19th February 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,440

FRIDAY, 19 FEBRUARY, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

15 Kogi lawmakers relocate to Abuja, serve impeachment notice on dep gov •Police seal off assembly complex •Count me out of the crisis —Bello

—P6

Nigerian Tribune

Traders resist planned demolition of Ladipo market —P9

@nigeriantribune

Amnesty Int'l documents over 20,000 extra-judicial executions in Nigeria —P4

Nigerian Tribune

N150

Auditor-General disagrees with Buhari •Says 2016 budget not based on zero budget system —P4

Nigeria's economy dwindling —Yoruba leaders •Convene emergency conference now, Soyinka tells Buhari •FG, states meet on emerging socio-economic issues

—P3

Nigerians should prepare for total blackout if... —DISCOs —P10

EFCC approaches court to seize Tompolo's property —P36

Modu Sheriff to complete Mu'azu's tenure —PDP govs From left, Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, during a courtesy call on the vice-president by traditional rulers and elders from Remoland, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

•New PDP chairman will work for us in 2019 —Kano gov —P12

2

Friday, 19 February,

YORUBA UNITY FORUM (YUF) GENERAL MEETING IN PICTURES

Nigerian Tribune PHOTOS: D’TOYIN

From left, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Right Reverend Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu and Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, observing a-minute silence in honour of the chairman, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, during the general meeting of forum held at Awolowo’s residence, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Thursday.

From right, Senator Tony Adefuye, Chief Emmanuel Adelana and Honourable Moshood Adegoke Salvador.

From left, Chief Akin Omojola; Senator Omololu Meroyi and Chief Oladipo Jimilehin.

Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu and Senator Okurounmu.

From right, Right Reverend Gbonigi, Mr Aramide Tola Noibi and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu

From left, Right Reverend Gbonigi, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu and former Lagos State deputy governor, Senator Bucknor-Akerele.

Professor Femi Otubanjo (left) and Chief Ishola Filani (right).

Prince Doyin Adebayo and Barrister Gbenga Omiwole (right).

From left, Chief J. Bola Emiabata, Otunba Gbolade Osunkoya (middle) and Omoba Gbenga Osinowo.

Cross section of participants at the meeting.

3

news

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigeria’s economy dwindling —Yoruba leaders Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

Y

ORUBA Unity Forum (YUF), a nonpolitical body, on Thursday, raised the alarm over the dwindling economic situation in the country and called for urgent steps to salvage the situation.

The forum, at its general meeting, held at the Efunyela Hall, Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, urged the Federal Government to act fast by putting necessary measures in place to restore investors’ confidence in the economy.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, YUF expressed displeasure over the deteriorating state of the economy, increasing disinvestment, youth unemployment and rapid falling exchange rate of the naira to the US dollar.

The forum said government, in view of the precarious state of the economy, advocated that prerequisite of account of public functionaries, elected or appointed, be drastically reduced.

It also urged the Federal Government to reduce the size of government and revamp this year’s budget, with emphasis on capital projects and lesser on nonproductive expenditure.

YUF also advised government to reduce importation of non-essential goods and encourage homemade goods and consume ones produced in the country.

It emphasised the need for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to commence the implementation of the 2014 National Conference.

The communique read in part: “That emphasis should, henceforth, be placed on the use of local engineers and artisans in the building of the nation’s infrastructural projects, to provide gainful employment for millions of unemployed youths.

“That a single exchange rate of the naira be determined, to replace the present official and black market rates, in order to prevent round-tripping by those who have access to official foreign exchange.

“Government programme on diversification of the economy should give prime position to agriculture, solid minerals development and revamping of ailing industries.”

Earlier in his opening address, vice chairman of the forum, The Right Reverend Emmanuel Gbonigi (retd),

said 2016 would be a challenging one, in view of the economic downturn.

Gbonigi noted that the fall in naira against the US dollar had made foreign exchange difficult for manufacturers to obtain at official rate, submitting that the economy should be given desired attention in the interest of the country.

He also lamented the declining revenue accrued to the three tiers of government as a result of the fall in oil price at the world market, advising Buhari’s government to consider di-

versification of the economy from oil to agriculture and establishment of agro-allied industries.

He said millions of jobs were under threat, if the economic situation was not attended to promptly.

“2016 will certainly be very challenging for our country, and indeed, for us, the citizens. With the US dollars exchanging in the parallel market for over N300 and foreign exchange difficult to obtain at the official rate by manufacturers, it is clear that the economy if not given the desired attention

may begin to shrink leading to massive job losses.

“Also, very disturbing is the declining revenue accuring to all tiers of government and in particular, the states and local government as a result of the fall in the price of crude oil. Even with the bailout, many states had still been unable to pay salaries for several months.

Equally threatening to go spiral is the raising rate of inflation, resulting from the steady but unofficial devaluation of the naira.

I, therefore, call on the managers of the Nigerian

economy to act decisively, by putting in place necessary measures to restore investors’ confidence in the economy and save millions of jobs currently under threat.

“In this regard, the forum recommends that the programme to diversify the economy of the nation should give prime position to agriculture and the establishment of agro-allied industries to add value to our farm products.

“In addition, solid minerals development and the revamping of our ailing industries should also receive

From left, Senator Femi Okurounmu; Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Right Reverend Bolanle Gbonigi (retd); Senator Tony Adefuye and a former Lagos State deputy governor, Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele, during the general meeting of Yoruba Unity Forum, held at the Awolowos’ residence, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Thursday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN

increased attention. I wish here to single out the textile industry as an example of an industry which has the capacity, of not only restoring in less than one year, tens of thousands of jobs lost earlier in the century, but also able to add tens of billions of naira to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.”

The forum also threw its weight behind the anti-corruption war of Buhari,warning that the war should not be selective and that there should not be sacred cows.

Gbonigi also announced to the meeting the appointment of the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as the new Patron of the forum.

The meeting observed a minute silence in honour of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, who was until her death, the chairman of YUF and the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

Other highlights of the meeting was the election of Bishop Gbonigi as the substantive chairman of the forum, following the death of Mama Awolowo, while Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (retd) is the new deputy chairman.

Three vice chairmen were also elected, among whom were Senator Femi Okurounmu, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu.

Convene emergency economic conference now, Soyinka tells Buhari Christian Okeke - Abuja NOBEL Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Thursday, said President Muhammadu Buhari should convene an emergency economic conference that will have experts in attendance, to chart the way forward for the stressed economy of the country.

He proposed that consumers, producers, labour unions, university experts, including professors, among others, should be invited to the conference, with a view to addressing the current economic challenges facing the country.

Speaking while exchanging views with the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in his office, in Abuja, Soyinka said “I think we really need an emergency economic conference, a rescue operation, bringing as many heads as possible together, to plot the way forward.”

He blamed the current economic situation in the country on years of bad governance.

The scholar insisted that economic condition of a nation and a people did not deteriotate overnight, noting that something came before that deterioration.

Soyinka blamed the deterioration of the economy on what he described as a certain prolonged and unchecked process of attrition.

According to him, citizens should not expect a quick turnaround of the economy.

He said: “Recovery is going to take quite a while.

The president should call an emergency economic conference, with experts to be invited.

“I think we really need an emergency economic con-

ference, a rescue operation bringing as many heads as possible together to plot the way forward,” he said.

On the ongoing war against corruption, Professor Soyinka said that the Federal Government must remain resolute in the fight.

He commended the efforts taken so far in that

regard, but urged the government to pursue the anticorruption battle within the confines of the law.

Soyinka urged Buhari to recover stolen funds and punish those who he said robbed the nation with contempt and were responsible for the impoverishment of the country.

FG, states meet on emerging socio-economic issues Clement Idoko - Abuja THE Federal Government, on Thursday, in Abuja, met with Commissioners for Economic Planning and Budget matters from various states of the federation to address emerging Socioeconomic policy issues in the country.

The meeting was held at the instance of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, a statement by Mr James Akadem, said.

It was the first of such meetings, which is intended to be held quarterly, to exchange views and compare

notes and address socioeconomic issues, with a view to improving the state of the Nigerian economy and the well-being of the people.

The minister said the meeting was also designed to review the extent of implementation of the resolutions reached at the Joint Planning Board (JPB)/ National Council on Development Planning (NCDP), held in Awka, the Anambra State capital, in October, last year.

According him, the theme of the meeting: “Addressing emerging socio-economic issues’’ is apt and timely, as it has come at a time the country was experiencing

dwindling revenues, occasioned by the declining price of crude oil in the international market.

Senator Udoma noted that this development had resulted in government, at all levels, finding it difficult to meet certain financial obligations, a situation he said could hurt the national development process.

He was optimistic, however, that a close working relationship between the federal and state governments could create a better atmosphere for the articulation of policy measures, aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing overdependence on

the oil sector.

“I am pleased to inform you that the current administration is taking steps to address the various socio- economic challenges in the country. For example, a new approach to strategic planning and budgeting has been introduced. At the operational level, we have adopted the Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) system to ensure prudence in the allocation of resources.

“This is to enable us focus on priorities and the delivery of credible public outcomes. We are equally continues pg7

4

news

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Auditor-General disagrees with Buhari on 2016 budget •Says budget not based on zero budget system Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

T

HE Auditor-General of the Federation ( AGF), Samuel Ukura, on Thursday, contradicted President Muhammadu Buhari’s claims that the 2016 budget was based on zero-based budget template, insisting that the budget was based on the existing envelope system.

Ukura, speaking while appearing before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, headed by Senator Andy Uba, said the template adopted in preparing the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget estimates was the envelope system and not the zero-based budget system earlier announced by President Buhari’s during the presentation on December 22, 2015.

He said though the earlier intention by the present government was to adopt the zero-based budgeting template, the realities on ground later forced it to adopt the usual envelopebased budgeting system.

The Auditor General explained that even the N2.9 billion budget estimates of his office for the year was not arrived at through zero budgeting, but handed over to them as an envelope by the Ministry of Finance.

“Budgets of all ministries, departments and agencies of government this year are all envelope-based and not

zero-based as it has been the case over the years, including that of my office, which is even largely done for us by the supervising ministry.

“In zero-based budgeting, it is assumed that such expenditure does not exist, you start from zero and justify why that expenditure

must be used. It is a system which is good and which would has also helped to set targets, but that wasn’t applied at the end of the day, perhaps, because it was hurriedly being introduced,” he said.

However, Senators Akpan Bassey and Foster Ogala reminded him that his sub-

mission on the 2016 budget template ran contrary to the presentation by President Buhari during the joint session of the National Assembly on December 22.

Ukura was also taken up by the committee members on why his office had not deemed it fit to audit the account of Department of Pe-

You can’t probe me, Marafa writes Senate committee Taiwo Adisa and Ayo Adesanmi -Abuja

From left, wife of the Vice President, Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo; wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari and Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, at the birthday celebration of the wife of the president, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Amnesty Int’l documents over 20,000 extra-judicial execution in Nigeria Chris Agbambu -Abuja

THE Amnesty International, on Thursday, disclosed that it has documented over 20,000 solemn cases of extra-judicial execution in Nigeria.

Head of delegation of Amnesty International and Advocacy, Netsanet Belay, who announced this during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, LieutenantGeneral Tukur Burarai and principal officers, at Army Headquarters, said the body believed that over 1,200 men and boys might have been extra-judicially executed since 2012.

According to the body, there was serious concern that the military was implicated in committing serious forms of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity.

Belay, who is also the Amnesty International’s Research and Advocacy and Director for Africa, noted that the body did not make allegations if are not absolutely sure, but added that it had been documenting for several years, systematic forms of violation of human rights and international human rights laws in Nigeria.

While condemning Boko Haram attacks on both the civilians and soldiers, Be-

troleum Resources (DPR) for always budgeting N32 billion for recurrent expenditure covering staff strength of about 1,400 the same staff strength of the AGF’s office which has N1.8 billion as its votes for recurrent expenditure.

The senators also expressed surprise that not a single audit query was raised from the SGF’s office in the face of widespread cases of graft being carried out in various government offices through budget padding under recurrent and overhead votes.

lay said “we believe and we strongly believe that there is strong evidence which indicates that there is systematic violation of human rights and international human right laws by the Nigerian military in its operations against Boko Haram.”

He also made reference to the published book on human rights violation during the military operations in the North-East and the assurances by President Muhammadu Buhari that all allegations of rights violations against the military would be duly investigated

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, in his remarks, had noted that those issues which the Amnesty had already raised were being addressed, adding that “all these allegations against the military, we will tell you what happened, we have pictures, we will go into a

closed door session.”

According to him, the military had established a human rights desk, adding that it had initially established a contact group between the Nigerian Army and the National Human Rights Commission.

Reps query DPR over N30.570bn overhead cost Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja

THE House Committee on Petroleum Resources, on Thursday, queried the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) over N30.570 billion overhead cost it proposed in the 2016 appropriation bill.

The committee, during the DPR budget defence, demanded for the nominal roll of the agency, as well as three years’ audited accounts with the view to ascertaining details of revenue generated within the years under review.

Members of the committee also queried the sum of N624,742,774 proposed for acquisition of non-tangible assets; N183.294 million for purchase of fire fighting equipment, N184,820,226 for purchase of furniture and fittings and N80.328 for construction/provision of fixed assets.

The lawmakers also frowned on the sum of N16,856,642,764.47 proposed for benefits and allowances in 2016 and N16,946,912,541.50 approved in 2015 Appropriation Act for the agency with 1,180 staff.

According to the committee, average of N25 million was being taking by each staff per annum, while the sum of N34 million was

proposed for refreshment and meal by the agency.

Responding to questions from the committee on the internally generated revenue of the agency, DPR’s Assistant Director, Budget and Planning, Mr Wole Akinyosoye, disclosed that the total sum of N587,643,105,395.23 realised by the agency in 2015 was remitted to the Federation Account.

In a related development, the House Committee on FCT Area Council and Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by Zephaniah Jisalo, urged Muhammad Bello, FCT Minister, on the need to ensure adequate provision of critical infrastructure in the satellite towns in the bid to reduce congestion in the city center.

Oil industry will soon bounce back —Petroleum Minister Jude Ossai -Enugu

MINISTER of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, has said he is optimistic that despite the crash in oil price in the global market, the oil industry will still rise again.

Dr Kachikwu made this known on Thursday, while delivering the 45th convo-

cation lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), entitled: “The Petroleum Industry and the future of Nigerian nation.”

The minister lamented that the price of oil had remained unpredictable but expressed the hope that in the future, it would not be bleak because the price might appreciate.

He said the oil industry in

Nigeria was bedevilled by a lot of factors, among which is what he termed individuals working against the growth of the industry.

According to him, one other problems besetting the industry is the huge cost of production, saying that the cost of importing oil to the country ranked the highest in the world.

THE senator representing Zamfara Central senatorial district, Senator Kabir Marafa, has written the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition, telling the committee that it cannot probe him over his comments on Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, because the case is in court.

He said his comments indicating that the Senate President should resign could not come up before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, because he had already dragged the Senate to court.

Marafa’s letter, which was written by his lawyer, Ademuyiwa and Adeniyi and Co, dated February 18, 2016, pointed out that a case was pending before an Abuja High Court against the alleged illegal composition of 65 Senate committees, insisting that until that case was determined, the Senate could not investigate or try him.

“In the light of the above and being cognisance of the fact that the legality of the committees amongst which is the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, it would be out of place for our client to be arraigned, tried, and has his fate determined both by the said committee and whatever the recommendation of the committee might be presided over by your Excellency without infracting the fair hearing rule ‘Nemo Judex in Causa sua’ meaning that ‘a person cannot be a judge in his own case’.

“Obviously, our clients cannot under this circumstance have a fair hearing,” the letter read.

news Arms deal: Metuh gets nod to file no-case submission 5

Sunday Ejike-Abuja

J

USTICE Okon Abang, on Thursday, granted leave to the national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, to file a no-case submission in the seven-count amended charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Metuh and his company, Destra Investment Limited, are standing trial for allegedly receiving N400 million, part of the money meant for the procurement of arms, from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in November, 2014.

The trial Judge, in his ruling on Metuh’s application for the no-case submission, filed through his counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, held that, “I have considered the application by the defendant that he wants to argue a no-case application.

“It is my view that counsel for the defendant is in control of his brief. He is at liberty to make any decision in the interest of his client. He is also at liberty to argue the no-case application,” Justice Abang held.

He ordered the defence counsel to file and exchange his no-case application before close of work on Thursday and directed parties in the matter to file and exchange their written addresses for and against the no-case application.

Upon receipt of the prosecution’s address, the judge gave the defendant 24 hours to reply on a point of law and adjourned the matter till February 25, 2016 by 12 noon for the adoption of written addresses for and against the no-case application of the defendant.

Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, said the amended charge was harmless, as it was to only take care of some elements of the offences for which Metuh was charged.

A witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC), Junaidu Sa’id, had earlier told the court how $47million was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and disbursed to the PDP members, including the party’s spokesman, Metuh, for the purpose of the party’s presidential campaign.

Sa’id, an investigative officer with the anti-graft agency, led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus, said the $47 million withdrawn by Dasuki from the CBN was traced to the $2 million paid to

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Destra Investment Limited belonging to Metuh.

According to him, the $2 million allegedly laundered by the PDP spokesman was strongly linked to the said withdrawal and added that, “out of the N400 million that was fraudulently transferred to Metuh and his company by the former NSA, the accused person kept N50 million for himself.”

Under cross examination by the defence counsel,

the witness said Metuh had written in his statement that the monies he received from the office of the former NSA was for campaign activities as approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan and for the payment of his personal debt.

After his testimony, the prosecution counsel, Tahir, told the court that it was closing its case, after eight of the prosecution witnesses had testified

since the trial began and the trial judge adjourned the case till Thursday for the defence to open its case, which was not possible, owing to the filing of an amended charge by the prosecution.

EFCC, in its charge against Metuh, who was arraigned alongside his firm, Destra Investments Limited, alleged that he received N400 million, part of the money meant for the procurement of arms, from

the Office of the NSA in November 2014.

One of the charges read in part: “That you Olisah Metuh and Destra Investment Limited on or about the 24th day of November, 2014, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the court, took possession of N400 million paid into Destra Investment Limited account with Diamond Bank PLC, account number: 0040437573 from the account of the Office of the

NSA without contract award when you reasonably ought to know that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity of Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd), then NSA (to wit: criminal breach of trust and corruption) and, thereby, committed an offence contrary to Section 152(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

No escape route for corrupt Nigerians —EFCC Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared that the renewed anticorruption fight will ensure no escape route for any indicted Nigerian.

This was as the antigraft body disclosed that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that Nigerians who stole public funds and took them abroad would be forced back home and prosecuted.

EFCC’s Zonal Head, South-South, Mr Ishaq

Salihu, made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting with pipeline surveillance contractors, organised by the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

According to him, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had demonstrated strong political will to fight corruption, even as he recommended stiffer penalties for whoever was guilty of corrupt practices.

He said the Federal

Government had signed a pact with the government of the United Arab Emirate (UAE) to ensure that Nigerians who stole the nation’s money to purchase any item in Dubai would be sent back home and prosecuted.

“There is now a political will to fight corruption.

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has shown this.

We went to Dubai and signed a treaty that all those who took the nation’s money and bought items would be brought back home and prosecut-

ed.

“Those involved in corruption should be made to face stiffer punishment. Only very few in the country are getting what should be used for the development of this country.

“Now, there is a deliberate shift and anybody that does not believe that the narrative has changed is living in a dreamland. We can stem the tide of corruption by giving timely information to the EFCC and other security agencies.

“When you see a per-

Not all Nigerian lawyers are corrupt —Femi Falana Ayomide Owonibi OdekaninLagos

HUMAN Rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, on Thursday, categorically stated that majority of Nigerian lawyers were people of integrity and were willing to work with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its fight against corrupt individuals.

Falana, who said this on Thursday, at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Association of Democratic Lawyers, urged the acting EFCC chairman, Ibrahim

Magu, not to make general statement that all Nigerian lawyers were corrupt, adding that the commission could not survive in its duty without inputs of lawyers.

He, however, said he and his colleagues were embarrassed when senior lawyers connived with judges in order to pervert the course of justice.

He assured the EFCC chairman that majority of Nigerian lawyers were solidly behind the commission should anybody/ group decide to harass or intimidate the commission.

Responding, the EFCC chairman vowed not to relent in the fight against corruption, adding that it would be a great honour for him to die while fighting corrupt people in the country.

According to him, what happened recently when about 33 senior Advocates of Nigeria stormed a Lagos High Court in defence of Rickey Tarfa was an indication that corruption was fighting back.

He, however, warned that nothing would prevent the EFCC, under his leadership, from carrying out its statutory duties.

Olugbo denies arrest by EFCC Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

THE Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, in the oil-rich coastal area of Ondo State, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, on Thursday, denied reports that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) over money laundering and financial crimes.

The traditional ruler was reportedly arrested, questioned by the EFCC, by an online report linking him to be one of the benefactors of the fuel subsidy scam.

Reacting to the report, Oba Akinruntan ex-

pressed surprise over his alleged invitation and arrest by the EFCC, saying the anti-graft agency never invited or arrested him.

He said: “I am hearing this from you for the first time. I am not in the EFCC custody and they have never invited me.

“I am on my way to Ugbo from Lagos. I left Lagos this morning and I’m presently in Ijebu Ode, on my way to Ugbo. This is the handiwork of my detractors.

“I am a law-abiding Nigerian and I see this as an attempt to smear my image. I am not arrested or invited by the EFCC. This

is unfounded, untrue and I see this as a calculated attempt to dent my image.”

Oba Akinruntan, also known as Obat, is the chairman of Obat Oil Limited and the paramount ruler of Ugbo kingdom.

An online media has reported that the traditional ruler was initially questioned on Friday, February 12, where he was directed to return on Monday, February 15, to face more questioning, saying agents of the commission were looking into the traditional ruler’s involvement in money laundering scheme and other financial crimes.

“We know that corruption is fighting back and we are prepared to fight them, it is a fight to the finish. I prefer to die fighting corruption,” he stated.

He added that some senior lawyers had constituted themselves into a block to fight the commission, because they were beneficiaries of stolen money.

Magu reiterated his earlier statement that rather for some senior lawyers to help the commission to recover looted money, they had decided to thwart the efforts of government in that direction.

The EFCC boss also disclosed that aside from the widely-publicised case against Tarfa , the commission had taken several lawyers to court, adding that some of them had even been convicted.

“We have been quietly investigating many senior lawyers across the country in relation to some of the proceeds of certain heinous crimes against Nigerian people. When we reach a comfortable stage in our investigation, we would take them to court and make the outcome of our inquiries known to the Nigerian people,” he stated.

Magu added that the investigations were what informed his statement that some lawyers were not fit to be in the legal profession.

son who has no source of livelihood, you say the person has made it. But at the end, you realise that the person has kidnapped somebody’s daughter,” Salihu said.

The EFCC boss said he was not happy with the involvement of some Nigerians in various scams, including arms deal scandal, oil and and pension scams, adding that the EFCC and other security agents were trying their best to tackle corruption and other social vices.

In his welcome address, the Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Stephenson Olabanji, said the meeting would afford stakeholders the opportunity to deliberate on how best to solve the problem of oil theft and illegal bunkering.

“The Federal Government has been battling several challenges among which is militancy and agitation for resource control, especially in the Niger Delta region.

“The region has, no doubt, been the nerve centre of the Nigerian economy, because oil produced in the region has been a major source of funding for the economy.

“Operation Pulo Shield, therefore, launched the mandate to curb the growing menace of oil theft, oil bunkering and illegal refining of petroleum products.

“In achieving this mandate, the Brigade has continued to conduct its operations against illegal oil bunkering, oil theft and operation of illegal refineries, which has continued to affect the Nigerian economy,” he said.

He also admonished participants present at the meeting to be forthright in the deliberations and evolve a concrete plan of action that would lead to the end of activities of criminal elements sabotaging the collective interest of the people.

6

news

Friday, 19 February, 2015

Kogi assembly faction relocates to Abuja, summons gov •Serves impeachment notice on dep gov Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

T

HE crisis of confidence rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly took a new dimension on Thursday, as the faction loyal to the impeached Speaker, Honourable Momoh Lawal, relocated to Abuja, where they held a sitting of the assembly.

The lawmakers, who held their first sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, issued a summon to the state governor,

Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear before the assembly’s faction.

The faction also served impeachment notice on the state deputy governor, while also suspending the five members who impeached the speaker last week.

The governor is to explain reasons permanent secretaries, directors, accountants, cashiers of parastatals, agencies, ministries and councils areas

have to be sent on compulsory leave.

Also, the five members, who sat and impeached the former Speaker, Hon Momoh Lawal, were suspended for acting contrary to the rules of the assembly and by “claiming to have sat without a quorum and forgery of signatures of 10 members in the purported impeachment.”

The suspended are : Honourables Friday Sani; Umar Imam; John Abah;

President Muhammadu Buhari with the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, when the governor visited the Aso Villa, on Thursday.

•Suspends 5 members

Lawi A.T. Ahmed and Bello Abdullahi.

The Kogi State House of Assembly is made up of 25 members, five of them are taking part in the rerun election which takes place this Saturday.

The rerun will take place in Ofu, Dekina 1&2, Idah and Ofu Constituencies.

The rerun is a fallout of the outcome of the election petition tribunal set up to hear complaints emanating from the last year election.

Presently, however, 20 are authentic members of the state House of Assembly and five members out of them sat and reportedly impeached the Speaker, Lawal, last week.

A member, Honourable Omiata Jimoh (PDP Yagba East) had moved a motion, urging the assembly to summon the governor and begin the impeachment process on the deputy governor.

The motion, was seconded by Aliu Akuh (PDP Omala) during their sitting in Abuja, which was presided over by the embattled Speaker Lawal.

The sitting had the Maze, the symbol of authority of the assembly strategically positioned.

Honourable Omiata, in a motion, stated that the dissolution of the Local Government Service Commis-

Police seal off Kogi assembly complex •Count me out of crisis —Bello •We moved in to maintain peace —CP Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja

THE crisis rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly worsened on Thursday as security operatives sealed off the complex and denied workers and the public access.

This is coming as the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said he had no hand in the leadership tussle rocking the assembly.

The closure of the complex may not be unconnected with the threat of the faction of the embattled speaker, Momoh Lawal, to resume sitting in the chambers.

The uniformed and plain clothed police officers were said to have stormed the assembly located on Hassan Katsina Road in Lokoja, at about 10.00a.m and ordered all the members of staff out of the complex.

Workers that were yet to resume for work and

those returning from errands were turned back and were not allowed to enter the complex.

Attempts to speak with the policemen were rebuffed, as they said they were following instructions from superior authority.

The governor, in a statemennt by his special adviser, media and strategy, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, said it was wrong to link the governor with the removal of Lawal as the speaker of the assembly.

The statement read: “The attention of the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has been drawn to the spurious allegations by some group of legislators in the legislative arm of Kogi State to the effect that the governor was the person stoking crisis in the assembly.

“The governor wishes to inform the general public that the governor has nev-

er interfered in the affairs of the state legislature, in line with his determination to promote the rule of law and strict adherence to separation of power.

“To drag the name of the governor into the crisis in the Kogi State House of Assembly is in the least, uncharitable. The crisis in the House of Assembly predates the present administration in the state.

“It will be recalled that before the advent of the present administration, the assembly crisis assumed a violent dimension when vehicles belonging to the different caucuses in the assembly were vandalised.”

Bello, however, urged all aggrieved parties in the assembly to close ranks and work in unity for the progress of the state.

The governor also pledged continued collaboration with the legislative arm to actualise his dream

of a better Kogi State.

It will be recalled that five out of the 20 members of the assembly, had, last Tuesday, impeached Lawal and replaced him with the member representing Lokoja I state constituency.

But the remaining 15 members, on Wednesday, stormed the National Assembly with a petition seeking its intervention in the crisis.

However the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bensan Gwana, said the motive was not to close down the assembly.

He said the command drafted its men to the assembly, following intelligence information that some people were planning to attack the complex.

The police commissioner said the move was to ensure security of lives and properties in the complex, saying his men would vacate when normalcy returned.

sion, which, he said, was a statutory body created by law, was illegal and should be reverted, adding that “abolishment of one per cent from the joint account of state and local government without repeal of the law be disregarded and the status quo be maintained within.”

He added that all “institutions or directives of the state government with respect to Local Government Service Commission, State joint Local Government Account, Universal Basic Education, Pension Bureau, contrary to the extant law establishing them, be disregarded.”

The lawmaker insisted that the House of Assembly, being an institution created by law, “whose operations are guided by prescribed laws and rules, have no reference to recognise any person or group of persons as the leadership of the assembly other than Honourable Momoh Jimoh Lawal , the Speaker of the

Kogi State House of Assembly.”

He explained that the governor of the State, Mr Yahaya Bello, should, by no means and in whatever guise, communicate, receive or recognise anything from the group of five led

by Honourable Ahmed Umar and that any transactions from the executive to or from the group of five shall be considered as fraudulent and met with legal resistance.

Omiata, however, informed that the council chairmen embarking on exercises that were capable of breaching the peace of their council areas should desist and return to status quo and the backup vehicle forcefully towed out of the official residence of Momoh Jimoh “ should be returned as a matter of urgency within the next 24 hours.”

The 14 members that sat and presided over by the Speaker, Lawal, adopted all the motions and adjourned till March 8.

Buhari, Kogi gov meet in Aso Rock Leon Usigbe-Abuja

NEWLY -inaugurated governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The governor came in at about 11.30a.m, but could not immediately have audience with the president who was presiding over a meeting with service chiefs.

Bello, who had to wait in the Office of the Chief of

Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, was ushered into the president’s office about 1.30p.m for a meeting which lasted for about 15 minutes.

It was not clear why he came to see the president even though Kogi legislature has been thrown into a crisis, following the reported impeachment of its Speaker.

When approached for interview as he emerged from the meeting, he declined to talk to State House correspondents.

INEC, LP differ over senatorial rerun Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja

THE Labour Party (LP), on Thursday, faulted the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject its request to substitute its candidate for the Kogi East senatorial rerun election coming up tomorrow .

National Vice Chairman of the party in the Northcentral zone, Mr Adi Shirsha, disclosed that the party had forwarded the name of Prince Abdulwahab Yunusa to INEC as replacement for its former candidate, Ibrahim Itodo, who withdrew out of the race.

He, however, said in spite of the stand of the commission, the party would still participate in the election with Yunusa as its candidate.

He argued that INEC lacked the powers to stop the party from contesting the election.

Adi said its candidate was popular amongst the people and expressed optimism of springing surprises during Saturday’s rerun poll.

But defending its decision, INEC said it could not accede to the request of the LP as it came out of time.

INEC, in a letter dated February 5, 2016 and addressed to the national chairman of LP, said it could not honour the party’s request to field Yunusa.

The letter, which was signed by the commission’s secretary, Nnamdi Nwaeze, explained that the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates was over.

7

news

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Troops rescue fresh 195 hostages from Boko Haram Army to investigate cases of human rights abuses Chris Agbambu - Abuja

T

HE Nigerian troops of 7 Division Garrison, comprising 112 Battalion and the Armed Forces Special Forces, have rescued 195 people held hostage by Boko Haram sect in Borno State.

The rescue came after the troops carried out a joint clearance patrol on suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ locations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama local government areas of Borno State.

A statement from the Army headquarters confirmed the rescue and noted that a total of 300 cows, 200 sheep and 130 goats rustled by the insurgents, were also recovered.

According to the statement, other recovered items included camouflage uniforms, as well as rifle magazines and grenades.

The statement read: “The troops discovered Boko Haram’s camp, patent medicine outfit at major market at Gulumba.

“Quite a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and several items were re-

covered. These included two logistic trucks, 180 motorcycles, 750 bicycles and various perishable and nonperishable items, such as a 100 KVA Mikano generator and grinding machine.

The unprecedented feat was achieved through the renewed cooperation and support of the public, who provided timely information to the troops.

“We would like to thank all those good citizens who provided the timely information and enjoin all to see the fight against Boko Haram as a collective responsibility, to enable us clear the remnants of

the insurgents in the NorthEast and other parts of the country,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, has assured members of the public, as well as local and international human rights bodies, that the Nigerian Army under his leadership will investigate all cases of human rights complaints brought before it.

Buratai, who was represented by the Chief of CivilMilitary Affairs (CCMA) Major-General Rogers Nicholas, at the commissioning of the Army Human

Right Desk, said the event marked another important day in the history of Nigerian Army, as it establishes the human rights office.

He noted that the establishment of the desk office was borne out of the increasing interest of the local and international human rights bodies in what we were doing in the North-East and other parts of the country.

The Army Chief also noted that the Nigerian Army was trying to open up the system to close the gap with the civil populace, human rights bodies and civil society organisations.

IGP warns Biafra agitators against carrying firearms Chris Agbambu - Abuja THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase, has issued a warning to members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to reconsider their stand to commence carrying of firearms or face the wrath of the extant laws against such act.

He warned that anybody

who dared security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and makes life difficult for law-abiding citizens will face dare consequences of their actions.

In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, he said the IPOB members should follow appropriate avenues

in ventilating their grievances, as anybody who steps out of bounds will be decisively dealt with.

Arase said members of the group should note that it was an offence punishable under the criminal law for a person to have in his possession or under his control any prohibited firearms without licence or

permit.

According to him, the Force was poised to uphold the existing restriction over the use of firearms.

Meanwhile, all Zonal AIGs and state commands’ commissioners of police have been directed to strictly enforce the laws against the use of illegal firearms across the length and breadth of

the country.

The IGP assured that the Nigeria Police, complemented by other security agencies in the country, would tirelessly and assiduously work towards eliminating any threat to internal security and social disorder.

He reassured Nigerians of his commitment to their safety and security.

FG, states meet on emerging socio-economic issues continued from pg3

deepening reforms to ensure effective and efficient service delivery through the strengthening of our performance-based monitoring and evaluation system, to facilitate the enthronement

of transparency and accountability in the country.

The ultimate goal is to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable development at all levels of government,’’ he said.

Apparently in recognition of recent developments in

the global economy, which suggests that the 2016 will largely be financed from non-oil revenue proceeds, the states were encouraged to adopt a similar strategy in financing their owns budgets.

Welcoming participants,

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Nana Fatima Mede, stated that because of the relevance of strategic planning to growth and development of any nation, the Federal Government believed that the successor plan would pave the way for

Ooni to Saraki: Nigerian youths are looking up to you Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to keep making the youth proud, as he and the younger generation would continue to look forward to him.

Oba Ogunwusi, who stated this when he visited Saraki in his Abuja residence, on Wednesday, said it was time for leaders at all levels to rekindle the hope of youths in the country, by making them comfortable in their pursuits.

In a statement by his aide, the monarch said he visited Saraki in deference to Saraki’s office as the Senate President and to “give honour to whom it is due.”

He said his exalted office as the Ooni of Ife would not make him forget his primary constitu-

ency, who were the youth of this country, adding that the visit was memorable for him and the Nigerian youths.

Oba Ogunwusi said: “Today is actually another memorable day for me and entire youths of this country. For every leadership,

there is always a followership. As a result we have to give honour to whom honour is due.

“It is a great honour today, that I am here to come and respect the office of our amiable Senate President, because the entire country is obviously looking up to

our leaders. I am here today to preach peace and unity of our dear country.

Saraki, while welcoming the Kabiyesi, said he was highly honoured by the visit of the royal father and prayed God grant him long life, wisdom and a successful reign.

effective transformation of Nigeria’s economy, including addressing the lingering international oil price decline and its associated revenue receipts to the country.

She assured the meeting, which was attended by state Commissioners for Budget and Economic Planning, as well as permanent secretaries and heads of related agencies across the country, that the ministry would work closely with the states for a strong and vibrant national economy.

Speaking further, Buratai listed the functions of the newly established human rights desk under the supervision of the CCMA, as well as inputs from the Provost Marshal’s office to include receiving documents, investigate complaints from individuals, organisations and institution on rights violation involving Army personnel.

Buratai further listed other functions of the desk to include liaising and facilitating interaction with the human rights organisations; strategising and strengthening capacity of the Nigerian Army in promoting human rights, as well as developing a network of contacts of human rights offices in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, NHRC, Mr Ben Angwe, commended the Nigerian Army for what he described as a novel and bold initiative.

Angwe, who was represented by a director at the NHRC, Mr Saka Azimazi, said by this, the Nigerian Army had set a commendable precedence for other services of the Armed Forces.

In the same vein, the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator and United Nations Country Team in Nigeria, Mr Martin Ejidike, commended the initiative of the Nigerian Army.

8

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Lagos Scene of an accident involving a trailer at Independent tunnel, Maryland, on Thursday, in Lagos.

A bus that exploded following an accident on Eko Bridge, on Thursday. INSET: Fire fighters putting out the fire.

Island commuters trapped as trailer with container tumbles

Olalekan Olabulo

T

HERE was confusion around the CMS on the island of Lagos State early Thursday morning as a container fell off a trailer.

The trailer also somersaulted and the whole stretch of Victoria Island was blocked by the trailer and its container.

A bus also exploded later on Thursday afternoon on the Eko bridge, creating another round of panic among commuters on the busy bridge.

Many workers, who were on their way to Victoria Island to resume early for the day’s work were forced to trek to the other side of the road, to take public transport.

The traffic build up from the scene of the accident spread to other parts of the Lagos Island as traffic workers made attempt to evacuate the trailer and the container.

An eye witness, who simply identified himself as Musa told Lagos Metro that “it was during the rush hour and it really affected many of us. The truck was

•Bus explodes on Eko bridge

going towards Victoria Island, when suddenly we heard a loud noise and the next thing we saw was the trailer and the container on the ground.”

Musa also added that “the driver and the motor boy must have been slightly injured, but the road was blocked, leaving

only the BRT lane.”

Some of the workers, who were trapped in the early morning Lagos Island traffic as a result of the container accident, urged the state government to renew the implementation of the restriction of movement of trucks in the day time.

The workers argued that trailer and container accident has continued to increase as a result of the non-implementation of the restriction.

In another accident, a Toyota bus later on Thursday went up in flames on the Eko Bridge, creating another round of

gridlock on the bridge.

Occupants of the bus had noticed the fire and they had all reportedly jumped out of the vehicle, before it exploded.

Rasak Fadipe, the director of the Lagos State Fire Service confirmed the fire incident to Lagos Metro and added that operatives of the agency responded swiftly to the distress call.

Relocation of tank farms from Apapa not negotiable — Ambode Bola Badmus GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday affirmed that relocation of Tank Farms in Apapa area of the state is not negotiable.

The governor made this known at the 5th edition of the Lagos Corporate Assembly tagged, ‘A+ Meets Business,’ organised by the state’s Ministry for Commerce Industry and Cooperatives.

Governor Ambode said there was a greater strategy around the belief that if

the Atlas Cove is pumping to Mosinmi, there would be lesser tankers coming to Lagos and the traffic on the road reduced.

According to him, “There is a greater strategy around that. We believe that if the Atlas Cove is pumping to Mosinmi, we will have lesser tankers coming to Lagos and the traffic on the Lagos road will reduce and the issue of tank Farms will be a thing of the past.

“I believe that if we complete the construction of the Ishawo-Arepo road, we are likely to address traffic

in the state,” he said.

Speaking further, the governor, while observing the gridlock in OshodiApapa expressway that had paralysed many businesses in the axis, said the issue had to do more with the Federal Government than the state.

He noted that the Federal Government budget for 2016 fiscal year made no provision for resolution of Apapa gridlock, and revealed that he was determined to offer solution through collaboration since it was about residents

of Lagos.

“It is about residents of Lagos and I think that collaboration will continue.

And If I have N1.5 billion to give to the contractor, I will do it because it will make life easier for residents of Lagos.

“That creates more social impact for us if we are able to solve it. We are doing a lot about Federal Government projects in Lagos.

I am not bordered about getting the money back. It is about the comfort of the residents of Lagos,” Ambode said.

Female motorist denies killing 3, injuring 6 while driving Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 45-year-old female motorist, Jane Umezeamama has denied wilfully causing the death of three pedestrians in an incident that happened on January 30 at 9:31p.m., along IIaje Road, Bariga.

The Police accused Umezeamama of driving her Land Rover Jeep with registration number LSR 676 DD, on a one-way road and knocked down three pedestrians, who died instantly and injured six others.

“The accused caused the death of one Farouk Abubakar; 23, Juliana Obamara; 33, and Kuyoro Francis; 32 and also damaged two cars,’’ the Police alleged.

She, however, pleaded not guilty when she was charged before a Yaba Magistrate court.

The Magistrate, Mrs A.F. Adeoye, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till March 30 for mention.

The offences contravene Sections 20, 27(1) and 28 of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State, 2012, which stipulates seven-year jail term for offenders.

9

Friday, 19 February, 2016

metro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited by

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Petrol attendant allegedly steals N329, 000 two weeks after employment Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 38-year-old man, Idowu Ganiyu who allegedly stole N329, 000 from a filling station two weeks after he was employed has been re-

manded in prison.

Ganiyu allegedly committed the offence at a popular filling station located at Igando road in Ikotun.

It was gathered that Ganiyu got the job through

one his relatives and he was in put in charge of selling petrol to motorists.

The accused allegedly kept part of the daily sales for personal use and he was questioned by the

management but denied committing the act.

Consequently, he was handed over to the police at Ikotun division. He was charged before an Ejigbo Magistrate court with

Ambode vows to streamline payment of taxes •As OPS lament multiple levies Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said his administration will streamline payment of taxes and levies to encourage fresh investment from Organised Private Sector (OPS) and facilitate growth of existing businesses in the state.

Governor Ambode gave

the assurance at the 5th edition of the Lagos Corporate Assembly tagged, ‘A+ Meets Business,’ organised by the state’s Ministry for Commerce Industry and Cooperatives.

He said the state was open for greater business and ready to give incentives to entrepreneurs and investorsm Responding to one of the

requests made at the parley, Ambode assured that the state would streamline the payments made in respect of permits and put it in one single payment, adding, “Once you pay this single levy nobody will disturb you.

“We need to be civil with our tax payers because it is the money we are getting from taxes that we are using

to do all that we are doing,” he added further.

Earlier, the President of Lagos State Chamber for Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Chief Nike Akande, said movement of delivery vans and trucks within the metropolis had become a nightmare, complaining that there were too many permits and licences to be obtained.

Traders at Ladipo market during an attempted demolition of the market, on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

stealing under the Criminal Code.

Ganiyu however pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Magistate, Mr A. A. Fashola granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety

Traders resist planned demolition of Ladipo market Chukwuma Okparaocha TRADERS of a section of Ladipo Market known as Bakasi at Mushin area of Lagos have vowed to protect their shops and sources of livelihood from being demolished by members of security and taskforce of the Lagos State government.

Trouble started around mid afternoon, on Thursday, when the traders on sensing the presence of security officers who claimed to have come to dislodge them from their shops, formed a barricade in front of their shops and dared the security personnel, many of whom were heavily armed, to come demolish their shops.

This latest development came only weeks, when sections of Oshodi which is not far from Mushin, were demolished by the State Government which has restated its resolve to rid the region of illegal trading spots, improve the fast deteriorating security in Oshodi, as well as enhance its aesthetics.

According to information gathered by Lagos Metro, the traders at the Bakasi market area of Ladipo, insisted that the intention of the touts was to forcefully

Building collapse: Arraignment of synagogue trustees, engineers stalled Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin FOLLOWING fresh applications to quash criminal charges against them, the arraignment of Trustees of Synagogue Church of all Nation (SCOAN) and two engineers charged alongside their companies over the collapsed building that killed 116 persons, was again stalled.

Trustees of SCOAN, Akinbola Fatiregun and his company, HardRock Con-

struction and Engineering Company, Oladele Ogundeji and his company Jadny Trust Limited are facing 110 counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Justice Lateef LawalAkapo had on February 8 fixed today for arraignment having dismissed an earlier application challenging the manner which the court summons was served on the defence.

At the proceedings on Thursday, the scheduled

arraignment could not proceed as counsel to HardRock Construction and Engineering Company; E.L Akpofure informed the court that he had filed an application seeking to quash the charge.

Akpofure told the court that there was nothing in the proof of evidence linking his client to the charges before the court.

A similar application was also filed by Olalekan Ojo on behalf of his client, Oladele Ogundeji

Counsel to Fatiregun, Titilola Akinlanwo also told the court that her client had also filed an application for a stay of the court proceeding.

She insisted that the court has the obligation of hearing the application before any arraignment could take place.

Prosecuting team led by Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs Idowu Alakija however did not oppose the hearing of the application but asked for reason-

in like sum.

Ganiyu was remanded in prison pending when he will perfect his bail condition.

The matter was adjourned till February 24, 2016.

able time to respond to all the applications.

In his ruling, Justice Lawal-Akapo held that “In view of the decisions of the Appellate Court in Awene v State which states that all interlocutory applications challenging the jurisdiction of the court should be heard first before an arraignment, this court adjourns to March 4, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. for argument of all pending applications,” he said.

drive them away and take over the market.

“The trader on sensing that soldiers were on illegal duty resisted such moves.

It seems the Lagos State Government is not involved in the ongoing crisis in the market,” an eyewitness said.

A trader in the market identified as Chidi said he was afraid to come out because of the ensuing sporadic shootings, while also raising the fear that the shops might be eventually demolished on Friday, February 29.

As of the time of filing this report, armoured tanks manned by heavily armed security officers had been stationed in front of the market.

Traders also wielded various dangerous weapons which included planks and iron rods and were seen roving around.

Employee accused of stealing drugs Gbemi Solaja A 35-year-old man, Oni Kayode Babatunde has been charged to court for theft.

Oni, a sales representative of EXUS Pharmaceutical Limited is alleged to have stolen pharmaceutical products worth N2, 086,975 entrusted to him by the company he worked.

The incident is said to have taken place at EXUS Pharmaceutical Limited opposite General Hospital, Ketu Ejirin road between July 2011 and June 2015.

He was docked before an Ebute Metta magistrate court as the offence is punishable under Section 285 (7) of the criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

10

businessnews

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigerians should prepare for total blackout if ... —Discos Adetola Bademosi-Abuja

F

OLLOWING directives by the Senate on the suspension of increment of electricity tariff, the umbrella body of the 11 electricity distribution companies (discos), Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), on Thursday warned that this may result to outright blackouts.

It warned that if the implementation of the new tariff is suspended, Nigerians may continue to witness blackouts which would no doubt impact on the growth of the economy.

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Executive Director, Advocacy and Research of the association, Mr. Sunday Oduntan.

According to him, the absence of a market priced tariff would create the possibility of performance failure by the operators.

The distribution companies further explained that the new tariff would guarantee adequate investments in the sector, which would ultimately lead to a reduction in tariff in the future.

The statement reads in part;“The senate on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 passed a resolution directing the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to suspend the recently-implemented electricity tariff (MYTO-2015).

“However, implementation of this resolution is not without consequences and the following are a few of them. A market priced tariff is a fundamental requirement under the agreements signed between distribution com-

pany (disco) operators in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), raising the concern for sanctity of contract.

“Such a failure will be at a price that the government can ill-afford in these times of die economic challenges.”

Oduntan, who noted that

failure of the sector would result in, among other things, loss of employment and livelihood for approximately 50,000 Nigerians, indirect job losses from factory and other business closures, possibly in the millions, stressed how this would discourage further investments in the development of gas reserves and production for local con-

sumption.

“A market priced tariff is critical to address decades of under-investment (for instance, the five million metering gap) in the sector.

“Worldwide electricity reforms have always been tied to increased investment, resulting in improved production efficiency. Such investment

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (right); Representative of the Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Mr Davidson Regha unveiling the Resident Card during the interactive session between Delta State Government and informal sector group, in Asaba on Thursday.

Lagos agro summit to attract $15bn investment

By Wale Olapade

BRACING up with the reality of agricultural business, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture is set to hold the maiden edition of the state Agrofood Global Investment Summit billed to hold between April 26 and 27, 2016.

Schedule to hold at the state own Johnson Agiri

Agricultural complex, New Oko Oba , Agege, the summit is channelled at creating over five million jobs through a massive direct foreign investment of $15 billion, an approximately N3 trillion to Lagos State Aggro sector.

The investment, according to a released signed by Mr Pius Fadaka, Media Director, FOA Consultants, a

coordinating partner of the summit, will attract over 35 foreign investors from Asia, Europe and Americas.

“In a statement by the state Ministry of Agriculture to FOA Consultant, coordinator to the investment summit, the ministry has identified 23 key Agriculture value chains for investment in Lagos State,”

Crude price hits $35 per barrel as Iran welcomes output freeze Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos

NIGERIA’S hope that crude oil price rises above $38 per barrel may come to reality as crude price rose above $35 per barrel on Thursday after Iran welcomed plans by Russia and Saudi Arabia to freeze output.

The gain added to a more than seven per cent surge in the previous session, which came even though analysts said the market had overreacted to Iran’s support for the caps and the Russian-Saudi move would not likely reduce the global surplus.

“It is a continuation of yesterday’s move. What we see still is extreme volatility. I would not be surprised to see prices retreating again by a big margin in coming days,” said Carsten Fritsch, analyst

is predicated on access to capital, which will be jeopardised in the absence of a market priced tariff.

“The absence of a market priced tariff will endanger the viability of the entire value-chain of distributors, generators, transmission and gas suppliers, resulting in the failure of the sector,” he further said.

at Commerzbank Iranian Oil Minister, Bijan Zanganeh, met counterparts from Venezuela, Iraq and Qatar on Wednesday but did not say whether Iran would cap its output in keeping with the move by Russia and Saudi Arabia.

On Thursday, Iraq’s oil minister said talks would continue between OPEC and non-OPEC countries to prop up prices. Oil has collapsed from levels above $100 a barrel seen in mid2014 due to excess supply, in a slide that deepened after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries later that year dropped its policy of cutting supply to boost prices.

“The agreement will do little to reduce the current supply glut,” BMI Research said in a report on Thursday.

Iran exported about 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude before 2012, when sanctions imposed by world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme cut shipments to about 1.1 million bpd.

The sanctions were lifted last month, allowing Iran to resume selling oil to the

European Union. Sources familiar with Iranian thinking have said this week that Iran would not freeze output at current levels.

Crude gained support after the American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, said U.S. crude stocks unexpectedly fell by 3.3 million barrels last week.

the release stated.

The two-day Agro Food Global Investment summit, also seek to provide all Agro inclined financial institutions, multinationals, conglomerates, investment agencies, global funding partners and the local governments a fruitful integration of the public-private sector agencies, the opportunity to interact intensively with heterogeneous players in the Agrofood industry toward boosting the desired investment growth in Lagos state Agrofood sector.

“The summit will also avail the state the avenue to showcase it rich potentialities in terms of aqua base resources, agro based manufacturing, productions and allied industries among others.” The release added.

Okowa meets informal sector on IGR, unveils resident card Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Thursday held an interactive session with members of the informal sector in Asaba to improve the Internal Generated Revenue [IGR] of the state, said payment of tax was the civic responsibility of all citizens of the state.

According to him, all citi-

zens should see payment of tax not as a witch-hunt, but a civic responsibility that must be performed.

He added that there is the need to capture all citizens of tax-paying age into the tax net especially members of the informal sector so as to improve the state’s revenue base.

“Payment of tax is the responsibility of every citizens, the law of taxa-

tion has been in existence and government needs to dialogue with the informal sector on how to pay tax, as a people-oriented government, we will partner with different groups, societies and unions in the collection of the taxes that will be paid by citizens in the state and they will be assessed according to the size of their businesses,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune

NSE: Market regains N7bn in moderate trading Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

TRADING on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday closed positive with the benchmark indices regaining slow growth to stand at 0.8 percent.

Specifically, the All Share Index improved by 205 points or 0.8 percent to close at 24,261.69 points as against the 24,056.12 achieved on Wednesday.

The Market Capitalisation also appreciated marginally by N7 billion or 0.8 percent to close at N8.34 trillion in contrast to N8.27 trillion recorded the previous day.

At the close of trading for the day, there were 18 gainers and 23 losers on the price movement chart.

Seplat Plc recorded the highest value addition, the oil giant share price appreciated by N13.71, a five percent to close at N288.08 per share.

It was trailed by Total Nigeria Plc with N5.00 or 3.67 percent to close at N145.00 per share, while Nigerian Breweries Plc was up with N4.22 or 4.44 percent to close at N99.30 per share.

Guinness Nigeria Plc gained N2.58 or 2.24 percent to close at N118.00 per share, while Okomu Oil Plc surged by N1.00 or 3.45 percent to close at N30.00 per share.

Conversely, Mobil Oil Plc led on the losers table, depreciating by N9.60 or 6.02 percent to close at N15.00 per share.

Dangote Sugar Plc followed with 31 kobo or 5.64 percent to close at N5.19 per share, while Portland Paints Plc shed 19 kobo or 4.87 percent to close at N3.71 per share.

Eterna Oil Plc dipped by 16 kobo or 8.38 percent to close at N1.75 per share, while the share price of Honeywell Flourmills Plc crashed five kobo or 3.52 percent to close at N1.37per share.

Further checks on the trading statistics showed that Zenith bank recorded the highest volume of trade with 23.23 million shares valued at N262.45 million, while UBA trailed with 13.41 million shares at N39.42 million.

Access Bank Plc traded 10.79 million shares at N42.58 million, Transcorp achieved 8.79 million shares worth N9.90 million, while FBN Holdings came last in the top five most traded stocks with 6.94 million shares valued at N27.24 million.

11

businessnews

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigeria loses over N1trn annually by neglecting local content —ONC

M

R Inye Kemabonta, the National Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Content Development in ICT (ONC) says Nigeria is losing over 1 trillion naira annually for neglecting local content in ICT. Kemabonta told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that though Nigerians use social media like facebook, twitter, yahoo, there was no Nigerian content in them.

According to him, local content is the composite value; either added to or created in the Nigerian economy through a deliberate utilisation of Nigerian human, material and services in the development of ICT. He said that Nigeria loses trillions in foreign exchange annually by not patronising local content in ICT and these ranges from the importation of ICT devices and software even to social media applications. `` We are losing close to 1 trillion annually by the import based consumption, and this is critical to our survival that’s the simple truth as a country. `` Many people have phones though it may cost just small but it has the capacity to generate businesses of two million because what you do with it can generate far more jobs and wealth than the cost of the phone itself. ``But today, we lose all that because of the lack of local content in it. ``So when we pay any soft or hardware, that money goes to some foreign government or company because it was not produced here, but was shipped here and that’s a huge capital flight. ``To make matters worse all the social media ap-

plications have little or no Nigerian content in them, for example Whatsapp is making money from every click, so is facebook, yahoo, twitter and the rest of them yet there is very little Nigerian content in it,. ``We don’t have our own Nigerian yahoo and other social media in spite the fact that we are the most populous country in Africa.’’

Kemabonta advised Nige-

rians to come up with their own social media applications so as to enhance local content in the ICT sector to boost the nation’s GDP. He said that Nigeria’s population was more than half the population of all of West Africa with a GDP that ``is more than all those countries put together, in other words we already have internal population that can consume any of the services.’’

FIRST Bank Nigeria has been officially recognised as the first financial institution in the country to achieve a transaction volume of 100 million transactions in a month by Interswitch Transnational, Africa’s leading integrated payment and transaction processing company.

The bank achieved this feat in the month of December 2015 and it represents total transactions processed by FirstBank’s front end processor running on the Interswitch transaction switching plat-

national online resource, it is our flag on the internet , and it has the capacity to generate trillions of naira if we use it well. ``As at the time NIRA was born it had just 400 domain names registered in the repository but today it has increased to 60,000, you can see the growth, though it’s not wonderfully world standard yet but by African standard its ranking among topmost.’’

British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) stakeholders engagement Workshop facilitator, Prof Femi Ajibola; BATNF Technical Committee member, Mr Thomas Omofoye; Executive Director, BATNF, Seyi Ashade; BATNF Technical Committee member, Professor Chidi Ibe; General Manager, BATNF, Abimbola Okoya and Technical Committee member, BATNF, Mr Fatai Afolabi at the foundation’s Implementing partners workshop held in Ibadan, Oyo State, Thursday.

Seven Energy secures $100m additional equity capital By ’Wale Olapade

SEVEN Energy International Limited the leading integrated gas company in South-east Nigeria, has secured US$100 million of new equity capital.

This is comprised of US$50 million from existing shareholders of the group, including Temasek, Petrofac, Capital International Private Equity, Standard Chartered, In-

ternational Finance Corporation and IFC African, Latin American and Caribbean Fund, by way of an open offer and US$50 million invested by the IDB Infrastructure Fund II, sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank and other institutional investors. The IDB Infrastructure Fund II, with a target fund size of US$2 billion, invests in infrastructure opportunities across Asia,

FirstBank achieves 100m transactions per month Chima Nwokoji-lagos

He said that if ICT services were being rendered to Nigerians alone, it would be a large market due to the population and Nigeria would have grown big as a nation financially. ``We can grow our own social media applications just like we are doing with the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) which is in charge of the .ng internet domain. `` The .ng domain is our

form. The platform seamlessly links all financial institutions in Nigeria to facilitate better and quicker transactions across all platforms.

As Nigeria’s leading financial institution with over 10 million customers, this achievement the lender said, clearly aligns with its strategic intent to promote financial inclusion, support the cashless policy drive of the Central Bank of Nigeria and boost economic growth via epayments across Nigeria and the African continent.

According to the bank’s Group Head, e-Business,

Chuma Ezirim, First Bank remains committed to lead the drive to move the Nigerian economy away from traditional cash and other generic payment means to modern technological varieties in e-Payment.

Reacting to the development, Divisional Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Switching and Processing, Interswitch, Akeem Lawal commented, “It really says something about the strength and development of electronic transactions in Nigeria that a single banking partner can record 100 million transactions in a single month.

the Middle East and Africa. The fund is managed

by ASMA Capital Partners B.S.C. (c). Stephen Vineburg, the Chief Executive Officer of ASMA, will join the Board of Directors of Seven Energy.

These additional funds enhance Seven Energy’s liquidity as it completes the gas pipeline that integrates its existing pipelines in the south east of Nigeria over the next few months.

When complete, Seven Energy will own and operate a flexible gas transportation network which reaches from Ukanafun and Ikot Abasi in the west to Calabar in the east.

This will enable the Group to deliver more gas to Nigeria’s growing domestic market for power generation and industrial consumption. Seven Energy’s total investment in gas production, processing and distribution infrastructure is over US$1 billion.

The group is currently delivering total gas volumes in excess of 110 million standard cubic feet per day to three power stations, a cement plant and a fertil-

izer factory. As the power stations, Alaoji, Calabar and Ibom complete their commissioning work and electricity transmission infrastructure, the group forecasts gas deliveries to increase to 200 MMcfpd over the coming year.

Speaking on the equity investment, the Chief Executive Officer, Seven Energy, Phillip Ihenacho said “I am pleased by the continued support shown by our leading shareholders and the vote of confidence in our business plan demonstrated by the investment from the IDB Infrastructure Fund II. Seven Energy is now established as a significant participant in the rapidly developing Nigerian gas market.

“Our gas deliveries have more than trebled during the course of 2015, and are currently running in excess of 110 MMcfpd. This new funding enables us to complete our current development phase, enhancing our pipeline network which will be capable of transporting 600 MMcfpd of gas to the growing regional market.”

Onu, Yudala, Airtel unveil XTOUCH Smartphone, offer instalment payment to consumers

By Bode Adewumi

XTOUCH, one of the leading consumer electronics providers in Middle East and Africa, has joined forces with composite retail outfit Yudala and Airtel to announce a new payment option for its new model E1. Through this offer, consumers can enjoy instalment payment option as an alternative method of getting the XTOUCH E1, the highly cost-effective sleek smartphone with powerful 3,200mAh large battery. Customers will also get the full cashback on Airtel data plans.

Thethreemonths zero percentage on interest instalment payment plan will make customer shopping experience easier and more enjoyable by allowing customers to purchase the XTOUCH E1 with a flexible repayment option, catered to their budget and lifestyle.

“Yudala has always placed the needs and desires of the customer first.

We team up with XTOUCH and Airtel to provide the customer one more payment option, to elevate the shopping experience to an even higher level.

Even though the country is experiencing a currency crisis at the moment, we are still not afraid to take the risk of fixed pricing and testing the integrity of our esteemed consumers.

We are doing this because we are dedicated in making our customer’s shopping experience, online or offline, more pleasant and enjoyable,”said Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, Founder and Vice President, Yudala.

“The mobile web is growing at a phenomenal pace, and we have always been working to create optimal value for our customers through business excellence and innovation,” said Tawa Bolarin, Executive Director of Airtel.

“We always try to make mobile internet more accessible and affordable for our numerous customers.

Workingwith XTOUCH and Yudala to give customers full cashback on data plans when they purchase XTOUCH E1will greatly help us deliver on our vision. This is one important step we are taking.”

The XTOUCH E1 smartphone comes with a 3,200mAh long-lasting battery.

12 news

Friday, 19 February, 2016

I’ll leave no stone unturned fighting corruption —Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has vowed not to leave any stone unturned in his ongoing fight against corruption.

Speaking while hosting members of the Diplomatic Corps to a cocktail at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, he reiterated that in doing so, he would, however, work within the ambit of the law.

“We are resolved to build a stable and prosperous Nigeria, a country that is inclusive of all its diverse peoples and a country that is at ease with itself. Building such a country will not be possible where corruption is pervasive.

“Mindful of this, it has become necessary to wage a relentless war against the cancer of corruption. So long as corruption holds centre stage in the affairs of Nigeria, the country will continue to suffer incalculable harm.

“You are witnesses to the preliminary findings that have emerged in the past few weeks from our investigations into corrupt practices in different sectors of Nigeria’s public service.

“I will leave no stone unturned in the efforts to rid Nigeria of corruption. I must, however, add that in doing this, we shall operate within the ambit of the law.

“In a similar fight in the past and armed with the might of military muscle, I led a government that required persons presumed to be corrupt to prove their innocence.

“Today, as committed democrats and in a culture of deepening democracy, we respect the law that presumes all persons innocent until they are proven to be guilty,” he said.

The president highlighted his administration’s effort to end the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, stressing that government had been able to drive the insurgents away from the territories they controlled.

“It is almost eight months since I assumed office. In this time, we have witnessed resurgence in the morale and will of the Nigerian Armed Forces to dislodge Boko Haram from their bases in the NorthEast.

“The changes in both command structure and operational tactics have brought about significant gains on the ground.

“The Armed Forces have been given specific instructions on rules of engage-

ment to treat captured terrorists humanely and to avoid civilian casualties “It is worthy to note that when I assumed office on May 29, 2015, Boko Haram had full control of 14 local government areas in the North-East, but today, the group holds no territory in Nigeria. They are hiding

in Sambisa forest and occasionally undertake cowardly attacks on innocent citizens in soft targets.

“This has resulted in a dramatic improvement in the security situation in that part of the country. You are, in fact, aware that people who were once internally displaced from

their homes for years are gradually returning to rebuild their homes, communities and livelihood.

“As the security situation continues to improve, and as more people return to their homes, government will spare no effort to support them with robust programmes and projects to

hasten the process of rehabilitation and resettlement.

The General T.Y Danjumaled committee has been saddled with the responsibility of coordinating these efforts,” he said.

Buhari thanked the international community for their support to Nigeria in the fight against terror.

In his remarks, Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Saladeen Abass, commended the president on his fight against corruption and insurgency.

He observed that the efforts were yielding result and pledged the envoys’ cooperation with the Federal Government.

Modu Sheriff to complete Mu’azu’s tenure —PDP govs •Party intensifies peace moves •Why I supported him —Fayose T aiwo Adisa and Leon Usigbe - Abuja THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has clarified that the new national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, will only serve out the tenure of Dr Adamu Mu’azu, who resigned as chairman last year.

This was in apparent response to the criticism from some quarters about the wisdom in selecting the former Borno State governor, when the party had already zoned the 2019 presidential ticket to the North-East.

Sheriff, it was gathered, would quit in two months, as the governors reacted to backlash, especially in the social media, over his emergence.

The governors called for cooperation with the new national chairman, counseling party members not to rush in joining the crowd of those criticising his choice for the post.

According to a statement issued in Abuja, on Thursday, by the coordinator of the forum, Mr Osaro Onaiwu, the choice of Sheriff was in the best interest of PDP. The statement stressed that “he is to complete the tenure of the North-East, as specified by the party’s constitution and organise a national convention for the election of substantive officers.”

The governors argued that while it was normal for dissent in a large and national party like the PDP, members should not lose sight of the bigger picture, which is to re-strategise ahead 2019 and other coming elections in Edo and Ondo states this year.

“It has come to our notice that some members of our great party have expressed their reservations on the emergence of the new national chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

“As expected, not everybody can be on the same page in such matters, though of the same party.

“We wish to appeal to our members to keep the bigger picture in mind, which is to reposition ahead 2019 with

individuals that have the track record in power play.

“As a national party, it is important that every matter is looked at from all sides and not just the negative narrative of the opposition party.

“None of our leaders have been arraigned for terrorism-related charges and there is no way the international community will not, at least, have an idea of those who have aided and funded Boko Haram,” the statement read.

It was gathered that stakeholders agreed that Sheriff would only complete the remainder of the tenure of the North-East, which started with Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and later Mua’zu.

It was further learnt that the former Borno governor had been told that he would only spend two to three months in office and lay the foundation for the emergence of a new national chairman from the South.

“We are not saying that the new national chairman

is not a good man. The only problem is that of perception. The man is an experienced politician.

“Remember he was the first senator to defeat an incumbent governor in a gubernatorial contest in 2003.

He has paid his dues and a number of stakeholders believe that he has the capacity to lay a solid foundation for the new executive,” a source in the party said.

It was gathered that the topmost hierarchy of the PDP had told the chairman to be prepared to spend two to three months in office, adding that after laying a solid foundation, he would be expected to hand over to a unified candidate from the South.

Sources also told the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday that leaders of the party had intensified peace moves to forestall massive defections being planned by some senators and members of the House of Representatives.

The party was said to have been jolted that a huge num-

ber of its members may be lost to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) due to their objections to the emergence of Senator Sheriff.

It was learnt on Thursday that the party had co-opted former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, to assist in talking to the senators and stop the planned massive defections.

The former Nigerian leader was said to have reached out to some members of the party to calm them and assured that the leaders would ensure stability.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has lauded the emergence of Sheriff as the national chairman of the PDP, while calling on all members and supporters to support him.

Fayose, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the choice of Senator Sheriff was in the best interest of the party.

“I have always defended the party, even at the risk of my position, personal security and comfort. I have always stood for the truth and I cannot now be part of any decision that won’t represent the party well.

“I supported the processes that led to the emergence of Sheriff because I believe in him and for those who may be aggrieved for one reason or the other; I plead that they should sheath their swords in the overall interest of our party.

“Most importantly, the reality that we must all face is that we are in a peculiar situation and such a situation deserves a peculiar approach,” he said.

Speaking further, Fayose said “the APC knows Senator Sheriff’s capacity in terms of political network, being a three-term senator and two-term governor, and must be afraid that with such a person as the PDP chairman, their regime of lies will be over soon.”

APC to Modu Sheriff: We won’t join issues with you on your idle postulation •New PDP chairman will work for us in 2019 —Kano gov Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THE All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, tackled the new national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, over his comment that he would lead the party back to power in 2019.

Sheriff reportedly made the remark in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, during a thanksgiving service to mark the victory of the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, at the Supreme Court.

This came just as Kano State governor, Umar Ganduje, described the statement credited to the PDP national chairman as an empty threat, saying very soon, Senator Modu Sherriff would soon work for APC. The governor, while fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja, said “I do not wish to engage in cross fire, but I will like to tell you that

it is the normal utterances of those who want to impress their followers. I believe it is an empty threat.”

According to him, “looking at the antecedents, the history of the chairman himself, we all know he is a cross carpeter.

“He is always on the move in changing from one party to the other. Even when he was in All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) for eight years, he was working for the PDP. The APC started with him, then he went back to the PDP and we were happy.

“I am sure, in the long run, he would work for us. That is what I believe. We are happy because we believe in the long run he would work for us. Find out his history you will believe me.”

The APC, in a statement issued by its national secretary, Mai Mala Buni, maintained that “the APC is reluctant to join issues

with his idle 2019 postulations and would rather join issues that will bring about all-inclusive development in the country.

“It is baffling how the PDP expects Nigerians to abandon APC’s smooth sailing ship for a sinking and rudderless PDP ship come 2019.

“The 2015 elections has been won and lost. The priority of the present APC administration is to deliver on election promises made by the party to Nigerians who long-desired change of political leadership at the federal level and in many states.

“Happily, Nigerians can look back, with relief and attest that since the APC-led administration took over governance, Nigeria is back on the right track - economically and security-wise – and has taken its right of place among the comity of progressive nations.

“The widely-acclaimed job creation, social welfare and inclusion programmes proposed by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has been well received. The full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the present administration has greatly plugged revenue leakages. The presidential directive to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components has resulted in a more efficient and realistic pricing system for petroleum products and also brought about constant availability of fuel nationwide. Nigeria is winning the war against insurgency.

“In spite of desperate attempts to discredit ongoing anti-corruption efforts, the war against graft is being won.”

13

Friday, 19 February, 2016

news Fire razes Singer Market in Kano 14

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Kola Oyelere - Kano

T

HE famous Singer Market in the ancient city of Kano was gutted by a

mysterious fire with property and cash worth over N3 billion consumed.

However, there were conflicting reports on the causes of the inferno. An

unconfirmed source said the fire started from a teaseller (Mai Shayi) and another said from a pop-corn seller.

It was, however, gathered

that the fire, which started at about 4:00a.m. raged for over eight hours, gutting over 2,000 shops, including 1,200 make-shift shops.

According to an eyewit-

From left, National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Mongunu; Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, after the National Security Council meeting, in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

No BVN, no salary, Wike tells Rivers workers Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has declared that only civil servants with proven Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) will receive salaries beginning from February.

The measure, he said, was in line with the determination of the state government to know the actual number of staff in its employ.

The governor made this known in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, in Port Harcourt, on Thursday.

The governor also approved the commencement of the setting up of the College of Medicine and Teaching Hospital at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).

Governor Wike also disclosed that the monthly wage bill of the state government was N7 billion, while the monthly pension bill stands at N1.4 billion.

“This month, if you don’t submit your BVN and physically identify yourself, you will not be paid. If only 20 staff have their BVN verified physically, they will be the only staff to be paid.

“With a wage and pension bill of N8.4 billion monthly, the state government is determined to stop all wastages.”

The governor also announced that the state gov-

ernment would no longer pay the salaries of primary and secondary school teachers of demonstration schools of the state-owned university and other designated tertiary institutions where pupils and students pay school fees.

He added that the state government had complet-

ed the payment of salary arrears of recalled lecturers sacked by the immediate past administration in the state.

He said the state government would support the establishment of the College of Medicine and Teaching Hospital for the RSUST as part of the pledge he made

to the people of the state.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Justice Iche Ndu, commended the governor for investing in the development of the university through development projects and programmes.

ness account, the fire started from exploded pompcorn maker’s gas cylinder, while another report said it was as a result of the carelessness of a tea- seller, who left burning charcoals beside a make-shift shop, close to the market.

One Muhammad Ibrahim told the Nigerian Tribune that “My shop is opposite this place. When I heard about the fire, I rushed to the market because my house is very close.

I got here around 6:00a.m. and one of the security guards told me the fire started around 4:00a.m.”

The affected section of the market is the hub of assorted goods such as water-proof bags, sacks, rice, flower, pomade, soft drinks and other consumables.

As at the time of filing this report, fire brigade are still battling to put out the fire.

The Commander, Immigration Patrol, AC IB Tanko, described the incident as sympathetic, “this is unfortunate because Singer Market is a prominent market in Kano.”

Speaking with some of the leaders in the market, Alhaji Imam Yuguda and Alhaji Bature Garba who claimed over N3 billion goods and cash were lost to the fire, also said they could not really say what caused the fire.

It will be recalled that a week ago, the famous Kurmi Market was on fire, just as the furniture section of Abubakar Rimi Market was gutted by inferno last December.

Benue gov stranded at grand finale campaign in Oju Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State was left stranded in Oju Local Government Area of the state when his deputy, Benson Abounu; state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abba Yaro and senatorial candidate of the party in the Saturday election, Daniel Onjeh, were not on ground to receive him at the campaign venue.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the governor had arrived at the venue of the grand finale of the campaign, on Wednesday, only to meet few supporters while his deputy, party state chairman, the candidate and others were yet to arrive.

The occasion was the grand finale of the campaign of APC senatorial candidate in Saturday Benue South rerun election, held in the capital city of Igede land, Oju. Governor Ortom was said to have been kept waiting for about two hours before the convoy of the deputy governor, Abounu

drove in along with former deputy governor, Chief Steven Lawani, former ministers of state for education and Niger/Delta; Professor Jerry Agada and Chief Sam Ode respectively. And to the chagrin of the governor and his deputy, the party’s candidate, Daniel Onjeh, was absent keeping the governor and other top pillars of the party in suspense

for over five hours.

Nigerian Tribune noticed the visibly angry governor, who could not conceal his feelings at the time, addressed some members of the caucus at the lodge.

He confessed that it was the first time he would receive such embarrassment, noting that Onjeh was working for his failure.

The timely intervention

of former deputy governor, Chief Steven Lawani, deputy governor, Abounu and other top brass in the party stopped the governor’s resolve to return to Makurdi and abandon the rally.

He, however, advised the supporters to come out en masse and vote for the party candidate in the election.

It was gathered that Onjeh later arrived at the venue.

Lalong, NBA want anti-corruption crusade pursued within ambit of law Isaac Shobayo - Jos

GOVERNOR Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State and the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh, have commended the anti corruption crusade of President Mohammadu Buhari-led administration, but submitted that it must be pursued within the ambit of the law.

The governor, who gave the commendation at the

opening ceremony of the NBA National Executive Meeting, in Jos, on Thursday, said the Bar and the Bench have a critical role to play in making the anti corruption war a success.

“We have a duty to ensure that we, at least, get to a stage where our common wealth is not flagrantly and arrogantly pilfered, by those who should be held to the highest threshold of accountability. Mr

President’s body language is clear that, it will not be business as usual.

“While we submit that the rule of law must be respected in the prosecution of this war, lawyers as practitioners in the Temple of Justice and patriotic citizens must ensure that individually and collectively, we do not constitute ourselves into clogs in the wheel of the progress that is being made,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune

POCHTECH gets licence to operate

By Tunde Adegbola

THE Provost and Chief Executive Officer of POGIL College of Health Technology (POCHTECH), Dr Isaac Adegoke, on Thursday, said the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) has approved the establishment of the institution and given its licence of operation.

The provost of the institution made the confirmation during a press briefing that preceded a three-day programme scheduled to mark the approval of the institution, held at the institution at Oke-Eri, via Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Adegoke explained that all courses offered by the institution had been accredited by the national regulatory bodies.

According to him, “Though, the institution was established in 2005 but we have recorded numerous achievements. Candidates will now be admitted into the institution through Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB). Graduates of the institution will be mobilised by for the NYSC programme.

“The management of the institution have concluded arrangements with a foreign continuing education centre for the graduates of the school who wish to further their education abroad. It has now become easier for any of our graduates to get job opportunities since the college has gain national and international recognition.”

Word Bible Church multipurpose prayer meeting begins Feb 21 THE Word Bible Church, Palace of Healing, I, Ganiyu Close, Ajelogo Ketu, Lagos will hold February multipurpose prayer meeting and crusade from Sunday, 21 to Tuesday, 23 February, 2016, by 8:00a.m.1:00p.m. daily. The theme of the prayer meeting is “Rivers in the Desert.”

Ministering are presiding prophet and founder of the church, Dr Babatunde Kumoluyi and other anointed men of God.

Dr Babatunde Kumoluyi

15

Friday, 19 February, 2016

NATIONAL SUGAR DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, ABUJA (FEDERAL MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, TRADE & INVESTMENT) No 45 Oro Ago Crescent, Garki II, P.M.B. 299, Abuja

Invites:

The General Public to its

Southern Region Sensitization Forum on Nigeria Sugar Master Plan for Stakeholders In Sugar Sub-Sector

Theme: Sustaining the gains of NSMP for National Self-sufficiency In Local Sugar Production Venue: Royal Spring Holiday Inn, Bisket Junction, Ikirun Road, Ota Efun, Osogbo, Osun State.

Date: Thursday, 25thFebruary, 2016 Time: 9.00am

Chairman: H.E Distinguished Senator Dr. Sam Egwu, CON Chairman Senate Committee on Industries Special Guest of Honour: Mr. Gabriel Abimbola Oso Coordinating Director, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Osun State.

Keynote Address

Dr. Abdulatif D. Busari Executive Secretary, NSDC, Abuja

For Further Enquiries Contact: 08035986234 E-mail: contact@nsdc.gov.ng; website: www.nsdc.gov.ng

16

Friday, 19 February, 2016

17

Friday, 19 February, 2016

I

N the debates in the Federal Parliament leading to the vote, Chief Ayo Rosiji, formerly the General Secretary of the Action Group – who had been expelled alongside Akintola and had joined Akintola’s United People’s Party (UPP), and who was later rewarded with a ministerial appointment in Balewa’s second cabinet – excoriated Awolowo as the one responsible for the crisis in the Western Region because of his arrogance, conceit and self-opinionatedness”.

He spoke elaborately in support of the declaration of a state of emergency in the Region in addition to a commission of enquiry on the “relationship between the erstwhile Awolowo Government and the NIPC”. Rosiji, an Egba man, followed this by triumphantly announcing Awolowo’s political death: “…whenever God decrees that time is up, it is up. Here in this House today, we are singing the political death song of Chief Awolowo. We hope that he will be man enough to bid farewell in an honourable manner and retire from politics”.

Chief E.O. Okunowo spoke in similar vein, emphasizing that “probably only Action Group Members from the (Eastern Region) who are still in darkness and a handful of people from Yorubaland” in the Federal Parliament supported Awolowo.

He then appealed to the Prime Minister “to find an asylum for Awolowo and send him to an asylum”. For the avoidance of doubt, the Ijebu-Ode-born Okunowo reiterated his “appeal to the Prime Minister to do something because if we do not put this man under check there will be a big trouble in this country…. He is an apostle of trouble….”

Thus, when “trouble” was eventually visited on the “apostle of trouble” first by his restriction to Lekki, Awolowo’s position that the attempt to impose a state of emergency in the Western Region was “calculated” and “premeditated” – which had been derided by another of his former allies-turned adversaries, Chief A. Akerele – proved to be correct. Chief Anthony Enahoro, a ranking member of the AG, was also prescient in his response to Rosiji, Okunowo, Akerele and particularly Balewa when he said on the floor of the Federal House, “I think something has begun today which is going to go much further than perhaps most of us here today imagine”. Before Enahoro spoke, Balewa had said that “We have many times heard people saying that the Federal Government is not effective, the Federal Government is this or that. We are well aware of that…. But I must say now, and I hope everybody will take it as a warning, that we in the Federal Government are determined to assert our authority and we are determined to deal severely with any individual or group of people or individuals who want to damage the name of Nigeria.”

This was Balewa’s not-so-veiled threat directed at Awolowo. Shortly after the proclamation of the State of Emergency, Balewa appointed his Minister of Health, Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi, the Sole Administrator of the Western Region in May 1962 for a period of seven months. One of the first acts of Majekodunmi was to use the Emergency Powers (Restriction Orders) Regulations, 1962, to restrict Awolowo to “a distance of three miles from the L.A Police Station” in his hometown of Ikenne. The restriction order was dated May 29, 1962.

Awolowo and Hannah arrived in Ikenne in the evening of May 31, 1962. So, his restriction formally began on June 1. The next day, Hannah witnessed a meeting between her husband and a few people who had come to speak with him about the crisis in the region. Two visitors particularly irritated her with what they said to her husband. These were Oba T. T. Dada, the Olota of Ota and Chief Hunponu Wusu. The latter in particular was so uncouth when he told Awolowo in Yoruba that it was “iwa omugo patapata!” (“utter foolishness”) for him to stand up to the Government of the Federation and all the three Regional Governments combined. The Olota added that Awolowo’s only way of avoiding a “worse fate” in his “helpless” situation was to beg the Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and his lieutenant, Prime Minister Balewa.

Awolowo recalls that he did not want to “give them the length of my tongue” in the presence of his wife, yet he could not hide his “abhorrence and contempt” for the “callousness” of the Olota and Wusu. He shook their hands and asked them to leave his house. Hannah did not bother to shake their hands or wait for them to leave.

She had started to bear the heavy burden of crisis engulfing the western Region. She too had been under immense pressures to mollify her husband as the AG crisis erupted. Some wanted her to persuade him against taking a principled stand. They wanted her to convince him to compromise with his adversaries in the region and the rest of the country. But she refused.

She was convinced he was fighting a just cause. She had watched the events unfold, not from the ring side. She was at the center of things. She was a witness to how the other regions, and the other major political parties, working in concert with the federal government had worked in concert to destroy her husband and his party; she had listened to her husband explain the proceedings at the Federal Parliament, including the role played by erstwhile allies turned dangerous adversaries. She was resolved that no matter what happened, she would stand wherever her husband stood. They started their mutual life together with little

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Wale Adebanwi on Mama HID (2)

•Mama HID Awolowo

or nothing and they rose together to the pinnacle of power in the Western Region and as Leader of Opposition. She will remain steadfast, come rain or shine.

In the following days in Ikenne, she started to experience a new phase of their life that would test her innate capacities in new ways. She had been used to feeding so many people in her house occasionally in the course of her husband’s political life.

She usually had a lot of help and time to rest after each ceremony. But this was going to be different. Every day, people came from different parts of the region to express solidarity with their leader who had been restricted to his home town. By this time, Awolowo had moved to their new home in Ajina Street in Ikenne. The house became a large food-shed where meals were cooked and served for at least sixteen hours daily.The last guests usually left around eleven in the night; but some days, the last guests left in the dead of night and they had to be fed.

She was lucky to have her sister-in-law, Awolowo’s only surviving sibling, Alhaja Olufunmilayo Awofeso, and some other faithful women around her. These women were mostly the wives of Awolowo’s associates. Some of them moved to Awolowo’s house not only to express solidarity but also to help take care of visitors. Despite the help, Hannah and her friends and supporters had no respite from cooking, feeding and receiving people in the days that followed her husband’s restriction to Ikenne.

However, the incessant flow of people to Awolowo’s home alarmed the authorities. What they wanted to achieve was to isolate him, and cast him as a belligerent, intransigent and disruptive element who should be avoided by all. After all, Okunowo had said only a “handful be able to vanquish Awolowo, he had to be quarantined. They had assumed that the restriction would help to diminish him and reduce his popularity.

If nothing was done about the experience of incessant flow of supporters and well-wishers to Ikenne, Ayo Rosiji might be proved wrong that Awolowo’s “political death” had commenced as the Federal Parliament debated the declaration of state of emergency. Thus, the attempt by Awolowo’s supporters to turn Ikenne to political Mecca had to be aborted. Okunowo’s appeal to Balewa “to do something” to “put this man under check” had a new resonance to the authorities.

Therefore, a decision was taken that Awolowo had to be moved to an inaccessible place. After they considered a few options, Majekodunmi ordered that the insolated island of Lekki not too far from the Epe beach was the best place to restrict the man. There was an abandoned Government Rest House there.

On June 19, 1962, shortly after noon, the order for restriction in Lekki was delivered by a British officer of the Nigerian police force to Awolowo in Ikenne.

It would take about three hours by power canoe and forty-five minutes by a flying boat to get there from Lekki shore. Getting to Lekki shore itself is a great distance. It was the middle of June, and as Awolowo himself attests, based on his earlier visit on holiday, “during the month of June and July, the footpath from Lekki shore to Lekki itself was always flooded. During most part of my time there, the flood was about knee-deep”. He concludes that, to “prevent visitors coming to me, or drastically to curtain their numbers no place could be more ideal than Lekki”, where Majekodunmi, in concert with Awolowo’s sworn-enemies, had decided to send him.

From experience, Awolowo knew there was nothing to eat in the island apart from fish. But he had little time to prepare for the journey. Therefore, Hannah went to work with the women assisting her. Within three and half hours, she was ready to accompany her husband to Lekki with sufficient provisions for feeding him there. But he didn’t want her to come along to Lekki. She would have none of it. She would go wherever he went, unless she was legally prevented from doing so. Even though she was ready to brave the odds, yet, Hannah kept asking herself what her husband had done to deserve being tossed around like this. They were both despondent as they drove out of their house in Ikenne. There was uneasy silence in the car.

After a while, Hannah broke down in the car and wept. But her husband hugged and consoled her. She eventually took care of herself. She even began to smile and so they began a discussion about their destination.

“We had been there before, when we went there for a holiday….” said the Leader of Opposition who had become the opposed. He was trying to make light of their burden.

“Yes, but the place is no good”. Hannah insisted on the gravity of what awaited them in Lekki.

“Well. What can we do? Go there, we must. The decree has come from His Excellency, the Administrator…..”

“And there is no electricity there!” HID retorted.

He acknowledged that and added that he had called the Administrator to tell him about his rheumatic pains which were usually acute in that part of the year, the raining season. Hannah was shocked at Majekpodunmi’s callousness.

“You told him that?”

Her husband was affirmative.

“And yet he insisted on our going to Lekki. How cruel” At this point, Awolowo became convinced that, despite the brief expression of emotion by his wife, her fortitude and “joyful spirit had been fully regained”.

The conversation between the two – with Awo saying “we must” and his wife saying “our going” – was yet another demonstration of the unbroken bond between the two. Instinctively, they knew they were in this together.

It was already dark when they arrived at the Lekki shore.

There was no way they could make it to Lekki Village that night because they would have to walk on foot to the village. The former Premier and Leader of Opposition in the Federal Parliament and his wife spent the night in the boat. While they could manage some nap, there was really no way to deep soundly in that boat, even if all was well. By 9.45 on the morning of June 20, the couple was ready for the long trek to the village. Fortunately, for them, even in the dead of night words had spread round that they were in the boat. So, at the break of dawn, the villagers were there to help them. They eagerly and joyfully carried the load of food and other items and walked with the Awolowo while singing merrily to the place of restriction….

In 1847, Henry Francis Lyte, the Scottish Anglican hymnwriter, poet and one of those whose faith has embodied the Anglican Communion in the last one and half centuries, lay dying from tuberculosis. While dying he wrote a poem and set it to music. The poem, “Abide with Me”, became one of the greatest and most inspiring songs in moments of tribulation, solemnity and loss. It was the first verse of that song (in Yoruba) that the villagers and those who accompanied the Awolowos sang as they trekked towards Lekki village”.

TO BE CONTINUED EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK: “HISTORY AND EVERGREEN MUSIC (1)

18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 19 February, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@tribune.com.ng or by sms to 08053412982.

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

Lighting Up Lagos: Appeal to Gov Ambode

R

ECENTLY, the media dwelt on ‘Lighting Up Lagos,’ a project of the Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode.

The idea is to illuminate the entire landscape, which will ultimately impact positively on the security situation, as well as the ecstatic value and ambience of the state.

There is no doubt that the benefit of this laudable project will change lives positively if properly

handled.

Though uninterrupted power supply is very vital for every community and mankind, the immediate desirability of this project gives one cause for concern in some communities, such as Ijagemo in the Iba/Ojo Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), in terms of priority.

My skepticism is neither borne out of lack of confidence in the ability of the government to logically prosecute the project, nor

should anyone make the mistake of regarding the community and its inhabitants as agents of darkness.

Sincerely speaking, we need street lights on the Ijegun-Ijagemo Road, but of paramount importance now is the issue of road, especially drainage.

As presently constituted, any attempt to erect the light basement or poles for street light on the road now, will be an exercise in futility, until the road is firmly secured and the

safety of such amenity will be guaranteed. For now, the poles, if erected, will be washed away into the OjuOdo canal.

So, while we appreciate the governor’s desire and passion to achieve the agelong dream of a mega city of excellence; a land of opportunity for all communities and residents, I think the actualisation of Light Up Lagos project, coupled with the compelling demand for local councils to upgrade their environment by asphalting every street

Olukere, Ogoga should unite to promote peace The controversy in Ekiti State over the supremacy tussle between two traditional rulers, the Olukere and the Ogoga, is needless.

Governor Ayo Fayose, speaking through the deputy governor at the

Economic crisis: Let’s support govt FOR some time now, some advertisements have been running in newspapers, on televisions and radios on how much Nigerians love foreign made goods.

One of such adverts showed the ankara wax, which many Nigerians love so much, but are printed outside the country.

With the success of the foreign made ankara, many workers lost their jobs, and textile companies went bankrupt after Nigerians switched their love to the imported materials at the expense of the locally-produced ones.

While providing jobs for foreign workers, we also ship our hard-earned money abroad to procure these textile materials.

This is one of the reasons the naira is falling everyday against other world currencies. I hope we can learn from this and start patronising ‘Made in Nigeria’ products.

•Yakub Aisha, ABU, Zaria.

commissioning of the new palace built by the Ogoga few weeks ago, added salt to injury by saying that the Ogoga is the only recognised monarch in the town.

This brought about renewed discord in the town.

Supremacy contest among traditional rulers is not new in Yorubaland.

Internecine war in Yorubaland in the 19th century had forced many towns to

converge in other towns to avoid being attacked by their enemies.

In this case, many traditional rulers, even those superior to the monarch of the host town, lived together without rancour, but gave mutual respect to one another.

Till date, there are many towns where many monarchs co-habit without rancour. With this,

the Ogoga and Olukere supremacy tango cannot be settled by government threat or effusion.

It is as a result of this that I want to urge these two traditional rulers not to be distracted from doing their best for their people, while living in harmony.

•Adewuyi Adegbite, ayekooto05@gmail. com

in their localities, will provide an added impetus to the actualisation of a better Lagos. But in the meantime, Ijagemo community is in dire need of roads and drainages more than any-

thing, else.

God will give the governor the wisdom to do the needful.

•Tony Anaele, Befun Estate, Ijagemo, Lagos State.

NFF, Eagles need stability The need to maintain stability in the Super Eagles is one reason the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should not sack Sunday Oliseh now.

Since the appointment of the coach, he has proved to Nigerians that he meant well for the country in our quest to return to the top of global football hierarchy.

His determination to ensure that our soccer developes like those of European countries should be supported by all.

We may have lost out in the group stages at the recently-concluded CHAN in Rwanda, but winning some and losing some is part of life. We should not always expect victory in every competition.

The reported move to relieve Oliseh of his appointment due to issues which arose after the competition should be settled.

We should not be changing coaches every year; when Stephen Keshi was to be sacked, he was accused of being proud; now, some people are saying the same thing about Oliseh.

When will we change our thinking in the country.

We need to plan for a long time if we really want to be taken seriously in football.

The CHAN competition is not enough assessment to sacrifice Oliseh.

NFF officials should allow the coach work with peace of mind. The Super Eagles need stability, and not the constant changing of coaches.

•Bala Nayashi, No 1 Yashi Area, Lokoja, Kogi State.

FG, focus on road rehabilitation SINCE the beginning of the year, we have been hearing about terrible road accidents across the country, and most are caused by the condition of the roads.

I am happy that a large chunk of money has been budgeted for road rehabilitation in the country, but government should stop delaying such projects.

As soon as the budget is passed, work should start on the roads.

I hope the Ibadan-Ilorin Expressway and the LagosIbadan Expressway can be completed as soon as the budget is passed by the National Assembly. We should not sit by and watch innocent people die needlessly in road accidents.

•Kunmi Oluyemi, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

19

editorial

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Imminent diseases: The warning by Doctors without Borders

O

N January 25 this year, the humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), otherwise known as Doctors without Borders, gave a warning to African governments regarding imminent fatal epidemics such as measles and meningitis.

Speaking at a World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, MSF’s operational health advisor, Dr Monica Rull, stated: “The threat posed by emerging and reemerging virus and parasite-spread diseases such as dengue fever, Zika, Ebola and Kala Azar needs to be faced. We know that thousands of lives will be at risk with the outbreaks, but we also know that the means to prevent these deaths exist.

Cholera, malaria, measles and meningitis epidemics will also take place this year in a dimension that we have never seen before. They will incapacitate and kill many if nothing is done.”

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and causes fever and acute pains in the joints. A virus carried by mosquitoes also causes Zika, whose symptoms include fever, joint and muscle pains, and conjunctivitis. The latter is spreading like wildfire in Latin America and has been a major concern for disease control globally. West Africa has suffered from an epidemic of Ebola virus disease, and Nigeria turned out to be one of the early success stories in combating the disease in 2014. Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness, while Kala-azar is the second largest parasitic killer in the world and affects the liver, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes.

Sadly, the MSF said current strategies to prevent major disease outbreaks show only limited success. Although the WHO has an early warning and response system to deal with epidemics, its abilility to handle such outbreaks varies from place to place. While it worked in some cases, it has fallen short in others. MSF’s deputy medical director, Tammam Aloudat, noted that the “delay in Ebola response is an example of where a high stakes outbreak didn’t attract the early and vigorous response it required. This is even more likely to be the case for smaller and less ‘media attractive’

outbreaks.”

We salute the heroic work that the MSF continues to carry out across the globe. In particular, we recognise its role in combating the Ebola virus in West Africa. The current warning is timely and we call on African governments to take heed. Nigeria owes the MSF a debt of gratitude for its role in several emergency health situations in the country.

We recall that the MSF was created in 1971, in the aftermath of the Biafra secession, by a small group of French doctors and journalists who believed that all people had the right to medical care regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation, and that their needs outweighed respect for national borders. In 2015, over 30,000 professionals, mostly local doctors, nurses and other medical personnel, logistic experts, water and sanitation engineers and administrators, volunteered their time and skills at great risk under the MSF to provide medical aid in over 70 countries.

Indeed, the MSF has risen to the challenge posed to health by globalisation. Globalisation facilitates the movement of people across the globe, thereby aiding the rapid spread of epidemics. Thus, countries are not only required to develop their own health infrastructure but also to collaborate with other countries and the WHO to address epidemics. They are required to be vigilant and to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of such epidemics where they occur. It is generally established that collaboration across countries holds a better promise of combating epidemics than the closure of borders to regulate the movement of persons, as demonstrated in the global involvement in combating the Ebola virus in West Africa.

Previous experiences with Ebola showed that many health systems in Africa are weak and not sufficiently prepared to deal with such epidemics. A number of measures have been recommended to reduce the risk of epidemics, including improved health infrastructure, health education, rapid alert and response, and free medical care for sick people.

We call on African governments to take immediate steps to implement these recommendations.

AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA PLC Founders: CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO GCFR, SAN (1909 - 1987)

Chief (Dr) H.I.D Awolowo CON (1915 - 2015)

Chairman Rev. (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran Co-Chairman Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Edward Dickson Controller (Business Development) Fola Oke Chief Accountant Oluremi Olufisayo, ACA

Ibadan Office (Advert Hot Lines): 08077227269; 08034135733 Lagos Office (Advert Hot Lines): 08055333067; 08033013177 South South Regional Office: No. 50 Ikwerre Rd., Mile 1, Diobu, P/Harcourt, Rivers State

Snr. Manager (Advertisements) Kayode Titiloye Sales Manager Omotayo Lewis, Ph.D Consultant/Director Segun Olatunji, Ph.D

GOT NEWS?

Abuja Office: Suites G2. 05-07, PEB04 Plaza, Plot 2027, Dalaba Street, Beside NAPTIP Headquarters, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja Advert Hot Lines: 08033199716; 08078891797 Kaduna Office: AN 20, Lagos Street, by Keffi Rd., Kaduna.

Ikeja Marketing Office.

Block C, First Floor, Motorways centre, Opp., 7up Alausa, Ikeja.

Contact: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com or call:08055069471, 08116954630

20

opinion

Friday, 19 February, 2016

The war against Lassa fever

By Toluwalope Kowo

T

HE outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria and West Africa as a whole has signaled an emergent clarion call for surveillance and stiffer measure to quickly stem its scourge before growing into a monster.

In stemming the scourge of a disease, some medical experts insisted that government should not only mount surveillance during an outbreak, but that the surveillance should also be a way of life that must be sustained. Besides this, establishing aggressive campaign that will educate and enlighten the public on a disease will go a long way in creating a collective force to combat the disease.

Knowledge invariably is power and the quest for adequate information about Lassa fever has made a lot of people to be more eager in knowing what Lassa fever is and all that is associated with it. According to medical findings, it is hemorrhagic fever (LHF) an acute viral infection associated with persistent high fever caused by a virus. We should not be unaware that the word ‘Lassa’ is not a coinage but name of a town in Borno State, Nigeria, where the virus was first discovered when it infected two female missionaries who later died due to poor handling and knowledge of the disease in 1969. The disease became known in other places in West Africa and since then, it got the name “Lassa Fever” because it has very close symptom with normal fever.

The recent report about the disease in some states in Nigeria affected by the newest outbreak and the number of people killed by the virus has reawaken peoples’ consciousness about the disease as deadly as ‘Sister Ebola.’ Wikipedia reports has it that Lassa fever frequently infects people in West Africa. It results in 300,000 to 500,000 cases annually and causes about 5,000 deaths each year.

Having knowledge of how the disease spreads will in no small measure prepare people for the health challenges and empower them with precautionary measures. Lassa fever, unlike Ebola that is highly contagious and could infect a person even with a handshake, can be contacted by eating infected bush rat or eating food contaminated with

rodents, especially multimamate rats’ excrete/urine that is deposited in foods and water or person to person when there is direct contact with body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva among other infected persons.

The virus carrier is probably the most common mouse in equatorial Africa, ubiquitous in human households and eaten as a delicacy in some areas. The virus is shed in their excreta (urine and faeces), which can be aerosolised.

In fatal cases, Lassa fever is characterised by impaired or delayed cellular immunity leading to fulminant viremia.

The importance of public enlightenment and education on Lassa fever cannot be over-emphasised. The public should understand and know its signs and symptoms when they come in contact with the disease. The first sign is that the illness usually starts with is fever, general weakness and malaise. Other signs and symptoms are headache, sore throat, pain behind the breast bone, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, abdominal pain and swollen face, bleeding (from mouth, nose and vaginal), gastro-intestinal tract and low blood pressure.

In battling with Lassa fever or better still preventing it, people must avoid contact with rats and keep their houses and environment clean; they must cover all foods and water properly, discard any food part-eaten by rats, cook all foods thoroughly, do not spread food where rats can have access to it and as soon as they suspect any symptoms relatively similar to Lassa fever or have persistent fever that is not responding to the standard treatment for malaria and typhoid, victims are enjoined to report to the nearest health facility for early treatment.

Today, Nigeria’s surveillance system has been said to be too weak to detect and pick up Lassa fever early enough.

Surveillance is like insurance as we all know, if you do not pay your insurance premium, you will pay for it when the trouble comes. What happens is that people think they do not need it, surveillance enables you to monitor what is going on, like when you have more febrile cases coming into your hospitals.

Despite advancement in medicine, it shows that Nigeria’s healthcare system is weak in disease prevention and control.

Typical signs and symptoms of Lassa fever patients should look out for after three weeks of coming in contact with the virus include abdominal pain, back pain, chest pain, conjunctivitis, cough, diarrhea, facial swelling, fever, mucosal bleeding, pro-teinuria, sore throat, vomiting in severe cases and encephalopathy. Others are haemorrhage hypotension, pleural effusion, seizures, swelling of face and neck, The following domestic and other measures can be adopted to prevent its outbreak; firstly, rodents should be kept out of homes and food supplies, as well as maintenance of effective personal hygiene. Gloves, masks, laboratory coats, and goggles are advised to be disposed while in contact with an infected person. It is important to practice hand washing hygiene and also wash with salt and warm water before eating.

According to a nutritionist, Olaolu Olusina, women should avoid tasting of dry garri by chewing them for starch in the market. All garri drinkers should let go for now. The problem is that most garri sellers in the market buy their garri from rural markets that are not hygienically-conscious.

Nigerians were, indeed, jolted when the news of a fresh outbreak of Lassa fever was broken by the Federal Ministry of Health about ten weeks ago. Many were further worried at the revelation that the disease, which had spread into 12 states, including Edo, Taraba, Borno, Gombe, Yobe, Plateau, Nassarawa, Ebonyi, Ondo, Rivers, Anambra and Lagos states, was being transmitted through a specie of bush rats.

•Kowo writes from Laderin, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Still on the ascendancy to Olubadan stool

By Kunle Olasope MY late father, Chief Julius Adeniran Olasope, was a cofounder and first president-general of Efon Alaaye Improvement (now Development) League in Ekiti State for 28 years till his death in 1979; he was the first Asiwaju of the Kingdom from 1969 to 1979. My mother, late Mrs. Alice Dada Olasope, was the first child of the famous Ajiroba James Ilori of Ido Faboro, Ekiti and on the mother side, a princess of the current reigning Ajiboyede Ruling House of the town. I am hence a full-blooded Ekiti man. But I can also claim without any fear of contradiction, that I am as well an Ibadan man. This is because I lived 50 of my so far 79 years on earth in Ibadan. I was born and bred in Oluyole land, I received my primary and tertiary education there; I began my working career there; I made my radio and television broadcasting history, break-through and popularity in Ibadan; I got married there even though to a lady of Lagos extraction, I had 5 of my 7 children in the town and I have owned a house at The Bodija Housing Estate since 1969. I can, therefore, express opinion authoritatively, with a high level of knowledge and loyalty, on matters concerning the ancient city.

I am happy that eminent personalities of the calibre of Chief Theophilus Akinyele, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Chief Areoye Oyebola and Professor (Mrs.) Bolanle Awe (nee Fajembola) of Araromi Area fame, recently at a symposium in honour of the late Olubadan Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, advocated a review of the Ibadan chieftaincy law, to make it possible for much younger and properly educated people to become Olubadan. This is to end the present system where an aspirant has to wait for 35 years from the family Mogaji position to be promoted several steps till he will ultimately get to the stage to become the Olubadan. The result has been that virtually all Olubadans had not been less than 80 years before qualifying to be in-

stalled. They thus lived for short periods of months to a maximum of one to two and a half and 10 years in most cases.

Of course, at such advanced ages, the vigour and vitality of youth are no longer there and Ibadan has not benefitted from the kind of vibrant contributions that much younger and better educated Obas make in other Yoruba towns.No one will deny that the late Olubadan, Samuel Odulana, was not the same dynamic, no-nonsense politician Samuel Lana that he was in the First Republic or that Ibadan would not have enjoyed him more if he was Olubadan then.

Some people have argued that the promotion and rotational system is good in that it eliminates the bitter struggle for Obaship position witnessed in other towns and that the peaceful succession is worth the while. But is that really still true now, with the Seriki line in court over the next Olubadan? Is the peace mentioned of greater advantage than the progress and development of Ibadan?

And in any case, are the contests in other Yoruba towns not ultimately resolved? If I may venture this view, even though I am not a lawyer, the injunction the Seriki line is seeking will not be granted. This is because in chieftaincy matters, no harm will be done if it is not granted and the installation takes place, for no matter how long, if in the end an Oba is not the right person or is wrongfully installed, he will be removed.I can quote recent examples in llisan, Ogun State and Ipoti in Ekiti State where such removals took place after 20 and 25 years respectively

But let me at this juncture chip in the vital information that it is not going to be easy to change the system in Ibadan because of the origin of the town, important as it is as the mother capital of the Yoruba states. Ibadan developed as a war camp unlike most other Yoruba communities. That is why there has not been a central palace or even royal families or ruling the private residences of the rulers have been the palaces. Even the attempt to build a palace at Mapo has not really succeeded. Late Oba Asanike found it inconvenient and did not use it. Before 1930, when Abass Alesinloye took over, Ibadan was ruled by baales, like Irefin, Oluyole, Ogunmola, Olugbode, Latosa etc. He was the first to be titled Olubadan. Even the town did not have a crown from Ife like other Yoruba towns.

The crown now in use was a ‘registered’ one by Military Governor David Jemibewon in 1976.

However, it is my considered opinion that Ibadan must enjoy modernity and continue to be in the fore front in the scheme of traditional matters in Yoruba land. Perhaps, it will help if the Oyo State legislature will enact laws for a radical reform to stipulate minimum educational qualification for the Olubadan; I believe WAEC or SSS certificates will be adequate). It may also be considered to adopt the Olubadan, Balogun, Seriki and Iyalode lines as ruling lines.

A maximum age limit may also be considered for succession to be Olubadan, not more than 70 years.

Meanwhile, while the necessary changes are being examined, the wisdom employed by a popular Ibadan honorary chief may be adopted, who in spite of his wealth, fame and influence, slotted in his son for the Mogaji position of their family. Incidentally, the young man is riding high and was one of the nine recently promoted chiefs whose elevation caused a controversy with Governor Abiola Ajimobi, before it was resolved by a select group of Ibadan elite.

•Olasope is a veteran broadcast journalist.

21

Friday, 19 February, 2016

fridaytreat

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

Music Business 101 Simi’s val British Council presents the Nigerian Creative/Entertainment present to fans Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 Harnessing Industries’ Potentials as Economic Assets 3

Desmond Elliot, RMD, Patience Ozokwor, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Tunde Kelani, 27 others named most influential people in Nollywood

22

fridaytreat

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

MUSIC BUSINESS 101 Economic Diversification: Harnessing the Nigerian

creative/entertainment industries’ potentials as economic assets 3

By Toyin Adeniji COMPARATIVELY speaking every time I see an artiste or musician that succeeded in breaking through into the music industry, and quietly fizzled out of relevance within a brief period; it is the same equivalent of a small business and enterprise, or a startup launching out into business and closing shop or failing. The effect of the loss on the economy of the nation is the same whether the start-up is an artiste/musician running their music business or a barbing salon or potable water company folding up.

The mortality rate in the Nigerian music business I believe is higher than in other conventional businesses, but it is rarely discussed in the headlines simply because there are no available statistical facts and figures to adequately evaluate the contribution and the impact of the music industry to the growth and development of the national economy. A significant numbers of young people through industries allied to the music industry are directly or indirectly making a living from the music industry in Nigeria today. The music industry and the larger creative/cultural industries as of the moment in the scheme of things economically have not been accorded the recognition they deserve as a major and viable contributing agency to the growth and development of our national economy.

The music industry and the other creative/ cultural industries are crucial to the current economic diversification drive of this present administration, hence, it is imperative for government at all levels to have a par-

adigm shift in the way they see these highvalue economic assets represented by the creative industries. If an economic impact assessment study were to be carried out on the influence of the music industry and individual artistes/musicians on the economy of Lagos State for instance, the outcome will be highly significant and economically relevant. The number of music-related jobs and employments that has got the youthful population productively engaged in a State like Lagos is significant. It is time for government at all levels to consciously and deliberately invest strategically in the development and empowerment of the music industry and other creative/cultural industries. The music industry in Nigeria already creates, employs, pays taxes, innovates, entertains, exports and drives digital commerce growth in the country without any tangible form of support from government at the various levels. This however, can take a quantum leap if only government will choose to see the industry as an economic asset and strategically engage with it.

In order to maximise the economic potential of the music industry and to empower its core stakeholders – artistes and musicians; it is necessary and fundamental for governments at all levels to prioritise and enforce copyright compliance at all strata of the economy. Respect for intellectual property is absolutely in the interest of developing and diversifying our economy at this critical stage in the life of Nigeria as a nation. In our search for economic redemption, utmost attention must be paid to the value and potential of the music industry

as an economic asset and music as an economic vehicle. Music is the most popular consumer product in the modern world and copyright as been widely regarded as the economic motor of the twenty-first century knowledge-driven economy. The Western world have long ago discovered that they cannot compete successfully on the basis of cheap and abundant labour with the Asian countries in terms of relying on the manufacturing sector; hence they have strategically learn to rely on a knowledge-driven economy that have enthroned intellectual property industries as a spearhead strategy for their economic growth and development.

According to Alan Greenspan, Ex Chairman of the US Federal Reserve, he said, “In recent decades, the fraction of the total output of the US economy that is essentially conceptual rather than physical has been rising. This trend has, of necessity shifted the emphasis in asset valuations from physical property to intellectual property and to the legal rights inherent in intellectual property”. Nigerian artistes and musicians are filling up arenas and stadia all over Africa; their music enjoys massive airplay on air all over the continent; Nigerians in the Diasporas constitutes a huge market which influence the spread of the consumption of Nigerian music across borders globally. Having a well-structured copyright administration that is well enforced will help Nigeria to maximise the return of royalty revenues from across the world, which in turn will enrich the further development of the music industry and stakeholders. If the Nigerian government at all levels commits unconditionally to support and protect the copyright

industries in Nigeria by enforcing copyright laws and respecting intellectual property, it will directly impact significantly on the economy of Nigeria as a nation. It has been proven by research that in climates where the rights of creators are protected and rewarded without leaving them to the mercies of pirates, creativity and technological innovations flourish. It is time to encourage the flourishing of artistes and musicians’ creativity in the Nigerian music industry.

Music has been recognised as the number one driver of digital commerce and innovation in the digital technological sector globally. The entire local and global telecommunication industries thrive on content provided by the music industry and other creative industries. The youthful energy and creativity that Nigeria as a nation is blessed with in the form of a predominantly youthful population, potentially is abundant and limitless in terms of what can be achieved with this creativity if deliberately and adequately empowered. This economy must shift attention away from physical assets to intangible knowledge-based assets such as creativity and its expression through the creative industries. Government should responsibly come in to strategically preserve, exploit and consolidate on the continental and global achievement of Nigerian artistes/musicians, by enforcing copyright laws, respecting intellectual property, investing in needed entertainment infrastructures and support systems for the music industry. If government continues with the negative policy of neglect or abandonment, it will be detrimental to artistes/musicians careers, the music industry, culture and the Nigerian economy.

Simi’s val present to fans

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

F

RONTLINE music label X3M Music is consistently pushing the envelope on taking the music revolution a notch higher as its artiste Similar, who many refer to as Nigeria’s Finest Vocalist Simi expresses the true meaning of the season to her fans with a heartwarming and soulful single.

Simi isn’t taking any chances as she seizes the perfect opportunity to Val her fans with her latest love single titled “Love Don’t Care” In this track, which is mixed and mastered

by Simi with a display of rhythmic feel of the Guitar by Fiokee and produced by Oscar, she displays her love for simple soul music.

The impeccable music storyteller uses this song to argue that love is indeed beyond tribe, money, societal status, race or belief, teaching people the true meaning of Valentine and ascertaining that Love can’t be stopped from expressing its true essence. Love doesn’t care about anything but Love.

“Love Don’t Care” is the perfect love song that is sure to remind Simi’s true fans about

her soulful journey with “I do” released in 2011, which immediately became a hit. Simi who warmed her way into the hearts of Nigerians with the release of her songs, “Ara-Ile” “Tiff” and “Jamb Question” recently released a dance video ‘Open and Close’ a polish blend of Pop and Fuji music. Her song “Jamb Question” got an amazing review from prominent Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment critic,

Charles Novia.

She was recently made the YNaija/Y! Africa Magazine New Establishment List 2016 bagged three nominations at the just concluded Headies Awards and won The Most Promising Act at the NEA and City People Awards 2015. Her outstanding talent together with her mastery of music and sound has made her songs some of the most aired songs on Nigerian airwaves.

British Council Presents Lagos Theatre Festival 2016

By Rotimi Ige THE British Council Lagos Theatre Festival will be coming to Lagos between February 23rd and 28th 2016, to hold the biggest Arts gathering in the city and the largest outdoor theatre festival in Nigeria.

This year, the festival will feature over 100 performances from producers such as Bani Productions, Comic Republic, Creative Arts Collection UNILAG, Make it happen Productions, Thespian Family Theatre, Troop-

ers Arts, Women in Arts and many more including 4 International productions from the United Kingdom.

Taking place across 20 venues to include British Council, National Arts Theatre, Freedom Park, Terrakulture, Bogobiri, Muson Centre, UNILAG among others, there will also special workshops for Actors, Creative Writing, Directors and Producers.

Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 will be an extravaganza of music,dance,spoken word, musical and performance theatre.

‘The Next Rated Stars’ grand finale holds Feb 25 By ’Ronke Sanya YOUNG and talented youths in Ibadan are set for a huge opportunity to take their talents to the next level as The Next Rated Stars talent show grand finale will hold at Jogor Centre, Liberty road, Ibadan, on Thursday, February 25.

The Next Rated Stars is a brand with pursuit to discover new talents and acts in Nigerian from five major categories

including beauty and make-up, fashion designing, music, dance and Fine Art. The Next Rated Stars started years back by garnering entertainment stars from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus, Ile-Ife, Osun State. At the first edition, amidst 50 contestants, 25 winners emerged in the different categories and went home with lots of gifts and huge sponsorship by other talent show within and outside Nigeria.

Panel of judges at the screening of The Next Rated Stars contestants.

23

society

Friday, 19 February, 2016

...celebrating the people

Nigerian Tribune

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

When CEOs gathered for the love of the nation

From left, MD/CEO, DKK and Associates, Tope Jemeregbe; Guest Speaker, Hamza al-Mustapha; Dr Fredrick Fasheun; Chairman, Effect Concept Nigeria Ltd, Prince Doyin Sijuade; Mr Adeleke Ajayi and John Fashanu

From left, Mr John Fashanu and President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima

From left, Mr Adeleke Ajayi and MD/CEO, DKK and Associates, Tope Jemeregbe

From left, Mrs Funmi Ladele, Mrs Arinola Adeniyi and Mrs Toyin Adeniyi

From left, Mr Ayo Lijadu, Zaaki Azzay and Benneth Ogbeiwi

From left, Allanah Chinedu and Vin Uguru Onyeso

From left, Wale Akintola and Kalu Ikeagwu

From left, Dr Fredrick Fasheun; MD/CEO, DKK and Associates, Tope Jemeregbe and Guest Speaker, Hamza al-Mustapha

24

25

Friday, 19 February, 2016

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

fridaytreat

Desmond Elliot, RMD, Patience Ozokwor, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Tunde Kelani, 27 Others named most influential people in Nollywood Screen favourites Desmond Elliot, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Patience Ozokwor and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde have been named alongside renowned movie director Tunde Kelani in a list of 32 of the most influential figures in the Nigerian movie industry released by top entertainment online portal, TheNETng, ahead of the fourth edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) holding on Wednesday, 20 April, 2016. Published for the fourth year running by the TheNETng, the list is based on factors such as longevity, media following, output, awards and popularity within the industry. FRIDAY TREAT profiles the list of awardees which include… tor Now on his fourth film, Afolayan, the son of a film icon, is perhaps the most remarkable name in Nigeria’s contemporary film industry. While still struggling

Tunde Kelani, Cinematographer, CEO Mainframe Films Globally recognised as a leader of Nollywood, cinematographer TundeKelani has seen stars come and go. He’s also made many stars and big hits.

But what ensures longevity for him and his Mainframe studios, is a rather rare connection with underdogs; a passion for inserting anonymous characters into leading roles and changing their careers forever.

Plus, he brings fading cultural stories into the contemporary space, making films out of independence era literature, and preferring to trade in his native Yoruba.

Kunle Afolayan, himself a bonafide leader of the new school will tell anyone who cares to listen, that Kelani is his mentor and master. He’s not alone.

Emem Isong, Producer, scriptwriter This Akwa Ibom-born movie producer is one of the most respected people in Nollywood. Beginning her career in 1994, she has excelled in writing and producing. With provoking and well thought-out plots, she has earned her place in Nollywood as one of the best screen writers.

Isong holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar and a diploma in computer science from the Computer Science Institute (NCR).

She runs a film school, Royal Arts Academy, with which she has discovered young actors who are now giving the established ones a run for their money.

Richard Mofe Damijo, Actor Currently on vacation from politics, Richard Mofe-Damijo is working the phones, hoping to get busy with Nollywood again. But he hasn’t had to call much. His number has not stopped ringing since he announced his return. Since he discovered how to use Instagram.

Since he decided to keep his beard. The grandfather has been a sex symbol for almost three decades; a charmer for even much longer. He’s the actor other actors want to be like; the brand corporate Nigeria want but can’t have.

Kunle Afolayan, Filmmaker/ac-

Nigeria for four years, Ibinabo was reelected AGN president last year.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Actress Talented, charming and graceful are perhaps the words that best describe OmotolaJalade-Ekeinde, popularly known as ‘Omo Sexy’. The Lagos-born star, who hails from Ondo State, made her debut in Nollywood in 1995. Since then, she has acted in about 200 movies and has endeared herself to producers and marketers. Her star power has seen her snag numerous endorsement deals and even a listing by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, along with the likes of Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Kate Middleton.

Odunlade Adekola, Actor, producer and director It is difficult to mention any actor that

with funds, he’s succeeded where many have failed. And, as his local and international awards will show, he’s plotting a new path for an industry stuck in an era that has passed. Like Kelani, he’s choosy about his stories, finicky about his actors, and ambitious with his projects. If ‘New Nollywood’ was a thing, he’ll be the one running the show.

Genevieve Nnaji, Actress Genevieve does not do as much public charity work as Omotola, her long time archrival. She doesn’t do as many movies as Mercy Johnson, Stephanie Okereke or FunkeAkindele. But she is regarded globally as Nollywood’s leading female super star, with a brand apparently bigger than most of her colleagues put together. Careful about her image, and almost snobbish about associations, she’s one of the few Nollywood actresses you may never encounter face-to-face.

She spent 2015 repositioning as an executive, with the success of her debut film, Road to Yesterday. It remains whether she will cross into waiting markets in Europe and America. But it shouldn’t matter, if she continues to have nearly 20 million young Nigerians in her palms.

Ibinabo Fiberesima, Actress, AGN president The Rivers State-born actress is the first female to lead the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN). Ibinabo wields uncommon influence and power among Nollywood practitioners. Having done very well being at the helm of Actors Guild of

Motion Picture Practitioners of Nigeria (TAMPPAN). The Ogun-state born actor has paid his dues. He came into acting 30 years ago, under the supervision of the late MukailaAdebisi, the manager of Oloko theatre group where he was trained. His artistic career was influenced by the late Theatre Arts professional,Dele Ogunsanya with whom he worked after his training. He made his debut in between 1985 and 1986 coming into limelight in many movies, particularly Ti Oluwa Ni Le produced in 1995.

Femi Adebayo, Actor/producer Femi Adebayo, son of legendary actor, Adebayo Salami popularly known as Oga Bello has gone from living under the shadow of his father to carving a niche for himself in the movie industry, especially in the Yoruba sect. The Jelili actor began acting in 1995, the same year he featured in a TadeOgidan’s movie titled Owo Blow.

Femi, who won two awards- 2015 ZAFAA and Afro-Heritage Broadcasting & Entertainment Awards (AHBEA), two months ago, produced and featured in several hit movies this year.

The lawyer-turned actor cum producer owns a movie academy name J-15 School of Dramatic Arts based in Ibadan.

others. She’s now built a solid image and following that put her firmly in a position to lead the thousands of actors unsure of how to play in a terribly fragmented ssytem.

Razak Abdullahi, CEO, Corporate Pictures He’s one of the people who call the shots in the Yoruba movie industry. He owns a successful movie marketing outfit, Corporate Pictures and his company has backed several blockbusters. Nearly all films from his stable have won or been nominated for major film industry awards. A veteran by every definition, he’s not just a money man. Those who know him confirm he’s an ideas man, a deals broker, and passionate investor.

Toyin Aimakhu, Actress/Producer Toyin is one of the highest paid Yoruba actresses on the continent. An interpreter of roles whose talent is never in doubt, Toyin has garnered many fans over the years with her acting skill and good look. She began acting in 2003, when Bukky Wright, a Nigerian film actress, visited Ibadan to shoot a movie.

Muyiwa Ademola, Actor, producer and director A talented actor cum producer, Muyiwa Ademola is a favourite star and TV face of millions of Nigerians. Any movie he features in is always a delight to watch due to his touch of professionalism and diction. He is mostly known for Ile (2009), Igi Owo (2007) and Orí (2004).

is as popular as OdunladeAdekola in Nollywood let alone a more prominent name in the Yoruba section of the movie industry in Nigeria. So adored by lovers of Yoruba movies in Nigeria and beyond is the tall actor and producer that the risk of exaggeration is remote if one begins to pour the water of superlatives on him. To put it as it is, OdunladeAdekola is the biggest Yoruba actor at the moment and indeed the most prominent brand that section of Nollywood has had for a while. The Glo ambassador is easily in the frontline when any compilation of the list of those dictating the pace of the Yoruba movie industry is compiled.

Dele Odule, Actor and TAMPPAN president It’s not for nothing that he’s appointed the president of the new guild of the new Yoruba actors guild, Theatre and

She’s known for blockbuster movies like Alakada, Eta Oko, Iku Doro among

at Multichoice Nigeria and Director General of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mba is currently the honcho of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission. Soft spokenMba’s popularity amongst broadcasting stakeholders has remained on the rise with his digitisation project and the restructuring to ensure strict adherence to NBC’s rules and regulations. Under his administration, the NBC celebrated its 20th anniversary with a showcase of landslide achievements.

Desmond Elliot, Actor, producer, director Elliot, who is now a member of Lagos State House of Assembly, is one of the prominent actors in Nollywood. Also a producer and director, the Lagos state born actor has produced several blockbusters under his production company Denziot Productions. He is involved in public relations projects for the Nigerian telecoms giant, Globacom, and is said to be one of Nigeria richest Nollywood actors, making his money from acting, directing, endorsements and advertising.

Lancelot Imasuen, Filmmaker This Edo state-born producer and director may well be reckoned as the first Nollywood director to shoot a film in Hollywood, with a $200, 000 non -union budget film titled, ‘Friendly Enemy’. He has also done quite a number

Charles Novia, Filmmaker, Actor, Writer He has been a strong pillar in the Nollywood industry. Charles, who is popularly known as Mr. November, has been a major force in both the movie and music industry in Nigeria over the past 15 years, churning out lots of hit movies such as The Bridesmaid, Real Love, Missing Angel, More Than Sisters, You Broke My Heart, A Christmas Passion and recently Alan Poza.

Besides making good movies, Charles Novia has also helped in discovering lots of A-list stars in the movie and music industry. They include Desmond Elliot, Grace Amah, Empress Njamah, Caroline EkanemDanjuma, among others.

He also helped in re-engineering the careers of many artistes like Stella Damasus, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal and a host of others, who he reintroduced to stardom through his movies and November Records music label, which was home to MajekFashek, whose last album Little Patience, was executively produced by Charles Novia and sold over a million copies.

He hasn’t done much work in recent times, but he continues to be a powerful voice, using his blog to shape thoughts and perspectives.

Patience Ozokwor, Actress Patience Ozokwor has perfected the art of playing the role of a villain especially the wicked mother-in-law, so much so that many people (wrongly) assume that that the characterisation mirrors her real life persona. The movie star, who is from Enugu State, is also a singer, brand ambassador and businesswoman with investments in real estate.

Emeka Mba, DG NBC A former Regulatory Affairs Manager

MTV Shuga.

Protégé of revered Nigerian filmmaker Amaka Igwe for eight years, Chris was responsible for managing the production services at AmakaIgwe Studios (AIS) including training of creative professionals at the Centre for Excellence in Film & Media Studies, the training arm of AIS. He is the founder of True Nollywood Stories, and Pin Point Media.

Joke Silva, Actress A Unilag graduate, she has featured in over 300 Nigerian movies. She is most popular for movies like Phone Swap, The Secret Laughter of Women and Last Wedding and also as one of the Faculty members on the MTN Project Fame.

Joke Silva is married to another equally influential actor Olu Jacobs. She teaches and speaks regularly, owing to her passion for capacity building.

forms for Nigerian movies A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, iROKOtv is Njoku’s 11th attempt at starting a business. He came up with the idea of launching a new distribution platform for Nollywood whilst living at home with his mum, aged 30, after a number of failed enterprises.

John Ugbe, Ugbe is the Administrator and MD of Multichoice Ugbe has been managing director at Multichoice for over four years, over-

Peace Ayim Osigwe, AMAA Founder The brain behind arguably Africa’s most recognized and respected awards for movie practitioners on the continent, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe stands tall among visionaries who have given their all to the growth and development of the movie industry in Nigeria. Having run one of the biggest awards in the movie industry for ten years now, Peace has rewarded, promoted and built the industry in a remarkable way.

seeing a deep involvement between the South African giant and Nigeria’s Nollywood. The result is more Nollywoodcentred programming, a successful annual awards, and a commendable investment in production. He holds a masters degree from the University of Liverpool.

of movies outside the country: Zero your mind – which was shot in Berlin, Saving the Crown, Home and Abroad, Seed of seduction, Windstorm and Adakhanva, which he did in his native language.

Lancelot is referred to as a star director in Nollywood because of his ability of getting the best out of any actor he works with on set and he has received numerous awards for his excellence in his profession.

Chris Ihidero, Film producer, writer With an authoritative voice and calm demeanor, this movie producer has grown into one of the most respected figures in modern Nollywood. Chris has directed about 100 hours of television drama, including Fuji House of Commotion, Tempest and Now we are Married.

He recently produced the fourth series of the ground-breaking HIV and behavioural change focused drama series,

Kene Mkparu, CEO Filmhouse Kene Mkparu is giving Nigeria more cinema screens by the day. Mr Mkparu wants to give Nigeria 50 cinema outlets by the end of this year. He’s secured the funding, he’s put systems in place, and he;s now rolling out strategically. In fact, he has opened two new cinemas, Ibadan and Asaba, this year. With over 20 years experience in business management and cinema operations management in different parts of the world, pundits say he’s the man for the job.

Jason Chukwuna Njoku, CEO, iROKOtv Jason Chukwuma Njoku is a British -born Nigerian entrepreneur, film magnate and African start-up investor. He is the founder and CEO of iROKOtv, one of the early video-on-demand movie plat-

Others include Adebayo Salami, Actor/ producer; Jide Kosoko, Actor/producer; Andy Amenechi, Film Director; Gabriel Okoye, CEO, G Media, movie producer; Akeem Olatunji Balogun, CEO, Olasco Films; Saidi Balogun, Actor, director, producer; Seun Oloketuyi, Journalist, Founder, BON Awards and Dakore Egbuson, Actress.

26

Friday, 19 February, 2016 ’Wale Olapade 08161235359 wale11g3@gmail.com

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year

NATOP conference: Calabar accord sets tone for tourism development, promotion

FG ranks tourism sector priority of Nigeria’s economy

T

HE Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has reiterated the Federal Government mandate to make tourism in Nigeria a mainstay of the economy with a firm purpose of boosting tourism in the country.

The minister who was represented by Director of Domestic Tourism, Mrs Ada Okoli at the just concluded Destination Nigeria Conference 2016, at the Transcorp Hotels, Calabar, Cross River State, with the theme, Nigerian Tourism-The Missing Link in a Diversified Economy, organised by the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), described the event as auspicious, adding that one the key aspects of President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration’s policy thrust is the development of non-oil sector of the economy, which was hitherto neglected.

According to Mohammed, “I am therefore glad that this conference has been initiated as one of the platforms that will further the discussion on this issue.

The minister agreed that the tourism sector is a key factor in the ongoing diversification of the economy, adding that, all hand must be on deck to not only get it right, but also make it work.

“If we get it right, which we must, indeed exciting time awaits us, not just in line with the topic that I have been asked to speak on, Nigerian Tourism, exciting times ahead, but also in reality.

“The government‘s largely successful battle against insecurity and corruption are all relevant to this discourse, as they will contribute largely to the effort to make our country a top destination in Africa. And we have what it takes to be.”

Mohammed made it clear that in order to boost tourism and give it the required impetus in contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Federal Government has taken strategic steps to give tourism a fair hearing.

In his words, “FG has ranked tourism among the six priority sectors of the economy, reviewing of the National Tourism Policy of 1990, making provision of attractive incentives for prospective investors, encouraging publicprivate sector partnership and launching of the Nigeria Tourism Development Master Plan.”

The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, in a goodwill message congratulated NATOP on their AGM and appreciated the fact that Calabar was considered as the venue of the important event, adding that to the state, tourism is their oil and have to be in support of a NATOP AGM which is a viable event for tourism promotion in Nigeria.

In her speech, the DG NCAC, Mrs Dayo Keshi disclosed that in line with the mandate of the organisation, what they do and their future plan concerns tourism advancement in Nigeria.

“In our course to develop and promote the country’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage, NCAC has achieved through its programmes and activities especially with its flagship programmes, the annual National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST),” Mrs Keshi said.

She said the goal is to scale up the expo both in participation and in content to attract increased participation from the continent, which will in turn attract more foreign visitors to appreciate Nigeria arts and crafts poten-

Newly elected executives of NATOP.

From left, Professor Pat Utomi, keynote speaker; Onung Nkereuwena, President, National Association of Tour Operators and Mr Gabriel Onah, Chairman, Cross River State Carnival Commission, at the Destination Nigeria conference organised by NATOP in Calabar recently. tials.

“The NCAC is having a very ambitious plan to introduce more specialised festivals between now and 2017 as a way to further showcase Nigeria and among these events include National festival of the Durbar, boat regatta, masquerade, Nigeria contemporary arts, folk songs and traditional textiles and fashion fair.”

The NCAC boss stated that apart from their potentials to consolidate Nigeria’s tourism, promote employment and wealth creation, the existing and proposed festivals, if well packaged and promoted to international standard could also help change the current negative narratives of Nigeria which could lead to increased foreign direct investment.

For the NATOP president Onung Nkereuwem, the conference was borne out of the association’s seriousness to deliver its statutory mandate as drivers of the tourism industry, to contribute to the development and promotion of Nigeria through tourism advocacy, policy implementation, engagement with government relevant authorities and persons both within and outside Nigeria as a way to champion the course of tourism advancement in the country.

“The conference is timely due to the fact that despite the potential of Nigeria tourism, our policy makers have not seen it as an alternative to oil with an earning capacity of over $7 billion,” Nkereuwem said.

He also reiterated the failure of Nigeria to market and promote the destination Nigeria in international travel trade shows throughout 2015.

Speaking on the conference theme, Nigerian TourismThe Missing Link in a Diversified Economy, the keynote speak, Professor Patrick Utomi, who spoke with enthusiasm, bore it all on the need for Nigeria to embrace tourism with sincerity of purpose and total rebranding through positive service culture.

Utomi said we have more and enough human and natural potentialities to make Nigeria a preferred tourism destination in Africa, but added that the driven force is to have a ground vision of possibilities, which are the wings on which tourism can fly.

He said that Nigeria and indeed Africa need strong in-

Carnival Calabar Queens thrills guests Calabar, one of the carnival capitals of the world was always on point with its flamboyant entertainment, as they entertained attendees at the NATOP’s conference with a mini display of thrilling memories of the biggest street party in Africa. The display was not only an entertainment, but also a prelude to what to expect in this year, as some carnival queen showcase the allures of the different carnival bands in style.

Professor Utomi (Second left); flanked by Director-General, NCAC, Mrs Dayo Keshi and others during the unveiling of a mini exhibition at the NATOP conference.

Special guests at the event.

stitutions and not strong men to make things happen in due time.

According to Utomi, “We need to build a very good and big service culture chain in all the system that will propel the development and prompt promotion of tourism in Nigeria.”

He highlighted the significance of the international airports and the Immigration officials in projecting the country positively in Africa.

“Immigration officers at our various airports need to play a vital role in ensuring that our airports are good reference welcoming centres for the country to be a must visit destination for tourists and as a great source of revenue generation for Nigeria”, he said.

NATOP new excos The Annual General Meeting of NATOP, which was held at one of the seven wonders of Nigeria location, Calabar in Cross River State, was tagged AGM of restoration brought vibrant stakeholders on board to steer the ship of the next two years.

Among the newly elected NATOP executives were President, Nkereuwem Onung, Remlords Tours; Vice President, Muyiwa Salami of Dvine Tour Brokers; General Secretary, Ime Udo of Leadway Tours and Treasurer, Bolaji Mustapha of Get Centre.

The Ex-officio members include Ikechi Uko, organiser Akwaaba, Publisher, ATQ.com; Mrs Fatima Garbati, Chief Executive Officer, Speed Tours, Abiodun Sanni of Tourways International; Chinyere Umuasiegbu of Globallinks Travels and Ladi Jemi Alade of Jemi Alade Tours.

27

politics&policy

Friday, 19 February, 2016 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Intrigues that threw up Sheriff as PDP chair After months of hire-wire politics, former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), appears to have put its leadership crisis behind it with the election of two-time governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, as its national chairman. Deputy Editor, LEON USIGBE traces the intrigues leading to his emergence.

A

GAINST all permutations, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has become the New National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In the weeks leading up to his election last Tuesday, he was not in the mix as all eyes were on the emergence of a core party member from the North-East. Sheriff is relatively new in the PDP having spent the majority of his political life in the defunct All Nigeria Progressive Party (ANPP). But nothing comes strange in the PDP, a party which has the uncanny ability to throw up surprises; just when you think things have fallen apart and the centre can no longer holds, the PDP re-invents itself.

Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Goodluck Jonathan, appeared to have thrown spanner in the works of the former ruling party by approaching an FCT Abuja High Court and securing an order to displace Prince Uche Secondus, who had been acting national chairman of the party since Dr Ahmed Mu’azu threw in the towel after the stunning loss of 2015 presidential election. Gulak wanted the court to enforce the North East zone’s right to serve out Mu’azu’s tenure. To Gulak, Secondus from the South -South, who is the substantive deputy National Chairman, had become a sit-tight leader, a usurper who

Sheriff

The lack of consensus among the North-East party stakeholders meant that the decision on who became the new party chairman fell solely on the lap of the national party organs, including the National Caucus, the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

must be displaced to make way for the rightful occupant of the position.

The court granted the Adamawa Stateborn politician his wish but fell short on his demand to be installed as the new party boss. In spite of that, Gulak showed up at the party national secretariat one day and attempted to physically seize the office of the National Chairman without success. The Secondus-led National Working Committee (NWC), which had appealed the court’s ruling, was alarmed and quickly rallied North East party stakeholders to nominate a can-

didate from among themselves to be considered for the post of the party chairman.

Battle in the North-East The battle thereafter, shifted to the NorthEast, where a stakeholders meeting was called to pick a candidate. There was little success. At least, 29 chairmanship aspirants emerge with just about five of them being very serious. But there were more complications. One. The governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo who is thought to be nursing a presidential ambition for

2019, was not quite comfortable with the idea of a national chairman coming from his North East zone because of the possible consequences it may have on his ambition as the zoning policy of the PDP will frown at a situation where the party national chairman and the presidential candidate will come from the same zone. Two. Each state in the zone was insisting on filling the vacant chairmanship post.

As for Dankwambo, he was said to have been expressing doubts about a northern chairman agreeing to step down to clear the way for a northerner to emerge as the presidential candidate. In the end though, he agreed to back a candidate from outside his state, Gombe, to avert the shenanigans that may have arisen having a powerful National Chairman in his state. That was how Prof. Rufa’i Alkali who took over from Gulak as Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters and Senator Sa’idu Kumo, both from Gombe, lost his backing and the chance to realize their ambition to be the party boss.

Yobe PDP stakeholders insisted on the incumbent National Vice Chairman (North East), Senator Lawan Girgir as their choice, Borno State presented former Minister of State for Power, Hon. Mohammed Wakil, who had earlier been picked by a section of the North East stakeholders of the party but rejected by others. Gombe State decided to nominate Alhaji Sa’idu Kumo while Adamawa State presented Wilberforce Juta, one time governor of old Gongola State. In Bauchi State, former director of Contact and Mobilization of the defunct Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Campaign Council, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, was preferred to immediate past Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Bala Mohammed. He was nominated by a resolution of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party in Bauchi.

Role of the PDP national organs The lack of consensus among the NorthEast party stakeholders meant that the decision on who became the new party chairman fell solely on the lap of the national party organs including the National Caucus, the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Committee (NEC). The Caucus made up of the National Chairman, some leaders of the National Assembly, six state governors among others, met last Monday night in Abuja to screen the various candidates presented for the post.

The national publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, came out midway from the meeting to announce to waiting journalists that the Caucus was not satisfied with the quality of the nominees and had decided to expand the search. In came former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Senator Sheriff. According to him, “basically the two (PDP) governors of

continues I pg28

28

politics&policy

Friday, 19 February, 2016

What next for PDP? continued from pg28

the North-East, what they have done, they brought five people for consideration. We looked at the list and decided to enlarge the list. So, we’ve invited some other leaders from that zone. We called four other people to come, we were able to get two of them, who are coming in any moment from now.

One is Honourable Muhammed Wakil, the other is Senator and former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, the two others we are yet to get in touch with are Nuhu Ribadu and one other person. We want to at the end of today Tuesday) look at the list and the Caucus will decide whom to present to the Board of Trustees tomorrow morning and at the end of the day the national committee will have to approve/elect someone to be the substantive chairman in place of our chairman that resigned. We are calling them to come and explain to us why they want to be chairman and what the party will gain from them being chairman of the party.”

Even though Ribadu had expressed interest to become the party chairmanship, when approached, he turned down the invitation to appear before the National Caucus because he did not want to be interviewed for the job.

Metuh confirmed this in his encounter with reporters while the BoT meeting was still going on Tuesday. Modu appeared before the Caucus and as Metuh also disclosed to reporters later, he was nominated by the Caucus.

According to the party spokesman, at the National Caucus meeting, after the interview, the nominees were narrowed down to Honourable Wakil and Senator Sheriff. But, he added: “The governors first of all discussed and brought a candidate; the National Assembly discussed and brought a candidate; the BoT discussed and came up with a candidate; the National Working Committee discussed and came with a candidate. So, we brought the candidate at the National Caucus. And one interesting thing was that, unanimously, it was the same candidate that every single organ of the party brought to the National Caucus.” That was the former Borno State governor.

Disagreement in the BoT The ensuing meeting of the BoT was turbulent. The BoT is composed of all past Presidents, Vice Presidents, all past and serving national chairmen, all past and serving Senate Presidents and Speakers of the House of Representatives, among others. Members were miffed that the National Caucus presented Modu to them for ratification. Some indeed walked out of the meeting when it appeared to them that the National Caucus was bent on ramming their choice through the BoT’s throat. Metuh himself, who earlier said Sheriff’s choice was unanimously agreed upon, appeared to have recanted later, by saying that BoT members were opposed to it because they were not properly briefed. He also said those opposed to Sheriff had not offered an alternative candidate.

The disagreement in the BoT meeting delayed the scheduled meeting of the NEC which was supposed to give the final approval to Sheriff’s selection. PDP governors who had gathered for the NEC meeting from about 2 p.m had to wait in the acting National Chairman’s office to give the BoT the opportunity to reach a decision. They were there until about 7 p.m when the NEC meeting eventually commenced.

A vote to break logjam At the NEC meeting, there were also dissenting voices as Girgir, Kumo and Juta

Fayose

Metuh

It was said the party needs an intimidating personality with enormous resources to re-engineer PDP machinery so as restore the confidence of millions of party members across the country. refused to step down. The issue was put to vote and Sheriff secured a landslide victory with Girgir emerging a distant second. Sheriff was ushered into the NEC hall and sworn in immediately. In his acceptance speech, he expressed his vision for the party and called for cooperation from members to enable him to realize his ambition of returning the PDP to power in 2019. His words: “The task ahead of us is a very challenging one.

The task is to rebuild this party and carry everybody along and to make sure that the PDP goes to victory in 2019. I know a lot of people have expressed different opinions, which is allowed in party politics and democracy. But, I want to assure everybody that the change you made today, nobody in this hall will regret it, insha Allah.

“PDP will, insha Allah, come back in 2019.

PDP is a party that has structures; PDP is a party that is well grounded; PDP is a party that is focused. All we need to do is to put our heads together and rebuild this party to success, and we shall do it. It is not the task of Ali Modu Sheriff alone, but I will pilot this party to success, insha Allah.

“Nobody will be witch hunted; nobody will be left out in the process to rebuild this party. All of you with me will put heads together and take this party to victory. This is a party that has been grounded in Nigeria for decades. We have been winning elections.

PDP has controlled the Federal Government of Nigeria for nearly 16 years. Therefore, there is no reason to lose hope because of the setback we had, which is allowed in democracy; it will not help us to rebuild ourselves again and become stronger.

“Maybe next time, when we form government in 2019, it will be for keeps for the PDP forever by the grace of Allah. From tomor-

row (last Wednesday), we will keep this party going and insha Allah, you will come back to celebrate this party. We will win back the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I ask for everybody’s prayer. Whatever your feelings, let’s work together. I will carry everybody along. I have no ill-feelings against anybody and party politics is about different opinions. People will always have opinions but when people see the reality and see what we will do, they will concur, and we will go together.”

Opposition Sheriff’s opponents within the PDP do not think he is the appropriate man to lead the party at a time it has a battered image arising from allegations of monumental corruption it was thought to have been engaged in while in power. They are also uncomfortable with the former Borno governor’s image concerning his alleged role in the emergence and radicalization of Boko Haram insurgents in the North East. How he is exactly linked to all this though remains a mere conjecture, as he has denied the allegations, just as his allies said there are no court cases against his person anywhere.

However, feelers within the major caucuses within the party assert that his emergence as the PDP national chairman has laid its leadership crisis to rest and will enable it to focus more on the daunting task of party reconstruction. Even though it is not clear why his sponsors insisted on having him as the head notwithstanding his relative newness in the PDP, the former governor is a man of means, of immense goodwill in the North, who has fought many political battles and largely prevailed. He has the respect of the PDP governors, the most critical stakehold-

Ribadu ers of the party at this time. For the PDP therefore, the new sheriff in town will be expected to bring his astuteness, dexterity and political doggedness to bear on the process of rebuilding the PDP to the formidable political machine it once was.

Permutations Many have raised a number of theories on why PDP decided to settle for Sheriff.

One of them is the claim that it is meant to prepare ground for the party to ride on the crest of his grassroots link to weaken the governing APC in the North, which was hitherto a strong hold of the PDP. Another theory is that his emergence would enable the substantive national chairman of the PDP to come from the South at the national convention of the party later in the year. the arrangement will guarantee that the candidate of the party for the 2019 presidential election emanates from the North. There is also the insinuation that the choice of the former governor of Borno State as current national chairman was borne out of political expediency, given the fallouts of the political upset inflicted on the PDP in 2015. It was said the party needs an intimidating personality with enormous resources to reengineer PDP machinery so as restore the confidence of millions of party members across the country.

The role of the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Fayose, in the exercise that culminated in the choice of Sheriff has also elicited serious curiousity among top party members. They see his role as an indication of the growing influence and capacity of the governor in the power game within the PDP in its quest to return to glory. This is against the backdrop that Sheriff’s name was not among the initial names touted for chairmanship. Fayose is believed to have brought the name to fore for consideration and stoically argued to sway many of his colleagues and the members of the party’s national caucus at their meeting held at the Ondo State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja on Monday night.

Before then, according to the PDP spokesman, Metuh, those that had undergone screening for the post included Wilberforce Juta, Senator Saidu Kumo, Senator Girigiri Lawan, Shehu Gabam and Mohammed Garba.

29

politics&policy

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Mark vs Onjeh: Who gets the people’s nod?

Tomorrow, voters in Benue South Senatorial District will decide who represents them at the Senate after the Court of Appeal nullified the election of former Senate President David Mark. JOHNSON BABAJIDE examines the situation in the district and how each of the candidates stand.

A

MONG the three senatorial districts that make up Benue State, Benue South is traditionally adjudged the most peaceful in the present political dispensation, though not without occasional pockets of crisis. The zone had always been used as a reference point by past governors in political gatherings, with the charge to other zones to borrow a leaf from it.

Ironically, however, such attribute seems to be waning with the current threat to lives and property in the zone in recent times. Few weeks ago, erstwhile minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, had raised the alarm over plots by some elements in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to either silence the opposition or eliminate them before the election day.

It is not that Mark, the senator hitherto representing the district, has had it so smooth all along. In 2003 and 2007, Alhaji Usman Abubakar (aka ‘Young Alhaji) who was the senatorial candidate of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), had slugged it out with Mark while in 2011, former military governor of Katsina State, Major General Lawrence Onoja (retd), contested the senatorial seat against Mark under the platform of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). But Mark had wriggled out of each battle and emerged victorious at the Appeal Court.

This has made the immediate past Senate President to emerge the political lion of the senatorial district.

The change mantra of May 2015 which also spread to Benue State when a young man and greenhorn in politics, Mr Daniel Onjeh of All Progressive Congress (APC) took on the Mark. The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, the state capital , on November 28 last year, nullified the election of the former Number Three citizen and ordered a rerun poll within 90 days.

Crisis unlimited As the clock ticks to the Election Day, the mood in the area is becoming tense, as the two parties are accusing each other of plots to rig the election at all costs. While the opposition PDP is alleging that the APC leadership in the state is bent on manipulating the re- run election in its favour, the ruling APC is also accusing PDP of importing thugs from the Niger Delta to ensure victory at all costs. For instance, the director general, David Mark campaign organisation and former Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, had spoken of plots by APC in the state to subvert the will of the people of the area by deploying fake security personnel to the senatorial district.

But the state chairman of APC in the state, Comrade Abba Yaro, had dismissed the allegation with a wave of the hand, stating that it was the PDP members who were bent on importing militants from the Niger Delta to assist them in ensuring victory in the election.

The recent crisis has created tension in the district. For instance, barely four days to the rerun election, three persons were feared dead in the crisis that rocked Ondo community of Ogboju in Otukpo local government area of the senatorial district. The crisis was reportedly triggered by two siblings from the community who were strong members of APC and PDP, respectively. According to information, the siblings were said to be members of PDP before the turn of events which made the elderly one to embrace the ruling APC, while the younger one remained in the PDP. However, having embraced a new party, Ijachi Ude became caretaker chairman of the local government, leaving his younger brother Eje Ude in PDP. But the order by the state leadership of APC, particularly, in the senatorial district to all appointees to deliver their respective council areas to the party in the coming election propelled the disagreement between the two brothers.

It will also be recalled that the residence of the former Senate President and his family were allegedly attacked by gunmen, though the press secretary of the deputy governor, Ede Ogaba Ede, described the attack as false.

Onjeh

Mark

“There was no shooting at the residence of Mark and such information has not been brought to the knowledge of the deputy governor,” adding that nothing could have warranted such a provocation on the former Senate President and described it as ‘unwarranted and mischievous.”

Chances of the parties in the rerun Indeed, having enjoyed the benevolence of Mark for eight years with its attendant developmental infrastructure, Benue South Senatorial District still remains the stronghold of PDP in the state, not minding the defection of some PDP personalities to APC at the flag off campaign ceremony of the APC senatorial candidate late January.

In the last general election, the senatorial district re-

mained intact under PDP, which won 10 out of 11 state house of assembly seats, all the four House of Representatives and the senator before the Appeal Court nullified the election. One of the defectors, former Minister of State for Education, Professor Jerry Agada, last month averred: “I will conveniently say that, among the senators in the country, Mark has performed wonderfully better than anyone of them, considering developmental projects the man had attracted to the zone.”

Impeccable sources alleged that despite their defection to APC, the likes of the erstwhile deputy governor of the state, Chief Steven Lawani, a former Senate President, Ameh Udoh; former ministers; Professor Jerry Agada and Chief Sam Ode and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Chief Mike Onoja, may not be too keen on the Onjeh project. The APC candidate is said to be under the wings of Tiv politicians, especially Senator George Akume, and the Idoma people feel that he is likely coming to do Akume’s bidding.

Over the years, particularly, during Mark’s tenure as Senate President, there had been strong disaffection between the Tivs and Idomas, with Tiv politicians alleging that Mark had used his influence to marginalize the Tivs in recruitment and appointment of Benue indigenes in favor of Idomas at the national level.

However, Idomas have never become governor, speaker, state chief judge, vice chancellor of the Benue State University, nor held any sensitive positions in the state. These perhaps informed the consistent agitation for Apa State. Aside the deputy governor who has an axe to grind with Mark, leading to his movement to APC, no other prominent politicians in the senatorial district joined Onjeh’s campaign train since it started.

While the opposition PDP is alleging that the APC leadership in the state is bent on manipulating the rerun election in its favour, the ruling APC is also accusing PDP of importing thugs from the Niger Delta to ensure victory at all costs.

30

politics&policy

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Politics of swearing-in in Edo Assembly The delay in swearing in a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate into the Edo State House of Assembly is rather becoming complicated, writes BANJI ALUKO.

I

T was on December 19, 2015, that the final arbiter in legislative election matters, the Court of Appeal, ruled that the lawmaker representing Etsako West State Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly, Yakubu Gowon, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) should vacate his seat for Sylvanus Eruaga of the PDP. The court, sitting in Benin City, asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Gowon and give to Sylvanus Eruaga (PDP) a new one as the duly elected representative of the constituency.

The judgment meant so much to the opposition PDP as the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole is a member of Etsako State Constituency II. Last December, members of the party embarked on a victory dance around communities in the constituency celebrating Eruaga’s victory. They boasted that a PDP lawmaker would now represent Governor Oshiomhole in the House of Assembly. For the victorious Eruaga, his expectation was that he would become a state legislator upon the resumption of the House after the Christmas and New Year break. That dream, however, has not come to fruition two months down the lane, as Eruaga is yet to be sworn-in by the leadership of the Edo Assembly.

Eruaga said he had met every condition stipulated for his swearing-in, adding that he had equally presented himself for swearing-in several times. He said: “The Speaker keeps saying they will get back to me. Court officials served the House through the clerk a Certified True Copy of the Enrollment of Order. They said they wanted a Certificate of Return, I brought it. The Speaker later told me that my matter was not in his hand. He said he had minuted on it and sent it to the governor.”

To make matters worse, Eruaga alleged that in utter and flagrant disregard of the Court of Appeal, the Speaker of the Edo State House Assembly, Honourable Victor Edoror, allowed Yakubu Gowon, to sit in the hallowed chambers of the assembly after his removal by the appellate court.

According to him, the first indication that the assembly was up to something came when it refused to accept a Certified True Copy of the enrolled order of the Appeal Court judgment, as those charged with such responsibilities made themselves unreachable. He noted that the enrolment order was finally accepted by a National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) member attached to the House of Assembly complex. He alleged that for accepting the order, the corps member received the beating of his life and was admitted to the Benin Central Hospital.

Irked by the unfolding scenario, Eruaga’s party, the PDP, held a press briefing to inform the public the plight of its candidate. State chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, de-

Gov Oshiomhole

Edoror

He personally served the clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly the original Certificate of Return after which the clerk made a photocopy and returned the original to him. scribed the refusal of the Edo Assembly to swear-in Eruaga as an attack on democracy. He alleged that Governor Oshiomhole was behind the act, claiming that “the list of court orders disobeyed by the governor was long, adding “This is one court order we will not allow him to disobey.”

The embattled Eruaga also used the media briefing to display to journalists a Certificate of Return issued and signed by the chairman of the INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, a Certified True Copy of Enrolled Order and clearance papers from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to back his claim that he had fulfilled the conditions stipulated by the Electoral Law to be sworn-in. He added that he personally served the clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly the original Certificate of Return after which the clerk made a photocopy and returned the original to him.

Before the media briefing, Eruaga, through his lawyer, Mr Dele Igbinedion, had written a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari alleging that Governor Oshiomhole and Speaker Edoror were preventing him from joining his colleagues in the Edo Assembly. In the petition, Eruaga claimed the Speaker on February 1, 2015,

said he was awaiting directives from the governor before undertaking his swearing-in since the governor had allegedly warned him not to swear him in without his prior permission.

Speaking, however, Speaker Edoror disclosed the real reason the assembly had not been able to swear-in Eruaga, claiming that it was investigating a case of alleged forgery of Certificate of Return by Eruaga. Edoror said the assembly was not an apron string of the executive arm of the state government. He alleged: “We are investigating a petition concerning forgery of certificate of return against him” and “until that is exhausted, he cannot be sworn-in.”

Counsel to Eruaga, Dele Igbinedion, however, described the allegation as laughable, saying it was never communicated to his client. In a letter sent to the assembly through courier, he said the allegation painted his client as a criminal who is unworthy of public trust or office since he could condescend so low as to forge a Certificate of Return for an election which he won convincingly and which was pronounced by the Election Petition Tribunal and upheld by the Court of Appeal.

“Mr Speaker, till date, you have not bothered to inform our client of the existence of the purported petition to afford my client the opportunity to respond to it since you rely on it for not performing our client’s swearing-in ceremony. Instead, you went to great length and much fanfare to publish the damaging allegations to the whole world with the premeditated objective to severely damage, denigrate and demean our client’s hard earned reputation,” Igninedion alleged in the letter.

As the drama unfolds, it appears Eruaga is looking at other avenues to ensure that he becomes a state lawmaker. Expectedly, one of such is to return to the court to enforce the order giving him victory. He, however, disclosed that he was exercising caution in fighting for his mandate, ruling out staging a protest to the Assembly. He disclosed that the people who do not want him in the Edo Assembly are watching every move he makes and are waiting in the wings to use them against him to further prevent his swearing-in.

Some pundits said the unfolding scenario was not the first of its kind in the state.

They recalled a similar scenario occurred between 2009 and 2010 during the speakership of Zakawarnu Garuba. “This is not the first time this kind of thing is happening in this state. Around 2009 or 2010, the then Assembly led by Zakawarnu Garuba refused to swear-in an ACN candidate, Uwamose Amadasun. Even after the PDP candidate, Elizabeth Ativie, departed the Assembly, it still took a little while before Amadasun took his seat. Though the then Assembly pointed out that a case instituted by Ativie was responsible for the delay, I don’t think the Assembly acted in accordance with the law. Maybe, this is the time the PDP should be paid back in their own coin,” a public commentator remarked.

31

Friday, 19 February, 2016

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Alms begging:

An anathema in Islam W

By Sulaimon Adesina

HEN last did you visit Abuja?

A long time ago? Then you are in for a surprise. In many of the attractive locations and parks, the usually serene old scene is fading away with flowers and beggars now competing for attention. You would easily behold the rags and their mostly Islamic chants that suggest that they are people of the monotheistic faith.

A friend who was in Saudi Arabia for the 2015 hajj stated that he could not distinguish between Riyadh, the Kingdom’s capital city and Lagos. In their numbers, he said, beggars from diverse backgrounds and different corners of the world bombarded visitors, desperately seeking alms.

The situation is worse in other places.

In many Nigerian cities, these people line the streets harassing and embarrassing passers-by with their bizzare tactics to attract attention. In many areas in Lagos, these people, especially the young, would pull your clothes and beg you persistently to part with something. While not disputing the fact that Allah has not distributed wealth equally and that the ones with deficit may seek assistance from those whom Allah has blessed in abundance, the pertinent question is, when did begging become a symbol of Islam?

Being the only religion from Allah, the Creator of all things, the limits of all actions and inactions of a Muslim are dictated by Allah, as explained by His prophet, Muhammad (SAW). If anything, begging does not have a place in Islam. Allah abhors it and the Prophet Muhammad cursed beggars. A Muslim is commanded to work

hard to earn a legitimate living. In one of his sayings, narrated by Az-Zubair bin AlAwwam (RA), the Prophet (SAW) said, “It is better for anyone of you to take a rope and bring a bundle of wood over his back and sell it, and Allah will save his face because of that, rather than to ask the people who may or may not give” (Hadith No. 1471, Book of Zakat, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2).

He (SAW) also said, “A man keeps on asking others for something till he comes on the ‘Day of Resurrection’ having no flesh on his face.” (Hadith No. 1474, Book of Zakat, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2).

Why are people just afraid to work? More disheartening, those who have taken begging as a means of living are not ready to change to that which Islam has enjoined.

They are even proud of their ‘work.’ As early as possible, they would be on the roads and return home late in the evening like any other person. It has even been alleged that some of these people live far above the level of many Nigerians.

A crippled beggar in Ibadan, Oyo State, was recently asked the reason for his continued stay on the highway despite owning a house, two private cars, several commercial vehicles and two wives. The beggar was shocked as to how his well-kept secret became public knowledge. That is the desperation and greed which people have added to the inglorious ‘business.’

The consequences It may be interesting to ask why Islam warns people against begging. First of all, it brings humiliation to those who practise it not only in this world but also in the Hereafter. Secondly, begging impairs human honour and shatters personality.

In addition, beggars constitute economic nuisance to the society as they unnecessarily swell the dependant class of the population. Individuals who habitually ask others for help instead of working hard to meet their needs end up exploiting the feelings of benevolent people. It truly is a curse for the society.

Thus, from the Islamic viewpoint, beggars are liabilities to themselves and the society. That is why Prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever begs from the people in order to accumulate wealth, it is as if he is asking for a live coal, so let him ask for a little or a lot.” (Hadith No. 2399 (1041), Book of Zakat, Sahih Muslim, Vol. 3). He (SAW) also stated: “It was narrated from Abdullah bin Umar (RA) that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and the upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that receives.” (Hadith No. 2385 (1033), Book of Zakat, Sahih Muslim, Vol. 3).

Exempted cases There are three cases in Islam where those who ask for help from others may not be re-

Whoever begs from the people in order to accumulate wealth, it is as if he is asking for a live coal, so let him ask for a little or a lot.

garded as beggars. Qabisah bin Mukhariq Al-Hilali said: “I incurred a debt (in order to reconcile between two parties, Qabisah undertook responsibility of paying debt of someone else) and I came to Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) to ask him (for help) with it. He said, ‘Stay with us until charity comes and we will order that something be given to you.’ Then he said, ‘O Qabisah! Asking for help is not permissible except in one of the three cases: a man who has incurred a debt (in order to reconcile between two parties; to pay off the debt if one takes responsibility of paying someone’s debt), for whom it is permissible to ask for help until he has paid off, then he should refrain; a man who has been stricken by a calamity that has destroyed all his wealth, for whom it is permissible to ask for help until he gets enough to get by – or he said - he gets enough to meet his basic needs; and a man who is stricken by poverty and three men of wisdom among his people acknowledge that so-and-so has been stricken by poverty, then it becomes permissible for him to ask for help until he gets enough to get by – or he said – to meet his basic needs.”

The common feature of those exempted is that they are poor. Who, then, is the poor? Abu Hurairah (RA) said: Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “Al-Miskeen (the poor) is not the one who goes around the people and asks them for a mouthful or two (of meals) or a date or two, but Al-Miskeen is that who has not enough to satisfy his needs and whose condition is not known to others, that others may give him something in charity, and (yet) who does not beg of man.” (Hadith No. 1479, Book of Zakat, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2).

There is yet another word to disapprove of the shameful act by Islam. It can lead to shirk (worshipping other than Allah).

Begging, in a wider sense, is like asking someone instead of Allah, thereby leading to ‘shirk.’ Our ‘tawakkul’ should only be in Allah; whereas if we keep on asking others for help, it means that we do not have trust in Allah and that’s why instead of asking Allah for fulfilling our needs, we ask others. This is a sort of shirk. And there is a great reward for the one who abstains from this ugly act. It was reported from Abu AlAliyah, from Thawban – the freed slave of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) – who said that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “Who will guarantee me that he will not ask mankind for anything, and I will guarantee for him Paradise (in return)?” So, Thawban said, “I”, and he added, “And I would never ask anyone for anything.” (Hadith No. 1643, Book of Zakat, Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 2).

Stopping the act Begging, and all its negative consequences, can be removed from the fabric of our society by confronting it head-on.

The government has to take the initiative by coming out with a ban on public seeking of assistance. If there is any need for someone to ask others for help, he may convince the would-be-helper in private.

If this hard stance can be taken, many of the dirty faces would be driven out of the streets, and would be forced to engage in productive ventures. Religious leaders, especially Muslim clerics, must tell the truth to the people by encouraging them to work to earn a decent living. That is the way of Islam, the way of Allah, which guarantees success on earth and the Hereafter.

Adesina is the Imam of Hijrah Mosque, Leventis, Mokola, Ibadan.

32

islamicnews

Friday, 19 February, 2016

muslim

with AbdulJaleel Solaudeen 0703 030 7232

sermon

Sidqul amaanah

Members of the Majlis Khuddam Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organisation), Oyo State chapter, donating blood as part of activities marking the anniversary of 100 years of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria, at the National Blood Transfusion Service, Yemetu, Ibadan, last Saturday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

Why advanced nations adopt Islamic banking —Muslim professionals

T

HE Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) has said that advanced nations of the world are adopting the Islamic banking system because of the numerous advantages it offers.

The group, in a commu-

nique signed by the chairman of its Board of Trustees (BoT), Mr Hakeem Oyewale, said if well harnessed, the Islamic banking system could revitalise the current state of the economy.

According to the group, advanced countries in Eu-

rope like Great Britain and France and other non-Islamic nations such as South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Senegal are practising the system alongside conventional banking system.

The phobia for the implementation of the Islamic

Pilgrims urged to be obedient during hajj FOLLOWING the misrepresentations that greeted the stampede which occurred in Saudi Arabia during last year’s hajj, an Islamic, non-governmental organisation, Nigeria Centre for Arabic Research (NCAR), has appealed to intending pilgrims, especially from Nigeria, to respect hajj rules and preserve the pilgrimage culture so their safety can be guaranteed.

The organisation made the appeal at a programme tagged “Pilgrimage Culture and Civilised Behaviour for the Pilgrims,” held recently at the auditorium of The Wings Schools Central Mosque, Iwo, Osun State.

The stampede, which resulted in several deaths and injuries, had occurred on 24 September, 2015 at an intersection leading to Jamaraat Bridge in Munaa, a suburb of Mecca.

Evaluating the stampede, the National President, Independent Hajj Operators of Nigeria, Alhaji AbdulFattah Abdul-Mojeed, described the occurrence as the will of God, pointing out that man will always facilitate the work of God, positive or negative, inadvertently or otherwise.

In ruling out overpopulation as a factor responsible for the stampede, he affirmed that the Saudi government had reduced the

population in the last five years.

According to him, Muslims observing hajj will continue to increase because expansion work is in top gear in Saudi Arabia and more efficient means of transportation is in progress and Saudi has projected the extension to accommodate 10 million pilgrims in 2020.

In his own remark, the Ameerul-Hajj of Osun State, Mr Dhikrullah Hassan, represented by a member of the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Bunyamin Owolabi, advised that experienced officials be saddled with spearheading of protocol for the hajj in Saudi.

Speaking at the event, a former federal commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Lai Olurode regarded the stampede as a sign of God’s “superiority and perfection over us that irrespective of our efforts at perfection, there will always be loopholes.”

“That is how God does His work. Example is what happened in Kogi [State] without constitutional provision. It shows we can’t be perfect,” Prof. Olurode said.

He implored Muslims to find reason in sponsoring Islamic programmes in both

print and electronic media to promote factual tenets of Islam rather than being misled by those he called western propagandists.

The Secretary-General of NCAR, Dr Abdul-Hafeez Adedimeji, in a keynote address, enjoined pilgrims to follow in Prophet Mohammed’s footsteps by being helpful towards the weak.

According to him, if a road, the Jamaraat Bridge or the Holy Mosque is crowded, pilgrims could return or sit until people leave their places.

finance system in Nigeria, GMP said, would not have arisen if Nigerians understand the benefits inherent in the system.

The group, while urging the government to provide an enabling environment for the providers of Islamic banking services, asked the operators to work together and create awareness and sensitisation for Nigerians to appreciate the system.

“Muslims are enjoined to take up Islamic financing products as a way of financing projects from available institutions.

“Proper awareness and sensitisation for local clerics should be embarked upon so as to increase patronage for Islamic banking,” it said.

The group called on Nigerians to take up entrepreneurial activities as a way of providing job opportunities for fellow Nigerians.

SIDQUL amaanah, in Arabic, means to be honest in discharging a trust. This special quality has become very rare among the people.

Putting the right person in the right position is the foundation of the survival of any nation, the well-being of the land and the people and the flourishing of civilisation. If honesty is lost, trust will be betrayed, standards will be turned upside down, people’s hearts will become corrupt and people with no qualification will be placed in charge of affairs. The reason for the loss of honesty is the corruption of people’s hearts.

Honesty, they say, is the best policy. And competence is a quality that should come with sidqul amaanah if an intelligent individual will not turn the system upside down and use his knowledge and experience negatively if put in a position of authority.

A Muslim is honest, truthful and sincere and is responsible. He thinks of the Hereafter and fears accountability before the Lord of the Mighty Throne. He cherishes others’ well-being. He is dignified and abhors being shamefully paraded as a thief, fraudster or an imposter.

He is known for his sincerity of purpose, love and affection for others.

Honesty is an excellent character which elevates one’s social status and promotes good image. It commands respect and exalts one.

Unfortunately, the quality of honesty has been jettisoned by many who have embraced dishonesty. As a result, the desired change could not be achieved. The hearts of most people are corrupt. When the Last Hour is approaching, honesty is lost and vices are viewed as virtues.

Abu Hurayrah narrated that while the Prophet was in a gathering speaking to the people, a Bedoin came and asked: “When is the last Hour?” The Messenger of Allah continued to speak to the people. Some people thought that the Prophet heard what the Bedoin asked but disliked it. Others thought maybe he (SAW) didn’t hear.

Then when he had finished speaking, the Prophet said: “Where is the one who was asking about the Hour?” He replied: “Here I am, Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet (SAW) said: “When honesty is lost, then expect the Hour.” The Bedoin asked: “How can it be lost?” The Prophet then answered: “When authority is given to those who are not qualified for it, then expect the Last Hour.”

Brothers and sisters, even if honesty has become a rare quality in contemporary times, let us bear in mind that in it is a desired quality, according to the dictate of our religion. Every one of you is a shepherd and every shepherd stands accountable in respect of his flocks. Let us be clear that the Prophet was known for this quality before attaining prophethood till he departed this world.

As good followers of Muhammad (SAW), the quality of being honest should reside in us wherever we may find ourselves. May Allah (SWT) purify our hearts.

Scholar denies Islam encourages violence Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti A scholar, Dr Daud Amoo, has spoken against the belief that some teachings of Islam encourage violence and extremism.

He said the faith is actually opposed to extremism and violence in whatever form.

Amoo, a foremost Islamic scholar based in Ibadan, Oyo State, clarified that “no sincere Muslim would engage in any form of violence that could claim lives.”

He spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, at the turbaning of Sheikh Abubakar Adekunle and launch of a fund to undertake the construction of

his mosque and the commencement of training for children.

According to him, political/secular and religious leaders in the country must undertake a reorientation, through their conducts, among the citizenry to make the people love their country, adding that “someone who is genuinely spiritually upright would not go to war against his/her own country, killing people and interpreting that as ‘belief in God.’” Dr Amoo cautioned those who interpret the Boko Haram onslaughts as “Islamic fundamentalism,” noting “fundamentalism does not carry any

iota of violence. It is essentially a personal or individual thing. It is often a decision to move close to a higher being. Such a decision is often followed by refined deeds and commendable conducts.

To kill people and oneself using explosives is plainly outside the fold of Islam.”

According to him, Boko Haram and other extremist groups in the country came essentially not as an opposition to other faiths but to a leadership which has failed the people in primary ways, making access to the necessities of life practically impossible for many.

“It will be an error to regard Boko Haram as an in-

surgent against Christians or adherents of other religions. No. Boko Haram is a response to years of maladministration of Nigeria’s political leadership.

For us to get a solution to the problem, therefore, we must focus on good governance and improvement in people’s economic welfare.

To look away from these two factors is to perpetuate the conditions which primarily brought the malaise about,” he said.

Amoo also urged parents to redouble their efforts by giving their children/ wards proper upbringing, adding that “when the family fails the child, he falls prey to common influences in the society.”

33

Friday, 19 February, 2016

hers

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

•Florence

Olusoji Oluwafemi

Nigerian jailed for human trafficking Mental health nurse, 50, forced woman under threat of a black magic curse as she smuggled another Nigerian woman into UK to work as sex slave.

A

mental health nurse has been struck off for smuggling a Nigerian woman into Britain to work as a sex slave under the threat of a black magic curse.

Florence Obadiaru, 50, and two other traffickers from an international prostitution ring forced their 23-year-old victim to fly into Heathrow with a bogus passport in September 2011, a tribunal heard.

Before leaving Nigeria the victim was raped and subjected to a ‘juju’ death ritual where gang members told her if she did not pay them £40,000 she would die.

She was promised a job in the UK so she could repay the debt, but when she arrived she was kept at Obadiaru’s house, sexually assaulted and told she was destined to work as a sex slave in Italy.

The ‘horrific’ plan was only thwarted when Italian authorities spotted the victim’s forged ID and sent her back to the UK. Obadiaru was jailed for two years in July 2014 after being convicted of trafficking the woman into the UK for sexual exploitation and arranging for her transfer to Italy.

She has now been struck-off the nursing register after a Nursing and Midwifery Council disciplinary hearing.

Chairman of the panel Robert Barn-

well said: “You have been convicted of conspiracy to commit a deplorable and horrific crime in which a young woman was trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation, and your conviction goes to the very core of the principles involved in nursing care.

“The public interest element in this case

is high, and it is important to mark this case and send a clear message that a conviction of such a crime is unacceptable.”

He added: “You are a mental health nurse who treats vulnerable individuals, however you failed to help a vulnerable woman who desperately required rescuing.”

Obadiaru, of Brockley, south-east London, had worked as a carer for 10 years and had just finished her degree in nurs-

Johnson Olayinka ing at Bedford University in Luton.

Her fellow gang members Olusoji Oluwafemi and Johnson Olayinka were jailed for six-and-a-half years and four-and-ahalf years respectively in July 2014.

Oluwafemi orchestrated the British side of the human trafficking operation and ‘dogsbody’ Olayinka collected the victim from Heathrow and helped to acquire her false passport.

Jailing the trio, Judge Rebecca Poulet QC had said: ‘This was a sophisticated and carefully planned operation in Nigeria which must have cost considerable amount of money to the traffickers.

“The expected returns were also considerable.

“She was subjected to a juju ritual with the threat of death.

“She would have been forced into controlled prostitution as she had no possible way in which she could conceivably support herself in Italy.”

The judge added: “While I doubt this was the first trafficking you were involved in, I do sentence you on the basis that this involved just the one victim.”

The woman is just one of many victims of an organised crime group based in Africa which traffics young women through England to work as prostitutes in mainland Europe.

Witchdoctors bully sex trafficking victims AFRICAN human trafficking victims are often subjected to rituals to frighten them into believing that something terrible will happen to them or their family if they don’t comply.

African human trafficking victims are often subjected to rituals to frighten them into believing that something terrible will happen to them or their family if they don’t comply.

Many are subject to debt bonds and stay within their traffickers’ control because they are endlessly paying off huge sums to criminals.

Traditional witchdoctors are employed to oversee the ritual which often sees victims slashed with knives.

Black powder is then rubbed into the bleeding wounds, leaving victims with the belief that the witchdoctor has access to their soul and dreams and could kill them.

Some are forced to drink foul-smelling

potions and even had blood taken with syringes to ‘cast a spell’ over them.

Women are told they will die or never bear children if they try to escape or reveal what had happened to them.

In addition to sex slaves, the believes there have been more than 80 cases of children abused in attacks fuelled by the medieval beliefs over the last decade.

Officers are worried the abuse has slipped down the agenda since the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in 2000 at the hands of her aunt who branded her a witch.

In 2012, a Congolese couple were jailed for life for the barbaric murder of 15-yearold French schoolboy Kristy Bamu.

He endured four days of almost unimaginable violence after being branded a witch by his sister and her football coach boyfriend. courtesy: dailymail.co.uk

34 hersay YOUR kid needs to understand what it means to sign his name. In school, you sign your name to your work to identify that you are the one who turned it in. So, your child will learn pretty quickly the importance of signing his name just to identify his work from someone else’s work. By the time your kid is past kindergarten, he is going to be used to signing his work. What you should also instil in him is that when he signs his name it means that is work he is proud of. His signature should mean that he is willing to have the whole world know he did that.

There was a television commercial many years ago in which everyone signed his or her work. The street sweeper, the guy who mows the lawn, everyone had to sign his or her work, taking credit for what he or she had accomplished. That commercial was about pride in workmanship, something that is certainly lacking in society today. I am familiar with the concept because I live it with every page I write.

I have to be proud of what I write “I have to be proud of what I write and what I say because it’s my name on the cover’’. That makes me think long and hard about what goes on each page. It makes me aware that others will read it and know that I am responsible for it. Therefore, I work hard to make sure what I write is something I am proud of.

I think that lesson should apply to all of us. We should work as though we are going to have to sign our name to it and everyone will know that we have done it.

Past that, a signature means something else entirely. It means that when you sign your name to something, you will stand be-

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Parenting

The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu cryonmenow@yahoo.com 08023242389

Your Signature

hind it. It means you are giving your word.

This lesson seems to have been skipped by a whole generation of people who didn’t take their signature on a contract seriously.

They didn’t think that signing their name to a contract agreeing to pay for their house really meant they actually had to make their house payment. After all, it became inconvenient to do so! Signing your name to something is a statement of integrity.

It means something important and is a symbol of what you stand for. Never take signing your name to something lightly.

Because I promise you that the people on the other side of the agreement don’t take it lightly.

Religion This one is personal. You do what you feel you need to do in your own family when it comes to your religious views. I am not going to tell you what to believe or not to believe. I am not going to tell you to go to church or which church to attend or which brand of religion to believe in, if any. I am going to say this: Whatever you choose to

do in your family, don’t automatically expect your child to believe exactly the way you believe. Religion and spirituality are personal choices. You can guide your kids but you can’t force them to believe in something that doesn’t make sense to them. The only fair thing to do is to explain what you believe and why you believe it. Show them how you live by your beliefs. Demonstrating your beliefs through your actions will be much more convincing to your kids than just your words or your attendance in a big building.

This works whether you are a Biblethumping fundamentalist Pentecostal holiness believer, a new-ager and an agnostic or atheist. It applies to Muslims, Jews and Buddhists. Any spiritual teaching should be explained and demonstrated in order to show the importance of it in your life. I grew up in a Baptist family, my parents dragged me to church every time the doors were opened, and those doors were opened a lot. I embraced it all as a child basically

because I didn’t know any better and believed what I heard my parents say they believed.

As I grew older, I questioned some of these teachings and branched out a bit in my search. As an adult, I moved around searching for a philosophy that made sense to me. I asked other people what they believed and why they believed it. What I found is that everyone has a set of beliefs, but few know why they believe the way they do. That type of thinking doesn’t make sense to me. I always try to know why I believe what I believe. I base my beliefs in study and personal application.

So, I when I met with Jesus as my Lord and personal saviour, then I was able to figure out what I would really believe this happened to me instead of just hearing what the religious people said happened according to their “inspired” book.” “This was my personal experience without prejudice to any religious extremism “.

My point in telling you this is that I always want parents to encourage their children to search for answers. Allow them to keep an open mind, study and find out answers for themselves. I did that with my own search for religion or I will say faith and belief and finally discovered something that made sense for me. That is what I encouraged my sons to do, too.

They as individuals had to find their faith and convictions, with this there will never be a conflict of faith and belief. Make sure you make yourself a role model, if your life conflicts the tenets of your belief, they will be confused and will not know what to do when they have to make a right choice of belief and believe right hmmmm!

‘I shot my wife’s lover on Valentine’s Day’— Restaurateur A restaurateur in South Carolina reportedly called 911 dispatchers on Valentine’s Day and said: ‘I shot my wife’s lover.’

Gregorio Leon, 49, turned himself in on Sunday night after fatally shooting Arturo Pereyra Bravo in a parking lot in Lexington around 8.30pm, according to authorities.

Leon, who owns several Mexican restaurants in the state, was previously charged for bribing the police in order to keep illegal immigrants employed at his restaurants.

The victim, named as Arturo Pereyra Bravo in a warrant, was in the Gregor Leon back seat of a pickup truck with Maria Rachel Leon in a parkand-ride lot off Highway I-20 in Lexington, South Carolina (pictured) The father of eight is charged with murder, the attempted murder of his wife, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime.

According to a warrant, his wife Maria and Bravo were in the back seat of a Toyota Tundra pickup truck at a parkand-ride lot off Highway I-20, designed for commuters to stop and pick up other passengers for carpooling.

“The defendant opened the rear passenger door and fired a handgun multiple times,” according to the documents.

Police appeared on the scene around

Artuno Bravo 8.30pm on Sunday, and found the man’s body on the ground between two vehicles.

A security camera captured the shooting, according to the warrants.

Authorities confirmed the victim was having an affair with Leon’s wife. He was named in the warrants, although the Lexington County coroner’s office have not officially identified the body.

The wife was not injured.

Leon appeared in a magistrates’ court in the county jail, and is likely to appear before a circuit judge later this week, according to one of Leon’s attorneys.

Leon owns six branches of the Mexican restaurant San Jose, which he runs with other family members, and two branches of the restaurant Pancho’s, which is

named after his son.

Leon owns six branches of the Mexican restaurant San Jose and two branches of the restaurant Pancho’s.

Leon was part of a corruption scheme in 2014, when he was charged with a felony by a State Grand Jury for bribing a police officer.

Leon would give money to town councilman Danny Frazier, who would then ask Lexington County Sheriff James Metts to help stop the illegal immigrants from being deported so they could keep working at Leon’s restaurants.

Metts was sentenced to one year in jail, and Leon received five years’ probation and 200 hours of community service.

In November, Leon pleaded guilty to em-

Leon would give money to town councilman Danny Frazier, who would then ask Lexington County Sheriff James Metts to help stop the illegal immigrants from being deported so they could keep working at Leon’s restaurants. ploying 60 illegal immigrants from Mexico. He was fined $180,000 and put on probation, which banned him from possessing a gun.

In 2012, Leon and family members Eraclio Leon and Antonio Leon paid 37 employees more than $390,000 in back wages after an investigation by the US Department of Labour.

He was also arrested in 2002 and fined for cock fighting in 2006.

Courtesy: Dailymail.co.uk

35

Friday, 19 February, 2016

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

heartcopy Please, help me to keep my dream alive!

D

EAR Taiwo, You are the only one who can help me out of this present predicament I am in. You are my only hope. It is as if the whole world is against me and I am all alone.

The person who shocked me most is my mother; we have never had a cause to disagree to this level since I have known her. She has always been on my side even when everyone felt she should be otherwise. My siblings always told her that she was always biased when it comes to my issues, but I took this for granted.

She loved me to a fault, that was why her disappointment when I impregnated our neighbour’s daughter really got at me.

Taiwo, and I grew up together, although I was some few years older than her but we were playmates. We attended the same primary school. She joined our school the year I passed to primary four and without soliciting for it; I naturally became her guardian in school.

I would leave home in the morning; stop by her house so that we could walk to school together. Sometimes I had to wait for her to finish up her food or other things she had to do so that we could go to school together. She equally took her turn to wait on me when I had to stay back in school for extra lessons in preparations for my entrance examinations.

It was because of her that I decided to go to a mixed school as against an all boys’ school that my parents wanted me to attend. I insisted on this with the hope that Taiwo would join me when she finished from the primary school. But that was not to be as her parents insisted that she attended a girl’s only school.

This however, did not disturb our friendship. Whenever we came home on holidays, we had enough time for each other. When I sit to think about how our relationship started, I think our separation at this level led to it.

Like I stated earlier, our closeness brought our parents together and our families used to refer to us as husband and wife back then, so, I don’t know why making this dream come true now should cause any problem. Their relationships, however, became strained when I came home after my Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) exams and I began to hear different stories which involved my father and Taiwo’s mother.

My siblings who were at home told me that Taiwo’s mother was dating my father and it has become a big scandal among the two families. They warned me not to get close to them again or have anything to do with Taiwo again. All what they said then, even now made no sense to me, all I knew was the fact that I cared about Taiwo and I

would do anything to be with her.

Then, we were just friends. I could remember how I used to sneak out of the house to catch up with her whenever she was sent on an errand. Of course she also had been warned by her people to stay clear of me, as our sneaking around was

kind of mutual.

Things remained this way until I went to the university. The day I had to go to school was a tough one for both of us; it was as if both sides knew we would want to have some time together and they made up their minds not to allow this happen.

We were able to outsmart them, and we eventually got to see. It was the first time we declared the way we felt about each other and I still cannot forget that moment.

Anyway, Taiwo assured me that she equally would study hard so that she would join me in school in no time and this she did.

I however, received the shock of my life when I came home on one of my holidays to learn that Taiwo’s dad had sent them packing from their home as a result of the trouble generated by the accusation and counter accusations that my father was dating her mother.

I was devastated when I heard this news because I thought I would never see her again, but she was wise enough to send words to me through another friend of ours who attended the same school with her. Unfortunately, for both our families, their movement made us closer as we were able to see each other without their prying eyes.

I really did not know how it happened, but on the day Taiwo received her admission letter to join me at the university, I took her out to celebrate, we retired to her house as her mother and only sibling were away from home and we had sex. Both of us were virgins and before the end of that month we repeated this several times.

This led to Taiwo getting pregnant and before she herself knew what was happening, her mother found out and raised hell.

Everyone in my family almost disowned me. I was the only son and the last born. I had four sisters and all of them supported my mother while I had the support of my father only.

Although, she had no cause to, but Taiwo’s mother made her defer her admission for a year, she delivered a baby boy.

My family members were not interested in seeing the baby and her mother does not want to see me either. It was only my father who saw my son and he told me what he looked like.

He also assured me that the issue would eventually sort itself, but unfortunately, he died the very month my baby was born, this further strengthened the hostility between the two families because my mother and siblings accused Taiwo’s mother of killing my father with juju.

Eventually, she joined me in school while I was in 400 levels, of course we continued with our relationship. I went for my youth service and got a good job afterwards. She equally finished and after her youth service, we made known our intention to get married.

Since then, things have not remained the same for us all. I am very okay and could call anybody’s bluff to marry her, but I don’t have the heart to hurt my mother, yet she is accusing me of hurting her. Please, help me. What can I do? I love Taiwo and she is all I want to spend the rest of my life with.

I have never dated or had sex with another woman. I can say this of her too.

Ours is a relationship that is meant to be.

I equally love my mother and siblings and I want them to approve of and love Taiwo.

Kindly help me.

Akintunde

36

news

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

EFCC seeks order to seize Tompolo’s property

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare, Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a motion exparte before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos asking for order to seize 10 properties belonging to Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo), pending his arrest and/or appearance before the court and arraignment in a matter instituted by the anti graft agency.

Tompolo is the first defen-

dant in a suit filed by the EFCC against 10 people; Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, Patrick Zadeke Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, Odimiri Electricals Ltd, Kime Enzogu, Boloboere Property and Estate Ltd, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Ltd, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh, in a suit delineated FHC/ L/553C/2015.

The motion exparte was brought pursuant before the court based on Section 80 and 81 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and under the

inherent jurisdiction of the court from the Festus Keyamo Chambers. It was supported by a five –paragraph affidavit deposed to by Adah John Adah, a litigation officer in Keyamo chambers.

The anti graft agency is also asking for such further order or other orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of the case.

It reads: “An order of this Honourable Court, pursuant to Section 80 and 81 of the Administration and Criminal Justice Act, 2015, authorizing the Economic

Our solicitors were denied access to El-Zakzaky —Shiite Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

THE Shiite members said their solicitors have been denied access to Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, following an invitation for a memorandum to be submitted to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by the Kaduna State government.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna, on Thursday, and signed by the group’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa.

The statement read: “The

Islamic Movement in Nigeria received a letter on February 2, 2016 requesting it to submit a memorandum.

“It is pertinent to note that all efforts towards meeting the request might be jeopardised by the refusal to allow access to the revered leader of the movement, his Eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.

“On February 8, 2016, solicitors of the Islamic Movement wrote a letter to the Inspector General of Police requesting to meet the leader of the Islamic Movement, Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub

Buhari appoints Ooni UNN chancellor Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Reacting to the appointment in a statement, on Thursday, the Director of Media and Public Affairs to Ooni, Comrade Moses Olafare, said the development would further enable the monarch to build more bridges of friendship, especially across the Niger.

According to the statement, “Ile Oodua wishes to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for rec-

ognising Ooni’s efforts to promote unity among Nigerians.”

The statement noted that Oba Ogunwusi was ready to bring to bear his influence and connections to promote unity and harmonious working relationships in the university.

It reads in part: “The palace admonished Nigerians to promote only issues that can foster unity to ensure speedy development, rather than playing up their differences. It is incontrovertible today that Ooni Ogunwusi is a bridge builder and being the youngest chancellor appointed for the only university bearing “Nigeria” is worth the celebration.

MTN celebrates customers with rhythms of love

By Seyi Sokoya

MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Emory Green Limited, will host its customers in Ibadan, Benin and Calabar to a special treat in a bid for them to enjoy the love season.

The event was initiated to rejuvenate the love between couples and create a platform for the brand to engage and appreciate its customers.

According to the CEO of Emory Green Limited, Tokunbo Nasamu, the event was initiated for most people who are too busy with their daily routine and do not have time to show affection to their spouse, saying “The MTN Rhythms of love would be a platform for deserving couples to have an outstanding evening, rekindle their love and make their relationship better.”

Zakzaky, but up to this moment they have not given access to him.

“In his position as the sole custodian of the movement, the need to meet Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky for guidance on the right steps to take in the current situation cannot be overemphasised.

Unfortunately, all efforts to meet with Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky as demanded by the movement have been refused by the authorities who are illegally abducting him and refusing him any visitation.”

And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to attach the following properties belonging to Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) named as 1st accused herein by seizure pending the arrest and/or appearance before this Honourable Court and arraignment of the 1st accused.”

The properties, which EFCC wants to seize, include the property at No. 1 Chief Agbamu Close DDPA Extension, Warri (Effurun), Delta State, all properties of Mieka Dive Ltd and Mieka Dive Training Institute Ltd, situated at No. 77, Lioth Street, ODPA Ugborikoko, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, all properties of Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd., all properties of Muhaabix Global Services Ltd as well as a River Crew Change Boat named MUHA – 15.

Others are the property known as “Tompolo Dockyard”, by the end of Enerhen Road, Effurun, Warri, the property known as “Tompolo Yard”, at the end of Chevron Clinic Road, next to Next Oil, Edjeba, Warri, the Diving School at Kurutie, at Escravos River, the property known as

“Tompolo House” at Oporaza Town, opposite the Palace and any other property discovered by the EFCC, moveable and immoveable, belonging to the 1st accused person.

The affidavit sworn by Adah averred that Tompolo was invited by the complainant on several occasions to come and answer to the allegation of fraudulent activities levelled against him which was uncovered during investigation.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Human Right Commission, Professor Bem Angwe, on Thursday, hinted that the commission will soon meet with service chiefs over the planned arrest of Niger-Delta ex-militant, Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo.

According to him, the planned meeting was targeted at advising the military and the police on the importance of observing the rights of persons.

He equally stated that there was need for mediation as to prevent a repeat of cases of military invasions such as that which occurred in Odi, Bayelsa State, in 1999.

Professor Angwe spoke

during a budget defence appearance before Honourable Edward Pwajok led House Committee on Human Rights.

Responding to a question by a member of the committee, Honourable Julius Pondi, the right commission boss said he was concern over the heavy military presence in his constituency in the bid to effect arrest of Tompolo by a court of law.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Tompolo over allegations that he fraudulent convert about N34 billion.

The right commission added that, “We are going to intervene immediately.

“Let me give you my word, now that the magnitude of that issue has been brought to our attention, by tomorrow (Friday), I’m going to meet with the heads of the military in Nigeria to prevent what happened in Odi and other places.”

Speaking at the session, Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Pwajok noted the need for the Commission to be functional because of the number of human rights violations in the country.

37 news Strike: JOHESU, NMA on collision path Soji-Eze Fagbemi-Abuja

A

p r o l o n g e d nationwide strike is now imminent in the health sector, as the threat of the industrial strike by health workers, under the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Health Care Professional Association (AHPA), has pitched them against medical doctors, under the auspices of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

While JOHESU directed all other health workers to be on “red alert” for action if the government failed to meet their demands as recently agreed, the NMA sought the involvement of security agencies and called for their intervention.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, in Abuja, JOHESU said: “To this end therefore, we want to appeal to our members to have trust in the leadership of JOHESU, that the decisions taken in honour and respect for the new administration was also in the best interest of our teeming members and the nation at large, despite our sufferings.

“However, members are hereby put on red alert for action if the Federal Government reneges on her promises; “We seize this opportunity to appeal to the general public whose interest we have considered to give the extension of the ultimatum to impress it on the government to keep to her promises.”

The health workers had earlier issued a 15-day ultimatum which ended last Wednesday, to resolve the contentious issues or face a strike action.

However, after a prolonged

meeting with the Federal Government at the instance of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James Ocholi, JOHESU accepted to give another 21day grace to the government to address the issues.

National chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Biobelemoye Joy Josiah, who read the communique

issued at the end of a two-day meeting of both JOHESU and AHPA, said the health workers resolved to give a benefit of doubts to the Federal Government to fulfill its promise, following the appeal made to them by the minister of state of labour and employment and the minister of state for health.

At least 23 members of secret cult groups in the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, have publicly renounced cultism.

Also, two suspected cultists in the university had been arrested in Ekpoma for attempting to forcibly recruit some students into their cult group.

The repentant cultists renounced their membership of the cult group, at a church service organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd Church in conjunction with the university.

Speaking at the event, the

communication is released as a conscious effort to inform the Nigerian people that medical doctors are reporting promptly and available at their duty posts.

“We are carrying out the responsibilities of saving lives as much as possible within the limits of available facilities and resources provided by the hospitals.”

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, inspecting the 186km Abuja to Kaduna rail line to be ready for use by May, on Thursday

Beware of fraudsters, oau warns admission seekers The authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, have called on parents and guardians of candidates seeking admission into the university to be wary of fraudsters who parade themselves as “our admission officers.”

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that one of such fraudsters who claimed to be the admission officer of the university, and gave his name as Omodele, Taiwo Ezekiel, an indigene of Erinjiyan Ekiti, had been arrested by the security operatives of the university, after he had collected over six hundred thousand

naira (N600,000 ) from two parents seeking admission into OAU for their children.

According to Olarewaju,“Taiwo Omodele’s attempt to collect additional one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) from his two victims (parents of the two candidates – names withheld), eventually led to his arrest. Upon interrogation, Olarewaju stated that he admitted committing the crime and collecting the money,but blamed the devil for pushing him into the act.”

In view of this, the Obafemi Awolowo University management through this medium emphasise, that “we do

Dean of Students Affairs of the university, Professor Isaac Aigbedion, remarked that the renunciation marked the beginning of a new dawn in the university.

Aigbedion said renouncing cultism meant abandoning reckless lifestyles and evil ways, adding that no good thing comes from the devil.

“I know today, the devil has been put to shame through these young lads, who have decided to abandon him for God, leaving the bush for a straight road that leads to God’s own way.

“After today’s renunciation, I am quite sure that a lot of parents and guardiance would know that cultism has been swept away from AAU and Esan West Local Government Area,” he said.

In a brief sermon by the pastor of the Good Shepherd Church, Reverend Innocent Ebbeh praised the students for taking the decision to throw away cultism, noting that they had opened positive doors to their futures with their decision.

He warned the congregation to be mindful of the decision they take in life, pointing out that choices made by humans in life either makes or mar their future.

High points of the event were prayer and deliverance sessions for repentant cultists, conducted by the zonal pastor of Edo Province 4, Benin, of the RCCG, Pastor Allan Dirisu and Pastor (Mrs) Hilda Aigbedion of RCCG, Ekpoma.

23 renounces cultism in Ambrose Alli University, 2 cultists arrested Banji Aluko-Benin City

However, in a swift reaction, the medical doctors said they are aware that some members of the Allied Health Workers were planning to withdraw their services from hospitals nationwide.

A statement signed by chairman, publicity and publication committee of NMA, read: “This

Friday, 19 February, 2016

not ask parents, guardians or candidates to pay for admission, nor do we ask them to pay into individuals’ bank account to secure admission.”

Accordingly, the university’s spokesman advised parents and guardians of candidates seeking admission into Obafemi Awolowo University, not to be too desperate to the extent of looking for

shortcut, so that they would not fall victims of fraudsters, who disguise as admission officers.

According to the statement, Obafemi Awolowo University is a world renowned university with high moral and academic standard, adding that the management would never do anything to compromise such standards.

Campaign against gas flaring in Niger Delta begins Alphonsus Agborh – Asaba

Campaigns to sensitise communities in the Niger Delta region not to accept further flaring of gas by oil companies, which have existed for almost 50 years, have kicked off.

At the centre of the campaign is a non-governmental organisation, Koyenum Imalah Foundation (KIF), which condemned the outright insistence of oil companies to continue with the act, despite worldwide acceptance to enhance gas rather than flaring them.

This is coming as two communities in Ndokwa ethnic nationality of Delta State, have recounted their sad experiences in the hands of oil operators in their locality as a result of gas flare.

Facilitator of the campaign, Faith Nwadishi, who led experts on gas flaring to Obodougwa and Ebedei communities in Ndokwa axis of Delta State, on Wednesday,

informed that oil operators in the region were not sincere and had no justification to continue flaring gas.

According to her, participants in an international conference were astonished to hear that gas flaring continued unabated in Nigeria, whereas oil companies painted a picture that flaring was no more in the region.

Reverend Edward Obi of the National Coalition on Gas Flaring and Oil Spills in Niger Delta (NACGON) while addressing chiefs and people of the two communities, said they deserved a fair deal from the natural resources on their land, which he stated, had impoverished them the more.

He noted that the excessive heat from the flare had done more harm to the people, adding that children born in gas flaring communities, who have not travelled out of their immediate environment, could hardly differentiate between day and night.

Nigerian Tribune

UNODC donates 11 operational vehicles to NDLEA, NAFDAC The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has donated 11 operational vehicles to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Presenting the vehicles to the agencies on Tuesday, in Abuja, Ms Cristina Albertin, the UNODC Country Representative, said the donation was under the European Union (EU) funded project in Nigeria.

She said UNODC was an implementing agency of the project, noting that the gesture was to enhance operational efficiency of the two benefiting agencies.

The UNODC boss said the donation was in recognition of the fact that NAFDAC and the NDLEA were agencies created to deal with drug related problems in Nigeria.

In his remark, Mr Richard Young, EU Deputy Country Representatives in Nigeria, commended the UNODC for its efforts at implementing the project in Nigeria.

Young said the objective of the project was to support policy formulation and improve drug legislation and coordination in the sector.

According to him, the project is also to improve law enforcement capacity in drug control and tackling drug related organised crimes.

Delta approves fees in secondary schools Alphonsus Agborh –Asaba

There are indications that the Delta State government may introduce payment of school fees from the next academic session.

This is just as the state executive council (EXCO) adopted the resolutions of the recently held education summit which recommended payment of fees by senior secondary school students, as those at the primary and junior secondary schools are exempted.

Giving details of the state exco meeting in Asaba, the Information Commissioner, Mr Patrick Ukah, said each of the resolutions would, however, be subjected to discussion, to enable government to come out with its policy on the issue.

“For now, you can’t say we have increased school fees or whether we are going to accept the recommendation or not on fees,” Ukah said.

38 news

NJC interviews 2 Appeal Court justices for Supreme Court job Lanre Adewole - Lagos

T

HE National Judicial Council (NJC), on Wednesday, interviewed two justices of the Court of Appeal, for appointment of the more successful to the Supreme Court.

They are the presiding justices of Lagos and Port-Harcourt divisions, Justices Amina Augie and Garba Lawal.

The successful of the duo will be promoted to the apex bench to replace Justice Muntaka-Comassie, who retired last week.

Buhari appoints Ogunlesi as special assistant on new media Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Mr Tolu Ogunlesi, as his Special Assistant on Digital/New Media.

According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, in Abuja, on Thursday, Ogunlesi, who is a renowned blogger and journalist, graduated from the University of Ibadan, in 2004 and obtained an MA in Creative Writing from University of East Anglia, UK, in 2011.

Before his appointment, Ogunlesi had worked as a Features Editor and Editorial Board member of NEXT Newspaper and

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Nana Nana Prosper Prosper Lugbenwei Lugbenwei now now MRS MRS NANA NANA CHUKS CHUKS ORISEWEZIE. ORISEWEZIE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

worked as a West Africa Editor for The Africa Report magazine, from 2014 till 2015.

Ogunlesi is a two-time winner of the CNN Multichoice African Journalism Awards, and a 2015 New Media Fellow of the United States State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP).

The statement said Ogunlesi will be assisted

by Bashir Ahmad, who is a Personal Assistant to the President on New Media.

Friday, 19 February, 2016 2016 Friday, 19 February, CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME I,I, formerly Ajibade formerly Ajibade Moretiola now ADEWALE Moretiola now ADEWALE MORETIOLA. MORETIOLA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

Nigerian Tribune CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Etumuse Etumuse Ifeoma Ifeoma Helen Helen now now MRS MRS ADERETI ADERETI IFEOMA IFEOMA HELEN. HELEN. All former documents All former documents remain remain valid. valid. UCH, UCH, Ibadan Ibadan and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adesogbon Adesogbon Elizabeth Elizabeth Oluwatoyin Oluwatoyin now now MRS OLANREWAJU MRS OLANREWAJU ELIZABETH ELIZABETH OLUWATOYIN. OLUWATOYIN. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adetoro Adetoro Oluranti Oluranti Mobolaji Mobolaji now now MRS MRS OLADUNMOYE OLADUNMOYE OLURANTI OLURANTI MOBOLAJI. MOBOLAJI. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. Nigerian Nigerian Institute Institute of of Architects, Architects, Architect Architect Registration Registration Council Council of of Nigeria Nigeria and and general general public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME I,I, formerly formerly Olawore Olawore Suliat Suliat Aduke Aduke now now OLAWOREOLAWORESHUAIB SHUAIB SULIAT SULIAT ADUKE. ADUKE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Feyisola Feyisola Vennita Vennita von von Nick Nick now now AMAO AMAO VICTORIA VICTORIA FEYISOLA. FEYISOLA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adeboye Adeboye Oluwabusola Oluwabusola Eniola Eniola now now MRS MRS OYEDEPO OYEDEPO OLUWABUSOLA OLUWABUSOLA ENIOLA. ENIOLA.All Allformer formerdocuments documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly Akinbode formerly Akinbode Emmanuel Emmanuel Fabulous Fabulous now now AKINBODE AKINBODE AKINTUNDE AKINTUNDE EMMANUEL EMMANUEL and and my my correct correct date date of of birth birth is is 28th 28th July, July, 1993.

1993.

All former documents remain All former documents remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adeyemi Adeyemi Janet Janet Morounmubo Morounmubo now now MRS OYEBAMIJI MRS OYEBAMIJI JANET JANET MOROUNMUBO. All former MOROUNMUBO. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

NYSC NYSC and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Adebayo Adebayo Olaide Olaide Simon now ADEBAYO Simon now ADEBAYO OLAIDE MUHAMMED. OLAIDE MUHAMMED. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid.

Guaranty Trust Bank valid. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Plc. (GTBank (GTBank Plc) Plc) and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, Temitayo Temitayo Adeniran Adeniran am am the the same same person person as as Mrs Mrs Adeniran Adeniran Kubrat Kubrat Adefunke.

Adefunke. Henceforth.

Henceforth. II wish wish to to be be known known and and addressed addressed as as MRS. MRS. ADENIRAN KUBRAT ADEFUNKE. ADENIRAN KUBRAT ADEFUNKE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

First First Bank, Bank, Skye Skye Bank, Bank, UBA UBA Bank, Bank, Access Bank, GTBank, Stanbic Bank Access Bank, GTBank, Stanbic Bank and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Mrs Mrs Usman Usman Nike Nike Adekemi Adekemi now now MRS MRS USMAN USMAN RAFIAT RAFIAT NIKE. NIKE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. First First Bank Bank Plc., Plc., and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Olaronke Olaronke Stella Stella Awotile Awotile now now MRS MRS OLARONKE STELLA OLARONKE STELLA AKINYEMI. AKINYEMI. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I,formerly formerlyMiss MissAjibade AjibadeFoluso Foluso Romoke Romoke now now MRS MRS OLUFEMI OLUFEMI FOLUSO FOLUSO ROMOKE. ROMOKE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Mrs. Mrs. Iyabo Iyabo Ayoade Ayoade now now MRS MRS AYOADE AYOADE IYABO IYABO OMOLARA. OMOLARA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Mrs. Mrs. Hamzat Hamzat Limota Limota and and Mrs. Mrs. Nimota Nimota Asake Amusat now Asake Amusat now MRS MRS NIMOTA AMUSAT. NIMOTA AMUSAT. All All former documents remain former documents remain valid.

General public take valid. General public take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oladunni Oladunni Oluwafunmike Oluwafunmike Racheal Racheal now now MRS ODEDELE OLADUNNI MRS ODEDELE OLADUNNI FUNKE. All former FUNKE. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

NYSC and general public NYSC and general public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Arojojoye Arojojoye Modupe Modupe MARY MARY now now MRS MRS AZEEZ AZEEZ MODUPE MODUPE MARY. MARY. A. A. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, Rev. Rev. Fr. Fr. Isidore Isidore Ekomobong Ekomobong Peter Peter am am the the same same person person bearing bearing ISIDORE ISIDORE PETER PETER UDOUDO. UDOUDO. All All documents documents bearing bearing both both names names are are mine mine and and valid. valid. EcoBank EcoBank Plc Plc and and general general public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Mr. Mr. Jimoh Jimoh Abiodun Abiodun Lukman Lukman now now MR. MR. OYEDOKUN ABIODUN OYEDOKUN ABIODUN OYENIYI. All former OYENIYI. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Sadare Sadare Bukola Bukola Yetunde Yetunde now now MRS MRS PAUL PAUL BUKOLA BUKOLA YETUNDE. YETUNDE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, Idowu Idowu Durotimi Durotimi Bolajoko Bolajoko am am the the same same person person as as Idowu Idowu Rotimi Rotimi Bolajoko and Oluwarotimi Joko Idowu.

Bolajoko and Oluwarotimi Joko Idowu.

Henceforth.

Henceforth. II wish wish to to be be known known and and addressed addressed as as IDOWU IDOWU DUROTIMI DUROTIMI BOLAJOKO. BOLAJOKO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. Osun Osun State State Polytechnic, Polytechnic, Iree Iree and and General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Owolabi Owolabi Oyindamola Oyindamola M. M. now now MRS MRS ADIGUN OYINDAMOLA ADIGUN OYINDAMOLA MULIKAT. All former MULIKAT. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

NYSC NYSC and and General General public public take take note. note.

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME I,I, Ajayi Ajayi Oluwabusuyi Oluwabusuyi Bidemi Bidemi am am the the same same person person as as Ajayi Ajayi Oluwabusuyi Aderemi.

Oluwabusuyi Aderemi.

Henceforth.

I wish to Henceforth. I wish to be be known known and and addressed addressed as as AJAYI AJAYI OLUWABUSUYI BIDEMI. All OLUWABUSUYI BIDEMI. All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Isola Isola Roseline Roseline Titilayo Titilayo now now MRS MRS OLAKUNLE ROSELINE OLAKUNLE ROSELINE TITILAYO. All former TITILAYO. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adekanmi Adekanmi Mojisola Mojisola Motunrayo Motunrayo now now MRS MRS DUROTOYE MOJISOLA DUROTOYE MOJISOLA MOTUNRAYO. MOTUNRAYO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Wasiu Wasiu Adekunle Adekunle Taiyu Taiyu now now TIAMIYU TIAMIYU WASIU WASIU ADEKUNLE. ADEKUNLE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, Adoke Adoke Barikisu Barikisu am am the the same same person person as as ADOKE ADOKE BARIKISU BARIKISU SHAIBU. All documents SHAIBU. All documents bearing bearing these these names names remain remain valid. valid. UBA UBA Plc, Plc, FCMB FCMB Plc Plc and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Abdulahi Abdulahi Aminu Aminu now ABDURRAHMAN now ABDURRAHMAN AMINU. All former AMINU. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Musa Musa Iyabo Iyabo Wuraola Wuraola now now MRS MRS ADENIYI ADENIYI IDAYAT IDAYAT IYABO IYABO WURAOLA. WURAOLA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly Miss Bolaji formerly Miss Bolaji Oluwakorede Oluwakorede Florence Florence now now MRS MRS ADEBOWALE ADEBOWALE OLUWAKOREDE OLUWAKOREDE FLORENCE. All former FLORENCE. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. National National Youth Youth Service Service Corps Corps and and General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Ismaeel Ismaeel Taofeeq Taofeeq now nowTOWOBOLA TOWOBOLATAOFEEQ. TAOFEEQ. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. Towobola Towobola Compound, Compound, Sango, Sango, Saki Saki and and General General public public take take note. note.

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Ganiyu Ganiyu Mutiat Motunrayo now Mutiat Motunrayo now MRS ADELEYE MRS ADELEYE MARY MARY MOTUNRAYO. All former MOTUNRAYO. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

Osun Osun State State SUBEB SUBEB and and General public take note.

General public take note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Osuolale Osuolale Rofi Abimbola now Rofiat at Abimbola now MRS LAWAL ROFIAT MRS LAWAL ROFIAT ABIMBOLA. ABIMBOLA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Ibrahim Ibrahim Arome Arome Prince Prince now now IBRAHIM IBRAHIM AROME AROME ABDUL. ABDUL. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

UBA UBA Plc Plc and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, Momohjimoh Momohjimoh Anate Anate Ishaq Ishaq now MOMOHJIMOH now MOMOHJIMOH ANATE ANATE SIYAKA. SIYAKA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. First First Bank Bank Plc Plc and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Bello Bello Funmilayo Idayat now Funmilayo Idayat now MRS. MRS. AJIBADE AJIBADE IDAYAT IDAYAT FUNMILAYO. FUNMILAYO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Akinleye Akinleye Abiodun Abiodun Stephen now ISIAKA Stephen now ISIAKA OLUSINA ADEKUNLE OLUSINA ADEKUNLE MONSURU. MONSURU. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Onipede Onipede Morufat Morufat Moninuola Moninuola now now MRS. MRS. ADERIBIGBE MORUFAT ADERIBIGBE MORUFAT MONINUOLA. All former MONINUOLA. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

Odeda Odeda Local Local Government Government Area Area of of Ogun Ogun State State and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adesanya Adesanya Taiwo Adedoyin now Taiwo Adedoyin now MRS. ALUKO TAIWO MRS. ALUKO TAIWO ADEDOYIN. ADEDOYIN. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Tejumade Tejumade Olaitan Olaitan Adegboye Adegboye now now MRS MRS TEJUMADE OLAITAN TEJUMADE OLAITAN ADESINA. All former ADESINA. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Ameh Ameh Gloria Gloria now now MRS MRS IDOKO IDOKO CHENEMI. CHENEMI. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid.

Olamaboro Local valid.

Olamaboro Local Government Government Area, Area, First First Bank Bank Plc and general public Plc and general public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Olayiwola Olayiwola Adedoyin Adedoyin Toyin Toyin now now MRS. MRS. DAHUNSI ADEDOYIN DAHUNSI ADEDOYIN TOYIN. TOYIN. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly Olusola formerly Olusola Akinmoyede Akinmoyede now now OLUSOLA OLUSOLA OLATUNJI OLATUNJI ESAN. ESAN. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Afolabi Afolabi Folayemi Folayemi Alice Alice now now MRS. MRS. A AK K II N NW WA A LL EE O OD DU UN N FOLAYEMI FOLAYEMI ALICE. ALICE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. First First Bank Bank Plc., Plc., and and general public take note. general public take note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Arogbo Arogbo Feyisara Ayomide now Feyisara Ayomide now MRS. JOSHUA FEYISARA MRS. JOSHUA FEYISARA AYOMIDE. All former AYOMIDE. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

Adekunle Adekunle Ajasin Ajasin University, University, Akungba, Akungba, Ondo Ondo State State and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Tojare Tojare Bamidele Bamidele Onohriode Onohriode now now TOJARE TOJARE SAMSON SAMSON ONOHRIODE. ONOHRIODE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Sifawu Sifawu Temitope Temitope Saka Saka now now MRS. MRS. SIFAWU SIFAWU SAKA SAKA GOYEA. GOYEA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Victoria Victoria Aba Aba now now MRS. MRS. VICTORIA VICTORIA ENIEYE ENIEYE ASSAYOMO. ASSAYOMO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Agboola Agboola Grace Grace Oluwabunmi Oluwabunminow nowAYORINDE AYORINDE GRACE GRACE OLUWABUNMI. OLUWABUNMI. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Olawoore Olawoore Esther Adenike now Esther Adenike now MRS MRS ADESINA ADESINA ESTHER ESTHER ADENIKE. ADENIKE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Bello Bello Rofi Rofiat at Aderonke Aderonke now now MRS MRS OYETORO RACHAEL OYETORO RACHAEL ADERONKE. ADERONKE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

I,I, OYENIYI OYENIYI FASILAT FASILAT BIOLA BIOLA am am the the same same person person as as OYENIYI OYENIYI VICTORIA VICTORIA BOLA. BOLA. All All documents documents bearing bearing these these names names refer refer to to me me and and remain remain valid. valid. Th Thee Management Management of of First First Bank Bank Plc, Plc, Stanbic Stanbic IBTC IBTC Bank Bank Plc Plc and and general general public public take take note. note.

I,I, Akpobasa Akpobasa Shola Shola Praise Praise am am the the same same person person as as Akpobasa-Oki Akpobasa-Oki Shola Shola and Akpobasa Shola Greatness.

Now, and Akpobasa Shola Greatness. Now, II wish wish to to be be known known and and addressed addressed as AKPOBASA-OKI SHOLA as AKPOBASA-OKI SHOLA GREATNESS. All documents GREATNESS. All documents bearing these names remain bearing these names remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Olayode Olayode Abimbola Abimbola Oluwatoyosi Oluwatoyosi now now ABIMBOLA ABIMBOLA OLUWATOYOSI OLUWATOYOSI IGE. IGE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oluwaseyi Oluwaseyi Deborah Funke/Oluwaseyi Deborah Funke/Oluwaseyi Funke Funke Deborah Deborah now now MRS. MRS. AYENI AYENI DEBORAH DEBORAH FUNKE. FUNKE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Lamidi Lamidi Ajarat Oluwatoyin now Ajarat Oluwatoyin now MRS. MRS. RASHEED RASHEED AJARAT AJARAT OLUWATOYIN. OLUWATOYIN. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Yusuf Yusuf Adijat Adijat Temitope Temitope now now MRS. MRS. ABIDOYE ABIDOYE ADIJAT ADIJAT YUSUF. YUSUF. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

II,, formerly formerly Miss Miss Olanrewaju Olanrewaju

Oluwabusayo Oluwabusayo now now MRS MRS ADIGUN ADIGUN OLUWABUSAYO. OLUWABUSAYO. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Fakoya Fakoya Oluwatosin Oluwatosin Abiola Abiola now now MRS MRS OGUNNOIKI NIMOTA OGUNNOIKI NIMOTA ABIOLA. All former ABIOLA. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Abidoye Abidoye Sikirat Sikirat Funke Funke now now MRS. MRS. BADMUS BADMUS SIKIRAT SIKIRAT FUNKE. FUNKE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Adeyemo Adeyemo Adenike Suwebat now Adenike Suwebat now MRS. MRS. LAGBAJA LAGBAJA ADENIKE ADENIKE SUWEBAT. All former SUWEBAT. All former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, Yusuf Yusuf Lasisi Lasisi Akande Akande am am the the same same person person as as Agbodemu Agbodemu Lasisi Lasisi Akande Akande (as (as wrongly wrongly written written in in my my bank bank account). account). Henceforth, Henceforth, II want want to to be be known and addressed as YUSUF known and addressed as YUSUF LASISI LASISI AKANDE. AKANDE. All All documents documents bearing bearing these these names names refer refer to to me me and and remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, Obamwonyi Obamwonyi Alex Alex Sunday Sunday am am the the same same person person as as Obawonyi Obawonyi Alex Sunday.

Henceforth, I want Alex Sunday. Henceforth, I want to to be be known known and and addressed addressed as as OBAMWONYI OBAMWONYI ALEX ALEX SUNDAY. SUNDAY. All All documents documents bearing bearing these these names names refer refer to to me me and and remain remain valid. valid.

General public take note.

General public take note.

I,I, formerly formerly Mrs Mrs Ayan Ayan Obiaderi Obiaderi Stephanie Stephanie now now MISS MISS ONYIJEN ONYIJEN OBIADERI OBIADERI STEPHANIE. STEPHANIE. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, Isiakpere Isiakpere Moses Moses am am the the same same person person as as Aremebu Aremebu Moses.

Moses.

Henceforth, Henceforth, II want want to to be be known known and and called called ISIAKPERE ISIAKPERE MOSES. MOSES. All All documents documents bearing bearing these these names names remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, Ayanwande Ayanwande Rasaki Rasaki Abiodun, Abiodun, born born on on 4th 4th June, June, 1987, 1987, am am the the same same person person as as Lasisi Lasisi Rasaki Rasaki Abiodun.

Henceforth, I Abiodun. Henceforth, I want want to to be be known known and and addressed addressed as AYANWANDE RASAKI as AYANWANDE RASAKI ABIODUN. All documents ABIODUN. All documents bearing bearing these these names names refer refer to to me me and and remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, Adebowale Adebowale Kazeem Kazeem Adegbemi Adegbemi am am the the same same person person as as Adebowale Adebowale Kazeem Kazeem Adegbemiga.

Adegbemiga. Henceforth, Henceforth, II want want to to be be known known and and addressed addressed as ADEBOWALE KAZEEM as ADEBOWALE KAZEEM ADEGBEMI. All ADEGBEMI. All documents documents bearing bearing these these names names refer refer to to me me and and remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Miss Miss Oguntunde Oguntunde Fausiyat Fausiyat Adebanke Adebanke now now MRS. MRS. OKUNLOLA OKUNLOLA ADEBANKE ADEBANKE MOSUNMOLA. MOSUNMOLA. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid.

General General public public take take note. note.

I,I, formerly formerly Raymona Raymona Rabson Rabson Alaye, Alaye, Raymond Raymond Rabson Rabson Alaye Alaye now now RAYMOND RAYMOND RABSON. RABSON. All All former former documents documents remain remain valid. valid. General General public public take take note. note.

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

AUTHENTICATION AUTHENTICATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION OF OF NAME NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

39 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olanrewaju Olaide Sadiat now MRS. NURUDEEN OLAIDE HALIMAT. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akintunde Funmilayo Olasunbo now MRS. OGUNTOYE FUNMILAYO GRACE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abimbola Johnson now ODUBERU JOHNSON ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Waliu Suliat Arike now ABALU SULIAT ARIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Nwagboso Nkiru Queen now MRS. ABODUNRIN NKIRU QUEEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayoade Adewale David now OLASUNKANMI DAVID OGUNDEJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ALISON: I, formerly Miss Alison Lynda Nkechi now MRS. NKECHI GRACE MUONAGORO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, 19 February, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oshilaja Oluwatobi Enitan now MRS. OLOWOLAYEMO OLUWATOBI ENITAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abel Kehinde Okunlade now ABEL KEHINDE ADELEKE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olaniran Taiwo Cecilia now MRS. ADEGBOYE TAIWO CECILIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bamidele Sadiku Saliu now SALIU SODIQ. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ishola Olaniyi Ojo now OLOJEDE OLANIYI OJO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Mirabel Ifeoma Agwu now MRS. MIRABEL IFEOMA IRO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Oyasina Oluwayemisi Oluwabukola now MRS. OLADELE O L U W A Y E M I S I OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Okeke Onyinyechi Gift now MRS. GIFT ONYINYECHI OKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Oseni Sunday now OSENI SUNDAY OJOCHEGBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Busayo Simia Busoye now BUSAYO SEFIU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Itadare Esther Oluwaseun now MRS. AKINOLA ESTHER OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities of Bloom Heights School, Ibadan and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Omosebi Bimbo Roseline now MRS. ADIGUN BIMBO ROSELINE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Fatima Atinuke Ganiyu now MRS. FATIMA BAMIDELE GANIYU. All former documents remain valid.

Access Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Aikumeghie Esther Emike now MRS. AIGBONA ESTHER EMIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adewale Bolaji Sani now ADEWALE BOLAJI MATHEW. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adepoju Julianah Yetunde now MRS. ADESINA JULIANAH YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Micheal Omolara Adeyemi now OGUNSANYA OMOLARA ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Jacob Olawale Akingbade now ISRAEL OLAWALE OLAPEJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adenike Olanbiwonninu now ADERELE ADENIKE MERCY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adebisi Omotola Modinat now MRS. VAUGHAN OMOTOLA MODINAT. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olamodesi Okunfolami now MRS. OLAMODESI OKUNFOLAMI ADELABU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Asema Raphael Jime now NOR RAPHAEL JIME. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Funmilola Olaleye now MRS. FUNMILOLA FADAIRO. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Civil Service Commission, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta and general public take note.

I, formerly Williams Sunday Peter now WILLIAMS SUNDAY ALANI. All former documents remain valid.

Standard Chartered Bank and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abimbola Omowumi Ige now MRS. ABIMBOLA OMOWUMI AMOS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bukola Taofikat Shobande now MRS. BUKOLA TAOFIKAT AFOLABI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Obiwole Ibukun Omowumi now ONI IBUKUN OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Hameed Abiola Ibrahim now HAMEED OLORUNITOJUMI IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Mutiyat Abidemi Amoo now MRS. MUTIYAT BIDEMI OLAYIWOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Omolara Abiodun Ogunlana now MRS. OMOLARA ABIODUN ARUMEMI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Agboluaje Omobolaji Ayooluwa now MRS. AJAYI OMOBOLAJI AYOOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State TESCOM and general public take note.

I, formerly Monsuru Fatai now ADEDIRAN MONSURU ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeosun Kikelomo Bashirat now MRS. ADEOSUN KIKELOMO BASHIRAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olubukola Damilola Fagoroye now MRS. OLUBUKOLA DAMILOLA SONUBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Adesanya Oluseyi Owafadeju now ADESANYA SUNDAY OWOFADEJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Saliu Olawunmi Rufina now MRS. AKINOLA OLAWUNMI RUFINA. All former documents remain valid. Chi Farms Ltd., First Bank Plc., GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Tawa Alimi now MUYIDEEN TAWA BOLANLE MORENIKEJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ganiyu Monsurat Adunni now MRS. SANUSI MONSURAT ADUNNI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Alfa Eko Arikehushola 1 now LAWAL AZEEZ YINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Janet Bolanle Ogunnaya now MRS. JANET BOLANLE AKANBI. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adewumi Adenike Lateefat now MRS. ADEWALE ADENIKE LATEEFAT. All former documents remain valid.

Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Gbadegesin Oluwatomisin Funke Oyetundun now MRS. DAIRO OLUWATOMISIN FUNKE OYETUNDUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Sarafadeen Bilikisu Aina now AKINBOLA BILIKIS ADUKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Mudashiru Akanbi Olaifa now MILDA OLADIPUPO AKANBI OLAIFA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ademowo Adeola Timileyin now MRS. OGUNKANMI ADEOLA TIMILEYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Obaidu Alaba David now KOLAWOLE ADEDAYO OMOLEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyelola Oluwabunmi Racheal now MRS. AJAYI OLUWABUNMI RACHEAL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Dr. Subulade Abigail Olaniyan now DR. SUBULADE ABIGAIL ADEMOLA. All former documents remain valid.

College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olaitan Mojisola Adesewa now MRS. OLUSEGUN MOJISOLA ADESEWA. All former documents remain valid.

Ministry of Education and general public take note.

I, Kurumendu Desmond Chinonye my name was wrongly written as KURURMENDU DESMOND CHINONYE and my correct date of birth is 10th October, 1976 and not 1st May, 1971. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Gbogunjoko James now JAMES OLADELE M. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Elliot Rita Hannah now MRS. OLANIYAN RITA HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Caroline Folake Olusola am the same person bearing Caroline Folake Oluwagbotemi.

Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as CAROLINE FOLAKE OLUWAGBOTEMI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyerinde Elizabeth Omowunmi now MISS AKANBI ELIZABETH OMOWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Kusoro Ayobami Oluwafunmilayo now MRS. AVIHOUE AYOBAMI OLUWAFUNMILAYO (nee kusoro). All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Eluyinka Taiwo now MRS. OSENI MUINAT JUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Awoyeku Ifeoluwa Olateju now MRS. OLABIYI IFEOLUWA OLATEJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Oyaleke Taye Adisa now MR. OYALEKE TAYE NUREEN. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Jayeola Olabisi Idowu now OLADEJI OLABISI IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. GT Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Muniru Ayinde now MR. MUMINI AYINDE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Kwaghsaar Yuhenongu Boniface now KWAGHSAAR BONIFACE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Yakubu Kyauta now BULUS AMOS YAKUBU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyindamola Olubusayo Adeonigbagbe now MRS. ALADE OLUBUSAYO OYINDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Gbadebo Adediwura Esther now FATOLA ADEDIWURA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Shittu Akano Abdul Lateef now LATEEF SHITU AKEBI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adetona Lukman Agbolagade now LUQMAN ABDUL KAREEM AGBOLAGADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ibukunoluwa Oluwakemi Adenugba now MRS. IBUKUNOLUWA OLUWAKEMI OTAIGBE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Mutiat Ibidun Abdullahi now MRS. MALIKI MUTIAT IBIDUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olayiwola Aliu Tunrayo now AZEEZ ALI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Akinsowon Caroline Abimbola now FA B O D E - B A L O G U N CAROLINE ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. NBA, OAU and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Abimbola Suliat Adedamola now MRS. OSUNKOYA SULIAT ADEDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Bilesanmi Biola now MRS. OMOLE BIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ogunniyi Temitope now OGUNNIYI TEMITOPE AKINOLA. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Omoyeni Oluwatosin Iyabo now MRS. OGUNBUNMI OLUWATOSIN IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olalere Ronke now OKUNOLA RONKE SOFIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Erinle Shefiu Adekunle now MUYIDEEN SUNDAY ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Onashile Olaitan Atinuke now MRS. AKINNIRANYE OLAITAN ATINUKE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

40

south-westnews

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Govt sends 15 perm secs on terminal leave in Oyo

By Wale Akinselure

F

IFTEEN Permanent Secretaries of the Oyo State Public service have been asked to proceed on a terminal leave leading to retirement.

This is just as Governor Abiola Ajimobi approved the posting of 25 Permanent Secretaries and Head of nonMinisterial Departments with immediate effect.

Some of the newly approved Permanent Secretaries are, Mrs H.O. Ogunesan, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; Mr V. A. Atilola, Agriculture and Natural Resources; Mr O.O. Oyedele, Works and Transport; Mr

O.O. Olaoye, Local Government Service Commission; Dr B.A. Olanrewaju, Information, Culture and Tourism, and, Mr D.O. Oyewole.

Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka briefing journalists on the development said the Permanent Secretaries were asked to proceed on terminal leave in line with government’s plan to restructure the state’s civil service for efficiency.

“The permanent secretaries have not been sacked.

What happened was that some permanent secretaries as a consequence of the restructuring have had to leave and also due to the fact that some of them had their

terminal exit due.

“Many of them were due for retirement and have so proceeded on terminal leave which will lead to their retirement.”

“We have brought in a few younger officers to make up the ministries that require permanent secretaries. We have five officers move up the ladder to join other 15

senior officers as permanent secretaries. Some of them moved from one ministry to another,” he said.

He added that government prunned down the

previously existing 35 permanent secretaries to 20 in line with government’s decision to reduce the number of Ministries from 23 to 13.

Ekiti APC leaders are diaspora politicians —PDP EKITI State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the meeting in Abuja, by some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the state as a further confirmation that those leading the party in Ekiti State are diaspora politicians, who have lost touch with the people.

The PDP, which noted that serious politicians, desirous of winning elections would not hold its stakeholders meetings more than 300 kilometres away from their state, added that no amount of Abuja meetings would bring APC in Ekiti State back from the land of the dead.

The state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Jackson Adebayo, said in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, that “Governor Ayodele Fayose will for a very long time remain the nightmare of the APC and its self-cantered leaders.”

“From the time Governor Fayose joined Ekiti politics till now, the only governorship election won by the APC was the one in which Fayose assisted the party,” he said.

Adebayo said; “Ekiti people will no longer succumb to the selfish wish of diaspora politicians, who will only come to the state to contest elections and run away the moment they lose or are thrown out of government.

“These APC politiciansin-diaspora left the nucleus of the party while pursuing wild dream of securing appointments in Abuja.

Whereas, Ekiti has never gotten more than 15 federal appointments since creation. So why are they in hundreds lobbying for unavailable jobs in Abuja?

“Can any serious politi-

cian be playing away game and leaving the grassroots in the hand of opponents?

Isn’t that the reason Fayose who eats and dine with the people will always defeat the APC as long as the space permits?”

As much as they tried to patch up their differences, a major stakeholder in the APC boycotted the meeting.

The PDP also described the statement credited to former governor of the state, Chief Niyi Adebayo that Ekiti State had been turned to a pariah state as a product of a frustrated mind, said any reasonable Ekiti man would attest to the fact that the peace being enjoyed in the state could not be matched by any other state in the southwest.

“There is no state in the southwest that has been enjoying the kind of relative peace and development being enjoyed in Ekiti State today and discerning minds can’t but laugh at a former governor referring to his own a state as a pariah state,” he said.

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Secretary, Boripe Local Government, Mr Kehinde Moronkeji (left) and others during the commissioning of medical equipment/distribution of medical relief to physically challenged people of Boripe Local Government, at Iragbiji, on Wednesday.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, being welcomed by the Olubadan-designate, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, during a courtesy visit to his residence at Popoyemoja, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: OLUWATOYIN MALIK

Oyo CP assures Olubadan-designate on continuous peace, security •Visits Poly Ibadan students in UCH

By Oluwatoyin Malik

THE Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, ‘Leye Oyebade, has assured that his command would continue to ensure that security and peace that had been in place in Ibadan land is sustained.

Oyebade made the assurance on Thursday, during a courtesy call on the Olubadan-designate, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, in his residence at Popoyemoja area of Ibadan.

The police commissioner,

who stated that his command has men on ground, disclosed that strategies had been put in place while stakeholders had made commitments to ensure that Ibadan is made safe from all forms and shades of crime.

“Security is crucial; it is everybody’s business. Oyo State is peculiar in Nigeria and strategic in all respect.

That is why we don’t play with security matters when it comes to Oyo State,” he emphasised.

Oyebade said that his po-

lice command had enjoyed the support of the Ibadan Council of Chiefs through calls, information, counsel and prayers, while he enjoined members of the public to continue to give police the information that would help them do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.

Responding on behalf of the Olubadan-designate, the Otun Olubadan, Chief Lekan Balogun, assured the commissioner of Police that Chief Saliu Adetunji has promised to go to any level

within the ambit of law to cooperate with the police to maintain peace and tranquillity in Ibadan land.

The police commissioner was also at the University College Hospital where he paid a get-well-soon visit to three students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan who were involved in the February 8 accident along Oyo-Ibadan expressway.

The students include Amidu Tijani, Ajao Folake and Adegoke Modupe.

The Deputy Chief Medical Advisory Committee and

Acting Chief Medical Director, Dr Hannah Dada-Adegbola, who led the police commissioner and other police officers to the bedside of the students, appreciated the visit, just as she lamented the state of some Nigerian roads which she described as deplorable.

Dr Dada-Adegbola also spoke against the impatience exhibited by road users through disobedience to traffic rules and excessive speeding, saying that they usually contribute to fatality of accidents.

41

south-westnews

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Olukere takes recognition case to Ekiti assembly, meets committee Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

T

HE embattled Olukere of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin, has taken his matter to the Ekiti State House of Assembly on his unrelenting quest

to gain recognition of the state government for his throne.

Obasoyin had gone to the Assembly at about 10:30a.m. in company with his lawyer, Mr Morakinyo Ogele, also an indigene of the town, and had

made a presentation to the House Committees on Public Petitions, and that of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Olukere had responded to an invitation by the chairmen of the committees, Titilayo Owola-

bi-Akerele and Badejo Anifowose, respectively following supremacy troubles, especially from the Olukere, that had threatened to throw the community into turmoil.

Last week, the town was enmeshed in crisis over

Students of The Polytechnic Ibadan taking oath during their matriculation at the main campus, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

6% of applicants were granted admission into Ibadan Poly —Rector

By Wale Akinselure

SIX per cent of the 65,633 applicants for Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes of The Polytechnic, Ibadan were admitted for the 2015/2016 session.

This disclosure came to the fore at the 2015/2016 matriculation ceremony of the institution held on Thursday.

The institution’s Rector, Professor Olatunde Fawole, while addressing the matriculants, disclosed that 2,500 students gained admission for National Diploma and 1,617 for Higher National Diploma programmes.

59,254 had applied for OND programmes in the institution while 6,379 candidates applied for HND programmes in the Faculties of Engineering, Business and Communication Studies, Financial Management Studies, Environment Studies and Science.

Fawole assured that the institution would continue to deliver quality technical education to the nation.

In his address, Fawole decried that many students continued to wrongly utilise social media tools rather than for educative purposes.

Furthermore, he warned against immorality and miscoduct, restating the management’s zero tolerance for violation of rules and regulations of the institution through suspension of erring students.

Referring to the recent death of students of the institution in an auto crash, he admonished students to abide by statutory rules and regulations, particularly when they are outside the campus.

Noting that the matriculants’ journey towards graduation just commenced, Fawole said the students must abide by the rules of studentship for them to successfully graduate.

the destruction of the Olukere’s billboard in the town, which the monarch had alleged was carried out personally by Governor Ayodele Fayose.

He had submitted documents to the committees, including one Ekiti Intelligence Report of 1933, compiled by a British administrator under colonial government, Mr C.O. Weir; and a document indicating the payment of his stipend by the Ikere Local Government as a monarch, before it was allegedly stopped.

The monarch had maintained that his throne was “from the source, Ile Ife where Oduduwa, the father of Yoruba race reigned and that was where we all inherited our crowns. The fact that I am the Chief Priest of lkere did not in any way diminish the recognition of my throne as an Oba. The Ooni of Ife himself controls over 200 out of the 400 deities in Yoruba land.

“I performed political, cultural and traditional roles in Ikere, being the king and landlord. Let the whole world ask Ogoga to state his role in history in our town.”

The monarch demanded that his throne should be recognised and that government should present him with a staff of office to complement his throne, with full paraphernalia of a monarch.

The Chairman, House

Ondo Obas kick over composition of traditional council Hakeem Gbadamosi- Akure

TRADITIONAL rulers from Ondo State under the auspices of the 130 Krowns Club, on Thursday, called on the state government not to allow the desire of a group of few traditional rulers in the state plunge the state into confusion.

The group, which frowned on the issue of paramountcy of some traditional rulers over others also, condemned the composition of the state Council of Obas and chiefs, saying it is lopsided.

Speaking during a press conference in Akure, Ondo State capital, the president of the group, the Alade of Alade-Idanre, Oba Olusegun Akinbola, noted that the issue of paramountcy has remained a contentious issue in the history of the state and urged the state government to steer clear of the issue.

Oba Akinbola said “the issue of paramountcy has

remained a contentious and inflammable issue such that more than three past governments have steered clear of the matter.

“It is not that they were not bold enough, nor did not possess the instruments to force their wish on the state. It is because they saw that it was not wise to tamper with the history of the people.

“They were not willing to assist a few self-seeking people to re-write the natural history of the people of Ondo State; since it is a subjective matter, it should not be institutionalised through the force of law as is being canvassed by a few.”

The group maintained that laws and history did not support paramountcy, saying that no traditional ruler is superior to other outside its domain, noting that out of over 150 traditional rulers in the state, only 22 are recognised and regarded as first class Obas.

The group however, called on the state govern-

ment to give more attention to the welfare of the traditional rulers across the 18 local government areas of the state, saying certain rights and privileges ought to be made mandatory as it is the case in most states.

They noted that the Federal Government had earmarked five per cent of the gross revenue allocated to each local government to the traditional institutions, which they said was to lift the traditional rulers from abject poverty.

Owing to the roles given to these traditional rulers, they have no time to run after business and in order not to tarnish their image therefore; an Oba can only depend on subventions from the government.”

They however called on government to see to the maintenance of their palaces and official vehicles saying “there is no Emir, District Head or village head in most Northern states, who is not provided

with official vehicles.

“Government provides offices for his officers, therefore government should not see Obas institution as anything inferior. Our passionate appeal to government is to direct each local government to immediately commence the construction/ renovation of official quarters (palaces) of Obas in their areas of jurisdiction.

The group commended the unity move being embarked upon by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, describing him as a good choice for the throne, saying the monarch has been able to close gap between all the warring kingdoms within a short period of his reign.

They also condemned the incessant attack and kidnapping of traditional rulers from the south south, saying the traditional rulers should be protected by their communities and the government because they are the custodian of culture, customs and tradition.

Committee on Public Petitions, Owolabi-Akerele, however, promised that the monarch would be given a fair hearing in dealing with his case.

She said his being invited to appear before the committees was not intended to victimise him, but to ensure that perfect peace reigns in the town.

“All we want is peace. We want peace in Ikere Ekiti because nothing can happen under the atmosphere of crisis. I want you to support the peace move and also tell your people not to do anything that can create atmosphere of chaos,” she advised.

Our students protested fee on damaged matric gown —EACOED Mgt

THE management of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo (EACOED) has disclosed that its students protested over N5,000.00 fine for loss of Academic gown after the Matriculation ceremony held on February 8, 2016.

According to a press release issued and signed by the Deputy Registrar/ Media and Public Relations, Mrs Y.B. Alagbe, the management stated that “it is true that the College Management requested the students of the college to proceed on Inter-Semester break, the reason for agitation by the students did not have anything to do with late registration fees. The only recent development that had to do with the said Five Thousand Naira (N5,000.00), had to do with payment for loss of Academic gown after the Matriculation Ceremony earlier slated for Thursday, February 18, 2016.”

Alagbe added that “The memorandum to this effect stated “Any damage done to a gown would attract a replacement cost of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000.00) only.

“There was no increase in school fees and students were not protesting against late registration fee. It is clear that the information on matriculation was addressed to fresh students and not the entire students’ populace.

42

news

Friday, 19 February, 2016

Police arrest NANS president, others over protest

No going back on sacked VCs —FG From Clement Idoko and Sunday Ejike - Abuja

W

HAT began like a peaceful protest by Nigerian students in Abuja against the sack of the 13 vice chancellors of federal universities, turned awry on Thursday, with the arrest of the National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Tijani Usman and some of other protesting students by the police.

Tijani Usman, who led the protesters to barricade the entrance gate to the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Secretariat, Abuja, was teargassed and manacled into a waiting van alongside other students and whisked away by the police.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Chijioke Okoronkwo, and a cameraman with the African Independent Television (AIT), covering the protest, were affected by the teargassing.

The students had carried placards with various inscriptions such as: “Sack Adamu now and reinstate the sacked VCs”, “NANS says no imposition VCs” “Nigerian students say no to wrongful sack of VCs”, “NANS says no to injustice”, among others.

NANS president, in his speech before he was ar-

rested, said they were at the Federal Ministry of Education on a peaceful protest against sack of the 13 vice chancellors and appointment of new ones without recourse to the governing councils of the affected universities.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari, was misled by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, into taken the decision even when it was obvious that the tenure of some of vice chancellors sacked had not expired on February 18.

Secretary General of the Committee of the Vice Chancellors, Professor Michael Faborede, had explained that eight of the affected vice chancellors had successfully completed their tenures.

NANS, therefore, insisted that the sack of the vice chancellors of NOUN, Professor Vincent AdoTenebe; Federal Universities of Birnin Kebbi, Professor Lawal Suleiman Bilbis; Gashua, Yobe, Professor Shehu Abdulrahman; Gusau, Professor Ben Chuks Okeke; and

Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac Azuzu, was illegal and an abuse of due process.

Meanwhile, the minister has said that there was no going back on the removal of the vice chancellors and their replacement with new appointees.

He spoke while fielding questions from newsmen after the flag-off of the 2015/2016 Annual School Census at the Federal Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja.

Also, few days after the removal of vice chancellors of 13 federal universities, a

civil society organisation, the Lawyers Alliance for the Defence of Democracy, has petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malam Abubakar Malami, over the sack of the NOUN vice chancellor.

In the petition on February 16, the lawyers called for the reversal of the sack of NOUN VC. National co-ordinator of the group, Yusuf Zakari, threatened court action, if the Federal Government fails to rescind its decision on the removal of the VC.

The immediate past Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii (right), handing over to the acting Director-General of the agency, Mrs Yetunde Oni, during a ceremony at NAFDAC headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Why African countries remain underdeveloped —Minister Ademola Adegbite - Abuja

MINISTER of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, on Thursday, called on African countries to work together by promoting Science and Technology for national developed, saying they remain relatively underdevelopment because the sector was not allowed to play important role it ought to have been playing.

Dr Onu, who suggested that if allowed to assume its appropriate position,

it would add value to the enormous natural resources endowed in Africa and be in position of converting those raw materials and mineral resources to promote trade among African continent.

Speaking in his office in Abuja, while playing

host to the Rwanda High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ambassador Stanislas Kamanzi, the minister said it was high time African countries made use of their natural resources with a view to ensuring that money meant for Africa retained in the continent

THE arraignment of a lawyer, Kingsley Odabi, over his alleged involvement in a N10 million fraud before Justice Adebukola Banjoko of an Abuja High Court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), has been stalled owing to his absence in court.

Meanwhile, ICPC, in motion exparte filed by its counsel, Paul Bassi, got the leave of court to serve the lawyer with the threecount charge by substi-

Earlier in his speech, the Rwanda High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ambassador Kamanzi ,sought for partnership and collaboration with Nigerian government through Ministry of Science and Technology so as to strengthen the two countries’ economy.

el-Rufai appoints 11 perm secs, redeploys 6, sacks 3 MuhammadSabiu-Kaduna GOVERNOR Nasir el-rufai of Kaduna State has announced the appointment

of 11 new permanent secretaries, while six others were deployed and three sacked in a move aimed at

N10m fraud: Again, suspect’s absence stalls arraignment Sunday Ejike - Abuja

for the good of Africans.

He stressed further that if immediate action was taken, it would help, especially, in the area of economy because the pressure on economy would be less, while its pressure would also be reduced and the currency would be more stronger.

tuted means.

ICPC’s three-count charge against Odabi, borders on forgery and falsification of land documents to defraud one Dr A. Babade.

The commission accused the lawyer of, “Forging a document to wit: Offer of Terms of Grant of Conveyance of Approval with the intent to cause Dr Babade, B. A. to part with N10 million for the sale of plot 780 within Kaura Distrct, Abuja, contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 304 of the Penal Code Act 2004”.

Odabi was first billed to

be arraigned on January 21 but he failed to appear in court and the trial judge had to adjourn the case yet the defendant failed to show up in court.

ICPC counsel, Paul Bassi, had described his absence as a breach of the condition of administrative bail granted the defendant and urged the court to revoke the bail while asking his surety to produce him in court.

The application was granted by the trial judge for the defendant to be served by substituted means.

re-invigorating the state civil service .

A statement signed by his media aide, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said three permanent secretaries were retired, six redeployed, three retained their positions and 11 new ones were appointed.

The new permanent secretaries were: Esther Musa Sawok, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mahmud Nuhu Yamusa, Budget and Planning.

Esther Tsuwang Christopher, General Services, Victoria Galadima, Water Resources, Musa Adamu, Youth, Sports and Culture Others were: Ibrahim Jere, Health and Human Services, Nuhu Ishaku Buzun, Commerce, Industry and Tourism,

Garba Mamman (Snr,) Political and Economic Affairs, Mahmud Zailani, Establishment and Service Matters, Kande Nana Bage, (SUBEB) and Idris Samaila Nyam, Finance While those redployed were: Adamu Mohammed Mansur, Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani, Ambisa Jonah Adze.

Others redeployed included: Bariatu Mohammed; Hauwa Usman Umar; Ibrahim Sambo .

The statement also said permanent secretaries, who retained their positions were: Lukman Musa, Public Service Office; Abdulkadir Kassim, Agriculture and Forestry; Aishatu Kumbo Mohammed, Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.

Nigerian Tribune

Employ locally trained pilots, Kwara gov tells aviation operators Biola Azeez - Ilorin

GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called on aviation operators in the country to employ more locally trained pilots.

Speaking at the flag-off of training of helicopter pilots by the state-owned International Aviation College (IAC), in partnership with the Nigerian Navy in Ilorin, on Thursday, the governor said that employing locally trained pilots would not only boost local aviation but save scarce foreign exchange, “without prejudice to foreigners or foreign trained pilots”.

Governor Ahmed said that Nigeria has the training facilities, structures and personnel to train world-class pilots.

The governor also said that the inclusion of helicopter training was part of efforts to transform International Aviation College into a one-stop aviation training institution and showcase the state as an aviation hub in the country.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, in a message to the flag-off of 2xAB206 Helicopters, said the Navy’s partnership with IAC was to bring together “IAC’s expertise and facilities with the Navy’s rotary facilities and experience and reputation”.

Abandoned babies

Baby Bello TIRAMIYU Bello, four months old, was abandoned at Ojularede compound, Ede North Local Government, Ede, on January 16, 2016.

Baby Emmanuel EMMANUEL, four weeks old then, was abandoned at Akoda Road, Ede, Ede South Local Government, Ede, on December 10, 2015.

Anybody with useful information that can lead to the whereabout of the biological parents or relatives of these babies should, please, contact the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Social Welfare Office, Ede, Osun State.

43

Friday, 19 February, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Pope Francis says Donald Trump is ‘not Christian’ •Pope’s comment disgraceful — Trump

P

OPE Francis took umbrage at comments Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made about immigrants, saying in an interview that the real estate mogul was “not Christian.”

According to ABC News, the pope’s strong dismissal of Trump was in response to measures Trump has proposed on the campaign trail, including building a wall along the United States-Mexican border and deporting millions of undocumented immigrants living and working in the United States.

When asked by a reporter, “Can a good Catholic vote for this man?” Francis responded by saying, “Thank God he said I was a politician, because Aristotle defined the human person as ‘animal politicus.’ So at least I am a human person.

As to whether I am a pawn well, maybe, I don’t know.

I’ll leave that up to your judgment and that of the people.”

He continued: “And then, a person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not in the gospel. As far as what you said about whether I would advise to vote or not to vote, I am not going to get involved in that. I say only that this man is not Christian if he said things like that.”

Pope Francis

Donald Trump

We must see if he said things in that way and in this I give the benefit of the doubt.”

The pope made these remarks before he concluded his visit to Mexico, which included a public Mass at

the U.S.-Mexico border.

Tens of thousands of people from both countries gathered for Mass.

Trump responded to the pope’s comments on Thursday, in South Carolina, telling supporters he is “a good Christian.”

“If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS’ ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald trump would have been president,” Trump said.

“For a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful,” Trump added.

ZIMBABWEAN police on Thursday fired teargas and water cannon to disperse hundreds of war veterans planning a march on the ruling party’s headquarters, witnesses said, as factions tussle over who should succeed President Robert Mugabe.

Reuters said war veterans have previously mobilised election support for Mugabe, a fellow veteran who turns 92 on Sunday, but they have publicly criticised a group in the ruling ZANU-PF party led by Mugabe’s wife Grace which has been dubbed

Ugandans vote for president amid long delays UGANDANS began voting on Thursday in a presidential election that pits President Yoweri Museveni, in power for three decades, against a long-time rival who said he did not believe the vote would be “free and fair.”

All sides contesting the election accuse each other of stoking tensions and assembling vigilante groups, and the leading opposition candidates have predicted vote rigging.

“Such a day is highly undermined by the lack of free and fair elections,” opposition candidate Kizza Besigye said as he cast his vote in Rukungiri village in western Uganda. Besigye, 59, has run unsuccessfully in three

People from Karamojong tribe wait in line to vote at a polling station during the presidential elections in a village near town of Kaabong in Karamoja region, Uganda, on Thursday. PHOTO: REUTERS.

previous elections.

Museveni, 71, came to power in 1986 after waging a five-year guerrilla war and many Ugandans credit him with providing relative peace and economic stability. He is a staunch U.S. ally; Ugandan sol-

otherNEWS

diers lead an African Union peacekeeping force against Islamist fighters in Somalia.

But many voters among Uganda’s youthful population said they want change and blame Museveni for not tackling endemic corruption or creating enough jobs.

“I was a baby when Mu-

Ghana highway bus crash kills 53 AT least 53 people died in Ghana when a bus hit a truck head-on some 420 km (260 miles) north of the capital Accra overnight, witnesses and police said on Thursday, in the country’s deadliest road crash in years.

The Metro Mass Transit coach was heading to the northGhana’s President John Mahama ern town of Tamale from the

second-largest city of Kumasi when it collided with a cargo truck loaded with boxes of tomatoes, regional police chief Maxwell Atingane told Reuters.

“Many of the passengers on the bus died on the spot,” Atingane said, adding that about 23 others were injured, some seriously, and were being treated at a local hospital.

Atingane said initial accounts of the cause of the crash cited a mechanical failure on the bus, but he added that the police were investigating.

A witness said the scene was “pathetic and gory” and passengers were trapped in the bus wreckage. “There were human bodies strewn around,” said George Blah, a resident.

Obama announces historic Cuba visit, Republicans fume PRESIDENT Barack Obama on Thursday announced a historic visit to Cuba next month, speeding up the thaw in relations between the two Cold War former foes but igniting opposition from Republicans at home.

In the first United States presidential trip to the Caribbean nation in nearly 90

Zimbabwe police fire water cannon to break-up war veteran protest

years, Obama will meet with Cuban President Raul Castro, entrepreneurs, and “Cubans from different walks of life” during the trip on March 21 and 22, the White House said.

After decades of animosity following Cuba’s 1959 revolution, the two countries agreed in 2014 to move to reopen ties.

It was diplomatic feat that is likely to be a highlight of Obama’s foreign policy legacy along with the reaching of a nuclear deal with another long-time U.S. foe, Iran.

Although the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba remains in place, a presidential visit carries huge symbolic value and prestige.

Obama

seveni came in. Now, even my own children are seeing that same face. Is he the only one who can rule this country?” asked Uthman Kalyango, 32.

G-40 by local media.

Though Grace Mugabe has said she has no ambitions to run for president, experts believe she is a leading candidate to succeed her husband, with Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa also a likely frontrunner and part of a rival Zanu-PF faction.

Witnesses saw police fire teargas and chase war veterans from a sports centre outside Harare’s central business district, breaking them into small groups at a nearby open ground.

A Reuters photographer later saw police spraying the groups with water cannon.

Dozens of armed police kept watch at the ZANU-PF offices.

Robert Mugabe

Tunisia, IMF hold talks on credit, economic reforms THE IMF began talks with Tunisia on Thursday over a new credit programme, tied to measures to strengthen its economy and finances and likely to be worth at least $1.7 billion over four years, a central bank official told Reuters.

Tunisia’s economy has struggled since the 2011 uprising against autocrat

Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali that sparked the Arab Spring revolutions across North Africa.

Two attacks last year by Islamist militants hurt its tourism industry.

Protests to demand work last month turned violent, underscoring the fragility of the economic growth that Tunisia needs to underpin its democratic transition.

Kenya says it killed head of intelligence for Somalia’s Islamist insurgency KENYA has killed the commander of an elite unit within Somalia’s al Shabaab Islamist insurgency, a man blamed for masterminding a deadly attack on a Kenyan military camp in southern Somalia last month, the Kenyan military said on Thursday.

According to Reuters, Ke-

nyan troops, working under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), killed Mohamed Karatey, al Shabaab’s deputy commander and head of intelligence, at a graduation ceremony for insurgent fighters on Feb. 8, the Kenya Defence Forces said in a statement.

44

Friday, 19 February, 2016 Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 0811 184 5048

features

The Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso (left) with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, singing, during the latter’s visit to Oba Tejuoso’s residence.

By Akinrolabu Akinduro

S

INCE he assumed the throne of his forebears as the 51st Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, has not left any one in Yoruba land in doubt that he meant his word during his inaugural speech where he was reported to have said that, he had not come to the prestigious throne of Ooduwa in Ile-Ife for supremacy battle with other monarchs in Yoruba land but rather to foster peace and unity among the hitherto warring monarchs in the land. This he said with a view to bringing the needed development for the advancement of the Yoruba nation in Nigeria.

To prove this point was the historical and surprise visit that Ooni Ogunwusi paid to Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi during the latter’s 45th coronation anniversary recently.

It was reported that Kabiyesi Ogunwusi took the bull by the horn by leading other prominent Obas in Yoruba land to celebrate with the Alaafin. This historical visit was a great surprise to the Alaafin, especially given the age-long rivalry that had existed between Ile-Ife and Oyo. It was a thing of joy therefore for Iku Baba yeye to see the new Ooni holding out to him an olive branch to sheathe the sword of supremacy battle between the two foremost thrones for the interest of peace and development in Yoruba land. The Alaafin, there in the open was reported to have declared that the war was over as he promised to support the Ooni in the new peace initiative for the advancement of the Yoruba nation in Nigeria.

After the historic and cheering event, the Ooni further proved another point in his resolve to seek for peace in Yoruba land by paying another surprise visit to Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land, over a fallout on another monarchical supremacy battle at the Osun State Coun-

Joy as Ooni takes peace campaign to Osile cil of Traditional Rulers in which it was reported that the Owa Obokun reprimanded and ordered out the emissaries of Oba Ogunwusi from the venue of the Council’s meeting for allegedly placing the seat of the Ooni before his.

Upon hearing this, instead of drawing out a dagger of war with the Owa obokun, the Ooni headed to Owa Obokun’s palace in Ijesha land where he reiterated his commitment to peace among all Obas in Yoruba land. The Owa Obokun was reported to have been surprised by the humble disposition of Oba Ogunwusi.

The Owa was also reported to have said that he was now convinced that the new Ooni was truly and genuinely committed to his mission of peace and so promised to partner with the new Ooni on this, for the development of the race.Not resting on his oars in facilitating peace across Yoruba land, the young and dynamic monarch, Oba Ogunwusi took his peace evangelism to Ogun State recently where he paid courtesy visits on some foremost and prominent rulers in the state, chief among whom were Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land; Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egba land; Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba and Oba Adegboyega Dosumu, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom.

The Awujale’s visit came first with all glamour and it was also reported that, the Awujale gave his full blessing and support to Ooni’s reconciliatory and peace initiative. Two weeks after his visit to Ijebu land, the Ooni’s peace entourage moved with royal candor to Egba land.

The first port of call for the Ooni was the Alake’s palace in Abeokuta where the two monarchs expressed readiness to support each other and other Obas in Yoruba land to champion a new course for the race.

After this, the royal tour moved to Okeona Egba to pay courtesy visit on Osile, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso.

Arriving the private residence of the Osile, the royal entourage of the Ooni was welcomed with traditional fanfare

by Oba Tejuoso himself. The Kabiyesi first ushered the Ooni into his living room before taking him and his entourage to the tastefully decorated auditorium within the residence where the Iyalode of Egba, Chief (Mrs.) Alaba Lawson introduced all the chiefs of Oke-Ona Egba to the Ooni.

Shortly after this, the Osile, Oba Tejuoso officially welcomed the Ooni to Oke-Ona Egba and prayed for his success in his bid to lead the sons and daughters of Oduduwa to greater heights.

Oba Tejuosho noted that his association with the Ooni has been long before his ascension to the throne. He jocularly apologized to the Ooni for hosting him in his private residence instead of the official palace which he said was still under construction. He also called on the Ooni to use his expertise as a construction expert to help in the completion of the palace before he, Oba Tejuoso would clock 80 years of age in the next two years.

Oba Ogunwusi while responding noted that God is absolute. He revealed that his greatness today as the king that occupies

the most prestigious Oduduwa’s throne is a fulfillment of Oba Tejuoso’s prayer for him in the course of his association with him when he was in the corporate world.

The Kabiyesi noted that Oba Tejuoso always prayed that he would be great in life and even be greater than himself. He recalled a prophetic utterance made by Oba Tejuoso on his life during a wedding ceremony of one of the children of the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade held at the Ife Palace. He recalled that Oba Tejuoso referred to him as prince and Soko, a traditional title to the heir apparent to the throne of Ife. He said he was shocked by this pronouncement but according to him, the Kabiyesi kept praying for him and admonished him to always conduct himself in a good manner.

The Ooni also traced the historical correlation between Ife and Oke-ona Egba and linked it perfectly with the palace’s project of the Osile which he said he was personally involved in its development.

The Ooni then promised the timely completion of the Osile’s palace.

Meanwhile, at a point during his speech, the Ooni called the guests in attendance to join him in singing a Christian song which they all sang to the admiration of one another. The song goes thus: “Ara e dide e bami jo, eniyan gbogbo e bami yo, oluwa mi lo gbemiga” meaning, ‘people, please rejoice with me because God has lifted me.’

After his speech, the three wives of the Osile came to pay homage to the Ooni while Bishop Kayode Wiliams was invited

by Oba Tejuoso to pray for him.

45

features

Friday, 19 February, 2016

UN-Habitat hosts FGDs on urban equity, youth development

By Doyin Adeoye

I

N its bid to promote sustainable urbanisation in cities and regions that will provide all citizens with adequate shelter, basic services, security and employment opportunities regardless of age, sex and social strata, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) recently organised a survey and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for youths in Ibadan and Abuja.

The survey was done to understand the social and structural factors that contribute to the increasing inequalities of opportunities for young men and women aged between 18 and 35, as well as their inclusion in urban governance, and this gave rise to the Global State of the Urban Youth Report (GSUYR).

Chief Consultant to the UN-HABITAT in Nigeria, Dr Boladale Abiola Adebowale, who coordinated the survey said that “Through this programme, we are trying to look at the root causes of inequities among young people in some regions and we try to do that through surveys and FGDs where we ask these youths for their comments and views about initiatives of the governments and how it is affecting them.

“The youths discussed different dimensions of iniquities from economic, social, cultural and political. So our role is that thereafter, we then put all of these views together and analyse the various findings from the survey and then come up with policy recommendations, which is then up to each country to do something

Officials of United Nations Human Settlements Programme with the participants of the Focus Group Discussion on Urban Equity and Youth Development in Abuja, recently. about,” she said.

With the theme ‘Urban Equity and Youth Development,’ 20 countries were selected from five regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Arab and Post Conflict states, as coverage areas for the report in the GSUYR 2015/2016 programme.

Held at the SGF conference room, Federal Secretariat, Abuja, the Abuja survey and FGD took place on February 5, where participants discussed various issues which include the scourge of urban youth unemployment and underemployment; involvement of youth in deliberations and decision making on issues pertaining to

them; inequalities in the access to economic and political opportunities, as well as the communication gap between the government and the youths in the nation, among other issues.

A group of youths noted that there has been an increasing youth population in Abuja being the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as a bias in the distribution of economic benefits among the major ethnic groups in the city and Nigeria in general.

While some argued that youth involvement in income generation activities is very low and has led to the increase in

social vices including prostitution and internet scamming within the city; some however, acknowledged the efforts of the government in increasing youth inclusion in employment generation through the creation of initiatives including Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN), Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), among others.

A follow up to the discussions is scheduled to hold during the youth events at the upcoming HABITAT III Africa Regional Meeting in Abuja later this month.

When Samuel Adegbite Foundation brought succour to Igbo Oloyin

By Wale Olapade IN furtherance of its commitment to put smiles on the faces of the needy through community projects, the Samuel Adegbite Foundation (SAF) has inaugurated a block of classrooms which it donated to the people of Igbo Oloyin community in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The project which is one of the many donations of the SAF in recent times is in continuation of the founder’s objectives to give a better future to the needy through education.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Chairman, Board of Trusty, Samuel Adegbite Foundation, Mr Wale Adegbite, said SAF’s objective was to ensure that every child - the poorest, the most excluded, the most vulnerable and those whose rights need greater protection went to school.

Quoting from the Bible, Joel 2:28, Adegbite said, "Old men shall dream dreams and young men shall see visions. The founder of Samuel Adegbite Foundation, the Late Chief Samuel Igbayilola Adegbite was indeed a man of vision.

"Through his sole effort, the first secondary school was built in Igbo Oloyin. Only seven years ago, there was no secondary school in Igbo Oloyin. This meant that quite a number of pupils dropped out of education after primary school. Those that continued had to trek to surrounding villages to attend secondary schools.

From left, Ven. Mike Oluwatuyi; Mrs Funmi Wale-Adegbite, Chairman, Samuel Adegbite Foundation, Mr Wale Adegbite; Baale of Igbo-oloyin, Chief Akinyoola Ojelabi; Representative of Oyo State Governor, Mrs J.A. Okunade; Principal, Samuel Adegbite Memorial Grammar School, Mrs E.I. Adewole and other guests.

"He had a vision that pupils that leave the primary school in Igbo Oloyin will not have to trek for kilometres before getting to a secondary school.

"How can young pupils have time to do revision when they get home after trekking for hours?”

Continuing he said, "A World at School initiative, a UK based charity, has estimated that 10.5million children in Nigeria do not go to school for various reasons, one of which is non-availability of a school near home.

"We therefore thank God for giving our

benefactor not only the vision but the resources to commence this secondary school.”

The chairman thanked SAF trustees for providing the funds “to continue the work that our benefactor started here.”

He said, "I have no doubt that this additional block of classrooms will enhance the infrastructure at this school.

“Education, as we know it, is the way out of poverty. There is a famous saying that give a man a fish and he is fed for the day. But teach him our to fish and he is fed for life.

"Education opens a gateway to improving all quality of life outcomes, poverty re-

duction and gender equality."

Looking at the future, Adegbite hoped that in four years time, students from this secondary school would enter the labour market, having finished the National Youth Service, and begin to contribute to the development of not just themselves and their families, but also the community they represent.

According to him, "It is my hope that great leaders will emerge from this school, leaders that will make a mark in the sands of time through their knowledge and chosen paths.”

46

Friday, 19 February, 2016

occasions

featuresdesk@yahoo.com 0807 462 6431

At birthday ceremony, Primate Ayodele extends philanthropic gestures 2

1

F

OR members of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church with headquarters in Lagos, February 14 every year is remarkable. It is the birthday of the founder of the church, Primate Elijah Ayodele.

As the world celebrated Valentine which incidentally coincides with the birth of the preacher, many joined him as he celebrated. But the primate took it a step further as he gave out to the less privileged, among others.

Some of the beneficiaries were given tricycles popularly referred to as Keke

Napep. Others received cash gifts to start up businesses. Some others were given sponsored opportunities to visit Israel and Mecca. Again, some popular Nollywood actresses were given recognition awards by the Primate.

Among dignitaries that graced the event

3

4

was the governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Modupe Alade.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Beneficiaries given free tickets to Israel and Mecca at the birthday ceremony of Primate Ayodele SSG to the Ekiti State government, Mrs Modupe Alade giving out one of the tricycles at the event Primate Ayodele giving an award of recognition to Nollywood actress, Toyin Adewale Gabriel Primate Ayodele giving out gift to a representative of A.U.D. Primary School as part of activities marking his birthday celebration 5. Friends and family rejoicing with Primate Ayodele

5

2 1

LordBanjou provides amenities for Ijebu North East people

By Taiwo Olanrewaju IN his usual style of putting smiles on the faces of the people of Ijebu North East Local Government Area, Atan-Ijebu, Ogun State, the chairman, Transition Committee, LordBanjou Deola-Tayo- led adminis-

tration recently provided basic amenities for the use of the people.

A new borehole for the provision of portable water was constructed for the Army Sapper’s Barracks at Ilese Community while the building of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence

Corps (NSCDC) at Ogidi was renovated by the Transition Committee.

A transformer, donated

by Chief Dr and Mrs Adetunji Oredipe and a Gari processing factory were commissioned at Ijari.

Some of the eminent personalities, who lauded the

achievements of the Transition Committee, at the occasions, included the Commandant of the Nigerian Army, Ilese Barracks, Lt Col M.C. Akin-Ojo; the Ogun State Commander of the NSCDC, Commander Aboluwoye Akinwande; the Baale of Idagburen, Chief Olufemi Apanisile; the Area CDC chairman of Isonyin, Evangelist Okusanya Samuel; Rev Canon Niyi Ogunbowale and the Baale of Ijari.

1. Ijebu-North East LGA Transition Committee chairman, LordBanjou Deola-Tayo, commissioning a gari processing factory at Ijari. With him are other eminent personalities.

2. The donor of the transformer Chief Adetunji Oredipe (right), LordBanjou Deola-Tayo and eminent personalities at the commissioning of the transformer.

3. The newly constructed borehole being commissioned by the commandant of the Nigerian Army, Ilese Barracks, Lt. Col. M.C. Akin-Ojo. With him is LordBanjou Deola-Tayo.

4. Members of Ijebu North East division of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with LordBanjou Deola-Tayo (middle) during the commissioning of the NSCDC building.

3

4

47

Friday, 19 February, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Glo backs Nigeria Oil and Gas Games SPONSOR of Nigerian national teams and major sponsor of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG), Globacom has stated that the company is sponsoring the Games in order to strengthen the bond of unity and friendship amongst personnel in the Oil and Gas Industry which is widely adjudged the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.

Globacom, in a press statement on Thursday in Lagos stated that the sponsorship of NOGIG Games is predicated on its role as a national unifier, adding that sports is one of the major platforms that unite Nigerians irrespective of race, religion or age.

“As a truly Nigerian company operating within the African continent, Globacom will continue to be associated with the promotion and development of sports,” the company stated.

Globacom urged participants, contingents and supporters to “maximise the opportunity offered by the Games to bond and socialise among all of you. The Games will enable the oil industry workers to keep fit both in the mind and body, thus providing a healthy work force for the industry.”

Akwa Utd wins Charity Cup AKWA United emerged winners of the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League Charity Cup following a 4-3 penalty shoot out victory over the league champions, Enyimba on Wednesday.

The 10-man reigning Federation Cup champions forced the People’s Elephants to penalty after a barren draw at full time at the National Stadium, Abuja.

The two-time African champions were expectedly favoured to avenge their Super 4 tournament final day defeat at the hands of the Promise Keepers, but the fast improving Uyo side stayed resolute to shine.

After a goalless first half with both sides sharing possession, Akwa United was reduced to 10 men as Yusuf Adio was sent off in the 65th minute.

Team Lagos wins FOYSSTON Cup

Nigeria’s Lukman Zakari (right) challenges a Brazilian player during the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

2015 Eaglets star, Lukman rejects Sfaxien offer

N

IGERIAN junior international, Lukman Zakari has turned down a lucrative offer from CS Sfaxien because the player claims he has offers in Europe, reports AfricanFootball.com.

Lukman, it will be recalled, featured for the Golden Eaglets squad which won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

A source, who is familiar with the botched transfer of the central defender to Tunisia, reeled out the details of the Sfaxien offer.

According to the source, $200,000 will go to player’s Unity Academy, $50,000 to the player’s family, $50,000 sign-on fee for the player while $8,500 serves as his monthly salary.

The source further said that the player will receive an initial payment of $5,000 from his sign-on fee with the balance of $45,000

paid when his ITC has been received.

The family will get $10,000 for starters and once the ITC has been sent through, they will get the balance of $40,000.

However, the player, who was

AS the 18th edition of the annual Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Championship dunks off across Nigeria this weekend, the national final of the championship has been moved from its traditional home, Lagos to Asaba, Delta State.

This was disclosed on Thursday by the Category Manager Beverages, Nestle Milo Nigeria Plc, Mr Olufemi Akintola at a media parley to herald the championship with the state preliminaries scheduled to hold from February 22 to 26.

Akintola who lauded the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), for the effective organisation of the championshop over the years informed that, the winners will go home with trophies and cash awards for the development of sports facilities in their schools.

The managing director, Nestle Nigeria, Mr Dharnesh Gordhon in his remarks reiterated the company’s continued commitment to the sponsorship of the tourney.

He disclosed that the company will continue to make significant contributions to the development

ever-present as Nigeria won a record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup last November, refused to sign the deal, claiming he has better offers in England and Spain.

He and his agent are now due back in Nigeria this week.

Oliseh, Okocha, others for SMW Football Day CAMPOS Square would be agog on Sunday as the stars of Nigeria’s glorious Atlanta ‘96 Olympic football gold medal winning team once again take to the pitch, 20 years after they stunned the world.

The likes of Sunday Oliseh, Emmanuel Amunike, Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West and other members of the squad will take

Asaba to host 18th Milo basketball final

By Niyi Alebiosu

TEAM Lagos beat Team Ekiti 3-2 via penalties, on Thursday to lift the maiden Fountain Youth Sports Club Soccer Tournament (FOYSSTON) in a hard fought contest at the Sports Complex of the Federal Polytechnic, AdoEkiti.

The final lived up to expectations with the game decided on penalties after it had ended in a barren situation at regulation time.

The tournament was designed as a platform to fish out hidden talents that will don the colours of the Nationwide League One side, Fountain Youths Sports Club of Ado Ekiti.

However, 32 players have been short-listed for the next phase of the team’s screening.

Meanwhile, Fountain Youths FC boss, Bayo Olanlege, has described the tournament as a huge success stressing that the players selected will go through rigorous screening, adding that the lucky ones will form the bedrock of the team when the Nationwide League kicks off.

of grassroots sports in Nigeria, adding it will ensure that the Nigerian child has the platform to participate in sport and the opportunity to reach his or her potential in life.

In her remarks, Bisi Joseph, the Secretary General of NSSF, commended Nestle Nigeria Plc for the sponsorship of the championship for the past 18 years.

She said that the NSSF is fully prepared for the championship aimed at not developing but discovering budding athletes for the country.

on a Lagos All Stars team as part of activities to mark the Social Media Week Lagos.

“I think it is wonderful that SMW Lagos is doing this,” said Amunike.

“Sometimes you don’t realise the importance of what you have achieved until much later, and I think that now we all appreciate what that meant to everyone.”

Among other events lined up are a gala night at SS 7 in Victoria Island to honour the heroes, while a series of panels and sessions on Thursday, February 25 will relive those wonderful moments in Nigeria’s football history.

“It is hard to think that 20 years have flown by so quickly,” said Victor Ikpeba, who went on to win the African Player of the Year award prize a year later. “It was a moment that none of us will ever forget and we appreciate SMW Lagos for putting this together.”

“The victory of our team at Atlanta ‘96 was a seminal moment for Nigerian and African football, for us it is a privilege to host these Nigerian heroes and to celebrate them,” said Obi Asika, chairman and co-founder, SMW Lagos.

Okocha

SIDELINES

N150

FRIDAY, 19 FEBRUARY, 2016

NO 16,440

At one time during his eight-year tenure, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, perplexed by the resistance of the ailing economy to his economic policies, declared mysteriously that he was going home to consult the ‘elders’. With the naira standing at a staggering N365 to a dollar, many Nigerians would wonder if President Muhammadu Buhari would be interested in consulting OBJ’s ‘elders,’ provided they are still interested in economic issues!

NFF names Manu Garba as Eaglets’ coach

Toriola

Toriola turns first African to bag 7th Olympic ticket

By Oluwabunmi Ajayi

A

FRICA’S most decorated table tennis player, Nigeria’s Segun Toriola has become the first athlete on the continent to qualify for his seventh appearance at the Olympic Games.

The former African champion secured his place at the ITTF Africa Olympics qualification tournament held in Khartoum, Sudan following his 4-0 victory over Togo’s Mawussi Agbetoglo in the final qualification stage. The match ended in 11-7, 12-10, 11-9 and 11-6.

Toriola made his debut at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and he has since been participating at the Olympics.

His presence at the Rio 2016 Olympics makes

him the first athlete in Africa to feature at the multi-sports event.

Also, he held the record as the most successful African table tennis player at the Olympics when he made it to the fourth round of the men’s singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in China.

From four consecutive editions of the Africa Games, Toriola dominated the men’s singles event claiming gold medals at Harare 1995, Johannesburg 1999, Abuja 2003 and Algiers 2007 being the first athlete to achieve such feat.

“I am very excited about this achievement, I never thought I

could be playing a seventh Olympic Games in my career. I am honoured that I made history as the first African to achieve this feat.

“It was a little difficult for me because I played under a lot of pressure, I was the favourite for this tournament, and I had to be cautious in my games as most of the players wanted to beat me. I ensured I was not too confident in all my matches and play against them carefully.”

“I am glad that I made it and I hope to now focus on the preparation for Rio, which is very vital for me,” an elated Toriola said.

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has named Coach Manu Garba (MFR) as head coach of the U-17 National Team, the Golden Eaglets with a mandate to repeat his World Cup –winning feat of 2013 at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India.

Soft-spoken Garba, who was elevated to the U-20 team after the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph, led the Flying Eagles to lift the African title in Senegal last year, but his boys failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 at the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Garba will now be assisted by Atuni Ali and Ernest Teigbanyo.

The Golden Eaglets will a few months begin the qualification series for the 2017 African U-17 Championship, which will be hosted by Madagascar.

The NFF also confirmed Bala Nikyu as head coach of the U-17 girls team, the Flamingos. He will be assisted by Queen Gwendolyn with Lateef Yusuf as goalkeeper trainer.

The Flamingos have already qualified for the final round of the African qualification series for the 2016 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will hold in Jordan later in the year.

The Nigerian team will face South Africa over two legs next month for a spot in Jordan.

Garba

Oliseh, NFF set for another face off over Babangida

Oliseh

NIGERIA head coach, Sunday Oliseh is set for another face-off with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after he insisted Tijjani Babangida remains his personal assistant and has not been sacked.

This week, the NFF has issued a final warning to Oliseh to keep his cool after his recent “YouTube rantings”.

However, top sources have now disclosed that the former Nigeria captain has put his foot down that his employers do not have a say on the two persons he could employ – an assistant coach and a personal assistant – as contained in the contract he signed.

“Oliseh has asked questions on the reported dismissal of his personal as-

sistant as no reason was given for their decision,” a source informed.

“He has insisted Babangida remains his personal assistant as long as he has a contract with the NFF.” Another source said: “Oliseh is the real target, but like cowards they are now after the soft targets around him like Babangida.”

Interestingly, Babangida’s contract is tied to Oliseh’s contract.

The NFF agreed to pay the former international winger N600,000 a month when they engaged Oliseh in July 2015.

However, he has yet to receive a kobo since then, not even when all their coaches were paid a month’s salary last December.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 19/2/2016.