21th Septebmer 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,331 MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER, 2015

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Buhari deceiving Nigerians, says Shekau in new video •Villagers give food to insurgents in exchange for their lives —P37

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Leave Buhari out of Saraki's trial —Presidency I'm not leaving APC

—Senate President —P3

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

N150

NNPC secures $1.2bn alternative funding for 36 oil wells —P10

My regret over HID's death —Buhari —P7

•We lost a great mother... shining example of womanhood —Tinubu •Sympathisers besiege Awolowo's Ikenne residence

From left, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, at the Awolowo's residence in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, on Sunday.

From left, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and a former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left) with a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba.

From left, Governor Aregbesola; Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode and Senator Tinubu. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 2,8,9,47.

Monday, 21 September, 2015

chief (mrs) hid awolowo (1915 - 2015)

PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE AND Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TOYIN

7 8

1. Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, at IkenneRemo, Ogun State, on Sunday. 2. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode and former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu. 3. Chief Simeon Oguntimehin (left) with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. 4. Professor A. B. O. O. Oyediran (left), with Professor Theo Ogunlesi

5. From left, Sir Tayo Ogunsanya, Chief Ebenezer Babatope and Senator Gbenga Kaka. 6. From left, Ogun State deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga; wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Funsho Amosun and Mrs Bola Awolowo. 7. From left, Chief Segun Osoba, Mr Muyiwa Ige and Chief (Mrs) Derinsola Osoba. 8. Thanksgiving service in honour of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, at her residence, in Ikenne Remo.

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Monday, 21 September, 2015

Leave Buhari out of Saraki's trial —Presidency Clement Idoko -Abuja

HE Presidency, on Sunday, said attempts to link the ongoing trial of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to it are unacceptable. It said insinuations to the effect that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) could only act upon external instigation were equally erroneous and uninformed. A statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the President, in Abuja, said there was no place in law that the bureau and the tribunal should take instructions from any quarters. As an independent institution equal to any superior court of record, the presidency said the tribunal was set up by the constitution to determine the issue of default, false declaration or forgery in assets declaration. "This, therefore, is purely a judicial process and has nothing to do with the presidency. "If anyone has an axe to grind with what they are

doing, they should do it in a judicial manner by challenging those actions in a proper court of law. "Government has no desire to persecute anybody.

The president has vowed to respect the rule of law and this is what he is doing by staying out of this matter," the statement read.

I am not leaving APC —Saraki •Senators plan unity meeting Sept 28 •Saraki has no case to answer —PDP Taiwo Adisa -Abuja SENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said he has no plans of leaving his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Saraki said this on Sunday, in reaction to a question posed to him on his Twitter page. He had been accused of planning to dump the APC for another party because of the belief that some chieftains of the party, including President Muhammadu Buhari and a national leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu, were among those behind his travails with the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Code of Conduct Tribunal. This was more so as he removed his party’s name from his Twitter biography. The CCT had, on Friday, issued a bench warrant for Saraki’s arrest.

The tribunal, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, ordered the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to produce him today before the CCT. Arase has, however, said he was yet to receive the order of the tribunal. In response to the question on if he was planning to dump the APC, Saraki wrote: “I remain a card carrying member of my dear party, but I’m also honoured to serve as Senate president of all senators.” Meanwhile, loyalists of Saraki and senators opposed to him were busy weighing options available to them on Sunday, following the trial of the Senate President at the CCT. While members of the Senate Unity Forum (SUF), the group of senators in support of the position of the APC, Continues pg5

Monday, 21 September, 2015

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Monday, 21 September, 2015

I am not leaving APC —Saraki Continued from pg3

continued their consultations in readiness of the possible fallout of the CCT trial of Saraki, his supporters, mostly of the Like Minds Senators, were also moving to consolidate his hold on the red chamber. It was gathered that the SUF had decided to lie low and allow the ongoing trial get to a head, while they continued the needed consultations behind the scenes. A source said one of the forces against Saraki was pushing for an “Obasanjo option,” which is to pull through the planned arrest and detention of the Senate president, irrespective of the order of the Federal High Court on the issue. Those behind this agenda were claiming that the CCT was not lower than the High Court and that its orders could only be referred to the Court of Appeal. Others were, however, expressing caution that the “Obasanjo option” could look drastic and reduce the government’s democratic credentials, especially as the government was still smarting from the fallouts of the invasion of Akwa-Ibom Government House. It was also gathered that loyalists of the Senate president had decided to hold a unity meeting of all senators on September 28, a day be-

fore the advertised resumption. Although a source said the resumption date no longer remain sacrosanct, it was gathered that the meeting was being planned to prepare the ground for Saraki’s solid control of the chamber. In another development, a new twist appeared to have crept into workings of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), as a member of the Bureau, on Sunday, said the trial was a contradiction of the Act setting up the CCB and the CCT. The member who spoke on condition of anonymity said the bureau failed to follow the provision of Section 3(d) of its own law by referring Saraki to trial. The member said the normal procedure, according to

the Section 3(d) of the Act, was that the Bureau should set up a committee to determine whether or not an infraction had been committed by any public officer after submitting his/her asset declaration forms. Section 3(d) of the CCB Act states: “The functions of the Bureau shall be ....to receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of this Act and where the Bureau considers it necessary to do so, refer such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by Section 20 of this Act in accordance with Section 20 to 25 of this Act. “Provided that where the person concerned makes a written admission of such breach or non-compliance, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary.”

Aregbesola appoints Lasisi acting CMD, LAUTECH Hospital OSUN State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has appointed Professor Akeem Lasisi as the acting Chief Medical Director for Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Osogbo. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s media aide, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, in Osogbo, on Sunday. According to the state-

ment, the appointment took effect immediately. “Lasisi, a 1990 graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, worked at the General Hospital, Ilesha between 1992 and 1993. “He started residency training in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University College Hospital, Ibadan in December 1993.

HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

Monday, 21 September 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Tinubu, Akande, Ajayi, Ajimobi, Aregbesola, Ambode, Mimiko extol HID’s virtues By Yinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

ORE dignitaries continued on Sunday to shower encomiums on Chief HID Awolowo as they paid condolence visit to the Ikenne home of the Awolowos barely 24 hours after the departure of the matriarch of the family. Leading the pack was the former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, Pa Olanihun Ajayi, former governors of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Senator Bola Tinubu. Others are Oyo, Lagos and Osun states governors: Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Akinwumi Ambode and Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and many others. Pa Ajayi described late HID as a fantastic wife to the sage and a heroine of the Yoruba race. In his speech during a mini presentation where all of them spoke at the Efunyela Hall, Lanihun bemoaned the death of Mama HID revealing that “We’re preparing for the centenary of Mama’s birth, but God thought certainly we are not wise as He is so, He called her to himself at a time that was befitting a great woman. “It’s a pity that Mama left at the time she did because we were all looking forward to November 25 but certainly God’s time is the best. Mama came, lived well, she saw a lot and she did a lot and certainly she achieved a lot. “I am sure when the time comes for chroniclers to write her history, I hope she will be rightly and properly recorded as one of the leading Yoruba heroines. “Mama will be down in history as one of the leading heroines in Yoruba who fought as a politician. In the church, she was a great pillar, particularly in the Anglican Communion. In the history of Yoruba, certainly, she cut a niche for herself. In Remo, we can never forget her. She was an example of womanhood, fantastic wife to her husband, a consultant, a friend and of course as Papa himself said before he left us “a jewel of inestimable value.” “At this moment, I pray as I sincerely wish that God Almighty will grant Mama a lot of grace and guidance in her next assignment because I know leaving here, she is going to join the saints and surely with another assignment. “I wish Tokunbo and her elder sister God’s abiding

presence.” The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, went down memory lane in eulogising the departed soul. Akande said “It is my prayer that the attraction that we always have in this home will never disappear.” The national leader of APC, Senator Ahmed Tinubu, described Mama as mother of the nation who will be missed by all. Tinubu stated that “Just yesterday (Saturday), we heard of Mama’s departure. As you know, we were all preparing for her centenary celebration, but God knows better. But the celebration was fast forward for us on Saturday afternoon. We lost a great mother, heroine of a nation, nationalist, a shining example of womanhood. Mama is a mother of all, a devout Christian

and a great mother. Some of us would not forget that we draw a lot from her strength, particularly when we were growing up. “Mama was a great accountant. When you have to go out with souvenirs in Oke-Ado, she knew how many fez caps, handkerchiefs, brochures and others she had sent to you and you have to account for everything. And lately, with old age, Mama remembered every name. Her voice and memory didn’t desert her and that means her God didn’t desert her. She lived a fulfilled life. “Nigeria will miss a great woman in her. The footprint left by Papa, Mama continued to maintain the footprint for all of us. I believe it is time to celebrate the great icon of womanhood. Her commitment to indivisible Nigeria and to humanity, education and right of

women, I believe that will continue to strife and fresh in our memory. Once again, Nigeria will miss a great woman in HID,” Tinubu maintained. For the governors of Oyo and Osun states, they appreciated the good motherhood quality in HID life. In their appreciation, the duo acknowledged how Mama was able to manage the home front for the Sage while he junketed around in pursuit of political trademark and landmark. Senator Ajimobi first took the salvo as he spoke glowingly of the motherhood gesture of Chief HID Awolowo. “This woman (HID) undoubtedly was the Matriach of the Yoruba race. She epitomised commitment in womanhood, motherhood. If our wives could emulate her, I guess it will be good for our society.

“Mama lived an exemplary life. And we all pray that all of us will leave such a legacy which she has left behind.” Aregbesola also corroborated Ajimobi’s observation, saying “I have two emotional feelings about her departure: one was to mourn and the second was a joyous relief that ultimately there will be a celestial re-union of two people who have exemplified what a political family life should be. “Ajimobi said it in a very humorous manner, it is not as beautiful as it was with Papa and Mama as it is with some of us who are in public life now. “I’m not indicting anybody, but I must say that if there is anything that any politician must learn today, it is that there was a fantastic example in the way Papa and Mama lived. “After all, nobody could

Mama was kind to all —Daughter By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

ONE of the children of Mama HID Awolowo, Dr (Mrs) Tokunbo AwolowoDosumu, has described her mother as a very generous and kind woman. Awolowo-Dosumu, in an interview with newsmen on Sunday said her late mother impacted positively on the lives of both the high and low, promising that her legacy would be kept by the family. The former Ambassador

of Nigeria to Netherlands said the family was happy about testimonies and accolades said about her since her departure on Saturday afternoon. Awolowo-Dosumu said “She prayed for us. She prayed as she came in and as we were singing, she left. She kept on praying. It was her voice of prayer that we heard last. “That was huge and we’re glad to have received her blessings. There was no

sign at all that she was departing, God knows best. “There were lots of testimonies and accolades since her demise. Well deserved actually. As we were preparing for her birthday, I was going through some of the letters that Papa wrote to her from prison and found out that the accolades were many aside the popular “Jewel of inestimable value”. There were several others in those letters and Papa also acknowledged that she was

She exemplified best of the progressive spirit —Tinubu THE National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has said that Mama HID Awolowo exemplified the best of the progressive spirit and concern for humanity. “We pause to mourn her passing, but we also must continue to move forward in order to celebrate her life and the ideals for which she stood. I don’t believe she would have wanted us to respond in any other way. “She was a devout Christian and her life touched many. May her soul rest in peace. Her life spanned nearly a century of change and challenge in the world and in Nigeria. Through it all, she remained true to great and noble ideas and did so with dignity, spirit and compassion,” Tinubu said. The leader of the APC noted that “just a few weeks to

becoming 100 years of age, she passed on. However, for nearly a century, she remained committed. In her gentle but strong way, she held forth the banner and nurtured the progressive legacy after her husband, the revered Obafemi Awolowo passed on. “This great jewel of the people withstood the test of time and weathered the political storms of dictatorship and mis-governance. Never did she bend or reject her principles and beliefs despite the pressures that came. She stood firmly in the courage of her convictions. “Our Mama, HID Awolowo was the Awolowo philosophy personified. She remained a constant source of knowledge, inspiration and wisdom. Her faith in the Nigerian nation was unwavering and revealed an uncommon, visionary political bearing. She gave

a mother’s love to all Nigerians irrespective of political differences and through her we learned that unity through diversity is the precious gift we must construct and give ourselves.” While people mourn, Tinubu said they must also take solace in the fact that Mama lived long enough to see the advent of progressive government at the federal level. “She has bequeathed to us a great legacy, a political legacy of intelligence, courage, conviction, hope and belief in the goodness of the people. As such, we will miss her presence and are grieved by her departure. Yet, the story of her life commands us to do our best to turn Nigeria into the nation she dedicated her life to and that we all honour her every day by each one of us becoming better citizens, better Nigerians.”

a powerful woman and of honour. “She touched lives-high and low, and we’re just pleased for that legacy. We’re pleased with examples that she left for us her children. She was a very kind woman and tributes coming, in preparatory to her birthday, have also shown that she had touched many lives. And we feel blessed with this. “Our mother-child relationship was fine and pleasant. I have my place in her heart because I’m her last child and we have wonderful times. In the last five months, I’ve been living here, so, I am actually very happy.” Asked what she will miss in her mother, Tokunbo, who is the last child of the family, said she would miss her wise counsel greatly, adding that Mama breathed her last in her arms. She expressed her sadness on the fact that Mama did not live to celebrate her centennial birthday celebration which would have come up on November 25. “This was very sudden for us. If anyone had told us that Mama would breaths her last on Saturday, we would have argued till kingdom come. I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that she’s gone. “I feel very disappointed. I had wished that she had the opportunity to see how much she means to people. I wished that she actually witnessed the outpouring of love and affection that people have for her, but God says otherwise. We give glory to God,” she added.

doubt the central role Papa and Mama played in the lives of our people in this region and in the whole of the nation at large and for the two of them to survive without any hitch of conflict for the entire period they lived together as husband and wife, in the most tumultuous political era of our nation up till when Papa passed on and until when she joined him on Saturday, is an example of an illustration of how a political family should be and I hope our politicians will take a clue from that. “To me, that is the greatest legacy that our Papa and Mama left for all of us to follow because without a good family, I doubt if there can be any other good society. The family is a foundation of every other strata in the society. “For Mama to have done that so well to the point of having good children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, Almighty God will overlook all her shortcomings and accept her.” The second lesson, according to Aregbesola is that “we still have a huge role to play in the affairs of our region and that of our nation. I believe that some of us who are here and haven’t read about Papa Awolowo’s books, it is not too late. Reverend Oyerinde could arrange that for us and we will understand better the amazing support Papa received from Mama.” Furthermore, Lagos State governor, Akinwumi Ambode, said Mama HID was “A woman of inestimable value who has contributed to the development of Nigeria. We are here to celebrate a woman of honour and not to mourn in whatever capacity.” The National Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that Mama lived a good life throughout her centenary years on earth. Alhaji Mohammed said “She lived a life devoid of blemish. She was not just a mother, but an icon. She was a mother one could wish for. In terms of virtues and values, I think one of the last grandmas just departed. We were comforted that she has left a very good legacy, and her memory will remain alive forever.” On her role in the Yoruba Unity Forum, Mohammed said “I don’t think Mama has left without leaving a very dependable successors, the Yoruba nation will remain stronger even after her.”

HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

Monday, 21 September 2015

My regret over her death —Buhari By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

resident Muhammadu Buhari said he regretted that the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, did not live to witness a new transformation and change the country would be experiencing. He said this through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, who led the Federal Government delegation to the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, to commiserate with them over the death of the Yeye Oodua. Other members of the delegation were the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari; Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin and former SGF, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe. He maintained that Mama did not “feel” the change in which her grand son in-law, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, were key players.

President Buhari said “Our regret in government is that Mama did not live long enough to feel the transformation this country will undergo with the

active participation of her grand son in-law and her grand daughter. “This is something that saddens us. Had she waited well for one or two more years, I’m sure she

would have left this world a very happy woman indeed, because the fulfilment of what her husband stood for would have finally come to fruition.” He promised the readi-

ness of the Federal Government to participate fully in her burial arrangements. Other visitors included Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the former Judge of the

Nigerian Tribune

Hague, Prince Bola Ajibola, the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Adesesan Oguntayo and the Bishop of the Diocese of Egba, The Right Reverend Oludaisi Adekunle.

She lived for one united Nigeria —Osinbajo Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Mama Awolowo lived all her life for one united Nigeria. Osinbajo, who is a grand son in-law to the deceased, made this known while addressing hundreds of sympathisers who gathered in honour of the deceased at the Efunyela Hall, on Sunday. He said Mama was a repository of knowledge and a custodian of information. The vice president, who spoke in the presence of the Federal Government’s delegation to the Awolowos home, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal; the governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba and wife, Derin, said Mama was an important part of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He expressed sadness that Mama did not live up to witness a new Nigeria of her dream before she was taken away. “We are in mourning at this moment, although we celebrate Mama at this time. For some of us, Mama knew us even when we were born. I don’t even know how to describe the sense of loss

because Mama had always been there. Whenever you thought about home, be rest assured that Mama will be there. “Even when Papa was not around, Mama was always there. She had a personal relationship with practically everybody, those who are family members and those who are not. Many times she

would call us up and say you have not called her in weeks and she would remind you of the previous conversation that she had with you. “She was always very caring, devoted and loving. We all know that she stood by papa, so solidly that he had to describe her as the most important part of his life. He said repeatedly, aside

She was a pillar of support —Bishop Gbonigi Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

The Retired Bishop of Akure Diocese (Anglican Communion), Bishop Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi, has described Mama HID Awolowo as a pillar of support who stood by her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, during his political career. Bishop Gbonigi who stated this in Akure, Ondo State, while commiserating with the Awolowos, urged those she left behind to fol-

low her good example. “Mama HID Awolowo, as we used to call her was a very diligent person, a Christian who exhibited her faith in Jesus Christ. She was a true Christian, very deep, strong, peaceful and always ready to support her husband’s political career. “We would have been very happy if she lived up to November 25, when she would have clocked 100 years. The children and grand children are looking forward to the

day, but it is for us to plan and God knows the reasons why He decided to take her away now. “We thank God for giving her long life. She lived for 99 years and 10 months, only two months short of 100 years and that’s a very long time to live. We thank God for her life, we appreciate God for the kind of person she was and those she left behind should follow her good example,” he said.

from describing her as her jewel of inestimable value, that he would not know what he could have done without her, but she survived him and lived so long thereafter. “We all looked forward to her 100th birthday, but we heard the news on Saturday that Mama has departed. I really wished that she would have been here to ask me a few questions. “She was a great repository of knowledge, she has so much information. A woman who has so much fortitude, such strength of character and everything that you know about her reflect that strength of character. I pray that in her passage, all will be well with each and everyone of us. “She lived for this nation. Everyday of her life, she wanted to see a great nation and I know that she had begun to see that great nation.”

Monday, 21 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)

7 1. From left, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Chief Bisi Akande and Senator Bola Tinubu. 2. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Prince Adedamola Aderemi and Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode. 3. Ogun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola (left), with Chief Doja Adewolu. 4. From left, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and Chief Doja Adewolu. 5. From left, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Bola Tinubu and Senator Tony Adefuye.

PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE AND Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TOYIN

8 6. Senator Bucknor Akerele (left) with Dr Gbolahan Dosumu. 7. From left, Pastor (Dr) Segun Olatunji; Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Mr Edward Dickson, Editor, Saturday Tribune, Mr Lasisi Olagunju and the Editor, Sunday Tribune, Mr Sina Oladeinde. 8. From left, Alhaji Babatunde Badmus, Mr Jimmy Alli and Alhaji Adewale Ayuba.

Monday, 21 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)

7 1. From left, Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Chief Ebenezer Babatope. 2. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu and Alhaji Lateef Jakande. 3. From left, Chief (Mrs) Ayo Adebanjo, Mr Joko Sokera, Chief (Mrs) Mercy Owolana and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu.

8 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Arch Adetunji Omisore (left) with Prince Aderounmu Aderemi. Mr Tayo Soyode (left), with Mr Ladi Soyode. From left, Mrs Bola Awolowo, Mrs Abba Folawiyo and her grand daughter. From left, Mrs Ayotola Ayodeji, Funke Awolowo and Mrs Adeola Azeez. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran (left) and Mrs Yejide Badmus.

PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE AND Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TOYIN

businessnews

Monday, 21 September, 2015

NNPC secures $1.2bn alternative funding for 36 oil wells

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has secured a USD1.2 billion multi-year drilling financing package for 36 oil wells under the NNPC and Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (JV). This is contained in a statement by Mr Ohi Alegbe, NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, in Abuja on Sunday. The statement stated that the NNPC and Chevron JV deal was executed at a signing ceremony in London. It stated that the 1.2 billion dollars would be channelled into the development of 23 onshore and 13 offshore oil wells on OML 49, 90 and 95 in two stages over 2015 to 2018. It stated that the fund was designed to supplement the Federal Government’s cash call commitment in the oil and gas sector. It stated that the funding package which was being financed by a consortium of Nigerian and International lenders was an integral part of the accelerated upstream financing programme initiated by NNPC. It stated that the programme was designed to address the perennial challenge experienced by the Federal Government in providing its counter-part funding of JV upstream activities. The statement explained that the initiative would also help in the maintaining the current production levels in the short term as well as replace depleting reserves. It stressed that the stage one of the project made up of 19 oil wells was projected to deliver 21,000 barrels of crude oil and condensate per day. It also stated that the first stage would also lead to the production of 120,000 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d) over 2015 and 2016. “Stage two of the project which comprised of 17 wells is projected to yield 20, 000 barrels of crude oil and gas production of seven mmscf/d between 2016 and 2018,” it stated. It added that both stages of the project were envisaged to generate up to two to five billion of incremental revenue to the Federation Account. Beyond the contribution to the national treasury, the projected peak incre-

mental gas production of 127mmscf/d. “Which is the electricity equivalent of 400 mega-

watts would help boost the Federal Government’s domestic gas aspirations with expectant positive effect on

power supply,” it stated. The statement explained that Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Group Managing Director

of the NNPC, said the alternative funding arrangement was the new contractual model in upstream financ-

From left, President, Ibadan Business School, Yinka Fasuyi; Procurement Specialist, FADAMAIII, Kwaji Duguri and Lead Specialist, Social Protection Unit, World Bank, Professor Foluso Okunmadewa, at the World Bank/Ibadan Business School Executive Certificate Programme in Governance and Leadership Management in Ibadan, recently.

ing. Kachikwu said the new model would serve as a template for future initiative to supplement the Federal Government’s Joint Venture Cash Call commitment. He commended the Joint Finance Team and the consortium of local and international lenders led by Standard Chartered Bank and United Bank for Africa for a job well done. “ NNPC would not relent in the renewed effort to restore probity and transparency to the process of generation, collection and remittance of crude oil proceeds. “I have always believed that issues of Federation Accounts must be left sacrosanct and not to be toyed with. “The Accelerated Upstream Financing Programme is designed to help us achieve this objective,” he said.

TSA: Banks have nothing to worry about —Accountant-General Gbola Subair - Abuja THE Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, at the weekend in Abuja, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance by government institutions, ministries, departments and agencies with the directive to transfer public sector funds to Federal Government Treasury Single Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Also, he said with the new policy, banks had nothing to worry about as it was aimed at strengthening the banking system. Idris said the new policy was already on course and that there was no institution of the government that would want to be caught in the web by flouting the directive; hence the level of compliance is appreciative, adding that the single account policy was healthy for the nation’s economy. He also stressed that the government’s determination to review the effectiveness and effects of the policy at every interval of its application, make findings and make such available to the public. Idris, who spoke to the press at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja venue of a reunion party held in his honour by his university classmates under the auspice of Class 84, Faculty of Administration, Ahmadu Bello Univer-

sity, Zaria, however, allayed fears entertained in the banking circle over the implementation of the policy. He said: “Banks need not panic over loss of deposits or possible cut in jobs. To the contrary, I think the banks should focus more on

corporate businesses.” The accountant-general appreciated his classmates for putting together the reunion party in his honour, saying it afforded all of them to once again come together as a family. “They have done well,” he said.

Welcoming guests to the party, Alhaji Idris Saidu said apart from felicitating with the AGF, the occasion afforded them the opportunity to reunite 31 years after leaving the university. He commended Idris for his performances so far on

the various public finance reform initiatives, especially the adoption of the Treasury Single Account. “In spite of pressure from many interested stakeholders, you stood your ground by ensuring adherence to the set deadline,” he added.

UK firm partners Adeyemi College over N600m computer, phone production investment By Femi Ibirogba AN Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm based in the United Kingdom (UK) has expressed readiness to partner with the authorities of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, to cite a computer and phone manufacturing firm in the college. Professor Ogen Olukoya, provost of the college, said the company would manufacture laptop computers, tablets and mobile phones when it eventually comes into the college. He attributed the direct foreign invest which will cost the firm about N600 million to the reputation of the college in ICT, and the relentless efforts by the management team to be the foremost ICT-compliant institution in the country. Olukoya disclosed this while inaugurating the new student union executive members, whose elections were conducted through e-

voting. According to him, the election was devoid of controversies, violence and other negative attendants associated with the past students’ union election. Dean of Student Affairs of the college, Mr O. Olaluwoye, urged the student

leaders to always strive to leave behind memorable and indelible footprints on the sand of time.” Student Union president, Richard Ogunrotifa, commended the authorities for organising a free, fair and credible election powered by e-voting, promising to

lead by good examples and work with the college for the well-being of the students. The provost also inaugurated a number of tricycles to serve as intra-campus means of transportation in partnership with a private company, saying they were far better than motorcycles.

Anchor Insurance assures of prompt claims settlement Gbemi Solaja - Lagos ANCHOR Insurance has reiterated its commitment to prompt settlement of claims to its insured public. Managing Director, Anchor Insurance, Mr Mayowa Adeduro, gave the assurance during the presentation of claims of N22.7 million to the Ogun State Property Investment Corporation (OPIC) as a compensation for the storm that ravaged parts of the OPIC Tower in Abeokuta, recently

He stressed that the company would remain focused in exercising its claim obligation and adopted international best practices for much more effective delivery. He said the management of the corporation took insurance as well as prompt claims payment as a priority, noting that his underwriting firm had a good and robust financial planning management in place that could sustain the investment of state governments.

He further said the risk firm had paid claim of this nature in excess of N250 million to states, the Federal Government and other agencies and this, by no small measure, had improved budget performance and revenue generation of the affected insured. “Insurance is the only financial cushion that can sustain a business entity, the nation and the economy at large. It is not in the culture of Anchor Insurance to display claims payment.

businessnews

Monday, 21 September, 2015

N9.6trn still needed to support SMEs —CBN C hima Nwokoji - Lagos

ESPITE the N220 billion Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) fund made available by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the sector still needs about N9.6 trillion financial support. To this end, the apex bank has expressed its commitment to bridging the financing gap in the sub-sector of the economy. CBN Director of Corporate Communication, Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu who disclosed this at the weekend, said disbursement of significant part of the N220 billion MSMEs instituted by the regulator remains part of its commitment to providing improved financing opportunities for small businesses. Mu’azu, who spoke at the 2015 Annual Conference organized by the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos, said poor access to credit remains one of the biggest limitations faced by small businesses and has to be tackled collectively by stakeholders in the financial services sector. He said that 60 per cent of the fund, representing N132 billion, has been earmarked for providing credit to women-owned businesses, hence giving financial backing to one of the most vulnerable segments of the society. The CBN director said the objective was to unlock the potential of small businesses through credit support and taking such enterprises to positions where they would be able to create jobs and reduce poverty among the citizenry. He said a huge channel has been created for the administration of the loans

through private or state owned microfinance institutions, finance houses, as well as commercial banks. State governments, he added, are allowed to access up to N2 billion each for on lending to eligible beneficiaries through participating financial institutions in their respective states. The CBN’s spokesman said a maximum of 10 per cent of the commercial component of the fund is being channeled to trading and commerce to en-

sure that productive sectors of the economy continue to attract more financing necessary for employment creation and diversification of the country’s economic base. “The broad objective of the N220 billion MSMEs fund is to channel low interest fund through participating institutions, like banks and microfinance banks and state governments to small businesses that need it to create jobs and empower grassroots population,” he

said. “The fund has reduced cost of borrowing and created better opportunities for beneficiaries to declare better results”. He however said that successfully accessing the fund will require prospective borrowers getting them acquainted with the drawn down procedures and providing the needed information that enable their banks consider the loan requests. But The President, Association of Small Business Owners (ASBON) Dr. Femi

From left, General Manager, Diageo Brands Nigeria, Mr Neil Comerford; Brand Manager, Johnnie Walker, Ms Oyinade Olufemi-Osobajo; Head of Reserve, Mr Joe Nazzal and Joy Ambassador, Don Jazzy at the launch of Johnnie Walker ‘Joy Will Take You Further’ campaign in Lagos, on Thursday.

BGL, its subsidiaries remain suspended —SEC Olatunde Dodondawa - L agos THE Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has assured investors and the general public that BGL, its subsidiaries and sponsored individuals remain suspended from operating in the Nigerian capital market.

This was contained in a notice it posted on its website dated September 19, 2015. According to the statement, “This is to inform the general public that on September 17th, 2015, the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/767/15; BGL Plc & Ors Vs Securities and Exchange Commission, dis-

charged the Ex-Parte order obtained by BGL Plc and its subsidiaries on the 27th of May 2015. “In view of the court’s ruling, BGL, its subsidiaries and sponsored individuals remain suspended from operating in the Nigerian capital market.” The notice also added that “the Nigerian Stock

Nigeria to host World Pension summit Gbemi Solaja - Lagos NIGERIA will be hosting the 2015 World Pension Summit - Africa for the second time. Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, announced this while speaking in Lagos recently The event is scheduled for October 5 and 6 in Abuja, with the theme “Building Sustainable Pension Systems in Africa” According to her, the successes recorded by Nigeria in pension administration since the inception of

Egbesola said the draw down criteria are unrealistic and are beyond the reach of small business owners. He said that commercial banks authorized by the CBN to disburse the funds do not see SME operators as serous people that need such funds. Egbesola urged the CBN and commercial banks to rethink their SMEs’ funding strategy because of the huge benefits increased credit access by small businesses will add to the economy.

the new pension scheme earned the country the lead role in Africa. “I am happy to say that the successes recorded so far in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme lend itself to be replicated in other jurisdictions across Africa. It is with this in mind that the commission partnered with the ‘WorldPensionSummit, The Netherlands’, a global pension brand, to host the maiden edition of the World Pension Summit – Africa Special – in Abuja Nigeria last year to discuss and share ideas on pension administration in Africa.

The summit was adjudged a great success as over 400 delegates from 23 countries, including 15 African countries attended,’’ She said the forthcoming summit would once more attract diverse experts from across the world in the areas of investment, infrastructure financing, real estate and other pension-related field. AnohuAmazu added that reforms and developments in African pension systems (regional reports) and global developments in pension systems would be part of issues to be addressed at the summit.

She noted that such exposure would provide milestones, against which Africa, as a continent, could benchmark its performance in the area of pension. However, she noted that not much had been achieved in Africa in the area of micro pension plans, and stressed the urgent need to redress the situation by emulating the advances in China and Kenya. She equally announced the introduction of Africa Pension Awards in the upcoming event to appreciate innovation, excellence and commitment to the development of pensions in the continent.

Exchange (NSE), Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), Financial Market Dealers Quotation (FMDQ) Plc, Nigeria Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Plc and the general public should further note that the directives of the commission in its public notice dated 21st of May 2015 still subsists.” SEC is empowered under Sections 13(n), 45, 303 of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 and Rule 598 of its Rules and Regulation to protect the integrity of the capital market against all forms of abuses by investigating and sanctioning persons who violate the Provisions of the Act and rules and Regulation thereto. The Commission however assured all stakeholders and the general public that it is committed to protecting investors and the capital market and to this end will ensure that persons who violate the provisions of the Investment and Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations made pursuant thereto would be sanctioned appropriately.

business

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

DAILY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) FOR FRIDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Monday, 21 September, 2015

16 news

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Again, PDP, APC bicker over style of governance

•Democracy sliding under Buhari, PDP insists •PDP’s ceaseless accusations, needless distractions —APC Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday, declared that no amount of blackmail and diversionary tactics by the All Progressives Congress (APC) would deter it from exposing the deliberate agenda, already in motion by the present administration to destroy the nation’s democracy and impose a dictatorship on the country. In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, by its national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party stated that by resorting to insults, threats and personal attacks on its leaders, instead of responding to issues of emerging fascism raised by it on Saturday, the APC and the Federal Government further confirmed their intolerance, disdain for democracy and frenetic appetite for totalitarianism. It pointed out that “Nigerians await answers to issues and would not be hoodwinked by the antics of APC’s spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, whose cleverness in using insults, personal attacks and wild allegations to divert attention is well known.” The statement read: “While we understand the nervousness of Alhaji Mohammed to remain relevant, especially in the face of desperation for an appointment, this administration must come to terms with the fact that democracy requires accountability, adherence to the rule of law and constitutional order, and not the crass infractions, executive arrogance, intolerance and undermining of the legislature; the symbol of the sovereignty of the people that we now witness under the APC. “The question is, has the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government not exhibited all the trappings of despotism, including ruling without a constitutional component of a cabinet, persistent abuse of power, corrupting of democratic institutions, quest to appropriate the National Assembly, in spite of the principle of separation of powers; invasion of state government and personal houses, injecting confusion into the judiciary and hounding of individuals perceived to be against its interests?

“What is APC’s position regarding the anti-democratic statement by the president, who in an interview, during the recent visit to France, expressed his reluctance to appoint ministers, in addition to his disparaging allusion to cabinet ministers as noise makers? Does this not smack of totalitarianism? “How else can one explain the relentless interferences in the activities of the National Assembly, a separate and independent arm of government, in addition to the bitterness with which the Presidency and the APC hold the duly elected leadership of the Senate, simply because it is not occupied by their preferred candidates? “If not for a possible ulterior motive of appropriating the federal legislature as a means to undermine its statutory role of checks and balances and set the stage for dictatorship, what other reasons could there be for the current fixation on the leadership of the Senate by the APC and the Presidency? “Nigerians are still waiting for APC, a party which prides itself as a progressive platform, to respond to the widely condemned invasion of Akwa Ibom State Government House by the Department of State Services (DSS), under the direct instructions from the Presidency. Is it not part of the plot activated

for possible forceful takeover of PDP states and impose a one-party regime in Nigeria? “What about the July reprehensible invasion and sealing of Rivers local councils by the federalcontrolled police, who also barred members of caretaker committees that were duly appointed by the state government to take charge of the councils?” “In the same vein, how else can one explain the undue interferences of the DSS in the activities of election tribunals in PDP controlled states of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Abia, Taraba and others, where electoral officers were being harassed, intimidated and detained, ostensibly to influence judgments against the PDP? “This is not to talk about the intolerance and arrogance witnessed in the venom with which the APC attack well-meaning Nigerians, including highlyreverred national leaders, for daring to counsel the Federal Government on some observed undemocratic tendencies under their ‘new Sheriff’, a development which resulted in setting in of an environment where citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, can no longer freely express their views. “Is the PDP, therefore, not justified when we described as a mockery of reasoning, President Bu-

hari’s use of choice words to condemn the coup in Burkina Faso, while his government engages in brazen contravention of our own constitution? “Whilst we note the failed efforts of the APC spokesperson to divert attention, we invite the Presidency and the APC to be informed that their attempt to harass and/or intimidate us with plethora of well- instigated, sponsored, immature and wild allegations can never deter us from remaining focused on issues.” Reacting, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the rash of wild accusations against the APC-led Federal Government has confirmed its earlier statement that the PDP has perfected plans to distract the Muhammad Buhariled administration from its onerous task of reviving the country’s fortunes. A statement signed by the party’s national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Lagos on Sunday, read: “The PDP is wondering why we are not responding to the wild accusations emanating from their fertile imagination. It is because we consider the accusations nothing, but an irritant.” It said there was no doubt that in issuing his bombastic statements, the PDP spokesperson, most often mistook the APC for his party, hence he kept

attributing to the APC the failings of his own party, same failings that had propelled the former ruling party into the opposition. “Mr Metuh wrote that ‘this administration must come to terms with the fact that democracy requires accountability, adherence to the rule of law and constitutional order’. Very interesting, because if the PDP had known all that, it would still have remained in power at the centre. “It is, therefore, clear that the PDP spokesperson has been so traumatised by the defeat of his party, that he sometimes imagines he is writing about the APC, when indeed, he is listing the failings of his fallen party, the PDP,” APC said. On a personal note, the party challenged Mr Metuh to substantiate the claim

in his Sunday statement about contracts allegedly awarded to the APC national spokesperson or be ready to do so in court. APC insisted that Mr Metuh was mortally afraid that he could be consumed by the ongoing anti-corruption battle, because of the allegations of graft hanging on his neck, as contained in published petitions to the anti-graft agencies from within his own party, rather than mere conjecture from anyone. “Mr Metuh’s assault on the Buhari-led administration’s anti-corruption battle is a futile attempt at saving his own neck and that of his party. Unfortunately, it is too late in the day for them, going by the quantum of allegations against them,” the party said.

Army takes stock of war against insurgency Chris Agbambu - Abuja THE Chief of Army Staff (COAS) 2015 Third Quarter Conference will hold today, at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja. The conference, the first under the command of Lieutenant-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, will deliberate on the general administration of the Nigerian Army, take stock of the ongoing operations against terrorism and

insurgency, other internal security operations across the country and peacekeeping operations, as well as re-examine the Nigerian Army’s activities within the last three months. Army spokesperson, Colonel S.K.Usman, said the conference would also project and restrategise for the next quarter that would result in far-reaching decisions for the furtherance of the Nigerian Army’s set objectives.

My administration is committed to selfless service to humanity —Ambode Bola Badmus - Lagos LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that his administration is committed to deliver selfless service and positive difference in the next four years. Ambode made the promise at the weekend, when members of the Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association and representatives of the Public Affairs Section of the United States (US) Consulate-General, Lagos, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja. The governor gave an assurance that his administration was set out to impact positively on the lives of the people in the state. Ambode, who is also an alumnus of the association, disclosed that he was a beneficiary of the Fellowship programme in many ways. He assured that he was

resolved to bring to bear in the course of his administration what he had gained through the Fellowship programme. “Part of the things I have benefitted from this programme is the way I have tried to touch the life of the next person I come across. “The truth is, your essence is your ability to touch as many people as possible and you know our mantra is, you have to go out there and make a difference and ensure it’s a positive difference and that is the whole essence of public leadership. “We are here in this administration to ensure that we make a difference and make sure the difference is a positive one that will touch the lives of all Lagosians. That’s the whole essence of this administration and that’s what I stand for,”

Governor Ambode said. He said the experience garnered when he joined the Hubert Humphrey Association prompted the setting up of new offices and realigning of ministries in the civil service to match up with the changing times in the quest of his administra-

tion to better the lot of the people. Earlier, Coordinator of the Alumni Association, Jude Ememe, said the visit was intended to intimate the governor on some of the achievements the association had recorded over the years, adding that most

of them had distinguished themselves in several fields of public offices and social services. He noted that the governor, an alumnus of the Fellowship, was an attestation to the sterling leadership qualities the association stood for.

IPAC berates INEC over leadership crisis Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THE leadership of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has raised the alarm over what it called the efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to destabilise the council through its unnecessary interference in the activities of the body. It accused the electoral body of overheating the polity through its several acts of impunity and meddlesome-

ness in the affairs of IPAC, even as it vowed to resist any attempt to make IPAC an appendage to INEC, noting that the body was a voluntary council. In a press statement issued in Abuja, at the weekend, by the IPAC national secretary, Mr Godson Okoye and made available to newsmen, it called on the INEC to desist from any act of impunity capable of overheating the polity, but to focus on its constitutional role

of sanitising the electoral process. The statement said part of INEC’s plan was to divert attention from burning issues crying for attention. The statement read in part: “We, the registered political parties in Nigeria, hereby, call the attention of all Nigerians to INEC’s efforts to destabilise and overheat the polity through its several acts of impunity and meddlesomeness in the affairs of IPAC.”

INSIDE LAGOS

Monday, 21 September, 2015

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1. From left, representatives of Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries(NB),Human Resources Director, Mr Victor Famuyibo; Lagos State deputy governor, Dr (Mrs) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, cutting the tape to commission Accident and Emergency Centre, Ikorodu, General Hospital, while the Ayangbure of Ikorodu,Oba Kabiru Adewale Sotobi,Ilufemiloye 1,Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Health, Lagos, Dr Modele Osunkiyesi, Medical Director,Ikorodu General Hospital and Dr Mobolaji Olukoya look on during the commissioning ceremony of Construction Building donated by Heineken Africa Foundation in colaboration with Nigerian Breweries PLC,on Thursday. 2. From left, Chief Executive Officer, Bosch Nigeria, Ghislain Noumbessy, Chief Operating Officer/ Head of Training, Chinwe Kalu and Chief Executive Officer / Lead Consultant, Customer Passion Point Limited (CPPL), Mr Ikechukwu Kalu, at a one-day intensive training program on Time & Stress Management for Middle Level Managers of Bosch Nigeria, facilitated by CPPL on Friday, in Lagos.. 3. From left, Chairman, Island Club, Mr Oladipo Okpeseyi(SAN); Chief Micheal Olumuyiwa Falomo, presenting an award to the chairman on the occasion, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade, during the Island Club Public Interest Symposium Series NO1”NIGERIA’S WAR ON TERROR:HOW TO FIGHT AND

WIN”held at Peacock Hall, Island Club, Lagos, on Friday. 4. From left, Managing Director, Nigeria Police Force, Microfinance Bank Plc, Mr Akin Lawal; Group Managing Director, Centre for Microenterprise Development, Mrs Edna Ishaya; guest of honour, Justice Musa Kurya of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi and Chairperson, Association of Professional Women Bankers of Nigeria, Mrs. Tinuola Thompson-Ajayi, during the unveiling of a report on National Youth Survey carried out by Centre for Microentreprise Development, on Thursday, in Lagos. 5. Head, Lagos Office, Consumer Protection Council, Joshua Yakubu Nggada; Brand Manager, Indomie, Zara Khan; winner, one million naira Indomie Flash & Win promo, Fatimah Hamzat and Public Relations/Events Manager, Dufil Prima, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, at the cheque presentation ceremony at Dufil headquarters, Surulere, Lagos. 6. Hajia Ya’ji Sands Konduga (second left ) and Taoheed Olokode (right), both beneficiaries in MTN’s 2015 Hajj sponsorship program posing with Senior Manager, Master Brand, MTN Nigeria, SaidatLawal Mohammed (left) and Segment Manager, Mass Market, MTN Nigeria, Aminu Sani, during the Hajj lecture organized by MTN for the 12 winners at the Protea Hotel, Lagos.

18 LETTERS TO THE

Monday, 21 September, 2015

editor

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Focusing on electricity to develop Nigeria

EWS filtering in from Nigeria says there has been an improvement in power supply. Only last month we got a report that the country’s supply of electricity has improved tremendously and now operates on a 5000-megawatt gas-fired power station from which it again fell to 4000. Be that as it may, there is no denying the fact that there has been an improvement because before the present administration took over power in Nigeria the turbines, we gathered, produced much less. Many attempts by the previous administrations to fix this problem collapsed like a pack of cards. Cases of corruption trailed behind the attempts and whopping sums of money expended on the project disappeared with-

out any trace, the most recent one is the over $16 billion during President Obasanjo’s administration. Late President Yar’ Adua came without a lasting solution to the problem before President Goodluck Jonathan took over. The writer has it on good authority that President Muhammadu Buhari during an interview on BBC Hausa radio service said he did not part with extra money other than the stern warning he issued to the stakeholders to either give Nigerians electricity or lose their licences. The President deserves a pat on the back for this pronouncement all things considered. Have these workers come with any solution or still a part of the problem? A recent study has shown that Nigeria is capable of having uninterrupted power supply if our lead-

ers are determined to solve this knotty problem. A lot of money has doubtless been spent on ensuring that electricity power outage becomes a thing of the past, instead of an improvement it has assumed an embarrassing dimension. More embarrassing was the fact in 2009 when Nigeria’s State House got entangled in a frequent power outage that necessitated the resolve to power the State House with stand-by generators. Casual visitors to the country who pass through the nation’s gateway to Nigeria — the airport of Lagos — are not spared of this open-mouthed scare either. Often times, that airport has been thrown into complete darkness. These visitors go back to their respective countries with embarrassing tales about Nigeria which cause

Nigerians in the Diaspora a crying shame. This is a frontline oil producing nation blessed with other vast potentials which she cannot positively mobilise and harness is not ready to solve this perennial crisis. It would be recalled, however, that the immediate past Federal Government under President Jonathan moved heavens and earth to fix the ongoing interrupted power supply in Nigeria, all facilities were put in place before his exit from power. Meek as he is, his instructions and orders were often flouted which contributed immeasurably to the failure of that Godsend administration. Who Nigerians actually need is none other than a firebrand leader whose words readily become effective as soon as they are uttered. That is one of the leadership qualities lacking

which plunged the country headlong into the present abysmal depths, otherwise Nigeria has never had any leader as humble and wellintentioned as the former president. It is not in dispute, electricity is the pivot on which any modern society rotates. For Nigeria to join the league of developed nations she needs roundthe-clock power supply. We can achieve this by dint of hard work if we remain truly determined because what we long strive for, that has gulped billions of

our taxpayers’ money has been effortlessly achieved by other Lilliputian republics in the subregion. Many people make a brisk business out of this unfortunate situation and this must stop henceforth coupled with the fact that the level of power generation is grossly inadequate for a country of our size. 170 million is quite enormous if you ask me. •John Darlington Iyoha, Turin, Italy.

Alaibe renewed our confidence in Bayelsa IT remains an irony that a state so physically blessed and symbolically called the ‘’Glory of all Lands,’’ still presents the picture of a society that is emerging from a primitive era. In every way, Bayelsa is incontrovertibly seen as a semi-primitive society, as a result of deliberate neglect particularly in the last four years. It on this ground, that we got back our confidence when Timi Alaibe indicated interest to contest for the governorship position of the state. For a state that has suffered so much from

dearth of purposefull leadership, the emergence of Alaibe renewed our confidence and thus placed us in an upbeat mood about what the future holds for Bayelsa. However, the onus is now on the APC to make the right choice out of the array of stars competing for the ticket. The mistake we don’t want the party to make is to hand over the ticket to someone who will guarantee a landslide for the ruling party in the state. •Allwell Peterside, Brass, Bayelsa State.

Let’s all support Buhari SINCE President Muhammadu Buhari took over the leadership of the country, he has been trying his best towards ensuring that he puts the nation on a sound footing. The first step he took as president was to embark on a crusade against the Boko Haram insurgency. The president is also waging a war against corruption, which has eaten deep into our national fabric. It is unfortunate that social vices like stealing, kidnapping, armed robbery, among others are on the rise in the country today. Despite the fact that the president is really working hard, some people have started calling him Baba

Go Slow, particularly because he is yet to appoint his ministers. However, we need to give the president the time to make his plans work; Nigeria did not get to the state it is now in three months, and nobody can make a difference in such a little period of time. The most important thing is that the president means well for the country, and we should allow him make his plans work. Criticising him on every step he takes will not bring about positive changes. •Ola-Olaniyi Bamgbola, 53, Agbeni Quarters, Ibadan.

editorial

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

The refugee crisis in Europe

arly this month, global attention was riveted by pictures of a Turkish police officer initially beholding, then cradling the lifeless body of a Syrian toddler, Aylan Kurdi, which had washed ashore off Turkey’s Aegean coast. Aylan was one of an estimated number of 12 Syrians who perished while attempting to reach the Greek island of Kos. Among the dead, it later emerged, were Galip and Rehan Kurdi, Aylan’s brother and mother. The hapless dozen had all fled their homeland Syria, which, since 2011, has been experiencing the fury of a full scale civil war which shows no sign of abating. To compound matters, the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) has taken advantage of the turmoil in the country to seize territory in its northern and eastern parts. If any good can be said to have come out of the unfortunate death of Aylan Kurdi, his sibling, and his mother, it is the drawing of attention to, on the one hand, the plight of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) in Syria, caught between the brutality of the Assad regime and the barbarism of ISIS; on the other hand, the sad fate of the Kurdi family has put the refugee crisis in Europe front and centre of international media and political discussions. While it is regrettable that it needed such an unfortunate incident for the conscience of the world to be pricked, what is of utmost importance now is ensuring that the momentum that has been generated is not allowed to fizzle out. Worldwide, there was a strong emotional reaction to the harrowing image of a lifeless toddler washed up on the coast like a piece of trash. Millions of people quickly opened their purses, and many international charities saw

a significant increase in donations. The same outbreak of generosity has seen many families across Europe open up their homes to total strangers. The latter may be purely symbolic, but they point to an ingrained humanity and fellow feeling without which it is impossible to survive in a world in which, increasingly, we all cohabit with strangers. Yet, while deserving our moral approbation, it should be realised that the world is going to need much more than such acts of individual charity in order to cope effectively with the current refugee crisis in Europe and other parts of the world. The tangled roots of the global refugee crisis can be traced to a mix of global economic inequality, state collapse, and violent conflicts, especially in the Middle East and Africa. Long before the world saw the first distressing image of Aylan Kurdi, thousands of African migrants (the annual estimate is 5,000) had been meeting their deaths while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe. Until now, no one has paid attention to this unwarranted waste of human lives — not even African leaders who have been content to valorize political controversies that have no effect whatsoever on the lives of the people they govern. If anything demands the coordinated effort of the international community, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and influential private citizens, it is the ongoing refugee crisis. African leaders must take the lead in forging this all-important coalition, making sure to set the agenda in such a way as to privilege the long-term political and economic factors that produce and enflame the crisis. Now is the time to act.

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opinion

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Lasisi Olagunju Lasgunju@yahoo.com (08111813053)

ULIUS Caesar was/is an exciting character, in history and in fiction. The historical Julius Caesar was a man of power. He was very unequivocal about where he stood on matters of law and power. He willfully subdued law for power, prescribing to his subjects: “If you must break the law, do it to take power... in all other cases, observe it.” The law exists for power, nothing more, he seemed saying. I am not sure he saw any other relationship between law and power apart from the former serving the latter. He would do everything, including murdering the law, to keep power, and, even death wasn’t enough to scare him from pursuing his first love - power: “I have lived long enough to satisfy both nature and glory,” he told a conquered people who were scared they could lose their republic to the ambition of the leader who was not bothered about anything else outside taking power and retaining it for its sake. By satisfying nature, Caesar meant he had lived long enough to die; by satisfying glory, he meant he had reached the peak of political leadership of the only super power of his age. So, nothing else mattered to him beyond coming, seeing, and conquering his enemies. The law is an escalator to higher grounds in power, fame and wealth. He had reached the port of power, nothing else mattered. Caesar has disciples here. Governors took bailouts of about N500billion. The Debt Management Office (DMO) restructured for them hundreds of billions of unexplained (inexplicable) commercial loans, like magicians, turning them to bonds. Some laws govern the application of public funds in this country. Has anybody obeyed these laws in the sharing and application of these funds? The law can be broken if the objective is the taking and retention of power. Do you break the law because the country is broke? Do you break the law because your government is broke? Do you break the law because you want to keep power? Even Caesar, who recommended law breaking as a legitimate pathway to power, in a moment, said his wife “must be above board” always. Are governors no longer

‘If you must break the law, do it to take power...’

wives we contracted to manage our affairs according to established rules and mores? Why are they becoming husbands over their husbands deciding when to feed the home, what size of morsel to offer and when not to offer anything at all? Noise over asset declaration is another. It has become another reason for power here. We appear confused over what we want with power in this democracy. It does not matter what happens to the power we invested our leaders with. They can use it to commit class murder (or is it class suicide), but very poor you would see it as your duty to follow your tormentor’s corpses to the grave. The hungry and disinherited is the abobaku of this democracy. He is made to make the loudest noise about who is thief, who is not. His mind and eyes are closed to all other possibilities, including why the left thief is condemned and the one on the right is

the executioner. Senate president Bukola Saraki is fighting the battle of his life. He is helmed in by all the instrumentalities of power in Nigeria. He has fought wars in the past and won surprise victories. We’ll watch how this turns out. It may become another paradox in the chain of paradoxes that define the Nigerian nation. Even the history of the Code of Conduct Bureau itself is one interesting tale about the paradoxes girding Nigeria’s flawed system. The military government of Olusegun Obasanjo set it up before handing over to Shehu Shagari in 1979 but the new civilian regime refused to invest it with the required legal teeth. It did not enjoy this framework until Ibrahim Babangida did. We all condemn and crucify the Babangida regime for having scant regard for anti-corruption policies. But that government enacted the Code of Conduct Bureau law which has become a one -stop shop for today’s men shopping for fame and revenge in the current wave of anti corruption sentiments blowing across the country. All is fair in politics as in war. You can break the law, it is allowed - provided it will serve the purpose of advancing your gaze at illusion of power. So, if you are on Saraki’s side and feel unjustness in what is going on in this democracy, just take a deep peep into history of politics and war. It is a salad of surprises, ironies and paradoxes. Any of the sides may yet serve fresher plates of these in days to come.

High tuition in private varsities: Matters arising By Ayobami M. Owolabi UNIVERSITIES all over the world have the tripartite objectives of Teaching, Research and Community Service. Essentially, the purpose of higher education is to equip the students to imbibe the following four modules: (i). Positive culture and world view (ii). Personal discipline, spirituality and ethics (iii). Specialties of his/ her discipline(s) and (iv). Process, intensified as he/she advances in research and scholarship in the field. The teaching and learning outcomes of the university come at a huge cost either to the government for public universities or to the promoter or proprietor, for the private university. The problem in Nigeria is our attitude to what is government - public, and what is private. Many Nigerians believe that education is FREE in government-owned (federal or state) universities. They have failed to realise that these institutions of higher learning are being funded by our collective resources, personal and corporate taxes of individuals and organisations. A recent financial analysis of government subventions in federal universities in Nigeria indicates that the federal government pays an average of between N700,000 - N950,000 on each student in federal universities in form of subvention. Nigerians will go for anything that is “free”. That is why parents who can comfortable afford a private university will first and foremost prefer a public university with a shrug and enthuse “Afterall, I attended a public university with quality education and I did not pay any tuition... “. With this attitude, the private university to an average Nigerian is indeed an aberration, an unwelcome but willing helper. And to some, the private universities are a bunch of capitalists with uncompromising rip-off mentality. However, it is glaring to all discerning looks that the

incursion of private promoters into the delivery of tertiary education in Nigeria is indeed a good omen for the socio-economic growth and sustainable development of our dear nation. Harvard is a private university in the US and its influence and reference have overshadowed virtually all the federal and state universities in America. Why? The reason is that a private university is Student-Centric in nature. Student enrolment, retention and continuous increase in student population are the life wire of a private university. Since a private university is wholly funded by the proprietor without any waiver in quality regulation and without subvention of any form, from the government, the priority is always to give quality education at the lowest possible cost to the students. The universality of the ethos of higher learning is jealously guarded without government interference while regulatory benchmarks are strictly adhered and even surpassed. Thus a private university owes it continuous existence to its Integrity, Character and Reputation. Unlike in public universities especially in Nigeria where students are treated as rag-tag, as the university management battles with over-bloated admission: Indeed Nigeria’s public universities are overwhelmed by over-enrollment while quality assurance is equally compromised. The story is told of a particular department in a federal university where the lecturers were asked to disappear when the NUC accreditation team visited. To the lecturers and the union, an accredited programme is tantamount to no further funding of the department by the government for the next four years. It is better for the courses not to be accredited so that the flow of government money will continue for the benefit of the few. Meanwhile, students are being graduated from the said department every year. Moreover, student drop-out or rustication in public universities is considered good riddance to bad rubbish. The sustainability challenge of private universities

is more compounded by too much analysis of the so called “Carrying Capacity” of the Nigerian universities which is now leading to an untimely paralysis of some of these private universities. There are too many lies and executive double-speak in the system, especially the ones being bandied by government officials and agencies. Some academic egg-heads, public commentators and journalists who report private opinions as government directives and policy directions have also joined the band wagon. One of the lies is that the existing universities (both public and private) have low carrying capacity. That is, these universities are not capable of admitting successful UTME candidates in a year. The recently released JAMB document shows that only two percent of candidates seeking admission preferred the private universities. Thus out of the 1.4 million candidates that obtained the JAMB form, less than 20,000 chose private universities. This is indeed worrisome, considering the student-centric nature of the private university system. It was also reported in the JAMB document that even out of the 20,000 applications into the private universities, one private university recorded just five (5) applicants through JAMB. It is apparent that the problem is not of low carrying capacity but of low patronage of the existing private universities. This makes the private universities to suffer a recurrent under-enrollment year in, year out. The low “carrying capacity” mantra of government officials and agencies has greatly affected the psyche of parents who ordinarily can afford private university education in Nigeria. Such parents now send their wards to study abroad. Some even send their children to universities that are inferior to ours in the neighboring countries because of their children’s inability to secure admission into our public universities. Dr Owolabi sent this piece from Ibadan.

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor

tribune

Sulaimon Olanrewaju

business JP Morgan Delisting: A bank or rating agency? m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

By Michael Deepak

OMETIME in December 2014, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced some policies to rein-in currency speculation and round-tripping by FOREX dealers, who were in the habit of hoarding foreign currencies to create artificial demand. The CBN took the decision to curb speculative attacks on the Naira by these unscrupulous elements that were bent on taking advantage of the steep dip in global oil prices, and its recent measure to defend the naira and national reserves by exempting 41 items from the forex window. Since then aggrieved local and foreign collaborators have taken up arms against the CBN. Only recently, the JP Morgan Index Team in a statement released to selected media groups disclosed its decision to delist Nigeria from its Government Bond Index by the end of October, 2015. This is in spite of the fact that Nigeria’s apex bank had, at every turn, explained its policy decisions in line with its code of transparency. Little wonder many analysts see JP Morgan action as either blackmail or disrespect or even combination of both. The reader may want to know: what is JP Morgan, a commercial bank among others, that, its assessment should be taken so seriously? How was Nigeria before 2012? And what is not working in Nigeria that justifies this action? Do they really have the morals to arrive at that decision? While the World Bank and the IMF, the real managers of economies are laboriously pursuing developmental goals and building institutions around the world, the JP Morgans of this world are busy pursuing selfish commercial interest. The action veils their real intention, which is purely commercial interest. it is quite obvious that the JP Morgan index team has refused to acknowledge the structure of Nigeria’s peculiar economy cum the strangulating effect of the oil crisis. The investment bank has also refused to respect the actions so far taken by the CBN as necessary at this moment not to allow the economy to crash. What works in a particular country, may not work in another. Since the CBN decided not to further devalue its currency, these neo-colonialists and their local collaborators have embarked on tailored-made criticism crafted to suit their commercial interest. Precarious as the situation is, with the federal executive council yet to be constituted to complement the efforts of the apex bank, the CBN has been managing the economy.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele The unreasonable attacks started from The Economist and later Standards and Poors and now JP Morgan, which had earlier given notice, in January, to phase out Nigeria from its Government Bond for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) for lack of liquidity in the economy. This is nothing but a demonstration of arrogance by the international financial institutions that cares for no one but their selfish interest alone. What really is the concern of the JP Morgan in FOREX issues, which is global and not peculiar to Nigeria? It had earlier given a target date of December 15, 2015 to decide on Nigeria, and therefore the unanswered question is – why the sudden change to September 15, 2015? More so that, the bank is known to deal and trade in bonds and this makes clear their interest. Yes, we need development partners but not as determinants of our fate. We are peculiar people with rich heritage and intelligence. If I may ask, what have we really benefitted from their so called economic agenda? If, Nigeria and the CBN have decided to chart a new course for its peo-

ple who are the JP Morgans of this world to say otherwise. It is also interesting to note how every financial analyst, commentator, broker, institution, captains of industry and agencies within and outside Nigeria, especially in Europe and North America, is so fixated with Nigeria, and the call for devaluation of the Naira. Quite disheartening too is the fact that some Nigerians, many of whom lack the grasp of what usually plays out in such game as to who stands to lose, if Naira is devalued, have joined the financial blackmail train in piling pressure on the Central Bank to devalue the Naira. What product are we exporting that we need to devalue the Naira to create market for? Is it the crude oil that has driven its value underground? Inasmuch as many are at daggers drawn with Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of CBN and his team, every country has to do what it has to do to protect its economic interest, and Nigeria should not be railroaded into a western designed strategy that will end up impoverishing Nigerians and enriching the pocket of investors. If Nigeria suc-

cumbs to the blackmail of international financial institutions and uninformed local analysts, the Naira will have a free fall and would not be worth more than what late Ugandan military leader, Idi Amin Dada, referred to as “toilet paper”. And recent was the case of the Zimbabwean dollar. Whoever is calling for the devaluation of the Naira has evil intentions as alluded to in press statement issued by the Bank on the wake of the action by JP Morgan. As the statement said, “doing so would lead to an indeterminate depreciation of the Naira”. The consequence of this is dire, and should be left only to imaginations. Advocates of devaluation are not just what they are, but insensitive to the plight of many Nigerians who spend over 70% of their expendable income on food alone. Further devaluation of the currency will exacerbate the present high inflationary pressure, which will eventually erode whatever little gain the large population of the Nigerian masses, most of whom are already wallowing in abject poverty have, and this may trigger public unrest because of the abnormal high cost of food items that Nigerians are presently experiencing; the very worst time in history. With this scenario playing out, the federal government of Nigeria should stop the usual rhetoric about economic diversification which stage we had long passed; rather it should radically diversify its source of income, and forge a strong partnership and collaborate with the monetary authority. Let JP Morgan take its index elsewhere, as any promise made of a weaker Naira exchange rate that would promote industrial and economic growth is suspect. Though the CBN policies and its obstinacy to the call for devaluation may look quite unfriendly, but it is about patriotism and responsibility to protect our heritage, the Naira, reduce inflation, create jobs and grow the national reserves. No responsible country will heed the call for devaluation recommended by JP Morgan, given our economic vulnerability and weak productive base, and allow the Naira to crash to its own death. Supporters of JP Morgan’s misadventure to blackmail Nigeria into unprofitable devaluation to enable its cronies profit should understand that Nigerians are smart and intelligent to see through their selfish desire. Nigerians have resolved to carve a new and profitable course for economic renaissance. What the CBN needs from Nigerians now is support and understanding. Michael Deepak sent this from Akure.

tribunebusiness

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

‘Interference is killing govt businesses’ Harmony Holdings is a Kwara State-owned development finance institution (DFI) which brings together all government investments, for ultimate development of the state. In this interview with chairman of the company, Professor Haldu Abubakar, he explains the company’s operations as well as recent controversy surrounding it. Biola Azeez presents excerpts.

Harmony Holdings wants to capture Ministries, Department and Agencies. Anyway there is nothing like that. And on that I am risking representing government because I am not privy to whatever decision has been taken but I know the leadership of the state cannot do something like that. What is even the basis or rationale for that? I know His Excellency Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed will not do anything as dumb as that. Because in anything you want to do, you look at the rationale, what are your objectives? I do not see any objective there. We are a company that specializes more in business, not in running government. Yes, we run government investment but we run government investment as investors, not as government. So definitely, do not believe that rumour. I don’t believe because it does not make sense anyway. So, there is no future plan to take over MDAs. Harmony Holdings is not incorporated to do that kind of thing. No government will transfer its own responsibilities to any other person. If government does that, then we have taken over government. I don’t think legitimately or reasonably any government will want to do that at all. Transferring ministries means that then I will not be Chairman, I will become governor.

HERE are speculations in some quarters that Harmony Holdings is owned by a political leader in the state. Is that the situation? Harmony Holdings is solely owned by Kwara State government. As you know, anybody, either a corporate organisation or individuals, can come together to form and own a company. Harmony Holdings is an integrated company and 100 per cent of its shares are owned by the Kwara State government, which again is a normal thing. No doubt about it, Harmony Holdings is owned by the Kwara State government. If you are from Kwara State, it means that you are a stakeholder because Harmony Holdings is owned by your government. What are the goals and objectives of Harmony Holdings? Let us start from a background. All over the world, in order to promote development, we have what is called Development Finance Institution (DFI). Harmony Holdings plays a dual role. It is what the name implies, holding company for government business interest. The whole idea of having Harmony Holdings is because the government has diversified business interest. When we started development process in this country, the government had diverse business interests; government was having interest in virtually everything. Over the years, it was realised that the government had no business in this kind of business. Therefore, the best thing to do for some government was to sell outright but some governments leveraged on what they had by bringing together all the investments under a holding company. That is how Harmony Holdings came into being. It serves importantly as a DFI, helping to generate funds for development. It also serves as a holding company to bring together government investments such as Kwara Investment and Property Limited. It is a very important company. Initially, it was just an investment company. It was a fantastic idea. People came from all over the country to monitor what was happening there, but over the years it died down. It operated Kwara Midlands, Kwara Foods, Riverside Food etc. So, when Harmony Holdings came up it tried to revive the initial objective of using a platform to develop the state. So, Harmony holdings scope is very wide. We have already existing investments like Kwara Hotel, Kwara Investment etc. But again as a virile investment company, we are looking into green field investment and areas that have not been mapped out. We have the mandate from government to do what we think will bring in money and development for government and Kwara State generally. So, the scope is very diversified and the objective of course. The final analysis is to

Professor Abubakar bring development to Kwara State. And I think over these three years that we have been on ground, we have done the best we can under the circumstance. And over the past 30 years I have been asking myself, is there anything intrinsically that makes private sector more efficient than government sector? Basically, there is none. It is just the operational guidelines and the objectives. As an investor, you try to sell your products where the average cost meets the marginal cost. But for the government, it sells below that cost. In other word, you are bringing in subsidy. So, that issue of subsidy and so many interests with just one organization tend to limit the scope of government. But now with Harmony Holdings, all those encumbrances are removed and we work like any corporate organization anywhere in the world in ultimate terms of everything, even appearance of the staff. So, I think we have done so well. Even in terms of one crucial issue, that is employment generation, I think Harmony Holding has done a fantastic job. You see for a private investor for instance, he set up and also said one of his objectives is to create employment. No private investor does that, creating employment by private investors is just incidental, but for us creating employment is not incidental; it is part and parcel of our

I have been asking myself, is there anything intrinsically that makes private sector more efficient than government sector? Basically, there is none. It is just the operational guidelines and the objectives.

objectives. What have been the achievements of this organization that have impacted directly on the government and the people? For a business person in a company, the bottom line is profit. If we use that yardstick, I think that best answers your question. So, in that respect the state government I think got about N75m or N80m as dividends last year. And that is fantastic. For any investment company in Nigeria dividends were declared. Second, of course, if you look at company like Kwara Investment, you will note that a lot has changed in terms of perception of staff, output of workers and so on. Also, another obvious one is Kwara Express, now renamed Harmony Express. Before now of course, for those of you who travel, you see Kwara Express Vehicles park all over the roads from here to Kaduna for instance broken down. But recently, about two months ago we launched about 42 or 47 brand new vehicles with state-of-theart technology of monitoring to ensure that customers are well served and reduce all areas of leakages. So that is one of our major achievements. But also in terms of developing business ideas, I think Harmony Holdings has done a lot. So, if you look at it within the yardstick of profitability it has declared profit and it is going to declare profit from time to time. But a finance development institution like this is not just a bank declaring profit you know there are two types of profit. There is nominal profit, that is, naira and kobo profit; and there is real profit, that is, how many people have benefitted from that investment. For Harmony Holdings both in terms of nominal and real profits, we have done well. There is this rumour that the state government is planning to put all state owned institutions under Harmony Holdings. How true is this? Well, first of all, rumour will continue to be rumour and let me say that we at Harmony Holdings cannot speak for the state government, so that people will not say that

Is there any relationship between Harmony Holdings and Kwara Revenue Service? There is no relationship between the two. No relationship because, first of all I understand I do not work for government and I don’t work for the revenue service. I understand of course that the revenue service is being remodeled. And I do not know the details, but the remodeling is just to make it more efficient. It has nothing to do with us as Harmony Holdings. There is no relationship, of course, if we meet once in a while we exchange ideas. We are here to advise government there is institutions, whether there is revenue service on how to maximize the IGR of government. So, in that part capacity, well you can say maybe we relate, but I am not aware of any formal sense of relationship. There is no relationship. Again these are two different organizations; the other one is to collect IGR for government and this is to promote development and investment of government. So, there is really no direct relationship. What are future plans of the Harmony Holdings? The future plans are fantastic, because each time we meet as the board we have to tell the management to hold on and apply some brakes because they have a lot of ideas that if we leave them and give them five years, you will see a lot of development. The future of course is to consolidate Harmony Holdings. We have, for instance, taken transport and we are thinking of courier service. We are even thinking of going into water transportation. I remember some two years back we are toying with the ideas of railways in fact there was already a relationship with the railways from Ilorin to Jebba and some. I think for now it has cooled down. So, we want directly to emphasize development that will bring in profit for government and also to provide leadership in investment for everybody in Kwara. So, the future is very great. And I think it can be actualized if they get support and cooperation from people like you. Because if we keep on listening to rumour in fact we will just get frustrated that we just fold our arms and do nothing. But I think that of course is not going to be any option for us. Doing nothing is not going to be an option for us.

Monday, 21 September, 2015

moneymarket

anchor Chima Nwokoji

m:08032637535 e:chimatitus@yahoo.com

MPC deliberations to centre on naira, economic risks

weeklyreview

Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

growing number of finance and economic analysts are expectant that deliberations at the meeting of the Nigerian Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will center on the slowing domestic growth, persistent exchange rate uncertainty, and increasing risk perception in the local market. “It is expected that deliberation at the meeting will center on the slowing domestic growth, persistent exchange rate uncertainty, increasing risk perception in the local market in the light of the JP Morgan planned phase out of Nigeria from the EM index, financial system illiquidity and global economic fragility,” analysts at an investment banking and research group, Afrinvest stated in a note to investors. Economist and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said the central bank could reduce the size of the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) that the banks were expected to keep with it and inject some liquidity into the banking system to minimise the impact of the new single account policy. The CRR, which is the amount the central bank requires banks to set aside, is currently 31 per cent for both public and private sector deposits The MPC will be sitting for its 5th session this year between today 21st and tomorow 22nd September 2015 to review developments in the global and domestic economy, together with the financial market since its last meeting (23rd and 24th July 2015). Between the last MPC

NIBOR July 31, 2015 Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 14.6667 15.9024 16.8257 17.7194

Change (%) -8.46 ▼ -0.38 ▼ -0.11 ▼ 0.01 ▲

From left: Regional Head, Global Markets, West Africa, Standard Bank, Kayode Solola; Faculty member, Lagos Business School and guest speaker, Dr Doyin Salami; and Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Atedo Peterside, at the 2015 Standard Bank West Africa Investors’ Conference in Lagos on Wednesday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa. meeting and now, the Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that Quarter two (Q2:2015) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed to 2.4 per cent from 4.0 per cent in (Q1:2015), while inflation rate continued tiptoeing upwards year on year (Y-o-Y), berthing at 9.3 per cent in August from 9.2 per cent in July. Furthermore, the directive by the Presidency for the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure transparency and improve fiscal revenue inflow has had impacts on financial system liquidity and increased volatility in the money market. Overnight and Open Buy Back rates reached year highs of 105.3 per cent and 100.8 per cent respectively during the period under review and closed at 50.9 per cent and

49.2 per cent apiece at the close of the deadline on 15th September, 2015. “Given the stance of the Apex Bank (with backing from the presidency) on not considering a devaluation, we imagine that the MPC decision would favour one of the following possible scenarios; reduce CRR to 27.0 per cent in order to repress the strains of the TSA implementation on financial system liquidity and banking cost of funds; leave MPR and official exchange rate unchanged at 13.0 per cent and N197.00/ US$1.00 respectively. “Leave all policy rates unchanged and continue to use administrative measures to ensure financial stability within the economy. We place a higher weighting on the first scenario with a 70.0 probability probability relative to the second scenario at a probability of 30.0 per cent. This is based on the CBN Exchange Rates as at 9/16/2015

Tenor 1M 2M 3M 6M 9M 12M

Rate (%) 12.8016 12.9947 13.2241 13.6488 14.7599 15.3426

CBN’s need to keep liquidity at a level just enough to ensure a functioning and stable money market without increasing pressure on the external sector variables, amid global financial market conundrum, falling oil prices and exchange rate volatility,” the analysts stated. Within the foreign exchange market, the naira continues to witness volatility in the parallel market. The intervention rate remains N197.00/US$1.00 at the Central Bank while the interbank market rate steadied at N199.10/US$1.00; on the other hand the parallel market rate trades at a spread of more than N20.00 settling at N224.00/US$1.00. Coupled with the tight currency liquidity, the spread between the interbank market and the parallel market rates pressed foreign investors to reduce participation in the Nigerian markets in 2015.

Currency US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING EURO SWISS FRANC YEN CFA WAUA YUAN/RENMINBI

Buying(NGN) 196 301.7812 219.4416 200.6347 1.6186 0.3137 274.1845 30.7326

Central(NGN) 196.5 302.5511 220.0014 201.1465 1.6228 0.3237 274.8839 30.8115

Selling(NGN) 197 303.3209 220.5612 201.6583 1.6269 0.3337 275.5834 30.8903

RIYAL DANISH KRONA

52.2346 29.4038

52.3679 29.4788

52.5011 29.5538

SDR

275.184

275.886

276.588

CBN Bills

NITTYJuly 31, 2015 Change (%) -0.88 ▼ -0.69 ▼ -0.51 ▼ -0.48 ▼ -0.64 ▼ -0.40 ▼

Nigerian Tribune

Date of Auction Security Type

5/15/2003 CBN Certificate

2/25/2002 CBN Certificate

11/26/2001 CBN Certificate

9/24/2001 CBN Certificate

Tenor Maturing On

91 11/13/2003

180 2/20/2003

180 11/21/2002

180 9/19/2002

Amount Offered (N mn) Subscriptions (N mn)

82227 37767

15000 4161

5000 2740

1155 1155

Tot. Successful (N mn) Net Sales (N mn) Marginal Rate

5/26/2016 17019 0

4161 20.5

2740 20.5

83816.52 19.5

Money Market Review Following increased inflows witnessed last week, the money market was awash with liquidity at the start of the week as Liquidity opening balance opened at N376. 8billion relative to N184.8billion in the previous session. Open Buy Back (OBB) and Overnight rate (O/N) thus opened the week at single digit but fell 67basis points (bps) to 6.3 per cent (OBB) and 58bps to 6.9per cent (O/N) at the close of trade on Monday. On Tuesday however, there was a massive spike in money market rates, as OBB and O/N surged to 49.2 per cent and 50.9 per cent as Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) scrambled for liquidity to meet up with the deadline for full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which was due on 15th September, 2015. On Wednesday, rates moderated to 15.2 per cent for the OBB and 15.6 per cent for the O/N as DMBs resorted to N130.3 billion standing lending facility, a fall out from the TSA implementation in the previous day. Liquidity level on Thursday opened at N251.8 billion as money market rates further declined to 15.0 per cent and 15.2 per cent for the OBB and the O/N respectively following T-bills maturities worth N76.6 billion injected into the system. In the T-bills market, there was a somewhat bullish performance on Monday as average T-bills settled at 14.4 per cent which was 4bps lower than average rates on Friday. On Wednesday and Thursday, trading activities however improved due to the attractive rates and a T-bills auction on Wednesday. The instruments on auction were the 17-DEC-2015 (91 DAYS); the amount on offer was N26.3 billion but was undersubscribed at a rate of 10.50 per cent in favour of the 17-MAR-2016 (182 DAYS) Bill. It came with N50.3 billion on offer which was largely oversubscribed given a rate of 13.49 per cent. Foreign exchange market review In the Interbank market last week, the naira continued to trade flat at N199.10/ US $1.00 while the Central Bank of Nigeria maintained its intervention rate at N197/ US $1.00. Parallel market rate however depreciated 0.9 per cent to N224.00/US $1.00 during the week. While foreign investors continue to express concerns on the current regulation and the uncertainties surrounding the value of the naira amid JP Morgan’s announcement to eject the Country from its Bond index, a statement was attributed to President Buhari during the week on his stance against the devaluation of the naira. This appeared to have further dampened any hope of a likely devaluation in the interim. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s foreign reserves stand at US $30.6 billion after declining 3.2 per cent from US $31.6 billion in mid-August. Analyst at Afrinvest West Africa Limited believe this decline can be attributed to the unrelenting decrease in the price of oil and the CBN’s continued intervention in the foreign exchange (FX) market. In the week ahead, dealers expect activities in the FX market to be broadly driven by the decision of the MPC which is slated to seat on Monday and Tuesday next week. Nevertheless, we do not expect any major policy changes on the prevailing value of the naira said dealers at Afrinvest. Bond Market Review The Bond market had a bearish start for the week, average yields across all instruments rose 39bps as investors took steps to position for the bond auction that was slated for Wednesday 16th September, 2015. On Tuesday, contrary to expectation of a massive sell off, the market witnessed a bullish outing due to increased activity by local and Portfolio investors. Thus, average yield across all instruments declined 32bps on the average. This trend was sustained on Wednesday, as renewed interest was observed in some short to mid-term tenured instruments (FEB 2020, JAN 2022, MAR 2024) and the 20-Year benchmark JUL 2030 led to a 2bps decline in yields. The FEB 2020 with a 5-Year Tenor and the JUL 2034 with a 20-year tenor bond reopening scheduled for the same day were massively oversubscribed but only N20.0bn (amount offered: N40.0bn, Subscription: N67.1bn) was allotted at a rate of 15.95 per cent for the former while N25.0billion (amount offered: N30.0bn, subscription: N54.1bn) was allotted at a rate of 15.97 per cent for the latter.

moneymarket

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Banks increase borrowing from CBN to fill liquidity gaps

resh facts have emerged that though full compliance with federal government’s single account directive may increase focus on real banking and strengthen competition among them,Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in the coountry would likely pass on majority of the additional-interest burden to customers as they have resorted to increased bor-

rowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Nigerian Tribune checks revealed that the lenders last week resorted to N130. 3billion Standing Lending Facility (SLF), fallout from the TSA implementation. SLF is a lending facility in which healthy banks are allowed to borrow all they want from a central bank at a specified interest rate. TSA implementation in addition to the harmo-

nized Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) of 31.0 per cent has been said to be weighing down the capability of banks to create risk assets and is increasing banking cost of funds as approximately 5.3 per cent of majorly cheap federal government deposits have been isolated. Analyst had anticipated that DMBs would likely pass on majority of the additional-interest bur-

den to customers, which could constrain economic capacity, although this may also increase focus on real banking - strengthening competition for retail deposits and expanding credit to the higher-margin retail sector. About N1.2 trillion, or 10 per cent of the banking sector deposits was transferred to the government account with the central bank in the course of im-

plementing the TSA policy. “We expect an initial paralysis in the market and a disruption of operations of some of the banks, but they will overcome that,” a banker said. An analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Ezun, said the resultant liquidity challenges in the banking system might make the CBN to postpone a planned mop of liquidity through the Cash Reserve Requirement

Fidelity Bank begins Saturday banking services Fidelity Bank has announced the commencement of Saturday banking services in select branch locations across the country. This initiative the lender said, is in line with the Fidelity Bank’s mission to make financial services easy and accessible and forms part of the bank’s renewed effort to provide a new face of service in the industry. The Bank in a statement, said that effective September 12, 2015 Saturday banking services commences between 10.00am to 2.00pm in 15 select Fidelity Bank branches across the country. The branches include Ketu, Alaba, Computer Village, Gbagada, Egbeda, (Lagos); Ekpoma, Mission Road (Edo State); Aba 3, Umuahia (Abia) and Challenge, Ibadan. Others are Polo Park, (Enugu), Nnewi, Onitsha Main (Anambra); Kano 3 and Owerri Main. Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc. Nnamdi Okonkwo said that the introduction of Saturday banking services further reaffirms the bank’s commitment towards the creation of new customer experience in service delivery. “We are actively changing the way we do business; becoming more focused on our customers’ needs and exceeding their expectations from us.” He noted the changing business environment and insisted that the only way to remain relevant to customers is to stay in tune with the times.

(CRR). According to him, banks have no alternative but to comply with the directive, saying it is in the best interest of the country in the long run. “The impact on individual bank’s liquidity will differ from one bank to another, depending on their exposure to public sector funds or deposits. But every bank will have to manage the situation,” Ezun added.

Sterling Bank partners FG on e-PASS

From left: Group Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Obinna Nwosu; Environmental Activist, Desmond Majekodunmi and Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe during a workshop on International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer held at the Bank’s Head Office in Lagos.

Equal liquidity inflow, outflow to keep rates steady Expectations are high that Money Market rates may remain unaffected this week as Treasury Bills (T-bills) worth N100.9billion, expected to mature into the system will have a knock-off effect with Nigeria’s planned to N100.88 billion treasury bills issuance.

On Friday rates fell slightly to 14.5 per cent (OBB) and 15.0per cent (O/N) despite the Bond Auction debiting due for same day. Average OBB and O/N rate grew 12.5 per cent apiece to 20.0 per cent and 20.7 per cent week on week (W-o-W) respectively.

Nigeria plans to raise 100.88 billion in treasury bills with maturities between three months and one year at an auction on September 23, the central bank said last week. The bank said it will issue new 91-day paper worth N31.19 billion, N10.61 billion in 182-day bills, and

N59.08 billion in 1-year debt, using the Dutch Auction System. Results of the auction are expected to be released the following day. Nigeria issue treasury bills twice-monthly to fund the government budget deficit and manage liquidity in the banking system.

19 states benefit from workers’ salary bail-out, CBN confirms In line with the decision of the National Economic Council (NEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria has confirmed that a total of 19 out of the 27 salary-owing states have so far benefited from the workers’ salary bail-out package. The Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) arranged the facility to enable affected states pay the backlog of workers’ emoluments /salary arrears. This was disclosed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s spokesman, Mallam Ibrahim Mu’azu in a telephone chat over the weekend in Abuja. He said that

contrary to reports that Ogun state has accessed N20 billion, the actual amount is N18.9 billion. On the tenor of the bailout facility, he said that all the states are having 20 year tenor except Ogun which opted for a 10 year tenor. Earlier, states like Kwara, Zamfara, Osun, Niger, Bauchi, Gombe, Abia, Adamawa, Ondo, and Kebbi had applied for and received various sums from the bail-out facility. Other states include Ekiti, Imo, Ebonyi, Ogun, Plateau, Nassarawa, Sokoto, Edo and Oyo which were granted last week.

Meanwhile, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has set up a Committee to manage N14. 152billion being expected from the CBN Federal Government approved Bailout Funds for payment of outstanding salaries in the State. The Committee is expected to be inaugurated by the Secretary to the Abia State Government by Monday, September 21, 2015. A statement by Sam Hart, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on public communication noted that the funds were yet to arrive the State. He noted that the bailout

fund is not free money. It is actually a loan with a 20-year repayment period at low interest rate so the Governor has a responsibility to ensure its judicious utilisation for the benefit of the people of Abia State. “The Governor has given a commitment that by Friday, October 30, 2015, all outstanding arrears would have been offset. This is therefore a call to all concerned to support the Governor in this noble quest to rid the system of all unscrupulous elements who collude with themselves to defraud the system,” he was quoted as having said.

Known for its effectiveness, accountability and prompt remittance in the handling of fees for private and public entities, the Federal Government has entered into a partnership agreement with Sterling Bank Plc including a project contractor, Continental Transfert Technique for the accounting, collection and payment for a project called ‘e-PASS. The project is expected to commence on Wednesday 22nd September, 2015. The e-PASS project is a scheme designed by the Federal Government to ensure that all Non-ECOWAS immigrants that visit Nigeria with a Tourist or Business Visa and intend to stay beyond an aggregate of 56 days in a year are made to pay a certain amount of money as advised by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). With this agreement, Sterling Bank in a statement said the fee can now be paid from the date of commencement of the scheme at the Bank’s designated airport stations or branches. Already, the Bank has designated its representatives to be stationed at the five International airports located in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu for this purpose. The branches that will be involved in the e-PASS scheme in Lagos include the Airport Road, Ilupeju, Adeola Odeku, Allen Avenue and head office branch along Marina, Lagos while branches at Sterling Boulevard, CBD, Mamman Kotangora Close, Area 3, Garki and Adetokunbo Ademola, Wuse will take part in Abuja. Others include Okpara Avenue, Enugu, Trans Amadi 1 in Port Harcourt,and Murtala Mohammed way in Kano.

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

capitalmarket Investors sustain positive momentum as NSE ALSI appreciates by 2.17% stories Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos

nvestors in the Nigerian capital market have sustained the positive momentum as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ALSI) appreciated by 2.17 per cent while the Market Capitalization appreciated by N221billion to close on Friday at 30,332.68 basis points and N10.425 trillion respectively after five days trading.Similarly, all the indices finished higher during the week, except the NSE ASeM index that closed flat. Besides, 56 equities appreciated in price during last week trading, higher than 32 equities of the preceding week; 22 equities depreciated in price, lower than 37 equities of the preceding week, while 112 equities remained unchanged, lower than 121 equities recorded in the preceding week.A turnover of 1.384 bil-

lion shares worth N13.862 billion in 17,984 deals were also traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.408 billion shares valued at N13.508 billion that exchanged hands the preceding week in 19,950 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.136 billion shares valued at N7.390 billion traded in 10,034 deals; thus contributing 82.12 per cent and 53.31 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with a turnover of 94.562 million shares worth N1.345 billion in 964 deals. The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with 54.146 million shares worth N2.987 billion in 3,328 deals. Trading in the top three equities were African Alliance Insurance Company Plc.; Zenith International Bank Plc. and FBN Holdings Plc. (measured by volume) accounted for 472.643 million shares worth N3.298 billion in 3,593 deals, contributing 34.16 per cent and 23.79 per

cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Also traded during the week were a total of 1,189 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N1.282 million executed in 24 deals compared with a total of 1,526 units valued at N695,885.40 transacted last week in 17 deals.A total of 3,750 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N3.299 million were traded this week in four deals compared with a total of 3,675 units valued at N3.611 million transacted last week in eight deals.

NSE harps on MOS to mitigate risk, boost investors’ confidence The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has stressed that the Minimum-Operating Standard (MOS) would mitigate risk, enhance regulations and build strong operational structure that would help to boost investors’ confidence.The Head, Broker Dealer Regulation, NSE, OlufemiShobanjo, explained that the policy was developed in the year 2011 by the Capital Market Committee (CMC) to forestall some of the challenges that led to the 2008 recession in the nation’s capital market.The Exchange, according to him, has taken the position that it is imperative for broker dealers to build strong corporate and operational structures for their operations in order to mitigate risk and strengthen the market.He explained that the decision was in line with efforts to augment long-term protection for investors and stakeholders in the capital market. The standards, according to Shobanjo would address the five broad areas of manpower and equipment; organisational structure and governance; effective processes; global competitiveness; and technology. “It takes the view that healthy and well established firms are in a better position to manage and absorb any shocks that may be experienced in the capital market. This approach is in line with the regulatory tools employed globally to manage risks in the activities of capital market operators. “In view of the foregoing, the Exchange hereby recommends the following Guidelines on Minimum Standard Requirements for the Operations of Broker Dealers. These minimum standards also aim to nurture confidence in the capital market and enhance investor protection.

From left, Professor Afolabi, Director, Chams Plc; Mr Olufemi Williams, Managing Director-designate, Chams Plc; Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Business Development, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr Damola Aladekomo, Managing Director, Chams Plc and Mrs Titi Aladekomo, at the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange.

Africa’s security exchanges to partner on sustainable growth Africa Securities Exchanges are set to partner and promote sustainable growth across the continent. This year, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) will be hosting the African Securities Exchanges Associations (ASEA) conference, a premier association of 25 securities exchanges. The conference will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 15 to 17.The theme of the conference is “Africa Evermore: Growth for Sustainability”. The conference serves to underline the fact that Africa’s capital markets are stable, have huge potential and are growing. The President of ASEA, Mr. Oscar Onyema stated that: “the conference would be another step in establishing the sustainable development of African capital markets, finding ways to facilitate and increase market access at the regional level, and promoting greater interconnection among African exchanges. “ASEA aims at developing member exchanges while enhancing their global competitiveness. The conference will include major players in the African capital markets, including listed companies, trading participants, regulators, government representatives, technology providers, legal advisors, and institutional investors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. The discussion topics will focus on themes relevant to Africa and will provide an ideal opportunity to network and

exchange information with industry leaders from across the continent. “Over the last 10 years, the continent has posted steady growth, standing up to the impact of global shocks and becoming an investment destination of choice. Capital markets has been the key drivers of this economic transformation and they continue to play a central role in Africa’s growth story. “ASEA’s mandate is to promote Africa not only as a sound investment destination offering better returns than more developed markets but one that also incorporates strong regulatory structures.”Onyema pointed out that transparency and governance are fundamental to a healthy business environment.ASEA Executive Committee Member, Zeona Jacobs, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the JSE, said, “By hosting this event, the JSE will serve to further position Africa as a serious global contender in the financial services and securities exchange sector. “ASEA has been successful in attracting capital inflows to key markets in Africa by positioning them as key engines of economic growth and opportunities for business development,” said Jacobs. “The conference highlights the important role its members have in advancing the exchange market and raising Africa’s global competitiveness in this sector.” Meanwhile, the JSE said it is working

with exchanges in Nigeria, Kenya, Mauritius and other parts of the continent to promote cross-listings and the issuance of index-based products like Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) that would give investors an opportunity to diversify. The JSE said it is happy with the level of regulatory framework already in place in Nigeria. It noted that the number of equity exchanges in Africa has grown to 26, but many of these bourses are still in a developmental stage and hoped that increased regional integration will work to their advantage. Donna Oosthuyse, Head of Capital Markets, JSE, said many of these exchanges are relatively young but have quite ambitious goals. Outside of South Africa, the largest exchanges in Sub-Sahara-Africa are those of Nigeria and Kenya Moneyweb reported. These countries have invested significantly to develop legal and regulatory infrastructure and to promote the development of their financial markets, Oosthuyse told Moneyweb during the 4th Annual Building African Financial Markets seminar. In North Africa, the most prominent exchanges are those of Morocco and Egypt. In South Africa, the JSE has an established track record (it was founded in 1887 and the first Financial Markets Act was passed in 1947), but there has also been considerableprogress in developing other exchanges in Africa.

Monday, 21 September, 2015

labour

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Soji-Eze Fagbemi

m:0803 604 4077 e:sojiezek@yahoo.co.uk

ILO, experts call for implementation of ECOWAS Convention on social security

National President, Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN), Comrade Oladapo Moses, receiving the union’s certificate of registration from the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Abuja, Mrs N. Mbogu. Photo: Soji-Eze Fagbemi, Abuja.

EXPERTS in the labour sector from West African countries and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) gathered on Nigeria Federal Capital, Abuja to deliberate on the operational modalities for the implementation of the ECOWAS general Convention on Social Security across the member states in the West African sub-region. At the two day technical workshop held at the ECOWAS Secretariat, Abuja, the experts and the ILO called for the implementation of the convention; and support to free movement of persons and migration (FMM) in West Africa. The project, tagged: “FMM West Africa,” was jointly funded by the European Union and ECOWAS Commission, and being implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the International Centre for Migration Policy

NLC in partnership with ICPC over bailout funds Commends return of N1bn looted funds Stories By Soji-Eze Fagbemi

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has promised to effectively partner with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor the disbursement and use of the N338 billion bailout funds released to 27 states to pay the backlog of salaries owed their workers. President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba made the promise as the congress also commended the anti-graft agency for returning about N1 billion being public funds diverted by some corrupt officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Pay Office. Comrade Wabba said in Abuja that the congress hareal ready directed its states councils to serve as whistle blowers on any criminal diversion of the bail-out funds. He said: “We agree with ICPC that the painful days of the public ‘running after funds after appropriation’ are over for the good of all Nigerians, including our working members. He pointed out that the states the NLC was monitoring are those who have benefited from the disbursed N338 billion bailout funds.

The NLC president acknowledged and commended the ICPC under the Chairmanship of Mr Ekpo Nta for returning about N1 billion “criminally diverted by some corrupt officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Pay Office.” Comrade Wabba said: “We salute the renewed effort and commitment of ICPC to recover looted public funds and other proceeds arising from criminal activities linked to corruption investigations. In doing so, ICPC is commendably living up to its mission statement which

is to rid Nigeria of corruption through lawful enforcement and preventive measures. “Nigeria Labour Congress will continue to support all the anti-graft agencies in their patriotic collective crusade against corruption being one of the cardinal agenda of the President Buhari administration. “One of the objectives of the congress’ September 10th march against corruption and for good governance is to encourage best anti-graft practices which are what ICPC is commendably doing.

“We call on the relevant ministries and agencies of government to ensure the recovered looted funds are properly channeled to the activities they are meant for. Indeed the Ministry of Environment in this case must enter into verifiable performance bond with ICPC. “As we have seen with this latest recovered money, Nigeria and Nigerians are the ultimate losers whenever corruption succeeds. Conversely, all Nigerians are winners whenever corruption is apprehended, as in this case.”

PTECSSAN gets certificate of registration as trade union A new trade union, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN), has become the latest addition to the number of trade unions in the country; affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The union, led by its National President, Comrade Oladapo Moses, received its certificate of registration from the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mrs N. Mbogu, last Thursday to operate as a legal trade union. Mrs Mbogu, while handing over

the certificate, advised the union to keep their operation within their jurisdiction, and keep to the rules establishing the union. She warned them that as a trade union, nobody is bigger and above the union, adding that membership drive is very important, while investment of their resources as they get on would make them stronger. On the upkeep of their certificate, she advised: “You should keep the certiface in bank where signatories can have access to it. At times we say the General Secretary is the custodian of the

certifcate beacuse he or she is the head of administration, but the general secretary may have problem with the union and cease the certificate.” He further advised them to have internal auditor and keep good financial accounting system; while training of their members should be taken seriously. Comrade Oladapo, the national president of the union solicited the support of the ministry, saying, “we need all your support to make us succeed.” Continues pg30

Development (ICMPD) and the ILO. Popular among the countries at the deliberation are: Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mauritania. In his address, the Officer in charge of ILO, country office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia; Mr Dennis Zulu said social security is a human right and all people, regardless of where they live, should be guaranteed at least a floor of basic social protection. According to him, social security is a social and economic necessity to combat poverty and social exclusion and promote development, equality and equal opportunity. The ILO country representative advised that all societies should develop strategies to enhance their levels of social security, guided by ILO social security standards as their economies mature and fiscal space widens. He pointed out that migrant workers must have the same access to coverage and entitlement to benefits as native workers. Mr Zulu said: “Migrant workers are confronted with particular difficulties in the field of social security, as social security rights are usually related to periods of employment, contributions or residency. “They run the risk of losing entitlements to social security benefits in their country of origin due to absence, and may at the same time encounter restrictive conditions in the destination country with regard to their coverage by its national social security system. “It is of particular importance for migrant workers to have the same access to coverage and entitlement to benefits as native workers, to maintain acquired rights when leaving the destination countries, including the right to export the benefits they have earned, and to benefit from the accumulation of rights acquired in different countries. “All these provisions are covered by the ECOWAS general Convention on social security adopted by the Ministers of Labour and Social Welfare in December 2012 and by the Authority of Heads of States as a Supplementary Act to the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, making it a binding instrument which does not require ratification by member states.”

labour NMA demands 15% of nation’s budget for health sector 30

Stories By Soji-Eze Fagbemi

HE Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) met with the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, over the challenges facing the health sector and how to strengthen the sector and leverage on the abundant potentials in the country. Among other issues, the NMA discussed the issue of health care financing, and informed the Senate that prudent budgeting and management is a major key to success in any business. In its address titled: “Partnership for change for better health of Nigerians,” the President of NMA, Dr. Kayode Obembe, demanded the allocation of 15 per cent of the nation’s budget to the health sector. This, according to him, is in consonance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation and the African Union (AU) treaty. He stressed the need to prioritise health sector financing and abide by the WHO recommendation and the AU treaty, which was signed in Abuja in the year 2000. Dr. Obembe said: “Over the years, a call has been made on the need towards prioritisation of health financing to ensure that a minimum of 15 per cent of the Nigerian budget is committed to developing our health care system. It will be recalled that Nigeria hosted the meeting of AU in Abuja (2000) where this treaty was signed in line with the recommendation of the WHO. “This agreement has never been met over the years as our health budget continued to hover between 4-7 per cent of the national budget. Dwindling economic fortunes of the country occasioned by falling oil prices, and lack of diversification could explain the low national budgetary provision for health. “Today, we’re here to make an investment case for health; that greater investment of resources in health care delivery of our nation would ultimately result in bumper economy and therefore well-being of our nation. “We hereby call on you to use your strategic clout and good offices to actualise this deserved dream of change through a pragmatic budgetary intervention onto the health sector.” He pointed out that the National Health Act has made provisions for significant improvement in health financing, particularly at the primary health care level. Dr Obembe added: “It will be a great deal of service to the nation if the National Assembly under your leadership makes it a duty to ensure that the funds specified in the Act are made available annually to the various agencies that will deploy them for the purposes specified in the Act. “Both the National Health Insurance Scheme and National Primary Health Care Development Agency have great roles to play in the utilization of the funds to make quality health care accessible to the poorest of the poor and rural dwellers. We therefore, passionately appeal

Monday, 21 September, 2015

to you to drive this process through necessary legislative processes.” He also called for the reversal of brain drain in the health sector; and said the government should reverse this trend with appropriate regulatory and enabling environment for Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to return home to contribute their quota to national development. The NMA presideng also called on the government to consider a special intervention funding facilities

such as done for aviation; rice, cocoa and cassava farming; automobiles; textiles; other manufacturing sectors; and the banking sector bail outs, for the health sector. This, according to him must be made.accessible at single digits interest rates to enhance investments into the health sector, adding that this could also assist in attracting back our very talented and highly skilled diasporans who are very willing to return to their father land.

He frowned at inequitable distribution of Human Health Resources, where distribution of health manpower was skewed against the rural dwellers who constitute about 65 per cent of the population of our country. Other issues raised by the NMA are the need regulation and standardisation of quality of Health Care services in Nigeria; reduction of industrial actions and disruption of activities in the health sector to barest minimum; enduring

Nigerian Tribune

harmonious inter-professional relationships in the public health sector, and the need to strengthen the Primary health care programmes and activities through which other nations of the world have eliminated certain ailments eg, cholera, malaria, etc, that bring shame and ridicule to Nigeria. The NMA leadership volunteered to assist the Senate in medical professional scrutiny of all relevant issues needing his legislative attention.

Experts blame industrial accidents on negligence by industrial owners

NLC President, Wabba

PTECSSAN gets certificate of registration as trade union Continues from pg29

Speaking on the achievement, he expressed happiness that the union was able to secure its registration and get its certificate. According to him, in the last 1516 years, the telecommunications and communications sector has been a major force, growing rapidly from zero subscriber to over 150 million subscribers as at July 2015. Specifically, he said the sector has 150,741,005 subscribers as at July. “As Telecommunications and Communications sector grows, the workers labouring for the growth have been subjected to all kinds of unfair labour practices. The growth is now being a disadvantage to the workers and to the nation as it rendered more people jobless and redundant healthwise in the little space of term,” he said. He also commended the present government for its plan to create one million jobs annually, but added that the government should be aware that the issue of unemployment in the country

should not be measured only by the numbers of people in the labour market, but by the job security of those who are in the working class. Comrade Oladapo warned that if the jobs of those in the working class are not protected, this will have serious multiplying effect on the already over stretched labour market. He said: “This is exactly what we have in the private telecommunications, jobs are not secured, Nigerians are being short-changed by private telecommunications company as contract staffs. Most companies operate on contract basis to deny the staffs of many benefits. “Nigerians are employed as contract staff in their country and foreigners take its citizens’ job with full benefit, even when they are less qualified to available qualities in Nigerians.” He pointed out that Nigerian workers have made giant stride that has led to the growth of the telecommunications and communications industry in Nigeria, adding that PTECSSAN was formed so that their labour would

not to be in vain. He said: “PTECSSAN was conceived out of the need to fill the vacuum created in telecommunications and communications sector as a result of its privatisation in Nigeria over 16 years ago. “The privatisation of the sector leaves the workers vulnerable to incessant dismissal, sack, humiliation, unfriendly and unacceptable working conditions among other issues, because of absence of a union with jurisdictional scope among, hitherto, existing labour unions in the country.” He pointed out that the registration of PTECSSAN as a union in telecommunications and communications sector was precipitated by the judgement of the National Industrial Court (NIC) of 2009. “We are vibrant workers, professionals in privately owned companies that operate in telecommunications and communications sector. Our group comprises of people of integrity and goal getters driven by passion to succeed in liberating workers in the telecommunications and communications sectors of the economy,” he said.

AFRICAN labour experts have attributed industrial accidents, injuries and diseases in work places to negligence by industrial entrepreneurs who often compromise safety standards and regulations. The Director at the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC), Mr.Daniel Neburagho, made this observation recently in Harare, Zimbabwe at a workshop on Employment Injury Compensation Schemes. The workshop was designed to equip participants with the skills and competencies for the development of legislations, policies and tools to strengthen the process for the implementation of social security measures aimed at ameliorating the suffering of workers, addressing injuries and diseases involved in industrial accidents and in their working life. Mr Neburagho said the workshop was a collaboration between ARLAC and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to strengthen the labour Administration Systems in nineteen member countries, including Nigeria. According to ILO statistics, only 33 per cent of the global labour force is covered by law for employment injury through mandatory social insurance, adding that the statistics also indicate that even when voluntary social insurance coverage and employer liability provisions are included, only 39.4 per cent of the labour force is covered by law. The ARLAC Director observed that in practice, actual access to employment injury protection is even lower, largely owing to poor enforcement of legislation in many countries, the majority of which are in Africa and Asia. He stressed that often times, industrial accidents, injuries and diseases occur because safety standards and regulations are compromised by industrial enterprises.

politics&policy

Monday, 21 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

By Kunle Oderemi

They were an inimitable pair; more like a Siamese twin: Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo. They shared everything in common even at the days they chose to bid the world a glorious farewell. Papa Awo’s love was Mama’s HID’s’ during thick or thin, they bonded like never before. In fact, the time of adversity strengthened their commonality of purpose and essence as a couple. Their inseparability is underscored by many factors. Both, literally speaking, chose to die on a Saturday. Whereas Awo, the irrepressible politician, transited on Saturday, May 9, 1987, his jewel of inestimable value passed on Saturday, September 19, 2015. In life, Awo was great; in death, he was greater as the whole human race celebrated the passage of an icon and legend. Till date, Awo remains the issue to quote a former Nigerian leader, General Ibrahim Babangida, as his deeds and legacies constitute a reference point to the human race. Twenty-eight years ago, Awo’s transition shocked the whole world as he stood like a colossus on the earthly world through his innumerable footprints on the sand of time. Millions shed tears, tears of joy and grieve. The tears of joy were because he lived his life for others nay humanity; tears of joy because she provided the real window of opportunity for self-actualisation by millions of the young and the old. The teras of grieve was because fate has conspired against mankind by taking away a man with an incredible large heart; a visionary leader akin to Mahatma Ghandi of India. Reminiscent of the thunderous wave that blew across the land when Awo exited gloriously, the demise of HID Awolowo on Saturday came like a thunderbolt to mankind. The high and the low; the strong and the weak were shocked to their bone marrow, because of her distinguished sojourn on earth. She touched lives, rekindling hope in a limitless number of people, first in her private capacity to official capacity that transcended decades. When Awo transited about 28 years ago, the world did not only stand still because of the great heart that stopped breathing; world leaders scrambled to capture the essence of Papa Awo and his life more graphically. Those details were coughed in an array or amalgam of irresistible expressions. But one of the most captivating and timeless imageries came from a scion of the Awo dynasty, Chief Oluwole Awolowo. This was how he couched the transition of his father: “The king is dead and the king lives on.” And Mama HID sustained the Awo creed, which has become the cornerstone of party politics, policy formulation and good governance. Late Biafran warlord, Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu described Awo as the best president Nigeria never had. Like Awo, quintessential HID has also been profusely and effusively celebrated by Nigerians and world leaders as a gem and role model. She has been severally recognized and acknowledged as the mother of the nation. Buoyed by the undying spirit of her husband, Mama worked assiduously to avoid any yawning gab of vacuum within the political dynasty and heritage of the Awoist fraternity. Thus, the residence of the Awo in Ikenne in Ogun State, remains

The making of inimitable pair

She has courage of a rare kind — I have that too. But I am no match for her at all in her exercise of infinite patience and forbearance under all manner of circumstances. She absorbs without a word of complaint all my occasional acts of irritability. a rallying point for all Nigerians, including politicians, top government functionaries and religious leaders. It has become a tradition and convention for the leaders to troop to the place to seek wise counsel, or converge on to discuss painstakingly and distill critical national issues. For example, the key contenders for the presidency in the last presidential poll took time to pay visit to her at her residence. Shea had told Vice

President Yemi Osinbajo who visited her as part of his campaign for the election that, “I am very grateful this morning to see that Yemi Osinbajo is going to higher ground and it is my prayer that he will get there. I urge you all to support his aspiration. God will take you there.”. Just like the enigmatic Awo, HID was unarguably a veritable bridge builder. A woman of strong character and will and

capacity to manage tempestuous situation, she was never found wanting, especially when the nation was at the crossroads, owing to excesses of the political elite. For instance, she was able to facilitate the highlevel meeting that took place in Ikenne about two years ago between leaders of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Southern leaders, at the height of a looming national political crisis. This is how a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, depicted the symbiotic relationship between the departed couple, in his remarks as chief presenter at the public presentation of Professor Wale Adebanwi’s Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: Obafemi Awolowo and Corporate Agency, in Lagos: “Before I reflect on these lessons, I must especially salute Mama, Mrs H.I.D. Awolowo, and Papa’s “jewel of inestimable value,” who stood firmly by our departed leader throughout his life. Despite our differences, this is also a moment to greet all the members of the Awolowo political family. I greet all the “political agents,” as the author of this book describes them, who made Obafemi Awolowo phonomenon possible and continue to sustain his legacy.” Behind the success of a man is a woman. Awo’s legacies are innumerable. He was a man with the Midas touch, as almost everything he touched turned gold. He created a niche for himself in forging national unity at most trying moments in the history of the country. He pioneered four cardinal progreammes that espoused or encompassed Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. The policy and programme of his administration as the Premier of the defunct Western Region guaranteed free access to education health services, shelter, infrastructure, industrialization, rural integration, development and transformation, all of which made the Western Region the epicentre of economic growth development in Nigeria nay Africa. HID Awo gave Awo the necessary support and willpower, as he forged ahead in his chequered political career as a nationalist, deploying his high intellectual prowess, political acumen and political sagacity and economic wizardry in the battle of wits with the British colonialists for the independence of Nigeria It is to the glory of Awo and his wife that the Western Region and indeed Nigeria has the first television station in Africa, first stadium, first university (University of Ibadan), to name but three ground-breaking feats and strides of the Awo administration. Indeed, the demise of Mama HID Awolowo marks the end of an era in Nigeria. This is brought into a sharp focus by the torrents of highly gripping, emotive and arresting eulogies from far and near, celebrating her life and times. In their uniqueness, Both Papa Awolowo and Mama Awo gave a fascinating account of the beginning of their relationship and how their marriage was consummated, as well as some of the initial challenges, in the following package. Awolowo on HID I think it is pertinent that I should, at this juncture, say a word or two about my wife and what she has meant to me. Throughout all the changing fortunes of my life since I married her on 26th December, 1937, my wife, Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo (nee continues on pg34

politics&policy

Monday, 21 September, 2015

OUR late husband (Awo) once wrote that organised wrestling was his favourite pastime in his early days. One wonders what you preferred to do in your childhood. Well, after starting school in 1926, I realised that I liked singing a lot. In Ikenne, and later in Lagos in those days, I was an active member of the choir. In fact, while I was in Ibadan, I was one of the matrons of the Ibadan Methodist Church Choir, Agbeni. It is a pastime that’s come to be a pre-occupation, because today, I am the life patron of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church Choir (lkenne). Continuing with your childhood experiences, can you look back again at yourself as a young girl. What dream of a husband had you before ever setting eyes on Awo? My dream? Hmm. I’ll put it this way. I was convinced totally on one point: that I had to marry an Ikenne man. Let me explain that conviction thoroughly. You see I am the only surviving child of my mother, and my mother on her part was the only surviving child of her mother. Incidentally again, my grandmother was the only surviving child of her mother. So that all along in my lineage, it’s been only one child down the line up to me. Largely because of this, I did not want to marry a man from another place as that would erase our family line completely. So that gave Awo a head-start. When you first saw Awo then, can you recall frankly the impression you had of him as he tried to win your heart? You also will know that men have this settled opinion that a woman who says yes immediately to courtship is another cheap woman. So, I was aware of that. As Awo began to propose love to me, I cut in and told him I had no interest. That was 1933 when we met in a friend’s house. One remarkable thing I recall is that Awo was not shy at all. He was very frank in pouring out his mind. He had all the courage to woo me that many men would not have had. It was remarkable. In the course of your marriage, Awo left for England in 1945 to study law. How did you alone finance the upkeep of the children? Before he left Nigeria, we had both talked of travelling together so that I would work while he studied. Later, we decided against it as I had no sister or brother of the same mother to leave our children with. I had to stay behind to take care of the children. Awo on the other hand did not want me to work under anyone. So I quit my teaching job and got into business. Trading, I must say, has been a feature of my maternal lineage. I began to import goods from England to sell. I imported shoes, handbags and all which I sold for profit. I began with a shop at home. But I later got myself a shop somewhere on Lebanon Street in Ibadan. With proceeds from my commerce, I took care of my children and sent some pounds to Awo in England usually with comforting letters that all was well at home, just to give him a lease of mind so that he could study. While you sent the money to Awo, did it cross your mind, like it might many a woman separated from her husband, that your husband might be rather having a lease of mind financing a side relationship with another girl in England? The thought didn’t. Not once. I know the kind of husband I had. He was too trust-

‘Politics is unnatural’

worthy and devoted to give a consideration to such rubbish. I trusted him and he trusted me equally.

One presumes that Papa must have mentioned to you his intention to actually take part in the political activities of the Nigerian Youth Movement. If that be so, what was your advice to him? Your presumption is correct. Genuinely, I didn’t like him entering politics. But because I loved him and he was insistent, I agreed. My initial objection was borne out of my conviction that politics is unnatural

To be a politician is sometimes to be a captive of public newspapers, ‘and also to bid farewell to ordinary existence.

and a man in politics - a politician - is like a pastor or a reverend gentleman: His whole life is public business and his privacy is gone. To be a politician is sometimes to be a captive of public newspapers, ‘and also to bid farewell to ordinary existence. I was not brought up to live before the eyes of all and sundry. That was why I initially cautioned my husband not to go into politics. Did you begin to feel stress in your ordinary family life therefore when he got into the mainstream of the Youth Movement’s politics in the 1940s? It was strange. People who hadn’t been coming to our house suddenly began to flock in. People who were not our friends. You know, just acquaintances. They would come in sometimes in the morning to see my husband who was the secretary of the movement and would talk on and on till evening. I didn’t like that at all! But because I loved my husband, I adjusted to our new life. As the years progressed and he became premier of Western Region in 1954, I got a bit of the unkind side of public life. Many people expected that as the premier’s wife, I would sit astride upstairs, figuratively spitting on others downstairs.

Mama HID Awolowo That expectation, of course, was natural except that I had no time for airs. My mind was rather set on my business and how to improve my trade. When it became obvious that Nigeria was going to be independent in 1960, Papa must have confided in you his dreams and ambitions within the new nation. Do you recall any such intimate conversation he had with you about the eve of Nigeria’s independence? He was extremely happy. I had been attending all constitutional conferences with him in England. In fact, at the close of every conference, he debriefed me on decisions taken, and on pending matters. So that I was privy to know how his mind worked all through our colonial times. So that when Chief Anthony Enahoro moved the motion for independence in Parliament, he was quite delighted. And I was, too. Because I shared his dreams that in the near future, my husband would be head of the federal government so that he could do for the country the beautiful things he did for Western Region. I looked forward to his ushering in life more abundant for our young nation. No doubt then that you must have felt very bad when Awo lost the 1959 elections. I did feel very bad. You know my husband had worked so hard, risked a lot of hazards, and had put in all he had to win the elections. When it was obvious that he would not head the federal government, continues on pg34

politics&policy

Monday, 21 September, 2015

‘What made Awo thick’ Ojukwu seceded? Hmm...before Ojukwu seceded, my husband had gone to see him. I think he spent two nights with him to convince him on the dire need to sit at a conference .and sort out his grievances with the federal government. If my husband had such foreboding that you refer to, he did not mention it. In fact, I was with him in Ikenne when we heard the Biafran secession on radio. I think we heard the Biafran national anthem too. We were both surprised. Later on, Gowon invited my husband to join his government. The reason I advised my husband to join Gowon’s cabinet was because I thought it was another opportunity to serve Nigeria, somehow.

continued from pg32

some of his friends advised him to return to Western Region but Awo told them that he’d rather stay in opposition in the federal parliament. I also advised him to stay in Lagos in the hope that one day God would grant grace on his dream. Well, now it’s a pity that some Nigerians had vowed not to allow my husband have it on record that he ever ruled Nigeria. Why do you say that? Take the 1979 elections. Before the 122/3rd nonsense, some persons, yes, some top people had said even before voting commenced that the best candidate would not win. I’ll rather not mention names now. But there was my husband, hopping from aeroplane to motor car, to boats, criss-crossing the whole federation to win support for his noble goals for the nation. Everywhere he went, crowds surged on him. So, my expectation was that at last, Nigeria was ready to give Awo a chance. The rest is history. Anyway, I thank God for his life and for all he was able to do.

If Awo sought your advice before accepting a ministerial position in Gowon’s government, logically, he would have confided in you the detailed reasons why he opted out of the same government. Can you let us into these reasons? Yes, my husband told me why he was opting out. But I do not want to say them now. Alright. Did you counsel Awo to step down in 1979 or 1983 for a young follower to carryon the presidential campaign, if only for reason of advanced age since he was already 70 when he sought the presidency in 1979? No I did not. I expected he would win. I never thought that so much conspiracy was waiting for him around the corner. Nor did I expect so much fraud on the part of FEDECO (Federal Electoral Commission). The fraud was shameless and blatant. None could have expected that pre-programmed results were to be announced.

It would seem also that thousands of Nigerians also share that consolation. Since May 10, you have received something like half a million mourners. How have you coped? In fact, some have suggested to me to stop receiving people coming to register condolence. I say no. I say that I will receive all of them because they remember my husband. They remember that he strove to give them life more abundant, free education and free medical attention. They remember that my husband sought to make Nigeria a place one will want to live in for ever more. They also remember he has been denied. That is why they come. In one of his books, Awo wrote that in all your married life, he saw you cry only three times. Can you tell us how many times you saw Awo cry, and when? I never saw him cry. He took every failure philosophically. As a fact, he was an outstandingly courageous man. Even when our first son, Segun, died, I shied from seeing him, so as not to upset him the more, because then, he was in Broad Street prisons facing a treasonable felony trial. I moved to Ibadan. But I think I saw him once after Segun’s death at his Broad Street prisons. When I saw him I broke down. Awo then looked at me and said: “No, no. Don’t do that. Don’t cry. We both love Segun, we don’t want to lose him too. He was an intelligent child whom we expected would build our law chambers, but God knows better.” Those words cheered him up and I stopped crying. I went back to Ibadan. Then one day, I saw in the papers .that my husband had been transferred to Calabar prisons. I never wept so profusely. Why? You ‘see, it was easy for me to deal with his incarceration at Broad Street prisons. Because then I saw him twice daily. In the morning before he appeared in court for trial and in the evening. My husband ate twice a day and I took his food to him in the morning and in the evening. But with this transfer to Calabar, my mind told me that it might be that these people want to kill my husband and had transferred him to a distant town from his home to make his murder easier. One guesses that you must have

Mama HID Awolowo

Everywhere he went, crowds surged on him. So, my expectation was that at last, Nigeria was ready to give Awo a chance. The rest is history.

privately contacted top military government officials, especially. Yakubu Gowon to effect a quicker release of your husband from jail. Who did you contact? Really, it was not necessary for me to contact any person. One reason is that Gowon’s earliest broadcast had hinted at a general release of political prisoners. So I looked forward to his return. All the while, I was in Ikenne until I heard on radio that Awo had been released. I was overly excited yet I didn’t know what to do immediately. I had no idea if he was to travel down home by road or by air. So, going some place to welcome him was out of the question. But my daughters studying in England, Tokunbo and Ayo, were home on holidays. And together we shared the excitement of the parole. We waited for him here in Ikenne, and it was so good to have him back at home.

For almost three years that Awo was in prison, how again did you finance your family’s needs? This time, his absence was riot new to me. I just carried on with my trade, perhaps more vigorously. So that apart from his physical absence, I made sure our family did not feel any deprivation. And besides, I never allowed his prison experience to daunt me. Because later in 1979, when he told me he was going into politics again, I still gave him all the encouragement. And I gave him all the assistance and support a good woman could give to realise her husband’s dream. In those turbulent times of our national history in the mid. 1960s, did Awo tell you he had a premonition of a Nigerian civil war\well before

So you were shocked at the noon announcement by FEDECO to the effect that Shagari had won the elections? Shocked? Not me. I was too used to endless political conspiracy against my husband. I just said to myself, “Ah! they have come again.” In retrospect, it was all conspiracy against my husband. Look at Cross River State. The results announced were pre-programmed. In fact in 1983, it was obvious that FEDECO was bent on returning Shagari. Anyone who has followed the proceedings of the 8abalakin Commission would not argue that point. And this talk of succession in the air. What’s been your reaction in Gowon’s government, logically he would have confided in I political leadership? I must confess I have not been too happy with all these speculations. After all, Papa is still here. The body is still around. If you ask me I think one shouldn’t really be saying these things. When I read this succession thing in the newspaper, I always feel it is a matter brought up at a wrong time. In fact, if there is politics ,today, and someone asks me where my support will tilt, I would not say because it’s all too premature. Finally, how would you want to be remembered? Hmm... how would I want to be remembered? Well, I do not want to say that now, if you please. Excerpts of the interview Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo granted the defunct Thisweek magazine in June 1987

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Monday, 21 September, 2015

HID’s memoir on her marriage

Y husband had started courting me in writing ever before we met face to face. He was then the Secretary to the Transporters and Produce Buyers Union. I was at Ikenne during this time (1934) and he was at Abeokuta all the time after his father died in 1921. I did not see or know him at all before he came back again to Ikenne because all his youthful time he spent at Abeokuta. He used to write letters saying, “I want to marry you.” I did not meet him before he wrote the first letter. I said NO to his advances. I was later introduced to him by one of his friends. I told the friend that I did not know the man he was introducing to me. He then said they would come and see me again. So on the day he (Obafemi) came in the company of his friend, he met me at one of my friend’s house, who also was one of my relations. So he said he was the one writing letters to me. I said no! But he did not take my “no” for an answer. He continued to write his letters. My parents were very much against the relationship because my mother said of me: “This is my only child, and she is young” and that “one does not have an only child and throw her into the river” (A ki bi omo kan soso ki a so sinu omi). In the first place, she said she knew Obafemi when he was young, and that he was a rascally young man known as such in town. But my father agreed to the relationship almost immediately, while my mother kept objecting to our relationship because of her feelings about me and the rascality of Obafemi. But we continued the relationship underground, and later on, my father was able to convince my mother, and we both agreed to get married. The courtship lasted three years. We fixed the wedding for 26 December, 1937. It was on a Sunday because people used to marry on Sundays in those days. Everybody was happy. After marriage, we moved to Ibadan, and my husband was still a businessman. I was not doing anything because he had always wanted a full housewife. So I did not work. It was a bit late before we got our first child, Segun, in 1939. He did not allow me to work. He told me he knew that my mother and grandmother were in business and that one day I too would like to be in business. He said ‘No Way’, that I should forget about business. However, my mother did not agree. She kept on telling me that I was growing and asking how I would stay at home lazily doing nothing, and that that was one of the things she told me when she did not support my marrying this man, that he was too harsh. “How could he tell you not to work?” I told my mother that since I had agreed to marry him, I should do whatever he wanted me to do or not do. I should keep my vow. Before he travelled to England in 1944, I already had Segun, Tola and Wole while Ayo was on the way. At that time he had started to study for his Bachelor of Commerce degree at home and later wanted to read Law in England. We all agreed that he should go. We would have left together but I could not go for some reasons. My mother, being a Christian of the Apostolic Faith would not use medicine, and so I was

afraid to leave my children with her. If any of them fell sick, she would not give him or her medicine. Since these children were so dear to me, I preferred to stay around and take dare of them while my husband was away in London, England. That was why I did not go with him. Again, my mother saw me as the only child who could not be allowed to leave her just like that, and therefore was naturally not disposed to my travelling with my husband. But it was the fear of the safety of my children, if I travelled out and left them behind, that was the deciding factor. The children were special to me. When my husband wanted to go to England, I opened an account in the then Barclays Bank. He left some money for us. When he was in Nigeria, he would not allow me to do business. But after he left, I was free to do some work and so I started business without his knowledge. I was into distribution of Nigerian Tobacco products, Nigerian Breweries etc, selling of hats, shoes, bags and other fanciful things. Before he came back, I was able to send some money to him. Occasionally, he used to ask for the source of the money, but since he needed the money which I used to send to him from my little business, he had no choice but to keep his calm, because he was in no position to object in far away London. When he came back, he wanted to stay in Lagos, but later did not like it and so he went back to Ibadan as we already had a house there. I was pleased to come back to Ibadan more so as I was a leader in my church there. After he had settled down, he said now that he was back and in Law practice and would be able to support the family, there was no need for me to continue with the business I used to do while he was away. I then asked him what he expected me to do with all my customers and all that. He said no, “no business for you”. Meanwhile, I had already hired a shop in Ibadan but could not go there myself. Later on, I told him I must go to Gbagi to oversee the shop for myself. I was in that business at the time he was in government in 1953 as Minister of Local Government and Leader of the regional government. But I insisted I would go to Gbagi to oversee my shop. He still did not agree with me, thinking that people would say that the wife of a Minister would be sitting down in Gbagi selling textile materials! I said that did not bother me. I did not believe in this big thing of being a Minister or Premier’s wife. I had my own business while he too had his own professions as Lawyer, Politician, Minister and then Premier. Culled from A Memoir of The Jewel

‘She never made financial demand on me’ continued from pg31

Adelana) has been to me a jewel of inestimable value. She is an ideal wife; and I am sure she too regards me as an ideal husband. The outpouring of her love and devotion to me and to our family is exceeding and beyond words. She is a resourceful business-woman; and in this regard she is a worthy upholder of the traditions of her mother (Madam Elizabeth Oyesile) and grandmother (Chief Adebowale Oyegunle) both of whom were successful women traders. The grandmother at the age of over 100 was still carrying on her business, though only on a token scale. She opened her shop regularly everyday from dawn till dusk. My mother-in-law at 84 would wish to be as active as ever in business, but my wife and I have succeeded in persuading her to slow down considerably. With my wife on my side, it has been possible for us to weather all financial storms. Due to

her charm, humility, generosity and everready sympathy and helpfulness for others in distress, she is beloved and respected by all our friends and acquaintances. She has courage of a rare kind — I have that too. But I am no match for her at all in her exercise of infinite patience and forbearance under all manner of circumstances. She absorbs without a word of complaint all my occasional acts of irritability. By her unique virtues, she has been of immeasurable assistance to me in the duties attached to my career as a public man. She has taken more interviews and listened to far more representations from the members of the public than I have time, or sometimes patience for. I do not hesitate to confess that I owe my success in life to three factors: the Grace of God, a Spartan selfdiscipline, and a good wife. Our home is to all of us (us and our children), a true haven: a place of happiness, and of imperturbable

seclu¬sion from the buffetings of life. It is on record to my wife’s credit that she never made a financial demand on me through¬out my stay in the United Kingdom. Besides, she always sent me good news every week about herself and the children; but when I returned home, I learnt that she had passed through many anxious times with four children, the oldest of whom was only five when I left home, and the youngest of who arrived four months after my departure. It is a matter of joy and profound gratitude to Almighty God that our mutual love and devotion has been richly blessed. We have five children — two boys and three girls, the eldest of whom, Olusegun, died in tragic circumstances in 1963. The others are Mrs. Omotola Oyediran, Oluwole, Ayodele and Tokunbo. Excerpts from My Early Life, written by Chief Obafemi Awolowo

features

Monday, 21 September, 2015

As disruption hits Lagos train services... In recent days, the 2 p.m Lagos Mass Transit train service has suffered disruptions, causing many passengers loss of valuable manhour and fuelling speculation that the Nigeria Railway Corporation is considering scrapping the service, TOLA ADENUBI writes.

HE Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) operates five mass transit passenger train services from Ijoko in Ogun State to Iddo in Lagos State and runs another set of five train services from Iddo back to Ijoko. These trains leave Ijoko to Iddo or Apapa between the hours of 5:30am, 6:20am, 8am, 10:30am and 11:30am while the return trips leave Iddo or Apapa to Ijoko from 2pm, 4:15pm, 5:45pm, 6:15pm and 7pm. These NRC transport services traverse the length and breadth of Lagos, fully loaded with people sitting inside the trains while some hang on the sides of the engines and coaches. However, not all train services are this filled up, and happenings in recent days could be a pointer to the fact that the NRC management could be considering scrapping some of its services due to lack of adequate patronage. Most prone to low patronage is the 2 p.m Lagos Mass Transit Trains and throughout penultimate week, the service suffered irregular operations, leaving passengers with no option than to take to the roads. Profit or loss The NRC powers most of the trains that traverse the length and breadth of Lagos on diesel, costing the corporation huge amount of money. Therefore, a fully packed Lagos Mass Transit Train will only mean value for money spent to power the locomotive engines. For each passenger aboard the Lagos Mass Transit Trains, the corporation gets N230 as ticket levy, therefore, when fully loaded, the corporation smiles to the bank, although it still has to rely on government subventions since NRC is government-owned. Many of the trains that leave Ijoko for Iddo or Apapa are always filled to the brim thereby bringing huge ticket sales to many of the train’s stations. But for the 2 p.m train service that leaves Iddo to Ijoko, the story is not the same. The train locomotives are usually near empty by the time the train is leaving the Iddo terminus. However, findings by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that the low patronage of the 2pm Lagos Mass Transit train is not down to outright rejection of the service by passengers but due to its timing.

Empty trains Among all the trains that ply Lagos suburbs, only the 2 p.m trains run most times with empty coaches. This reason is not far-fetched. It is due to the calibre of people that patronise the train services. The Nigerian Tribune findings revealed that many of the traders, market women and few corporate individuals who are supposed to use the trains are either still in the market, busy with their business transactions or in their offices still busy with the day’s work. Due to the fact that majority of the trains’ regular customers are still busy with work, the body language of the NRC in recent days suggests that the service might be scrapped just like the 12 p.m Apapa to Ijoko train ser-

A train with passengers waiting to board vice which was scrapped early this year. Prior to its scrapping, the 12 p.m Apapa to Ijoko train was the first among a list of Passenger Mass Transit Trains that usually depart Lagos for Ijoko in Ogun State. However, the service suffered lack of adequate patronage due to the same reasons that is currently bedevilling the 2 p.m Iddo to Ijoko train. The 12 p.m train derived its patronage from businessmen and women who work in and around Apapa and Iganmu area of Lagos State. But due to the fact that 12 p.m was not the closing time for this set of business people, the NRC was running the service on virtually empty coaches despite the huge resources the corporation commits to powering the locomotive engines through purchase of diesel.

Findings revealed that many of the traders, market women and few corporate individuals who are supposed to use the trains are either still in the market, busy with their business transactions or in their offices still busy with the day’s work.

Sometimes early this year, the NRC management realised it was running at a loss, thus the 12 p.m train was scrapped. It is evident that the same scenario has started playing out with the 2 p.m train due to irregular service pattern that has pervaded its operation in the last seven working days. The 2 p.m train has been subjected to undue delay by the authorities under the disguise that the engines are either faulty or malfunctioning. Many of the train schedules have either been cancelled or delayed till around 3 p.m in recent days. Findings have, however, revealed that the incessant delays and cancellation cannot be unconnected with the fact that the corporation is becoming uncomfortable with the small number of passengers that patronise its 2 p.m train from Iddo to Ijoko. Investigations also revealed that the delays have been systematically introduced to ensure that more people are on board the trains before it leaves, but with rising discontent on the part of the few passengers that patronise the 2 p.m train, the NRC could outrightly scrap the service to save itself cost of running on empty coaches. Speaking to our Correspondent, a trader, Idayatu Ali, who normally boards the 2 p.m train expressed anger at the delays that has rocked the 2 pm train service in recent days, tasking the NRC to take a decisive action on the service, instead of wasting so much time with incessant delays. “I like the 2 p.m train because it is usually very free of passengers, so there is enough space to sit and even stretch one’s legs across the other seat. “Most of its coaches are devoid of the usual congestion and that is why I prefer to round-off my activities very early and leave for home. But in recent days, the 2 p.m train has been delayed or even cancelled which is not good enough,” she said.

37 news

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Buhari deceiving Nigerians —Shekau As villagers give food in exchange for lives in Gwoza James Bwala - Maiduguri

EADER of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, has again released another audio message debunking the reported negotiation with his group. Shekau released an audio message in August, to refute reports of his death as a result of five months silence. In the latest message released on social media, Shekau, who spoke in Arabic and Hausa, said the military lacked the capacity to confront his men. “Buhari is a liar and has deceived you. The Army spokesperson is also lying. He and his footsoldiers always run helter-skelter whenever we come face to face with them. “Buhari, you once claimed that you will crush us in three months. How can you crush us? “The military lied that they have confiscated our arms, that we have been chased out of our territories. “We are alive, I am alive, this is my voice, more audible than it was before. This is Shekau.” The military has claimed victory over the sect in recent times,” he said. In a statement issued on Saturday, Sani Usman, spokesperson of the Army, said the insurgents were “falling to federal might” and the fight against insurgency was “gaining momentum”. Usman also said 139 Boko Haram captives had been freed, while eight insurgents surrendered to the Army. Shekau, however did not only dismiss the claims, he also discredited the alleged peace deal the Federal Government said it was entering with the group. Speaking to the Nigerian community during his recent visit to France, Buhari said: “The government is negotiating with some of Boko Haram’s leadership. “Let them bring all the girls and then, we will be prepared to negotiate. I will allow them to come back to Nigeria or to be absorbed into the community.” Only on Friday did Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano State governor, cautioned the Federal Government to apply caution in dealing with the group. Meanwhile, insurgents occupying areas of Mandara mountains around

villages— Jibe, Disha, Patawe, Kwatara and Hambagda, were said to have killed 17 people, including a woman and her grownup daughter for not having food to give the insurgents in exchange for their lives. Spokesperson of the Traders’ Association in Gwoza, Mallam Mohammed Umar, in an interview with Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, said they now bring food to pay for their lives to pass in between

Gwoza and Limankara or had to be escorted by military to cross the GwozaLimankara route. According to him, the 11-kilometre road from Gwoza to Limankara was the only road they had to come home from Mubi and as traders, they were finding it difficult to bring in goods to Gwoza, as they have to wait at Madagali for troops to come from Gwoza to escort them. He said: “Sometimes, we wait for one week or 10

days with the military at Madagali before the troops from Gwoza comes to lead us through the LimankaraGwoza route, otherwise the insurgents would come out and collect all the food items. “Our problem is that, if we are bringing tomatoes, we usually end up with rotten ones, because it cannot wait for one week or 10 days before the troops come.” Mohammed said aside the traders, any other per-

son who wants to go home must carry some food items for the insurgents or he may risk his life in the process. Asked what he has observed in Gwoza in the last six months since the liberation of Gwoza town by Nigerian troops, he said, “apart from us (traders), who usually bring food, only soldiers and a few returnees are in Gwoza town. Nobody is living in the villages around Gwoza, except the Boko Haram who

Medical officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), treating a patient at the hospital established by NAF for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Dalori camp.

are using bicycles now due to lack of fuel.” He said “it was the military that is doing everything now in Gwoza for the returnees. They are taking care of the sick people, because there is no doctor. They also also the ones teaching children in schools, because there is no teacher. They do almost everything and we commend them for that. A lot of our people who ran away and are living in Mubi wants to return home, because those who are workers and have rented apartment in Mubi, they want to return home, because their rent had expired and they have no money to renew their rent.” According to him, two kilometres outside the main Gwoza town was still very dangerous except for the military who were always in convoy and shooting to scare away the insurgents as they move in or out of the main Gwoza town. He said as a group, they were soliciting government assistance to help those who want to return home with tents, as most of those who returned were finding it difficult, as most of their houses were destroyed in the cause of fighting to liberate the town, which was the former Caliphate of the Boko Haram.

Fight against Boko Haram gaining momentum —Military Chris Agbambu - Abuja AS the military is pushing for the final defeat of Boko Haram insurgents, the fight against terrorism in the North-East is gaining successful momentum, with most of the camps falling to federal might. The advancing troops have captured the villages of Jerre and Dipchari and have destroyed the terrorists camps located in those areas. The advancing troops in the Bama axis have rescued yet another 62 people fleeing from Bitti and Pulka. The troops are also combing all known enclaves of the terrorists within Bama, Banki and Pulka general area. In addition, due to the offensive action of the military, another fleeing 22 women 15 men and 40 children arrived Bama on Sunday. Army spokesperson, Colonel S.K Usman, in a statement in Abuja, said

the rescued people, looking haggard, dejected and obviously malnourished, were being catered for by the troops pending the intervention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Meanwhile, the people have been cooperating with the military, as they have been giving useful information assisting our troops in their offensive operations. In a related development,

eight suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Sunday, surrendered themselves to troops of 21 Brigade Nigerian Army and are being investigated and screened for more information. Another fleeing person, Bulama Bukar, whose right hand was amputated by the insurgents in Sambisa forest about a year ago, based on allegation of stealing a bag of beans, was intercepted by our troops at Jebra

bridge on Sunday with his family. Also, the military engineers are making tremendous progress in the repairs of the bridge linking Maiduguri and Gamboru Ngala, which was blown by Boko Haram terrorists. The bridge repairs would soon be completed. Colonel Usman disclosed that the military offensives against the Boko Haram was becoming more un-

bearable on them, as they flee their camps, abandoning vehicles, flags and foodstuffs at Kotambe Kote and Jere axis. Also, he said troops of 101 Battalion alongside members of Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) team, on Sunday, successfully detonated two bicycles laden with primed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at Awaisari village near Alou Dam.

Police won’t have challenge with TSA —IGP Chris Agbambu - Abuja THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, at the weekend, said the police would not have any problem in the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA.) He said the procedure of getting revenue was already being addressed by the Force hierarchy. Arase, speaking at a

workshop on the implementation of the new financial policy for police pay officers from across the country, stated that measures had already been put in place to guide against any challenge that might emanate from the new policy. Represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of administration, Dan Doma, the IGP

noted that the workshop would help to address the areas that needed further clarification in the TSA implementation. He said the workshop equally targeted improving capacity and the capability of police finance officers to professionally key into and implement the ongoing financial reforms in the public sector. Also speaking, a staff of

the office of Accountant General of the Federation and facilitator of the workshop, Oke Adebayo, assured that the participants would have been wellequipped to use the system at the end of the workshop. According to him, the training was critical as all government budgets would be routed through the government integrated financial management system.

news

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Eid Fitr: Nigerian airports ready for traffic increase Shola Adekola - Lagos

MANAGEMENT of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has assured members of the public, especially, passengers and airline operators, that necessary operational and security measures have been put in place at all the country’s airports to ensure hitch-free passage of passengers and cargo during the 2015 Eid Fitr holidays. According to the General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Yakubu Dati;”airports are expected to experience considerable upsurge in passenger traffic during this pe-

Islamic bank to invest N19bn on bilingual education

THE Islamic Development Bank, (IDB), is to invest N19.5billion, in bilingual education project in nine states in Nigeria. President of the group, Ahmad Ali, made the disclosure, on Saturday, when he led other executives of the bank to host the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, at the organisation’s headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Kano emir is in Saudi Arabia as Nigeria’s amirul hajj, where he and his committee are paying for their expenses. The IDB boss listed the states that would benefit from the investment to include Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Osun states.

riod. “Apart from the statutory security and safety measures already in place at the airports, sniffer dogs and members of the bomb detection unit of the Nigerian police, have also been deployed at the airports, to complement the effort of our aviation security personnel at the security screening points." “Passenger facilitation at all our airports has also been enhanced by the installation of more modern and bigger conveyor belts and walk-through metal detectors. The expansion and modernisation of all the airport terminals in the country now provide better ambience and more space for shops and restaurants at the terminals. This also helps passengers to relax comfortably while waiting for their flights. “ The authority, however, advised air passengers to make early arrangements for their travels and to leave home early on their travel dates, in order to complete their boarding facilities in good time.

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news

Monday, 21 September, 2015

N5bn LG bailout will be released soon —Kwara gov Biola Azeez - Ilorin

WARA State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed ,has expressed optimism that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will

soon release the N5 billion bailout loan for the payment of salary and pension arrears at the local government level in the state. Speaking during a latenight meeting with state

council officials of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigerian Union

Medical committee seals 10 hospitals in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure ONDO State Committee on Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has sealed about 10 hospitals across the 18 local government areas of the state over illegal operations. This was disclosed by the chairman of the committee, Dr Ola Oba-Ado, while speaking with journalists in Akure as he said that owners of the sealed hospitals had also been sanctioned in line with the law. Oba-Ado said the committee took the step in a bid to sensitise the medical practice in the state by flushing out quacks and also to ensure safety of the people. Oba -Ado, who is also the director of Hospital Services in the state Ministry of Health, said the committee, which was set up to regulate medical practice in the state by ensuring standard and ethics are adhered to, had been collaborating with the relevant stakeholders in health sector to ensure that quality health-

American novelist, Jackie Collins, dies at 77 By Rotimi Ige AMERICAN novelist, Jackie Collins, has died from cancer at the age of 77 years. The celebrated novelist was reported dead on Saturday, in Los Angeles. Confirming her death, her family released a statement saying, ‘It is with sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of a kind mother, Jackie Collins, who died of breast cancer today (Saturay). "She lived a wonderfully life and was adored by her family, friends and the millions of readers who she has been entertaining for the past four decades. She was a true inspiration, a trail blazer for women in fiction and a creative force. She will live on through her characters but we already miss her beyond words". She was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, but kept her illness from the public. In her career, she sold more than 500 million copies of her books. She began publishing novels in the late 60s and put out several in the 70s but had her breakthrough and became a celebrity in her own right in the 80s.

care delivery service was delivered to the people. He explained that some health facilities which were not up to standard in terms of equipment and personnel, were discovered by the committee and had been given certain period of time to meet up with the laid down requirement or face sanction .

While admonishing doctors to practise within the limit of the law, Oba-Ado said that any doctor in the state that ran foul of the law, would be appropriately sanctioned and said a special task force had been put in place to check the activities of patent medicine stores in the state to curb the spread and sales of adulterated drugs.

of Pensioners, at the Government House, Ilorin ,on Friday, Governor Ahmed said he had received assurances from CBN that funds will be released shortly. Governor Ahmed expressed concern about the hardship caused to local government workers and pensioners by the arrears which he attributed to continued drop in federal allocation. He commended the workers and pensioners for their patience and pledged to continue working to ensure that the funds are released without further delay. He stressed that the N5 billion bailout loan, when

received, will clear existing arrears at the 16 local government councils across the state. On the bailout promised by the Federal Government, Governor Ahmed said the state government received N4.3billion to clear the two months’ arrears owed state civil servants. Alhaji Ahmed also explained that the Federal Government had restructured the state government’s N15billion debt into a low-interest 20-year bond. He said the expected savings will enhance the state government’s capacity to meet its salary obligations and other responsibilities.

Governor Ahmed, however, emphasised that the only way for the state and local government councils to avoid salary crises in the future was to grow Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), as that is the only way the state can survive its current economic challenges. He, therefore, called on the people of the state to support the newly established Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) ,to meet its revenue targets so that salary arrears at the state and local government levels ,will become a thing of the past.

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Lagosmetro Olatunde Dodondawa

ollowing the directives by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, to the management of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to ensure free flow of traffic on Lagos roads, the LASTMA officials have begun booking of traffic offenders while allowing the offender to continue with his journey without taking custody of the vehicle. The exercise which kicked off at Ojota area of Lagos State at the weekend witnessed the arrest of four motorists that violated the BRT-lane law. All the vehicles arrested were booked accordingly, while the two private own-

LASTMA commences booking of traffic offenders

•Arrests 4 over BRT lane violation

ers were able to provide valid vehicle documents on spot, the two commercial bus drivers could not provide any valid driving documents but were all allowed to go with the their vehicles in line with the new policy of the Lagos

State government. The General Manager of the agency, Bashir Braimah who led the officials to the field operations explained to journalists that the exercise was the first after the directive of Governor Ambode.

He re-affirmed that the enforcement will send signals to recalcitrant drivers and those who engage in transportation business in the state that it is no more business as usual as the Road Traffic Law is still valid and in existence

and must be obeyed at all times, stressing further that only the method of implementation has changed. On the workability of the new approach, the LASTMA boss explained that “there would be no hidden place for traffic vi-

olators as the offenders are expected to make payment of their various fines within the docket of seven days and present their tickets at LASTMA offices and failure to comply will be arrested at home after the expiration of the grace. “To those without valid documents or not registered in the state, there is a working synergy between the agency and other sister agencies across the federation, therefore no traffic offender will go unpunished. It is in their own interest to either fall in or fall out with this new method,” Braimah said.

Seaport worker dies at Tin-Can during vessel off-loading emanated from another vessel that was going to another terminal at hed A seaport worker attac the Tin-Can Island Port proce servi to one of the paper on viders employed by the caused the reel l to fall vesse ored anch Nigerian Ports Authority an docking spect unsu the on Sam(NPA), 40-year-old side along he while er work Delta from son Oheha, on g argin disch State has died after being others was l. vesse ored anch hit by one of the paper the “You know that anytime reels during discharging vessel is berthed along a the at l vesse efforts on a at the ports Five Stars Logistics Ter- the terminals l is passvesse er anoth minal of the Tin-Can Is- and waves bye, ng movi or ing over land Ports in Lagos, vessel ng movi the from the weekend. anor ed berth Further findings revealed shake the it ng maki l, vesse d that the deceased was chore ble. unsta ths’ owed about eight mon “So while the other vessalary by his direct emng towards ployer, one of the service sel was movi at Tin-Can spot er providers contracted by anoth s from that wave the , ports mari the NPA to carry out anchored the k shoo l vesse the at ces servi time related a and Oheh h Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel whic on, ing work were s ports like the Five Stars other the of one ng causi by there Logistics Terminal. him on fall to rs pape reel how on cted When conta the spot. the incident happened, and he died on happened ent incid “The the President of the DockLogistics Stars Five the at the workers branch of the Tine insid inal Term n Unio ers Maritime Work . After ports d of Nigeria (MWUN), Adey- Can Islan inal term the , death his anju Adewale explained Logis Stars Five tor, opera fell r that the reel of pape ey mon made ted Limi tics to due er work on the dock he can be the waves that came from available so that ue. That morg a to ed carri another vessel that was e had polic the after was passing bye. a pous given and in come was ened “What happ t. that the sea waves that lice repor

Tola Adenubi

Waste materials litter almost every corner of Mobil road at Boundary Market, close to Araromi/ Ifelodun LCDA, Apapa. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

How we sell vandalised highway bridge railings Olalekan Olabulo A member of one of the gangs, who vandalise the railings at the side of bridges in Lagos, has been arrested by the police in Lagos State. The suspect, Musa Inusa, also revealed that members of his gang sell the vandalised railings as low as N7000. Musa was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who intercepted members of the gang, while trying to move vandalised railings to the buyer. The commander in charge of RRS, Olatunji Disu confirmed the arrest of the suspect and added that the ar-

rest was part of the move by the police in Lagos State to protect public and private properties as well as curb all forms of crime and criminality in Lagos State. According to RRS commander, “On the fateful midnight, the policemen from RRS while on routine patrol at Costain by National Art Theatre, intercepted three men. One was pushing a cart with ten-cutto-size aluminum bridge rails and the other two were coming behind him.” ACP Disu continued that “On sighting the police approaching, two of the suspects, Abdullahi and Ibrahim bolted away and Musa was arrested.

“Upon completion of our preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the suspect and his gang members were in the habit of cutting down the railings of highway ridges which are meant to save lives when eventuality occurs on the highway, within the metropolis.” He also stated that efforts were on to apprehend the other two men, Ibrahim and Abdullahi who escaped the dragnet of the police. The suspect confessed to the police, but insisted that members of his gang only took bridge railings that fell and that they did not vandalise them. Musa said “I am one of the three-man syndicate who

are stealing the bridge rails across the state. We have our own market where we sell the stolen rails. I am a native of Pagee Local Government Area in Kano State where my parents live at

Govt warns The Lagos State Government in its effort at implementing the Section 3 of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2012 to the letter has once again issued a warning to commercial motorcycle operators popularly called okada riders on all restricted routes and street traders to comply with the Law or risk arrest and

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

Mechanic steals N12m company truck A 29-year-old man, Paul Johnson has been accused of stealing a truck valued at N12, 000,000 belonging to China Railway Construction Company. Johnson, a mechanic was given the truck to repair and allegedly conspired with others, now at large, who were supposed to pick up a mobile container at Apapa Wharf. They, however, allegedly changed direction towards Ibadan Expressway in-

stead of Apapa. It was discovered that the defendant sold the truck on getting to Ibadan, where he was found out and arrested. Johnson pleaded not guilty when he was charged before an Ebute Metta Magistrate court. The magistrate, Mrs Ope Agbe admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N12, 000, 000 with two responsible sureties. The case was adjourned till October 12, 2015.

Pick-pocket gang arrested fighting over loot Olalekan Olabulo Articulated vehicles blocking the two major roads linking Lagos Island and Apapa, which resulted in a gridlock, on Sunday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Multiple taxes crippling our business, hoteliers tell Ambode Shola Adekola Hoteliers in Lagos State have appealed to the state governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode to address the issue of multiple taxation which they claimed is having debilitating effects on the hospitality business in the state. Making the appeal on behalf of the hoteliers

—Suspect the moment. When I got to Lagos in 2010 to search for means of livelihood, all my efforts to secure job were fruitless. It was Ibrahim who introduced this business to me.”

in Lagos State at weekend, the President, Hoteliers Association Nigeria (HAN), Lagos State, Tola Odunuga, noted that, “We want to appeal to Governor Ambode to save our business from collapsing. Multiple tax levied against our members is having a crippling effect on our business. While the state government impose levies on us which we pay as at when due, local government officials and Ministry of Health and Environment officials have also been making life difficult for us, through various levies imposed on our members. “Aside these, we also pay VAT and Consumption tax. These levies are numerous

and some of them are duplicating. We are forced to pay the same tax under different names. There should be a review and harmonisation. We implore Governor Ambode to look into our complaint, and take necessary measures to save our business from collapsing.”

400 Iyalojas, Babalojas become ambassadors against rape Bola Badmus Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has enlisted over 400 market leaders popularly called Iyalojas and Babalojas as Ambassadors against domestic

okada riders, street traders prosecution. The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, Olubukola Abe, a Superintendent of Police, who disclosed this in his office on Sunday said out of 9100 roads in the state motorcycle operators were restricted to only 475 roads which exclude highways and bridges according to the law.

He said that enforcement by law enforcement officers will be intensified, assuring that they will not relent in their efforts to restore sanity on roads while curbing the excesses of okada riders and street traders. Abe said since he assumed office as the Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force on Monday, August 9 till

On the issue of insecurity challenge facing the country, the hotelier urged both federal and state governments, including the police to develop closer relationship with hoteliers as part of efforts being made to combat the scourge of terrorism in the country.

Three members of a pick pocket syndicate, who before now had been operating on the island of Lagos State, have been arrested by the police in the state. The suspects were a few days ago arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), during a clash between them on the ratio to be used in sharing the loot from a successful operation. The arrested suspects include: Segun Alao, Monsuru Onanuga and Ebuka Ekujere who con-

date, over 1000 motorcycles have been arrested and have some of their riders prosecuted including street traders/hawkers with their wares confiscated by the courts of law. He, however, appealed to his officers and other law enforcement agents to carry out their duties diligently while enforcing the Law.

violence, in its quest to rid the state of all forms of gender-based violence. Coordinator of DSVRT, Mrs Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen, after a meeting where the market leaders were educated on the existence of the various laws, including the Child’s Rights Law, 2007, Prevention Against Domestic Violence Law, 2007 and the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Vivour-Adeniyi, who said the contact numbers to reach members of the team were also communicated during the engagement, further disclosed that the market leaders were also informed of the support services available to them if they or any person came out

to report such incident. According to her, such support services include shelter homes and access to free legal representation. She said the need to speak out and not cower to pressures from family members, opinion leaders and even certain law enforcement agencies to settle the matters out of court was also reiterated at the meeting. She said the latest engagement with the market leaders was premised on the mandate given by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode to embark on grassroots engagement, adding that traders being key stakeholders in this regard should champion the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence crimes.

fessed that they operate in public transport. The suspects were arrested in front of Eko Hotels of Lagos Island after they had successfully dispossessed a passenger in a tricycle of his mobile phone. Ebuka, while speaking at the Alausa office of the RRS confessed to the crime and accused the two other suspects of trying to shortchange him, after the operation stating that he had to carry the two other suspects along, when they caught him in the act. Ebuka noted that duo of Monsuru and Segun are his accomplices because they knew he is into act of stealing. “The two of them know that I am in the act of stealing of phones and whenever they noticed that I stole, I used to settle them,” he revealed. While giving their own sides of the story, the duo of Monsuru and Segun, denied the allegations by Ebuka. “I am a member of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Jakande Branch but posted to Eko Hotel round about to regulate free-flow of traffic. I was at my duty post when I sighted a man later identified as Ebuka pick a handset on a seat inside a tricycle. I and Segun Alao challenged him to know if he is the owner but said he is not. He promised to give both of us N3, 000 which he did,” Monsuru added.

42 HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

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Nigerian Tribune

Mama was a nationalist, true mother —Yakassai Kola Oyelere - Kano

LHAJI Tanko Yakassai, former special adviser on National Assembly Matters to former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, has described the death of H I D Awolowo as a colossal loss, saying her death came at a time when the nation needed her motherly care and counseling most. According to a statement signed and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, by Alhaji Yakassai, in Kano, on Saturday, the elder statesman said, “By her death, we have lost a mother and a guide that always give us the younger ones, courage and determination to recommit ourselves to

It’s a passage of a Matriarch— NUJ THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) joined the Awolowo family and other well meaning Nigerians in mourning the death of Chief HID Awolowo, the Matriarch of the Awolowo family, who passed on peacefully on Saturday, only two months ahead of her 100th birthday. The NUJ, in a statement signed by the national secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, noted that she was a successful business woman and astute politician, who played an active role in the politics of the defunct Western Nigeria and stood in for her husband in the then alliance formed between the NCNC and AG, called the United Progressive Grand Alliance when the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was in jail. Nigeria will surely miss her wise counsel and we pray that the Almighty God will grant her eternal rest and the Awolowo family, the fortitude to continue without her.

the building of the nation; to raise it to higher level so that our country will be able to overcome her various challenges, so that those coming behind

THE death of Dr Hannah Dideolu Awolowo has been described as a big loss, not only to the Yoruba nation, but the whole black race. Paying tribute to the Matriarch of the Awolowo family, the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, said he was shocked when he heard about the death of Mama Awolowo when everybody was preparing for her centenary birthday. Isiaka, who was among

and everlasting tranquility,” Yakassai said. Be that as it may, we have every reason to be grateful to Almighty God for her life and the enormous

contributions she made in promoting national unity and patriotism among all our people. May her gentle soul rest in eternal and perfect

peace and may God grant the family members of great Awolowo and the rest of us courage and fortitude to bear this great loss. Amen.’’

Her death a monumental loss— Yuguda THE death of the Matriarch of the Awolowo Dynasty, Mama Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, has been described as a monumental loss to the country, considering the fact that her motherly counsel will be missed at a time like this that the country is experiencing political and socio-economic change. In a statement signed and issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Deacon Ishola Michael Adeyemi, immediate past governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda, commiserated with the immediate and extended families of the Awolowo as well as the government and people of Ogun State over the death of HID Awolowo, whom he described as a virtuous woman, a loving and caring mother to all

and above all God-fearing. While recollecting his meetings with her at their Ikenne residence on a few occasions, Yuguda stated that he found in her a woman, who always wanted peace to reign above all things because according

to him, despite her advanced age, she always told those around her to foster peace at all cost. The former governor, while condoling with the Awolowo family, urged them to take it with joy because Mama fought

a good cause during her lifetime and so has gone to rest just as he called on the children she left behind to continue from where she stopped so that they too will have positive testimonies at the end. He then prayed to God

OAU mourns her demise THE Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Bamitale Omole, has described the death of Mama HID Awolowo as a great loss to the nation and womanhood. In a condolence message, the OAU Vice-Chancellor described Mama as exemplifying the arch typical biblical woman who was not only supportive of her husband’s aspirations, but an embodiment of loyalty,

fidelity and backbone for the indelible political forays of her husband. The Vice-Chancellor added that while OAU will miss

her motherly counsel, the entire university takes solace in the fact that she lived a dignifying and exemplifying life.

By Tunde Ogunesan THE former governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mr

Adebayo Shittu, has described the death of Mama Awolowo as a big blow to the progressives’ camp in Nigeria. Shittu, in a message sent to the Nigerian Tribune

THE immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with the family of the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; the government and people of Ogun State and the entire Yoruba race on the

demise of H.I.D. Awolowo, the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty. Fayemi, in a statement on Sunday, described the death of the late matriarch as a glorious end to a remarkable life devoted to

said the progressives, especially those who cut their teeth following the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has lost a motivator in the late matriach of Awolowo

dynasty. He said, “News of the death of Mama Awolowo on Saturday, September 19, 2015 is undoubtedly a big blow to all progressives, politicians, Nigerians, and particularly those of us who cut our political teeth under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. “Mama was as solid as the rock of Gibraltar in providing all the needed political support for our late mentor. We pray that Almighty Allah may grant all of us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Her death a loss to humanity— Oyo APC THE All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State chapter, has described the death of the matriarch of the Awolowo’s family, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, as a great loss to the black race and humanity as a whole. APC, in a statement issued by its Director of Publicity and Strategy, Olawale Sadare, said the news of the demise of Mama Awolowo

the first set of sympathisers that visited Ikenne, Ogun State home of the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, on Saturday, recalled his several visits to Mama Awolowo and her wise counsel on the tough terrains of Nigeria politics. Isiaka noted that Mama would long be remembered as an Ambassador of Peace, a virtuous woman, a faithful wife, a quintessential mother and a strong stabilising factor who did her best to accommodate all politicians irrespective of their political beliefs.

came with shock and disbelief in view of the love and affection which many people have for the family of the Sage. “We had looked forward to this November to join the Yoruba nation and the Awolowo dynasty in the an-

ticipated centenary birthday of Mama but her sudden death has robbed us of this. As posited by the Sage many years back, Mama Awolowo was a Jewel of Inestimable Value and her legacy shall remain evergreen forever,” APC said.

Politicians’ wives should emulate her rare qualities -Methodist Prelate By Rita Okonoboh THE Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Most Reverend (Dr) Samuel K. Uche, has also expressed his condolence to the Awolowo family and

the African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Tribune titles, on the passage of the Awolowo matriarch, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo. Speaking with Nigerian Tribune, the Prelate,

while expressing shock at the news, stated that “Mama, Awolowo, was a positive influence to her late husband. Let the wives of modern day politicians emulate her enviable rare qualities.”

She lived a purposeful life —Bola Ige’s daughter By Nurudeen Alimi DAUGHTER of former governor of Oyo State, late Chief Bola Ige, Mrs Funso Adegbola, while paying tribute to late Chief Mrs HID Awolowo, said she lived a long and purposeful life.

to give the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, the fortitude to bear the loss as well as the courage to ensure that the standard of objectivity set while Mama was alive as the Co-founder and Chairman, was maintained because according to him, it is only by so doing that the good name of the Awolowo Dynasty will remain indelible in the minds of Nigerians.

Fayemi commiserates with Awo’s family

HID’s death, a big blow to the progressives – Shittu

GNI extols HID’s virtues Olayinka Olukoya, Abeokuta

will inherit a nation free of those challenges that constituted a big impediment to its growth to a nation where its citizens can enjoy unfettered freedom, peace

In her condolence message, she noted:”So sad to hear about Mama Awolowo’s passing. We bless God for her long and purposeful life. I had written a tribute for her centenary in November not knowing she would be celebrating it with the saints’ trium-

phant.

“May Mama HID Awolowo’s soul rest in perfect peace, and light perpetual shine upon her. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren must be proud of her, Papa Awolowo’s jewel of inestimable value.”

the service of humanity. Describing Mama Awolowo as a woman of remarkable grace, bravery and strength of character, the former Ekiti State governor said the late matriarch remained a shining example of loyalty and devotion. Fayemi recalled the crucial roles played by the late Mrs Awolowo in providing the right support for the sage during the period of his political activities and keeping the family together after Awo’s passage as well as working tirelessly for the unity and progress of the Yoruba race. He also recalled his many encounters with the late matriarch whom he described as a woman of immense grace who had and demonstrated great passion for the unity and wellness of the Yoruba in particular and Nigeria as a whole. Fayemi said: “In all, Mama put in her very best and remained for us all a shining example in leadership, courage and loyalty. Mama’s peaceful passage barely two months to her 100th birthday celebration after a fulfilled life remains a cause for celebration.” “While Mama would be missed for her wisdom, candour and as the conscience and custodian of the Awolowo dynasty, the fact that she lived a good life, impacted many lives and left a legacy of honour are sufficient reasons to celebrate rather than mourn her passage.’’ “On behalf of my family, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the Awolowo family, the people of Ogun State and Nigerians on the passage of this great woman.” He added.

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Monday, 21 September, 2015

It’s loss of an epitome of honesty, integrity, dignity –Atiku Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

ORMER vice president and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who pays tribute to Mama HID Awolowo, said he was already looking forward to celebrating her centenary birthday. The Turaki Adamawa, who shares November 25 birthday with the deceased matriarch of the Awolowo family, in a statement released by his media office in Abuja on Sunday, eulogised and paid glowing tribute to the departed Yeye Oba Adimula of Yorubaland and ageless national icon. “Mama HID (Awolowo) was mother to all and an epitome of honesty, integrity and dignity. She was a rare gem, a symbol of fineness and firmness, a woman of substantial depth on all matters, a devout and dedicated Christian, a successful business tycoon, a faithful and committed wife, and indeed a case-study for current generation of women leaders and those yet unborn.”The former vice president, who is also the Aare Adimula of the Source, described the grandmother of Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as “an embodiment of

primordial and contemporary history, symbol of traditional norms and virtues, a fashionista of repute and stickler to discipline and transparency; whose indelible imprints on the sands of time would be hard to erase.”

THE p a n - Y o r u b a socio-political group, Afenifere, on Sunday, said that Yeye Oodua’s good life to the fullest should be celebrated. Mama, according to Afenifere, “will forever be remembered for standing solidly behind our eternal leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, throughout his political ordeals in the web of intrigues and contradictions called Nigeria.” Afenifere said this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin, copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune. The group said the late matriarch was there for her husband, the sage, in

Meanwhile, the former vice president urges wives of leaders and aspiring female politicians to imbibe and emulate the legacies of endurance, patience, honesty, integrity and dignity that Mama Awolowo, “jewel of inestimable value”,

bequeathed to the nation, and the world at large, in the course of her centuryold sojourn on earth. “I am deeply saddened and immensely touched to lose a mother, birthday mate, generous adviser and matriarchal legend,

We will celebrate her in death –Mimiko GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, has described Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo as a pillar of success to her late husband, noting that she stood solidly behind him as a wife and political backbone. He said “For us, her death is a celebration actually. The Awolowo family represents the depot option for good governance, for integrity and for confidence. I don’t have any doubt in my mind that Mama is with the Lord. Papa would not have achieved if he did not have Mama. We thank God for this wonderful union that taught us as politicians what it takes to be good leaders. She provided succour during Papa’s tribulations.” Responding, the eldest child of the Awolowo dynasty, Pastor (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, has lauded the Ondo State

We shall celebrate her good life —Afenifere Bola Badmus - Lagos

Atiku also commiserated with Nigerians, the Yorubas, people of Ogun State and Ikenne and, in particular, members of the nuclear and extended Awolowo dynasty, on the demise of a great woman leader.

all the persecutions, orchestrated trials, unjust imprisonment and internal exiling by feudal forces who resented the federalist principles Awolowo espoused.“ For the past 28 years after Papa’s relocation to higher realm. Mama has kept his home with dignity and uncommon candour,” Afenifere said.

governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, saying that the governor looked after their late mother

to her point of death. According to her, the people and government of Ondo State were

always in support of the Awolowo family and never forsook the family at any time.

HID, an epitome of unity among Yoruba groups, interests —Akinfenwa By Seyi Gesinde NATIONAL chairman of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, has expressed his condolence to the Awolowo Family, over the death of the matriarch of Awolowo Dynasty, Yeye Oodua, Chief H.I.D. Awolowo. Senator Akinfenwa, who, in his condolence message celebrated Mama for her mental alertness till the point of death at the ripe age of 99, described her as an epitome of unity among Yoruba groups and interests. He said: “Mama was an epitome of unity for all Yoruba sons and daughters and a rallying point for the assembly of all Yoruba groups and interests, after the demise of her husband, the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the then leader of the Yoruba.” “No wonder, Papa Awolowo described his wife, Mama, as his ‘Jewel of Inestimable Value.’ She would be remembered more for her cosmopolitan nature which embraced all races despite her political lineage of progressivism.” “I celebrate Mama more for her mental alertness. Whenever she discussed with us, even at old age, she would remember events of over sixty years ago, as if it happened yesterday, mentioning names of characters involved and where it happened. “It is also worthy of note to

thank God for Mama, for granting her good health, even till the point of death. “Mama, as you now finally

return home, enjoy your everlasting rest with your husband, Papa Awo,” Akinfenwa said.

NUPPPROW expresses shock THE National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers (NUPPPROW) has described Mama HID Awolowo’s death as a great shock. A statement signed by NUPPPROW national president, Comrade Ayokunle Olaoye, noted that it was not because Mama was not old enough to die but because “we least expected her passing at this very period when all hands were on deck to give her a befitting centenary birthday. Moreover, her passing was painful because we are yet to wean ourselves from her wisdom, sense of understanding and intelligence which are not common in men and women of her age. “Mama was loving, charitable, humble and an encyclopedia of knowledge. Mama remembered events, dates and time easily as if those events happened only yesterday. She will also be remembered for the easy ways she proffered solutions to intricate challenges.” He noted that it would be an understatement to

say the Tribune Family, Awolowo Family, the Yoruba nation, Nigeria and the whole world would miss her greatly. The union further prayed that God would give all Mama’s constituencies the necessary fortitude to bear the irreparable loss; adding that her soul rest in permanent peace.

but glad that I had the privilege to drink from her fountain of abundant wisdom and knowledge.”

Impact of HID’s death will take generations to heal —Tambuwal GOVERNOR Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has said that the impact of the death of Mama HID Awolowo will take generations to heal. This is contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Imam Imam, in Sokoto, on Sunday. Tambuwal described the matriarch of the Awolowo family as a unique human being whose virtuosity, influence and charisma would be sorely missed. He also said all categories of Nigerians had benefited from late HID’s wise counsel at different times, and urged the Federal Government to immortalise her. While expressing the condolence of the people and government of Sokoto State over the sad loss, Tambuwal also prayed to God to give her immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Koleosho mourns HID THE former National Chairman of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Micheal Adeniyi Koleoso, has described the death of Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo as a huge loss to the family, the government and the people of Ogun state, the Yoruba race and the nation in general. In a condolence message, Chief Koleoso who is also a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG) said “the death of the wife of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is a big blow that came at a time when she is most needed to play a vital role in the social - economic and political transformation of Nige-

ria.” According to him, “The Yeye Oduduwa was a role model. She was a pride to womanhood.She was a leading light among women of her generation and creed. She was a faithful wife and committed mother who stood solidly behind her husband, Chief Awolowo during thick and thin. She was an epitome of excellence”. While praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased, Chief Koleoso prayed that the Almighty God grant the family left behind, Ogun State Government the Yoruba race and the country at large the fortitude to bear the loss.

Ogun State on December 17, 2012, where it held a bridge building meeting with leaders of the South West and Yoruba Unity Forum under the chairmanship of Mrs Awolowo. “That interactive meeting was cordial and fruitful as issues relating to the unity of Nigeria and need to work togeth-

er were emphasised. ACF extends its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Mama, the government and people of Ogun State and Nigerians as a whole over the demise of amiable and loving Mrs Awolowo who lived a fulfilled life. May her soul rest in peace,” the statement read.

Her death created vacuum difficult to fill –ACF Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna THE Arewa consultative Forum (ACF) has said the death of Mama Awolowo at the age of 99, who joined her ancestors on September 19, 2015, has created a vacuum in the country. This was contained in a press statement issued to the Nigerian Tribune

in Kaduna, on Sunday and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim. “Mrs H.I.D. Awolowo’s death has created a vacuum not only in the Yoruba kingdom but the nation as a whole, in view of her statesmanship and motherly concern for the unity,

understanding and peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians. “Since the death of her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in 1987, Mama has been the rallying point of the Yorubas and even across the Niger. “ACF recalls with nostalgia its visit to Mama Awolowo at Ikenne,

44 news

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Kogi poll: We’ll improve on previous elections —INEC Yinka Oladoyinbo - L okoja

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has pledged to conduct a free and fair election that would be an improvement on previous elections during the next governorship election in Kogi State. The chairman of the commission, Mrs Amina Bala Zakari, said this in Lokoja, the state capital at a oneday workshop on “Match towards a Culture of Peaceful, Free and Fair Electioneering Campaigns and Elections” organised by the state branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The INEC boss, who spoke through the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Haliru Pai, said that the commission had commenced recruitment of ad-hoc staff for the conduct of the election holding on November 21 in the state.

Leadership problem bane of Nigeria —Agbakoba Bola Badmus - Lagos LEADING human rights activist, Mr Olisa Agbakoba, who is also former president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has said that leadership is the bane of Nigeria, submitting that everything was ripe for President Muhammadu Buhari to be the father of modern Nigeria provided he took the right steps to address the numerous challenges facing the country. This was just as he likened the problem confronting Nigeria to that faced by a man with four wives in the same room, who will end up giving himself trouble; whereas a wise man who wants peace would construct four bungalows in the same compound and put a wife in each of the bungalows. Agbakoba said this in an exclusive interview he granted the Nigerian Tribune in his Lagos State residence, declaring that, “Leadership is Nigeria’s problem, and the fact that we do not have committed political leaders is the problem, quite simply and squarely.”

According to her, the commission was able to identify some lapses in the last election had already addressed them to enable it conduct a free and fair poll, adding that there would be remarkable improvement in the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections. She said that the card readers would be deployed in the elections and solicited mass participation of the electorate.

The INEC chairman, however, urged politicians to display the spirit of sportsmanship during the contest. Delivering the keynote address at the event, the executive chairman, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Reverend George Ehusani, said there was the need for ethical and moral revolution among Nigerians for the country to imbibe the culture of peaceful, free and fair election.

He regretted that the nation’s resources had been plundered with high level of impunity, saying the situation could only be corrected if and when the rule of law is brought to bear on the mechanisms that run the system. The branch Chairman of NBA, Mr Joseph Akubo, said the event was part of the contributions of the bar towards ensuring that democracy is well entrenched in the country.

Police rescue septuagenarian from kidnappers in Delta He said, “In the face of sponsored violence and election rigging, it behoves on us as stakeholders to enlighten our members and the general public. We all must make ourselves available as agents of positive change”. The acting chairman of Kogi State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), however, urged all Nigerians to have a rethink and re-channel their goals and objectives towards attaining a better Nigeria.

Pastor-in-charge, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Dele Balogun and his wife Temitope; flanked by Pastor-in-charge, Oyo Province 7, Pastor Adegbosin Caleb Olurotimi and his wife Taiwo (left); Assistant Pastor-in-charge, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Pastor Olugbemi Sesan and his wife Temilola, at the welcome service of the pastor-in-charge of Oyo Province 7, Rehoboth Parish, Ladigbolu, Oyo, on Sunday. PHOTO: Alolade Ganiyu.

Boat collision off Turkish coast kills 13 refugees Bola Badmus - Lagos At least 13 refugees have died after their boat collided with a ferry off the Turkish coast on Sunday, officials there said, while the Greek coast guard fanned out in the choppy waters of the Aegean Sea searching for another 27 people missing after their boat sank off the island of Lesbos. Coast guard officials said some 29 people were rescued in the two incidents, which followed another sinking near Lesbos on Saturday, in which a 5-year-old girl drowned. Between 10 and 12 people went missing. Meanwhile, the Libyan coastguard said it rescued 215 refugees Sunday from two boats in the Mediterranean, including more than 50 women, a day after Italy said over 4,500 people were saved off Libya. The events highlight the risks that those fleeing conflict and poverty in the

Middle East, Africa and Asia are willing to take in hopes of reaching sanctuary in Europe. Men, women and children continue to take the perilous sea journey despite the fact that thousands of earlier refugees find themselves blocked by closed border crossings in the Balkans. Hungary’s decision to shut its border with Serbia on September 15 set off a

chain reaction in Croatia and Slovenia that has forced people fleeing violence in their homelands to rush from one European border to the next as they desperately try to find their way north before the rules change again. Thousands are on the move all over southeastern Europe as authorities struggle to respond. Some 11,000 migrants crossed from Hungary into

Austria in the 24-hour period ending on midnight Saturday, with at least another 7,000 expected Sunday. In the Austrian border village of Nickelsdorf people arrived by foot after completing a half-an-hour walk from the Hungarian town of Hegyeshalom. From there, buses and trains take them to emergency shelters in Vienna and other parts of Austria.

Mysterious fire razes Kontagora new market Adelowo Oladipo - Minna PROPERTY estimated at several millions of naira were over the weekend destroyed as a mysterious fire razed down some shops at the Kontagora new market in Niger State, throwing traders into wailing and confusion. According to the eyewitness, the inferno started at about 12:00 am and lasted till dawn last Thursday, de-

stroying valuables, including auxiliary attachments made of woods and planks used by petty traders. The sources who craved for anonymity in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune yesterday in Minna further disclosed that scores of traders besieged the market in order to salvage their articles of trade moments after the fire outbreak. Many affected traders were said to have fainted

when they saw the magnitude of the wares destroyed by the mysterious inferno, as the immediate or remote cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Shehu Umar Danyaya who paid a sympathy visit to the scene of the inferno commiserated with the affected traders, just as he enjoined them to take the incident as an act of God.

Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba A 75-years-old woman who was kidnapped in Ezionu in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State last Friday has been rescued by the police. The woman, one Ogaraya Marculay was said to have been abducted from her farm by the bandits. However, the Dragon unit of the state police command team 23 while on patrol along KwaleOgwashi Uku road suspected a Mercedes Vboot with registration number Rivers DW357 PHC and gave it a hot chase following which the occupants abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush. When the police searched the vehicle, they saw the septuagenarian who confirmed she was kidnapped. Items recovered from the vehicle were one locally made gun, three live cartridges, some charms and the said vehicle. Preliminary investigation revealed that the said vehicle was earlier on snatched from one Christopher Obukowho ‘m’ by the fleeing hoodlums along Ogume road in the area.

Solar power lights vandalised in Delta Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba THE Delta State government has raised the alarm over vandalisation of its solar power lights across the state. According to the State Commissioner for Power and Energy, Mr Newworld Safugha, the vandals were on the prowl removing the batteries of numerous solar installations thereby throwing several communities including Asaba and Warri into darkness at night. The commissioner who spoke to newsmen in Asaba cautioned those involved to change their hearts or be ready to face the music once apprehended. However, Safugha said the government was putting all details together to resuscitate all the broken down power and solar street-lights which helped in no small way, to boost night life across the state.

news

Monday, 21 September, 2015

Oyo senatorial election: Ilaka appeals tribunal ruling on closure of case By Dare Adekanmbi

CCORD senatorial candidate for Oyo central senatorial district in the March 28 election, Chief Bisi Ilaka, has appealed the premature closure of his case in the August 14 ruling of the Justice J.G Abundaga-led National and State House of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal. Ilaka is challenging the results of the election in seven out of 11 local government councils in the district upon which the declaration of Hadjia Monsurat Sunmonu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner, was based. In a notice of appeal filed by his counsel, Mr Biodun Abdu-Raheem, Ilaka is praying the Appeal Court, Ibadan judicial division, to set aside the ruling of the tribunal and allow him to

conclude his case. The appeal, which is likely to be heard next week, has five grounds, among which is, that the tribunal erroneously applied the principles guiding its powers to suo – motu (voluntarily) close the appellant’s case. The appellant had secured an order of the tribunal to inspect and get certified true copies of the electoral documents used in the election to

maintain his petition, an order which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), partially complied with. Dissatisfied, Ilaka’s counsel filed a subpoena dated July 9, which caused the appearance of an officer of the INEC, who took scanty documents to the tribunal and pleaded for more time to bring the remaining and following which the matter was adjourned.

The non-compliance of INEC with the order of the tribunal on the inspection and counting of ballot papers, according to the appeal notice, warranted the filing and service of contempt charge against INEC. “When the tribunal threatened to close the appellant’s case on August 12, they were caused to file a motion dated August13, to give reasons for the need to al-

low the appellants’ use of 14 days prescribed by the Electoral Act 2010. “The tribunal acted speedily to breach the fundamental right of the appellants to fair hearing which has occasioned failure of justice… when they referred the motion for committal (of INEC supervising official to prison) to the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, for determination,” Ilaka’s counsel said.

Rumour over reintroduction of school fees baseless —Delta govt Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba

DELTA State government, has again, dispelled rumour doing the rounds that it has re-introduced tuition fees for the 2015/2016 academic year Describing the claim as false and baseless as at no time was the issue discussed or even contemplated, it said it was responsive and responsible and “that it is here to serve the people of the state”. Addressing a press conference in Asaba, the state capital, at the weekend, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said that one of the key areas of focus of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa -led administration was education and that in doing so, the major mission was the gradual and steady recovery of standards. According to him, there are 230, 000 pupils in 1,293 public primary and 313,000 students in 432 secondary schools with a total of 25,000 teachers in the state. The commissioner said that a summit to discuss pertinent issues bothering on education and future of children would be convened to determine sustainable solution to the issues at hand. Ebie listed improvement of oversight functions in areas of monitoring and supervision of schools, infrastructural upgrade of public schools, subvention to public schools and career growth for teachers among others, as areas that required urgent attention.

A truck containing fairly-used tyres worth N20 million which were confiscated by the Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, at the weekend.

It's too early to talk about 2018 gov poll —Adeleke Oluwole Ige - Osogbo A former governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, on Sunday, said it was too early to be talking whether or not he has ambition to contest 2018 governorship election in the state. Senator Adeleke, who spoke against the backdrop of his speculated governor-

ship ambition in a statement by his media aide, Mr Olumide Lawal ,in Osogbo, maintained that 2018 was still a very long period to start thinking of any political ambition. The senator, who is currently represents Osun West senatorial district in the senate, in a statement titled: " I am focused on my senatorial duties", added

that currently, he does not want any distraction from the current assignment. The statement reads in part: "Senator Adeleke, contrary to speculations doing the rounds in a section of the media, to the effect that he has his eyes on Osun governorship seat, come 2018, is very focused to make a great success of his current membership of

Customs confiscates tyres worth N20m Ubong Anthony - Calabar IN its continuous onslaught against fake goods, the Cross River State command of the Nigeria Customs Service, at the weekend, confiscated 5000 pieces of contraband fairly used tyres worth over N20 million. Customs Area Comptroller in charge of Cross River, Akwa Ibom and the Calabar Free Trade Zone, Comptroller Nicholas Oshomah, told newsmen in Calabar that the tryes were seized owing to an intelligence report and over three days of intensive surveillance in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State. Oshomah said no one was

arrested. He, however, decried the alarming rate of economic sabotage in the country as a result of unwholesome activities of smugglers and warned that anyone caught would be made to face the full weight of the law. According to him, prohibited goods seized would be destroyed as they posed serious danger to the citizenry. He advised people willing to be involved in trade facilitation to conduct such businesses in line with extant laws, guiding importation and exportation. On how the products were seized, he said, “When we got there, we saw the situa-

tion and because of the incidences we faced in the past, miscreants do come around to attack officers, I quickly mobilised other units, the federal operations unit. "Also, I called the comptroller in charge of marine, Eastern Marine Command and they mobilised officers from Oron. They joined my officers and we have been on it since Tuesday and we were able to recover all the tyres. But unfortunately, we could not arrest anybody because the place was very far inside.” The tyres were conveyed to the Customs’ warehouse in Calabar in four trucks and four pick up vehicles.

the National Assembly in the 8th Senate" "It should be categorically stated that for now, Senator Adeleke is out to give his best, as far as legislative duties in the 8th Senate are concerned, with a view to giving Nigerians value for their lives, through farreaching legislation and thorough oversight functions". "Senator Adeleke, is also out to seriously complement the efforts of the government in Osun State, so as to make the citizens live as comfortably as possible. He has totally resolved, that his current involvement in the 8th Senate will attract well-meaning projects for the people of Osun-West district, to keep them many steps ahead of others, while involving himself in areas of development, that will benefit the generality of Nigerians. "He believes, that only God Almighty, shall decide his fate in future political arena of the state, nay Nigeria, while urging all and sundry, to use each day of their lives as if, they will not see tomorrow, since God gives position to whom He wills without questioning," the statement added.

Group drums up support for Dickson Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Youth Restoration Vanguard, has thrown its weight behind the candidacy of the incumbent. Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, saying that he represents the only hope for the party’s rebirth and return to national dominance. In a press statement issued in Abuja, on Sunday, the group's national coordinator, Abubakar Ibrahim Babangida, said the group was able to verify the extent of Dickson’s positive impact as a performing governor after a tour of the state where people of the state expressed satisfaction with the developmental projects of his administration. “Bayelsa under Dickson is one of the few states where the fallen crude oil prices and naira devaluation has not totally crippled economic activities and put lives on hold. It is apparent that the Bayelsa State governor was able to properly manage the crisis that has thrown other states into dire financial straits."

NCAA grounds 2 foreign aircraft Shola Adekola - Lagos THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has grounded two foreign registered aircraft with immediate effect. The aircraft are: Bombardier 700-100, with registration marks G-RBEN Global express S/N 9083 operated by Gama Aviation, United Kngdom(UK) Limited and Embraer 135 J, with registration marks XA-MHA. The operator of G-RBEN aircraft were found operating in Nigeria’s airspace with falsified flight clearance information and conducting illegal domestic flight operations in Nigeria. Other infractions are, conducting illegal commercial revenue flight operations contrary to conditions contained in Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) Part 10 and security violations. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Embraer 135BJ registration marked XA-MHA, was reported to have landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from London, Farnborough without any flight clearance on September 10.

tribunesport

Monday, 21, September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Obafemi wins first trophy of the season OBAFEMI Martins won the first trophy of the season in the USA with Seattle Sounders when they claimed the 2015 Cascadia Cup following a 3-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps. The Cascadia Cup is a regional trophy contested by the Northwest teams in the MLS, namely Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers and the team with highest number of points in the meetings of the three teams win the trophy. Sounders top with 12 points to win their fourth Cascadia Cup. Nigeria striker Fanendo Adi of Portland Timbers was the top scorer of this year’s Cascadia Cup with three goals.

Norwich’s John Ruddy punches clear from Liverpool’s Christian Benteke during the match bewtween both teams at Anfield on Sunday. PHOTO:DAILYMAIL

Zambia, Bahrain, others woo Team Nigeria Powerlifting coach As Lagos offers him employment

Niyi Alebiosu -Brazzaville

OLLOWING the exploits of Nigerian Powerlifting team at the just concluded 11th All Africa Games, Brazzaville 2015, the head coach, Are Feyisetan, has turned into a beautiful bride as countries on the

African continent are now jostling for his signature. Tribunesport observed at Ornano Sports Complex, venue of the powerlifting event moves by officials of various countries trying to woo him to their side. Some of the countries on the trail of the former national powerlifter

StarTimes secures 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup broadcast right

Obafemi

STARTIMES has secured exclusive rights to broadcast the 2015 FIFA under-17 World Cup which gets underway in Chile next month. Adding to the already secured rights for the FIFA U-20 World New Zealand 2015, FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015. StarTimes subscribers can enjoy sporting actions and entertainment watching legends in the making when the FIFA Under-17 World Cup is broadcast live from 17th of October to November 8 2015. These young, highly talented football teams will challenge each other in the group stages,

quarter finals, semi-finals and then ultimately the final to determine the eventual World Champion.

are Zambia, Bahrain and Cote D’Ivoire. Tribunesport witnessed when the head coach of Cote d’ivoire was discussing with him requesting for his consent to join them with a promise to get in touch as soon as possible while Zambia had already offered him a 6,000dollars per month deal. Bahrain on the hand was of the view that should he agree to work for them, that will be the greatest thing to have happened to sports in the country. Meanwhile, Lagos State government has offered him immediate employment upon is arrival in Nigeria.

This was made known to Tribunesport by the Director General, Lagos State Sport Commission, Ayo Agbesanwa, who said the coach as a product of the state has made the country proud since he has been in charge of the national team and deserves to be gainfully employed and honoured. “ We are proud of what Feyisetan has achieved with our powerlifters over the years and being a product of Lagos state we decided to offer him a job. This I will discuss with his excellency, the governor of the state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, so that necessary actions will be taken without further delay”,he said.

Rio 2016 Qualifier: D’Tigress depart for Cameroon today THE female national basketball team, The Tigress will today depart Abuja for Cameroon for the Rio 2016 Olympics qualifier. The team which left Brazzaville Sunday alongside other Team Nigeria contingent after the end of Brazzaville 2015 having won silver will slug it out against arch rival, Angola who defeated them in the final of the just concluded Games .

Other countries in the group with Nigeria battling for the only slot for the continent at the Olympics are: Algeria, Egypt, Senegal and Guinea. The qualifier starts on Thursday and will be on till the end of the month. Coach Adewunmi Aderemi, while speaking with Tribunesport at the Mayamaya International Airport, Congo, before

Nigeria’s contingent departed for Abuja, expressed optimism that the female basketball team will pick the Olympics ticket to join their male counterpart who had already secured a slot to particiapte in the 2016 Olympics. He, however, noted that it won’t be easy but optimistic the girls are capable and they will put in extra effort to book a ticket to Rio 2016.

Monday, 21 September, 2015

chief (mrs) hid awolowo (1915 - 2015)

PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE AND Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TOYIN

1. Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and former Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi. 2. Former Lagos State governors, Alhaji Lateef Jakande (left) and Senator Bola Tinubu. 3. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and Brigadier-General M. S. Danwalis. 4. Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (second left); Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran (second right) with officers of NSCDC.

5. Senator Tinubu with Mr Olumide Oyediran. 6. Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, signing the condolence register. With him is Mrs Kemi Aderemi. 7. MD/EIC, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of Tribune titles, Mr Edward Dickson, with Alhaji Lai Mohammed. 8. Mr Ladi Soyode (left), with Chief Jide Osinnubi.

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MONDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER, 2015

HE next day was nice to my hunger. After ending her profuse words of regret for Tee-Top’s inability to provide food services for guests, the receptionist was cordial enough to get me coffee before my short walk to Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island – where I was to begin my first mission to Bayelsa: to get a medal-of-recognition (for scholarship) from the Literary Society of Nigeria holding its 2015 international annual conference there. By the way, the honour was done me some years back at the University of Port Harcourt, but I was not available for the medal – or perhaps the medal was not available for it to be presented even in the absence of the personage of honour. The mise-en-scene where I was scheduled to receive my cameo was the auditorium of the Niger Delta University. It is a camera-shy auditorium hence I refrained from snapping the dingy, dilapidating place that some son-of-the-soil-of-a-contractor hurriedly planted there and got very handsomely paid for there-after. Mangrove swine! But the governor who put the university where he put it - even as a temporary deep citadel of learning - must be commended for turning the massive expanse of marshland into hard-land. My Wilberforce-Island-mission over, I took a trip, within and around Amassoma dotted with monkey bridges, after pleasantries with some egg-heads from near and far who came to grace the occasion of the oldest Nigerian literary/scholarly academy. The trip spoke to me both enchantingly and disgustingly about what it means to be a swamp-land inhabitant. A place I went to was the river-side. I saw River Nun in its natural, pristine state. But its ugly muddy colour whispered to me that this River Nun was not the same River Nun that Gabriel Okara, the veteran mangrove poet of honour, splendidly evoked for us. This River Nun has been un-prettily laid waste by the oil-men of exploitation. The creepy sensation I was getting was the creepy sensation the locals were giving me. I combed the shore in vain for periwinkle but there was no winkle anywhere. I also looked for good fish and snail. I saw some snails, some small snails lopped in loops. The price given me for them convinced

Last week, President Robert Mugabe addressed his country’s parliament with the same speech with which he addressed them about three weeks earlier without realising it. Wasn’t that a proof that selinity is already getting the better of 90-year-old Mugabe?

in&out with Tony Afejuku

08055213059

A journey to isolate Bayelsa (3) me beyond doubt that the indigenes of the mangrove have no more their true lives, that their present life of oil exploration and exploitation will forever be with them, that the years now and those coming are a mirage and that they will have no more years of joy. The thought accentuated and aggravated my obnoxious sensation. The little waves of River Nun in their ugly colour of dull-yellow-ash seemed to chuck and tantalise me at the same time. Of course, it must have realised that I am equally a creek-man, a water-man, but its debris and accumulation of oil sediments and garbage that had mutilated its pristine state since decades unnerved me. I hurried out of the shore. I waved my goodbye to the snail-sellers and boat-men. As I did so, I chuckled quietly and renamed River Nun River Mutilation. My high government-official-host, my radical chief-host actually, had by now come himself to take me to accomplish my other mission of my three-fold journey. Before we left Amassoma we drove around the tiny town up to the new Amassoma where the nou-veaux-riches, mostly local and state politicians and civil servants, are reclaiming and planting structures of realistic illusion in a mangrove of grinding poverty. Hell! We drove straight to Yenagoa en-route Otuoke. In Yenagoa I was made to see some wonders of Bayelsa. I saw unbelievable houses, majestic ones owned by mainly government officials called civil servants and politicians and their ladies who clearly

I didn’t finish my mission. I will return, and hope to pen ‘Once more to isolate Bayelsa.’ have milked the land and the mangrove masses pretty dry in the name of unending transformation agenda. I don’t want to name names. But the best homes/houses – cottages, castles, flats, bungalows, skyscrappers, hotels, name them - are owned by these “professionals,” including the socalled militants and even cashiers in the ministries. In the outskirts of Elebele from Yenagoa to Otuoke, on your left side, you will not miss the gargantuan structure of a “palace” owned by a militant indeed. The road to Otuoke is a two-track road patched here and there. Calmly, my curiosity tasked my host: So Dr. Jonathan could not even give this short road at least a three-track lift? His reply: Ask him when we reach Otuoke. I was impressed with what I saw of Elebele’s serenity as an upland landscape in one heart of a mysterious interior. Some civilisation is here, I hummed to myself. At Emeyal, the home-place of Gordon Obuah,

RESULTS

AAG 2015: Buhari congratulates Team Nigeria Clement Idoko -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammad Buhari has congratulated Team Nigeria for their brilliant performance at the just-concluded All Africa Games held in Congo Brazzaville. Buhari, in a press statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President said he was impressed with the performance of Team Nigeria at the continental event, and that he was not in doubt about their zeal and determination to make Nigeria proud. Buhari expressed joy that several

of the teams did Nigeria proud and singled out for special commendation, the basketball team, D’Tigers Basketball Team which earned the nation a Gold medal for the first time in 50 years, and by which feat, the country got an automatic ticket to the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. He noted that the performance of Team Nigeria in Congo has again brought the massive potentials of Nigerian sports men and women to excel in their chosen areas against all odds. He implored the country’s athletes to do all they can to ensure that Nigeria regains its number one position in Africa and the world at

large. He urged them to make Nigeria proud by constantly improving on their performance. President Buhari, however, assured Nigeria’s sports men and women that his administration would accord priority to sports, in addition to boosting the morale of the players and enhancing training for future challenges. He also reminded them not to rest on their oars because the challenges grow bigger and more each day.

Dr. Jonathan’s chief-security-officer, I saw structures only the new people in government – now or yesterday – could plant there. I was equally impressed with my picture of this upland landscape in the creeks. Now from Emeyal to Otuoke, the twotrack road has a face-lift of the new and well re-built road that is far superior to the one from Eleblele to Emeyal. I saw Dr. Jonathan’s imposing edifices. As the home of Nigeria’s former president, I will not say that the place, though imposing, is really imposing enough for the one and only Dr. Jonathan. And we took a trip to the new federal university the zoologist-politician put there in his first or so moments of presidential glory. My hunch: time’s vicissitudes will make the place a mirage. This sole legacy Dr. Jonathan bequeathed his people, including the Elebeles, Emeyals and Onuegbuns, may become a legacy of illusion sooner or later. On the journey back to Yenagoa, this time from the Otuoke end via Onuegbun, the outdated two-track road resumes after the good one terminates at Dr. Jonathan’s residence. And I heard myself say: O Jonathan! At Atubun-Bush we had a respite with fresh palm-wine and rare fresh-fishbitter-leaf- pepper-soup. Where did the delicacy come from? I didn’t finish my mission. I will return, and hope to pen “Once more to isolate Bayelsa.” My chief host gave his assent with a scream of delight.

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