24th Septebmer 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,334 THURSDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER, 2015

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Police inspector, 35 others killed in Niger

Nigerian Tribune

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•Troops arrest terrorist kingpin, 42 others, rescue 241 women, children —P4 •Buhari to Boko Haram: Your days are numbered

I broke my rest for HID —Jonathan

•Her contribution to Nigeria's Independence will not be forgotten —Anyaoku •She will be buried Nov 25 —Daughter Tentative burial programme inside —P5,10

From left, former Secretary General, Commonwealth, Sir Emeka Anyaoku; Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Mrs Patience Jonathan; former President Goodluck Jonathan and Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, on Wednesday.

From left, former President Jonathan, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Sir Olaniwun Ajayi.

From left, Chief Segun Oni; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel.

From left, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Mrs Abimbola Balogun, Otunba Subomi Balogun and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

9 1.

Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu,M r Patience Jonathan, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel.

From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Chief Ayo Adebanjo

3. Former President, Jonathan and his wife, Patience 4. Former Ekiti State governor ,Chief Segun Oni (left) and APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun 5. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Emeka Anyaoku

6. Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu (left), with Ogun State deputy governor Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga 7. From left, Chief Daniel Richards, Chief (Dr) George Moghalu, national auditor, APC and Hajia (Dr) Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu 8.

A cross section of the management team of ANN Plc with Reverend, (Mrs) Oyediran, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu and Chief Ayo Adebanjo

9. Primate (Dr) R. O Ositelu (right), presenting letter of condolence to Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu 10. Chief Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi signing the condolence register

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

news

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Gunmen kill police inspector, 35 others in Niger Robbers kill 2 policemen, bank staff in Kogi From Adelowo Oladipo and Yinka Oladoyinbo

police inspector, district head of Allawa in Minna Emirate and his brother, alongside 33 others have been killed by unknown gunmen, who invaded their village Tuesday evening. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the attackers, who operated with dangerous weapons, including machine guns, were believed to be Fulani herdsmen, but unconfirmed sources said they could be runaway Boko Haram insurgents, who were recently dislodged from the Sambisa forest through the ongoing operations of the Nigerian Military to liberate the North-Eastern parts of the country from their clutches. It was further revealed that the invaders also torched more than 25 houses and injured scores of people before running into a nearby bush. The operation by the attackers was said to have lasted about two hours, with villagers rendered helpless, just as several of the villagers were displaced as a result of the incident. It was, however, not ascertained as of the time of filing this report on Wednesday, why the village was attacked by the gunmen, as there had not been any friction between members of the community and Fulani herdsmen in the locality. Niger State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bala Elikana, who confirmed the incident to the newsmen on Wednesday, expressed shock and sadness at the loss of innocent lives. Elikana, however, said the command had not been able to confirm the number of casualties, but said a policeman was among those killed, highlighting that the incident happened in the night and because of lack of communication between Allawa and other parts of the state, distress calls could not reach security agencies on time. According to the police spokesman, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Marafa, had since dispatched the Divisional Police Officer in Kagara and the Police Area Commander in Minna to the troubled village to assess the situation and bring back a report. In a related development, no fewer than two police

officers serving in the Kogi State command of the Nigeria Police and members of staff of a new generation bank, were on Wednesday killed by robbers in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State. The robbers, who invaded the bank around 10.00 a.m, were said to have carted

away N25 million meant for the payment of salaries of local government workers in the council. It was gathered that the men, who invaded the premises of the bank with dangerous weapons, shot sporadically into the air to scare people away. Many customers of the

bank, passersby, as well as hawkers were thrown into panic and confusion, as the robbers continued shooting. The police officers who were attached to the bank were said to have been hit by the bullets of the robbers while attempting to gain entrance into the banking hall.

It was further learnt that two members of staff of the bank were also killed by the robbers during the operation. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Williams Aya, who confirmed the incident, said the state command had already commenced investigation on the matter.

Women and children rescued by troops in Bulama Modu, on Wednesday.

Buhari to Boko Haram: Your days are numbered Orders water-tight security in mosques, other areas Clement Idoko - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has assured all Nigerians that the days of Boko Haram are numbered. He said Boko Haram’s reign of terror in the NorthEastern parts of the country would be finally over, as the ongoing military onslaught against the terrorist sect would continue relentlessly until total victory is achieved. This he said in his Sallah message to Nigerians, as contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Wednesday, in Abuja. Buhari pledged to work deligently to deliver the positive change in national life to meet the expectations and yearnings of Nigerians after his inauguration on May 29. While felicitating with all Nigerians of the Islamic faith as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, President Buhari said safety, well-being and progress of Nigerians remained uppermost in his thoughts and actions. The president accordingly directed the Armed Forces

and national security agencies to provide maximum security across the nation during Eid-el-Kabir prayers and celebrations, especially in areas most vulnerable to terrorist attacks. He also congratulated all Nigerian Muslims, who were currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj. The statement read in part: “As they joined the global Islamic community in celebrating Eid-el-Kabir,

President Buhari urges Muslims and other Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance and internalisation of its lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service which are for the benefit of all mankind. “The president calls for more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all,

as his administration strives to lead the nation towards rapidly overcoming its current security, economic and developmental challenges. “President Buhari assures all Nigerians that the days of Boko Haram are numbered. “Boko Haram’s reign of terror in parts of the country will be finally over very soon, as the ongoing military onslaught against the terrorist sect will continue relentlessly until total victory is achieved,” Buhari said.

He, however, said no arrest had been made in connection with the crime. Aya added that the command would engage in full investigation into the robbery, with the aim of arresting the people behind it and bring them to book.

JAIZ Bank spends N100m on IDPs THE Islamic non-interest bank, JAIZ, said it had spent over N100 million in providing essential needs to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) as part of its humanitarian services. The bank’s Head of Corporate Commucations, Mallam Idris Salihu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, in Abuja, that officials of the bank had been visiting the different IDP camps, donating various food items, clothing and medications to the insurgency victims. Salihu said the Jaiz humanitarian assistance was also being extended to families in Maiduguri, Damaturu and Yola, who were providing shelter to numerous displaced persons and their relatives. “Such displaced persons preferred to stay with relatives than go to the displaced camp,” Salihu said. He added that “JAIZ Bank’s humanitarian officials are going around the areas affected by insurgency to find such families and assist them.” Salihu said the JAIZ Charity and Development Foundation was coordinating the efforts “as an ongoing process to support and complement Federal Government’s initiatives.”

Troops arrest terrorists kingpin, 42 others Rescue 241 women, children Chris AGbambu - Abuja ADVANCING troops along Banki axis were making tremendous progress as they cleared two Boko Haram terrorists camps at Jangurori and Bulatori villages. The troops also arrested 43 suspected Boko Haram terrorists, including one of the Boko Haram kingpin in the area, Bulama Modu, who is an ‘Amir’ of Bulakuri, while they rescued 241 women and children during the operation.

Army spokesperson, Colonel S.K. Usman, in a statement on Wednesday, said to further confirm what was said earlier about the terrorists abandoning their commanders and burying weapons, one Mohammed Modu led troops to where he buried his AK-47 rifle at Jangurori village. He disclosed that apart from arms and ammunition, bows and arrows recovered from Bulama Modu, the kingpin also confirmed that the terrorists gave him a horse to enhance his deadly pursuits.

According to him, the gallant troops arrested one suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Aji Gambo, at Wudla village, who revealed that the Boko Haram terrorists that attacked Kirawa and Kolofata in the northern part of Cameroon were from Dara Jamel village Nigeria, where they had an Improvised Explosives Device (IED) factory. He further stated that the suicide bombers and the IEDs were prepared by Abdulrahaman Alkali Isa, Ba’ana Hisuba and Alkali Isa Karami, natives of Dara

Jamel. He, however, added that the perpetrators have fled to Sumbulum village. Colonel Usman added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General T.Y. Buratai, who kept close tab on the progress of the troops, had commended them for their impressive performance thus far. The troops, in very high spirits, have reiterated their determination to continue the fight against Boko Haram insurgents till they clear them from all known camps and enclaves.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015 5 news Mama will be buried Nov 25 —Daughter

HE eldest child of Mama HID Awolowo, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, has disclosed that the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty will be buried on November 25, her centenary birthday. The tentative burial programme for Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo has also been obtained by the Nigerian Tribune. According to the programme, Mama HID Awolowo, chairman of African Newspapers of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, would be committed to mother earth on Wednesday, November 25, 2015. The programme commences on Tuesday, November 17, with a thanksgiving service where the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye, would minister. On Wednesday, November 18, by 10.00 a.m., there will be a book launch on HID’s updated biography. By 5.00 p.m same day, the Anglican Diocese will hold a service. Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, will conduct service at 5.00 p.m.

on Thursday, November 19, while there will be events organised by various societies by 2.00 p.m. on Friday, November 20. On Saturday, November 21, there will be choir ministrations, while The Apostolic Church will conduct its service on Sunday, Novem-

ber 22, by 2.00 p.m. Women will celebrate Mama on Monday, November 23, by 10.00 a.m., while the Methodist Church Nigeria will conduct its service by 5.00 p.m. same day. On Tuesday, November 24, there will be traditional outing, “Woro,” in the

morning, followed by Christian wake. The funeral service and interment will be held on Wednesday, November 25. All the programmes will be held at Ikenne Remo, Ogun State. According to Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, "there will

be a lot of dancing, perhaps a lot of tears to say goodbye to a very beautiful woman, to a beautiful friend, to somebody I always refer to as Iyaniwura. “I want to assure the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that we're going to give them special role when

the time comes. I want to appeal to everyone to be part of celebrating Mama. “By the grace of God, we have not concluded all the arrangements, but I can let you know that on the very day that she is supposed to be 100 years, that day, she will be buried.”

FAAC: FG, states, LGs share N422.6bn for Aug PERMANENT Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs Anastasia Nwaobia, on Tuesday, said N422.6 billion was shared among the federal, states and local governments as revenue for August 2015. Nwaobia announced this in Abuja, when she addressed newsmen on the outcome of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting. She said the shared amount comprised the month's net statutory revenue of N369.1 billion. “Also, there is the exchange gain of N4.9 billion, which is proposed for distribution. “Therefore the total revenue distributable for the month of August, including VAT of N62.1 billion, is N442.6 billion,” she said. Nwaobia said N6.3 billion

was refunded to the federation by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and was also proposed for sharing. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that N511.7 billion was shared among the three tiers of government as revenue for the preceding month, which showed a shortfall of N69.1 billion. Giving the breakdown of revenue among the three tiers of government, Nwaobia said the Federal Government received N168.6 billion, representing 52.68 per cent, while states received N85.5 billion, representing 26.72 per cent. Local governments, she said, received N65 billion, amounting to 20.60 per cent of the amount distributed. Nwaobia announced that

N27.8 billion, representing 13 per cent derivation revenue, was shared among the oil producing states. On VAT, she said the N62.1 billion collected for the month showed a decrease of N12.7 billion from what was collected in the preceding month. She said the country generated N215.9 billion as mineral revenue and N153.1 billion as non-mineral revenue. The permanent secretary said this showed a decrease of N12.8 billion and N51.5 billion, respectively, from what the country generated as mineral and non-mineral revenue in the preceding month. She put the balance in the Excess Crude Account at $2.25 billion, which showed that nothing had been removed or added to it since

July. Nwaobia lamented the low revenue generation for the month, while explaining certain reasons for it. “The shutdown and shutin of production for maintenance at different times and terminals during the month of July were the major issues that negatively impacted crude oil revenue.

“Also, there was revenue loss of $8.6 million as a result of drop in average price of crude oil from $61.2 per barrel to $56.7 in July,” she said. In other matters, Nwaobia said that N12.5 billion was refunded to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) because it was over deducted.

Eid-el-Kabir: GNI preaches love Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta OGUN State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has felicitated with all Muslims in Nigeria as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to imbibe the lessons of sacrifice and love which the festival signifies. Isiaka, in a message, on

Wednesday, specifically enjoined Ogun indigenes to use the unique period of Eid-el-Kabir festival to pray for the state to come out of its various socioeconomic challenges that are threatening security of lives and property, which had forced the government to impose partial curfew in the state.

news

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Rescue Falae, Buhari orders IGP Abductors reduce ransom to N10m From Clement Idoko, Sylvanus Viashima and Hakeem Gbadamosi with Agency Report

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase and other security agencies to take all necessary actions to ensure the safe and speedy rescue of Chief Olu Falae, who was abducted from his farm on Monday. He condemned the callous and reprehensible kidnapping of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and an elder statesman. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement on Wednesday, assured Chief Falae’s family, friends and other concerned Nigerians, that the Federal Government would do all within its powers to ensure his swift release. President Buhari, who requested constant updates from the police and security agencies on efforts to find and rescue Chief Falae, also denounced the recurring incidents of criminal abductions across the country. He assured all Nigerians that ongoing efforts to significantly enhance the security of lives and property in the country would continue, adding that under his leadership, Nigerians, irrespective of their status, would no longer be left at the mercy of criminal elements. Meanwhile, sources close to the police and family revealed to Nigerian Tribune that the abductors have reduced the ransom to N10 million.

NANS condemns his abduction

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the abduction of Chief Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation from his farm by some alleged herdsmen, on Monday, in Akure. Vice President (National Affairs) of NANS, Mr Gbenga Ayenuro, made the condemnation in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, on Wednesday. “NANS utterly expresses displeasure and feels distraught over the abduction, as such atrocious, despicable and barbaric act should have no place in any

civilised society. “It is disheartening, pathetic, appalling that the elder statesman, who has been contributing immensely to the advancement of the socio-political landscape of the country could be held captive. “Chief is a dogged fighter, working assiduously for tranquility and national unity across ethnic lines in Nigeria.” Ayenuro also noted that the Afenifere group had produced statesmen who had impacted positively on the polity. According to him, Falae had always been displaying an unparalleled belief in hardwork, critical thinking, pragmatism and doggedness. He, therefore, called for the immediate and uncon-

ditional release of Falae by the abductors.

Expedite actions on his release, Kente urges IGP

The abduction of elder statesman, Chief Falae has continued to attract attention and condemnation, as calls from all quarters for his safe release intensifies. A philanthropist and 2015 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente, on Wednesday, called on the Inspector-General of police, Solomon Arase, to ensure safe and timely release of Chief Falae. Kente, in a statement in Jalingo, the state capital, signed by his media aide, Mr Henry Ibya, condemned

the abduction of the septugenarian, describing it as unreasonable. He said instead of receiving commendation for judiciously serving the nation in various capacities, the elder statesman, known for his humane and peaceful disposition, was rather suffering, being humiliated and embarrassed in the hands of his abductors. “Chief Olu Falae’s abductors must be arrested and brought to justice and the IGP should expedite actions to this effect,” he said.

Farmers’ Association threatens showdown with FG As Ondo PDP, exSpeaker, Kuku react

Ondo State farmers have issued the Federal Govern-

ment a seven-day ultimatum to secure the release of Chief Falae. The farmers, under the aegis of Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association, issued the warning on Wednesday, after its meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Speaking on behalf of the farmer, chairman of the group, Akin Olotu, said the lives of common man in the state would no longer be safe with the abduction of an elder statesman like Falae by Fulani herdsmen. The farmers in the state also threatened to wage war against the Fulani herdsmen in the state, saying their activities had caused serious havoc to farmers in the state. Olotu said further that

Former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio (middle), on arrival at the Ibom International Airport, after a holiday abroad. With him are Sir Emem Akpabio and media aide to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Uko Umoh, on Wednesday.

“if they can kidnap an elder statesman like Falae, it means nobody is safe in this state. Falae is a recognised figure in the state and country; this issue is a national issue.” Similarly, former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Honourable Victor Olabimtan has tasked the state government and security agents in the state to secure the release of Chief Olu Falae Olabimtan who made this call in Akure, also called on Federal Government to take drastic steps that would put an end to kidnapping across the nation. Also, the Ondo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Special Adviser to President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, also sought for the unconditional release of Chief Falae. While Kuku condemned in totality the abduction of Falae, calling for his immediate release, the PDP, through its Director of Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, expressed worry over criminal incursion into the state. Kuku described the abduction of the 77-year-old politician as “absurd and barbaric, considering his age and background.” Kuku, who called on the relevant security agencies to step up action towards securing immediate and unconditional release of Falae, expressed sympathy with his family and political supporters.

Military gives red alert on fake national ID cards Chris Agbambu - Abuja THE Nigerian military authorities have issued a red alert against the prevailing incidences of unauthorised reproduction of the national identity cards by some unscrupulous elements in the society. It also urged the public to ensure that their national identification cards were obtained from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). In a statement by the acting Director, Defence Information, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, in Abuja, on Wednesday, said such acts of illegal reproduction of the national ID cards could engender a serious security breach in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North-East. He informed that the approved national ID card, which is a chip-based card,

has over 18 security features, some of which are not visible, adding that the printing, which is by laser engraving, makes it outstanding. The statement read: “In view of the prevailing racketeering, the Defence Headquarters, hereby, warns members of the pub-

lic to be mindful of getting their national identification from sources other than the NIMC, as such acts of illegal reproduction of the national ID cards could engender a serious security breach in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North-East.” According to him, similar

fake national ID cards was used by Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East for their members in the past. He said: “The implication of fake national ID cards in circulation is that Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East also used similar method of identification for their members in

the past and were nabbed by the military and paraded before newsmen. “The general public should guard against patronising unauthorised agents to obtain their national identification, as there are racketeers issuing fake cards for monetary and criminal gains.”

APC reschedules Bayelsa primaries CHAIRMAN of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Wednesday, said the party’s primaries for the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State had been rescheduled. Odigie-Oyegun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview in Abuja, that the primaries earlier scheduled for Tuesday was cancelled due

to security challenges. “The primaries had been rescheduled; it had to be called off due to security challenges,’’ he said, adding that leadership of the party would meet to choose a new date for the exercise. NAN reported that the attempt by the party to conduct the primaries at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, on Tuesday, was frustrated by fracas involving supporters

of most of the 19 aspirants. The situation led to the walk-out of 14 aspirants, including Chief Timi Alaibe, from the venue after chairman of the Primaries Committee, Adams Oshiomhole, was reportedly whisked out of the place to avoid being attacked. Confirming the postponement of the primaries, deputy national publicity secretary of the party, Mr Timi

Frank, said the primaries did not hold in Bayelsa on Tuesday. Frank said neither the chairman of the primaries committee nor the secretary was part of the purported primaries, which he described as ‘’kangaroo primaries.” He said the party would soon come up with a position on the primaries and a new date for it.

news

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Salary delay has nothing to do with biometric exercise —Nasarawa govt Ademola Adegbite - Lafia

ASARAWA State government, on Wednesday, dispelled the rumour making the round in the state that it intentionally delayed September salary till after Sallah celebration, due to the ongoing biometric exercise to fish out ghost workers among the civil servants in the state. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hajia Zainab Ahmed made this clarification during a press briefing in her office in Lafia, the state capital. She attributed the delay to the failure of the Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) to hold its meeting three days before Sallah, saying it was not the making of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to delay workers’ salary, especially during the festive period. While appealing to the

people of the state, particularly the civil servants, to disregard the insinuation, the SSG said: “I want us to bear with the system, there is no state that would be paying, even the Federal government, ministries, departments because the meeting was just held yesterday and the process was about three working days before the money would be credited into the various states’ accounts. “It is not the making of Governor Al-Makura, it is the system, and I am sure if the money was available,

any ministry or department that has completed the biometric would have started collecting its salary but the fact is that, the FAAC failed to hold the meeting as at

the time that was supposed to hold. “There is no relationship between the delay in the FAAC meeting and the biometric exercise that we are

carrying on because the insinuation around the state is that the government is delaying the payment because the bio-metric has started. Even, if we com-

plete our bio-metrics today, we still cannot get our salary because of the process that the Accountant General has explained”, she added.

8 eid-el-kabir 3 million Muslims gather at plain of Arafat

o fewer than three million Muslims from across the world gathered on Wednesday at the plain of Arafat to observe one of the obligatory aspect of 2015 Hajj. The pilgrims, who gathered at the Holy City of Makkah for Hajj, spent a

night at Mina before moving to the plain of Arafat for the worship. The Saudi authority had announced that Arafat would hold on Wednesday, following the sighting of Lunar month of Zul-Hajj on September. 14. About 76,000 Nigerians are among the Muslims

that arrived Arafat for the largest human gathering worldwide. The Director-General, Department of Passports, Major -General Solaiman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, said on Tuesday that 1,374,206 foreign pilgrims arrived for this year’s hajj. He said 1,325,189 arrived

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

by air, 36,094 by road and 12,923 arrived by sea. Already, the Saudi authority had restricted movement of categories of vehicles to certain parts of the city to allow free flow of buses conveying the pilgrims to Arafat, where they are expected to stay from morning till Sunset.

National security remains priority —Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with all Nigerians of the Islamic faith as they celebrate Eid el-Kabir, a statement said in Abuja, on Wednesday. The statement issued by the president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the president also congratulated Nige-

rian Muslims performing hajj. Buhari urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance of the Eid el-Kabir’s lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service for the benefit of mankind. The president also called

for more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all. He said his administration would continue to lead the country toward rapidly overcoming its current security, economic and development challenges.

Have the fear of Allah, Saraki tells Nigerians Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja President of the senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, felicitated with the Muslim faithful on this year’s celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and urged Nigerians to make the fear of God the foundation of their lives. Saraki, in a goodwill message to Nigerians, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yusuph Olaniyonu, urged Muslim faithful, to commemorate the Eil-elKabir festival with the fear of Allah, adding that it symbolised the fear of Allah and the desire of man to always comply with the wishes of his creator as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. He noted that with fear of Allah, mutual respect and love, “we will tolerate one another, work together and be able to harness our abundant resources as a progressive nation. We cannot achieve much with unnecessary factions and disharmony. What Nigerians need now is to move forward with the current change era”. The senate president called on all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, tolerance and mutual re-

spect, adding that these virtues are the panacea to move the nation forward. According to him, “We have herculean task to address. Our army of unemployed graduates and youths are hovering on

the streets. Insecurity is threatening the peace and social development of our dear nation, quality health care services and economic buoyancy are major challenges that require urgent attention,” he said.

Olubadan urges Muslims to embrace peace By Tunde Ogunesan The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, has urged Mus-

lims in Oyo State and Nigeria at large, to embrace peace and refrain from all acts that could threaten the peace of the country during

As FRSC deploys 1,027 personnel, 13 vehicles for patrol in Edo Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase has ordered massive deployment of policemen across the country. The IGP also ordered the movement of necessary logistics to all the nooks and crannies of the country. He has also mandated all Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Command

Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has urged Muslims in the country to use the period of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to reflect on their contribution as individuals to the project Nigeria and charged them to do more towards making the project work. In his Sallah message issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Mimiko said the season calls for steadfastness and commitment geared towards uplifting the nation, adding that the nation at this time, need the cooperation of all Nigerians to make things work. While congratulating the Muslims for the Sallah festivities, the governor further enjoined all Nigerians in general to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, love and good neighbourliness among themselves. Also, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State urged Muslims to use the Eid-el-Kabir festival to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, good neighbourliness and selfless service premised on the virtues of Islam. Ahmed, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Abdul-

Passengers boarding free train ride from Lagos to Osogbo, provided by the Osun State government for Eid el-Kabir celebration, in Lagos, on Wednesday.

IG orders massive deployment of police personnel Chris Agbambu - Abuja with Agency Report

Buhari assured all Nigerians that their safety, well-being and progress remained uppermost in his thoughts and actions. He said he would continue to work with all his might to deliver the positive changes in national life. The president, however, extended heartfelt sympathies to families in Maiduguri and North-Eastern Nigeria, who had lost beloved relatives in recent terrorist attacks. He said his thoughts and prayers for divine solace “are with all those who had been callously plunged into mourning by mindless terrorists, when others are celebrating this year’s Eid el-Kabir’’.

By Our Reporters

Commissioners of Police to ensure adequate security with standard operation procedures before, during and after the celebrations to secure key and vulnerable points, Eid-praying grounds and other places of worship, including public places and recreation centres. Also, the Edo State Sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 1,027 personnel, comprising

431 regular marshals and 596 special marshals for a special patrol before and during the Sallah celebration. The sector commander, Mr Oluwasusi Familoni, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin. Familoni said that 13 patrol vehicles, two ambulances and two motorbikes were also deployed for the special patrol.

and after the Eld-el-Kabir. The monarch made this submission on Wednesday, in a statement issued on his behalf by his personal assistant, Chief Isiaka Akinpelu. Oba Odugade urged Nigerians to eschew all acts of intolerance that could further complicate the security challenges the country is currently experiencing. Olubadan further observed that this year’s Eidel-Kabir would be celebrated with mixed feelings in view of the recent tragedy that claimed the lives of over 100 pilgrims, including six Nigerians in Mecca, during this year’s holy pilgrimage to the Holy land. “It is my fervent prayer

that the Almighty Allah in his infinite mercy, will grant the departed pilgrims Aljanat Fridhau and the loved ones left behind the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses. I want to urge all Muslims to always allow the message of this important occasion reign supreme in their daily activities. Muslims have to internalise and radiate the virtues of discipline, obedience and total submission to the will of Allah which Prophet Ibrahim epitomised” he said. Oba Odugade also extolled Federal Government for the impressive gains recorded in the on-going counter-insurgency war and prayed for the repose of the departed soldiers.

Mimiko, Ahmed, Ambode, Wada, others charge Muslims wahab Oba, to mark this year’s Eid-el-kabir festival, stressed that Nigerians must always work for the good of the country above personal or sectional interest. Meanwhile, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has called on Muslims to imbibe the values of peaceful co-existence and brotherly love as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate the 2015 Eid-el-Kabir. In his goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said since Islam preaches the message of peace and tolerance, every Nigerian should embrace brotherly love and harmonious coexistence. Also, Lagos State government has lifted the order restricting human and vehicular movement during the September monthly environmental sanitation exercise in order to allow for an hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The permanent secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, advised Lagosians, to celebrate in moderation and use the opportunity of the festive period to clean their environment and properly bag their wastes to allow for easy collection and disposal to designated dumpsites by LAWMA and PSP operators. In another development, Kogi State governor, Captain Idris Wada, has called on Muslims and Nigerians to eschew bitterness but embrace love and pursue peace with all men. This was contained in his Eid-el Kabir message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Jacob Edi. The governor enjoined Muslims to use Sallah festival to pray for genuine peace, unity and progress of the country and its leadership. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government has banned all forms of social gathering during the Eid el-Kabir festival. This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Samuel Aruwan, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, to Governor Nasiru el-Rufai, on Wednesday in Kaduna. The statement said that no recreational centre or amusement park should be opened to the public during the celebrations. “All parks and recreational centres, including Gamji Gate Park, the Amusement Park, Kaduna, and other related places will not be opened for social gatherings.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Lagosmetro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Fake noodles flood market —NAFDAC

he National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has warned Nigerians not to patronise a certain brand of noodles produced by Nestlé India. It forbade the purchase

15,000 residents face eviction

...contain lead that kills 143,000 yearly and sales of the Maggi noodles. The food and drugs regulatory body noted that the brand of noodles contained excess lead which kills over 143,000 annually. It emphasized the brand

as unsafe and hazardous for human consumption. “Nestle has recalled its Maggi instant noodles from stores across India following the report by the Indian Food Safety Regulators of probable lead

noodles, NAFDAC warns that Maggi instant noodles produced by Nestle India should not be consumed. “Departmental stores, wholesalers and retailers should also be proactive in ensuring that such products

Boko Haram tension in Ijora • No B/Haram member arrested —CP Lanre Adewole and Olalekan Olabulo

Chukwuma Okparaocha Scores of protesters from Badia East, Ijora, on Monday gathered at the office of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, in Alausa, to ask him to stop the Ojora family of Lagos from demolishing and forcefully evicting over 15, 000 people from their homes. It will be recalled that the Lagos State government had demolished part of the community in 2013, but was forced to stop halfway following widespread local and international condemnation. But trouble is brewing again in the community as residents claimed that about 200 police officers led by a man simply identified as Asoju, an agent of the Ojora family, arrived in the community last Thursday and started marking houses with red paint. Residents said some people also pasted a notice which stated that their properties were now that of the Ojora Chieftaincy Family. The residents said the next day, Friday, bulldozers arrived and started destroying houses at about 2 a.m when residents were mostly asleep. “Within a few hours, thousands of us were outside by the rail line or amidst rubble with what few possessions we could salvage. Thousands of us have no option but to sleep outside,” the community members said in a statement.

contamination. Lead exposure causes an estimated 143,000 deaths a year worldwide. “In view of the potential safety concerns on consumption of the lead contaminated Maggi instant

Abdullahi Adamu, the Boko Haram sect suspect

Govt cancels sanitation exercise for sallah Lanre Adewole Lagos State government has lifted the order restricting human and vehicular movement during the September monthly environmental sanitation exercise in order to allow for an hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr Oluwatoyin Onisarotu advised Lagosians to celebrate in moderation and use the opportunity of the festive period to clean their environment and properly bag their wastes to allow for easy collection

and disposal to designated dumpsites by LAWMA and PSP operators. He therefore urged all and sundry to join the state crusade to attain a cleaner, healthier and sustainable environment, capable of promoting economic growth and well-being of the entire citizenry. A statement by the Public Relations Officer, Yinka Bankole-Bawa on Thursday further added that the permanent secretary implored residents to desist from dumping waste indiscriminately into canals and drainages as the rainy season was not yet over.

A certain Abdullahi Adamu, who is suspected to be a Boko Haram member, has been reportedly arrested in the Ijora area, throwing the area into panic, Daily Post reported. The state police command, however, denied the development when Lagos Metro contacted the Commissioner of Police. The report by Daily Post claimed that residents in the area tipped off the police, leading to Adamu’s arrest. Adamu whose photograph was also provided, allegedly hid some devices suspected to be explosives in boxes and concealed them in the ceiling of the house. Two AK47 rifles were also allegedly recovered from the suspect who is alleged to have links with some Iranians within the Boko Haram network. The paramount ruler of Ijora community, Oba Fatai Ojora was quoted as saying: “We have been calling on the state government to do something about this. This is the second time we will arrest Boko Haram suspects in this community and nothing has been done on that. The one we caught now had even admitted that he is a terrorist. You know that majority of the northerners in Lagos live in Ijora, Agege and Badia.” Another resident reportedly said, “People came to me that they saw one man on the internet and that he is a member of Boko Haram,

saying they know where he lived. They said they are going to his house and identify him. They arrested him and handed him to oba of Ojora.” The police, however, denied the reports that a suspected member of terror group was arrested in Ijora. Residents of the area had earlier in the day been thrown into panic following reports of the arrest. The state police boss, Fatai Owoseni, described the reports as untrue. The Lagos police boss also stated that the police would continue put measures in place to curtail the activities of the sect to penetrate the state. Owoseni added that the police would continue to raid suspected black spots in all parts of the state to checkmate the activities of not just Boko Haram but criminals in the state. The Lagos police chief also assured residents of the state that the police would do everything possible to ensure that the lives and properties of the residents in the state are protected. He warned street traders who hinder the free flow of traffic to desist from selling on the road or be ready to face the full wrath of the law. He also promised CP Owoseni a hitch-free sallah celebration for residents of the state. A resident of the area, who identified himself as Raymond told Lagos Metro that “I got reports of the arrest of a man, but I did not see anybody and there was nothing like that in my area.”

are brought to NAFDAC if they come across any, and under no circumstances should such products be sold,” NAFDAC said.

Ojuelegba container tragedy:

Truck owner, driver to spend 20 more days in prison Bidemi Olowofela

The owner of the truck that fell and killed three people at Ojuelegba area of Lagos state, on September 2, Mr. Kilani Ojo Adesanya, alongside the driver of the truck, Wasiu Adeleke, are to spend another 20 days in prison custody. The reason for the extension of their remand was the objection raised by their lawyer, Mr. W. O. Toriola, who vehemently opposed their plea be taken in a consolidated charge against the duo. At the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday, the prosecutor, Inspector Chinalu Nwadiowe, informed the court of police application to substitute the charges against each of the accused persons. But the accused’s lawyer, Toriola, in opposition to the applications, said the business of the day was for court to deliver ruling on the accused’s bail application. Toriola also informed the court that the police cannot apply for the substitution of the charges, rather such can only be consolidated. The defence counsel therefore urged the court for an adjournment to enable him file a formal application in opposition to the substitution of the charges against his clients. Consequently, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Folashade Botoki, at the instance of the defence counsel, adjourned the matter till October 12, and ordered that the two accused persons be returned to prison custody.

HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

I broke my rest for HID —Jonathan By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

OR the first time after former President Goodluck Jonathan left office, he was sighted at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, on Wednesday, when he came to commiserate with the family over the death of Chief HID Awolowo. He said he decided to go into hiding to enjoy his post presidency life with his wife. Jonathan said “Within this period, my self and my wife have been hiding and we hardly go out. We said we would be hiding from public life for at least 12 months, but in this particular case, we cannot hide. We have come to pay condolences to the Awolowo family because we’re together. God brought her for all of us, but have to be biological of few.” He described Mama Awolowo as a rare mother, noble woman whose milk of kindness, encouragement and advice were there for all to drink.

He added that he and his wife, Patience, were like her immediate children who will miss her so much. The former president was accompanied by deputy governor of Ondo State, Mr Lasisi Oluboyo; former Leader, House of Representatives, Alhaja Mulikat Adeola; former Director, FERMA, Mr Jide Adeniji and Mrs Kuku from Bayelsa State. In her response, the daughter of the deceased, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, thanked the for-

mer president for his love for the family. She said the family would eternally be grateful to Dr Jonathan. On the relationship between Dr Jonathan and the Awolowo family, Reverend Oyediran said “Mama and our former president referred to themselves as mother and son. For coming all the way to see us in Ikenne, it is a continued show of deep love for the Awolowos.” After narrating how Mama passed on, Rev Oyediran also affirmed

THE Lawmaker representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Honourable Mike Omogbehin, has described the death of Awolowo matriarch as a great loss to Nigeria and Yorubaland. Omogbehin who stated this in a condolence message to the Awolowo family, called on the children to work towards the sustainability of the legacies left behind by their parents. Omogbehin said in the statement that “It remains undisputable and matchless fact, the contributions and support of Mama HID Awolowo to her husband during his struggle for national development. “And her efforts and sup-

By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

FORMER Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on Wednesday, said that Mama HID Awolowo’s contribution to the nation’s independence would not be forgotten. He said this during his condolence visit to the Ikenne home of the

port were so cherished and appreciated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, especially during his incarceration in the hands of the military government, hence the description of the late HID by her husband as “My Jewel of inestimable

Awolowos over the death of the sage’s wife. The former Commonwealth scribe said that Mama’s support for her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who he described as one of the founding fathers of the country, was remarkable. Anyaoku further said that he had no opportunity to know Mama, but had the privilege to recognise

FORMER Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, has sympathised with the Awolowo family over the loss of the matriarch, Chief HID Awolowo. Alhaji Gbolarumi, in his condolence message, said the news of Mama’s demise was shocking as

value. “The woman stood firmly and as an unshakeable entity even at the face of military guns, the greatest sacrifice from a woman who believed so much in her husband’s course and vision.”

A worthy model for nation builders —Lagos PDP Bola Badmus - Lagos

LAGOS State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the Yeye Oodu’a, Chief HID Awolowo, as a worthy model for nationbuilders, especially the womenfolk, saying the late Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of the Tribune titles did not

Gbolarumi sympathises with Awolowo family By Olakunle Taiwo

“we want to thank you in so many ways which I’m sure you understand. The memory will live with us for many years. Thank you very much.” Earlier in his address, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel who led the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Remo Zone, to Ikenne yesterday, also thanked the former president for deeming it fit to honour the Awolowo family. He described Mama HID Awolowo as the

backbone of Christians in Remo, being the Asiwaju Obinrin Onigbagbo, which he (Daniel) is the Asiwaju Okunrin. He noted this informed the decision of CAN, Remo Zone, to conduct a special service for Mama yesterday. During the service, the coordinator and liason officer, Remo Inter-Local Government Chapter of Remo CAN, Pastor Malato B. Ikuesan, in his message, charged people to live with the consciousness that “one day, they will leave this

word to rest in heaven.” He added that “Mama is being loved, remembered and commended today because she did so many wonderful works in the Christendom and to humanity.” Dignitaries at the service included members of Afenifere group, the chairman of FCMB, Chief Subomi Balogun and his wife, Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Dr Adedapo Tejuoso represented by Chief Abayomi Jiboku, and the Christian Mission for the Deaf.

Her contribution to Nigeria’s Independence will not be forgotten —Anyaoku

A great loss to Nigeria, Yorubaland —Omogbehin Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

Nigerian Tribune

Thursday, 24 September 2015

he was expecting that she would live to witness her 100th birthday. While describing her as a woman of virtue and many parts, he urged that Awo’s legacies be passed to next generation. “Mama lived a worthy live and made sure she impacted many lives like her husband,” he said.

disappoint her husband, Pa Obafemi Awolowo, in service to humanity and statesmanship. The PDP said this on Sunday in a statement entitled; ‘Mama has died fulfilled,’ copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune. The party observed that though the matriarch of Awolowo family was a woman, she no doubt triumphed in many areas a man might not have, saying that the Yeye Oodu’a was a ‘total servant’ who touched many lives in many ways. The PDP, however, counselled that her death should be explored to further unite the Yoruba nation, declaring, “This is the challenge left behind.” “We urge the Awolowo family to be consoled by the lifetime of Mama,” the party concluded.

her attributes and personality since her demise due to the rains of accolades showered on her. He said, “I did not have the privilege of knowing her, but I have a great privilege of being a keen fan and student of the sage. “The country had a very handful of people that you

can describe as the founding fathers of the country. To me, Awolowo stood out. I have followed very closely all the comments made since her passage and even before her passage. I came to recognise her attributes and her personality. There is nothing too much that can be said about Mama. “Mama was a matriarch

of her nation not just of the Awolowo’s family. I called her a truly noble lady. A lady who contributed to Nigeria’s independence. She provided inestimable support for one of the founding fathers and through that she became a true source to most of our nationalists in the country.”

A rare jewel of inestimable value —PDP Jacob Segun Olatunji—Abuja

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that Mama HID Awolowo was a rare “jewel of inestimable value”, who stood like a pillar behind one of Nigeria’s greatest leaders, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh. The statement reads, “The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and all members of the PDP, mourn with the Awolowo family on the demise of their highly revered matriarch Chief HID Awolowo.” “Mama Awolowo was a woman of peace, whose sense of service, kindness, humility and piety, despite her towering attainments in business and political leadership, remained a source of inspiration to the younger generation of Nigerian leaders. “Indeed, the nation would miss this great citizen, especially for her roles in stabilising the polity with her motherly advice to generations of leaders in our country. “The PDP commiser-

ates with the government and people of Ogun State, and the Awolowo family

and prays that God gives them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Obey dedicates song to Mama Awolowo By Seyi Sokoya

POPULAR musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, who was at the Awolowo’s residence yesterday to commiserate with the family on the passing of Chief HID Awolowo, stated that he had composed a song in honour of Mama. Speaking with newsmen, Obey, who described Mama as a true example of motherhood, said “She

was the mother of the nation and mother of the Yorubas. She dedicated her life to good deeds and she was also true to the example of her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The good deeds of the Awolowo family will never be forgotten.” Obey, when asked if he had a song for Mama, just like he did when Chief Awolowo passed on, stated that “just this morning, I composed a song that will be dedicated to Mama’s cherished memory.”

Mama loved Nigeria –Chief Ogunshuyi Isaac Shobayo - Jos

THE National President, Omo Oodua, Chief Toye Ogunshuyi, has described Saturday’s demise of Yeye Oodu’a, Chief HID Awolowo, as a loss to Nigeria and Yoruba race in particular. He said Mama loved Nigeria and cherished peaceful co-existence among diverse ethnic nationalities in the country. Chief Ogunshuyi who described Mama as an embodiment of peace, told

the Nigerian Tribune in Jos that she was an advocate of peace and often implored all Yoruba to think of themselves as an entity. “She initiated the idea of Yoruba Unity Forum to bring the Yoruba together and foster unity. She succeeded in doing this by bringing together diverse Yoruba professionals. At the first meeting in Ikenne, many prominent Yorubas were in attendance and since then the forum has been meeting as the instance of Mama Awolowo.”

HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

Thursday, 24 September 2015

HID Awolowo truly woman of substance —Alaafin

HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has described the matriarch of Awolowo dynasty, Chief HID Awolowo, as a truly remarkable woman of substance. Alaafin, in a statement to condole with the Awolowo family on the exit of Chief HID Awolowo, said the enduring legacy of the life of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty was in her industry, unshakable faith in God and what she had to have won the admiration, adoration, love, respect and, importantly, trust of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. “When the sage, Chief Awolowo, died on May 7, 1987, the whole world thought and rightly so that his ‘Jewel of inestimable value’ would immediately

follow suit, considering the interpenetrations in the lives of this exemplary couple.

A colossus of her time —APC Chukwuma Okparaocha Lagos THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Mama as a colossus of her time who will always be remembered for good. In a statement issued in Ikenne on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party said Mama Awolowo was an ideal wife, a great mother and indeed a jewel of inestimable value, as her husband once fondly described her. “While we understand that death is inevitable, there are times that we secretly wish that our loved and great ones would live forever. Mama gave us reasons for such a secret wish, with her sterling personal and public life that made her a strong pillar behind one of the country’s foremost nationalists,” it said.

as many as 28 years, three clear years more than half of the years they were married.

Awolowo family, part of Nigeria’s history —APC national chairman By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has declared that the family of Chief Obafemi Awolowo has become an integral

part of the Nigeria’s history. Oyegun disclosed this on Tuesday when he led a delegation from the national headquarters of the APC to commiserate with the Awolowo family on the death of the wife of the

sage. In the team included Deputy National Chairman of the party, South, Chief Segun Oni, and George Magalu.

Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja THE wife of the President of the Senate, Mrs Toyin Saraki, has expressed her condolences to the Awolowo family and the wife of the Vice President, Mrs

The union, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Oyo State Wing, S. W. Olojede, said Mama was a symbol of motherhood whose affection and philanthropy touched many lives. ‘‘She was an epitome of selflessness, non-discrimination, endurance and loyalty,’’ the union stated.

By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan SHAREHOLDERS of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc have described the passage of Mama HID Awolowo as a big vacuum that will be difficult to fill. This was contained in a condolence letter addressed to the family of

Oludolapo Osinbajo, on the passage of their mother, grandmother and matriarch, Mama HID Awolowo. Mrs Saraki, in a personally signed statement, said “Truly, Mama lived a fruitful, fulfilled and distinguished life, as a genuine embodiment of Proverbs 31:10-31. “The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the fear of God.” She offered her prayers for the heavenly repose of the deceased matriarch, and grace for the Awolowo family and all those who mourn her loss.

Adelowo Oladipo - Minna MAMA HID Awolowo has been described as a patriotic Nigerian who loved the country throughout her lifetime.

THE Democratic People’s Congresss (DPC) on Wednesday described the demise of the matriarch of the Awolowo family as shocking. The party, in a statement issued in Abuja by its National Chairman, Olusegun Peters, said the death of the deceased had created a big vacuum. “We are deeply pained over the death of this shining star that touched millions of lives

THE Chief Judge of Ogun State, Honourable Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, described Chief HID Awolowo as a woman who stood for fairness and justice always. She said, “Mama you

in her 99 years of service to God and humanity. “Indeed, the death of a mother at any age is always painful as nobody can fill her vacuum in the lives of her family,” he said. He said the deceased would be remembered for her love, devotion and commitment to her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in his eventful political career. “She was a pride to the women fold,” he added.

By Olakunle Taiwo THE Ekiti State Deputy Speaker, Honourable Segun Adewumi, has

She was ‘Mother-in-Israel’ —PAM

described the death of Chief HID Awolowo as a great loss to Nigeria as a nation.

Nigerian Tribune, on Wednesday. The group, however, averred that Mama lived a purposeful and eventful life worthy of emulation through devotion to the service of God and humanity.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen, in Abuja, yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Wole Olad-

imeji. The Deputy Speaker also pointed out that the death of Mama was a great loss to the Yoruba race.

THE Primate, Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide, His Holiness, Most Reverend (Dr) Rufus Ositelu, said that Mama was a courageous woman. He also said that the

matriarch of the Awolowo family was a woman of integrity, peace and generousity. He urged the deceased’s children to uphold the good name of the family and keep the flag flying.

A gift to her generation —Methodist Church She lived a godly life —Primate Ositelu THE Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Remo Diocese, The Right Reverend Michael Akinwale, described Mama as a wonderful gift to her generation and many generations after her.

“Mama, you were a gift to our generation. You made positive impacts in the church and in our nation Nigeria. You touched so many lives. God endowed you with wisdom and character.”

“God’s thoughts are, indeed, higher and nobler than the thoughts of man and His ways are different from man’s,” the statement read. The monarch called on the Yoruba people to be rededicated to unity, peace and progress of the land and resist, as a people, any attempt to marginalise or compromise “the dream of our heroes past.”

were a mother to many of us even outside your biological children. You were always frank, firm and well principled. You stood for fairness and justice always. I will miss your good counsel. I am rest assured you are resting in the Lord. I thank God for a good legacy you have left behind.”

may be difficult to fill, but we take solace in the Almighty the great provider, the author and finisher of our faith. “She lived a well and purposeful life. May the good Lord continue to direct the family and the company so as to continue with the good works she started and died for.”

was a courageous prayer warrior and dedicated wife who stood behind her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo Olabayo, who commiserated with the Awolowo family on Tuesday over the death of their matriarch in a telephone interview with the Nigerian Tribune, said “Mama Awolowo imbibed discipline and prayer life in all her children and took very good care of the family when the husband was not around. And whatever Mama wanted to do, she goes out of her way to do it. And I hope the children would emulate their mother.”

Wives should learn from HID - Ekiti Deputy Speaker

A great loss —Lasun THE Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yussuff Suleiman Lasun, has

Foremost prophet and founder, Evangelical Church of Yahweh, Primate Theophilus O. Olabayo, stated this in his condolence message. He also said that Mama

Mama was frank, firm, principled —Ogun CJ By Olayinka Olukoya and Tunde Ogunesan

the great grandmother as well as the mother of the progressive camp. This was contained in a press statement issued and signed by Mr E. Olu Abiala, and made available to the

the late co-founder of the company, signed by its Chairman and Deputy Chairman, Alhaji S.A Badiru and Chief S.A Odubona respectively. They noted the immeasurable contributions of Mama to ensure that the company moved forward spiritually, morally and financially. “The vacuum she left

A patriotic Nigerian —Primate Olabayo

A big vacuum –DPC

THE Pacesetter Advance Movement (PAM), Ibadan, Oyo State, has joined others in celebrating the eventful life of Mama HID Awolowo, who the group regarded as the mother-in-Israel,

“One big lesson for all mortals is Allah’s greatness, benevolence and mercy, His omniscience and omnipotence. “If Mama had died 28 years ago, man would have been predicting God; if Mama had died immediately after her husband, what would have become of the legacy, family and estate of Chief Obafemi Awolowo?

A big vacuum difficult to fill —Tribune shareholders

Saraki’s wife condoles with Awolowos, Mrs Osinbajo

Mama was symbol of motherhood — Oyo NUT THE Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed its condolence to the entire Awolowo family on the death of Mama HID Awolowo.

“God, in His infinite mercy, however, spared the life of Mama HID Awolowo to outlive her husband by

Nigerian Tribune

commiserated with the Awolowo family over the loss of the matriarch who he described as a great and irreparable loss to the nation. He said wives should learn her legacies. Adewumi, in his condolence message, noted that though death is inevitable, looking at the pedi-

gree and commitment of Mama to the overall development of the country, “one would wish she was still alive.” He, however, described Mama as a nationalist and a woman full of talents who played her role meritoriously at sustaining development and unity among the Yoruba race.

A wonderful woman —Ladigbolu THE Vice-Chairman, Yoruba Unity Forum, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, said the deceased was a wonderful and caring mother and an extraor-

dinary widow who upheld her husband’s legacies to the last. “She was generous and courageous, may her soul rest in peace.”

Yoruba has lost a great leader —Senator Bucknor Akerele FORMER deputy governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, described the Yeye Oodu’a and the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty as

a patriot and mother of the nation. She said “The Yoruba nation has lost a great leader, a humble, gentle, kind and generous woman.”

12 eid-el-kabir Globacom extols Muslims

ELECOMMUNICATION giant, Globacom, has felicitated with millions of Nigerian Muslims on the celebration of the Islamic festival, Eidel-Kabir. In a press statement, Globacom urged the Muslim Ummah to seize the oppor-

tunity of the celebration to pray for the unity and development of the nation and imbibe fully the tenets of Islam as taught by Prophet Mohamed . “We felicitate with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria as they celebrate the Eidel-Kabir Sallah festival. We call on them to use the oc-

casion to continue to live up to the tenets of their faith through acts of charity, peaceful co-existence with their neighbours and obedience to the injunctions of the Holy Quoran’’, the release said. Globacom rejoiced with Muslims, who successfully performed the Hajj this

Shun political intolerance, Atiku tells Nigerians Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja FORMER Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has pleaded with Nigerians to rid their hearts and minds of hate, intolerance and

Alaafin tasks Muslims on obedience THE Alaafin of Oyo,

Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has tasked Muslims on obedience to the injunctions of the Holy Quran. The monarch, in a congratulatory message to Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, called on them to live up to the tenets of their faith by imbibing charity, tolerance and hope in Allah. According to him, the season reminded Muslims of act of faith in Allah as exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim, while he called on Nigerians to eschew bitterness, rancour and ill-feeling, but to exhibit faith in God in whatever situation they found themselves. The monarch also prayed for peace across the country and wished Muslim faithful a happy celebration.

prejudice, which he said, have been promoting violent conflicts and destruction of lives and property in the country. In his Sallah message to the nation to commemorate this year’s Eid-el Kabir celebration, made available to newsmen on Wednesday, by his media office, the former vice president said that “every passing day, he is saddened by the “deepening frenzy of hate, intolerance and bigotry, which produce toxic effects on unity and

ONE of the Nigeria’s major petroleum marketing companies, Conoil, in its goodwill message to Muslims on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, urged them to embrace peace with unwavering submission to the will of Allah. It also admonished them to spare a thought for the spate of insecurity and the lack of unity in the country. The company, in a statement, encouraged Muslims to deeply reflect and embrace, at all times, the essence of the celebration,

GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has called on Nigerians to embrace peace to enhance stability and growth of the country. He gave the advice in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, congratulating Muslims on the Eidel-Kabir celebrations. Wishing all Muslim faithful across the country happy celebrations, he urged them to always emulate the lifestyle of Prophet Mohammed, stressing that he symbolised peace and tolerance. Governor Wike prayed for peace and wisdom in solving the challenges facing the nation and urged all Muslim faithful in the state to remain peaceful as they join their counterparts all over the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir. Also, Delta State gov-

ernor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has felicitated with Muslims over this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration with a charge to them to embrace unity and sharing of whatever they have for the celebration with neighbours. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Charles Ehiedu, Governor Okowa, enjoined Muslim Ummah, to use the opportunity of this year’s festive season, to demonstrate the essence of unity among the various ethnic groups. “Religion is a binding cord which espouses unity with a forward-looking resilience and every adherent who values his or her faith cannot afford to break from it”, he stated. He reminded the Muslim faithful of the need to share whatever they have with their nieghbours as a mark of love in accordance with the injunctions of Prophet Muhammed.

year in fulfillment of a key injunction of Islamic faith and further urged them to absorb the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority as exemplified by Prophet Ibraheem’s willingness to sacrifice his son in deference to the will of God, a supreme act of faith which Eid-El-Kabir glorifies and amplifies. ‘’It is a season of charity, peace making and forgiveness. We must use this season to remember to fend for the poor and the needy in line with Allah’s injunction to be our brother’s keeper, ” it said.

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid el-Kabir to rededicate themselves to the values that unite the country. The call was contained in a statement issued by PDP national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja, on Wednesday. The party also urged Nigerians to use the period to resist all vices that sought to weaken their bond of unity as a people. The party further urged citizens irrespective of their religious persuasions to pray for abiding peace and unity in the country. The party also urged all Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the virtue

PDP felicitates with Nigerians of faith, service and total submission to the will of Almighty God. It said such sense of commitment was “exemplified by the Holy Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his only son, Ishmael in obedience to God’s command.” The party wished all Nigerians happy Eid el-Kabir and urged them to continue to consider the lessprivileged in their celebrations and at all times.

Dogara felicitates with Muslims, seeks prayers for Buhari’s success THE Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Wednesday, enjoined Muslim faithful to pray for the progress and success of the ongoing change project

Conoil sues for unity

Wike, Okowa sue for unity Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

harmony among Nigerians”. According to the former Vice President, “Nigerians should use religion to create a conflict-free society, love is the universal language of all the world’s religions.”

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

by imbibing the virtues of the Prophet Ibrahim, who obeyed in total submission to the command of God by offering his only son for sacrifice. Conoil appealed to Muslims and Christians alike to be ready to make sacrifices to sustain the country’s unity. It urged every Nigerian to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, love and respect for one another. It entreated Nigerians to remain peaceful and continue to go the extra mile towards building a greater Nigeria. Against the backdrop that Eid-el-Kabir is also an occasion for fanfare, Conoil advised motorists to adhere strictly to road safety precautions as they travel outside their locations to celebrate Sallah with their loved ones.

of the current administration. Dogara, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, in Abuja on Wednesday, urged them to seek peace and tolerance to engender a better democratic nation. “I felicitate with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year’s Eid el-Kabir. “As festivities go on to mark the day, let us remember to pray for the

progress and success of the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari. “Nigerians of various faiths must tolerate one another as we all have no other country than Nigeria. “God made us of different faiths and tongues so that we can use our diversity for the greater good of the society,” Dogara said in the statement. The speaker also urged them to use the occasion to pray for the success of the

Nigeria is destined for greatness —Onu Kolawole Daniel - Abuja A national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, has expressed optimism that Nigeria is destined to be a great nation, saying that Nigerians should never forget that any achievement through collective effort, will bring enduring fulfillment to all. Onu said that the task of building a great nation was one that demands the best from all Nigeri-

ans, urging that citizens should bear in mind that though, the road may be rough, “the climb may be steep and the journey may be tasking, but the nation will succeed. In a Sallah celebration message, he personally signed in Abuja, the former old Abia State governor, implored that as citizens of the country, “we should strengthen our resolve to be our brother’s keeper for there is always strength in unity.”

NLC congratulates Muslim faithful THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday, in Abuja, congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid el-Kabir celebration. NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, in a statement he signed, said: “On behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress, I wish to congratulate Nigerian workers and indeed, all Nigerians on the occasion of Eid el-Kabir. “Eid el-Kabir represents unconditional obedience to our creator, sacrifice, adherence to higher moral values and show of love to friends and families through sharing. “The occasion of Eid elKabir affords us an opportunity to reconcile with God, re-assess our personal and official lives and how these

impact on the nation. “The Eid similarly avails us a great chance to renew our commitment to the Nigerian project by fighting the vices bedeviling it.’’ Wabba described corruption as a canker-worm that threatens individual and national well-being. The NLC president said Nigeria’s fight against it should be total, holistic and relentless, irrespective of whose ox is gored. He said that as NLC had stated previously, the antigraft agencies should be strengthened, empowered and given all the resources and independence they need to confront corruption in the land. Wabba noted that security continues to be a topical issue as thousands of lives

had been lost, inestimable property destroyed, millions displaced and their lives altered forever.

ongoing war against terrorism in the North East, stressing that the military needed prayers to succeed.

Alao-Akala congratulates Muslims FORMER governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the 2015 Eid-el Kabir. Akala in a congratulatory message signed by his spokesperson, Mr Abraham Ojo, stressed the need to be more fastidious and concern about God, most importantly, in prayers and service to humanity. “At this moment, God is the only solution and we have to continue to pray to Him and seek His face for guidance and provision more than before. “I am hopeful about the future of this country, we have come a long way enduring the pains and suffering of democracy but our dilligency, patience and prayer will go a long way in helping us to attain greater height without much stress.” He, however, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for more wisdom and God’s guidance for those in government so as to lead well and take our society to a greater height,

Makinde sues for peace NIGERIANS have been called upon to use this Sallah holiday not only for merry making, but to pray and work for global peace and prosperity as contained in the 2015 Sallah message, made available by Mr Seyi Makinde, to newsmen in Ibadan, on Wednesday. He described Eid-el-Kabir festival as special, because it commemorates the changing of misfortune to fortune as exemplified by the life of Prophets Ibrahim and Ismaheel. “When God replaced Ismaheel for a ram on the day he was to be

slaughtered as fulfillment of convenant with God. “This event signifies the omnipotent capacity of Almighty Allah, hence, I enjoined our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world, particularly in Nigeria, to pray for peace and prosperity in every corner of the world at this particular time. Apparently, the whole world is facing serious challenges which are mainly economy and security which I believe we all need to ensure we join hands with governments within our capacity to improve.”

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

businessnews

Thursday 24 September , 2015

Glo assures customers of enhanced services as 3rd shop opens in Enugu

Managing Director, Teens Empowerment and Salvage Initiative (TESI), Chinasa Jonathan-Ojei; Mr. Kayode Ogedengbe, President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and Patron, Teens Empowerment and Salvage Initiative (TESI), Professor Pat Utomi, during the presentation of a ‘Thank You’ card to Dangote by TESI for sponsoring Ogedengbe, a physically-challenged man through the University of Maiduguri.

NIGERIA’S indigenous telecoms provider, Globacom, has opened a third Gloworld shop in Enugu. The shop located at the Polo Park Mall in the capital city brings the number of customer service centres in the coal city to three and the highest by any telecoms operator in the city. Globacom said in a speech delivered by the National Sales Coordina-

IBEDC to open for business during Eid holiday

N order to ensure a hitch free celebration the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced that its offices will remain open throughout the sallah holiday as well as the ensuing weekend for customers to pay bills or vend at its offices in Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Kwara States. According to a statement by the company’s Managing Director, Mr John Donnachie, “This is in line with our key focus to provide superior customer service.” The MD further noted that customers could also report faults/complaints at the Customer care centres and dispatch offices. Mr John Donnachie said

the holiday and weekend payment service which began a few months was aimed at ameliorating “the

inconvenience and discomfort experienced by customers during holiday periods when they run out

of power, especially as we know for festive periods more power is consumed.” He also used the oppor-

Dangote pledges scholarships to physically-challenged persons PRESIDENT of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has expressed his preparedness to award scholarships to physically-challenged persons who desire education as part of his contributions towards empowering the less privileged in the society. He said his foundation, the Dangote Foundation, would henceforth look into the areas of provi-

sion of assistance to the brilliant ones who have interest in going to higher institutions but have one disability or the other that may impair them. The business mogul gave this promise when he received in his office a physically-challenged man, Kayode Ogendengbe, a blind person, who came to present his B.Sc. certificate to him, to formally inform him that he had

finished his first degree which was sponsored by the richest man in Africa. Dangote had spotted the potential of Ogedengbe through Teens Empowerment and Salvage Initiative (TESI), a Non-Governmental Organization, during a programme in Lagos and volunteered to fund his university education after which Ogedengbe got admitted into University of Maiduguri,

Heritage Bank integrates systems, pledges seamless service FOLLOWING the merger between Heritage Banking Company Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited, the two banks have completed the integration of their processes and operations, with the promise of a seamless operation that will meet the huge expectations of its customers and stakeholders. Chairman of the bank, Mr. Akinsola Akinfemiwa, who disclosed this during a parley with journalists in Lagos, said “now, we have a bank,” adding that “We have aligned our operations and processes. We have also rebranded all our branches and trained all the staff on all aspects of our core operational services. We have equally harmonised our products, customers and data at all our experience centres.” Akinfemiwa further

tunity to wish all IBEDC’s customers a happy and rewarding Eid-Il-Mubarak celebrations.

stated that Heritage Bank Limited is a service organization in the business of banking, which will operate in a different and special way to satisfy customers and outflank competition. According to him, Heritage Bank is innovative and service-oriented. According to him, “It is not like any other bank. We are going to use technology to push our operations.” The new development, he said, has fully established Heritage Bank as a national financial institution that operates and renders full commercial banking services across the country. The bank, which hitherto operated as a regional bank, with 15 Experience Centres, has increased its presence to about 200 service outlets boosted by about 165 branches of the defunct Enterprise Bank, spread across the country.

Akinfemiwa maintained that this monumental event marks a new era in banking in Nigeria as the integration of two entities with such similar values, excellent and professional staffing, strong branch network, has led to an entity that is poised for excellence and quality financial services. “In this new dispensation, we are now a bigger and better bank that is better positioned to offer unparalleled banking services, which spread across 165 experience centres and counting, 33 automated banking centres, 365 ATMs and over 4800 POS terminals across the states. We shall harness the best of the two worlds combined in terms of our innovative products, bespoke technology and extended branch network manned by a team of tena-

cious people in our journey from a regional bank to a strong tier-2 player in the industry,” he said. Also speaking at the occasion, Ifie Sekibo, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, reiterated the commitment of the bank to building on “the existing quest for quintessential banking service delivery guided by passion and sustained through its brand architecture that exudes quality service, performance, respect, integrity, innovation, tenacity and excellence as core values. In his words he said, “We are sure we are going to get a much bigger organisation that will have the same ethos as Heritage Bank as it stands today, where innovation, transfer of wealth, creation of wealth is our mantra, and that is what is going to happen,” Sekibo added.

Borno State. He stated that one of the things that the rich could do to impact the society positively is to help physically-challenged persons to realize their dreams, pointing out that after all everyone has one challenge or the other even if not physical. “I think we should help these people to achieve their dreams. This is one of the ways we can give back and appreciate God because we may not be ph y si c al l y - c h a l l e nge d , but everyone has one challenge or the other and God has been our helper. “I am going to instruct the Foundation to work with TESI and see how we can collaborate and provide some scholarships to the deserving ones among them and by so doing we will be making the society more satisfying and pleasurable for all to live in. Ogedengbe expressed his happiness that he didn’t disappoint Alhaji Dangote and that he finished with second class upper grade from the university. While thanking him for the good gesture, Ogedengbe enjoined other rich Nigerians to emulate Dangote and help lift physically-challenged persons whom according to him have potentials only that they are limited by some disabilities.

tor, South East, Mr. Gabriel Okoli Tuesday at the commissioning that the company’s objective for this addition is to further enrich the mobile experience of Glo customers in Enugu who are loyal in their transactions. The first two shops are located on Ogui Road and Okpara Avenue respectively. They compliment the Glo Zone outlets located in different parts of the town. He disclosed “As you are well aware, our approach to customer service is one that is always underpinned by innovation and total inclusiveness, which is why we are consistently seeking innovative channels to make available our bouquet of services to them’’adding that the Polo Park is strategic as it remains one of the busiest locations in Enugu where diverse segments of its customers congregate. According to him, Globacom knew that Polo Park Mall is opened everyday of the week, and this will give our numerous customers that visit the mall the ample opportunity of experiencing our quality customer service even as they catch their fun. Okoli noted that Enugu city boasts of many tertiary institutions, as well as civil and public servants who find time to socialise while Polo park proves to be a distinctive location because of its busy nature, saying this stirred the desire to facilitate easier access to its products and services by its esteemed customers at the shop. He therefore assured customers of the company’s commitment to satisfying its customers, guaranteeing the high-class services of its well-trained customer care staff who will be on ground to attend to customers’ complaints. “We therefore encourage our current and potential customers to walk into our shop here to address any issue, ask questions, seek clarifications, or possibly offer advice on how best they want us to serve them,’’ he said.

business

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

DAILY SUMMARY (EQUITIES) FOR WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER, 2015

16 news

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

FG okays verification of civil service pensioners Christian Okeke -Abuja

HE Federal Government has approved verification of over 100, 000 civil service pensioners so as to clean up the payroll which it suspected could have ghost beneficiaries. In taking the decision to undertake the exercise, the government stated that it believed there were lots of fraudulent practices and fake pensioners in the system, especially as about 90

per cent of the complaints it received concerning pension issues came from supposed civil service pensioners. Nigerian Tribune gathered that Lagos civil service pensioners alone are about 21, 295. It was also gathered that the entire civil service pensioners nationwide were divided into seven batches, with the verification planned to kick-start on November 2 for North West and is to last for two weeks. South East’s turn would

commence on November 23 and is expected to last for 12 days while the rest of the zones would be undertaken next year. Confirming the plans to commence the exercise, the Director General of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Nellie Mayshak stated that the agency which would undertake the verification expects high number of fraudsters to turn up for the exercise and had already worked out modalities to have anti-graft agencies represented at ev-

ery verification centre. She vowed that any fraudster who dares to attend the verification would be arrested and disgraced. Mayshak, who spoke in Abuja at a stakeholder’s engagement workshop ahead of the commencement of the verification exercise, disclosed that PTAD had succeeded in cutting off middlemen and underwriters who used to sit on monies meant for pensioners and had taken over direct payment of beneficiaries. She stated that past pen-

sion administrators used previous verifications as an excuse for not enrolling genuine pensioners and for perpetrating fraud, disclosing plans to partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in such a manner that the database of the agency can be linked to the apex bank so commercial banks can be used to carry out continuous verification of the pensioners. “I can say to you without any contradiction that you are in good hands. We are more charged to look after your welfare; you are priority of this government.,” she told the pensioners. She said, “We have been able to bring back dignity to pensioners. We are determined to create an environment that is conducive for you.

NAHCO will not retrench workers

—Aviation union

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, switching on the light to officially inaugurate the electricity project for Ibeme Oberete Isiala autonomus community in Obingwa Local Government Area. With him is Mr Emeka Stanley, Chairman ASOPADEC and other top state functionaries.

ASUU dissociates self from countdown banner at LASU THE Lagos State University (LASU) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday dissociated its members from the banners, counting down to the expiration of the vice-chancellor’s tenure. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the banner, being updated daily by an unknown person, said that the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Obafunwa, had 38 days to go. NAN reports that the banners, first noticed a fortnight ago, were hung on the Badagry Expressway and Iba Gates of the institution. Each banner, as at Wednesday, read “Count Down!!! 38 days to go. The end of evil at sight.’’ NAN reports that Obafunwa’s tenure as vice-chancellor will end on October 31. Dr Adekunle Idris, the Chairman, LASU chapter of ASUU, told NAN on Wednesday that the union had no connection with the banner. “We know nothing about the banner; maybe it is the handiwork of some concerned LASU community members, who are look-

ing forward for a change in LASU,’’ he said. Similarly, Mr Saheed Oseni, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU Chapter, said the union had nothing to do with banner. “We just saw the banner at the two gates and on daily basis, we noticed that it was replaced.’’ Meanwhile, the Governing

Council of the university has started receiving application for the post. The school’s official bulletin, a copy of which was given to NAN, stated that the vacancy was in consonance with relevant provisions of the LASU Law 24 of 2004. It said that the appointment would be for four years and renewable for a second term of four years only.

“Remuneration for the vice-chancellor includes a consolidated salary, housing facility, and other benefits and allowances that apply to VCs in Nigerian universities,” it said. The bulletin stated that all applications should be addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and submitted to the Registrar, not later than six weeks from the date of publication.

CJN blames corruption on lack of accountability, weak govt structures Sunday Ejike -Abuja

THE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed on Tuesday blamed the high rate of corruption in Africa on lack of accountability, transparency and weak government structures. The CJN, who was represented by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Cletus Nweze, made this known in Abuja at the annual conference of the Pan Africa Lawyers Union (PALU), with the theme, “Combating Corruption: The Role of the Legal Profession in Africa.” According to him, “great

attention should be placed on African Union convention on preventing and combating corruption, which was adopted on July 11, 2003. The convention as it is well known represents regional census on what African countries should do in the area of prevention, criminalisation, international collaboration and asset recovery.” The CJN said, “corruption is characterised by the absence of culture of accountability, inefficiency, weak government structure, excessive concentration of power in the executive arm of government and lack of transparency.”

Meanwhile, the president of PALU, Mr Elijah Banda, said the theme of the conference was designed consciously and the venue chosen deliberately in recognition of the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari in combating corruption. He explained that, “our question will not only be what can our government do or what can African Union do in the fight against corruption, and the illicit financial flow from Africa, but also our question will be what will the legal profession in Africa do to contribute to the fight in meaningful and tangible ways.”

THE National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on Wednesday allayed fears that the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) was planning to retrench some of its workers. NUATE’s Assistant General Secretary Olayinka Abioye, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos said there would be no retrenchment of workers by the company. NAN reports that the labour group had on September 14 written, a letter to the Managing Director of NAHCO, Mr Nobert Bielderman, alleging that the company was planning to sack some of its workers. NUATE had also accused the firm of not giving priority to training and welfare of its staff. Responding, NACHO in a statement by its Manager, Communications and Corporate Services, Mr Tayo Ajakaye, debunked the union’s claims as being preemptive and speculative. However, Abioye told NAN that the issues between both parties had been resolved amicably following series of meetings. “I can tell you that the issues have been resolved. We have reached an agreement with the NAHCO management and no worker will be retrenched,” he said. Abioye said NUATE would continue to protect the rights of aviation workers and collaborate with other stakeholders to take the industry to greater heights.

Navy to assist police in refurbishing 60 marine boats Chris Agbambu -Abuja

THE Nigerian Navy is set to assist the police to refurbish 60 of its maritime boat lying idle so as to assist them in combating piracy. Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I.E. Ibas, who stated this on Wednesday when he visited the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase in his office, said that the security situation in the country demands that they all partner and synergize to bring it to an end. He noted that the rapport that existed between both services has improved tremendously, adding that since the IGP came on board, he has admired his effort in confronting various security challenges in the area of crime in the country. According to him, when you have unsecured environment, no business can thrive and consequently there are many areas both services can work together. Ibas noted that in the area of training with main focus on civil law, since the Navy operates on military law, and pledged to second some of his officers to study the aspect of the civil and maritime law.

LASU lecturer wins Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation award A lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Kabir Akinyemi, has clinched the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Award for scientists from low-income countries. This is contained in the latest edition of the LASU Bulletin, given to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday, in Lagos. The bulletin said that Akinyemi of the Microbiology Department of LASU was among eight scientists selected by the foundation, based on their impactful research in anti-microbial agents and chemotherapy. It said that the award was a support for inter-science conference in anti-microbial agents and chemotherapy for scientists from lowincome countries. The bulletin said that the award had brought glory to LASU as the award was globally competitive. “The university’s management on behalf of the entire staff, students and ?the university community congratulates the award recipient on this monumental feat,” it said.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

3 4

5 6

7 8 1. Managing Director, Duravin Construction Company, Abbas Hammoud (left); Kwara State governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed (second right) and the Secretary to Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold (right), during the Inspection of Kwara Internal Revenue Service office under construction, in Ilorin, on Monday. 2. The new couple, Mr and Mrs Folarin Jayeoba, with bride’s parents, Mr and Mrs Akinseinde, during the marriage ceremony at Christ Life Church, Garden of Victory, Old Ife Road, Olaogun, Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE. 3. The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona (left); Head of Marketing, Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL), Mobolaji Alalade and the Sales Operations Manager, IDL, Ladi Adekoya, during a visit to the Awujale, ahead the Ojude Oba 2015, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. 4. From left, President, Africa and Latin America, Ceragon Networks Limited, Amit Ancikovsky; Account Officer, Zenith Bank Plc, Susan Umeh; President and CEO, Ceragon Networks Limited, Ira Palti and the Managing

Director and Country Manager, Ceragon Networks Limited, Abbas Danjuma, at the official launch of Lagos office of Ceragon Networks Limited, recently. 5. Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Rotimi Olagunju (right); founder of Sola Olagunju Homes, Chief (Mrs) Sola Olagunju and another guest, with children having special needs, during the birthday of Chief (Mrs) Olagunju in her Bodija residence, Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU. 6. The groom, Mr Oluwatosin Rumide and his wife, former Miss Temitope Bameeke, after their wedding held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Bodija, Ibadan. 7. From left, Moni Abolade and Ayobami Abolade; Taiwo Onifade; the couple, Mr and Mrs Charles Gbala and the bride’s parents, Mr and Mrs Olutunde Olufunmilayo Abolade, after the couple’s wedding held recently at Yaba Baptist Church, Lagos. 8. Mr and Mrs Ojuade Theophilus Ademoroti, during their wedding, recently.

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•Black mothers; ‘white’ kids.

Mama’s departure, a loss for Nigeria

ESPITE the fact that Mama HID Awolowo died at the ripe age of 99 years, it is still a loss for Nigeria. For a long time, we have known her as the mother of the nation. She stood with Chief Obafemi Awolowo through his struggles to make Ni-

geria a better place. Even, after the demise of Chief Awolowo, Mama didn’t retire to a secluded life; she continued in the struggle for a better Nigeria through her advice to politicians. On several occasions, Mama, alongside other Awo loyalists, had taken stand on issues of

High rate of accidents on our roads THE rate of accidents on our roads is quite alarming. However, we are in the last couple of months before the end of the year, and our roads will be more busy than ever. I, therefore, want to use this opportunity to call on relevant authorities to do more towards reducing accidents on our roads. I also want to commend the Ogun State deputy governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, for stopping her convoy on several occasions to help accident victims. More commendable is also the fact that she has

taken it upon herself to embark on road safety campaigns in the last few months before the end of the year. Femi Olayinka, 08034074148

national importance. With Mama’s transition, Nigeria has definitely lost a mother

figure. Wale Ishola, 08062086668

I was filled with sorrow when I heard the news that Mama HID Awolowo had passed on. Not that

On Buhari’s proposed ministerial list I want to use this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to be careful in selecting his ministers, particularly the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. The president should realise that the position of Attorney General is a sensitive one, and if he appoints those against the change that is currently sweeping through the country, then they will be in total control of the justice system, and

it will be used to manipulate this administration to their favour. As a result of this, President Buhari should be sensitive at all times to his environment; many people

CPC, we moved with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but I want to say that since we got to the APC, we have been sidelined. When we were in the CPC, we ran things for ourselves in Lagos, but

are around him who are only out for what they will gain from public office, and not what they will offer Nigerians. Mrs. G. O. Doherty, 08059810371

Congrats to new UI VC I want to congratulate the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, while also bringing his attention to some academic issues, particularly about insti-

Buhari, don’t abandon us I want to urge President Muhammadu Buhari not to forget politicians who followed him from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to form the Congress for Progressive Change in 2011. From the

Still on HID’s demise

we have remained anonymous since we joined the merger to form the APC. I want President Buhari to make us relevant in this new political set-up. Iginla Musa Adeniyi, 08053423134

tutions affiliated with the premier university. It is important for the new VC to make it compulsory for institutions affiliated to UI to follow the same academic calendar as UI. Some of these institutions also don’t put in the required ‘energy’ into the programmes, which is, therefore, lowering the standard of UI. I want the new VC to look at these areas. Musibau Raifu, 07066393177

she was not old enough to transit to higher glory, but because of who she was to the nation. Mama was Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s jewel of inestimable value. When Baba Awolowo passed on several years ago, Yoruba people looked to Mama for guidance, and she didn’t disappoint us. Now that Mama is no longer with us, I can only pray for the repose of her soul. May she find eternal joy in God’s bossom. Jimoh Mumin, 08034435211

HID lived a fulfilled life WE may have been pained by the fact that Mama HID Awolowo was looking to clock 100 years in November. However, we should not forget that there were people who lived just half of her age. Nigeria, and particularly Yoruba people will definitely miss Mama’s guidance. May she rest in perfect peace. Tumini George, 09095687489

editorial

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

ASUU in KWASU: To be or not to be?

N 13 August, 2015, a caretaker committee was inaugurated at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, to midwife the take-off of its branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The inauguration of the caretaker committee was the culmination of the effort of some members of the academic staff of the university who had to weather a great storm arising from the university authorities’ unfavourable stance towards unionism. Indeed, the inauguration has been the cause of a major disquiet within the university. In a swift response to the inauguration, the Principal Protocol Officer of the university, Hajia Hamidat Yusuf, in a circular, described the inaugurated association as illegal, emphasising that the ASUU caretaker committee was cultic and involved in combative unionism and clandestine activities. It is very clear that the authorities have displayed extreme apprehension over the move to establish a full-fledged union in the university. Understandably, the greatest worry of the authorities of the institution is the probable disruption in academic calendar that may arise from ASUU’s activities. Yusuf made this point as much when she said: “The university only recently attained five years of peaceful and purposeful academic calendar. An acceptable legal unionism for students, academic and nonacademic staff will be ushered in within an open framework with active participation of management and all concerned.” Unionism has come under great hostility around the world, since the rise of neoliberal market ideology that saw unions as obstacles to stability and profit in public and private sector organisations respectively. Unions were believed to have the capacity to distort the working of the market by fighting to achieve “undue and unsustainably high” wages for their members. Thus, de-unionisation has been pushed by law and management practices to remove labour market rigidities and strengthen management in its dealings with workers. In some new private organisations, unions are outlawed and those that have had unions have worked to kill them by adopting human development and human resource concepts in managing personnel. All these have made workers vulnerable, removed employment guarantees, and promoted casualisation of workers. The net consequences have been increased inequity, deepened inequality and growing discontent around the world. The high-handedness of management in many organisations without an effective grievance procedure partly accounts for the rise of extreme behaviour such as sabotage and terrorism. Nigeria has witnessed the emergence of several organisations in the financial and higher education sectors that foreclose unionism. Indeed, it took the picketing activities of the Nigeria Labour Congress to prevent the killing of unions in

some traditionally unionised organisations. There are no private universities in Nigeria today that have unions. The consequence is that the benefits of unionism manifesting in a robust grievance procedure and collective bargaining have never been part of the experience in private varsities. Turnover in those universities is very high and many of them have had to hire mercenaries to meet NUC requirements for accreditation or rely on part-time teachers from public universities in running their programmes. The unattractiveness of these universities to prospective students as seen in the admission subscriptions through JAMB partly owes to this situation. The time has come for the role of unions to the development and growth of business and higher institutions to be dispassionately appraised and acknowledged. Unions are not inimical to the growth and development of universities or any institution or establishment for that matter. Indeed, they have contributed immensely to the development of higher education in Nigeria. They have acted as checks against abuse of power and highhandedness of management and vice-chancellors. It is also true that their activities can be disruptive to the academic calendar in the event of a stalemate between their members and their employers. That is why the NUC requires that a fiveyear period of moratorium be given to new universities before unions are introduced. The Kwara State University was established in 2009, over five yeas ago. The university’s Conditions of Service and Regulations recognise the need for a union. The fact that KWASU is a public university has made it possible for the staff to take the initiative. They could not have done this in a private university. The elected Chairman of the inaugurated Caretaker committee, Dauda Adeshola, has pledged loyalty of the committee and the union to the university’s authorities and the government of Kwara State. The time has come for the university’s authorities to accept the ripeness of the university for unionism. They should positively engage the caretaker committee and resolve the issues relating to procedures and modalities. The existence of a branch of ASUU in KWASU will not automatically translate into disrupted calendar. They should overcome their apprehension and confront the situation with sobriety and professionalism. They should engage the process and ensure that they take advantage of the opportunity for collective bargaining. It is expedient that the emerging branch of ASUU members and their representatives must continue to abide by law and respect the rules and regulation of the university. They must comport themselves with respect for authority and with decorum until the appropriate mechanism and process are put in place.

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opinion

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Mama’s glorious exit By Folu Olamiti

EPORT on the death of Mama, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo hit me like a thunderbolt last Saturday. It came at exactly 4pm while awaiting my flight aboard Arik Airline at Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Ikeja, to Abuja. My initial reaction was to call the Consultant to the Nigerian Tribune titles, Dr Segun Olatunji for confirmation on what I considered a rumor. He confirmed the obvious! My mood changed dramatically as I became fidgety. Mama, I thought ruefully, should not have left us at this time that we are looking forward excitedly to her centennial celebration. I had hardly regained balance when I went into a silent prayer, committing Mama into eternal rest with the Lord. Thereafter, my phone began to buzz endlessly. The callers, mostly top staffers of the Nigerian Tribune were giving me updates on what really happened. The aggregate reports they filed was that mama seemingly chose the time of her exit, and calculatedly too. I found the sequence of events around the Matriarch of Awolowo’s dynasty on that fateful day incredible. She held meetings with key visitors and members of her family on developments around her. After one of the meeting sessions, she asked to be excused to have her lunch. She was obliged. She even cracked jokes with the lady who attended to her and felt good after the meal. A moment later, she answered the call of her creator in a most peaceful manner that took everyone by surprise. She was hale and hearty till she took her last meal. For me, Mama passed on like a chosen heroine and in a special way planned by God! Her exit could not have been more glorious. I am one of Mama’s ‘children’ and so found her death most painful. I’m still in shock. I was to see her celebrate the centenary birthday being planned in her honour as we both had prayed together for the event to come. My mind went through my last intimate encounter with Mama in June this year. She had asked me to see her in Ikenne and when I did, it was a kind of re-union of mother and child. Mama stunned me when she asked after my wife and children as she began to name them one after the other! I have never seen a woman so advanced in age still imbued with a crisp mind and very sharp memory. We discussed the centenary celebration and she agreed, it would be necessary to

have it as planned. She was in a high spirit as usual, taking me through some events of the past, which had almost escaped my memory. Mama, at 99 had good plans, not only for her household, but for Nigeria’s oldest private newspaper, the Nigerian Tribune! Ooh what a loss with mama’s death. Today, my heart goes to the Awolowo clan. I can only latch on to a Yoruba popular way of according respect to deceased heroes and heroines by saying “Erin Wo” (The elephant finally succumbed). Mama HID was everything to the Awolowo’s family, Ikenne community, the South-West Nigeria, which she held firmly in her golden heart, and the larger Nigeria that she always wanted to see more united, peaceful and prosperous. Mama was full of gait, strength, vision, courage and wisdom. I envy the people who attended to her on daily basis as the luckiest. She loved to impart wisdom from time to time, while she never slacked in rising to the need of those around her. She lived all her life serving humanity and touching the lives of generations of needy people! The Yeye Oodua was awesome, just like Papa Awolowo, the sage! It was not a surprise that she carried on gracefully and successfully from where Papa stopped. She became a rallying force for the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria, always drumming on the essence of unity of the geo-political zone. A good number of position papers meant to strengthen the southwest geo political zone and the need to promote the unity of Nigeria

were formulated in Ikenne, her home. Her strong inputs continued to stand out. It is, therefore, apt to describe Mama as a leader and a woman of many parts. Indeed, she was a great mobiliser. Her unique selling point had been the super intelligence she was imbued with. She often reeled out dates, long events and incidences with electronic precision. Her type is rare, very rare. Mama stunned me with the manners she regularly held weekly meetings with the management of Tribune newspapers. The Editors would miss her sorely. I had long years of working relationship with our Mama in my days as Executive Director of ANN Plc, Publisher of Tribune titles which she headed. I took directives and directions from her on very salient issues, which usually confounded the Management Staff. She was always apt in her decisions. She held the company very firmly, and I feel that hundreds of staff on the pay roll of the company owe her much gratitude. I will continue to mourn Mama who was my mentor and a mother in a million. My last encounter with her in June was intriguing and memorable. I will unfold my conversation with Mama in my next tribute. At this juncture, I commiserate with my sisters- Tola and Tokunbo. I share in their pains of missing Mama very dearly given the invaluable importance of the mother in the lives of her children. But I remain unshaken in my belief that Mama’s spirit will continue to guide the accomplishment of the vision and good wishes she had nursed for all her children, the Awo family, the ANN Plc, friends and acquaintances. I am certain that the Lord will grant every family member left behind by Mama the fortitude to bear the loss. To my Tribune family, I can say that we have no option than to console ourselves as we would always remember that Mama’s mentoring and her fighting spirit sustained and strengthened the Nigerian Tribune after Papa Awo’s exit. To say the least, one of the things we owe her is to keep the Tribune flag flying. Her lofty dreams for the paper should not be allowed to die. Again, I must stress that nothing should be allowed to scuttle this enviable legacy both Papa ‘Awo’ and the great matriarch of the family left behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace! •Olamiti, is a former Executive Director, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), publisher of the Tribune titles.

Towards fulfilling promises By Azeez Ahmed “I feel keeping a promise to yourself is a direct reflection of the love you have for yourself. I used to make promises to myself and find them easy to break. Today, I love myself enough to not only make a promise to myself, but I love myself enough to keep that promise.” —Steve Maraboli “Losers make promises they often break. Winners make commitments they always keep” - Denis Waitley A promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen. In the build up to any election, focus is centered on the promises of the candidates seeking offices. Politics everywhere in the world operates within this premise. While many politicians dangle promises without intention to fulfil them after assumption of office, few among them make promises which served as covenant with the people for assessment when the need arises. To fulfil these commitments after inauguration, few politicians engage the people to build a road-map for actualisation. To a layperson on the street, a legislator is regarded as one to whom the executive power to approve contracts and fix infrastructures resides. I had same impression in the past because of the participation of intending legislators in campaign processes during the electioneering period for president, governors and chairmen of local governments. The one agenda of a legislator is to make laws, so when a lawmaker makes promises to the people instead of pledge to lobby, the electorate should feel wary because the role of a lawmaker is almost in tandem to that of a judge in the judiciary. Provided tenures are attached to the reign of political office holders, it will be necessary for leaders to assess their

campaign vows made to the people and relate it with the challenges encountered during their early days in office. Passing through challenges doesn’t mean failure is ahead, it motivates an individual to find a panacea. That is why obstacles in fulfilling obligations must be discussed earlier with the electorates, probably within the first three months in office. Meanwhile some use the opportunity of 100 days in office to explain the new means of achieving their campaign promises. During the 2015 general elections where politicians were selling their manifestos to the electorates, Hon Tajudeen Obasa a member representing Ojo Federal Constituency referred to as an ‘ant’ by his counterpart in APC told the people that his major aim was to restore hope for the youths (independent set in the society) by building them to cater for the needs of the children and aged ( dependent). While many promised the impossible and unrealistic, he latched onto his purpose by insisting that his aim was to empower the youths. Despite the challenges and arduous journey associated with a first time lawmaker in fulfilling his campaign promises, the “eniafe” of Ojo Federal Constituency was at ease in settling down for legislative activities.

Due to the lingering crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the early stage of the Eight Assembly, he decided to use such rare opportunity to engage his constituents in developing a roadmap for his sole agenda in building the youths. After series of deliberation with relevant stakeholders, he decided to work on the following steps to achieve his mission of empowering the youths: Personally consulting with related agencies in charge of achieving the Millennium Development Goals to survey Ojo Federal Constituency and look for possible solutions on how to build skill acquisition centres, quarterly seminar to introduce youth to new opportunities in wealth creation, setting up of a resource centre to educate the youth on Information Communication Technology (ICT), working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI) and other related agencies for the provision of loans for market men and women, relating with the National Inland Waterways (NIWA) in providing a conducive environment for water transportation, ensuring that artisans have access to loans for the improvement of their businesses, summer coaching for school children during their holiday season, assisting the future leaders of tomorrow with Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and General Certificate of Education (GCE) scratch cards and other means, to mention a few. For him rolling out an agenda at the beginning and also re-visiting it for proper planning is a clear sign of success for his constituents to celebrate because the tendencies of building worthy legacies for all would come to reality. It is important that politicians keep their promises to the people so that the society will be a better place to live in for all. •Ahmed, a legislative aide to Hon. Obasa, sent this article from Lagos.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015 Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08065167178

maka nd’igbo LGA audit exercise: No hiding place for ghost workers in Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu TO stamp out suspected ghost worker syndrome in the 17 local council areas of Enugu State and also resolve the riddle of nonpayment of staff salaries in some of the councils, the state government has commenced a comprehensive audit of the local governments across the state. This is sequel to the recent inauguration of an 11-man Local Government Audit Committee by the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, with the Speaker of the state House of Assembly as its chairman, which has the mandate to carry out comprehensive audit of all the local governments in the state in the wake of the aforementioned nagging problems. In line with the governor’s order, the committee has swung into action and started staff verification across the 17 local councils, with Igbo-Eze North and Igbo-Eze South councils as the first port of call for the officials charged with the responsibility of carrying out the inquisition. The audit committee became necessary following the prevailing inefficiency and inability to pay workers’ salaries by various council areas in the state, a situation which prompted the governor to peep into the manner in which the local councils were run to find lasting solutions to their challenges and make them effective and result-oriented. The governor had, while inaugurating the committee, mandated it to take appropriate actions to capture the particulars of all staff of local government areas in the state biometrically, including all categories of teachers, local government staff and pensioners. Hence, in the two local government councils covered so far, those grilled in the audit exercise included thousands of primary school teachers, local government staff and pensioners, all of whom were required to personally present themselves and documents identifying them in line with their status as public servants.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu (second right);member, representing Awgu/Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency, Honourable Toby Okechukwu and the Member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Honourable Denis Amadi, at a civic reception organised by Mmaku community in Awgu LGA of Enugu State in honour of their son, Dr Godwin Udeuhele (Commissioner for Information, Enugu State,

Road rehabilitation:

Hope rises for people of Mmaku community Jude Ossai - Enugu

EPRIEVE came the way of the people of Mmaku in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State last weekend following a firm promise by the Federal and Enugu State governments to jointly rehabilitate the abandoned Mmaku/Obeagu road. Maka Ndigbo learnt that Mmaku/Obeagu road, which is in a deplorable condition, has been abandoned since the era of Senator Jim Nwobodo as governor in 1979, with the attendant effect on the people of the area have had to suffer untold hardship.

Power distribution handover: Fear grips traders in Aba, Ariara markets

—pg22

The cheering news on the road rehabilitation came to the fore when both Governor Ugwuanyi and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, were responding to the appeal from the people of the Mmaku community to rehabilitate their road during a civic reception in honour of the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, at the Central School, Mmaku. Ugwuanyi and Ekweremadu affirmed that government would do the needful to rehabilitate Mmmaku-Obeagu road, a project embarked upon initially by the then f Governor Nwobodo. They also expressed the hope

Drug trafficking: Onitsha traders express shock over member’s death

—pg22

that the state spokesman, Dr Godwin Udeuhele, who is also an eminent son of the community, would bring his professional expertise to bear in the state Ministry of Information to make it more result-oriented. In a welcome address by Mmaku community read by Dr Ayobanna Ikeanuba on the occasion of the grand reception in honour of Dr Godwin Udeuhele, they likened the chief celebrant, Udeuhele, to the biblical David whom God raised to change the fortunes of Israel, adding that he was a political giant in his own right, both in theory and in practice, political strategist and com-

Imo gov’s wife donates homes to widows —pg22

mitted team player who is seen by many people as the perfect man for the information assignment in the state. Responding, the chief celebrant, Dr Udeuhele, expressed delight over the honour given to him by Mmaku community, describing it as a clear demonstration of love and confidence by his people. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for finding him worthy to serve in that capacity and promised to put in his best to reposition the state in the comity of states in the federation.

CREW

Jude Ossai-Enugu -South East Bureau chief 08052817955 Joe Nwachukwu- Owerri 08033271227 Suzy Oruya- Onitsha 08063653735

22 makandigbo

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Power distribution: Fear grips traders in Aba, Ariara markets Jude Ossai - Enugu

EAR of uncertainty has gripped traders in Aba and Ariara markets in Abia State over the alleged plot by the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to hand over Aba and Ariara power distribution unit to Afrigem. To this end, the leadership of the Southeast Traders’ Association, last Friday, met in Enugu, the Enugu State capital with a vow to resist any plan by the BPE to hand over the two power distribution units to Afrigem. Speaking to Maka Ndigbo after their meeting held at Toscana Hotel, Enugu, the PresidentGeneral of the Southeast Traders Association, Ichie Okwudili Ezenwankwo, threatened that any move to take the power unit away from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, would be totally resisted. He said if the alleged plan was allowed to stand, it would cripple businesses in the area. According to him, “geomet-

President-General of the Southeast Traders’ Association, Ichie Okwudili Ezenwankwo and his executive members at the meeting in Enugu. ric power company has always claimed that they will provide 24-hour power supply in Aba

since 2005. That has not happened and Aba suffered till November, 2013 when the EEDC

took over. “We all know that things have been improving and we are hope-

Drug trafficking: Onitsha traders allege shock over member’s death Suzy Oruya - Onitsha THE news of the alleged involvement and subsequent death of a trader with the Millennium Merchant and Importers Association, Sokoto Road, Onitsha, who was discovered to have died as a result of an expired quantity of cocaine which was stocked in his bowels in a bid to escape detection by security agents in far away Coted’ Ivoire has become a nightmare to the entire traders of the area where the victim, one Ifechukwu, a cripple, popularly known as “Ngworo”, was resident. The deceased, who hailed from Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was said to be married with two children and described as a gentle and easygoing man whose outward look and behaviour betrayed his inner character. He was usually sighted either in his shop discussing business deals with friends on the latest fabrics to be imported from China or in front of his shop at Millennium Merchant Market, Sokoto Road, scouting for potential customers. Hardly could anyone believe that the disabled, who could not walk on his two legs except with the support of the wheel chair, could engage in the business of exporting prohibited drugs. The victim was said to have enjoyed enormous social support and privileges from fellow traders because of his physical condition. However, when the news of cause of the trader’s death, who

engaged in the business of importation of fabric materials from China, was made public, the entire market was hit with a wave of shock. The chairman, Millennium Merchant and Importers Association, Sokoto Road, Onitsha, Chief Valentine Ezechukwu and Secretary, Ikenna Igboamaeze, expressed shock at the news of the cause and sudden death of a registered member of the union. The duo, however, stated that the discovery that one of their members died as a result of hard drug which he was attempting to smuggle into a foreign land by

road did not mean that all the traders in the area were involved in drug trafficking. According to Chief Ezechukwu, “we deal in fabrics mainly imported from China and so did our departed colleague. That he was caught in the act does not justify that all the traders here are all drug traffickers”. “We’re law-abiding citizens who import and sell fabrics. Even ‘Ngworo’ was a hardworking trader, but we didn’t know he was allegedly involved in the trafficking of hard drugs. How could we have known? All that I knew about him was that he was a gentle and

hardworking trader. The secretary of the union, Ikenna Igboamaeze, in his view, said that the victim was a man who enjoyed some privileges from the market executive because of his physical condition. The two market leaders, however, regretted the alleged action of their departed colleague which they admitted had portrayed the traders in a bad image and advised other traders in the market not to engage themselves in any business that might further tarnish the good image of the market union.

ful that it can only get better under the EEDC.” He added, “Recently, we read in the papers that the BPE is about to hand over Aba and Ariara distribution unit to a company called Afrigem which, we understand, has purchased Geometrics. “We are very concerned that if this happens, our hope for reliable power supply will never be realised. This is why we shall resist such plot with every available effort.” The market leader, who lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption efforts, urged him not to allow a few cabal to cripple South-East economy. He further stated that if the BPE failed to heed our stand, “we shall not hesitate to go on demonstration; but I believe that government will do the needful. If it entails shutting down markets, we will do that, because that plan is totally unacceptable.

Imo gov’s wife donates homes to widows Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri THE indigent widows from the 637 autonomous communities in Imo State can now heave a sigh of relief as the wife of the state governor, Mrs Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, has started putting smiles on their faces. Mrs Okorocha has, within the four years she has stayed in the office as wife of Imo State governor, built, furnished and handed a total of 152 two-bedroom bungalows to the widows, through her pet project, “She Needs A Roof Project (SNARP). The wife of the governor, at the Government House, Owerri, explained to journalists in an interactive session that the gesture was a product of her resolution to alleviate the plights of these

indigent widows in the state after undertaking an assessment visit to various communities to ascertain those afflicted with unspeakable hardships and on whose faces poverty was boldly written. She said: “We have 152 indigent widows who have benefitted from the SNARP, but there are still very many indigent ones out there, apart from the 152, that I have provided with a two-bedroom bungalow each. Each of the bungalow cost between N3million and 3.5 million. To avoid possible hijack of SNARP, the Imo First Lady explained that a verification research team, made up of men of honour and credibility, had been set up to ascertain those who were really in need of shel-

ter, pointing out that evidence of being distressed orphans was required for the kind gesture. Apart from this SNARP, Mrs Okorocha said that a leadership summit, where students and pupils of secondary and primary schools were counselled and groomed as future leaders through seminars, was being organised and would feature workshops and symposia. “Let us talk programme and monthly prayer meetings as well as Nneoma skills acquisition centre and Nneoma kitchen “ have equally been put in place as a part of efforts to reduce the challenges of women and children in the state”, she said. According to her, while the “Nneoma Skills Acquisition centre is primarily meant to add-val-

ue to some families, the monthly prayer meetings being organised by Women for Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI) are informed by the need for increased divine blessing for women and their families. Mrs Okorocha recently put a smile on the face of Mrs Justina Nkemijina Okoli, a middle aged widow with seven children, who has been a widow since 1995 when she lost her husband, a native of Okuagba Ndiejezia in Ideator North L.G.A. The widow has since struggled to earn a living through subsistent farming. She and her children lived in a shanty that exposed them to the elements of nature and wild animals until fortune came her way and SNARP located her.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

campusbeats

Nigerian Tribune Doyin Adeoye 08058130577 kreatifink@yahoo.com

ETISALAT CliqFest excites UDUS students, as student wins car

From third left, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Adamu Aliero; winner of the star prize, Etisalat Cliqfest, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Chijoke Osinachi, and other faces at the event.

IT was fun galore for students of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), particularly the winners of different prizes, as telecoms company, Etisalat Nigeria, stormed the institution with CliqFest, a campus show created by the innovative telecommunications company that combines learning and entertainment to produce an enthralling experience for the youths. The climax of the programme was when Etisalat rewarded students with different prizes, including a star prize of a Hyundai i10 car, won by Chijoke Osinachi, a 400-Level student of the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies. Speaking at the event, motivational

Writer canvasses Muslim movie industry, as UNILAG MSSN holds lecture

GAINST the backdrop that the movie industry is fraught with anti-Islam contents, seasoned journalist and author, AbdurRasheed Abubakar, has advocated for Muslim movies industry (Halalwood), saying it’s one of the potent tools for dawa’h (Islamic propagation) in the 21st century. Abubakar lamented that when Muslims were supposed to take over the media, they called it evil instrument, and by the time they realised its importance, it had been hijacked by the fifth columnists, who now use the media to smear the image of Islam. The writer made this submission recently while speaking on his book, entitled ‘Muslims and the threats of the media,’ at the formal opening ceremony of 2015 Annual Dawa’h Week organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Lagos branch, with the theme, ‘Smeared Sheen.’ Abubakar, during his presentation, gave practical illustrations of how some Nigerian media platforms, including the movie industry, portray Islam as a violent religion and Muslims as extremists with subjective inclinations. He, however, called on Muslims to establish their own media and be ready to support it. “It has become necessary for us to have our own media and be ready to support it. There is nothing wrong with us having our own movie industry, so far we follow the guidelines of Shari’ah. These are the potent tools for dawa’h in the 21st century. The social media could also be used as a good platform to spread Islam. “Many Muslim youths and even nonMuslims have continued to learn great lessons from the story of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the life of his companions through The Message, the first major film about Islam; documentaries such as the exemplary life of Umar bin Khattab; Islam: Empire of Faith; Inside Mecca; The Trouble With Atheism; and An Islamic History of Europe, among others,” he added. He expressed concern that the Western media have been in the front burner in the

campaign against Islam, noting that there should be a “sophisticated” film industry for Muslims. The guest lecturer at the event, Dr Sa’eed Ahmad from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), while speaking on the theme, disagreed that there is a smear on Islam, noting that the smear is rather on the Muslims. “There can never be smear on Islam. The question is, what is the disposition of Muslims to Islam? Your ineptitude can never amount to a smear on Islam. “There was never a smear on Islam until

our time. We need to go back to the basis of our faith and that is the generation of the Prophet,” he said. The doctor, who stated that Islam is not a personal matter, however, noted that it was about time Muslims began to present Islam in a very unique way. The highlight of the event was the formal launching of the Youth Pen Magazine, a publication of MSSN, University of Lagos. Miftaudeen Raji (100-Level, Mass Communication, University of Lagos)

speaker, Niyi Adesanya, highlighted nuggets on succeeding both in school and in the labour market, while Nigerian Idol Season 4 and 5 winners; Evelle Zibili and K-Peace were also on ground to entertain the students with various performances. Chijoke, who was selected from a raffle draw, could not hold back his excitement after receiving the keys to the car from the university’s Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Adamu Aliero. “It is hard to describe this feeling that just in a moment, things have actually turned around for me. I could not have imagined this when I woke up this morning. I am very grateful to Etisalat for this big gift,” he said. In his remarks, Etisalat Nigeria’s Manager, Youth Segment, Idiareno Atimomo, assured the school of the company’s continuous commitment to helping Nigerians through its bouquet of customer-centric products, offerings and programmes. Beside the grand prize winner, other students also went home with different prizes: Fatima Aliyu and Baba Muhammad, both won laptops; Maryam Umar and Agboola Ridwan both won handsets and jerseys each; and the quartet of Habibu Tanko, Suleiman Usman, Ibrahim Tahir and Fatima Mustafa won handsets and flash drives each. Professor Aleiro commended Etisalat for the initiative and the choice of the school as host of the event. He also pledged support and continued cooperation of the school with the Telco on projects that would impact the students and the extended community.

UNILORIN trains students ahead of teaching practice exercise STUDENT-TEACHERS in their penultimate year of study at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) were recently churned out in their numbers to the institution’s environment as indication of their mastery in the art of teaching. The students recently converged at the institution’s main auditorium for an orientation programme to mark the commencement of the 12-week compulsory course for

students of the Faculty of Education in their penultimate year of study. The occasion attracted to the college professional bodies, academics, trainees and observers in the teaching profession, while it has its guest speaker, distinguished educationist, in the person of Professor Olasehinde Williams. The renowned scholar of Education Psychology in her lecture at the occasion, took the trainees through an all round interactive

UNICAL SU congratulates new VC THE Students’ Union (SU) of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has joined millions of well wishers across the globe to congratulate the newly elected vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Zana Akpagu. The union, in a congratulatory message sent to the new VC and made available to Campusbeats, described the emergence of the Obudu-born professor, despite all huddles, as the will of God. The congratulatory letter signed by the SU President, Ekpo Tete, and his secretary, Victor Bissong, wished and urged the new vice chancellor to use his wealth of experience to transform the university once he resumes office on December 1. “On behalf of the entire students of the university, the Students’ Union (SU) congratulates you on your landslide victory as the vice chancellor-elect of the university, awaiting resumption on 1st December,

2015. We are confident that you will use your experience to transform the university to the pleasure of the state. “We pray that God will guide and direct you during your administration and continue to strengthen the existing peace on campus,” the letter read.

Professor Zana Akpagu

session, as she devised all forms of teaching reinforcement techniques to drive home her points. In her address, Professor Olasehinde maintained that education must be holistic. She noted that if education must attain its maximum potential, it must furnish the learner with the right proportion of knowledge, valuable skills and improved attitudes for proper readjustment and general adaptation to his society. Learning, she said, must involve an embodiment of three parts of the human body. “Meaningful learning will take place only when the Head, Hand and Heart are involved in the bit by bit learning process, in order to stimulate the learning interest of the learner,” she said. Chairing the occasion was the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), who was represented by his Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Sidikat Ijaya, urged the trainees to engage peacefully and dutifully at their respective posts of assignment, noting that schools were usually eager to receive products of the university wherever they go. The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Alfred Adegoke, in his remark, reinstated the importance of the exercise to the participants which he described as most important phase of their professional training. Odeyemi Afis Olawale (300-Level, Department of History, University of Ilorin)

education

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

education

Editor: Laolu Harolds 08111845016 tribune.education@yahoo.com

Why we’re the best —UNILORIN VC, Ambali

The University of Ilorin is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary and 31st convocation ceremony. As part of activities to kickstart these twin events, the Vice Chancellor, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, addressed journalists on the successes, challenges and vision of the institution in its 40 years existence. LAOLU HAROLDS brings excerpts

S the university celebrates its 40th anniversary, what would be your projections for this institution in, say, another 40 years? Right now we have set up few units within the university, and my prayer is that in the next 40 years, those units or projects will have come to fruition, so that people will start feeling the impact of having a university of UNILORIN status in their domain. We just set up a renewable energy centre; and that centre, when it comes to fruition, should be able to address our energy needs in terms of augmenting what PHCN is able to do. It should also be able to (address the problem of) desertification that is encroaching on our land, and make the environment more friendly. (Another unit) that we just set up is the LTP (Laboratory to Product) Centre with the hope of translating all our research findings into products to be used by everybody. Of course, when we do that, it will make the university more financially buoyant as well as bring development and innovation closer to people. I also hope that in the next 40 years, more funds will be made available to researchers to be able to refine whatever they are doing so that they can turn out better products for people. I hope that all our investments in teak, oil palm, jatropha and dates plantations will start also to yield fruits. I foresee in the next 40 years a more buoyant UNILORIN that will be able to make greater impact on the society. What are the immediate challenges? The university needs more money. We have in our plan few projects that we need money to execute. For instance, the Stem Cell laboratory will cost some money, because stem cell research is a state-ofthe-art research that needs a separate infrastructure as well as equipment to drive it. Right now we have three of our staff that are in the United States (they left just about two weeks ago) to improve their skills in stem cell research. Before they come back, I need to put few things in place so that the skill they acquire will not evaporate. What would you say has been the selling point or strength of this university these past years? I think it’s our academic stability. It’s only when you are stable, when you have peace that you can sit down and put a process in place for what you want to do, where you want to be and how to get there. UNILORIN has established a rep-

Everybody’s welfare is my priority. So, they (staff unions) have been very constructive in their expression. We’ve been very open to one another. I think that has helped us

post-UTME when you knew you were not going to admit up to 8,000? I want to have the best among the 65,000. In fact, if everybody should apply to this university, the better for me; it gives me the opportunity to screen as many people as possible and admit the best.

Ambali utation for itself for running the most stable academic calendar in the country. And that explains why everyone wants to come here; but at what cost to staff unionism? How have you been able to pacify the staff unions to achieve this measure of stability? The union leaders here have become very constructive and the management has been very open to them. Usually, when it comes to conflicts between unions and management – what are the major challenges? It’s either there is no water or light, or the environment is dirty, classrooms are not conducive, salaries are not being paid, allowances are being shortchanged, or they are not allowed to air their views, and so on. But here at UNILORIN, everybody is free to come to the vice chancellor to express himself in terms of the dreams for this university. At the end of the day, if it’s possible, we do it. If we are handicapped because of funds, we tell you. And if you bring solution, we

implement. I also tell them that I’m the chairman of all the chairmen on the campus; because while ASUU is restricted to the welfare of academic staff, SANU and NASU to all their members, I’m for all of them. Everybody’s welfare is my priority. So, they’ve been very constructive in their expression. We’ve been very open to one another. I think that has helped us. What is the situation now over the fate of the university staff schools across the country? We are all federal government establishments, and we have to abide by the federal government’s rules and regulations; but there are still a lot of discussions going on at high levels. The pro-chancellors’ committee has taken up the matter with the government; the committee of vice chancellors is also presenting its position, and the unions are not left out. Now, why would you allow 65,000 candidates to sit the UNILORIN’s

Nigerians are anxiously awaiting the announcement of minister of education. But some are saying the minister should come from tertiary institutions while others say he/she can come from other sectors. What is your take? To me, all we need is somebody who has the interest of education in mind, irrespective of his background. We have had ministers of education from academics that have disappointed the system, while we’ve had a history of some of them coming in to really give the (sector) the best shot. To me, it doesn’t matter where they come from, as long as they have the interest of the system at heart. What is the level of progress made now with regard to the accommodation problem on campus? About two or three years ago when I came on board, that was what I promised to pursue, and I’m happy to say that since our campaign started, we have had reasonable response. I think about four or five entrepreneurs have responded to put up edifice to accommodate students. Students’ accommodation is improving. We have more people now on campus. In fact, come this October, we are likely to have some private hostels commissioned. Plans are still underway to have quite a number of people both within and outside the country to come to the University of Ilorin to put up structures to accommodate more people.

education UNIJOS now Centre of Excellence for Phytons-medicine research 25

Isaac Shobayo - Jos

NIVERSITY of Jos has been declared Africa’s Centre of Excellence for Phytons-medicine research development and awarded a World Bank grant of $8 million to conduct research in the development of new medicines using natural plants and herbs. The vice chancellor, Professor Hayward Mafuyai, who disclosed this at a press conference in Jos, said the university’s scientists and technologists, through the Centre for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, have continued to conduct research on Artemisia, the key plant in Artemisinin-based combination therapy, at the centre’s farm in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. “The research was supported through a STEP B/World Bank grant. The mathematics department also won a grant from Hewlett Packard and Step B World Bank to undertake research on the application of technology for the teaching and learning. Professor Mafuyai, who reeled out achievements of the university in recent time, added that A. P. Leventis Ornithological Institute has played a strategic role in Ornithology and Biodiversity research and conservation since 2002, adding that the university

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

department of pharmaceutical science has also focused on the production of anti-snake venom and research into local herbal drugs in the last 10 years. He stated that the university was also commissioned by John Templeton Foundation through the Centre for Religion, Philosophy and Civic Culture of the University of Southern California, USA with the grant of $500, 000 to study the growth of the Pentecostal and charismatic movement in Nigeria. To find solution to the problems

associated with the collection of transcript, Mafuyai said the university would soon commence the online issuance of transcripts. On the 27th and 28th com-

bined convocation slated for this Saturday (26th September), Professor Mafuyai said out of 16,543 graduating students, 164 will be awarded doctorates, 937 mas-

Delta empowers 50 best agric graduates annually Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri ALL is now set for the empowerment of no fewer than 50 best graduating Agricultural Science students from higher institutions in Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has announced.

The governor made this known during the 2nd Convocation Ceremony for the 2013/14 graduating students of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro, in lsoko North Local Government Area of the state. Okowa said that the programme, which is aimed at raising entre-

FUTA Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola (left), with one of the students of the university departing for the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), U.S., as part of the exchange programme between the two institutions.

FUTA students depart for US as institution steps up international collaborations THE collaboration between the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, United States of Africa has further been concretised with the departure of the third set of students for the continuation of their studies in America. The seven students who arrived Tallahassee for the 24th August,

2015 resumption date are Adegbulugbe Olayiwola Olugboyega, Abioye Olumide Festus, Titiloye Ibukun Gbemileke, Adebisi Adekunle Elijah (all of Civil Engineering); Egboh Aruoture Joseph (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering); Ojo Taiwo Peter (Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Ojo Kehinde Elizabeth (Agricultural and Resource Economics).

Five more students will join them for the January 2016 resumption window. Also, two alumni of the university are already at FAMU for their master and doctorate programmes respectively. The vice chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, at a predeparture send off programme urged the students to sustain the excellence set by their predecessors. He emphasised the need

Delta govt upgrades facilities in DELSU Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri DELTA State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, says the state government has made the accreditation of the Faculty of Engineering at Delta State University (DELSU), Oleh campus, a priority. He disclosed this while addressing students of the faculty during an inspection visit recently. Okowa said he visited the institution in order to enable him know how to address the issues militating against the accreditation of the faculty.

“I came to see the situation of things on ground because I know that there are issues that need to be addressed before the faculty will be accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). I am pleased with the level of discipline among you (students) and assure you that we will speed up the process of accreditation by meeting up with the standard given us,” he said. Governor Okowa informed the students that he had directed the contractors handling the infrastructural projects in the school to return to site and ensure that the projects are completed on time.

ter degrees and 197 postgraduate diplomas, while 13,030 will graduate with first degrees, 2,091 with diploma and 48 will receive certificates.

He said he had also ordered that the contract file be moved from the Ministry of Infrastructure to that of Education, to ensure proper monitoring of the projects. Okowa disclosed that he had invited the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Peretemonde, and the school’s provost, Professor Benjamin Okagba, to a meeting to discuss how to speed up the accreditation process. “Engineering is one of the faculties that equip our youths with skills to be self- reliant, rather than depend on government for job after graduation,” he noted.

for good character and conduct in all that they do. “What makes one succeed in life is character; so, ensure good character first before learning. Also, strive to be good ambassadors of FUTA and Nigeria,” he said. Daramola described the collaboration as part of the internationalisation efforts of the university, saying the departing students have become global citizens and should show the world the excellence and ingenuity that FUTA has become renowned for. Presenting the students, the director, international office, Professor Afolabi Akindahunsi, said in view of the current trend in the academia to reach out globally, FUTA is doing well in collaborating with world class universities and institutions. He said the programme between FUTA and FAMU is termed 4-1-1, and that the aim is for final year students to complete their first degree at FAMU with the credit transferred to FUTA for them to earn FUTA degree after a year at FAMU and thereafter proceed to do their postgraduate studies in FAMU.

preneurs in the state, would commence from January 2016 and would run all through his tenure in office. “This administration will establish 50 best graduating students in agriculture from institutions of higher learning in the state as from January 2016 after their youth service programme, so that they will be entrepreneurs and employers of labour. We will be monitoring their progress,” he noted. He commended the management of the institution for ensuring that about 28 courses have been accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He stressed that polytechnics in the state should be restructured and refocused for appropriate specialisation to complement the regular skills and training programmes of the institutions. Senator Okowa advised the NBTE to put in place mechanism for effective monitoring and supervision of polytechnics to advance in their respective areas of specialisation

Ganduje optimistic Northwest varsity will meet NUC accreditation Kola Oyelere - Kano GOVERNOR Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is confident the National Universities Commission (NUC) will accredit courses of the stateowned Northwest University, as efforts are on to meet minimum requirements for the accreditation. The governor gave the assurance while inspecting ongoing laboratory and faculty buildings at the university. According to him, already, the Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories are in final stages of completion. He revealed that in the next two weeks, all the laboratories would be completed, and that with this development and the facilities at the two sites, the university would meet the NUC guidelines. “From what I have seen, God willing, we are going to pass NUC’s examinations. Thereafter, we shall continue to work day and night in order to complete all edifices and faculties so that students can move to this permanent site,” he said. Earlier, the deputy governor, who is also the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Hafiz Abubukar, told the governor that out of 12 laboratories, four would be ready before the accreditation period.

education

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

11 Kogi varsity graduands bag first class Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

T least, 11 students of the Kogi State University, Anyigba, graduated with First Class honours at the convocation of the 20122014 of the university held last weekend. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Hassan Isah, who disclosed this during the event, also said that a total of 6,983 graduated with different degrees.

He said that his eight years administration in the university was very rewarding, as the institution during the period was rated the best among all the state universities in Nigeria by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Professor Isah expressed joy that at the

same period, 24 out of 32 courses of the institution received full accreditation with eight on interim status and no programme was denied accreditation by the NUC. In his address, the Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, praised the university for its sound programmes and institution-

al accreditation records. He also disclosed that his administration had approved an additional N30 million monthly grant to the university to cushion the effect of its increasing wage bill due to rapid expansion.

Make people-oriented laws, varsity don charges lawmakers By Gbenga Olumide A university don has charged lawmakers in the country to make laws that would safeguard the interest of the masses and the vulnerable groups. The Head of Jurispudence/Public International Law Department in the Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Dr Charles Adekoya, gave the charge at the 2015 Law Student’s Parliamentary Council of the institution in Ago-Iwoye. Adekoya in his lecture entitled ‘The Participatory Role of the Legislative and Judicial Organs of Government in the Actualisation of Good Governance under a Democratic System of Government in Nigeria’, said there was need to legislate on tax reform and reorganisation through enabling laws to reduce tax burden on the masses. “The change mantra in Nigeria needs to include tax reformation and reorganisation through enabling laws so that the poor people would be relieved of the burden of high taxation and there is need to develop a means of bringing in the rich into the tax net.

UI inaugurates Advancement Centre board By Laolu Harolds A new governing board was on Tuesday inaugurated for the University of Ibadan Advancement Centre, chaired by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen-General Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd). The vice chancellor, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, in his welcome address said the event was necessitated by the resignation of the pioneer chairman of the board, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, due to so many national and international commitments. University of Ibadan Advancement Centre has the mandate to coordinate all fundraising activities of the university; spearhead decisions made by the university leadership on fundraising and stimulate support from corporations, foundations, alumni and other individuals. Professor Adewole thanked members of the board for their support for the university, and promised that their names would not be dragged in the mud. The new chairman of the board, Lieutenant-General Dambazau, thanked the university for the confidence reposed in him. He promised, on behalf of other members of the board, to not only make new friends for the university, but to keep those already made.

The Proprietor of Sankore College, Alhaji Akin Olajide (sitting right) with the pioneer students of the school.

NGO holds Independence Reading Festival Clement Idoko - Abuja EXPERTS have attributed the decline in quality and performance of students in primary and secondary schools in the country to the declining reading culture among the youth. Reviving reading culture and making it a way of life among the youths requires multifaceted approaches. This is why a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Explorers Book Club, is hosting over 2,000 pupils and students from primary and secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs to an Independence Reading Festival (IRF) in Abuja on October 1, 2015. The fiesta is organised by the NGO as a creative way to meaningfully engage the youth on the occasion of the Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary in line with the change agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. National Coordinator of the NGO, Mr Hero Udenyi, told Tribune Education that all the participants would be made to read Nigeria’s story documented in a short ‘Independence Story Book’ that would be made available to them on the occasion. He decried the poor reading culture among the Nigerian youth as manifested in poor performances of candidates in

public examinations in recent times. Udenyi said October 1 was deliberately chosen for the reading festival to further accentuate the relevance of independence to “our national life” while at the same time teach the youth to embrace reading culture as the only way to liberate the mind and create a sound society.” He said the organisation was concerned that Nigeria is still home to over 54 million illiterate adults and adolescents despite efforts by successive governments to arrest the trend. “This unique reading programme,

Don harps on health benefits of fermented foods By Modupe George A Senior Principal Lecturer, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Mrs Abiodun Olubunmi Olubamiwa, has canvassed increased promotion of consumption of fermented foods, owing to their health benefits. She said the production and consumption of fermented foods will go a long way in improving the economy and health status of Africans.

Accord education priority —ex-Oyo SSG GOVERNMENTS at all levels have been advised to give priority attention to the education sector in view of its importance to the growth of the nation. A former Secretary to Oyo State Government and proprietor of Sankore College, Alhaji Akin Olajide, made the call while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan. Olajide noted that a nation cannot move forward without solid education, adding that the education sector of any country

which is an annual event to celebrate Nigeria’s independence, will bring together pupils, students, parents and people of all walks of life to read the story of this great nation. “Independence Reading Festival is designed to motivate young people to read. Its aim is to make reading attractive to them early in life with hope that they grow up accustomed to and enjoying reading. He added that the event would also witness book exhibition as well as presentation of certificate and prizes to participants.

should be given priority attention in the policy of any government. He urged government to appoint professionals that are capable of moving the sector forward; stressing further that the development of the education sector should be pursued vigorously. Olajide also urged the federal and state governments to appoint professionals as education ministers and commissioners in order to engender growth in the sector.

Mrs Olubamiwa made the comments last Wednesday while delivering the sixth Inaugural Lecture of the polytechnic titled ‘Fermented Foods: A Blessing to Mankind’. “Fermented foods are found all over the world and are known to play an important role in the socio-economy of many developing nations, as they contribute substantially to the daily diets of rural communities,” she noted. Mrs Olubamiwa said that fermented foods help in the improvement of digestive process, prevention of stone formation, production of antibiotics and anticarcinogenic substances, among others. She noted that rich diversity of fermented foods is something to revel at, rather than deride as poor man’s foods, adding that Africa is blessed with varieties of fermented foods, such as ogi, wara, nunu, yogurts, banda, gari , fufu , lafun,iru, among others prepared from animals and plants that can improve the human health. She observed also that the interplay of many factors such as globalisation, urbanisation and excessive demand for fast foods are modifying the African food culture, leading to evolution of many non-infectious nutritional disorders or diseases.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor Sulaimon Olanrewaju

m:08055001708 e:lanresulaimon@yahoo.com t:@lanresulaimon

aviation

anchor Shola Adekola

m:0803 365 4818 e:sholanig@yahoo.com

FAAN partners Kwara State on export of perishables StoriesBySholaAdekola-Lagos

he Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has stated that it would partner with the Kwara State Government to develop a robust agro-perishable cargo sector in the state and Nigeria as a whole. The Director of Cargo Development, Dr Uchenna R. Ofulue disclosed this recently in Ilorin when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed. Dr Ofulue noted that the initiative, when fully implemented would attract unprecedented benefits to the state in particular, and Nigeria as a nation. Ofulue enumerated some of the benefits accruable from the initiative to include: employment opportunities, improved standard of living for farmers, reduced rural-urban migration, foreign exchange generation, investment opportunities in logistics services, reduced youth restiveness, amongst others. The director also informed the Governor, that a lot of incentives aimed at creating a conducive environment for the take-off of this initiative had been put in place by the Federal Government to encourage investors. In particular, he noted that FAAN had developed and designated a chain of 14 airports in the country as cargo airports to enhance seamless movement of agricultural produce both within and outside Nigeria. In his response, the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed welcomed the FAAN team and lauded the initiative as one that was capable of adding value to the state and Nigeria.

He noted that the state was already collaborating with professional farmers from Zimbabwe, Kenya and other notable agrarian countries, in building capacity for farmers in the state and improve

yield in agricultural produce. He assured the FAAN team that the state was ready to key into this initiative in order to make the programme a reality. Meanwhile, the Managing Di-

He made the remark during a courtesy visit to him by the newly appointed Commissioner of Airport Police Command, Mrs V. N. Menta at the Authority’s headquarters.

BA reduces fare by 28% to celebrate Nigeria’s independence British Airways said has slashed its airfare by 28 per cent for Nigerian air travellers to mark this year’s 55th independence anniversary. The airline stated that the discount fare was available for all its guests travelling from Nigeria to United Kingdom, European countries, United States of America, USA, and other select destinations across the world. The airline hinted that the discount fare is available on its World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and the award-winning Club World cabins for outbound travel from Nigeria between Friday, September 18, 2015 and Sunday, November 29, 2015, adding that the selling period was from Fri-

day, September 18, 2015 to Friday, September, 25, 2015. Commenting on the promo fare, the Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, British Airways, Mr Kola Olayinka, disclosed that fares to London for the celebration start from $425 in World Traveller, $1,055 in World Traveller plus and $2,855 in Club World for flights to UK respectively. Olayinka added that flights to Europe and other destinations start from $525 in World Traveller cabin. He declared that the fares were available from both Abuja and Lagos and are exclusive of all taxes, fees, charges and surcharges and subject to availability, maintaining that the discounted fares still come

NAHCO to promote 400 workers The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) has finally agreed to promote 400 of its workers who had not been promoted for over eight years by the management. The management took the decision after over five hours meeting with the industry unions in the company’s head office at the Murtala Mohammed Airport. The General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Oayinka Abioye, said: “As I speak with you, they (NAHCo) have about 400 contract employees who are earning fantastic salaries, compared to those who are earning less than N40,000 per

rector of FAAN has solicited the continued support of the Airport Police Command and other security agencies at the airport to ensure the safety and security of all airport users.

month and have been declared redundant. We have asked that they should disengage some of their contract staff.” At NAHCO, he informed that after the marathon meeting with the management, which lasted for about six hours on Tuesday, the management had finally agreed to promote about 400 employees who were due for promotion, but not promoted in the past eight years. The union had also raised the alarm of the plan of the management to sack some of its workforce on Monday. “As you are aware, about 250 to 300 people were also declared to be retrenched in NAHCO. While

we didn’t reflect on that at our meeting, we were only talking about the financial profiles of the company and how much it can accommodate in the exercise that is going to be followed. As I speak with you, there are lots of issues in NAHCO and very unhealthy and unethical business situation between SAHCOL and NAHCO, which can also cause security problem for the industry. “We have also told them that we are ready to partner by engaging the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, in brokering a meeting between the two parties so that the proper template can be made available to them.”

with all the benefits of flying with a full-service carrier. He said: “This offer has once again underscored the fact that, the customer is always at the heart of our business at British Airways. The discounted fares are in line with our strong market focus of being pro-actively responsive to customers’ needs, and highlight

another example of British Airways’ commitment to offering more value for money for its teeming Nigerian customers. “Congratulations to Nigeria at 55. We all need a strong Nigeria, Africa and the World needs a strong and prosperous Nigeria to continue contributing her quota in the committee of nations.”

ICAO partners UNTWO on sustainable development goals The International civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) have endorsed a joint High-Level Forum on Tourism and Air Transport for Development, on the sidelines of the 21st UNWTO General Assembly held in Medellin, Colombia. The agreement highlighted the potential of air transport and tourism to improving socio-economic prosperity and promote sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed at the United Nations SDG Summit held in New York. Opening the General Assembly, the ICAO Council President, Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu declared: “ICAO and the UNWTO have been actively engaged for some time in maximising the cooperative opportunities for aviation and tourism. “These efforts have been aided by our private sector engagement through the Global Travel Asso-

ciation Coalition (GTAC), and they are critical to realising both the long-term economic growth and prosperity benefits for States and the related targets in the UN SDGs.” Also, the ICAO Secretary General, Dr Fang Liu in her remarks said: “With increased connectivity warranting long-term growth for aviation and tourism, our interlinked sectors represent lasting opportunities for socio-economic development. Yet if we are to harness these benefits, tourism and air transport must address persisting divergent policies and work towards a stronger, integrated position on intersectorial issues such as travel facilitation, market access, taxation or infrastructure development.” As the global inter-governmental bodies responsible for tourism and aviation, UNWTO and ICAO are obliged to lead by example and pave the way for closer and more effective cooperation at all levels, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, opening the Forum.

aviation

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Astra Aviation grants Mozambique, Guinea licences to operate

crucial moment With Shola Adekola

0803 365 4818

The dangerous rumblings in NCAA There is no doubt that all is not presently well at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the country’s aviation regulatory authority. This is an organisation saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that all rules and regulations guiding air safety are adhered to strictly by all relevant key players including; airlines, aviation agencies, passengers among others. In other words, because of the sensitivity of its functions, the regulatory body must not be distracted by whosoever or whatever. Unfortunately, subsequent governments that should have helped NCAA to achieve this had embarked on some policies which had negatively affected it. One of such bad policies which can be traced to the rumblings in the authority presently, is the controversial appointment of more four director generals to manage the authority since the unwise removal of Dr Harold Demuren after the Dana Air crash. No doubt that within this period, everything in the authority was almost upside down as each of the director generals used the opportunity to introduce so many dangerous policies. Besides the illegal employment of their cronies who ordinarily did not qualify to work in the regulatory body in view of its core technical standards, a lot of shady deals took place which are mainly responsible for the bad blood permeating the whole arena presently. Obviously, things are not going well among the top management officers in the authority for some reasons. Indications have shown that the present director general, Captain Muhtar Usman though determined to correct all the illegalities that he met on ground, but there are forces within that are bent on preventing him as they want the status quo to continue. According to investigations carried out, before Usman’s appointment, a lot of questionable issues took place which affected the stability of the regulatory body particularly in the area of its oversight functions. Due to the loopholes created by government in appointing substantive director generals each time the sitting one was removed, the authority was recklessly managed. Therefore, in view of the sad development, the coming of Usman as a substantive director general has become a thorn in the flesh of some workers who believed he is too meticulous to their taste. Unfortunately for them, the present director general is the type that wants all due process followed to the letter which falls in line with the ideology of the present government. The seeming ‘gang up’ against him and name callings according to information gathered have been as a result of his determination to block all leakages. Under him, it is becoming difficult for any staff to embark on any jamboree trip at the expense of the NCAA; besides, you have to convince Usman thoroughly on any project before he can release any fund. In other words, it is no longer the hitherto free Christmas party that was in vogue throughout the period the position of the leadership of the NCAA was almost bastardised. All these have been found to be responsible for the rumblings in the NCAA.

Nigerian Tribune

From left, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, representing the governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, cutting the tape to formally commission the multi-million naira nahco Aviance Warehouse at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. With her are: Chairman of the handling company, Mallam Suleiman Yahyah; National Coordinator of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Chief Sunny Nwosu; a director in the company Hajia Hadiza Mohammed; Enugu State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Ogbu Nwobodo, among others.

Nigeria’s int’l passengers’ traffic declines by 27.93 per cent in 2015 StoriesBySholaAdekola-Lagos

he number of passengers that travelled through the country’s international airports in quarter two of 2015 declined by a whopping 27.93 per cent according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS. The bureau in its statistics stated that the traffic on the international routes declined by 406,369 passengers from quarter one to 1,048,598 passengers in quarter two. It however said that domestic travel showed a marginal rise quarter on quarter, with 16,752 or 0.71 per cent more passengers travelling in quarter two. It said the resultant 2,374,479 domestically bound passengers represented 69.37 per cent of the total number of passengers, up by 7.53 per cent points from the preceding quarter, yet down 1.35 per cent points from Q2 of 2014. Year on year, both domestic and international passenger numbers were lower, with

73,492 or 6.55 per cent fewer international passengers and 335,908 or 12.39 per cent fewer domestic passengers relative to the corresponding quarter of the preceding year. NBS, noted that the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Lagos continued to dominate domestic passenger travel in the quarter, with the 936,029 passengers representing 39.42 per cent of the Q2 2015 total. Despite still recording passenger numbers lower than in Q2 of 2014, with year on year growth of -70,758 passengers or -7.03 per cent, quarterly numbers were up, with a rise of 39,505 passengers or 4.41 per cent from the preceding quarter. Besides, Abuja airport, with the second greatest portion of Q2 domestic passenger traffic at 33.15 per cent of the total, showed a similar trend. The 787,067 domestically bound passengers travelling through the airport in Q2 represented a decline of 58,176 passengers or 6.88 per cent year on year, yet a rise of 22,698 passengers or 2.97 per

Dana Air seeks police support against false passengers The Accountable Manager of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, has assured the new Commissioner of Police Airport Command of Dana Air’s support to improve the welfare of its officers. Mbanuzuo made this known during a courtesy visit by the Airport Police Command Commissioner, Mrs Victory Menta, at Dana Air’s Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 office in Lagos. Mbanuzuo said Dana Air is committed to the safety and security of its guests and would also appreciate the continued support of the Airport Police Command, in prosecuting

criminals who act like genuine passengers by ensuring full investigation and eventual prosecution. According to Mbanuzuo: “These days we have those who buy tickets just to steal from genuine passengers. We would appreciate if the command can continue to support us in ensuring full investigation into these cases and prosecution to serve as lesson to others.” In her response, Menta said the command is committed to tackling security issues within and around the airport noting that her visit was to familiarize herself with the airline to ensure a good working relationship.

cent from the preceding quarter. The only airports to record positive year on year growth were Katsina, increasing by 668 passengers or 319.62 per cent, Owerri, which increased by 9,243 passengers or 11.12 per cent and Yola, increasing by 1,121 passengers or 3.09 per cent. The greatest quarterly passenger growth was recorded for Ibadan airport, in which an additional 10,249 or 222.08 per cent more passengers travelled in Q2 against quarter one, increasing the total from 4,615 passengers to 14,864.

Astra Aviation Services, a dedicated flight services provider for Africa, has been issued a licence to provide ground handling services for passengers, aircraft, cargo, and mail in Mozambique. The licence was issued by the Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute (IACM), the country’s recognised Civil Aviation Authority, and is effective immediately. To achieve the licence, the Astra Operations Manager in Mozambique, Dulce Santos worked with the IACM to write a comprehensive ground operations manual that met the rigorous requirements of the IACM. The process included formulating the new manual, full office inspections, and a comprehensive review of staff training records, to ensure Astra met with the high levels required. With the new licence in place, Astra Aviation can now bring “in-house” services that it previously had to sub-contract while airside identity passes will be available to the Astra team members enabling the company to have a higher degree of control over the service levels it provides. Astra customers will benefit from being able to work with English and Portuguese speakers.

SAHCOL’s level of investments thrills Shippers’ Council Barring any last minute change, the Skyway Aviation Handling Company, (SAHCOL) may soon disengage at least 250 workers from its service. The planned sack has been attributed to what the company described as ‘rightsizing and redundancy.’ Already, the SAHCOL management has drawn up the list of those to be affected with three months gross pay as compensation, irrespective of the number of years they have put into the company. According to a source, the SAHCOL management gave the poor economy as an excuse to lay off some of the workers in its establishment. Speaking, the Acting General Secretary, National Union of Air Transport Workers (NUATE), Comrade Olainka Abioye confirmed the development in an interview, but said that the unions as the representatives of the workers would not assent to such maltreatment of workers in the ground handling company. Abioye explained that the

management of SAHCOL had already notified the two unions; NUATE and the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), of its intent to sack some workers, stressing that following the Section 20 of the Trade Union Act, the unions had commenced dialogue with the company. He, however, said that the proposal from the management was insignificant when compared to the demand of the unions and described the stands of the management as callous. Abioye pointed out that several of the workers had spent up to five years in SAHCOL after its privatisation and wondered why they would only be remunerated with just three months pay. “For us as representatives of the workers, we have emphatically told management where we are going while we appreciate the fact that things may not be as rosy as they have claimed. We gave them several options, but they are not buying into the options,” he said.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

anchor

maritime

Tola Adenubi

m:07068476673 e:adenubiadetola@yahoo.com

‘Challenges confronting Nigeria’s maritime sector’ Chief Val Usifoh, Chairman, Shipping Association of Nigeria in an interview with select maritime journalists, shares his thoughts on the challenges confronting the Nigeria’s maritime sector. TOLA ADENUBI presents excerpts.

HAT in your views are the challenges in the Nigerian maritime sector? The history of foreign shipping lines in Nigeria is over 100 years old. The shipping line were I used to work, Elder Dempster is more than a 100 years in Nigeria. Most of the shipping lines are here in Nigeria, on a partnership basis, to do business, make profit and also help the Nigerian shipping sector to grow. If you will re-call, Elder Dempster was instrumental to the setting up of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL) which is now defunct. Many of these foreign shipping lines have weathered the storm as regards the numerous challenges in the Nigerian maritime domain. They are still here operating in the country despite this challenges. Notable among these challenges is that as a developing nation, there is too much officialdom in the ports. Although this is gradually coming down, but in the past every government agency wants to be in the ports. It is only now when discipline is being enthroned as a way of life here that we now see that some of them are no longer physically present at the ports. Another challenge is that there is too much paper work involved in the clearing processes. The world has gone on to the level of e-commerce, e-trading, but there are some government agencies that still believes in the manual paper documentation, and this is another serious challenge to the growth of Nigeria’s seaports system. There is need to reduce man-to-man contact in the port clearance system. When I was Chairman of the Ports Industrial Development Committee, we tried to reduce the menace of man-to-man contact in the ports because it breeds corruption. Everybody wants to have his share of the national cake before some papers are signed or processed. We tried then to minimise physical contact in the ports. However, that challenge is still there. Another problem we have at the seaports is the challenge of infrastructural decay. Nigeria has not put enough investment on a regular basis to upgrade infrastructures in our ports. That is why Apapa ports and Tin-Can ports are the major ports that are active even now when there is a lull in cargo throughput. They are more attractive than the other ports because they are more secured and their working system

The recent truck owners strike cost some ships huge money through delay because if a ship had estimated it would spend a particular amount of hours or days at Nigerian ports, then the truck owners strike means such ship will stay longer at our ports. And if a ship is tied down somewhere longer than anticipated, how will it meet its other commitment? That is a loss to the owner of such ships. Even the truck owners lost money while not doing anything.

is more efficient. That is why some of the oil and gas cargoes have started coming to the Lagos ports. The infrastructure problems are affecting our customers and that has contributed to the low volume of cargo throughputs at the ports. It’s part of the problem that led to the recent strike of the truck drivers because they don’t consider it safe for them to move at nights. How can you carry people’s goods worth billions around in the night where there is no security? Even during the day, you have to be cautious of not being duped, not to talk of the night period. Another challenge that affects the port system which shipping is an integral part is the inconsistency in government policy. For businessmen, when they want to make investments decisions which are usually on a long term basis, they need to be sure of what they are doing. However, due to inconsistency in government policies in this part of the world, many businesses have folded up. These are the major challenges confronting shipping companies in the Nigerian maritime domain. International trade is on the low ebb, business is down in the maritime sector; and if business is down for the importer, it is down for the ship owners. It is a global trend, but we are feeling it more because we are an import dependent nation. What do you advise the current government does to ad-

dress these challenges? Well, you know that shipping is just a service arm of the entire maritime business. Shipping is about carrying people’s goods from point A to point B. However, the carriage of those goods is predicated on economic policies of government. So when people cannot predict where to move their investments which are the cargoes, then it is very difficult to programme the type of ships that shipping lines can bring to this part of the world. I will give you an example; the ports in Lagos are very old ports. Apapa port particularly is much older

Anytime port operations are on the low, everybody loses money. Government loses money through drop in Customs revenue, the port loses money due to drop in cargo throughput.

than Tin-Can ports. However, we have bigger vessels that are plying the world now. Bigger and giant vessels ply ports with modern equipments. So you see that if government fails to invest in the development of new ports, it means very big ships will not be able to visit Nigerian ports. And if they come, it means the cargoes have to be trans-shipped to smaller vessels due to the state of our ports.

Is it true that PTML terminal is planning to diversify due to the lull in cargo throughputs? I don’t know about that. Maybe you will have to ask the operators of the terminal. But in my own view, if someone is pushed to the wall, he will react. If a businessman is pushed to the wall, he has to shift to plan B or plan C. Don’t forget that the PTML terminal is the only purpose built terminal among all the terminals we have at the ports in Lagos. Where this PTML terminal sits on toady used to be the staff quarters for the contractors that built the RoRo ports many years ago. After they got the concession, the value of the quarters were paid off to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the quarters demolished before this terminal was built. If this PTML ports used to handle two ships every day before and suddenly starts getting only one ship, revenue will drop and many things will be affected.

Who is losing under this scenario that you just painted? The country is losing more than the shipping companies because if you go to the market now, there are so many things you cannot buy or get in the market. Aside the buying and selling aspect of the implication, companies are also laying off workers. Grimaldi had to retrench almost half of its workers because there was no business. There was a time Grimaldi had to open an office in Mile 2 when the PTML terminal could not contain the volume of cargoes that was coming in then. But as I speak to you, Mile 2 is empty now because there are no jobs. Anytime port operations are on the low, everybody loses money. Government loses money through drop in Customs revenue. The port loses money due to drop in cargo throughput. Other government agencies lose money too.

What’s your take on the clamour for the re-establishment of a National shipping line? In my own personal opinion, a national shipping line will compete with international shipping. It will amount to competition for cargoes. It is wrong to have a national shipping line run and managed by government because it will fail. If somebody like Aliko Dangote steers the nucleus of a national shipping line, it will succeed because it will attract investors. People will come and invest because they trust Dangote that he will deliver. If Nigerians can come together, then the national shipping line will work well as a private driven initiative. If it is a private sector driven idea, then it will be successful. However, it still amounts to competition with international shipping lines for cargoes. Many countries no longer run national shipping line including China.

maritime Shippers Council, international shipping companies disagree over CTN 30

Stories by Tola Adenubi - Lagos

HE Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and the International Shipping Lines have disagreed over the cost the proposed Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) will bring into cargo clearance procedure at the nation’s seaports. While the NSC affirms it is at no cost, the international shipping lines believe importers will pay about $30million Dollars on the exercise if it becomes operational. Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune in an exclusive telephone chat, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Hassan Bello wondered why the shipping lines are opposed to the initiative despite the fact that it is being used in leading ports all over the world. According to him, “we and the shipping companies are in the same boat because we too don’t want the CTN implementation to attract any cost. We are doing everything we can to promote a project that will not increase cost of doing business at the ports. “This is something that is being used in leading ports all over the world like the Port of Singapore. However, here in Nigeria, anytime a new initiative is being introduced, this people will bring up reasons why it will not work. “We are in the same boat with the shipping companies because we don’t want additional cost introduced at the seaports. But the CTN is an additional service because it adds value to the clearing process. Cargoes will be evacuated from the port very fast because the CTN will already inform everybody the contents of the cargoes and where such cargoes are coming from. “The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) is supporting it, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is supporting it, why are the shipping companies so adamant? Why are they behaving as if any new initiative will inconvenient them. “Why are they behaving as if they are above the law? We too don’t want increase in cost of doing business at the ports. This is something the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved. “Shippers Council’s job is

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

to reduce the cost of doing business at the seaports. Why is it that something that works in leading ports of the world is usually inconveniencing some few individuals in our own ports? Things should not be done that way.” Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the Shipping Lines, the Chairman of Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Val Usifoh stated that the CTN will attract around $30million Dollars as cost on the part of importers. “We sincerely hope, for

the sake of the economy, that government will make haste slowly on the CTN implementation. Why do we say this? If you remember in January 2010, it was approved by the FEC. However, by November 2011, it was abolished because government found out that it was adding no value. “All the money collected in Dollars between that brief period of implementation, nobody could account for it. The same people that came then are back again promising to help Nigeria make her cargoes more secured.

“We, the shipping companies believe that the CTN will come at a cost because the operators will not be 100 percent Nigerians. Even if the operators are 100 percent Nigerian, to get the information that will go into the manifest will be on the shipper. Remember Nigeria is an import dependent nation. “The shipping agents over there at the port of loading will pay so much. If the CTN is introduced on container shipping alone, our estimation is that it will cost importers about $30mil-

lion dollars per annum. Who will bear this financial implication? It is the cargo owners that will bear the cost, not the shipping companies. “Government has already told many of the business interest associations like MAN, NACCIMA and the freight forwarders that it will be at zero cost, that is why we are not surprised that they have not been talking. But we want to assure them that there is no free lunch anywhere. Somebody has to pay for the services that will be rendered.

From left: Mark Walsh of ENL Consortium, Chinedu Okpareke of Sahara Group; Seinde Fadeni, Chairman, GMT Energy Resources Limited; Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, Badagry Ship Repair and Maritime Engineering Company (BSMEC); J. P Seo of Hyundai Heavy Industries, Y.S Kang of Samsung Heavy Industries and Laolu Saraki, Project Director, BSMEC at the 4th stakeholders strategic meeting on the development of the $1.5 billion shipyard repair facility at Badagry.

NIMASA sacks three for irregular employment THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has disengaged three persons who were found to have been illegally employed into the Agency for irregularities associated with their engagement. According to a statement signed by the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka, administrative investigation conducted by the Agency revealed that the employment of the three officers at the twilight of the administration of Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi as Director General did not follow due process required for employment into the civil service. Contrary to speculation in some sections of

the media that NIMASA has disengaged 200 staff in its employ, only these three persons whose engagement had wholesome irregularities have been asked to leave. Like every Federal Government agency, the Federal Civil Service rules govern engagement and disengagement of officers in NIMASA. Media organisations would therefore do well to contact the Agency for clarification on these issues, or at least conduct preliminary investigations in order not mislead unsuspecting members of the public and spread disaffection. It would be recalled that the Federal Ministry of Transport recently com-

menced a review of employments, placements and promotions embarked upon by NIMASA since 2010. The committee, which is headed by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Mr. Lawal Ibrahim, was expected to determine whether employments, placement and promotions in NIMASA from 2010 to date conformed to the Civil Service procedures and were also in line with the Federal Character Principle. Commenting on the exercise, the Acting Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro said the main objective of the exercise was to ensure proper staff placement in line with extant Federal

Civil Service regulations. According to the NIMASA helmsman, the exercise would aid the process of motivating the staff of the Agency and get the best out of them in the discharge of their onerous responsibilities. He commended the Federal Ministry of Transport for its commitment to staff welfare and assured that NIMASA would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities for the development of the Nigerian maritime industry. The nine member committee which commenced sitting two weeks ago were scheduled to file in their recommendations to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mallam Mohammed Bashar this week.

Nigerian Tribune

STOAN tasks LASG to reconsider trucks restriction policy THE Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup has called on the Lagos State Government (LASG) to reconsider its implementation of the restriction order on articulated trucks within the metropolis to night time because of its negative impact on port operation and the larger economy. Haastrup recalled that the truck movement restriction is contained in the Lagos Traffic Law signed by the former Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola on Thursday 2nd August 2012. “While we appreciate the effort of the state government in ensuring safety of lives and property within the metropolis, we must not fail to underscore the implication of the restriction order. “Mostly due to security concerns, the truck drivers might not be willing to move at night. This means cargo will not leave the ports and if cargoes don’t leave the port, the ports will be congested and the economy will be affected. “Terminal operators and relevant government agencies have worked very hard over the past nine years to eliminate port congestion, but the restriction order is capable of reversing the gains made so far. “The implication of port congestion is that shipping insurance costs will rise steeply, freights will be jerked up and shipping lines will slam congestion surcharges – which had been eliminated since 2006 after port concession – on cargoes coming to our ports. “All these costs will be passed to the consumer leading to higher costs of goods in the market and higher inflation,” Haastrup said. She appealed to the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to give a three-year moratorium to the truck operators before implementing the law. “The deferment of the implementation of the law for the next three years will create the platform needed for government and stakeholders to work together on creating alternative truck routes and developing alternative modes of evacuating cargo - especially roads and rail – from the port,” she said.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015 With Adewale Oshodi tribunearts@yahoo.com 08054005323

‘Literature, no doubt, brings change in the society’ terpretation of the book is no more valid than that of any other reader who engages the work. So the connection of my sociopolitical purpose is definitely more tenuous in my literary writings as opposed to my activist writing.

Chuma Nwokolo is a lawyer as well as a successful writer. In this interview, he speaks on writings, which focus on the African setting, and how literature brings about change in the society. EXCERPTS:

— Adaobi Nkeokelonye

POEM

The story of the jewel of inestimable value

OU have written quite a lot of literature, as an experienced writer, do you think literary fiction produces

change? Definitely. The prime object of literary fiction is beauty, but it can also produce change. It may not be read by vast numbers of people, but society is not changed by ‘vast numbers’ either. Society is changed by a critical mass. Literary fiction, like science fiction, develops ideas and extrapolates them onto an imaginative world that can inspire the reader into creating that world – or preventing it from coming to pass. So even if only a few people read a particular work of literary fiction, if the ideas in that work are cogent enough, and the few readers are inspired enough with the doggedness to change society, it will produce change. So if we are to map out your readers for example, what class of readers would they be? Well it depends on which work of mine you refer to. If it is legal writing for instance, then they will probably be lawyers. But if we focuse on your fiction works? Again I hope that not all my work will be ‘quarantined’ as literary fiction. I think that most of my work can actually be read by a broad section of society. I perceive my readers are wide-ranging considering that I also have a couple of young adult novels in the Macmillan Pacesetters series: The Extortionist and Dangerous Inheritance. From feedback, I do not think they are that exclusive. However, a lot of classification is in the domain of the critic of course and they can stamp a work as populist or literary. Some writers aspire to the literary; I think writers should aspire to be read. Most of your works tell truly African and more of Nigerian stories. Why is this so? I see the world through Nigerian and African spectacles. Without them I am blind. I cannot see the world as an Englishman because – despite my use of English – I am not one. I may have lived in the United Kingdom for a decade, but it has not made me see life from the perspective of the British. My perspective of the world is one I was born with. It is also a rich enough world whose stories can illustrate, in my view, every nuance of my human spirit. I

•Chuma Nwokolo feel our tales are so particular and universal. More of Nigerian as opposed to other African stories? I think that can only be true concerning the first 50 years of my life. In your work, ‘Diaries of A Dead African,’ the character of Meme Jumai provokes very critical emotions on hunger and poverty. Likewise, his son Calamatus – the sincere Conman – is equally a strong character. How do these two characters reflect the Nigerian reality? Meme Jumai’s story for me is an extended metaphor on indifference; it is a story on the eclipsing idea of the extended family which underpinned most of our African societies – even if we grant that African culture is a heterogeneous thing. Diaries of a Dead African as a story turned on the fulcrum of a society that is more nuclear, more unfeeling, and more uncaring of the neighbour. And what society has lost to development – or retrogression, depending on one’s perspective – the state has not supplemented, either by welfarist policies or safety nets. So in our society, someone who falls through the cracks is really doomed. If we moved from the fiction of Meme Jumai’s story of a man whose harvest has gone bad to the reality of the Internally Displaced victims of Nigeria’s rising insurgency, it is a similar story of people falling through cracks, without adequate safety nets, either from society or state. I believe that governance in Africa should be purposed towards becoming the Extended Family of their citizens. So do you think Calamatus is a consequence of a state that lacks social safety nets? Oh Yes. Options open to people are often responses to the dysfunctions of the society. If like him, you had an elder brother Abel who ‘graduates’ from university and is unable to gain employment,

you may be driven to short cuts, especially in a society that has jumped from hallowing education to hallowing money, howsoever earned. Social safety nets diffuse the desperation that drives people who are up against a wall into breaking laws and breaching the norms and honour codes that hold societies together. A welfarist state will not eliminate all crime, particularly crimes of greed, but it certainly removes the desperation that leads many to that critical first step into criminality. Is your writing art for art sake or a provocative dagger arousing critical attitudes in readers? Mostly, I write because I cannot not write. The wellspring of that creative impulse is a fundamentally selfish instinct to create something beautiful. Mostly I have no idea what the full picture will look like. Writing can be like bursting into a new song in the shower. Will such a song respect your sense of political responsibility? Do floods respect riverbanks? So writing is sometimes like that: a passionate river. And the ambition of every real writer should be to be borne away from agenda by a story with a mind and a power of its own. It is different with pamphleteering. When writing factually about a social or political issue, your object is laid bare from the first sentence. Fiction usually springs from an artistic impulse, and the link should be more tenuous. My purpose may not arrest every reader, and my in-

I write because I cannot not write

November 25, 1915 Chief Moses Odugbemi Adelana (Ayangbua of Ikenne Remo) and Deaconess Elizabeth Oyesile Adelana begat Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Adelana. Jewel of inestimable value of royalty; Owogbagbe Royal Family of Liyangu Akarigbo, Sagamu (paternal grandfather) Sadeke of Obara Ruling House in Ikenne (paternal grandmother) Erelu Adebowale Oyesile (Ijagba Ruling House, Sagamu) As Jewel of inestimable value for education: From Saint’s Saviour’s Anglican School, Ikenne Remo; 1921, to Saint Peter’s School, Faji, Lagos; 1928, to Methodist Girl’s High School, Lagos; 1929-1933, to the house of the issue in Nigerian politics. As Jewel of inestimable value in marriage; December 26, 1937, Turned Hannah Idowu Dideolu Adelana to Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, to being Awo’s jewel of inestimable value. Awo’s picture of his life and his jewel, he owed it to the Grace of God, owed it to his spartan selfdiscipline, and owed it to a good wife that HID was. And now, the die is cast, at 03:15 pm, September 19, 2015, cast to meet Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, cast to meet Arole Oduduwa, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II. Mourn and celebrate, Revd Mrs. Omotola Oyediran and Dr (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, the story of an accomplished centenarian, the Jewel of inestimable value — Yeye Oodua, Chief (Dr) Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo (CON ) nee Adelana, Adieu and goodnight! •Akinola Iwilade Owode, Oyo, Oyo State. (08035883705)

arts&review

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Contemplating hope in Promise of the Future BOOK REVIEW A review of Towunmi Coker’s book, Promise of the Future by Oluwatobi Moses Sotanmide.

OMETIMES, one hardly sees the world for what it is except through the eyes of another. Death, bondage, sexual indulgences, and a lifetime scar were the depleting experiences life afforded poor Ajoke. And so we enter into the scene of her eventful life’s journey on the wheels of great struggles against duty, and more daringly against time, hanging on the wall, as it were, butterfly shaped, threatening to fly away. Ajoke’s story, as presented in Towunmi Coker’s debut novel, Promise Of The Future, bears, in part, on hope. I seek, therefore, to discourse upon “Hope” as a central theme in this brief analysis of her work. Set within the contemporary Nigerian society, the author addresses violence,

•Cover of the book sexual abuse, marital crisis, and stigmatisation. Her foray into sensitive social matters is commendable in these days of cheap gratifications where true values are slipping from our grip.

In this nonlinear narrative, Ajoke’s interesting life journey is imbued with different characters that formed her life bricks. Circumstances unfolded, some beyond her control, others within her power. There are interplays; we have her wishes and what life offered, and we have her responses to life offers and what eventually happened. Then, the future was indeed promising for little Ajoke. Beaming with brilliance and satisfied with care from loving parents, she already had her vista trained on noble ends after an excellent JSSCE result. But life had other offers in store! Too soon, the melody faded, subdued by the incoherent harsh tunes of life’s mocking music. The angry tongues of fire swallowed the edges providence had placed around her, sending up in dark columns all she could identify with. Father, mother, and a younger brother, all were consumed in the raging malice of unflagging flames. Days once steeped in innocence must now battle guilt amidst life’s cruel initiation. Still in shock after the raging fire incident, life again thrust Ajoke under the

China to receive British art treasures ART treasures including works from Shakespeare to David Hockney are to travel to China as part of a drive to showcase British culture. Chancellor George Osborne, who is in China for talks aimed at boosting cultural ties, has pledged £7m in funding for the programme. A further £750,000 will help take the British Museum’s ‘History of the World in 100 Objects’ exhibition to China. The exhibition, featuring art through the ages, is currently on a world tour. Leaders of some of the UK’s biggest cultural institutions, including representatives from the British Library, the Southbank Centre and Shakespeare’s Globe, have joined the chancellor in China. Before going, Mr Osborne sat down with BBC Radio 4’s Samira Ahmed, who quizzed him for Front Row on his reasons for going. “I think the British people are fascinated by China; they have a combina-

•UK Chancellor of Exchequer, George Osborne recently visited the National Museum in Beijing tion of curiosity about this great force in the world and frankly a bit of anxiety,” said Mr Osborne. “And one of the best ways people’s

SYNW commiserates with ANN Plc over HID’s demise THE Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has commiserated with the management of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc over the demise of the co-chairman of the organisation, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo at the ripe age of 99 years. According to a press release made available to Arts and Review, and which was signed by the organisation’s president, Mr Wole Adedoyin, SYNW said Mama Awolowo was the pillar behind the success of the Tribune titles, which have allowed artists and artistes to thrive over the years. “The contribution of the Tribune titles to the promotion of arts in this country cannot be over-emphasised.

“Many people in this industry owe their breakthrough to the support of the Tribune titles, as well as its co-founder, Mama Awolowo. “There is no denying the fact that Mama had successfully stirred the ‘ship’ of the company through turbulent waters in the past, and what we now have is a brand new Tribune titles. “We must not forget that the company was founded in 1949, and there were others that were also founded in the same year, but all of them have fallen by the wayside. “We are, however, happy that Mama left the company on a sound footing, while hoping that it would continue to promote the arts, as well as stakeholders in the industry,” the statement read.

cultures express themselves is through their theatre and their paintings and their art... and what better way to explain to many, many Chinese people about Britain than letting them hear a Shakespeare play in Mandarin or see a David Hockney picture...there in China?” The £7m funding will go towards projects including: £1.6m for the British Library to display literary treasures in China, including works by Shakespeare and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. •£740,000 for Shakespeare’s Globe to tour The Merchant of Venice, including an education programme. •£500,000 for a Royal Opera House training programme for Chinese students. •£500,000 over three years for a new Love China Festival at London’s South Bank. Mr Osborne defended the cost at a time when arts centres in the UK were suffering cuts, saying the government spent three quarters of a billion pounds on culture in the UK through the Arts Council last year.

gruelling watch of merciless guardians, Mr. and Mrs. Arinze. The latter was a numb soul, the former a cheap opportunist; the Mrs. beat and starved her after hours of merciless and needless chores, while the husband baited her into cheap unprotected sex. Mrs. Arinze’s persuasion to re-christen her Celestina - a tag she assumed befitted her pitiable position - is noteworthy. Here, the bragging idea of foster parenting, either by cultural trends or humanitarian intent, is shown for the monster it often turns out to be. But there was a twist on freedom in the midst of her restrictions, that self-elating ecstasy that in the end produced a lifetime scar! She soon caught at a straw, a comfort that did not last. Kunle, her caring lover-boy, would end up being another forgery she earned with her naivety. The momentary escapes he afforded from her many sorrows seemed worth his deceptions to her desperate mind. But she got more than what she desired; Kunle had already infected her with the deadly HIV virus! And to multiply her miseries as the chain of the novel portrays, it is cheaply spread ignorantly to hapless victims: from Kunle to his many lovebirds, Ajoke, Mr. and Mrs. Arinze, and potentially to their children and many other unfortunates. Evil will always beget evil, and more often than not, the innocent will share in the lot. But the truth is, time has a way of healing the scar tissues of our souls, and when it dared alight to commune with Ajoke, it put smiles on her face with renewed hope. Through her favoured association with the charitable Okonmas, she kept the light of a probable academic opportunity alive through constant reading of Amaka textbooks and school notes. One wonders how she escaped pregnancy through Kunle and Mr. Arinze anyway; life must have tempered her kindly in that regard. Fortune met preparation in her when she was re-united with Aunty Yemisi, a blood relative through whom she was able to claim her late parents’ entitlements. She enjoyed a well-financed university education and graduated with a First Class Degree. She later found true love in Jomi, a charming young man who, in spite of his knowledge of her HIV status, still chose to marry her in hope that Science now offers the chance to marry in such condition and sire offspring that are free from the virus. One hardly need ask why providence placed humanity’s fate on their open palms, even when there are chances it may slip off. It is always man’s to decide! The novel enjoys accessible language albeit at times below the standard. It can also boast good humour, engaging narrative techniques, characterisation, and well developed themes. But one cannot but see some pardonable lapses, too. The novel lacks convincing suspense and twists, for how do you, for instance, explain Jomi’s out-of-heaven courage to propose to Ajoke almost immediately after learning about her HIV status? Shouldn’t there have been a struggle, however brief? In the end, one can gain instructions from the resolutions of the novel, prominently Ajoke’s forgiveness of her past and acceptance of her present with brightened hope for a promising future.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015 Editor:

health you&EYE

INSIDE

sex,sexuality&You

naturalhealth

By Sade Oguntola

‘Self exercise can kill!

Page 36

Implement NHIS for all Nigerians, ban health tourism NMA tells Buhari Page 35

natural health

Foods you can make your medicines Page 37

Health benefits of sex Page 37

HEALTH QUOTE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

locks of women are embracing the eyelash extension, a painstaking specialist salon procedure involving a hair-by-hair attachment of individual synthetic lashes. The interest for the smudge-free extensions, which can take at least 45 minutes for a beautician to apply, is being heartily embraced by a range of women, striving for a more sophisticated appearance. “I do it when planning for my birthday, preparing for end of the year party to ensure I look different. Your eyes will look so much wider and bigger. It costs between N300 and N700,” said Kemi Adekola, a university undergraduate. However, the fad is not without its dangers. “I watched a lady that went to have eyelash extension fixed; her eyes were just bringing out water,” said Jane Anjorin. “It was really inconvenient; as such she had to remove it the next day.” Eyelash extensions are a current beauty fad that may not be just a fad after all. It cuts out the extra steps of having to deal with eyeliner and mascara daily. Eye colour looks brighter, the skin around the eyes looks healthier due to less exposure to rubbing with makeup remover and the like, But experts warn that eyelash extensions are causing serious health problems from eye infections to allergic reactions. Dirt and bacteria can get trapped in the extensions, leading to eye infections. Sometimes the glue which sticks the lashes on enters into the eyes and they get bloodshot or inflamed, or the eyelid swells or natural lashes get damaged. Even though the glue is deemed biologically acceptable, some glues contain formaldehyde which can cause the allergic reaction.

Eyelash extension fashionable but...

Also, extensions weigh down on the hair follicles of the eyelid, damaging the natural lashes so they grow thinner, or stop growing altogether. Professor Bola Ogunbiyi, a dermatologist, described the eyelash extensions, including the glue used in fixing it, as foreign materials that some people can develop an allergic reaction to because of their genetic makeup. She declared that just as such ladies can have an allergic reaction on any part of their skin, it can also occur on their eye lids when they fix an eyelash extension. “They start to itch and once they scratch it, an infection can set in. As a result of scratching, they can also lose their eyelashes. The scratching and the infection that sets in can also destroy the hair follicles of the eyelid. “If it is not properly managed, it can lead to eye lash loss. So the best option is to have it done by an expert, who should use the appropriate things provided one will not react,” she said. Professor Ogunbiyi added that although the use of cosmetics is to enhance the way a person looks, after fixing an eyelash extension, if there is a feeling of itching, eye discharge or dry eyes, they should be remove promptly and medical assistance sought. In compensating for a dry eye, the frequency of blinking is increased and subsequently water will start to come out, as if a person is crying. Dr Gboyega Ajayi, a consultant ophthalmologist at Ojuolowo Eye Clinic, Ibadan, Oyo State, declared that putting any foreign object anywhere near the eye poses a threat, adding that eyelash extensions are particularly hazardous because they have been known to cause a variety of different types of irritation. According to Dr Ajayi, “the allergy and infections that could occur due to fixing an eyelash extension, can both become persistent and a nagging problem even after the artificial lashes have been removed. It is also possible that

the infection may spread into the eye leading to a corneal opacity or even visual loss.” MailOnline reported the case of Jane Rolfe in 2013 that suffered an extreme allergic reaction to eyelash extensions and was forced to spend five hours peeling them off her face after the salon refused to remove them. The 42-year-old was left with severely blistered skin for weeks after suffering a severe, painful allergic reaction to the glue used to apply eyelash extensions. Also, Louise Jackson had eyelash extensions applied in a trial-run for her wedding. But the glue stuck her eyelids together and she was forced to prize them open with tweezers, causing them to sting and swell. The doctors at the A&E department at Stroud General Hospital, later said the salon had used super-glue. Currently in Japan, eyelash extensions are a huge fad, much bigger than it is in the United States. Linked to its use was an upsurge in cases of eye infections. In a recent study in support of this claim, Japanese researchers examined a smaller pool of participants to see what kinds of eye diseases eyelash extensions were causing. Out of 107 women ages 21 to 52, 64 had experienced allergic reactions because of the glue, while 42 experienced conjunctival erosion because of infection. The rest were found to have other types of allergic reactions associated with the lashes, as well as different forms of infections to different parts of the eye. Learn more about how to get protected against the risks •Visit only a salon with a trained hand •Beware of low prices. If you find a salon willing to do them for a ridiculously low price, beware. •Don’t demand longer lashes than recommended • Make sure the stylist doesn’t stack it on the natural eye lash.

For me, exercise is more than just physical-it’s therapeutic —Michelle Obama

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

This small eye is not just about size

I C

was in the petrol station waiting for a friend to join me for a trip to another city, when suddenly an argument erupted between a hefty young man and his petite colleague. From my vantage position I could hear the conversation. It was about money. onsidering the fierceness of the argument, I was certain it would end up in physical combat. I quickly surveyed my position to ascertain that I would not come to any harm should this happen. Consequently, I decided to move away a little, out of harm’s way. As I completed the move, I said to myself, “I hope and pray this small man will not provoke this huge and lanky fellow to a fight that he cannot possibly win.” It crossed my mind momentarily to get out of my car and try to mediate in their quarrel. Common sense prevailed! I quickly dismissed the idea because I had seen arguments in such public places deteriorate into serious fights during which many were injured, buildings and vehicles damaged and quite often the peace-maker suffered the worst injuries. “Prepare to move out of this place if fighting begins,” I told myself. My assessment was correct!

Just then, the big man gave the little man a slap. The small man held on to the big man’s clothes and replied with a blow to his face. A wrestling contest began and to the amazement of all, the huge lanky fellow was on the ground with the small man on top of him pummelling him like a punch bag. My friend arrived at that moment and we drove off before I became an inadvertent witness to a murder! But it set me thinking. “How can a man this big succumb so easily to such a small man, whom I had predicted had no chance against him in a physical contest?” But then, I thought, “Isn’t life just like that?” Life is not about size! Appearances are notoriously deceptive! One of the reasons I had gone into specialising in ophthalmology after my medical degree was because I had thought that the eye, being a very small organ, would be relatively easy to master and I could easily “know it all.” This “small eye” is not just about size! I had spent six years in the university to qualify as a medical doctor, the primary degree which qualified me to obtain a provisional licence to practise medicine. Thereafter, I went through a mandatory intern-ship or (houseman-ship) which is a one-year apprenticeship which qualified me to become a fully-fledged medical doc-

tor. Without this internship, no graduate of medicine can practise medicine. You cannot even go for the compulsory National Youth Service, to say the least! After the National Youth Service, a young medical practitioner may decide to become a General Medical Practitioner or proceed to a four to six year postgraduate medical training in about 16 of the medical and dental specialities to qualify as a Medical Specialist in his chosen field. Ophthalmology is one of these and I opted for it. Thus, I qualified as a General Ophthalmologist after six years of rigorous training. There is no end to knowledge! The field of ophthalmology itself has nine sub-specialities. After training as a General Ophthalmologist for four to six years, one may decide to spend one to two years fellowship training in one of the nine divisions

Life is not about size! Appearances are notoriously deceptive!

of ophthalmology. These are Corneal and Anterior Segment; Vitreo-Retinal, Glaucoma, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Orbito-Plastic, Ocular Pathology, Uveitis, Neuro-Ophthalmology and Community/ Public Health Ophthalmology. All these are aimed at improvement in the quality of eye care and the competence of the practitioner. This small eye is a very complex organ. It is highly respected by medical practitioners, but often looked at as easy prey by charlatans and professional quacks. They are causing more pain and blindness! I still have a lot more to learn about the eye now than when I embarked on the journey to acquire more knowledge in ophthalmology about 40 years ago. Certainly I will never be able to “know it all.” New technology, genetics and innovations in diagnosis and treatment have conspired to ensure that one is kept on his toes all the time. These new developments have created daunting challenges. 20 years ago, we estimated that Nigeria needed about 350 ophthalmologists. We have just recently attained that figure. However, with the sophistication in eye care and increasing population, the need has risen to a minimum of 3000 ophthalmologists.

Dr Abayomi Ajayi

ivf &you

info@nordicalagos.org

0700 6673422

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Continued from last week Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair (alopecia). This is linked to high androgen levels. Repeat miscarriages. The cause for this is not known. These miscarriages may be linked to high insulin levels, delayed ovulation, or other problems such as the quality of the egg or how the egg attaches to the uterus. Inability to become pregnant (Infertility). This is because the ovaries are not releasing an egg (not ovulating). Symptoms of too much insulin (hyperinsulinemia) and insulin resistance can include upper body weight gain and skin changes, such as skin tags or dark, velvety skin patches under the arm, on the neck, or in the groin and genital area. Breathing problems while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea). This is linked to both obesity and insulin resistance. High blood pressure may be more common in women who have PCOS, especially if they are very overweight. Your doctor will check your blood pressure. The most common reasons that first bring women with PCOS to a doctor include:

Menstrual problems •Male-type hair growth (hirsutism) on the face and body •Infertility. •Weight gain or upper body obesity. Ovarian Cysts and Tumors The ovaries are two small organs located on either side of the womb in a woman’s body. They make hormones, including estrogen, which trigger menstruation. Every month, the ovaries release a tiny egg. The egg makes its way down the fallopian tube to potentially be fertilised. This cycle of egg release is called ovulation. What causes ovarian cysts? Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the ovaries. They are very common. They are particularly common during the childbearing years. There are several different types of ovarian cysts. The most common is a functional cyst. It forms during ovulation. That formation happens when either the egg is not released or the sac — follicle — in which the egg forms, does not dissolve after the egg is released. Other types of cysts include: Polycystic ovaries. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the follicles in which

the eggs normally mature fail to open and cysts form. Endometriosis. In women with endometriosis, tissue from the lining of the womb grows in other areas of the body. This includes the ovaries. It can be very painful and can affect fertility. Cystadenomas. These cysts form out of cells on the surface of the ovary. They are often fluid-filled. Dermoid cysts. This type of cysts contains tissue similar to that in other parts of the body. That includes skin, hair, and teeth. What causes ovarian tumours? Tumours can form in the ovaries, just as they form in other parts of the body. If tumours are non-cancerous, they are said to be benign. If they are cancerous, they are called malignant. The three types of ovarian tumors are: Epithelial cell tumours start from cells on the surface of the ovaries. These are the most common type of ovarian tumours. Germ cell tumours start in the cells that produce the eggs. They can either be benign or cancerous. Most are benign. Stromal tumours originate in the cells that produce female hormones. Doctors are not sure what causes ovarian cancer. They have identified, though,

several risk factors, including: Age — specifically women who have gone through menopause Smoking Obesity Not having children or not breastfeeding (however, using birth control pills seems to lower the risk) Taking fertility drugs (such as Clomid) Hormone replacement therapy Family or personal history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer (having the BRCA gene can increase the risk) What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts and tumours? Often, ovarian cysts don’t cause any symptoms. You may not realise you have one until you visit your health care provider for a routine pelvic examination. Ovarian cysts can, however, cause problems if they twist, bleed, or rupture. If you have any of the symptoms below, it’s important to have them checked out. That’s because they can also be symptoms of ovarian tumours. Ovarian cancer often spreads before it is detected. To be continued next week

35 everydayhealth

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Clinics for aged is to ensure ageing gracefully —Oyo By Sade Oguntola

yo State government said it has established clinics for aged in all its local government areas as part of measures to ensure ageing gracefully. Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Yemisi Iyiola, who made the disclosure while speaking at this year’s World Alzheimers’s day in collaboration with Rossetti Care, said it was to ensure they could easily access free health care. Dr Iyiola, speaking through the Ministry’s Director, Primary Health Care, Dr Wole Lawal, said this was part of the state government’s programmes for elderly people. Iyiola added that elderly people could also get free healthcare services from Primary Health Care clinic closest to them, where they can also benefit from the community health insur-

ance scheme that was meant to cut down on out-of-pocket spending on health care. According to him, the government was also tackling

other prevalent conditions in elderly people such as hernia, cataract and anaemia through its many medical outreach programmes

in partnership with many groups. The medical expert, urging elderly people, including the pensioners at the

event, to be mindful of their health, described Alzheimers’s disease as a condition that affects the brain, mostly due to ageing after

From left, Omolara Amubieya; Mrs Tola Ajayi; Lead Counsellor for Fertility Treatment Support Foundation (FTSF), Mrs Esther Adigwe, ; Mr Dotun Adebowale and Ms Esther Odieke. at the event, recently in Lagos.

Foundation to give babies to five couples through IVF By Sade Oguntola FERTILITY Treatment Support Foundation, in conjunction with its partners, is offering free babies to five infertility-challenged couple through a contest that will ensure they can access free through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Fertility Treatment Support Foundation’s lead counsellor, Mrs Esther Adigwe, speaking at a me-

dia parley to announce the free fertility treatment contest tagged “little Miracles”, said the contest to ensure free fertility screening for 15 couples and treatment to five couples via an electronic draw will be drawn on Sunday, 25 October. Adigwe, saying that the contest was open to all infertility challenged couples in Nigeria, added that interested couples are required to send by SMS “free IVF” to 09081190600

or 08080800156. This is then followed up with their phone numbers and names. She added that only two entries are allowed per couple using two different telephone numbers in order to increase their chances of winning in the contest, whose entries started on September 17, 2015 and closes September 18, 2015. Adigwe, who remarked that the yearly edition of “little Miracles’ is to bring joy to families by reducing

Implement NHIS for all Nigerians, ban health tourism NMA tells Buhari Newton-Ray Ukwuoma - Lagos A communique containing eight bullet points for President Muhmmadu Buhari on the health sector has been released by the National Medical Association (NMA), Lagos Chapter. The five-page document, which was made available to newsmen during a press briefing on Sunday at the Federal Neuropsychiatrics Hospital Yaba, arising from the Annual General Meeting of NMA, is believed to summarise the challenges of the country’s health sector with hopes that the Federal Government led by President Buhari will effect the right changes. NMA has charged the Federal Government to “urgently carry out necessary reforms in the health sector to achieve universal health coverage for all Nigerians under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)”.

The chairman of the Lagos State branch, Dr Tope Ojo, who spoke during the event, described Nigeria’s inability to provide primary health care services to its citizens as embarrassing as less advantaged countries have reached between 70 and 100 per cent implementation. He also enjoined the Federal Government to “formulate policies that will ensure that political office holders are prevented from seeking medical care overseas” tow check health tourism that is prevalent among politicians as well as induce more infrastructural and manpower development in the health sector. Dr Ojo stressed that limited medical equipment in Nigerian hospitals accounts for the increase in the number of death in hospitals as patients often die while waiting their turn to use available equipment.

NMA has also asked the Federal Government to put paid to incessant medical workers’ industrial strike actions as the non-payment of workers’ salaries and allowances by teaching hospitals in Lagos and other Federal Government-owned hospitals rob badly on the competence and professionalism of health workers in the country.

agony of couples trying to conceive, declared, “it always brings me joy when I hear the cry of a new life”. Fertility Treatment Support Foundation’s lead medical consultant, Abayomi Ajayi, declared that currently, one in every five couple in Nigeria has suboptimal fertility, adding that the problem was a big challenge. Ajayi, a fertility expert with Nordica Fertility Centre Lagos, said at least 800,000 cycles of IVF is required yearly to meet needs of fertility-challenged couples in the country. The medical expert who declared with technology advancements couples with sub-infertility should not suffer in silence, urged them to get equipped with knowledge on causes of infertility, its treatment and where available. According to him, “if they understand all these things, the tears of couples affected by sub-infertility will be reduced because they can then do the right things.

“For treatment, the biggest challenge is awareness and not money because some people can afford it, but they still go to all sorts of places, including doctors, who cannot help them.” Nordical fertility clinic manager, Mrs Tola Ajayi, emphasised the need for counselling fertility-challenged couples, adding that this would help them cope better as they seek treatment for the problem. Acoording to her, “You need to talk to them together and separately because most of the time, sex is an issue. They see sex as a burden and so the man may prefer to go out.” Also, she declared that people less than 36 years after a year of unprotected sex and there is no conception, should see a fertility expert while those above 36 years after six months of unprotected sex and conception, should seek for help because there might be a challenge.

the age of 65. According to him, individuals below 65 years could also develop Alzheimers’s disease due to stroke, uncontrolled blood pressure and diabetes as well as injury to the brain from sporting activities like boxing. Iyiola said people with Alzheimers’s disease may experience symptoms such as forgetfulness, difficulty taking care of themselves and difficulties with thinking and planning, urging that people should be on guard against it by getting tested and seeking treatment early. Head, Rosetti Care, Mrs Kikelomo Laniyonu-Edwards described Alzheimers’s disease as the most prevalent of a disease medically called dementia that causes deterioration overtime of a variety of different brain functions such as memory, thinking, recognition, language, planning and personality. Laniyonu-Edwards, saying that some types of dementia can be cured, declared that Alzheimers’s disease has no cure but can only be relieved. She said the awareness creation on Alzheimers’s disease was to ensure more people become aware of it and to ensure that its cure could be developed. Laniyonu-Edwards lamented that Alzheimers’s disease was becoming more prevalent in younger generation due to their genetic makeup, although experts usually assume it was a problem of the elderly. According to her, “every four seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. By 2050, the number of people living with dementia around the world will have more than trebled, making the disease one of the most significant health crises of the 21st century.” Earlier, Mrs Bolanle Agbaje, Ibadan North Central representative at the Oyo State House of Assembly, described the level of care and consideration for the vulnerable members in the society, which includes the elderly, was a true measure of humanity.

60% of children experience emotional, sexual violence —UNICEF By Victor Ogunyinka A recent survey released by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), through its weekly opinion poll platform U-report, revealed that about 60 per cent of children experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence before their 18th birthday and less than five per cent get required help for recovery. The national survey on

violence against children found that one in every four girls and one in every 10 boys experience sexual violence (unwanted, forced or pressurised sex or sexual touching) before 18 years. The survey also asked respondents if they would tell someone if they experienced sexual violence. Sixty-one per cent of respondents revealed that

they would most likely tell their parents and 10 per cent declared that they would rather tell someone else. UNICEF, however, hinted that sharing information on sexual violence with a trusted one is an important step in preventing it. Meanwhile, while sensitising respondents on the need to know their Human Immunodeficiency Virus

(HIV) status, 37 per cent of U-reporters respondents said they didn’t know their status. 54 per cent of those who had taken an HIV test did so during pregnancy or for other reasons, another 66 per cent of the respondents said they didn’t pay for their test and 78 per cent declared that they would still take the test if they had to.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

healthpeople Professor Kolapo Hamzat, an exercise and neurologic physiotherapy expert and Head of Department of Physiotherapy, University of Ibadan, in this interview with SADE OGUNTOLA, speaking on the healing effects of exercises, the plight of people with disability and the worrisome incidence of stroke in Nigeria among young people.

xercise is said to be a form of treatment for some conditions, how true is this? Exercise is medicinal. It is a medicament, which means something that treats, prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease. Exercise can be used to modify or improve health. It can help prevent diseases, for instance, those that result from a sedentary lifestyle. It can reverse or get you to as near as pre disease level or pre-injury level as possible. It is also useful in improving fitness and performance. For example, in someone that has suffered a stroke, there is no medicine that he can take to restore the muscle function or movement. He must go through exercises that are prescribed by a physiotherapist. However, any form of exercise that will be therapeutic must be carefully prescribed by a physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist, and it must be gradual, progressive and closely monitored. If you do not have the training, and you subject an individual to exercise, that individual could die immediately or collapse. But we have cases of people dropping dead while out on exercise; either jogging or walking? The case is the same as with people that do selfmedication. This is the way to look at it, and that is why it must be prescribed by an expert who has been trained to do so. The fact that you see people jogging, running, walking, and so on, does not mean that you should do it. Self exercise can also kill. That is why it has to be carefully prescribed, taking into consideration all contraindications and its target

Self exercise can kill! goal.

Now gymnasiums are springing up everywhere and people are joining because of the promise that exercises make people healthier. How safe is this? People should not just join a gym without necessary clearance from qualified medical personnel to indicate that it is safe for them. Remember Nwankwo Kanu, a top rated footballer, when he changed his club and was asked to go through medical screening even though he has been in active football playing before. He was discovered to have a heart defect. It was God that saved him. So, even when you think you are healthy and that nothing is wrong with you, you cannot be as fit as someone that has played top flight football in international clubs. In the same vein, a person that wants to go through exercise must go through proper screening. Gymnasium will continue to spring forth in Nigeria, but before joining anyone, first inquire about who runs the gym, and the kind of assessment they want to carry out on you. They must be able to prescribe appropriate exercises for specific target needs. It is worthy of note that because you are not likely to drop dead when exercising does not mean that the exercises they are given you are the one that you need. For instance, loss of balance and coordination is a major chal-

lenge to an old person. But in some of these gyms, rather than work on improving this, they prescribe exercises that are for strengthening muscles. How disability-friendly is Nigeria? Nigeria is not a disability-friendly society. The disability act, for example, that was passed by the National Assembly during the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan has not seen the light of the day. The bill identifies the human and the constitutional rights of people living with disability. When you consider accessibility to public buildings in Nigeria to wheel chair users, it is almost non-existent. Recently, the son of the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Muhammed Fawehinmi, was lamenting that he was always very unhappy when people had to carry him up to the court room because he had a physical disability. Disabilities come in different forms; seeing, learning, mobility, and psychological or mental disability are some of its different forms. In Nigeria, we tend to see all forms of disability as being the same. And the average Nigerian believes that anybody that has mobility disability must also necessarily have mental disability. This is incorrect. No individual, whether with physical disability or not, reasons with his legs! We all use our brain to reason. Although individuals can be grouped into those with disability and the so-called ablebodied individuals, many people who are considered to be able-bodied could actually belong to the group of people with mental disability. Ironically, there are many people who do not appreciate the fact that they are handicapped, too. If you need a pair of glasses to sign your check-book, it is a form of disability because your vision is not as good as it should be. Some also wear hearing aids, but you may not know. It is a form of disability too. Many people assume that the walking stick is a sign of affluence. But they actually might have problems with their posture and stability and as such people do not know they also have a form of disability. But basically, disability is an umbrella term that covers many things; some that we tend to see very easily

People should not just join any gym without any clearance from qualified medical personnel

and others that are obscure. What are some of your findings on stroke treatment and management as a neuro-physiotherapist? It is that first, people must appreciate that stroke does not have respect for age anymore. Many young people, male and female alike, are now being seen in our physiotherapy clinic presenting with stroke-related disability. We also noticed that the so called spirituality is robbing a lot of Nigerians of the opportunities of having good treatment after stroke. In our studies, many other neurological conditions, most especially stroke, is attributed to spiritual attack. In the developed world, stroke is regarded as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;brain attackâ&#x20AC;? just as we talk about heart attack. If someone suffers heart attack you would probably treat that as an emergency, but stroke is not treated as such in our own environment. The risk factors for stroke include the modifiable and non-modifiable ones. The modifiable ones include medications, lifestyle changes and behavioural modifications. The non modifiable ones are those that you really do not have control over. The number one modifiable risk factor is hypertension, which is on the increase. It affected between 27 and 50 per cent of adults both in the rural and urban areas. They are either with hypertension or about developing to develop hypertension. Also contributing to increasing incidence of stroke, is the increasing numbers of Nigerians with diabetes, obesity or abnormal cholesterol profile. But the risks for stroke can be minimised by many behavioural modifications, including walking and dietary changes. Why is stroke an emergency just like heart attack? It is an emergency because time is always of essence, as delay may lead to worsened complications, but majority of our people will not report to the clinic on time. They would have gone consulting a spiritualist or traditional doctor or taken some herbal preparations. As such a significant time is lost before proper healthcare is given to the patient. Of course, by the time they report to the hospital, they are with the disability that sometimes results from stroke, including paralysis of one side of the body and inability to talk. Oftentimes, they do not have money because they have already exhausted their meager income on consulting a spiritualist or traditional doctor. So that is a problem. Physiotherapy as a profession is not well known, what is responsible for this? What are your roles in the health sector? People are not aware of physiotherapy in the society because they assume that there are only three different professionals in the health sector-medical doctor, nurse or pharmacist. This is also partially because physiotherapy as a profession is a relatively young one, the absence of names for physiotherapy in indigenous language, and the acute shortage of physiotherapists in practice. In fact, not every hospital have physiotherapist. In Nigeria, physiotherapists are probably less than 3,000.

37 By Sade Oguntola

or years, the Chinese have used certain herbs, including spices, to prevent common diseases. They knew that these herbs “shield” from falling ill. The scrutiny of the scientific laboratory is confirming that they were right. These arrays of plant are general immune system stimulators and their possible inclusion in diets could increase the activity of the immune system but are not specific to a particular disease. Indeed the immune system recognises and destroys anything foreign to the body, including cells like bacteria and other microbes, and foreign particles including toxic compounds. This recognition and destruction is performed by cells in the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Here are a few of the best researched immune boosters available in food stores:

Ewedu Jute leaves (called ewedu among the Yoruba and rama among the Hausa), a rich source of betacarotene, iron, calcium and vitamin C, is also said to be an immune booster. To boost the immune system, the Ewedu should be rinsed thoroughly with liquid vinegar, “blend and cook with drinkable water, without adding salt or kaun (potash) or any other ingredients. Professor Adebukola Ositelu, a consultant at the Lagos University Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, said a 25cl or half a tumbler of it can be taken once a week, first thing in the morning before any meal to boost body’s immunity. African spinach Spinach, like many green vegetables when used as food helps to contribute to healthy functioning of the body and boost level of immunity. In an animal study, researchers found spinach was in overall of higher nutritional value than other vegetables tested. Hibscus sabdariffa Hibscus sabdariffa, commonly referred to as red calyx or sobo, has many medicinal benefits. Researchers’ asSex helps you sleep better The importance of sleep is greatly known, yet we still don’t know why. Currently there are four main theories why we slumber. • Sleep is a time where the body’s cells repair themselves after the day’s activities. • Sleep allows us to replenish the body’s fuel; so when we run low our brain tells us to rest so we can refuel. • During sleep, the brain does a little ‘tidying up’ looking through what you have learnt and perhaps deleting what we no longer need. • Whilst we sleep the brain takes this time to replay and commit new memories, making sure we remember what we wish to keep. After sex you’re more relaxed and receptive to sleep. This is due to the cocktail of hormones that are rushing through the system after an orgasm. Oxytocin and endorphins released after sex are sleep promoters, which help you get a good night’s sleep. Reduces pain Having chronic pain (lasting a long time) can create problems with how you live your day-to-day life. Common problems with long-term pain sufferers include depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances, which are all completely understandable if you feel like there will be no end to your pain. Your partner can help you get your prescription of nature’s painkillers. If you suffer from joint pain, headache or premenstrual tension, sex can offer great pain relief. The hormone oxytocin and endorphins are released and help combat pain by lowering your perception of the pain signals from your problem areas. Improves heart health No matter how much you concentrate on your diet, you’re still at risk of a heart attack if you don’t exercise. Not adopting enough exercise in your weekly routine is the single worst risk factor for heart problems, yet the majority of adults don’t do enough. We have already stated that sex is an exercise and the heart above most benefits when we exercise. Even older men who fear that sex can trigger a stroke or cardiac event should not worry as long as you take it slow. Regu-

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

natural

health Foods you can make your medicines

sessment of its effects on the immune system indicated in the July 2013 edition of the African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology that Hibscus sabdariffa stimulates the production of various blood cell components. Sweet potato leaves Researchers indicated that consumption of purple sweet potato leaves boosted the immune response of 15 basketball players during a training period. The 2007 study, published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that it caused a significant increase in the proliferation blood cells required to protect the body from illnesses. Locust beans Fermented foods like pap, locust beans and yogurt contain friendly bacteria that have a powerful, beneficial effect on the gut’s immune system which is the first line of defence against pathogens, and aid in the production of antibodies. Researchers at the Harvard Medical School said there is a evidence of a relationship between such “good” bacteria and the immune system. Tomatoes

An increased consumption of tomatoes can help avoid getting sick. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, when individuals consume tomato diet, their infection-fighting white blood cells sustained 38 per cent less damage from free radicals — atoms in the body that damage and destabilise cells — than when they ate no tomato products. Researchers speculate that the lycopene in tomatoes acts as an antioxidant, helping white blood cells resist the damaging effects of free radicals. Hot pepper Results of studies suggest that eating food containing hot components such as capsaicin may improve immune status in a study from the University of Ulsan in South Korea. These studies have shown that capsaicin — the compound that gives chilli peppers their fire — can help stop sickness before it starts. Mice in one study were given a daily dose of capsaicin and had nearly three times more antibody-producing cells after three weeks than those given no capsaicin. Apple An apple a day keeps the doctor way. Its nutrients, including vitamin C, help to keep the immune system on guard. Onions Onions contain quercetin, a nutrient that breaks up mucus in the head and chest while boosting the immune system. Onions also contain allicin which slows down and kills a variety of viruses and bacteria. Consuming fresh raw white onion within a few hours of the first symptoms of a cold or flu is when you’ll get the strongest immune effect. Mushrooms For centuries, people around the world have turned to mushrooms for a healthy immune system. Studies show that mushrooms increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them more aggressive. This is a good thing when you have an infection. lar sex has shown to decrease the risk of a heart attack in older men.

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com

Health benefits of sex

It helps you fight prostate cancer The prostate is a small gland that is important in the male reproductive system. It produces the alkaline components of semen, which help protect the sperm. Recent research states that those men who ejaculate on a regular basis (five or more times a week) are less likely to develop prostate cancer. The process of ejaculation, which involves the prostate, actually flushes away the products that can lead to cancer. Strengthens relationships Considerable research indicates that being in a positive relationship can improve your overall health and wellbeing. Happily married couples are less likely to develop health complications, such as cancer and heart failure, and so on average live longer. Your body experiences a whole roller coaster of hormones when you have sex and during the pillow talk after. The most important hormone is oxytocin, which is appropriately labelled the ‘love hormone’. This particular hormone is important for the need to bond and nurture and is released when you are cuddled and have contact with your partner. •To be continued next week

titbits Deep Voice Sure, a deep voice is attractive and alluring—but it’s still no indicator of penis size. Yet people are bound to think that a man with a deep voice is going to be packing a sea serpent. I mean, look at people like Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones, or Barry White

and tell me that you don’t automatically think they’d put a high-pitched weakling to shame. Hold on – this is coming back to that ‘race’ thing, isn’t it? Either way, it’s just an illusion – which I’m sure none of the above men would be all that eager to dispel.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Buhari

Hollande

Beyond Buhari’s visit to France CLEMENT IDOKO writes that the three-day official visit to France by President Muhammadu Buhari, has the capacity to reposition Nigeria in global politics, as well as provide fertile ground for the growth of the nation’s wobbling economy.

LTHOUGH, Nigeria is not a pariah state but domestic issues of corruption, insecurity and widespread poverty in the midst of plenty, have placed the country and its citizens in bad light in the eyes of the world. This negative trend has become a burden on the shoulders of the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, to correct if reasonable progress is to be made in the country. Of course, this informed the well thoughtout recent visit of the President to France, anchored on tripod objectives. First, was to shore up Nigeria’s diplomatic relationship with France; second, to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries and lastly, woo France investors to Nigeria. These are the obvious objectives. The careful selection of Nigeria’s delegation to France bespeaks this, even though the visit was on the invitation of French President Franois Hollande. The covert objective is for the Nigerian leader to learn best practices from his host, President Hollande. France is one of the most successful nations of the world. This

did not come on the platter of gold. France is one of the countries in Europe that passed through thick and thin in spite of its colonial prowess. Hollande, no doubt was quite informed of Buhari’s pedigree, and openly expressed that with lavished reception he accorded Buhari and his entourage, as well as readiness of France to assist Nigeria overcome her numerous challenges. The Nigerian president took with him a team of his security advisers comprising the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Aliyu Ismaila; National Security Adviser, General Munguno; Chief of Defense Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayodele Oke and the Defence Adviser in the Nigerian mission in Paris. Other Nigerian officials on the trip included, Ajiya Mamman; acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment and his counterparts in Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Mabi Daniel-Nwaobia, Justice, AbdullahiYola, Foreign Affairs, Ambas-

sador Bulus Lolo and that of Agriculture, Sunny Ochono (an architect), as well as Mrs Uju Aisha Hassan of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) and Mr OlusegunAwolowo of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). From all indications, President Buhari, is poised to reposition Nigeria in global politics and reckoning, in view of the battered image of past that still continue to hound the country’s citizens around the world. What is worrisome, however, is that the issue of Nigeria’s clear-cut foreign policy did not feature prominently in the last presidential elections, which Buhari won. As it were, both the president and his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, whom he defeated in the April election, focused more on the local problems confronting the country to secure the votes of electorate, especially where hate speeches dominated issue-based campaigns. Nonetheless, tackling some of the crucial domestic issues such as insecurity, electricity, corruption and job creation, could not

Tackling some of the crucial domestic issues such as insecurity, electricity, corruption and job creation, can not be successful without the support and collaboration of other countries.

be successful without the support and collaboration of other countries. The age of globalisation has shrunk the world into village of interdependency and interconnectivity to the extent that nations must interact and rely on one another for mutual economic benefits and development. This reliance is even more compelling for developing countries like Nigeria. It would be recalled that shortly, after his inauguration on May 29, President Buhari got an invitation from President Barrack Obama, to United States of America, where the US pledged support in the area of military cooperation, as well as help Nigeria recover its looted funds by corrupt public officials. The president’s visit to France, which was also on the invitation of his French counterpart, came out of the deliberate strategic action plan by the current administration to equally seek global support to the fight against terrorism, especially the Boko Haram sect in the North-East, whose activities have claimed several innocent lives. France is one of the Group of Seven (G7) major advanced economies that have long indicated interest to partner Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region to address the issue of insecurity. As far back as 2011, France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jean Michel Dumond, at a meeting with the immediate past President of the Senate, David Mark, had expressed the concern of his country about the insecurity in Nigeria, and assured that France was prepared to partner the Federal Government in the area of peacekeeping, security and stability continues pg39

politics&policy

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Abubakar Audu belongs to the past —PDP chieftain In this interview with newsmen, Comrade Olabode Adeyemi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State provides reasons for his assertion that Governor Idris Wada will floor Audu Abubakar of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November governorship election. JACOB SEGUN OLATUNJI brings excerpts:

lieve you should spend several millions of naira that could do other projects on what I call unnecessary media jamboree where money will be spent to showcase projects. But I can tell you that the masses of Kogi who benefit from these laudable projects are very much aware and are grateful for the achievements.

HERE are a lot of contradictory comments about the performance of Captain Idris Wada as the governor of Kogi State. What is your opinion about this? I like to say this with every sense of responsibility and humility that the Governor Wada-led government has emerged as the most prudent, responsive and responsible democratic government since the creation of Kogi State. Talking about his level of performance, I will also say that he has also emerged the best, given the amount of resources available to the government. His is one of the few governments in Nigeria that paid N18,000 minimum wage to civil servants. Wada pays Kogi civil servants in the same amount the federal government is paying its staff. As of today I heard the government is about paying the August 2015 salary. Despite the fall in revenue and allocation accruable to the state, the government still keeps faith with the civil servants.

Adeyemi But how come he is being accused of non-performance if it is indeed true that he did all you mentioned? Wada is not one of the governors that be-

How would you rate the chances of the governor in the forthcoming election given the fact that PDP is divided and he is contesting with a former governor that is seen as popular? Let me first of all say that PDP is intact, united and focused in Kogi. After the primary election, AlhajiJibrinIsah, a fine gentleman, congratulated the governor and I believe all his supporters are committed party faithful. Hence, they will surely unite with the governor. On the issue of his challenger and former governor Prince AbubakarAudu, I want to say this unequivocally and very emphatically that Audu belongs to Kogi of the past and I can tell you that this is a new Kogi. Popularity, like you said, is a relative

In the almost six years of Audu’s government, we cannot point to anything in Kabba or any part of Okun land as achievements…no Kabba man that was a commissioner or special adviser or special assistant.

term depending on which angle you look at it from. For me, Audu represents a section of Kogi while Wada represents the true face of Kogi. I am from Kabba the provincial headquarters of what is now known as Kogi State. In the almost six years of Audu’s government, we cannot point to anything in Kabba or any part of Okun land as achievements. I also make bold to say that we could not point to any Kabba man that was a commissioner or special adviser or special assistant throughout the six years of Audu. Can we now say such a person should be governor in Kogi today? It is also laughable that a man that is currently facing corruption charges of billions of Naira before the court as accused by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should also be the governor of Kogi, particularly under a government of zero tolerance for corruption as championed by President Mohammadu Buhari. For me, APC has insulted the sensibility of the people of Kogi by electing him as its candidate. For instance what do you expect the Kogi civil servants that suffered untold hardship in his hands during his inglorious reign when their salaries were being denied them and very many people sacked along ethnic line? How do you expect the pensioners that he once described as dead wood to feel about his second coming? What do you expect the people of Obangede and Kabba whose specialist hospitals were stripped of their medical equipment and their hospitals downgraded to mere clinics? I want to believe it will be an easy ride for Wada who has demonstrated fairness, equity and justice to all the tribes of the state.

Nigeria and Francophone countries continued from pg38

of the sub-region. He did not mince words when he said “The French Government is worried about the recent unrest in Nigeria and would therefore contribute her quota towards arresting the menace.” The French president had told Buhari, in clear terms that his government was concerned about the increasing spate of insecurity in Nigeria and the entire West Africa region and was ready to render support in tackling extremism. Like the popular saying that ‘there is no free lunch in Free town,’ France interest in the security problem facing Nigeria and the West Africa would not come without a thought that the country also stands to benefit while rendering the assistance, at least with returns on investment. Nigeria after all is surrounded with most Francophone countries that France remains their major ally. This is why, France has also been behind the push for better collaboration between Nigeria and its neighbours of Chad, Cameroun, Niger and Benin Republic in the fight and last year facilitated their meeting in Paris. When leaders of the two countries met in Paris, they discussed new strategies of partnership that would enable Nigeria and its neighbouring countries of Cameroun, Chad, Niger and Benin Republic through the joint action of the MJTF successfully fight the insurgency and restore peace. President Hollande had explained that as an intervention approach to assist in the fight, the Regional Summit on Security in Paris, which he hosted, brought together the neighbouring countries to chart the way forward. With the commitment from France, Nigeria’s next waiting shopping list in terms

of support according to President Buhari would be from members of the G7. “We have to depend on France and the other G7 countries for support to fight piracy. Our next shopping list is going to G7 in terms of intelligence and training. “Another problem is the problem in the Gulf of Guinea, from Senegal to Angola, that area is endowed with resources like petroleum and other minerals but surrounded by piracy and theft,” Buhari said. As earlier stated, aside security, the president’s trip to France was also to strengthen the existing bilateral, economic and trade relationship between the two countries. Currently, the volume of trade between Nigeria and France is in the region of $5billion annually. Both President Buhari and Hollande are interested in seeing this figure triple within the next four years. There is no doubt that since 1902 when France first launched its presence in Nigeria with the establishment of the CFO, which set up a training center in Lagos State, successive leadership of the countries had strived to step the ante trade volumes leading to increased participation of French investors in the country. Now, with the visit to France, his first official trip to Europe since President Buhari’s inauguration, analysts believed that there would be apparently a new vista opened for Nigeria to push forward its economic diplomacy that they noted should be made a strong factor in the country’s foreign policy. This, according to them, will further sensitise the nation to the need for promotion of non-oil exports, which in the prevailing and difficult economic circumstances of Nigeria in the early 1980s, was imperative. In line with this objective of strengthening

economic partnership with France, Nigeria also participated at a high-leveled presidential business forum organised by the Movement of French Entrepreneurs (MEDEF) at its headquarters in Paris. More than 120 chief executives of France leading companies cutting across construction, oil and gas, power, agriculture, education and the telecommunications sectors came to listen to the President, who presented his government’s vision and how the administration plans to assist in encouraging big businesses to thrive in the country. In this regard, France has made a commitment to invest about €130 million for the provision of infrastructure in the country. France understands that as the biggest economy in Africa and surrounded by its former colonies, the economic and political stability of Nigeria is crucial to any meaningful growth of not just these countries alone, but its portrayal as a super power that is making in-roles into the black continent. “Our ongoing economic reforms are designed to restore business confidence and block leakages and wastages of public resources. We are also focused on the recovery of stolen wealth belonging to the country,” the President told them in his address. He said, as the number one investment destination in Africa with a blessed land, rich in agricultural and mineral resources, skilled and low-cost labour, large market, a robust and competitive private sector anchored on investment policies and legislation to guarantee predictability and consistency with global business practices, the Federal Government is poised for double digit growth of the economy. In the course of this short but memorable visit, he met the leadership of the

MEDEF, the umbrella organisation grouping 800,000 French manufacturing firms and businesses. As an outcome, they will undertake their first-ever business mission to Africa, with a visit to Nigeria between October 4 and 7. This trade mission, according to Pierre Gattaz, the elected president of MDEF, will comprise prospective investors with such varied interests as agriculture, mining, automobile, energy, skills development, light manufacturing, food processing, military and civilian transportation services and “business to consumer” products among many others. The investors had deliberated extensively on what they called sustainable cities, renewable energies, agriculture and services that they could venture into with favourable government policies in place. Already, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) have been signed in areas of agriculture and food processing and between the Ogun State government, the Sovereign Wealth Authority and Lafarge France which involves a Forest land scape restoration project spanning about 1800 hectares. One thing that is clear, is that President Buhari is not likely to drift away from the focus of the nation’s current foreign policy which is to take advantage of every diplomatic relationship to attract investment that would support the domestic programmes of government. As the President therefore continuous on more engagements with different countries of the world, his government’s pursuit of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives should be long-term, with investments in human and material resources made to protect and project national interests, especially within the sub-region.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

thegavel Governments have neglected Badagry —Lagos lawmaker Honourable Setonji David is representing Badagry Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly. In this interview, he speaks on major issues affecting his constituency, the state and the country in general. BOLA BADMUS brings the excerpts:

The governor has said that the state would be operating the policy of single treasury account….. It is a very good policy, it shows transparency and that the governor wants to ensure that all the loopholes in the system are blocked. It also shows that this government means well for the state and everybody should encourage the governor to continue that way.

OU are representing Badagry. What do you think the area desires at this moment? There is quite a number of things Badagry desires. We are yearning for development. Civilisation in Nigeria started in Badagry. The first storey building in the country is in Badagry, it was built in 1842. The first primary school in Nigeria was built in Badagry, but we are at the lowest ebb in Lagos State now. So, we are yearning for development and we are begging the state government to direct policies towards the development of Badagry in terms of road construction, social amenities and infrastructure. We are not where we ought to be. The state government is trying, but we are begging them to look towards Badagry. How did it get to its present state, given what you listed as its pioneering role? It is not our fault that we are not treated well. How come we have not been given the right position in Lagos State? We should ask you that question. Development in Nigeria is driven by the government, but the government has not done enough for Badagry. If you are talking of tourism in Lagos State, we have so many tourist centres in Badagry. Some years ago, people used to come and enjoy at the beaches in Badagry. But now, because of the bad roads and some other factors, this has changed. We are now begging the government to come back to Badagry and develop the place for us and provide infrastructure such as roads and all other basic things. I am happy that the Badagry Expressway is being extended and it will be one of the biggest roads in Africa. However, we want the government to prevail on the contractors to work fast so that the project will not linger. Also, there is the problem of unemployment in Badagry. So many graduates in the area are not working. But if the policies of the government are directed towards the place, it will be better and there will be development in Badagry. Is Badagry suffering because it is a border town, as such towns are often neglected in Nigeria? I don’t know; I cannot say if that is the reason for its neglect. You know Lagos State is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, so Badagry should not lag behind. When government policies are directed

David towards the area, things will change positively. The Badagry border is one of the key areas in the country, where the Federal Government is making so much money and they don’t plough the money back into the system. Also, people from neighbouring countries damage our roads, but the Federal Government is not helping the area. We are begging all of them to look towards Badagry and give it its rightful place in the country. What do you have to say concerning the seeming dull socio-economic activities in the state under the present state administration? I don’t agree with you that things are quiet. This is a new government and we are working to ensure that the right steps are taken so that we will not misfire. Government is a continuum and we must ensure that policies are well consummated. It is too early to start condemning the government, and I believe

strongly that it is working hard and by the time you start seeing those things, you will marvel. Even at the Federal level, President Muhammadu Buhari is taking his time. He is studying the event to make sure that the right steps are taken. The state government is also working to do its best. There are insinuations that the past government in Lagos should be probed. What is your view on this? We are moving forward, I don’t think that is necessary at all. We will not probe anybody. The opposition is just jittery and they are looking for ways to destabilise the government of the state. They want to come through the back door to get what they could not get ordinarily. They lost out and they want to destabilise the government. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will take the state to a greater height and create an impact that we have never seen before.

The Badagry border is one of the key areas in the country, where the Federal Government is making so much money and they don’t plough the money back into the system.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has been talking about a new Legislative Agenda. What do you think we should expect in the 8th Lagos Assembly? The 8th Lagos State House of Assembly will be one of the most vibrant you have ever witnessed in the state. We will make sure that this assembly gives the people of the state what they deserve. I want to assure you that everybody will enjoy this Assembly. There was a time many felt Badagry was for PDP, but you are representing the area on the APC platform. How were you able to achieve the feat? It is absolutely incorrect to state that Badagry is for the PDP. We are progressives. Go to the history of Badagry, we have always been progressives. The one you are talking about is an aberration; it happened by accident, Badagry is 80 per cent APC and the party will always win in any election done in the area. There is no PDP in Badagry. We started from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to Action Congress, Action Congress of Nigeria and now APC. It will be a miracle if the opposition wins in Badagry; it is traditionally a progressive area. People believe that the major industry in Badagry is smuggling. Why is a trend in the area? That is not true. The smugglers that ply the area are not from Badagry. We are basically farmers and fishermen, and we are well educated. Smuggling is not our business; people place emphasis on negative stories. The place is not a smuggling town. Some critics say lawmakers have commercialised the oversight function of the legislative arm of government. That is not true. The Lagos Assembly is the most vibrant in the country. It is made up of highly industrious people, and when we go out to do oversight duties; we do our work with passion. When we talk about the progress being made by the government, it is the legislature that is making the laws, so the process starts with us. Like I said, people always look for the negative side of issues. We are here to make progressive laws for the people of the state. What is your view on the call for parttime legislature? What we have now is good enough for us. Part time legislature is not good for the good governance of our people. It doesn’t matter if lawmakers go on recess as long as they sit for the number of days they ought to sit in a year; it is okay.

news

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Fire outbreak claims 2 siblings in Osun Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

ARELY few hours to the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, tragedy struck in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Wednesday, when a fire outbreak at a petrol station resulted in the death of two underage siblings. Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered two other people were injured in the fire incident, which started in a supermarket located inside Bovas Filling Station, along Iwo-Osogbo expressway. Though, the cause of the fire outbreak could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, the incident was said to have occurred around 12:00pm, causing panic around the scene, which is opposite Osogbo Grammar School as people scampered to safety. The victims, children of the station’s manager, were said to be inside the supermarket with their mother and one other sibling when the fire started. While the wife of the station’s manager escaped death with burns on her back, she managed to rescue only one of her children from the supermarket while the remaining two got trapped and burnt to death. Confirming the development, the Director, Osun State fire Service, Mr Michael Ogundipe said his department responded immediately they were informed of the incident,

stressing that “we even sent two vehicles to the scene.” According to him, “the two vehicles could have been there immediately

but there was congestion on the road. We met the fire burning, but all our efforts were to no avail. Because the building construction was not good, there is

ACCORD Party’s senatorial candidates for Oyo South and Oyo Central Senatorial Districts in the last general elections, Senator Femi Lanlehin and Chief Bisi Ilaka have condemned the handling of their petitions by the election tribunal and the Appeal Court. This is just as the Justice J.G Abundaga-led National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver judgment in Ilaka’s petition on Tuesday. Lanlehin is challenging the declaration of Senator Soji Akanbi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the March 28 election, while Ilaka is seeking to be declared winner of the election instead of Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, also of the APC. In a statement, Lanlehin said the slow pace of proceed-

the incident, also advised Nigerians to obey the fire safety codes by obtaining fire extinguisher in order to prevent such tragedies related to the incident.

The celebrant, Ronke Adedoja (third right); Professor Taoheed Adedoja (middle); Chief Lekan Alabi (second right); Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan (third left) and others, cutting the 50th birthday cake of Ronke Adedoja, held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, recently. PHOTO: Yemi Funso-Oke.

DSS confirms tampering with INEC’s sensitive materials in Kogi As INEC confirms Melaye’s nomination as APC candidate Sunday Ejike - Abuja

FINDINGS by the Department of State Services (DSS), has revealed that materials used for the last National Assembly election in Kogi West Senatorial District, Kogi State, have been tampered with by yet to be identified in-

dividuals. The finding is contained in a preliminary report, dated July 6, 2015 issued by the DSS on its investigation into complaints by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that some materials used for the election were tampered with.

Lanlehin, Ilaka raise the alarm over delay at tribunal, appeal court BY Dare Adekanmbi

only one exit in the building. If there were more than one exit, the people who died would have been saved.” Ogundipe, who confirmed that a boy and a girl died in

ings in his petition was worrisome and urged the tribunal not to entertain frivolous applications from the defence counsel in view of the limited time remaining. At the opening of Akanbi’s defence on Monday before the Justice Tanko Usman-led tribunal, counsel to Akanbi, Chief Olayinka Bolanle, who had told the tribunal he would call 50 witnesses, only brought two to the tribunal. On Tuesday, when proceedings resumed, only three witnesses were brought as against the 15 promised by Olayinka on Monday, while the non-availability of witnesses caused the matter to be adjourned to next week Tuesday. Counsel for Lanlehin, Richard Ogunwole SAN, protested the granting of Olayinka’s application for adjournment of hearing of the petition, stressing that only 14 days would remain for the lifespan of the petition by the next adjourned date.

He said unbearable pressure would be brought on the petitioner’s counsel and the tribunal, as written addresses would still have to be submitted and judgment delivered within the remaining days. In granting the adjourn-

Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hussaini Halilu Pai, had, on June 20 this year, reported to DSS that some, “sensitive electoral documents”, used for the last election have been tampered with. Meanwhile, INEC has confirmed that Dino Melaye was properly nominated as candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the last National Assembly election in Kogi West Senatorial District. It was stated in the DSS’s report signed by I. Mustapha (Principal Staff Officer, Investigation) that, “it was reported that in the quest to make available these electoral materials for tribunal proceedings in the court, multiple thumb printing were discovered

on the used ballot papers among other anomalies.” The DSS report further stated that its findings, from the written statements of INEC staff interrogated revealed that, “some categories of INEC staff were, by their action or inaction, culpable for the anomalies in the said matter. “It is observed that the matter under investigation may not be unconnected to the above categories of INEC staff, who handled the materials at one point or the other,” the DSS said. The investigation team, who said it was yet to unveil the identity of those involved in the crime, said investigation was stalled by their inability to screen the materials, currently being used at tribunals.

INEC assures voters in Kogi, Bayelsa of PVCs THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured newly registered voters in Kogi and Bayelsa States, that they would get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) before the elections in both states. Deputy Director, Publicity, of the commission, Mr Nick Dazang, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the commission was working to ensure that the voters would participate in the exercise. NAN reports that INEC has scheduled governor-

ship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa on November 21 and December 5, respectively. Dazang said that the commission was already running automated finger identification on the data of the registered voters in the two states. “The ICT department is working seriously to make sure they remove multiple registration information after which they will produce the PVCs which will be distributed before the elections. “So, voters in Kogi and Bayelsa should be assured

that those who registered and those who have not collected their PVCs would collect them before the elections. “Our stand has always been that no PVC, no voting. We will still use the same template we used in the general elections for the two states’ elections,’’ he said. On nationwide conduct of CVR, Dazang said that the commission had set up a committee headed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue, Professor Istifanus Dafwang, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Foundation gives free medical test for the aged in Osun LAGOS-BASED architect and philanthropist, Babatunde Ojo, through his foundation, has kicked off a three-day free medical test and drugs donation to the aged people in Oriade Obokun federal constituency in Osun State. The services commenced on Monday, September 21 and ended on Wednesday, at the Foundation’s office, Ijebu-Jesa, Oriade/ Obokun, Osun State The programme caters for aged men and women, who are in need of timely diagnosis of ailments related to blood sugar, high blood pressure and eye test. Beneficiaries in the scheme have commenced to claim free drugs for the ailments. According to one of the beneficiaries, Ajibola Ademola; “It’s very okay that this kind of service is provided free of charge. I’m the first person to benefit from this scheme. A lot of people are sick and there’s no money to even do diagnosis, let alone, for drugs.

Nigerians should embrace peaceful co-existence —PGAN

By Aderibigbe Adedoyin THE Peacemaker Guide Association of Nigeria (PGAN) has called upon Nigerians to embrace and promote peaceful co-existence in their community and in the country as a whole. The General Secretary of the group, Dr George Adegbolagun, made this charge at an event which held at Oluyoro area of Ibadan, stating that to live a successful life, there has to be peace in the environment. He stressed that if everyone, regardless of religion, could sit together and be in peace, then the insurgency in Nigeria, that is, Boko Haram, would by now be a thing of the past. Adegbolagun stated that the mission of the group was to ensure unity in the nation and upliftment of the country. While encouraging the insurgents to accept whatever negotiations may be reached and embrace peace, he charged students to shun cultism, as this could destroy them both physically and spiritually.

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Obama hosts Pope Francis at White House

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

Barack President Obama welcomed Pope Francis to the White House Wednesday with an official arrival ceremony on the South Lawn and an estimated 15,000 people in attendance. Francis’ first full day in the United States Wednesday will be spent meeting with Obama, addressing the U.S. bishops and canonizing an 18th-century Spanish missionary who spread the word of the church in what is now California. “I believe the excitement around your visit must be attributed not only to your role as pope, but to your unique qualities as a person. In your humility, your embrace of simplicity, the gentleness of your words and the generosity of your spirit,” Obama said in welcoming the Pope.

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Indian boy recovers after arrow pierces head Ritvik Ankush photo: cover asia press

urgeons in India have managed to remove an arrow from the head of an 11-year-old boy after he was hit during archery training. Ritvik Ankush Tarte, from Ahmednagar, in Maharashtra, Western India, was taking part in school archery practice when he stepped into the ‘No Entry Zone’ and was

hit by a flying arrow. The arrow pierced the schoolboy’s skull from the right and exited on the other side. Teachers at Trimurti Pavan Pratisthan Shaikshnik Sankul school rushed him to Manik Hospital and Research Centre, in Ahmednagar, where neurosurgeon Dr Jeevan Rajput performed a

“You call on all of us, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to put the “least of these” at the centre of our concern,” the president continued. “You remind us that in the eyes of God our measure as individuals, and as societies, is not determined by wealth or power or station or celebrity, but by how well we hew to Scripture’s call to lift up the poor and the marginalised, to stand up for justice and against inequality, and to ensure that every human being is able to live in dignity – because we are all made in the image of God,” he said. In his speech, Obama referenced refugees fleeing war-torn lands, religious liberty and the “sacred obligation to protect our planet,” and thanked the pope for his efforts in bettering relations

craniotomy in a three-hour operation to remove the arrow. Dr Jeevan Rajput said: “After we got the consent from his school teachers he was operated on an emergency basis. “A CT scan of the brain showed the exact position of the arrow and so we were able to open up the skull on both sides.”

between the U.S. and Cuba. Pope Francis highlighted his background as a son of immigrants in his opening speech at the White House, immediately putting the plight of migrants at center stage during his U.S. visit. “As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families,” he said. “I would like all men and women of good will in this great nation to support the efforts of the international community to protect the vulnerable in our world.” After Obama and the pope make brief remarks, the leaders headed into the Oval Office for one-on-one talks, which administration officials said will be centered not on advancing a political agenda, but on committing to shared values.

U.S. President Barack Obama, left, greets Pope Francis upon his arrival at the White House in Washington, Sept. 23, 2015. photo:r euters

Israeli soldier points rifle at veiled teenage Palestinian student This is the moment an armed Israeli soldier was involved in a stand-off with a veiled Palestinian woman - just seconds before she

was killed for trying to stab a serviceman to death. Hadeel al-Hashlamon, 18, was shot at a West Bank checkpoint yesterday,

An Israeli soldier aims his rifle at a veiled woman on the West Bank city of Hebron photo: Reuters

as tensions continued to simmer ahead of this week’s major Jewish and Muslim holidays. Photographs taken in the moments before she was gunned down reveal how at least two soldiers had their guns trained on the veiled teenager just before she was killed. Later the military said forces opened fire and ‘identified a hit’ following the incident in the West Bank city of Hebron. The university student was taken to an Israeli hospital in a critical condition and her

Al Jazeera journalists pardoned in Egypt Jailed Al Jazeera journalists Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed have been pardoned in Egypt, a spokesman for the Egyptian presidency, Alaa Youssef, has told the alAhram newspaper. Dozens of activists have also been released as part of a pardon marking the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim holiday that starts on Thursday. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on his Facebook page announced on Wednesday that he would release “100 young

people trapped in issues related to the breach of the law on demonstrations and some humanitarian and health cases”. It is still not clear if another seven Al Jazeera journalists, including Australian Peter Greste, who were sentenced in absentia, were included in the group. They had been given prison sentences ranging from three to 10 years. The Al Jazeera network continues to demand all charges and sentences against its journalists are

dropped. On August 29, a court in Cairo sentenced Canadian Fahmy and Egyptian Mohamed,

father, Salah al-Hashlamon, said she later died of her injuries. The soldier was not wounded. Video has since emerged

of the teenager lying on the ground at the check point moments after the shooting. It shows soldiers watching on as her body is pulled

out from under a fence while further footage shows medics on the scene and a man arriving with a stretcher.

Teenager weeps as he is ordered to drive armoured vehicle filled with explosives Harrowing video footage has emerged showing the final moments of a reluctant teenage suicide bomber who burst into tears when ordered to blow himself up during an attack on a Syrian village.

Despite his apparent fear of dying, Uzbek national Jafar al-Tayyar is told to drive an armoured vehicle packed with explosives into the besieged villages of Fua and Kafriyeh. Moments later Tayyar drives

otherNEWS

along with Greste, to three years in jail after finding them guilty of “aiding a terrorist organisation”.

Mohamed Fahmy (R) and Baher Mohamed were sentenced to three years in jail in August photo:AP

off into the distance and blows the vehicle up, sending a huge mushroom cloud into the air as his fellow jihadis in the Uzbekled Imam Bukhari Jamaat militant group - which fights alongside Al Qaeda in Syria storm the villages’ defences.

Burkina Faso’s President back in power Burkina Faso’s interim president Michel Kafando says he is back in power, exactly one week after he was detained by members of the presidential guard who staged a coup. Kafando told reporters Wednesday that his government has been restored and he is resuming power “this very minute.” Earlier Wednesday, members of the presidential guard agreed to return to their barracks in a deal made after the presidents of Senegal, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria traveled to the capital, Ouagadougou, to negotiate.

Government troops who had streamed into the capital in opposition of the coup leaders have agreed to retreat to 50 kilometers outside the city. Coup leader General Gilbert Diendere on Tuesday apologized to the country and vowed to hand over power when requested by the leaders meeting in Ouagadougou. Earlier he told VOA that he wants to avoid bloodshed. Also Tuesday, French Ambassador Gilles Thibault said on Twitter that the interim president held for nearly a week by the coup leader had been freed. He said Kafando was staying at the “French residence.”

communitynews

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Olubadan installs Adebayo as Mogaji Age The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I, has installed a leader of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Chief Salaudeen Adebayo, as the Mogaji (Head) of Age Compound in the ancient city. Chief Adebayo was installed at an elaborate ceremony held at the palace of the Olubadan at Monatan area of Ibadan recently. The new head of Age family said after he received his staff of authority, that he was poised to bequeath enduring legacies in the family and promised that he would work hard to surpass the successes achieved by his predecessors. Adebayo, a successful entrepreneur with chains of businesses in and outside Nigeria, thanked God, the Olubadan and his family for the honour and promised not to let them down. He said of the call to lead the Age family: “I will redouble my efforts in lending support to my people. My first assignment will be to build a befitting hall and a mini palace for Mogaji Age in our compound, where I will be receiving visitors and to attending to other family matters. He also promised to institute a far-reaching scholarship scheme in Ibadan as part of his contribution to the development of the state and the country, saying: “I will institute a far-reaching scholarship scheme for indigent students within the family.” While noting that the scholarship might not be limited to his family

members, Chief Adebayo explained that the scholarship “will be from primary to university level.” While also noting that he had been actually doing this before now, he said: “I will redouble my efforts because of my new status. I pray God would assist me in this regard. I want to leave a legacy that will surpass that of past Mogajis.” He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for what he observed as “the improved electricity supply in Nigeria,” and noted that “the positive development in the power sector will serve as attraction to investors and will boost my self-sponsored campaigns targeted at bringing successful Nigerians in the Diaspora back home to invest in the country.” According to him, he was putting finishing touches to a plan to set up a ceramic plant in Ibadan before the end of the year “I have set up some companies in Nigeria to contribute my quota to national development. I have been moving my businesses abroad back to Nigeria because I believe so much in this country and I have the conviction that Nigeria can be great again. “Something big from me is in the offing. I am planing to establish a ceramic village in Ibadan where tiles and other building materials will be produced. That will be done before the end of the year,” he said

Muslim leaders in Cross River State have been urged to consistently preach peace and tolerance to the faithful. Cross River State House of Assembly Speaker, Honourable John Gaul Lebo, gave the charge when he hosted in his office, a delegation of members of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. The Speaker, who commended the Muslim community in the state for its support during the last general election, said the present administration of Senator Ben Ayade is

HOSTCOM warns Okowa against adjusting 2015 DESOPADEC budget ebenezer adurokiya-warri

OST Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) has warned the Delta State government to stop the ongoing process to reduce the 2015 budget to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). The communities warned that any attempt to go ahead with the plan would meet with stiff opposition.

The body gave the warning after a meeting in Warri, on Thursday. The communities said they were disturbed that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has sent the 2015 budget back to the Delta State House of Assembly for adjustment. They maintained that the major reason for this was to review downwards the amount approved by the immediate past government of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan. National Coordinator of

HOSTCOM, Prince Maikpobi Okaremen, while speaking on this said: “We are aware that the assembly has already set up an adhoc committee headed by a greenhorn lawmaker, Honourable Erhiatake Ibori, to review the budget and report back to the assembly within the next few weeks. “Of particular concern to us is the section of the budget that has to do with appropriation to DESOPADEC for 2015 that is being reduced drastically

Group moves to end kingship crisis in Delta A non-government organisation, Delta State Conflict Management Alliance (DSCMA) has initiated moves that

C’River Speaker charges Muslim community on peace ubong anthony-calabar

From left, Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Olakunle Oluomo; Resident Representative for Nigeria, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Mrs Hildegard Behrendt-Kigozi; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Suraju Adekunbi and Head of Department for Sub-Saharan Africa (KAS), Ms. Andrea Ostheimer, at a recent two-day training on ‘State Parliaments—Roles, Functions, Powers and Expectations’,for lawmakers in the state at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

an all-inclusive government which would accommodate all spectrum of interests in the state. Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Alhaji Muhammad Okoofaiye, who debunked the perception that Islam is a terror religion, said, the religion preached peace and not violence. Alhaji Okoofaiye said the visit became necessary to enable the council interface with the leadership of the assembly in order to order establish a relationship that would engender government’s empathy for the Muslim community in the state.

would end the lingering kingship crisis in Onicha North Local Government Area of Delta State. The group members, led by the chairperson, Dr (Mrs) Obor Winnie, were at the palace of one of the two persons laying claim to the stool, Obi Christopher Uzu Diji, at Onicha-Olona, on a fact-finding mission as a way of restoring lasting peace to the community. Speaking at the palace of Obi Diji, Dr Oboh stressed the need for peace to enhance the development of the area as, according to her, “no nation or community can develop in an atmosphere of crisis, hatred and rancour.” The group, which is being powered by the Bristh Council in collaboration with Nigeria Stability and Recon-

ciliation Programme, called for shifting of ground by all contenders to the throne so that a peaceful resolution could be achieved. She said all stakeholders would be consulted over the issue and invited to a roundtable where the matter would be amicably resolved in no distance time In his welcome address, the Iyase (Prime Minister) of the town Chief Paul Eziashi, on behalf of Obi Diji and the Obi– in-Council, which represents the six villages that make up Onicha–Olona, described their visit as timely considering the fact that the community was celebrating the new yam festival which had not been celebrated for a long time because of the chieftaincy crisis. He told the visitors that there might be no

shifting of ground on their own part considering what the opponent of Obi Diji was asking for (monarchical kingship), which, he said, was alien to the community. He chronicled the two systems of kingship that had been in practice in the community, saying that the town, founded in the 15th Century, started with the Obi Isi Okpukpu (the oldest person in the community) system in 1897 and changed to Okpalaisi (Oldest title holder), which is being practised till today. He pointed out that Obi Diji is the 21st in the line of Okpalaisi in the town and any attempt to change the system to monarchical would amount to changing “our traditions and customs which is not acceptable.”

by N10 billion. A budget of about N42 billion is now being reduced to N32 billion which is unacceptable to us,” he said. According to him, it is improper that government is contemplating adjusting figures in the fiscal year’s budget for the commission going by the calculation that what is expected to accrue to the commission this year overshoots the N42 billion originally budgeted by the preceding administration. “It is only DESOPADEC that has first line charge in funding because the amount that ought to go to it is fixed by law. That law stipulates 50 per cent of whatever accrues to the state from derivation. So, for this year, it is about N8 billion per month. That is to say we expect about N100 billion for 2015. “If that is what is being expected, on what basis will the government now reduce DEDOPADEC budget to N32 billion? If any adjustment has to be made at all, it should be on the basis of the actual derivation to the state from January to December divided by two. By current realities, DESOPADEC budget should not be less than N50 billion. It can never be N32 billion,” Okaremen said. Okaremen disclosed that HOSTCOM had resolved to write to the governor while another letter will go to the House of Assembly to put them on notice that they must not do anything to undermine the law setting up DESOPADEC.

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Last week 10. I released number 7xx25 and 43 the three(3) games drew check our week 7 performance on 5x 30x 36, week 8 on 8x 17x 21xxx drew. This is another 3 draws again in week 9 Nos 6x 20x 36f. That was 2/3. The enrolment fee is N5,000 only. This week 11 what is going to happen? Those who enrolled will continually enjoying harvest of 3 draws and frequent smiles to their banks. Those who want to win should make payment to EKHOMU JOHN A/C no 20857959360 in any Zenith bank nearest to them. Now, pick two bankers from 20 – 22 – 28 – 30 – 37 and add to the above bracket games. Good luck says DR. JK POOLS.

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Thursday, 24- 30 September 2015

M B A EXPERT 08077247137\08104694618 PAIR 37XX 38

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OBINYAN ADVISES STAKERS ON SEQUENCES

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As the season moves on steadily, we are glad to offer all our friends and customers an inseperable pair an 11 and 19 for a compulsory draw on Saturday. Add them to our IBK and get your 2/3 unfailingly. Our IBK sells for N1,500.00, 2Drws sell for N3,000.00 while the 3 sure draws this week cost N10,000.00 on 08099111828. Be a sure winner!

DR. SANJ, SCORE 4-DRS AGAIN IN 2ND WK FREE-OFFER. CHECK DR.SANJ LATE NEWS LAST WK10 ON ADVERT NOS:-3.!!! (NOW WK11, = 1xx & 7xx) 07038878227 or 08189472447

I welcome you once again to wk11, 2nd-red wk of play with the current update system draws. in wk09, =3/7.., in wk10, =4/9.., two- wks of free-offer to our tribunepools millin fan’s. it’s god, working with me (femi johnson thank god. !!) week11, = red-wk the key’s:- lettet “l vs a” = nos:- 1xx lettet “l vs a” = nos:- 2xx + three others:- 4/5.!!! Cost n10,000./one-bk/ n1,500./two-bks/n3,500./check this wk11 advert for more. All payment to First Bank acct nos:- 2018702734.. Femi Oluwa Johnson. Access Bank acct nos:-0692898125.. Femi Johnson. Join the great winning team Dr. Sanj winners club house, the best time is here for me and you. Those who come will surely see the secret fixed draws. Call your great compiler Dr. Sanj goodluck happy winning wk again...!!

HOPE NAPS &CO 08107128449 Bank ON No6&24, No6&24 No6&24

Hope do welcome all pools fans and sundry to a 3weeks of comfort. Please, learn how to stand firmly and believe yourself that you will make your ways in pools betting. Efforts have been put in to make your comfort secure. Bank on No6&24, while others are for people who wants comfort in pools to call Hope NAPs or pay to First- Bank- Plc Acc. No 3088328923 in person. MR GBADEBO STEPHEN A. while the week releases will be sent to you. Please make sure your payment are confirm wk11,12 and 13. Cost just N10,000.wk. God bless you,thanks.

MR CYRIL AGAIN — 08054836338 (04X45) STOKE HOME 7=WK 29-2015 and wk 10-2015 PORTSMOUTH AFFAIR= AT AWAY 3 DOWN. WK 29-2014/2015 — 44X45X46XXX —25X 45X – 4/4 WK 10-2015/2016 — 41X 42X 43XXX —25X 45X – 5/5 TRANMERE ON 45=Week 30-2015 and week11 X X X — NAP = 45X04 Your current winning chairman is MR CYRIL. Join the winners forum. Welcome again —N25,000

EDITOR’S PLACE

24 x 39

HAPPY EID EL-KABIR

VICTORIOUS VICTOR 08126994034 (18X 32X 11X 19X 39XXX)=4

The above free winning line is sure for win starting of our Annual 3weeks operational NAPS tagged NEXT LEVEL on mission accomplished 3 direct NAPS cost N10,000Week 12 and 13 gives for — N100,000 —N500,000 Get involved now procrastination is BAD.

LABAEKA NAP – 08053303522 26 PAIR 27

Congrats we enriched many stalkers on weekly basis. Why can’t you be in safe and assured pay point with LABAEKA Naps, All your financial needs is met. Call and win now, to get you ready for our annual a week to cup and cup Nap that will cost N50, 000 each. All payment to Access Bank no _ 0033390303 favour of LABAEKA – RASHEED win with no regret. Good luck.

25 CERTAIN 26 THELILIES 08086944309

All our fans will surely get out of poverty if they endeavour to grab our 3 jackpot x5 the road to fortune will be widely open for all our fans send n1,500 MTN card for 3 unfailing draws 25 certain 26.

HELPER NAP09095680491- (9CBK)

The Lord is my helper has just arrived with 3 Napable draws and a pair to perm with it. This will send the promoters to exile because they will run up and down to find the way to day you on Monday. If you are interested it will cost you the sum of five thousand naira (N5,000) only. Do not be a doubting Thomas because it is your time to win. Pay to this Account No 2054709764 at UBA Account Name is MR USMAN EBUTE.call this number when you have paid 09095680491. Happy winning

WEEK 11 STATUS 12 VOID 46

MAGIC KINGDOM – 35X 36X 37XXX PAIR 38X40

08056753098 / 07085060512

Congratulations in advance. The above games is controlled by a new winning KEY. To produce 5/5 in week 12 and 13 cost N25,000 — All payments in favour of Balogun Adesina kamoru FCM Bank no 0279550010. Wema Bank Acct. No 0206965116 Or GT Bank 0115505082.

tribunepools

NEW PROFF SAFE LANDING

— 07069009601 11 MUST 19 = WIN NAP

LEICESTER vs ARSENAL on No 1 Controlled our week 11 and 12 Nap Week 11 — X X X —11/19 Week 12 — X X X —01/08 2 weeks assured winning sequence from the home of football. Zurich in connection with the British Pools panel team. PROFF is now on newest winning contact. Let’s celebrate N25,000.

MADAM HILLARY — FACE OFF WINNING CONTD.

Thursday, 24- 30 September 2015

PLEIAD DE MAXWELL — 09099968585 HAPPY SALLAH- 22-23-24-25-26. LEICESTER —ARSENAL TRADITIONAL DRAW?

Happy Eid-el-Kabir or happy sallah to all muslim fatefuls. May Allah grant all our sacrifices, and many years ahead.insha Allah. Amin Leicester and Arsenal top this week premiership debate before Leicester went on relegation in some years back, their last match in 6th December 2003 they played (1-1) score draw with Arsenal. They were promoted to Elite Premiership division in 2014 and several sojourned years in Cocacola divison one league. thereafter, Arsenal visited them on 30th August 2014 and the match ended (1-1) score draw again. Now, many bookmakers/Experts expected the same result this Saturday but the sensational Arsenal suffered a setback last weekend from Chelsea. Are they going to Leiceter to clinch 3 points. Can history will repeat itself? Contact De Maxwell draw clinic where draws were unveiled after surgery. TOKEN MANAGER.

PROMOTERS CRUX ! UNSTOPPABLE MADADAN 08163902330. SHREWSBURY, SOUTHEND AND SWINDON S.S.S. AT HOME controlled our weeks 11,12 & 13. (3 weweks NAP) We are board to put a stop to your weekly loses that is why we go places to confirm your winnings through the assistance of our Reliable Experts on fixed matches with Authentic draws formation and tabulation. In God we trust. Stakers relief — N25,000 = on price reduction. Goodluck.

IKECHUKWU WINNING PLACE 08168157259 = 24 FREE 25. EXCELLED ON HIS ANNUAL WEEK 9 AND 10

01XX01 MISTER-DRAW 08030415683-WK 19=34X37X45XX20/30

NAZAR MASTER REMAINS SOLID

Arsenal to hold Leicester city plus 2 super draws cost N2,000 MTN card another 3 0ver 3 is assured call now and put a smile on your face 1-1-1 must draw.

4 MEMBERS. 4 BANKERS= 08162705220. 47 NAP 48

4 BANKERS N5000 WK 08 NO 17X 32X 34X 36X= 4/4 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 09 NO 14X 20X 31X 41X= 4/4 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 10 NO 15x 27x 37x 38x= 4/4 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 11 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP 4/4 Stakers try to get 4 members 4 Bankers this Wk 10 cost N5000 system Booklet out cost N30, 000. The system Booklet bring 4 Draws this Wk 10, 11, 12, 13. The Game will send to you.

MALLAM BAWA JUST FANTASTIC, 3/3 & 5/5 08052506287 HOT 21 OR 39. WK 10= 36X, 37X, 38X. AIR 19X, 20X

Last week was just fantastic as my release scored 3/3 Nap and 5/5 Permutation correctly. Congrats to the lucky stakers and customer who bought it. This Week 11 Red coupon will witness another glorious results as letter ‘W’ vs. Crewe on top the bar is the key to 3/3 unstoppable Nap draws. Cost price N10, 000 cash. Do not miss it. Payments at Access Bank, to Mallam Musa Ibrahim Bawa, acct No. 0042075587.

MR CHRIS NAP CO 08021365017 19 = FIXED = 20

We decided not to release One banker draw again as our People liked free thing. As usual our winning galore continues as we enter wk 11 for JACKPOT many are called but few are chosen. With our integrity in pools compilations, call us for our NAP = cost N20, 000 = NAP NAP NAP = 19X20. Best of luck

MAGIC EXPERT EXCEL 5/5 NAP 4/5 CONGRATS!

CONGRATS!! CONGRATS!!! 08160742266(18XX31XX)

Week 10 Reg Nap 20x37x38x/41x7x=5/5 Wk 2 wk Nap 7x20x37x/25x33f=4/5 Congrats, get week 11 Nap and win 100% guarantee Nap @ N15,000 cash, No reduction and No free game. Pay N15,000 to Firstbank No-3041310631 name, Victor Makpa. Please call or sms 08160742266 for more info. Happy sallah to Muslim clients. God bless you all

AUSTINE CHUKWU 08054462577 NAP:10,23,25 =

Those of you sent my games last week. Must be happy by now, I have another three special Bankers this week against week 12 it must be full payment. - win again.

LADY “K” 08072216644 8 PAIR 11 WK 10 = 37XX 38XX 39F PAYMENT AFTER WINNING.

This week 11, its 3 nap draws and 1 hot pair. Never mind about last week failure of No. 39, those who asked for pair were giving nos 41xx pair 42xx. This week 11 is another winning week for stakers that can send to me N5, 000 MTN recharge card. Tour life will change from poor to rich if you send to me. Please don’t miss it.

WINNING TEAMS = 2015/2016 SEASON. Week 9 —Bradford. C., Cambrigde U, Leyton O & York Week 10 — Bradford. C., Cambrigde U, Leyton O & York = wk 9 — 22x. 31x. 31x. 39x - Wk 10 - 21x 37x 38x 43xx And No. 20 addition winning calculations Week 9 — 20 + 22 = 42xx NAP Week 10 — 20 + 25 = 45xx NAP Same digits must be on N0.20 = xxx NAP. Week 10 number of draws saved promoters from penury. Again I assure all my clients/friends that promoters will be treated like Fish out of water. Messers. Johnson, Chukuma, Peter, John, Enebeli, Ayoade, Ibrahim congratulations to you all. More good winning weeks ahead. New clients N50,000 = Regulars…. Goodluck to weeks – 13 – 15 ahead The leading pools company in Oyo state and environs, NAZAR Master Pools Company Limited, Ibadan have declared that it remains solid despite the amount of winning on its odds and that all winning have been paid. The pools company made this known in a statement made available to TRIBUNE POOLS during the week. According to NAZAR Master, “we are happy that stakers would have money to celebrate sallah and we are assuring them that we are up to the task of paying winnings as and when due no matter the amount involved. Stakers and other stakeholders should continue to bet on our fixed odd and Treble Chance odd for them to reap maximum benefit”. Happy EID-EL-KABIR.

DR B4 DR – 08062748396 (25 XX 26)

WEEKS 10, 20, 30, 40 = 0S = WK 10 = 08X 36X 45XX 25X 27X 5/5 SILENT BREAKER ON SONG AGAIN. CONGRATULATIONS OUR 4 WEEK NAPS IS SET AGAIN KEY – MANSFIELD AT AWAY 39 2014/2015 – 4 WEEKS – 24, 25, 26 AND 27 2015/2016 – 4 WEEKS – 10, 11, 12 AND 13 WEEK 24’ 2014/15 – CHELTEN HAM VS MANSFIELD = 3 + 13 = 16XX WEEK 10’ 2015/16 – LUTON VS MANFIELD = 12 + 13 = 25XXX WEEK 25 – X X X X – 16X WEEK 11 - X X X X – 25X 26X WEEK 25. 2014/15 – L VS L = 16X WEEK 11. 2015/16 – S VS S = 25X 26XXX PAIR. Dr. B4 Dr. assurance nap is stakers relief. N50,000 = get involved and win. Play & win with the reliable drs’ progressives trip.

KING OF CHAIN. DRAWS 09038633666 08135888720= 47. 48

WK 10 BLUE NO 36X 37X 38X WITH 41X 42X 43 4 chain draws n6, 000 wk 10 no 36x 37x 38x with 41x 42x 43 4 chain draws n6, 000 wk 11 no chain chain chain with chain chain chain 4 chain draws n6, 000 wk 12 no chain chain chain with. chain chain chain time to win pool try to get king of chain draws this wk 11 cost n6, 000 we set for 5 wks operations. Key letter a.a at away no 1.2 to control. 4 chain draws this week cost n6, 000 wk 10 no 36x 37x 38x with 41x 42x 43x wk 11 no chain chain chain chain with chain chain chain send card= 09038633666= 08135888720.

ZENITH INDEPENDENT WIN — 08146879314 (04 MUST 24)

Week 10 — 25X 42X 45XXX FREE 20X 21X 5/5 SOUTHTAPTON — SHREWSBURY – on same digit as KEY. Reference to week 5 — CURRENT WINNING INSTRUCTION In week 5 — Southpton —Shrewsbury were on the digit of 5s — 5 and 25xxx, that drew 3 scheduled draws with 5 and 25 as pair. Now, in week 11 — Southpton — Shrewsbury on digits of 4s — 04 and 24? The week 11 (3) scheduled draws and the pair is for your winning pleasure. Partnership with your reliable/unregrettable winning team ‘THE WEALTH SOLUTION’. Promoters in another web — PUNTERS RESORT. N50,000 = doubtfree — N50,000 = welcome.

MAC-ANTHONY BIRTHDAY SPECIAL 3WEEKS 3 OVER 3 OPERATION VOW NAP NAP NAP=3/3

0806-904-8857(Nap/win) (14XX 18)

Your full appreciation Wk 10 Nap 15x25x45x=3/3 Now week 11,12 and week 13 in honour of my special Birthday with special blessings including 3 special Nap for 3 weeks 11 Nap Nap Nap =3/3 cost N15,000. Week 12 Nap Nap Nap =3/3 cost N15,000 Week 13 Nap Nap Nap=3/3 cost N15,000 May the joy and fortune of my birthday turn your life for good. Pay @U.B.A to Engr, Michael Akam- No-2029382770. Immense benefit await you as you join Happy Birthday to me in advance… MOLLY ONE BANKERS GROUP= 08055230300= 19XX 20XXX With God. ONE. Bankers N1000 Wk 07 No 26x Wk 08 No 17x Wk 09 no 20x wk 10 no 20x Nap Wk 011 No Nap. Molly one Banker N1000 Wk 07 No 39x wk 8 No 35x wk 09 No 5f Wk 10 No 27x Wk 11 No NAP USA ONE BANKER N1000 WK 07 NO 36X WK P08 NO 32X WK 09 NO 41X WK 10 NO 37x WK11 NO NAP. BigMan. One Banker N1000 Wk 07 No 38x wk 08 No 36x Wk09 No 31x Wk 10 no 43x No Nap Stakers try to get molly one Banker Group. 4 Special draws this Wk 11 Cost N10, 000 Wk 08 No 32x 34x 38x 36x Wk 09 No 6x 20x 31x 41x Wk 10 No 20x 27x 37x 43 wk 11 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP= 4/4 Send M.T.N Card.

WEEK 09 XRAY

Incredible performance from our Compilers they promised good tidings in their columns. our wk 10 2 bankers Experts were Mr Cyril, Mallam Bawa, Nidas, Labaeka, Dr B4 Dr and Sam Ayo while ONE BANKER medal was given to Hon. Emmanuel for his outstanding performance. Emirate top our free permutation chat on 4/5 draw, Adeoti and Sinbad got 3/5. Our pair manager were 4 members, wisdom, Madam Hillary, Peter, Heritage and Last Hope. Our page Expert are reliable embrace and appreciate them for good WIN.

TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE WINNERS CHOICE. GET A COPY TODAY

A.T.M LIVE

08182287493/07040478677 NAP:8. 17. 31. (READ) Staker are hereby advised to use the above games, Nap and invest heavily on them against wk12 and wk13. Three weeks operations. Cost N25,000 cash each week. Payable to Mrs Modupeola Oseji, A/C 2016981168.UBA Bank. Also pair 19X45. Keep your records and my Advert next week. Payment starts after result.

MODUPE NAP 33-35-39. - for 2 draws Call now for your winning. DR. JACKSON — 08156829811

04X 11X 19X 24X 25X 26X

Dr. wishes all his muslim friends Happy Sallah. The above winning line is a must for your Sallah gift, starting of our 3weeks NAPS. The 3 sure Nap cost N5,000= FOR SALLAH MERRYMENT. Win with token and get equip for our weeks 12,13,14 Naps.

SHADOW 08087670776 16 PAIR 17

Do you know that draws are fixed? If you don’t know, it is now time to tell all pool stakers that draws are fixed. This week 11, shadow will give you 3 fixed draws and 1 hot pair with only N5, 000 MTN recharge card. You will be among the winning crown if you send to me this week 11.

MID-WEEK GIVES 10-11 (08087176217)

The juicy Mid-Week heartily gives Nos 10 and 11 to all punters this week, play them anywhere. Add the pair to our IBK which will not fail and get your 2/3. Our IBK costs only N15,000, 2Draws sell for N10,000 only on 08087176217. Best of luck!

DONOHILL NAP 08107048991 (5 PAIR 6)

Bonanza draws is here this week 11 as we celebrate EID EL KABIR muslim festival. Hit big jackpot on pool staking and settle all your debt. Just send N3, 000 MTN recharge card to me for my 3 draws and a pair. We are set to help you win on pool.

LEKE INTERNATIONAL NAPS - 09091798611

On song on birthday PAIR 29, 43. WK 10 = 7X, 18F, 25X PAIR 36X, 37X in week 10, the special release played 7x, 18f, 25x, pair 36x, 37x = 2/3 and 4/5. The birthday release continues in weeks 11 and 12 with sure 3 nap draws each week, cost N20,000 cash. Do not miss it. Call me now for more details.

OLOYEDE WONDER NAP WITH KEY SET TO DRAW AGAIN.

08103244128 BANK 29XBK.

This season I’ve released the current working key of Doncaster at Away on top of the bar, that drew 15X, 21X, 36X, in WK 9. This week 11, bank on coupon No. 29 to draw with 2 others plus the current working setting key, cost N30,000 cash pay at GTB, to Mr. Oloyede Ibrahim Olamide, acct No. 0154084567.

PETER NAP 2 PAIR 4(08076546261)

Buy and win, the system that got 7XX, 8XX, 36XX, 3/3, the pair 20XX, 30F making 4/5, Last week will get it again this week cost just N25, 000 pay to the saving acct no. 3023114822 First Bank in person of Mr. Onaolapo Peter and call on 08076546261, Meanwhile bank on 2 pair 4 for X this week eleven.

HERITAGE NAP

08032428168 (11 MUST 41)

We said last week that stakers must continue to enjoy our killer’s draws and it happened. The pair above is another key to our gazetted draws which must play. The game costs only N25, 000. Promoters must continue to suffer from our hands.

EMIRATES SUPER 08087104491

CONGRATS ON MY READ & WIN FREE BIRTHDAY GIFT. 21 X 36X 45XXX – 25X 17F – AS PUBLISHED Despite the high cost on our last week (10) gazetted draws yet we gave it our as our birthday gift that comes once a year. To God be the Glory. Week 11 – WINNING KEY – BANSLEY MUST GILLINGHAM – and other 3 draws cost reference to our last week publication. Moreover, your appreciation from our last week free win is welcomed –WIN and board Emirates good WIN.

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE NJOROGE MR ASSURANCE 08177474535 39X24 =(L.S.B)

LEICESTER, SOUTHPTON, BOLTON At home controlled our weeks 11,12,13,14 assurance win. No much story. Call Mr Assurance and start winning.. 15 MUST 24 and other 3 fixed draws at Njoroge your winning is our PRIDE.

Nigerian Tribune

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

W-Cup qualifier:

Falconets jet out to Congo

I pray to stay fit —Odemwingie

IGERIA striker, Osaze Odemwingie has said he hopes to stay fit this sea-

son after he made his first start for Stoke City in over 12 months in a League Cup game on Tuesday. The former Lille of

France striker lasted 84 minutes as Stoke City beat Fulham 1-0 to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Odemwingie

The forward who scored for Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup against Bosnia Herzegovina was replaced with six minute to

Ikeme happy to captain Wolves NIGERIA international, goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has said it was an honour to captain his English Championship team Wolverhampton Wanderers for the first time in Tuesday evening’s 3-0 League Cup

loss to Middlesborough. However, the shot stopper was disappointed his team ended up losing the game. “Disappointing result tonight , but was a honour captaining the club for the first time ,” Ikeme

tweeted. The 29-year-old Ikeme has been Wolves goalkeeper since 2003, but has been on loan to Middlesbrough, Leicester City, QPR, Sheffield United, Charlton Athletic, Stockport County,

Ikeme

Accrington and Doncaster at different times.

the end of the game by Xherdan Shaqiri. “First start for me in over a year. Hope I stay fit and have many more. Solid team performance today and we are through to the next round!,” Osaze, who last played for West Brom Albion tweeted.

Oliseh invites Iwobi for friendlies SUPER Eagles’ head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has added Arsenal FC starlet, Alex Iwobi to the list of invited players for next month’s international friendlies against the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Belgium. Iwobi, who trained with the Nigeria U-23 squad ahead of an All-Africa Games qualifying return leg match early March 2015, is eligible to represent Nigeria despite featuring for England at youth level. World football–governing body, FIFA has clari-

fied that the 19–year old can don Nigeria’s colours without further ado, as he did not feature for England in an official game. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has now received from the Football Association a list of seven matches that Iwobi played for England at youth level, none of which was an official game. FIFA underscored that Iwobi can put on the green-white-green since he has permanent Nigerian citizenship and did not represent another association (country) in a match in an official competition.

NIGERIA’S U-20 Women national Team, the Falconets, will fly out of Abuja today for the first leg of a 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Coach Peter Dedevbo has selected 18 players to fly Nigeria’s flag in Sunday’s match at the Tata Raphael Stadium in Kinshasa. The team will travel aboard an Ethiopia Airline flight. Chinaza Uchendu, who scored for the Super Falcons at the recently-concluded women’s football tournament of the 11th All Africa Games in Brazzaville, headlines a list that also includes goalkeeper Sandra Chiichii, defenders Olubunmi Elijah and Ugochi Emenayo, midfielders Joy Bokiri and Tessy Biahwo and forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo, Uchenna Kanu and Yetunde Adeboyejo. In their second round qualifying fixture, the Falconets, runner-up at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada, spanked their Liberian counterparts 14-1 on aggregate, winning 7-0 in Monrovia and 7-1 in Abuja. The Nigeria delegation will be led by Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League, Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma. THE FULL LIST: Sandra Chiichii, Aminat Yakubu, Oluwakemi Famuditi, Patience Kalu, Amarachi Ojinma, Joy Bokiri, Olubunmi Elijah, Ugochi Emenayo, Chinaza Uchendu, Yetunde Adeboyejo, Tessy Biahwo, Christy Ohiaeriaku, Glory Ogbonna, Ogechi Ukwuoma, Uchenna Kanu, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Ihuoma Onyebuchi, Omotola Omidiji.

CHAN qualifier: Nigeria to face B/Faso in Port Harcourt NIGERIA’S home-based Super Eagles will take on the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a 2016 CHAN qualifier next month in Port Harcourt, officials have disclosed. The match is fixed for October 18 and the return leg in Ouagadougou a week

later. The overall winners will advance to the tournament, which is reserved for players who are featuring in their domestic leagues, in Rwanda in January. According to the spokesman of the Nigeria Football

Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, the home-based Eagles will play the game, but several members of the U-23 team will be included in the team. “What I said was that a good number of U-23 boys are in the team,” Olajire

said. “I never said the U-23 boys would be the team to play against Burkina Faso.” He stated that “Nigeria are playing Burkina Faso just two or three days after the proposed London friendly. We don’t want to take the risk of key player

getting injured before the qualifiers.” Interestingly, Burkina Faso’s U-23 team defeated Nigeria’s U-23 team handled by coach Samson Siasia 3-1 to qualify for the final of the just-concluded 11th All Africa Games.

Ihazuo

Thursday, 24 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

1. A cross section of Afenifere members, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu 2. From left, Mr Jide Adeniji, Mr Yinka Odumakin, Mr Sola Ebisemi and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 3. Comrade Yinka Odumakin (left) with Chief Supo Sonibare. 4. The Alakenne of Ikenne, Oba Adeyinka Onakade and his Olori. 5. A cross section of NBA members from Sagamu branch, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu

PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

6. A cross section of Aderemiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family from Ife, with Children of Mama Awolowo 7. Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Tokunbo Olopade, signing the condolence register. 8. A cross section of Agbekoyas. 9. Mrs Tayo Adeyemi signing the condolence register. 10. Dr (Mrs) Jayne Shoboiki signing the condolence register.

SIDELINES

NO 16,334

N150

THURSDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER, 2015

“From an exchange rate of about 1.5 dollars to the Nigeria currency at independence in 1960, our currency now exchanges at the rate of about 230 Naira to a dollar. While our currency exchanged at 1 Nigeria pound to a British pound, our naira now exchanges at about 350 naira to a pound. This must stop. Otherwise sooner than later our Naira may not be worth more than a toilet paper.”

ECENTLY in the course of a visit to France, President Muhammadu Buhari is reported to have stated that there will be no further devaluation of the naira. The President is reported to have stated amongst others that: “the naira has been devalued, as it used to be around N140/$ and now it is hovering around N200/$ and above”. Consequently… I don’t think it is healthy for us to have the Naira further devalued…we are therefore getting the Central Bank to make modifications in terms of foreign exchange availability for essential industries, spare parts, essential raw materials and so on, while liberal access to “CBN’s depleting forex reserves” will be denied to importers of such things like toothpick and rice for which Nigeria has adequate capacity”. The President therefore concluded that “we don’t need to give our hard earned currency for that, but those who insist on toothpick from Europe or from China, instead of using Nigerian toothpick, they can go and source their (own) foreign exchange”. To state that the President’s comments came as a huge relief to millions of Nigerians would be an understatement. Without a doubt, Nigerians have for long been groaning under the burden of constant devaluation of the naira with its attendant effects on their everyday livelihood. However, there are those who feel that the naira is overvalued and that there should be less governmental control in the matter. This debate has been on for a long time and from all indications will not go away in a hurry. From an exchange rate of about 1.5 dollars to the Nigeria currency at independence 1960, our currency now exchanges at the rate of about 230 naira to a dollar. While our currency exchanged at 1 Nigeria pound to a British pound, our naira now exchanges at about 350 naira to a pound. This must stop. Otherwise sooner than later our naira may

OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D, D.Litt

One Chukwuemeka Odunzie was reported in Lagos, to have sexually abused his seven-year-old daughter and paid her wage for each show, but the man claimed he only tried the shameful act once. Whether once or twice, is it not expedient to let Odunzie go for a psychiatric test first?

afeonthursday

aareafe@gmail.com

Buhari’s stand-off on further devaluation of Naira: A commendable decision not be worth more than a toilet paper. This is why I propose to examine the real issues surrounding the devaluation of the naira, its effects on the lives of Nigerians and how the government can through appropriate policy alleviate the current suffering of Nigerians and reposition the economy. EFFECTS OF A STRONG NAIRA It cannot be denied that the value of the currency of a state is of paramount importance to its survival. Whist I do not intend this to be a treatise on complex economic principles, it is pertinent to highlight the following benefits of a strong naira or indeed any currency; 1. Lower inflation: A strong currency lowers the cost of imported goods, enabling lower prices for consumers. This leaves more money in their pockets for local expenditure. 2. Lower costs for some exporters: those exporters that import raw materials from abroad in order to make their products, pay less for those materials. This offers some compensation for lower competition due to the stronger currency. 3. Acquisition Opportunities: A company from a country with a strong currency can buy a similar company or a supplier, in a country that has a weak currency. This enables the buying company to enjoy the strong currency in order to lower costs. 4. Low funding costs for governments: By having a strengthening currency, flows from outside the country often go into local government bonds. This flow can lower the yield and enable the country with the strong currency to raise money at cheaper rates in the markets.

5. Sense of wealth: While rising stock prices and rising home values have a stronger wealth effect, also a stronger currency helps as citizens of a country with a strong currency find it cheaper to take vacations abroad, improving their quality of life. STRENGHT OF NIGERIAN CURRENCY IN THE 60s All the factors stated above were present in the Nigerian economy in the sixties when the Nigerian Pound was at par with the British Pound. This had a profoundly positive effect on the country and its citizens. However the discovery of oil and the huge inflow of oil revenue brought about a drastic change. Successive Nigerian governments failed to invest the revenue that was coming in from oil. Such was the magnitude of the inflow of revenue the then Head of State remarked that Nigeria’s problem was not money but how to spend it. As I have stated earlier this led to expenditure which rather than help the growth of the economy, brought about immense strain on it. In no time therefore the Nigerian currency started to lose its value. Furthermore the Country which hitherto had been renowned for the exportation of produce such as rice, maize, wheat, sugar and other consumables became largely dependent on importation. DEVALUATION BY THE MILITARY Things however came to a head when the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida devalued the naira in fulfillment of conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the grant of a loan facility to the country. Whilst economists agree that devaluation in some cases brings

with it some advantages such as a fall in the price of exports and growths in domestic industry and employment, the devaluation done by the Babangida administration irreversibly put Nigeria on a course of economic regression the effects of which are still being felt today. Interestingly successive governments have failed to learn from the mistakes of the Babangida administration. Rather than pursue means of strengthening the economy and making it less dependent on oil revenue and the attendant risks, little or nothing was done in the area of diversification. Therefore when oil prices started to tumble last year, we once again returned to what some consider to be the best way out; further devaluation of the naira. The problem with devaluation, however, is that the factors which ordinarily would make it serve as a stimulus for recovery are not present in Nigeria. As I stated earlier devaluation in normal situations would encourage exportation and bring about foreign interests in local industries. But in Nigeria the local manufacturing industry has for long been almost comatose having buckled under the strain of consistent failure of governments to provide much needed infrastructure such as power. Many factories have since closed down and in some instances relocated to other countries. The satiation at hand today in which the Naira has lost much of its value is one that continues to affect Nigerians. The purchasing power of many has already been affected. As Muslims nationwide and their friends prepare for the coming Islamic holidays they will be confronted with the glaring effects of the devaluation of the naira. To be continued…

Matuidi to replace Mikel at Chelsea — Reports • As Anichebe rejects loan move MEDIA reports from England have suggested Chelsea is ready to splash as much as 30 million pounds to sign Blaise Matuidi from PSG as replacement for Nigeria star, John Mikel Obi. Mikel’s future at Stamford Bridge has remained a source of speculations even after he chose to stay put at ‘The Blues’ this season. Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to axe the Nigeria international, and Tuttomercatoweb claim the French midfielder is earmarked to fill the void Nigeria fans will remember Matuidi from last year’s World Cup when he kicked out Ogenyi Onazi out of the second round

match against France in Brazil. Matuidi, is contracted to PSG until 2018, and would command a fee upwards of £30m. Manchester United and Chelsea were both linked with the player over the summer, but neither ramped up initial interest in his services. Matuidi has been with the French champions since a 2011 move from St-Etienne. Meanwhile, Nigeria striker, Victor Anichebe has rejected a loan deal to Bolton Wanderers as he opted to stay put and fight for a place at West Brom. The English Championship team enquired about the Beijing 2008 Olympic sil-

ver medalist, but were told that the former Everton striker wants to stay at ‘The Hawthorns’. Bolton’s manager, Neil Lennon admitting attacking reinforcements are an absolute must ahead of ‘The Seagulls’ visit to the Macron Stadium on Saturday. “We simply don’t have enough options with Emile Heskey and Zach Clough out injured,” he said. “We’re trying our hardest to get something sorted but it isn’t as easy as you’d think sometimes.” Anichebe has played just a league game for ‘The Baggies’ this season as a 74th minute substitute for Rickie Lambert in 3-0 home loss to Manchester City on August 10. Mikel

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