21st September, 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,594 WEDNESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

TODAY'S SPECIAL

8 reasons to eat onions daily

By Sade Oguntola

EVER wondered why onion is an ingredient for soups to enhance taste and flavour? What about onion for garnishing suya or boiled rice? While onions may bring a tear to the eye and delight to the taste buds, surprisingly, it plays an important role in maintaining good health because of its therapeutic purposes.

Rich in Vitamin C, sulphuric compounds, flavonoids,

and other phytochemicals, an onion a day may help keep the doctor away. Its sulphur-containing compounds are responsible for its pungent odour.

Onions are healthy whether they’re raw or cooked, though raw onions have higher levels of organic sulphur compounds that provide many benefits.

In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) supports

CBN to state govts

Continues pg6

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Supreme Court affirms Bello as Kogi gov —P4 Elumelu wins Africa Investor Person of the Year award in New York —P12

Pay workers salaries to boost growth

—P11,29

•Apex bank retains lending rate at 15% •Senate gives FG guidelines to end recession •RMAFC warns against sale of national assets We'll soon resolve Niger Delta crisis, Buhari tells Obama —P5

PDP: Makarfi, Sheriff agree to end crisis —P32

Yoruba leaders extol HID —P6 Awolowo's virtues From left, Secretary-General, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Senator Anthony Adefuye; guest speaker and Chief Consultant, Centre for Language Education and Development, Ile-Ife, Professor Adebisi Afolayan; chairman, YUF, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi (retd); Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; deputy chairman, YUF, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and Senator Femi Okurounmu, at the first memorial anniversary lecture in honour of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, at Gbagada, Lagos, on Tuesday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA. MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 2.

ABU professor develops new malaria vaccine —P5

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

PHOTOS: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

First Memorial Anniversary Lecture in honour of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, in Lagos

From left, Chairman, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Bishop Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi (retd); Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; deputy chairman, YUF, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and Senator Femi Okurounmu, at the first memorial anniversary lecture in honour of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, at the secretariat of Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Gbagada, Lagos, on Tuesday.

From left, Mr Moses Makinde, Senator Muniru Muse, former Minister of State for Defence, Chief (Mrs) Olusola Obada and Chief Emmanuel Adelana.

From left, national coordinator, Odua Peoples Congress, Chief Gani Adams; Princess Bisi Sangodoyin, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu.

From left, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, guest speaker and Chief Consultant, Centre for Language Education and Development (CELED), Ile-Ife, Professor Adebisi Afolayan; Bishop Gbonigi (retd) and the Secretary-General, YUF, Senator Anthony Adefuye.

From left, Honourable Salvador Adegoke Moshood, Dr Frederick Fasehun and Chief Dipo Jimilehin.

From left, Honourable Yinka Osinubi, Mr Sanusi Ibrahim Tunde, High Chief of Ife Kingdom, Chief Akin Disu and Mr Oladeinde Disu.

From left, Senatorial APC leader, Bariga, Elder Ebenezer Adeleke; former Secretary, Shomolu Local Government, Mr Olisa Adefalujo and a former deputy secretary of Bariga LCDA.

From left, Mrs Afolake Ladigbolu, Moradeke Afolayan and Chief Toye Ogunshuyi.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Kogi guber: Bello floors Wada, Faleke, others From Sunday Ejike and Yinka Oladoyinbo

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OVERNOR Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, will now heave a sigh of relieve, as the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, dismissed all the appeals challenging his election in the 2015 governorship election held in the state.

A seven-member panel of justices of the apex court, headed by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, in an unanimous judgment, upheld the concurrent judgments of the Kogi State governorship election petition tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which affirmed Bello’s election.

The court dismissed appeals that were lodged by the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada (retd) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the erstwhile running mate to late Prince Abubakar Audu, Honourable James Faleke.

The African Democratic Party (ADC) and the Labour Party also had their appeals against Bello’s election dismissed by the court, having also lost in their their appeals at the Appeal Court and their petitions seeking to upturn Bello’s election at the Tribunal.

Justice Kudirat KekereEkun, who delivered the lead judgment in Faleke’s appeal, said “having considered the submissions of parties in the appeal, I found out that the appeal lacks merit and it is accordingly dismissed.”

The court, however, held that reasons for arriving at its decision would be given on Friday, September 30.

Similarly, the apex court held that the appeal by the immediate governor of the state, Captain Wada lacked merit and it was consequently dismissed and reasons would also be given on September 30.

While the appeal by the ADC was dismissed by the court for lacking in merit, the Labour Party’s appeal was dismissed on the ground of incompetency and Friday, September 30, was also slated to give reasons for the judgment.

It will be recalled that the Justice Jummai HannatuSankey-led panel of the appellate court held that the appeals against Bello’s election lacked merit and accordingly dismissed them.

Whereas the panel was unanimous in their decision that Faleke’s appeal lacked substance, however, in a dissenting judgment, a member of the panel,

Justice Ita George Mbaba, upheld Wada’s appeal and voided the Certificate of Return that was issued to Governor Bello by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

Justice Mbaba disagreed with the declaration of Bello as duly elected governor, saying there was no evidence that he participated in all stages of the governorship election that held in Kogi State, last year.

He maintained that INEC acted in breach of section 141 of the Electoral Act when it declared Bello, who only participated in the December 5, 2015 supplementary poll, as duly elected governor of the state.

Nevertheless, four other members of the panel, while upholding judgment of the Kogi State Governorship

Election Petition Tribunal that previously affirmed Bello’s election, said they were convinced that Wada’s appeal ought to be dismissed for want of merit.

Justice Mojeed Owoade, who read the lead judgment, held that INEC acted properly when it merged all the votes that Audu garnered before his death and the ones Bello got after the supplementary poll, to return candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the governorship election.

The court stressed that the issue of nomination of candidate for an election was an internal affair of a political party, a duty it said the APC duly discharged.

The appellate court held that Faleke, who was nominated as running mate to

late Audu after the APC had concluded it governorship primaries, could not claim to be the candidate of the party or deemed to have been elected as Kogi State governor, since he did not participate in the primaries as required by law.

It held that Faleke’s argument that electorates voted for a joint-ticket between him and Audu had no place in law, since section 122 of the Constitution made it clear that it was a political party that could canvass for votes and be voted for.

It said the votes belonged to the APC and, by extension, to the candidate it sponsored for the election, adding that Faleke could not by virtue of sections 181(1) and 179(2) of the Constitution step in as the governorship candidate of the APC

upon Audu’s death.

Verdict, honour to democracy —Bello Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, declared his victory at the Supreme Court as a “big honour to democracy.”

The governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Kingsley Fanwo, after the apex ourt affirmed his election, said the judgment had reconfirmed the hand of God in Kogi affairs.

He said: “The landmark judgment of the Supreme Court today, which affirmed Bello’s election is a watershed in the annals of electoral jurisprudence and constitutional law in the country. It was a long walk to victory which will reshape our constitution of the na-

Supporters of Governor Yahaya Bello, jubilating after the Supreme Court affirmed his election in Abuja, on Tuesday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

Budget padding: Dogara moves for vote of confidence from members Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja THERE are serious efforts by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, to secure vote of confidence from members of the House over the allegation of budget padding levelled against him and three other members of the body of principal officers.

The caucus meeting, it was learnt, was to secure vote of confidence for the body of principal officers and to settle issues affecting the House, as well to discuss the economic recession facing the country.

This came just as Honourable Jibrin asked the Speaker to step aside and

appoint protem Speaker to set up a probe panel to probe the allegation raised against the Speaker and other principal officers.

However, spokesperson of the House, Honourable Abdulrazaq Namdas, said Honourable Jibrin was a serial liar, who should not be trusted.

Honourable Jibrin, while briefing newsmen, disclosed that the Speaker had been meeting with different caucuses of the House to get their support over the allegation he raised.

But Honourable Namdas said the Speaker only met with caucuses of the House in line with the tradition of the House.

According to him, “it is a convention that on

resumption from the annual recess, the Speaker convenes caucus meeting of the six zonal caucuses through the caucus leaders and presides over it. The meeting was not convened in bad light and Speaker’s presence was to show the unity of the House.

“At the meeting, the Speaker’s remarks centred on how to tackle the recession and why all hands must be on deck. Also, the claim that the Speaker begged, bribed or blackmailed members was also not true, because the issue of cars that he raised predated this crisis,” Honourable Namdas stated.

Honourable Jibrin, while briefing newsmen, said since there was clamour that the allegations he

raised “should be investigated internally” noted that “if this matter must be investigated internally, there is laid down tradition. Even from the Speaker, there was a statement he made at the North-West caucus of the House; he talked heavily on the tradition of the parliament, so a precedence has been set; there is a tradition, when grievous allegations of corruption has been made against the Speaker and some members of the body of principal officers, nobody is saying Mr Speaker, you are going to be removed instantly, but in the spirit of fairness and justice, the Speaker will step aside for a Speaker protem to emerge.” continues pg5

tion.

“Governor Bello had remained humble and magnanimous in victory. He has called on those who contended with him to join him in building a greater Kogi State.

“The governor has said the victory belongs to all Kogi people, who believe in transforming Kogi State from a potentially great state to a really great state. He is committed to serving the people and making the state the centre of excellence and the cynosure of all eyes.”

He warned supporters against “unbridled” celebration, saying the moment was a challenge to all Kogi residents to reflect on how to make the state great.

The governor said he would continue to pursue his cardinal goals of improving education, reinventing health care, boosting infrastructural development, as well as raising the capacity of the state citizens to reinvigorate the economy.

No regret challenging Bello’s victory —Faleke The deputy governorship candidate in the November 21, 2015 governorship election in Kogi State, Mr James Faleke, has said he had no regret challenging the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the election inconclusive.

He said he took the step in good faith to protect the interest of the over 240,000 electorates that voted for the Audu/Faleke ticket in that election.

According to the Director of Media and Publicity of the Audu/Faleke campaign group, Honourable Duro Meseko, it would amount to a betrayal of the sacred trust of the people who reposed implicit confidence in the Audu/Faleke ticket not to have defended the sanctity of their vote up till the Apex court level.

He said: “We have heard the judgment handed down by the Supreme Court jurists, upholding Bello as governor. We shall wait for the full text of the judgment to know why they came to that conclusion. But let it be stated here that we have no regret challenging the declaration of our election as inconclusive by the INEC.” Honourable Faleke said as a lawmaker, he would be glad to read details of the judgment so as to “know which areas of our nation’s jurisprudence requires urgent review.”

He urged all his supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, while thanking them for their support and perseverance all through the court proceedings.

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ABU professor develops new malaria vaccine

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ROFESSOR Nasiru Shua’ibu of Biochemical Parasitology Department, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has developed a new malaria vaccine to prevent increasing rate of deaths from Malaria fever.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, Shu’aibu said the new Malaria vaccine was different from others currently in use.

Shu’aibu, who is currently working with the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Japan, said the result of the research on the new vaccine would soon be out for Nigerians to use.

“In a simple term that a layman can understand, the content of this Malaria vaccine research is difficult, but let me try if I could simplify it, it is called DNA

Vaccine.

“It is a new technology for discovery and delivery of

vaccine against any infectious disease that was developed in the early to mid

1990s.

“The DNA of the Malaria parasite was extracted and

the portion of the DNA that is tested to be a good vaccine candidate is sub-

President Muhammadu Buhari with the United States President, Barack Obama, after a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting (UNGA), in New York, United States, on Monday. With them is the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.

We’ll soon resolve Niger Delta crisis, Buhari tells Obama Leon Usigbe -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, told United States President, Barack Obama, that Nigeria is making steady progress towards resolving the problem in the Niger Delta region, which has led to economic sabotage on a grand scale.

He gave the assurance during a bilateral meeting between them on the sidelines of the 71st edition of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, holding in New York, United States.

“We are making definite progress on how many factions of the militant groups that exist, their leadership and operational basis, and we have equally sought the cooperation of the oil majors. In a short while, I believe the issues would be resolved,” Buhari said.

While thanking America for help rendered in the area of security through provision of armaments, training for Nigerian troops and sharing of intelligence, which has led to the degradation of Boko Haram in the North-East, President Buhari said the country was open to support in combating the humanitarian crisis currently ravaging the region.

He further said the farming season was good this year, with the prospect of good harvest, adding that “Nigeria is on the road to food self-sufficiency soon.

We shall be able to feed ourselves, and utilise the billions of dollars spent on importing food on other productive areas.”

President Buhari reiterated that his administration came to power on the tripod promises of security, battle against corruption and revamping of the economy, stressing that there would be no let-up in fulfilling those electoral promises.

He wished President Obama a happy retirement, as he winds down gradually

on his tenure in office.

Responding, the American president described President Buhari as a man of “integrity and honesty,” saying “we have confidence in your leadership. There are some difficulties you face, but this administration is willing to assist in the short time we have left. You have made real progress in de-

feating the brutal organisation called Boko Haram and that was achieved because of your leadership.”

President Obama offered a hand of fellowship to Nigeria “in the final and comprehensive defeat of Boko Haram, resolution of the Niger Delta crisis, which would help ramp up oil production and increase revenue,

resolving the humanitarian crisis in the North-East, recovering stolen money and revamping the economy.”

Describing Nigeria as a big and important country in sub-Saharan Africa, the American president said his country looked forward to a framework for sustained partnership between the two nations.

Budget padding: Dogara moves for vote of confidence from members continued from pg4

He added that “the Speaker protem will set up a committee to investigate or direct the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to carry out the investigation and give them timeline to investigate the matter and return to the House.

“If the committee brings back its report and no indictment on the Speaker, then he goes back to his office as the Speaker.

“If the committee indicts them, they lose their position and face prosecution. If you say you’ve resolved this matter as family matter internally, keep quiet and you pretend that you want to go and do other legislative businesses, will that change the fact that over 20 grevious allegations of budget fraud and of course, other issues of individual and systemic corruption in the House? He stated.

NCS seizes rice worth N597.7bn THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it seized rice worth N597.7 billion brought into the country through the borders between January and August, 2016.

The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Mr Wale Adeniyi, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Tuesday.

He said the worth of the commodity confiscated during the period was higher when compared with N330.5 billion value of the goods seized in the same period in 2015.

He said the increase in the seizures was an indication that the Customs was

operating zero tolerance to illegal importation of rice.

Adeniyi said the Service’s rapprochement with its counterpart in the Republic of Benin also facilitated the spate of confiscation of rice along the borders between both countries.

“Our seizure on rice from January to August was N597.7 billion as against N330.5 billion during the same period in 2015; this shows a huge increase.

“The number of seizures from the statistics shows that smugglers now know that it is no longer profitable to bring in rice through the borders,” he said.

Reps adjourn sitting over death of colleague The House of Representatives on Tuesday adjourned till today for continuation of its legislative activities in honour of the death of a serving member of the House, Honourable Elijah Oluwatayo and three other former members.

There were indications that the issue of budget padding and economic recession would be discussed by the House.

A letter from the family of Honourable Oluwatayo as read by the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara dis-

closed that he passed on, on July 20 at the age of 66.

Dogara also announced the death of three other former members of the House of Representatives: Honourable Etim Atakpa, Muhammed Useni and Alex Eze. The Speaker, before asking the Leader of the House to move for adjournment, said that “because a serving member is involved and as the tradition of the House demands we have to adjourn sitting till Wednesday to honour the deceased.”

Muslim and Christian prayers were offered for the departed souls.

jected to molecular biology methods which are used to produce a lot of the DNA,” Shu’aibu said.

According to him, the amount of DNA from the Malaria parasite was very minute in quantity and to expand the quantity, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used.

“Then a method of cloning is now used to insert the DNA into a vehicle that will carry the DNA into either animal or human body.

“It is then injected into the body of the animal or human and it eventually enters the cells of the animal in the same way a virus enters and infects cells.

“The injected DNA now uses the cells in the body to produce chemicals that will prevent Malaria from infecting the body,” Shu’aibu said.

He said the vaccine was different from any of the licensed vaccines like polio and other EPI vaccines.

Shu’aibu added that the approach was also different from the other Malaria vaccine (RTS,S/AS01) that was likely to be licensed, but the goals were the same, to control and eventually eliminate Malaria.

He observed that Nigeria with an estimated population of over 170 million constituted the highest Malaria burden in Africa and in the world.

Shu’aibu doubted the figures from the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) indicating progress in containing the disease.

“I still doubt; the tools currently used to fight Malaria are not sufficient to have a substantial and sustained impact that is needed to resolve the Malaria crisis in Nigeria,” he said.

Shu’aibu stressed the need to monitor the growing resistance to anti-Malarial drugs and insecticides.

He said if not checked and documented, it would jeopardise years of global public health success and investments in Malaria control.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

8 reasons to eat onions daily Continued from front page

the use of onions for the treatment of poor appetite and to prevent atherosclerosis.

It also recognises onion extract providing relief in the treatment of coughs and colds, asthma and bronchitis.

Early American settlers used wild onions to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, and to repel insects. In Chinese medicine, onions have been used to treat angina, coughs, bacterial infections, and breathing problems.

Some health benefits of onions are as given below: Heart health Onions encourage a healthy heart in many ways, including lowering blood pressure and lowering heart attack risk.

A study in 2007 indicated that Quercetin, the compound most commonly associated with onions, may reduce blood pressure by an average of five millimetres of mercury.

The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition found a daily 730 milligram supplement of Quercetin led to significant reductions in the blood pressure of 22 people with high blood pressure (hypertension).

Moreover, researchers suggested in a 2002 study in the journal, Thrombosis Research, that it is a natural blood thinner that can prevent blood platelets from aggregating. When platelets cluster, the risk for heart attack or stroke increases.

Cancer High intake of garlic and onions was associated with significantly reduced risks of a wide-range of cancers. A large

epidemiological study that involved almost 10,000 people with different types of cancers from Italy showed an inverse association between the frequency of use of allium vegetables like onion and the risk of several common cancers. This 2006 study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Also, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), which followed 521,457 subjects in 10 European countries, reported that an increase in the intake of onions by 10 grams per day was associated with a 30 per cent reduction in the risk of intestinal gastric cancer.

In another study, increased intakes of onions, researchers report in the British Journal of Nutrition, may reduce the risk of developing cancer of the colon by 50 per cent.

A research from King’s College London, published in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, suggested a potential for using specific beneficial compounds found in onion to develop treatments for the condition.

Osteoarthritis is the most common disabling joint condition affecting elderly adults, and has a significant impact on adults of working age. The cause, however, remains unclear.

Lowering cholesterol Consumption of garlic and onions may reduce the incidence of cholesterol gallstone formation by as much as 40 per cent. Consumption of a cholesterol-rich diet led to the formation of cholesterol gallstones (CGS), but supplementation of this diet with onion reduced the incidence of the gallstones, according to findings published online in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Boost sexual performance Fresh onion juice has aphrodisiac activity and may enhance male sexual libido and performance. Researchers at Jordan University of Science and Technology were searching for a natural way to help men with impotence problems to have sex.

When they discovered that fresh onion juice increases testosterone concentrations in the blood, suggesting that onion may even help against impotence. Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for enhancing sexual libido and potency.

According to the researchers in the 2014 edition of the journal, Experimental Biology and Medicine, “The present study supports the hypothesis that Allium cepa has aphrodisiac activity and may enhance

Protect against osteoarthritis Human studies have shown that onion can help increase our bone density and may be of special benefit to women of menopausal age who are experiencing loss of bone density due to osteoarthritis.

Digestion The fibre in onions promotes good digestion and promotes good bacteria growth in the intestines. A 2005 study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that oligofructose a special type of soluble fibre, which promotes good bacteria growth in your intestines, may help prevent and treat types of diarrhoea.

male sexual libido and performance” Boost immunity against flu Onions may boost the immune system and protect against flu. Researchers from the University of South Carolina and Clemson University report that stressful exercise increased the mice’s susceptibility to flu, but quercetin present in onion was found to negate these effects.

The findings published in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, indicated that onion could help reduce illnesses in people undergoing strenuous extensive exercise, soldiers and others undergoing difficult training regimens, as well as people under psychological stress.

Diabetes control Onion bulb extract could reduce high blood glucose and cholesterol levels. In a study presented at the Endocrine Society’s 97th annual meeting in San Diego, when the rats were given onion bulb extract - in combination with metformin, their blood glucose and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced.

Anthony Ojieh, lead investigator, said: “Onion is cheap and available and has been used as a nutritional supplement. It has the potential for use in treating patients with diabetes.

Also, Dr Jevas C. Ozougwu at the Physiology and Biomedical Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, in his assessment of onion’s benefit for diabetes said dietary supplementation of onions compounds in diabetics may help to reduce over dependence on drug.

Gbonigi, Adefuye, others extol HID Awolowo’s virtues

As Yoruba Unity Forum holds first anniversary lecture for her in Lagos Akin Adewakun and Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos

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NE year after the passing on of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, her memories were again brought to life in Lagos, on Tuesday, at the first memorial lecture organised by a non-partisan Yoruba socio-cultural group, the Yoruba Unity Forum, to mark the first anniversary of the matriarch’s demise.

Speaking at the event, Secretary-General of the forum, Senator Anthony Adefuye, described Mama Awolowo as a custodian of the Yoruba culture and beliefs, stating that the decision to organise the lecture, themed: “Eternal Sustenance of Yoruba Language and Culture,” was informed by the need to uphold those values the wife of the late politician, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, stood for.

According to him, one of the ideals Mama Awolowo lived for was to ensure that the Yoruba Language did not go into extinction, since it was apparent that the language was increasingly being relegated to the background,

especially among the Yoruba elite.

How HID helped the birth of YUF —Senator Adefuye Giving a graphic details of the events that led to the formation of the forum, which HID was once its chairman, Senator Adefuye stated that the need to have a non-partisan platform that would unite the Yoruba race, irrespective of religious and party affiliations, actually led to the formation of the forum.

“Then it was becoming obvious that the different factions of the Afenifere group then were finding it very difficult to unite the Yorubas, they could not speak with one voice and a new platform was, therefore, needed.

“We went to Mama and she was able to use her influence to fast-track the formation of this group designed to cater for the interests of the Yoruba people. And Mama did this job of uniting the Yoruba people under this umbrella very well until her demise last year.

“She was always active regarding the issues of the forum till when she breathed her last. We will definitely miss her, because she was

one person that placed the interest of the Yoruba people in a special place in her heart.

“We believe this type of lecture is necessary because the Yoruba language should not be allowed to perish. We must ensure that we keep the Yoruba language alive. We’ll think faster and develop faster when we encourage Yoruba language. We need to develop Yoruba language so that it can also stand the test of time,’ he stated.

Mama, a bridge builder per excellence —Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu Describing Chief HID Awolowo as a bridge builder, the chairman, Culture Committee of the Forum, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, stated that, in spite of having the interests of the Yoruba nation at heart, one of the dreams of Mama Awolowo was to ensure that Nigeria remained united.

“An example of this was when we hosted in Ikenne, the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Igbo community and the people of the Niger Delta. We were all able to come together and eventually formed the Southern Nigeria People’s Congress just because of mama’s interest

and intervention. She loved Yoruba culture and language seriously,” he stated.

He described the lecture as one of the ways which the group intended to keep alive Chief HID Awolowo’s legacy, so that the younger ones would have something to emulate.

Bishop Ladigbolu further explained that since the forum was designed for the unity among the Yoruba people, the socio-cultural group was able to facilitate the visit of the new Ooni of Ife, to the Alaafin of Oyo last year, as part of its agenda of uniting the Yoruba monarchs and the people.

Extolling the virtues of the late Yeye Oodua of Yorubaland, the National Coordinator of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, noted that the decision of the Yoruba Unity Forum to organise a lecture, designed to enhance the language and culture of the Yoruba people would, no doubt, go a long way in upholding and propagating Mama Awolowo’s ideal and what she stood for.

HID, one in a million —Senator Okunrounmu “Mama, for me, can be de-

scribed as one in a million among Nigerian women.

She was a good mother and a frontline politician. Even though she didn’t contest any political office because of her husband, she’s someone who could effectively become the nation’s Prime Minister. For instance, she was somebody who still remembered all the happenings of those years vividly till the time she died. And she was highly organised.

“Besides, she loved Yoruba unity. That is what brought the Yoruba Unity Forum,’ Senator Okurounmu stated.

Expressing the family’s gratitude to the socio-cultural group for deeming it fit to hold a memorial lecture in honour of HID, one of her daughters, who is also the vice chairman of the forum, Ambasssador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, advocated for the inculcation of Yoruba Language in the nation’s educational system.

“It has become very imperative now to teach the younger ones the language; since that is the only way we can sustain the language and the Yoruba culture.

“Promoting the language was what Mama stood for and I believe we would be

doing her memory a world of good if we are able to ensure that the language is promoted and not allowed to go into extinction,” she stated.

She also appealed to Yoruba leaders to be selfless in the cause of providing direction for the Yoruba nation, describing it as the only way such leaders could earn the respect of the people.

Some of those in attendance at the event were Archbishop Bolanle Gbonigi, chairman of the forum; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, deputy chairman; Senator Femi Okunrounmu, vice chairman; Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, vice chairman and Senator Anthony Adefuye, SecretaryGeneral.

Others included Chief (Mrs) Kofoworola Bucknor, former deputy governor, Lagos State and Financial Secretary of the forum; Muniru Adekunle Muse, elder of the forum; Dr Frederick Faseun, founder, Odu’a People’s Congress (OPC); Chief Gani Adams, national coordinator, OPC; Erelu Olusola Obada, former deputy governor of Osun State and Engineer Bisi Sangodoyin, another elder of the forum.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Lagosmetro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Remains of goats burnt at the scene of an accident. PHOTO: NAN

2 in prison for alleged N7.9m theft, murder Gbemi Solaja TWO suspected armed robbers, Alexander Men of the Lagos State fire service putting out fire at the scene of an accident involving a petrol tanker that caught fire at (surname witheld), 25, and Innocent (surname witheld), 27, have been remanded in prison the abattoir entrance in Okooba, Agege area, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN custody over allegations of theft and murder.

An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos, ordered the remand of both men over charges bordering on conspiracy, robbery and murder.

It was alleged that the two prove much of a success as all the way to Tabon Tabon at the scene, while a giant suspected armed robbers, Chukwuma Okparaocha towing vehicle, popularly on April 8, 2015, at about a massive gridlock, which area of Agege.

N early morning lasted for several hours, About three firefighting known as "Goliath," soon 2p.m, at 21, Oduduwa Way, accident involving began from the Abattoir trucks belonging to the state arrived at the scene to take while armed with locally a fuel tanker, on area and soon extended made pistol and cutlasses, Fire Service were seen the burnt vehicle away.

Tuesday, caused massive gridlock at Agege area of the state, where vehicles got trapped for 2016 upturned the judgment Nigeria, 1999, as amended State which had inter alia about five hours.

Bola Badmus - Lagos of the High Court of Lagos had not been violated, ruled that the use of hijab is According to information State, which had earlier the state government had not part of school uniform LAGOS State government gathered by Lagos ruled that the use of hijab since appealed the ruling in public primary and has called for caution by all Metro, which visited the scene of the accident in the parties as it relates to the was not part of the school of the Appeal Court to the secondary school in Lagos State and the rights of the early hours of the busy day, interpretation of the Appeal uniform in public primary Supreme Court. and secondary schools in the applicants under Sections 38 “It is not in dispute that Court ruling over the use where the charred remains state and the rights of the and 42 of the Constitution the Court of Appeal, Lagos of hijab by female Muslim of the articulated truck was, the driver of the truck students in the state’s public applicants under Sections 38 Division, on July, 21 2016 of the Federal Republic of might have lost control primary and secondary and 42 of the Constitution upturned the judgment of Nigeria, 1999, as amended of the Federal Republic of the High Court of Lagos has not been violated. of the vehicle which he schools.

The state Attorneyeventually rammed into an electric pole bursting into General and Commissioner flames, as the truck was for Justice, Mr Adeniji the only vehicle involved Kazeem, made the appeal on Tuesday, in a statement, in the accident. adopted if indeed it wished explanation, Adetunji The unfortunate incident even as he also counselled Chukwuma Okparaocha to successfully execute the said even though certified occurred at the Abattoir that the relative religious area of Agege, where peace enjoyed in the state THE attention of residents newly-introduced law on and real estate agents and the state government land grabbing in the state. were fully registered and Lagos Metro learnt should not be sacrificed on has been called to the idea The duo also urged recognised by both the state that some stalls and goats the altar of religion.

Kazeem said it was of miscreants and street members of the public to be and Federal Governments, kept in a shed nearby got misleading and an attempt urchins generally known wary and carry out detailed the state was replete with roasted in the ensuing as Area Boys disguising investigations before miscreants who could be to misrepresent the general inferno. as registered estate agents parting with their hard- regarded as quacks parading It is not certain whether public that the right to wear and land dealers to dupe earned money in their bid themselves as agents. the tanker was carrying hijab had been granted unsuspecting members of to buy land or houses.

Meanwhile, while charging any fuel as of the time of in the state-owned public the public, among other Their advice came on the state government on the accident, or whether schools when the appeal nefarious activities they the heels of numerous implementing the newlyany life was lost, but process had not been carry out. cases of dubious, and introduced law, which officers of the Lagos State exhausted.

The alarm was raised by sometimes, bloody outlaws the activities of The state Attorney- two property consultants, land dealings involving land grabbers notoriously Traffic Management Authority (LASEMA) General and Commissioner Teriba Kazeem Adetunji quacks and miscreants known as 'Omo Onile,' and the police were seen for Justice emphasised that, and Chief Abiola Amure, that have plagued many the property consultants making frantic efforts to while it was an indisputable who also gave the state communities in the state stated that collaborating fact that the Court of Appeal, government a piece of over the years. with professionals in ensure free flow of traffic.

Further in his estate agency would assist However, this didn't in its judgment of July 21, advice on the approach to be

Burnt fuel tanker causes 5-hour gridlock in Lagos

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Hijab: Lagos seeks caution from all parties

robbed James Edewor of the sum of seven million, naira hundred thousand naira, N7,900,000.

In the charge brought against them, the two accused, with others at large, were said to have, apart from dispossesing the victim of the money, also killed the robbery victim, by strangling him to death.

The offences, the charge read, were contrary to and punishable under sections 297, 295(2) (a), 221 and 231 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The magistrate, Mrs A Ajibade, who held brief for Magistrate, A Opeagbe ordered that the two suspects be remanded in prison custody pending an advice from the DPP. The Magistrate also ordered the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward same to DPP for advice.

The matter was adjourned till October 17, for DPP's advice.

Residents warned over miscreants disguising as registered land agents government in tackling the menace of land grabbing in the state.

Similarly, Chief Amure said miscreants on the sites always masquerade as people from the "federal," and that after gaining grounds, they would invite all their colleagues from different parts of the state and start demanding exorbitant money from builders.

"Out of frustration, the builder would abandon the work and just move away.

They are people of no fixed address, I see them as a social menace," Amure said.

news NLC calls for probe of Patience Jonathan over $31 million

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Supports freezing of her account Soji-Eze Fagbemi - Abuja

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Tuesday, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the former First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, over the frozen $31 million alleged traced to her account.

NLC president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who spoke to journalists during the NLC National Youth Conference held in Abuja, said the congress and Nigerian workers were in total support of the freezing of the account.

The NLC president urged the EFCC to probe the sources of wealth of the wife of the former president, “prosecute and confiscate her assets if found culpable of illegal accumulation of wealth.”

He pointed out that in other civilised climes, Mrs Jonathan would have

voluntarily forfeited the money to the state, adding that the EFCC must make her to explain to Nigerians what business she had undertaken to amass such wealth.

According to him, “we have said it over and over again, that NLC is the first organisation that actually supported openly the anti-graft war. We said recover, investigate and prosecute, so that it can serve as a deterrent. Our position has been undoubting on the issue of the frozen $31 million.

“In this respect, the onus of proof is on the ex-first lady. First, she must inform all of us the sources of the money. She must explain what business she has done to accumulate such wealth.

In other climes, she would have forfeited such funds.

This is our position and we have always been consistent about it,” he said.

He regretted that the in-

ability of some state governors to meet their financial obligations to workers was due to endemic corruption rather than non-availability of resources.

Against this backdrop, Wabba urged the anti-graft body to extend the fight against official graft to the state and local government levels.

He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to stop buck passing and evolve realisable policies that would lead the nation out of the present economic recession.

He advised the youth to begin to take active interest in governance, adding that they were the worse hit by the current economic downturn.

Citing the International Labour Organisation’s recent statistics, he stated that over 70 per cent Nigerian youths were unemployed.

Police arrest 60-year-old househelp to Yar’Adua THE police command in Katsina State, on Tuesday, said it had arrested a 60-year-old househelp of Hajiya Turai Yar’adua, the wife of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, over missing goods worth N91 million.

Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the Police Commissioner in the state, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, in Katsina.

“The police has arrested Alhaji Yusuf Sarkin-gida after a formal complaint by Hajiya Turai Yar’adua to the police two weeks ago.

“The suspect is the custodian of all the keys and property of Hajiya Yar’adua for the past 40 years.

“There are 37 boxes in the custody of the suspect, but only 27 boxes are in the store.

“The several items in the 27 boxes are completely missing and the suspect has failed to give full explanation on the goods and items in the boxes,” he said.

The police commissioner said the suspect had been serving the late Umar Yar’adua’s family for the past 40 years even before her husband became the governor and later the president of Nigeria.

Abdullahi said the suspect was in police custody, where he was assisting them to conduct intensive investigation on the missing items.

When contacted, the spokesperson of Sarkin-gida’s family, Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, said their father was innocent of the charge lavelled against him.

He said the arrest and detention of their father

Minister of Women Affairs slumps at IDP camp

Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, slumped on Monday, while speaking to women at the camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

According to TheCable, Alhassan had arrived in crutches to speak with the women about the alleged sexual abuse on girls and women in camps in the North-East.

As she spoke, she slumped.

She was given a bottle of coke to boost her blood sugar level, which her aides

said doctors had identified as the cause of the frequent feeling of weakness she was experiencing.

Alhassan told journalists that President Muhammadu Buhari sent her to investigate the sexual abuse of females in the camps and donate relief materials to them.

She also told the IDPs that the Federal Government was making efforts to return them to their homes.

Before leaving Adamawa, Alhassan also paid a courtesy call on the governor of the state, Muhammadu Bindow.

before the Eld-el-Kabir celebration had thrown the family into confusion.

Police arrest 12 IPOB members in Enugu Jude Ossai-Enugu

POLICE detectives in Enugu have arrested 12 youths suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) over an alleged plot to advance the cause of an Independent State of Biafra.

Sources said that the suspects were picked on Monday, at a popular Ogbete Market, while they were in a meeting on how to enforce their sit-at-home order scheduled to begin on September 23, 2016.

Confirming the story, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amarizu, said that the suspects went into the market with public address system to “threaten and inflict fears” on the members of the public, precisely the marketers not to come to the market the next day.

Amarizu said that items recovered from the suspects included 21 handsets of different types, wireless microphone, leaflets in which some of them read: “IPOB for the betterment of your children and that of yourself,” “Please sit at home on 23/9/16 there will be no work , no school, no business,” “All hail Biafra.”

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

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businessnews

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Nigerian Tribune

CBN to state govts, pay workers salaries to boost growth Retains major policy rates Banks’ lending to real sector will remain low —Analysts

By Sanya Adejokun and Chima Nwokoji

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HE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged states and local governments across the country to prioritise payment of their staff salaries as a way to reflate the economy.

The committee, at its 109th meeting which held on Monday and Tuesday in Abuja also voted to retain all the prevailing rates including Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14.00 per cent; CRR at 22.5 per cent; Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent; and Asymmetric Window at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR. And while acknowledging the weak macroeconomic performance and challenges confronting the economy MPC noted that it had consistently called attention to the implications of the absence of robust fiscal policy to complement monetary policy in the past.

At a media briefing to report the decisions of the Committee in Abuja on Tuesday, Governor of the bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele said the meeting further assessed the impact of its decision to tighten the stance of monetary policy by raising the MPR in July 2016.

He disclosed that new capital flows into the economy, approximately US$1 billion, had come in since July, while month-on-month inflation has declined continuously since May 2016.

The committee also expressed belief that as foreign exchange inflows improve, the naira exchange rate should further stabilize.

Overall, the major pressure points remain the challenges in the oil sector (production and prices), output contraction, and other financial system vulnerabilities as well as foreign ex-

change shortage.

“Members reemphasized the need to prioritize the use of monetary policy instruments in dealing essentially with stability issues around key prices (consumer prices and exchange rate) as prerequisites for growth.

“The MPC noted that stagflation is indeed a very difficult economic condition with no quick fixes: having been imposed by supply shocks as well as fiscal and current account (twin) defi-

cits.

“Consequently, the policy framework must be reengineered urgently to provide a lever for reversing the negative growth trend. While the imperative for ensuring financial system stability remains, the MPC reiterated the fact that monetary policy alone cannot move the economy out of stagflation”, he stated.

While dismissing calls to reduce rates, as a way of spurring credit growth by

both the private and public sector players, Emefiele said banks had in the past seized such opportunity to further selfish interests.

“In the past, the MPC had cut rates to achieve the above objectives; but found that rather than deploy the available liquidity to provide credit to agriculture and manufacturing sectors, the rate cuts provided opportunities for lending to traders who deployed the same liquidity in putting pressure

on the foreign exchange market which had limited supply, thus pushing up the exchange rate.

“With respect to providing opportunity to the public sector to borrow at lower rates to boost consumption and investment spending, the Committee agreed that while it was expected to stimulate growth through aggressive spending, doing so without corresponding efforts to boost industrial output by taking actions to

From left, General Manager, Mr Kunle Omokemi; Assistant General Manager,Nike Akintunde-Lawal; Chief Executive Officer, Babajide Olatunde Agbeja and Director, Kalada Apiafi,all of Boff & Company Insurance Brokers Limited, at a media parley organised by the company on Tuesday in Lagos.

PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

FAAC shares N510.2bn for August Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

THE Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) on Tuesday distributed a total sum of N510.271 billion to beneficiaries for the month of August, 2016.

Minister of Finance and Chairman of FAAC, Kemi Adeosun who briefed reporters at the end of the monthly meeting of the

committee which held inside the auditorium of the ministry said the amount was higher than the N493.8 billion shared in July.

Of the total amount, N303.722billion accrued from statutory sources while Value Added Tax contributed N72.9 billion.

Adeosun said crude oil volume increased by 2.2 million barrels in May despite the brief force ma-

jeure declared at Qua Know and Bonny terminals and a subsisting force majeure at Forcados Terminal.

“There was $109.40 million revenue increase in Federation export sales as a result of increase in average price of crude oil from $42.21 in April to $46.06 per barrel in May 2016.

“A rise in dutiable imports contributed significantly to the increases recorded by

import duty and VAT. Increase in PPT collections was attributed to receipts from NPDC and joint venture operators. The flexible exchange rate regime helped to boost revenue for the current revenue including oil and gas royalty”, she disclosed.

As at Tuesday, a total of $2.916 billion was the balance in the excess crude oil account.

US Chamber names Aliko Dangote co-chair of US-Africa Business Centre THE United States Chamber of Commerce, in a show of further commitment to collaboration by the business communities in the United States and across Africa, today named Aliko Dangote, Africa’s most successful businessman, as the co-chair of its US-Africa Business Centre.

Dangote will serve alongside Jay Ireland, president and CEO of GE Africa, as a leader for the US-Africa Business Center Board of Directors.

“We are honored to have Aliko Dangote on board

to help guide the business communities’ efforts in pursuit of a new era of unprecedented growth between the United States and Africa,” said Scott Eisner, president of the United States-Africa Business Centre.

“The future of job creation lies in the hearts and minds of business leaders and their enterprises across Africa.

We are fortunate to have an opportunity to tap into the expertise of Dangote and our board to ensure that United States companies have strong partners across Africa and can provide ac-

cess to African companies interested in the United States market.”

One of Africa’s leading industrialists, Dangote is a member of several national and foreign organizations where he devotes his resources to contribute to the growth and development of African society. In October 2013, he was named by Forbes as the Most Powerful Man in Africa.

“Taking on this role with the United States Chamber sends a clear message across Africa: American companies no longer see

Africa as a stepping stone to global trade, but rather, as the future of trade,” said Dangote.

“Africa has emerged as one of the most promising growth regions in the world thanks to its vast array of industries, natural resources, and services. Continued and sustainable growth lies in the ability to improve regional integration, which will, in turn, help create a business environment that is more attractive to international investors.

“I believe strongly in Africa’s potential, and we

are proud that the United States-Africa Business Centre will serve as the apex organisation to promote trade and investment between the United States and the vibrant economies across the continent,” added Dangote.

The United States Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

deepen foreign exchange supply for raw materials will not help reduce unemployment nor would it boost industrial capacities.”

He, however, promised that CBN will continue to deploy its development finance interventions to complement the overall effort of fiscal policy towards reinvigorating the economy.

Members emphasized that improved fiscal activities, especially, the active implementation of the 2016 Federal Budget, and payment of salaries by states and local governments, will go a long way in contributing to economic recovery.

In the same direction, the committee urged the fiscal authorities to consider tax incentives as a stimulus on both supply and demand sides of economic activities.

Meanwhile, following the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee(MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria to keep all rates unchanged, a herd of economic and finance analysts have said that commercial banks would rather choose to place their funds in government securities than lending to the real sector of the economy as the rate of non -performing loans continue to rise.

They also said it will help reduce inflationary pressure and buy time for fiscal authority to begin to complement efforts of the monetary authority.

Analysts at Cowry Assets Management Limited said in their reaction on Tuesday said: “We believe the MPC decision was justified given the above considerations, especially with the limited tools available to CBN. This should help restrain inflationary pressure and buy time for fiscal authority to begin to complement efforts of the monetary authority.

“We expect the fiscal authority to complement monetary counterpart by improving ease of doing business and provide infrastructure to help boost productivity and hence spur economic growth. Government can also divest public sector assets to help boost external reserves with their dollar proceeds.”

This they said, will reduce forex rate which businesses need for importing machinery and non-locally sourced raw materials. Eventually, this will reduce cost push inflation and could thus encourage gradual ease of restrictive monetary policy which is needed for economic growth the Cowry Assets analysts stated.

businessnews TSA: PTDF transfers over N1 billion to CBN —Executive secretary 12

Ademola AdegbiteAbuja

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HE Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) on Tuesday, announced that over N1 billion had been transfered to its account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), following the Federal Government’s directive on the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

It later announced its plan to organise an annual retreat/interactive session for all the Endowment Management Committee (EMC) members early next year, with a view to refocusing the research areas of chair occupants.

The acting Executive Secretary of the agency, Ahmed Galadima Aminu, announced this during the meeting with the National Board of Trustees on endowment fund programme.

Aminu, who said the programme was borne out of the strong need for PTDF to develop indigenous manpower and technology through the effective engagement of local researchers in tertiary institutions, then frowned that the meeting which ought to have been holding twice in a year, was last held five years ago.

He stressed further that the programme was to encourage and develop large scale inter-disciplinary teaching and research programme in oil and gas technology, as well as to serve as a link between government and the universities in specific areas of study and research.

According to him, the major prerequisite for the endowment fund is the executive of trust deeds between the fund and the universities. The deed states the conditions for which the endowment was established and the specific purpose and course the professorial chair was to cover.

“The chairs were to be funded from the proceeds of the invested seed monies.

The EMC was constituted to supervise the activities of the chair occupants in order to achieve set goals of the specific research areas.

The professorial chairs in the universities were established to conduct research on methods and equipment for exploiting Nigeria`s enormous oil and gas resources,” he explained.

On the retreat, the acting secretary said the forum would serve to enhance research content, funds and administration for all chair holders, pointing out that all the chair occupants were to submit comprehensive reports on work plans, achievement and challenges in their respective areas to

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

the fund, to board of trustees to scrutinize them.

The meeting was attended by the Vice-Chancellors of

eight universities, who were also the chair occupants of those institutions. They were University of Ibadan; Uni-

versity of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Port Harcourt; University of Maiduguri; Ahmadu Bello University;

University of Jos; University of Benin, as well as Usman Danfodio University and other stakeholders.

Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman Heirs Holdings and recipient of the ‘Person of the year’ award (third left) flanked by other award recipients; Mr Bob Collymore, CEO Safaricom (left); Ms. Vicki Fuller, CIO, New York State Common Retirement Fund (second left) and Dr Daniel Matjila, CEO, Public Investment Corporation of South Africa at the AI Investment Summit in New York on Monday.

Recession: RMAFC warns against sale of national assets Advocates IMF loan instead Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

REVENUE Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has disagreed with views that the Federal Government should dispose of vital national assets to generate revenues needed to move the country out of recession.

Rather, the commission advocated that government should approach International Monetary Fund (IMF) for low interest yielding loans and amortise it with the national assets.

A Cabinet retreat last week resolved to dispose of some national assets in order to generate between $10 and $15 billion principally in foreign currency for injection into the economy.

Similarly, billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote also advised during an interview on CNBC that government should privatise Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited as a means of generating much needed funds to reflate the economy.

However, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, Acting Chairman of RMAFC, Shettima Umar Abba Gana, argued that it would be unwise for the Federal Government to dispose of its crown jewels that generate revenue and keep the Federation Account healthy over the long term.

Citing the NEITI 2013 audit and financial report of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, RMAFC disclosed

that the sum of $12.9 billion was received by NNPC from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company over an eight-year period which the corporation did not remit to the federation account.

The audit according to the Commission also revealed that Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company

paid the sum of $1.289 billion as dividends for 2013.

“It is the considered view of the Commission that Nigeria’s Assets like NLNG and other strategic national resources should not be sold to meet short-term financial obligation.”

It would be recalled that Mr Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the CBN indicated

in a media report that the sum of $10bn would be realised from the sale of these assets.

The Commission is of the strong opinion that the same amount could be borrowed from the IMF and the revenue from these assets could be used to amortise the loans over an agreed period.

Nigerian Tribune

Banks will play critical role in shaping future of businesses in Nigeria —Uzoma Dozie GIVEN the importance of a seamless payment system to businesses, Nigerian banks have been urged to provide payment solutions that will not only facilitate efficient payment processes but equally shape the future of businesses in the country.

This charge was given

by Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc, Uzoma Dozie in a recently published article on his LinkedIn page. Titled “Five Key Learnings from Tech Turks,” the article dwelt on key trends in his interviews with various digital entrepreneurs on Tech Turks, an online video series on Diamond TV. According to the banker and a technology enthusiast, common trends in the series include, market readiness, the importance of having a vision, prioritizing consumer awareness, leveraging technology and finding solutions to challenges with payments.

Commenting on Finding solutions to the common challenge of payments, Uzoma admits “This was the one section that piqued my interest the most for three reasons: how effectively were payments being carried out? What are the challenges faced in terms of payments? and is it possible for us at Diamond Bank to help?

NCAA cautions against use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on board flights Shola Adekola -Lagos THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed passengers not to turn on or charge Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on board aircraft.

A statement signed by the general manager public relations of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, said the warning became necessary based on recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices.

According to Adurogboye in the statement: “These phones must not be stowed away in any checked-in baggage. NCAA is appealing to the passengers’ responsibilities in relation to ensuring safety and security of air transportation.

“Importantly, all Airlines are hereby advised to emphasise the prohibition of this devices on board during passenger briefings by the Cabin Crew. Similarly, all those responsible for searching or screening checkedin baggage are expected to

intensify the procedures to identify possible checked-in Samsung Galaxy Note 7.”

Adurogboye explained further that Samsung has recalled over 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices.

“This became necessary

due to several reported cases of overheating and outright explosion. However, investigation has traced these problems to charging and the company is limiting battery charging on Galaxy Note 7 devices to prevent inferno, ”

Adurogboye stated.

He reiterated the NCAA’s call on all passengers and airline operators to ensure total adherence to this directive as safety and security of air transportation is paramount to the authority.

Elumelu wins Africa Investor Person of the Year award in New York CHAIRMAN of Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, was on Monday awarded the Africa Investor Person of the Year Award at the Africa Investor CEO Institutional Investment Summit in New York.

Elumelu, while receiving the award, extolled stakeholders in the public and private sectors committed to improving access to power in Africa.

He first acknowledged the staff and management of Transcorp Power, the biggest producer of thermal energy in Nigeria, providing about 18 per cent of national output.

He said, “In accepting this award, I want to dedicate it to Transcorp Power staff who remain committed to realizing our dream of improving access to electricity in Nigeria and making our vision of a well-lit, fully powered Nigeria come true.”

Transcorp Power has supported United States President Obama’s Power Africa initiative with a $2.5billion commitment.

He thanked the broader coalition of investors in the African power sector, as he urged other institutional investors to consider long-term opportu-

nities on the continent.

“I also dedicate this to all stakeholders working hard to improve access to power in Africa. I call on others to please join us in this journey to powering Africa out of poverty.”

As the economies of African regional powerhouses like Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Uganda, Nigeria and Angola struggle due to excessive exposure to commodities’ prices caused by limited diversification, Elumelu proffered a sustainable solution to reduce Africa’s historical external vulnerability.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Rio 2016 Paralympics: Nigeria’s great outing

N a marked contrast to Nigeria’s dismal outing at last month’s Rio 2016 Olympic Games where it recorded only one medal despite fielding 77 athletes, the nation, this month, recorded its best ever performance at the Paralympics since 1992. Parading 23 athletes, the nation finished 17th on the medals table with eight gold, two silver and two bronze medals. A total of 4,300 athletes from 161 countries participated in the 22 events staged at Rio 2016.

Nigeria won gold in the athletics women’s javelin throw through Ugwunwa Flora, the athletics women’s shot put through Onye Lauritta, the men’s powerlifting 54 kg category through Ezuruike Roland, the men’s-65 kg powerlifting event through Kehinde Paul and the women’s +86 kg powerlifting event through Orji Josephine.

Also, Ejike Lucy, Nwosu Ndidi and Omolayo Bose brought the nation glory by clinching the gold medals at the women’s -61 kg, -73 kg and -79 kg powerlifting events, respectively. In addition, Team Nigeria clinched two silver medals through Tijani Latifat and Oyema Esther, who competed in the women’s -45 kg and -55 kg powerlifting events, respectively.

Finally, two bronze medals came through Iyiazi Eucharia and Innocent Nnamdi in the athletics women’s discus throw and the men’s -72 kg powerlifting event, respectively. Commendably, Josephine Orji, Paul Kehinde, Lucy Ejike, Lauritta Onye, Bose Omolayo and Florence Ugwunwa all set new world records, while Roland Ezuruike set a new Paralympics record. Overall, Nigeria finished 17th on the table and the best in Africa.

When Nigeria made its debut at the Paralympics in Barcelona, Spain, in 1992, 32 years after the inauguration of the games, it won three gold medals after fielding only six athletes. In 1996, it fielded eight athletes and won three gold, two silver and three bronze medals. In 2000, however, the nation recorded its best result before this year’s, winning seven gold, one silver, and five bronze medals after fielding 33 athletes. In 2004, Team Nigeria fielded 14 athletes and won five gold, four silver and three bronze medals. At the London 2012 Paralympics, it went home with six gold, five silver, and two bronze medals. Buoyed by that performance, the then High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, rewarded the gold medallists with $7500 each. The silver medallists got $5000, while the bronze medallists got $2500 each.

And the team’s arrival at the country, an elated President Goodluck Jonathan conferred the six gold medallists with the MON national award and gave them N5 million each. He also handsomely rewarded the silver and bronze medallists.

Now that Team Nigeria has posted an even better result with its resilience in the face of the hardships experienced in the

country arising from economic recession, it is our expectation that the team will be rewarded even more handsomely, as a way of encouraging athletes to give their all to their country at all times.

Nigeria’s Rio 2016 Paralympics was not however without its sad stories. The world record holder in the -49 kg powerlifting category, Yakubu Adesokan, was unable to compete at the men’s event because of his late arrival at the venue of the event. According to him, this was due to the wrangling among his coaches which delayed their movement from the games village to the venue of the event. Narrating his ordeal, a distraught Adesokan said: “We arrived late at the venue and I was not allowed to undergo weighing before the event. We tried to explain but the authorities did not allow me to take part in the exercise. In fact, I was so shell-shocked that I almost ran into a moving vehicle after I was disqualified. It is something unbearable for me because I never imagined this kind of unfortunate incident in my career.”

However, Adesokan’s record of 182.5kg remains intact, as the eventual winner of that category, Le van Cong from Vietnam, finished at 181kg. Still, with the ugly turnout of events, the nation’s investment in the athlete in the last four years could not be realised. We urge the relevant authorities to probe this incident and mete out appropriate sanctions. If the investigation establishes that Adesokan’s non-participation at the powerlifting event was indeed due to no fault of his, he should be compensated for his patriotism and commitment to the country, in addition to being given a formal apology.

This will assure the nation’s athletes that their interests will always be protected.

The foregoing notwithstanding, there are weightier matters that deserve urgent attention. A survey of Nigeria’s participation at the Paralympics will show that it has exploited its comparative advantage in three events: powerlifting, athletics and para table tennis. That is why, out of the 23 athletes that featured at Rio, 14 were powerlifters, six were track and field athletes, while three were table tennis players. The nation should however try and source for talents that can excel in other events. For instance, Nigeria paraded athletes in the wheelchair tennis category at the 2008 games. Since then, it has not featured in that event.

With the results at its disposal, Nigeria should, we believe, be able to participate in at least seven events. This should be actualised at the Tokyo 2020 games, for which preparations should begin in earnest.

Meanwhile, we say a big congratulations to Team Nigeria and wish it greater glory in the years to come.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@ yahoo.com or by sms to 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied

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Making Nigeria’s economy to thrive

A

PART from oil and metals, agricultural produce come next as Nigeria’s biggest exports to foreign countries. We export cocoa, palm oil cassava, cashew nuts, among others. It is funny that due to the fact that we cannot process these commodities at home, we export them raw, and the Europeans and Asians process the raw commodities we sell to them, and they send them back to our country to sell.

If we look at it, these Europeans and Asians gain more through processing than what we gain when we export our raw agricultural commodities. A good example is cocoa, which we sell its raw beans, but we import cocoa beverages and chocolates.

Now, at a time when we are talking about diversification of the economy, we should focus on adding value to our agricultural produce through processing instead of exporting them raw. For example, cocoa and cashew nuts can be

made into final products.

What we will gain processing our agricultural produce for local consumption, and even export, will be greater than what we will gain exporting the raw commodities. Our farmers will also make more money, as they will not be subjected to the global price of commodities which fluctuate every now and then.

In the case of cassava, which is our staple food, instead of exporting the commodity to China to be used in feeding animals, we can make cassava flour for bread and garri from it.

Cassava is also being used to make beer in the country today.

The administration of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan worked extensively on using cassava to make bread, but the idea just didn’t fly among Nigerians due to the fact that there are few companies that can process cassava into flour in the country.

Achieving economic success is just a matter of right

thinking, and what I am discussing is something that can make our economy to thrive.

While it is important to export, so as to balance the trade between Nigeria and

other countries, it is also important to process our agricultural commodities for local consumption. As a result, we should put a ban on export of agricultural produce, while focusing

on solid minerals and services’ exports.

As said earlier, to develop the economy only needs the right thinking, as well as the political will, and I hope the current economic

managers in the country can look into my submission.

•Prof Aina Akinola, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Economic crisis: The renewed search for greener pastures NIGERIANS, particularly the youth, are once again heading for the exit door as the economic situation in the country bites harder.

During the military era, many Nigerians left the shores of the country in search of greener pastures when the situation at home became unbearable. Today, it seems we are back to that period, with many youths who couldn’t secure visas to their desired countries opting to travel by foot, first via the desert to Libya, before boarding boats to southern Europe.

Just last week, a Nigerian woman gave birth aboard a boat on the Meditterrean sea after being rescued by the Italian coast guards.

This woman is just one of the several thousands of Nigerians who have opted to reach Europe at all cost after the situation at home became economically tough.

The truth is that more Nigerians will continue to migrate if the situation continues to be unbearable. While there is no law preventing people from migrating, it is only when the government makes the country conducive economically for the people that the citizens will stay back to contribute their quotas towards developing their fatherland.

Several years ago, China was in the same situation we found ourselves today,

as many of its citizens migrated in search of better life in the West. Today, China is fast growing, and it is attracting the best talents and companies from all over the world.

We can also turn Nigeria into what China is today in the nearest future, but our government must be serious about this. First, we must eliminate corruption, as this is the biggest stumbling block to our progress. In the past, funds meant for developing the country were diverted into personal accounts, but commendation must go to President Muhammadu Buhari, who has vowed to eliminate corruption in the country.

Secondly, we must start creating businesses for our youths to be gainfully engaged; we can capitalise on our population to resuscitate our moribund

businesses, while also establishing new ones.

Small businesses are what brought China to the current economic boom it is experiencing, and the government must support Nigerians to also establish businesses.

Most of the big businesses we have across the world today started as small firms, and the governments in these countries provided enabling environments for the businesses to thrive.

This is also expected from the Nigerian government to make our businesses to prosper.

Our youths will never stay at home if they are not economically engaged, and it is the responsibility of government to ensure that an enabling environment is provided for them to exert their God-given energy.

•Yemisi Soares, Surulere, Lagos.

Remembering Mama HID MONDAY, September 19, 2016 marked the first year anniversary of Mama HID Awolowo’s exit from this mother earth. How time flies. Unfortunately, I was not around to celebrate the anniversary with hundreds of Mama’s loved ones as they gathered in Ikenne for the remembrance.

For me, Mama lives on.

I sighted an anonymous quote which says: “Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I did not die.”

Yes! Mama is alive when all her good works are still refreshingly in the minds and hearts of those she left behind. Go to her Ikenne home and see the way my sister, who I fondly call Mummy Wemmy, Dr (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu is keeping alive Mama’s memories. Or in Ibadan where my aunty, Mummy Ibadan, Chief (Mrs) Tola Oyediran is holding the fort at the Tribune House.

The symbiotic chemistry between the two has erased doubts that the center of keeping the Awo dynasty alive may not hold after the demise of the matriarch.

In a most comforting words, Leo Buscaglia said: “ I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.”

In conclusion, Robert Frost rounded it up in three words — “ I can sum up everything I have learned about life — It goes on.”

May Mama’s soul continue to have eternal rest.

May her good legacies continue to immortalise her.

•Folu Olamiti, Abuja.

opinion Curbing Nigeria’s exponential population growth 15

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

By Niran Adedokun

I

the nullification of the census in some parts of Lagos. In 2013, the Tribunal punctured the National Population Commission’s report and ordered a fresh census in 14 of the 20 Local Government Areas in the state!

However, let us accept the 2016 figure of 140,431,790 for the purpose of this discourse. With that, our population is projected to rise up to about 243 million in 2030. This will make Nigeria the third most populous country in the world following only after India and China in that order.

This increase of over 100 million will result from unchecked high rises in the number of births. Data attributed to the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UN Statistics Division indicate that there are 20,391 live births in Nigeria every day; this implies that about 842 babies are born every hour.

The data also suggests that the dependency ratio in the country is 78 per cent, whereas a minute 22 per cent of the population is productive. Given the current birth rate, the number of people in their productive years is expected to increase exponentially in the next 15 years such that the country will have one of the largest populations of young people on the planet.

How Nigeria plans to gainfully engage this demography is the question that the country does not seem prepared to answer.

At the moment, almost 11 million children are out of school in Nigeria. The educational sector from elementary up to the tertiary is in shambles, informal and vocational education is virtually non-existent while the quality of teaching has continued to sag. The country is also not making any serious attempt to direct

N reaction to my recent piece entitled: “We kill militants but in vain,” a reader, Oris Obelikpeyah, wrote in as follows: “…In addition to all you wrote about, there’s the problem of an alarming rate of increase in child birth that tilts in favour of the poor, the destitute and unemployed Nigerians, as well as refugees who sojourn in our cities…Those who hawk are homeless and jobless in our urban areas and are easily impregnated. They give birth to another generation of poor, homeless, ignorant and jobless children. It is an endless circle of poverty, which stirs us in the face…”

Nothing could have put this issue over which I have ruminated for a while more succinctly. I have also always thought that a good place to start is to interrogate the population figures that we bandy around.

Depending on who you ask and which side of the bed they wake up from, the population of Nigeria is currently put at anything between 160 million and 187 million. The last headcount in the nation was 10 years ago. And that national census, which did not pass without controversies hinged on ethnic suspicions, put the country’s population at over 140 million. Nigeria was scheduled to hold another census this year, but it is as clear as crystal that nothing in the like is in the plans of government at the moment.

As a result, all the projections about Nigeria’s population are based on the 140 million posted by the 2006 exercise. But there have been queries, and credible ones at that, about the credibility of that census.

The first discredit to the 2006 census figures came from the Lagos State government. Apparently to forestall being denied its obvious position as the state with the most population in Nigeria, the Lagos State government chose to conduct a parallel count of its citizens alongside that of the Federal Government.

True to its fears, both initiatives posted results with ridiculously wide margins. While the national census claimed that Lagos was inhabited by 5.686 million people, the locally commissioned process posted a whopping 17,553,924 people! The state government then approached the National Census Tribunal for

the interest of its youth towards science, technical, mathematics and engineering subjects, all which make the future.

The same lacklustre disposition permeates the nation’s health sector such that you can literarily conclude that nothing like a health system exists in Nigeria. There is equally no well-laid out plan for the provision of housing for millions of Nigerians to whom shelter has become an ever present challenge. The country is simply unable to take care of its current population, not to speak of the tens of millions projected for coming years.

Yet, Nigeria makes no attempt to check population growth.

We just live for the now without sparing much thought for the future of the country. As China, India and even Ghana attempted at some point in their history, one would expect that Nigeria would, by itself, take control of its destiny and create a measure of population control to avoid an explosion and entrench a poverty trap.

Since Ibrahim Babangida proposed the idea of four children per family to Nigerians in the 80s, no attempt, no matter how feeble or unsuccessful it might be, has been made to draw the attention of Nigerians to the relationship that could exist between an unplanned population, poverty, crime and an uncertain future.

So, millions of Nigerian women, especially those in the lower rung of society, have become baby making machines, competing to outdo one another at the venture, which is where the relationship between education, adequate shelter and unbridled population comes to the fore.

While the average educated person plans to have a small family and is aware of family planning options, the poor, the destitute and multitude who succumb to urban migration with make shift housing, find good recreation in coitus and feel adequately rewarded by pregnancies and babies that result therefrom. Only an institutional intervention will help here.

As the Yoruba say, omo bere, osi bere, intemperate procreation can only lead to bottomless poverty. The limited nature of resources has become an increasing global reality and when populations grow without control in the face of unevenly distributed resources, poverty follows like a Siamese twin.

•Adedokun is a public affairs analyst.

Travelling on Nigeria’s terrible roads

By Rotimi Awoyemi GIVEN Nigeria’s natural endowments even in the form of impressive topography, from the awe-inspiring flat savannah plains in the North, to the few enduring thick tropical rain forest zones of the South variously dotted with amazing but sometimes ‘’weird-looking ‘’ hills and mountains of shapes and sizes, gullies, rivers all add up to make travelling experience in the country an unforgettable one, even while tourism is still in infancy in the country!

The 672.92 km journey from Lagos to Abuja by road in the morning of August 12, 2016 promised to be interesting and challenging, if not energy sapping, due to the distance.

However, love they say conquers all. It was a family reunion of a sort that was not to be missed. Destination —Abuja!

During the intermittent short morning showers, the driver, with a conspicuous ‘’Captain’’ tag on him, courteously acknowledged his passengers and as officially required of him, reeled out his name, the destination, maximum speed limit at 110 km/hr and more. With this, he drove out of their office premises located near the Iyana Ipaja over-head bridge in Lagos, manning and manoeuvring the wheels with some perfected skills, to hit the road.

Sitting next to the driver, as he was adorned in uniform, a grey top and dark trouser with a tie, in his heavily built stature that failed to conceal a short protruding belly, already I could feel an aura of respectability hovering around our revered captain!

The unpredictable nature of Lagos traffic even for us moving against traffic’ and out of town, stared us in the face as we meandered our way through. We eventually crawled out of the city with much relief, and gathered moderate speed for the journey. Our movement to Ore, Ondo State was without hitch with the newly re-worked Ore road.

We met with some construction road works within Edo State which held our movement for some time. It was there that our driver revealed another part of him, as he laughed to scorn the work process of the construction road works, which we observed as the packing of the asphalt on the failed sections (pot-holes-ridden) without excavating that failed section, then followed immediately by a roller compaction! I was quick to point to him that he was not a qualified civil engineer to

adjudge the process, and that it was expected that the officials of government with such responsibility would have done the due diligence on proper testing and supervision of the construction work.

Again the driver burst into laughter and in a manner that derides my earlier comment, as he exclaimed, in pidgin, “Oga, leaf dat tin, EFCC go soon carry all of dem.’’ I only chuckled in response, because I believed he was just a clown on the road to stardom. Yet, what I found apparent in his statement was that, the township roads of those towns we travelled through namely; Obadan, Erua, Expoma, Auchi, Iddo Okpella, and Okenne, as later observed, among others, all need urgent and serious road construction works, whether as efforts of Edo and Kogi state governments severally, or that of the Federal Government where a Federal road concept applies.

Such prompt efforts to repair, construct new roads, or expand the existing ones as applicable, will save lots of lives, property and precious man-hour from being wasted with ease of movement guaranteed by adequate and good roads with proper drainages. These observable very bad portions as noticed between Edo and Kogi states, all the way bursting out at LokojaAbuja road junction have added in no small measure to the stress experienced on the road, slowing down movement while it was also affirmed to be the hot-bed of some clandestine activities of criminals, save for the efforts of the security personnel on patrol and manning check-points. There is no gain-saying that the area in general deserves urgent government attention.

Then we met with a long queue on the stretch of Lokoja Bridge, perpetuated by a security check-point that looked

like an endless trail of trailers and trucks, with most of them observed fully loaded all on a single lane, following each other ‘bumper-to-bumper’ numbering over 30, parked stationary on the bridge!

Though, smaller vehicles were given preference to go through the traffic with little disturbance on the other lane, while these truck were perhaps, isolated for further security checks with the Army personnel on duty, fully operational at their game with their stern looks and arms displayed combat-ready, everybody dutifully complied. The high patriotic zeal of these security personnel displayed day and night is very commendable.

However, it is imperative to point out that the lining up a very large numbers of trucks loaded most times beyond capacity for whatever reason, on a constructed bridge is, in itself, a safety threat! We should know that the bridge technically has a weight-limit, and this should be noted in its usage. Heavy trucks or heavy articulated vehicles should not be left stationary on the bridge.

As we moved further on, I could see and appreciate the common sights of some rocky hills/mountains, sometimes in an undulating manner, some spreading out and forming like a fortification walls around some towns which we passed through.

This had taken my thoughts away as we swept along in the journey. Thoughts on how the thick vegetation noticeable in the South thin out magically as one moves into the Savannah belt of the North with its own unique and different type of vegetation, peculiar to the North, welcoming one’s arrival to the Northern part of the country, swayed the better part of me, with the hope that some key elements in government are thinking in the same direction, to fully explore the unimaginably massive potential of this country in the tourism industry!

All these were still in my thoughts when we hit Abaji on the outskirts of Abuja. In spite of the dark that was gradually and mischievously creeping into an adventurous day, I could not but notice the smoother turf on which we were now moving. Our vehicle’s movement had suddenly changed to a cruise! And the sprawling development observable on both sides of the road was worth contemplating too. As we inched further into Abuja, the development got more detailed and colourfully illuminating, and more sophisticated that I felt I was in a foreign land.

•Awoyemi sent in this piece via teamawoyemi@ gmail.com

16

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

tribune cartoons

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye

aka King Sunny Ade (KSA)

FUNOLOGY

•Born on Sunday, 22 September, 1946 in Ondo. His father was a church organist.

•KSA is a Nigerian musician, singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has been classed as one of the most influential musicians of all time.

SEGELUULU

CHURCH BOY

•Inspired by the music of I.K. Dairo, he joined the Rhythm Dandies, led by Moses Olaiya (also known as Baba Sala, Nigeria’s preeminent funny man and a prolific film maker). King Sunny Ade was influenced by the legendary Tunde Nightingale.

•In 1966, he formed his own band, the Green Spots.

•He was described in The New York Times as “one of the world’s great band leaders” •KSA, sometimes called the Minister of Enjoyment, will be clocking 70 tomorrow, 22 September, 2016.

THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THE CARTOONS BELOW. THE DIFFERENCES SHOULD BE MARKED IN B

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

A

B

17

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

inside

nigerdelta

Femi Olukunle Coordinating Editor 08158610216

Monarch, indigenes count losses as oil leak devastates Bayelsa community Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

T

HE people of Kalaba community in Bayelsa have continued to count their losses over negative impact of oil spillage as a result of leakage from Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) facility, that has dealt adversely on their farmlands, the ecosystem and both aquatic and economic life in the area.

The people of the area, particularly worried and angered over NAOC’s delay in embarking on thorough clean up exercise to contain the spill that has continued to spread like wildfire, have bemoaned the multiplier effect of the oil leak from Agip’s oil field in the area.

The leak, according to residents, was

discovered in the area in August and is currently spilling crude spreading fast to the swamps and forest, bringing the ecosystem in the community under threat.

The inhabitants of Kalaba community, Yenagoa Local Government Area, lamented that over a month after the spill occurred, it had yet to be contained, and the environment was yet to be remediated.

They appealed to the government and relevant authorities to prevail on NAOC to halt the spill and carry out remediation on the site.

Chief Roman Orukali, paramount ruler of the community, said on Wednesday that though officials of the company visited the area, the spill had yet to be put

under control.

“Agip came to the site on August 5, though they have yet to reach the area because of water, but up till now, the oil is still bubbling and it is heading into the swamp.

“That is one of the fishing swamps we have and if not cleaned up in time, it will affect us adversely.

“They don’t attend to spill on time, so I am appealing to the Federal Government to prevail on the company to return to the spill site in time and make the necessary clean up and remediation”, he said The youth leader of the community, Mr Samuel Opuro, said aquatic and farming activities were worst hit by the spills.

“When it got to my notice, it was on the 2nd of August and I am very sure that the spills happened even before then.

Mr Alagoa Morris, a renowned Environmental Right Activist/Friend of the Earth (ERA/FoN), called on the multinational oil firm to take urgent steps to clamp the spill in order to avert imminent danger.

“This is rainy season; the spill will impact the surrounding swamp. This is when swamp time fishing activities take place and with the spill, that is affected because it is spreading within the surrounding swamps.

“That is why we are very much concerned, because the more the spill, the more the water takes it far away from the very spill point”, Morris said.

The Environmental rights activist, however, urged the community to promptly report incidents of oil spills in their areas to ensure timely clean up.

The Management of Eni, Italian energy firm and parent company of NAOC decline comments on the development when contacted.

Compel oil companies to end gas flaring, Delta community urges FG Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

Spilled oil covering the surface of a river thus threatening the environment

Cross River to shut down unlicensed driving schools Ubong Anthony-Calabar THE Cross River State government says it would shut down all unlicensed driving schools operating in the state.

State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Saviour Nyong, disclosed this during an interactive meeting with the state Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) and proprietors of driving schools in the state, shortly after flagging off e-driving test for applicants applying for driver’s license.

Nyong said the action became necessary for proper sensitisation of drivers, adding that most drivers did not have formal knowledge of driving, thereby causing accidents on the roads.

According to him, “Driving is for adult and people who are healthy, sound and physically fit. Before you drive, you must undergo eye test, know and be able to identify road signs and also do practical

driving. Driving is not for everybody” The commissioner, however, commended the efforts of VIO for the pivotal role it had played in ensuring that commuters were properly sensitised on the importance of safety before plying the road.

He urged proprietors of driving schools in the state to cooperate with the state government through the office of the VIO in its efforts at ensuring the safety of lives as well as generating revenue for the state government.

Responding, the state Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO), Paul Bepeh, reaffirmed his commitment towards ensuring that tricycle operators were biometrically captured and licensed to enable them checkmate crime in the state.

“It is our duty to ensure that tricycle operators are properly captured and licensed so that we can identify them, which would help in fighting crime in the

state.

“We are not relenting. We would ensure that things are done properly so that we can also prevent accidents on our roads’’ The Chief VIO officer said the essence of the meeting was to intimate all driving school proprietors and the public that the office had commenced e-driving tests for applicants who applied for driver’s license.

He urged commuters to cooperate with the VIO to enable it carry out its duties judiciously, and thanked the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, for giving him the necessary support.

On his part, state chairman of driving school association, Mr Stephen Umoh, who was represented by the state vicechairman, Pastor Solomon Anthony, commended the commissioner and the Chief VIO officer for introducing computerised driving test and urged them to sustain the initiative.

WORRIED by the unabating gas flaring in the Niger Delta region, Kokodiagbene community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, has urged the Federal Government to go tough with Multinational Oil Companies for refusing to end the menace.

Chairman of the community, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, in a statement in Warri at the weekend, claimed that the multinational oil companies appeared not ready to end gas flaring in Niger Delta Region.

He implored the Federal Government to compel the oil companies to adhere strictly to environmental best practices to save the environment, stoppage of gas flaring and bring defaulters to book.

Mulade, who is also the National Coordinator, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), wondered why none of the oil companies had been brought to book over the menace.

“It is amazing that justice is far from environmental offenders in Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari should take responsibility by addressing this ugly menace in Nigeria.

“It is unfortunate that multinational oil companies, which obey and adhere strictly to environmental best practices internationally in their countries and other parts of the globe, refuse to end gas flaring in the Niger Delta Region.

“But the Federal Government should stop romancing with Multinational Oil Companies and ensure that they do the needful now as far as ending gas flaring in the region is concerned,” he reasoned.

Comrade Mulade also challenged the National Assembly to compel multinational oil companies to end gas flaring now in the region.

18

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

By Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com

Professor Olufemi Onabajo (sixth from left); Dr (Mrs) Oyebola Ayeni and other attendees of the Space Tourism Conference.

Lead City stands tall for space tourism

Celebrates human space exploration with Space Tourism Society

By Wale-ojo Lanre

L

EAD City University, Ibadan, has once again distinguished itself as one of the best private universities in Nigeria, taking a lead in space science education, exploration and tapping of its benefits for the university community.

The institution, which was credited in Ghana recently as “the first and only university in Nigeria to have ever organised its students and staff on a education tour of the Space Centre in Ghana,” has followed it up with another space education tourism programme event which attracted space tourism professionals, academics, students and enthusiasts to the school.

Lead City University, in alliance with Space Tourism Society, Nigeria chapter, recently organised a one – day conference in commemoration of 55th anniversary of the first human space flight made by Yuri Gagarin, the 15th anniversary of the World Space Tourist, Mr Dennis Tito, and celebrating human achievements in space exploration.

In attendance from the school, apart from the students, were the Vice – Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Onabajo; the Registrar, Dr ( Mrs ) Oyebola Ayeni; Mrs Olakunbi Taiwo-Taiwo, bursar; Professor (Mrs) Olusola Taiwo Ladokun; the Dean, Faculty of Science; Head of the Department of Computer Science, Prof Gbade Lana; Dr

Debo Babatunde and Dr Ayobami Owolabi, Director of Information and Public Relations Officer of the institution who piloted and anchored the programme beautifully.

Making the day scientifically enriching, fulfilling and revealing was the presence of those who matter in the space science sector, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology sent two representatives, Captain Onasanya Ifetayo, pilot and instructor and engineer Waheed Bamidele Disu, Technical Adviser to the Rector and Chief Executive Officer. The National Space Research and Development Agency’s team was led by Dr Benjamin Ayantunji, Assistant Director, Engineering and Space System, Mr Akeem Adewale and Timi Ekubor.

The governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, was represented by Mr Muyiwa Ige, while the chairman of Obat Oil Conglomerate , Oba Obateru Akinruntan, sent a powerful delegation which did not only grace the programme but delivered papers on space tourism.

The president of the Space Tourism Society, Nigerian chapter, Mr Paul Oladunni, who facilitated the conference, spoke on the activities of the society and expatiated on the opportunities inherent in space tourism movement, which he said included schorlaship and exchange programme, internship networking, mentorship, global connection and exposure and job opportunities in space related organisations and academies all over the world.

He revealed that the conference was being held at Lead City University because “Lead City University has been recognised at the World Space Centre both in Ghana and the US as the only private university in Nigeria which has blazed an unbeatable trail in space tourism education and knowledge.”

Mr Oladunni said that, “Lead City University has set itself apart from the rest with its dispensation of total educational experience to students which enable its students to not only be academically sound but to have practical experience in tourism activities and travel, which is another genre of education entirely.”

Reinforcing the above reality, Dr Owolabi, the Public Relations Officer of the university, revealed that the management of the institution, in its path finding tradition in knowledge acquisition and dissemination, had decided to be at the forefront of spreading the gospel and knowledge of space science education via tourism.

The Registrar, Dr (Mrs) Ayeni, in her short but brilliant speech, pointed out that “knowledge is acquired faster when education is practically experienced by engaging not only in academic gymnastics in the classroom but also in gaining out of school experience in other lands. Hence, the chairman and Governing Council of Lead City University embraced space tourism as a platform of bringing space knowledge faster and nearer to the students and also serve as a platform of exposing our students to myriads of beneficial activities through travel exposure.”

The Vice – Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Onabajo, who commended the organisers of the programme, assured that “Lead City University is set up to produce universal students who will be fit and proper in any knowledge based endeavour. Thus, we strive to explore other vital areas of study which are and will be beneficial to the students. We are not going to rest on our oars but do everything noble and reasonable for our students to make them moons in the midst of stars of the world.”

Professor (Mrs) Olusola Ladokun, who was visibly impressed by the programme, revealed the preparedness of the Faculty of Science not only to serve as the ventilator and distillatory avenue of pristine scientific ideas but its readiness to embrace scientific endeavours which can improve knowledge and add value to the society.

The representative of Governor Aregbesola’, Ige, emphasised the importance of space knowledge to the development of the nation. “Space knowledge is indispensable to Geographical Information System, especially in land mapping and settlement. This has been effectively utilized in the State of Osun,” he said.

Captain Ifetayo, who gave an insight into what the College of Aviation has in stock for the nation and students, took pains to demonstrate and teach the students how to operate the various space related equipment and instruments brought to the conference, while Dr Ayantunji revealed how his agency had been able to utilize space for the benefit of the nation and the world.

Both Captain Ifetayo and Dr Ayantunji commended the chairman and Governing Council of the university for registering the name of the institution in the annals of space science and tourism development in Nigeria. According to Dr Ayantunji, “there is no gainsaying that Lead City is living up to its name of leading others in space tourism knowledge dissemination and education. This is a value added to the institution, the management and the students.”

They both agreed that the institution should not only maintain the credibility and visibility which it has garnered for itself in space science and tourism discourse but sustain the pace by engaging in sequential tourism and academics induced travels.

Dr Tunde Oseni, Head of Department, Politics and International Relations, who had earlier enumerated the various reasons why people are curious about space and space tourism, described the event as commendable and inspiring, adding that the purpose was to notify the world of the brilliant, brave and courageous acts of men of history whose deeds are points of reference today.

He described Lead City University “as an oasis and a conducive and fertile academic arena where vibrant knowledge and ideas fester, sprout and germinate with the prompt support of the management and where the futuristic catalysing factors of development are sowed, nurtured and weaned just like the Space tourism programmel.’’

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tourism

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Goshenvile Hotel, Akure: Where cigarettes and alcohol are forbidden!

By Wale-ojo Lanre

A

FTER emptying a bowl of pounded yam with vegetable and assorted meats, I ordered for a bottle of my favourite drink to ‘step down’ the swallow. But to my surprise, the restaurant attendant just smiled at me and said: “Sir, we don’t serve alcohol in this hotel. Not only that we don’t serve it sir, we also do not allow people to smoke cigarette in the hotel premises.”

“Then why am I here? Why do I need to spend a night here?” I asked myself. After all, hospitality is all about relaxing and enjoying myself to the fullest, so this idea of non alcoholic drink and no smoking hotel won’t make one to have a pleasant stay in a hotel like this, I concluded .

Yes, to people who cannot do without taking beer or other alcoholic drinks, you may think Goshenvile is not a place for you.

But if truly we want the best hospitality service in a serene and secure environment, the hotel is reputed to be one of the best in

Akure, the capital city of Ondo State.

Located at Okuta Elerinla Housing Estate, off Ilesa Garage road, Akure, Goshenvile offers exceptional and unique services as it is very rare to see a hotel where beer, wine, brandy and other forms of alcoholic drinks are not sold.

The 20 -room hotel has all its rooms equipped with modern room furniture such as television, fridge and standard bed, while the toilet also has facilities that can make it compete with others at international level . You are not only connected to the world in your room; you have the entire world in your room with hi speed internet connections and Dstv, which connects your television to both local and foreign television stations.

The services and facilities available at Goshenvile are good enough to make one forget alcohol simply because they are too good to miss and it’s a home for those who really want to relax and enjoy their rest.

It is a hotel which will make you realise that you will not die for not drinking alcohol, or pass out for not smoking.

The morning after I was denied alcohol, the guest friendly receptionists put a call to my room at around 7a.m, probing for my choice of breakfast which was complementary to the services. Unlike in other hotels where they think complimentary breakfast is a pain in the ass, at Goshenvile, you have a fill good for the tummy.

Barrister Yinka Awoyinka, propeller of Goshenvile, a journalist with years of experience in the hospitality sector, said “the only experience I have in the sector is sleeping in good hotels and enjoying top line services, which we are trying to replicate here, and that is why, apart from hiring the best hands in the sector, I am also available to assist and monitor things so that our guests have memorable and sweet experience.”

Speaking on why the hotel refused to sell alco-

TOURISM

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Lai Mohammed

“We cannot afford this year’s Abuja Carnival to be organised in the spirit of business as usual.

It must be done in the spirit of business unusual. The era of it being a mere jamboree without economic benefits to the people and nation has gone for good.

It must be purposefully packaged and processed from being only an entertainment gathering to an empowerment forum” —Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister for Information and Culture to 2016 Abuja Carnival Committe

hol and cigarettes, Awoyinka said “it is the policy of the hotel because we run this place like a home and not everybody would want to smoke and drink. So, we choose to offer excellence services as an alternative to smoking and drinking alcohol. This is a unique selling point for us.”

Goshenvile also has a functional laundry department as well as standby generating sets. “We ensure there is light all the time in the hotel because we want people to have value for their money. We are among the leading hotels in Akure and in the entire South-West which offer uninterrupted supply of light, 24/7.”

As I stepped out of the hotel, I was disappointed at my body chemistry which seemed to have adjusted itself to the non – smoking and non alcohol session. For instead of looking for an arena where I could get one bottle for the road, my body system never put pressure on me like before as I drove smoothly to Ibadan, not hitting the pot-holes as before and not having to wait to mend any tyres .

If Goshenvile Hotel is good for me, I am sure it is good for you, too.

Just be there.

2016 World Tourism day: Oyo votes for Aso Ofi in Iseyin

By Wale-ojo Lanre THE Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has decided to look inward in celebrating this year’s World Tourism day which will hold on Tuesday 27 September 2016.

According to the Commissioner for information, Culture and Tourism, Prince Toye Arulogun “The Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has taken a retrospective review of the manner and ways which past world tourism days had been celebrated in the state and has directed that this year’s event must not only be celebrated with a view of promoting an indigenous trade but also must be celebrated outside ibadan.”

According to Prince Arulogun “ His Excellency who is masses and tourism friendly is of the opinion that we should take and spread the gospel of tourism to the people in the rural areas and make them feel the import of the tourism sub sector “ He informed that “It is on this basis that we have decided to invite you all and tourism stakeholders in Oyo state to Iseyin ,on Tuesday 27 September 2016 for this year World Tourism Day celebration “ Prince Arulogun pointed out that “The

Gov Ajimobi vision of Governor Ajimobi at hosting the celebration in Iseyin aptly tally with this year’s theme of World Tourism day “Tourism for all – Promoting Universal accessibility ‘. Noting that, the governor is directly promoting accessibility to Iseyin for the world to see and appreciate the making of Aso – Ofi “ Prince Arulogun informed that “We

are making a great departure from the past celebration. It is being branded in a carnival mode which will enabled the people of Iseyin to benefit from the ripples economic effect of the celebration”” He informed that by the special grace of God , Senator Ajimobi the Governor of Oyo sate bearing any unforeseen circumstances would be the special guest of honour as Oba Ganiyu Adekunle Salawu Ologunebi , Ajinase I, Aseyin of Iseyin will be the host “ He revealed that “we are also planning to take a short trip to Ado Awaye hanging lake, the only one in Africa if rain permits. All in the celebrating the day in alignment with this year’s theme “ Prince Arulogun assured citizen of Oyo state of the commitment of Governor Ajimobi to the development and enhancement of the untapped tourism potentialities of the state for the purpose of generating employment, mobilizing wealth, empowerment and development of the rural areas He revealed that “Governor Ajimobi is mobilizing the tourism sector of the state to stimulate wealth, generate revenue and create employment for the people. These and other efforts of the Governor will definitely further make our state great “

20

21

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

with Doyin Adeoye

m:08038000394 e:doyinadeoye@tribuneonlineng.com t:@kreatif_ink

If we go on using the earth uncaringly and without replenishing it, then we are just greedy consumers —Satish Kumar

ecoscope ‘Tackling corruption can help curb illegal wildlife trade’

Duke of Cambridge steps up pressure for British ban on ivory sales

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) shake hands with Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari at the UN headquarters in New York, on September 28, 2015.

Climate change: UN set to commence enforcement of Paris Agreement today Buhari to sign pact for Nigeria

U

NITED Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, will today, convene a special ‘HighLevel Event on Entry into Force of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change’ at the UN Headquarters in New York for the deposit of instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the Paris Agreement on climate change.

With China and the United States formally joining the Paris Agreement in early September, a total of 27 countries have ratified the Paris Agreement so far, accounting for 39.08 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The high-level event will provide an opportunity to other countries to publicly commit to joining the Paris Agreement before the end of 2016.

During his participation in the 71st UN General Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari along other world leaders will sign the Paris Treaty on Climate at the event.

According to the nation’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal at the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015.

The agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming

to well below 2°C, and is due to enter into force in 2020.

Onyeama said that top on Nigerian UN agenda during the General Assembly was to engage African Union and other countries to work towards the reform of the United Nations.

He said that the leaders would also be engaged to be more demo-

cratic and responsive to the needs of the world.

“In addition to the wave of change, Nigeria will like to propose to the UN body to create an agency dedicated for the youth,” Onyeama said.

He also assured the international community that Nigeria would support a new UN Secretary-Gen-

eral that would be development and Africa-friendly, as well as, sympathetic to the course of Nigeria.

While speaking on investment, power and insecurity in Nigeria, he noted that the Federal Government had established various security mechanisms to create attractive investment environment for wouldbe investors.

THE world is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in wildlife trafficking, which is stealing the irreplaceable natural wealth of countries, greatly hindering development, paralysing efforts to eradicate poverty and undermining conservation efforts. This illicit trade in wildlife is well organised, transnational and happening across every region.

As a result of this, talk of prohibiting, preventing and countering corruption must take centre stage when signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) treaty on regulating the international trade in wildlife meet in Johannesburg this weekend.

As countries prepare for the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to Cites (CoP17), there is increasing recognition that to curb the global surge in wildlife trafficking we must counter the corrosive corruption that enables it.

Corruption aids and abets transnational organised crime, and is particularly rife where there is high-volume wildlife trafficking, such as with raw elephant ivory.

The first ever World Wildlife Crime report, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) earlier this year, says more than 7,000 species of wild animals and plants are threatened by this illicit trade.

It highlights that certain forms of illegal wildlife trade, such as the

international illicit trade in rhino horn, would not be possible without corruption.

It is well established that corruption harms people, undermining the rule of law, institutions and sustainable development. By enabling wildlife trafficking, it is also helping to drive species of wild animals and plants to extinction.

Animals like elephants and rhinos are being slaughtered for their ivory and horn. Corruption often enables the passage of goods from source, through transit, to illicit markets and the unscrupulous dealers who may be many thousands of kilometres away from where the specimens were stolen.

It’s not just iconic species being affected. Pangolins are being wiped out for their meat and scales. Rosewood is being plundered from forests for timber.

Smuggling of rare iguanas for the pet trade is decimating wild populations, an illicit trade that spans three continents, with the animals being poached in the Bahamas, trafficked into Europe and southeast Asia, and involving nationals from at least five countries. Illicit trade affects every country across the globe.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Cambridge will intensify pressure on politicians to ban the sale of ivory this week, as senior Tories demand Theresa May acts now to protect elephants and rhinos.

The Duke will make a speech to be broadcast around the world on

Impose restrictions on pangolin trade, protectionists urge govts ENVIRONMENTALISTS have urged governments attending a global wildlife conference in South Africa this month to impose maximum restrictions on the trade of endangered pangolins.

The long-snouted, nocturnal pangolin, the size of a small dog and found in Africa and Southeast Asia, is the world’s most illegally trafficked mammal, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Vietnam is at the centre of the trade, said Bui Thi Ha, the Deputy Director of Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV), an organisation that works to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products.

She said more than 2,600 pangolins had been seized in Vietnam over the last three years, along with more than 30 tonnes of frozen meat and scales.

“Vietnam is both a transit point for pangolin trafficking, as well as a large consumer market. The destination for most of the pangolins

is China, but the demand for them is on the rise, especially in the big cities,” she told Reuters.

It is unclear how many pangolins

are left in the wild.

ENV said pangolins are shipped from Africa to meet demand in Asia, where products made from

pangolins are prized for their supposed medicinal value and have led to local numbers falling.

The pangolin trade is already limited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Environmentalists are pressing CITES to increase the trade restrictions to “only in exceptional circumstances,” the highest level of protection.

CITES, an agreement among 183 governments to ensure trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival, will consider the request at the September 24 to October 5 meeting in South Africa.

Thursday, demonstrating his determination to help save endangered African wildlife.

According to the Telegraph, tackling the illegal wildlife trade is a long-standing passion for the Duke.

He is patron of Tusk, a charity that campaigns for governments to protect African wildlife and help alleviate poverty.

He will address an event in Lon-

don hosted by the Tusk Trust this week, and his speech will be broadcast live to audiences in Tokyo and Johannesburg.

Speaking last year, the Duke said: “Let us not tell our children the sad tale of how we watched as the last elephants, rhinos and tigers died out, but the inspiring story of how we turned the tide and preserved them for all humanity.”

ecofact

RAIN is an essential part of the water cycle and is responsible for saving the larger part of the fresh water on the earth. Here are some interesting facts about the rain.

• Rain drops can fall at speed of about 22 miles an hour • Raindrops have sizes fluctuating from 0.1 to 9 mm in diameter, above which they tend to bre • Rainfall happens on other planets of the solar system too.

However, it is different from the rain we encounter here on earth.

There it might be made out of methane, neon and sulfuric corrosive or significantly

iron rather than water. Rain on Venus is made of Sulfuric acid and on Saturn’s moon Titan, precipitation is methane rather than water.

• An inch of rain on an acre of land measures pretty much 226,000 pounds and in every minute, 1 billion tonnes of rain falls on the earth.

• There is no end to rain in Mt. Waialeale in Kauai, Hawaii, as it has up to 350 rainy days every year.

New inhaler protects lungs against effects of air pollution Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, meets a rescued elephant called ‘Ran Ran’ at the Xishuangbanna Elephant Sanctuary.

AN inhaler that protects the lungs against air pollution has been developed by scientists and could help the many millions of people affected by

Climate change threatens wheat production —Study ONE of the biggest concerns about climate change is the effect it will have on agriculture. Many studies have suggested that rising temperatures could be harmful to farms around the world, although there is plenty of uncertainty about how bad things will get and which food supplies we should worry about most.

Now, a new study published last week in Nature Climate Change, reiterates concerns that wheat, the most significant single crop in terms of human consumption might be in big trouble.

After comparing multiple studies used to predict the future of global crop production, researchers have found that they all agree on one point, rising temperatures are going to be really bad for wheat production.

According to the Washington Post,

the authors of the new study, who included dozens of scientists from institutions in China, the United States, Europe and elsewhere around the world, after the research, realised that a global temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius would lead to a worldwide decline in wheat yield by between 4.1 and 6.4 per cent.

The world currently produces more than 700 million tonnes of wheat annually, which is converted into all kinds of products for human consumption, including flour for bread, pasta, cakes, breakfast cereals and more. A reduction of just five per cent would translate to a loss of about 35 million tonnes each year.

And that could spell big trouble for the global food supply.

A new report from the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organ-

isation (FAO) projected that world wheat production for the 2016/17 year would hit 741 million tonnes, nearly 500 million of which is destined to be used directly for human consumption.

While global production of coarse grains, including corn, does outweigh the production of wheat, a significantly smaller proportion of it goes to human consumption worldwide, with the rest being used for animal feed and industrial purposes. According to the FAO, global human consumption of coarse grains comes to about 200 million tonnes annually.

In general, the results suggest that warmer regions of the world will experience the greatest temperature-related losses. However, the agreement among the different study methods on exactly what these losses will be was less consistent for smaller countries than for the larger producers.

“The consistent negative impact from increasing temperatures confirmed by three independent methods warrants critical needed investment in climate change adaptation strategies to counteract the adverse effects of rising temperatures on global wheat production, including genetic improvement and management adjustments,” the researchers wrote in the paper.

toxic air to avoid its worst effects.

The inhaler delivers a molecule, first found in bacteria in the Egyptian desert, which stabilises water on the surface of the lung cells to form a protective layer. It is expected to be available as an inexpensive, overthe-counter product.

Outdoor air pollution is a global health crisis that kills over 3 million people a year and it has long been linked to lung and heart disease and strokes. But research is also uncovering new impacts on health, including degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, mental illness and, this week, diabetes.

The impact of air pollution costs $5 trillion a year, according to a World Bank report published last week.

Action to clean up air is urgently needed across the world, but cutting emissions for vehicles and other sources will take years, meaning ways to reduce the harm in the meantime could be vital. The new inhaler has been developed by German medical devices company Bitop and is based on a molecule called ectoine, discovered in the 1980s in a desert bacterium which uses the compound to conserve water in 60C heat.

“It is quite an inert molecule that does one main thing, which is bind water, which stabilises cell membrane tissues against physical or chemical damage. It supports the natural barrier,” Dr Andreas Bilstein, at Bitop said.

When inhaled, this helps prevent the damage caused by air pollution particles that can lead to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

22

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Tunde Dodondawa m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

Why petrol pump price remains unchanged despite dollar scarcity

By Olatunde Dodondawa

P

REMIUM Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol remain s the most important of all refined petroleum products in Nigeria.

This may be due to the fact that about 40 million liters of petrol are consumed daily

by Nigerians, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and it is the major source of energy for automobiles in Nigeria.

However, despite decline in crude oil price, pump price of refined petroleum products has remained high and unchanged at about N200 per liter despite decline in crude oil price. Automobile Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise called diesel is being sold between N200-N250 per liter.

HouseHold Kerosene (HHK) otherwise called kerosene is being sold between N200-N350 per liter while petrol is being sold between N138-N145 per liter.

In 2014, average crude oil price was $120 per barrel, while pump price of diesel was between N120-N140 per liter. Petrol and kerosene were being sold at N97 per liter and N50 per liter (official rate) and N150 per liter (unofficial rate) respectively for kerosene.

Expectedly, pump price of petroleum products is expected to have dropped significantly due to over 100 per cent drop in crude price per barrel. However, industry sources stated that non-availability of foreign exchange currencies, especially the dollar, to import refined petroleum products by marketers, was responsible for non reduction in pump price of petroleum products.

According to a source who pleaded anonymity, “the spread between official rate from banks and black market operators is so close that their difference is insignificant. Last week, GTBank was selling a dollar at N390 while black market rate was N415-N420 to a dollar. So sourcing for dollars at such ridiculous rate to import products especially diesel and kerosene which prices are allowed to move freely would result into higher pump price of the products.

“However, the pump price of petrol isn’t affected because the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) imports almost 100 per cent of petrol. I’m sure the Corporation won’t get dollars at parallel market rate. The Corporation also has a crude swap arrangement with some refiners abroad whereby Nigerian crude is taken to refineries abroad in exchange for white products (petrol).”

By implication, he argued that most marketers buy products from the NNPC,

From left, Secretary General, Nigeria Gas Association (NGA), Mr Adebola Martins; President NGA, Mr Bolaji Osunsanya; Group Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power Directorate, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Saidu Mohammed and Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Gas Association Executives to the GMD of NNPC in Abuja recently. including the major marketers, independent marketers and depot owners for onward distribution to the masses. He said they also provide logistics for the Corporation like throughput arrangement, storage facility and loading bay for product discharge.

“The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, did the right thing to have deregulated the downstream sector. Although, the deregulation is still partial because of the price band the government provided which remains N138-N145 per liter. That decision was the solution to hoarding and scarcity Nigerians experienced few months ago.

“There is every indication that the current Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru will sustain the legacy of the former GMD, and we the marketers are in full support of their agenda which will eventually lead to full deregulation of the downstream sector,” he stated.

When asked to explain how shortage in foreign exchange would lead to relative increase in pump price of petroleum products,

he explained thus: “Assuming a barrel of crude oil is $100 and Nigeria exports one million barrels per day. This will result into $100million as revenue for the country. Assuming also that exchange rate for a dollar is N150 as it was early 2015, the nation will earn N15 billion as revenue daily.

“Compare same scenario with now when exchange rate is at an average of N400 to a dollar, and drop in crude price to $50 per barrel and insecurity challenges in the Niger Delta region which has resulted into lesser crude exports for Nigeria. The country will earn N50 billion as against N150 billion it was earning. Now, the 1 million barrel per day is not feasible any longer because of damage to oil installations in the creek by militants.

“By implications, Nigeria is earning lesser from crude oil exports while cost of importing refined petroleum products is more expensive than before. The decision by the NNPC to be the major importer of petrol will ensure that the pump price of the white product will not change despite challenges of foreign exchange scarcity for marketers

PEF is still being used to bridge the gap and that’s why prices in the North are not widely spread away from pump prices in the South.

and other importers.”

Furthermore, another source who also pleaded anonymity stated that Federal Government still subsidizes petrol, through the Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF).

He argued that during the meeting sometimes in April ahead of partial deregulation of the downstream sector, “it was agreed that the government will sustain PEF to ensure that the gap or spread between pump price of petrol in the Southern Nigeria is reasonably closed to pump price in Northern Nigeria because the ports where the products are being discharged are mainly in the Southern Nigeria.”

“PEF is still being used to bridge the gap and that’s why prices in the North are not widely spread away from pump prices in the South. But if the foreign exchange challenges are addressed, many marketers will also participate in importation of refined petroleum products because Nigeria has the market for every player in the sector to break even, irrespective of your geographical location,” he said.

PEF was established in 1975 when between 1974 and 1975, most petrol service stations nationwide were characterized by long queues due to frequent severe shortages of petroleum products. The problem was compounded by the haphazard way marketers priced the product on the basis of transportation cost incurred by them.

In an effort to solve the problem, the Federal Government set up an inter-ministerial committee comprising of the then Ministries of Mines and Power, and Transport, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Petroleum Products’ Marketers to examine the situation and make appropriate recommendations.

The committee observed that the only variable element in the provision and the sale of petroleum products at uniform price nationwide was the transportation cost. It therefore, blamed the limited local refining capacity and inadequate distribution facilities for the problem.

In line with the recommendation of the committee, Government introduced the Uniform Pricing System. In cognizance of the inequality in the transportation cost of distributing products throughout the country, the Petroleum Equalization Fund (Management) Board was established.

The Fund which was established by Decree No. 9 of 1975 (as amended by Decree No. 32 of 1989) was charged with the primary responsibility of reimbursing petroleum marketing companies for any losses suffered by them, solely and exclusive, as a result of sale of petroleum products at uniform prices throughout the nation.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

NNPC GMD demands more advocacy, advice from NGA Stories by Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos

T

HE Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, has demanded more advocacy and advice from the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) regarding how the government can fully harness gas potential of the country.

Nigeria lacks stable gas policy that would have harnessed the country’s gas potentials. The country has a proven gas reserves of 187trillion standard cubic feet (scuf) which is yet to be explored. The NNPC boss is however calling on the experts to advice the government on the way forward.

According to him, “What I need from NGA is a lot of advocacy and advice on whatever the sector requires. We will look at it, evaluate and see how best to make good use of it and drive the gas sector forward.”

The NNPC boss noted that as the midwife of the nation’s premier gas association since 1999, the NNPC has a moral and strategic interest in ensuring the continuous existence and sustained growth of the association.

“The NGA is a reflection of the development of the gas industry in Nigeria and they have contributed to government in terms of advocacy and advice”, said Baru.

The NNPC boss said that theme of the upcoming NGA conference

“Nigerian Gas Roadmap: Potential for Domestic, Regional and Global influence”, is quite apt for the period especially with the country’s interests in the West Africa Gas Pipeline, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited and the challenges in the power sector both in Nigeria and immediate vicinity.

Baru thanked the members of the NGA for their advocacy in ensuring a review of the Pro-

duction Sharing Contracts (PSC) gas terms adding that the NNPC is working round the clock to ensure maximisation of the nation’s vast gas resources by incentivizing all parts of the gas value chain.

Bolaji Osunsanya, the NGA President, said the purpose of the courtesy visit was to stimulate much-needed conversation on a range of important and diverse perspectives re-

garding natural gas development and its economic benefits to Nigeria and the support of NNPC for the upcoming conference.

“Nigeria is slowly turning to gas as a primary driver of the nation’s development. The NNPC, directly and in proxy, holds a significant position in the development of the sector, which is a further indication that the NNPC has a promi-

Total Energy Ventures invests in smart grids with AutoGrid

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New NDPHC mgt to sustain past mgt’s projects THE new Management of Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) has reiterated its commitment to complete all on-going projects being undertaken by the company which were initiated by the past management.

The Ag. Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo, who stated this, also debunked the rumour that NDPHC projects have been suspended due to plans by the Federal Government to change the name of the company.

“I want to state categorically that all our projects are ongoing.

There is no plan by the new management to change the name of the company neither has the Federal Government ordered us to do so,” he stated.

According to him, “the new management is determined to complete all on-going projects and we have been working with our contractors and stakeholders to ensure that projects are delivered as soon as possible.”

Furthermore, in a statement issued by the General Manager, Communication & Public Relations, NDPHC, Mr. Yakubu Lawal, the Managing Director was quoted to have stated that “Re-

nent role to play”, Osunsanya said.

The NGA President called for increased dialogue and cooperation between the association and the state oil company, adding that by aligning with each other, Nigeria’s huge natural gas resources could be explored as the viable option to crude oil in the face of present economic realities.

Osunsanya thanked the NNPC and Dr. Baru for the unflinching support for the association and pledged the readiness of members to work with the NNPC in this regard.

cently, we had a full day meeting with the Oronta Community of Abia State to resolve the lingering Right of Way dispute which had hindered the completion of our 330KV Transmission Line passing through that Community.”

The NDPHC boss further stated that the dispute is now resolved and the parties involved have signed terms of settlement. “All other projects are going on unhindered and where there is an issue, I personally will go there to resolve the issue”, he said.

Since the appointment of the new management of NDPHC, the Managing Director has consistently told stakeholders of determination of the new management to deliver all on-going projects so that power will be delivered to Nigerians in line with the mandate of the Federal Government.

Chiedu Ugbo on assumption of office in June, 2016, had visited Gbarain Power Station in Bayelsa State to resolve gas issues affecting performance of the company.

The Managing Director recently led the management team to Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State to assess the issues affecting wheeling power through the Transmission station which will transport over 2500MW of Electricity from the

Power Station located in the Eastern/South South regions of the country to the National Grid.

He had also met with the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to solicit his support in resolving commu-

nity issues in the state as well as reaching out to his counterparts in the Eastern parts of the country to help NDPHC resolve all community issues in their respective state in order to pave way for contractors to complete their projects.

First Qua Iboe crude export set for next week NIGERIA’S Qua Iboe crude will resume loading by end of September. This is more than two months after a suspected attack on a pipeline shut in the country’s biggest export grade crude, trading and shipping sources have said.

A Suezmax has been placed on subjects to load 950,000 barrels of Qua Iboe at the end of September, sources told S&P Global Platts. Clearlake, the shipping arm of Gunvor, was heard to have booked the South Sea for a Qua Iboe UKC/East voyage for September 29-30 loading dates.

The cargo has been sold to Thai refiner PTT, according to shipbroker reports. Sources at both Gunvor and PTT were not immediately available for comment. Trading sources also said there was a September 24-25 Qua Iboe cargo which had been sold but details

have not been confirmed.

A provisional October loading schedule has also been circulated, traders said, showing nine cargoes of 950,000 barrels each, totalling 8.55 million barrels, or 275,806 b/d.

Nigeria typically exports some 300,000-340,000 b/d of Qua Iboe but since the pipeline outages, production has been minimal. Sources said Qua Iboe cargoes for October loading had already been traded on the market.

“Now we just need to wait and see if Qua will actually load or if there are issues with that cargo.

It is going to be a widely observed cargo, that is for sure,” a West African crude trader said.

Qua Iboe has been under force majeure since July 14 and the last cargo was exported July 12, according to data from cFlow, S&P Global Platts trade flow software.

TOTAL Energy Ventures (TEV), the venture capital arm of Total that invests in start-ups, has acquired an interest in AutoGrid, a company that develops digital solutions to manage and optimize energy supplied to and from the power grids.

Founded in 2011, California-based AutoGrid has developed an internet platform that provides the capability to balance supply and demand for connected distributed energy resources, identify and prevent problems and optimize equipments consumption such as meters, water heaters and chargers. The applications use predictive controls technology to process data from energy assets and grid activity. Customers include utilities and equipment manufacturers that produce electricity from solar panels, batteries and other sources.

On a large scale, this technology enhances energy efficiency, thereby reducing costs and emissions. It also improves integration of renewable energies into the grid.

“Following on from the acquisition of stakes in Sunverge and Stem, this latest investment strengthens TEV’s portfolio in the area of smart grids. Beyond the fact that AutoGrid promotes smart consumption of energy, its innovative solutions can drive major shifts in the way energy transmission grids are used, as well as greater, more flexible utilization of renewable energies,” commented Philippe Sauquet, President of Gas, Renewables & Power at Total.

Total Energy Ventures is Total’s venture capital arm for investing in energy start-ups. Its investments support the development of innovative businesses in areas such as renewable energies, energy efficiency, energy storage, digital energy and sustainable transportation.

commentary Engr (Rev) Ette I.I. Etteh: Celebrating an icon

24

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

By Dele Agekameh

T

HE second edition of the Annual Engineer (Reverend) Etteh Distinguished Lecture Series comes up on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at the Function Suite, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.The theme of this year’s lecture is: “Managing the Challenges of Infrastructure Deficits in Nigeria: A CrossCountry Analysis of the roles of Engineers in Economic Development.”

This is the second edition of the Annual Lecture series instituted by the Board of Trustees, National Council of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, NICE, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, in 2015 in honour of one of Nigeria’s outstanding Engineers, Engineer (Reverend) Ette Ikpong Ikpong Etteh, OFR, co-founding Principal, Etteh Aro and Partners, based in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

From his richly-endowed profile, Etteh emerges as a profoundly–celebrated professional who has, through foresight and networking, interfaced with like-minds to build goodwill, linkages and connections and deploy same for the benefit of the people, including those who have never met him. Etteh offered himself to provide a fresh platform for the pursuance, realisation and consumption of those pristine indices of leadership at both personal and corporate levels, as a personal lodestar.

Engineer (Reverend) Ette Ikpong Ikpong Etteh, was born on December 16, 1935, at Akassa, now in Bayelsa State.

He had his elementary education at St. Patrick’s School, Ifiayong, from 1945 to 1947 and Holy Trinity School, Mbiakong in 1948, all in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. For his secondary education, he attended Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar, in Cross River State, from 1952 to 1958. Before he was employed as an Assistant Statistical Officer in the Federal Department of Statistics from 1959 to 1961, Reverend Etteh had a short stint as a Mathematics teacher with the Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, from January to November 1959. Thereafter, he got admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1961 to study Civil Engineering on scholarship.

A momentous happening occurred in the 1963/ 1964 academic session in ABU, Zaria. Two sophomore students, Lawrence Oluwemimo Arokodare, a Yoruba from Ijero Ekiti, in Ekiti State, who was reading Mechanical Engineering had changed course to Civil Engineering and his friend, Ette Ikpong Ikpong Etteh, from Upenekang in Akwa Ibom State, decided to come together and forge a common business front and compete and ultimately shove aside the dominance of the then foreignowned Ove Arup and Partners.

The duo was ready to put into practice a cardinal principle propounded by Professor Naylor, a Professor of Civil Engineering,

Engr (Rev) Etteh

that emphasised that the five years of professional practice should be paramount, if they hoped to succeed in their civil engineering endeavours. The take-off of the new company did not commence until 1970 with an inaugural project of the rehabilitation work on the 80-mile Benin/Asaba Road. Prior to this time, the two young friends had worked at Ove Arup in Ibadan and garnered cognate experience with a company they were plotting to compete with and even surpass in the coming years.

Reverend Etteh and Lawrence Arokodare had graduated from ABU Zaira with BSC London degree in Civil Engineering and the UK trip was to enhance their professional armoury and face the challenges of floating and operating Etteh Aro & Partners. In addition, Reverend Etteh obtained an MSc (Highways) Surrey degree, in 1969; a second MSc (Bridges) Surrey degree, in 1973. MICE, C.Eng. (1969); MNSE (1971); FNSE (1981) and Foundation Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (1995).

In recognition of his outstanding performance in theology studies at the Immanuel College of Theology, he was awarded the institution’s Diploma in Theology in 1997.

Additionally, he was ordained a minister of Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria on June 7, 1998.

On the state and national stages, Engineer (Reverend) Etteh had been saddled with the responsibility of being the Chairman of the Board of Calabar Cement Company (1975 to 1980), Chairman, Federal Mortgage Finance Company (1993 to 1994). At various times, he was a member of the different committees of Road Vision 2000, which gave birth to the Independent Road Fund and the Board for Road Maintenance in 1998; Architect (Dr) Godwin Odumah’s Committee on the Appraisal of the National Housing Programme in 1995; Engineer S. O. Fadahunsi’s Panel on the Review of Federal Government Contracts that resulted in heavy savings on costs in 1978; the Ibom International Airport Implementation Committee and also as Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee for the same Airport. Reverend Etteh is currently a member of the Committee on Road Transportation Framework.

Professionally, Reverend Etteh has been honoured with several awards which included the Presidential Merit Award (in recognition of his unique support for the cause of engineers in Nigeria in November 2005) among the first set of five engineers to be inducted into the Nigerian Hall of Fame in 2013; Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers Merit Award in 2002;

Excellence Award in Engineering by the Nigerian Society of Engineering, Uyo in 1993. Furthermore, Reverend Etteh was the Chairman of the Association of Bridge and Structural Engineers, Nigeria Chapter (1989 to 1998).

He was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in 2001. Revrend (Engineer) Etteh has been married to Elizabeth, a former University of Ibadan administrator and an elder in the Presbyterian Church for over 40 years.

Among the major projects executed by Etteh Aro & Partners are the Niger Delta Development Commission building; the Ibom Hall; Stallion House; C and C Towers; the East/West Coastal Road; Access Road and whole network of arterial roads at the Calabar International Convention Centre; Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.

One of the staying power of Etteh Arokodare & Partners over the past four decades, is the corporate promotion of and strict adherence to good work ethics as a tool for success. Engineer (Reverend) Etteh puts emphasis on the prime issues of due diligence, accountability; abhorrence and non-use of sub-standard, fake or inappropriate tools and materials; punctuality; dedication to assigned duties and set goals; hunger for the acquisition of experience and knowledge of new processes, tools and equipment and the maintenance of an open-door policy at any stage of doing a project or performing an official chore.

The corporate decision to embark on human capacity development was predicated on a policy of training Nigerian budding engineers without any strings attached as the company’s main competitor, Ove Arup, were wont to do at the time. Ette Aro & Partners has the vision to metamorphose into an international firm and be the first on the Nigerian stage, albeit professionally. Among others, the founding promoters of Etteh Aro & Partners (Etteh and Arokodare) were interested in the professional and business growth and advancement of the budding engineers who will bear the mantle in the future. These young engineers were encouraged to seek experience and training and made to drink from the spring of knowledge, practices and innovated ideas provided by Etteh Aro & Partners, free of charge.

In the estimation of the leadership of Etteh Aro and Partners, the dearth of the above mentioned professional indices is one of the reasons why the incidents of building collapse; road surface malfunction etc occur. Engineer (Reverend) Ette Ikpong Ikpong Etteh rightly belongs to that enviable class of renown African men whose personal achievements and contributions towards nation building and human capacity empowerment, are worth celebrating. He is a citizen of the world!

Shun corruption, be apolitical, CJN tells judges THE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has advised judges of the Federal High Court to be apolitical, independent minded and neutral in giving judgments.

Mohammed gave the charge at the opening of the 32nd annual conference of Federal High Court judges in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The CJN, who declared the conference opened, said this was the only way they would remain unquestionable and retain the trust and confidence of

Nigerians.

He said that judges must be seen to be people of high integrity and capable of delivering justice in matters brought before them.

“We must strive to be apolitical, neutral and most importantly, independent in matters that pertain to the business of the court.

“We must shun the lure of corruption and the temptation to adjudicate on narrow perceived grounds, which may offend even our own rules of court.

“Judges must also be able

to actually hold the balance between order and chaos, harmony and violence, prosperity and poverty.

“While the judges decide on which side the scale will tilt, they should ,however, endeavour to uphold the law and interpret it just as it is and not as they imagine or wish it to be.

“The Federal High Court, perhaps, more than any other court, has the power to make orders and judgments, which impact our government and our nation.

“It has historically been at the centre of momentous change and is consequently more visible than other courts. As such ,your Lordships must protect its reputation and integrity at all cost,” he said.

He said that it was unfortunate that legal commentators have continued to flay the judiciary for creating greater instability in the land Mahmud berated judges, who were currently enmeshed in one form of conflicting judgement or

the other.

“It is most ridiculous when judges of the same court seemingly sit on appeal over the judgments of their brother judges to the extent of mounting personal attacks on their own colleagues,” he said.

According to him, the situation which recently played out at the Federal High Court is already before the National Judicial Council The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Justice Okon Abang and

Justice Mohammed Liman, delivered conflicting judgment on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention.

He enjoined judges to put their differences aside and work toward the efficient delivery of justice in the country.

“The time has come for us to pull ourselves together and face the fact that our jobs do not permit infantile personality clashes while we are the arbiters of other people’s disputes.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

M

ANY have described the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State as a twohorse race. This is because of the seeming large image of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the main opposition All Progressives congress (APC). But quite a number of observers recognise the rising status of the other political parties lately because of the profile and pedigree of their candidates. Thus, this has raised the bar as far as the battle for the governorship seat to be vacated by incumbent Dr Olusegun Mimiko at the end of his two terms of four years each.

So far, a total of 12 candidates are warming up for the November 26 contest, though controversies appear to be trailing the process that threw up the candidates of the PDP and APC. The crisis in PDP at the national level is taking its toll on the state as two candidates: Barrister Eyitayo Jegede from the Markarfi faction and Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim from the Ali Modu Sherif faction. Each faction is laying claim to have produced the authentic candidate of the party. Similarly, members of the state APC are enmeshed in the controversies resulting from the party primary that produced Rotimi Akeredolu, as the party’s candidate.

In PDP, Jegede seems unperturbed by the turn of events in the party, as he and his foot soldiers have commenced aggressive grassroot mobilisation, creating awareness for PDP. Observers noted that he hit the ground running ostensibly because he has existing structures across the state. It will be recalled that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the primary that produce him as standard bearer. This, some pundits noted, might account for the apparent lull in the Sheriff faction.

However, the director of publicity and communication of Jimoh Ibrahim campaign Group, Sola Akinuli said the camp was on top of the game as far as the contest was concerned. His words: “We are only being strategic and not quiet, most especially when the law is on our side, and I can assure you that with slow and steady, we will the race.” He said the election was not about noise making, but talking to the right people who could win the election for their candidate, stressing that the faction’s candidate remained the candidate to beat.

But, Ibrahim told a local magazine in the state recently that he did not need to bother himself about campaigning or soliciting for votes in the forthcoming election, saying that the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko and Jegede will do the campaign for him while the court will decide the legitimate candidate after the election. The issue elicited reactions from a number of quarters, especially Jegede, who said: “As a professional and a Senior lawyer, I hold the view that intra-party disputes are best left out for the leadership to resolve. I also hold the view that in

Ondo 2016: Whirlwind over gov contest

Akeredolu

Jegede intra-party contentions, the courts generally have no jurisdiction. In other words, the court should not interfere except of course where you have specific provisions in the law that gives an inroad to court to resolve the disputes.”

The PDP is not left in the crisis alone over the presentation of dual candidates, as the APC crisis over the choice of its single candidate has tore the party apart in the state. Series of meetings held by the leadership of the party to reach a consensus on the outcome of the primary have failed to yield a positive result. Three aspirants, who participated in the exercise on September 3, have petitioned the APC Election Appeal Committee, challenging the victory of Akeredolu. The aspirants: Segun Abraham, Olusola Oke and Senator Ajayi Boroffice alleged that the election was marred with irregularities.

Meanwhile, there is confusion in the APC over the purported report of Appeal Committee, ordering a re-run for the party’s primary. There are claims that a minority report of the committee, which allegedly upheld the result of the election. Members of the party in the state are however waiting anxiously for the true story surrounding the report of the National Working Committee of the party on the matter.

The camp of Akeredolu has been largely quiet since the controversy trailing his emergence started, though his supporters are appealing to the aggrieved petitioners to sheathe their swords in the interest of the party.

There are insinuations that whichever way the appeal goes, the party might still have to face a litmus test, giv-

On the whole, it seems the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the standard bearer of APC could linger on for some time. Nonetheless, other parties are waiting in the wings to possibly reap from the apparent whirlwinds.

Ibrahim

Continues pg26

26

politics&policy

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

‘PDP crisis ’ll persist unless ...’

Former Nigeria’s ambassador to Canada and onetime peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship contestant in Ekiti State, Ambassador Dare Bejide, in this encounter with ARAMIDE SHANU, speaks on the crisis rocking the PDP, and other issues. Excerpts:

W

HAT would be your assessment of the prevailing political situation in the country?

It is very uncertain. For instances, there are crises everywhere in the two main parties. There is a serious crisis within the PDP. Even in the APC, there is quite a lot of instability. So, we are just praying to God that before the 2019 elections, we will be able to have some level of stability within the polity.

Where do you think we should be having a harvest of crises after 16 years of restoration of civil rule in the country?

One, it has to do with the present economic recession.

We are all aware that the economy is no buoyant at the moment. The value of our local currency, Naira has gone done against the American dollar. .Coupled with this is the fact that politics appears to be the main thing that everybody is patronising at the moment; though when the elections are imminent, then there is bound to be crisis.

But some of these challenges have been there before the economic recession; the parties have moved from one form of crisis to another, especially the PDP after the 2015 elections?

One, I agree with you. But again, when you look at it, the economic crisis has aggravated the existent political problems. However, I can assure you that if the economy was in good shape, the tension would not be as we have it at the moment.

PDP has been described as a dying baby?

The person that described the PDP as a dying baby also described the APC as such. So, it confirms that both parties are in crises; that it is not limited to PDP.

Why does the leadership crisis in your party appear most intractable, going by the twists and turns in the PDP in the last few months over planned national convention?

The crisis has to do with impunity and lack of internal democracy within the party. Until this is addressed, we will continue to have that level of instability. If an individual can impose a candidate on the people, then you should expect some level of instability. But if the current leadership of the party is able to sanitise the system, I think that at the end of the day, we will have a way out.

How do you mean; you talked about the leadership of the party, as there are two forces contending for the soul of the PDP? Yes, apart from the two camps, you also have the Board of Trustees (BoT), which is supposed to be the conscience of the party. It is the duty of the BoT to bring the two factions together and address the issue of national convention. Once this critical issue is resolved, and we are able to get a unified executive, then it will be possible for the party to move forward.

Don’t you see the plethora of litigations as being part of the albatross in the quest by PDP to achieve that desire?

Yes, that was why I said the BoT is in a vantage position to bring the two parties together. If we are relying on the cases, they might linger till 2019. But if the BoT is able to persuade the factions to come together and resolve all the issues, especially the issue of zoning has been resolved, the party could be back on track.. The chairmanship has been brought to the South and the presidency to the North. That was one of the major contentions before now. That has been resolved, and I understand that in the last BoT meeting, they are now saying that the convention should move to Abuja, and these are the issues that were intractable at the beginning.

But Sheriff believes that the BoT is not neutral

Bejide in the whole crisis, hence his call that the body should be dissolved?

Well that is his own opinion, but I still believe that the best body that can resolve the issue is the BoT, which is the conscience of the PDP. Whatever is the position of Sheriff does not matter in this case. The most important thing is that at the end of the day, the BoT should be able to bring the two parties together. And get the convention on course.

Are you not concerned that the South-West could not come up with a consensus chairmanship candidate ahead of the botched PDP convention in Port Harcourt? How healthy is such development for PDP in the zone?

I believe that the other zones should also have an input to be able to have a national chairman of the party. it is not enough to say the Yoruba should present a candidate as he is not going to be the chairman of Yoruba PDP. We are talking about the position of the national chairman of the PDP. So, other zones should be able to contribute to who becomes the national chairman.

The drama continues ...

Bejide

Abraham Continued from pg 25

en the raging anger among the aggrieved contestants and their supporters. There is fear that they could work against the party unless the key APC stakeholders are able to reach a compromise.

Similarly, some are concerned that the party could be in a dire strait if the APC should decide to opt for a re-run. Already,

speculations are rife that one of the aspirants, Oke might dump the APC to contest on another platform if the decision of the party does not favour him. There were insinuations from some quarters that he has deliberately positioned Yinka Orokoto, in the Action Alliance, who eventually emerged as the AA candidate. According to a source if the decision of the party is not

Oke favourable, Oke may defect to AA where, his name will be substituted as the party’s candidate. Though Oke has repeatedly denied having such plans to dump, his close confidants said his action and decision will be determined by his supporters after the reports of the Appeal committee and party’s decision are announced. In denying the rumour, Oke said: “The truth is

that in my social contract with the people of Ondo State, I can only do that that will satisfy the people; I will not disappoint the people of the state.“ Oke pointed out that the issue on ground was not about working against the interest of the party but “It is about sanctity of the system, because you cannot give to others what you do not have.

So, if the process is flawed by corruption, the product of it cannot be marketable to the people of the state. So, it is nothing personal.”

In the meantime, some foot soldiers of Akeredolu were said to be reaching out to Oke for likely compromise. A staunch member of the camp said the petitions against Akeredolu’s victory had been a major challenge to the group, and the party at large. He claimed that activities within the party had been at a low key owing the current controversy over the party primary. Some party members have reportedly came up with other options of achieving truce, one of which is the possibility of the Akeredolu group waving an olive branch at the state chairman of APC, Dr Isaacs Kekemeke. There was a verbal exchange between the two gladiators prior to the election.

On the whole, it seems the cloud of uncertainty surrounding the standard bearer of APC could linger for some time. Nonetheless, other parties are awaiting in the wings to possibly reap from the apparent whirlwinds. ‘

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

features

Editor: Bayo Alade featurestribune@yahoo.com 0805 500 1747

Ajaokuta Steel Company

Ajaokuta steel company:

We are optimistic things will get better

—Host communities

While the hope of reduced unemployment and a better economy holds as a result of the reactivation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, YINKA OLADOYINBO reports why the issue of resettlement of affected host communities members lingers after many years.

T

HE Ajaokuta Steel Company was believed to be capable of catapulting Nigeria into the comity of developed nations of the world as it has been noted that no country can develop without a robust steel industry. The discovery of iron ore in commercial quantity in the early 1970s led to the bold step taken by the country to establish a steel company to tap the resource and convert it steel.

When the idea was conceived and the construction of the company started, Nigerians and the people of the host communities in particular were full of high hopes and enthusiasm that it would place the area on the world map and also bring enormous short and long term benefits to them. After the completion of the first phase of the company, it became operational between 1983 and 1988 and between 2004 and 2008 after which it stopped operations.

The development made the public dejected, considering the fact that several billions of dollars have been expended by government on the project.

However, recently the good news came to town that the Federal Government has resolved the legal obstacles that had led to the closure of the company for over eight years

and it is expected to be back on stream as soon as possible. The resolution of the crisis means that Ajaokuta Steel Company reverts to the Federal Government, while the sister company, the Nigerian Iron Ore and Mine Industry Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe also in Kogi State was given out under a concession agreement to Global Infrastructure, an Indian company.

The news led to ecstasy and jubilation among people of the state. Investigation reveals that the host communities and the people therein are anxiously looking forward to the implementation of the agreement, following which the company would be fully back in operation and they would be able to reap both direct and indirect benefits of the

organisation.

The major issue yet to be resolved when the company is fully operational is that of the commitment of government to the communities displaced by the take over of 24, 000 hectares of land for the purpose of the steel company by the Federal Government. It was gathered that no fewer than 13 villages were displaced by the government to construct the industry. After displacing the people, government was said to have paid compensation for economic trees and other basic things based on the enumeration conducted.

However, a paramount aspect of the deal, which was the relocation of the displaced people was yet to be effected several years after their lands were taken over.

A top management staff of the company, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the communities were given two options of either government relocating them or they do so themselves, with the people opting for relocation by government. The reloca-

The money for the resettlement was in the kitty of Kwara being controlled by the SDP and Kogi State where the project is now located being controlled by the NRC. And without the fund, Kogi State refused to go ahead with the project

tion has, however, been stalled with many reasons ranging from administration and political interference.

The source said, “After the communities chose the option of relocation, the Federal Government identified a location along Okene road. Unfortunately, the rail line to carry iron ore from Itakpe passes through the area and this was the first major challenge faced by the resettlement move. A new site was picked at kilometre 18. Survey done and the funds handed over to the then Kwara state government.

“The Kwara State government awarded the contract for the construction of the houses, then politics crept in with the creation of Kogi State in 1991. The money for the resettlement was in the kitty of Kwara being controlled by the SDP and Kogi State where the project is now located being controlled by the NRC. And without the fund, Kogi State refused to go ahead with the project. What we did was to set up an inter ministerial committee because by then we had high hope that the project will be completed.”

The source, however, stated that the company had always given the people of the community a sense of belonging as some basic amenities were provided for them at no cost. He continued, “the luck we have is that the people are very peaceful and cooperative.

Despite the challenges, they are people that believe the project will enhance their lives and improve their condition.

“What we have done on our part is to connect them to our power system, hitherto they were in darkness. So the same electricity we consume is what they also use with the company bearing the cost. Some of them that are fishermen used to come and spread their fish in our yards when they have large catch, but now that they have electricity, they now have fridges and freezers that they use to ice Continued on pg28

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features

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Nigeria should be major player in the ICT world —Avidor boss, Prof. Afolabi

Chairman of Avidor Services Limited, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, who is former Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF), in this interview, speaks on the expectation of his newly- commissioned outfit, a smartcard solution provider, to become a major player not only in Nigeria but also in Africa. BOLA BADMUS brings these excerpts:

C

AN you tell us what motivated you into establishing this particular company?

This company is an ICT company and you know the rest of the world is going on ICT and what we find in Nigeria is that we are really not there yet in terms of ICT. This is one activity or an enterprise that can really ensure that Nigeria gets to that point.

The motivation for me is that I not only want Nigeria as a nation to be a major player in the ICT opportunity, but also upcoming Nigerians to be big players.

This is one centre where the major focus is to provide services and make money. It is also a research and training centre for upcoming Nigerians they can use, to not only compete in the present world, but also in the future.

What are the potentials for us as a country?

Well here, you find that we are still scratching the surface of the market for many reasons. One, because our technological base is weak; the intellectual preparedness, the skill that is required, the manufacturing support and the infrastructure are not there. In fact, the policy that should drive our major participation in the ICT world is still lacking.

So we have come to do something, to use it as a launch pad for research and for business practice.

How much of buy-in have you seen from corporate Nigeria?

For us, everybody wants what we are marketing, everybody wants what we are producing to say that it is almost a sellout market.

The issue of card integrity has been of concern to many Nigerians, what do you think card manufacturing

companies like you can do to improve on the level of card integrity?

On the issue of card integrity, I can say that the way the process is designed is security based. The security here as you can see is even bigger than where people mint money. Here all you require is right hand information for you to be fraudulent. So we not only ensure that our production facility is highly secured, we also have outside facility security so that if a break-in in any firm happens, there is a prompt response.

The other thing is that the kind of software support that we have is almost fool-proof, like we never had at any time. When a Visa or a Mastercard has been hacked into because they are a moving target, we ensure that the way they write the programme changes ahead of any hacker. That is why I am more or less placing our integrity on the line for this kind of activity.

How do you project this company in the next five years in terms of production activity?

Well, God giving us life, it is a small beginning in my opinion, we intend to be a major

The motivation for me is that I not only want Nigeria as a nation to be a major player in the ICT opportunity, but also upcoming Nigerians to be big players

Prof. Afolabi player in the next five years. We will not only be a major player in Nigeria, we want to be a major player in West Africa and Africa at large through so many other services that we provide. Here, we want to be the manufacturing hub for West Africa and the rest of Africa in this kind of business.

In other climes, we see that a lot of services like the transport services for instance in the UK are operated on card services, is that something

your company is also considering in the nearest future?

We have the platform, we have the equipment to manufacture, that is the advantage we have. Many others just have the platform, they don’t have the software. We have both and we are already talking to Lagos State government and to the Railways to see that this kind of beautiful, seamless way of consuming services provided in the transport sector is also enjoyed in Nigeria.

‘We will feel the impact of the reactivation’ Continued from pg27

the fishes. We have over 500 transformers, part of which serve the communities; we only installed a bulk meter in the community to ascertain the quantity of electricity being used by the people.”

However, as these palliative measures are ongoing, the people are filled with anxiety over the completion of the project.

They maintained that they were ready to give enough support to ensure that the company fulfil the motives for which it was established.

The administrator of Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Aliu Akaaba, said the people were ready for the company to come on stream. According to him, the benefits of the organisation working would be enormous to his people as it was capable of bringing them out of the shackles of poverty.

He said, “To the glory of God we received the news of the coming on board of Ajaokuta Steel with joy because no nation can develop without a steel industry. Once we develop Ajaokuta Steel, Nigeria will no longer have

to import anything that has to do with steel.

And by the time it comes on stream, people that we import steel from will not be happy.

So we are appealing to government to make haste and complete the project. They should not give it to any company to run.

“Ajaokuta is the only hope for Nigeria, not because it is in my territory, it is the sleeping giant of Africa. We don’t only have Ajaokuta, we have the raw materials, particularly in Ebiya; the steel components discovered in the place can be mined for 155 years non stop.

“Our people are more than ready. We are the most receptive people on earth. Ajaokuta is exclusively an Ebira land, look at the vast land given to the steel company. The youths are ready and willing to assist because we know we stand to benefit immensely if the factory is working, our people will be employed, commercial activities will pick up, social life will improve and more money will come to the people and government”.

Also speaking, a leader of the artisans in the town, Ibrahim Adoza, expressed joy that

government had finally shown commitment towards the project. He said the operations of the company would go a long way at improving the standard of living of the people as the area would eventually turn into commercial hub and full of activities.

He said, “Everybody in the area will feel the impact. It happened before during the little period that the company operated; our people knew that one big company was in the area. A lot of boys that would have been employed as technicians, labourers and so on are roaming the street with many of them becoming Okada riders and constituting security threat to the society.

“But with the latest effort, there will be more jobs; the traders on the street will feel the impact; more social amenities will be provided and the area will be more developed because of the calibre of people that will be working and be coming to do business in the steel company.”

Investigation has further shown that the Ajaokuta steel company is indeed the bedrock of the country to industrialisation

and development. Presently, the company is said to have about 3,000-man work force despite its predicament. The source in the company stated that with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) done on the company, the first stage operation would employed no fewer than 500, 000 people directly and indirectly.

Giving a breakdown of the projection, he said, “There will be a rail link between Ajaokuta-Itakpe-Warri, anybody working, particularly in the maintenance of the rail is an employee. We have four rolling mills, the medium section and structural mill, the light section mill, the wire rod mill and the billet mill, every 10 direct employees of the company will generate 50 indirect employments.”

Now that Nigeria seems to be putting behind it the alleged international conspiracy that had constituted itself as the cog in the wheel of its efforts at developing its steel sector, the local communities can no longer wait to reap from the God given natural resources underneath their territories.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

How I fight human trafficking —Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, in New York, observed that the anti-corruption campaign of his administration and the economic programme of diversification will significantly address the lack of job opportunities and deprivation that make Nigerian youths vulnerable to recruitment by human traffickers.

He made the assertion while speaking at the meeting on Modern Slavery, hosted by the Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Theresa May, on the margins of the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA71), at the residence of the United Kingdom Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

According to him, “we are also investing more on infrastructure development, education and health for our people. When the results of our efforts become manifest, the attraction of seeking greener pastures abroad will lessen.”

He commended the British Prime Minister for drawing the attention of the international community to such a serious matter to coincide with a time that the global focus was on migra-

tion and refugee crisis.

The president, therefore, called for practical and innovative measures “to address all the modern day human tragedies.”

The president noted: “More worrisome is the fact that human trafficking and modern day slavery have created a dangerous political economy of their own. In consequence, this international criminality is defined by the activities of human traffickers that lure unsuspecting victims into forced labour, inhuman treatment, money laundering and prostitution.”

He said Nigeria “is ready and willing to partner other countries and international organisations in confronting this phenomenon. We have a strong commitment to combating the menace of modern slavery and will redouble our efforts to prohibit human trafficking, while providing succour to its hapless victims.”

President Buhari assured his audience “to count on the support of Nigeria in dealing with this evil, which constitutes an unacceptable stain on human dignity and conscience in the 21st century.”

On measures taken by the country against the evil practice, he said the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons

(NAPTIP) and the Nigeria Immigration Service have taken steps to establish a

VICE-PRESIDENT Yemi Osinbajo has stressed the need for the war against corruption to continue, saying that it is necessary to right the harm that has befallen the nation’s economy.

He has, therefore, said it is important that Nigerians insist that the problem of corruption must be dealt with.

He made the assertion while receiving a delegation of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, who paid him a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

“We’ve watched corruption fighting back. Some people even said bring back corruption, but not the man on the street,” he said.

Osinbajo, who observed that the nation had witnessed excessive corruption, added that “no economy can tolerate the level of corruption seen in Nigeria without consequences. Look at the North-East, while a war is going, Nigerian lives being lost, some local governments being taken over, yet people cannot account for $15 billion meant for purchases of security equipment.

“The corruption has been

so much. Look at the sheer amount of money stolen and decisions taken that fuel corruption, decisions taken just with the sole aim of cornering national resources.”

While explaining the present administration’s approach to the fight against corruption, the Vice-President noted that “we are not sitting down focussing on it, all we do is to empower the relevant agencies – EFCC and co – to do their jobs.

Our main focus is the national economy.”

Continuing, he said “what catches our attention is the kind of discoveries we get and hear of daily.”

However, he observed that Nigeria was still blessed with honest people, adding

CHIEF of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, has said the Nigerian Army will be responsive to its responsibilities of defending the nation against any forces that may threaten its unity.

Buratai stated this in Makurdi, Benue State capital, on Tuesday, during the opening ceremony of the

solve to combat it is strong and unshakable,” the president declared.

Saraki highlights measures to end recession Begins debate today Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja SENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, highlighted measures aimed at lifting the country out of

that as a nation, it was important to pay serious attention to issues of integrity.

“I can say President Muhammadu Buhari is completely focused on dealing with issues that concerns this country. I work everyday with the president, so I can say so. He is totally focused on how to make this country a better place to live,” he said.

The UNILAG Alumni Association was led by Dr Sunny Kuku, who noted the group’s support for the Buhari-led administration, expressing readiness to assist in any way necessary.

He said members of the association were proud that one of them rose to the high office of the Vice-President.

Nigerian Army will continue to defend the nation —Buratai Johnson Babajide -Makurdi

migrants from the country.

“We are aware of the challenge for Nigeria, but our re-

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh (second right); Executive Director, NIFOR, Dr Omorofe Asemota (right); Chairman, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Chief (Dr) Kola Jamodu (middle); Managing Director, PZWilmar, Mr Santosh Pillai (second left) and the Chief Executive, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Christos Giannopoulos, displaying a copy of the signed agreement at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja.

Why we must fight corruption —Osinbajo Leon Usigbe -Abuja

joint operational working group to combat human trafficking and smuggling of

Chief of Army Staff Combined Second and Third Quarter Conference.

He assured of the readiness of the army to continue its relentless efforts towards effective service delivery through value re-orientation, exemplary leadership, patriotism, innovation, high standard of training, operational efficiency and discipline.

the current economic crisis, adding that when implemented, the nation would certainly come out of economic recession.

Saraki, in an address to welcome senators back from a two-month recess, said Nigerians wanted the Federal Government to urgently take measures that would bring the country out of recession, rather than orchestrating a blame game.

He said measures to be urgently taken included raising capital from assets sales and other sources to shore up foreign reserves, which had continued to deplete from the peak of over $40 billion in 2007.

He also suggested other measures, including that the Federal Government should carry out part sale of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Holdings, privatisation and concession of major/regional airports and refineries as well as adopting the dialogue approach in solving the Niger Delta crisis.

“It is clear to me that when people are desperately hungry, what they need is leadership with a clear vision; leadership whose daily actions reflect the very urgency of their condition.

Therefore, our response to the current challenge must be dictated by the urgency of the hardship that the people suffer on a daily basis.

“The executive must immediately put in place leadership-level engagement platform with the private sector. This must be one that is pro-business and

shows unequivocally that government is ready to partner with the private sector towards economic revival.

This is a critical signpost towards market confidence, which is a key ingredient to help us revamp the economy out of recession “The executive must raise capital from asset sales and other sources to shore up foreign reserves. This will calm investors, discourage currency speculation and stabilise the economy. The measures should include part sale of NLNG holdings; reduction of government share in upstream oil joint venture operations; sale of government stake in financial institutions, e.g. Africa Finance Corporation and the privatisation and concession of major/regional airports and refineries.

“The executive must consider tweaking the pension funds policy within international best practice safeguards, to to accommodate investment in infrastructure and mortgages.

“The executive and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) must agree on a policy of monetary easing to stimulate the economy and harmonise monetary and fiscal policy until economic recovery is attained. We must ensure local government borrowing does not crowd out credit for the private sector.

“The executive must retool its export promotion policy scheme with export incentives such as the resumption of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and

introduce export-financing initiatives.

“The executive is urged to engage in meaningful dialogue with those aggrieved in the Niger Delta and avoid an escalation of the conflict in the region. The National Assembly is very ready to play any role in the process and offer ideas on approaches that will deliver quick win-win, in order to move the region and the economy forward.

“The executive must, as a deliberate response, consider immediate release of funds to ensure the implementation of the budget for the near short term to inject money into the economy,” Saraki said.

The Senate president added that while government worked on the medium to long-term plans, immediate strategies must be devised that would ease the suffering of the ordinary people across the country.

He stressed that “particular attention should be given to citizens in IDP camps.

The images emerging from this zone of deprivation and hunger is no longer acceptable. Government should accelerate interim measures to provide social safety-nets to our people and assuage current high level of misery in the land. Such intervention should seek to fully execute the social spending framework already provided in the 2016 budget.”

The Senate will, however, commence a debate on economic recession today, while also featuring a briefing by an economic expert at the plenary.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Symposium and service in honour of Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Esther Tejuoso, the 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland

From left, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Mr David Babachir Lawal (SGF), who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, at the event held at OOPL Hall, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

From left, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi; former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Oba Dapo Tejuoso, the Osile-Oke Ona Egba; Mr David Babachir Lawal, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Olori Wuraola.

From left, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Chief (Mrs) Bisi Osinbajo, Oba Dapo Tejuoso and Alhaji Rasaq Okoya.

From left, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Mrs Moji Tejuoso and Mr Segun Awolowo.

From right, Chief Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey, Dr Ola-Vincent Odulele, Justice A. Adewolu (retd) and Chief Doja Adewolu.

From left, Olori Omolara, Olori Yetunde and Olori Bisi Tejuoso with Chief Doja Adewolu.

Alhaji and Mrs. R.Okoya.

From left, Olori Omolara, Olori Yetunde and Olori Olabisi Tejuoso, at the event .

edopolls Obaseki unveils plans for health sector

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R Godwin Obaseki, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the September 28 Edo election, says he is committed to turn Edo to the medical hub of Nigeria if he wins the election.

Obaseki made the pledge on Tuesday, in Benin, at an interactive session with the state chapter of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

“If the people of the state elect me as their governor, the health programme of my administration will be targeted at the less privi-

APC, PDP clash in Jattu Banji Aluko-Benin City

AHEAD of the September 28 Edo State governorship election, violence crept into electioneering campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, as a campaign team led by the wife of the PDP candidate, Dr Mrs Idia Ize-Iyamu, reportedly clashed with some APC youths in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area.

According to the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP, Chris Nehikhare, the incident occurred at Jattu Market when some PDP women, led by Mrs IzeIyamu, were campaigning from shop to shop, marketing the PDP Simple Agenda manifesto.

He said the chants of “change the change” by market women infuriated some APC youths, including running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Hon Phillip Shuaibu, who allegedly led the youths into attacking the PDP women.

Mrs Ize-Iyamu was reported unhurt in the melee.

In a reaction, however, legislative aide to Hon Phillip Shuaibu, Ambrose Kelvin Akhigbe, said Phillip Shuaibu and some other APC supporters were on a road show at the Jattu Market when some PDP members, allegedly led by one Jaret Tenebe, started stoning them.

He added that three police officers, who were invited to remedy the situation by Shuaibu were attacked by the PDP supporters, adding that Shuaibu does not have history of violence unlike the PDP governorship candidate.

He said, “Having unleashed violence, Ize-Iyamu and his party have been using every available platform to blame the APC supporters, who have been busy engaging the good people of Edo North with our message of change.

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

leged,” he said.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the measure would go a long way to discourage the people of the state from embarking on medical tourism to foreign countries.

To achieve the objective, Obaseki said that five star hospitals in Benin would be equipped with the best medical equipment and personnel.

“I will build and equip specialised departments at the Central Hospital in Benin for the treatment of ailments that make Nigerians seek medical attention abroad,” he said.

While promising to restore faith in the health sector, the APC candidate promised that his administration would consider the medical needs of the poor.

Obaseki, however, noted with satisfaction that the incumbent administration in the state had invested substantially in the health sector.

“What we have done basically in these past years is to improve on infrastructure in government hospitals as well as equipping some of them.

“Now, while we will be focusing more on human capacity building, we will also focus on equipping hospitals with modern health facilities,” he added.

The APC flag bearer said he plans to build and equip emergency care centres at strategic locations across the state to admit emergency cases, especially accident victims.

He assured the medical practitioners, who attended the interactive session, of good working relationship with them to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.

He expressed concern at the strained relationship between the government and members of the NMA

in the state.

He said that the demands of medical doctors are usually about compensation, incentives and standard, adding that these are issues which the govern-

ment could handle through negotiation.

Obaseki solicited the support and cooperation of members of NMA to enable him win the election so that he could actualise

EDO State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has disclosed that he turned down a move to instal him governor in 2007 because he was convinced that it was wrong for a Benin to succeed a fellow Benin man.

The PDP candidate, who stated this in Iyaro-Uzaire, Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s ward in Etsako West Local Government Area, when hundreds of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Prince Musa Braimah defected to the PDP, said his belief in fairness made him to support an Afemai man in the person of Governor Adams Oshiomhole to become governor.

the association to enable him realise his ambition.

He, however, appealed to the APC candidate to give more attention to the medical practitioners if he wins the election.

Mr Godwin Obaseki, APC governorship candidate in Edo State and some Chief Priests, during the endorsement of the APC guber candidate by Chief Priests in Edo State, on Tuesday.

I am still in Edo guber race, says KOWA candidate MR Thompson Osadolor, the KOWA governorship candidate for the September 28 election in Edo, has said that he did not step down from the contest.

Osadolor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, in Asaba that he did not step down for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

“I am still very much in the race for the Edo governorship seat; there was no time I withdrew from the race.

“I have no plan to step down for anybody and I have not told anybody that I have done that, and I will

never step down,” he said.

He told NAN that he only expressed the fact that his party’s manifesto was similar to that of the PDP. The candidate said that he remained committed to realising his ambition, and that he was confident

He said, “I could have been governor in 2007 but I said a Benin man has been governor for eight years. I said a Benin man cannot become governor again. I know that Edo North, Afemai, has never produced governor before.

“I said we must look for someone in Afemai to become governor. We now founded our group and finished everything when they brought Oshiomhole. They said we must help him.

“So I asked Oshiomhole if he wanted to become governor and he said yes, but that he didn’t know anybody since he came from Kaduna and Abuja. The election was so tough that three people died in the election.

When he became governor, we realised that he had a dif-

of victory.

“I am determined to see the end of it all because I know I will win the race.

I have a bright chance of winning. I have campaigned across the nooks and crannies of the state; I have sold myself to the

people,” he said.

NAN reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the election from Saturday, September 10 to Wednesday September 28, citing security concerns.

Obaseki visits NUJ, assures journalists of further support

THE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has assured journalists in the state of further support and unhindered access, if elected governor in the governorship election rescheduled for September 28,

I could have been gov in 2007 —Ize-Iyamu Banji Aluko-Benin City

his plans for the sector.

In his remarks, Dr Emmanuel Osigbofo, the chairman of the state chapter of the NMA, assured the candidate of the support and cooperation of

ferent thing in mind. People were angry and came to tell me that we have sold a ‘bad market,’ to them. I however did not want to truncate Edo North’s two terms and said that God will touch his heart in the second term.

“To be sure that I was with him, he made me the director general of his campaign. However, the moment he won, he said ‘this Pastor, who has been doing anyhow, I must drive him away.’ That was how he started to fight me.”

Ize-Iyamu said Governor Oshiomhole has wrong impression about development, pointing out that “when you develop a place without developing the people you are simply developing it for strangers to take over the place.”

2016.

The governorship hopeful, according to the Godwin Obaseki Campaign Organisation, in a release issued in Benin City, made this pledge when he paid a thank-you-visit to the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City, at the weekend.

Obaseki told media practitioners at the press centre that he was there to thank the media men and women for the honour done to him last time he visited when he was made a honourary member of the union.

“I thank you for the honour, which has made me to become one of you, and the subsequent support you have been giving me since then. You have really shown that we have you as partners in progress. I want to assure you that in and out of government, you will always have my support,” he said.

Commenting on the postponed election, Obaseki posited that there was no need shedding blood for election: “painful as the postponement is, expensive as it is, we still feel the election was worthy of postponement. We need people

to vote, so why shed their blood for election?”

Continuing, he said, “We have no fear of losing the election. If we had any concern, events of last week vindicated us. If our opponents knew they could win the election, they would not have brought in such armed men.”

On the facilities at the NUJ Press Centre, Obaseki said he was happy that as promised during his last visit, the internet facility had been reconnected and he promised to do more. “Internet is very critical to your work as journalists, because without it, you cannot work. As long as I am in Edo State, you will always have internet connection.”

According to the business guru turned politician, one of his key goals is to make Edo State join the economic revolution by developing key infrastructure. For more convenience at the press centre, Obaseki pledged that he and the deputy governorship candidate would provide bigger power generating set to power the centre and a bus would also be donated to the NUJ to ease mobility.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Peace returns to PDP as Makarfi, Sheriff agree to sheathe sword Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja

T

HERE is hope that lingering leadership crisis in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will end soon as both factions of the party, on Tuesday, in Abuja, agreed to bury the hatchet and work together.

The National Caretaker Committee of the party, led

by Senator Ahmed Makarfi and the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff faction, have resolved to reunite the party to enable it perform its role as a viable opposition platform.

Both factions appeared at a joint news briefing in Abuja, on Tuesday, where they disclosed the new understanding.

They said they would now embark on extensive

consultations with their respective loyalists to fashion out a way to cement the new unity after about four months of bitter rivalry.

The Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ben Obi and the acting Deputy National Chairman of the Sheriff faction, Cairo Ojougboh, jointly addressed the press conference where they announced the new peace initiative Ojougboh, who read the resolutions of the two factions, said they met and took “a holistic review of

the state of affairs” of PDP. The statement, which was jointly signed by Makarfi and Sheriff, said the resolution was without prejudice to the outstanding matters in court.

It said: “This is without prejudice to all outstanding matters in court. At a meeting held this morning between the two of us, a holistic review of the state of affairs of our great party, PDP, was deliberated upon.

“In reviewing the crisis that has engulfed our party since the loss of the 2015 general election, after

15 years of uninterrupted leadership at the centre, it became obvious to both of us as principal actors that it is time to heal the wounds.

“And bring about a united, focused and constructive opposition party that can bring sanity to our democratic process, bringing relief to the teeming supporters of our great party and to the benefit of our great country.”

Based on these, it said the parties agreed to consult widely with all relevant organs of the party.

They have, therefore, set up a joint committee that will carry out a holistic reconciliation of all aggrieved segments of the party across the country and in diaspora and also pursue the vision of the founding fathers.

While noting that details of all the agreement will be made public soonest, the factions called on all party members to remain calm and refrain from any actions and utterances that could further bring about divisions or dispute in the party.

Ekiti Assembly begins amendment of 2016 Appropriation Law THE Ekiti State 2016 Review Appropriation Bill has passed second reading on the floor of the state House of Assembly, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The House, at plenary on Tuesday, also read three other laws for the first time. The bills are the Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission (Amendment) Bill 2016; the Ekiti State Health Management Board (Amendment) Bill 2016, and the Ekiti State Housing Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2016.

According to a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Speaker, Stephen Gbadamosi, members of the House, who deliberated extensively on the budget review bill, observed that recent economic developments in the state made the amendment necessary.

Speaker of the House, Honourable Kola Oluwawole; his deputy, Mr Segun Adewumi; Leader of the House, Tunji Akinyele; Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Abiola Jeje; Ekundayo Adeleye, among others, explained that there were some projects for which funds were allocated but which were not being carried out for one reason or the other.

They added that such funds should be re-directed to other areas where funds had become inadequate, citing example of the proposed airport project which had become stalled.

From left, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Babcock University (BU), Professor Iheanyichukwu Okoro; Vice Chancellor, BU, Professor Ademola Tayo; founder, Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), Sir Kessington Adebutu; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management Services, BU, Professor Sunday Owolabi and the Vice President, Financial Affairs, BU, Mr Folorunsho Akande, during a courtesy visit by BU leadership to KAAF head office, in Lagos, on Tuesday.

FG begins shortlisting candidates for 500,000 jobs —Lai Mohammed THE Federal Government has commenced shortlisting candidates for the 500,000 jobs it promised.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when a delegation of the Na-

tional Council for Women’s Societies (NCWS) paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Mohammed said that applications were being received and government had started processing them for the recruitment.

“The process for the re-

cruitment has started.

“About 1.2 million people applied and they classified them into categories including agriculture support officers, teachers, technical officers and so on,’’ he said.

The minister also said

NECO feat: Monarchs, teachers others laud Fayose’s education policies Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

STAKEHOLDERS in the education sector, on Tuesday, commended the Ayodele Fayose-led administration in Ekiti State for its policies that aided the state to come first in this year’s senior secondary school examinations conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The various groups, which comprised Association of Nigerian Conference of Secondary School Principals, a teachers’ pressure group, The Positive Minds, ParentTeacher Association, among others, also commended the governor for fully imple-

menting the recommendations of last year’s Education Summit, held in the state.

This is just as Governor Fayose promised that Core Subject Allowance would be paid next month, while the Teachers Day would be marked with the giving of brand new cars to best teachers in both primary and secondary school levels.

Governor Fayose dedicated the feat to all stakeholders in the sector, especially the teachers.

“We would have got to this level earlier than now. During my first term in office, we moved from 35 position in WAEC and NECO to eighth and seventh and we

were on the verge of coming tops before I was removed from office. We thank God that we have got to this great height now. I am assuring all that we won’t relent and we will maintain the standard. We are going to come first in WAEC as well.

The governor also expressed delight that the School of Nursing and the School of Midwifery of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital recorded 100 per cent success in their qualifying examinations.

The Ekiti State chairman of ANCOPPS, Mr Biodun Omotosho, said the governor’s commitment to improving the sector really paid off.

that the payment of N5,000 conditional cash transfer promised by the government would begin before the end of the month.

He said the Minister of Finance, Dr Kemi Adeosun, had earlier announced this.

Mohammed reiterated the commitment of the government to improving the well-being and standard of living of the citizens.

“We are very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and we are not sleeping; we are working day and night to ensure that the country retraces its step.

“Many of our critics have been unfair to us because many of them know that we did not invent the problems we are facing today.

“This is the time to join hands together to support the government to move the nation forward,’’ he said.

The National President of NCWS, Mrs Gloria Shoda, expressed the confidence in the resolve of the government to implement programmes for the advancement of girls and women in the society.

Nigerian Tribune

CDAs veritable platforms for anti-graft war at grassroots —Ogun govt OGUN State government says community development associations (CDAs) will be used to take the national anti-graft campaign to the grassroots.

It said CDAs were key to the success of the anti-corruption war in the country.

The government, speaking through Mr Moshood Rasheed, Deputy Director, Community Development Department, Sagamu Local Government Area, said embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds from CDA level to the highest level of leadership should be eradicated.

“Many community leaders are facing probes by the anti-corruption agencies of the Federal Government for their misconduct while in office.

“Corrupt CDA leaders will not be spared in the war against corruption as being championed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“CDAs are organs recognised by state and local government laws and that is why their affairs are regulated by the government.

Ogun public defender secures freedom for over 200 inmates OFFICE of the Public Defender (OPD), Ogun State Ministry of Justice, says it has facilitated the release of no fewer than 200 inmates across prison formations across the state in the last one year.

Speaking during the oversight visit of the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Justice, Ethics and Public Petitions to the ministry, the state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olumide Ayeni, affirmed that about 300 human rights and criminal cases had also been disposed off in the year under review.

Dr Ayeni, represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Adesola Shobayo, noted that the Citizen Right Department (CRD) also secured bail for 200 suspects, just as the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) successfully pursued 53 cases at various high courts in the state and Court of Appeals.

He stated that the ministry was working with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government with a view to promote legislations for improved revenue base for the state.

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Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

30 political parties to participate in Ondo governorship election INEC distributes one million PVCs Hakeem Gbadamosi – Akure with Agency reports

A

HEAD of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, said no fewer than 30 political parties will partici-

pate in the election.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital, during a press conference, said the commission had embarked on aggressive, persistent and sustained voters’ education, public enlightenment and mobili-

sation to ensure the success of the election.

Agbaje stated that the campaigns were geared towards preventing voters’ apathy and to appeal to the citizens of the state to shun violence before, during and after the election.

The REC, who commended political parties

and politicians for the peaceful conduct of their primaries, also appealed to them to exercise restraint in their pronouncements, urging them to avoid inflammatory comments capable of igniting political tension during campaigns.

He noted that all the political parties participating

in the election had concluded their primaries and said that no more room for fresh primaries for the election.

He listed some of the factors often responsible for inconclusive election in recent times to include violence and disruption of election, non-use of smart card readers and over voting.

Meanwhile, INEC has distributed 1,200,693 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to voters in Ondo State as at August 11.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, made this known at a press conference in Akure ahead of

the governorship election in the state.

According to Agbaje, 331,078 PVCs are yet to be collected by their owners as at August 11.

He said that a total of 1,531,771 PVCs were received in the state before the 2016 Continuous Voter Registration.

Agbaje said that the commission would make use of 3,009 presiding officers and 9,029 assistant presiding officers I, II and III for the election.

According to Agbaje, there are 3,009 polling units, with 203 registration areas in the 18 local government areas of the state.

FUNNAB crisis: No external forces behind struggle —SSANU Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

Police vans stationed at the main entrance of the Oyo State secretariat, Ibadan, to forestall possible breakdown of law and order as the state assembly resumes sitting after break, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN.

Amid tight security, Oyo assembly approves 35 LCDAs

By Wale Akinselure

PROCESS towards the creation of 35 additional Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Oyo State has been finalised.

This followed the passage into law of the local government (further) amendment bill, 2016 by the House of Assembly, on Tuesday.

It will be recalled that the executive had earlier forwarded the bill to the assembly to amend the lo-

cal government law 2002 which recommended the creation of 14 local government areas in Ibadan zone, eight in Oke-Ogun, seven in Ogbomoso, four in Oyo and two for Ibarapa zone.

Key in the amendment report, as presented by Chairman, Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Bolaji Badmos, was the change in the nomenclature from local government areas to local council development areas.

Last batch of Oyo pilgrims to arrive Sept 30 THE Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, has said that the last batch of pilgrims from the state will arrive from Saudi Arabia on September 30.

Akewugbagold said this on Tuesday in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.

The chairman said that the first batch of 176 pilgrims from the state arrived on Tuesday around 6:00 a.m.

According to him, the sec-

ond batch of pilgrims from the state, numbering 450, will arrive on Wednesday.

NAN reported that a total of 1,358 pilgrims from the state participated in this year’s hajj operation.

Akewugbagold said that the board recorded success in the 2016 hajj compared to last year, adding that no casualty was recorded.

He said that the state government had been very supportive, adding that this contributed to the success recorded.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Tribune observed that the exit gate of the state secretariat was locked while armoured personnel carrier and armed police officers were at the entrance of the secretariat for the period of the Assembly’s plenary.

It was gathered that security was tightened based on intelligence reports that some protesters would storm the secretariat to vent their displeasure at the assembly’s proceedings where the creation of the additional local councils was to be approved.

While stamping the creation of the 35 additional local councils, Speaker, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, noted that some memoranda on further creation of LCDAs had been received.

For further consideration of the new memoranda, the assembly set up another ad hoc committee headed by Majority Leader, Honourable Kehinde Subair.

Other members of the committee are Honourable Olagunju Ojo, Oyetunji Peter, Ademola Ige, Olusegun Ajanaku, Olusegun Olaleye and Bolaji Badmus.

In a motion, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola representing Atiba constituency urged proprietors of private schools in the state to consider today’s challenging economy in charging and collecting school fees.

Furthermore, consideration of the bill for a law to further amend Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso Law, 1990 by Deputy Speaker, Honourable Abdulwasi Musah and member representing Ogbomoso South, Honourable Olukayode Akande has commenced.

THE Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), on Tuesday, dispelled insinuations that the allegations of mismanagement and abuse of office against the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, has any external forces behind it.

Speaking at its congress, the association branch chairman, Comrade Rotimi Fasunwon, noted that the allegations levelled against the VC and the institution’s Pro-Chancellor, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, were nothing but the truth.

Nigerian Tribune recalled that some concerned members of the association wrote a petition against the duo of Oyewole and Ogunlewe, over allegation of defrauding the institution to the tune of N108.2 million.

Both Oyewole and Ogunlewe were quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC), some weeks ago.

Fasunwon, while addressing its members, explained that the VC collected N23 million as furniture allowance in four years, as against N5.7 million stipulated by the law.

He also added that the law allows for 300 per cent of basic salary once in four years only for officers not residing in government apartment, saying that Oyewole had been collecting N5.7 million annually, while residing in a furnished apartment owned by the university.

He said that Ogunlewe collected N6 million under the children marriage allowance for a marriage not biologically connected with him while the VC was also alleged to have assessed N5 million under the same arrangement.

The Head, Directorate of Public Relations of the University, Mrs Emi Alawode, when contacted said the matter is currently before the EFCC and that the antigraft agency should be allowed to carry out its work.

Amosun sends 2 additional commissionernominees to assembly GOVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has forwarded the names of two additional commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly for screen and confirmation.

The Speaker, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, made this known at Tuesday’s plenary when he read a letter from the governor to the house.

The nominees were Miss Aderonke Onadeko and

Mrs Abiola Okogie.

Adekunbi called on the new commissioner-nominees to appear before the House tomorrow with 30 copies of their curriculum vitae for screening.

Also, at the plenary, the assembly adopted the interim report which recommended extension of the caretaker committee of the Amalgamated Motorcycles and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN).

The report was adopted after the Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Mr Isreal Jolaosho, read the report of the committee on petition by some members of the transportation unions in the state.

Jolaosho said that the extension was to give the committee more time to address the issue contained in the petition from the transport unions.

34

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

NSCDC reiterates commitment to protect critical infrastructure HE CommandantGeneral, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Alhaji Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has reiterated the commitment of the corps to providing adequate security in protecting states, national assets and critical infrastructure in the country.

He said this on Monday, while playing host to the Niger State governor, Alhaji Sani Bello, who paid him a visit in his office, in Abuja.

He also said that plan is ongoing by the corps to organise ‘’Peace clinic’’ in training of the corps personnel on peace advocacy and initiative so as to enable the personnel serve as peace agents in states, by preaching peace in communities.

Gana, however, solicited the support of state governors for the capacity building project.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Bello, had called for the deployment of more civil defence corps personnel in Niger State in view of the land mass of the state, so as to help sustain peace at the grassroots.

The governor said that the state, being the largest in terms of land mass in the country, required more security personnel in some local government areas.

He, therefore, assured the commandant-general that the welfare of personnel posted to the state is paramount to him, adding he will ensure that the corps is relocated to a more befitting office soon.

Governor Bello commended the efforts of the commandant-general in repositioning the corps.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Abe Blessing Titilope am also same person bearing Abe Mary Titilayo. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ABE BLESSING TITILOPE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

OF BIRTH I, my name Okpegboro Christabel, born 24/06/1991 was wrongly written as Okpegboro Crystabel, born 06/08/1989.

That OKPEGBORO CHRISTABEL, born 24/06/1991 is my correct name and date of birth respectively. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH I, my name Towobola Aishat Olanike, born 22/04/1960 was wrongly written as Olaonipekun Aishat Olanike, born 22/04/1968. That TOWOBOLA AISHAT OLANIKE, born 22/04/1960 is my correct name and date of birth respectively. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ismail Sakirat Dasola now YAKEEN DASOLA SHAKIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Oladipo Joel Adelowo

T

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/DATE

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, formerly Known as Adijat Olaiya also known as Tijani Adijat Ayoke. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MUFUTAU ADIJAT AYOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs. Olubunmi Beauty Ajibola now MISS FASANMOYE BEAUTY AJIBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Quee Monday Tim now MISS INI-OBONG MONDAY TIM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adama John now MRS OBANDE ADAMA GRACE. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Police Force and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Olabiyi Olayemi Richard was formerly known, called and addressed as Sunday Richard now wish to be known and addressed as OLABIYI OLAYEMI RICHARD. All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. Sterling Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Yusuf Saheedat Kehinde now MRS HAMED SAHEEDAT KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oyehan Olaolu Seyi and Oyehan Seyi now OYEHAN OLUWASEYI TIMOTHY. All former documents remain valid.

Shape Association of Nigerian and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Pastor Ibitoye James Bayo now PASTOR IBITOYE SIKIRU BELLO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

We formerly Vincent Daniel Odirachukuma, Vincent Veronica Nmesouma, Vincent Jenifer Chioma and Vincent Benedicta Chindinma now ODIMGBE DANIEL ODIRACHUKUMA, ODIMGBE VERONICA NMESOUMA, ODIMGBE JENIFER CHIOMA and ODIMGBE BENEDICTA CHINDINMA respectively. All former documents remain valid.

General Public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Esther Ehinome Enigah now MRS ESTHER EHINOME ILORI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Yusuf Olajumoke Taibat now MRS YUSUFADEBOWALE OLAJUMOKE TAIBAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ayorinde Oluwakemi Esther now MRS DAYO-ADEFIOYE OLUWAKEMI ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I hereby declare that my correct names are IGWURUBE ONYEMA not Igwurebu Onyemachi and my correct date of birth is 14th August, 1987. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ajisafe Adeola Olaitan am the same person bearing Ojewale Adeola Mosurat. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADENIYI ADEOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Serifat Akande now MRS AWOSANYA SERIFAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ayodeji Yinka now JANET KIKELOMO DARAMOLA. And my correct date of birth is 21st August, 1955. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Bello Oladunni Joke now AJIBOLA OLADUNNI JOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Quadir Abiodun Sarafa was formerly known, called and addressed as Quadri Adefakoya Abiodun now wish to be known and addressed as QUADIR ABIODUN SARAFA. All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. Sterling Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Amoo Fatimo Folasayo now ADEKUNLE FATIMO FOLASAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Samuel Tunde Afolabi now SAMUEL TUNDE ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Durosinmi-Etti Mojisola Temidayo now MRS ALAO MULIKAT TEMIDAYO. In accordance with my husband religion (Islam) All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adejoro Ishola Kubrat Onibiyo now SCOTT KUBRAT ONIBIYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olajumoke Oluwabukola now UGWUMBA OLAJUMOKE OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Sefunmi Esther Oje now MRS OWOSENI-AJAYI ESTHER SEFUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bayonle Olamide Olalekan now BAYONLE USMAN OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Remilekun Abosede Osunkoya now MRS RUKAYAT REMILEKUN SHOPEYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Patience O. Ebanehitah now MRS NGEREM PATIENCE GRACE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adesuyan Olusola Olusoji now OLADIRAN OLUSOLA OLUSOJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Oladele Adebola Taiwo now MRS ADEKUNLE ADEMOLA DEBORA TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State SUBEB and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Bolaji Temitope Seun am the same person bearing Bolaji Temitope Ruth. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as BOLAJI TEMITOPE RUTH. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Waidi Gbolagade Adepoju now MR WAHEED GBOLAGADE AKANNI ADEPOJU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Sulaiman Adetunji Kareem now SULYMAN ABDULKAREEM ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OGUNGBENJO: I, formerly Miss Ogungbenjo Dorcas Tosin now MRS OPEYEMI DORCAS TOSIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Abiola Biliaminu Abiodun now AJANI BILIAMINU ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Onibiyo Temitayo Adeola now MRS BABATUNDE TEMITAYO ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Kayode Williams now KAYODE KEHINDE WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Oladiran John Akintunde now OLADIRAN JOHN AKINTUNDE OLADUNJOYE. All former documents remain valid.

Union Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akewusola Rukayat Olabisi now MRS AKEWUSOLA RUKAYAT OLABISI OMOTOSO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Odeyinka Moshood Adedayo Remilekun am the same person as Odeyinka Moshood Remilekun, Odeyinka Moshood Adedayo and Odeyinka Monshood Remi. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as ODEYINKA MOSHOOD ADEDAYO REMILEKUN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Lokona Peter Pascal now LOKONA PETER BASKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ikugbayigbe Tolulope Bolanle now MRS ADENIJI TOLULOPE BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ekundayo Yejide Agnes now IGUNNU YEJIDE AGNES. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Layinde Elizabeth now MRS OBIDEYI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Gina Boye now GINA BOYE-EKONG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Sunday Enyina Nwagbara now PROMISE EKWUEME SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Uzoh Sylvia Chinenye now MRS UMECHUKWU SYLVIA CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Sulemon Saheed Lekan am the same person as Suliamon Saheed Lekan. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SULEMON SAHEED LEKAN. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oginni Temitope now MRS ADEYEFA TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. TEPO and General public take note.

INCLUSION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Bright Jerome John now BRIGHT AKPAN JOHN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Mrs Fatima Okubiyi Biffo was formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Fatima Folashade Momonu Biffo now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FATIMA OKUBIYI BIFFO. All former documents bearing my former names remain valid. Wema Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Oyero, Nahimah now MISS ABDULRAHMAN, NAHIMAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

I, formerly Salami Olamide Temitope now ADETOKUNBO YETUNDE RUTH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Idowu Bose now OTOKOLA BOLAJOKO DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ayodeji Foluso Aderonke now MRS ADEYEMO FOLUSO ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunyemi Olumayowa Folake now MRS ADEKUNLE OLUMAYOWA FOLAKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Allen Olaide Ibiwumi now OLAMIPOSI OMOTARA IBIWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abdulsalam Hikmat Folashade now MRS APOOYIN HIKMAT FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I hereby declare that my correct name is Nkang Ayamba Glory and not Glory Etta Nkang and my correct date of birth is December 22, 1964. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Tawo Abang Augustine now MR GREATNESS AUGUSTINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oduga Abidemi Mojisola now MRS MAJEKADEGBE ABIDEMI MOJISOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Busari Ibrahim Olaitan now BUSARI IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs RaheemOlolade Modesola now MRS AJALA KAFAYAT ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mathew Rebecca Ikpiti, Rebecca Ikpith Alih James, Rebecca I.J now REBECCA IKPITI ALIH. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc., Access Bank Plc, CBN and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ayano Rebecca now MRS OLANREWAJU REBECCA ADUNOLA. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Oyo State, Stanbic IBTC, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Nwinanee Ability now NWINANEE BARIDOOSIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

35

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fadipe Opeyemi Christianah now MRS OGIDAN OPEYEMI CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Ikoyi Olawale Hakeem now IKOYI OLAWALE AZEEZ. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ajeigbe Rukayat Foluke now MRS OLADIPUPO RUKAYAT FOLUKE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Liadi Kolapo now LIADI ALLI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Iwo and general public take note.

I, formerly Oluwatobi Abiodun Andrew now OLATUNJI ABIODUN ANDREW. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Funsho Mary now FAJOLOYE OLUSOLA MARY. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Adebola Felicia Adepoju now BOLUJOKO FELICIA ADEBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeleke Florence Oluwakemi now MRS AJALA FLORENCE OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State and general public take note.

I, Abosede Oluwasegun Osunbunmi am the same person bearing Alawemo Abosede Promise. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OSUNBUNMI ABOSEDE MARYAM. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Fidelity Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Hammedi Nureni now MUHAMMED NURENI TUNJI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc Nigeria and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Dorcas Adetayo Adekoya now MRS DORCAS ADETAYO OLUWOLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Oloyede Faith Adetokunbo now OLUBORI FAITH EBUNOLUWA ADETOKUNBO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Hammed Chizoba Joy now MRS SANGOGADE CHIZOBA JOY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly Miss Judith Chidinmma Ohaeri now MRS JUDITH CHIDINMMA NLEMEDIM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly Jamiu Mohammed now OGUNDELE MOSES OLAYIWOLA. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Aileru Afusatu Tanimowo now ODUNTAN AFUSAT TANIMOWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oluyemi Kikelomo Josephine now MRS OMOGBEHIN KIKELOMO JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, Miss Oyefunke Adewumi Abeni Titiloye, Titiloye Funke Abiodun also known as Oladosu Funke Abiodun now wish to be addressed as MRS OLADOSU OYEFUNKE ABIODUN. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Oyo State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinwale Afusat Kehinde now MRS ADEBAYO AFUSAT KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olayiwola Titilola now MRS LAWAL TITILOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Jejelowo Oluwakemi Ronke now MRS ADEOLA OLUWAKEMI RONKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

My name is Oyeleke Rebecca Oluwadamilola and not Oyeleke Rebecca O. as erroneously stated in my BVN details. Henceforth, I wish to be known, called and addressed as OYELEKE REBECCA OLUWADAMILOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Gbenga Craig now CRAIG O L U WA G B E N G A JOSHUA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adedeji Oluwabukola Hadiza now MRS HARUNA HADIZA BUKKY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oluwatoyin Oritseweyinmi Erewa now OLUWATOYIN ORITSEWEYINMI AKINDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olatunji Omobola Esther now MRS OLADIRAN OMOBOLA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ajala Funmilola now ADELEKE FUNMILOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Etudo Omenebele Patience now JAMES FAITH OMENEBELE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Olufemi Olujoke Banjoko now MRS OLUFEMI OLUJOKE ODUSAMI SHOTE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Blessing Ginini Ekum now MRS BLESSING GININI GBARADA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Lawal Oluwole Adewunmi am the same person bearing Lawal Oluwole Victor. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Opaleye Ganiyat now MRS ADESINA OLUWABUKOLA GANIYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olatunde Taiwo Omotola now MRS ADEWUMI TAIWO OMOTOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Akadri Hakeeb Olajide am the same person bearing Abdulquadri Hakeeb Olajide. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as AKADRI HAKEEB OLAJIDE and my date of bith is 1st March, 1979 and not 1st March 1984.

All documents bearing these names remain valid. FCMB Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Grace Enema now MRS GRACE ABUGBANE. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Police Force, NPF Micro Finance Bank, Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Badmus Sadia Bisola now BADMUS MARIAM ADEYINKA. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olanrele Rachael Olubukola now MRS AJUWON RACHAEL OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Amoo Temilade Kehinde now MRS AJALA TEMILADE KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Akande Oluwaseun Oladimeji now AKANDE OLUWASEUN DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Ajiferuke Edward Abiodun am the same person bearing Ajiferuke Abiodun Ademola. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as AJIFERUKE EDWARD ABIODUN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Odebowale Taiwo Joseph now ODEBOWALE TAIWO OSENI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oluwayemisi Abiodun Olorunnisola now MRS OLUWAYEMISI ABIODUN GANIYU. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and general public take note.

I, formerly Owolade Tolulope Omoniyi now OWOLADE OMONIYI SAMSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Dauda Tawakalitu Adewunmi now MRS ATILOLA TAWAKALITU ADEWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

Ibarapa Central Local Government, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Udevito Simeon now ENYA SIMEON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Okpako Doris now MRS OFFICE DORIS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Peter Ovwigho now OJIYOVWI OVWIGHORIENTA. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oluwafemi Omolola Bernice now MRS TAIWO OMOLOLA BERNICE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Ogundare Gbemisola Omolola now OGUNDARE BOSEDE OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Oladejo Yetunde Adebimpe now OLADEJO ADEBIMPE ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adetayo Olubisi Adetutu now MRS ODUOLA OLUBISI ADETUTU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Ramoni Amusan now RAMONI FOLORUNSHO MAJA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Areola Yetunde Mary now MRS IRANLOYE YETUNDE MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ayinde Oluwafunsho

I, formerly Miss Olawunmi Fadekemi Osinowo now MRS OLAWUNMI FADEKEMI ADEOSUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olasunkanmi Tola Omolayo now IBRAHIM TOLA OMOLAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Albert Miltonson Cletus Otuyemi now MR HAMZAT OYEWOLE OTUYEMI. All former documents remain valid. Assistant Director of Pension CIPPO, Admin Officer PTAD, Abuja and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Amos

now

OYEBOWALE

OLUWAFUNSHO AMOS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Aderele Gladys Tinuola now MRS IYANDA GLADYS TINUOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Ejuwebi Oghenetega Efeturi am same person as Ejuwebi Oghenetega and Ejuwebi Efeturi.

Now, I wish to be known as EJUWEBI OGHENETEGA EFETURI. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adeniran Moji Temitope now MRS ADETUNJI MOJI TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olugbade Bukola Esther now MRS ADEDIRAN BUKOLA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sadia Bolarinwa now SADIA MUKAILA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Aaron Bayo Seun am the same person bearing Aaron Bayo. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as AARON BAYO SEUN and my correct date of birth is 9/7/1977. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

GTBank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Ayinde Kolawole Abass am the same person bearing Ayinde Kola Abass and Ayinde Abass Kolawole. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AYINDE KOLAWOLE ABASS. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Usman Sule now ENIKE USMAN PHILIP. All former documents remain valid. Management/Authority of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Enosa Counsellor David

now

ENIKHAGBUYE

ENOSA DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Egwonyenga Vivian Nkechi now MRS OLADIMEJI VIVIAN NKECHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adu Adekemi Oluwaseun now MRS ADEGBENRO ADEKEMI OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adeola Adekunle Lolade now ADEKUNLE SHAKIRAT ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Alawode Esther Adenike now MRS AKINTOLA ESTHER ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Okposio Ogheneovo Deborah now MRS EDOJA OGHENEOVO DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Blessing Rukeme Oriabure now BLESSING RUKEME THOMAS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME I, formerly Daniel DemeAkade now OGULGHAWEI DEME-AKADE DANIEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Agboola Deborah Ifeoluwa now MRS AYANBIYI DEBORAH IFEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly Yusuf Rashidat now BUNYAMIN RASHIDAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Odugbesan Bolanle Oyepero now OYEDOKUN OYEPERO ZAYNAB. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Joan Ngozi Ogbolu my name was wrongly written in my bank details as Obiora Princess Joan instead of my correct name JOAN NGOZI OGBOLU. UBA Bank Plc and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Abire Newyear now MRS ABIRE NEWYEAR UYOYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Babalola Ahmeed Dolapo now BABALOLA AHMEED AYIKI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Lamidi Dauda that my name was wrongly written as Dauda Lamid Akanbi. Now, my correct name is LAMIDI DAUDA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeojo Oluwatobiloba Ruth now MISS ADEJARE OLUWATOBILOBA RUTH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Giwa Waliat now OLAWOORE WALIAT GIWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adewunmi Nike Funmilayo now MRS TAIWO OLUFUNMILAYO LYDIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeleke Ayooluwa Adebola now MRS ADEGBAJU AYOOLUWA ADEBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

UK Embassy and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

36

news

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

FG warns unity schools’ principals over unauthorised fees Clement Idoko - Abuja

T

HE Federal Government has threatened to sack any principal of the federal unity schools across the country found to have collected fees above the amount approved by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, said this on Tuesday, in Abuja, following incessant reports that some principals of Federal Government unity colleges are collecting school fees higher than the amount authorised by the ministry.

He specifically warned the principals of the colleges to

adhere strictly to the authorised fees .

A statement by the deputy director, Press, Mr Ben Bem Goong and made available to newsmen, said Malam Adamu, advised parents whose wards are in unity colleges to report any infraction to the directive to the Federal Ministry of Education for

appropriate sanction.

“Any school principal, who collects or has collected any amount outside the authorised fees as clearly stated, must refund same to affected parents or guardians immediately,” he said.

The minister said one of the pillars of his ministerial action plan “Education for

Executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Babatunde Fowler (left), exchanging pleasantries with the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, after a collaborative meeting at the Customs headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday. With them is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retd).

Cattle rustling: Govt may reintroduce cattle loading, off loading permits Chris Agbambu – Abuja

IN order to checkmate cattle rustling in the country, trucks conveying cattle may be compelled to show their loading and off loading permits through international, federal and state animal control posts.

The Assistant Inspector of Police, Charles (AIG) Ugomuoh, said this on Tuesday, at a stakeholders’ meeting on curtailment of cattle rustling in Nigeria, at the Force Headquarters,Abuja.

According to him, the need for the resuscitation of show your loading and off loading permits of cattle in trucks at the control posts is critical in the life of the nation “Truck drivers must show their loading and off loading permits and in default, will risk arrest by the police” he said The AIG added that the federal and state directors of livestock and veterinary services, have the responsibility to furnish the police with the lists of all the animal control posts nationwide for effective enforcement of the law.

In his address, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said that the Nige-

ria Police would collaborate with different relevant stakeholders to checkmate cattle rustling and animal theft in the country.

He noted that the gathering will assist in providing more measures to curb cattle rustling and animal theft in the country.

According to him, the issue of cattle rustling had become a national menace,

leading to the destruction of lives and property in various parts of the country, hence, it has become necessary for them to seek collaborative efforts involving all relevant stakeholders to tackle the menace.

He said that with the assistance of relevant stakeholders in the chain of cattle movement and application of relevant laws, cattle rus-

tling could be drastically reduced.

Also speaking on the occasion, Alhaji Aliyu Saleh, the organising secretary, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, said that majority of cattle rustlers were Fulanis, adding that the use of force by security personnel could not solve the problem of cattle rustling in the country.

No change in NYSC passing-out parade dates —Management Adetola Bademosi -Abuja

THE National Youth Service Corps( NYSC), has denied any change in the passingout dates for the 2015 batch ‘B’ corps members.

Reacting against a supposed document being circulated online, which was credited to the scheme, NYSC described such as fake.

In a statement issued by the Head of Press unit, Mrs Abosede Aderibigbe, in Abuja, on Tuesday, it said:”The attention of NYSC management has been drawn to a fake document with the above heading being circulated online and purported to be from the NYSC national directorate

headquarters in respect of the passing-out of the 2015 Batch ‘B’ corps members.

“The document, dated September16, 2016 and made with scanned official letterhead and other portions of an earlier circular of the scheme, dismisses the dates set for the passing-out of the 2015 Batch ‘B’ corps members as contained in that genuine circular in a bid to cause confusion.

“Management wishes to inform the 2015 Batch ‘B’ corps members and the rest of the public that the official passing-out dates are as follows: 2015 Batch ‘B’ Stream I: October6, 2016, 2015 Batch ‘B’ Stream II: November4, 2016.”

However, it said details of the winding-up/ passing-out activities lined up in respect of the two streams, have been communicated to all NYSC state secretariats for implementation.

It advised serving and prospective corps members and the general public to note that any information from the NYSC national directorate headquarters meant for transmission online can only be so transmitted by the scheme through the following platforms:” Official website: www. nysc.gov.ng, Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ officialnysc,Twitter handle: www.twitter.com/nysc_ng

change”, which will soon be launched, is to make education accessible and affordable to all Nigerians, adding that he will not tolerate any act capable of sabotaging the goal.

According to the minister, time has come for Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of change, which they voted for and that he will stop at nothing to deliver same in the education sector.

He said part of the reasons for the recent harmonisation of fees in unity colleges, was to ensure that parents pay averagely less as well as eliminate indiscriminate collections that made parents in some unity schools to pay much higher than their counterparts in other unity colleges.

He has equally directed that all authorised cost items, including boarding fees, must be communicated to parents in writing and copied to the ministry before any payment is demanded.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the authorised school fees for unity colleges for the 2016/2017 academic year, has been placed on the ministry’s website – www.education.gov.ng,” he said.

Flood claims 18, destroys 6, 637 houses in Jigawa Adamu Amadu - Dutse

THE executive secretary of Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (JSEMA), Alhaji Yusif Sani, has said that 18 people lost their lives while about 6,637 houses, were destroyed by flood in the 19 local government areas of the state.

The executive secretary said this while addressing newsmen on Tuesday, in Dutse, the state capital, adding that the incidents occurred recently.

Sani said that the people lost their lives in Gwaram, Dutse, Jahun, Gumel, Guri, Ringim as well as Kazaure Local Government areas of the state.

The executive secretary said that the flood destroyed houses in Dutse, Jahun; Hadejia, Babura; Ringim; Gumel; Malammadori and in Birninkudu Gocal government areas.

According to him, the disaster also destroyed houses in Taur, Kazaure; Maigatari; Gagarawa; Buji; Kirikasamma; Garki; Kiyawa; Kafinhausa; Gwaram and Suletankarkar Local Government areas.

He said the state government had already intervened by providing financial assistance for the victims in phases.

FRSC mobile court convicts 3 over traffic - related offences in Delta Alphonsus Agborh – Asaba

A Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) mobile court in Asaba, the Delta State capital, has convicted three drivers who violated traffic regulations during the last Eid-el-Kabir The convicts, now at the prisons custody in Ogwashi-Uku, were sentenced to two months imprisonment by the presiding magistrate, Ghomorai Victoria, who gave an option of fine to two of the violators while one was without the option of fine.

Magistrate Ghomorai cautioned and discharged three other traffic offenders while another 109 violators ,who pleaded liable to traffic offences ,were fined.

The state sector commander, Rindom Kumven, said on Tuesday that the drivers were charged with different offences ,ranging from assault, over loading, lack of caution signs, dangerous driving among others He, however, vowed that the command will not rest on its oars in making sure that the roads are sanitised, adding that the special operations will be done every month with a mobile court to prosecute traffic violators.

Kumven said that two of the convicted offenders who were jailed for two months with the option of fine, have not been able to fulfill the imposed fines, hence, they were sent to the prisons at Ogwashi-Uku.

Praise Night AS part of activities marking the grand finale of the 17th annual convention of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Ibukun, Adeleke Street, along Baptist Camp, Otun Akute, Ogun State, its praise night will hold on Friday, September 23, by 11.00pm. The guest artiste, Christ Chosen ,a.k.a Alfa Sule, will thrill the congregation with ministration, while on September 25, there will be a thanksgiving service in the church. Reverend (Dr)V.O Arigbabuwo, is the host.

Reverend (Dr.) V.O Arigbabuwo

37

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Syria conflict: UN suspends all aid after convoy attack

T

HE United Nations has suspended all aid convoys in Syria after a devastating attack on its lorries near Aleppo on Monday.

The strikes, which witnesses said came from the air, came hours after Syria declared a weekold United States-Russia brokered cessation of hostilities at an end.

Russia and Syria have both insisted that their forces were not involved, BBC stated.

But UN chief Ban Kimoon launched a stinging attack on the Syrian government, saying it had

The attack on the convoy left aid supplies damaged beyond use and strewn over the ground. PHOTO: AP killed the most civilians in the civil war.

In unusually blunt language, Mr Ban said “powerful patrons... feeding the war machine, also have blood on their hands”.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking alongside his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, insisted the ceasefire deal was “not dead”, following talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on

Human head transplant could take place next year —Scientist AN Italian scientist who wants to be the first neurosurgeon to conduct a human head transplant says the procedure could be possible as early as next year, after three promising new animal studies.

Sergio Canavero said three new papers – all edited by him and published on last week in the journal Surgical Neurology International –

show that it is possible to overcome one of the biggest hurdles to attaching a new body to a human head – reconnecting the spinal cord.

Critics said the three studies do not have the breadth of data or the detail to warrant moving forward with tests on humans.

The Independent stated that the South Korean team involved in conducting

Canavero (right) with Valery Spiridonov, who has volunteered for the first human head transplant. PHOTO: REX

the experiments say they provide valuable proof of the principle that a chemical solution, injected into the spinal cord, can encourage severed neurons to reattach.

New York on Tuesday.

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura also said there was still hope but said delegates from the Syria Support Group had agreed it was in danger.

The attack at Urum alKubra destroyed 18 of 31 lorries and killed about 20 civilians, including a senior local official of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, named as Omar Barakat.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that after studying video taken at the scene they “did not find any signs of munitions hitting the convoy”.

Pope leads interfaith peace meeting in Italy POPE Francis met Tuesday with religious leaders from around the world in the Italian town of Assisi, where he condemned increasingly prevalent religious violence in the world.

VOA reported that Francis told the leaders from several religions that “there is no God of war,” and that it is important they tell their followers to pray for peace.

“As we pray today, it would be good if we all felt shame, shame that humans, our brothers and sisters, are capable of

doing this,” the Catholic leader said.

While he acknowledged that Western nations have seen recent attacks against their citizens, he said it is “nothing” compared to the fighting in the Middle East “where day and night, bombs fall.”

The pope arrived in Assisi Tuesday morning for the World Day of Prayer event and was scheduled to have lunch with 10 war victims before meeting one-onone with fellow Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist leaders later in the day.

South African police clash with students over fees SOUTH African police have fired stun grenades and arrested 31 students in Johannesburg, as a wave of protests hit universities across the country.

Students are demanding free education and denounced government plans to raise tuition fees by up to eight per cent in 2017.

Fees had been frozen

last year after the biggest student protests since the end of apartheid in 1994.

The demonstrators say price increases discriminate against black students with low family incomes.

The prestigious University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg has been a focal point of protests.

It said about 200

The protests come amid growing discontent with President Jacob Zuma’s government.

PHOTO: AP

students in “roving groups are moving from campus to campus disrupting classes”, BBC stated.

The University of Bloemfontein and

the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth said they had closed they campuses because of the protests.

other NEWS

DR Congo poll protest: Opposition headquarters torched THE headquarters of three opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been torched in the capital and two charred bodies have been found at one on of them, a BBC reporter said.

The attacks followed Monday’s deadly clashes between police and opposition supporters demanding that President Joseph Kabila step down

by December.

The office of the main opposition UPDS was among those set ablaze in Kinshasa.

It has warned Mr Kabila

that it will be “treasonous” to delay elections.

The polls are due in November, but the opposition fears that the president wants to postpone them in a bid to cling to power.

He has not yet commented on his plans.

The constitution bars Mr Kabila, who took power in 2001 following the assassination of his father Laurent Kabila, from running for office again in a country that has never had a smooth transfer of power since independence more than 55 years ago.

Protesters torched cars and built barricades during Monday’s protests. PHOTO: AP

Zimbabwe: Harare Central hospital suspends surgeries ONE of Zimbabwe’s largest and oldest hospitals in the capital of Harare has temporarily stopped performing elective surgeries because of a critical shortage of medical supplies.

In the latest crisis to hit the cash-strapped African nation, medical staff at the Harare Central hospital have scaled back services. For the time being, they will only

treat life-threatening and maternity cases, Al Jazeera revealed.

The hospital is running low on pain medication like pethidine and injectable morphine.

Zimbabwe has been undergoing an economic crisis for nearly two decades, and the public health sector, which receives only three percent of the government budget, is struggling.

Botswana to deport anti-gay US pastor, Steven Anderson BOTSWANA is to deport controversial United States pastor Steven Anderson after he said on a local radio that homosexuals should be “stoned to death”.

President Ian Khama told the Reuters news agency that he had personally ordered his arrest.

“We don’t want hate speech in this country.

Let him do it in his own country,” he said.

Last week, South Africa barred Mr Anderson from visiting because of his critical remarks about homosexuality.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Botswana, as in

many African countries.

After his visa for South Africa was rejected, Mr Anderson had posted on hisFacebook page: “Thank God we still have a wide open door in Botswana.”

Steven Anderson. PHOTO: BBC

communitynews Construction of 114 link roads created 55,000 jobs—Ambode 38

L

AGOS State governbor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday, said that over 55,000 direct and indirect jobs were created through the construction of 114 link roads in the state.

Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Oluwatoyin Suarau, gave the figures at the official commissioning of Molade and Temidire Streets in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the commissioning of roads, embarked upon by the state government in collaboration with local governments, began on September 17 and will continue until September 24 in 10 councils.

Ambode said between January and August this year, his administration invested over N19 billion of the state and local government funds in infrastructural renewal that the 114 road projects represent.

“We gave jobs directly to 5,000 construction professionals and artisans and indirectly to over 50,000 dependents,” Ambode said.

The governor, while appreciating community

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

leaders, urged them to take ownership of the projects that were commissioned in their localities.

“We shall hand over the powering of the streetlights to the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and support you to operate them,” he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Sole Administrator of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Mrs Feyintola Danmole,

thanked the governor for initiating the road projects.

Danmole said the two streets were now passable for motorists and other road users and that the commissioned projects would last well over 30 years.

She urged the people of the community to make good use of the roads.

According to the sole administrator, other roads such as Kukoyi Street, Ibafon Road, Godo Lane,

Queen Uzo Road, and others that are yet to be commissioned, would soon be made open.

At the commissioning of Molade Street, the Ojora of Ojora land, Oba AbdulFatai Aromire, said road projects were vital to the development of any community.

He said that good roads made business to thrive and engendered development.

The traditional ruler called for more infrastruc-

ture development, including drainages, schools and healthcare facilities in the local council area.

Speaking on behalf of the residents of the area, the Seriki Hausawa and leader of Arewa Community, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, lauded the governor for the projects.

He said that the projects would be beneficial to the people.

Wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi (right); wife of the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Oluyole Local Government, Alhaja Tawakalitu Oorelope (second right) and others, during the distribution of foodstuffs to the people of Oluyole Local Government Area, at the local government headquarters, Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: REMI ANIFOWOSE

Ibadan community rallies indigenes for development, honours 3 ONA-ARA Community Development Forum (ODF), last weekend, honoured three of its member and rallied sons and daughters of Ona-Ara Local Government Area for the development of the area.

Those honoured have been appointed to serve the state in various capacities They are Dr Gbade Ojo, Chief of Staff to Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Mr Abimbola Adekanmbi, Commissioner for Finance and Very Reverend Ademola Moradeyo, Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Board, Christian Wing.

Chief Adebayo Akande, the chairman on the occasion, which took place at the residence of Chief Bode Amao, urged the honourees to exhibit patriotism and commitment to the development of the state, while not forgetting their community.

Akande, who is also the Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, said the development of Ona-Ara could be achieved if the sons and daughters forge a unity of purpose.

Also Speaking, Chief Bode Amao, the Chairman,

Board of Trustees of the forum, expressed surprise that the community was still behind in terms of development in the state.

Amao, a foremost industrialist, said that the purpose of the gathering was to bring indigenes of the community together for its development.

“I want to enjoin all of us who by accident of birth are linked to Ona-Ara to rally support for the present leadership of ODF. We can create housing estates that will encourage modern settlements.

“The carving out of an industrial estate is also necessary to encourage industrialisation. To facilitate it, there is an urgent need for government to dualise the Ibadan-Akanran-Ijebu Igbo road,” he said.

He charged the honourees to make the development of the community paramount on their minds.

Earlier, Alhaji Kola Bolomope, an indigene of the area, said that by all socio-economic indicators, Ona-Ara is the least developed local govern-

ment in Ibadanland.

Bolomope said that there was no federal presence in the area, noting that the Oke-Akanran Games Village approved by the Kolapo Ishola administration in 1992 remained at the level of physical development plan.

“The council was creat-

ed in 1989. It is a council rich in human and material resources but inhabited by extremely poor people,” he said.

The event was attended

by High Chief Owolabi Olakunlehin, the Balogun of Ibadanland; High Chief Olufemi Olaifa, Otun Balogun of Ibadanland

and Chief Taiye Ayorinde, Baale of Ekotedo.

Others are Chief Wole Akinwande, PresidentGeneral, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); Chief Bayo Oyero, former CCII President-General and Mr Shina Adeagbo, Caretaker Chairman, Ona-Ara Local Government Area.

‘Economic recession shouldn’t hinder promotion of culture, tradition’

By Gbenga Olumide

THE Orangun of IlaOrangun in Osun State, Oba Abdul Wahab Oyedotun Bibire I, has called on Yoruba people not to consider the current economic recession as a hindrance to the promotion of their cultures and traditions in their respective communities.

Oba Oyedotun made the call during the celebration of this year’s Isinro Festival in the ancient community.

The traditional ruler said Yoruba culture and tradition have been in existence before the emergence of the economic recession,

adding that culture and tradition give a sense of belonging to the people.

Oba Oyedotun described the annual Isinro Festival as a way of appeasing their ancestors, especially Iwa, the mother of Orangun Ogboye and a means of bringing the sons and daughters of the community at home and in the diaspora.

The royal father also used the medium to call for the support of Isinro Festival by government at all levels.

Also speaking on the occasion, the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, appealed to the Federal Government to use tourism as a veritable

tool for national development.

Adams, who was elated for witnessing the festival for the first time, suggested that monuments in the country should be renovated.

While congratulating the people of Ila-Orangun over the celebration of the festival, Chief Adams assured them of his involvement in next year’s edition.

He further said that, “at a time like this, we need spiritual rebirth. We need spiritual transformation.

Let us seek the face of Eledumare and go back to our roots. Let us appreciate our God-given wealth and natural endowments.”

Community gives AEDC ultimatum over poor power supply yinka oladoyinbo-lokoja

SOME electricity consumers in Kogi State have issued a two-week ultimatum to Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to restore electricity in the area or face legal action.

The people also called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to check the activities of the AEDC which, they alleged, had thrown the district into darkness in the last six months.

In the letter signed by the Kogi Central Community Development Association’s President, Comrade Musa Isah and Ebira Youth Congress President, Comrade Baba Abdulrazak, the electricity consumers expressed their displeasure over the poor electricity supply and overbilling of customers in the central senatorial district of the state in the last six months.

They lamented that despite their letter of complaint to the headquarters of AEDC, the management of the company had done nothing to remedy the situation.

The letter also alleged that on many occasions, it was the electricity consumers who repaired and maintained the company’s equipment, adding that that AEDC only distributed bills to pay for the service not rendered to them.

The people, therefore, gave two weeks ultimatum to the company to restore 24 hours power supply without rationing and distribute prepaid meters freely o every customer in the district as it is done in other states.

They advised the company to comply with the ultimatum, failure upon which they would take legal action against them.

While calling on NERC to prevail on the company to do the needful, the letter said the community had patiently waited with the hope that AEDC would give qualitative service to the community as spelt out in the company’s bond of contract with the Federal Government and NERC.

39

Wednesday, 21 September, 2016

corporatesport

With Niyi Alebiosu adeniyi70@yahoo.com 08116954642

GOtv Boxing Night 9:

Fijabi, Joe Boy, Jagaban, intensify training

B

oxers billed to fight at GOtv Boxing Night 9, scheduled for the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium on 2 October, have intensified their training ahead of the event.

The duo of Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, national light welterweight champion, and Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, national lightweight champion, disclosed that they had to step up their training regime because they are fighting elite class opponents from Ghana.

Fijabi will be fighting Raphael Kwabena King in an international challenge contest, while Joe Boy takes on Richard “Desert Warrior” Amefun.

“I cannot afford to lose.

This fight is more of Nigeria vs Ghana than Fijabi vs King. I am working real hard in the training camp to ensure that my country is not made a laughing stock,” Fijabi said.

Joe Boy is similarly persuaded that the sporting rivalry between the two West African giants is one that cannot be played down.

“In sport, any contest between Nigeria and Ghana has its own life. I can’t afford to be defeated. As a

matter of fact, I plan to win the N1.5million cash prize for the best boxer. Losing is unlikely to help that ambition,” said Joe Boy, a two-time winner of the cash prize for best boxer.

Semiu “Jagaban” Olapade, whose light middleweight bout with Ebubechukwu “Coded Man” Edeh is greatly anticipated on account of the huge promise the two boxers have shown, disclosed to corporatesport that he is in camp where coaches are smoothening the rough edges to his art.

Jagaban was discovered at GOtv Boxing NextGen 2, while his opponent is a graduate of the maiden edition of the talent hunt.

Also gearing up is Ekeng “Fighting Policeman” Henshaw, who is defending his national cruiserweight title against Idowu “ID Cabasa” Okusote. Henshaw, who is rated seventh by the African Boxing Union, explained that he had to undergo intensive training because he had not fought for a long while.

“There were no promotions before GOtv Boxing Night. As such, there was no opportunity to fight, which means I have to undergo a punishing schedule to get

me back into shape and beat that Cabasa or whatever he calls himself. I am close to 100 per cent and Cabasa is

in big trouble,” he boasted.

Cabasa, who is being trained by former Commonwealth champion, Isaac

ball field of the Ogbomoso High School pitch.

The tournament which kicked off on Sunday September 4, had the teams squaring in two groups with Galaxy FC, Broncos FC, JK Boys and Feeders Strikers paired in Group A

preparations ahead of the event, which will be broadcast live by SuperSport in 47 African countries.

Caroline Oghuma, Public Relations Manager, Multichoice NIgeria; John Ogbuta; Multichoice Super Dealer, and Daniel Ebesunun, Branch Manager, Multichoice Surulere, during the DStv customers’ forum held at De Santos Hotel, Shahr Road, Akowonjo, Lagos.

StarTimes to broadcast over 50 live matches weekly Nigeria’s digital television company StarTimes said it has further scaled up its sports offerings and package to excite sports loving Nigerians as it now

broadcasts over 50 LIVE matches weekly across eight dedicated sports channels.

“We are going all out to get more for our subscrib-

Owolabi storms Ogbomoso with 5-a-side football tournament LAWYER turned Sportspreneur, ‘Sayo Owolabi hosted a week long football fiesta in his hometown Ogbomoso as eight Under 15 teams participated in the Sayo Owolabi 5-a-side football tournament at the foot-

Ekpo, dismissed Henshaw as a spent force. Other boxers for the event are also putting finishing touches to their

while Group B had Hossan FC, Awoye United FC, Flying Horse FC and Ultimate FC. After the first round, Broncos FC took on Flying Horse FC in the semi finals and won via penalties while Awoye United with a

The founder of Sport and Youth Orientation, (SAYO) Owolabi leads the finalists out for the kick off of the final of Sayo Owolabi 5-a-side football tournament, with him are his wife; Kemi, daughter, Oyinkan, COO, S.A. Y.O Initiative Ademola Adegbenro and Hon Idowu Akanbi, member, Oyo State House of Assembly.

late goal defeated JK Boys in the other semi final. The third place match ended via penalties in favour of Flying Horse FC. The final between Broncos FC and Awoye United FC was an explosive encounter and it took a late rally from Broncos FC to become the winner of the Tournament.

The top three teams as well as the tournament’s MVP, Most Disciplined Player and the Best Coach were all rewarded with cash prizes and gift items.

The Sayo Owolabi 5-aside Football tournament is part of the components of S.A.Y.O (Sports And Youth Orientation) Initiative conceived to discover, develop and deploy talents in sports, academics and Creative Industry in Ogbomoso and beyond for global exploits.

ers who are very excited about sports. Now we have a high number of LIVE soccer matches on our platform and subscribers are able to enjoy all Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Chinese Super Ligue and one EPL matches per week LIVE. All games on other leagues like MLS, Belgian Pro League, Scottish League etc are also available on Fox Sports and Fox Sports 2 LIVE. StarTimes keeps growing as a very strong football platform and sports powerhouse in terms of soccer

broadcasts where Nigerian subscribers are now assured of over 50 LIVE soccer matches per week which explains our move to have the eight sports channels available to our subscribers to ensure they enjoy robust sporting entertainment actions.

Interestingly, StarTimes has made it possible for the top soccer leagues to be accessible on low subscription bouquets and subscribers will be able to access all the matches at the comfort of their homes.

NNPC/Chevron Tennis Clinic sponsors impressed by participants’ performance The General Manager, Government and Public Affairs of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Deji Haastrup, has said the oil firm was impressed with the performance and behaviour of players at NNPC/Chevron Tennis Clinic which ended at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, at the weekend.

Speaking at the end of the clinic, Haastrup challenged the participants to employ what they learnt at the clinic which lasted three weeks to build a career for them-

selves.

The clinic was coordinated by a former chairman of the Nigeria Cricket Association, Chris Enahoro.

While acknowledging the support of the various organisations and individual, who jointly contributed to the success of the tennis programme, Haastrup said the high turnout of players on the first day of the clinic showed that it has achieved its prime objective of exposing kids to the various aspects of the game.

SIDELINES

NO 16,594

N150

WEDNESDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER, 2016

Mikel hints at Chelsea exit S

Zambia names provisional squad against Super Eagles ZAMBIA has named a strong 33-man provisional squad for next month’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Eagles with overseas stars Rainford Kalaba, Kennedy Mweene and Stoppila Sunzu all included.

The Chipolopolo hosts the Eagles on October 9 in Ndola.

The other foreign-based call-ups are Collins Mbesuma (Highlands Park/South Africa), Chisamba Lungu (Ural/Russia), Lewis Macha (Kaizer Chiefs/South Africa), as well as Nathan Sinkala, Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe/DRC) and Kalengo Winstone (AC Leopards/ DRC), The bulk of the squad is drawn from the domestic league with seven players from the CAF Champions League semi-finalists, Zesco United.

The squad was picked by assistant coach, Wedson Nyirenda.

By Olawale Olaniyan

Yaya Toure

Yaya Toure quits international football •He will not play for City until... —Guardiola

By Nurudeen Alimi

IVORY Coast midfielder, Yaya Toure, has officially made known his decision to quit international football.

The 33-year-old Ivorian announced his retirement on Tuesday via his twitter handle, @YayaToure, where he said:”There are decisions that are difficult to take. But, I have to pass the baton on to the younger

generation. After 14 years at most levels with the Elephants, I have come to the end of my football adventure with the Ivory Coast. I thank all the supporters, all my fans.”

He made his debut for his country in 2004, and took a break from the side following their Africa Cup of Nations triumph in February 2015. He returned to the squad in March this year,

Team Nigeria paralympians lived up to pledge —Sports ministry Saliu Gbadamosi NIGERIA’S contingent to the just-ended Rio Paralympics deserve to be honoured because they did as they promised the country, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has said.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa who headed the team that received the second batch of the Paralympic team on Monday night assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would thereby do the needful by rewarding them handsomely.

A suspect, Deji Ayoola, in police net in Lagos for stealing a wallet containing N14,500, blamed the devil after he reportedly confessed to have picked up another N1,200 belonging to the female police officer interrogating him. If one may ask, is this drama not good for a hilarious Nollywood comedy film?

“You told us that you were going to make Nigerians proud and you fulfilled your promise. It was a wonderful outing because Nigeria are leading in Africa in Paralympic Games and we are 17th in the world.”

“This is one of the most astonishing performances that have brought great honour to this country.

It goes to prove that beyond strength, there is also ability in disability.”

but on Tuesday confirmed he would no longer put himself in contention for selection into Ivory Coast’s senior national football team.

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has said the fourtime African Footballer of the Year will not play until he apologises to the club and his teammates for comments made by his agent, Dimitri Seluk.

Seluk had said Toure had been “humiliated” and Guardiola should apologise to him if City do not win the competition.

“He must apologise. If he doesn’t, he won’t play,” said the Spaniard tactician who also wants an apology from Seluk.

There had been speculation Toure will start against Swansea City in the EFL Cup third round today, but Guardiola confirmed during a press conference that Toure is not part of his plan for the game.

UPER Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has hinted that he is on ready talking to clubs for a possible transfer if Chelsea fails to offer him a new deal in January.

Mikel has entered the final year of his contract and can begin negotiations over a Bosman move at the beginning of 2017.

He has so far struggled to get into Antonio Conte’s side after playing in the Olympics football tournament in Rio de Janeiro, where he helped his country secure bronze and he accepts that his time at Chelsea could be com-

ing to an end.

“I have one year left [on my contract],” Mikel told Goal.

“When you have a year left as a football player, you have to start planning and start thinking about what’s going to happen at the end of the season. Yes, there are going to be rumours, yes, there are going to be conversations between clubs.

“When you have a year left, in January, you are allowed to talk to other clubs and sign a pre-contract or have an agreement so, yes, I will talk to other clubs because you never know what is going to happen.”

“I’ve been here for a long, long time. I’ve spent 11 years of my life in this football club, it is my home.

“This season is the last at the club if my contract ends.

I am quite relaxed about it, the future looks good.”

Women’s Nations Cup:

Falcons ‘ll not underrate any team —Omagbemi CUP holders Super Falcons of Nigeria will not underrate any of the other finalists when the 10th Africa Women Cup of Nations kicks off in Cameroon on 19 November, says coach Florence Omagbemi.

The longest–serving captain of the Super Falcons was installed as head coach early this year and has already experienced triumph, steering the seven –time African champions past Senegal over two legs to earn them a spot in Cameroon.

After Sunday’s draw that housed the Falcons in Group B of the 10th Africa Women Cup of Nations alongside Mali, Ghana and debutants Kenya, Omagbemi told thenff.com: “We have been playing against Ghana’s Black Queens for years. I remember when the Falcons team was newly established, our first game in the qualification series for the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup was against Ghana.

“We have played against Mali before, and we know

they are no pushovers. Now, Kenya are coming to the African championship for the first time, but from the way they qualified, after beating Algeria, they must be respected.

“Surely, we will take the games against all three countries as seriously as we have been doing in the past. You know, we are the Cup holders and every team would want to beat the Falcons.”

Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 21/09/2016.