25th September 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,335 FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER, 2015

www.tribuneonlineng.com

HID lived an extraordinary life —Segun Awolowo —P7

Nigerian Tribune

Hoodlums disrupt Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Ilorin, attack Saraki

•Nobody attacked Saraki —Media office —P6

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

N150

I slept on bare floor for 4 —P6 days —Falae

EID-EL-KABIR TRAGEDY

717 dead, 863 injured in hajj stampede —P5

1: Saudi medics stand near bodies of pilgrims at the site where hundreds were killed in a stampede in Mina, near the holy city of Mecca. 2: Bodies of hundreds of dead and injured pilgrims lie strewn across the floor after they were caught up in a horrific stampede in Saudi Arabia. 3: Rescue workers in orange and yellow vests placing victims on stretchers. PHOTOS: AFP, GETTY IMAGES and EPA.

Friday, 25 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)

9 1. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu and the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Isaac Adewole, at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, on Thursday. 2. Professor Adewole (left) with former UI Vice Chancellor, Professor A. B. O. O. Oyediran. 3. From left, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, Professor Moses Akinola Makinde, Chief Tola Adeniyi and Ambassador (Dr) Yemi Farounbi. 4. From left, Ms Funke Awolowo, Mr Sola Braithwaite and Mr Segun Awolowo. 5. From left, former Minister of State for Defence, Chief (Mrs) Olusola Obada; Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo

PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

10 Dosumu, Chief Felix Obada and Mrs Dupe Adelaja 6. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Oyedieran, Mrs Doris Rewane and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 7. From right, Mrs Eriwu Rewane-Molajo, Dr Femi Ogunsanya, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu and Mrs Roseline Rewane Dafinone. 8. From left, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Chief (Mrs) Taiwo Taiwo, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu and Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin 9. Princess (Mrs) Yetunde Odedina (left), with Mrs Dupe Adelaja. 10. From left, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Ogunsola, Chief (Mrs) Ronke Atere and Chief (Mrs) Mercy Owolana.

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Friday, 25 September, 2015 5 news Eid-el-Kabir tragedy: 717 dead, 863 injured in Mecca Debo Abdulai -Mecca

BOUT 717 people died in Mecca on Thursday, during the symbolic first stoning of the devil at Jamarat. Another 863 people were injured in the incident. Many of the pilgrims who had to sleep at Muzdalifah as the religion stipulates left on foot for Jamarat, after the al fajr prayers at about 5.00 a.m. Pilgrims are expected to sleep at Muzdalifah and pick pebbles. A yet-to-be-confirmed number of Nigerians were among those who died in the stampede. So many other Nigerians fainted but were revived. This year’s hajj, witnessing over three million pilgrims, is also being performed under debilitating hot weather. The high death rate caused by stampede under a bridge near Jamarat is the second such disaster during this year’s hajj. The first was when a crane fell on pilgrims at the grand mosque of Mecca. Many Nigerian pilgrims had distress calls from anxious relatives from Nigeria. The 717 people died a day after observing the congre-

gational prayers and spending a whole day (from sunrise to sunset) on the plains of Mount Arafat. Bodies were laid out on the ground, covered in white sheets and surrounded by personal belongings, including shoes and umbrellas used by pilgrims to shield themselves from the sun. There were people from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Senegal among other nationalities who were victims of the incident. According to a source, people were climbing on top of others in order to move to a safer place, a development that resulted into death for many. The Saudi civil defence directorate, in a statement, said the stampede occurred at around 09:00 local time (06:00 GMT) at the junction of Street 204 and Street 223. The pilgrims, according to the statement, were walking towards the five-storey structure which surrounds the pillars, known as the Jamarat Bridge before there was a “sudden increase” in the number of pilgrims heading towards the pillars. “This resulted in a stampede among the pilgrims and the collapse of a large number of them,” it added.

Security personnel and the Saudi Red Crescent were “immediately” deployed to prevent more people heading towards the area, the directorate said. Photographs showed the bodies of dozens of pilgrims on the ground, some piled high. They were all dressed in the simple white garments worn during the hajj.

The civil defence directorate said the victims were of “different nationalities,” without providing details. The wounded were taken to four hospitals by more than 220 rescue vehicles, while the Saudi health minister, Khaled al-Falih, said the crush occurred because many pilgrims moved “without respecting the

timetables” established by authorities. Previous hajj tragedies In 2006, 364 pilgrims died in a crush at foot of Jamarat Bridge in Mina. In 1997, 340 pilgrims were killed when fire fuelled by high winds swept through Mina’s tent city. In 1994, 270 pilgrims died

in a stampede during the stoning ritual. 1990 has the highest casualties, as 1,426 pilgrims, mainly Asians, died in the stampede in an overcrowded tunnel leading to holy sites. In 1987, 402 people died when security forces broke up an anti-US demonstration by Iranian pilgrims.

Dogara asks Saudi authorities to probe pilgrims’ death Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Thursday, condoled with Muslims in the world over death of scores of people in a stampede in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. To this end, he called on Saudi authorities to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of hundreds of pilgrims, including Nigerians and take necessary measures to avert future occurrence. Dogara, in a condolence message to the Muslim community, issued on his behalf by his special adviser on media and public affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan, described the stampede as

unfortunate “I am deeply touched by the tragic incident in Mecca during the symbolic stoning of satan by pilgrims, which is the second such incidence in this year’s hajj.

“My special condolence goes to families of Nigerian pilgrims who lost their lives in the stampede and the Nigerian Muslim faithful at large. “I call on Saudi authorities to conduct thorough inves-

tigation into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate death of hundreds of pilgrims, including Nigerians and take necessary measures to avert future occurance,” the statement read.

Gunmen kill 13 in Rivers communities Dapo Falade -Port Harcourt THIRTEEN people had reportedly lost their lives to gunmen in two communities in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Wednesday night. Eight of the victims were fell by the suspected gunmen’s bullets in Obrikom, while the other five were also killed in Omoku.

While the details of the cause of their action were not yet known at the time of going to press, Nigerian Tribune gathered that the suspected gunmen had invaded Obrikom on Wednesday. They were said to have overpowered the youth of the community and a team of police officers earlier drafted to guard the town before carrying out their dastardly act.

Obrikom is now a ghost of its former self, as residents had deserted the community on the heels of speculations of more killings by suspected cultists said to be planning a reprisal. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, said he could not speak on the incident as of that time, saying he was behind the wheel.

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Friday, 25 September, 2015

I slept on bare floor for 4 days –Falae Hakeem Gbadamosi -Akure

FTER over 72 hours in captivity, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, on Thursday, regained his freedom. Falae was handed over to his family by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, who was in company with the Assistant Inspector General of Police for the zone, Mrs Kalafite Adeyemi and the state Police Commissioner, Mike Ogbodu, after he was rescued from his abductors. Falae, who looked frail and weary, was said to have explained that he slept on bare floor for four days during his stay in the kidnappers’ den. While recounting his experience, Falae told some government officials who visited his home, including the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, that the kidnappers felt insulted over the N2 million the family promised as ransom, saying they rejected it and told him that “is it Boko Haram you are giving N2 million to?” Falae was ushered into his residence by jubilant Akure residents, including friends, family, associates and people of Ilu Abo town, hailing the security operatives for securing the release of the former finance minister. All efforts to speak with Falae were prevented by his family members, who said the old man needed to rest after his ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers. Speaking with journal-

ists on the release of the national chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Arase, who was drafted to the state on the instruction

of President Muhammadu Buhari, said he was happy that the Afenifere chieftain regained his freedom hale and hearty.

•Regains freedom

The IGP, however, declined to explain details of how the septuagenarian was rescued. “I cannot tell you. This is not

for your consumption, it is purely security matter, but I am happy he is rescued alive. “The most important thing is that Baba has come

Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (right), with the elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae and his wife, Rachael, after he was released by his abductors on Thursday.

Akure group deplores Falae’s kidnap By Tunde Ogunesan THE Akure Division Renewal Group has deplored the abduction of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Akure, Ondo State, Chief Olu Falae. It said the kidnap was a gross violation of the desire of leading Nigerian nation-

alists for the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups in the country. The group made this known in a release issued by its president and vice president, Professors Abiodun Fayose and Olu Aderounmu, respectively, after a visit to Falae’s home. According to the group, it was inconceivable that a

man of Falae’s political and nationalism pedigree should be the one to be held captive by kidnappers identified to be Fulani herdsmen. “Chief Falae has played dominant roles as a political icon who served the country selflessly as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and as presidential aspirant.

“He has friends and political associates from across the country and has been known to be a nationalist of the first order. “It is thus inconceivable that such a man of such astute pedigree should be the one that herdsmen would find worthy of their evil kidnapping intention,” the group said.

home safely, that is the mandate the president has given to me and that is exactly what I have done. “There are new trends in security challenges. We are going to devise a strategy that hoodlums would not overwhelm in the state. We will continue to catch them,” he said. Arase said no ransom was paid to secure the freedom of Falae, adding that no arrest had been made. “I will let you know about this later, but no ransom was paid to secure his release,” he said. Falae was said to have been kidnapped by some suspected Fulani herdsmen who invaded his farm at Ilado village, Akure North Local Government Area and was released on Thursday afternoon, through the intervention of security agencies in the state. The state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, expressed delight over the rescue of Falae, but said there was the need to tackle the issue of security challenges confronting the nation in a wider dimension. He commended the security agents for ensuring the safety return of the elder statesman. “We thank God he is back. One is also worried as a Nigerian that the issue of kidnapping is taking another dimension, if somebody of his (Falae) pedigree was taken away while working on his farm. This is a very serious security challenge I think we must tackle in wider dimension,” he said.

Hoodlums disrupt Eid el-Kabir prayer in Ilorin, attack Saraki From Biola Azeez and Ayodele Adesanmi with Agency Reports

ood l u ms who disguised as worshippers, on Thursday, disrupted the Eid el-Kabir prayers in Ilorin, Kwara State and attacked Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, with stones and sachet water, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported. The situation also prevented the Chief Imam from delivering his annual sermon, just as the emir also abandoned his Sallah message. Some of the worshippers who spoke with NAN said they were only able to offer one of the two mandatory prayer rakats. NAN reported that security operatives who accompanied the Senate president to the praying ground had to throw tear gas and fire several shots, which sent worshippers running helter-skelter for safety, while one of emir’s horsemen was injured in

the melee. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ajayi Okasanmi, who spoke with newsmen immediately after the prayer, confirmed the development. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the state police command had arrested eight persons over the violence that erupted at eidpraying ground. The hoodlums had attempted to break through a security barrier erected by the police, as part of measures to forestall planned invasion of the VIP section of the expansive praying ground. Okasanmi, said that despite the development, the prayers still held. “We deployed enough policemen in synergy with other security agencies to make sure the celebration was peaceful. It was free but, in the course of prayers, there was this insurgence of criminals which we had put into consideration before planning our strategy yesterday.

“We know normally they always come there to beg for money from dignataries and members of the public. So they came as usual and when we noticed that they were becoming unruly, we had to come out to really prevent them from gaining access to where the VIPs were standing. “We learnt that one or two persons were injured, but there is no official confirmation yet. Maybe before Monday when investigation is completed we will know the real situation." The police spokesman said the situation was promptly brought under control, while the prayer resumed. Several vehicles were damaged as a result of the crisis, as their broken glasses still littered the New Yidi Road, venue of the event. Meanwhile, Dr Muideen Akorede, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Media and Communication, however, said the attack was not tar-

geted at the Senate President and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed. Akorede, who corroborated the PPRO’s view, said the attack was carried out by miscreants who wanted to extort money from Saraki. “Governor Ahmed was not even at the Eid praying ground; he was at his home in Share where he prayed; so the attack could not be targeted at him,” Akorede added. Reacting to the development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State said external forces and desperate politicians mobilised miscreants and thugs to the Ilorin Eid praying ground, in a failed attempt to embarrass Saraki. Saraki and his entourage were briefly at Ilorin Eid praying ground on Thursday. The APC said according to reliable information and the confession of one of the apprehended thugs, the miscreants and thugs were conveyed from a neighbouring state to Ilorin, the

Kwara State capital, on Wednesday. The party said the miscreants had planned to use sachets of pure water other arms to cause confusion at the Eid praying ground, but it took the intervention of the people to thwart the evil plan. Nobody attacked Saraki –Media office The media office of the Senate President has, however, denied the alleged attack on Dr Saraki at the Eid praying ground. The office, in a statement, informed that the Senate President arrived at the venue on Thursday morning without any incident, prayed with other Muslim faithful, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Ali Ahmad and a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alfa Belgore, among others. To prove that nothing of such occurred, the office added that before he

left the prayer ground, he spoke to reporters who had asked him about his message for Nigerians to mark the Eid-el-Kabir. “We want to say that nothing can be further from the truth as the Senate president was never attacked nor was there any attempt made on his life to warrant him being ‘whisked away’ as reported by a section of the media. “We, however, observe that there was a protest allegedly staged by local government employees over purported non-payment of salaries, which hoodlums attempted to hijack, but this development was immediately curtailed by security agents. “Therefore, to say that the Senate president was attacked at the venue of the prayers is totally false and a figment of the imagination of those behind the story, because the protest was never targeted at him, neither was any missile hurled at him,” the statement read.

news

Friday, 25 September, 2015

HID lived an extraordinary life —Segun Awolowo

Stories by Olayinka Olukoya, Bola Badmus and Tunde Ogunesan

he first grandson of the Awolowo dynasty, Mr Segun Awolowo (Jnr), on Thursday, said his late grandmother, Mama HID Awolowo, lived an extraordinary life. Awolowo, who just returned from a trip, stated this while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune in Ikenne-Remo, Ogu n S t a t e , t h a t h i s grandmother was a pillar of support to the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the entire family and the nation at large. The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), noted that the matriarch of the dynasty lived with the ideals of Papa, even after his demise. He appreciated God for the good life she lived, saying she lived a fulfilled life. “For me, Mama was more than a grandmother, because I actually lived here with both of them. I grew up here. They were like parents to me. She

had lived a good life. “When I reflect on the life Mama lived, it was extraordinary to marry a man like Chief Obafemi Awolowo,

to live with his ideals and to support and make him strong when he was weak. She covered for him and the whole family.

“We are thankful to God for her life. She was not sick; she was not in the hospital for years. Although, she was frail, but her brain was very sharp

and on top of events. For her to pass on peacefully is a thing of joy. We, in our own human ways and selfishness, wanted her to be alive for her

Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and Mr Segun Awolowo , at Ikenne on Thursday . PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

100th birthday,which we are preparing for, but it is not to be. This is God’s wish for her life. “It is a thing of great joy and it calls for celebration. She was an epitome of great womanhood. She had become an example to mothers and wives all over the world, considering her devotion to her husband, family and the country,” he said. Asked to comment on some of his fond memories of Mama, he said “I am not going to reveal that to you, because I am writing a tribute. I can tell you that her love for this country was an outstanding example. For her and Papa, they have made the name Awolowo synonymous to service; service to the country. Her shoes are too big to fill, but it is my hope that the legacy of service to the country in which the name Awolowo symbolised would forever be upheld.”

Oh! Idowu is no more —HID’s 94-yr-old brother •Weeps profusely THE memories of family bond of Chief HID Awolowo was re-echoed on Thursday, when the only surviving sibling of the departed, who only got wind of her death On Thursday visited Ikenne. Lagos-based 94-yearold Pa Festus Taiwo Adelana, was brought into the Efunyela Hall of the Awolowo House, Ikenne, at 3.20 p.m. on a wheelchair. Pa Adelana could not hide his emotions, as he drew people’s attention to some of the memories of her sister, which he recollected in an emotion laden voice. Pa Adelana, in an interview with journalists, disclosed that he had been dreaming about his late sister in the last three days, saying he was unaware of his sister’s death until Thursday morning. He said immediately he knew, he insisted that he be brought to Ikenne to “see things for myself.” Pa Adelana lamented that the Awolowo matriarch died during this period, stuttering in Yoruba Language that “she (HID) had always said I would be the one to bury her. Oh, she’s gone! “ She used to take care of me. She loved me and showed it well to me till now. Oh, Idowu is no more.”

We should celebrate, not mourn Mama — ex-Island Club chairman Immediate past chairman of Island Club, Prince Ademola Dada, said the passage of Yeye Oodu’a, Chief HID Awolowo, should be seen as a “celebration, not as mourning, because Mama lived a very fulfilled life, by using all her God-given resources to serve God and humanity.” Prince Dada said she was a strong pillar of support for her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying she stood

solidly behind him like the rock of Gibratar throughout the sage’s eventful and memorable political career. Dada prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest; the family and the whole country, fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. She upheld her husband’s principle till death – Honourable Odebunmi Honourable Segun Dokun Odebunmi, a member of the National Assembly representing Surulere Ogo

Oluwa Federal Constituency, said in a condolence message to the Awolowo family, that Mama Awolowo was a woman of trust, who upheld the principles and ideals of her husband till she breathed her last. “Mama was a virtuous woman, a true companion, who stood by Chief Obafemi Awolowo (pride of Nigeria) during his lifetime and continued in the same spirit even decades after the former premier was no more. “Papa and Mama Awolowo did not only commit their

lives to the unity of Nigeria, but ensured total commitment to the development of the South-West and the country at large; a legacy which would remain indelible in the history of Nigeria,” he said. FG, Ogun govt should immortalise Mama Awolowo — AdebajoFraser Member, Governing Council, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, has expressed sadness over the news of death of the matriarch

of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief HID Awolowo, urging both the federal and Ogun State governments to immortalise the Yeye Oodu’a for posterity. Adebajo-Fraser, who is also publisher of Kuramonews, described the late matriarch as an indisputable role model of integrity and dignity personified, as well as the pride of the Yoruba race. “She symbolised the ideal woman who led a purposeful life worthy of emulation. She was a good wife, mother and grandmother, not just for her

Obada, UI VC, Farounbi, Rewane, Okei-Odumakin, others visit the Awolowos More distinguished Nigerians, religious groups and political bodies have continued to throng the Ikenne home of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to condole with the family. Some of the visitors included the former deputy governor of Osun State, Chief Olusola Obada, who came with her husband, Chief Felix Babatunde Obada. The former Minister of Defence said Mama Awolowo was a mother to all. Obada, who said she had known Mama from her teenage years, acknowledged that “at each milestone of my life, she always blessed me. When I became deputy governor of Osun State and minister, she called and prayed for me. She was always there for me, even putting a call through on my birthdays. “She was a good and

wonderful mother to everyone and unifying force in Nigeria’s political space. She picked up from where Papa left, performed wonderfully well, without being parochial.” Also, the management team of the University of Ibadan (UI), led by the institution’s vice chancellor, Professor Isaac Adewole, deputy vice chancellors (Administration and Academics),Professors Ambrose Ali Ayelari and Gbemisola Oke, respectively and the Registrar, Mr Jimi Olukoya. Adewole, in his tribute, said the late matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty represented the best of womanhood, adding that the duo of Papa and Mama Awolowo carved a niche for themselves through the name, which he said had become a symbol in the country. He said “there is something

unique and mysterious about the name Awolowo and the family. We do not believe that there is any other Nigerian like Papa and Mama.” Adewole promised the readiness of UI to support the HID Awolowo Foundation. Also, former Ambassador to Philippine, Chief Yemi Farounbi, said the memory of Mama Awolowo would forever remain in the hearts of many Nigerians, because of her good works. Farounbi, in his condolence message, said “to live in the minds of those behind is not to die. Mama lives on. Our great mother.” Wife of the late NADECO chieftain, Pa Alfred Rewane, Doris, in her tribute, eulogised the virtues of Mama Awolowo, saying “she lived a fulfilled life, working for the peace and unity of Nigeria.”

In the same vein, President of Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy, Dr Joe OkeiOdumakin, said Mama Awolowo, in her lifetime, was a teacher of family values. “Our Mama stood like colossus during Papa’s incarceration. She demonstrated uncommon courage and was fanatically committed to the principles and ideals of Papa.” Former Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran, who said Mama Awolowo was “a great mother to us all. A great leader and moving spirit that kept the fire of patriotism and solidarity burning throughout the land of Oduduwa. “You kept faith and we, the disciples of Papa Awolowo, will forever remain proud of you.” In the words of the

former chairman of Punch newspapers, Mr and Mrs Ajibola Ogunshola, Mama Awolowo “was a woman of exceptional industry and courage, who has a reserved place in history.” To the family of Admiral and Prince T. Odedina, “HID was one in a million, wishing her eternal rest,” while the former chairman, Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Segun Adebayo, prayed that her “stock be multiplied in the clime.” Other groups and associations who visited the Awolowos on Thursday, included the Ijaw Women Leadership Forum, YWCA of St John’s Anglican Church, Ijoku, Sagamu; Christian conscience; The 17 Intercessor Ministers of God and the Praying Forum International Ministerial Association.

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Lagosmetro

Ambode wants strict usage of life jackets on waterways

agos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday began his campaign of Water Transport Safety Awareness Programme with distribution of 2,400 life jackets, calling for its strict usage on waterways. The life jackets freely distributed were donated by Total Nigeria Plc to students of primary and secondary schools and boat operators in Sabokoji community, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. The governor, who was represented by the Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mrs Abisola Kamson, said the distribution was part of efforts to improve safety on waterways, adding that the jackets was particularly designed for the students who go to school via ferry. “Today’s distribution of life jackets to students in Sabokoji community in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government area of Lagos State is part of concentrated efforts by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to improve safety on Lagos waterways,” she said. Kamson advised parents to insist that their wards use the life jackets when on board and that the life jackets should not just be kept at home, adding that operators should always use it and pos-

sibly keep some inside their boats or ferries. She added that it was imperative that all Lagosians to

wear life jackets when plying any form of water vessels for transportation. The Secretary of Amu-

The General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Michael Akindele, on Wednesday, said no life was lost in the building collapse that occurred at Lekki area of Lagos on Tuesday. Mr Akindele stated that the agency’s search and rescue mission was concluded at 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday when the two-storey building under construction at 37, Agungi-Ajiran Road, Lekki collapsed at about

the determination of the State Government to make the waterways safer for both operators and passengers,

with particular emphasis on students in the riverine areas. Students from five schools, LA Primary School, Tomaro, Ilado, Nanti Community Nursery and Primary School, Sea School, Apapa, LA Nursery and Primary School, Sabokoji, Bishop Koji Community Nursery and Primary School and Itun-Agan Community Nursery and Primary School, Ilado were presented with life jackets and a demonstration of how to use the jacket and how to resuscitate victims of boat mishaps were made.

Govt, non Isolo secon The Lagos State Government on Wednesday asked Mrs Roseline Ololo to present documents to prove that she was the owner of Metropolitan College and Isolo Secondary Schools. The 91-year-old woman had threatened on Monday to occupy the Governor’s office until the school, which she founded with her late husband was returned to her. According to a state-

Isolo road roundabout in deplorable condition, on Thursday. Photo: Alaba Igbaroola.

Police terrorising us over 75-hectare land — Ibeju Lekki community Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin Residents of Abijo town in Ibeju Lekki Local Gov-

ernment Area of Lagos State have called on the Inspector General of Police to come to their aid

No life was lost in Lekki building collapse — LASEMA Chukwuma Okparaocha

wo-Odofin Local Government, Modupe Ajibola-Ojodu, said the provision of the life jackets underscores

6.30 a.m, adding that two persons were rescued by residents before the arrival of rescue agencies. “Reports by witnesses, that four okada riders sleeping in the building were trapped in the building compelled LASEMA officials to excavate the debris. We mobilised two cranes to the site and they excavated the debris to the zero level. “There was nobody dead or alive found and so the rescue mission was concluded at that point. The agency’s work as far as the collapse is concerned has

ended. The relevant agencies like ministry of physical planning and the Lagos State Building and Control Agency (LASBCA) will continue their work,” he said. Mr Akindele added that since the quality of materials used in constructing the building was doubtful, the relevant agency would carry out investigations on the materials. The building had been marked by LASBCA on August 11 with notices to stop construction served on the contractors handling the project.

due to what they described as high level of Police lawlessness and harassment. According to a representative of the leaders of the community, Mr Bamidele Ogundele, the harassment by the police has become unbearable. He said that the harassment started when a large parcel of land (about 75 hectares) in the community became a subject of a law suit. “The land in question is the subject of all these harassment. It is owned by the Dada Bakare family and the case is currently in court with suit number LD/2308/2011 against Alhaji Akeeb Adams and others, for illegal trespassing” Ogundele said.

He further added that the community sent a petition to the office of the Inspector General of Police, and the matter was assigned to the PRO department of Nigeria Police CID in Abuja. “Having done all these, we had hoped that the harassment would stop, but

it has now become unbearable and most of our people are on the run due to Police running after them. We are calling on the Inspector General, Solomon Arase; the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode and President Muhammadu Buhari to please come to our aid,” he pleaded.

Land scam lands senior Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A senior staff with a Lagos State Ministry, Alausa, Ikeja, Oluwakemi Amole, 47, has been charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ court, for allegedly obtaining the sum of N6, 669,500 under false pretence. It was alleged that Amole

obtained the money from Hilary Chimese, the Managing Director of HOCHIEZ Pharmaceutical Limited situated at 66, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos. Trouble started when the defendant allegedly obtained N6, 669,500 from Hilary Chimese with a promise to secure a land for

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

news Edited By Lanre Adewole

08037863902 | olanreade@yahoo.com

This PSP Truck seen at Lagos Toll gate was approved by Lagos State Ministry of Environment to carry waste materials, but the driver chose to use it to carry goods, overloading the rickety truck. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

Pro-chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Chief Wole Olanipekun (left) with the new vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Dapo Asaju, during his presentation to the media in Oyo, on Thursday. PHOTO: TUNDE OGUNESAN

Ajayi Crowther varsity names Prof Asaju as new VC By Tunde Ogunesan

agenarian tussle over ownership of dary school ment signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the State Ministry of Education, Mr Jide Lawal, the demand of the documents was the result of a meeting between Ololo and officials of the state government on Wednesday. “Officials of the Lagos State Government today (Wednesday) met with 91-year-old Mrs Roseline Ololo, sequel to the meeting agreed upon by the two parties over the resolution of the return of Metropolitan College and Isolo Secondary Schools to its former owners,” the statement read. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Olabisi Ariyo, who presided over the meeting noted that, the state government in an effort to carry out due diligence, requested Mrs Ololo to substantiate her claims to the ownership of

the schools by providing a letter of administration or the copy of the will of the former owner of the school in order to fast track the process of returning the schools. Ariyo noted that the government’s position was informed by the need to ascertain the rightful status of Mrs Ololo in the family, in view of the internal wrangling in the Ololo family, adding that

Estate agent accused of duping widow Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin An estate agent, Fatai Yusuf, 48, who fraudulently obtained N150, 000 from a widow has been charged to court. It was gathered that Yusuf, who resides at 4, Adetayo Street, Ketu, promised the widow Mukaila Medinat, a civil servant after the death of her husband, to help her

civil servant in court him at Lekki Scheme II and Oko Afo, Badagry mixed development scheme, a claim she knew to be false. When Amole failed to provide the land and also refused to refund the money to him, Chimese reported the matter to the police. The police prosecutor, Inspector Adoga Amedu,

the process of returning the school could only be concluded after the identification of the rightful owner of the school. The Permanent Secretary also advised the lawyer to the Ololos to desist from blackmailing government by whipping up tribal sentiment and fulfill the details of the law by providing the requested documents.

had informed the court in charge No I/26/2014 that the defendant committed the offence sometime in 2009 at Ikeja, Lagos. Amedu noted that the offences the defendant committed are punishable under sections 409, 312(3) and 285(1) of the criminal laws of Lagos State, 2011.

secure an accommodation. She met the accused, who introduced himself as an agent for the owner of a property for let and told him she needed an apartment at Alapere, Ketu. Sometime in March, she gave him N250, 000 being a deposit on the amount the accused had asked for the apartment. After the complainant gave the accused the money, he failed to provide her the apartment and after series of phone calls from the complainant to return her money, the accused, then returned N100, 000 to her, not returning the remaining N150,000. The accused reportedly threatened the complainant, whenever she demanded for her money,

jayi Crowther University, Oyo governing board on Thursday named Professor Dapo Asaju as third Vice Chancellor of the institution. This was disclosed by the Pro-chancellor of the University, Chief Wole Olanipekun, after a meeting by the governing council of the institution. Olanipekun stated that Asaju emerged V.C out of the said eight candidates, who showed interest in the position. According to him, “the Council decided that there should be no vacuum, regency and no transcend for our own university, but there should be substantive vice chancellor not acting vice chancellor. Today is a memorable day because of the type of person and personality, which the council has chosen as vice chancellor. “We have applicants from various universities in this country that applied for the post, but Professor Asaju came first with 88 per cent in the rigorous interview conducted for them. This is why we approved Professor Asaju and come October 1, he will assume the post. “The merit used in picking Professor Asaju was his qualities in presentation and he was the best due to his antecedent in the academic sector, he has what it takes to move this institution forward,” he adedd. Professor Asaju was born on November 10, 1961; he was an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, where he obtained his Bachelors of

Arts degree in 1983; Masters of Arts in Christian Studies in 1985 and his PhD in Christian Studies in 2003 from the same University.

He has accomplished academic career spanning in the last 32 years and he was a member of several and academic societies.

Adeyemi Vs Melaye: ‘DSS has no report

before Kogi election tribunal’ Taiwo Adisa - Abuja Former Zonal Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi West Senatorial District, Mr Mohammed Mohammed on Thursday said that the Department of State Services (DSS) has no report on the Kogi West election before the elections petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja. Mohammed, who debunked media reports indicating that the DSS had submitted a preliminary report to the Tribunal, said in Abuja that he was at the Tuesday sitting, adding that the DSS never presented such report. According to Mohammed,

an operative of the DSS, who claimed to have been attached to the office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election, Mr Victor Garba, who was quoted as having submitted a report from the DSS was not acting on behalf of the DSS as he could not present an identity card to prove that he was a member of staff of the DSS. He also stated that the said report tendered by the acclaimed operative failed under cross examination by the counsel to Senator Smart Adeyemi, Mr Kayode Olatoke, as according to him, the man was subpoenaed in his personal name and not in the name of DSS.

Eid-el-Kabir: APC woman leader tasks Nigerians to pray for leaders Bola Badmus - Lagos As Nigerian Muslims join others across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid- elKabir, the National Woman Leader, All Progressive Congress (APC), Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has called on Muslims to use the festive period to look inward as well as pray for God’s guidance upon the leaders in order to lift the country out of her present socio-economic predicaments. The woman leader made the call on Wednesday, even as she saluted Nigerians for

their patience in the face of economic hardship and social apathy owing to decades of (political) greed in high places. Hajiya Aliyu congratulated Muslims and Nigerians at large for finding the will to vote in a courageous leader like President Muhammad Buhari in the March 28 election. According to her, such a feat was not a mere display of courage, but a joint decision by millions of good Nigerians (Muslims and Christians alike) to take their destinies in their own hands.

businessnews Economy could slip into recession in 2016, more Nigerians warn 10

Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

ore Nigerians are adding their voices to the call for urgent and proactive steps to save the economy, as all indicators point to an economy slipping into recession by 2016. Latest in the call is the Lead Director, Centre for Social Justice (CENSOJ), Mr Eze Onyekpere, who spoke on Thursday against the background of a warning by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday that proactive steps should be taken to revive growth in key sectors of the economy. According to the CENSOJ director, President Mohammadu Buhari- led administration must make the state of the nation address on October 1, 2015, with a focus on the economy, his administration’s achievement so far, as well as plans for the short and medium term to revive the economy. This is coming three days after Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the Nigerian economy might plunge into recession in 2016. After the MPC meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Emefiele had highlighted reasons such development could occur. “The committee noted that liquidity withdrawals following the implementation of the treasury single account, elongation of the tenure of state governments’ loans as well as loans to the oil and gas sectors could aggravate liquidity conditions in banks and impair their financial intermediation role, thus affecting economic growth, unless some actions were immediately taken to ease liquidity conditions in the markets,” he had said. “Having seen two consecutive quarters of slow

Friday, 25 September, 2015

growth, the committee recognized that the economy could slip into recession in 2016 if proactive steps were not taken to revive growth in key sectors of the economy,” he added. Emefiele listed slowing growth, inflation and continual depleting of the foreign exchange in defense of the naira as the main factors that could lead to the 2016 outlook. Mr. Onyekpere noted that the elongation of the tenure of state government loans as well as loans to the oil and gas sector could aggravate the liquidity squeeze in banks thereby impairing their financial inter-mediation role. The absence of a synergy between monetary and fiscal policy, he pointed out, remained one of the most potent obstacles to sustainable growth. To halt the continued drift in the economy, the CSJ director urged President Buhari to immediately appoint his Ministers, especially the Minister for Finance and Economic Management as well as constitute the Economic Management Team. Besides, he said the President should urgently unveil his administration’s economic agenda and give Nigerians the opportunity to make inputs for its modification and fine-tuning. “Public and private stakeholders cannot continue to grope in the dark and imagine the content of government’s economic agenda. The unveiling of a holistic framework has become a matter of urgent national importance,” Mr Onyekpere explained. Available data show that the economy has undoubtedly experienced slow growth in 2015 relative to 2014. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.35 per cent in the second quarter of 2015, decreasing from 3.96 per

cent in the previous quarter. The GDP growth also experienced a 6.54 per cent drop from its values in the second quarter of 2014, as job creation in the same quarter dropped by 69.9 per cent. Yea-on-Year headline inflation, continue to trend upward, although the month on month measure moderated,” Emefiele added as the MPC agreed that headline inflation must be stemmed. The inflation of the economy stabilized at 9.2 per cent in June and July 2015, only to rise slightly to 9.3 per cent in August 2015, away from the 8.5 per cent value in August 2014. Analysts are concerned that further inflation would hinge the country closer to

an economic recession. CBN’s continued defence of the naira has already reflected in the nation’s foreign reserves as the gross official reserves dropped from $31.20billion at the end of July to $30.63billion on September 17, 2015. “Demand pressure on the foreign exchange market remained significant as oil prices continue to decline,” the governor said, hinting a further decline in reserves if proactive measures are not taken. “The committee further observed that the impact of the persistent decline in global crude oil prices on the fiscal position of the government continues to reflect in rising credit to the government. To create synergy be-

were awarded through the Ministry of Power at the cost of N27.1 billion. It states that 23 contracts, ranging from the provision of solid waste collection in Abuja Municipal Area Council to the construction of sewage facilities and management services, will be executed in the Federal Capital Territory.. It adds that four of the contracts will be implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources, including the rehabilitation and ex-

He urged state governments to embark on a professional review of their financial management including expenditures with a view to cutting down costs. “Maintaining bloated, frivolous, wasteful and unnecessary expenditure heads at a time state government revenues have declined due to low oil prices will surely build up another backlog of salaries. “Further, continued borrowing from deposit money banks and the capital market is not the way forward for states that could not pay back their due loans and needed the intervention of the CBN and Debt Management Office to reschedule their debts,’’ he said

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Sonny Echono (right), while receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gu Xiaojie, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, recently.

Agric ministry talks partnership with Chinese govt The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has stated its readiness to partner with the Chinese government in area of agriculture development. The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Sonny Echono, disclosed this on Tuesday, 23rd,

2015, while receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Echono thanked the Chinese government for their support in the past, saying the development model of China best suited Nigeria’s agricultural

FG approved 90 contracts from January to June — BPP Report The Federal Executive Council approved 90 contracts between January and June, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) said in its bi-annual report. The report, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday states that the contracts will be executed over three years. It states that contracts for the supply and installation of 753, 002 electricity meters under the Presidential Initiative to Nigerians

tween fiscal and monetary policy, Mr. Onyekpere called for the unveiling of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper 2016-2019 as required by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). To free up resources for national development, the CSJ chief said government must cut down the cost of governance, including the allowances and overhead costs of running the bureaucracy across all arms of government. Other proposals for government consideration include the review of the subsidy for imported petroleum products, while completely removing petroleum subsidy from the fuel pricing template from the 2016 federal budget.

pansion of the Central Ogbia Regional water supply in Bayelsa. The report also states that the Ministry of Water Resources awarded contract for the construction of Irawo Earth Dam project in Oyo State. It also states that five contracts were awarded through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources for the construction of the Head Office building complex for the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring

Board in Bayelsa. The report also states that Ministry of Works awarded contract for the expansion of Suleja-Minna Phase two Road in Niger with funding from the Subsidy Re-investment Programme 2014 appropriation. The report also stated that the government awarded contract through the Ministry of Works for the expansion of Abuja-Keffi expressway and the expansion of Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Markudi road.

transformation agenda to commercial agriculture. The Permanent Secretary explained that Nigeria is working to improve her milling capacity in rice and cassava, to reduce the current demand and supply. Echono stated that Nigeria needs support in the establishment of ranches, poultry and textile industry. He, therefore, invited Chinese investors to come and invest in the sectors. The permanent secretary identified infrastructural development as another area the Chinese investors should come in and invest, saying Nigeria was working hard towards increasing productivity, hence the need to develop the Staple Crops Processing Zones (SCPZs). He disclosed that partnership discussion is ongoing with some research institutions in China in the area of technology. Echono said China had

a huge market in cassava chips, hence the need to support Nigeria’s cassava production, saying Nigeria is the world largest producer of cassava. According to him, other opportunities for investment include aquaculture, fishery production and wheat production so as to be able to meet the demands of the local millers. The permanent secretary also requested for support in capacity building, egg powder production and transfer of technology, while also adding the need to manufacture simple technological tools that are reliable to make farming less labourious. Earlier in his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie, expressed the readiness of the Chinese government to work closely with the government of Nigeria to explore areas of cooperation since both have big population and markets.

businessnews

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Eid el-Kabir: Naira depreciates against dollar Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

s Muslim faithful across the country celebrate Eid el-Kabir, traders said the naira, which on Monday and Tuesday exchanged for N220, has since the last working day of this week been trading at N222 against the dollar, representing a N2 loss at the parallel market. While a currency dealer at the Hajj Camp end of the Murtala Muhammed Airport attributed the pressure on the local currency to reduced number of suppliers of dollars as a result of holiday travels, a Bureau De Change operator explained that the local currency’s drop in value was connected to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) failure to sell enough foreign currencies on Wednesday. Dealers in currency had expected the apex bank to sell more foreign currencies before the Eid el-Kabir break but it did not, raising fears that the naira may depreciate further due to the long break associated with eid el-kabir celebration. However, the official interbank rate remained unchanged at N197 to the dollar. The previous drop of the naira happened on August 30-31, when the national currency was depreciated by N5 to N220. It was partially caused by increased demand for dollars to fund Hajj pilgrimage and payment of school fees. Traders in Lagos said interbank rates dropped to 6 per cent after spiking as high as 50 per cent, while bond yields slipped by around 20 basis points across the curve. The CBN acted on Tuesday to ease the liquidity

squeeze gripping Nigeria’s financial system by cutting banks’ cash reserve ratio to 25 per cent, though it kept interest rates on hold at 13 per cent. The move followed authorities’ decision last week to force commercial banks to transfer government revenue to a Treasury Single Account (TSA) at the CBN. Part of a drive

to fight corruption, the transfer effectively brought the interbank market to a halt. The benchmark 2024 bond was quoted at 14.93 per cent on Wednesday, down from 15.15 per cent on Tuesday before the CBN’s move. The 2020 paper was trading at 14.99 per cent against 15.18 per cent closed on Tuesday, while

the longest tenor 2034 was quoted at 14.99 per cent from 15.16 per cent. But at the same time, overnight lending rates were quoted at between 3050 per cent from 15.5 per cent the previous day, banking sources and traders said. Traders said there was a liquidity deficit of about N110 billion on Wednesday but banks were hold-

From left, Legal Adviser, Alliance Against Monopoly (AAM), Mr. Charles Nnorom; President, AAM, Mazi Omife Omife and PR Consultant to Alliance Against Monopoly, Mr Celestine Achi, at a special press conference to refute reported allegations against AAM in Lagos, on Wednesday. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

ICS launches branding talent market in Lagos Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

Integrated Corporate Services (ICS) Limited has announced the launch of a talent and employer branding expo tagged: ‘ICS Talent Bank,’ in Lagos. Managing Director of the organisation, Mr Femi Olatide, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos, said the exhibition

would be the first ever talent market and corporate branding event in Africa. Mr Olatide explained that ICT Ltd was partnering with relevant institutions such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), higher institutions of learning and other strategic alliances to gain access to the talent and brighter graduates across all disciplines

and fields to suit various industries. According to the CEO, “our search and selection criteria are globally accepted standards for top talents. We deploy our world class assessment tools and techniques to deliver premium talents across all recognized qualifications in Nigeria.” He said more than 20,000 candidates would

Lagos gov tasks ICSAN on good corporate governance Akin Adewakun - Lagos

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has stressed the need for the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) to exhibit high professional standards by standing firm on strict adherence to global best practices in corporate governance both in private and public sectors. Making this charge, recently, at the institute’s 39th annual conference/ dinner held in Lagos, the governor, who was rep-

ing off deals until an expected injection of cash when the new cash reserve requirement (CRR) would show its effect. “No one is borrowing at such a high rate for now, most fund takers are quoting between 8-9 per cent for overnight because of the expectation of an increase in liquidity,” another dealer said.

resented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Dapo Thomas, described the ultimate goal of democracy as good governance, measured by the degree of improvement in the general well-being of the people, as well as their involvement in governance. “Lack of transparency in the governance process and procedures is against the principles of democracy. In addition to breeding distrust between the government and the

people, a non-transparent system creates room for selfish manipulation and abuse. “It also limits the opportunity for public participation in the process of formulating and implementing policies and programmes. This disconnection often results in policies that have little or no impact on people’s lives,” Ambode said. He described the theme of the conference: ‘Disclosure and Transparency: A Paradigm Shift in Corporate Governance’, as apt, since it clearly captures the essence of the ongoing re-

forms across the nation. The institute’s president/chairman of council, Dr Nat Ofo, said that the theme of the conference was in line with the resolve of the Federal Government to fight corruption, which, he argued, had be-devilled the nation for a long time. Describing lack of disclosure and transparency as a recipe for corporate failure, the ICSAN boss stated that concerted efforts must be made to ensure that companies are administered in accordance with good corporate governance practices.

be verified, tasted and interviewed so as to select the best 2,000 talents for the fair. Olatide added that ICS publicity strategy was geared towards reaching young graduates and professionals across the length and breadth of Nigeria in the six geopolitical zones and finally, culminate into one event at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, on October 21, 2015. The CEO pointed out that the company’s singular activities would help to reduce and control the high rate of employment in the country, through information, education and communication screening and counselling. He maintained that the initiative would also help provide solutions to the challenges of unemployment, lack of marketable skill-set, poor business skills and entrepreneurial powers, low self-esteem, among many other challenges being encountered by the youth population.

businessnews

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

CRR: Over N700 bn to return to banks Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

eprieve will soon return to the cash-drained financial system following estimated N767. 4billion liquidity levels expected to return to banks as a result of the six per cent reduction in Cash Reserve Requirements’ (CRR) by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The CRR is a monetary policy tool used to set the minimum deposits commercial banks must hold as reserves, rather than lend out. The MPC convened between 21st and 22nd of September 2015 to review developments in the domestic and international economy as well as the financial markets. The committee members at the end of deliberations reduced the Cash Reserve Requirements by 6.0 per cent from 31 per cent to 25 per cent by a vote of 7 against 3 who voted. Available records show that monetary survey data from the CBN for the month of July 2015 indicated that approximately N4.4trillion was held by the CBN as banking re-

Naira depreciates against dollar The Naira on Wednesday depreciated slightly against the Dollar at the parallel market, dropping by N2. The currency traded N222, N350 and N256 against the Dollar, Pounds and Euro, respectively. On Monday and Tuesday, it traded at N220, N345 and N252 against the Dollar, Pounds and Euro respectively. However, the official interbank rate remained at N197 to the Dollar. Mr Harrison Owoh, a Bureau de Change operator told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the Naira’s drop in the value was connected to Central Bank of Nigeria’s failure to sell enough foreign currencies. He said that parallel market operators had expected the apex bank to sell more foreign currencies before the Eid el-Kabir break. Owoh said that the currency may depreciate further due to the long break associated with Muslims’ celebration.

serves with a mandatory component of N4.2trillion. Confirming the expected liquidity ease, investment bankers at Afrinvest West Africa Limited observed that adjusted mandatory reserves for the six per cent reduction cut in CRR and Federal Government

deposits outflow from the system, leads to projected net CRR credit of approximately N767.4billion to the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs). The bankers said this should considerably ease the liquidity burden on Tier-2 banks in the money

market. “Thus we expect to see moderation in money market rates to levels within close band of the benchmark interest rate of 13 per cent. Takings from the Standing Lending Facility (SLF) of the CBN is also expected to reduce

substantially whilst Open Market (OMO) operation activities of the CBN will likely resume to manage liquidity in the financial system,” Afrinvest stated in a note to investors on Wednesday. According to Afrinvest, banks with little exposure

From left, Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics, West Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Remvatas, Managing Director, Smile Communications Limited, Mr Michiel Buitelaar, Managing Director, Samsung Electronic, West Africa, Mr Brovo Kim, Chief Marketing Officer, Mrs. Alero Ladipo and Chief Corporate Service Officer, Mr Tobe Okigbo both of Smile Communications Limited at a Media Launch of Voice Over LTE by Smile communications Nigeria Ltd in partnership with Samsung Electronics, held at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi on Monday in Lagos. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa.

to Federal Government deposit (hence less impacted by the TSA implementation) will have the highest accrued gain from the CRR cut. Tier-1 banks with the most robust deposit base and cheaper cost of funds FBN Holdings, Zenith, GTBank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Diamond Bank are best positioned. Analysts at Financial Derivatives Company of Nigeria Limited noted that the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has resulted in a net outflow of approximately N250 billion. But, “with a six per cent reduction in CRR, approximately N700 billion will be injected into the system given that a one per cent reduction in CRR results in an injection of approximately N130 billion into the system. “Thus, the net increase in liquidity will be about N530 billion. Since money supply has decreased both monthly and annually, we expect inflationary pressures that may result from this CRR reduction to be muted,” stated FDC analysts

FG urged to jump-start economy to avert CBN’s recession prediction Some financial analysts on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to come up with concrete development plans that would assist the nation to jump start the economy. They made the suggestions amid the warning by Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) that the nation would slip into economic recession in 2016. They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that there was the need to put plans in place to avert the forecast. The Executive Secretary, Financial Markets Dealers Association, Mr Wale Abe, said that any concrete step(s) to be undertaken by government had to be implemented within six months. Abe said the economy had not witnessed any development as result of the downward trend in oil prices at the global market. He restated that low oil prices had also been responsible for low positive growth. Abe said the low growth had affected the real sector, the engine of growth of the economy. Abe, an economist, added that the CBN’s monetary

policies were just to ensure financial stability. Another economist, Dr Ayo Teriba, corroborated the CBN’s pronouncement and urged the Federal Government to heed to the advice. According to him, it is a statement of fact which needed to be addressed on time. Mr Muda Yusuf, Director-General, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), also said there was uncertainty in the economic environment. Yusuf said that the cur-

rent foreign exchange policy was another factor that had caused confidence crisis which had made investors to move their funds from the economy. According to him, there is an improvement in power supply but there are still infrastructure challenges in the business environment. But, Mr Bismark Rewane, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivative Company disagreed, saying he was optimistic the economy would pick up in the fourth quarter. Rewane said there were

indications that the oil price at the international market would move up in the fourth quarter. He, however, admitted that problems associated with the fiscal aspects of the economy needed to be addressed urgently. Rewane alleged that leakages in the oil subsidy have had negative impact on the nation’s budgeting. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Tuesday, Sept. 21 reduced the Cash Reserve Requirements (CRR) of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) from 31 per cent to 25 per

cent. The decision followed the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy, leading to huge cash withdrawal from the banks to the CBN’s vaults. This means that some 14 per cent of the CRR is freed from the banks for further investments into the economy. The reserve requirement or CRR is the minimum amount of money that banks must hold in reserve at the CBN, usually given as a percentage of customer deposits.

Total Nigeria appoints new MD Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt The Board of Directors of Total E&P Nigeria (TEPNG) Limited has appointed Mr. Nicolas Terraz as its new Managing Director/Chief Executive with effect from September 17, 2015. He succeeds Mrs Elisabeth Proust, who has since been assigned to other duties within the group. The appointment was contained in a statement issued by the TEPNG Deputy Gen-

eral Manager (Media and Public Affairs), Mr. Charles Ogan, and made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday. Terraz is a graduate of French engineering schools, Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées. He also possesses a Master of Science in Technology and Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States of America. According to the statement,

he joined Total in 2001, after working for seven years with the French Government in the Ministries of Industry and Public Works and Transportation. The statement adds “In his career in Total, Terraz acquired extensive experience in operations and management of various projects in our affiliate companies in many countries, including Myanmar, Qatar and France. “He served as Managing Director of Total E&P Myanmar and Total Group Rep-

resentative in Myanmar (from 2008 to 2011) and as Managing Director of Total E&P France (from 2011 to 2013). “Terraz was appointed Vice President New Ventures & Asset Management for Total Exploration and Production on March 1st, 2014. “Born in 1969 and married with four children, he is coming to Nigeria from his present position as a top executive in the New Business Unit in France.”

Friday, 25 September, 2015

N 8 July, 1964, I was transferred from Ikoyi to Calabar Prison. About 10 0’clock in the morning of the previous day, Superintendent Ogundahunsi, to my great surprise, brought three visitors directly to my cell: two women and one man. Adebiyi (Barrister-at-law), Mrs. Tanimowo Oyesanya, and Chief F.M. Solanke. I thought the whole business was strange, as no visitor except a clergyman was ever allowed that far. We needed no introduction, and we greeted one another with big smiles and warm handshakes. At this juncture, Mr. Ogundahunsi left, and the warder on guard was ordered to stay outside. We sat down in the corridor opposite my cells. We chatted for about five minutes or so. All the time I was puzzled about the purpose of this strange visit. I remembered vividly that Chief (Mrs.) Adebiyi was a great sympathiser with my cause. She was in court on 11 September, 1963. After sentence was pronounced, she wept bitterly, and after the Court had risen, she prayed for my eventual victory. But what was she doing here after ten months? Chief (Mrs.) Adebiyi is a Princess of Ijebu Remo. She is one of the daughters of the late Oba William Adedoyin, the Akarigbo of Ijebu Remo. She was popularly nicknamed and called ‘Akarigboress’ which is the feminine gender of Akarigbo. In the circumstances of the visit, our chit-chat was boring and meaningless to me. I changed the conversation. ‘Well, Akarigboress, this visit is very strange; and coming into my cell too! What is the object of your visit?’ ‘Very important, and very urgent!’ she replied. ‘Very well, go ahead!’ I demanded. She then asked that Tanimo and F.M. should excuse us; and so they went out, leaving the two of us. My three mates had gone out to work. On our admission, they had elected to do carpentering. With no one within hearing distance, she disclosed to me the purpose of her visit. The Director of Prisons, Chief Giwa Osagie, had sent her to inform me that he was transferring me to Calabar Prison the following morning. She was to emphasise that the transfer was in my own best interests and, therefore, his decision was irrevocable. He had sent to inform me in advance so that I was not taken by surprise the next morning. He had chosen her to carry the message, in order that his decision might not leak until the act had been concluded. I did not at all like the idea of a transfer from Ikoyi to Calabar, or to any other prison in the country. I told Jemina that I was comfortable at Ikoyi and asked her to persuade the Director to leave me where I was. She then said that the Director’s mind was made up, and he planned to visit Calabar shortly to explain things to me. I led her into the enclosed yard of our block of cells to join the other two. There I bade them goodbye. As Mrs. Adebiyi departed, I decided within me that I would resist the transfer as far as was prudently possible. In the evening of the same day, whilst having my dinner, I had a visitor in the person of Professor Tira Bello Osagie. He said that he had come, on the instruction of the Director, to give me a medical test. This sounded strange to me since I had not made any complaint of any ailment. I refused to submit to any test. I suspected that he had come to give me a test in order that he might recommend that I was physically fit to travel to Calabar. Professor Osagie tried hard to persuade me. I told him bluntly that I had never met him before, and I did not trust him enough to submit myself to a test by him. Besides, he was not the Prison Doctor. I was eating my meal as I talked. Then I saw beads of tears rolling down the Professor’s cheeks. With a subdued sob, he asked, pointing to the table in front of me, “These are the plates they supply you?” “We-e’ll, yes! They are not too bad!” I said sincerely and cheerfully. He shook his head. Then after a pause, “Sir, I have to go. But I want to assure you that I am one of your ardent admirers’. ‘Thanks very much’. And with a warm handshake we parted. About one hour later, Mr. Boyd called. He had come to persuade me to submit to a medical test. I told him I would not, unless I was physically forced. He left, and about one hour later he came again; this time to tell me the purpose of the test which was what I suspected. He then added, in a tone of finality, that test or

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Behind the bars by Papa Awo (6)

•President Muhammadu Buhari

no test, they all knew I was fit to travel. The Director wanted him to assure me that, at Calabar, I would be well looked after as much as, if not more than, I was at Ikoyi. If there was anything in particular I wanted the Director to provide for me in Calabar, he would do all he could, within the law and regulations, to meet my wishes. Still, I told him to help me persuade the Director to leave me where I was. He made no comment, and left. At this stage, I thought that if the Director persisted, I should let go. The next morning, at about three o’clock, I heard the clanging of the keys; my cell was opened; and there was Mr. Boyd together with Mr. Ogundahunsi and two others. I was asked to get dressed and be ready to move. The rule was that when a C.P travelled out, he did so in his own attire. But I adamantly refused to wear my own dress. Consequently, I put on my prison uniform, and was ready. But before we left, I gave my private attire to Mr. Ogundahunsi for delivery to my Private Secretary, Mr. Biodun Falade. I requested for certain facilities. After the hearing of the Appeal, I had sent away all books and papers relating thereto. I was allowed to retain a number of books dealing with non-law subjects. I wanted this facility to continue. I also wanted my personal doctor, as distinct from the Prison Doctor, to visit me once a month at

Government expense. These requests were agreed to; and I had no earthly reason to continue my refusal which, in my case, had proved futile. On the journey to the airport, I was accompanied by Mr. Boyd and one other officer in the same car. Another car followed with three occupants. At the airport, a mild drama occurred. After I had boarded the plane with two escorts, the engines of the plane, a Fokker 27, failed to start. They tried, and tried, and tried, and tried, for about fifteen minutes without success. Everybody, except me, was visibly worried. The door was opened and I heard someone shout, ‘This is surely a sabotage!’ My own guess was that the two airport workers who had seen me board the plane and were not too sure whether it was I or not, but wanted to be sure, had decided to delay the plane’s take-off until daybreak. After a flurry of activities and after, I suspected, an appeal had been made to the two workers who apparently had been specially assigned to this unusually early and unscheduled flight, the engines started. It was now about five o’clock, and we took off. TO BE CONTINUED EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 25 September, 2015

editor

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

Security is everyone’s business

N the last five years, there has been a dramatic twist on the wave, dynamics and sophistication of insecurity in Nigeria. Insecurity, which used to be one of the lowest concerns in the hierarchy of Nigeria’s social problems, has now assumed an alarming proportion. At a time we thought that corruption and power failure had crowned our problems, insecurity has now taken the centre stage. However, those who believe that insecurity in the country is an exclusive preserve of a particular region are not in tune with the current realities. The pattern of insecurity in Nigeria has been regionalised — Insurgency in the North, kidnappers in the Eastern and Southern parts of the country, ritual killings in the West, political and non-political

assassinations across the nation. This regionalised structure has also given rise to regional unlegislated security formations in a bid to curtail the alarming rate of insecurity. The frequent occurrence of bomb explosions, orchestrated by the acclaimed religious

extremists in the Northern part of the country, has assumed a worrisome dimension. Thousands of lives have been lost to bomb explosions from 2010 till date. Unfortunately, the inability of security agencies to address the country’s security challenges during these auspicious

periods raised yet another critical question on the preparedness of Nigeria to attain the desired political, social and economic heights in the year 2020. It further poses serious threats to the unity and corporate existence of the country as a sovereign state. Therefore, addressing the security challeng-

es in Nigeria ultimately requires not only sealing the causes of threats, but also a critical evaluation of the performance of security agencies in handling the situation in Nigeria. Also, poverty, religious ignorance, and tribal sentiments are other factors responsible for the in-

crease in criminal activities in the country. However, I call on Nigerians to cooperate with the various security agencies in order to stem the ugly tides because security is everyone’s business. •Folusho Anjorin, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

in diverse things, which students have not detected within them. If students can try and showcase their potential for the purpose of their future, it will shed more light on their career, because the greatest tragedy in life is when you let your potential die with you; every action today is a seed planted for tomorrow. Students should make choices and decision; the action may have consequences which can either be positive or negative and may equally have long-lasting impact. Whatever students fail to do today have huge influence on the future and also determines how it turns out. Nigerian students should be creative and innovative. With persistence and consistence, one will achieve success. The most vulnerable spot on earth is where you were never

meant to be. It could be in your career, course of study, business, ministry, marriage, geographical location, or movement. Life becomes a lot easier when you are standing in your right place. Much of personal suffering is a product of not leading the life God has assigned us. If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet even after you have applied all the principles you know about success, there is great possibility that you are not in your right place in life. The future is not a mystery; it is predictable. You do not really need a prophet or a fortune-teller to tell you what your future will look like if the right steps are not taken.

The future of Nigerian students THE list of young successful entrepreneurs were published in one of the Nigerian newspapers recently. One of the young successful entrepreneurs, Miss Stephanie Sani, aged 28, who left her lucrative banking job to start up a fashion designing outfit, graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. While working in the bank, Sani discovered that the job

demanded much from her. She decided one day that instead of putting so much effort in this banking job and what she got at the end of the month was not commensurate with what she was putting in, she quit. The example of Sani should reflect on Nigerian students. Nobody is better qualified to help us navigate our future, we all know the struggle

ahead us in the institution and the challenges most students pass through before being admitted. After the struggle to get a certificate, many still run helter skelter looking for job. Thus, I use this medium to urge all students of Nigerian higher institutions that, in every way, God made us unique. The majority of students are good

•Olakunle Kudoro, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.

Remembering HID Awolowo I never met Mama HID Awolowo personally while she was on this side of the divide but as a life coach, I am able to detect some things in her life. First, Mama was a good woman. I am saying this because Chief Obafemi Awolowo would not have been successful if Mama was not a good woman. A good woman gives the necessary support to her husband for him to achieve success. I also read in a book that while Chief Awolowo travelled to England for his Law degree, Mama held the fort, taking care of the home.

While Baba Awolowo lived, one would see that he was a happy man, despite the fact that he struggled to make Nigeria a better place; he was a man at peace with himself. No man who is having problems with his wife can be at peace with himself. Women have the keys to how a man will turn out, and for the fact that we are still mentioning Chief Awolowo’s name today shows the influence Mama HID had on him. May Mama continue to rest in peace. •Idayat Kassim, Surulere, Lagos.

editorial

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

The judge, the journalists and the snake

ITH their awesome powers that could be aided by charisma and circumspection, judges could compare only with tin gods, especially within the premises of their courts where they ineffably hold sway. In moments of provocation, their ire could literally spell death knell for whosoever is doomed to be at its receiving end. Usually therefore, they are revered even more by lawyers who are their professional colleagues than even the “unlearned” other intruders into their space. However, the courts where they hold sway are public places not private residences as a high court judge in Otta, Ogun State would have the rest of the world believe. The courts are public buildings that are maintained by the taxpayers, but a high court judge in the Otta judicial division of Ogun State, who recently detained seven journalists for three hours, did not think so. In a moment of unguarded indignation, his Lordship ordered them to be detained for sourcing for news in his court. “I put you under arrest,” he bawled at the seven journalists. “You are under arrest. You will discover that this compound is fenced round. Is that not so? It is not on the major road that you can just come in... I am a judge; I have an unlimited jurisdiction in the state. I can even say somebody should be arrested without question.” His lordship railed without any pause at the journalists who had come to report on the proceedings in a case of an alleged murder. His lordship’s grouse was that the journalists needed to obtain a written permission before they could embark on their legitimate duties in the courts. Wisely, the journalists complied with the judge’s orders and they were kept somewhere in the administrative section of the court, not knowing what rules of the court they had disobeyed as there were other members of the public in the court who were neither harassed nor detained. The harried reporters should rightly be shocked since many of them, not being strangers to the courts, from where they had previously filed their reports on many other cases, had never for once been reprimanded for doing their duties. Not for once were they required to

obtain a letter of permission from anybody in order to do their jobs, so the requirement which His lordship referred to was new to them but discretion, being the better part of valour, restrained them from throwing tantrums in any form of protest. Strangely, however, a snake, mankind’s eternal foe and the lowliest of all creeping creatures, saved the day. Creeping out of the many crevices in the building, it attacked and bit one of the court’s employees and changed the people’s focus from the harassed journalists to the new serpentine victim who indubitably then needed attention. Diverted from them, the journalists saw an escape route in the melee that ensued. But for that serpentine intervention, it may have been difficult to guess what the fate of the detained reporters would have been, having been held captive by the whim of an indiscrete and angry judge for an unknown offence and it is befuddling that a snake it was that liberated them after they had been summarily sentenced on the cusp of a totally inexplicable human rage. The incident, however, reminds us of the exhilarating observation made by the Chief Justice of Nigeria at the swearing in ceremony of one new Appeal Court Judge that the parameters for appointing judges were beginning to reflect the need for merit and integrity in making such appointments as hitherto such appointments had been made on the basis of social and filial connections, thus giving undue privileges and consideration to those who ordinarily should be considered unfit for such appointments. The judiciary in Nigeria desperately needs to return to the days when its judges were circumspect and sedate in order to bestow the necessary respect and dignity on them. The presence of excitable characters in the judiciary is cause for consternation, especially when the laws give them awesome powers to be regarded as tin gods such that they can openly boast about it without any fear of repercussion. There is no knowing the limits of their recklessness and the implications and it will be absurd to depend on the scary intervention of creeping creatures for any form of rescue.

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opinion As Buhari collates Nigerians with clean hands 20

Friday, 25 September, 2015

By Gbenga Olajobi

IGERIANS and political watchers across the globe had rested their anxiety over the unveiling of President Muhammadu Buhari’s full cabinet few weeks after he was sworn-in when he later opened up in July while in the United States of America as guest of President Barack Obama. President Buhari had attributed the delay in the formation of his cabinet to scarcity of men and women of integrity. He said choosing his ministers was taking too much time because a number of knowledgeable people had been compromised. All the appropriate government agencies, especially security operatives are having hectic time screening batches of nominees for various political offices as the search for men and women with ‘clean hands’ is intensified by the administration. Obviously there is a paradigm shift in the polity as the change campaign which was used to ouster the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the centre is steadily manifesting itself in the country right from May 29, when Buhari declared “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.” Buhari had sent a signal, he who have ears, let him hear. One would have expected that all the nominees of moneybag politicians and the political gladiators who supported his aspiration to power and sponsored his campaign hugely will be appointed yours truly but it may not be so if such nominees’ hands are unclean. It is important to commend the President on the criteria he used to select the service chiefs, none of them if they had dreamt of attaining their present position had thought it will be so soon since they have superior officers before now but their good record of diligent and honesty had made it so. It was interesting when I saw the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, doing a press-up with platoon of soldiers when he visited them in their camp to boost their morale as they work harder to flush out the insurgency that is ravaging the North-East because I didn’t see

commitment to his cause and be ready to take responsibility; they should be personalities that will match their behaviour with values and are prepared to take correction because oftentimes failure leads to success. Buhari’s men should be people who can initiate good ideas that will better our lots and work with time because we can no longer wait to see, feel and enjoy this moment of ‘Change’. Buhari and his team must be purposeful, focused administrators who are ready to frown for Nigerians to smile. By now, going by the president’s assurance on September dealine, the nomination, selection, screening and collation process should be over by now; for how long will Nigerians have to wait? He should be cautious, he needs to weigh his options and priorities, fifth columnists are singing songs of discrimination already, we can’t forget in a hurry all the gimmicks, back-stabbing, betrayal of trust and sell-out that played up during the election of principal officers during the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly but thank God for wisdom and pragmatic crisis solution approach that were used to douse the tension as the rest is now history. The game is on, the task is set and expectation is high, in as much as the President is trying to be sensitive to the constitution and his effort to adhere to democratic principles being a former military ruler, he also needs to do more and help his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to avoid a repeat of what played out in the National Assembly. A Yoruba adage says ‘the source of the white pap is the black pot’, he should not be compromised by enemies of progress to destroy the party for their selfish ulterior motives. As he continues with his search for good men, he should note that part of the attributes of excellence is flexibility. Jesus Christ told the man that called him a good man: “... No one is good, except God alone.” Luke 18: 19.

or hear of such about his predecessors in recent time. He has also been part of the battalion since the military headquarters shifted their base to the battle front in the North East, the President had just put the round peg in the round hole. And, for the rest of us this is a lesson that no matter what there is a reward for everything; Buhari had skipped their superiors because they were found wanting in their records according to investigation. Buhari knew that Nigerians accepted his candidature and voted for him due to his record of integrity, discipline, and perceived sincerity of purpose despite his opponent’s ploy to discredit his person with all sorts of campaign, but he cannot do it alone, he needs honest and dedicated individuals to execute the ‘Project Rebuild Nigeria’. Who are those that the President should be allowed to make his list? He had echoed it repeatedly that no unclean hand will work with him! They should be men and women of integrity laden with

•Olajobi sent this article from Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

Celebrating ‘Ladsom’ Oladeinde at 50 His name may not ring much bell within the social and political circles; for he is neither a socialite nor a politician. But in terms of philanthropy, Prince Adeniyi Oladeinde, popularly known as “Ladsom,” is a force to reckon with. When, years back, Mahatma Gandhi asserted that “ a man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow men,” the philosopher was certainly referring to the like of Prince Oladeinde, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of S.S. Ladsom Engineering Construction Company Limited, who is marking his 50th birthday today. To say that Prince Oladeinde, who was born to the family of the late Prince DSD Oladeinde, one of the founding fathers of first republic political party, Action Group, and a native of Shagamu in Ogun State, has been working for the welfare of his fellow men is indeed stating the obvious. Gentle, easy going and laconic, Oladeinde has touched many lives, particularly the downtrodden in an unimaginable manner. Only God knows how much he spends daily on charity as so many people in need bombard his house for his intervention in their predicaments. He simply does not know how to say no to their needs. Though not a journalist, yet, he does not joke with the welfare of the media professionals. Last year, Osun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) solicited his assistance in renovating its hitherto dilapidated secretariat and Guests House; he did not hesitate to put the structure in proper shape with millions of naira. Seeing the wonder he performed in Osun, Oyo NUJ approached this unassuming, quiet philanthropist to equally assist in completing one of its on-going projects. In a jiffy, Prince Oladeinde, within a month, completed the building which is now awaiting commissioning at Iyaganku, Ibadan. No sooner had he completed the structure at Iyaganku than the Ogun State NUJ challenged him to remember that he is from the state; hence the need to do something at Iwe Iroyin House. Interestingly, Ogun NUJ appeal came at a time its Secretariat was marked for demolition in order to give way for road expansion. Prince has not turned down the Ogun NUJ request as he has delivered the first tranche of his promise. However, Ladsom’s philanthropic gesture is not only lim-

ited to the media, even when he so much hates noise about his benefaction, he has extended his magnanimity to a countless number of individuals and organizations. Nurses and doctors at Otunba Tunwase Paediatric ward at the University College Hospital (UCH) can testify to his kindness as Prince Oladeinde, last year, donated drugs and medical equipment to the ward when he learnt that children were dying as a result of poverty and lack of sufficient drugs and equipment. A product of Methodist Primary School, Ekotedo Ibadan; Ayedaade Grammar School, Ikire, Osun state; Holy Trinity Grammar School Ibadan, Ogun State Polytechnic Abeokuta and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Ladsom is indeed a man with a large heart whose source of joy is in the fulfillment and accomplishment of other people. His philosophy about life is found in the words of Martin Luther King who declared that “an individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity.” Giving expression to this altruistic maxim, Prince Oladeinde has indeed carved a niche for himself in terms of benefaction and humanitarianism. At the University of Ibadan (UI) for instance, Prince Oladeinde has spent millions of naira, all towards improving the welfare of his fellow men. Following his unparalleled spirit of giving and magnanimity, some people call him ‘MKO of our time,’ others describe him as Omoluwabi of his generation, while a few others are still searching for an appropriate

epithet to capture this enigma. At the Queen Elizabeth Hall of the University of Ibadan, this man with a heart of gold donated an Internet Centre in memory of his late sister, Princess (Dr.) Aderonke Oladeinde with facilities worth several millions of naira. In the same vein, he assisted the university in renovating the zoological garden, building three gazebos costing millions of naira. Going by the volume of his donations to the university, thousands of students and staff of the Institution will eternally be grateful to Ladsom as he has touched their lives individually and collectively. He has now extended the same kind gestures to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife and many other places. More striking is his facilitation of donation to the University of Ibadan, the multi-million naira Otunba Subomi Balogun Paediatric Centre, Ijebu Ode, which the donor gave to the College of Medicine as a teaching and research institute. The donation, which the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole described as the largest donation that the University of Ibadan has ever received was made possible by Ladsom who worked tirelessly to convince the donor to release the hospital to UI for management and control. An accomplished engineer with further training at Northeastern University, Boston in United States of America , Ladsom holds membership of many professional bodies including American Societies of Civil Engineers, Institutions of Civil Engineers, United Kingdom , Construction Institute, United States of America, (USA) and Nigerian Society of Engineers. He has handled many projects in UI, OAU Ile-Ife; University of Ilorin; Federal University of Agriculture , Abeokuta ; banks, churches, mosques, ADB, IBRD (World Bank) assisted projects, among many others with total length of roads covering over 200 kilometres. Following his ceaseless magnanimity, Prince Oladeinde has garnered over 100 awards for humanitarian services and benefaction. Prince Oladeinde is certainly a gift to this generation as he silently touches lives positively in his own little corner. As he marks his birthday today, one can only wish him more years on earth in peace and prosperity to the benefit of humanity. •Saanu writes from the University of Ibadan via sundaysaanu@yahoo.com

By Sunday Saanu

Friday, 25 September, 2015

fridaytreat

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

My best

kisser on set is...

Filmhouse Cinemas launches ticket booking mobile app

— Omotola

OP Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, made some recent revelations about her life, movie set and other issues about the entertainment industry on the 18th episode of ‘The Truth‘ with Olisa Adibua. In the course of the interview, when asked who her favourite male kisser was, she laughed and stated that she has been op-

INSIDE

Music

Business 101 Teen Saxophonist, TJ Emore, walks for Tips for music children with cancer business success

portune to act alongside the actor in some romantic scenes and he is very good at making the script real. In her words; ‘I don’t remember how many kisses I have had on set. I think I remember one, Van Vicker. I know my husband is going to kill me for this (laughs). I have done like two to three movies with him, and we were meant to kiss on some romantic scenes...

society

Lagos ‘Dance with Peter’ contestants wow judges

...As Faseun turns 80

news

Lynxx set to release second album

fridaytreat

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 25 September, 2015

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

By Toyin Adeniji

Aligning your musical potentials with music industry opportunities

OST people who want to develop a career in the music business often focus primarily on becoming artistes/musicians, hence, they believe they must learn how to sing and go to the studio to record and release their songs. While this is a logical step to take for those with the talent to sing or rap, it may not be the right direction to go for others who are not so gifted with the talent to sing or rap, but are too consumed with the illusion of becoming a superstar artiste, to recognise other opportunities for achieving success in the industry. Although, artistes/musicians may be the most visible and popular in the music business chain due to the fact that they are the face and the voice of the music industry, a fact that explains why most people want to become artistes/musicians. However, the dream of becoming famous celebrities like artistes/musicians often deprive most talented people in the music business of the opportunity of finding real success and fulfilment with their music-related potentials. Some people can sing but lack the innate drive and passion required for sustaining a career as an artiste/ musician in the music business. Some other people have an unusual passion and energy for planning, directing, coordinating and managing the careers of other artistes but decided to bury it at the expense of pursuing their own dream of becoming a superstar artiste. An artiste/ musician career may not be the ideal path for someone who can sing but lack the passion, confidence and energy that are needed to drive and achieve artistic success. Nevertheless, such individual may possess a great ability or potential to function successfully as an artiste manager or music producer for instance, but may yet miss out on the best of both worlds because he/she may not attained success as an artiste/musician and still fail to discover success as an artiste manager or music producer. There are certain temperamental values required for commercial success in the music business that are quite difficult to cultivate or teach to people who do not possess them naturally.

What most people in the music business often fail to understand is that success in the industry is interrelated and interdependent i.e.; the success of one is ultimately connected to the success of another. A great song in the music industry is the sum total of many great collaborators. To have a great song, a talented songwriter needs a talented artiste (singer) who needs a talented producer who also needs a talented sound engineer etc. A great song that is not marketed and promoted like a great song will die out like an average song, so a great song needs a talented marketing and promotion team to make it great. It is important to understand that the music industry is a very dynamic business and more important is the need to accurately align musical potentials with industry opportunities. The ability to recognise your potentials, to identify opportunities in the music industry and to align them for profitability in my estimation is the greatest must-have talent for all who wants to build a successful and sustainable career in the music business. So, for those people who are bent on becoming the superstar artiste of their own pipe dreams, their much awaited breakthrough in the music business could be in realigning their musical potential alongside untapped opportunities in the industry. There are some struggling artistes/musicians out there who possess the “Midas-touch” potential in managing the careers of other artistes into unparalleled levels of success but are too blind or selfish to realise it because they want to become the superstar themselves. The lack of basic music business skills and knowledge is what is holding some people in the music business back from realising their full potentials. They fail to see that there are not only superstar artistes/musicians in the music business, but there are superstar artiste managers, producers, sound engineers, promoters, arrangers, conductors and label execs who are equally as successful as superstar artistes in a commercial sense. The objective of this article is to orchestrate a shift in paradigm to help people in the music business to see the possibilities of attaining unlimited success in other areas of the music business, and that career development and

Why I dedicate my life to music promotion — Emeka Ojukwu

PRINCE Emeka Ojukwu is the founder of Music Africa Awake, an organization that is ready to take Africa music to another level through cultural exchange, interaction, concerts and music promotion all over Africa. He recently revealed to Friday

Treat that part of the objectives of Music Africa Awake is to preserve and promote the dignity and values of African cultural heritage. “We are really doing our best in this regard as most of the things currently going on in Southern Africa music in relation to Nigerian music is our brainchild” Again, he continued, “We promote African musical shows and entertainment through the continent and this is also yielding positive results” As the current chairman of Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria, Southern Africa chapter, he opined that more still need to be done to foster good relationship in the music industry through collaboration and partnership with every sector of the economy across Africa. On why setting up office for Music Africa Awake in Nigeria now, he said, “It is better to be late than never. This is my country and I think we also need to benefit from the revolution going on in music all over Africa, this prompts our coming to the country”

commercial success in the music industry is not limited only to becoming an artiste/musician. If your talent, passion and energy are well aligned for the right opportunity in the right field, you can become a superstar! Discover and re-evaluate your potential In order to succeed in the music and entertainment industries, you must first discover your potential. Your potential is what you have the ability, passion or latent talent to do but are not doing because you are yet to discover or develop it. Your potential lies at the intersection where your passion, talent and interests meet. When you discover your potentials, you must unlock it and bring it out just like a treasure that is locked up in the treasure chest. Your talent exists in a state of potential at discovery; it must be developed, trained and groomed for it to become effective and valuable. Re-evaluate your current position in the music business now and see if your passions are effectively aligned with your talents and what you are doing at the moment. Identify music industry opportunities Industries that are traditionally disparate from the music industry are increasingly aligning and cross- fertilising with the music business. When it comes to identifying opportunities in the music business, look beyond where music has been traditionally used or consumed to emerging areas of use/consumption and potential areas where music can be used or consumed. Think outside of the box, music and entertainment are the foremost drivers of digital commerce and technology. There is a great deal of music-related opportunities to consider as sources of alternative career path in the emerging Nigerian music industry/business, such as in the areas of music production/engineering, music management, music media, music marketing, music arranging/ directing etc. The focus should not be restricted to the stage/ studio alone, it is very important to think outside of the box towards every area of the economy where music is being consumed and where it can potentially be used but not been used presently.

Teen Saxophonist, TJ Emore, walks to support children with cancer 13-year old Nigerian saxophonist, TJ Emore, popularly known as TJ Sax, once again, showed his support for kids living with cancer as well as his passion to kick cancer out of Nigeria by leading the Heart of Hope Walkathon event on Saturday September 19th 2015. The walkathon, which was arranged by the Children Living with Cancer Foundation, started at about 8 a.m from the Dowen college, Lekki phase 1 through Admiralty way covering approximately four kilometres of walk before heading back down to the popular Oniru market to sensitize the public of possible cancer symptoms in children, dangers of childhood cancer and how to manage, in case of occurrences. While speaking on to his reasons for supporting children living with cancer, TJ Emore said, “I am supporting these children because I am happy to be alive, and I want to help others stay alive and live cancer free, they are children like me and I think they deserve the best”. The event ended with a captivating and entertaining performance of the saxophone by TJ Sax himself while the market enjoyed the music and passersby couldn’t help but be awed by his marvellous performance. TJ Sax started his career when he made his first public appearance on 18th Sep-

tember 2008 as he played the Nigerian national anthem at a convocation ceremony. He has since then played at the Aso rock villa, Abuja, various churches, corporate events, and with significant music acts like Yemi sax, the Legend Tuface Idibia, M.I, Sasha P, Dammy Krane, Solidstar etc. TJ released a Christmas carol medley in December 2010 and followed it with a full album and video in December 2011 to mark his 10th birthday.

Airtel unveils One Mic all stars album DETERMINED to continually create opportunities for youths to achieve their dreams, leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has launched the Airtel One Mic Vol. 1 album performed by the four students who emerged winners in the Season 1 of Airtel One Mic music talent hunt show. The colourful album launch which also marked the 40th birthday of the telco’s Brand Ambassador, Tuface Idibia, held yesterday in Lagos with an electrifying all-stars performance by Tuface alongside

Zorah, Acetune, LACE, Jay Dreamz and Jitey Peterz. Airtel One Mic Vol. 1 is an 11-track, all-stars album done by the four up -and-coming singers, Jeffrey Jackson a.k.a Acetune, Alalade Olabode a.k.a Jay Dreamz, Ekundayo Monja a.k.a LACE and Bukola Ogunbodede a.k.a Zorah. Tracks in the album featured A-list Nigerian artistes like Tuface, Patoranking, Phyno, Reminisce, Illbliss among others. Jitey Peterz, the talented singer who emerged Nigeria winner in Airtel Trace Music Star, are has tracks in the album.

society

Friday, 25 September, 2015

...celebrating the people

Nigerian Tribune

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@ 80th birthday celebration of OPC founder, Dr Fredrick Fasehun

The celebrant, assisted by his wife and children in cutting the cake.

The celebrant, Fredrick Fasehun and his wife, Mariam Iyabo cutting the birthday cake.

Mr Doyin Okupe and his wife, Oluyemisi.

Gina Osuala (left) and Amb. Fanny Amun (MON).

The children, Akin, Remi, Kayode, Bankole and Olumuyiwa Fasehun.

Capt. Bisi Idris and his wife, Mrs Tini Idris.

An OPC group, presenting an award of Life President to the celebrant, led by Comrade Lateef Lawal (third left).

Friday, 25 September, 2015

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

fridaytreat Samklef’s new album dropped on iTunes

Lagos dancers excite Dance with Peter judges

HE three judges of ‘Dance with Peter’ show, Peter Okoye, Don Flexx and Kaffy have unanimously adjudged the Lagos contestants as the most impressive of the five auditions held in Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt and Accra, Ghana. Commenting on the quality of contestants in the auditions, dance queen, Kaffy, said, “So far for me, the quality of contestants has been impressive. They have shown they can surely be groomed to be of the high standard we are looking for as we progress in the show”. “Lagos surprisingly impressed me the most. This is because, from my experience as a judge on many dance platforms, Lagos has always had all

bark no bite as commercial dancing has robbed the dancers of the zeal to work hard at improving their techniques and skill acquisition. But this time, I feel they were more enlightened and as such have produced most of our finest for the show,” Kaffy submitted. Another judge, Peter of P Square, who is the organizer of the competition, also shared Kaffy’s views, adding, “It’s been impressive so far and I get motivated by the contestants even as a judge. Lagos for me was the most impressive. The participants gave it their all and I can really see that they are hungry to move to the next level.” In the same vein, professional choreographer and dance instructor, Don Flexx, said, “Lagos was by far the most

impressive. I feel maybe because the city is the centre of entertainment, a lot of opportunities to polish their skills are provided there, making it possible for them to upgrade and update their skills when it comes to consistency.” The star prize of the Globacom powered show is a brand new Toyota RAV 4 with N3million and the rare opportunity of featuring in P-Square’s next music video to the winner of the dancing competition. The first and second runners-up, on the other hand, will go home with a brand new Honda Civic car, N2million and a brand new Kia Rio car with N1million respectively and a chance to feature in top Glo Ambassador’s music videos.

EFA Releases new single, ‘Obandi’ MULTI-TALENTED performing artiste EFA has released his latest offering, a surefire hit single titled Obandi (aka Ms. Leboku) featuring his long-time collaborator Pelli. The tune is a salutation to the woman of his dreams; his Obandi. “Obandi, as an idea, has been brewing for a few years. Initially, the plan was to record a festival song for my people for the New Yam Festival called Leboku. However, I guess I cannot but make music for women, even if I tried. So, essentially, the song became a celebration of the love of my life, Ms. Leboku, the African Queen, the most beautiful girl in Nigeria”, he explains. Obandi is a response to the disturbing idea that the Nigerian man is unromantic and uncaring; only getting with women to take advantage of them. While recognizing that there indeed exist a few bad eggs, EFA vehemently disagrees with that school of thought. “This song was made for any man in love with a woman. Obandi is the local word for ‘apple of my eye’ or sweetheart (and other phrases of endearment) as spoken by the Ugep people of the Yakurr LGA in Cross River State. Call me mushy all you want but I just love the idea of love. And I’m a Nigerian man.” He continues, “This should very well be the wedding song of the year. It is a celebration of love. The love of God knows no limits. The love Jesus had when he agreed to die for our sins. The love that Jack had for Rose. The love Bonnie had for Clyde. The love 2Face has for Annie. True love.” Obandi (Ms. Leboku) was produced, mixed and mastered by Bigfoot with additional production by G-Maks. EFA’s last radio single, ‘Fall In Love’ featuring the legendary Plantashun Boiz, is on radio stations across the country.

Ojude Oba 2015: NB Plc leverage on cultural

POPULAR music act and producer, Samuel Oguachuba better known as Samklef has released his third studio album, titled Sound Of Musik’. Samklef dropped the 14-track record on iTunes this week while the CD version will be released next week. The album features top Nigerian acts including Olamide, Lil Kesh, Vector, Falz and Small Doctor. Samklef released his debut album, ‘Nonilising’ in 2009 and his sophomore record, 4KP in 2013. Samuel Oguachuba a.k.a Samklef is a talented music producer cum artiste signed to 1805 Entertainment. He is from Imo State, but was born and bred in Lagos. As a producer, he has worked with names like Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, Durella, Wizkid, Skales, D’Prince (Mo’ Hits), Simisola, J Bryte, Emmsong, O’cube, Jahdiel, Vector, Mudina, to mention a few. He has also worked with several firms in the entertainment and advertising industries like Sound Factory, Flow Records, Smashers Records, Back 2 Black, Mindfalls and Exp and i360.

festival to stimulate brand equity

JUDGING by the comments from the officials of the Nigerian Breweries (NB), the 2015 Ojude Oba festival is set to be one with a difference, as far as entertainment of guests is concerned. In times past, marketers and corporate organizations did not find festivals and other vestiges of traditional pomp suitable for their business needs. According to researchers, this is because Nigerian cultural activities were seen as inferior compared to other western festivals like Christmas, Easter, Islamic festivals and others. However, with the recent resurgence of African cultural arts, paintings and artistic enterprise in the global space, corporate organizations and

Impact Business Radio berths A new radio station, Impact Business Radio (IBR), is set to be launched in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital with business and entrepreneurship as its main focus. The management of the radio station, which was situated at Akobo, Ibadan, hinted that it will be broadcasting on 92.5 FM. It further revealed that IBR shall educate, inspire, and entertain the diverse populations of Ibadan and nearby areas. The management led by Reverend (Mrs) Olufunke Alli, a veteran broadcaster also revealed that the station will cultivate local music and facilitate the exchange of economic, cultural and intellectual ideas, with particular regard for businesses, entrepreneurs and utilisation of resources in and around their coverage areas. “We shall represent those social and economic issues that are overlooked or under-represented. Impact Business Radio will cover every aspect of business in an informative, entertaining and interactive manner — from the biggest headlines of the day to the nuts and bolts of how to build a business from the ground up — with some shows offered via live, call-in format,” Alli said.

discerning brands are beginning to explore the possibilities of leveraging cultural celebrations to promote their brands. The Ojude Oba festival, an annual cultural celebration of glamour, horsemanship, royalty and beauty of the Ijebu people, will hold in the ancient town of Ijebu Ode this weekend nut, according to the NB, this year’s fiesta would not be the regular one everyone is used to, as revealed a press conference at the King’s palace where they unveiled a basket of new promises that would make the festival tick. NB said it was set to introduce a peculiar experiential ambience to the traditional event. A music carnival will stir the city offering first-class entertainment to all. This year, two

of its leading brands; Goldberg lager beer and Maltina are major sponsors bringing different and unique values to the age-long festival. Speaking for NB at the press conference, its Corporate Affairs Adviser, Mr. Kufre Ekanem disclosed that Goldberg will be on-ground at the carnival to fete consumers. He said the brand will set up a beer village at the Dipo Dina stadium, Ijebu-Ode where locals and tourists can enjoy Goldberg Lager Beer amid the fun fare of a musical carnival. The Corporate Affairs Adviser, who was represented by the Public Affairs Manager West/MidWest, Mr. TayoAdelaja, also said that Maltina will also be available to share happiness with the people at the festival. The two brands were represented by Mr Mfon Bassey, Brand Manager Goldberg, and Phoebe Larry-Izamoje, Assistant Brand Manager, Maltina. NB also promised to site a Goldberg beer village at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode. The beer village will last for 10 days according to NB. At the village, consumers will be entertained and rewarded by the brand. Locals, tourists will not only experience the hospitality of the Ijebu people but will also equally enjoy unlimited access to their products. Besides, live music and comedy from notable Yoruba traditional musicians and comedians will add to the fun as well as sell the local culture to tourists.

Filmhouse Cinemas takes tickets booking online with new mobile app

Lynxx also set to release second album SYNDIK8 Records frontline act, Chukie Edozien, better known as Lynxx has announced he is set to release his highly anticipated second album. The ‘Fine Lady’ crooner who recently returned to doing music after a brief hiatus will release the yet to be titled album in November 2015. Speaking during a radio interview with popular OAP, Tosyn Bucknor on Top Radio 90.9 recently, Lynxx revealed his second studio album is ready to hit music shelves.

“Work is done already on my new album which drops in November this year. The album contains new songs that I just recorded and it is sure to be a fans delight.” On why he took a break from music, Lynxx stated ‘I decided to take my time to study the music business properly. Now that I have a better understanding, I feel it is right to let my fans have a feel of the new materials I have.”Lynxx already have a vinyl christened ‘This Is Lynxx’ he released in 2010.

FILMHOUSE Cinemas, one of the largest and revered cinema providers in Nigeria, have recently announced a new mobile app through which guests can buy tickets from the convenience of their location anywhere in the country. This was revealed recently via a press release made available from the company. In the statement, Filmhouse identified a few reasons responsible for this decision, stating, “There are few things more annoying than getting to the cinemas hoping to see the latest blockbuster only to find out that the movie tickets have been sold out. The good news, as far as Filmhouse Cinemas is concerned, is that such days are set to be a thing of the past. Today, it is with great pleasure that the management of Filmhouse announce the re-launch of its website, complete with an online ticket booking portal. What this means is that guests now have the opportunity to buy movie tickets online from the comfort of their homes ahead of a visit to the cinema”. Mr Kene Mkparu, CEO/MD Filmhouse Cinemas stated, ‘At Filmhouse cinemas, we

take two things very seriously, the experience and the convenience. With the launch of our online ticket booking website, we are thrilled to have once again answered the call of our loving guests. I would implore our guests to take up the convenience of booking tickets online as they make plans to see their favorite movies’. To celebrate the launch, Filmhouse would be giving everyone the chance to win free tickets, internet data and mobile phones. Interested individuals would be required to follow Filmhouse cinemas online, answer the simple movie trivia questions and win. Filmhouse cinemas, over the years, has become the preferred destination for movie goers due to its impressive cinematic experience, constant customer centric endeavours and laudable industry initiatives. The Filmhouse Mobile App is, as of press time, available for Android devices only and it gives users the chance to view movie schedules, read brief and highly informative movie previews, and helps locate the nearest Filmhouse cinema to one’s location.

Besides the fun and entertainment and in line with this year’s theme for the festival, “Harnessing our cultural heritage for economic development”, the beer village promises to be a commercial hub providing direct businesses to both Ijebus and other business people. NB’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as the festival organizing committee members have expressed gratitude. The Chairman of the 2015 Ojude Oba Festival Committee, Barrister Wahab Osinusi commended Goldberg and Maltina brands for lending support to the festival. In his words, “Maltina has been supporting the festival for several years. Goldberg lager beer is making its second appearance as a sponsor of the Ojude Oba festival. We trust that our partnership will be enduring and mutually beneficial. We have been authoritatively informed that the company will be putting together a Goldberg beer village in Ijebu Ode from next week until the end of the festival, in addition to a music carnival. We seize this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to Nigerian Breweries for this gesture.” Also, the vice chairman of the committee, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, in his remarks appreciated NB for being a friend of not just the Ijebus but of Nigeria. He commended NB’s resolve to win with Nigeria by supporting and promoting Nigerian culture.

Friday, 25 September, 2015

’Wale Olapade 08161235359 wale11g3@gmail.com

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year

Ethiopian Airlines starts flight to Yaoundé

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Team; Acting Regional Marketing Manager, Fatima Bashir (fourth right); Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager, Wausi Walya and Training session. PHOTOS: ’WALE OLAPADE some staff members of Wakanow after Ibadan session, recently.

Kenya takes training to four cities in Nigeria •Engages Wakanow on brand campaign Stories By ’Wale Olapade

OUR cities in Nigeria, Ibadan, PortHarcourt, Lagos and Abuja recently welcomed a team from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for the first leg of the country’s brand campaign on tourism. The four cities event, engaged staff of one of the biggest online travel agencies in Nigeria, Wakanow.com to an interactive and educative session on different tourist offers that brings out the pleasure of the magical Kenya destination. The training which was in badges offered the trainees the opportunity to get first hand information about the new Kenya brand campaign and the strategic plan to achieve its goal of attracting tourists. The international campaign, ‘Make it Kenya’ is to promote the scale and variety of tourist and investment opportunities the country has to offer. Speaking during the presentation in Ibadan, the KTB team, Fatima Bashir, Acting Regional Marketing Manager, GCC& Rest of Africa and Wausi Walya, Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager highlighted range of newer tourists vacation opportunities lined up for different clienteles. According to the team, 22 different destinations have been identified to sell our destination Africa campaign which is directed at bringing newer experiences to Africans and others. “We are looking for ways to make our country attractive to Nigerians and other African countries. “We have 550 kilometres of coastline of Indian ocean with varieties of activities for different tourist enthusiasts to enjoy. Our beach and safari are also added up to the attraction depending on the choice of the tourist. “Nigeria, as one of our most attractive markets and we are working with Wakanow. com and other relevant authorities to break even in the brand promotion bid.” Bashir further explained that the four cities were designated to reach and meet

minds with agents on Kenya newer brand attraction and suitable ways to sell them to Nigerians. “We will be sending tools t o all Magical Kenya specialists and all

Ali Baba

the trainees to enable them market our destination to their customers. “We now have an eVisa portal that allows people to access their visas in 10 minutes and process it to give us first hand information of visitors before they arrive.

Daddy Shoki

S/South unions rally support for all stars comedy, cultural show THE Urhobo Progress Union [UPU] and Isoko Development Union [IDU], both umbrella bodies for the twin tribes of Urhobo and Isoko speaking people in Delta State respectively have pledged their support for the oncoming Urhobo/Isoko Cultural and Comedy All Stars Show. At a separate meeting with the leadership of the UPU at the country home of its President General, Chief Joe Omene at Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Council and the President General of IDU General Paul Ofuoma Omu [rtd] at Igbide in the heart of Isokoland in Isoko South Local Government Areas respectively, pledged their maximum support for the initiative, which they said will not only bring together their people, but to share in the glory of the individuals whose hard work had achieved so much in comedy, entertainment as well as in other fields of human endeavours. Chief Joe Omene promised to grace the occasion, whilst also calling on all Urhobo sons and daughters to see the event as theirs. In the same vein, the IDU, under the lead-

ership of Gen. Omu [rtd] also pledged its support and promised to also mobilise all Isokos to be part of the event. The UPU and IDU praised the initiator of the event, Lucky Onoriode George for the vision and noted that programmes like this will only bring together the twin tribes; it will also give the young ones role models to look up to. On their parts too, the spokesmen of UPU, Chief Mike Okenini and that of IDU, Mr Daniel Odhomo, assured Onoriode George, that the two bodies are ready to work in any capacity the organisers will assign to them for a successful event. The event tagged Urhobo/Isoko Comedy All Stars show is a forum for unifying the people of the region, according to ace comedian and co-organiser, Atunyota Akporobomerere (Ali Baba). The show billed for October 25 will feature comedy icons Ali Baba, Gordons, I-Go-Die and Bovi in comedy, Daddy Showkey, Dr. Sid in music and arts, as well as an avenue for showcasing the rich culture of the Delta people/celebrate their achievements na-

ETHIOPIAN Airlines, the largest African airline, has announced its new services to Yaoundé, Nsimalen International Airport on October 25, 2015. The capital of Cameroon, Yaoundé, is the second largest city in the country after the port city of Doula. The four-weekly flight to Yaoundé is Ethiopian second destination in Cameroon and offers customers an added convenience and connectivity options via Addis Ababa, Ethiopian hub, to its global network. Ethiopian has been serving the city of Douala since 1971 and has been offering uninterrupted service since 2003. According to the Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Mr Ato Tewolde Gebremariam, “With this new service, our flights will facilitate a greater people-to-people, trade, investment and tourism movement between our two sisterly African countries and the entire flourishing continent. “We are also delighted to have the opportunity to provide our customers a new choice of fast and efficient connectivity via our Addis Ababa gateway to and from our global network together with a multiple award winning customer service and care.” Ethiopian is a truly indigenous Pan-African global carrier that operates the youngest and the most modern fleet in the continent with an average aircraft age of less than seven years. tionally and internationally. According to George of African Travel Times, the organiser of the event, the choice of comedy as a handle for the show was informed by the fact that the country’s foremost comedians, at this time, are from that axis and are tagged the ‘Golden Generation’ that should be used to encourage the teaching of Urhobo/ Isoko to the young ones; especially those born to Urhobo/Isoko mothers or fathers. Jude ‘Away Away’ Onakpoma, followed by Ali Baba, both Urhobos paved the way. Several others have also hit the road and carved niches for themselves –Gordons, I-Go-Die, Onobrakpeya, the Ejiros, the Amatas, Mofe Damijo, Mudi (fashion) and several others in the music industry are all very successful brands from that region. “If you take a look at the entertainment landscape, you will see that the big names, in fact, the movers and shakers are either Urhobos or Isokos. Is it Ali Baba or Gordons, I-Go-Die or Sammy Okposo? Name them, they are all from that region”, he said. He stated further that apart from comedy and entertainment in general, their people have also excelled in fashion, noting that through hard-work and diligent, names like Tex Egbedi of Texen, Kesse Jabari and Clement Mudiaga Enajero [Mudi Africa] are now household names nationally and internationally. “This is an opportunity to celebrate these great achievers and to call on Nigerians to celebrate with us.” It will also feature cultural displays, oral tradition and music by traditional and contemporary artistes such as Johnson Adjan, Okpan Arhibo, Daddy Showkey, Dr Sid as well as sculptures and paintings from the area.

Friday, 25 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

CCB and the trial of Saraki Senate President Bukola Saraki became the haunted specie when news filtered into town last week about charges against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. The heat has been on since then and on Tuesday, he had his day at the Tribunal. Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, who has monitored the developments, presents insights into the politics, the law and the issues.

HE hue and cry being orchestrated in the wake of the Code of Conduct Bureau preferring charges against Senate President Bukola Saraki cannot be said to be unexpected. As it is, you cannot draw a big fish out of the river without splashing water. Saraki is a big fish and a big player in the political scene. He is the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number three citizen, whose chamber is responsible for confirmation of most political appointees of the President. Thus, any attempt to get at him would produce some rumbling. Expectedly, the political firmament has been vibrating since September 16, when it emerged that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) had preferred charges against the President of the Senate at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). There have been talks of political witchhunting, persecution and selective prosecution. There have also been talks of the law and adherence to the dictates of the law. A number of political observers have situated the development to the crisis that rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the start of the current dispensation, whereby the party was unable to impose its will on the two chambers of the National Assembly in picking its leaders. Looking at the development so far, none of the observers could be said to be on the wrong track. There is indeed the question of law and its possible violations, but the actors are principally political, thus making the procedure susceptible to being drowned by political waters. The genesis The journey to what we are seeing today at the CCT can be said to have taken off at the August 2013 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), when seven governors, some lawmakers and a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar walked out on the party. The G7 uprising, as it was then called, was targeted at then President Goodluck Jonathan. It was learnt that the intention was to draw the man out of the 2015 presidential race or in the alternative enter into some accord with him that would ensure their interests were protected. Series of meetings were held to douse the tension but those who felt excluded from the PDP

Saraki

It was the first time a sitting Senate President would be put on trial. Two previous presiding officers in the National Assembly, who were forced to vacate their seats (Senate President Adolphus Wabara, 2005 and Speaker Salisu Buhari in 1999), only appeared in court after resigning their positions. setting eventually formed the New PDP, which later saw five of the G7 governors leading the merger with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November of that year. Senators and members of the House of Representatives from those states also took turns to defect to the new party and the stage was set for the 2015 election. The merger between the nPDP and the APC consummated in November 2013 was hurried and largely meant to spite the PDP and possibly ensure its defeat at the 2015 elections. As a result of the background situation, certain political blocks were not put in place ahead of the merger. Unlike the situation institutionalised by the PDP in its 16 year rule, which ensured that political offices were shared among all strata of the party and the polity, nothing was discussed in that

direction prior to the merger between APC and nPDP. Perhaps, the only concession was to the effect that the new comers would be yielded the political structures in the states, while the structure at the federal level remained the way it was before their entry. Thus, while the nPDP members came into the APC with hopes of getting something for themselves at the end of the election in 2015, the APC leaders had no such plans, especially as far as the control of the levers of power was concerned. The confusion inherent in the merger was to play out immediately after the national election on March 28. Once it emerged that the APC would form the majority at both the Senate and the House, the structures of the APC started showing preferences. It then emerged that the leaders of the party would

prefer the former Minority Leaders in the two chambers as presiding officers. It immediately emerged that some forces in the party had started backing Senator George Akume as Senate President and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker. The due occupied the Minority Leader positions in the two chambers between 2011 and 2015. It also emerged that the nPDP factors in the contest were largely orphans, lacking the backing of what they called the legacy parties. Though the party refused to announce a formal zoning arrangement, it eventually adopted two candidates, Senator Ahmad Lawan and Honourable Gbajabiamila as senate President and Speaker respectively. But the duo of Senator Bukola Saraki and Honourable Yakubu Dogara, who emerged the Senate President and Speaker, had to rely on the support of their former party, the PDP, against the wishes of the APC. The bad blood having been shown, can only lead to more acrimony and the nation had it in torrents. Following his emergence as Senate President on June 9, Bukola Saraki faced one of the fiercest opposition from within his party. It was even debated whether he should be invited to a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party and whether his emergence should be recognised. Indeed President Muhammadu Buhari, who had promised to work with anyone congratulated him and declared that a â&#x20AC;&#x153;somewhatâ&#x20AC;? continues pg28

politics&policy

Friday, 25 September, 2015

I don’t have hand in Saraki’s ordeal —Buhari continued from pg27

constitutional process had taken place. The felicitations ended there, as it soon emerged that Buhari had lost his cool over Saraki’s refusal to adopt the party’s position in sharing the leadership positions in the Senate. In the aftermath of that, it emerged that Buhari and Saraki are not on speaking terms and that Saraki has not been invited to the Presidential Villa three months after his emergence. I don’t have hand in Saraki’s ordeal —Buhari As all eyes appeared to be focusing at the direction of the presidential Villa, Aso Rock Abuja, President Buhari attempted to free himself of any accusing fingers. Buhari, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said that the travails of Saraki had nothing to do with him. The statement on Sunday said that the CCT does not take instructions from the President. He insisted that the travails of Saraki were purely a “judicial process,” adding that the CCB was an independent institution, equal to any superior court of record. Shehu said: “Government has no desire to persecute anybody. The President has vowed to respect the rule of law and this is what he is doing by staying out of this matter. “He has said times without number that the war against corruption has no sacred cows. Even if the President wants to help, there is no way he can do anything. “Is he going to ask the judge to stop the trial? It is purely a judicial process, the type of which are routinely dealt with by the CCB and the CCT. “There are many cases like this that are going on. The President has sworn to an oath to protect the constitution and will not violate that oath.” Notwithstanding the disclaimer by the Presidency, not a few believed that the denial was just for the camera. The scenario pervading the relationship between the duo of Buhari and Saraki says it all. The President has refused to host the Senate President to a one-on-one meeting since June 9. Dr. Katch Ononuju, a scholar and economist at the Heritage Centre, also said on a Channels Television programme on Wednesday that Buhari’s denial cannot hold water. Besides Buhari, two other forces were said to have coalesced to battle Saraki. A former President and a leader of the party are said to be uncomfortable with Saraki, while a governor of the North-West and some security chiefs were said to have constituted a secret committee to fetch “banana peels” that would get Saraki to slip off the top position. The charges On Wednesday, September 16, the nation woke up to the reality that the CCB had slammed the Senate President with a 13-count charge at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The charges endorsed by a deputy Director in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, M.S Hassan, indicated that the Senate President committed alleged perjury in filing his Code of Conduct forms when he served as the Governor of Kwara State in 2003. The charges also alleged irregularities in the forms submitted by the Senate President in 2007 and 2011. The allegations bother on alleged anticipatory declaration and failure to disclose properties owned by the former governor, as well as operation of foreign account as at the time of holding of-

Sam Baba

Umar

By his appearance at the Tribunal, he has demonstrated his firm belief in the rule of law and his respect for our judicial process.

fice as Governor. Count one of the 13-count charge reads: “That you, Dr. Olubukola Abubakar Saraki, while being the executive Governor of Kwara state on or about 16th September, 2003 within the jurisdiction of this Hon. Tribunal did make a false declaration in assets declaration form for public officers on assumption of office as Governor of Kwara State by making an anticipatory asset declaration in that you claimed to have owned and acquired No. 15A and N0. 15B McDonald Ikoyi, Lagos through your company Carlisle Properties Limited in the year 2006 when the said property was actual fact sold by the Implementation Committee on Federal Government landed property in the year 2006 to your companies Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited for the aggregate sum of N396, 150, 000 and you hereby committed an offence under section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and incorporated under paragraph 11(1) and (2) of Part 1, 5th schedule to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and incorporated under paragraph 18 of part 1, 5th schedule to the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).” According to the charge sheet No. CCT/ ABJ/01/15, Saraki was also accused of operating an American Express credit card account during his tenure as governor, where he allegedly wired at least $3.4 million to from a Nigerian account. Another Count on the charge sheet accused Saraki of acquiring houses No 17A and 17B McDonald Ikoyi, Lagos at the sum of N497, 200,000(four hundred and ninety

seven million, two hundred thousand Naira only, which the charge said was “not fairly attributable” to his income. The Senate President was also accused of false declarations in his Asset Declaration Form of June 2011 by allegedly refusing to declare a house located at Plot 2A Glover Road Ikoyi Lagos which he was said to have acquired at the sum of three Hundred and twenty five million Naira. Another charge accused Saraki of failing to declare a house at Plot 37A Glover Road Ikoyi in June 2011, besides also allegedly making a wrong declaration in respect of a property at 1, Tagus Street, Maitama Abuja. The Senate President immediately rejected the allegations, insisting on his innocence. He fired two salvos that same day. First was a statement from his office and the second at a forum with the management of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), which paid him a courtesy visit. In the statement, the Media office of the Senate President also raised 13 points to counter the move from CCB. Politics Versus the Law Saraki was vehement in rejecting the charges immediately they surfaced. He insisted on his innocence and immediately instructed his lawyers to challenge the jurisdiction of the CCT at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The legal process instituted by Saraki stopped him from appearing at the CCT on Friday, September 18. But the Tribunal went ahead to issue a warrant of arrest against him, triggering tense waves across the land. The Police immediately retorted that it was ready to arrest Saraki once it got possession of the warrant. Saraki’s counsel, JB Daudu (SAN), however, told the Tribunal that Saraki should be pres-

ent at the hearing fixed for Monday, September 21, the same day fixed for Saraki’s suit challenging the trial at the Court of Appeal. The fireworks commenced early in the day at the CCT, but in the afternoon, the Court of Appeal ruled that Saraki should appear at the Tribunal to take his plea. That set the stage for the appearance of Saraki at the CCT on Tuesday. The Senate President in a brief encounter with Senate correspondents said he would appear at the Tribunal as a mark of his belief in the rule of law. A packed CCT hall witnessed the huge crowd that thronged the court for the historic trial. It was the first time a sitting Senate President would be put on trial. Two previous Presiding Officers in the National Assembly, who were forced to vacate their seats (Senate President Adolphus Wabara, 2005 and Speaker Salisu Buhari in 1999), only appeared in court after resigning their positions. Besides relying on legal technicalities, Saraki’s camp is also relying on the support of Senators. Some 30 of them followed Saraki to the Tribunal on Tuesday Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Danbaba (APC Sokoto South), who signed a statement on behalf of the senators, said on Tuesday that the 8th Senate was solidly behind the Senate President. He said: “After majority of us, Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, witnessed the appearance of our President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal this morning (Tuesday), we are happy that he appeared at the Tribunal after availing himself of the opportunity to defend his Fundamental Human Rights.” The statement further read: “We also want to state here, on behalf of our colleagues, that the Senate remains solidly behind Senator Saraki and we express our unalloyed support for his leadership. We reiterate the fact that he is our choice for the post of Senate President and no politically motivated, mischievous and vindictive trial will change our opinion of him. “By his appearance at the Tribunal, he has demonstrated his firm belief in the rule of law and his respect for our judicial process. We join Dr. Saraki in affirming our commitcontinues pg29

29 politicscommentary

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Ogunwale and the politics of Osun State B y O lumide L awal

ENATOR Felix Kolawole Ogunwale (a.k.a) Jumokol, represented Osun Central District between 2003 and 2007 at the National Assembly. But eight years after, he is ever relevant and outstanding in Osun politics. He remains a reference point, as far as political philanthropy and dispensation of favour are concerned. He amply demonstrated this before he was elected a Senator and afterwards. He commands cult-like following, who genuinely give him unalloyed loyalty. He in turn gives them recognition and appreciation. He visits his supporters in the remotest parts of their villages to identify with their yearnings and aspirations. His sojourn in politics dates back to late 1980s and blossomed in 1998, when he turned out to be the financial soul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its alter ego, when the people of Osun and South-West would not have anything to do with the party, but stuck to the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He, along with a few juggernauts, built the party from obscurity to stardom. The rest, as they say, is now history. Ogunwale has seen it all. He has experienced political ‘baptism of fire’ from friends and foes. He endured both categories of people with uncommon sagacity. He enjoys serving his people, though he is misunderstood by a few, perhaps, because he does not suffer fools gladly. Between 2003 and 2007 that he was in the Senate, as Chairman of the Committee on Industry, he impacted tremendously on the lives of the people of Osun Central District, so much so that the then governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, gave him a letter of

Ogunwale commendation as the best Senator from the state. Perhaps, this informed the reason, the initial military administration in Osun, at its formative stage, co-opted him into a committee on economic and industrial development of Osun, an assignment he performed admirably. Rather than diminish, Ogunwale’s grassroot appeals continue to gain ascendancy. It is an unassailable fact that in 2010, during the final funeral ceremony of his illustrious father, Papa Ogunwale, he effortlessly brought to his ancestral root, Iragbiji, over 70 first class traditional rulers, led by His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo.Jumokol created a wave and a record that is still the talk of the town uptill today. He asserted, that anyday, anytime, he is well loved by the low and the mighty. That occasion, just as it was during the installation of his mother, Mama SinatuOgunwale as the IyaAdinni of Osun State, proved to be pay back days for

the kind gestures, Senator Ogunwale has extended to the people over time. Now that he is a ranking member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and never contested the outcome of a Senatorial primary conducted at the Government House without informing him, believing that doing such would amount to an affront to his party, what is next on his political agenda? What should his teeming supporters and large followers expect from him as days are turning into months, and months into years in the politics of Osun? He should re-strategise with a view to keeping in one fold, the formidable politicalstructure he painstakingly built since 2003 and probably evolve to try his hands on the plough at whatever level, to continue his political relevance and service to the people of Osun Central District, nay Osun State, with absolute commitment. It will be refreshingly edifying as a home-grown democrat and indigenous politicianto assert himself as such without further delay. There is no doubt that there will be political re-alignment and re-positioning in Osun before 2018 and 2019. Where does this stand Chief Ogunwale who is tested and trusted, accountable and dependable? He ought to give his supporters a direction and sense of belonging, to avert the drift the state is into presently. He who has ears, let him or her listen. The electorate, who are now the game-changers in the political arena, will not desert him at his hour of need, when the time comes, and if indeed he is desirous of staking a bet at an elective office. What is paramount right now is for stakeholders in Osun politics to promote truly indigenous candidates with populist acceptance for offices in the nearest future; an

Osun man who knows the terrain very well and who will not pull the wool over the faces of innocent Osun indigenes. The Osun electorate are no longer ready to identify with a leader who is not receptive to advices, nor seek any from them, but rather appropriate the monopoly of wisdom to himself. We should deal with leaders who will not take us for granted again as if we are docile. Jumokol perfectly fits into the class of indigenous politicians, even if he will serve his people as a councilor. He has scored far above average in his service to the people of Osun since its creation in 1991. Our political leaders should bear in mind that material acquisition and intangibles like popularity, fame, pleasure, women, position, obedience and disobedience, toil and play; flesh and ego may be satisfied, albeit temporarily, but the psychic and inner man is left frustrated, emptied and empty. King Solomon experimented with all of the above and more. His finding is “everything is meaningless. It is chasing after the winds.” If therefore politics is service to the people, Senator Ogunwale has paid his dues. If politics demands a heart of steel, a large heart and fairness to all, Jumokol has demonstrated this over the years. He has given back to the society, from which he has gained so much. He should continue to be the Jumokolthat the electorate know him to be, fearless, forthright and steely in his resolves. He should enliven the political atmosphere of Osun without further delay, with his far-reaching welfare programme of life more abundant. •Lawal wrote from Ede, Osun State.

today. I pray that the interest of this country will lead us to do the right thing to move this nation forward. “It is my humble opinion that this case is a vivid example that there is still flagrant disregard for due process in our polity. This trial is not only being observed by Nigerians alone, the international community is watching because Nigeria is a key member of this community. So, the executive, legislature and judiciary should do the right thing that will truly demonstrate that we have imbibed the spirit of positive change.” He was released on bail after the prosecuting Counsel; Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) had objected to his comments and insisted that he could not raise points of law from the dock. The case was also adjourned to October 21, 22 and 23. Eyes have been popping as to why the government chose to drag Saraki to the CCT rather than the regular courts. Many legal minds have opined that the government and Saraki’s traducers are seeking to benefit from the provisions of Section 18 of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the CCT to remove any

guilty party from office or his seat, forfeit the assets in contention and open the convict to trial at the regular courts for criminal proceedings. It has been argued that the essence of the trial lies in the powers of the CCT to put effect to Section 18 of the Fifth Schedule. But others are of the view that with the adjournment of his case on Tuesday, Saraki might have seen the end of the trial. Sources in the polity said that politics might take over the matter and ensure an amicable solution before the resumed hearing in October. A source said for instance that the original plan was to get Saraki into the dock on September 18, remand him in prison for two weeks while allowing the senators to perfect his removal. With that plan already in jeopardy, it was believed that the Senate President might have secured a huge reprieve. Politics will surely play a big role in the whole process, as Saraki is unrelenting in garnering support from his colleagues. He is set to consolidate the group of 81 that endorsed him with a vote of confidence early in August and ensure the Senate is beyond the reach of his traducers. But it also emerged that even where some Senators are not that friendly with Saraki, the fact that his travails are linked to a push from the executive makes the case a bad one. No legislator wants to be seen pushing the agenda of the executive against a presiding officer popularly elected as history has shown the lawmakers that having a leader whose allegiance is to the executive would be counterproductive to the cause of the legislature.

The camp of senators continued from pg28

ment to rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy. “We only hope the other arms of government will ensure that due processes and procedures are followed in this trial and on all other issues. “The Eighth Senate restates its commitment to the programmes and policies of the Buhari administration. “It is our belief that at the end of this trial, our democracy, Nigerians and the people will end up as the beneficiaries. May God bless our country, Nigeria.” Saraki’s loyalists also argued that the CCT violated Section 3 (d) of the CCB Act, which states that the Bureau is to “Receive complaints about non-compliance with this Act and where the Bureau considers it necessary to do so, refer such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by Section 20 of this Act.” “Provided that where the person concerned make a written admission of such breach or non-compliance, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary.” Saraki, who entered the dock on Tuesday, also raised the argument and insinuated that he was being persecuted because of the position he currently holds. He told the Tribunal as soon as Count one of the 13 count charges was read to him: “I am a firm believer of the rule of law. I am happy that some of the good works the Senate has done in the justice administration have been made reference to. We were the ones that passed the Code of Conduct Bu-

reau Act. “I just want to make this brief introduction to show you that I believe in the process of the rule of law. Section 3(d) of the CCB & Tribunal Act says that, if there is a breach in asset declaration, the CCB shall refer the matter to the CCT, after giving a defendant an opportunity to either confirm if those facts were true or not, then the matter shall be referred to the tribunal. I felt that the CCB should have called me according to the law because we have been talking about new Nigeria. We have been talking about Nigeria going forward. “Mr. Chairman, as a layman, I should know why I should be punished like this. We are all watching, we are all before the world not only before Nigerians, I will conform myself with due process, that is why I have come here to subject myself before this tribunal. I strongly believe that I am here today because I am the Senate President. So as I stated before, I want to say that I am not guilty.” Again, when the 13th count was read to him, Saraki told the Tribunal saying: Mr Chairman, we have institutions in this country. I want to say that your institution, the Senate and the judiciary are undergoing test

Politics will surely play a big role in the whole process, as Saraki is unrelenting in garnering support from his colleagues.

30 politics&policy

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Falae as victim of social anomie B y K unle O deremi

E ranks among the most humble among members of the Nigerian elite. Urbane, suave and cerebral, Chief OluFalae is a reporter’s delight any day. For years, hordes of newshounds swooped on his modest residence in Victoria Island in Lagos, to dig into his inner recess on the wide ranging issues, including politics, business and economic issues. Falae has not detached himself from the people, even after his decision to spend more time in his country home, Akure, the Ondo State capital, over the years. Apart from being the Olu of Oba-Ile, he has consistently played the role of a moderator in the political circle. Shoving aside his unsuccessful bid for the presidency, he has collaborated with like-minds to create other political platforms for the purpose of acquiring political power. In all these projects, the former Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria and Minister of Finance was never an apostle of violence. Hence, the outrage trailing his abduction by suspected herdsmen from his farmland in his domain. A key figure in the fierce and protracted battle against military, Falae is among the leaders of the pan-Yoruba organisation, Afenifere, which along with other groups, formed the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). Through the platform, they staked all their resources and lives to fight the injustice of an unimaginable proportion symbolised by the June 12, 1993. He remained resolute and uncompromising in the face of the tyranny of the highest order that soon paled into insignificance on May 29, 1999, following military exit from power. Whereas a number of those key actors in the June 12 struggle elected to siddon and look in the build up to the Fourth Republic during the political transition programme of the Abdulsalami regime, Falae was among the leaders that initiated the process of forming political parties. He and other leaders of NADECO and Afenifere constituted the beautiful bride because of their tenacity of purpose, principle and character. Many of those politicians, who had collaborated with the military oligarchy and the establishment during the June 12 struggle, believed they could rise on their crest to political power at different levels. The G-18, which later expanded to become G34, paraded a mixed grill of ultra conservative politicians with those with progressive tendencies exemplified by Afenifere. The incompatibility among the blocs, coupled with political arrogance manifested in the transformation of G34 into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without mainstream Afenifere/NADECO members. The Alliance for Democracy (AD) became a child of circumstance, with the Afenifere/NADECO promoters as the staying power. By a twist of faith, some of those political figures that AD leaders perceived as ‘lepers,’ became their temporary soul mates in a coalition All Peoples Party/AD) meant to displace the PDP from power in the Aso Rock Villa. Alhaji

Falae

With the latest case involving an elder statesman, perhaps the combat against such heinous crime might take a new but more realistic approach.

UmaruShinkafi of the APP became the running mate to Falae in a north/South configuration. Scourge of kidnapping The ugly trend was most pronounced in the South-South, before it spread to the South-East. Some militant groups in the South-South had capitalised on the degradation of the Niger Delta as an excuse to indulge in the unwholesome practice.

It later hijacked by other hoodlums, with some stakeholders in the region blaming the situation on the frightening dimension of youth unemployment in the Niger Delta. By the time the scourge spread to the South-East, the authorities appeared to have become helpless, given the intensity and frequency of kidnapping. It became a money spinner, as the families of the victims had to pay through the nose to secure

freedom for their kidnapped relations. The problem forced many people to resort to low profile, as thee reportedly paid kidnappers about N750 million a year as ransom by persons, including businessmen, industrialists, and government personnel. According to some reports, no fewer than five persons were kidnapped every month with ransom ranging from N20m to N30million, while Anambra and Imo states recorded the highest number of kidnapping. For instance, about 938 eminent persons were allegedly kidnapped from January 2008 to August 2012. At that period, the South-West appeared not likely to share in the bitter experience. A major headache had in common with other parts of the country then was banditry. Gradually, the scourge of kidnapping crept into the South-West, with the abduction of Falae topping the list of the high profile in the zone. In their usual tradition, the suspected abducted demanded N100 million ransom, which was slashed by N10 million 24 hours after he was kidnapped on the day of his birthday. Many have come with the theory that the payment of ransom has unwittingly encouraged kidnappers to step up their game. But, others have punctured such argument with a poser: on if there a better alternative to the payment of ransom to make sure victims of kidnapping remain alive. There is yet another school of thought that the real solution to the menace lies in all the cohesive agencies of government re-jigging their strategies to suit contemporary realities. The machinery and personnel on intelligence need general overhauling in a manner that will bolster collaboration with members of the public. Various groups and individuals were alarmed by the abduction of Falae, especially the circumstances and given the calibre of his person. The founder of the OoduaPeoples Congress (OPC), Dr Fredrick Fasehun, who incidentally, shares the same birthday with Falae, raged: “At my turning 80, the entire world would expect me to be a bridge builder. And I have prepared myself to be just that. But if any missile is thrown at you, and it is likely to affect your eyeball, you must avoid it at all costs. This is my view of the insult now being unleashed, being flung at Nigeria by the enemies of Nigeria’s unity.” Fasehun had expressed disgust over the incident beforePresident Muhammadu Buhari issued a directive to the InspectorGeneral of Police and other security agencies to take all necessary actions to ensure safe and speedy rescue of Falae. Speaking through the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the president described the incident as callous and reprehensible. Insinuations are rife that several cases of kidnapping remain unreported in parts of the country. Some observers claim that only those involving prominent persons, including top officials corporate organisations like multinationals particularly in the oil industry attract attention. With the latest case involving an elder statesman, perhaps the combat against such heinous crime might take a new but more realistic approach.

Friday, 25 September, 2015

hers

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

My husband was generous to a fault —Funke Agagu

Olufunke Agagu is the wife of a former governor of Ondo State, the late Chief Olusegun Agagu and founder of Handicapped Education Foundation (HANDEF). In this interview with YEMISI AOFOLAJU, she speaks on her philanthropic work, which she is still continuing, her time as the First Lady of the Sunshine State, why Nigerian women should do more to be relevant politically in the country, and what she misses about her husband. EXCERPTS:

HAT has now become of your Foundation since you left government? The project is still on. It is waxing stronger. As a matter of fact, I was in Akure about three months ago, for the empowerment of 17 of our trainees. The centre trains challenged members of the society who want to acquire a skill free of charge. At the last programme, I told participants that for now, training would be done without empowerment because it is becoming extremely difficult to raise fund to purchase equipment, coupled with the fact that some of the beneficiaries who were empowered in the past have not encouraged me: They sold the tools they were given because of the socalled poverty in the land. How did you get to know this? We engage in follow-up. The Foundation staff go round to monitor those we empower; we organise workshops every now and then all in a bid to know how they are faring in their newly-found skills. This is how we discovered that some of them had sold their tools of empowerment like computers, sewing machines, and for those who received cash as take-off grants, instead of purchasing the tools, they spent the money. Some of the skills they were trained in included bead-making, knitting, sewing and ICT. They did this because they wanted quick cash instead of using the tools to gradually earn a living, as some of them have claimed to be poor. This was why I told the last set of participants that we would be training them free, but their parents must be responsible for the purchase of tools. Is this not a confirmation of the belief that a project dies immediately the initiator leaves Government House? Well, I have been doing things like this since when I was in the secondary school. How? I attended Yejide Girls’ Grammar School, Ibadan. At that time, we were encouraged to do community service. We went out every Thursday afternoon to the School for the Deaf, which was at Molete at that time, and the Cheshire Home, which was at Oke-Ado, to teach the girls needle work and knitting for instance. Having done this, as a young girl, whenever the opportunity provided itself, I availed myself of it and decided to be a voice for the people who are challenged. It saddens me to see a fellow human on the

street begging, especially the physicallychallenged. I then thought this is an area one could really intervene, and make a difference, which made me to tell those working with me at the time that this project would be forever. I pray the foundation outlives me and be like the Ford Foundation and the Rockerfella Foundation in America, which were initiated by individuals like us and have now grown to be worldwide. While in government, you were involved in so many activities, now that you are out of office, how are you coping with boredom, especially with your husband’s demise? I have much to do. I am still very much involved with my NGO. I grew up in Ibadan with my husband, but after his demise, my children asked me to relocate to Lagos and I am glad I did because I have more than enough work to do. Apart from my project, I help in taking care of my grandchildren and I do some reading and writing. I also work in the secretariat of the foundation established in the memory of my husband; there’s really a lot to do. I have a wide circle of friends in Lagos with whom I occasionally dine and share ideas. I also do some work in church. How were you able to cope with overzealous aides when in government? For one, our phone numbers, that of my husband and I, were available to everyone; we used to respond to our calls ourselves. He featured on a television programme tagged: Ask the Governor, where people called in to ask questions on issues relating to each ministry in the state, which led to these ministries taking turns to defend themselves. So, we were accessible to all.

But there would have been occasions when some people would have preferred seeing you one-on-one... To this category of people, all they had to do was to write through my Personal Assistant, who gave them appointments to meet me in the office, and for those I could not attend to, their appointments were rescheduled for home. Since my children were grown at the time and were living in Lagos, some were working. My baby at that time was at the University of Lagos so, I had no baby to attend to, which afforded me enough time for people who had written, even those who had not written and wanted to see me, saw me. What inspires you? I guess my inspiration is largely from the word of God. My husband was also a great inspiration for me. I learnt a lot of lesson from him. I will also say my parents as well;

Parenting—32

Communicate your presence

especially my father. When I see something remarkable in someone and I admire such traits, I try following after such to be a better person. What lessons have you learnt about life? Life! Life is sweet. But one has to be very close to God for guidance and direction. If you are not close to God, you can easily fall and life could be very difficult. If you hold on to God, life can be so easy and pleasurable. With your husband’s exit, were you asked to go through certain acts of tradition as obtainable i n the

Yoruba culture? Laughs... My husband came from a Christian home. The two families had always related as one and as such, nobody asked anything of me. Nobody! Rather, they were all worried about me and they have been there for me. Nobody has asked anything of me. I only hear stories, I can’t say if these practices exist in his area- Osoro. I never heard of anything like widowhood rites, talk less of going through it. Where are you from? I am from Akoko land, though he was from the Southern senatorial district of the same state, while I am from the Northern district. His family only kept checking on me to know how I was faring, nothing more was asked of me and even till today, they are still asking after me. They kept coming and calling to ensure all was right with me, and

allaboutyou—34

Can you date, marry an actor or actress?

they are still coming.

While in government, was there any experience that made you ask why your husband got involved in politics? Of course, as any human being, one sometimes wonder why one had to be a public figure and why my husband went into politics, but he always said that good people should go into politics and that many of the people who went to school and have good exposure and experience in doing things the right way should not sit back to pontificate and criticise without getting involved in governance at any level. For a long time, he was like that. While in the university, they would only sit at the Staff Club to theorise and proffer suggestions on how things should be done. They would just talk, theorise, without anybody listening to them until he started writing position papers, for the likes of Papa Adekunle Ajasin and Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua. It was then that Olumilua sent people to him to which eventually led to his being invited to join politics and be part of the implementation of his numerous position papers. In fact, it was on

Continues pg32

32 hersay

Friday, 25 September, 2015

‘I wanted to be an ambassador’ Continued from pg31

a fateful Sunday, when I was on my way for service when the man came with a message from Evangelist Olumilua that my husband should come and run as the deputy to Olumilua to afford him the opportunity to practicalise his position papers. This simple invitation opened his eyes and it was there that he understood what governance truly meant and so, he said, “if this is governance, then, we are not going anywhere.’’ As soon as late Sani Abacha sent that government packing, he started bringing people of like minds together so that governance could be done the way it ought to be. Before then, governance was left in the hands of mediocres who went into politics for lack of something to do, people who had no business being there and these were the people making laws for you and I; the laws binding you and I; whereas they couldn’t differentiate their left from right. This was the result of you and I shying away from what we should have been doing because we would not want to be involved in the murky waters of politics. The rest is now history, we are still struggling.

parents were born there. My grandfather sojourned in Lokoja, now in Kogi State, and had all his children there. My father was trained as a registered nurse at that time. Before he died, he could fluently speak Hausa, Igbo and Tapa, but could not speak his own dialect, so I think I took after him because I grew up with my uncle at Ibadan when I was seconded from the North.. Since I wanted to be an ambassador, I was at the verge of applying to study French in the university until I got convinced by my cousin, Feyi George, into studying Arabic as a language. Initially, I thought it had to do with religion being born into a Christian home. It sounded absurd to some people like my uncle, but my defence was that I would rise fast and work with OPEC. At that time, Arabic was newly introduced course in the university system with my set being the third at the University of Ibadan. I didn’t read the course in isolation, I combined it with French and English, and true to my thinking, after graduation, OPEC gave me a job. It then dawned on me that my man might not agree to my choice.

What is your rating of Nigerian women politically? Nigerian women are trying, but they should try harder, more should be done. Many of us are waiting to have things on a silver platter. Everyone needs to work hard; we need to compete like we did in the Sciences and Mathematics with our male counterparts while we were in school. Then, we didn’t wait for our teachers to give us special marks because we were females. So, women need to struggle the more, though there are odds attached to female politicians, but we really need to do more.

Were you married then? No, we were courting, but we knew we were going to get married. At that time, my husband was planning to move to Ibadan from Lagos and I, on the other hand, was offered the opportunity of working for OPEC in Austria, but I rejected it. The external broadcasting service of the Federal Radio Corporation at that time invited me to join them in Lagos, but I also rejected it because my husband-to-be was moving to Ibadan from Lagos. I ended up being an English teacher until I retired in 1994.

What are your favourite colours? I love bright colours. I am a dark woman and I like to be seen. I am very conscious of the fact that I am dark. I am a very warm person; I love beautiful things, hence my love for bright colours. Have you any beauty routine? No. I don’t have any routine and I don’t do anything out of the ordinary. My husband never encouraged that; he supported simplicity. I wear brown powder and lip gloss. And of course, because I am turning grey now, I try to disguise the

How would you describe teachers in terms of commitment, ability and capability? I have left teaching for almost 21 years now, and since my grandchildren are attending private schools, I may not know much. But I can say that things are different now. Surely, the standards have fallen. Though we cannot put all the blame on teachers; the government is not encouraging the teachers as much as it should. Everybody wants good life, so are teachers. Everyone wants something more than

greyish hair a bit (laughs). I think I took this from my father; he was a very fashionable man who loved to see us dress well, which is also evident in my siblings. What were your dreams when you were growing up? As a young girl, I wanted to be an ambassador. I wanted to represent Nigeria in a foreign country. I was told from school that I was good at English Language and this encouraged me to study English. As a matter of fact, I am quick at learning languages. For example, I never lived at home (Akoko), not even my

Though we cannot put all the blame on teachers; the government is not encouraging the teachers as much as it should. Everybody wants good life, so are teachers.

IDS need to know that there are certain constants in their life that won’t ever change. I think we all need that kind of reassurance. This is why some people cling to their religious beliefs so strongly; they need to be able to have a constant that never waivers. Kids need to know that their parents will always be there. This doesn’t mean that kids expect their parents to always approve of what they do and how they do it. They are smarter than that. They do need to understand, though, that you are going to be there for them regardless of what they do and how they do it. Approval of their behaviour isn’t necessary—support of who they are is. When your children are young, let it be clear to them that regardless of what kind of trouble they are, they could call you . Tell them not to call a friend or anyone else; call him. He promised me that he would be there and that he would help me. “He might punish me later, but the important thing was for him to be there if I was in trouble.”

Communicate often Nothing replaces frequency of communication. Yet, according to a recent study, the average parent spends three and one-half minutes per week in meaningful conversation with his or her children, 210 seconds per week. 30 seconds per day. And we wonder why our kids are a mess. We don’t talk to them. Spend some real time communicating with your kid.

the peanuts being given now. There is hardly any group of Nigerians that is not complaining (police, army, medical doctors). The teachers, of course, have a case! But I know that the money is not there, Nigeria is not a rich country anymore. Who is your role model? My role model was my husband. He was a very realistic man and he held the belief that no matter what you did to him, he would never pay you back in your own coin because he does not want to be responsible for the downfall of anyone. I have tried to

Parenting

be like him and I person beHe was to anygenercould do a n y thought coming of givmore from cerned about people. He the Minister of Steel af-

Nigerian Tribune have become a better cause I married him. willing to listen body and he was ous to a fault. He anything to help one in need. I I was generous, from a family ers, but I learnt him. He was conhumanity and his resigned from being Power and in Abuja ter first being the

Minister of Aviation to serve his people. It did not go down well with me initially as I questioned his action; to tell you the truth, I asked him: ki la fe lo se ni Ondo State? Which people do you want to go and serve? Would they appreciate the sacrifice you are going to make? Please, I love it here in Abuja! Abuja is a beautiful place. But he said ‘let me go and develop my little Nigeria’, ‘If everyone took care of his own little Nigeria, then the whole country will be a good place to live in’. He said the desired development cannot come if he remained in Abuja. I pleaded for us to remain in Abuja, but his mind was already made up. All this later made sense to me. He was my role model. He was a very wise human being, very fashionable. We both loved music and dancing. I was once a choirister at Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan before we moved to Abuja. What do you miss most about him? His company; we were never bored of each other’s company. He had a fantastic sense of humour and I could depend on him for anything. Even after giving me my monthly pocket money, at the middle of the month, I always told him I was broke. He was always there for me. I lost my father in 1980 and at that time, there were seven of us, and only four of us were established, but he never discriminated against anyone everybody grew up with us that you couldn’t tell who was who. His brothers and sisters were mine just as mine were his too.

and ask questions and listen to them. Spend time every single day with your children even if they live in a different city. Don’t The host of Straight Talk! tell me how busy you are. If it matters to you, you will find the With Olufunke Adetuberu time regardless of how busy you are. cryonmenow@yahoo.com 08023242389 I am amazed when I get mails from parents who complain that their kids are 17 and don’t talk to them. If those parents were to take a good hard look at their history, they would know that they didn’t talk to their kids when they were five either. Establish habits of talking that become a normal part of the relationship. Make time everyday to talk to your kid. I talked to my boys when they were growing in the car since any opportunity to spend a lot of time make it an opportuned time of talking back and forth with them, talk to them spend time with them before Sometimes it isn’t about the quality, but about the quantity. bed. Talk to them at mealtimes. Yes, please, make time to eat “But you don’t understand, Funke we are busy at our together. You should try this. No excuses; just make the time house!” to do it You are so right about this one; I don’t understand. I don’t “Remember this: Your time, your energy and your money alunderstand how anyone could possibly be so busy that he/ ways go into what is really important to you.” she doesn’t make time to talk his kids. Even if you are diWhen I find out how much of it you really spend with your vorced or a temporal separations allow your kids Have busy kids, it tells me your depth of your value . If you don’t spend lives just like other kids. Allow them to soccer, have friends, much time with your kids, then sadly, they aren’t a big priority involved in school activities and all the other things that kids to you. Ouch! That one hurts, doesn’t it? Tough! It’s true. If your are involved that can build their minds , Talk to them everykids are important to you, then you will find a way to spend time day. Don’t forget to phone and talk to them about their lives with them and communicate with them. Period! and tell them how much you love them. Be there with advice

Communicate your presence

Friday, 25 September, 2015

With Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

thekitchen By Yemisi Aofolaju

Spinach ROM books and nutrionists, there are some foods women, as homemakers, must ensure are not missing in their powerhouses for their family members’ wellbeing. According to the author of Eat it to beat it, these are must consumables. The emphasis these days is on the need to make conscious effort to eat less junks that endanger healthy living. The simple truth is that these foods are readily available and affordable. This green and leafy wallflower is noted for its ability to build muscle and is a rich source of plant-based omega3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis. The folate also increases blood flow to the nether regions, helping to protect you against age-related sexual issues. And spinach is packed with a compound that fights musclar degeneration. It is recommended that you must aim for one cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup cooked per day depending on the size of your family. Since it is said that variety is the spice of life, spinach can be added to your salad or scrambled eggs.

Tomatoes This blessing of nature has never been found to be out of season. It is only the specie that changes all round the year,

and you need to know these two basic facts, that the red ones are the best, because they’re packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene. The processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it’s easier for the body to absorb its lycopene. Studies have shown that a diet rich in lycopene decreases one’s risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin and stomach cancers, as well as reduces the risk of coronary artery disease. You should target about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice on a daily basis. It can be substituted with watermelon, grapefruits or papaya.

none is as easy to prepare or has as low a caloric density as carrots, which suggests that one must aim at 1/2 cup a day. In the absence of carrots,sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango be good substitutes. Carrots can be eaten raw, turned into a smoothie or baked.

Do it yourself

Tomato Omelet Ingredients • 1 eggs • 1 medium plum tomato(tomato Jos) • 1 small onion

PUTTING an iron spoon inside your boiling beans will make it soften quickly in few minutes. It is better than Kaun Potassium; which is too acidic.

you should eat everyday

Carrots Most red, yellow or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids fat-soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as reduced risk and severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, but

By Olaide Fadare

DID YOU KNOW THAT

Foods

• A small cut of butter (for frying) • Salt (to taste) • Dry pepper (optional) Cooking directions • Cut the onion and the tomato into small pieces and remove the seed from the tomato. Make sure you cut them in equal proportion. • Beat egg, add a pinch of salt and dry pepper, stir well and set aside. • Set your frying pan to heat up. • Melt half of piece of butter and add onion. Fry for a few seconds and add the tomato. • Fry till well heated, this takes a maximum of five minutes on medium heat • Pour into egg. Mix well and add more salt if necessary. • Set frying pan back on stove and melt the other half of the butter. • Once butter melts, slowly pour egg, tomato mix making sure it is evenly distributed in frying pan.

• Reduce heat to the lowest level. • Wait till you see tomato omelet caking. • Once it has caked considerably, shake frying pan, and omelet moves on its own. If it doesn’t, then it is either heat is too much or inside of your frying pan is not smooth or both. • Gently transfer omelet to flat wide plate. • Cover omelet with frying pan and flip in a way that the top side is now at the bottom. • Set frying pan back on stove and fry till the bottom side is well fried. • Once it cakes, it is ready! You can enjoy this with fried yam, fried plantain or bread. Notes about the ingredients • You can replace the butter with vegetable oil when frying the tomato omelet. • A bit of ground pepper helps curb nausea that some people get when eating fried egg.

allaboutyou

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Can you date, marry an

actor or actress? Globally, divorce has become a common phenomenon and Nigeria is no exception. The rate of divorce cases has become so worrisome that it calls for a redress, particularly in the film industry. ARAMIDE SHANU brings you people’s views on the above.

Unuafeh Elizabeth

ALOGUN Olarewaju In my own perspective, dating an actress or at the end getting married is not a problem or barrier. It depends on how we handle our relationship and the way bowh of us see things. Gbolahan Taiwo Apart from the fame and the money, the way Nollywood stars are; I cannot advise a friend to marry one of them not to talk of dating. In Bollywood, the way they relate is different from how actors and actresses relate in Nollywood. Maryam Akindele If I can’t see my man kissing another man’s wife in a scene and am mature enough not to be jealous,I will never trust him. Now, tell me why I am still keeping such a relationship and marriage is something you should enjoy not endure .I can’t date an actor.

Balogun Olanrewaju

Unuafeh Elizabeth Well, I am the jealous type, I can’t just withstand such act. When you begin to complain, People will ask, “did you know his profession?” It is better not to get myself engaged in such a contract. Olagoke Opeyemi If there is understanding in your courtship,Definitely, there will not be a problem. Even if I get married to an actor, I can follow him to the location because some of them are able to separate their role from their personalities. Adeoye Adetunji I cannot because things that we see and hear about them are unpleasant and I don’t like sharing what is mine.

Maryam Akindele

Abosede John

Lasisi Sulaimon In my own view, religion does not back such a profession, The way they expose what God gave them is bad and it is obscene.

If there is understanding in your courtship definitely there would not be a problem. Even if I get married to an actor, I can follow him to the location because the way they act at times is different from their personalities.

Razak Ajibola Never! It is totally impossible, How can I marry a woman that will not be available to take care of our home, a woman that will not be a good role model to our children?

Olagoke Opeyemi

Popoola Christopher As long as I can trust her, and the main thing in a relationship is trust. Forget her profession, trust matters. Fisayo Adeniyi Yes, of course. Once you understand the nature of her work, though, it is difficult at times, You have to be prayerful. Abosede John With my training as a psychologist who deal with human behaviour,Since I know that nobody is perfect why can’t I go for the person I love? Aminat Abisola Forget about the instruction being given to them, a lot of girls want actors because they are influential and I would not be able to manage such marriage So, I can’t.

Lasisi Sulaimon

Emmanuel Sunday If acting is her profession, though they normally blackmail them, but. once you understand what they call love, what else? Adeniyi Adebola Actually, I can’t date or marry an actor because of his popularity. They have many fans that will go extra mile to get them. I might not have everything to please him and most of them are not satisfied with what they have. Gift Amazon I will say yes, depending on if we have known each other before he went into the profession. At least, we will agree on some things. Foluso Anjorin I can marry an actor, but not a Nigerian actor, because most of them are promiscuous. But I prefer marrying an actor that acts Christian movies.

Adeoye Adetunji

Jubril Ojo People’s comments about them make me feel I can’t hangout with any of them. After years of marriage, you hear of divorce and I really have that fear because I was raised by a single parent. Olalekan Okeola Yes, of course, What really matters is if she can have enough time to take good care of our children. I don’t see anything bad in marrying one. Ayodele Olaitan No, I can’t marry an actress because there are some risks involved. Level of exposure and connections could influence her and because of this she may not be submissive.

Jubril Ojo

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 25 September, 2015

arewa

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08065167178

An instance of havoc wreaked by ceaseless downpour.

Ceaseless downpour: Tales of losses by Plateau people Isaac Shobayo - Jos

LATEAU State, in recent times, has been experiencing heavy downpour that has become a threat to businesses, especially for traders, artisans and farmers. The farmers, in different parts of the state, have been complaining of heavy rainfalls threatening their means of livelihood as most farms have been washed away and roads linking such affected farms destroyed. Arewa investigations revealed that parts of the state seriously affected include Migank, Shendam, and Quapan in the southern part. Flood caused by heavy rainfall is threatening to cut off communities. Most of the bridges in the council areas, which link the rest of the state, are on the verge of being washed away by the flood. A farmer identified as Amos Francis said the heavy downpour this year was no longer a blessing to most farmers in the southern part of Plateau State, saying that many farms were recently washed away while many could not access their farms due to flood. Mr Daniel Nanlong, representing Mikang Constituency in the Plateau House of Assembly, on Monday, appealed to the state government for immediate intervention “before the situation gets worse. The only culvert sustaining the road is about to be cut off;

Heavy downpour if that happens, no vehicle will go to or come out of Piapun because it is the only road linking the community. “10 years ago, the situation was not as bad as it is today and it is getting worse every day. If something urgent is not done, the agrarian community would be cut off from the rest of the state,” he said.

The lawmaker appealed to the Plateau State government to also consider the construction of Lifidi-Piapun-Garkawa-Tunkus road, to link all the four districts of the local government, adding that the road would boost social and economic activities in the area. “The road will make all the dis-

Boko Haram: As Nigerians support military, IDPs in Northeast —pg36

tricts in the local government accessible, farmers will be able to transport their produce to the markets without any hitch and that will boost their economic status. “We pray that the road will be captured in this year’s budget and necessary action will follow so that the people will heave a sigh

Kaduna police parade illegal arms factory owners —pg36

of relief,” he said. Some of the farmers, who spoke with Arewa, stated that the rainfall might not be a blessing to them considering the level of destruction flood had brought to their farms. The farmers, who postulated that too much of everything was bad, said there might be food scarcity in the long run instead of bumper harvest as envisaged. Apart from the farmers, most of the traders and artisans within Jos are counting their losses on a daily basis due to the heavy rainfall. Most of the traders, along Ahmadu Bello way, especially those who sell by the roadside, said persistent rainfall this year was disrupting their business activities. A dry cleaner, Matthew Obong, said constant rain in the last two months on the Plateau, especially in Jos, had disrupted his business. “Despite the fact that I need water for washing, I also need sun to dry the cloth; this alone is a big challenge to me and others in the business. My prayer is that the rain should subside “ Newspaper vendors are also grappling with the situation. Majority of them, who spoke with Arewa, said the volume of sales had dropped drastically, thus frustrating their efforts to break even. A prominent vendor, Danjuma Musa, said most of the vendors had since left for their respective villages to farm as a result of low patronage. He said: “It is very difficult to sell newspapers; most of the time, the rain would start at about 6:00am and rain till 11:00 am and further rain in the afternoon. It has been like this in the past two months, so we are praying for the rain to stop” Arewa findings revealed that in the past two months on the Plateau, the rain has been a daily affair. It is what the people tagged as morning, afternoon and evening rain, which is disrupting both economic and social activities. Most mud houses and those that are not solid are being washed away.

CREW

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

36 arewa

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Boko Haram: As Nigerians support military, IDPs in Northeast

Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (3rd left) and Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria, Mr Kunle Adeojo, during the presentation of Toyota vehicles to MNJTF in Maiduguri. James Bwala -Maiduguri

ILITARY operations in Nigeria may soon begin to enjoy popular support as critical stakeholders have begun to donate to the upkeep of the internally-displaced persons (IDP) in the Northeast as well as help the military to meet the December dateline on ending the Boko Haram crises. It will be recalled that early last week, Toyota Nigeria, manufacturers of all kinds of Toyota vehicles, made the first move in its contribution towards eradicating the menace of Boko Haram insurgency, which has crippled all economic activities in Borno State and the Northeast by supporting the Military operation with vehicles for operations. Speaking at the brief occasion in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which is the epicentre of the crises of Boko Haram, the Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria, Mr Kunle Adeojo, said his company deemed it fit to join hands with the Nigerian Army, having considered several ways it could come in as a civil society to help the military towards eradication of Boko Haram. Mr Adeojo, who brought two Buffallo Toyota vehicles and three Toyota Hilux vehicles as donations to the Multinational Joint Tasks Force whose headquarters is at Njamaina, said the donation was a civilian way of helping the military in the fight against insurgency and hoping that it would mark the beginning of a good partnership towards involving the civil society in the fight against the menace of Boko Haram as the war, he said, should not be left for the military alone. While the celebration lasted, Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Dave Umahi, extended his brotherly love to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in state ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency. The governor, who extended his act of love when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, noted that for the Nigerian Armed Forces to win the war against insurgency in the Northeast, it was imperative for all and sundry to give them their support and encouragement. Governor Umahi said that in addition to individual and corporate supports, the military would also require the general public to

The vehicles donated champion the campaign of effective isolation of the terrorist elements in this corner of the country Arewa reports that during the presentation of vehicles to the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri, the Chief of Logistics Army Headquarters, Major General Adamu Salihu, said the partnership with Toyota Nigeria was a welcome development, adding that for the first time since the Nigerian Civil War, the capacity of the Nigerian Army had been stretched and as such, the need for such partnership to oil the wheel in the progress the Military is making in the fight against the insurgency in the Northeast cannot be over-emphasised.

While speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olonisakin, who is represented by the Chief of Logistics Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Olutayo Oguntoyibo, said provision of security was the hallmark of democratic government as there could be no growth in any nation without its security. “Growth of a nation in any form is connected with security whether it is economic growth, physical development and what have you. As such, it is necessary to have security play a part in a nation’s development. And since it is also necessary to restore security to the Northeast region of this country, I am happy and indeed

very delighted to partner with Toyota Company of Nigeria. “One may be tempted to say what would five vehicles do in the fight to end insurgency in Borno or in the Northeast, but I would quickly reply that’s little drop makes an ocean as such are calling on other well-meaning Nigerians and Organisations to join hands with us in whatever capacity so that together, we achieve success in the counter insurgency operations as any society that appreciates its military would do the same”, he said. Speaking on the donation, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, said the history behind the donation of these vehicles dated back to the time he was the Commander, Multinational Joint Tasks Force. According to him, the MD, Toyota Nigeria, who had been reading about situation in the newspapers, thought of how they could come to render some help. “The MD appreciates the role of the Multinational Joint Tasks Force in the fight towards ending the Boko Haram insurgency, and he asked me how they could come in to support the MNJTF and I told him how they could; he said it is done and today, we have the five vehicles.” Buratai, while thanking the MD and his management team, assured them that the vehicles would be used for patrol to pursue and defeat Boko Haram as well as to escort other humanitarian assistance for the displaced persons, adding that the military was already consolidating on Ngamboru as troops were doing well on the field. Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Multinational Joint Tasks Force, the Commander, Major General Iliyasu Abba, said the terrain of operation was very difficult as economic and social lives of the people had gone down, the situation which required quick intervention to reverse. “I will use this opportunity again to call on spirited individuals to take queue and follow in the steps of Toyota Nigerian Company by contributing towards putting an end to the madness in the Northeast”, he said. Meanwhile, Governor Umahi, who also used the occasion to commiserate with the CDS and families of those gallant soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of their fatherland, urged Nigerian not to abandon the families of those soldiers who laid their lives for the peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian people.

Kaduna police parade illegal arms factory owners Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna THE Kaduna State Police Command has paraded four suspected arms factory owners, who have been producing and selling illegal arms to criminals in the southern part of the state. Parading the suspects at state police headquarters recently, the state Commissioner of Police, Shehu Usman, said the suspects were producers of arms and ammunition as well as suppliers of arms to criminals who had been terrorising the southern zone. He explained that detectives attached to Area Command, Kafanchan, acting on intelligence report, swung into action and arrested the suspects in Kaura and Zangon Kataf areas of the state respectively. The suspects were one Isah Yahaya, Zamari Peter, Baye Tswan, all from Mabushi in Kaura Local Government Area and Felix

Paul of Samaru in Zangon Kataf. Items recovered included four manual hand drilling machine, six electric drilling machine, three gas cylinders, three bench vice, two dane guns, one 7.62mm ammunition, three 5.56mm ammunition, two tiger generators, a box containing different parts of locally made pistols/rifles as well as a tool box for the fabrication of rifle parts. Shehu also disclosed that during the raid, thirty seven locally made pistols, eleven revolver pistols, thirty four single barrel guns were among dangerous weapons in their possession. His words: “The suspects in their various arms manufacturing factories in Southern Kaduna area, manufactured and supplied arms and ammunition to criminal elements operating there. Meanwhile, Governor Nasir El-rufai’s, has said he would declare total war on the manufacturers of illegal arms in the state.

He disclosed this while speaking with newsmen through his media aide, Mr Samuel Aruwan. El-rufai said anybody found with illegal arms and other devices must be punished accordingly no matter highly or low the person is in the state. He added that those who specialise in inciting violence too would be prosecuted, stressing that the present administration was determined to rid the state of crimes. “The suspects arrested by the police will face the law accordingly. We believe in participatory security approach to confront security challenges in the state. ‘Anybody, no matter highly or low in the state, if found with arms and other devices or found inciting violence, must be punished accordingly because the laws are clear on that. ‘We are determined to make Kaduna State great again for development to take place”, he declared.

37 news

Wednesday, 23 September, 2015 Friday, 25 September, 2015

Fight corruption to logical end, Niyi Akintola tells FG By Remi Anifowose

HE President Muhammadu Buhariled Federal Government has been charged to live up to the expectations of Nigerians

by aggressively fighting corruption, not only on the pages of the newspapers, but through the enforcement of the laws to a logical conclusion. The guest lecturer, Mr Niyi Akintola (SAN), gave

the charge as part of the prospects he identified in the Independence Anniversary lecture tagged: “Nigeria at 55: The pains, the gains, the prospects,’’ organised by the Oyo State Council of the Nige-

Rivers APC not contesting Wike’s completion of projects —Party chieftain Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt RIVERS State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has acknowledged that the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration is completing some projects in the state. The party, however, said the current administration, by working on and completing the projects, was acknowledging the successes achieved by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Rivers APC made this known in a paper delivered by its state publicity secretary, Mr Chris Finebone, at a forum organised by the Rivers State Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday. The forum, tagged, “100 Days of Governor Wike: Assessment and expecta-

tions”, was chaired by the President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Emeka Unachukwu. Finebone said the only area of agreement between APC and the current government in the state, was the need for a succeeding government to complete the projects uncompleted by the previous government. He, however, said the agreement with the Wikeled administration ended with the completion of projects which were said to have been abandoned by the Amaechi administration. “The fact that the sitting government is completing projects uncompleted by the past government means that by action, the current government is acknowledging the achievements of the previous govern-

My suspension unconstitutional —Uvwie LG boss Collins Nnabuife - Abuja THE suspended chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr Baro Minabonware, has said that his suspension by the Delta State House of Assembly, was illegal and unconstitutional. He also said that till date, no formal charges have been levelled against him that will warrant his suspension, also he has not been given the chance to defend himself. Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Mina-

bonware, said that his suspension as the chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, was politically motivated. “I have said it before severally and I am saying it again, before the nation and the people’s court that no formal charges were and have been proffered against me and no chance was and has been given me to defend myself until three members of our legislative arm were mobilised to collect the constitutional requirement of a two-third number to impeach me.

ment but it should also do so in words.

CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME CHANGE

ria Union of Journalists (NUJ), at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Wednesday. Akintola, who identified complacency and corruption as the bane of national development, reiterated the need for Nigerians to also change their sense of value. He charged the National Assembly ‘’to make laws and not rubber stamp the executive’s decisions,’’ saying it “must understand

CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME CHANGE

formerly Miss Miss Hassan Hassan Amao Amao I,I, formerly Yidiatu Fadeke Abolusodun Yidiatu Fadeke Abolusodun now MRS. MRS. ADIAMO ADIAMO FADEKE FADEKE now ABOLUSODUN. All former ABOLUSODUN. All former documents remain valid. Authorities documents remain valid. Authorities of Oyo Oyo State State Universal Universal Basic Basic of Education Board Board (SUBEB), (SUBEB), Ibadan Ibadan Education and general general public public take take note. note. and

formerly Miss Miss Enamuotor Enamuotor I,I, formerly Nyerovwome Aghogho Nyerovwome Aghogho now MRS. MRS. EKPEKUREDE EKPEKUREDE now NYEROVWOME AGHOGHO. AGHOGHO. NYEROVWOME All former former documents documents remain remain All valid. NYSC NYSC and and general general public public valid. take note. note. take

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formerly Miss Miss Adetiloye Adetiloye I,I, formerly Idowu Adejoke Adejoke now now MRS. MRS. Idowu OYEWUMI IDOWU OYEWUMI IDOWU ADEJOKE. All All former former ADEJOKE. documents remain remain valid. valid. documents General public public take take note. note. General

CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME CHANGE

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that it has a great role to play in making Nigeria better.’’ “Enough of endless probes. Let every probe be to a logical conclusion,’’ he added. The astute legal icon, while highlighting the pains of corruption, insecurity, unstable power supply, unemployment, poor infrastructure development and widespread poverty as threats to Nigeria’s nascent democracy, noted that a lot of Nigerian

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leaders were anti-people, seeing public office as the only way to achieve financial freedom. In his opening remarks, the chairman of Oyo NUJ, Mr Gbenga Opadotun, while welcoming Mr Akintola, described him as a courageous dogged vanguard of democracy, who stood for justice, equity and fairness, lauding his efforts at upholding the ideals of true democracy.

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eid-el-kabir

Friday, 25 September, 2015

1. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar (right), with the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Professor Bashir Garba, at the praying ground in Sokoto, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN. 2. From left, immediate past governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akinolu; former governor of Lagos, Senator Bola Tinubu; National President, Ansar-u-deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Femi Okunnu and the Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Afis Abou, at the Obalende praying ground, Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA. 3. From left, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Hononourable Ali Ahmad and a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alfa Belgore, at the Ilorin eid ground, on Thursday. 4. From left, Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State; Madakin Bauchi, Alhaji Ibrahim Gidado and the Ajiyan Bauchi, Alhaji Bello Kirfi, at the Central Mosque, Bauchi, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN 5. From left, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Akinola Makanjuola; Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; High Chief Abdul-Lateef Oyelade, Chief Lamidi Ajadi and Alhaji Abdulrasheed Omookuorun, observing prayer at Agodi praying ground. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU. 6. From left, Wakilin Adamawa, Alhaji Hassan Adamu; Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo

7. 8. 9.

10.

and the Adamawa State governor, Muhammadu Bindo, at the praying ground in Yola, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN. From left, Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus; Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Bayo Salami, Baba Kekere of Osogboland, Sulaiman Olanipekun; Kabir Aregbesola and others, in Osogbo, on Thursday Kebbi State governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (right) and the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar, at the praying ground in Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN. From left, a member of Ansar -U-deen Fadeyi Branch Division 3, Alhaji Olatunde Abudu;a former governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Deputy Missionary, Ansar- Ud-deen Divison 3, Imam Nosiru Adekanmbi and the chairman, Ansar- Ud-deen Fadeyi Branch, Alhaji Yusuf Adefenwa, at the praying ground in Fadeyi, Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA. From left, Circuit Missionary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Manatan, Ibadan, Missionary Abdul Ganiyyi Daramola; National Taribiya Secretary, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyyi Ahmad; Amir, Dr Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Circuit President, Alhaji Muniru Adeagbo and Professor Abdul Fatai Fehintola, after the Eid-elAdha prayer in Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO.

news Buhari observes Eid-el-Kabir prayer in Daura 39

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Aisha, children pray in Abuja

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday joined Muslim faithful in observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayer at his native home, Daura, Katsina State. The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Daura, Sheikh Safiyanu Yusuf, at Kofar-Arewa Eid ground around 9:30a.m. In his sermon, the Imam stressed the importance of sacrifice in Islam. He said that the sacrifice could be done with ram, sheep, goat, cow or camel. Yusuf said that the meat could be given to the needy and even non Muslims. He urged people to continue to pray to the Almighty Allah to give the country peace, unity and stability. The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq, directed all mosques in the emirate

to organise special prayer for peace and stability in the nation. He prayed to Allah to continue to guide the president to be able to lead the country right. “We need to intensify prayers for peace and stability in the country, because nothing can be achieved without peace,’’ he said. Some of the important personalities who observed the Eid prayer included Director, Department of

Security Service (DSS), Alhaji Lawal Musa Daura, and other prominent sons of the emirate including religious and traditional leaders. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that President Buhari and the emir slaughtered their rams after the prayer at the Eid ground. NAN also observed that there was adequate security at the Eid ground and the prayer ended peacefully.

Meanwhile, the wife of the president, Mrs Aisha Buhari and her children, observed the Eid- el-Kabir prayers at the An-Nur Mosque in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that she was received by officials of the mosque on her arrival at about 8:25a.m. Others who joined her in the prayer session were Dr Hajo Sani, the Senior Special Assistant on Administration to the wife of the president, other aides and

members of her family. In the sermon, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Mohammed Ahmad, urged Muslims to pray for the peace and unity of the country as well as for God’s guidance for the leaders. He advised Nigerians to continue to contribute their quota to ensure overall national development. NAN reported that this year’s prayers were observed under showers of rain.

FG promises smooth flight operations during, after festivity THE Federal Government has assured Nigerians at home and those on pilgrimage to Mecca, of smooth flight operations during and after the Eid el Fitri celebrations. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Hajiya Binta Bello, gave the assurance in a congratulatory message to all Nigerian Muslims as they join the rest of the world to mark the end of this year’s pilgrimage. According to the permanent secretary, all agencies of the ministry have been directed to ensure safe and uninterrupted flight operations at all the nation’s airport. Bello also charged airline operators not to use the usual rush to exploit travellers, and to make their operations more passengercentred with serious attention to flight availability and timeliness, comfort of passengers and safe practices.

THE National Women Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya (Dr) Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has called on Muslims to use the occasion to look inward as well as pray for God’s guidance upon the leaders in order to lift the country out of her present socioeconomic predicaments. The woman leader made the call in a statement is-

Eid el-Kabir prayers were conducted under tight security with restriction of vehicular movement on Thursday across Yobe, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported. Muslim faithful who trekked to the prayer grounds in Damaturu were screened by a team of security operatives before being allowed into the praying ground. Similarly, security operatives were on sentry, patrolling all major roads while others were deployed to all strategic locations in the state capital. Reacting to the development, Alhaji Ali Sani, a resident of Damaturu, described the security as “excellent’’, adding that it gave the faithful more assurance of safety.

Lagos govt lifts restriction of movement on sanitation day Bola Badmus - Lagos

President Muhammadu Buhari slaughtering a ram for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, at the Daura Eid Praying Ground, Katsina, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN.

Insurgency not Islamic —Sultan THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared that all acts of insurgency are not Islamic. ‘’Insurgency is against the tenets of Islam and it is against the cultures and norms of Muslims in Nigeria and the world over,’’ the Sultan said in Sokoto, on Thursday, in his Sallah message to Muslims in the country. Abubakar, however, said there had been tremendous achievements in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-East zone of the country. “We must commend the

APC women leader tasks Nigerians to pray for leaders Bola Badmus - Lagos

Eid-el-Kabir prayers conducted amid tight security in Yobe

sued on Wednesday, even as she saluted Nigerians for their enduring patience in the face of economic hardship and social apathy owing to decades of political greed in high places. Hajiya Aliyu congratulated Muslims and Nigerians at large for finding the will to vote in a courageous leader like President Muhammad Buhari in the last March 28, 2015 election.

various security agencies in the country for their sustained efforts in taming the menace of insurgency and other related crimes in the nation. ‘’These commendable efforts must be sustained to avoid complacency. “We are also commending security agencies in the state for working round the clock to ensure the prevalence of sustainable peace and security,’’ Abubakar said.

He also commended the federal and Sokoto state governments for providing security agencies with the enabling environment to operate. Abubakar further noted that the prevailing peace and security in the state and Nigeria in general were due to good governance. Abubakar commiserated with the families of the victims of insurgency as well as those of the recent Makkah

crane crash which resulted in about 110 deaths, including six Nigerians. He commended the Saudi authorities for promptly treating the injured pilgrims as well as compensating the dead, saying these acts constitute a mark of leadership. ‘’Leadership is a trust from God and we must strive to discharge it diligently, piously and transparently.

Tinubu enjoins people of faith to deliver Nigeria AS millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across the world celebrate the Eidel-Kabir, Senator Bola Tinubu has urged people of faith not to give up but hold up their faith that a better Nigeria is possible. “Today, Nigeria is set on a new path of recovery because millions had faith in the change message and agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC). They must continue to back up their faith with good works of patriotism.” The national leader of the APC said that “Muslims are people of faith and must

through prayers hold on to a possible hope of a better society. People of faith must at this time of Nigeria’s re-

naissance work together to give Nigeria that great push to a new functional society that it so deserves.”

Don’t lose hope in Nigeria, Salami urges THE former chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, Alhaji Abideen Olasunkanmi Salami, has enjoined Muslims and Nigerians in general not to lose hope in spite of the social-economic problems confronting the nation. Alhaji Salami who made the call yesterday in his Eid-el-Kabir message, said

that with prayers, Nigeria would overcome its present socioeconomic and other challenges. According to him “Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources which if well tapped can transform our country to an economic super power,” adding “what is needed is attitudinal change and right leadership.”

LAGOS State government has lifted the order restricting human and vehicular movements during the September monthly environmental sanitation exercise. The government said it took the step in order to allow for a hitch-free Eidel-Kabir celebration. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, disclosed this to journalists, saying the state government recognised the fact that lots of people might want to travel in and out of the state.

Senator Adeola urges prayers for peace, development THE senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Adeola, has enjoined all Muslim faithful in his senatorial district and Nigerians to continue to pray for peace and progress of the nation. In his Ed- el- Kabir message to felicitate with adherents of the Islamic faith, Senator Adeola said a strict adherence to the teachings of Islam in the areas of love, brotherliness, piousness, peaceful coexistence as well as tolerance would greatly assist the new administration to achieve its positive agenda for the nation.

Eid-el-Kabir

Friday, 25 September 2015

Traditional ruler escapes assassination

LHAJI Ahmadu Yakubu, the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman, Ankpa Area Traditional Council in Kogi State, on Thursday, narrowly escaped assassination by gunmen. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the alleged assassination attempt occurred at Eti-Aja Eid prayer ground in Ankpa, where the traditional ruler, in company of other Muslims, went to perform the Eid-el-Kabir prayer. Narrating his ordeal to newsmen shortly after his escape, the traditional ruler said that the gunmen, numbering about nine, were armed with guns and other weapons. The traditional ruler said that the gunmen attempted

to attack him as worshipers dispersed but his guards, who had accompanied him to the prayer ground,

Eschew bitterness, hate —ACF Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna THE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has enjoined Nigerians to eschew bitterness and hatred on the basis of faith, tribe and political leanings on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir. This was contained in a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim. The statement noted that “This is a period of sacrifice, love and a reflection on the significance of this spiritual act.”

APC commends the sacrifice of Nigerians Bola Badmus - Lagos ALL Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday felicitated with Muslims in the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, even as it commended all Nigerians for their sacrifice all through the years for the emergence of a better Nigeria. The APC said this in its Sallah statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while also wishing Muslims a successful, joyous and peaceful celebration.

life, saying that although he was aware that hoodlums in the town had been plotting his downfall, he

IGP orders massive deployment across country Chris Agbambu - Abuja THE Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has ordered massive deployment across the country during the celebration. The IGP also ordered the movement of necessary lo-

gistics to all the nooks and crannies of the country. In his message of felicitations, Arase said the Nigeria Police would provide robust security throughout the period of the festival. He has also mandated all Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police and Com-

mand Commissioners of Police to ensure adequate security with standard operation procedures before, during and after the celebrations. IGP Arase, enjoined Nigerians to always report any act of criminality to the police at all times.

Fayemi urges Muslims on love, loyalty THE immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of the Eidel-Kabir, urging them to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice which

Be tolerant of others —Gov Bello NIGER State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, yesterday urged Muslims in the country to renew their commitment to the pursuit of peace and progress of the country. He also enjoined them to

quickly shielded him and warded off the suspects. Yakubu expressed gratitude to God for saving his

imbibe the virtues of obedience, tolerance, faith, perseverance and sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Ibraheem Dooba, to commemorate the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, said the Muslim faithful should use the period to pray for an end to the incessant security challenges particularly in the northern region of the country.

the festival teaches. Fayemi, in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, said the Eidel-Kabir festival also offers another opportunity for sober reflection, soul searching and spiritual renewal which Allah demands from the faithful. He advised that the lessons of sacrifice and loyalty should not be lost to the pomp and ceremony that accompany the festival. According to him, Allah brought victory and joy to Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismail, after the duo demonstrated uncommon sense of sacrifice in fulfilling his will. Fayemi, while urging Nigerians to continue to pray and work for peace in the country, urged the Muslim faithful and adherents of other faiths to make peace-

Oyo Speaker urges Nigerians to make sacrifices By Nurudeen Alimi THE Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, has felicitated with the Muslim faithful, just as he called on Nigerians to make the needed sacrifices

and work for the unity and progress of the country. In his Sallah message, Honourable Adeyemo urged Muslims to use the occasion to meditate on the lessons of the feast as well as the message of the holy prophet.

ful coexistence and harmony their watchwords in the quest for a greater and more prosperous Nigeria.

Muslims, to learn to give and take. This, he said, would engender selflessness, teamwork, reciprocity, compromises and concessions in the spirit of the season. A statement by his me-

Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt CHAIRMAN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Mr Felix Obuah, has enjoined Muslims in the state to continue to observe the principles of piety that characterise Islam while showing love, cooperation and tolerance to other religions. He gave the advice in a message, issued in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, to felicitate with Muslim faith-

This was contained in a release signed by its president, Alhaji Wasiu Aliyu and Secretary, Alhaja Olaide Abass, and made available to newsmen in

Kola Oyelere - Kano THE Chief Imam of Kano, Professor Sani Zaharaddeen, in his Sallah message, called on Muslims in the state and the entire nation to tolerate one another and seek Allah’s mercy at all time. Zaharaddeen, who made the call while giving his sermon at Kano Central Eid Ground Thursday morning, urged Muslims to use their

dia aide, Austin Oniyokor, quoted him as saying, “As we celebrate, it is important for us to remember that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir is not the rams that we slaughter, but for us to imbibe the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim.’’

He has also enjoined them to propagate the message of love, which remains the overriding principle and direction for the adherents of every religion, including Moslems. In his message to Moslems

SECURITY was beefed up in many parts of Jos metropolis and Bukuru, Plateau, on Thursday, as Muslims in Nigeria joined their counterparts across the world to celebrate Eidel-Kabir. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that there was presence of heavily armed security men at strategic locations

ful on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state. Similarly, his counterpart from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Dr Davies Ikanya, urged the Muslim faithful to continue to be law-abiding. Obuah said the Eid-ElKabir offered “yet another opportunity to reflect on our relationship with God and by extension, our fellow beings, and to ensure that we make the best use of the life we live today to make

holy Ibadat to assist those who could not afford sacrifice during the celebration. However, the Eid prayer was conducted at Sheik Ahmad Tijani Jumaat Mosque as a result of a heavy downpour. In a related development, the Chief Imam of Anwaru

and areas considered as flash points in the city. Among areas with such security presence were Old Airport Junction, DogonKarfe, Miango Junctiion and Abattoir. Others were Tudun Wada, Rantya, Tina Junction, Congo-Russia, Eid praying grounds situated at Fibre Junction and Masalanchi Jumaa.

our society a better place for all.” He also enjoined all to join hands in the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir to support the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike to actualise his development plans for the state which are already on course. Ikanya, in his greetings to Muslims, advised them to be prayerful to Almighty Allah to keep showering His blessings and peace on the state.

Ibadan, to Muslims in the country. It stated that “the only way for the country to move forward is to live in peace with one another.” on the occasion of Eid-elKabir, Governor Dickson urged them to pray to Almighty Allah to direct the leadership of the country aright at all times, especially in this period of economic hardship.

Islam in Sabongari Area of Kano State, Alhaji Daud Ikolaba, urged Muslims to extend hand of friendship and love to their fellows. There was tight security at major prayer grounds in the state to guide against any breakdown of law and order.

Oyo NACOMYO congratulates Muslims By Saheed Salawu THE National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State chapter, has congratulated Muslims all over the world on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. In a statement by its co-

ordinator, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, the Oyo NACOMYO urged the faithful to reflect on the lessons of Eid which, it said, included piety, sacrifice, patience, steadfastness, love, humility, obedience and total submission to the will of God.

Muslims should reflect on sacrifice, patience —Aare Musulumi By Nurudeen Alimi

Gov Dickson calls for prayers on unity, peace... BAYELSA State governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson, has called on Muslim faithful to use the period of Eid-el-Kabir to pray for the unity, peace and stability of the country.

Tight security in Jos

Chief Imam of Kano urges Muslims on tolerance

MMPM sues for peace Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPM), Oyo State, has sued for peace and religious tolerance among Nigerians.

“We are not bad people; we will continue to fight them; we will cooperate with security agencies to flush them out and bring them to book; we will not allow them to overrun Ankpa,” he said.

Rivers PDP, APC sue for tolerance, prayers

Imbibe virtues of Prophet Ibrahim — Kashamu AS Muslim faithful in Nigeria join the rest of the world to celebrate the Eid-elKabir, the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has urged Nigerians, especially

did not know they would go that extreme. He said he had openly condemned the escalating criminal and secret cult activities in the town, adding that criminals among the youth were giving Ankpa a bad name.

Nigerian Tribune

Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, has urged Muslims to reflect deeply on the true meaning and importance of sacrifice, patience,

obedience and love which the festival epitomises. He noted that “Eid-elKabir is a day to celebrate the uncommon willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his only child in obedience to Allah.”

UNILAG alumni urges tight security during sallah AS Muslims in the country join the rest of the world to mark the Eid-el-Kabir, an Islamic group, the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni, has called on the Federal Government to provide watertight security na-

tionwide. President of the group, Alhaji Akeeb Olusola Oyedokun, in the Sallah message, urged government to deploy enough security operatives to Sallah grounds and other fun centres during the period.

news

Friday, 25 September, 2015

We are not counting down to VC’s exit —ASUU, LASU Naza Okoli - Lagos with Agency Reports he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos State University Chapter, on Wednesday, said it was not responsible for the posters mounted at the school gates to count down the end of the Vice Chancellor’s tenure. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor John Obafunwa, will complete his first term of four

years on October 31, 2015. The staff unions in the university have, for some months, been in fierce dispute with the Vice Chancellor, a situation which in March this year led the unions to physically force Obafunwa out of the school premises. The posters which are updated on a daily basis read on Wednesday: “Count down!!!! 38 Days

to Go! The end of evil at sight.” “We know nothing about the banner,” the chairman of ASUU, LASU, told News Agency of Nigeria. “Maybe it is the handiwork of some concerned LASU community members who are looking forward to a change in LASU.” However, the president of the students’ union of the university, Mr Adeyemi

Onikoro, while speaking with Nigerian Tribune via telephone, said he was convinced the posters were mounted by members of the staff unions. “You don’t need to ask us that,” he said. “Even if ASUU and SSANU are lying up and down and saying that they are not the ones, we know that they are the ones in charge. And that should tell you the

quality and capacity of the people we have as ASUU and SSANU members at Lagos State University. This is something that students should be doing, and ASUU should be correcting them. They are supposed to be our leaders, because learning is not only in the classroom, but also about character. There is no doubt that they are the ones behind it.”

Electorate seek Oyo APC senator’s removal over dual citizenship By Dare Adekanmbi

Five voters from Oyo Central Senatorial District of Oyo State have dragged the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing them to the Abuja Federal High Court for being a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Nigeria. The voters, in the application, sued the senator for themselves and on behalf of the electorate in the district, in an originating summons filed in the suit FHC/ABJ/CS/760/201 on September 14. While the claimants are Wahab Abiodun, Alhaji Bola Akinyemi, Chief Emmanuel Olajide, Chief Samuel Elegbede and Chief Thomas Ajao, the APC senator and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are joined as first and second defendants respectively. The affidavit in support of the application avers that Senator Sunmonu worked as Home Officer (immigration officer) with the UK government for 21 years (1989-2010) before leaving for Nigeria in 2011 to join partisan politics. The claimants are asking the court to declare that Senator Sunmonu lacks the requisite capacity to hold the office of a senator having voluntarily acquired the citizenship of United Kingdom against the letters and spirit of Section 66 subsection 1 (a) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Non-qualification to stand for the March 28 election is also one of the grounds upon which Chief Bisi Ilaka, Accord Party’s candidate, is challenging the declaration of Sunmonu as the winner of the election.

The Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi, escaped being attacked by aggrieved victims of the Kaduna flood disaster. The NEMA boss, who was on assessment tour of the affected areas on Wednesday, had arrived Kigo road

circumstances. All efforts to address them on the spot attracted more embarrassing comments such as, “You are only here to speak grammar, ‘we have no place to lay our heads,’ government doesn’t care for us,’ ‘open your mouth and speak out, you are saying nothing.” “It is local canoe owners that have been helping us

Youths, NPDC at daggers drawn over oil spill in Delta Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

Youths of Emede community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State and the management of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) are at daggers drawn over oil spill. The spill, it was gathered, was orchestrated by a vandalised crude oil pipeline located at Owhelogbo bush in the community. The oil spill, as claimed by the youths, had ravaged their land and agricultural produce, which is their means of livelihood in the area. Trouble started on Wednesday, when the rampaging youths halted an at-

tempt by a contractor hired to carry out a clean-up of the environment. The youths, numbering over 20, held hostage and prevented the NPDC contractor from embarking on the clean-up exercise at the oil spill site. The youths said the community must be compensated before the contractor can embark on the clean-up exercise. They accused NPDC and the contractor in charge of surveillance of the pipeline of setting fire at the scene of the spill. They said this act resulted in the destruction of their agricultural produce which has been their source of livelihood.

Meanwhile, efforts made to speak with the external relations officer of NPDC, Mr Ugo Atugboko, were unsuccessful as of press time. However, the traditional ruler of the community, HRH, Johnson Egbo Ewhiri II, who is in charge of the security and surveillance of the vandalised pipeline, condemned the action of the youths. Describing the action as barbaric, the royal father said: “I got news of the incident today (Thursday) and have contacted my supervisor to ensure that the matter is resolved amicably while the contractor goes about his job of cleaning up the spill peacefully.”

A former governor of Oyo State and the governorship flag bearer of Accord in the last poll, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, has been described as a quintessential leader and a leader worthy of emulation. The Progressive Action Group at its monthly rotational meeting held at Ogbomoso recently, described the former governor as a statesman. The Acting Chairman of the group, Elder Sunday Salako, described Ladoja as a leader worthy of emulation and that needed the prayers and support of the good people of Oyo State at this point in time. He said the workers who oil the economy of Oyo State never suffered for their monthly take homes during the tenure of Senator Ladoja. He stressed that the former governor paid his workers as at when due and said that was the more reason why the former governor has remained evergreen in the minds and hearts of the good people of Oyo State.

By Victor Ogunyinka

NEMA boss escapes mob attack in Kaduna new extension, one of the worst affected areas that was ravaged by flood in recent times, but met an aggressive crowd who demanded for immediate cash compensation. Some of the flood victims began to say unprintable words to him but, he remained calm insisting that it was natural for the victims to lose temper in such

Progressive Action Group lauds Ladoja

Old Ife girls set to give back to Alma mater

Scene of an accident that claimed three lives on Ojoo - Oyo Expressroad, on Thursday. PHOTO: OLAWALE OLANIYAN.

Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

Nigerian Tribune

to move some of our loads out of this flood, have you come here to mock us, one of the flood victims remarked. However, sensing that the crowd was becoming more aggressive, the Police ADC to the NEMA DG and other security operatives, quickly shielded him and moved him to the waiting vehicle, and drove off with other vehicles in the convoy. He was driven to Ahmadu Bello Stadium where arrangement was concluded to erect camps for the displaced persons. Apparently appearing discouraged to visit other areas in Kaduna city that were affected by the flood, Alhaji Sidi, reluctantly, asked officials of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) whether it was still necessary to continue with the inspection tour. They actually stopped him from going further on the inspection because according to SEMA officials, the state governor had a day before visited most of the affected areas. It will be recalled that heavy downpour had ravaged Kaduna metropolis on Monday, living thousands homeless.

The General President of the old students association, Ife Girls Secondary School, Osogbo, Abimbola Wright, has stated that the group is set to give back to their Alma mater to show appreciation to the institution that made them. She made this statement at the alumni gathering, which comprised of old students from 1979, 82, 84 sets, most of whom were dressed in their purple check uniform. Wright explained that the Nigerian chapter of the association, with over 30 members already, started in London three years ago and is solely aimed at giving back to the school, which she described as being in a “state of disrepair.” “We started the association in London about three years ago on facebook. In London, we have about 20 permanent members, guided by a constitution. We started another branch in Nigeria about two years ago and we have about 50 members already, which cut across all the Southwest states. We just want to give something back to the school that made us; the name of the school has been changed to Ife Middle School and at the moment, the school is in a state of disrepair.”

Friday, 25 September, 2015 42 news Lot of water Fayose tasks Buhari again over appointment of INEC boss

Dickson emerges Bayelsa PDP standard-bearer

kiti state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on Thursday, in Yenagoa, again restated his position that it is wrong on the part of President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint his inlaw as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), especially now that the nation is warming up for the conduct of elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. He also urged Governor Seriake Dickson who polled a total of 447 votes, out of 452 accredited delegates to emerge the flag bearer of the PDP in the primaries, not to entertain any fears over the forthcoming election, submitting that the governor has all it takes to defeat the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the December poll. This was after delegates from the eight Local Government Areas of the state led by the immediate past president Dr Goodluck Jonathan elected governor Dickson as the party flag bearer. Speaking as the chairman PDP National Electoral Panel, Mr Fayose said the party is closely monitoring the activities of the INEC, submitting that at the appropriate time its hidden agenda will be made public. According to him, “I have complained very clearly about the choice of the INEC chairperson. Nobody can give us an INEC chairman that is his daughter or in-law. This is our Country

and nobody can run out of Nigeria. “Therefore, we are watching INEC and its activities. We will not allow you to play pranks. This is an Ijaw state and so they are going nowhere. This is a PDP controlled state. No hidden agenda will work in Bayelsa.”

On the preparedness of the party for the December 5 poll, Chief Fayose told Governor Dickson not to worry about the ranting of APC, adding, “In our place, it is one stone that scatters so many birds. Your (Dickson) stone will scatter their birds. I’ve worked with them before. I know their

Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose has allayed fears among workers and pensioners in the state on the payment of the arrears of workers with the recently disbursed Federal Government bailout funds. Pensioners in the state had expressed fears after alleging that they were excluded from the bailout, while some workers’ unions in the state, who claimed to be members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have also said government must pay by Tuesday or risk protests. The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in reac-

Dickson as a great fighter, he assured him of victory in the next election. “You have won the battle already. This is not a party where they will do one primary today and cancel it tomorrow. In this our own, there will be no cancellation. This is an authority in Bayelsa,” he said.

From left, Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Electoral Panel for Bayelsa State governorship primaries and governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose; former President Goodluck Jonathan; Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson; Senator Nimi Barigha Amangi; the state deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd) and the PDP National Vice Chairman, South South, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, during the Bayelsa State PDP Primary at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex,Yenagoa, on Thursday.

Economic crisis responsible for rise in kidnapping —Ladoja By Dare Adekanmbi

FORMER governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has blamed the recent rise in abduction on the economic crisis ravaging the country and the socio-economic conditions of its citizens. Ladoja, who spoke to newsmen at his Bodija

residence shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, tasked Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to nip the spate of kidnapping and insecurity in the bud before the entire country becomes restless. The Accord Party national leader traced the spate of insecurity on the alarming rate of abject poverty, admonishing masses not

Ekiti govt allays pensioners’ fears over payment of arrears Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

style and antics. So fear not. “I am conducting this PDP primary in Bayelsa transparently in line with the PDP guidelines. I am not ready to dodge out of this stadium to run away. The truth will stand the test of time and speak for itself,” he added. Describing Governor

tion to the development, assured that the state governor would find a way to address the concerns of the pensioners regarding the payment of their gratuities. But Comrade Adesoye Odunayo Adedayo, the TUC chairman in the state said “the fear is unfounded and baseless,” saying he was the only person who could speak for the TUC. “As far as I know, all the executives of TUC have not issued any statement to that effect because we have been carried along on the payment of all our arrears by the governor. We have all been monitoring the payment of the bail-out and once it was paid, we held a meeting with the state commissioner on Monday before they travelled to Abuja;

we were told the governor would make his statement on the release once he was around. The governor made a public pronouncement that immediately after the Sallah the money would be paid,” Adedayo stated.

to keep quiet while leaders plunder the resources meant for developmental purposes. He remarked that the IGP needed not to wait for Mr President’s order to fish out the kidnappers of a former secretary to the government of the federation, Chief Olu Falae before he could act. According to Ladoja, government at all levels should ensure that average Nigerians live above poverty level if the country is truly serious about fighting corruption. “It is a statement of fact that those kidnappers are living among us. IGP needs not to wait for presidents’ order before Falae’s abductors could be fished out. All we need to know is that there is abject poverty in

the land and to avoid the trend, is for government to ensure that people live well. “Salaries of workers are not being paid as and when due. Corruption and kidnapping are the outcome of the economic crisis facing the nation today. There is need for government to make the masses feel the impact of the change in the land. “What the masses should do is to advise the current administration to carry out its own programmes rather than talking on the wrong of the past administration. The masses too are partly responsible for the scale of corruption by encouraging those in government to steal and loot,” he said.

Cynosure showroom for opening Sunday THE grand opening of Cynosure, a new showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos, will be held on Sunday. According to the interior designer, Gail Fajembola, the main focus of the showroom was to provide a vast array of one-of-a-kind luxury pieces, along with world class interior design services to homes, offices and hotels. The new showroom, according to Ms Fajembola, has been heralded by life-

style enthusiasts as a collectors’ haven. “It has always been my dream to have a showroom that speaks for itself, one that seamlessly combines unique designs with exquisite bespoke furniture. “The amazing synergy within our fabulous team has brought together all facets of my vision, and embodies our collective passion for innovative design. “We are extremely excited

by the opportunities for long term growth and look forward to welcoming everyone through our doors,” she said. Cynosure is unveiled as the official licensed dealer of Christopher Guy, the international furniture brand. It is also home to other renowned brands, including French design, Emanuel Ungaro Home and Eichholtz from the Netherlands.

intake prevents kidney stones formation - Urologist By GabrieI Oshokha

Consultant Urologist in Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, Dr Narasimhan Subramanian, has stated that one of the most important steps to prevent formation of kidney stones is by drinking a lot of water. Dr Subramanian asserted that drinking three or four litres of water every day, reduces the chances of formation of kidney stones, noting that early diagnosis and recognition of infection in the kidney help to prevent kidney failure. Dr Subramanian, while recently speaking on preventive measures against kidney diseases in Nigeria, in Abuja, identified kidney stones, infection in the kidney, kidney failure and cancers of the kidney as four common factors. He stated further that there is higher incidence of kidney and of people requiring dialysis and kidney transplants across Nigeria because the number of patients with high blood pressure or diabetes is inadequately controlled.

Police arrest 46 suspected cultists in Edo Banji Aluko - Benin City 46 suspected cult members in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, have been arrested by the police in the state. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. Edo State Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike, said the raid on the university town followed cult war recorded in the community recently. It was gathered that a team of police operatives from Benin raided the town to carry out the raid in full compliance with the directive of the CP. With the support of local police, the police operatives were said to have laid siege on the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) and other parts of the community, where the suspected cultists were arrested. CP Ezike added that the suspected cultists were being investigated by intelligence officers of the command.

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Blast kills 25 in Yemen mosque Suicide bombers have struck a mosque in Yemen’s capital in an attack targeting Shia worshippers that killed at least 25 people and wounded dozens, medics and witnesses said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Sanaa has been shaken by a string of bombings by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group in recent months targeting Shia Muslims. Thursday’s blast ripped through the Balili mosque where Houthi Shia rebels who control Sanaa go to pray, according to witnesses. It came as worshippers marked Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, the most important holiday of the Islamic calendar. Witnesses reported that

after a first blast inside the mosque, a second suicide bomber detonated an explosives belt at the entrance as worshippers rushed outside. ISIL, a Sunni Muslim group which controls swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, considers Shias to be heretics. ISIL bomb attacks targeting several Shia mosques in Sanaa on March 21 killed 142 people. The group has also claimed attacks on mosques in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The capital of Sunnimajority Yemen has been under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the past year. The Houthis have also expanded their grip to other parts of the country.

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08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Pope’s congressional address may challenge Republicans, Democrats

ope Francis is expected to touch on sensitive issues including the Middle East refugee crisis, climate change and the excesses of capitalism when he addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress Thursday. Thousands of people had already gathered early Thursday to watch the proceedings from the

Capitol lawn on Jumbotron screens, and hundreds more will gather inside the packed House of Representatives chamber as Francis becomes the first pontiff in history to deliver such an address. Inside the notoriously divided Capitol, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. And no one is more excited than the man who invited him, devout Catho-

lic and House Speaker John Boehner. In a special video, Boehner said lawmakers are very interested in what His Holiness has to say. “His outreach to the poor, the fact that people ought to be more religious. He has got some other positions that are a bit more controversial, but it is the pope!” Boehner said. Boehner, a former altar

Cuba’s president Raul Castro, encourages Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (left), and commander OF the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Timoleon Jimenez in hand shake in Havanna, Cuba . PHOTO: AP PHOTO/ DESMOND BOYLAN.

Merkel: EU quotas only ‘First

Step’ in solving migrant crisis

Angela Merkel German Chancellor Angela Merkel told her country’s 16 state governors that Europe’s agreement on a quota plan to accommodate 120,000 migrants is a sign of unity, but cautioned that it is only a first step. Merkel said in a meeting in Berlin Thursday that Europe is still “very far” from where it needs to be in dealing with the situation. She said the violence in Syria that caused the displacement of so many people can only be resolved with help from the United States, Russia and the Middle East.

On Wednesday, European Union leaders agreed to give $1.1 billion to international aid agencies helping refugees at camps near their home countries. The European Council President Donald Tusk made the announcement after an emergency summit in Brussels ended early Thursday. Tusk said the leaders from the 28 EU countries agreed on increased aid to countries like Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, which are hosting millions of refugees from war-torn Syria. The leaders also agreed to set up “hotspots’’ by the end of November where EU experts can quickly register and identify people eligible for refugee protection, he said. The move is intended to also quickly filter out economic migrants who are unlikely to qualify for asylum in Europe.

boy, has dismissed concerns that the politically engaged Francis will stir the controversies of the day.“The pope transcends all of this,” he said. “He appeals to our better angels and brings us back to our daily obligations. The best thing we can all do is listen, open our hearts to his message and reflect on his example.”

Colombia leader, FARC declare breakthrough in talks Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos and FARC commanders have announced an important breakthrough in peace talks that sets the stage to end Latin America’s longestrunning armed conflict within the next six months. In a joint statement on Wednesday, Santos and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), said they had overcome the last significant obstacle to a peace deal by settling on a

formula to compensate victims and punish belligerents for human rights abuses. Santos had made a surprise trip to Havana, where the talks are being held, for the signing ceremony. It is the first time he has appeared at the negotiations he set in motion nearly three years ago, which he has staked his presidency on successfully concluding. It was also the first time he had met FARC leader

Timoleon ‘Timochenko’ Jimenez, with whom he shook hands after the deal was signed. Santos said Colombia’s government and FARC have reached an agreement to sign a definitive peace deal within six months. Fighters that confess their crimes, compensate victims and promise not to take up arms again will receive up to eight years of restrictions on their liberty in restricted

areas still be to determined. Santos flew earlier in the day to Havana, where talks have been going on for nearly three years, to make the announcement. Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from the Cuban capital, said Santos had announced March 23, 2016 as the date for a peace deal to be signed and that fighters would then have 60 days to lay down their arms. The breakthrough came

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Congo Brazzaville opposition to protest President’s third term bid Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso PHOTO: AP

A Congo Brazzaville opposition leader said the people will take to the streets this Sunday to protest President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s decision to seek a third term. Guy Kinfoussia Romain, president of the Union for Democracy and Republic party, said Congolese will take a page from Burkina

Chinese President Xi Jinping smiles as he concludes a visit to Lincoln High School. PHOTO: AP

Obama, Xi to address touchy topics during talks Chinese President, Xi Jinping heads to Washington on Thursday for talks with President Barack Obama on thorny issues including cyberattacks, human rights and economics, after spending the first two days of his U.S. visit focused

Faso, where civil society and labor unions played a key role in blunting former President Blaise Compaore’s bid to seek a third term and made sure that this month’s military coup did not succeed. The 72-year-old Sassou Nguesso has ruled oil-producing Congo Brazzaville for 31 years in two primarily on the importance of cooperation between the two countries. On Wednesday, Xi met the top leaders of some of America’s largest tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Boeing and

separate administrations. But he’s banned by the current constitution from seeking another term, and only candidates under the age of 71 can run. On Tuesday this week, Sassou Nguesso announced a referendum to change the constitution to allow him to run for a third term in the Facebook. The Chinese leader assured them he is committed to improving intellectual property rights and making it easier for foreign companies to do business in China. “We are working to create a new

2016 election. “We want to stop the president not to change the constitution. We want to stop him with our people. The people don’t like the president to remain in power; all the people. The people want the president to go in 2016,” Kinfoussia Romain said. open economic system, push forward reform of foreign investment management, and greatly reduce the restrictions on foreign investment,” Xi told the executives, before touring Microsoft’s campus and visiting a nearby Boeing factory.

communitynews

Friday, 25 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.

news

Friday, 25 September, 2015

Military dismantles Boko Haram’s fuel depot I’ve never eaten apple—Displaced girl From CHRIS AGBAMBU and James Bwala

roops of 3 Division on Thursday, dismantled a Boko Haram fuel depot, located at Ladu Dumbawa ward, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State. Nigerian Tribune

gathered that suspected Boko Haram insurgents had abducted seven persons in Gajabere and took them to the same location. Those kidnapped were three local wards heads and their respective deputies, as well as the Chief Imam of the town. However, through bravery, three of them escaped and reported the matter to the

security agency, leading to the rescue of others and discovery of the terrorists’ fuel depot. The troops also blocked the terrorists supply route, which led to Babangida in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, where they mostly got the supplies. Meanwhile, the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has reiterated

unalloyed commitment of the Nigeria Police to actively sustain the fight against insurgency. The IGP stated this while hosting a delegation from the United States (US) Embassy, led by Ambassador Daniel Mozena, in his office at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. Head of the delegation commended the efforts of the

Nigeria Police for upholding professionalism and rules of engagement in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-East. Ambassador Mozena also offered to help the Force in handling terror suspects who might lay down their arms. In his response, Arase appreciated the support gained from the US Embassy

NDLEA arrests student, 4 others with 10,255 kg of drugs at Lagos airport SHOLA ADEKOLA-Lagos

OFFICIALS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a student and four others for suspected drug trafficking. They were caught at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, over unlawful possession of 10.255 kilogrammes of narcotics hidden in garri and luggage. Two of the drug suspects were coming from Brazil with cocaine, while three others were going to South Africa, Dubai and Pakistan when they were arrested. NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr Ahmadu Garba, gave the names of those apprehended and the drugs found in their possession as follow: “Twenty-six-year-old student, Okonkwo Daniel Anagor, was caught with 2.810 kilogrammes of Tramadol on his way to Dubai; Lawal Monsuru Ademola, 33-yearold trader was arrested with 3.310 kilogrammes of methamphetamine on his way to South Africa, while Ogbonna Donatus Chigozie was caught attempting to smuggle 610 grammes of cocaine to Pakistan. Two other suspects, Okoro Chibueze Augustine and Okpue Ernest Ifeanyi were caught with

2.575 kilogrammes and 950 grammes of cocaine from Brazil.” Okonkwo David Anagor, who was to board Rwand Air flight to Dubai, told investigators that he wanted to spend some time after his secondary school and further his education in Dubai. His ambition has, however, been scuttled, following his arrest, as well as criminal charges of drug exportation preferred against him by the agency. According to him, “I was travelling to Dubai to spend holiday and further my studies, but they called me from Dubai that somebody will give me garri in Lagos. When I got to Lagos, the person called me and gave me the bag of garri. This is my first time of travelling outside the country. At the airport, the garri was searched and 445 sachets of Tramadol were found inside the bag. That was how I was arrested.” He hails from Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State. Lawal Monsuru Ademola, a trader selling clothes at Marina Lagos, holds a diploma in Computer Installations and Repairs at the Lagos State Polytechnic. His journey to South Africa was aborted, as

We destroyed 10 illegal refineries, seized 42 oil tankers —NSCDC chief THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it destroyed eight illegal refineries in three states and seized 42 oil tankers used in diverting petroleum products to the black market. Commandant-General of the corps, Alhaji Abdulahi Gana, told newsmen in his country home in Minna, on Thursday, that the operation was carried out between July and September. “On Friday, we destroyed three illegal refineries in Rivers State; within the week we destroyed five in Bayelsa and another two in Abia,’’ he said. Gana expressed dismay

at the way the Federal Government was losing much more oil revenues to the operations of oil thieves than it was receiving. He said that the corps would continue to safeguard the country’s critical infrastructure and national assets, in order to ensure that its development efforts remained on course. He told newsmen that the corps deployed 40,000 of its personnel to strategic locations across the country, to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration. Gana said that ensuring the security of the country was everybody’s business and not be left to the government alone.

3.310 kilogrammes of crystalline substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine, was found in his possession. The drug was neatly packed in 26 parcels in a false bottom of his luggage. Similarly, Ogbonna Donatus Chigozie was nabbed with 610 grammes of cocaine while attempting to board an Emirate flight to Pakistan. Okoro Chibueze Augustine from Imo State, who was expecting N2.5 million, described his arrest as a bad luck, saying: “I have lived in Brazil for a year and six months. I have suffered

trying to make ends meet in Brazil. I got involved in drug trafficking, so as to start a legitimate business. I was expected to make N2.5 million from the deal. Unfortunately, my partner who would have collected the drug in Dubai failed to show up, so I had to come to Nigeria with the drug. That was not the original plan. This is a bad luck and I feel so sad.” Okpue Ernest Ifeanyi, who had lived in Brazil for a year, said he came to Nigeria for his traditional wedding ceremony. “I work in a restaurant in Brazil. I am 39 years old from

Enugu and I sincerely want to get married and have a family. In the process of trying to make more money, I was given 59 wraps of cocaine to take to Nigeria for N400,000. Now, I realise I have made a big mistake. I pray my woman will find a place in her heart to forgive me. I feel I am under a spell,” he stated. Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade, while reacting to the recent arrests, called on Nigerians to shun drug trafficking and promote peaceful coexistence. The NDLEA boss said the five suspects would soon be arraigned in court.

SATURDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER, 2015

in Nigeria and further disclosed that a Deputy Commissioner of Police was deployed to the Operation Command centre in Maiduguri, adding that 4,000 operational policemen were working in partnership with the military to end insurgency in the North-East. Meanwhile, a displaced girl at the Government College camp said she had never eaten apple, adding she was going to eat apple for the first time. One of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)’ children, Fatima Umaru, told newsmen when the Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, went to their camp in Gwoza, that she had never eaten an apple. According to the displaced girl, who held unto her apple for some time, watching how other children were eating theirs, said she thought it had to be peeled before eating it. “I have seen it before; they used to tell us it is a fruit for rich people. I never thought I could have a taste of it, but I am happy and thank Governor Shettima for the opportunity,”she said.

N150

interview

HID Awolowo Murtala Muhammed’s widow relives experience with Yeye Oodua •Nollywood speaks too

features

There is a river in a town in Oyo State, where the indigenes cannot fish. What is the name of the river, where is it located?

Find out tomorrow! I hate to see female musicians slander one another —Emma Nyra

entertainment

Those who called my father ‘Amala Politician’ were always in his house to eat amala with him —Adedibu’s eldest son

court & crime

He had sex with his father’s wife, impregnated another woman with 4 children •Wife tells court •It’s a lie, my wife is troublesome —Husband Book your copy today

Friday, 25 September, 2015

occasions

featuresdesk@yahoo.com

Union Baptist Church, Ekotedo, celebrates 70th anniversary

NION Baptist Church, Ekotedo, Ibadan, recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. The celebration which commenced on September 13, started with a three-day revival led by Revd E .A Falade of El-Shaddai Baptist Church, Agbowo, Ibadan. As part of the celebration, free medical test were conducted coupled with a visit to orphanages home. A potpourri of music, drama presentation and cantata featuring the choirs of First Baptist Church, Idikan; Soul Winners Gospel Church, The Vision Seer and the host church choir was held. The anniversary celebration also featured fund raising for church development and launching of history book and presentation of awards to past leaders of the church.

3 4 1. Revd and Revd (Mrs) Jonathan Ademola Babalola (fourth and fifth from left), the Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church; Rev Dr Olumide Kehinde, Chairman, Nigerian Baptist Convention (sixth from left), during the 70th Anniversary Thanksgiving of Union Baptist Church Ekotedo, Ibadan. 2. Deaconess Modupe Esther Adeshipo, chairperson, Deaconate(right) and members of the Deaconate of Union Baptist Church, Ekotedo Ibadan. 3. Rev Jonathan Ademola Babalola, Minister in charge of Union Baptist Church (second from left); Revd Dr. Stephen Adeyemi Adekunle, President, Ibadan Baptist Conference (third from left) and Rev Dr Oloyede Ogunbode of First Baptist Church, Idikan Street, Ibadan. 4. Cross section of the Chapel Choir during the 70th Anniversary Thanksgiving.

30 years after: Ex-policeman seeks justice over alleged wrongful dismissal GANIYU Lawal is a man with a burden in his heart that has refused to go away and he has had to carry this burden for about three decades. Over this period he has been to the police and civil rights group as well as the Tribune house to seek redress. Today, he has hopes that the current dispensation will do something about his case. Lawal made a second coming to the Tribune House, five years after his first visit in 2011, said he had served in the Nigerian army in Ibadan, Oyo State for about 14 years before being seconded to the Nigerian Police Force in 1978, where he became a Drum Major for the Police Band Master in 1980. However, it was a seemingly innocent visit that would culminate in his eventual dismissal which he insists was done as a cover up. According to his story, trouble began for Lawal in 1984, six years after he joined the Nigeria Police from the Army. He said that he, along with a friend, Corporal Rafiu Alabi, who was also a policeman, went to visit a friend simply known as Abong, who was staying at Felele area in Ibadan. On getting there, Abong said that he was willing to entertain them but that he had no money to do so. According to Lawal, it was then that Abong remembered that a friend of his, one Taiwo Oluwo, owed

Ganiyu Lawal

him N500, and he suggested that they all should visit him so that he could entertain them if he was able to get the money from Oluwo. “When we got to Oluwo, who also stayed in the same Felele area as our friend, we

met some men in his house, who were being entertained by Oluwo. In fact we were not at the scene when Abong asked Oluwo for the money he owed. But we got to know that he didn’t want to take the money as he said Oluwo was only able to produce N300 out of the N500 he was owing him. “I was even the one who told him to take the N300 since it was better than nothing which he did with a promise to collect the remaining N200 later. And that was how we parted ways on that day, which was a Saturday. It is important to state that we were in mufti and not in uniform. “As I told you, this Abong was not my real friend, but friend to Alabi. It was Alabi that told me that Abong was a reckless fellow especially with alcohol. It was later learnt that after getting drunk, he went to make trouble that same day with Oluwo by asking for the remaining N200, which Oluwo had promised to pay at a later date. “Maybe this was what prompted Oluwo to take the action that he took. I was in my house the following day, Sunday, when I saw Oluwo with a police officer who came to invite me to lyaganku Police Station. On getting there, I met Abong and Alabi in the police cell. Naturally, I was surprised and became afraid because I never thought about the situation since the previous day

that we went to see Abong at Felele. Alabi told me that he was also in his house when they came to invite him. They asked us what happened at Felele and we innocently told them. The next thing was that we were locked inside the cell for four days. “On the fifth day, we were given orderly room trial at Iyaganku Police Station, when the headquarters should have been allowed to take up our case. Again, they did not invite Abong and other witnesses to testify before they ordered our dismissal from service. I was stunned beyond words. They alleged that we went on an unauthorized assignment, when in actual fact we went visiting not as policemen, but as free men,” Lawal narrated. Following his alleged wrongful dismissal from the police, Lawal undertook several means to get justice, including an appeal against the judgment, which he said was turned upside down. He wrote many letters to the headquarters in Ibadan and Abuja, but to no avail. He later came to the Centre For Human Rights and Ethics In Development (CHRED) in Ibadan in 2003 with a view to helping him fight his cause. The Justice Centre, according to him, tried all its efforts to help Lawal, but up till now, nothing has been done.

Friday, 25 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)

9 1. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Mr Segun Adebayo and Ambassador (Dr) Yemi Farounbi. 2. Professor A. B. O. O. Oyediran (left) ad Professor Adetokunbo Lucas. 3. From left, Archbishop (Professor) Magnus Adeyemi Atilade, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and Bishop (Dr) Mrs Elizabeth Oni. 4. From left, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Ogunsola, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola and Professor Tunde Oyediran. 5. Mama’s younger brother, Pa Taiwo Adelana, weeping. 6. Yeye Molufe, Chief (Dr) Abiola-Osodi, signing the condolence register at the Tribune House, on Thursday. PHOTO: OLUYOMI FASHAKIN.

PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

10 7. A cross section of YWCA, St John’s Ijoku, Sagamu, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu. 8. A cross section of the Christ Little Band , with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu. 9. A cross section of Women Arise Group , with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu. 10. A cross section of Christian Conscience Group, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu.

SIDELINES

NO 16,335

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FRIDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Former presidential candidate, Minister and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, kidnapped some days back has been released. We thank God; but when shall these kidnappers begin to have respect for old age and pedigree, if they would not bat an eyelid to kidnap a personality like Falae?

Mikel impresses Mourinho

2015 AfroBasket Women:

Coach Scott Nnaji, will D’Tigress devour Angola again today?

D’Tigress begin campaign with Angola

By Ganiyu Salman

IGERIA women’s senior national basketball team, D’Tigress will now open their campaign in the 2015 AfroBasket championship which kicked off on Thursday in Yaounde, Cameroon, against defending champion Angola today. This was due to the late arrival of their Guinean opponents who were expected late night on Thursday, according to a source close to FIBA Africa. Nigeria’s group B opener according to the official website of the competition has been

moved to Sunday. Interestingly, D’Tigress defeated Angola 61-59 in the semifinal of the just-ended 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, before losing to Mali 73-57 in the final. Thus, today’s game provides an opportunity for the Angolans to seek a revenge. Nigeria’s other group B opponents are ten-time African champions Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Guinea. The Scott Nnaji-piloted side will be aiming at winning the women’s version of the African Nations Cup for the third time following Nigeria’s victories in

2003 and 2005. Nnaji has since called up Elo Edema who missed Brazzaville 2015 in a bid to solidify his team’s front-court. “I know she is a tall player and she likes to play physical. As for her skill level I can’t say much as she just joined us. She couldn’t join us in Brazzaville because she was in school in the United States,” Nnaji told FIBA.com. Nnaji believes his players are capable of beating Angola again today saying: “Psychologically it helps us because the win gives my players confidence moving forward.”

The winner of Yaounde 2015 secures automatic ticket to the 2016 Olympics, while the teams that finish second and third will go for a FIBA Olympic women’s qualifying tournament next year. Nigeria will be parading 11 of the players who featured at Brazzaville 2015. The full squad: Nkem Akaraiwe, Nkechi Akashili, Upe Atosu, Efederioka Elo Edema, Joyce Ekworomadu, Adaora Elonu, Ndidi Madu, Sarah Ogoke, Helene Ogunjimi, Patience Okpe, Olayinka Sanni and Chioma Priscilla Udeaja.

MANAGER Jose Mourinho was excited by Mikel Obi’s midfield display in Wednesday’s 4-1 Capital One Cup victory over Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. Goals from Ramires, Loic Remy, Kenedy and Pedro helped the Blues move to the fourth round of the League Cup but were tested against Dean Smith’s side. The Super Eagles’ star was deployed in a three-man midfield alongside Ramires and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. James O’Connor though got a goal for the hosts, the Roman Army boss was pleased to see his men never lost focus in middle. “We brought a good solid defence and the midfield was really good. Mikel and Ramires played amazingly well,” Mourinho told Westlondonsport. “I analysed Walsall before. I was surprised with the quality of their play. “They were a different team to normal in League One; not so physical, and technically fast. They were very well organised. “I haven’t found a team in League One playing the quality of football that they tried to play,” he said. Mikel who was on for the entire duration of the game was cautioned in the 39th minute. Chelsea faces a tricky test against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium in the fourth round of the League Cup.

Iheanacho will play for Eagles with time —Oliseh

Iheanacho

NIGERIA head coach, Sunday Oliseh has expressed optimism that Manchester City prodigy, Kelechi Iheanacho “will get his time” to play for the Super Eagles. The youngster boasts of a goal in three appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in the English topflight this season, but has thus far failed to make a start for the Citizens. However, Oliseh admits his talent but insisted that Iheanacho would not be rushed into playing for the senior national team despite inviting Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi for next month’s international friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon. “Iheanacho will get his time with the Super Eagles no doubt but we must not rush him into the squad,” Oliseh told a local sports tabloid.

“He’s currently nursing an injury and he needs substantial time on the pitch as well. “We acknowledge his talent but he still needs to prove that with the Olympic squad as well. “Iwobi has just got the much awaited green light to feature for Nigeria and we need such talents in the team just as Iheanacho. “Everybody will get his chance to showcase what they can offer the team, but we the coaches will invite them at the right time so they don’t perform below what we expect,” he said. Iheanacho who scored the match winner against Crystal Palace is doubtful for City’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend at the White Hart Lane owing to an injury, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. Ag. EDITOR: TINU AYANNIYI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 25/9/2015.

Mikel