperating with the police in the investigations of the robbery and abduction. A source, which is close to the family, stated that the abductors had on Wednesday reduced the ransom to N10

million, but could not ascertain how much was paid. The family source, who pleaded anonymity, while speaking with Lagos Metro said, “yes, they paid, but I cannot say how much was paid before she was released. Those people reduced their money to N10 million on Wednesday.”

Ambode commissions children hospital, emergency centre Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned the renovated Agbala Pediatric Centre in Ikorodu, as well as a newly constructed Accident and Emergency Ward, at the General Hospital Ikorodu, a project financed by the Heineken African Foundation in collaboration with Nigerian Breweries Plc. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ambode, represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule praised the contribution of the Nigerian

Breweries Plc, through its foundation, to the improvement of the health standard of Lagos residents, stating that the two projects undertaken by the company is in fulfilment of government’s desire to provide accessible and qualitative healthcare for the people. The Governor noted that having commissioned similar health improving projects in recent time, maintained that the paediatric centre will not only complement the existing Mother and Child Centre at the hospital

but also provide additional facilities for the treatment of children, while in the same vein, he stressed that the emergency and accident centre is timely to serve the ever growing population in Ikorodu, which he noted is due to government continuous improvement of infrastructural facilities in that part of the state. He thanked the company and implored other corporate organisations in Lagos to take a cue and support the government in its quest to better the lives of the people by

embarking on philanthropic projects that will help in the growth and development of Lagos and its residents. Mr Vervede stated that over the years, the company had made financial and facility interventions at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, supported the Sickle Cell Foundation, Autism and provided financial support for various programmes to raise awareness of the danger of jaundice in babies amongst other supports.

A 60-year-old landlord, Cletus Egwuatumba, and his secretary, Ngozi Onuaju, 36, have landed in trouble after they allegedly broke into a tenant’s apartment and removed his doors in order to renovate the apartment in his absence. The tenant, Pastor Evan Obiora, reported to the police that the landlord invaded his apartment and allegedly stole his $6,000 and digital camera. The incident occurred at 6, Amoka Street, Abaranje, Ikotun, where Obiora rented the apartment and the police at Ikotun Division arrested Egwuatumba and Ngozi over the incident. The landlord claimed he entered Obiora’s apartment because he was carrying out renovation in the apartment, but did not explain why he did it in Obiora’s absence. According to Obiora, he went on an evangelical mission which took him days and nobody was in his three-bedroom apartment when Egwuatumba broke the doors and left it like that until he returned. He said when he saw what happened, he went where he kept the $6,000 and the digital camera and discovered they were no more there. He said when he confronted the landlord about renovating his apartment in his absence and asked about the money and the camera, he denied seeing the items. After their arrest and investigation they were charged with conspiracy and stealing before a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ejigbo under the Criminal Code. They pleaded not guilty and the presiding Magistrate, Mrs J.O.E. Adeyemi, granted them bail with two sureties. The matter was adjourned till October 5, 2015.

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

Ikeja residents protest ‘crazy billing’ at IKEDC Bola Badmus

This PSP Truck was seen at Lagos State Secretariat Alausa overloaded with waste and not covered with the usual net. PSP Truck usually cover their truck while on motion to prevent waste from dropping on the road. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa

Aggrieved residents of Seriki Aro Community in Ikeja on Wednesday stormed the headquarters of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) in protest over what they described as outrageous bills they receive on monthly basis. The community comprises Afariogun, Seriki Aro, Ajasa, Kodesoh, Ajao Road, Ogunmade and John Akinjide.

The aggrieved residents, who carried various placards denouncing the action of the IKEDC authorities and urging for a redress, include the Financial Secretary, Seriki Aro, CDA; Seriki Aro, Ikeja; Alhaja Adeniran; Omololu Olayinka, Isaiah Olugbenga, Isaiah Olugbenga, Soji Odubode, among others. According to them, the electricity company has since inception of the new regime in the coun-

Indian arrested for using Nigerian name for visa fraud Olalekan Olabulo The police at the Lagos Annex of the Force Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police in Alagbon have arrested a Dubai-based Indian for allegedly using a Nigerian’s name to procure visa.

The arrested Indian, Muhhamed Shazul was reportedly arrested after the person, whose name was allegedly used, filed a petition with the police. Muhammed was said to be returning from Dubai, when security operatives swooped on him at the Murtala Mu-

hammed International Airport. According to a source, who pleaded anonymity, the petitioner, Ayodotun Babalola is appealing to the police to help him retrieve the visa from the Indian national. Babalola also wanted the Nigeria Police to ensure that

the procurement of the visa with his name does not affect him or any member of his family in the future. The petitioner in a petition, dated August 18, 2015 claimed that, “I am still being intimidated and my rights are being abused by depriving me from travelling to Du-

bai for business. “This has cost me lot of breach of contract and defamation of character internationally. I am pleading with the police to help me to retrieve my visa and also stop them from causing harm to my personality and my family in future,’’ the petition reads.

Keke Marwa operator rapes 14-year-old girl Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A tricycle operator, Soji Arogundade, 24, has been accused of allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl, names withheld. It was gathered that the victim who helps her mother to sell fruits, on that fateful day was hawking the fruits when the defendant called her and bought the fruit with the promise to pay her before the end of the day but he didn’t. The girl went to meet Arogundade at about 4.00 p.m. for the payment of the fruit that he bought, but he delayed her till 7.00 p.m. when she insisted that she must collect the money as she was helping her mother to sell because she is a widow. While the teenager was waiting, Arogundade asked her to follow him to a place where she was going to collect the money from one of his friends, but when they got there, the defendant with the help of his friend holding her down, raped the girl. Arogundade, who has no fixed address, is facing two count charges of assault and unlawful canal knowledge of the victim preferred

against him by the police. The prosecutor, Francisca Okere told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences

on September 13, 2015, at about 7.00 p.m. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

However the counsel to the defendant, Ozioma Ahaoma, urged the court to grant the defendant bail in the most liberal term as

is just an allegation which must be proved beyond reasonable doubt and presumption of innocence still stands for the defendant.

UNILAG SSANU, NASU protest over unpaid allowances, shut school gate Naza Okoli - Lagos The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), both of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Thursday protested over the allowances owed its members by the management. The protest, which began shortly before midday saw members of the union with placards chanting solidarity songs. Members shut the university’s main gate for several hours leading to gridlock along the University Road and Akoka-Bariga Road. The Chairman of SSANU, Mr Adetomiwa Adekola, while addressing his colleagues, said the protest had become necessary since earlier attempts made by the unions to resolve their grievances with the management had all proven unsuccessful.

Adekola listed their demands to include: “Immediate stoppage of further deduction of contributory pension from the salaries of staff as the contributory pension has been deducted from source before the release of subversion for personnel cost by the federal government. “Payment of 13th month salaries (Christmas) Gross

pay between 2007 and 2014 which was paid to all Federal Educational Institutions by the Federal Government as initiated by the late President Umar Yaradua. “Payment of earned allowance, in particular, hazard allowance to all members of staff of the Federal Universities, beginning from July 2009 till date and immediate implementation of the

allowance of staff payroll N30, 000 and N15, 000 for Senior and Junior staffs” Meanwhile, the management of the university has condemned the protest in very strong terms. A statement signed by the Deputy Registrar (Information), Mr Olagoke Oke, described the action of the unions as “unprovoked” and “a breach of peace”.

try hiked its bills in multiple folds, saying there was no way they could pay such. This is as they knocked the supposed argument being canvassed by the IKEDC that the bills could be based on commercial charges, maintaining that nothing of such was the case as the community was largely residential.

NIPOST shuts down 2 illegal courier companies in Lagos The Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) of NIPOST on Thursday closed two companies, allegedly operating courier services without licence, in the country. Dr Simon Emeje, the Senior Assistant Post-Master-General of NIPOST, told newsmen in Lagos that the two illegal operators were based in Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the illegal companies are OJ Transports, located at Jibowu and Happy Family Motors, situated at Ojuelegba. Emeje said that the clampdown on the courier services was a national assignment and essential for the sanity of the courier sub-sector. According to him, the companies have not gone through the CRD’s licensing process; hence, their operation is detrimental to the sector. The senior assistant post-master general said that there was the need for the clampdown because of the critical nature of the sector to the nation’s economy.

STAR to celebrate 2Face at 40 with All-Star Tribute Concert By Rotimi Ige Renowned hip hop artiste, 2Face Idibia popular during his days onstage at Star Mega Jam with Plantashun Boyz while headlining Star Music Trek shows in Lagos and Makurdi will be celebrated for

being in the music industry for the past 18 years. 2Face will be celebrated on the occasion of his 40th birthday by a beer brand, Star, bringing his friends together for an All-Star tribute concert tagged #Fortyfied. The concert will fea-

ture Star Music Trek performers, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Burna Boy, Sound Sultan, Blackface, Seyi Shay, Wande Coal, DJ Neptune, Gbenga Adeyinka and Wizkid in addition to D’Banj, Patoranking, Dammy Krane, Timaya, Gloria Ibru, 9ice, DJ Spinall, Omawumi, Dr Vic-

tor Olaiya, Vector and many others. Packaged by Hypertek Digital and Buckwyld Media. The concert is set to hold on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel, Lagos and will be hosted by star comedian, Basketmouth.

businessnews FG to Save N180bn through ‘brain gain’ —ITF 10

he Federal Government has finalised plans to save over N180bn in three years on first-rate skills training for Nigerian youths through the Industrial Training Fund’s Brain Gain initiative. The Director-General, ITF, Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, said the initiative, an ITF-Diaspora volunteer skills development programme, had been designed to upgrade the quality of skills in Nigeria to international standards at little or no cost to the Federal Government. She spoke while addressing stakeholders in Lagos on the need for partnership towards the successful implementation of the mandate of ITF, and in line with the skills needs of Nigeria. The Brain Gain initiative, according to her, will be powered by Nigerian experts in the Diaspora who have volunteered to give back to their home country through direct knowledge and technology transfer at no cost to the ITF. Chukkas-Onaeko noted that the Nigerian experts, specialists in various high-tech sectors, would work with the Fund, based on a yearly volunteer calendar that would ensure that the target of annual quality training for four million youths is achieved. She explained, “Out of the millions of Nigerian experts all over the world, we have mapped out plans to work with not less than 10,000 experts in renewable energy, robotics engineering, hospitality, oil and gas, and petrochemicals among others, in the next three years. “As a matter of fact, we have been able to identify over a million experts who have skills to contribute to this programme but in the first phase, we are considering a conservative number of just 10,000. Most of these experts

Friday, 18 September, 2015

are professionally and financially accomplished people who are willing to play this role at their own cost.” Explaining how the initiative would cut down the

agency’s cost of operation to the tune of N180 billion, Chukkas-Onaeko said ITF would save not less than N6,000,000 per annum for every global expert volun-

teering his services under the programme. The DG said, “Analysts have put the cost of retaining an expert in the Diaspora under the ITF training scheme

From left, Director, Field Services Department, Industrial Training Fund, Mr John Enyi; Director-General, Dr Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko; and Manager, Lekki Area Office, Mrs Gloria Abeki, during a one-day stakeholders’ forum on ‘Leveraging ITF’s Mandate to Enhance Business Success and Growth of National Economy, in Lagos, on Thursday.

Ogun, NSIA, Lafarge partner on forest landscape project Ogun State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Lafarge Africa Plc for the joint development of Ogun State Forest Landscape Restoration Project. The MoU, signed during President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent visit to France, will enable the creation of a legal entity to develop the project, engage development agencies and climate change funds, and promote it to large agriculture and forestry investors. The project is set to transform 108,000 hectares of heavily degraded land into an arable green area. It is designed to employ innovative approaches to

achieve best-of-breed environmental, social and economic results. The scheme’s uniqueness rests in the way it combines land restoration with business development objectives by applying the latest findings of agro-ecology and agro-forestry. In his remarks, Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said, “The restoration and enhancement of our forests benefits the environment and creates jobs in rural communities. Increasing the pace and scale of restoration of forests is critically needed to address a variety of threats - including fire, climate change, deforestation and others - for the benefit of our ecosystems and forest-dependent communities. This project will

show that enterprise and achieving strong mitigation are mutually supportive in tropical agriculture.” Mr Uche Orji, Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, in his statement said “The NSIA Act permits us to participate in infrastructure projects of this nature. We are therefore committed not only to promoting economic development but also to stimulating greater environmental responsibility through the projects we support and participate in.” In his speech, Mr Peter Hoddinott, Group Managing Director/CEO Lafarge Africa, noted that “Our strong commitment to the environment and social sustainability of our opera-

Airtel Nigeria announces partnership with NIBSS to introduce BVN query service Customers can now access their BVN on the go Following the extension of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) exercise to October 31st, leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to provide Nigerians a much easier way to access their BVNs through their mobile phones. With this initiative, bank customers who have registered at their banks for BVN, can obtain their BVNs, at any time, by dialing the USSD code *565*0# on their mobile

at N500,000 monthly. This is a very conservative figure, and it is the amount that would have been spent hiring each volunteer trainer for the programme.

phones. Recall that chaotic situations were recorded in most banks’ premises in Nigeria, recently, as thousands of customers besieged banks in a bid to beat the initial deadline for the BVN enrolment which was earlier billed to expire on Tuesday, 30th June, 2015. Also, customers that have more than one bank account were also seen with pieces of white papers where the banks where they had registered wrote their unique BVN numbers to take to other banks to key in. With

Airtel’s new service, customers can now access their BVNs on the move through their mobile phones. The BVN, a central bank initiative, which was launched in February 2014, is being supported by the bankers’ committee. It is aimed at protecting bank customers and further strengthening the Nigerian banking system. It was among other things, introduced to address safety of customers’ funds, avoid losses through compromise of personal identification numbers and other criminal activities in the indus-

try. The BVN is a unique number that enables one person to have a single identity in the banking system. It basically ensures that a customer’s identity is not stolen. A customer is only expected to register at one bank, irrespective of the number of accounts he has. Speaking on the new service, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Commercial Officer, Maurice Newa, said Airtel is committed to providing relevant services that will empower Nigerians to realize their full potentials and fulfill their dreams.

tions and the communities within which we operate leads us naturally to support the Ogun State project that promises strong positive impact on these issues, particularly on climate change.”

Nigerian Tribune

Yields rise as Nigeria raises N45bn in bonds Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

The Debt Management Office(DMO) on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria said on Thursday, it sold N45 billion worth of naira-denominated bonds maturing in 2020 and 2034. At an auction on Wednesday, the instruments were sold at higher yields than the returns at its previous auction in August the debt office stated. The amount raised at the auction was short of the N70 billion initially proposed by the debt office. Usually, when there is higher risk of default and economic uncertainty, bonds pay a higher yield than investment grade bonds. Traders said the debt office was constrained by the higher yields demanded by investors and reduced the amount of debt sold. Investors had asked for yields ranging from 13.5 to 20 percent for the 2020 bond and 14.5 to 20 percent for the 2034 debt, but the debt office decided to cut off the sale at 15.95 and 15.97 per cent respectively.

N800m daily kerosene subsidy:

How marketers defraud Nigerians of kerosene subsidy Olatunde Dodondawa -Lagos

There are strong indications that fuel marketers may be defrauding Nigerians over N800million daily in kerosene subsidy. Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that marketers are selling kerosene otherwise called HouseHold Kerosene (HHK) at higher prices between N85-N92 per liter as ex-depot price as against the recommended ex-depot price of N34.51 per by the Federal Government. When the Nigerian Tribune visited Apapa depots, it was discovered that only Forte Oil Plc among the major marketers was selling at N50 ex-depot price as at Thursday while other major marketers did not have the product. Kerosene as a petroleum product has been subsidized for decades and it is expected to be sold to the Nigerian masses at N50 per litre. However, an average Nigerian always get the product at above N100 per litre depending on the

filling station and location where it is being sold. According to the investigations, NIPCo was selling at N85 per litre, Acorn Petroleum, Heyden, Aquatane and SPOG were selling at N90 per litre, Rahammaniyah was selling at N89 per litre, Eternal Oil was selling at N91.50 per litre while NNPC was selling at N40 per litre. The above prices were ex-depot prices at the depots. Daily consumption of kerosene is put at around 15million liters per day and using N90 as an average ex-depot price per litre, the disparity would amount to N55.49 (N90-N34.51) per litre. If we multiply N55.49 by 15million litres, the result would amount to N832.32million daily. The total landing cost of kerosene, based on Average Platts’ prices for 16th September, 2015, is N109.04 per litre while the recommended ex-depot is N34.51. Recommended retail price is N50 per litre but Nigerians buy at above N100 per litre.

businessnews

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

TSA: CBN ready to inject liquidity into banks if... Chioma Obinagwam With Agency Report

overnor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on Thursday, told bankers and the general public not to panic about a government order which is feared might cause prolonged liquidity dry up in the financial system. While ruling out a naira devaluation, Emefiele in an interview with Reuters, said he was ready to inject liquidity if needed into the interbank market, which dried up this week following the directive to government departments to move their funds from commercial banks into a “Treasury Single Account” (TSA) at the central bank. The policy is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s drive to fight corruption, but analysts say it could suck up as much as 10 per cent of banking sector deposits in the country, playing havoc with banks’ liquidity ratios. With global oil prices tumbling, banks and companies are already struggling with the consequences of a dip in Nigeria’s energy revenues that has hit the naira and triggered flows of capital out of the country. Then JP Morgan delisted Nigeria from its Emerging Markets Bond Index last week due to restrictions that the central bank imposed on the currency market to support the naira and preserve its foreign exchange reserves. Since taking office in May, Buhari has vowed to rein in Nigeria’s dependency on oil exports which account for 90 per cent of foreign currency earnings. However, he has faced criticism from investors for failing to appoint a cabinet yet or outline

concrete policies. Amid confusion over the implementation of the single account policy, overnight interbank lending

rates spiked to 200 percent, but Emefiele denied the policy had provoked a liquidity crisis. “There is no shortage of

liquidity,” he said, pointing to an oversubscribed sale of treasury bills on Wednesday. “A spike is a momentary action. It’s sentiment.”

There are indications the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) may be at loggerheads over over-lapping of job functions. Speaking on behalf of the Organised Private Sector on Thursday in Lagos, the Director-General, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, stated that “the CPC has been acting ultra vires and in spite of ongoing court action against the CPC, the body has continued to usurp the responsibilities of other agencies with the

paralyzed for a third day on Thursday, with banks unwilling to lend to each other, even when rates fell back to 20-30 per cent.

FMDQ Securities admits quotation of N8.154bn Wema Bank’s CP Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

From left, Secretary and Director of Admin NIPSS, Mr Jonathan Mela Juma; NDIC CEO, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim and Director General of the Institute, Professor Tijjani Mohammed Bande (Extreme right), while the Representative of the Vice President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Yabani who is also Director of Administration in the VP office cuts the tape to commission the Research Directorate building donated by NDIC to the Institute.

NDIC donates research building to NIPSS A magnificent Directorate of Research building complex that was donated by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos was officially commissioned on Monday by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The Vice-President who was represented by the Director of Administration in his Office, Alhaji Ibrahim Yabani, commended the NDIC for identifying with the infrastructural needs of the Institute through the donation of the office complex. Prof. Osinbajo said that the Federal Government was appreciative of the NDIC’s gesture and asked organisations in both the

public and private sectors to emulate the corporation. He expressed optimism that the building complex would not only provide conducive environment for research but also charge the Institute to apply itself towards formulating policies that would accelerate socio-economic development in the country. Speaking at the official commissioning of the office complex, NDIC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Alh. Umaru Ibrahim, said that the cor-

poration took the bold step to extend its gesture to the institute as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative which started about ten years ago. He also reiterated the corporation’s readiness to continue to support educational institutions in order to advance academic standard nationwide. The Director-General of the Institute, Professor Tijani Mohammed Bande, expressed appreciation to the NDIC for responding to the

primary responsibilities to protect consumers in their sectors. “We have noted with deep concern, the recent predatory activities of the current leadership of CPC, which could stifle the growth of existing businesses and scare off potential investors. These activities are duplication of regulatory roles. The use of obnoxious regulations with all-encompassing powers to perpetrate unlawful activities in the name of Government.” He said the OPS will not accept CPC’s gestapo approach at territory grappling and relevance seeking by performing roles

challenge of office accommodation in the institute. Prof. Bande said that the problem of inadequate office space for staff of the Research Directorate compelled the institute to seek for assistance to build the office complex. While pledging that the complex would be judiciously utilised, Prof. Bande appealed to other corporate organisations and public spirited individuals to support the Institute in infrastructural development.

Following the approval of the FMDQ OTC Plc, Board Listings and Quotations Committee, the Wema Bank Plc, N8.154 billion Series 1 commercial paper notes has been admitted to the FMDQ quotations list. Commercial paper is an unsecured, short-term loan issued by a bank or corporation for financing accounts receivable and inventories. A statement from FBN Capital, which platform was used, said the Wema Bank commercial paper falls under a N20,000,000,000.00 Commercial Paper Issuance Programme, having successfully met the quotation requirements as contained in the FMDQ Commercial Paper Quotation Rules. At the commemoration ceremony held in honour of the Wema CP, Mr Bola Onadele Koko, Managing Director /CEO of FMDQ noted that CP issuers gain access to a wide range of knowledgeable and capitalised investors, that is qualified institutional investors and eligible individual investors, through FMDQ Members.

Court stops BGL from being expelled from the capital market Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin -Lagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos has vacated an interim injunction barring the Se-

curity and Exchange Commission from expelling BGL Group from capital market activities over alleged fraud and malpractices.

OPS, CPC lock horns over job function Olatunde Dodondawa -Lagos

“I do not think there is any need for anybody to panic,” he added. Nevertheless, the interbank naira market was

already being carried out by other agencies of government such as National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). “The latest inordinate foray of the CPC is into the electricity sector, an action contrary to the provisions of the Electric Power Reform Act, 2005 that vested the regulation of operators in the sector on NERC, which has the primary re-

sponsibility to regulate and protect the interest of all stakeholders, including consumers, in that sector. “Organised businesses are opposed to duplication of regulatory roles. It is on record that the CPC has blatantly rebuffed every attempt by the Organized Private Sector through its representative bodies like NECA to engage it in social dialogue in order to explore ways of ensuring that it carries out its mandate in a civil and decent manner,” he stated. Oshinowo however urged the government to call the CPC to order as it has become an embarrassment to the nation.

The SEC had announced the expulsion of BGL from the Nigerian capital market after receiving over 40 petitions from aggrieved investors who claimed to have been defrauded by the company. BGL’s Group Managing Director, Albert Okumagba, was also banned from operating as a Registered Sponsored Individual with SEC. But the company, through its counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), had on May 27, 2015 obtained an interim injunction by Justice Saliu Saidu, stopping SEC from giving effect to the ban. However, ruling on an application filed by SEC to discharge the order on yesterday, Justice Mohammed Yunusa held that BGL concealed material facts from Justice Saidu who gave the interim injunction. Yunusa said he was per-

suaded by the counsel for SEC, Prof. Kayinsola Ajayi (SAN), who argued that the order was granted in error. Ajayi had, in the application to discharge the order, stated that the ban on BGL was to protect members of the public who were investing in the capital market. He had informed the court that BGL had been running at a loss to the tune of over N48.1bn as of December 2014. He also stated that the company was indebted to various capital market investors, including the Rivers State Ministry of Finance, to the tune of about N5.8bn as of June 2, 2015. Ajayi also disclosed to the court that the company and its boss had a case to answer before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which had also received over 40 petitions against them from aggrieved investors.

news

Friday, 18 September, 2015

False asset declaration: Saraki goes to court •Wants arraignment stopped •Senators back him Taiwo Adisa, Ayo Adesanmi and Sunday Ejike -Abuja

Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, summoned the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to appear before it on September 21, to show cause why it should not be restrained from arraigning the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, over allegations bordering on false and improper declaration of assets allegedly acquired during his tenure as governor of Kwara State. Saraki, who approached the court via an ex parte motion wanted the Federal Ministry of Justice, Code of Conduct Bureau and the Tribunal and Mr M. S Hassan stopped from taking any further step to arraign or prefer any charge against him, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit he filed before the court. The Senate president was praying the court to declare that the Ministry of Justice had not complied with the provision of the 3rd Schedule of Section 24(1) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act to act before proffering a charge against him. Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, in a ruling in his chambers, ordered the Federal Ministry of Justice, chairmen of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal and M. S Hassan (first to fourth respondent) to appear before him on Monday, to show cause why they should not be stopped from arraigning Saraki. The judge ordered that the respondents in the motion should be served with all the court processes, including the motion of notice for the interim order or injunction and motion ex parte, adding also that hearing notice should be served on all the respondents. The order, the judge held, was made pursuant to the provision or Order 26 Rule 10 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009. In the motion ex parte argued by Mahmud Magaji, Saraki said based on the provision of Section 24 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, his prosecution before the tribunal shall be initiated by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) or any officer directed by him (AGF). He argued that "in the absence of any subsisting AGF in the time being, this court has the jurisdiction to direct parties to maintain status quo, pending the hearing of the motion on notice."

He argued further that since there was no subsisting AGF, the charge against him by the official of the Federal Ministry of Justice before the CCT was void, as the provisions of Section 24 (1) of the CCB and Tribunal was not complied with. Senators fight back Strategic meetings of senators loyal to Saraki were immediately kickstarted from Wednesday night, following reports that the Federal Government had charged the Senate president before the Code of Conduct Tribunal. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the Senate president had been receiving several solidarity visits from his colleagues as soon as the news of his impending trial by the CCT broke. Some senators who were out of the country returned on Thursday to join their colleagues who had started making strategic consultations on ways to get their leader out of the legal logjam.

Some of the senators who spoke to newsmen on Thursday condemned the attack on the Senate president, insisting that they would stand by the Kwara senator. Senator Issah Misau, who spoke of external influence in the unfolding situation, however, called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene in the crisis and nip it in the bud. The senator said what was afoot was not a fight against corruption, but an attempt at politicising some issues, adding that since the legislature and the executive needed to work together, party leaders must prevail on those behind the plot against Saraki to stop. Also, Senator Sabi Aliyu Abdullahir, said the move against Saraki at the CCB was distractive. The senator, who insisted that the allegations against Saraki were politically motivated, said that any plot to derail the eighth Senate would be resisted.

"I want to believe an allegation remains an allegation; and our laws are very clear. It is an allegation until it is proven; I want to believe it remains an allegation. "However, let's take a closer look at what the allegations are, dating back to 2003 to date, I think, as far as I am concerned, there is something fishing about it. It is very obvious, of course, we know what has happened since the inauguration of the eighth Senate," he said. Another senator, Mao Ohuabunwa, who also condemned the attack on Saraki, said the plot against the Senate president was unnecessary, adding that Saraki had, in the last 100 days, led the Senate creditably. Senator Hussain Salih said the Senate would not abandon the Senate president on the CCB matter. "The charges against Saraki, as far as I am concerned, are just distractive, in the sense that we are talking about issue of 13 years ago

and people are bringing it now. "I think Nigerians should disregard such issues because they are distracting the National Assembly from doing its own constitutional work. And I don't think that it is going to help us," he said. It was gathered on Thursday that a number of senators across party lines had been meeting at different locations in Abuja, ostensibly to draw plans ahead of Saraki’s appearance at the CCB. I can't be intimidated -Saraki Saraki, on Thursday, said the leadership of the Senate under his leadership would remain unshaken. The Senate President, stated this while receiving a delegation of Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union ( IEDPU), who paid him a solidarity visit. He said that the eighth Senate, at inception on June 9 this year, had stated that it would facilitate positive

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, being decorated by the National President, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alhaji Abdulhamid Hadi, after a courtesy visit by the union to the Senate President, at the National Assembly , Abuja, on Thursday.

Buhari was wrong sidelining Nigerians for foreign audiences —NHRC boss Sunday Ejike -Abuja CHAIRMAN, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, on Wednesday, advised President Muhammadu Buhari to go beyond just body language to provide responsible leadership in governance. Odinkalu, in a lecture he delivered at the second Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) Annual Colloquium in Abuja, said Nigeria, as presently constituted, needed leaders that could speak and connect necessarily with the citizenry

and wondered why Buhari would choose to make his action plans known to foreign audiences, rather than speaking to Nigerians. The NHRC chairman was referring to the president's earlier visit to Ghana, where he announced that he would constitute his cabinet before the end of September, as well as the disclosure in Paris, France, that the Federal Government was negotiating with Boko Haram to secure the release of Chibok girls. “You can't lead a country by body language; we need a leadership that will trust

our people and speak to our people,” he said and urged the president to speak to Nigerians directly. Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Ekpo Nta, in his speech on the ocassion, said the commission had concluded plans to prosecute two lecturers of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) and University of Lagos (UNILAG), over alleged rape cases. While Dr Baruwa of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), was alleged to

have raped a young lady seeking admission into the institution sometime in August, the Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Ndifon, allegedly forced himself on a 400-Level student of the faculty, leading to his suspension by the authorities of the Ivory tower. Nta, at the colloquium, said the anti-graft agency would institute separate charges against the two dons. According to the ICPC's boss, the two lecturers' trial would be tried on charges of alleged abuse of office.

change to Nigerians by encouraging responsive legislations and oversights. He said the Senate would not be distracted from its original course of action. Earlier, chairman of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulhameed Hadi, had, in his speech, pledged total support of the people of Ilorin Emirate for Saraki. He also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to extend his hand of fellowship to the Senate president, just as he did to the late General Tunde Idiagbon, who was his second in command as head of state.

Septuagenarian arrested for defiling daughter Hakeem Gbadamosi -Akure THE Ondo State police command has arrested a 73-year-old man, Agidi Omolola, for attempting to rape her nine-year-old daughter (name withheld) in Ijare town, Ifedore Local Government Area of the state. The septuagenarian was said to have invited her daughter into his room, asking the little girl to remove her underwear before attempting to have canal knowledge of her. It was gathered that the girl, who was scared by the action of his father, started crying and raised the alarm which attracted his brothers who rushed into the house to save her. The source said some of the neighbours who were shocked by the action of the old man reported the incident at the police station, while a team of detectives was mobilised to the scene. He said the man was arrested and subsequently interrogated and detained. Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wole Ogodo, said the incident was reported by one of the brothers of the victim identified as Muyiwa, after rescuing the little girl from her father. Ogodo disclosed that immediately the suspect was caught, he quickly rushed into the house and drank a substance suspected to be chemical before the arrival of police. He explained further that when the suspect got to the police station, having taken a poisonous substance, he was subsequently rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

Friday, 18 September, 2015

tribunebusiness

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Regular monitoring of govt activities â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll improve performance â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Fasuyi Mr. Yinka Fasuyi, the Chief Executive Officer of Supreme Management Training & Consultancy Services Limited, is also President, Ibadan Business School. In this interview with SULAIIMON OLANREWAJU, he speaks on how the government can salvage the economy.

OW would you describe the Nigerian economy since the advent of this administration? The best one can offer at this point in time is what I will refer to as a descriptive assessment of the administration because we do not have an objective appraisal of the last three months. It would have been better if at the assumption of office the government carried out a baseline assessment, which will enable a discovery of the previous administration with regards to the state of the economy in terms of how much money was left in the national purse, what debt were incurred and the state of infrastructure. A guide would have been provided for the baseline assessment in quantifying the level of work done. Although we are yet to have a clear cut of economic direction, there is a high expectation that the government is going to perform well. There has been tremendous improvement in the power sector, with the provision of 15-22 hours of electricity supply in this part of the country and that is a tremendous progress. And this is one area an average Nigeria can point to as a plus in the current administration. How have foreign investors responded to the government? There has been a slow down and this is not unexpected in our economy. Investors will only show interest when they can define the economic policy of the government. As it stands today, the government has not clearly stated its economic direction, which makes it difficult for investors to commit their scarce resources, especially where there are other countries with clearly stated economic policies that are luring investors. We are only hopeful that at the end of this month (September), there would have been a constituted cabinet which will aid the drive of socio-economic policies. When this is in place, then investors can easily come in to the country. People have been waiting on the government in various sectors, because its stand on many issues is not known. Nigeria is a public-sector driven economy where the government is in charge of the economy. If this is understood, one would appreciate why people have to wait a while to know the direction of the government before they can make decisions. With what we have on ground in the last three months, how do you see the performance of the Nigerian economy in 2016? If we are to go by the body language of the President in trying to define the position of things, it is not a bad idea, at least to determine where you are taking up from. If he is saying he will like to start up from a very fresh foundation, one that is development-sustainable, transparent, accountable, participatory and one that recongnises that in the economic journey of nation building, all stakeholders are needed; a foundation that recognises the role of the rule of law, because investors will only come to a place where their investments are guaranteed and secure. My prayer is that with the three months it has taken the country to wait so far would be translated into added value by way of justifying true

Fasuyi results and performance. My take is that at the end of the day, when the government appoints its cabinet, it will become necessary to forgo the traditional approach of governance that has never taken us anywhere. For example, in the course of election campaigns, promises were made. But on assumption of office, there is hardly a government in all the tiers that takes stock. The only area they often refer to is the incurred debt by previous or immediate past government, whereas, good governance goes beyond this. Good governance recognises that you must determine your take-off point. In determining the take-off point, there should be data covering different aspects of the economy of the society, which is why the cabinet, when newly appointed, should be obliged by the government to first document and share with Nigerians, their aim as well as the current situation of their respective ministries. As a minister of education for example,

Nigeria is a publicsector driven economy where the government is in charge of the economy. If this is understood, one would appreciate why people have to wait a while to know the direction of the government before they can make decisions.

people should know our literacy level; our performance level in examinations such as the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), the National Examinations Council (NECO); the employability rate of graduates from our higher institutions of learning; and the enrolment rate of children in schools. Periodically, this should be made known to the public, and the value that has been added over time. It should not be a one-way traffic information dissemination, there must be a participatory monitoring and evaluation. Members of the public, the ultimate beneficiary of this intervention should be invited to enable them assess and appraise the extent of the work done. It is until this is done that whatever information is given can enjoy credibility. Beyond that, disclosing to Nigerians the work plans of these ministers for their ministries within a specified period of time will go a long way. Whether or not the specified target is met within the period, there should be an explanation given to the public as this will call for justification if support is needed. What is the rationale behind Ibadan Business School? The conception of Ibadan Business School is a major response to the two critical gaps that we have observed in Nigeria. Before mentioning these gaps, I would want to talk about the history of business education around the world. Business education around the world started as a response to meet the curriculum that the conventional educational institutions are unable to fill. In the developed economies, they have discovered that their private sectors which lead the economy, will still encounter some day to day challenges that were never thought of under the basic curriculum system. Humans are susceptible to daily change, so does the global economy. As at the time

many of these graduates were in school, some developments had not taken place. So as graduates, you cannot send them back to school to go back and study to fit into the trend of the new economy. Those gaps arise from daily changes in business environment. So these countries discovered that they need to have a system that provides solution to their day to day requirements in fixing and managing the resources of the organisation because profit is key in such an organisation. And also to manage competition in a way that could place you above the other competitors, then you must continually acquire new skills and knowledge as they emerge and that is what the business education is providing. These are private-sector led systems. In Nigeria, like many other African countries, we are basically public sector-driven and as such, the needs of a public sectordriven economy will not be on exact scale with the need of a private sector-led economy, which business schools are improving upon. In Ibadan Business School for instance, we recognise that if we must transit from a public sector-driven economy to a private sector-driven economy, then we must strengthen the capacity of the public sector to be able to assist us in such transition. And that is why for instance we have at the Ibadan Business School, the School of Development Management with courses specifically developed to meet the needs of our public sector with a view to strengthen their capacity and capability to be able to deliver on governance first and provide an enabling environment that would make the public sector thrive and grow. That is why we offer courses like Procurement. Procurement Law in Nigeria was passed eight years ago and till now the National Bureau of Procurement is not functional in the sense that what would have given it life is the council, which eight years after has not been constituted.

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Friday, 18 September, 2015

INEC to reduce observers’ number in Kogi election

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Thursday that it thoroughly screened and reduced the number of observers that would monitor upcoming governorship election in Kogi. Mrs Rose Oriaran, Head, Civil Society Organisations Unit, INEC, stated this at a meeting with representatives of civil society organisations in Lokoja. She explained that the measure was to avoid infiltration into the electoral process by political agents, who had been masquerading as observers. Oriaran added that the step was also part of ef-

Ondo Election Tribunal: INEC boss confirms

irregularities, violence in Ilaje election Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

THE Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Segun Agbaje, on Thursday, told the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in the state that the election of the Ilaje Constituency II into the state House of Assembly was marred with irregularities and violence. Agbaje, who made this declaration while giving witness at the ongoing House of Assembly Tribunal, said the commission would have

Safer highway: AIG Zone XI inspects patrol vehicles By Oluwatoyin Malik

THE Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Mrs Kalafite Adeyemi, has warned Safer Highway patrol men to shun acts of extortion or corruption, just as she asked them not to mount roadblocks when senior officers are not looking. The AIG stated this during her visit to Oyo State Police Command on Thursday to inspect the Safer Highway patrol vehicles which were recently given to state commands, Oyo inclusive, by the Inspector General of

Friday, 18 September, 2015

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

The virtue of the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah

Muslims at the Eid-Kabir prayers at the Muslim national praying ground in Abuja.

ERILY, praise belongs to Allah Most High, and may the blessings of Allah and peace be upon His Prophet Muhammad, and his family and companions, all of them. Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are not any days in which righteous deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah than these days, i.e. the 10 days (of DhulHijjah).” They said: “O, Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the path of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the path of Allah Most High, except if a man goes out (for Jihad) with his self and his wealth, then he doesn’t return with anything from that.” Imam Ahmad narrated from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), from the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) that he said: “There aren’t any days greater, nor any days in which deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah Most High, than these 10 days (of Dhul-Hijjah). So, increase in them the saying of Tahleel (Laailaaha-ill-Allah), and Takbeer (AllahuAkbar) and Tahmeed (al-hamdu-lillaah).” The types of deeds in these 10 days First: The performance of Hajj and Umrah, and these are the best of deeds that may be done. And what indicates their superiority are a number of Hadiths, one of which is the saying of (the Prophet) (p.b.u.h.): “Performance of Umrah is an expiation of the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah, and the reward of the Hajj which is accepted by Allah Most High is nothing but Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Second: Fasting during these days as many of them as may be easy (for one to fast) - especially the Day of Arafah. There is no doubt that the act of fasting is one of the best deeds, and it is from what Allah, Most High has chosen for himself, as in the Hadith Qudsi: “Fasting is for Me, and it is I who give reward for it. Verily, someone gives up his sexual passion, his food and his drink for my sake...” (Bukhari, Muslim, Malik, Tirmidhi, Nasaa’ee and Ibn Majah). Also, from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said:

“No servant (of Allah Most High) fasts one day in the way of Allah, except that Allah Most High removes his face from the fire because of it (the distance of travelling) 70 years.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Muslim narrated from Abu Qutaadah that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: “Fasting the Day of Arafah will be credited with Allah by forgiving one’s sins of the previous year and the following year.” Third: at-Takbeer (saying: Allahu-Akbar) and adh-Dhikr (remembrance of Allah, the Most High) in these (10) days, because of the saying of Allah in Soorah alHajj verse 28: “...And mention the name of Allah on the appointed Days...” This has been explained (by some) to mean the 10 days (of Dhul-Hijjah), and the scholars consider it desirable to increase adh-Dhikr (remembrance of Allah Most High) in these days, because of the Hadith of Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated by Ahmad, which says in it: “...so increase in these days the Tahleel and Takbeer and Tahmeed.” Al-Bukhari mentioned about Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with them) that the two of them used to go out to the market place during the 10 days (of Dhul-Hijjah) saying “Allahu-Akbar,” causing the people to also say it. Ishaq narrates from the scholars of the Taabi’een that in these 10 days, they used to say: Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar; Laailaaha-ill-Allah Wallaahu-Akbar, AllahuAkbar; Wa-lillaahil-hamd. It is a beloved act to raise the voice when saying the Takbeer in the markets, the houses, the streets, the Masjids and other places, because of the saying of Allah, the Most High in Soorah al-Hajj verse 37: “... that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you...” The saying of Takbeer in congregation,

i.e., everyone pronouncing the Takbeer with one voice, is not permissible since this has not been transmitted (to us) from the early generations of the companions and those who followed their ways. Verily the Sunnah is for everyone to say the Takbeer individually. And this is applicable for all Dhikr and supplications, except if the person doesn’t know what to say. In that case he may repeat after someone else until he learns (the words to be said). It is also permissible to make Dhikr with all the different wording of Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar) and Tahmeed (al-hamdulillaah) and Tasbeeh (Subhaan-Allah), and the rest of the Islamic legislated supplications (from Quran and Sunnah). Fourth: at-Tawbah (repentance) and abstaining from disobedience and all types of sins, since forgiveness and mercy are the results of deeds. Disobedience is the cause of being far away (from Allah, the Most High) and repulsion, while obedience is the cause of being near (to Allah, the Most High) and His love. In the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), he said that the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said: “Verily Allah has a sense of ‘Ghayrah’ (honour, prestige and anger over it’s violation), and Allah’s sense of Ghayrah is provoked when a person does that which Allah has made prohibited.” (Bukhari and Muslim). Fifth: Doing plenty of voluntary (Nafl) righteous deeds of worship like prayer, charity, Jihad, reciting the Quran, commanding what is good and forbidding what is evil, and other deeds like this. Verily they are of those deeds which are multiplied in these days. Because, even those deeds which are less preferred, in these days are superior and more beloved to Allah than superior deeds done at other times - even the Jihad which is one of the most superior of all deeds, except in the case of one whose horse is killed and his blood is spilled (loss of life in Jihad). Sixth: It is legislated in these days to make at-Takbeer al-Mutlaq (unrestricted to specific times or form) at all times of night and day until the time of the Eid prayer. Also, at-Takbeer al-Muqayyid (restricted to specific times and done in a particular manner) is legislated, and it is done after the (five) obligatory prayers which are performed in congregation. This begins from Dawn (Fajr) on the Day of Arafah (the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah) for those not performing Hajj, and from Noon (Dhuhr) on the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhul-Hijjah) for those performing Hajj (pilgrims); and it continues until Asr prayer on the last day of the days of Tashreeq (13th of Dhul-Hijjah). Seventh: The slaughtering of a sacrificial

It is incumbent for the Muslim (who is not making Hajj) to make every effort to perform the Eid prayer wherever it is performed, and to be present for the Khutbah and benefit.

animal (Adhiyyah) is also legislated for the Day of Sacrifice (10th) and the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th and 13th). This is the Sunnah of our father Ibraheem (may Allah be pleased with him) from when Allah, the Most High redeemed his son by the great sacrifice (of an animal in his place). It is authenticated that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) slaughtered (sacrificed) two horned rams, black and white in colour, and that he slaughtered them with his own hands, mentioned the name of Allah, the Most High (saying Bismillaah), said Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar), and placed his foot on their sides (while slaughtering them). (Bukhari and Muslim. Bukhari English translation - Dr. Muhsin Khan, Vol.2, Pg. 447-448 #770 and 772, 1979). Eighth: Muslim and others narrated from Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said: “If you see the Hilaal (new moon) of Dhul-Hijjah, and any one of you wants to make a sacrifice, then he should not cut (anything) from his hair and his nails.” and in one narration he said: “...then he should not take (cut) anything from his hair, nor from his nails, until he performs the sacrifice.” Perhaps this is because of the similarity with the one who is bringing a sacrificial animal for slaughter (in Hajj). As Allah, the Most High said: “...and do not shave your heads until the Hadee (sacrifice) reaches the place of sacrifice...” The apparent meaning of this prohibition is that it is particularly for the one whom the sacrifice is for, and does not include the wife or children, unless there is an individual sacrifice for one of them. There is no harm in washing the head, or scratching it, even if some hairs may fall out. Ninth: It is incumbent for the Muslim (who is not making Hajj) to make every effort to perform the Eid prayer wherever it is performed, and to be present for the Khutbah and benefit. He must know the wisdom behind the legislation of this Eid (celebration). It is a day of thankfulness and performing deeds of righteousness. So, he must not make it a day of wildness, pride and vanity. He should not make it a season of disobedience and increase in the forbidden things like music and singing, uncontrolled amusement, intoxicants and the like - those things which could cause the cancellation of the good deeds done in these 10 days (of Dhul-Hijjah). Tenth: After what has been mentioned, it is fitting that every Muslim, male and female, take advantage of these days by obeying Allah, the Most High, remembering Him, thanking Him, fulfilling all the obligatory duties, and staying far away from the prohibited things. He must take full advantage of this season, and the open display of Allah’s gifts to attain the pleasure of his Lord. Surely, Allah, the Most High is the One who grants success, and He is the Guide to the Straight Path. And may the blessings of Allah, the Most High, and peace be upon Muhammad and his family and companions. •Source: www.al-manhaj.com Shaikh Abdullaah Ibn Jibreen

Friday, 18 September, 2015

WHICH WAY FORWARD? HE future is not in our hands. It is in the hands of God our Creator. We have seen how Nigeria has succeeded with democratic experiment the past sixteen years despite all the problems we have encountered. During this political turbulence, we have been able to change government peacefully and we have not witnessed any coup-detat. We are however concerned about the future of democracy in our dear country. As I have mentioned earlier in this lecture, Nigeria has been able to tolerate a successive PDP government for sixteen un-interrupted years. Now however, we have a government of the All Progressive Congress headed by General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). We of the PDP have continued to maintain that come 2019, we will be able to return our Party once again into power. This we have stated will be done through the democratic process. Though the APC has equally stated that it will certainly be able to return its victory in 2019 through the democratic process, the question now remains to be or not to be? Let us hazard some political situations in this paper. The PDP will most likely continue with its seeming zoning policy. With that, it should be expected that the PDP may likely have its 2019 Presidential candidate from any of the Northern States. This is because the last known candidate of the PDP came from the SouthSouth geo-political zone. The APC may be expected to retain the Presidential candidacy of Muhammadu Buhari who currently rules Nigeria. Though some APC stargazers are saying that Buhari may not contest again in 2019, because of age the issue may become the major problem to trigger a dangerous split in the Party’s arrangements for 2019. No matter what it is however, the political situation in 2019 may continue to be tense and unpredictable. Any of the political parties in Nigeria that attempts to bring back IMPUNITY to our system or that attempts to push off the effective voice of the people in the determination of its Presidential candidate will kiss the political dust and sentence itself to total failure and collapse. The PDP having suffered defeat once in its 2015 experience in the hands of IMPUNITY and anti democratic process, will completely write itself off completely if it once again destroys the democratic process by closing its doors to popular opinion and democratic will in the selection of its candidate. If the APC decides to subvert democratic process of nominating a candidate for the election, it will equally sentence the party and the party’s operations to irredeemable frustration and despair. In other words, 2019 will decide many things for Nigeria’s future as a demo-

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Nigeria, democracy and the future (4)

•President Muhammadu Buhari

cratic state. Some people have predicted that Buhari’s over-expressed determination to cut the wings of corruption in Nigeria will propel Buhari and his APC Party to power in 2019. The less said about this now the better. I am one of those waiting eagerly to see the Buhari magical solutions to problems of corruption in Nigeria to happen. Let us hope that Buhari’s war against corruption will not eventually consume him and his regime. The

intention of fighting corruption in Nigeria is evidently good but can this albatross of Nigeria’s political stability be tamed by mere political rhetorics? We await the results. Fellow countrymen and women, as I have repeatedly stated in this lecture, Nigeria has continued to remain a success story in its democratic experiment. The future however is cloudy except those things I have mentioned above are successfully confronted by the political forces at play now in our country. May God continue to bless Nigeria! May God bless the Edo State New Dawn for sponsoring this lecture!! The struggle definitely continues!!! I thank all my readers for your patience and understanding in reading the lecture. Nigeria will surely succeed with Democracy in Jesus name. I thank you for being patient with me to read the contents of my Benin Lecture. Democracy is defined by political scientists as being government of the People, by the People and for the People. I hope Democracy will not eventually be described as being Government of the Yorubas/Igbo/Northerners by the Yorubas/Igbo and Northerners and for the Yorubas/Igbo and NORTHERNERS. It is well. Let all Nigerians know however that Nigeria is a federation. You define Nigeria by other means, you will destroy the unity, progress and cohesion of our federation. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK: We will resume the serialization of Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s “BEHIND THE BARS”. You will never be disappointed with Awo’s testimony to HISTORY. God bless Nigeria!

Towards rejigging education in Oyo By Gbade Ojo

UNDOUBTEDLY, Jeremy Bentham’s (1748 – 1832) utilitarian theory is peradventure the most appropriate for a dispassionate appraisal of new education policy in Oyo State. The beauty of any policy is that larger members of the society targeted by the policy should be satisfied by it. A public policy no matter how robust may not be wholly acceptable to all but large chunk should heave a sigh of relief with public policy aimed at achieving public good. It is within that context that this piece explicates Oyo State’s policy thrust on Education. There are eight major rubrics in the policy as enunciated by the state government. Out of the eight, two are very contentious by the irreverent critics of Ajimobi administration cum the opposition elements in the State. They are the introduction of a thousand naira development levy in public secondary schools and outright stoppage of payment of WAEC registration fees. These two elements appear like a policy shock to down-trodden more so in a State which is reputed to be the intellectual capital of Nigeria; cum the popular free education policy of the late sage – Chief Obafemi Awolowo (of blessed memory) – in the first republic. It was the education policy of that era that successive Governors in the region inherited and given greater fillip. Be that as it is, the fundamental question at this juncture is why the need to re-jig education sector? Most especially the monetary component. It is an open secret so to say, that the sector is no more nothing to write home

about. It takes a courageous and patriotic governor to attempt a general overhaul like the experienced second term governor of Senator Ajimobi led administration. The below empirical analysis suffices to explain why the new policy is imperative. It is instructive to note that between 2007 till date, the state government had expended a total sum of N3.2 billion naira on public examinations. With that the highest pass rate ever was in 2011 with 20.55%. In 2007, 52,551 registered for WASCE with entry fee of N3,250.00 per candidate. Government paid a total sum of N170,790,150.00. Only 3,706 could manage to get five credits and above. Percentage pass was 7.05%! Government lost N158,745,650.00. In 2008, 55,878 candidates registered with entry fee of N3,500.00. Just 5,608 could get 5 credits and above with 10.04% pass rate. Government forfeited N175,945,000 on the failures. In 2009, the bad trend continued. Out of 52,484 that registered

pass rate was 14.11%. In 2010, 52,448 candidates registered only 7,357 could manage to pass, that is, 14.03% pass rate. By 2011 when this administration came on board, 60,000 candidate registered, 12,327 passed with five credits and above which translated to 20.55% pass rate which was to be the highest ever! With population explosion and desire for western education, more candidates registered in 2012, with as many as 67,786, the highest figure since 2007 which is under our purview, but 9,973 only too could pass WASCE at 14.71% pass rate. In 2013, 55,432 registered with 10,285 securing five credits and above, i.e. 18.55% pass rate. The story was not really different in 2014 and 2015 with 54,862 and 59,945 respectively registered with WAEC. Nevertheless, if between 2007 till date, Oyo State WASCE candidates have not recorded 25% pass rate talkless of 50%, automatically, the sector requires general overhaul. To do this, the state government must take a wholistic view of the turn-arou nd. Therefore, in its quest to reposition and further enhance quality education through concerted efforts of all stakeholders in Oyo State, the administration of Governor Ajimobi in his second term has taken some bold measures. Few of them include enforcement of 80% attendance for all students to ensure good performance in external and internal examinations, among others. •Dr. Ojo, is the immediate past Special Adviser to Oyo State Government on Political Matters.

18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 18 September, 2015

editor

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

Stolen funds: Can Obama help Nigeria?

ECENTLY, President Muhammadu Buhari went to the United States with an entourage of his top aides devoid of

IBEDC mgt must hear this THIS is to bring to the attention of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) the atrocity committed by one of its staff (names witheld) at the Ago Taylor Business Centre of the company in Ibadan. Sometimes ago, one of their staff members was given the sum of N30,000 for a prepaid meter for Mr Abayomi Fagbenro’s house in Adabeji near Oluyole Extention Ibadan. But one year after, the said staff has refused to produce the meter or return the money. The staff used to be in charge of IBEDC operations in Adabeji, including Mr Fagbenro’s house. In order to cover up for his misdeed, he installed a manual meter which has not been functional and which has no serial number. This action has caused the occupant of the house a lot of distress as IBEDC workers from the BCJ Apata unit, who are now in charge of IBEDC operations in Fagbenro’s house now blame the occupant of the house for defaulting in the payment of electricity bills when their colleague should bear the blame for refusing to produce either a prepaid meter or a functional manual one. The implication of this nefarious act for the occupant of the house is that electricity bills have not been generated for the house, leading to accumulation of bills. Secondly, the occupant is being billed outrageously (N7,000) for a room apartment. The man even had the audacity to demand for bribe to clear the backlog. IBEDC should, therefore, investigate this matter to redeem its image. •Etuo Umunakwe, Adabeji,Ibadan 08189030160

technocrats who might probably have helped him to proffer solutions to our troubled economy. The same thing former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan did two years earlier. On each occasion, President Obama promised to help them recover the nation’s stolen funds. In the case of Dr Jonathan, whose country was accused of wanton corruption, he too accused the Western powers of aiding and abetting corruption as it takes two to tango. If USA and her European allies were interested in curbing corruption in Nigeria, they ought to have seized corrupt funds lodged in foreign banks. But this they could not do because such funds are in turn helping their economies to thrive. If we could recollect it took Nigeria many years, almost a decade before Abacha loots could be re-

covered and in any case, not in full, with Nigeria successive governments spending huge foreign currencies for the recovery. The recent promise by President Barrack Obama to help Nigeria recover stolen funds should leave no one in joyful mood when we remember that Dr Jonathan allegedly asked the former Chief Justice of Nigeria to set up special tribunal to try corrupt officials, but the then Chief Justice said what would happen to the panels when there were expectedly no more corrupt people, including oil bunkerers to try, forgetting that corruption is endemic in Nigeria. Since Jonathan did not want to interfere with the judiciary, he allowed the sleeping dogs to lie. Our dear president would have to work hard with the parliament to promulgate a law that

will fast track the trials of corrupt people, which could include oil bunkerers and kidnappers. The setting up of special tribunals is the prerogative of the Chief Justice of the Federation and not that of the president in a democratic setting. Many culprits are being detained without trial, thus causing problems of congested prisons, thereby leading to many jail breaks. It is equally ridiculous to free someone who had stolen billions of naira because there are different laws of settling corruption cases between states and Federal courts. Buhari would need collaboration with the parliament to review

these laws such that a person who stole a billion naira in Sokoto will bear the same brunt of the law with an offender in Oyo or Imo. Unless and until these irregularities are removed would there be true justice for corrupt Nigerians. Finally, I wish to state that Obama’s promise to help recover our stolen funds should be taken with a grain of salt. President Obama cannot interfere with corruption cases in USA courts; in the same vein, Buhari cannot also interfere with our law courts because of the independence of the judiciary. Also, foreign governments cannot in-

terfere in their judicial process in a bid to assist Nigeria with the recovery of Abuja loots. Therefore, relying on President Obama to help us recover the stolen funds is a huge joke. I, therefore, pray that may God give President Buhari the wisdom to minimise corruption in Nigeria. Corruption cannot be totally eradicated, but with the support of all Nigerians, it can be reduced. This, I hope what the president is trying to achieve. •AdekunleAdeagbo, P.O. Box 19276, Ibadan.

Bayelsa: For the good of APC FOR a party that desires to register a profound presence in the SouthSouth geopolitical zone, trivialising the choice of

who becomes the All Progressives Party (APC), candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State,

would be suicidal for the party. The strategic position of the state in Nigeria’s socio-economic equation makes it rather too significant for the party to support a paperweight as its standard bearer. Now that the people of the state have demonstrated outright rejection of the ruling party, it is at the behest of the APC to provide Bayelsans with a popular alternative. Since democracy is about the majority, it becomes apt for the APC to exploit the popular appeal of Mr. Timi Alaibe, whose popularity is not in contest. The presence of a former governor of the state comes as a factor to a few, but what shall it profit the APC if it gives the ticket to Timipre Sylva, and suffer the loss of the contest? I candidly advise the party against making a mortal mistake in the choice of its standard bearer. The APC should, therefore, look at the acceptance of Chief Timi Alaibe among the people of the state. Only a popular candidate will be able to defeat the incumbent Seriake Dickson. •Emmanuel ner, Ughelli.

Span-

editorial

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Buhari’s verdict on civil servants

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari at the recent inauguration of capacity-building programmes tagged “Structured Mandatory Assessment-based Training Programme and Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme” for civil servants, where he was represented by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, observed that the country’s civil servants have earned quite a reputation for inefficiency, low productivity and corruption. Saying that the Nigerian Civil Service was once a “primus inter pares” in the Commonwealth, he faulted “many who mourn the decline of the civil service today from its days then to one which has earned a reputation for inefficiency, low productivity and corruption” insisting that they “fall into the error of thinking that the problem is that of poverty of ideas and capacity on the part of the civil service; whereas it is the inability to articulate a vision and ensure that the civil service develops the required capacity to articulate and implement the various components of the vision.” Truth told, the assessment of the civil service as lazy, corrupt and inefficient is valid and, sadly, the generation that indulges in the nostalgia of its glorious Commonwealth days is fast disappearing. Very soon, few people will be able to refer to those days from experience again since what they are familiar with is the culture of graft, inefficiency and impunity firmly entrenched in the civil service. Without doubt, it may be pointless drawing comparisons between the civil service now and during colonial times as the bureaucracies must obviously have been designed for unrelated, if not contradictory purposes. But we believe that the civil service should be rated on the extent to which it has either facilitated or frustrated the policies of the government of the day and the crucial question is how it has helped the government to achieve its set objectives. A cursory look at the country’s civil service shows that its evolution over the years reflects the interventions of external forces with tragic trajectories. At some point in the country’s development, the civil service probably attracted only conservative characters who were contented with the stability of tenure, immense authority but niggardly remuneration which it offered in contrast with the private sector which offered better remuneration plus adventure. At some point in the country’s development, during the military’s quite enduring interregnum, the civil service experienced some shocks which altered its characteristics. No longer could civil servants take the security of their

tenure of service for granted in the face of the wave of compulsory retirements and the sacrifice of merit for ethnic balancing and federal character. As their immense authority and influence were either considerably whittled down or diluted, they sought for unwholesome means to cope with their new realities by exploiting the loopholes in the regulations and financial instructions and became extremely wealthy to such an extent that the service started attracting even the high fliers in both the private sector and the academia who brought new but devious thinking into their operations. Things worsened to an ugly extent that a former speaker of the House of Representatives once alleged that civil servants devised means of frustrating the implementation of the projects that had been appropriated in the budget so that the money for such projects could be eventually shared at the end of each financial year and a former President had to direct that monies that were not spent be routinely returned to the treasury annually. So steeped and adept in corruption had the civil servants become that not only did they teach naive public office holders and politicians the technicalities of helping themselves to the public till without being detected, they even tarred some respected unwary new ministers in some scams. The civil service is still what President Buhari called it; lazy, corrupt and inefficient and maybe more and it is certainly time it was told the home truth even if it hurts. The corruption in the civil service has naturally seeped to its lowest rung in the local governments where such similar capacity-building forums at which the President delivered this home truth are regularly arranged only to have ungainly accesses to the public till for personal enrichment. As the current head of the executive arm of the government, President Buhari owes it a duty to give the civil service a completely new orientation certainly not to return to its so called glorious colonial or commonwealth days when it merely served the rapacious interests of the colonial power, but to modernity and to serve the interest of an emerging independent economy with a lot of potential in terms of effectiveness, service delivery and transparency. In the same vein, governors owe the nation a duty to evolve an efficient, hardworking and ethics-driven civil service across the states.

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opinion Creating a platform for electronic voting 20

Friday, 18 September, 2015

By Cordelia Agbebaku

the clock seems to turn back time. Consequently, electronic voting (e-voting) is gradually gaining ground and many countries are embracing it as a part of their democracy. Brazil, India, Namibia and France (to name a few) have been successful applicants in the quest for electronic voting. However, Nigeria has not yet jumped on the e-voting bandwagon. Sticking to traditional methods of paper voting, some would argue it to be less reliable in ensuring a fair and just election in 2019. Although paper voting for the majority is relatively feasible, it is highly unreliable for Nigeria’s disadvantaged population. Given the level of illiteracy in our country, paper voting is not only a problem, but also reduces accountability. With the implementation of electronic voting, it would not only support accountability, but will also provide equal opportunity for the everyone. The question can then be raised as to whether Nigeria will adopt an electronic voting system in the future or not. It is indeed possible but I don’t know whether, as Nigerians, we will be ready. We live in an environment with a digital divide that is quite stark. Some people are highly digitalised, while others are not. Some people do not even know how a computer looks like. The good thing about electronic voting is that knowledge of how computers work is not necessarily a factor. I think it is inevitable for Nigeria to adopt electronic voting based on how quickly things have moved over the past couple of years in terms of ICT. We need to take into account the cross-national experiences of evoting shared over the last decade in Namibia, Brazil,

IGERIANS are without doubt dissatisfied with the process of manual voting in the country. A very crucial and tedious part of the manual voting process is the registration of voters which is usually completed before the elections. To be eligible to vote, qualified citizens are required to present themselves and their particulars captured in the voters’ registers. After registration, a voter’s card, which must be kept safe for the election, is issued to the individual. Although this appear like a straightforward exercise, in actual fact, it is an expensive and complex process. The decentralisation and distribution of election materials to the various polling stations on election day is not without its own problems as well. Ballot papers and boxes are sometimes hijacked by thugs no matter how secure they are, whereas in some areas, election materials are always in short supply. A report by the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa showed that election officials in the 2007 elections in Nigeria lacked proper understanding of the counting procedure which subsequently led to delays in the voting process. In addition, one ballot box was used for both the states and National Assembly elections. The result was failure to follow correct sealing procedures. The present voting system in Nigeria also put the blind, in particular, in a tight corner as they usually require an official to assist them to vote. This process is susceptible to manipulation. With e-voting, this manipulation would be consigned to the past. Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in recent years, has grown into one of the blocks building the modern society. The world is rapidly changing and institutions everywhere are using ICT to computerise their systems and meet up with the challenges of modernisation and globalisation. From smart phones to advanced military technology, the computer era is well and truly upon us, yet when it comes to voting,

India, Ireland and the Philippines. While I accept that electronic voting system may not be able to bridge the gap between one of the biggest challenges of the election process — voter behaviour — I am, however, optimistic that Nigeria can adopt an e-voting system in combination with traditional methods. The debate about whether to migrate to an electronic voting and counting system in Nigeria’s 2019 elections is a sign of how developed our country is. To many, like me, the decision is inevitable, and more of a question of when and what form it will take. About 70 million voters will be eligible to cast their ballots across polling stations in Nigeria during the 2019 general elections. Polling officers will verify voters’ cards on the card reader. In the booth, the voter selects the party of choice by pressing a button on an electronic ballot unit. Electoral officials believe results will be available 24 hours after the poll ends. Ahead of the 2019 elections, I want to challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully implement electronic voting system. The electoral regime also needs to be strengthened to avoid violence. Section 52(1) (b) of the 2010 Electoral Act says, “the use of electronic voting machine for the time being is prohibited.” One wonders if the same Honourable members of the National Assembly, who passed the Electoral Bill into law were not the same set of lawmakers, who approved huge sums of money for the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines used for the voters registration exercise. Did it not occur to them that they were giving to Nigerians with one hand while taking away with the other hand? The 8th National Assembly that has a majority of APC lawmakers should progress towards sponsoring a bill to allow electronic voting. The speed some lawmakers attached to the authorisation of the use of PVCs could be applied to validating the use of electronic voting. Of course, it is that simple, unless there are other ulterior motives to maintain the status quo. •Agbebaku, is a Professor of Law and Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Returning schools to missionaries RECENTLY, the Oyo State government announced its discontinuance in the payment of secondary school certificate examination fees. Prior to that announcement, various steps and actions were taken by the state government in reducing its bills or expenses. This was not peculiar to Oyo State but a trend taken by almost all the state governments in Nigeria. The need to reduce stress from pains of necessity brings inventions. Change is the only consistent thing in life. Whoever is not ready to adapt to changes will be left behind. The indiscernible truth in orchestrated campaigns of the present ruling party is change. It’s a sweet bait for the oppressed masses yearning for better and quality life. The compulsory taking over of schools from missionaries in the 1970s were done without consideration for its effects on education and future of our children. It was hurriedly done by the military. They forgot they were beneficiaries and graduates of public private institutions. Missionary schools are basically Muslim or Christian based. The concept of religious equality was cleverly included as reason government must control all schools. At the time of taking over these missionary schools, the muslim missionary schools include Muslim Grammar Schools, Islamic High Schools, Isabatudeen Grammar School, among others. The Christian missionaries had Loyola College, St. Patrick Grammar School, St. Louis Grammar School, St. Annes School, among others. There were other numerous affiliated missionary schools in villages and remote areas. The primary motive of these founding missionaries are to give affordable qualitative education to all and imbibe discipline in students, including the fear of God. This is eminent in the lives of students who passed out from such great schools.

Today the population of the country is increasing, and with a corresponding increase in the demand for education. In past political campaigns, politicians boasted and promised education for all and sundry. To fulfill this promise and fill the gap created by increase in demand for education, many schools were founded, while existing ones were expanded, and various other systems and educational instruments were propagated and established. Classrooms became crowded, quality teachers were inadequate, no more furniture in classrooms, laboratories were sabotaged by teachers and materials needed became obsolete or substandard. Students were subjected to undesirable methods of teaching, standard of education became low and schools were producing large numbers of substandard students who can not meet the challenges of the future. Educational investors exploited the situation by establishing private schools all over towns, villages and remote areas. The drive for return on their investment superceded the fundamental basic reasons of education. The cost became so high while it was not reflected on the quality of students. Parents are now at the mercy of private school owners. Parents are now divided between substandard public schools and private schools with high cost. Gov-

ernment is now groaning because of high cost of maintaining so many schools, teachers and its administration because of its dwindling income. In Oyo State, over 50% of secondary school teachers are in these missionary schools stated above. Teachers salaries constitute averagely above 60% of the Oyo State workers’ salaries. This simply implies that if these missionary schools are expunged from accounting liabilities of the government, 40% of total salaries can be saved and diverted to more important projects; either educational or infrastructural. Practical experience has shown that fees paid in missionary institutions like hospitals or schools are cheaper than the ones paid in private schools and private hospitals, while services rendered are super and far above average of what is obtained in public schools and hospitals. The services rendered in Oluyoro Hospital, Eleta Eye Clinic, Muslim Hospital, Odinjo are per, or on the same level with what is obtained at the University College Hospital (UCH), and at a cheaper cost. The purpose of establishing schools and hospitals by the early missionaries are not for profit but for humanitarian reasons. These missionaries felt this was the only way they could assist the common man by taking their educational and health burden off them. It is also an opportunity to teach the future generations discipline, morals, hard work, respect and doctrines of the different faiths. It was a glorious time when one saw Christians attending Muslim schools and vise versa. Religion was never enforced on whoever; it was by free choice. If schools are returned to their original owners, government will still maintain its supervisory role of dictating standard and curriculum activities. •Adegboyega is Chairman, Loyola Old Boys Association, Ibadan.

By Fabiyi Tobi Adegboyega

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

fridaytreat B-E-E-F R-E-P-O-R-T

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

Cash or relationship:

By Rotimi Ige

Which is most important to Nigerian entertainers

new series of cross fires between some of the favourite entertainers have surfaced and according to reports, others are brewing in the music industry. Recently, on a radio/TV show, popular comedian, Basketmouth, spilled the beans on his recent blacklisting of pop singer, Sean Tizzle. Basketmouth, according to his statement, probably had good reasons for this, as he claimed that Sean Tizzle or his management had billed him heavily for a show he had planned in January, whereas, he (Basketmouth), through his events agency, secured numerous jobs for Tizzle a few weeks before then. Basketmouth said he felt bad when Tizzle’s people insisted on payment, whereas artistes like Flavour, Wizkid, Olamide, among others signed up without much

INSIDE

regard or instant demand for monetary returns whenever he called on them. He stressed that it was for this reason that he ‘blacklisted’ Sean Tizzle from his events catalogue. Last weekend, Nigerian pop twins, P Square publicly called out urban music channel, Soundcity, accusing the latter of imposing a ban on their videos. The channel replied the twins later, stating reasons why they had also ‘blacklisted, the twins. The main reason identified was similar to Basketmouth’s grouse with Sean Tizzle. Apparently, Soundcity TV had called on P Square to perform at their Soundcity blast concert, but the twin’s management had demanded a huge performance fee. Soundcity alleged to have to have negotiated, but the deal failed to sail through. This, among other reasons, as quoted when P Square alleged asked what favour Soundcity had done for them in the past,

10 questions

every upcoming artiste needs to answer now

Music

Business 101

Tips for music business success

made the former ‘ban’ their videos starting January 1, this year. Both parties had traded words on social media with various allegations and counter allegations but the bottom line to both scenarios was that it seemed some Nigerian entertainers do not believe in the relationship-based, mutually beneficial advantages posed by associations and affiliations in the industry. It is geneWrally practiced in the entertainment industry that practitioners rely on one another for their events; “You scratch my back, I scratch yours tomorrow”, but with such high level disagreements as seen in recent times amongst top rated artistes/institutions, it can be deduced that “free” has become past tense for many. Whether this is wrong or right, Friday Treat leaves the answer to the readers individual’s opinion, but stakeholders opine that the industry is primarily a relation-

society

Fanfare, as Former Eko Bank MD turns 70

ship-based one, and as such should allow for some considerations amongst practitioners whenever such arise. Meanwhile, another twist to the tale occurred last weekend, when rapper/ singer, Jahbless accused fellow colleague, Timaya and his producer of lifting the beat off his Krizbeat produced song, ‘Jeje’ featuring Oritsefemi and replicated it on the production of Timaya’s latest song ‘Halleluyah’. Jahbless dropped his album ‘IamMe‘ that has the song in question ‘Jeje‘ on May 29, 2015 while Timaya’s song ‘Halleluyah’ produced by Jez Blenda was released on August 15, 2015. Now, Jahbless is accusing Timaya’s producer of stealing his beat and has threatened to take him to court. As at the time of this report, Timaya has kept mum on the matter and could not be immediately reached for comments but Friday Treat would keep readers posted on new developments...

interview

Why I am called the ‘Celebrity events’ maestro — Dexterity Plus CEO

fridaytreat

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

The responsibility of institutionalising knowledge in the Nigerian music industry

By Toyin Adeniji

HE underdevelopment of the corporate music industry in Nigeria is largely due to the absence of institutional structures that are not only responsible for regulating practices, but also for advancing, standardising and institutionalising knowledge. The absence of institutionalised knowledge makes navigating the Nigerian music industry a jungle experience for emerging talents. There is no pattern of a structured and well established system akin to that of a professional body or organisation. It is hard and difficult to come by reliable industry data that investors, emerging talents and other professionals can leverage on for making career/investment projections and decisions. Instead of a well structured corporate institution for the Nigerian music industry, there exist pockets of successful personalities that dotted the landscape of the industry who are primarily preoccupied with the pursuit of individual success. When eventually they attained some measure of success in the industry, these individuals are more concerned with displaying and flaunting the trophies of their individual achievement than institutionalising and sharing their personal successes for corporate advancement of the industry. Also, there seems to be a tendency of mystifying the success secrets to avoid sharing it with others in order to maintain an edge above the rest in social status standings. We are more interested in showing off the wealth that our success has produced for us rather than showing others the secrets to our successes. Like the proverbial horse that is positioned ahead, who leads and set the pace for the rest of the herd, most of our successful celebrities in the entertainment industries and the society at large only exemplifies in the art of flaunting vanities. For instance, there are some established artistes on social media channels who invest all their time in posting about the latest designer shoes, watches, cars, shirts etc they just acquired to the teeming admiration of their materially depraved fans who dream of becoming rich like their role models. This is the origin of misplaced priority among artistes and musicians today who have been misguided into the vain pursuit of material gains at the expense of talent

Artiste to watch

development and mastery. While this may not be intentional, it may be the result of the lack of awareness of the need for a corporate vision in the industry, or simply the non-existence of a sense of social responsibility among the successful icons of the industry in taking up responsibility for birthing successors. One of the major challenges of the Nigerian creative and entertainment industry professionals is the perceived lack of interest or failure to codify and institutionalise their knowledge. We have artistes, actors, musicians, record label executives etc who are very successful today, but are not truly motivated and interested in sharing and revealing the secrets of their success story with emerging talents? How many of them have written books to openly share their experiences, strategies and the principles that facilitated their success? Are the stories about how they attained their success not worth sharing? Or maybe they are not interested in recreating their successes through emerging talents? Could it be that they are not aware of, or are oblivious or forgetful of the process that they went through in the process of achieving their goals? Or is it possible that they merely stumbled on or attain success accidentally? Success has been defined as the progressive realisation of set goals. This definition of success suggests a systematic approach to achieving success.

Instead of a well structured corporate institution for the Nigerian music industry, there exist pockets of successful personalities that dotted the landscape of the industry who are primarily preoccupied with the pursuit of individual success.

If a goal was consciously set and desired, it then implies of the presence of mind and an awareness of what was desired, what was done and what was achieved as an outcome. If our entertainment industry celebrities are not sharing the details of the processes that birthed their success, could it be that their approach to attaining success is not systematic? Could it be possible that successes in the Nigerian entertainment industries are achieved on the basis of trial and error? The institutionalisation of knowledge ensures an empirical and systematic approach to success based on proven facts in the details of the process that led to the success stories of outstanding personalities in the industry. The institutionalisation of knowledge is fundamental to the sustenance and continuity of both personal and corporate successes in the entertainment industries. The secret of every successful person is always hidden in the details of the process they journeyed through towards achieving their goals. The process is what constitutes the story. The story is what motivates and inspires others to learn and act being hopeful that they too can do it. For every success, there is a story. The story is not the by-product of the success that is flaunted; it is the details of the process that birthed success. The story is in the details of the process. Why are most of our successful personalities in the Nigerian entertainment industries more disposed towards displaying the by-products of their success than sharing the step-by-step details of the process that culminated in their success? There is a saying that “to whom much is given, much is required.” The private success of artistes/musicians is deeply enriched when it facilitates corporate success of emerging talents in the industry. The call of responsibility is on the shoulders of successful and established artistes and musicians in the Nigerian music industry to inspire and motivate the emerging generation by being conscious of the process that facilitated their own success, and by deliberately deciding to share their knowledge with emerging talent. It is a socially responsible way of laying the foundation for the institutionalisation of knowledge in the Nigerian music industry. A bigger, better and prosperous Nigerian music industry is in the interest of all.

My music entails message of hope for the young — T Bon

RONKE SANYA caught up with Ibadan-based budding hip hop artiste, Omotayo Sulaimon popularly known as T Bon, who aims to change the face of rap music by adding his unique flavor and spreading message of hope amidst hopelessness to the young folks.

OMOTAYO Freedom Sulaimon commonly referred to as T BON by his fans, meaning ‘True Blood of Naija’, is an indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State, but born and bred in Lagos State. A trained sound engineer in a multimedia training institute at Surulere, he is a record producer and an hip hop rap artiste with a message of hope to both the young and the old. Inspired by the culture of hip hop music, T Bon chose to delve into music, his childhood dream in order to pass across message of hope amidst hopelessness, especially among young people. Asked why he choose rap music, he said “rap music help you express yourself. You know rap is like poetry, it is a culture, and it’s like adding more rhythmical effect to poetry to express your heartfelt desires. It’s like thinking out loud to express things mere words cannot capture. Rap

music entails message of hope.” T Bon, who is currently signed to JMP Bliss Music, a recording studio situated in the heart of Ibadan, stated that he is into the music industry, particularly rap music, to add his own unique flavor to rap music. “I want to be remembered as someone who came into the music industry and changed the face of rap music for good adding unique positivity to the rap culture.” Once a member of a music group known as ‘Broke Brothers’, T Bon recently decided to go solo and his single titled ‘Stand Up’ is set for a release date of September 19. “The song will make every listener take a pause and ponder on life and also make them appreciate rap culture more,” he said. Inspired by life and situations that come with life experiences, T Bon idolises Jay Z and several other rap artist including M.I and

Mode 9. The first born of five children, lauded his parents’ support of his music carrier adding that although his parents prioritize education, they were still of great support to his music dream. He then urged parents not to downsize the talents of their children by coercing them into professions which they lack interest. “Young people appreciate rap music than any other folks do. This is why I choose hip hop rap music because with it, I can pass across my message of hope to young people full of vision, who are wild and free. To let them know life is not just about being young and wild but making the most of your young years and look into the future with high hopes,” he said. In his words of advice to other young artiste he said, “Whatsoever it is that you love doing, keep doing it and stay convinced because that is what you need to get to the top and remain on top. Stay positive always, no matter how hard it might seem.”

society

Friday, 18 September, 2015

...celebrating the people

Nigerian Tribune

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

@ Lavish 70th birthday bash of former Eko bank MD, Tunde Fasina

Children of the celebrant, from left: Mr Oladipo Fasina, Biola Fasina, Fiyin Fayeri and Mr Lanre Fasina.

The celebrant, Mr Olatunde Fashina with his wife, Mrs Modupe Fasina cutting the birthday cake.

The couple

From left,Dr McGregor, celebrant, Mr Tunde Fasina, Otunba Tunde Adelaja, Sir Steve Omojafor and Chief Lai Amoje.

Prince Folu Olukoya and Olori Modupe Olukoya.

The celebrant, Mr Olatunde Fashina, his wife, Mrs Modupe Fasina, Chief (Mrs) Omobonike Olowosuko (standing) and Chief Siji Olowosuko.

Lanre Dekalu(Lady Cobbler) (left) and Mrs Yinka G.O.K Ajayi.

President, Christ Auxillary Ladies Society of St Peters, Faji, Yeye Shola Benson-Oladeinbo, Mrs Shade Balogun and Mrs Laide Oshikoya.

Friday, 18 September, 2015

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

fridaytreat Why I am called the

‘Celebrity events’ maestro — Dexterity Plus CEO

Favour Essang is the CEO of Dexterity Plus, an events/decorating outfit that is one of the best and most sought after in the country, having only being in operation for 10 years. ROTIMI IGE caught up with him recently and brings excerpts of their interaction. You are celebrating 10 years of operation as one of the most sought after events specialists. How do you feel? I am the happiest man on earth. The grace of God has always been my advantage. He is the reason I made it this far. For this, I give him all the glory.

You are celebrating 10 years of operation as one of the most sought after events specialists. How do you feel? Everyone has a dream, especially of becoming great in life. Many have lost their dreams, vision and focus. I did envision rise but not a fast rise like this. But like I said, God has been my advantage. He kept me going and He is still with me. You are a man in a woman’s world; I am sure when you started, many must have discouraged you as regards your chosen profession as an events personality in Ibadan. How was it for you? Decoration is not a woman’s thing. Anybody can venture into this business. It sounds like, “engineering is man thing or construction is a man thing”. Yet, we see women on these fields. So, I never felt anyhow because I never saw it that way. How do you convince people to give you jobs running into millions of naira as a male decorator? I do not convince people. The job itself does. People appreciate good things, so when this good thing is done at the right time and at the place, it goes a long way in speaking for you. A good job will speak for itself. However, efforts and dedication with good team work has also contributed to the success of our jobs. This however, changed my perception that the good work must go on. You have become one of the best in the business, catering to clients across the world from your Ibadan base. Why

haven’t you moved from Ibadan? Ibadan is peaceful and I am sure you agree with me. I just feel comfortable here in Ibadan and we do this business all around Ibadan town, Oyo State and beyond. We are mobile and have the capacity to carry out our business efficiently anywhere we are needed, no matter how far. For this, we are appreciated everywhere. You have been seen to support entertainers massively over the years, why is this so? It is said that givers never lack. It is also said in the Bible that “we should give because it will be given back to us in many folds’’. Tell me, why won’t I obey these words? Moreso, this is who I am, this is what God has made of me. In addition, I also got support from people and friends, even from my family, especially my father and my mother in my early days even till now. I am only giving back what I was given… (General laughter) The name ‘Dexterity Plus’ is now a household name in Nigeria and beyond. What would you identify as ingredients of your success? Hmm, ingredients of my success. I will first of all say God. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He said, “Let there be Dexterity Plus ’’and there was me…(Laughs). Secondly, my dream and vision have also kept me going. Thirdly, my dedication to the jobs I do, efficiency and also working with time. Fourth, the team that makes up ‘Dexterity Plus. Good team work has greatly contributed to the success of my team. I am proud of them, the ‘House of Dexterity’. You have traveled all over the world, learning from different climes. What informs your design for a particular occassion? First, I listen to the clients wants. This will be the foundation on which we stand.We will then develop it and make it more beautiful. Clients ideas come first, then our ideas follow

Decoration is not a woman’s thing. Anybody can venture into this business. with the speed of thought. And because we are professionals, we always make sure we beat the imaginations of our client’s vision for their event set design. Are you affordable or you now cater exclusively to the rich? My services are for everyone. Clients just need to know what they should demand for. What you have in your pocket determines what you would buy in the market.

10 questions every upcoming artiste needs to answer now IT’s getting increasingly hard to hit stardom as a fast rising musician. Most of them are in the business for the wrong reasons with no real conviction as to why they are making music or what they hope to achieve with music and that’s why we keep having several absurd ‘Publicity stunts’ all in the name to ‘blow‘. Here are 10 honest questions every upcoming artiste should sincerely ask themselves. So stop whatever you’re doing. Go through this with sincerity and re-evaluate your stance in the music industry.

What lessons has life taught you? To be smart, tough, friendly, to forgive and to be prayerful.

Why do I make music? You must be able to answer this anywhere, and don’t tell me because it makes me happy or to pay the bills, that doesn’t cut it, there must be some honest depth to this answer. Some sort of strong conviction from within, not just because of the life.

Most unforgettable moments… There are so many moments I cannot easily forget. One of such moments was when a Police DPO arrested me for driving a big car thinking I was a Yahoo boy, and for that reason alone, I slept in the cell with a friend who came visiting from Lagos. Another of such moments was when a fellow decorator came with a police officer to arrest me because the rug I rented from her got stolen in an event I worked.

What aspect of music am I absolutely great at? What can you beat your chest and say I can compete at the highest level in this regard, maybe not exactly now but in a bit. The standard is not static, if you walk away after seeing where you need to improve, on coming back you would meet a different level of creativity. So where! Writing, rap, singing… where can you fit in and stand up to anybody. You need to know confidently your skill-set or work on a strong point if you lack that.

How capital intensive is your business for a start-up? No amount of money is too small to start. You can either start by renting from decorators around before standing on your own.

For how long? How long do you intend to make music, firstly you can’t do this for life FACT. So how long and what next, what’s your end game.

How do you help upcoming individuals who want to go into your line of business? They must have an idea of the business; know what it entails (in terms of work). Go train and start practicing.

Where does this end for you and how? What’s the vision? Do you just want to ‘Blow’, get it like Wizkid or Davido. That’s their story, what’s yours? You need to have a fulfillment point, and you absolutely need vision and direction as to where your own process is headed and what the plan is as you move. What’s your dream, what’s your reality? So you listen to the J.Cole‘s the Kendricks and you hear their start stories and it inspires you to ‘dream’, but my brother. the point is you can’t totally replicate another man’s dream. Not because of lack of talent or skill but because of reality. So let me hand you the facts, Nigeria’s population as at 2013 was 173.6million, as at 2014 the American population was 318.9million. So clearly you don’t have the same listening/interested population. The music structure abroad is not your reality, there are different stages there, you can have an Rnb concert PACKED, a rock concert PACKED, a metal concert PACKED, a hip-hop concert PACKED. Here we have only one stage, and we call it ‘blow’. We do not have the same structure so you have to study and learn what applies here and cross that with your own dreams

and goals. The record label logic, Can You Justify this? If you work for money, you would value it. So it happens that you are signed or about to get signed. Here’s the thing, so some at the label says lets pay Artist X 1.2million to be on this song and also pay Artist Y 1.5million, mix and master the Music with the ‘best’ sound engineer 150,000, shoot with the best Director with about 2 million, logistics and all you’re headed up to 5 million on one song, and you’re dancing to Burna Boy’s ‘wetin you see na God e blessing’ you’re not alright sir. Considering further that the music hasn’t been promoted. How do you justify this, how much more will the label spend before you earn that? This is one of the reasons artists and labels fight, just plainly being unreasonable at the start. That 5million can work on a large catalogue of music and can run the project for sometime. Some silly ‘label’ moves defy logic. The reason you’re okay with that kind of spending is because you’re ignorant and you lack personal vision so any move with icing is a good move. Labels can sometimes blur things, keep your feet on the ground don’t rack up pointless debt. If the label system fails, what next? So we take it that number 6 is where you’re out of a label system, what would you honestly do. If that label drops you today, what do you do next. Can you work and spend ‘your’ hard earned money on your own music. Ask yourself this now, because if you can’t pull it together when it falls apart please kindly quit now. How do you measure your growth? Where were you 6 months ago, where are you now. What kind of opportunities did you attract a year ago and what kinds do you attract now. You must be able to judge yourself critically but! You must be realistic and consider your own path, you can’t judge how far you have come by looking at another artist, they can be a point you look up to, but acknowledge your own successes and failings with perfect understanding that everyone’s process and progress is never the same. Set goals and follow through, have meetings with yourself and sometimes someone or group of people you truly trust to analyse your situation and set targets. The business, what do I need to know/learn? Digitization (selling the content on iTunes, Vevo and others), marketing, the coperate sector and all that stuff is a broader view of the business. You must outline why things are done, why you would spend this and a logical way to earn. Don’t spend without thought, there should be thought towards your financial management, so you must go out and learn ways to monetize what you have and ways to earn. God? Yes, God. I don’t know what you believe in or what your religion is but brother there is a God who is in perfect control of events and keeps the world in balance. Without faith in God, you CAN’T do this. Rely on him to guide you and have faith. Credit: thenetng

Friday, 18 September, 2015

travelpulse&m.i.c.e TeamAfrica A debuts,

six-hour long meeting held at Serena Hotel Kigali after the Kwita Izina Gorilla naming ceremony has produced a new group of committed Africa based travel promoters christened TeamAfrica to jointly promote destinations in Africa to Africans. It was observed that Africans promote themselves mostly to non Africans while most Africans travel to non African destinations. The result of this disconnect is that Africa as a continent of one billion people receives about 53 million tourists annually while a country like France with less than 80 million people receives over 70 million tourists. This appalling situation has left many tourism practitioners pondering on what to do. At the sidelines of Indaba in South Africa discussions were held among players about how to rescue Africa. Similar discussions were held at Sanganai in Zimbabwe with talks about branding Africa dominating the discussions. It came to a head at the UNWTO Branding Africa Conference held in Ghana recently. Many government-driven policies were agreed in Ghana to be supported by African Union and the African Council of Tourism Ministers. Considering the weak and very tenuous life span of tourism ministers in Africa, it was decided at the meeting in Kigali to form an independent organisation run by professional travel promoters in Africa with a solid business base promote Africa as a destination to Africans. The main drivers of TeamAfrica are Mr Ikechi Uko, Lagos-based publisher of atqnews.com, Kampala-based Professor Wolfgang Thome, Managing Editor ETN for Africa, Denis Gathanju Nairobibased CEO of Safari Communications and Sandra Idossou, Brazzaville based publisher of The Service Magazine. Between the four persons involved they have visited all countries in Africa and attended all travel expos in Africa with contacts across all nations of Africa and language skills across all African Nations. TeamAfrica will engage more people across different nations in Africa to create a platform to jointly promote events and destinations in Africa and also to act as a defense for Africa and its tourism industry. The first project TeamAfrica is embarking on will be a two-year search for the 21 wonders of Africa. The first shortlist of 200 African destinations will be released on January 1, 2016. There will be reduction in the number of destinations every six months until the final result to be unveiled in Addis Ababa on September 9, 2018. TeamAfrica will be using platforms like Akwaaba African Travel Market in Nigeria, Indaba in South Africa, Sanganai in Zimbabwe, Magical Kenya in Kenya, WTM in London, ITB in Berlin, and FITUR in Madrid to launch the shortlist. It is hoped that Africans in voting to choose the top 21 will develop an ownership of the identified destinations, which will act as bucket list for all Africans. After the meeting by TeamAfrica, Carmen Nibigira the coordinator for the East African Tourism Platform and Rosemary Mugambi the regional Sales Director of the Serena Hotels in East Africa immediately pledged support for TeamAfrica and the project.

searches for 21 wonders of Africa

African renaissance monument, Senegal.

Cane bridge in Congo.

Ado Awaye Suspended Lake, Oyo State.

As part of TeamAfrica’s practical commitment to give the initiative a wider scope, the members agreed to recruit competent players across Africa to enlarge the group. They are also to brief relevant stakeholders across Africa including tourism boards,

council of ministers, AU, Retosa, ECOWAS among others. TeamAfrica will be attending Magical Kenya Travel Expo, Mombasa in October and Akwaaba African Travel Market, Lagos in November.

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

Sheraton Abuja commemorates Eid El Kabir SHERATON Abuja Hotel recently unveiled its Eid El Kabir package to residents within Abuja and guests visiting the hotel. The General Manager of the hotel, Mr Boris Bornman informs customers that his hotel teams are prepared and ready to provide a variety of specific and important needs of families and Muslim faithful this season. “Our enriching environment, tasteful suites and creatively enhanced cuisine will offer you an elevated Eid experience.” The hotel offers consist of an affordable room rates with other packages on bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner to be activated from September 18 to 28 for online bookers. Bornman explains, “Our room rates are affordable and we have offers for bed and breakfast as well as full board.” Bornman explains that one of our Sallah packages goes for just N30, 799 and with this, you get a classic king room, breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, and a complimentary Wi-Fi, access to Pool and Gym. ”We have included 38 percent off our special Sallah Buffet Lunch while children under the age of six, will have the opportunity to eat for free per paying adult at our Papillion Restaurant. “Our packages will activate the good spirit of the season and provide families and patrons with enriching and memorable experiences, which the Eid El Kabir shares,” Bornman added.

UNWTO launches shopping tourism to position tourist destinations FOLLOWING the great interest generated by the UNWTO Global Report on Shopping Tourism and the first UNWTO Conference on Shopping Tourism, United Nations World Tourism Organisation has launched the UNWTO Shopping Tourism Network. The initiative was presented to UN-

WTO Members during a working lunch, held on the side-lines of the assembly. During the event, the Network action plan for 2016 was defined, and UNWTO Affiliate Members Innova Taxfree and Value Retail presented their shopping tourism-related work and activities.

The Shopping Tourism Network will act as a forum within the UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme in which participants will be able to interact, share and access information related to this growing tourism segment and tap in on the huge potential of Shopping Tourism to position tourist destinations.

Cancun’s Underwater Museum displays new works MUSEUM enthusiasts and marine tourists would be at their best to experience the nine latest additions to Cancun’s Underwater Museum of Art, which will be submerged in the waters off Cancun in the coming weeks to join the underwater galleries of more than 500 statues created by British artist, Jason deCaires Taylor. The new pieces were created by several artists, including the current resident artist, Elier Amado Gil. His piece, called “El Entendimiento (Understanding),” is composed of six figures gathered around a large stone symbolising Cancun and is designed to showcase the human ability of understanding. Each statue is made with materials that are safe for marine life and encourage the formation of artificial reefs. The museum, which debuted in 2010, is one of the best loved attractions in Cancun. Several local operators offer tours to the museum site each day, where the statues can be viewed by divers, snorkelers and through glass-bottom tour boats.

Friday, 18 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

The government of President Muhammadu Buhari has come under intense fire from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its lack of economic direction. It has thrown up statistics to show a slow down but the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) believes that the PDP was overdramatising the issues. Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, examines the political squabbles over Nigeria’s economy.

APC, PDP and Buhari’s economic challenge

HE two major political parties in the country: the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not about to stop the jabs and uppercuts at every opportunity. Since the 2015 elections were won and lost, the two parties have orchestrated a cat-and-mouse relationship. The PDP has alleged that the APC government has been appropriating achievements of the last government, especially in the power sector, while the APC, which has never really been shy to tackle the PDP, had objected on each occasion. But the battle this time started last Sunday. The PDP hit the government below the belt when it issued a statement indicating that the Nigerian economy was on a free fall since the Buhari government took over. The statement by the national publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh said the government of President Muhammadu Buhari needed to pay urgent attention to the management of the nation’s economy. According to the PDP, the economy has remained on a rapid fall in the last four months as a result of absence of clear-cut fiscal policy direction and an economic team amid rising domestic and global developmental challenges. He said: “Whereas the PDP is in full support of the President’s efforts in tackling corruption and insurgency, the party is however concerned about the grave economic situation we now face, as well as indices from global economic watchers, which this administration has failed to give deserving attention, despite its predictable negative impact.” The PDP spokesman said that the party was bound to go beyond mere politics but call the president’s attention to the fact that the nation’s economy was heading for the doldrums. The party further stated: “Mr President, this is no longer about politics and partisanship. It is about the economy of our dear nation and the wellbeing of the Nigerian citizens. Recall that we have severally in the past, drawn attention to official reports showing that the unemployment situation in the country, as well as inflation rate are growing at frightening dimensions, not to talk of the continued decline in domestic and direct foreign investments, all due to uncertainty created by the lack of economic direction of APC-led administration. “The situation has become even of utmost concern, following the failure of this administration to articulate any interventionist

Buhari

With reports indicating a rise in local and foreign debts within the period under his tour of duty, Buhari indeed should see a wakeup call rather than politics in the talks about the economy.

policy at this critical moment, when credible global economic monitors have continued to predict that oil price may fall as low as $20 per barrel. “It is worrisome that whilst other countries are taking deliberate steps to enhance their investment profiles and hedge their economies at this time, the APC-led federal government has done nothing in that direction, but has centered on partisan politics and witchhunt of perceived opponents, while the economy remains vulnerable and unattended to. “We caution strongly that this approach to governance is not healthy for our nation.

Indeed, the time has come for Mr. President to end the apparent lethargy in his administration and take urgent step to set up a crack economic team of experts to immediately swing into action and salvage the situation by opening up all economic outlets, which have been stagnated in the last four months. “In managing this economy at this time, we urge Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to look beyond partisan politics and ensure that the policy frameworks and populist economic projects laid by the PDP administration, especially in the non-oil sectors are not allowed to rot, but adequately

utilized for the good of all. “In this regard therefore, we wish to draw attention to various agricultural projects and programmes established by the PDP, especially in the Northern states, such as various dams and irrigation projects, the e-wallet financial empowerment system to farmers, associated to the over two million direct farm jobs, as well as the Green Belt project under the Presidential Initiative on Afforestration in Kano and 10 other Northern states, all in line with PDP’s agenda to return the region as the food basket of the nation. “The PDP believes that in the interest of millions of Nigerians citizens, who look up to the political class for direction, it is now imperative on the APC-led Federal Government to pay deserving attention to the economy and continue the policy of the past administration of opening the space for harnessing indigenous potentials. “Finally, we wish to reassure that the PDP, as a responsible party, will remain committed to providing credible and robust alternatives and views to government policies and programmes, in the general interest and wellbeing of the Nigerian people.” The APC, as usual, did not allow the statement go un-replied, as its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed immediately issued a counter, stating that the PDP was deluding itself. He also stated that the PDP had a policy of pulling Buhari down and distracting his government. “The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the PDP’s rambling statement on the nation’s economy as part of the opposition’s ploy to distract the Buhari Administration from its onerous task of putting the nation on a sound footing,” the statement indicated, adding that statement by the PDP contained “a litany of delusional self-praise, rather than a genuine concern about the nation’s well being.” Mohammed said that the PDP should be ashamed of its records in government, stressing that if the party had performed well in the eyes of Nigerians, it would not be out of power at the moment. He said: ‘’The question the PDP should ask itself is that if it had laid a solid foundation for the economy in its 16 years in charge, could such a foundation have given way in just three months of a new Administration? ‘’If the PDP had been as fantastic as its statement had portrayed, it would still be the ruling, rather than the opposition party that it is now. It is therefore important for the PDP to concentrate its attention on remaking its tattered image rather than continuing to act as a desperate attention-seeking opposition.’’ Ahead of the Sunday’s brickbats, the two parties had engaged each other at the close of August, when the PDP raised similar issues of neglect of the economy. On August continues pg28

politics&policy

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Latest indices on national economy continued from pg27

30, it was the battle between Metuh and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu. Metuh had accused the government of doing alarming damage to the nation’s economy since taking over in May. He claimed that APC’s economic drive had left a bitter taste in the mouth of Nigerians, describing the economic run as the worst in recent times. The party cited figures from statisticians which indicated that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined by about 2.35 per cent, within the period the APC took over. The PDP said: “While the government embarks on propaganda of imaginary achievements, in addition to attempts to foist harsh economic regime to cover its ineptitude. “Whereas the APC-led government is busy with its propaganda of imaginary achievements, official reports from the National Bureau of Statistics show that the economy is being grounded with Nigeria’s real GDP plunging with about 2.35 per cent, while job creation has dropped by 69 per cent. “In the last three months under an APC-led government, our nation’s economy, which before now, held the record as the largest in Africa and one of the fastest growing in the world, suddenly plummeted as officially evidenced in the lull in the capital and money market sectors which have lost billions of naira; spiral rate of inflation, and stagnation in domestic and foreign direct investments, with investors scared away due to the uncertainty arising from lack of economic direction and apparent confusion in the polity. “Nigerians would recall that we recently raised the alarm on the negative consequences of the recent foreign exchange transaction restrictions, wherein this government is making it impossible for honest Nigerians to engage in free trade and regulate their personal activities as guaranteed by the constitution. “We also warned about the consequences of foisting a communist economic regime with bans and clampdowns on free trade and the freedom of Nigerians to freely open and operate domiciliary accounts as provided by the Foreign Exchange Monitoring And Miscellaneous Provisions Act, otherwise known as Decree No. 17 of 1995 and wondered whether the nation was not heading back to the era of import duty licenses and regulation of commodity prices. “Only recently, Fitch Rating, which, under the previous administration, affirmed Nigeria’s long-term foreign and local currency IDRs as well as senior unsecured bond and Short-term foreign currency IDR ratings respectively at ‘BB”s, had now alerted that Nigerian banks and other businesses in the sector would be adversely affected by the economic slowdown occasioned by the incompetence of the President Buhari-led APC government. “This is more so as the absence of ministers has left the coordination of important government policies in ministries, departments and agencies in tatters, while creating loopholes for overzealous persons claiming closeness to the President to invade the system for inflated concessions, allocations, jobs and other financial sleazes, including misleading the President for approvals outside his limits. “We invite Nigerians to note that whereas the Presidency has gone ahead to unilaterally deplete the funds inherited in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and other government savings, as well as reports of engaging in discussions with the World Bank for loans without recourse to appropriate statu-

Mohammed

Metuh

The NBS, in it is review of the nation’s economy in the Second quarter of 2015, which coincided with Buhari’s resumption of duty, said that only 141,368, was created within the period, which represents a 70 per cent decline from 469,070 jobs created in the economy in the first quarter 2015.

tory arms of government, no corresponding improvement has been witnessed in the economy. Indeed, we are worried that the damage already done in the last 90 days may linger with us for years to come. “Nigerians are no longer in doubt that they have been scammed with a long list of empty promises, which the APC government has no intentions or capacity to fulfill. The free meals for school children, allowances for discharged Corps members, N5,000 monthly allowance for indigent Nigerians, free houses, bringing the dollar to the same value as the naira and other bogus promises for which they were voted into power, have become streams of mirage. “Finally, we state categorically that Nigerians are becoming tired and weary of the diversions and propaganda of creating imaginary achievements, dramatization of routine appointments, offering mundane excuses for crass incompetence and orchestrating a selective and witch-hunt of anticorruption crusade.” But Shehu told the PDP that it was time to stop its “pathetic efforts to play down President Buhari’s achievements in his first 100 days in office,” adding that the opposition should bury its head in shame for subjecting Nigeria to what he called “the worst economic plunder through corruption in its recent history.” Shehu said that Nigeria was actually

bleeding to death under the “egregiously corrupt PDP administration,” as according to him, the APC government was moving to clear the path to a stable economy. The Presidential spokesman said: “It is ridiculous for any sane government to artificially rebase the economy and claim to transform Nigeria into the largest economy in Africa as the PDP administration did.” According to Shehu, if the former ruling party was doing so well, the opposition party would have been unable to defeat it at the polls adding that PDP’s performance was more of “window dressing” and a detachment from reality. He stated that the Buhari administration had successfully blocked leakages and other avenues for corrupt practices which he said the previous PDP administration lacked the will to stop. Shehu said that as a result of the measures taken by the Buhari government, the government had succeeded in frustrating efforts by corrupt persons at diverting public funds. Beyond the battles at the front of political forces lies the reality of the situation. While it is easy for the ruling APC to set aside claims by the PDP on the altar of politics, claims from the economic front, especially the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and other economic players cannot be disputed with a wave of the hand. The NBS in August released some damning records indicating a wakeup call for the Buhari

government. The organisation, in it is review of the nation’s economy in the Second quarter of 2015, which coincided with Buhari’s resumption of duty, said that only 141,368, was created within the period, which represents a 70 per cent decline from 469,070 jobs created in the economy in the first quarter 2015. The figure also represents 45.5 per cent decline, when compared to the corresponding period in 2014. The report from NBS was compiled in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President, National Planning Commission and the Federal Ministry of Labour & Productivity. The data also indicated that job creation in the formal sector declined by as much as 61.6 percent within the period as only 51,070 new jobs were generated. This was compared to 79,871 jobs created in the First Quarter. The figures also represent a 35.2percent decline when compared to the same period in 2014. In the informal sector as well, the data indicated that 83,903 new jobs were created compared to 332,403 new jobs in the first quarter of 2015. This signifies a 74.8percent decline. Records however showed that in the public sector of the economy, there was an 11.7 per cent (669) increase in the number of jobs created with 6,395 new jobs generated the quarter. The Education sector recorded the highest employment rate in the sector with 17,124 new employments. But the oil and gas industry had zero new jobs in the period. Other sectors with some semblance of job creation during the period included Manufacturing, with 7,781 new jobs, Agriculture sector with 7,650 new jobs and Accommodation and Food Services with 4,694 new jobs. With reports indicating a rise in local and foreign debts within the period under his tour of duty, Buhari indeed should see a wakeup call rather than politics in the talks about the economy. Perhaps, the eventual setting up of the economic team, which is expected to come with the composition of the cabinet, would provide the administration the wherewithal to tackle issues of the economy head on and prevent further slides.

politicscommentary

Friday, 18 September, 2015

8th Senate: 100 days of people-centered motions, bills By Sanni Onogu

OW time flies. On Wednesday, September 16, the 8th Senate led by Senator BukolaSaraki marked 100 days in office. For Saraki and the Eighth Senate, it has been 100 days of work, work and more work in the service of the fatherland. Needless to say that it has not been all bed of roses as in all matters of politics and leadership. The events that preceded June 9 - the historic inauguration of the Eighth National Assembly and Saraki’s subsequent election - pointed to a man of destiny. Since his emergence as primus inter pares in the Upper Chamber, a legislative engine room populated by some of the most brilliant Nigerians the country can boast of, Saraki has shown sure-footedness in words and deeds. He has perfectly matched his promises with actions to the admiration of friends and foes alike. The Kwara Central Senatorial District lawmaker has clearly demonstrated that he is sufficiently imbued with the mental acumen and legislative shrewdness to discharge the enormous responsibilities placed on his shoulders as the Senate President in a culturally diverse and politically sophisticated country like ours. No doubt, Saraki’s commitment and clamour for transparency, accountability and due process has earned him large followership in and outside the National Assembly. His novel and courageous acts have continued to spur his colleagues into taking actions aimed at redirecting legislative practices and making the masses the raison d’être for being in the legislature. To this end, the Senate has initiated people-centric motions, bills, oversights and policies that make common sense. It is worthy of note that senators taking a cue from Saraki’s vision of a new Senate have continued to tailor their motions and bills in such a way that they would be of utmost gain to the people rather than for the interest of a select few. The first 100 days of the Senate has offered signs of progress and it promises to be one of the most productive legislative sessions in recent years. Notwithstanding that statutory breaks and vacations have been accommodated, the Senate through relevant motions and bills - read for the first time - has positively impacted our society and also demonstrated its potential to make big impact. From inception, the Senate had hit the ground running, with ample signals that it would exceed the expectations of Nigerians in the months and years ahead. Today, it is unambiguous to say that Saraki’s courageous and exemplary approach to legislative activities has led to a surge in proficiency, efficiency, effectiveness and, above all, productivity in the Upper Chamber. For example, some of the critical bills that have scaled First Reading within the first 100 days of the Senate include the National Railway Corporation Act 1955 N129 LFN 2004 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill 2015 sponsored by Senator Andy Uba; Federal Capital Territory Area Councils (Administrative & Political Structure Bill 2015), sponsored by Senator Philip Aduda; Crime and Criminal Tracking System Bill 2015, sponsored by Senator Hope Uzodinma; Infrastructure Development Bill 2015, sponsored by Senator Barnabas Gemade; National Payment System Bill 2015, sponsored by Senator

Saraki

There is no gainsaying the fact that within this short period, the Eighth Senate has amply showcased unparalleled productivity as a legislative body.

Hope Uzodinma; Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act CAP D5 LFN 2011 (Amendment) Bill 2015, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Gobir; Chartered Institute of Entrepreneurs (Est., etc) Bill 2015 sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Gobir; and the National Development Bank of Nigeria (Est., etc) Bill 2015, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Gobir; and many others. Furthermore, the impactful motions that have been moved, debated and appropriate resolutions taken in the interest of the masses by the 8th Senate are: Managing the Challenges of the Raining Season by Senator Andy Uba (Anambra South); Fuel Tanker Tragedies on Nigeria’s Highways, by Senator OlugbengaAshafa (Lagos East); Motorable State of Obajana-Kabba-Isanlu-East-Ilorin RoadKabba-IyaraIyamoye-Omu-Ekiti Road, by Sen. Dino Melaye (Kogi West); The State of Disrepair and Total Collapse of the IkotEpkene-Itu-Calabar Federal Highway, by SenatorBassey A. Akpan (Akwa-Ibom North East); Landslide in parts of Isikwuato (Isu 3) and Arochukwu Local Government Area in Abia North Senatorial Zone, Abia State and other areas within the country where gully erosion is prevalent, by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North); and others.

While the bills are geared towards providing solid legal foundations for some of the fundamental changes that will better the life of the ordinary Nigerian, the motions are meant to tackle serious challenges confronting the people across the country that require urgent interventions. For example, the Eighth Senate, in line with Saraki’s pledge to work closely with President Muhammadu Buhari to revamp the economy, had, following Senator Rafiu Ibrahim’s motion, entitled: “Indiscriminate Use and Abuse of Waivers for Rice Importation”, empaneled an Adhoc Committee chaired by a former Governor of Kebbi State and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator AdamuAliero, to investigate and determine the extent of the illegality perpetrated by the immediate past administration of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and to suggest ways through which the Federal Government can recover the humongous amounts lost to the unwholesome practice and also work out modalities to prevent future occurrence. The committee is already sitting and taking evidence from witnesses. The Senate in response to Senator Ekwunife’s motion on the ravages of “Flood and

Erosion Disaster in Awka, Isuanaocha, Obosi and other communities of Anambra Central, promptly constituted the Senator Barnabas Gemade-led Ad-hoc Committee on Works with a mandate to visit the affected communities and other parts of the country suffering the same malaise, to assess the extent of damage. It also enjoined the Ecological Fund Office to immediately provide succour for victims and raise Bill of Quantities for urgent reconstruction of the communities. The red chamber further mandated the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials in support of the victims. Senator Melaye’s motion on the “Collapse of Road Infrastructure in Nigeria” was also given the attention it deserved by the Senate as it called on the Federal Government, as a matter of urgency, to reorganise the Federal Ministry of Works and its agencies especially the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to be more alive to its responsibilities. They also urged the government to immediately commence the rehabilitation and dualisation of major highways and interstate roads across the country. It also directed its Committee on Works, when constituted, to audit all road projects across the country to avail the Senate of raw data for further necessary legislative action. The committee was also asked to liaise with the appropriate government agencies to ensure the rehabilitation and or completion of all abandoned and on-going road projects across the country. Also following a motion: “The State of the Economy: Naira Depreciation and Its Implication” sponsored by Senator Nazif Suleiman (Bauchi North), the Senate resolved to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to brief it on measures it has taken to arrest the ugly situation and to boost the purchasing power of Nigerians, even as it urged the Federal Government to step up efforts aimed at diversifying the economy from being oil dependent, to an economy that thrives on inflows from taxation, agricultural exports, manufacturing, international tourism and solid minerals prospecting to stem the depreciation and weakening of the nation’s legal tender. Saraki’s infectious leadership style led to the current stability in the Senate. A motion for a confidence vote on Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, and the entire leadership of the Senate, sponsored by Senator Samuel Anyanwu and 81 Senators others, out of 108, had established beyond reasonable doubt the wide and bipartisan acceptability of the leadership by their colleagues. There is no gainsaying the fact that within this short period, the Eighth Senate has amply showcased unparalleled productivity as a legislative body. Morning, they say, tells the day. It is now imperative for those who may still harbour some elements of doubt and opposition to its present leadership to bury the hatchet and embrace peace for the good of the ordinary Nigerian. No doubt, 100 days is too short to assess the performance of an organisation with a four-year tenure. However, we cannot close our eyes to modest and impactful landmarks that succinctly point the way to what Nigerians should expect in the next four years. The Eighth Senate has started which shows that Nigerians will see more robust and people-oriented actions throughout its lifespan. •Onogu is the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President

politics&policy

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Ogun debt profile stifling development —Ogunleye Mr Kola Ogunleye, a financial consultant and economic developer, faults Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s government on the finances of the state, chides the Federal Government for not asking critical questions before doling out bailout to state governors, among other issues in this interview with a group of journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State. DARE ADEKANMBI brings excerpts:

HAT is your view about Ogun State N55 billion debt owed commercial banks and which has now been converted to Federal Government bond? I think the situation on ground now is that the N55 billion that is being bandied around and presented at the National Economic Council meeting is a very wrong and inaccurate description of the debt profile of the state. Those are debts that the state-owed commercial banks in the country which the Central Bank and the Debt Management Office (DMO) have decided to package as a Federal Government bond. Another N19 billion owed workers in respect of unremitted deductions have also been slated to benefit from another intervention fund. So, the N55 billion did not completely describe the debt profile of the state. There are all sorts of debts; other loans owed banks and debts in respect of pension and gratuities, deductions made from staff salaries that are neither remitted to the appropriate organs. There are also unfunded contingent liabilities in respect of ongoing projects in the state and the best way to really look at that is to look at the kind of project profile we see in Ogun State that are not completed. We have schools that started three years ago that are not completed. We have roads that have started four years ago that have not been completed and these are the projects that were supposedly in the budget of the various years. What has happened? The truth is that we seem to have been held captive in Ogun State by a government that is grossly insensitive. Don’t you think that with the commercial loans converted to bond, the state will have enough funds to complete the on-going projects? No. Let me put it in a proper perspective. You approached a bank to pick a loan of N2 billion for a project and the cost of the project itself is about N10 billion. That N2 billion is incurring interest and interest is being paid on it and the interest has constituted itself to become an albatross on your neck. You cannot move forward. You therefore look for a way to convert that shortterm facility because it is like an overdraft, not a proper loan per se, with astronomical interest rate that is compounded each time the overdraft is rolled over and this is not supposed to be so. It is supposed to be serviced regularly but because you are not able to service it adequately, it has accumulated. If it so much today, it comes to nil by the end of the month. But once you could not do this, you now look for succour at the federal level. Now, your N2 billion is now being converted to a long-term facility to give you a leg room. But do you know you still need another N8 billion to complete that project. Where will that money come from? The price of oil is falling; naira exchange rate is falling; everything is on a downward spiral. Where will you now get funds to complete the project itself? The loan you took has been restructured as it were but the main project is still there and you need money for its completion. If you want to do anything, it should be done holistically, considering the overall debt profile, of the state, the revenue profile as well as the potential of the economy of the state that is in dire Ogun State that once put

Ogunleye

The Federal Government should have been more painstaking in looking at each state and ascertaining how they got into financial mess... There is a blanket provision for them. its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) at over N6 billion per month. The question you just raised bothers on debt sustainability and economic viability of the projects. Ordinarily, most of the projects that have been embarked upon could be described as urban renewal projects that should stimulate the economy of the state à la Keynesian Economics. I do not want to go into polemics of urban renewal, but suffice to say what we have in Ogun today is that the projects have not stimulated economic activity in the state, as unemployment remains very high and the multiplier effects envisaged are yet to materialise. Government has embarked on road expansion projects in major cities and these projects are not targeted at economic zones. When you want to spend this kind of money we have spent on road construction in Abeokuta, you need to tell us what is the size of economic improvement that can happen to the ordinary man’s life there. What is the volume of traffic in the city? How does the average citizen whose house or shop is demolished, get restored economically and socially? The word is restoration and not compensation as it is commonly believed. What I can tell you today is that the projects are white elephant projects, they are not going to engender much economic development but they are good enough to make the governor happy and gigantic enough to make some

people smile to their banks. But they are not well thought- out to create lasting economic impact on the livelihood of the ordinary man in the state. That is the real tragedy of the lot of the masses in the Gateway state. Besides, the costing of these projects leaves much to be desired. It is not enough to tell me how much we are constructing a kilometre of road in Ogun based on the governor’s pronouncement. The citizens need to know the contract document figures and the process of choosing the contractors ought to be open, considering the sheer size of the contracts. In any case, that is the requirement of the relevant legislation: Public Procurement Act. These facts are not known to the public but some of the researches that we have done as economic developers indicate that most road projects in the state hover around N800 million and N1.2 billion per kilometre. Most of the costs have been revised once or twice, which means they were not well-thought out in the first instance. There is room for variation in construction projects but those variations should be and in accordance with due process. When Senator Amosun came into office, there was a lot of money coming in; oil was selling at over 100 dollars per barrel and he felt there was too much money and embarked on all manner of projects without planning. When oil price suddenly fell to 50 dollars per barrel, he discovered that he

has made mistakes of the highest order. Another issue here is that, he has taken shortterm loans to finance long-term projects and there is a mismatch between the tenure of the project being financed and tenure of the loan he has taken. This is the height of financial recklessness. No accountant, no economist will finance a long-term project with short-term loans, especially when you have access to long-term finance. Five years of surplus to finance five-year projects. That is how to do it. You do not take one-year money to finance a five-year project. All his projects are social infrastructure projects and are good to help economy if well located and properly conceived. You aren’t talking of industrial zones, where you provide roads that will enable industries to spring up and create employment for our people. Sadly enough, construction of the projects did not involve many people in the state, which was supposed to engender growth in the state. It was supposed to be a kind of stimulus package. Most of the people, who made money on those projects, are foreigners and their local collaborators and that explains the unprecedented level of capital flight in the state. But the bond arrangement is from the Federal Government to give reprieve to many states groaning under the yoke of debts. So, are you blaming the Federal Government for this initiative? I believe that Federal Government had been misled into taking some of the steps in respect of the state debts. The Federal Government should have been more painstaking in looking at each state and ascertaining why and how they got into that financial mess. There is a blanket provision for them now without scrutinising how they came about such debts. Most of them are saying they cannot pay salaries. What happened to their prior allocations? Ogun State is not in that category because the governor kept saying he can pay salaries. Why is he availing himself of this long-term loan? The mistake made by the Federal Government was that it did not look at the uniqueness of each state and the financial profile of these states. The Federal Government has no sole power to take over the state debts without the consent of the states and the National Assembly because it is part of budget. There are some laws that guide issuance of bond, the revenue profile and other accruals, including debts profile must be presented and repayment plans. Rating agencies ought to pronounce on the state of the states’ economies and if payment will stretch beyond the term of office, the state House of Assembly and the people must know about it. You are looking at a situation of repayment that will take 15 to 20 years, you are committing future generations. We need to know what has actually happened. The Federal Government acted in violation of the law of the land. The fact that the governors met and agreed on a soft landing for themselves does not mean the National and state Houses of Assembly should not play their constitutional duties in this arrangement. We are looking at the bond that is condemning generation yet unborn to bondage. So, what is happening today in the world economy suggests we have to be careful. Many states will now go back incurring new debts from the commercial banks because the initial one has been taken over as Federal Government bond which will be highly rated. They have taken it off the bank books and the states are happy, so also the banks, except the people who are now in bondage. There is a moral hazard here.

Friday, 18 September, 2015

hers

Blessing

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

Babatunde

Financial role reversal in the home:

Kirit

How should a woman handle the situation? For one reason or the other, our society is witnessing a severe reversal of this role and women are taking over the financial headship of the home

Because she desired peace in her home, she equally earns salary and she thought probably her husband had a project at hand; she took up her own part of the responsibilities. Before she knew what was happening, she had gradually taken over their two children’s school fees and other responsibilities in the home, while her husband contributes virtually nothing. Hannah’s situation is not peculiar. A lot of other women are passing through a similar situation, though one cannot rule out the fact that the issue of financial role reversal in some homes could have genuine reasons. The question raised here is when a situation like this arises in the home, how does the woman cope and what should she do?

Unfortunately, along the line without any explanation or a concrete reason, Efe initially told his wife that the children’s responsibilities and others in the home will become a 50-50 thing. When she tried to ask him why, he became angry which resulted in a quarrel which took them days to get over.

Habibat Oladejo: It is rather unfortunate and I will say that for this reason women must be empowered. Empowerment shouldn’t be all about education alone, though this is equally important, but women should learn to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

By Monica Taiwo

N the creation story, God made Eve as a companion for Adam when He saw that he was lonely. This did not stop there, we also read and learnt from the holy books; and it is always reaffirmed during marriage ceremonies that both man and woman are help meet for each other in marriage. The above however notwithstanding, because of the patriarchal nature of our own society, the man remains the head of the family and he is supposed to care for his wife and children financially and in all other ways. For one reason or the other, our society is witnessing a severe reversal of this role and women are taking over the financial headship of the home while majority of men shirk their responsibilities while some of them, thought still living with their wives and children walk away from their responsibilities. Hannah married Efe with a hope of a bright future, good children and harmony.

HEARTCOPY

How do I get out of the problem I created? <P34

SHARE-A-BURDEN

> <P34

My sick father’s friend wants to have sex with me! <P34

I know of a family experiencing such situation, though not deliberate on the part of the husband. He lost his job and was unable to get another. He then tried his hands out on several businesses without luck. For years now, the woman had been the breadwinner. The man who is the head of the home lost his job, and after trying to get another job without any luck, he decided to try his hands out on several businesses which didn’t work out. For years now, the woman had been the breadwinner. Continues on pg32

THEKITCHEN

> <P39

32 hersay

Friday, 18 September, 2015

‘The woman should brace up for her children’s care’ Continued from pg31

She is so diplomatic and nice about this fact that if you are not very close to the family, you will not know what is going on. I admire her a lot and I will advise women who are going through similar situations to keep their cool and pray for their husbands. And even if the man is deliberately running away from his responsibilities, the woman should leave him to posterity. Blessing Oladehinde: I pray this does not happen to me, because in a situation where it does, there is nothing the woman will do but to make things work in her home. As women, our responsibility shouldn’t stop at cooking and caring for the children alone. We have a duty to pray for our husbands and make the home really conducive to avoid a situation where our husbands will prefer the company of their friends to ours. In a situation where a woman is going through this in her home, I will advise that she takes things easy. Her biggest concern should be saving her home. She must also pray fervently and ask God to change the man. Babatunde Olufemi Bamo: This type of scenario gives a woman severe setback because she will be unable to attend to her own personal issues, such as taking care of her parents and having some personal things she desire. However, if a woman is in this situation and her husband is genuinely financially handicapped, all she should do is pray for him and if she has contacts; I mean contacts with no strings that can help her husband she should not hesitate to do so. In a situation where the man is just irresponsible and insensitive to his responsibility as the head of the family, she will have to be patient, do what she can do and leave the rest for God.

Babatunde

Habibat

As women, our responsibility shouldn’t stop at cooking and caring for the children alone. We have a duty to pray for our husbands and make the home really conducive

I don’t believe in lying. If my someone asks me, “Does my ass look fat in this dress?” I tell her if it does or not. If she didn’t want the truth, she shouldn’t have asked me. When she gets experimental with some dish she is cooking and asks, “What do you think?” I tell her. Do her feelings get hurt? Sometimes. I tell people and that has been established years ago in my counselling office that if you don’t want an honest answer, then you shouldn’t ask the question. Established this openness and honesty early in the lives of your children too. If they asked you about your opinion on something they did tell them. I always found it best, though, to ask them how they thought they did first. If they thought they sucked and they really did suck, all you have to do is to agree with them. If they thought they sucked and I thought they did great, then your opinion becomes very valuable to them. But if they thought they sucked and they really did suck, I want you to know that you are not doing them a favour by telling them differently. This is how you end up with kids who have a false sense of well-being about their performance. I hear parents all the time telling their kids how great they are at something, when clearly they aren’t. Thus, they set them up for failure. Watch the kid who is there with his mama who has told him his whole life that he is going to be the next Star. The competition is high after low performance the child begins to perform less, it becomes a thing of shame is my approach cruel? If you are a parent who cuddles your kid in all that they do, then you will say yes. However, if you are a parent who wants your kid to have a realistic view of his abilities, to be able to accept the truth, to know when he hasn’t done well and to be able to take criticism, then you are

Kirit Wuyep: Women have strong shock absorbers and this is why we excel in the face of difficulties. This is not a peculiar situation at all; a lot of women are facing this challenge these days and are coping well. A man who decides to be irresponsible will meet with posterity in future. The woman should brace up and take care of her children. If push comes to shove, she should leave the husband in the position of “if he were dead”. I won’t advise divorce or separation as a result of this, who knows he could change. She should also lay a good example for her children by respecting her

Parenting The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu

08023242389

cryonmenow@yahoo.com

Communicate with total honesty going to see that honesty is the best way to go. Honesty may hurt, but it is always the best policy. Selective truth telling, saying things that aren’t true just to protect the fragile feelings of another, never really helps in the long run. Does that mean that you should go out of your way to tell someone that they suck at something? No. That really would be cruel! Yet some of you will read this and immediately take this idea to the extreme and attack me for being mean to

husband and beg God for the ability to be able to balance the equilibrium. Babatunde Ogunnaike: My wife and children are my ultimate responsibility and I have a duty to provide for their needs. I am not ruling out the fact that once in a while a man could be broke due to a lot of factors. If his wife could help him out there is no harm in this. The man is the head of the home and he must live up to his responsibilities. The African man is always on top. Our wives should pray for us. If a man decides to leave his responsibilities for his wife, he has himself to blame in the future.

small children. Chill out, folks. Use your head. “When you have an open, honest, loving relationship with your child and she knows you only want the best for her in all situations, then telling her the truth about something won’t crush her little heart. The key is that you have established that open, honest, loving relationship in which she knows you only want the best for her. If that has been done, the truth won’t hurt. I guarantee that my boys are better men today because they were told the truth. The biggest benefit of always telling your kids the truth even when it hurts is that you establish a level of trust. My boys know that I am the one guy they can come to for total honesty. Their friends and other family members might smile, pat them on the back and tell them how wonderful they are or how great their decision was, but they always seem to come to good mum for the real truth. They appreciate having someone who won’t sugarcoat it for them. They value having someone who will openly say, “Son, you are screwing up.” And they really enjoy having good painfully honest Mum say, “Son, you did great!” An insincere compliment may make you feel good for a while, but a sincere compliment will stick with you forever. Your kid is smart enough to know when you are being honest with him. After a while, he will discount your insincerity and stop coming to you for feedback because he knows you will tell him how great he is when what he is really looking for is honesty. Kids want honesty. Kids respect honesty. Kids will emulate honesty when it has been modeled for them . TO BE CONTINUED

Friday, 18 September, 2015

With Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

thekitchen

Sanitise naturally:

Use non-toxic cleansers By Monica Taiwo

NE place every woman will want germ free, is the power house. The advertisement of different germ killers available in the market and their chemical loaded contents gets one worried. This is because, no doubt, there is an increase in cases of cancer and other ailments, thus, a very good reason to apply caution while using these products in our kitchen despite the fact that we all desire a germ-free power house. Here are some natural ways to sanitise and get your kitchen germs free, and at the same time reducing the risks of over using chemicals that could easily find their ways into the blood and systems, which invariably becomes dangerous to our health. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) According to author and herbal scholar Stephen Harrod Buhner, “GSE has been found to be more powerful as a cleaning disinfectant than standard hospital preparations.” In other words, it works better than the disinfectant the hospitals use. GSE is active against a large number of bacteria. It is even effective against haemophilus influenzae, which causes ear infections, sinusitis, and meningitis. To make a disinfectant spray, add 30 to 40 drops to one quart of water and shake. Vinegar An acidic solution, vinegar kills some germs and microbes and inhibits their growth. To make a sanitising spray from white or apple cider vinegar, mix 1/4 – 1/2 cup vinegar per cup of water. You can add some essential oil of bergamot, orange, or lemon to this solution to make it smell good and also increase its’ antibacterial properties. Bergamot is a citrus fruit; all citrus fruits have disinfectant

Neem seed oil

Grapefruit qualities.

Neem seed

Hydrogen peroxide A 1996 study showed that hydrogen peroxide, when combined with an equal amount of vinegar, is a potent bacteria killer. Salmonella, shigella and e-coli were all vanquished by this solution. You can also spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto countertops, or mix it with an equal amount of water. Tea tree oil Tea tree oil is known to be effective against many antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It definitely works to kill staphylococus, e-coli, shigella, and salmonella. In a spray bottle, combine and shake 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp. liquid soap, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 20 drops of tea tree oil. Neem oil Neem oil comes from the seeds of a tree that is native to India, and is more than a sanitiser. It is also an insect repellent, and keeping insects at bay is an important component to kitchen cleanliness. It does not dissolve well in water without some sort of emulsifier, such as liquid soap. The best way to make a neem cleaner is to mix the neem oil in a vegetable-based, liquid soap. Then, use a few drops of this soap to clean your kitchen counters or try mixing the neem-soap

DO-It-Yourself

Meaty potatoes

Tea tree oil

Did you know that? mixture with water in a spray bottle. Shake it well before use. Bacteria that usually live in kitchens include staphylococcus, salmonella, shigella dysenteriae, and e-coli. These germs tend to proliferate on sponges and cutting boards, but they can be on countertops and other surfaces as well.

By Olaide Fadare Lets you use your kids’ favourite vegetables in their meals, so feel free to prepare this meal with the vegetables your kids love. Ingredients: · 50g beef · 1 small onion · ¼ apple · ¼ medium carrot · ¼ sweet potato · A handful green peas · 1 teaspoon plain flour (for thickening) · 2 tablespoons olive oil

· A pinch of salt or stock cube Cooking directions • Add washed, cut beef and onion into pot, add little water. • Add seasoning, let mixture cook for a while. • When the beef is done, add sweet potato. • Add water at the level as the content of the pot. • Cook till potato is soft. • Add carrot, apple. • Add olive or vegetable oil. • Mix, flour with water. • Add flour when vegetables is soft. • Allow to simmer. • It is done!

DO you know that you can make your Canda- ponmo or cow-leg to soften within few minutes of boiling by simply adding chewing gum into the boiling meat? Please, use the raw chewing gum not the one you have eaten.

Cow leg

ponmo

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Monica Taiwo monicataiwo@yahoo.com 08055001724 (sms only) @taiwomonica

heartcopy How do I get out of the problem I created?

EAR Taiwo, I am full of regrets and I hope I am not about to destroy the home I have painstakingly built. When I was about to take this decision, my husband warned me, that is why I cannot turn to him for help now. Unfortunately, he has decided to keep his arms crossed and his silence is very unnerving. I remained my mother’s only child until her demise three years ago. When I met Banji and learnt that he is an only son I marveled at the coincidence. Our relationship brought our families together and at a level, you could hardly separate one family from the other. When we decided to tie the nuptial knot, it was to the delight of everyone who knew us and my friends were particularly envious of my relationship with my motherin-law because she took me just like her own daughter. This relationship, however, not withstanding, my mother called me and had a mother-to-daughter talk with me when we were preparing for our wedding. She charged me to take and relate with my mother-in-law like I would and she advised that I have to overlook a lot of things, more so, because, my husband is an only son. She said this because, my mother-in-law would hold her son close to her heart just as she holds me, the fact that she raised him as a single parent would not also help. I kept all these to my heart and fortunately, I enjoyed a very cordial relationship with her, so there was no cause for alarm, until recently. I had always thought my mother enjoyed good health, until about two years before her death when she told me that she had fought against cancer for years and it had reached a stage that she could no longer hide the fact from me. And of course, by then, it has reached the terminal stage. She however, lived longer than expected, eventually, she bowed to the inevitable.

Her death shook me, but my husband and mother-inlaw stood by me. Unfortunately, she died nine months after my father’s death. Not long after these losses, my mother-in-law took ill. The thought of losing her was

share a

burden WM

ith onica Taiwo

08055001724 (sms only) monicataiwo@yahoo.com

My sick father’s friend wants to have sex with me! DEAR Taiwo, I am in shock and the most difficult thing is that I don’t know how to tell anybody about what has been happening to me for over three weeks now. My father suffered a stroke over four months ago. When this happened, his best friend and business partner was away in China. He came back about a month ago to see my father in the hospital. We were all there when they discussed and he asked that my mother should send me to pick up my father’s money that was with him. He also said he would like to give our family some money. I am the eldest of my parents children and since he is a family friend nobody thought twice before asking me to go and see him. Unfortunately, when I got to his office I got the shock of my life. This is a man older than my father and whose last child - his sixth is about my age. He asked to date me. I told him in a simple language that I was not interested, because of this, he delayed me and said he had sent someone to the bank that I have to wait for him. I didn’t want to wait because it was already getting late; I suggested that I drop my account number or my mother’s so

too much for me to bear, so I insisted that we should bring her to live with us. My husband agreed, but insisted that she should take the boy’s quarters apartment. I couldn’t fight this, because he insisted that his mother would need her space. Not long after she moved in, she started complaining about boredom. She wanted her immediate younger sister to come and stay with her. When she told my husband, he kicked against it. I wondered why, but he insisted that such won’t happen in his house. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I connived with my mother-in-law and we arm twisted my husband. He however, told me that he won’t be there when I would realise what I got myself into. I didn’t believe him. But no sooner had my mother-in-law’s sister arrived that trouble started. Despite the fact that they lived in the boys’ quarters, she pokes her nose into everything. She complains about everything and the fact that my husband and I are extravagant. She complained about our children’s school. I didn’t mind all these, since my relationship with my mother-in-law remained the same, but unfortunately, things started to change. The woman I had grown to know and relate with as the mother I lost became a stranger. When I told my husband, his answer was, “I told you, didn’t I?” Sincerely, I could live with this; I will be careful and avoid both of them as much as possible, until my mother-in-law comes to her senses, but my husband is making things worse; he gave me an ultimatum to send his mother’s sister away. How do I do this without offending my mother-in-law? This is my cross. Help me Moyo.

that he would transfer the money. He walked me out and before I could get home, he had called to report me to my mother that I was rude to him. As soon as I got home, my mother scolded me and instructed me to go back the following day. I pleaded with her to send my younger brother, but she said I have to go back and apologise. I did, and the same thing repeated itself, twice after the first incident. When my mother raised this issue few days ago, I tried telling her that my father’s friend could easily transfer the money into her account, I pleaded with her that I needed to sort some issues out in school, she didn’t listen, she scolded me that I was disobedient and I have grown wings. I don’t want to go back to him. Please, what should I do? Irete. Dear Irete, The issue on ground is simple; tell your mother what transpired between you and your father’s friend and let her know that is why you don’t want to go back and not because you are disobedient. In fact, I blame you for waiting this long to tell your mother or to confide in another reasonable adult if you felt you couldn’t tell her. Money transfer is one of the easiest thing to do now and if he had no ulterior motive, he would have done just that without insisting that you come to his office. You didn’t state in your text that your Father’s sickness is so bad that your family is desperate for money and if you must take the money from him, your mother should do that diplomatically and not make you a scape goat.

Friday, 18 September, 2015

arewa 20 receive award in Zamfara for exclusive breast-feeding

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08065167178

Maiduguri diocese celebrates Year of Liberty despite insecurity

Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna THE world recently celebrated the’ World Breastfeeding Day’. It was a day set aside to encourage nursing mothers on the need to breastfeed their newly born babies. This year’s breast feeding day in Zamfara State attracted a lot of activities, among which was a visit to Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) site in Bungudu town, the headquarters of Bungudu Local Government Area. All the stakeholders involved in food and nutrition activities like the Gates Advocacy Team, Working to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINN) and the state committee on Food and Nutrition all assembled at the site. Also in attendance was the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Atto and the wife of the governor, Hajiya Asmau AbduIaziz Yari. In his welcome address, the state Chairman of Food and Nutrition, Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Gyari, remarked that the visit to the site was necessitated by the clamour to create awareness for our rural mother on the need for exclusive breastfeeding. ‘Many of our nursing mothers don’t breastfeed their infant children and as a result, they became vulnerable to many diseases, he declared. He maintained that when a mother breast fed her child, the child’s tendency to fall sick was very slim. Speaking at the occasion, the state Field Manager of the Save the Children, Mr Babatunde Lawan, disclosed that the issue of nutrition was every body’s business. According to him, a study undertaken shows that one million children, under the age of five, die every year and that 53 per cent of these deaths are attributed to malnutrition. He said in Northern Nigeria, half of the children were stunted and one in every five children suffered acute malnutrition. In response to this, Working to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINN) programme was, in 2011, conceived to improve the nutritional status of 11 million children in Northern Nigeria.

A cross section of women congregation at the thanksgiving service James Bwala - Maiduguri

HE 25th Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service of the Diocese of Maiduguri Anglican Communion with the theme: “The Year of Liberty” has been described as the celebration of God’s goodness, faithfulness and mercy to the diocese in the past 25 years, despite the challenges of Boko Haram insurgency. In a letter congratulating the Maiduguri Diocese, Reverend Nicholas Okoh of the Church of Nigeria said the church could not thank God enough for his protection, favour and mercy. He prayed that the good Lord would bring the strife of insurgency in the North East to an end. “May the noise of battle cease. May you and all the Christians in Maiduguri and beyond sing a victory song in no distant time. It is also our prayer that the Lord God Almighty, who started this journey with you, will always go before you and continue to strengthen and protect you in these times of stress”, the letter read. Arewa reports that the celebration, which also witnesses many awards for outstanding personalities, also distinguished Venerable Professor Ayo Oni and Venerable Dr. I. U. Ibeme for humility and

NDIC donates multi-million naira research complex to NIPSS —pg36

Male congregation at the thanksgiving service brevity respectively in the discharge of their duties and in their individual resolve to stay in Maiduguri at a time almost all indigenes were leaving the state as a result of Boko Haram insurgency. It was revealed during the award ceremony that despite the sect’s threats to university lecturers and doctors, who are none indigenes, they decided to stay and teach as well as save lives. While speaking on the present state of the nation in the face of Boko Haram killings in the last six years, the Archbishop Emeritus

Senator Sani offers scholarships to children of slain soldier —pg36

of Jos Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Reverend Emmanuel Kana Mani, said that corruption was the “deadliest disease that can kill or topple” any democratically elected government along with the nation within the shortest time. possible He said corruption had to be fought to the finish, as it was equally important to discover the causes of corruption and eliminate it from the Nigerian society to move the nation forward. “Corruption is man-made or man-driven. The ‘sacred cow’ syndrome must be totally eliminated. Nobody is above the law. Let President Muhammadu Buhari intensify his fight against corruption. We assured the President of our prayer and support to sanitise Nigeria. “Unfortunately in Nigeria, what we hear people say is ‘what can I get from Nigeria, instead of what can I do to for Nigeria?’ What we

do is towards self-centredness.” He said in order to come out of this deteriorating state of affairs, Nigerians should imbibe the spirit of good neighbourliness and do the right thing at the right time. “The fear of the Lord is for all, both the led and the leaders. The scripture says: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” On the Boko Haram insurgency, Reverend Mani said: “No one in this country can give a more detailed account of the Boko Haram saga than the people of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in the North East sub-region of this country. Borno is the headquarters of Boko Haram. Academics and commentators are basically scratching through what has been given to them as secondary materials, but we have lived through it all and many of our brothers and sisters (Christians and Muslims) have paid the supreme price of martyrdom. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace-Amen! “Let us remain focused on God’s divine intervention and continue to pray for our security men, (military and paramilitary), to wipe them out of the country. This is a year of freedom and liberty. We shall indeed be free; because our God is able. Nothing is too hard or difficult for God to do.” On the genesis of Boko Haram sect, Mani said: “Before 2009, Boko Haram was a distinct ideology of some persons trying to define themselves in the cloud of Nigeria’s political, ethnic and religious confusion. It was something that was like an insignificant rumbling in the corridors of power that seemed like some unnoticed issues. This has now become a hurricane sweeping through our worship houses, homes, markets and government establishments.”

CREW

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

36 arewa

Friday, 18 September, 2015

NDIC donates multi-million naira research complex to NIPSS Isaac Shobayo - Jos

TAFF and participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), otherwise known as National Institute, trooped out in their large number on Monday to witness commissioning of a research centre donated by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to the institute as part of its contribution to boost research activities. National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Nigeria, is a policy formation centre for bureaucrats, private sector leaders, army officers, and mediumrank and senior civil servants. It is a place for policy makers in Nigeria to further broaden their knowledge on policy formulation and dynamic policy initiatives. From all indications, the objectives of the institute can only be achieved through in depth research. This gives credence to why the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation built a Directorate of Research for the national institute as part of its social responsibility to the elite institute. Speaking while commissioning the complex, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said no nation would make any meaningful progress without supporting its research base institutions. According to him, the founding fathers of the institute were inspired to establish NIPSS to be a citadel for public policy research and analysis as well as proffer sound advice to help government make informed choices about urgent and strategic issues of domestic and international concern. Represented by Mr Ibrahim Mohammed Yabani, a director his office, Osin-

The front view of the complex bajo noted that the office complex being commissioned was to provide a conducive environment that would engender high productivity among research fellows. He noted that the outcome of research work in the institute arising from the dona-

tion of this complex would positively impact on security, wealth creation, employment generation and poverty alleviation of Nigerians. He noted that these, along with other challenges, were very critical and called for

urgent pragmatic and public policies that would accelerate the socio-economic development of the country, saying this was where NIPSS must apply itself in every respect. In his remark at the occasion, the managing director of NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, disclosed that the NDIC board and management had identified with the infrastructure needs of the institute, stressing that the decision to donate the research complex was a practical demonstration of NDIC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and manifestation of a true partner in progress. Alhaji Ibrahim said NIPSS, as an elitist citadel of learning, deserved a sound research avenue to achieve its objective of policy formulation for the country, adding that NDIC would not relent in helping the institution whenever the need arose. In his address, the Director General of the National Institute, Professor Tijjani Mohammad Bande, thanked the management of the NDIC for the donation, adding that the donation would go a long way to boost research activities towards effective policy formulation.

Senator Sani offers scholarships to children of slain soldier Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna THE Senator representing Kaduna centraI, Senator Shehu Sani, has offered scholarship to five children of slain army corporal, Ibrahim Musa, who was killed in Maiduguri by Boko Haram. According to the senator, “I located the family of the fallen soldier through Facebook posted by the deceased friend.

“I contacted his friend only to discover that this gallant soldier, who came from my constituency, had been killed while on active duty in Maiduguri two years ago. ‘So when I reached the family, I also discovered that his five children had been withdrawn from schools because the family could not afford to pay their school fees. It was really a touching story. So I

promised to offer scholarship to the children up to tertiary level. “I was moved because if it were in a normal country, the government would have taken up the responsibility, but you can see that this family is suffering. “So, the idea is to see that these children, when they grow up, know that their father died for others to live and that he died for the peace of the country,” he said.

‘NSCDC solely empowered to handle vandalism cases in Nigeria’ In this interview with the Kwara State commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Augustine Obiekwe, efforts at curbing vandalism in the state, including inter-relationship among law enforcement agencies, are highlighted, among other issues. Biola Azeez brings excerpts: AGAINST the misconception among people and seeming friction with other law enforcement agencies in the country, what’s actually the core mandate of the NSCDC? In line with the provisions of Section 3 (1) (F) NSCDC Amendment Act No. 2 of 2003 Laws of the federation of Nigeria 1990 as amended by NSCDC Amendment Act No. 6 of 2007, Laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is vested with the statutory mandate of fighting and prosecuting all forms of petroleum and oil pipeline vandalism in Nigeria. High profile cases of vandalism are usually handled under the Miscellaneous Offence Act LFN 2004 and three of such examples are (1) tampering with oil pipeline. This section provides that a person who willfully or maliciously breaks, damages, disconnects or otherwise tampers with any pipe or pipeline for the transportation of crude oil or refined oil or gas or obstructs, damages, destroys or otherwise tampers or interferes with the free flow of any crude oil or refined petroleum products through any oil pipeline, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to life imprisonment. Another is tampering with telephone wires etc. This section of the Miscellaneous Offences Act provides that any person who unlawfully disconnects, removes, damages, tampers, meddles with or in anyway whatsoever interferes with any cable, wire or assembly of wires used for the conveyance of telephone, telegraph, visual messages or im-

ages shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 21 years. About dealing in petroleum products, the section of the Miscellaneous Offences Act states that any person who without lawful authority or appropriate licence (a) imports, exports, sells, distributes or otherwise deals with any crude oil, petroleum or petroleum product in Nigeria (b) does any act for which a licence is required under the Petroleum Act shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life and in addition, any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or other conveyances used in connection therewith shall be forfeited to the Federal Government. Now, on prosecutor powers over vandalism cases, section 1 (1) (f) NSCDC amendment Act No. 6 of 2007 is very clear and states that the corps shall have power to arrest with or without warrant, detain, investigate and institute legal proceedings by or in the name of the Attorney General of the Federation in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of federal republic of Nigeria against any person who is reasonably suspected to have committed an offence under this Act or is involved in any criminal activity, power transmission lines or oil pipelines, NIPOST cables or equipments, water board pipes or equipment vandalism. All these plethora of authorities, both statutory and judicial, acceded to the fact that NSCDC is primus interperes in the execution and prosecution of vandalism cases, it is inconceivable for any security agency or

institution in Nigeria to claim unfettered or paralleled jurisdiction/authority with NSCDC over vandalism cases. Like society itself, crime by its bature is dynamic and diverse and could advance to a level of sophistication which the conventional police finds difficult to contain and control. The current trend in crimes and criminality has thus necessitated the creation of specialised security agencies such as NAPTIP, EFCC, NDLEA, ditto NSCDC, among others. NSCDC is, therefore, that specialised agency established to fill the yearning gap and the critical need for a regulatory and an enforcement agency in the areas of petroleum and oil pipeline vandalism as well as critical national assets and infrastructures among others.

I can’t be too precise. But our arrests at the moment between July and August have been five already. And in terms of the trucks, we have two buses that were arrested. And recently, along Jebba again, we arrested about three vehicles carrying vandalised products. And they are all facing prosecution. Some vehicles have been tendered as exhibits in court. And some others are awaiting being tendered in courts as exhibits.

How has it been fighting vandalism in the state in the last three months? At the moment, we have about five cases in the federal high courts all dealing with the prosecution of vandals who were arrested by officers of the corps. Some were arrested at the pipeline, and some were arrested moving their trucks of the vandalised products. And we have brought them to court. The lawyers are there. We have our legal department. We have the intelligence to do the investigation. At the moment, they’ve finished with the investigation. They’ve sent the report to court. And that’s how we’ve been doing it so far. May we know number of arrest and the seized items?

Mr Augustine Obiekwe

news

Friday, 18 September, 2015

JAMB: ASUP rejects lower cut-off for poly students Soji-Eze Fagbemi

he Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), on Thursday, took a critical look at the state of polytechnic education and demanded for higher cutoff marks for any candidate aspiring to get admission into polytechnics across the country. The union frowned at the lower cut-off mark prescribed for candidates seeking polytechnic admission compared to their university counterparts, and declared that the situation is no longer acceptable to the union. It further described the discriminatory admission cutoff mark between polytechnics and universities by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) as totally unacceptable, saying the disparity of the policy makes polytechnics as undesirable destinations for pursuit of tertiary education. Addressing a press conference at the Labour House, Abuja, President of ASUP,

Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, insisted that candidates seeking to be admitted into the polytechnics should be placed on the same benchmark as their counterparts. He said: “The admission policy of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, which profiles polytechnics as undesirable destinations for pursuit of tertiary education, is absurd and unfortunate. “The policy has failed to understand that polytechnic

education is an aptitude-determined choice of the candidate and not a cesspool of desperation. Candidates who sit for matriculation examinations into tertiary institutions deserve equal treatment. “The situation where candidates sit for the same examination but are allocated discriminatory cut-off points into the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education respectively shall no longer be accepted by our

union. “Candidates seeking to be admitted into the polytechnics should be placed on the same benchmark as their counterparts. This is to breach public perception which places our sector as inferior or incapable of competing with the best in terms of service delivery.” The ASUP president also decried the neglect of the polytechnic sector; regretting that more than one year after the union suspended its strike action, which was

necessitated by failure of government to address critical problems facing the sector, majority of the issues remain unresolved. Comrade Asomugha: “Our union had in 2012 drawn the attention of government to very critical needs of polytechnics in the country. Upon repeated reminders and as a result of deliberate failure by government to attend to these needs, our union embarked on a protracted strike from October 2013 to July, 2014.

Prison Decongestion: Wike tasks ministry to rehabilitate prisons Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has directed the state Ministry of Works to take urgent measures to assist the state Command of Nigerian Prisons to complete the Omoku Prisons and reinforce Degema Prisons in the state. Governor Wike, who gave this directive on Thursday, while granting audience to the new Comptroller of Nigerian Prisons, Rivers State command, Mr John Mrabure, noted that his administration will continue to assist Federal Government agencies carry out their respective duties because they all serve the state. He said that the state government cannot shut her eyes to the difficulties being experienced by federal agencies, pointing out that as a former minister, he appreciates their challenges. Governor Wike said: “The Rivers State government will support the Prisons Command with vehicles and walkie-talkies and other logistics. I have also directed the permanent secretary, Ministry of Works to liaise with you on the Omoku and Degema Prisons.” He regretted the over population of the Port Harcourt prison, saying that steps must be taken to address the situation.

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, receiving the new Comptroller of Prisons, Rivers State command, Mr John Mrabure, on Thursday.

Cash crunch hits NASS •Legislature yet to pay August salaries Taiwo Adisa - Abuja CASH crunch appears to have hit the National Assembly, following the inability of the legislature to pay salaries and allowances of staff and management, as well as the severance packages of the legislative aides who served in the seventh Senate. Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune indicated that the National Assembly had, so far, been unable to pay the salaries of both the legislators and the management staff for August. It was gathered that the liquidity squeeze that hit the country recently was also affecting the legislature. Nigerian Tribune learnt that the cash crunch had prevented the National Assembly from offsetting the severance of the legislative aides, while the salary and allowances of senators and members of the House of Representatives had also been put on hold. Sources said the situation had affected activities of some committees, which had been forced to close shop.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who also gave a hint of the financial situation, said public hearing in respect of the power probe had been suspended due to lack of funds. “We cannot carry out our functions effectively because there is no money in

the system. “Part of the problems we are facing now is funding. I want to tell you outright, because he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches. Our major problem now is funding. “Now people keep on asking questions on the budget

of the parliament, salaries of the lawmakers, among others, forgetting that there are several sub-heads in the parliament. “In fact, now, we cannot do our job effectively. We cannot do our functions effectively because there is no money.”

3.2 million Nigerians live with HIV —NACA Biola Azeez - Ilorin National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said that Nigeria presently has 3.2 million people living with HIV out of which 42,000 are in Kwara State. Speaking in Ilorin, on Thursday, during the advocacy visit by the agency to the state, the Director General of NACA, Professor John Idoko, emphasised the need for the three tiers of government to wake up to the reality of checking the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country. The DG, who commended the state government for its Health Insurance Scheme, which he noted

had been captured by the agency as micro model being adopted by other states of the federation, urged the state government to pay its counterpart fund, adding that the World Bank, other donor countries and agencies were gradually withdrawing their support. Also speaking, the Kwara State deputy governor, Elder Peter Kisira, restated the state government’s commitment to HIV/ AIDS programme and other health related programmes in the state. Elder Kisira, who is the chairman of the State AIDS Control Agency (KWASACA), noted that this was demonstrated with reduc-

tion in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS from 4.3 per cent in 2001 among the women that attend antinatal clinics to 1.47 per cent in 2012 among the general population. The deputy governor explained that four lines ministries - Health, Women Affairs, Youth and Sports Development, Education and Human Capital Development are implementing HIV/AIDS programmes in their sectors including the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. He stressed that 20 Civil Society Organisations are also supporting the state efforts toward the control of HIV/AIDS programmes.

Nigerian Tribune

Dogara charges church on nation building ...As Foursquare G.O. backs Buhari’s anti-corruption drive Adetola Bademosi-Abuja

The role of the Church in nation building is indeed a huge one, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, has, on Thursday, stated. This came as he charged the church to rise up to its responsibilities to ensure that Nigeria becomes a better place, even before the international community. The Speaker, who spoke in Abuja, at a lecture, themed; the role of the Church in Nation Building” to mark the second Diamond Jubilee of the Foursquare Gospel Church said, this became imperative considering the numerous challenges facing the country. He said there was need for sober reflection, especially in the Northeast, where the activities of the Boko Haram group has affected not only the church, but the society at large. Dogara, who spoke through a House member, Federal Constituency, Taraba State, Honourable Rima Shawulu, stressed the need to train and educate children and youths in the society saying; “Indeed, if our children are properly brought up with the fear of God and good morals, the society will be better for it.” According to him, the country needs individuals of tested character to lead the country to the required height. To achieve this, he said the Church and other religious groups must stamp their feet in striving to fill this void which he said, has remained the bend of leadership in the nation.

Anniversary THE fifth remembrance anniversary of Chief Emmanuel Omotunde Sokoya, will hold tomorrow, September 19, at his residence, 12, Ogunowo Street, Makun-Sagamu, Ogun State.

Chief Emmanuel Sokoya

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I, formerly Miss Sanusi Kafayat Olabisi now MRS. ADEWALE KAFAYAT OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Okunola Lanre John now OKUNOLA AYOMIKUN PELUMI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olaomo Busayo Bose now MRS. ADELEKE BUSAYO BOSE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Esther Oluyemisi Oyesiji now MRS. ESTHER OLUYEMISI ADIGUN. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Works, Secretariat, Ibadan and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ejalonibu Rukayat Ronke now MRS. SALAUDEEN RUKAYAT EJALONIBU. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Afolabi Kaothar Kemi now MRS. OLANIYAN KAOTHAR KEMI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Raheem Aminat Adewunmi now MRS. ADEYEMO AMINAT ADEWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.

I, formerly Adenike Oluwatobi Idowu now MRS. ADENIKE OLUWATOBI NWOSU. All former documents remain valid. Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Yetunde Tawakalitu Odutayo now MRS. YETUNDE TAWAKALITU LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adebowale Ibukun Abosede now MRS. ABASS IBUKUN ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Rebecca Funmilola Olanipekun now MRS. REBECCA FUNMILOLA ADEDUGBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adams Abduljalal Luqman now ADAMS ABDULJALAL AYODOTUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oluwafunmilola Lydia Olaniran now MRS. O L U WA F U N M I L O L A LYDIA OLAJIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Fasoro Oluwaseyi Omolara now MRS. AKINOLA RACHAEL OLUWASEYI OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. GTB, First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oluwatosin Bukola Banjo now MRS. OLUWATOSIN BUKOLA AGBALAYA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Fausat Olufunke Onipede now MRS. FAUSAT OLUFUNKE OLUGBOGI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Madam Afusatu Apinke now MRS. AKINWALE BUKOLA IDAYAT. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Fanawopo Funmilayo Elizabeth now MRS. OLALEYE FUNMILAYO ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Remi Alaba Daudu now MRS. REMI ALABA DATON. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adeniji Bintu now MISS OREKOYA OLUWATOYIN ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. Stanbic IBTC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Osunniyi Lynda Omotola now MRS. ISHOLA LYNDA OMOTOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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news Military will meet 3-month deadline to defeat B/Haram —Buratai

Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

HE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Y. Buratai, has said that the military would meet the three-month deadline given to it by President Muhammadu Buhari to end Boko Haram insurgency. He made the disclosure while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after declaring open the Nigerian Army Finance Corps 10th Biennial Training Conference held in Kaduna. Buratai remarked that as long as the military is winning the war on daily basis, it would certainly meet the deadline. It will be recalled that the president had given the military up to December to end the insurgency in the North-East of the country. The Army boss, who did

Friday, 18 September, 2015

not elaborate much on the deadline issue, simply said, “We will end Boko Haram very soon; it is possible to meet the three months deadline. We are very close to the insurgents. Earlier, in his address at the conference, Buratai said that the change slogan by the Federal Government, particularly in financial management, through the introduction of The Single Account (TSA) with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given the Nigerian Army new ideas on how to make judicious use of its funds.

He noted that the change song of the Federal Government had brought to life existing financial policies that were dormant in the country over the years. He said, “The current economic environment in Nigeria is driven by the ‘change mantra’ of the Federal Government. We are also aware that the financial sector is at the centre of this drive for change. “To this effect, existing financial policies such as the electronic payment system, Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS) and the Treasury Single

Account (TSA) among others, which had hitherto being dormant, are now being given impetus. Perhaps, this is why this training conference is significant to me. “It is my expectation that this training conference would enable Nigerian Army Finance Corps officers to appreciate the challenges likely to be posed by these new financial policies on our day-to-day operations. “I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Corps towards efficient service delivery to the Nigerian Army.

I have taken special note of your reforms in the areas of administration of troops pay and allowances. “I am also aware of the pace set by the Nigerian Army Biometric Enrolment Exercise, which stands out as a model to other services and the nation at large. “I, therefore, sincerely believe that the expected benefits the participants will derive from this conference will drive home my vision for the Nigerian Army which is to have a professionally responsive Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.”

Bandits kill police corporal Alphonsus Agborh – Asaba

GUN battle between men of the underworld and the police in Delta State has left one of the operatives dead and others unhurt. The incident occurred at Ugbolo, near Asaba, the state capital, at about 8:00p.m. on Wednesday when a patrol team ran into the hoodlums. Nigerian Tribune learnt that the robbers opened fire from different directions but the gallant policemen were not deterred to return fire in the dark at the end of which one of their own, a corporal, was fatally wounded while the bandits escaped. As at the time of filing this report, the family of the deceased was yet to be contacted. The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the report, described the incident as unfortunate.

Nigerian Army will not violate humanitarian laws —COAS

Etisalat Prize for Literature: Entry opens for Flash Fiction Category

Chris Agbambu - Abuja

Submissions has opened for the 2015 Etisalat Prize for Literature Flash Fiction Category from September 21 to October 19, 2015. The Flash Fiction Category of the annual Etisalat Prize for Literature is designed to celebrate unpublished writers across the African continent and to challenge budding writers to create compelling stories. The prize is open to all unpublished writers of African citizenship but can be resident anywhere in the world. All entries must be submitted online via the Etisalat Nigeria website, and should not exceed 300 words. The judging panel for the Flash Fiction Category, to be chaired by Toni Kan, consists of personalities who have established relationship with the African writing space spanning book clubs, poets, writers and critics. The selected judges-Toni Kan, Hawa Golakai, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim and Monica Cheru, will bring their experience to bear. The winning author will be rewarded with a cash prize of £1,000, a high-end device and the promotion of their published e-books, while two runners up will each receive £500 cash prize and a high-end device.

THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has reiterated that the Nigerian Army will not at any point violate the humanitarian laws in all its operations. General Buratai made this known on Thursday, when he received the Head of Operations, African Region, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Patricia Danzi and other members of the organisation at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. The COAS stated that the mandate of the Nigerian Army is to facilitate humanitarian assistance provided by the ICRC and other humanitarian agencies like NEMA. General Buratai assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to collaborate with the ICRC, and ensure adherence to international best practices. He added that it would also alleviate the sufferings of the vulnerable ones, particularly women and children. Speaking earlier, the Head of Operations, African Region, ICRC, Patricia Danzi, congratulated the COAS on his appointment. The head of operations further stated that the organisation would continue to identify with the Nigerian Army.

Wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, sympathising with one of the children that survived the recent bomb blast at Yola internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, on Thursday. Photo: NAN.

Army arrests producers of fake national ID cards for Boko Haram terrorists THE Nigerian Army said on Thursday that it had arrested two business centre operators in Maiduguri who allegedly produced fake National Identity cards for Boko Haram terrorists in the city. Colonel Tukur Gusau, the spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, made the disclosure while presenting the suspects to newsmen in Maiduguri. “A business centre around Post Office Area in Maiduguri was identified as an accomplice of Boko Haram terrorists by producing National Identity cards and other documents for the terrorists,’’ Gusau said. He said that this was in furtherance to the combined efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security organisations to counter terrorism and insurgency in the North-

East. Gusau said that the two operators of the centre, Mr Makinta Umar and John Zakariya, were arrested after a suspected Boko Haram member confessed that the suspects were producing the ID cards for members of the terrorists group. “The operators of the centre were apprehended after

a Boko Haram suspect earlier arrested, confessed to the Joint Investigation Centre that the suspects were in the business of producing the ID cards for the terrorists group. “Among the items recovered from the suspects were computer laptops, memory sticks, still camera etc,’’ he said. “It was discovered that

the accomplices produce fake National ID cards and other documents for the terrorists in the business centre. “These documents enable the terrorists to move freely to various destinations and carry out their terrorists activities killing and inflicting hardships on the law-abiding citizens of the country,’’ Gusau added.

4 killed in gas cylinder explosion in Port Harcourt jects, including helmets

Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt

FOUR persons were killed on Thursday evening, following a gas explosion which occurred at the Eliozu axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The incident happened at a panel-beater workshop, killing two of the victims instantly. At the scene of the incident were scattered ob-

and other working tools. It was gathered that one of the gas cylinders used by the panel-beaters exploded at around 5.00 p.m. as the explosion severed the legs of two of the victims, while one other victim died inside a vehicle taking him to hospital. It was learnt that the fourth victim died at a

nearby hospital, after the medical personnel on the ground insisted that N35,000 must be paid as deposit before they could commence treatment. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the incident, but said he could not immediately confirm the number of casualties.

41 news

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Rivers poll: INEC opens defence at tribunal Sunday Ejike - Abuja

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday began the process of defending the outcome of the governorship election it conducted in Rivers State on April 11, 2015. The electoral body opened its defence before the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja by producing one of its electoral officers that conducted the election, to testify before the tribunal.

The witness, Mr Ebikoru Tebekaemi, told the tribunal that he was the electoral officer that superintended over the governorship election at Obiakpo Local Government Area in the state. He told the tribunal that contrary to the evidence of witnesses that were produced by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate in the state, Dr Dakuku Peterside, there was no incident of ballot snatching or multiple thump printing of ballot papers at Obiakpo. Asked by counsel to the petitioners, Chief Akin

Olujimi, if he was aware that there was a widespread rigging and hijacking of electoral materials by armed thugs, the witness said he was not aware that such incident occurred. He insisted that election was duly conducted in 15 out of 17 wards in the local government area, saying, “My lords, it was only at wards 12 and 13, which is Rumuigbo and Rumokuta that election did not take place.” Under cross examination by counsel to the petitioners, the witness, said he was not also aware that people

were seen at a football pitch thumb printing ballot papers in favour of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Besides, the witness told the tribunal that from his record, a total of 304,745 voters were accredited at the local government area, adding however that only a total number of 40,481 voters were accredited with the card reader machines. When he was asked by counsel to the PDP, Mr Ifedayo Adedipe, if it was true that lack of electoral materials marred the governor-

ship poll, the witness said he could only give evidence with regard to Obiakpo council area which was under his control. “But I can confirm that sufficient electoral materials were distributed across Obiakpor and other parts of Rivers State during the governorship election,” the witness added. Among the exhibits that were tendered before the tribunal by the witness included a copy of the election result sheets from Obiakpor council area. Meanwhile, the Justice Suleiman Ambrusa-led tribunal has adjourned till today to enable INEC to produce more witnesses. It will be recalled that the petitioners closed their case on Wednesday after they called a total of 58 witnesses that testified that the election was marred by violence and widespread irregularities. APC and its governorship, Dakuku Peterside, are challenging Wike’s election as governor of the state in the April 11, 2015 governorship election conducted by INEC in the state.

NDE tackles unemployment, trains 50 graduates in Oyo From left, President, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Professor Rasheed Arogundade; Registrar, Professor Oluwole Atoyebi; Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his wife, Olukemi, at the conferment of the honorary Fellow Award of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria on Governor Mimiko, at the 33rd convocation of the college, in Lagos, on Thursday.

Gridlock at Abuja airport as construction works narrow access way THE Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday experienced traffic jam as the construction of a new terminal building continued to narrow the main access way to the gateway facility. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the gridlock at the entrance to the international terminal forced many passengers to resort to trekking quite a distance into the terminal. Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, the Deputy General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), confirmed to NAN that the traffic jam was caused by the ongoing construction of the new terminal of the airport. Yakubu said the construction of the terminal was aimed at expanding the airport capacity to meet international standard. She said the authority had been apologising to the travelling public for the hardship they were facing due to the ongoing work.

Yakubu, however, expressed optimism that the project, when completed, would lead to improved service delivery as well as easy flow of traffic at the airport. She urged the travelling public to continue to en-

dure the temporary hardship while the construction work lasted. Yakubu said that the travellers could avoid missing their flights by leaving their locations early. According to the spokesperson, the management

of FAAN is determined to ensure improved service delivery to the public. “The authority has put in place new methods to fasttrack passengers’ screening by both immigration officials and port health services.”

Mark asks tribunal to dismiss petition against his election Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

FORMER Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday asked the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, to dismiss the petition brought against his election by the defeated candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Daniel Onjeh, in the March 28 senatorial election. Counsel to Mark, Mr Ken Ikkone, while adopting his written address, said the petitioner failed woefully to make any case against the

election of Senator Mark, adding that the petitioner failed to show that the election was not properly conducted. He further argued that most of the allegations in the petition were criminal in nature, maintained that the petitioner failed to prove those allegations, stressing that those allegations could not be severed from the petition as the petitioner was trying to do now, saying that it would amount “to an amendment of the petition which the petitioner cannot do at this point,” citing the electoral act.

Ikkone told the tribunal that the petitioner merely dumped some documents on the tribunal without demonstrating them in the open court. He argued that the tribunal was forbidden by the law from perusing in the recess of their chambers. Counsel to PDP, Mr Chris Alechenu and that of INEC, Dr Garba Tetingi, also aligned themselves with Ikonne’s submission. On his part, counsel to the APC candidate, Mr Adetunji Osho, urged the tribunal to annul the election of Mark and order a fresh one.

By Lanre Akinmoladun

THE National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Oyo State, has commenced training programme for 50 unemployed graduates of tertiary institutions who desired to be grounded in business skills to become successful entrepreneurs. At the inauguration of the programme in Ibadan, on Monday, the DirectorGeneral of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, represented by the SouthWest Zonal Director, Mr Adebayo Adegbite, said NDE was borne out of the desire to ensure that unemployed graduates are exposed to the benefits of self-reliance through entrepreneurship. He said the training was designed to encourage the formation of small scale businesses, which he added would be funded by financial institutions. The Director, Small Scale Enterprises Department, Mrs H. I. Achigbu, reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government, through the NDE, to develop small scale industries in the country. Mrs Achigbu, who was represented by the state coordinator of NDE, Mr Adebanjo Awosanya, urged the participants to make the best use of the training.

Ogun appoints another batch of principals, VPs THE Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has appointed another set of 25 principals, 66 vice principals and three zonal secretaries into public secondary schools in the state, thus bringing the total number of principals and vice principals appointed by the Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration to 233 and 572 respectively. Speaking at the induction ceremony held at Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta, the Full time Commissioner I, Timothy Adebowale, said the appointments were done in consonance with the state standard template, noting that it was based on seniority, merit and time of certification which the commission was not ready to compromise. Adebowale charged the new officers to be more dedicated in the discharge of their duties as heads of schools. Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs Olabisi Akinnuga, said that the current screening process was a radical departure from the existing process as it took into consideration the grade level of officers, date of last promotion and date of first appointment.

Okowa appoints civil service commission members Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba

DELTA State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has forwarded to the state house of assembly names of five nominees for appointment as chairman and members of the State Civil Service Commission. The nominees include Chief Nkem Okwuofu (Chairman), Dr Eddy Ugbomah, Mrs Rosaline Amioku, Mr Ifeanyi Agbeyeke and Nr Mathew Ukey as members. The former members of the commission were suspended by the Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration for their roles in the recruitment of about 800 civil servants. In the letter on Wednesday, Senator Okowa said the nomination was in exercise of the power conferred on him as governor of Delta State by Section 198 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

42 news Ghanaian candidates’ results best in past 3 yrs —WAEC Friday, 18 September, 2015

he West African Examination Council (WAEC), said candidates from Ghana had produced best results in West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), in the past three years. WAEC’s Head of national office in Nigeria, Mr Charles Eguridu, disclosed this at a dinner with news-

men on Wednesday, in Abuja. Eguridu said that Nigeria, by its population, should be the best in the examination but lamented that stakeholders in the country were not taking education of their wards seriously. “Over the past three years, candidates from Ghana have remained the best; it is saddening con-

sidering our population. “We have been paying lip service to teachers; some schools do not have facilities; candidates do not have laboratories, vocational centres, libraries and textbooks. “The outcome of such educational system will be self-evident; it is high time we got more serious with our value system and

adopt excellence as our watchword. “It is not that Nigerians are less intelligent but we do not motivate our children; the love and quest for material things has taken over the level of responsibility in many homes,’’ he said. According to him, children are not monitored at home as they are left to

From left, National Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) ‘B’ Zone, Mr Olalekan Oni; representative of Kwara State governor, Alhaji Isiaka Gold and the chairman, Oyo NUJ, Mr Gbenga Opadotun, during the pre-Independence anniversary lecture, organised by the state NUJ, at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Released NECO results raised false hope —Kogi TESCOM boss Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja Chairman of the Kogi State Teaching Service Commission, Sylvester Onoja, on Monday, asked the Federal Government to probe the results of the 2014/2015 National Examinations Council (NECO), as released by the council. He raised the alarm over the authenticity of the results which said over 68 per cent of the students that sat for the examination had five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. According to him, the result was only trying to give a false hope to Nigerians over the state of the nation’s education sector, saying that the same set of students that sat for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and recorded 31 per cent pass, also sat for NECO examination. The former Commissioner for Education in Kogi State, said the development, if not investigated, would give a wrong impression to many state governments over the standard of education in their respective states. “The NECO result is too good to be true, government of Nigeria in the interest of transparency and quality education, should investigate the result released by NECO, government should set up a committee made up of professionals to investigate

that result because what we have from WAEC, a sister organisation and examining body is poles apart. “We need to reconcile because NECO examined the same students that sat for WAEC and they fol-

lowed the same national syllabus, how come the difference, it is too good to be true. The implication is that we have been given a notion that we are out of the wood, that secondary education

in Nigeria has improved to the extent that 68.2 per cent of the students that sat for the national examination passed, that is to say that the nation is above average in secondary education.

watch movies and do other things at the detriment of their studies.7 On the perceived credibility issue between WAEC and the National Examination Council (NECO) results in terms of students’ performances, Eguridu said that the council’s researchers would look into the matter. “We do not set the questions; we use teachers from the school system in the country. “They also do the marking; we just coordinate and facilitate it,’’ he said. “We must continue to maintain standard; we do not adjust to make people happy. “We want our results to reflect the quality of teaching, skills and competence in our schools. “If some others appear to be doing very well, that is something we have to research into,’’ he added. Eguridu disclosed that from 2016, WAEC’s November/December General Certificate in Education (GCE) examination would be known as ‘’Private Candidates’’ examination while that of May/June would be “School Candidates’’ examination. He explained that the change in name was to avoid tying the examinations to specific months. On the debts being owed the council by some states, he said that 30 per cent of the states had paid while some others issued promissory notes.

Court jails pastor, mallam over fraud in Ekiti Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti A magistrate’s court sitting in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Wednesday, sentenced a man who said he is a Deeper Life pastor, Mr Anjorin Adaniki, 42, and one Mallam Maliu Aliu, to one year imprisonment each over fraud. The police prosecutor, Sergeant Akinwale Oriyomi, had told the court that the accused committed the offence between May and June 2013, at Emure-Ekiti, in Emure Local Government Area of the state. According to Oriyomi, the accused in the said months, fraudulently converted 1,800 bags of fertilizer which was meant to be distributed to farmers in the state, particularly, in Emure Local Government Area, at subsidised rate of N2,750 per bag. He further accused them of selling the commodity to the farmers at the rate of N3,500 per bag, which brought the rate of the fertilizer to N9 million. Oriyomi explained that the fertilizer was three

trailer loads, which he said, was given by the government to ease the problems encountered by the farmers in the said local government and help in

their farming. Oriyomi said rather than distribute the commodity to the farmers as stipulated by the government, the two accused “fraudulently

converted it to their own business.” But the presiding magistrate, Bayode Owoeye, said the action of the pastor was “callous”.

Nigeria must restructure its education policy to match developmental goals —Kwara gov By Tunde Ogunesan Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said Nigeria must be ready to restructure its education to match its goal for national development. Ahmed, stated this on Thursday, in Ibadan, while delivering a pre-Independence day lecture, tagged: “Nigeria at 55: The gains, the pains, the prospects”, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council, at NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, noted that Nigeria’s nationhood and development in this century, is under serious danger.

He said Nigeria is a conglomerate and not a nation, adding that until Nigerian leaders are ready to practically restructure the economy through a functional educational background, the country will continue to revolve on a single spot. “If a country must achieve its full economy and social capital, it must significantly improve its human capital development, especially, in terms of functional education. “Currently, our educational system, to say the least, is in serious need of an overhaul, basic education is condition for future development is shaking now. Even the secondary level, our wards shuttle is devoid of better direction in terms of curriculum. Our children must be channelled to the

appropriate choices based on their attitude. “Our universities continue to churn out graduates at an astronomical rate. These graduates possess neither the necessary scientific foundation nor the entrepreneurial skills to guide themselves,” he said. He added that with the high level of youths unemployment where most of the graduates are unemployable, Nigeria cannot achieve its lofty prospect for greatness “unless we reform our educational system in line with our technological and economic goal as a nation.’’ Earlier, the chairman of Oyo NUJ, Gbenga Opadotun, had described the governor, as a listening leader who has been able to impact in the lives of the generality of Kwarans.

Adebutu bags doctorate award By Gbenga Olumide The member representing Remo Federal Constituency, Ogun State, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu, has been conferred with a doctorate degree - Doctor of Political Science (DSc. HonorisCausa), by the Universite BilingueLibre du Togo, on Wednesday. The award was presented by the vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Adetunji Amusa, at the main auditorium, Universite du Lome, Togo, in recognition of his contributions to national politics and expansion of political economy in the West African sub-region. In his acceptance speech, Honourable Adebutu, according to a release signed by his Legislative Aide, Mr Seye Sonuga, thanked the institution for the honour bestowed on him.

NIM boss inaugurates Oyo exco today President and chairman of council of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), chartered, Dr Nelson Uwaga, will visit Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to inaugurate new executives of Ibadan chapter of the institute, today. The new exco, which has Mr Henry Adegbuyi, as the chairman, will be inaugurated with other members by the president. The president will pay a visit on the management of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc , Publishers of the Tribune titles, at Imalefalafia, Ibadan, by 10.00 a.m and will also visit the management of Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan as well as Sir Joel Fagbemi, at his Bodija residence. At 4.00pm, the president will meet members of NIM in Ibadan, at the Banquet Hall of Premier Hotel, Mokola, Ibadan, after which he will inaugurate the new exco at the same venue by 5.00 p.m.

Dr Nelson Nwaga

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Foreign policy dominates Republican debate

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Croatia struggles with 5, 650 migrants

Refugees hit with tear gas by Hungarian riot police. PHOTO: Reuters

ome 5,650 refugees have entered Croatia from Serbia over the past 24 hours after Hungary sealed its border with a razor wire fence, guarded by riot police armed with tear gas and water cannon, it emerged today. New arrivals are entering the EU member state via its eastern border, which has become the route of choice for those hoping to reach western Europe. Thanks to its close proximity to the Serbia, thousands of migrants are expected to pass over the Croatia-Hungary border in the coming days, despite the fact it was heavily mined during the Balkans War in the 1990s and remains incredibly dangerous. This morning, a further 5,000 migrants attempted to board trains to the Croatian capital, Zagreb from the small town of Tovarnik, stretching local infrastructure to breaking point.

The news comes as Hungary faces worldwide condemnation for using tear gas to disperse crowds at its border, with Serbia’s Prime Minister, Aleksandar Vucic, accusing the country of “brutal” and “nonbehaviour European” towards migrants and warning it not to fire tear gas onto its territory again. “We are ready to (provide) asylum to a few thousand people and we can handle that, but we are not ready for tens of thousands,” Pusic told HRT. “We do not have capacities” for such an influx, she added. This morning around 4,000-5,000 migrants attempted to board trains to the Croatian capital Zagreb from the small town of Tovarnik after crossing the border with Serbia, the UN refugee agency said. “There are between 4,000 and 5,000 people here,” Jan Kapic, a UNHCR spokesman, said from Tovarnik station in eastern

Croatia. “Trains are coming but they can’t take all these people.” Up to 5,000 people arrived at the tiny train station overnight. The station was overwhelmed as people slept all along the side of the tracks, with only a handful of Red Cross workers on hand to give out food and provisions for the hundreds of babies and children there.

president, Cruz vowed he will rip the Iran deal “to shreds” on his first day in office. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul said that approach is too rash, insisting the next president should not immediately reverse an agreement reached with the U.S.’ international allies. “It’s not a strategy to tear up an agreement,” said Bush. Instead, he advocated strengthening ties with Iran’s foe, Israel, a move he said will create “a healthier deterrent effect than anything else I can think of.’’ Scrapping the agreement without checking to see if Iran complies would be “absurd,” according to Paul, who said nonetheless he plans to vote against the pact in Congress.

Paul has been a prominent critic of U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, and his comments Wednesday echoed that sentiment. “There will always be a Bush or Clinton for you if you want to go back to war in Iraq,” he said. Regarding the crisis in Syria, Paul said there is no guarantee that intervention , either on the side of President Bashar al-Assad or the rebels seeking to overthrow him, would make America safer. “Sometimes both sides of the civil war are evil, and sometimes intervention sometimes makes us less safe,” he said. Frontrunner Donald Trump offered his own strategy for dealing with Islamic State extremists and President Assad: “Let them fight each other and pick up the remnants.”

Republican presidential candidates

Muslim schoolboy to meet Obama in White House

The home-made clock mistaken for a bomb. PHOTO AP

The Muslim teenager arrested for bringing his home-made clock into school which teachers claimed “looked like a

Military claims control of Burkina Faso amid unrest The military in Burkina Faso has taken to the airwaves to declare it now controls the country, confirming that a coup has taken place, just weeks before national elections. In the announcement aired early on Thursday on national television and radio, the statement said that the transitional government in the West African country had been dissolved. The statement came a day after members of the elite presidential guard unit of the military arrested the transitional president and

Foreign affairs were a central focus at Wednesday’s debate between Republican presidential contenders, each of whom argued that they offer the strongest alternative to what they see as the weak policies of President Barack Obama. The 11 leading candidates sparred over issues including how to deal with the Iran nuclear deal, a rising China and assertive Russia, and the Islamic State group. The Iran nuclear agreement, which has provoked widespread outrage in the Republican Party and is currently being reviewed by Congress, dominated much of the conversation. Texas Senator Ted Cruz took perhaps the most hawkish position against Iran. If he is elected

bomb” has said he will go to the White House to visit Barack Obama after the president extended an invite to him earlier in the day. Ahmed Mohamed, 14, received messages of support from across the globe today after an image of him being handcuffed and escorted out of MacArthur High School, in Irving, Texas, went viral. Among the outpouring of sympathy was a message from Obama inviting

Ahmed to bring his clock to the White House, an offer that the teenager said he would accept this evening. Speaking at a press conference on CBS, Ahmed also thanked Obama, Democrat Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg for their messages of support, saying he is “pleased” they oppose what happened to him. Obama had tweeted: “Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House? We

otherNEWS

would lead to inclusive journalist based in the prime minister. Ouagadougou, The communique read elections. The power grab capital by Lieutenant Colonel violated the country’s told Al Jazeera gunfire could be heard on the Mamadou Bamba criticised constitution. Fanny Noaro, a streets of the city. the electoral code, which blocked members of the ex-president’s party from taking part in the October 11 elections. Anyone who supported the ex-president’s bid to amend the constitution so he could seek another term is also banned from running. Bamba on Thursday announced the beginning People demonstrate near the presidential palace after soldiers of a “coherent, fair and arrested Burkina Faso’s transitional president and prime minister equitable process” that in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. PHOTO: AP

should inspire more kids like you to like science. It’s what makes America great.” Ahmed was arrested on Monday after he used old circuit boards and wires to create a digital clock and brought it into MacArthur High School to show his engineering teacher. While the engineering teacher approved, Ahmed got into trouble after the device started beeping while in an English class, and the second teacher mistook it for a bomb.

85 killed in South Sudan tanker blast

At least 85 people were killed in South Sudan when a crowd tried to gather fuel from an oil tanker that had veered off the road on its way to a region west of the capital Juba, the presidential spokesman said on Thursday. The incident took place on Wednesday as the truck was traveling to South’s Sudan’s Western Equatoria region. “Eight-five people are confirmed dead by the local authorities,” Ateny Wek Ateny, presidential spokesman, adding that about 50 people were seriously injured. Such incidents have

happened before in a region where fuel tankers often have to travel long distances along potholed roads and pass through poor communities. South Sudan has been mired in conflict since December 2013. Rebels and the government signed a peace deal in August, although the ceasefire has already been violated. Ateny said Wednesday’s incident was not related to the conflict. “This was an accident,” he said, adding the tanker had veered off the road and later exploded with a crowd around it.

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Friday, 18 September, 2015

Police donate trophy to Niger communities adelowo oladipo-minna

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose (right), presenting Staff of Office to the new Alasa of Ilasa-Ekiti, Oba Ajayi Oluwasesan Omolagba, while his wife, Olori Anike ( middle), watches during the inauguration of the Alasa at his palace in Ilasa-Ekiti, recently.

In its effort to curb youth restiveness in Minna and its environs, the Niger State Police Command has organised a football competition and donated a trophy to winners. The final which took place on Sunday at the late Bako Kotangora township stadium, Minna, was organised by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of “B Division” Paikoro Station, Sunday Osarollo (CSP). Eight communities, the police and vigilante teams participated. According to Osarollo, “the essence of organising the competition for communities within my jurisdiction is a concept borne out of our social responsibility. “The football competition is also intended to bring youths together. If you don’t give them a direction, they will go astray.

Ogun intensifies efforts to increase potable water by gbenga olumide

gun State government has stepped up measures towards increasing the supply of potable water across the state, particularly rural areas by constructing new water schemes and rehabilitating existing boreholes. A director in the state Ministry of Rural Development, Mr Abdul-Rasaq Ojetola, who stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Abeokuta, explained that government was committed to providing sufficient potable water to promote sanitation. Ojetola, in a statement signed by the Press Officer, Ministry of Rural Development, Mrs Sheun Makinde, added that the required infrastructure had been provided to improve the living standard of the people in all the 20 local government areas of the state. According to him, “amenities like potable water, rural electrification projects and construction of roads are being prioritised.” While discouraging rural-urban drift in the state, Ojetola said the existence of such projects in the coming months would surely create jobs, facilitate economic develop-

ment and improve standard of living. He added that about

23 communities across the three senatorial districts had benefited from

the provision of new motorised water schemes with each scheme com-

prising 7.5KVA generating plant, water tanks, stand pipes, fetching plat-

Udiroko festival: Ewi lauds Fayose’s support The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi 111, has commended the state governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, for the support given to the celebration of this year’s Udiroko Festival, saying the step has elevated the annual festival to the same level with others such as the Osun Osogbo Festival and the Argungu Fishing Festival. In a letter of appreciation dated September 16, 2015 addressed to the governor, the monarch said this year’s festival was unprecedented in the history of the town. In a statement in AdoEkiti, on Thursday, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Oba Adejugbe also commended Governor Fayose for the developmental projects his administration was executing in the town. “This year’s festival, needless to argue, is unprecedented in the annals of its celebration in Ado-Ekiti. The festival, with your involvement, is now on the same pedestal with the famous Argungu, Osun Osogbo and Ojude Oba festivals. We are

grateful and we pray that God will reward you for your support and love for us. “Your financial contribution, selfless service and dogged determina-

tion towards ensuring the completion of the palace pavilion is also praise worthy. Posterity will ever remain grateful to you for the completion of this project. “It is my fervent prayer

that God Almighty will continue to uphold you and enable Your Excellency to rule over a peaceful Ekiti State,” the letter read.

Ile-Oluji celebrates late monarch hakeem gbadamosi-akure

The people of Ile-Oluji in Ile Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have described the reign of the late traditional ruler of the town, Oba Suulade Adedugbe, as one of the most peaceful in the history of the land. The people made the declaration during a press conference organised to herald the final burial rites of the monarch, which was commenced yesterday. Speaking at the conference, the Chairman of the Regency Council and Lisa of Ile-Oluji, High Chief Akin Fagbamiye, said the community witnessed unprecedented development during the reign of Oba Adedugbe, saying he deserved to be celebrated. He listed some of the achievements recorded

in the last 20 years to include the uplifting and dignifying of the stool of Jegun as a first class traditional stool, creation of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area with headquarters at Ile-Oluji. Others include construction of Odundun City Hall, asphalt surfacing of major roads within the community, creation of Ile-Oluji Anglican Diocese, among others. Fagbamiye said: “To cap it all, he succeeded in the actualisation of his dream to have a tertiary institution established in Ile-Oluji which took off a month to his transition. “The many tributes showered on him after his transition testify to the special character of his person. He was hardworking, diligent, accommodating and a traditional ruler of uncommon integrity.”

Fagbamiye, however, said a four-day final burial rites have been put in place to bid the monarch farewell, saying the programme will kick-start with the riding of a white horse around the town by the daughter of the deceased monarch. He said two lectures would be delivered in his honour by eminent scholars. Other activities are jumat service, football competition and thanksgiving service, while a carnival procession of clubs, societies and cultural groups will hold at Gboluji Grammar School, Ile-Oluji, on Saturday, September 19. He, however, informed that the process of selecting a new monarch for the town will commence after 90 days of the demise of the late monarch, adding that the Jimoko ruling house had been notified to commence the process of selection.

This competition will discharge most of them from joining cult or other gangs. “We also considered the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects. I am sure the youths channelled their energies into the competition. Osarollo, who donated the trophy, disclosed that the police were in partnership with development partners like the DFID, who donated jerseys and other kits to the players. “I donated the trophy for the tournament which eight communities, including the police and vigilante group in my jurisdiction, participated in. I feel great because the youths are happy,” he said. Osarollo assured that the competition will be an annual event so that the youths can be engaged. “I also hope the state command will tap into this and make it command tournament where other Divisions can participate,” he added.

Teaching hospital provides free health services The management of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna State, on Thursday, said it had commenced provision of free health services to low income earners in its neighbouring communities. The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Professor Lawal Khalid, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria, that the services were being provided for indigenes of all the villages within and around the hospital’s immediate environment. The CMD said the hospital introduced the measure to assist the underprivileged suffering from different ailments. He said the humanitarian gesture was being conducted with the assistance of members of the public, who provided the fund, while the hospital provided the expertise. He, however, said that the treatment being provided only covered ailments that did not require major surgical operations. “We will follow people to their homes to assist but this does not mean they should desist from going to hospitals for this is just a humanitarian gesture,” he said.

45 news

Friday, 18 September, 2015

Lagos APC berates PDP over unguarded statements

HROUGH its Lagos State chapter, the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over what the ruling party called irrational hecklings and outlandish statements on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Accusing the PDP of plotting to pit the millions of Nigerians who voted for “change” in the last general election against the Federal Government by distracting the Buhari-led administration, the ruling party urged the rival party to bury its head in shame. According to APC, the rival party was dissipating its energies on a wasteful venture as Nigerians have not forgotten how PDP plundered the wealth of nation between 1999 and May 29. “For a PDP that totally destroyed the Nigerian economy and stole 16 years of the nation’s providential oil boom, to now mount a daily credo of rootless criticism of a regime that is working so hard to recover the country from PDP’s wasteful hang-over, shows that it is insulting the intelligence of Nigerians who roundly rejected it some months ago,” the party said in a statement by Lagos State spokesman, Joe Igbokwe. The party said that the shocking revelations of looting, corruption, plundering and impunity of the nation’s treasury by officials of PDP were enough to lead to the proscription of the party, wondering why PDP should believe it would make a headway distracting the Buhari- led government from rescuing

Nigeria. The statement reads: “We advise PDP to bear the burden of its corrupt acts as its pranks will not deter President Buhari from rescuing Nigeria from the pits dug by PDP. “We observe that rather than keep quiet as Nigerians brace up with the shocking details of its nefarious acts of public stealing and corruption, PDP has inundated the Nigerian space with spurious wolf crying as a way of

staving off prosecution for its many corrupt acts. “When it is not crying wolf, the PDP is making specious and ridiculous allegations of non- performance on a regime that has in three eventful months, cleared much of the debris of rot and decay it studiously built to wreck Nigeria in sixteen years of criminal leadership. “Lagos APC has, therefore, advised Nigerians to ignore the antics of PDP and rather ,ensure that the

party continues its retrogressive march to the grave for the grave sin it committed against Nigerians for sixteen harrowing years. “We urge Nigerians to continue to support President Buhari’s effort to clear the debris PDP heaped on Nigeria through very strict management of the resources of the country and through an anti-corruption battle that will dislodge the corrupt structures PDP employed to loot the country’s treasury.

Former lawmaker trains 500 in shoe making FORMER Lagos House of Assembly member, Honourable Babatunde Ayeni, has added to his list of empowered youths by announcing the commencement of training in shoe making for another set of 500 unemployed. The founder of F.B. Ayeni Foundation, a medium he is using to reduce unemployment among young people and alleviate poverty, made the disclosure recently at the graduation ceremony of the first batch of trainees in Computer Engineering and Desktop Publishing, which took place at his campaign office in Ilesa, Osun State. Honourable Ayeni, who is aspiring to become a member of the House of Representatives come 2019, advised the 500 graduating trainees in Computer Engineering and Desktop Publishing to make good use of all they had learnt so that the Foundation’s programmes would have the desired effect of turning them into employers of labour, instead of roaming the streets in search of scarce jobs and thereby

impacting the society positively. Ayeni stated further that those who have completed training in Computer Engineering and Desktop Publishing would receive certificates and that he would supervise them personally, while those now undergoing training in shoe making would spend two years. The former Lagos State lawmaker, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also disclosed that so far, he had

empowered over 2,000 youths while in Lagos but that he decided to bring the empowerment crusade home to allow his people benefit from the dividends of democracy, moreso, that he is hoping to represent them at the House of Representatives in the next political dispensation in the country. He debunked the rumour that he would not carry the leaders of his party along come 2019, stressing that he could not do otherwise but to toe the party line.

Oluwole Ige - Osogbo MEMBERS of Osun State Association of Medical and Dental Officers, (OSAMDO), on Thursday, issued 10 days ultimatum to the state government to pay all arrears of salaries and cooperative deductions owed them or risk indefinite strike. The association also maintained that the Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU), which leaders of the organised labour signed with the government, detailing how workers’ outstanding salaries and allowances will be paid, was not binding on their members. Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, the state chairman of the association, Dr Isiaka Adekunle, contended that OSAMDO was not part of NLC negotiations with government, stressing that “the dictates of the MoU cannot be binding on our members”. While demanding that machinery be set in motion for immediate implementation of the revised CONMESS circular for medical and dental officers in the state, he said that “state government must clear the arrears of hospital running cost and restore the provision for same as it is not possible to run a hospital without run-

SATURDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER, 2015

entertainment

Osun medical workers issue 10-day ultimatum over salary arrears ning cost”. According to Adekunle, “our association should be carried along in all subsequent negotiations of salaries and emoluments affecting our members as we are not members of NLC”, recalling that members of the association did not embark on strike before now due to hardship patients would face whenever hospitals are shut. He, however, cautioned that the poor working condition and non-payment of salaries to doctors was making them mentally unstable, saying that an unstable mind treating patients can be dangerous. Adekunle, who implored all concerned indigenes to intervene over their plight, said there was the need for all stakeholders to be alive to their responsibility of checking government whenever it is embarking on policies and programmes, capable of negating the interest and welfare of the citizenry.

N150

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The secrets of my success as gov of Western, Oyo States —Jemibewon

interview

Group calls for restructuring of Ibadan S/East LG APC By Moses Alao A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area,Oyo State, the APC Collectives, has called for the restructuring and repositioning of the party in the local government, saying that the party needed to be reinvigorated for future success, as the “high-handedness of the incumbent leadership is threatening the party.” The secretary of the group, Mr Ismail Aragbada, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, also accused the state secretary of the party, Mr Mojeed

Olaoya, of abuse of office and violation of the party’s constitution in the way he teamed up with the executive of the party in the local government to gag those challenging a former chairman of the local government for reported incompetence. According to Aragbada, the party secretary had connived with others to unilaterally suspend members because they were against the endorsement of Mr Najeemdeen Abass, for reappointment as the chairman of the local government, saying that the development was against APC constitution.

I don’t want to speculate about who looted Alamieyeseigha’s loot

I’m not sure I like being famous —Etomi Adesua

healthandfitness

How snakebites paralyse, kill Sucking out snake venom can be fatal

—Gov Dickson

newsfeature

Victims of Ifo, Ogun State demolition count losses

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Friday, 18 September, 2015

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When Adeyemi empowered students, opened constituency office in Oyo By Moses Alao

OR the son of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and member representing Atiba/ Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West Federal Constituency, Honourable Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, popularly known as Skimeh, public service is not new. Having served as the chairman of Atiba Local Government, for about seven years, with several unprecedented achievements across Oyo, the people paid him back by ditching an incumbent lawmaker to vote for him to represent them in the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Not one to take the people’s trust for granted, in his first week of as a member of the National Assembly, Adeyemi raised a people-oriented motion on the need for the House to compel the Federal Government to complete all abandoned projects, especially the Erelu Water Project in Oyo and the Oyo-Ogbomoso axis of the Ibadan-Ilorin expressway, which was started over 15 years ago. Barely 100 days in office, the lawmaker also returned to the constituency on Tuesday, 15 September, 2015, where he opened an office at the Durbar Area and also gave 100 GCE NECO forms to indigent students drawn from each ward and nominated by different associations in the community including the Nigerian Union of Teachers; transporters and religious organisations covering the three major religions, among others. Hon. Adeyemi, at the event attended by the Alaafin and the Oyomesi, as well as APC loyalists, called on constituents

to use the new constituency office to pass information, suggestions and requests to him, noting that his door would always be opened, because he has vowed to serve the people and to do everything for the development of Oyo. Speaking at the event, the Alaafin, who was praised for his love for Oyo and its upliftment especially in education, could not hide his elation, as he appreciated the APC leaders for the opportunity given to his son. Hon. Adeyemi expressed his gratitude to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, APC leaders and especially the people of Oyo, noting that apart from the 100 forms distributed to students and the extra-mural class for students in the four local governments in Oyo at the St Bernadine Secondary School, Oyo, beneficiaries who pass the examination would have access to scholarships. In attendance at the event were two wives of the Alaafin, Ayaba Mojisola Adeyemi and Ayaba Aishat Adeyemi; four of the Oyomesi including the Basorun of Oyo; the

Agbaakin of Oyo; the Samu of Oyo and the Lagunna of Oyo, among other many APC leaders.

1. The Alaafin of Oyo, His Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, flanked by his wives, Ayaba Mojisola (right) and Ayaba Aisha Folasade (left) and his son, a member representing Oyo Federal Constituency, Honourable Akeem Adeyemi (Skimeh), cutting the tape while commissioning Hon. Adeyemi’s constituency office at Durbar Stadium, Durbar, Oyo. 2. The Alaafin of Oyo, presenting a GCE form to one of the 100 beneficiaries drawn from the four local governments in Oyo to enjoy Hon. Adeyemi’s gesture on education 3. All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Oyo Federal Constituency, Chief Ayan Kolade (Oyo East); Chief S.O. Ogundiran (Afijio); Chief Akin Ojebode (Oyo West) and Chief S.M. Akindele (Atiba) and Hon. Adeyemi, at the event.

We are banking on Buhari to deal with leadership problem — Olu of Sakura Oba Adesoye Adesanya, the Olu of Sakura, Sagamu, crowned about three years ago is a well-travelled personality. He is also a board member of Ogun State Cooperative Federation. He speaks on issues surrounding his reign and community. Excerpts:

IGERIA is currently facing some challenges especially economic problems. Some people are of the opinion that these challenges are there because we don’t pray enough, while some said we are lagging behind due to poor leadership. As a royal father, what is your submission? The problems of Nigeria are rooted in dishonesty, many people go to churches and mosques to pray but they are very dishonest; everybody is looking for money. The reality is that the so-called religious/leaders are the ones behind some of our problems. I believe God will answer our prayers. There is hope once the leadership gets it right. We are hoping that President Muhammadu Buhari will do the right thing and take us to the promised land. Recently there was this rumour that you died... That was not the first time that such rumour will be flying around. The irony is that in Yorubaland if they carried that kind of rumour, the person involved will live long. I am sure by God grace, l will live long. I am not surprised about the rumours. Back then almost three years ago, how did you feel when you were selected as the Olu of Sakura? Well, I bless name of the living God because it is by his Grace, not by my power or might to be chosen among my family members as the Olu of Sakura. Having said that, I see it is a shared grace and favour from God. It is God’s doing. I feel happy; it is a call to serve.

Since it is a call to serve, how do you intend to put Sakora town on the world map? With the cooperation of my chiefs, Sakora has come a long way and we have touched many lives by way of conceptualising several development projects like a befitting palace, electricity installations by which we are fixing new concrete poles and formerly the road was very bad but I used my connections and money which is almost N2million to fix the road from Sakora to Osigede and Ladejobi. Hon Ladi Adebutu supported us with electric poles and we cooperated with nearby communities to install our electricity supply. From your own point of view, do you think your efforts have touched lives? It is on record that Sakura Community has touched many lives and we intend to do more. Why do you think it is necessary for the people of the town to be involved in the development of the town? I used to tell them that there is no place like home; they need to join the moving train and it is my prayer that God will touch everyone of them to be able to make meaningful contributions to the development of the town. What is the community looking up to Ogun state government for? We deserved to have been coronated and put in the Ogun State gazette of traditional council. We need a programme that will encourage youths and create jobs for my people

Adesanya who are mostly farmers. They specialise in production of gari. Their gari is the best in the market. We need assistance to have boreholes and toilets. The school here, Offin High School has 450 students and 50 teachers. Sakura is the town that links Remo with ljebuland; we need a health centre and renovation of our primary school. Developers will cheap land here if they come. What is your view on the administration of Senator lbikunle Amosun? Senator lbikunle Amosun’s administration has done well in terms of infrastructure, it is superb and security is excellent. Also he has touched other sectors like education, health and promotion of grassroots development. His performance in Ogun State is unquantifiable and I hope other governors in the country should emulate him.

47 tribunesport

Friday, 18 September, 2015 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Rivers Angels lament transfer of Oshoala, others overseas RIVERS Angels team manager, Matilda Otuene has cried out that her team have not benefited from the transfer of their stars overseas. The following Rivers Angels players have moved overseas recently: Assisat Oshoala (Liverpool), Cathy Bou Ndjou and Uchechi Sunday (both of FC Minsk, Belarus), Ngozi Ebere (PSG, France), Francesca Ordega and Josephine Chukwunonye (Washington Spirit, USA), Nwabaoku Evelyn (KIIS Kazygot, Kazakstan), Addo

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

Niyi Alebiosu

reporting

Oshoala

NSC will give home-grown athletes more support —Yakmut

HE Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmut says that home-grown athletes will have equal rights as the athletes in the diaspora. Speaking with Nigerian journal-

ists covering the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Brazzaville on Wednesday night at the Makelele Sports Complex, Yakmut said that the NSC believed so much in the ability of home-grown athletes and will treat them equally with those outside the country.

Moses is future EPL star —West Ham boss WEST Ham manager, Slaven Bilic has said Victor Moses could go on to become a top star in the English Premier League if he settles down at the London club. Nigeria international Victor Moses is on loan to West Ham from Chelsea. This is his third loan in as many seasons after such stints at Liverpool and Stoke City. He shone on his West Ham debut against Newcastle United on Monday

Victor Moses (right) with Slaven Bilic.

night and he is set to start at Manchester City this weekend. An impressed Bilic has now said he hopes Moses’ West Ham arrangement could become long term for the player to establish himself in the EPL. “Victor Moses is a class player. He hasn’t had continuity at one club. He didn’t make it at Chelsea, maybe he didn’t make it at Liverpool - which is hard,” Bilic said.

“For any athlete in the diaspora to get into Team Nigeria ahead of the homegrown athlete, such an athlete must have good character that will not give the country a bad name, his or her family tie with the country must be confirmed and above all, such athlete must come to Nigeria for our trials and he or she must perform creditably at the trials

to make the team because we shall not encourage dirty game,” the former national volleyball player said. He Stated that “the Commission will not over pamper athletes in the diaspora over the home-grown in terms of incentives, they will get the same allowance because they are all representing the country at the same games or championship.”

Dream Team wins consolatory bronze NIGERIA’S Dream Team ended their campaign at the 11th All Africa Games on a fair note as they defeated hosts the Red Devils of the Congo 5-3 via penalties to clinch the bronze medal of the competition. The match decided at the at Stade Massamba deba had ended in a barren situation at regulation time before the Samson Siasia-piloted side carried the day largely through the heroics of goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel as well as Christian Pyagbara who scored the last kick for Nigeria. Daniel was the hero of the match when he saved Sagesse Babele’s kick, while

Etor Daniel, Sodiq Atanda, Kingsley Sokari, Erhun Obanor and Christian Pyagbara had converted their kicks. The Nigerian team had in the 32nd minute of the game wasted a gilt-edged chance as Mustapha Abdullahi who faced had a one-on-one situation with the Congolese goalkeeper, but he decided to pass the ball for Junior Ajayi to finish, but the latter shot wide off target. Speaking after the match, Siasia not pleased with the loss of the Dream Team in the semi-final to Burkina Faso said his team will have to work on its scoring ability.

Elizabeth and Ebere Orji (both of Ferencverosi, Hungary). “It’s very painful to see these players leave the club for Europe and America after lots of efforts to make them what they are without getting any monetary reward,” Otuene told AfricanFootball.com “We can’t hold the players back because we need them to grow so as to meet up the international standard when representing the National teams.”

I’ve not joined any team— Manu Garba FORMER Nigeria’s U-20 coach Manu Garba has refuted reports that he has joined Nigeria Professional Football League outfit, Giwa FC. Contrary to the announcement of the Jos Elephants on Thursday that the former Flying Eagles trainer has replaced former coach Aminu Musa who resigned for personal reasons on Wednesday. The club tweeted on Thursday morning that “Former U20 head coach Many Garba is now coach of Giwa FC. The gaffer was introduced to the team Wednesday evening.” But Garba, who led the Flying Eagles to a Round of 16 finish at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup after winning the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup with the Golden Eaglets, has denied reports of his move to Giwa. “Congratulations about what? No, I have not joined Giwa. It is not true. I have made it categorically known to any team that wants to have me about what I want,” Garba told Goal.

Oduduru wins 200m silver COTE D’IVOIRE duo of Koffy Wifried Hua and Marie Jose Talou emerged winners of the men and women’s 200m titles respectively on the final day of athletics competition at the 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville as Nigerian sprinters faded away once again. Hua took full advantage of the absence of Beijing 2015 IAAF World Championships bronze medal winner, South Africa’s Anaso Jobodwana to win his first individual African Games gold. Hua ran 20.42 seconds to ensure a second successive Games without a sprint gold by Nigeria who had three men in the final. Junior international Divine Oduduru ran a new personal best of 20.45 seconds to win the silver, while reigning national champion, Tega Odele, won the bronze medal in 20.58 seconds. Metu, bronze medallist eight years ago in Algeria, came fourth in 20.74 seconds. In the women’s version, Talou, semifinalist at the last IAAF World Championships, ran 22.57 seconds to win the gold to successfully complete a sprints double and in the process become the fifth woman in Games’ history to win a 100m/200m double.

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NO 16,330

FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Brazzaville 2015: Nwosu, Samson win

Nigerians put pressure on Okagbare

powerlifting, long jump gold

TEAM Nigeria continues its dominance in the powerlifting event of the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville as Ndidi Nwosu clinched the gold at the event decided at the Ornano Sports Complex, Brazzaville. Also on Thursday, Samson Idiata won the gold in the long jump with a jump of 7.82metres. Nwosu lifted 132kg in 73kg category to set a new African record in her first appearance at the All Africa Games.

No grudge against Oliseh —Ighalo

—Chioma Ajunwa

By Olawale Olaniyan NIGERIA international, Odion Ighalo is looking forward to getting a call up back to the Super Eagles, hoping that his exploits in the English Premier League would do the magic. The Watford star said he bears no grudges against Nigeria head coach, Sunday Oliseh, for excluding him from the squad which played 0-0 with Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in a 2017 AFCON qualifier. “Sunday Oliseh was one of those I loved to watch when he captained Nigeria. He is now my boss. He is in charge of the Super Eagles. I believe I am still part of the team but he can’t call everyone at the same time. All I have to do is work hard and keep believing God and when the time is right I will get my chance again. “Yes, I’m not disappointed but only because I love playing for my country but not disappointed in the decision. I was praying for the team as they played Tanzania. I want to play at the African Cup of Nations and I am always ready to help us to get there,” he told supersport.com. The former Lyn Oslo of Norway striker who is having two goals from five EPL games this season stated that he savours playing for his fatherland. “Only those who have become internationals can understand the feelings you get when the national anthem starts to play before matches. For Nigeria where we are over 100 million people and I am chosen to play it means, I have no choice but to play on behalf of my family and my friends so that Nigeria gets the victory,” said Ighalo, whose solitary strike last weekend earned Watford three points against Swansea.

By Ganiyu Salman

Okagbare

Brazzaville 2015: Onyegbule claims second gold

Onyegbule (left) with her track guide

N150

A club in Rwanda recently sacked a Nigerian coach who claimed to have possessed a CAF B coaching Licence three days after his appointment when he failed to produce the original copy of his certificate. Perhaps, he thought that coaching the players to win is only the club’s target after all, he is not employed to lecture the players in the classroom.

TEAM Nigeria’s Lovina Onyegbule on Thursday clinched her second gold medal at the ongoing 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville when she won in the T11 (physically challenged) athletics. Onyegbule, who had on Wednesday won her first gold medal in the 200m T12 at Brazzaville 2015 also triumphed in the 100m T11 when she returned in a time of 12.52 seconds. Ivorian F.B Diasso settled for the silver medal while E.Gilcaso grabbed the bronze. Onyegbule celebrated her victory wildly as the effort will earn her $4,000 as largesse from the National Sports Commission (NSC). “I’m happy to have won another gold medal. I thank everybody who has supported me including my coach, Adekunle Adesoji, this is a moment to remember in my career,” the double gold medallist said.

TLANTA ‘96 Olympic gold medallist, Chioma Ajunwa has declared that Nigerians put too much pressure on sensational sprinter, Blessing Okagbare, just as she charged the authorities to look inwards in having potential medallists in major competitions. Ajunwa while speaking with Tribunesport against the dismal performance of Nigeria which failed to win a medal at the just-ended 15th IAAF World Athletics Championship, Beijing 2015, noted that it did not come to her as a surprise. “Is it a new thing? That was a world championship and not African thing. The problem is that Nigeria does not prepare her athletes well to win medals and if you invest, definitely, you would make profit. “Going for a competition is a thing of the mind, when you go for a competition and psychologically you are not sound, you can’t achieve much, but if you are psychologically and physically prepared, the result will definitely show,” Ajunwa who won the long jump gold at the 1996 Olympic said. The former Super Falcons player stated that the overreliance on an individual is a burden to the athlete as well. “I believe in a country of blind people, a one-eyed man is always the king. We don’t need to bank on a particular athlete in a competition of that magnitude. If anything happens, that means, the hope of the country to win medals has been dashed. So that is why it is pertinent for us to go back to the grassroots and begin to discover fresh talents as many as we can, and start preparing them for future competitions. “Okagbare has tried for this country. The truth of the matter is that when people bank heavily on a particular athlete, psychologically, it will tell on the athlete and while the athlete is trying to meet the expectations of Nigerians, she can make a nasty mistake that could cost her the race. I believe Okagbare was under intense pressure during the games in Beijing, the expectations were too much and we have to understand that she is human. “Had it been we went with so many potential medallists, she will not feel the heat. I think we have to learn a lesson from our performance in Beijing 2015. “Of course yes, she (Okagbare) could have withdrawn from the 200m event due to the pressure as I said because she did not want to disappoint Nigerians having finished last in the 100m final,” Ajunwa explained.

11th ALL AFRICA GAMES

SEPT. 4 - 19, 2015

Niyi Alebiosu

reporting

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. Ag. EDITOR: TINU AYANNIYI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 18/9/2015.