26th September 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,597 MONDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

TribuneOnline

Nigerian Tribune

N150

TODAY'S SPECIAL

How to overcome office stress

By Victor Ogunyinka

ONE of the “unfair” excuses for not staying fit or visiting the gym for most people is too much office activities. Well, the good news is that the gym has decided to visit you right at work.

For the benefit of both the organisation and yourself, squeezing in time for exercise during work hours could

help improve your level of productivity and save you from muscle, joint, arm pains altogether.

Sitting for long hours is boring No research has ever favoured sitting for long hours.

In fact, studies have shown that sitting for a long period of time could be a window to obesity, increased Continues pg36

Ondo APC: Tinubu bombs Oyegun, wants him to quit •Calls primaries a fraud, violation of democracy

—P2

"To rescue the party, Oyegun must go. He has shown that he and democratic fair play cannot exist in the same party at the same time."

PENGASSAN threatens to shut down Nigeria over sale of national assets —P11

LAUTECH solely belongs to Oyo —Alao-Akala

•Says joint ownership with Osun terminated in 2010 —P29

Independence anniversary service:

Nigeria on way out of wilderness —Osinbajo —P3

—P2 PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

I'm ok now, Shekau mocks —P32 Army in new video •You are mentally sick, Army replies

Fuel tanker falls on car, kills one in Lagos

Foreign varsities lure Nigerian students with N300/$1 exchange rate •Others crash tuition fees by 25 - 30%

—P11

2

news

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Ondo APC: Tinubu bombs Oyegun

By Kunle Oderemi

T

HE crisis over the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Ondo State worsened on Sunday, with the national leader of the party, Chief Bola Tinubu, saying the APC national chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, must go, in order to rescue the party from being led into a ditch.

Speaking through his media office via statement issued on Sunday night, Tinubu accused Oyegun of carrying out a coup that undermined the principles APC stood for.

The national chairman was said to have torpedoed the deadlock arising from the report of the APC election petition committee on the governorship primaries of the party, in which Mr Rotimi Akeredolu was declared winner.

“Oyegun and his ilk turn out to be gangsters adorned in the tunic of party authority. He has engaged in the strange math where five is greater than six,” Tinubu alleged.

In the statement, entitled: “Oyegun’s Ondo fraud: the violation of Democracy in the APC,” Tinubu claimed that Oyegun had demonstrated his aversion for democratic fair play, urging all those who care about the party, Nigeria and its chance for better tomorrow to rise up against the APC national chairman.

According to the former Lagos State governor, Oyegun’s transgressions constituted a warning of a deliberate move to return the country to the old ways.

“Oyegun has done the irredeemable. His coup is an insult to party and to patriot, to reason and to the reform agenda of this government. To remain silent would be to admit the defeat of the reform and progressive change many have laboured to bring forth.

“While the forces resistant to change and reform are strong, Tinubu dare not submit to them. Tinubu encourages all party members not to submit to them. If we acquiesce in this wrong, the one greater than this shall cascade

upon us.

“Oyegun’s transgressions are a warning. He is but the mercenary of forces that seek to return the nation to the old ways. If they get away with this infraction, no telling what or whom, they will undermine tomorrow. Much is at stake.

On the chopping block lies the future of the political party in which the majority of voters had placed their confidence.

“To rescue the party, Oyegun must go. He has shown that he and democratic fair play cannot exist in the same party at the

THE Federal Government, again, clarified its position on the raging controversies surrounding its proposed sales of the nation’s assets as the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, has said the real intention of the government is to sell some national assets, and not all, to enable

same time. If Tinubu is to choose between John Oyegun and progress toward a better Nigeria, the choice has already been made.

“For those who care about the party, who care about Nigeria and its chance for a better tomorrow, now is the time to stand against

this brewing evil before it grows to encompass all we have built and all we hold dear,” Tinubu stated.

He said it was now obvious that there was a regressive element in the party that cared nothing for the progressive ideas upon which the APC was found-

Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello (left) and a former senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Senator Smart Adeyemi, at the burial of the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Olobayo, held at the Kabba township stadium, on Saturday.

ed, but was currently bent on guiding the APC into the ditch.

“They joined the APC because it was the best ride available at the time. Now they want to guide the party into the ditch. They want to turn the party into a soulless entity incapable of doing good, just like they are. When such a person tastes power, they shed all good restraint.

They come to abuse the trust given them as if they are the owners of that trust and not its mere custodians. These people did little to build the party but now will do much to wreck it,” he further alleged.

Tinubu claimed that the party was rapidly becoming an albatross to those it was meant to help, because of the disposition of the national chairman.

“The APC, a party born of the quest for democratic good governance, is under critical threat by those who managed to be in the party but never of it. From the party’s inception, the principles of democratic Continues pg33

I ‘ll settle down for governance —Bello As senator charges politicians to close ranks From Yinka Oladoyinbo and Ayodele Adesanmi THE Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Saturday, said with the disposition of the cases over the governorship election in the state, there would be no more distraction, as the people would begin to witness unprecedented development across the state.

The governor, who spoke at the final burial ceremony of the late Obaro of Kabba, Oba Michael Olobayo, also described the traditional ruler as a ‘giant in history,’ whose demise would be greatly missed and whose vacuum would be difficult to fill.

Speaking at Kabba, the headquarters of Kabba/ Bunu Local Government Area of the state, he said his recent victory at the Supreme Court would enable him to settle down for government business that would produce a purposeful governance for the people of

the state.

Bello said, “Our victory is not a winner-takes-all-jamboree. We need all of us. I have since not stopped calling on all people of Kogi to close ranks with me so that we can take our state to the heights I know she can attain.

“We have mapped out a ‘New Direction Agenda and Blueprint’ for our journey to greatness as I assure you it includes Kogi West very comprehensively. I re-

it to reflate the economy.

Speaking during a briefing at the weekend, in Lagos, to update the media on the preparation for this year’s edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit, scheduled for Abuja, between October 10 and 12, Senator Udoma argued that the decision to sell some of the nation’s assets was informed by the need to generate cash in or-

peat that call again today in Okunland. We are better together.”

Eulogising the late Obaro, the givernor noted that the peaceful disposition of the late traditional ruler would be used as a rallying point in the governance of the state.

According to the governor, “In the short time that has elapsed since I took over in office, my dominant impression of his royal highness is of a sincere royal father

who, though incapacitated by illness, cared so deeply for his people such that he always fought fearlessly to defend them and demand their welfare.

“We will remain true to his ideals for the development of his kingdom. We will commit as much of our resources as equity will allow to see that Oweland and Okunland experience peace, security and unprecedented infrastructural develop-

ment, along with the rest of Kogi State.”

Meanwhile, following the confirmation of Governor Bello as the duly elected governor of Kogi State, by the Supreme Court, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, representing Central Senatorial District Area of the state, Ahmed Ogembe, has admonished politicians in the state to close ranks for development.

Fuel tanker falls on car, kills one in Lagos Gbemisola Solaja - Lagos ONE person was feared dead in the early hours of Sunday, after an articulated truck loaded with petroleum products, crashed into a saloon car on Ikorodu Road.

The truck was said to be at full speed when the accident occurred.

Investigations revealed that the driver, while at top

FG not out to sell all national assets —Minister Akin Adewakun - Lagos

•Calls primaries a fraud, violation of democracy

der to boost the economy.

While urging Nigerians to make very good use of the present crisis that the country was currently experiencing, the minister assured that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to ensure that the pains of Nigerians were ameliorated.

He stated that the efforts of government would have been yielding results but for the ac-

speed, in an attempt to turn at the Ikorodu Roundabout, fell on the Hyundai saloon car, leaving the only occupant in the car dead.

The unidentified male occupant was, however, trapped dead in the car with registration number, KJA 421 AH. The Mack Truck with registration number, AGL 664 XG, was laden with 33,000 litre PMS belonging to Fort Oil.

tivism of militants in the Niger Delta, that disrupted oil production in the area.

While commending the organisers for picking the theme: “Made in Nigeria,” Senator Udoma noted that this would go a long way in promoting the administration’s commitment to diversifying the productive base of the economy away from oil.

What could have resulted in a major disaster was, however, averted by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency(LASEMA) According to the agency, it responded promptly to a distress alert through the toll free emergency number of the state 767/112 regarding a fallen truck at Ikorodu Roundabout.

This promted immediate activation of the Emergency Response Team and other responders to the scene of the incident.

The prompt response of the Emergency responders and the security operatives, which included the agency’s emergency response team, Lagos State Fire Service, LASTMA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Commission(FRSC) and the police to the scene for recovery operation, prevented the incident from es-

calating into a major disaster with the spillage due to promiximity of the incident to a petrol station.

The truck was carefully lifted upright, while the corpse was extricated by the LASEMA Response Team with the use of light duty equipment and subsequently taken to Ikorodu General Hospital Mortuary by LASEMA ERT, FRSC and the Police from Ikorodu Division.

The accidented vehicles were cleared off the road and handed to the police.

The LASEMA General Manager, Mr Adesina Tiamiyu, said proper investigation would be carried out on the cause of the accident by the relevant government agencies.

He, however, advised motorists, especially articulated truck drivers, to avoid overspeeding and also adhere to all traffic rules and regulations to avoid such incident.

3

news

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigeria on way out of wilderness —Osinbajo Clement Idoko -Abuja

V

ICE-PRESIDENT Yemi Osinbajo has declared that Nigeria is on its way out of wilderness, saying President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will take the country across the Red Sea into the promised land.

He spoke on Sunday at the interdenominational service to mark the 56th Independence Anniversary of the country, held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

Osinbajo noted that the promise of God was that “He is building a new Nigeria where there would be peace from North-East to the Niger Delta, a Nigeria where there will be jobs for the unemployed,” adding that “we are on our way out of the wilderness.”

He appealed to Nigerians not to be dismayed by the present economic situation, saying “we should not be like the children of Israel, after encountering some problems on their way to the promised land, became grumblers.”

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Samson Ayokunle, called on the Buhari-led administration to promote politics of love and not of vendetta and should, while shaming those that helped themselves to the nation’s wealth, also celebrate those who were not corrupt.

Ayokunle, in his message, blamed past leaders, both military and civilian, for the nation’s current economic quagmire, saying they failed to save for the rainy days.

He said it was unfortunate that Nigeria, with all its enormous human and material resources, was in dire straits of financial crisis because of corruption and mismanagement of resources.

He commended President Buhari for the successes recorded so far in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists, but said much was needed to be done by the administration in tackling other aspects of security challenges, including Niger Delta militancy, kidnapping, robbery, among others.

While calling on the government to ensure diversification of the economy, the CAN president particularly urged the Federal Government to revive the agricultural sector that had been neglected over time because of the oil boom.

Ayokunle also appealed to the government to restore religious teachings in schools, to restore morals

and discipline.

“We must return our schools to when teachers discipline students and not what is happening today, where students are elevated above

their teachers,” he said.

The CAN president listed the ways out of recession to include seeking divine relevation, godly direction, counsel and promotion and

celebration of values.

Other dignitaries present at the service included wife of the vice-president, Dolapo Osinbajo; former vicepresident, Alex Ekwueme;

Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson; Senator Banabas Gemade (representative of the Senate President); Senator Olurunnimbe Mamora, members

of Federal Executive Council (FEC), service chiefs, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Reverend Tor Uja, among others.

Budget padding: I’ll not appear before committee —Jibrin Jacob Segun Olatunji and KOlawoel Daniel-Abuja

FORMER chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee, Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, on Sunday, vowed never to appear before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges as directed by the House.

The House had asked the

committee to probe breaches of members’ privileges in the allegations Jibrin levelled against the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara and others on the padding of the 2016 budget.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, on Sunday, ahead of the today’s sitting of the committee, headed by Honourable Nicholas Ossai, Jibrin declared that his matter was

referred to the committee for the Speaker to get clean bill of health on the allegations rather than addressing the allegations squarely.

This came just as Jibrin urged the Senate to take over the functions of the House of Representatives, by invoking the doctrine of necessity, in order to force the Speaker and other accused principal officers from office.

This, he said, would allow for transparent investigations into all the allegations he levelled against them.

Jibrin, who challenged the Speaker and other accused members to deny his allegations, also reiterated his readiness to point out every item allegedly inserted by who, under what sub-head, the MDAs and the amount involved respectively.

From left, Deputy Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC, Dr Demola Sogunle; representative of the wife of the president, Hajia Asmau Yari; a recipient of Stanbic IBTC’s artificial limb, Master Aliyu Usman; Group Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mrs Sola David-Borha and the representative of the Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Mato Zubairu, during presentation of cheques at the Stanbic IBTC signature for corporate social initiative, in Abuja, at the weekend. PHOTO: NAN.

FG pays N16bn pension monthly Sanya Adejokun - Abuja THE Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has reduced monthly pension liabilities of the Federal Government to N16 billion.

Acting Director-General of PTAD, Mr Muritala Oluwatoyin, who spoke with newsmen at the weekend, also disclosed that over two years accumulated pension arears had already been paid since he took over in March this year.

Oluwatoyin added that PTAD has closed thousands of fake accounts across many banks and details of such accounts had been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“Our pension liabilities keep reducing every month.

Presently, we have been able to pay part of the 33 per cent arrears being owed pensioners. I have paid all outstanding 33 per cent in-

crement arrears for those in the paramilitary services from the savings we are making.

“We have updated the records, we have their files and we have done so many of them, and more are still coming. As at last week, we added 178 pensioners with complaints and we paid their arrears,” he disclosed.

Similarly, Oluwatoyin said although the register of civil service pensioners was yet to be tidied up, “I have paid 12 months’ arrears and I am still planning to pay another 12 months very soon.

“For parastatals, we have been able to pay 12 months, but we have issue of records with them. Before they were unbundled to us, some of the trust funds have been paying them; so now, we are asking for information on how much they have been paid. Once that is done, we will move ahead.”

He noted that all the regular pension payment and

Showing several documents to buttress his allegations on the budget padding, he declared that he was ready to go to jail if the allegations were found to be false.

In a swift reaction, chairman, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Honourable Osai Nicholas Osai, said his committee was looking forward to seeing Honourable Jibrin at the hearing and advised him to appear in his own interest.

Osai said since Jibrin had not formally written the committee stating his intention to shun the hearing and the reasons for such action, he would advise that his appearing to state his own side of the story would do him a lot of good than staying away.

While reacting to allegations that members of his committee were already biased and had taken side with the Speaker on the matter, Osai said any member discovered to be an interested party by implication and conduct would be asked to excuse him or herself from the hearing.

In his reaction, chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Honourable Abdulrazak Namdas, said Jibrin had been given the opportunity to defend himself.

•Confiscates 800 fake accounts

payment of arrears were being done from the normal funds.

“There have been no additional fund released to us. We make the savings from ghost names we have been able to remove from the payroll. In one particular week, we closed about 800 different accounts in one day from various banks which we passed to ICPC for investigation,” he said.

Speaking on former Director-General of PTAD, Ms Nellie Mayshak, who was suspended in March on allegations of pilfering, Oluwatoyin said the case was still with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“I don’t like beating a fallen horse. If the EFCC decides to make its findings public concerning the investigation of the former Director-General, it will be its decision. She has been busy trying to exonerate herself through newspaper writings, but EFCC has not made any statement.

“And it is not for me to pronounce her guilty or innocent either. But she shouldn’t have been referred to EFCC in the first place if there was no prima facie case against her. But I am mindful of the image of PTAD as an organisation and do not want to run it down.

“We are trying to make the agency responsive and dignified, and I should not be seen to be running down an organisation I am heading. However, we have already documented what happened and forwarded them to the EFCC. I told you that we had issues with data and record-keeping and those are some of the things she is being accused of.

“And these are issues for which contracts were awarded and never executed. These are some of the things we sent to EFCC. The question she should answer is whether those contracts were executed.

Those are the issues, but

I do not want to dwell on them since we have handed them over to EFCC. “We should just draw a line and move forward.

That is why we have been quiet on our end. It is left for EFCC and herself to clear themselves,” he said.

While warning pensioners to be wary of scammers, the acting Director-General also said they should also refrain from greed.

“We have placed several adverts, warning pensioners from patronising touts and also against paying money to anybody to help them process their papers.

We also have call centres for people to make direct enquiries.

“And when you hear the way they present the issues, if you are logical and not greedy, you shouldn’t fall victim. For instance, if someone tells you that PTAD is about to pay you N10 million, you are supposed to know if you are entitled to that amount in the first place,” he said.

4

news

Monday, 26 September, 2016

$15m account: Initiate criminal charges against Patience Jonathan, SERAP tells FG Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin-Lagos

F

OR failing to initiate criminal proceedings against the wife of the former President, Patience Jonathan, a Rights group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has sued the Federal Government.

According to the Executive Director of SERAP, Adetokunbi Mumuni, the group has resorted to suing the FG after its request for Patience’s prosecution was ignored by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

In the suit marked, FHC/L/CS/1318/2016, SERAP is seeking an order of mandamus, compelling the AGF to immediately file a criminal charge against Patience for what the group termed illicit enrichment.

In a statement on Sunday, SERAP argued that the AGF was bound by Section 174 of the Constitution to prosecute anyone found to have contravened any law enacted by the National Assembly.

It stressed that the failure of the AGF to prosecute Patience was at variance with the rule of law binding on all citizens.

“The Attorney General of the Federation has failed, neglected and or refused to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against Dame Patience

I never mandated anybody to operate Facebook account on my behalf —Minister Ademola Adegbite-Abuja

THE Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, on Sunday, disclaimed any relationship whatsoever with Facebook account being operated on his behalf, and therefore, warned Nigerians not to pay into fraudulent bank accounts circulating on social network.

He lamented that the fraudulent Facebook account, which was being managed by one Okon Achibong Onu, has directed innocent Nigerians to pay a sum of N125,000 each into either of the two bank accounts posted on the site for non-existent contracts.

Jonathan over the $15 million unexplained wealth frozen in her accounts.

“Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens, but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the constitution, is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law. In a democratic society, this is meant to be the norm; it is an apostasy for government to ignore the provisions of the law and the necessary rules made to regulate matters.

“Mrs Jonathan is a politically-exposed person under anti-corruption standards. She is also covered under the definition of ‘public officials’ contained in the UN Convention against Corruption, to which Nigeria is a state party. Under Article 2 of the convention, public officials include Mrs Jonathan or any other family members of former President

Goodluck Jonathan, who exercised official duties while he was President,” the statement reads.

SERAP is urging the court to declare that Malami’s refusal to file a criminal charge against Patience

was in conflict with his constitutional mandate as well as the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and

Other Related Offences Act 2000.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

From left, Chairman on the occasion and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Mudashiru Obasa; Chief Ebenezer Obey; celebrant, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye a.k.a King Sunny Ade and a former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji at the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Adegeye, in Lagos, on Saturday.

IBB not dead —Family members, aides •Says rumour handiwork of mischiefmakers Adelowo Oladipo-Minna

PALPABLE shock gripped the residents of Minna, Niger State capital and its environs, last Thursday evening, following unconfirmed reports of the sudden death of the ailing former Military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd).

The rumoured death of the elder statesman, reverberated across the country and set the Media Industry

aglow, with every Media manager in parts of the country, trying to confirm the truth or otherwise of the rumour.

A message received in Minna, at about 21:13:14 hours (9:13p.m. Nigerian time), on Thursday, September 22, by some state Correspondents read in part: “Please confirm, is it true that Gen IBB is dead?

Good evening.”

Nigerian Tribune investigations revealed that

nothing of such had happened, adding that IBB, as he is fondly called, was indeed hale and hearty.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, in a brief telephone interview, debunked the rumour, which he described as the handiwork of mischief makers, who did not wish their Patriarch well.

In his words, “Please discountenance the rumour because there is no iota of truth in it and just as I

talk to you, the General is doing fine. We were with him earlier in the day and he was in high spirit and he even attended to some of the visitors who came to see him for one thing or the other as usual.”

Also another source stated on Friday, “I am on duty in the house now and the General is around, he is doing well and we are all praying that nothing bad should happen to him because he is a good man

EFCC loses case against Adegboruwa Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin-Lagos

JUSTICE A. Opesanwo of Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, has set aside an order of forfeiture of the property of one Mr Jonathan Udeagbala, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had claimed was under forfeiture since 2012 and had arrested and charged Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, a lawyer, involved in the case.

It will be recalled that Adegboruwa, was charged to court for allegedly dealing in the property forfeited by order of court to the Federal Government through the EFCC. The EFCC had subsequently filed a criminal charge against him at the Federal High Court and he was arrested, arraigned in court and

later granted bail, for allegedly dealing in property, which was the subject of an order of forfeiture.

In its ruling, the court held that since the main criminal charge had been discharged, the interim order of forfeiture could not stand and that she could not sit on appeal against the order which dismissed the case.

“The court held further that it was left for the EFCC to appeal against the said order, if it was dissatisfied with it and not to seek to hold on to an interim order that was granted since 2012,” the Judge ruled.

The court rejected the argument of the EFCC that an appeal had been filed against the order, dismissing the criminal charge as no evidence of such an appeal was produced before the court and the court

could not proceed to adopt the deposition contained in paragraph 12 of the counteraffidavit filed by the EFCC. Adegboruwa had maintained that he committed no offence in law, but only assisted two business partners to broker a settlement arising from a telecoms transaction and that the EFCC was only taking advantage of the anti-corruption war of the Buhari regime to persecute him because of his constant criticism of the Buhari administration and in particular because of his involvement as defence counsel in the case of Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) and the cousin of the former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Azibaola Robert, Adegboruwa said in a statement in response to the court

order.

Adegboruwa said, “In 2012, Mr Jonathan Udeagbala, was arraigned before the High Court of Lagos State, for allegedly issuing dud cheques in favour of his business partner, Mr Leonard Okafor. In the course of the said trial, the parties met and decided to resolve the matter amicably by leasing out the personal house of Mr Udeagbala in Nicon Town, Lekki, Lagos.

“All the parties expressed preference for and trust in Mr Adegboruwa to supervise the settlement, which he did to the satisfaction of everybody. On December 17, 2015, the High Court of Lagos State, dismissed the criminal case against Mr Udeagbala, based on the settlement brokered by the parties.”

and he treats all of us as his biological children, irrespective of your religious belief and ethnic background.

It will, however, be recalled that last month, at an interactive session with selected journalists at his Uphill Mansion, General Babangida had said that he was no longer perturbed with news of his rumoured death in the Mass Media in Nigeria.

At the occasion preceding his 75th birthday ceremonies, on Wednesday, August 17, he stated categorically that he wasn’t disturbed because leaders like the Late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, among others, had suffered similar fate before their eventual death.

OAPU holds election OTAN Ayegbaju Progressive Union (OAPU), Ring Road branch, Ibadan, held its election to elect new officers that will run the union for the next two years recently. The officers, according to the public relation/social secretary of the unon, Chief Rotimi Olagunju, are Mr Gabriel Y. Awe - chairman; Kayode Fasoro - secretary; Mrs Janet Adesanya - treasurer; Mr Clement Abogunrin - financial secretary and Chief Rotimi Olagunju as social secretary/PRO.

5

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Edo Governorship Election:

An Appeal for Peace o My dear good people of Edo State, You would all recall how well prepared we were to vote in the governorship election earlier scheduled to hold on September 10, 2016, before it was shifted to September 28, 2016 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) based on the security advice given by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The security agencies said that our dear State was under real and imminent threat of attacks by extremist militant groups and, as a result, it was advisable that the INEC should consider a shift in the date of the election. The message that the security agencies passed across to all of us was that they would not be able to guarantee the security of lives and property during the election.

The election was, thereafter, shifted by eighteen days. I believe that the security agencies must have prudently used the period of the postponement to perfect their security architecture and arrangements for peace to reign supreme in the State before, during and after the crucial governorship election.

This is commendable, although our State and people are peace-loving.

We must prove wrong those who think that our State is prone to violence and militancy. Let us, irrespective of our political affiliations or leanings, support the security agencies in their onerous task of maintaining law and order, and keeping the peace across the length and breadth of our dear State. We must be vigilant and be ready to provide security agencies with the necessary information that will be salutary to the orderly conduct of the election by the INEC.

Edo State is at the threshold of a new dawn of sociopolitical and economic prosperity. It will take the wise decision of the electorate for us to realise this. I consider it a personal duty to draw our attention to the need for a careful assessment of all the candidates competing for our votes. I, therefore, urge all of us to consider where we are today before casting our votes.

Our votes are the weapons we have to dethrone a bad government and enthrone a new one, with the promise and prospects to transform our State.

At this point, I must state that the task before us is a simple one: to choose between good and evil. And, since nobody can afford to be neutral on this, I will pitch my tent with the good of Edo State. As we prepare for the election, I wish you to use your votes as a force for good. I urge you to help to usher in a new era of unity, progress, justice and transformation in our dear State by voting massively for your son, brother and friend, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, whose SIMPLE Agenda will greatly transform the entire State rather than a small section of it.

I have observed, with pleasure, Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s mature and sharply-focused campaigns, coupled with the strong wave of support for and endorsement of his candidature by various influential groups across the three Senatorial Zones of the State.

I am confident that with Pastor Ize-Iyamu as Governor, Edo State will certainly be in better hands.

Please vote for Pastor Ize-Iyamu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to guarantee that a greater Edo State will be our democracy dividend.

Long live the PDP! Long live Edo State!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Signed:

Chief (Dr) Tony Anenih, CFR Iyasele of Esanland

6

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Metro...

Nigerian Tribune

crime, security, court

NDLEA discovers cocaine inside passenger’s jacket collar

•Nabs suspects with cocaine at Lagos airport

Ogun police arrest 3 suspected robbery syndicate members, recover pistol Robbery suspect operating in military uniform

Shola Adekola - Lagos

Olayinka Olukoya Abeokuta

FFICIALS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested two suspected drug traffickers found with wraps of narcotic drug that tested positive for cocaine weighing 485 grammes.

One of the suspects, Anazodo Innocent (46), was found to have inserted wraps of cocaine into his anus on his way to Italy while the second suspect, Agwu Samuel (31), concealed wraps of narcotics in the collar of his jacket on his way from Brazil.

The arrests and seizures were made at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

According to the NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, “two suspects have been arrested over unlawful possession of cocaine. Innocent was found with seven pellets of cocaine weighing 375 grammes inserted in his anus while Samuel had 10 pellets of cocaine weighing 110 grammes concealed inside his jacket.

“Both arrests were made during routine check on passengers. Agwu was nabbed during inward screening of passengers on a South Africa Airline flight from Brazil through Johannesburg. The second suspect, Anazodo was caught during screening of passengers on a Royal Air Maroc flight while going to Milan, Italy.” the commander stated.

Agwu Samuel who confidently wore the jacket containing cocaine was arrested shortly after the suspect disembarked from the aircraft on his way from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The anti-narcotic agency said the discovery of cocaine inside the collar of a jacket was the first experience of such.

The suspects owned up to the crime and were cooperating with investigators.

In his reaction, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Muhammad Mu-

THREE members of a robbery syndicate have been arrested by the anti -robbery team of the Ogun State Police Command.

The arrested suspects, Vincent Onyemachi (26) and Innocent Nnojiofor (27), were said to have terrorised the residents of Ota area of the state in recent times.

Their arrest was made possible following a distress call from members of Onigbongbo community in Atan Ota area to the Police attached to Onipanu Division.

According to a statement by the acting Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, the police team, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Baba Maiyaki, immediately swung into action.

The robbers and the police were reported to have engaged in gun duel during which one of the robbers sustained bullet injury while two others were arrested.

A Berretta pistol with batch number 1000568 with four rounds of ammunition was recovered from the suspects.

The PPRO added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Ilyasu had ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) at the command headquarters for further investigation.

Similarly, the Sagamu Division of the command arrested one Michael Okafor for being in possession of military uniform, one locally made pistol and a parcel suspected to be Indian hemp.

However, two suspected members of his gang are at large.

The PPRO, Oyeyemi, said in a statement on Sunday that the suspect was arrested during a police routine patrol led by the Divisional Police Officer of Sagamu, SP Moses Aduroja, while conducting a stopand-search on vehicles and their drivers.

O

Agwu Samuel

stapha Abdallah described the suspect’s action as crafty and cunning saying: “the cocaine was detected by officers notwithstanding the crafty and cunning mode of concealment.

“The Agency has taken some strategic measures aimed at disappointing the tricks employed drug traf-

The intercepted wraps of cocaine

ficking syndicates. We remain committed to exposing criminal plots through superior counter-narcotic intelligence. This operational success is commendable and a demonstration of our alertness to detect drugs”.

Abdallahh said that the Agency would continue to invest in capacity building pro-

grammes for officers.”

Samuel who sells shoes in Togo said in his statement that he went to Brazil in search of greener pastures but resorted to drug trafficking due to frustration.

“I used to sell shoes in Togo until I lost goods worth N3 million. This negatively affected my business and made

Anazodo Innocent

me to travel to Brazil in a desperate search for greener pastures. After a fruitless search for job in Brazil for four months, I decided to smuggle drugs to get some money to start my shoe business. I thought the drugs will not be detected inside my jacket but I was caught and I am very sad”, the suspect said.

Zone 2 nabs internet fraudster, fleeing robbery suspect

By Oluwatoyin Malik POLICE operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Zone 2 command, Onikan Lagos, have arrested one Aghatise Davis Osasunmhese for his allegedinvolvement in an internet fraud running into millions of naira.

Metro learnt in a statement issued by the zone’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi,

The internet fraud suspect

that the suspect was arrested on September 20 based on a petition that the suspect defrauded a United States of America-based Nigerian, one Dr J.O.S. Okeke through his cousin, Iloka Ndubuisi, to whom Okeke sent a sum of N5 million through First Bank Nigeria Plc. March 29, 2016.

According to the PPRO’s statement, the cousin received an email he presumed

to have emanated from his uncle on March 30, instructing him to pay N500,000 into an account with United Bank for Africa, which was later discovered to belong to Osasunmhese, with a threat that if he didn’t, he would be sued to court for the money he was owing him.

Ndubuisi was said to have carried out the directive while he also received another mail the following day to pay another N750,000 to same account, which he obliged again.

Ndubuisi also told the police that he received a call on April 14 from one Chief Osifo, asking him to check his mail box for an instruction.

At this juncture, Ndubuisi said that he sensed something was amiss, prompting him to call his uncle to confirm if he actually sent the previous mails.

The victim said he was shocked when his uncle said he never sent any mail to him leading to the report of

the matter at the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police for investigation.

Metro further gathered that in the course of investigation, the unit, in collaboration with the bank officials, was able to track down and arrest the suspect in Benin, Edo State.

The suspect was said to have confessed to the crime, disclosing that he belonged to a three-man internet fraud gang.

Items recovered from the suspect included a laptop, ATM cards of different banks belonging to one Blessedson Ehrahon, which the police detectives believed was being borne by the suspect.

Also, one Benjamin Udoh has been arrested through intelligence by the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the zone in continuation of an investigation into a case of armed robbery carried out by hoodlums at Tomez Group Limited, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State, on August 8.

7

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Oluwatoyin Malik

08116954633, 08078891950 e-mail: tribunecrimedesk@gmail.com

Ogun monarch’s son butchered by land speculators in Lagos Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

The suspects

3 suspected robbers arrested on Lagos bridge Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos THREE members of a robbery gang that operated on the popular Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been arrested by the police.

The suspects, identified as Chima Joseph, Hassan Adamu and Ibietan Oluwaseyi were a few days ago arrested by the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State.

The suspects reportedly attacked one, Idi Musa who they dragged into the bush before the RRS operatives swooped on them.

Musa, who was visiting Lagos for the first time when he was attacked, told Metro that “I alighted at Berger Bus Stop and was walking to Ojota. As I got close to the bridge, I heard someone call out from the bush: ‘Aboki!

Aboki!! Zo mana (come).’

“I ignored the call because I didn’t know them had been fore warned to mind my business when in Lagos.

“As I continued my journey, two of them (pointing to Chima and Adamu) ran after me, dragged me into the bush, beat me several, times before searching my pockets

and luggage. They took N3, 000 from me.

He also said that “after collecting my money, one of them (pointing to Adamu) threatened me that he was a Lagos State government official and that if I ever came back, they would arrest me and send me back to my village.”

One of the suspects, Joseph, from whom master keys were recovered, stated that he found the keys on the ground some where adding that he was looking for a place to put it for people to see.

It was revealed that the key, when tested, open the doors of two Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla and one Honda (End of Discussion).

He confessed that they dragged Musa into the bush, searched him and collected his N3, 000.

“My friends and I sleep in the shed in the bush beside the expressway. What we do is to assist people on the highway,” he stated.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, SP Dolapo Badmos confirmed the arrest of the suspects to metro.

THE eldest son of the Olojoru town in Itori area of Ogun State has been hacked to death by suspected land speculators in Alagbado area of Lagos State.

The deceased, Jamiu Olipede, had reportedly had a confrontation with the land speculators at his father’ s house at the Federal Housing Estate ,Phase 6, Surulere, Alagbado, Lagos, few hours before his death .

The image maker in charge of the Lagos State Police Command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident to Metro saying that the police were on the trail of the hoodlums.

It was gathered that the father of the deceased person, Oba Musiliu Olipede and his family had some years ago been forced out of the building, before he was reinstated after a court judgment .

The 29-year-old Jamiu, until his death, was staying in the disputed building with his mother and other siblings.

An elder sister to the deceased, Ganiyat, told Metro that “it was last Tuesday that some land speculators, led by certain men )name withheld) came to our house and said that we should vacate the building before three hours. They said that they had a court judgment on some houses in the estate.”

She added that “Jamiu was

Unknown man kills 1, injures 3 in Jigawa

AN unidentified man on Saturday stabbed one person to death and injured three others in Jahun Local Government Area of Jigawa, the police said on Sunday.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Jinjiri Abdu, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse, said the attacks occurred about 1.30 a.m. in Taraya Village in the area.

He said the police received a report about 2 a.m. that an unknown man entered a house and stabbed 21-yearold Adamu Busi, with a knife.

“Upon receiving the re-

port, our men immediately moved to the scene but unfortunately the suspect had disappeared,’’ he said.

Abdu said while the police were taking the victim to the hospital, they received another report that the suspect had entered another house and stabbed 18-year-old, Saleh Usman in the stomach.

He said another report came that the suspect had moved to another house and stabbed 15-year-old Auwalu Alhaji on the shoulder.

Abdu said the policemen divided themselves into two groups, one group trying to take the victims to hospital,

and the other looking for the suspect.

He said that the police got another report that the attacker entered another house and stabbed 20-yearold Yusif Sulaiman in his ribs.

“So the first victim died before we could take him to hospital while the rest were taken to the General Hospital where they are responding to treatment,’’ Abdu said.

He said the man stabbed in the stomach had serious injuries with his intestines exposed and added that ‘’the rest are receiving treatment in the hospital.’’

around then and he asked them for the judgment but they said that they had spoken with the Area Commander and that they had his approval to evict us.”

The elder sister to the deceased Jamiu stated further that “we called our father and he came to Lagos. He went with Jamiu to the people’s office but they insisted that we should vacate the house and they threatened to kill somebody over the house.

“Our father explained to them that the house was allotted to him by the government and that they should allow him to get to the Federal Housing Authority and other allotees but they did not want to listen “ Ganiyat said.

A gang of hoodlums reportedly invaded the building later in the night and descended on Jamiu who was the only person around and inflicted machete cuts on his head and body severally.

Jamiu reportedly struggled and attempted to run away from the house but the assailants ran after him and inflicted more machete cuts on many parts of his body.

The deceased died before

he could be rushed to the hospital as the assailants reportedly shot into the air to scare residents from coming out of their homes.

When contacted, the police image maker in the state police command, SP Dolapo Badmos said “yes, I am con-

firming the incident and we are on the trail of the hoodlums.”

The police image maker also assured that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were brought to book .

The deceased,Jamiu Olipede

Police apprehend 2 robbery suspects, recover arms in Delta Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri OPERATIVES of the Delta Police Command have apprehended two robbery suspects at different locations in the state.

The names of the two suspects who operated separately were given as Promise and Chijioke.

The latter was reportedly arrested by operatives from Umunede Police Station after they got a hint of his activities.

Metro gathered that promise , who was armed with a locally-made pistol and a machete, shot one Josephine Emordi on her two hands and chest before robbing her of one Ecolac box, N6,000 cash, clothes and documents.

Items recovered from the

suspect included a locallymade pistol, an iron rod, one cutlass, a mask and a wrap of smoked Indian hemp.

The victim was, however, said to be receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.

Chijioke, it was gathered, was arrested by operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol which were on duty along Kwale/Ughelli road while dispossessing travelers of their belongings.

Two of his suspected accomplices were said to have escaped into the bush.

Items recovered from the suspect included four locally made pistols, 10 live cartridges, an expended cartridge, a Day-Long mo-

torcycle (DL 125-1) with no registration number, two black bags containing three Nokia phones, one Techno phone and one Samsung phone.

Other items recovered were, one Blackberry phone, one Innjooiti pad CE 0890 phone, one power bank, two I.D cards bearing Obiosa Chijioke, N2,000, an iron rod, a shirt and two pairs of shoes.

Confirming the arrest in a statement the state , police image maker, SP Celestina Kalu, said the culprits were nabbed September 15 and 16 respectively, adding that further investigations on the twin incidents were in progress while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects had been intensified.

8

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Shippers’ Council

Nigerian Tribune

Nigerian Shippers’ Council

4, OTUNBA AYODELE SOYODE LANE (FORMERLY PARK LANE), APAPA, LAGOS. Phone: 07098767065 E-mail: nsc@shipperscouncil.gov.ng, www.shipperscouncil.gov.ng

4, OTUNBA AYODELE SOYODE LANE (FORMERLY PARK LANE), APAPA, LAGOS. Phone: 07098767065 E-mail: nsc@shipperscouncil.gov.ng, www.shipperscouncil.gov.ng

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR DEVELOPMENT AND INSTALLATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, PROVISION OF SERVER COLLOCATION SERVICES AND PORT PICTORIAL GALLERY.

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORK ON INLAND DRY PORT AND OPERATIONAL MANUAL FOR INLAND DRY PORT (IDP).

1. INTRODUCTION

1.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in line with the Public Procurement Act of 2007, is inviting qualified ICT Consultants to express interest for the Development of Administrative Software, server collocation service for advance Cargo Declaration system and Port Pictorial Gallery in continuation of the automation of its internal processes to create efficiency in its corporate activities to support effectiveness in its ports economic regulatory role.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Transportation, in line with the Public Procurement Act of 2007, the Infrastructural Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Act 205 and National Policy on Public Private Partnership [PPP] hereby invite qualified Consultants to express interest in providing the required consulting services in the following Inland Dry Port (IDP) and PPP related projects.

In this direction, NSC seeks to establish the following systems: LOT A.

1. Electronic Visitors’ Management System 2. Bespoke Enterprise Budgets Monitoring System.

Server Collocation Service for Advance Cargo Declaration System and other Shippers’ Council’s Online Portals.

Port pictorial gallery (Visualization e-Portal/World Ports Gallery).

INTRODUCTION

Lot 1. Drafting of National Policy on Inland Dry Port (IDP)/Truck Transit Park (TTP).

BACKGROUND.

The objective of this system is to automate the established manual budget monitoring process of the Council.

The system will be bespoke.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the Government Agency charged with the responsibility of the implementation of Dry Ports Projects in Nigeria. Although six (6) of the project have been approved by the Federal Government and other unsolicited proposal been processed, the development of the project is predicated under Public Private Partnership arrangement which is still evolving, not given its final shape yet.

The benefit of the Dry Port is derived from modal split from road to rail, resulting in reduced congestion at sea ports at the same time satisfying the customers demand (Yearning of Shippers). In other words, the dry port improves seaport access to the hinterland, eases operational constraints as well as reduced external environmental effects.

The need to develop a National Policy on Dry Port/TTP as a framework is to; i. Guide development and identify regional/environmental spread that satisfies the levels of economic viability and infrastructure requirements. ii. Enforce standards and quality control in the development of Dry Ports. iii. Align the locations of the Dry Ports/TTP with the proposed National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) for the sector/multimodal transport linkages.

B.

LOT 2.

LOT B. LOT C.

A1. ELECTRONIC VISITORS’ MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The system would serve as an electronic visitor’s book using biometrics instead of the normal pen and ink to register guests.

A2. BESPOKE ENTERPRISE BUDGETS MONITORING SYSTEM

SERVER COLLOCATION SERVICE FOR ADVANCE CARGO DECLARATION SYSTEM AND OTHER SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL’S ONLINE PORTALS.

Development of Operation Manual for Inland Dry Port.

C. Port pictorial gallery (Visualization e-Portal/World Ports Gallery).

BACKGROUND. The Nigerian Shippers’ Council in pursuit of its function has promoted the establishment of IDPs in different parts of the country to assist hinterland shippers to transact their import/export shipments to and from their locations. It is against this background that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is desirous of engaging consultants to develop the operational Manual for Inland Dry Port.

This is to provide for a handy display of many selected world’s most efficient seaports .

The need to develop an IDP Operations Manual is to:-

Prospective consultants to note that: The expressions of interest must be by a Nigerian company or a team-leading prospective consultant in a joint venture with foreign partner. Memorandum of joint venture partnership and technical capability of the foreign partner should be attached.

Upon receipt of EOIs from interested consultants, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council shall evaluate and prequalify applicants. Thereafter, ONLY pre-qualified consultants shall be contacted and issued with Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Technical and Financial Proposals.

Interested and qualified consultants desiring to offer their services to NSC should submit EOI, describing in details their proposed services, and level of experience of the firm.

1.

2.

In line with local contents development of the Federal Government and the need to avoid foreign exchange bottlenecks, the Council wishes to host its online services locally.

SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST. The eligible consulting firm(s) may associate as a group or consortium, with a lead firm, having technical and financial capability should submit an Expression of Interests detailing the following minimum requirement as a basis for pre-qualification: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Certificate of Registration/Incorporation with Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission.

Photocopies of Tax clearance Certificate for three (3) years: 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Copies of abridged audited financial reports for the last 3 years: 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Evidence of compliance and remittance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2004.

Evidence of remittance to Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

Profile of firm including ownership structure, relevant professional registrations, satisfactory evidence of association, capability profile of the firm and contact details such as e-mail addresses, Tax Identification Number (TIN) Phone numbers etc.

vii. Description of experience and extensive knowledge in ICT Software development in providing similar services. viii. Possession of Identification Number from BPP Online registration domain with “federalcontractors. bpp,gov.ng” would be an added advantage Completed EOIs in four (4) copies should be signed, sealed and delivered in separate envelopes clearly marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and boldly written “LOT A1 and A2. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST for the development of Administrative Software”.

The expressions of interest should be addressed to: The Executive Secretary/CEO Nigerian Shippers’ Council, 4, Otunba Ayodele Soyode Lane (Formerly Park Lane) Apapa, Lagos.

The sealed envelope should be registered with Procurement Unit, 7th Floor, Shippers Towers, 4, Otunba Ayodele Soyode Lane, Apapa and delivered in a tamper proof box not later than 11am on Tuesday, 18th October, 2016 on the same 7th floor. The public opening of EOIs’ Tamper proof box will commence immediately.

3. IMPORTANT NOTICE. i.

All EOI must be received not later than 11am on Tuesday, 18th October, 2016

ii.

Only firms whose Expression of Interest fulfills the minimum requirements would be issued Request for Proposals (RFP) to submit Technical and Financial Proposals.

iii. This notice shall not be construed to be a commitment on the part of Nigerian Shippers’ Council to award any form of contract to any respondent(s) nor shall it entitle any organization submitting document to claim any indemnity from the Council.

SIGNED: MANAGEMENT

Guide the operations of the Inland Dry Port in accordance with International Standard.

Enforce standards and quality control in the Inland Dry Port operations.

The expressions of interest must be by a Nigerian company or a team-leading prospective consultant in a joint venture with foreign partner. Memorandum of joint venture partnership and technical capability of the foreign partner should be attached.

Upon receipt of EOIs from interested consultants, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council shall evaluate and prequalify applicants. Thereafter, ONLY pre-qualified consultants shall be contacted and issued with Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Technical and Financial Proposals.

Interested and qualified consultants desiring to offer their services to Government in this capacity should submit EOI, describing in details their proposed services, and level of experience of the firm.

2. SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST. The eligible consulting firm(s) may associate as a group or consortium, with a lead firm, having technical and financial capability should submit an Expression of Interests detailing the following minimum requirement as a basis for pre-qualification: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

Certificate of Registration/Incorporation with Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission.

Photocopies of Tax clearance Certificate for three (3) years: 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Copies of abridged audited financial reports for the last 3 years: 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Evidence of compliance and remittance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2004.

Evidence of remittance to Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

Profile of firm including ownership structure, relevant professional registrations, satisfactory evidence of association, capability profile of the firm and contact details: e-mail addresses, Tax Identification Number (TIN) phone numbers etc. vii. Description of experience in field research, evidence of extensive knowledge and findings in providing similar services as would in the policy/operation manual development in general and in Ports or IDP projects. viii. Possession of Identification Number from BPP Online registration domain with “federalcontractors. bpp,gov.ng” would be an added advantage Completed EOIs in four (4) copies should be signed, sealed and delivered in separate envelopes clearly marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and boldly written “LOT 1. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST for the Drafting of National Policy on Inland Dry Port (IDP)/TTP”.

The expressions of interest should be addressed to: The Executive Secretary/CEO Nigerian Shippers’ Council, 4, Otunba Ayodele Soyode Lane (Formerly Park Lane), Apapa, Lagos The sealed envelope should be registered with Procurement Unit, 7th Floor, Shippers Towers, 4, Otunba Ayodele Soyode Lane, Apapa and delivered in a tamper proof box not later than 11am on Tuesday, 18th October, 2016 on the 7th floor.

3. IMPORTANT NOTICE. i. All EOI must be received not later than 11am on Tuesday, 18th October, 2016 ii.

Only firms whose Expression of Interest fulfills the minimum requirements would be issued Request for Proposals (RFP) to submit Technical and Financial Proposals.

iii. This notice shall not be construed to be a commitment on the part of Nigerian Shippers’ Council to award any form of contract to any respondent(s) nor shall it entitle any organization submitting document to claim any indemnity from the Council.

SIGNED: MANAGEMENT

9

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Shippers’ Council

4, OTUNBA AYODELE SOYODE LANE (FORMERLY PARK LANE), APAPA, LAGOS. Phone: 07098767065 E-mail: nsc@shipperscouncil.gov.ng, www.shipperscouncil.gov.ng

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS FOR LANDED PROPERTIES IN ABUJA AND LAGOS. 1. INTRODUCTION The Nigerian Shippers Council(NSC), in pursuit of its core function and of its new mandate as the economic port regulator wishes to engage consultants to produce architectural, structural, electrical & installation and mechanical drawings and designs for its 2 properties in Abuja and Lagos. The NSC is therefore inviting qualified architectural/engineering consultants to express interest for the following proposed projects.

ABUJA: Architectural drawings for the development of 2 contiguous plots in Gudu District, Abuja.

LAGOS: Architectural designs for the development of archival office facility in Apapa, Lagos.

Prospective consultants to note that: The expressions of interest must be by a Nigerian company. Upon receipt of EOIs from interested consultants, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council shall evaluate and prequalify applicants. Thereafter, ONLY pre-qualified consultants shall be contacted and issued with Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Technical and Financial Proposals.

Interested and qualified consultants desiring to offer their services to NSC in this capacity should submit EOI, describing their proposed services, and level of experience of the firm.

SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST. The eligible consulting firm(s) may associate as a group or consortium, with a lead firm, having technical and financial capability should submit an Expression of Interests detailing the following minimum requirement as a basis for prequalification: i. Certificate of Registration/Incorporation with Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission. ii. Photocopies of Tax clearance Certificate for three (3) years: 2013, 2014 and 2015. iii. Copies of abridged audited financial reports for the last 3 years: 2013, 2014 and 2015. iv. Evidence of compliance and remittance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2004. v. Evidence of remittance to Industrial Training Fund (ITF). vi. Profile of firm including ownership structure, relevant professional registrations, satisfactory evidence of association, capability profile of the firm and contact details such as e-mail addresses, Tax Identification Number (TIN) Phone numbers etc. vii. Evidence of registration with Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) or any relevant professional body. viii. Possession of Identification Number from BPP Online registration domain with “federalcontractors.bpp,gov.ng” would be an added advantage Completed EOIs in four (4) copies should be signed, sealed and delivered in separate envelopes clearly marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and boldly written “ABUJA LOT, EXPRESSION OF INTEREST for the DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS”.

The expressions of interest should be addressed to: The Executive Secretary/CEO Nigerian Shippers’ Council, 4, Otunba Ayodele Soyode Lane (Formerly Park Lane) Apapa, Lagos.

The sealed envelope should be registered with Procurement Unit, 7th Floor, Shippers Towers, 4, Otunba Ayodele Soyode Lane, Apapa and delivered in a tamper proof box not later than 11am on Tuesday, 18th October, 2016 on the same 7th floor. The public opening of EOIs’ Tamper proof box will commence immediately.

3. IMPORTANT NOTICE. i. All EOI must be received not later than 11am on Tuesday, 18th October, 2016 ii. Only firms whose Expression of Interest fulfills the minimum requirements would be issued Request for Proposals (RFP) to submit Technical and Financial Proposals. iii. This notice shall not be construed to be a commitment on the part of Nigerian Shippers’ Council to award any form of contract to any respondent(s) nor shall it entitle any organization submitting document to claim any indemnity from the Council.

SIGNED: MANAGEMENT

Nigerian Tribune

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

INVITATION TO TENDER/EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) The National Assembly wishes to notify the General Public of its intention to solicit for Tender/Expression of Interest from competent and reputable companies for the underlisted contracts being contemplated under 2016 project: 2. List of Projects/Contracts Lot 1S. Supply and Installation of Biopad Electronic Attendance System; Lot 2S. Supply of Fireproof Cabinets; Lot 3S. Provision of Power Back Up for Low Voltage Rooms; Lot 1H- Provision of Convoy Vehicles; Lot 2H- Provision of Ambulances; Lot 3H. Provision of Utility Vehicles; Lot 4H. Provision of Motorcycle Convoy Riders and Kits; Lot 5H. Provision of office equipment; Lot 6H. Provision of Buses; Lot 7H. General Fumigation & Cleaning Services; Lot 8H. Provision of Giant Copiers; Lot 9H. Provision of Sedan Vehicles; Lot 10H. Provision of Pool vehicles; Lot 11H. Provision of Convoy Vehicles; Lot 12H. Establishment of Media House; Lot 13H. Establishment of Electronic Document management System; Lot 14H. Overhauling & Furnishing of offices; Lot 15H. Furnishing of Meeting Rooms; Lot 16H. Provision of Additional Utility vehicles; Lot 17H. Provision of assorted Digital Still Cameras and Video Cameras with accessories; Lot 18H. Maintenance & Replacement of CCTV Cameras; Lot 19H. Provision of 16seater Buses; and Lot 1M. Expression of Interest (EOI) for Boarding of Vehicles.

3. Tender Requirements Prospective Bidders are required to submit the following documents along with the completed Tender Document(s): i.

Evidence of Valid Registration with CAC; ii.

Evidence of tax Clearance Certificate for the past 3 years (2013 – 2015); iii.

Evidence of VAT Registration and Remittance; iv.

Evidence of Audited Account for the last 3years (2013 – 2015); v.

Evidence of Financial Capability and Bank Support (Original Copy); vi.

Evidence of Execution of Recent Similar project(s) in last 3years (2013 – 2015), minimum of 1 project per year; vii.

Evidence of PENCOM Registration and Remittance; viii.

Evidence of 2016 National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Certificates; ix.

Sworn Affidavit in line with the Provisions of Part iv, Section 16, Subsection 6 (e-f) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and also to confirm authenticity of documents submitted and listed above (Original Copy); x.

A non-refundable Bidding Document Fee of N50,000.00 (in Bank Draft) in favor of National Assembly; xi.

Bid Security of 2% of the Bid Sum – Bank Guarantee (For Bids in excess of N50,000,000.00).

2 copies of Financial and technical Bids shall be submitted (In addition to the soft copy on xii.

Flash Disc).

4. Tender Instructions i. Interested companies are to collect Bid Documents (including detailed information) from the National Assembly tenders Board (Room 1.279, Annex I, NASS Complex) upon evidence of payment of a non-refundable bidding document fee; and ii. All Bids shall be assessed in full compliance with the instructions in the Tender Documents, which shall form the basis of Eligibility of Contractors for final consideration.

5. Submission of Bids i. The documents must be paginated. Initialed and have a table of contents page as the cover page. They should also be sealed in separate 15x9.5 envelopes, marked appropriately at the left hand corner “Technical Bid” and “Financial Bid. Both Bids (Envelopes) will be enclosed in a bigger envelope (properly sealed) and addressed to The Secretary, National Assembly Tenders Board, Three Arms Zone, Abuja. ii. To be registered and dropped in the appropriate Tender Box in the office of the Secretary Tenders th Board not later than 1pm on Monday 10 October, 2016.

6. Bid Opening th i. Bids will be opened at 1:30pm on Monday 10 October, 2016 at the Department of Procurement and Supplies Conference Room (Room 1.271) Annex I, NASS Complex; ii. All prospective Bidders or their accredited representatives should endeavor to be present at the Bid Opening with originals of documents submitted for verification, please; iii. Any further clarification required on the above instructions, can be obtained at the office of the Secretary Tenders Board.

NOTE i. National Assembly reserve the right to reject any bid documents; ii. This invitation should not be construed to be as a commitment on the part of the National Assembly to enter into any form of contract with any company, enter into any communication with any company not found suitable nor shall it entitle any company to make any claim whatsoever from the National Assembly; iii. All costs incurred as result of this Tender Invitation and any subsequent requests for information shall be borne by the bidding companies; iv. National Assembly is not bound to accept the lowest Bid or any type of Tender; v. The National Assembly also reserves the right to annul the bidding process at any time without incurring any liabilities and assigning reason thereof; vi. Technical Bids submitted will be assessed and only Tenders of those found responsive will be subjected for detailed evaluation; and vii. For LOT 1M, only companies that scaled the EOI will be invited to Tender

SIGNED MANAGEMENT nasstendersboard@yahoo.com

10

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

businessnews PENGASSAN threatens to shut down Nigeria over sale of national assets 11

Olatunde DodondawaLagos

O

IL workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to shut down the country if the Federal Government should carry out its plan to sell national assets to augment revenue shortfall as a way out of the current economic recession.

PENGASSAN, described the plan to sell the national assets as a self-destructive move to Nigeria, saying that the plan meant to solve short term financial obligations is targeted at handing over our collective common wealth to a few individuals and further impoverish the rest of our country men and women.

The senior staff trade union advised that instead of selling those assets, the government should look for other ways of increasing the revenue base of the country, while plugging loopholes and leakages in government’s finances.

It further advised the governments at all levels to pump out money through execution of capital projects and payment of workers’ salaries to revive the economy.

PENGASSAN, however, cautioned the Federal Government to be wary of such plan as the Association will not sit back and watch national assets, especially those in the oil and gas industry such as NLNG that has become a huge revenue earner for Nigeria, refineries and shares in the upstream oil and gas JV operations being shared among those in power and their cronies.

“Any attempt to sell these national assets will be met with stiff resistance from the Association, as PENGASSAN will galvanize every support including that of our sister union and labour centres to shut down this country by ensuring that every activity in the oil and gas sector is brought to a complete halt,” the association said.

“Some opportunists in the clothes of businessmen and short sighted politicians had earlier advocated for the sales of the public assets such as the Nigerian LNG, four state-owned refineries, Nigeria’s stakes in Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the nation’s airports and reduction of government’s shares in upstream oil joint venture operations and this was approved by the National Economic Council (NEC).

Reacting to the recent approval of the sale of the national assets by the NEC

Monday, 26 September, 2016

comprising of the Federal Executive Council and the state governors, the PENGASSAN National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana, said that such sales will further compound the economic and security problems in Nigeria.

The PENGASSAN spokesperson expressed surprise

on “how anybody can plan to sell the assets, such as the NLNG and shares in the upstream oil and gas JV operations, which have been generating revenue and are still generating revenue for the country to date?

“They should tell us what will happen after the recession if we have sold the assets to greedy individuals.

Will the country go cap in hand begging those individuals who bought the assets and borrowing from them?”

Comrade Ojugbana alleged that the plan was illtimed and unwarranted as they do not serve national interest, adding that no nation can develop, survive or feel secure after selling all its national assets.

He further explained that doing this would further mortgage the future of our great country in the hands of few cabals, noting that these individuals are just looking for advantage to further loot the country through illegal acquisition of the national assets as in the case of various oil blocks held by a few “powerful” Nigerians.

Group Head, Communications, UBA Plc, Mr Charles Aigbe; Managing Director/CEO, UBA Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso and some students of secondary schools, during the ceremony to flag off the 2016 edition of the Annual UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for secondary schools, held at UBA House, Marina-Lagos on Friday.

Foreign universities lure Nigerian students with N300/$1 exchange rate Others crash tuition fees by 25-30% Chima Nwokoji-Lagos FOLLOWING the resumption of summer academic session, investigations have revealed that foreign universities are scrambling to lure Nigerian students with lower dollar to naira exchange rate.

The naira closed last week at N435 to the United States Dollar. However, as scarcity of the greenback worsens in the country the inability of parents, whose children school abroad to access foreign exchange (forex) is threatening the completion of their wards’ education.

The situation is also turning most of these offshore schools into underwriters for naira–settled futures contract and Bureau De Changes as they assure Nigerian students of stable exchange rate all through their studies.

Findings also revealed that other universities have written to students from neighbouring African countries indicating that they have slashed their tuition fees by 25 and 30 per cent to lighten the burden of most African students who are finding it

difficult to conclude or pursue their dreams of sound education abroad.

Although Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, recently revealed that the apex bank spent about $2 billion annually on foreign school fees remittances, the new forex regime appears incapable of meeting such a huge demand any more.

Average weekly dollar turnover on the interbank forex market (spot) has dropped to $600 million presently compared with the $2 billion available as at August last year.

In the course of investigation, Nigerian Tribune stumbled into some letters written by a few United Kingdom, Nitherlands and US-based universities to some Nigerian students studying abroad and a few other aspiring students.

A Netherlands based University, through its United Kingdom affiliate, the University of Roehampton Online, wrote one of such letters to an aspiring Nigerian student.

Titled “Pay for your Masters at N300/USD,” and signed by the Enrolment

Manager, Avantika Deora the letter received on Sunday, September 18, 2016 read in part: “Hello, we are aware of the current economic challenges in Nigeria and how that can affect your ability to start a Master’s programme at this time.

“We at the University of Roehampton hear and feel your pain due to the ‘high’ Naira (NGN) to US Dollar (USD) exchange rate. We understand that you are very motivated to start your

studies but this rate is crippling your efforts.

“Our aim is that you no longer have to worry about the Naira depreciating, and can plan for your future and finances. We have a special offer designed to provide you certainty of your programme Total Cost while the NGN to USD exchange remains uncertain. Your entire programme total tuition will be guaranteed based on a maximum of 300 to $1.”

Nigerian Tribune

NCC receives 6,163 complaints from telecoms subscribers in Q2 THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it received 6,163 complaints from telecommunications subscribers in the second quarter of 2016.

Mr Abdullahi Maikano, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of the commission made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Maikano said that of the 6,163 complaints, 4,739 issues were resolved, giving a resolution of 76.9 per cent.

He also said that the commission received 23,694 complaints from telecommunications consumers in the first quarter.

NAN reports that the complaints received in the second quarter reduced by 17,531 or by 73.99 per cent compared with that of first quarter.

The director said that the reduction was as a result of the “2442 Do Not Disturb’’ directive of the regulatory body to the operators.

He said that the complaints by telecommunications users were on issues of billings, customer care/ call centre, call set-up, faulty terminal, health issues, internet service and promotion.

According to him, other complaints are those of recharge cards, Short Messaging Services (SMS)/Multi Media Services (MMS), Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) and Value Added Services (VAS).

“Other complaints received are in the Third Generation (3G) services, Porting, Caller Line Identification Presentation (CLIP)/Caller Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) among others,’’ he said.

Maikano said that of the 4,718 “bill issues’’ received in the second quarter, 3,542 of them were resolved, a resolution of 75 per cent, while for the 39 call centre issues, 30 or 76.9 per cent were solved.

IATA celebrates Nigerian Aviation IN spite of the seeming depression in the Nigerian aviation industry, trending events have shown that under the present Federal administration, the industry still has the potential for further global recognition.

A pointer to this is the recent score made on the global aviation scene by Allied Air Limited, one of the oldest airlines in Nigeria which became the first African cargo carrier to scale the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).

The success is a lesson that with the kind of efforts

being made by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to correct the ills in the industry; more gains will soon be made in the aviation sector.

Following the new drive by the government to reposition the sector for a greater height, Allied Air, is now listed on the IOSA Registry. The airline described as the foremost in cargo operations on the African continent, has also been admitted as a member of the prestigious International Air Transport Association.

A membership certificate was handed to the Chair-

man/ Chief Executive of the Airline, Captain Val Tongo by the immediate past Director -General of IATA, Mr. Tony Tyler at an impressive ceremony held during the just concluded 72nd Annual General Meeting of the association in Dublin, Ireland.

According to industry watchers, for a cargo carrier to bag IOSA certification, Nigeria has gloriously moved to the leading edge of aviation in the world and consequently translating to an honour for the Minister of State for Aviation and the regulatory agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

businessnews Economy: Ministers, finance commissioners, experts to meet in Ogun 12

Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

T

HE National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) 2016 conference, which opens in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday, will examine options available to government to improve its revenue streams especially in a period of low earnings from crude oil.

According to the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the policy thrust of the current administration informs the theme for this year’s conference.

She said the Federal Ministry of Finance has continued to discharge its numerous functions through well-articulated initiatives and policies to improve revenue generation, blocking leakages, tackling wastage and obtaining best value for money in government expenditure.

The conference, which is being hosted by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has been themed: Enhancing Revenue Generation and Obtaining Best Value for Money in Expenditure and will be declared open by Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, the event will attract a diverse group of participants including ministers, governors, commissioners of finance and budget from the 36 states of the federation, as well as captains of industry from the private sector.

NACOFED was created as a forum for members to discuss current socio-economic issues, and proffer a way forward for the Nigerian economy on fiscal and monetary policies.

Some of the topics to be treated at the all-important event include: “The non-oil sector as a sustainable alternative in enhancing revenue generation” to be delivered by the Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Others include “Harnessing Customs and Excise Duties for Improved Revenue Generation,” to be delivered by the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (rtd); and “Tax as a Source of Improved Revenue to the Federation Account,” to be led by the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Babatunde Fowler.

Business executives and economic analysts expected at the event include Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr Segun Agbaje, Group General Manager, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Dr. M.K. Baru, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Limited, Mr Bismarck Rewane and former Director General, Budget Office, Mr Bode Augusto, among

others.

The forum serves as an avenue for sharing ideas that will lead to the streamlining of activities in the finance ministries at the federal

and state levels as well as other financial institutions of relevance, including government parastatals.

It is expected to enhance the ability of states to align

with the Federal Government on various issues of economic concern in order to ensure policy consistency and effective implementation.

From left, Mrs Omolara Akinfolarin, Head, MSME Banking, Sterling Bank Plc; Mr Victor Korede, Chief Executive Officer, FAREZ Limited and Mrs Temiwunmi Banjoko, Business Executive, South West, Sterling Bank Plc, at an MSME workshop organised by the bank in Ibadan at the weekend.

NIWA bungled N43bn River Niger dredging project —Stakeholders Tola Adenubi-Lagos MARITIME stakeholders under the aegis of the Nigerian Indigenous Ship-Owners Association (NISA), has accused the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) of bungling the N43bn dredging contract of the Lower River Niger in -between 2011 to 2015.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune exclusively, the NISA President Engineer Aminu Umar challenged NIWA to make public the current state of the depth of the River Niger despite claiming to have dredged it from Baro in Niger State to Warri in Delta State.

According to him, “we keep hearing that the River Niger has been dredged down to Warri, but how has that improved the traffic of vessels along that route? I don’t think that river was dredged.

“If truly NIWA dredged that River, then there ought to have been increase in

movement of goods along that route. Nothing has changed before and after the so called dredging that they claimed to have done.

“To be honest with you, from the shipping community, we don’t think any dredging has taken place on that river.”

When reminded that NIWA budgeted N43bn for the dredging of the Lower River Niger contract, the NISA helmsman challenged the agency to come out public with details of what has been dredged.

“How can the Federal Government approve N43 billion for the dredging of the River Niger and nothing would have changed? How can such money have been spent on that river and it still looks like that?

“Please help us ask NIWA to make public the draft of the River Niger before and after the dredging. We need to know what such money was used for because we are talking of hundreds of mil-

lions of dollars if it is converted into foreign currency.

“Nothing has changed along that route. There is no increase in the movement of goods along that route. As far as we ship-owners are concerned, no dredging has taken place. NIWA should come out public with details of what they did with N43 billion on that river between 2011 to 2015,” he stated.

Efforts to get the Spokesman of NIWA, Mr Tayo Fadile to speak on the controversial River Niger dredging contract proved abortive as text messages

stakeholders across the globe to hold this ‘Africa Special’ edition of the annual Summit. According to the organizers, the Summit themed “Pension Innovations: The African Perspective” will draw African pension professionals from around the globe.

The organisers said the discussions will centre on “specific African pension innovations, key scenarios, and scheme developments.

There will be presentations on global insights and best

Royal Exchange Insurance deepens micro insurance, posts 10.79 premium Gbemi Solaja-Lagos ROYAL Exchange Insurance Plc has stated that it aims to be more active in the lower and informal segment of the insurance market, to bridge the insurance needs of the yearning public.

At its 47th Annual General meeting (AGM) held in Lagos, the group declared a gross written premium of N10.79 billion in its 2015 financial year end, showing a 14 per cent increase compared to N9.43 billion posted in 2014 financial year.

Additionally, the underwriter stated that the net claims expenses amounted to N3.04 billion in comparison with N2.43 billion reported in 2014, signaling an increase of 25 per cent, even as underwriting expenses decreased by 4 per cent from N2.74 billion in 2014 to N2.64 billion in 2015.

Looking forward, the Group Managing Director, Alhaji Auwalu Muktari, noted that the firm intends to be more active in promoting micro-insurance to capture more Nigerians in the lower markets.

However, net income before overhead expenses amounted to N2.38 billion, declining by 30 per cent compared to 2014 value of N3.40 billion, while management expenses increased from N3.09 billion to N3.27 billion in the year under review.

Despite recession, Dangote vows to scale up investments in Nigeria, Africa Named 2016 African Business Leader by American Institute IN recognition of his immense contribution to human capital development in Africa through the establishment of businesses across the African continent, a United States of America based Organisation, Afri-

Glo supports PenCom on 2016 World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’ NIGERIA’S Data Grandmasters, Globacom, is putting its weight behind the 2016 World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’ as the Diamond Partner.

The summit taking place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday, September 27 and Wednesday September 28, 2016, will provide a robust platform to share knowledge on pension matters.

National Pension Commission of Nigeria is collaborating with other

and calls made to his mobile phones were not responded to as at the time of filing in this report.

It would be recalled that in 2011, the Federal Government approved the Lower River Niger Dredging Project from Warri in Delta State to Baro in Niger State at a sum of N43,334,712,332.10 to four different contractors namely Fung Tai Eng Company Nigeria Limited, Dredging International Service Nigeria Limited, Van Oord Nigeria Limited, and Williams Lloyds Technology Company Limited.

Nigerian Tribune

practices and these will be shared and discussed by renowned international experts.”

Globacom in a statement said: “It is our belief that the summit will help address challenges in the pension industry to ensure better retirement life for millions of Nigerians.

In addition to this, global attention will be on our country during the summit. We want to ensure a successful event by throwing our weight behind it.”

ca-America Institute (AAI) has honoured the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote with the ‘2016 African Business Leader Award.’

The business guru was named and presented the award at a colourful ceremony held on the side-line of the United Nations Congress held in New York city, United States alongside other prominent Africans like Stephen Hayes, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), who won the AAI ‘2016 U.S. Business Leader Award’ and Sunil Benimadhu, Executive Director of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM), who won the AAI ‘2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award.’

Dangote said he was humbled by the award considering the pedigree of the award which celebrates African achievement at the global

stage and promised that he would not be deterred by the current economic challenges in Nigeria but would intensify the expansion of his businesses across Africa.

At the award Gala themed ‘Education: The Key to Africa’s Economic Growth,’ Dangote expressed delight that the Institute brought education in Africa to the front burner, noting “I have always been passionate about education because I believe it is a weapon of liberation.

Drawing a reference from a Nelson Mandela quote that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” the Chairman of Dangote Cement, global, said he identified himself with laudable initiatives that seek to promote educational growth and development, particularly in Africa.

13

editorial

T

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

The threat of earthquakes

HE rocky town of Kwoi in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on 20 September 2016, experienced earth tremors which rendered many homeless, while businesses and commercial activities were grounded to a halt. A tour by the North West management team of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Government agency responsible for managing emergencies, revealed that about 300 houses were affected as a result of the second tremor.

The first tremor occurred on September 9, 2016. During the event, residents ran helter-skelter as they had never experienced such in the history of the town. Meanwhile, preliminary results by geologists affirmed that what was initially presumed to be tremors were actually earthquakes.

From the findings, it was discovered that the earthquakes were of about 2.0 magnitude. When the earthquakes occurred, community leaders hurriedly informed state authorities of the development. The Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, promptly directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to mobilise to the area and comfort the citizens. He also notified and invited the National Geological Agency to investigate the tremors in the area.

While the tremors in Kaduna State seem to be the most significant, similar tremors have occurred in Oyo, Bayelsa and Rivers states this year. In Bayelsa State, communities such as Igbogene, Akenfa, Akinima, and Akie-Oniso (Oruama) were affected. In neighbouring Rivers State, One Man Country and Mbiama experienced the heavy vibrations.

Some communities in Saki West Council Area of Oyo State such as Medina, Balako, Salam Salam, Dauru-Salam as well as parts of Oke-suna experienced similar tremors a few months ago.

On September 10, 2016, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Tanzania, killing 11 people and leaving at least 192 people injured. The earthquake struck near Nsunga town 43km from Bukoba, a city on the western shore of Lake Victoria. The tremors with a depth of 10km were felt as far away as western Kenya and parts of Uganda, which share the waters of Lake Victoria, and also in Kigali, Rwanda.

These incidences have shown that Africa is more likely to be prone to earthquakes in the future. What this means is that the Nigerian authorities and authorities elsewhere in

Africa must begin to consider earthquakes as a local reality.

It means that appropriate preparedness for earthquakes must be achieved in the shortest possible time.

Earthquakes are common occurrences; trembling and shaking of the earth’s surface occurs thousands of times every day. But because major earthquakes are less common in Africa, many countries are ill prepared. In major earthquake-prone areas like Indonesia, Mexico, Ecuador, India, Pakistan, Japan, Turkey and Nepal, a culture of preparedness has been developed. Earthquake has caused immense devastation to human lives and property. It has indeed ruined the lives of millions of people all over the world and rendered hundreds of thousands of people homeless. Earthquake is also a major cause of tsunamis and volcanic eruptions in several areas, causing further damage.

There is no monitoring device to predict it beforehand.

Suggestions that unusual animal behaviour prior to a significant earthquake can be a means of predicting earthquakes remain questionable, according to science.

Only anecdotal evidence abounds of animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and insects exhibiting strange behaviour anywhere from weeks to seconds before an earthquake. Given this situation, therefore, Nigeria must have an earthquake readiness policy and encourage those who live in seismic zones to develop a plan. There should also be measures taken to ensure that buildings and structures in such zones are designed in such a way that they take into account the implications of an earthquake. The emergency management agencies at various levels must develop the capacity and be equipped to respond to such situations in the relevant parts of the country.

The embarrassments that have occurred with the poor handling of internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in the North East provide ample evidence that Nigeria lacked preparedness to deal with IDPs. A comprehensive effort must therefore be made to ensure that such embarrassing situations as children dying of starvation in the camps, this time around from natural disasters, do not occur in future.

The threat of earthquakes and the increasing occurrence of natural disasters make effective emergency preparedness an imperative. Nigeria must learn lessons from countries that have developed a culture of precaution and preparedness and seek help to develop local capacity where it is required.

AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA PLC Founders: Chief Obafemi Awolowo GCFR, SAN (1909 - 1987)

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

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

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

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

GOT NEWS?

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

Ikeja Marketing Office.

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

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

14 LETTERS TO THE

Monday, 26 September, 2016

editor

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

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

Recession: Education too is not safe

A

N average Nigerian can feel the dire effects of the present recession in the economy of the country. The standard of living of the people is drastically and amazingly falling despite the glimmers of hope that heralded the present admin-

istration which promised “change”. Endlessly, they keep on waiting for what was promised during the build-up to the 2015 general elections. Rather than having respite after the performance of previous administrations, the hapless Nigerians are faced by economy recession — in-

flation, scarcity of food.

Lots of people have been commenting on the national issue and its unfathomable consequences.

Some of them include hunger that increases the number of beggars on the streets, aggravates and makes poverty flourish, rampage of kidnappers,

Change begins with us THE recent launch by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, of the “Change begins with Me” mantra fascinated me a great deal.

The message was timely, simple, unambiguous and its delivery by the Minister was masterfully and professionally handled in a way that it stands to reorientate us in all aspects of our national life.

As an unrepentant law abiding citizen of this country, I have decided to do a self-appraisal of my conduct in order to know where to key into the inevitable need for a positive change.

Before this time, so many discerning Nigerians had eagerly wondered if the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has actually started giving us the promised change.

This is against the backdrop that instead of a better life, Nigerians claim to have recently been pauperised and subjected to untold hardship by the present administration, which has not failed to heap the entire blame on the previous administrations, while consistently urging us to exercise endless patience.

You may now wonder why yours sincerely was so thrilled at the launch of the slogan. This recent launch has, therefore, vindicated many of us who are of the school of thought that the change we clamoured for, may not have commenced until now that it is being launched.

Even when the Holy Books have admonished that we respect and pray for our leaders, for this reason, I therefore, pray for the success of the government

and this campaign in particular. This is because, positive change is for the good of all, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliation. I have not come across any Nigerian market that is tagged APC market, PDP market or any other political party’s market, for that matter.

Again, the hunger, anger and trepidation currently ravaging the land, is no respecter of anyone.

Therefore, since a “hungry man is an angry man”, I urge the authorities, as a matter of necessity, to

put palliative measures in place that could boost the morale of the poor masses who are expected to be used as tools for carrying out the actualisation of the change agenda. This will invariably wipe away the frustration and anger that have become the hallmark of an average Nigerian today.

Government should please take this as an objective, honest and apolitical advice, knowing full well that hunger has no political boundary, afterall.

•Tony Anaele, Ijagemo, Lagos State.

burglars, armed robbers.

The implications of the economic downturn also include retrenchment of workers, which also increases the unemployment rate. In a nutshell, almost all sectors, such as banking, agriculture, health, among others, feel the impact of the issue.

However, little or no attention is paid to the educational sector just because there is no immediate result to be felt. Now, schools and school children are resuming for a new academic session. They will need many things, including notebooks, textbooks, pens, bags, new school uniforms, among other things, as they are expected to have everything new, although this is a mere convention.

But with the economic situation in the country, many parents will not be able to perform a large part of their responsibilities. To worsen the issue, costs of these materials

needed by the children are unbearable. Like the price of any other commodity in Nigeria, these school materials, let alone the unimaginable school fees, are tagged with skyrocketing prices. How do their helpless parents afford these when their salaries are not paid, when they are being sacked, when debts are piling up like refuse? Even feeding their children is a difficulty.

Considering the psychological implications of the challenges, many of the pupils will be forced to use their old notebooks, uniforms, bags. This can lead to depression, which can later cause poor performance. Without adequate textbooks, learning and teaching in the classrooms might bring boredom.

This is also a thorn on our education system, though unlike other sectors, the outcomes are not near. Or how do we expect a poorlyfed pupil to have interest in learning? No theory is yet

to prove Maslow’s Theory of Motivation wrong.

Apart from that, students at the tertiary institutions across the country might be propelled to engage in piracy, which is a crime against creativity. This is certain because of soaring prices of textbooks. The matter, then, as every Nigerian knows, calls for urgent, perhaps temporary, measures to arrest the trends before they affect our future as a nation.

The economic challenges as a matter of fact, can negatively impede the education system of the country at all levels. Poor performances inimical to national development are imminent, not even far as we may deem. So, the Federal Government should hasten its plans to resuscitate the economy because, apart from the individual life, business, which is at risk, education too is not safe.

•Timothy Faboade, OAU, Ile-Ife.

Attention, Oyo CJ I want to use this opportunity to call on the Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Abimbola Muktar, to constitute a committee that will look into the cases of awaiting trial inmates at Agodi prison in Ibadan.

There are so many awaiting trial inmates in the prison, and this has resulted into congestion.

Therefore, any accused person who has not committed serious crime should not be allowed to rot in prison. Crimes like petty theft and public disturbance can be settled outside the prison wall.

In the same vein, the police must be warned not to charge ‘petty’ cases to court so that the prison will not be further congested.

Justice Muktar should also urge justices and magistrates in the state to deliver the cases before them on time.

•Jimoh Mumin, jimohmumin@yahoo.com

15

opinion

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Lasisi Olagunju Lasgunju@yahoo.com (08111813053)

N

IGERIA’S 37th governor heads the Central Bank.

When the 36 other governors wined and dined and snored away last night in the opulence of their government houses, Godwin Emefiele couldn’t be seen sleeping. He cannot sleep even today. He is not the only one who shouldn’t sleep. Finance minister, Kemi Adeosun, is that other person whose eyes must have been missing sleep. Both should not sleep because they are physicians looking after a high net-worth patient in the intensive care unit of a hospital in distress. The economy is in deep trouble but instead of the country talking economics, as usual, we are playing politics. The CBN and the finance ministry are doing a tug of war. The situation is critical, even horrifying for the people. Last Thursday, the 36 state governors, many of them stark economic illiterates, joined the fray, playing politics with people’s lives, taking sides.

The country is in real trouble and everyone knows it. What we do not know is how this sick nation would survive its trauma.

And it does not matter whether you are in government or outside government. Everyone is blank (that is what I see). The clues on display are of the pains we feel. There are no pathways to the redeemer of this killing era. The nation is at war but war commanders are giving counter orders. Tuesday last week, sleek, breezy speaking Adeosun said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) headed by the CBN governor would meet that day and would reduce interest rate. That, to her, was the gbogbonse (elixir) needed to cure a major ailment of an economy that has wrecked many lives. The MPC met. It did exactly the opposite of the minister’s suggestion. It retained all the rates after noting the “elevated risks on both price and output” and the structural problems that had raised “cost, risk and uncertainty” in the economy. What did you get as a suffering, expectant Nigerian from that incoherence of the power elite? I got an alarm.

There is famine in this season of rains. Jobs are dropping into septic tanks. Salaries are getting halved or hung on poles of hopelessness for those still going to work. Nursing mothers battle with famished breasts. From the hard toil of farmers comes a harvest of malnourished, rancid fruits. What is the propitiation we need to get the field green again? That is the problem question. But where are the high priests of harvest? The ones we see are speaking with wrestling tongues.

The land cannot be rebuilt with the incoherence of disparate knowledge and strategies. There must be synergy, cohesion and singlemindedness in the management of this economy.

Both sides cannot be wrong. In fact, in all this pigeonhole of ideas could be found the elusive medicine for the headache that troubles the nation.

The ordinary man must be very confused now in his hunger. Adeosun and her side said low interest rate would serve

Between a Governor, a minister and 36 governors

the economy better. Manufacturers would borrow cheaply and, ultimately, produce cheaper products. They go on and on and you shout: sound argument! But the Emefiele party is also talking: Manufacturers need forex to import raw materials. The CBN does not have forex to give anyone. Those who have the needed hard currency are outside the country, liquid aliens lurking somewhere in the sky. They need to be lured into Naija to come buy treasury bills. These monied people are not unthinking lovers of Nigeria. They are in business to make money. Only good yield can make them fly their dollars into Nigeria to buy these bills. High interest rate is the bait to catch this big forex. And when these investors bring their dollars, manufacturers can heave sighs of relief, get forex and get their machines roaring again.

When industries work again, jobs will come back, traders will sell again. Life will come back to a dying nation. Idle hands will escape from the devil’s employment. They will have godly pay. Landlords will stop jogging into the hands of community kidnappers. Nursing mothers will stop padding their breasts; there will be milk for the malnourished.

You hear these and shout: great, sound sense! So, what is the issue? What is the problem between these elephants in the government of Muhammadu Buhari? Is there no way of marrying these two positions to hit the common target?

The CBN governor’s position excites me. His MPC called “for urgent complementary fiscal policies to resuscitate production and engineer aggregate consumption. In particular, members underscored the imperatives of diversification of the economy away from oil into agriculture, manufacturing and services as well as more efforts towards payment of salaries and arrears of public sector employees particularly

in states and local governments to stimulate aggregate consumption, as part of the overall fiscal policy menu kit. On the supply side, efforts must be intensified at increased capital expenditure to redress infrastructural deficits, improve the business environment and spur growth.”

We have also listened to Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. He is backing Emefiele. Other experts say exactly the same thing. Could there be something the minister and her group know that these experts are not looking at? Someone said the minister is an accountant while Emefiele is an economist. The logic is that in solving the difficult equation of the economy, all of us, including the accountants, must listen to the experts. The 36 state governors want the accountants. These governors have always been lovers of voodoo solutions to all problems. But people of knowledge would put the ball in Emefiele’s court and listen to him because monetary matters are Central Bank matters. I would want the CBN governor left to play that ball. Emefiele and his experts have asked us to trust them with this salvage job. In other climes, when troubles come as they have here, people who have the sense and the knowledge are asked to provide solutions. Economic problems are not the same as political problems. The 36 political governors peering into what they know nothing about should save us their breath. Nobody trusts them with the accounts. I would rather listen to the CBN and the experts. The 37th governor is the one we hired.

He is the one paid to pilot the economy. All eyes must be on him because the nation is in pains.

And the pains are truly killing. Some say we are in a recession. Some others call it stagflation. Yet there are others who are scaring us with the apocalypse of a soon to arrive depression. They say we have not seen anything yet. They say there are interests pushing the naira to trade at 600 to the dollar by Christmas. They say we have not seen anything yet unless the sector that produces goods is lactated to come alive again. They say recession is when your neighbours get sack letters while depression is when you yourself receive yours. Whatever it is, what is clear is that things are already bad, very bad. Schools resumed for the session last week. Days after resumption, many pupils still stuck at home. Proprietors of fee-paying schools have been sweating and praying for students to turn up and pay. They are counting the kids daily and scratching their heads. They are cajoling and pampering parents to borrow and pay and bring their boys and girls again. The flustered kids too are not asking questions. The hard times have forced sudden growth on them. Their teary eyes tell what they know. They are home because Daddy is broke and Mummy is jobless. There is no money to pay. The economy is gravely ill. These kids must not know that the sick is actually dying because of clashing prescriptions from doctors of change.

Towards reviving Unity Schools

By Omoniyi Animashaun

UNITY schools were unique. Unity schools is the name coined for Federal Government Colleges and Federal Government Girls’ Colleges founded by the Federal Government of Nigeria for promoting national unity and integration. Students who passed through these schools till the end of the last millennium were privileged. They passed through a heritage which caused immense pride to swell from deep within them. Though there are 104 of such schools, there is a striking similarity in the attitude, behaviour and mind-set of students who passed through these schools. When they got into the universities, they easily bond with one another as the unity schools mirror themselves.

The last 16 years have witnessed a steep downward trend in the quality of these schools. This depreciation is part of the cause of the rancour on the pronouncements by the Federal Ministry of Education on the increase in fees and restriction on the charging of levies by Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs). The directives have elicited reactions and counter-reactions, which might not result in improvement in welfare or academics in the schools.

Federal Government Colleges in Warri, Sokoto and Enugu were established in 1966. The other schools that had national appeal before them were Queens College and Kings College, both in Lagos State. They are effectively the first two unity schools. I am privileged to have attended one of the oldest of these schools, Federal Government College, Odogbolu, established in 1973.

Till the early 1990s, admission into the school was very competitive, though consideration was also given to students in the catchment area of each school. Merit was the foremost

consideration. This ensured that each college admitted mostly brilliant students, precipitating healthy academic competition which helped average students raise their standards. The mix in the schools, however, ran deeper as they served as the ultimate mixing pot. The ethnic, cultural, religious and social backgrounds of the students were diverse. The children of the most influential people in the society had to coexist with the children whose parents were on the lowest rung of the social ladder without a sense of superiority. Once you passed through the gates into the schools, there was a levelling. One needed to learn interdependence to survive the rigours of school. A student in these school would learn sophistication and poise on one hand, while soaking the lessons of endurance, innovation, tolerance and tenacity on the other. There was no room for religious extremism and the schools upheld secularism while supporting the students’ right to religious association within properly defined boundaries. Education in the schools went beyond academics, it was well rounded and complete.

My school had a Mercedes Benz luxurious bus, and a Kia Asia, Toyota coaster and Nissan Urvan buses. There was a Peugeot 504 Station wagon for the use of the principal. A Steyr water tanker which had served for over a decade by the 1990s, a light blue Bedford truck and a tractor whose most used attachment was for taming the vegetation of the occupied segment of the expansive compound made up the remaining vehicles. The school is on approximately 600 acres of land. The blue Bedford truck was nicknamed ‘Blue Maria’ after it was used to transport some notorious students after they had caused a ruckus in school. Interestingly, other schools also had the same set of vehicles. There was a fair attempt to achieve parity between the schools.

The buildings were well built. Even with young, untrained eyes, we could see the solidity and the timelessness of the structures. Minor refurbishing and a coat of paint made the buildings new. We never heard or witnessed building collapse or roofs being blown by winds. The structures were built to last.

Now, most of the ex-students will not send their wards to the colleges because of the fallen standard, yet they pour their resources into them because of the deep seated love for the alma mater.

As it is, I am not against increase in fees. I am rather interested in bringing the Federal Colleges to their places of glory, churning out well rounded students and becoming the destination for valuable and affordable education. This cannot be achieved by reactive policies. It requires a holistic approach to determine where the deviation from the ideals of the founders started.

It should not just be about stopping the rot but transforming the schools in all facets. Are teachers passionate? Do they pledge their lives to help build the leaders of tomorrow? Can the best teachers be recruited and retained? Will they be equipped to give up-to-date qualitative education? Would we be scrutinising the quality of the curricular? Would a student pass through a unity school and have optimum exposure to ICT? Can the product of this school compete with students of the private school? These questions beg for answers.

It is a herculean task to turn the schools around, and the earlier it is started, the better.

•Animasaun is the Acting Secretary of Federal Government College Odogbolu Old Students Association.

16

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

17

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor Sulaimon Olanrewaju | 08055001708 | lanresulaimon@yahoo.com | @lanresulaimon

money

leadership

entrepreneurship agree with this notion?

I do not operate in the realm of rumours, however, it is government’s obligation to push the process through a fair and equitable process. Interestingly, we are not reinventing the wheel as various airports concession transactions have been conducted worldwide so it is just for us to follow best international practise.

Moreover, there are organisation such as International Finance Corporation and reputable global transaction advisors that can help government attract serious investors. According to the Airport Council International (ACI), it is essential for government to foster the right environment for investment in airports and ensuring that regulation evolves in step with the industry for a sustainable future with the ability to accommodate growth in the demand for air service.

Commercialisation, privatisation of Nigerian airports long overdue —Ojuri Since the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government announced its plan to go ahead to concession four major international airports across the country, there has been reactions from key players within the sector. In this interview with SHOLA ADEKOLA, the Managing Director of Aglo Aviation Support Services, Mr Tayo Ojuri, an airport management expert, spoke on the urgent need for government to concession the airports and what the country stands to gain from the airports concession.

R

ecently, the Federal Government announced plans to privatise four of the country’s airports which has triggered a debate. Are you in support of the decision or not and why?

It is important to clarify that Federal Government goal based on policy state announced in May was to concession, rather than privatise four major airports been Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. The missing part of the puzzle is the fact that government did not justify the rationale for picking these four airports, nor did it highlight the concession model, neither is there an awareness and communication platform for stakeholders and FAAN staff.

However, the commercialisation and privatisation of Nigerian airports is long overdue in my opin-

ion. This process will definitely improve efficiency, increase revenue and promote a safe, secured and commercially viable airport system. Coincidentally, government currently does not have the funds to manage airports, hence the need to partner with a global Airport Management Company that will ensure appropriate infrastructure that will enhance passenger travel experience.

Do you think this decision is ripe for the country?

I reckon this is the appropriate time as there are paucity of funds from government. Looking back when airlines were liberalised in 1978 or when BAA airports were privatised in 1987, there is never a perfect time, the pertinent thing is to ensure that the process is transparent and reputable organisations are engaged with the task of

managing these airports.

This process will certainly take away the daily management and operations away from frequent government interference which invariably puts focus more on performance through provision of excellence customer service to airlines and passengers, enhanced ambience, provision of attractive food and beverage outlets and provision of other ancillary services.

Realistically, we should have a balanced scorecard management system. This multi-dimensional system will enable FAAN achieve positive financial performance, customer satisfaction, business systems and human capital development.

People are accusing the government of planning to sell the most viable airports to its business associates. Do you

Some are even suggesting that in privatising the viable airports that some of the unviable ones should be paired with them, for the would be private investors. How do you view this?

I do not know the rationale for cherry picking the four airports.

However, I am conversant with Canada’s model of vesting responsibility for the operation and capital investment of all but 18 very small airports from the Federal Government to local entities which happened in 1992. The larger airports were designated “National Airports System” airports and transferred to 21 fully private airport authorities which were incorporated as “non-share capital corporations,” these major airports operate on a not-for-profit basis, with all operating surpluses poured back into the airport.

Likewise, South Africa’s airports were owned and operated by the state until 23 July 1993, when Airports Company South Africa was officially established and nine airports were transferred to the company. While some stakeholders are clamouring for clustering of airport based on geographical location, I am of the opinion that each airport can grow based on various economic drivers. Airports should not be seen as social ser-

It is government’s obligation to push the process through a fair and equitable process.

analysis vice but commercial venture that can bring grater wealth, provide substantial employment opportunities and encourage economic development.

Do you think privatisation is the answer to the current challenges confronting the airports?

Considering the Nigerian peculiarities, the current government interference in FAAN’s management and operations, lacklustre staff motivation, inefficient operations, over blotted personnel and other loopholes in the system will certainly be mitigated in a concessioned environment which would be driven by targets, performance and service level agreements. The airport management will be keen to focus on Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), total system automation and route development in other to increase passenger footprint.

Amidst the planned privatisation of the airports; where lies the security and safety of the airports particularly now with security challenges confronting the country?

The safety and security oversight for airports in Nigeria is the responsibility of NCAA in line with ICAO aviation security (AvSec) standard regulations and procedure. Within a concessioned airport environment, FAAN’s AvSec and Aircraft Fire and Rescue staff can still process the security coverage from the airport but like its been done by FAAN with MMA2, Ibom Airport, Asaba and other state airports. This is also the model operated in Canada and USA where CATSA and TSA provide security screening. I do not envisage any issues as each party have delineated duties and responsibility.

Majority of the airports are running at the expense of the viable ones. What is the way out of this menace?

I see it as an opportunity rather than a menace. It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention, therefore we can leverage on current government policy focus on agriculture, mining and tourism to activate agro-based product movement from the smaller airports.

Based on their size, they could provide FBO services at competitive rates, provide last mile transport for mining companies, build tourist attractions, and promote private investment in conference and convention centres. Due to the bad state of our roads, these airports could be used as early entrance advantage for intermodal movement of goods and services.

18

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Guinness Nigeria proposes N3.20k dividend despite N2bn loss

GUINESS Nigeria Plc has proposed a dividend payout of N3.20 per ordinary share for the financial year ended June 30, 2016 despite recording loss in 30 years.

Details of the audited results filed with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that turnover fell by 14 per cent from N118.49 billion in 2015 to N101.973 billion in 2016. Operating profit fell by 72 per cent to N4.415 billion from, N15.667 billion.

However, Guinness ended the year with a loss before tax of N2.347 billion and loss after tax of N2.0 billion, compared with profit before tax of N10.795 billion and profit after tax of N7.79 billion in respectively in 2015.

Speaking on the results, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Peter Ndegwa, said that the combination of a tough economic environment and challenges with naira devaluation had a significant impact on Guinness Nigeria’s overall performance.

“Our performance this year was impacted by two major factors, one being the very tough economic challenges around consumer spending, driving consumer preferences towards value brands across the sector, the other, and more significant factor being the effect of foreign exchange policy and the devaluation of the Naira.

“When you take out the impact of the latter, our underlying performance for the year was broadly in line with the prior year in spite of the pressure on the top line.”

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Babatunde Savage, said “Despite the continuing deterioration in the operating environment, the board is pleased to note that our core brands of Guinness FES and Malta Guinness are in growth and we now have a strong participation in the growing value segment of the market through Satzenbrau and Dubic.

From left, Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Olanrewaju Jaiyeola; Chairman, Honeywell Group, Dr Oba Otudeko and Company Secretary, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mrs Oluwayemisi Busari, at the 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo: Sylvester Okoruwa

Stock Market thrives in recession, records +1.39% Wow Stories by Kehinde Akinseinde-Jayeoba - Lagos

T

HE Nigerian capital market, last week, closed on a positive note despite forcast by analysts that profit taking might dip the market indi-

ces.

Investors seem to be taking market researchers’ advice on taking advantage of the low prices of shares to increase their investment at the stock market.

Specifically, Nigerian Stock Exchange AllShare Index and Market Capitalisation appreciated by 1.39 per cent to close the week at 28,247.07 and N9.703 trillion respectively.

Similarly, all other Indices finished higher during the week, with the exception of the NSE-Main Board Index, NSE Banking Index and the NSE Consumer Goods Index

that depreciated by 0.14 per cent, 0.73 per cent and 0.53 per cent respectively, while the NSE ASeM and NSE Insurance Indices closed flat.

However, 33 equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than 34 equities in the previous week. 25 equities depreciated in price, lower than 26 equities in the previous week, while 122 equities remained unchanged higher than 120 equities recorded in the preceding week.

Conoil Plc led the gainers chart for the second consecutive week with an appreciation of 33.48 per cent or N10.66 to close at N42.50 per share. Cutix Plc and Total Nigeria Plc followed, adding 19.41 per cent and 18 per cent respectively to close at N2.03 and N295 per share each.

On the flip side, Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, Neimeth International

Honeywell Flourmills grows total asset by 12% despite recession HONEYWELL Flour Mills Plc, a market leader in the Nigerian foods industry, has defied the tough operating environment to record a four per cent revenue growth and total assets of growth of 12 per cent from N67.94 billion reported in 2015 to N76.05 billion.

Asset growth in the review period was largely determined by the company’s capacity expansion projects.

During the year under review, the company recorded a loss for the first time in its 20-year history, amounting to N2.87 billion before taxes. This situation was driven by adverse effects of forex fluctuations which impacted input costs.

Besides, the company has also embarked upon several strategic initiatives

to grow revenues and reduce costs. A key revenue growth strategy, according to the company, is anchored on backward integration that will result in the production of more products from locally grown crops.

According to a statement by the company shortly after its Annual General Meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, it stated that “the new state-of-the-art, multi-billion Naira facilities in our foods and agro-allied industrial complex in Sagamu, Ogun State, nearing completion, will go a long way in supporting us to actualise our backward integration plans.”

The company will also continue to invest in new product research and development to enable the production of more

varieties of food products for its teeming consumers.

Speaking during the seventh AGM, the Chairman of the company, Dr Oba Otudeko CFR, while reviewing the macroeconomic and operating environment said: “There were series of challenging factors that led to increased uncertainty and rising cost pressures in the Nigerian economy.”

He went further to state that “Consumer spending progressively dropped throughout the operating period under review. Prices of most consumer goods rose sharply in response to higher input costs. In our case, we have only taken modest price increases to ensure our brands remain affordable and to sustain food security.”

Pharmaceuticals Plc and Beta Glass Company Nigeria Plc led the weeks declining stocks to close at N1.05, 94 kobo and N34.90 respectively, following a decline of 13.22 per cent, 12.96 per cent and 9.73 per cent respectively.

A turnover of 4.331 billion shares worth N16.803 billion in 16,797 deals were traded during the week by investors on the floor of the NSE in contrast to a total of 611.527 million shares valued at N5.495 billion that exchanged hands last week in 9,650 deals.

The Financial Services Industry, measured by volume, led the activity chart with 4.177 billion shares valued at N9.788 billion traded in 9,805 deals; thus contributing 96.45 per cent and 58.25 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 65.533 million shares worth N5.017 billion in 2,855 deals.

The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 31.751 million shares worth N125.102 million in 594 deals. Trading in the top three equities were Great Nigerian Insurance Plc, FCMB Group Plc and Diamond Bank Plc, measured by volume, accounted for 3.299 billion shares worth N3.704 billion in 1,308 deals, contributing 76.18 per cent and 22.04 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 615 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N6,070.20 executed in 21 deals, compared with a total of 945 units valued at N9,541.90 transacted last week in 18 deals.

A total of 3,394 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N3.263 million were traded in five deals compared to a total of 1,700 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N1.591 million transacted last week in six deals.

Monday, 26 September, 2016

MANAGEMENT Donald Kaberuka, former president, African Development Bank

Quote LEADERSHIP

“Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.”

— Norman Schwarzkopf

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

C

REDIBLE statistics show that between 60 and 90 per cent of organizations never execute their plans. It is odd but true that organizations do deploy quality time and copious resources to fashion out strategic plans which they hope will give them an edge in their industry only to leave undone that which is critical to their effecting a change in their narrative. While many organizations are gung-hu about coming up with plans and policies, they are not as PAGE 20 This is one excited with the implementation. of the major reasons for failure experienced by organizations. To succeed, a leader must

ensure that the organization he leads pays serious attention to the execution of plans.

The failure of companies to follow through their plans has ceaselessly interested researchers who have devoted time to finding out why this happens. Here are some of their findings.

Internal rivalry Many organizations do not operate as one but instead as an amalgamation of departments or units. So, instead of all the departments pushing in the same direction, each of them pursues their personal programmes to the detriment of the corporate goal.

Continues on pg20

INSIDE

Leaders and challenge of execution failure

PAGE 20

Leaders’

forum PAGE 21

The 60-second

business coach PAGE 20

20

21

Monday, 26 September, 2016

MANAGEMENT Continued from pg19

When the different segments in an organization pull in different directions, cohesion is lost and the progress of the organization is stalled. Synergy is ensured only when there is unity of purpose. Where internal rivalry holds sway, rallying support for the main idea becomes impossible.

Sometimes the leader inadvertently fuels rivalry in his organization by over identifying with a department. While it is true that a leader must have risen to the current level through a department or a division in the organization, once he becomes the head he should cease to see himself as a member of a division or department but as a leader of all departments and divisions.

Excessive analysis After carving out a strategic plan for the organization, sometimes the leadership subjects the plan to a series of scrutiny and analysis with a view to getting the best out of it. Though the intention is sublime, failure to work the plan immediately almost always results in what is known as analysis paralysis. Excessive analysis usually robs an organization of the steam with which to drive the plan. If instead of working on a plan an organization keeps turning it around, it loses momentum. Once momentum is lost, interest wanes and a spot is found for the plan on the shelf.

Playing safe Sometimes when the plan will result in a somewhat revolutionary outcome, some companies are tempted to play it safe by not jumping into it at a go. But vacillating in making a good move is akin to making a bad move. Every plan has its span; delaying to birth a plan at the appropriate time more often than not results in making it a stillbirth.

Graham Bell Vs Elisha Gray On February 14, 1876, Mr. Elisha Gray’s lawyer approached the Patent Office in the United States of America to register his invention, the telephone. However, one hour earlier, Graham Bell had been to the office to register his own invention, the telephone. Because Bell beat Gray to the Patent Office, he was given the patent for that invention. For years, both Bell and Gray had worked independently on their inventions; both invested their time and other resources on the inventions, and they probably concluded their experiments about the same time. But the world recognizes Bell as the inventor of the telephone because he beat Gray to the Patent Office by one hour. If Bell had delayed going to the office by 90minutes, the story would have been different.

The prize always goes to the one who makes hay while the sun shines.

How to bridge the planning-execution gap To avoid being a victim of failure to execute a plan, leaders need to pay attention to the following.

Define specific objectives The first step to achieving success in any venture is to determine what success means. It is difficult to find what has not been defined in specific terms. The aim for going into the exercise that produced the plan was not to come up with a plan but to embark on a programme that would take the organization from the level it was to a higher one. Knowing this and putting it in focus would keep the organization on its toes in the effort to execute the plans.

Bridging the planningexecution gap

Wale Tinubu, CEO, Oando

Oluwatoyin Sanni, Group CEO, United Capital

A leader must never leave his people in doubt about his expectations of them. If expectations are not properly communicated, there will be gaps in execution.

Juliet Ehimuan, Country Manager, Google Nigeria

Harold Obasohan, CEO, Brava Energy The major challenge faced by most organizations has to do with combining the execution of a strategic plan with running its routine activities. When there is a clash between the urgent and the important, it is the important that often suffers. Not many companies are able to extricate themselves from the pressing demands of the moment to make room for the emergence of a prosperous future. This is why strategic plans are often sacrificed on the altar of expediency.

But leaders who are conscious of the Murphy’s Law which states that whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, are often careful to ensure that they keep their eyes on the plan by defining their specific objectives which they never fail to appraise on a daily basis. ommunicate expectations and why A leader can never over-communicate. As a matter of fact one of the basic responsibilities

of a leader is to communicate the vision and the essence of the organization to all stakeholders. So, a leader must never leave his people in doubt about his expectations of them. If expectations are not properly communicated, there will be gaps in execution. In the book, The One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard advocates that in order to have an effective execution of plans there must be an agreement on goals.

The leader and the team must be on the same page concerning what is expected of the team.

If expectations are clearly stated, it becomes easy to measure performance.

But beyond just giving the team what is expected of them, it is important that the leader lets the people into why the organization is taking the route it has opted for. The only way to get a buy-in from the people is to let them know why the plan is important and their role in its realization. As put by Friedrich Nietzsche, he who has a why can bear almost anyhow. If the team members are made to comprehend what the organization is doing, why it is doing and why their own role in its execution is important, it is almost certain that they will give their all to its success.

Give timeline Whatever is left to chance is certain to be a victim of fate. Leaders, knowing that things don’t just happen but are rather made to happen, always put a timeline to whatever plan they want to see come to life. They know that unless a timeline is attached to an assignment the assignment may never get done. According to the Parkinson’s Law, propounded by C. Northcote Parkinson, work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. The import of the law is that a task will never get to the concluding stage unless a time is set for its completion. To make the most of time and get the best out of a task, a deadline must be set for it right from the outset. Failure of which will leave the work to continue almost ad infinitum.

Monitor and measure progress Every team member who knows he has to give a report about the task he has been assigned will endeavour to get the expected result. The tendency is to slow down and do what is convenient when there is no premium placed on the provision of feedback. So, to ensure that no room for failure is allowed, the leadership of the organization must put measures in place to assess progress. As explained by Louis V. Gartner, a leader should not expect what he does not regularly inspect. To avoid having a plan that gets stuck along the way or that does not get executed at all, the onus is on the leader to always monitor and measure progress. If he does anything to the contrary the outcome will leave him disappointed, dissatisfied and disillusioned.

Factor in the unexpected Plans don’t always pan out as planned. There are times when well thought-out plans go awry not because of the incompetence or carelessness of those handling it but due principally to unforeseen circumstances which could be as a result of change in government policies, natural disasters or even sicknesses. Therefore, it is important to always have a fallback position, also known as Plan B, to guard against being a victim of circumstances. The effect of any unexpected occurrence is mitigated if a Plan B had been thought of and factored into the planning process.

BOOK THOMAS J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman, Jr., wrote “In Search of Excellence” as a model covering all elements of operations and functions of businesses big and small.

In Search of Excellence gives great analysis and interesting examples to back up their theories. This book discusses eight core principles and McKinsey 7-S framework chart provided to companies for success.

The authors break down the topics into specific themes with thoughts and charts for knowledge. Their findings suggest that eight core principles are common for excellent organization; bias for action, close to the customer, autonomy and entrepreneurship, productivity through people, hands on, value driven, stick to knitting, focus on what you do best, simple form lean staff and balance between centralized/decentralized organization.

The McKinsey 7-S Framework deals with strategy, structure, style, systems, staff (people), skills, and shared values (culture). Informal organizations can manage executives that are intractable, irrational and intuitive. When 7-S framework chart is used. Meaning that a new manager’s performance would be like the old manager is ludicrous.

The organization of workers must adjust and adapt to the new manager’s way of business.

Peters and Waterman do a great

In Search of Excellence

job of explaining and giving examples of these eight principles while applying McKinsey 7-S framework chart. When nurturing and reward employees for excellence. Provide a climate of security and creativity in which employees developed loyalty and understanding of corporate values, and in turn developed to their full potential. Those long-term customer relationships based on trust, high quality and value in products and service.

Re-inventing your company continuously within a defined sense of mission and social purpose.

The eight principles below demonstrate values that work because they make sense. Growth is really about: the ability to learn and teach. This research was the first of its kind identifying these principles.

The first principle is a bias for action. This is saying “Do it, work it or apply it” When Arby’s has a rush of customers and their supplies for making food are low, one customer would say “You know what, my food is cold” or “You forgot my pickles and onions?” They act and fix the problem, make it over if necessary, and get the problem solved as quickly as possible.

The second Principle is to be close to the customer. This means good service and listening to what the customer has to say. If the producer, Arby’s is not in touch with

what the customer wants to eat, then the business will most likely fail. Although it also refers to customer satisfaction, quality food made right and courteous service: “Have a nice day and enjoy your meal!”

The third principle is autonomy and entrepreneurship. This is the innovation principal. Microsoft is known for innovation and they welcome change, and creating new products. For example, Microsoft designed a new program each year that’s effective and user friendly to

companies. The constant change and improvement in products and worker friendly cause individuals to buy into its vision. Innovation

by Bill Gates and his partners put their corporation on top because of its product line.

The fourth principle is productivity through people. This deals with the individual as the best means for efficiency improvement rather than capital investment. If Arby’s could put everyone in the area of work, they enjoyed (drivethru, cashier...). Then they could produce more food and maximize their use.

The fifth principle is hands on, value driven. This is the standard setting and enforcing values in a company. This is keeping the manager in touch with the assembly line worker and projecting the company’s original ideas, instead of an image of some suited executive lurking in a big, dark office.

The sixth principle is to stick to the knitting. They say that if a company is in the food business, it should not branch off into the wood industry unless there is nowhere else to go. Define yourself and your structure, and then stick to the knitting.

The seventh principle is a simple form, lean staff. This means leaving few people up top to manage a company and keep the form of management simple.

THE 60-SECOND business coach

6 things successful people do

By Nicolas Cole SUCCESS is a game of habits. In itself, “success” is a relative term and so its “achievement” is fully dependent upon the habits you put into place that move you step by step toward the “end” you define for yourself.

1. Successful people plan ahead.

Failure to prepare is the act of preparing to fail.

Those who are successful at what it is they want to do spend a healthy amount of time planning, thinking, strategizing, and preparing in advance. They don’t wait until the moment has arrived to contemplate how they’ll tackle a situation.

Instead, they get as much completed and ready ahead of time so they are more free to embrace the challenges of the moment.

Spend some time each night, and at the end of each week, reflecting on what it is you’ve accomplished already and what it is you want to “get done” next. Make your list, create your plan of action, and then let that ruminate in your subconscious while you sleep. And the next morning, you will be one step ahead.

2. Successful people do the hard

stuff first.

Lazy people have a knack for getting done all the things that are not true priorities. But when it comes to the hard stuff, they suddenly find every reason why they could not complete the task.

That’s because hard stuff is, well, “hard.”

It is a priority for a reason, and that’s because it is the thing that’s going to move the needle. But often times, what moves the needle lies in the unknown. It requires a risk, or a leap of faith, in some way.

3. Successful people say no.

If you want to go your own way, be prepared to piss a lot of people off.

Nobody likes being told no. That’s why so many people say yes to things. They don’t want to make others feel bad, or they don’t want to sever current or potential friendships, or they don’t want to be excluded from future possibilities, or they don’t want to be looked down upon, etc.

But the truth is, if you want to be successful, you’re going to have to say no a lot more than you say yes. Want to go hang out at the bar? Want to post up for the afternoon and watch football? Want to take an extended vacation? None of these things are bad in themselves, but if you still haven’t made your dream come

true, then realize that every time you say yes to what someone else wants you to do, you are saying no to whatever it is you truly want to do.

4. Successful people invest in themselves.

Both in terms of time and money, successful people see life through a lens of investment.

The majority of people don’t invest; they spend. They spend the money they earn. They spend their time with people they don’t really like, doing things they don’t really enjoy. They spend and spend and then wake up one morning wondering why their life is the way it is.

Successful people, on the other hand, invest. They are conscious of how they spend their time and invest it toward their goals. They invest their money in creating additional revenue streams, not owning depreciating assets. They invest in themselves, taking courses, exposing themselves to worthwhile attractions, feeding their interests.

5. Successful people surround themselves with other successful people.

Your network is your net worth.

The true value of having a network is

not access to “things.” It’s access to habits and thought processes you would otherwise struggle to create on your own.

When you are surrounded by people who embody the same traits you hope to one day have, it speeds up the learning process. You inherently rise to their standard, and push yourself to grow through imitation (which is actually a very good thing). Similarly, if you are surrounded by negative people, lazy people, angry and depressing people, those same traits will rub off on you.

6. Successful people are accountable for their actions.

Lazy people point the finger at others and make excuses for why things didn’t happen. Successful people own up to the weight of their actions and take accountability for their own shortcomings.

This is a habit and a mindset, and one that takes years to cultivate properly. To truly be successful, you have to be extremely self-aware and willing to question the reality you are living. If things are amiss or not going the way you want them to, you cannot point at others and blame them for your unhappiness, dissatisfaction, etc. You have to own up and admit that you created your reality and nobody else.

22

leadership&management

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

TOPE POPOOLA is a Human Capital developement Consultant and Pastor. Please feel free to send questions, feedback comments on this column to

topheritage@yahoo.com or visit http//turbochargedforsuccess.blogspot.com

The dominion of ideas 2

Why is it that I always get my best ideas while shaving? – Albert Einstein The man with a new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds – Mark Twain SEVERAL ideas that have contributed significantly to humanity and changed the way we do things have come by accident. The micro-wave oven, dynamite, Velcro, the pacemaker, Viagra and anesthesia are all products of serendipity. In addition, serendipitous ideas can come from contemporary experiences that most people would ordinarily despise. I can relate with Einstein when he says that his best ideas have come to him while shaving. Although I cannot say mine was while shaving, I can confirm that many of the ideas that have brought me great fulfillment were inspired in the bathroom. Ideas can come while reading a book. They can come while engaging in or listening to a conversation.

They can also come as sequel to the attendance of an event.

Sometimes, brilliant but “crazy” ideas have emerged as the aftermath of a meeting with a mentor or even a protégé.

Ideas don’t give notice before coming. Just keep your eyes, ears and brain open!

There are basically two types of ideas. Napoleon Hill identifies them as SYNTHETIC and AUTHENTIC. A synthetic idea is an idea that seeks to improve on an idea that is already in existence. The Personal Computer was not invented by IBM or HP. It was invented by Rank Xerox! But hardly anyone remembers that today because of what IBM and HP have done with the product. The first mechanical wrist watch is said to have been invented in Switzerland.

Over a period of several years, the Swiss became famous for their wrist watches and those watches became the benchmark for every other country or brand. An improvement on the mechanical wrist watch was the digital wrist watch that displayed time in Liquid Crystal. This was also said to have been invented by another Swiss national. However, Swiss watch makers and investors took no notice of it until a Trade Fair sometimes in the seventies changed the equation. The Japanese were at the Fair and saw the digital wrist watch on display. They took a good look at it. The rest they say, is history! Every new model of a car, irrespective of how it

is powered, is simply an improvement on Henry Ford’s authentic invention, the motor car! A synthetic idea is however no less a breakthrough idea. The continuous improvement culture is encapsulated by the Japanese concept of “Kaizen”.

Sometimes, improvement on an existing idea or product could just be a slight change in the content, the flavor or the presentation of the idea in a way that significantly improves on the foundational idea.

An authentic idea on the other hand is what can be regarded as an original idea at the time it was conceived.

Usually conceived as an idea that never existed or was not known to exist at the time, authentic ideas actually demand some sometimes earth-shaking shifts in thinking. An authentic idea forces us to think outside the box. In actual fact, they simply break the box! More often than not, originators of such are usually viewed by the rest of society whose world-view is usually limited by what they have got used to in their daily experience, as crazy or irrational ‘cranks’ who need their sanity reexamined. New ideas usually break the frontiers of “collective reasoning” and contemporary professional opinion. Originators of new ideas stand on the fringes of contemporary collective thought and interrogate reality with reframed questions. When the rest of society says this is the only way it can be done, they ask “Why?” When the rest of us say something cannot be done, they ask “Why not?” When Henry Ford first mooted the idea of a car, professional engineers actually pontificated that no man could travel at a speed faster than a horse unless he wanted to commit suicide! Henry Ford was once said to have been arrested for practicing engineering without a licence!

Inventors are people who are willing at all times, to swim against the tide. Thomas Edison, the man who invented the incandescent light bulb was literally begging people to try it out because practically everyone believed that their oil lamps served them better! He went ahead to patent over 1000 other inventions! According to Albert Einstein, “If at first the idea is not absurd, there is no hope for it!” For someone who was written off in early school years as a dullard but who went ahead to propound the Theory of Relativity which has been the basis of the atomic bomb and nuclear

sciences, he should know!

To the Christian, Abraham is known as the father of faith.

But it would not have been so if he had not moved against the tide. Every idea God gave him was unprecedented.

“Leave your family and city of abode” at the age of 75!

“Go and get circumcised.” at the age of ninety nine! And to crown it all, he was asked to sacrifice a son that he had waited till he was a hundred years old to get. Even today, to many who read his story, it still does not make sense!

Contrary to what many believe, breakthrough ideas are not the exclusive preserve of only a privileged few that God was partial enough to have a special liking for. Anyone who has a brain and can think has - or will have at one time or the other – had a few breakthrough ideas. You may then ask the question, “How come not everybody is successful or has significantly impacted humanity with their ideas?” Simple.

Not every dreamer does something about their dreams.

Most dreams die even before they pass the conception stage.

This is because most of us are conformists who would rather not endure public outcry on the ‘ridiculousness’ of our ideas.

We mostly find it difficult to stand up to criticism and cannot stand rejection. Our insatiable craving for approval and affirmation is the number one crippling factor of original thought. Yet the best ideas looked too simple and stupid at the onset! In fact, the only reason why many people never progress with their idea is because it appears too simple and pedestrian that you ask yourself a self-sabotaging question, “If it was this simple, why aren’t other people already doing it?”

Sam Walton was the founder of America’s largest supermarket chain Wal-Mart and its wholesale membership only counterpart, Sam’s Club. When he opened the first WalMart Store in 1962, his competitors believed that it would only be a matter of time before he would go bankrupt. Why? Nobody believed that a business that offered the lowest prices possible along with excellent customer service could go the long haul. Walton died in 1992 but the business keeps growing… continued.

Remember, the sky is not your limit, God is!

Leaving and cleaving principle 1

To start with, I took some hours out to study how a renowned company in the United States of America became successful. I needed to dig out the principles behind their success, because of a sea of faces of companies I do consult for—both within and beyond the shores of the beautiful nation of Nigeria. You know principles are no respecter of anyone and any country. If they are working in the US, they shall work in Nigeria. If companies in Nigeria can do what they are doing, they shall get the same result they are getting. This is what they do in that company: They hire for attitude and train for skills.

They want people who like people—people who believe in their company and those who enjoy serving customers.

They are not hiring for certificate. Most companies are failing in Nigeria today, because they only hire for certificate, devoid of attitude. They hire for certificate and train for skills, and they are back struggling in the critical area of attitude. Their employees are skillful and do have a lot of certificates in their possession, but most of them are bankrupt in the spot of attitude.

Let us move to what I have got to share with you today. A few months ago, I was invited by an organization in Lagos to speak to about two hundred people on how they could end up leading the pack in the days to come. In the course of my session with them that lasted for about four hours, I spoke to them on a number of leadership principles that leaders who know their onions do not take lightly, but today, I have chosen to single out one of them: ‘Leaving and cleaving principle.’ I am so sure that this principle is going to open your eyes and your life shall experience a complete turnaround. Here we go!

To either become a leader in the days to come or to effectively lead right now, you’d need to understand this time-

less principle of leaving and leaving. One of the reasons people are not making giant progress in life is because they do not understand this unavoidable principle. There is no one who is successful in his or her field of business, who does not understand what I am passing on to you today.

A few blocks of years ago, I needed to leave some folks, who were not adding value to me, but constantly taking from me, and did cleave to some folks who are relevant to my purpose on earth. This singular difficult decision has changed my life forever! You too may need to evaluate those who you surround yourself with. Are they adding any value to your life or they are constantly taking value from you without adding any value to you? This is the major reason why a lot of people are not moving forward today.

Are there people you’d need to leave today? And are there people you’d need to cleave to today? If you can be sincere with yourself, this principle will change your life forever.

There are people you are hanging-out with that are bringing storm into your life and business. Prayers and fasting cannot calm this kind of storm. The only panacea to it is for you to severe yourself from them. There are people that bring crisis to one’s life and there are people that bring solution to crisis. Buddy, it is just one person you shall cleave to and your life, business and leadership shall change forever!

Furthermore, one of the core evidences that will show that you have found your purpose is when you leave all you were doing before finding it and cleave to it as a man would cleave to his newly wedded wife. I found my own purpose when I was a teenager and I did cleave to it. I left all I was doing and did cleave to it. And till today, I am still cleaving to it. And when you cleave to your purpose, you shall become so passionate about it. You cannot be con-

nected to your purpose and not become passionate about it. When you cleave to it, nothing comes between you and your purpose.

As this year is running to an end and 2017 is beckoning, you shall need to evaluate those you are moving with. You will need to leave some people and cleave to some people.

This is one of the tough decisions you will need to make in order to live a different life in 2017. One of the major reasons why your 2016 is not different from 2015 is because you have surrounded yourself with folks who are not relevant to where you are going in life.

Also, in the midst of failure, you’d need to learn how to cleave to success, even before success becomes a reality. If you don’t, the weight of failure will cause you to give up.

Those who cleave to success before it becomes a reality do not give up when tough times come calling.

Those who have cleaved to success usually are not afraid of making difficult choices. As 2017 beckons, get ready to make difficult decisions in order to stay successful, relevant and useful. Remember, your character is shaped most in the moments when you are called to make difficult choices. Do not forget that it is easier to become a leader than to remain a leader. To remain a leader in your field of business, you will need to be making difficult choices from time to time.

About a decade ago, I came across a striking story of when someone poisoned several boxes of Tylenol of Johnson & Johnson in the 1970s. When the company got wind of what transpired, they pulled Tylenol off the shelves of every store in America. The company ran TV commercials, urging people to stop taking its own product. This ethical action cost Johnson & Johnson million of dollars, but it kept the trust of its customers strong…continued.

23

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

8 common investor phrases translated into normal English page 25

3 investment 5 sales areas for success entrepreneurs strategies for page 24

marketing agencies page 25

10 personal devt tips for entrepreneurs E

By Victorino Abrugar

ntrepreneurship is tough.

It involves a lot of challenges and requires a lot of sacrifices to carry out successfully. Entrepreneurs who take the risks in starting an enterprise and bringing their great ideas to the market usually face difficult trials, such as the lack of financial resources and lack of people support.

That is why they need to make themselves tough enough to survive and succeed in the entrepreneurial world. To strengthen your

entrepreneurial spirit, here are 18 personal development tips for entrepreneurs.

1. Overcome your worst enemy – you. Defy your own greed, lies, foolishness, injustice and other negative personal qualities that may destroy your business and life as a whole.

2. If you can’t be perfect, then at least set your direction to perfection. That is why we need to always come up with a great plan to minimise mistakes.

Continues on pg25

How they started With a com pany that st the triple b ottom line, rives to meet an accounti framework ng wit environmen h three parts - social, tal (or ecolo gical) and financial President a nd Founder Open-End of ed Venture s (A alongside h is foreign p frica) Ltd, artners, are the process in of in Ogonilan cleaning up oil spilla ge d, and revit ali vironment at the same sing the entime, throu subsidiary, gh a OilOff Afric a Ltd.

Continues

on pg26

24

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

3 investment areas for entrepreneurs during recession

T

he global economy is plummeting and people are starting to lose hope, faith in our government practices and in their ability to be successful during these challenging times.

With millions of job losses and the media poisoning our minds with information that may be only half accurate, we need to start taking the time to invest in three main areas: our financial education, our personal brands and building strong relationships that will last through the recession. It’s really easy to lose hope now, but you must remain calm, cool and collected or else you’ll lose focus, money and you won’t get a job anytime soon if you’re currently unemployed. Many people who are getting laid off are taking a risk to start their own businesses because they feel like they have nothing to lose. One in four workers who have not found jobs is considering launching a business, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey.

For the rest of workers, who feel like they could be unemployed today, tomorrow or in two weeks, please read this post so that they can at least start protecting yourself against a future

tragedy.

Financial education We don’t really learn how to manage money in College, so we have to figure out how to on our own. Of course, school teaches us the basics, such as balancing our check books, but we aren’t prepared for a financial crisis and we don’t have enough of an understanding of “cash flow.” I recently started reading Robert Kiyosaki’s new book, which is being published free online for the

time being, called “Conspiracy of the Rich.” So far, I’ve read to Chapter 6, patiently waiting for the next few chapters to be complete and uploaded to the site. Robert, who also wrote the bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, is convinced that we’re headed into a depression (worse than a recession) because of bad debt, a corrupt banking system and the reality that the our paper money isn’t backed by anything anymore (our money will be worth nothing at some point). Understanding our history, as

How to develop yourself Continued from pg23

3. Learn how to be invisible. In other words, learn how to be selfless.

4. Allow yourself to be low to lift people up. Be humble and inspire other people.

5. Be sharp yet be gentle in leading your employees and followers.

6. Don’t just listen to what people say, but also

feel what they feel. In other words, be compassionate.

7. Don’t just memorize things, but also realize them.

Don’t just acquire knowledge through reading and wisdom through weighing, but also obtain understanding through experience and insight through reflections.

8. Take a dose of self-motivation every day. Be positive and be resourceful in getting

inspiration anywhere.

9. Deepen your values to become your core values.

Don’t just put your values in your heart, but also put them in your whole life or way of living.

10. Produce more patience by not backing out from any crisis. Remember that life is a long test.

Source: businesstips. ph

well as new trends (the internet), and how money is changing, will benefit you greatly during this time period. I recommend reading this book, finding someone whose rich (that has money coming in even if they stop working) and getting advice.

Your personal brand Investing in your personal brand is going to be critical to surviving in the future because of the popularity of the internet, the fact that more business is being taken place each day on the internet and because, competitive, you have to. There are two main things you need to know. First, protecting your personal brand is something that you can’t neglect now because other people may share your own name and claim your digital real estate first and then charge you later (possibly). Second, promoting your brand is how you’re going to find work during these tough times because visibility creates opportunities and because you need endorsements from

other people in order to secure a job without much effort.

Obtaining digital assets in your name, such as your domain name and profiles on social networks, is what’s going to get your name out there, at the cost of your time.

During this recession, you’ll need to spend more of your time on building your brand because you’ll need to invest your money to be financial stable.

Building strong relationships It’s not just about forming any type of relationship.

During this economic crisis, strong ties are going to count and weak ties are going to break. The key is figuring out who you want to be extra close with and being honest with yourself as to who you think will actually take care of you and become your “safe haven.”

Your family and closest friends will hopefully be there for you, but, depending on their own interests and financial situation,

things may change a bit. Relationships are more valuable than money because they can help you become more productive, allow you to scale your personal brand so you can service more people (clients/management), and because they can help you stay employed or find a new job.

Aside from investing in your financial education and your personal brand, spend at least 10 hours a week forging stronger relationships with other people.

Culled from lifehack. org

8 commo

By Danny Wong People, in general, like to make other people happy. And despite their reputation for a clear-eyed focus on business fundamentals (read: commitment to making money), that includes your friendly local venture capitalist.

This reality, coupled sometimes with a

25

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Book of the week

Money and the Prosperous Soul

by Stephen DeSilva

“I’ve watched people convert $1000 of knowledge into a fortune. I’ve also witnessed others take a million dollars of education and burn empires to the ground.

Having taught marketing to hundreds of thousands, and personally consulted with thousands, I’ve discovered you can learn most of what you really need to know about business in two to three years.

After that, your success has more to do with emotional and spiritual beliefs and “head trash” than what you actually know in your brain.

DeSilva does a better job of untangling spiritual beliefs about money than anyone else I’ve seen.

Along with Star Principle, this is the other hugely underrated book on my list.”

- Staff of Entrepreneur Media, Inc

Nigerian Tribune

Focus: Business in Nigeria and Sustainability products from companies that are not seen as behaving responsibly. “Companies should use this knowledge to act as a force for good, become part of the responsible movement. This is not utopia, it is enlightened self-interest,” he reiterated.

“We are working to ensure that our employees are happy to work for an organization that is seen to be making a difference. In any company, you have to go back to what drives people. Making more money or being bigger means less and less, that, to us, is rewarding,” he said.

Managing Director of Godrej Nigeria Mr Sanjiv Jetly is an experienced leader with a proven record in business development, operational management and implementing significant changes in diverse cultural environments.

He is specialized in strategic business management with extensive focus on growth strategy, implementation brilliance and return to profitability. A Godrej Leadership Forum member, with 26 years of global experience in leading FMCG organisation, he is a dynamic and commercially astute leader.

Godrej is a 118 years young company. Established in 1897, the Godrej Group has its roots in India’s Independence and Swadeshi movement. Our founder, Ardeshir Godrej, lawyer-turned-serial entrepreneur failed with a few ventures, before he struck gold with a locks business.

Today, the Group enjoys the patronage of 1.1 billion consumers globally across consumer goods, real estate, appliances, agriculture and many other businesses.

Its geographical footprint extends beyond Earth as its engines now power many of India’s space missions. With revenue of over USD 4.1 billion, the company is growing fast and has exciting as well as ambitious aspirations. Godrej’s vision for 2020 is to be 10 times the size it was in 2010 Business operations in Nigeria Doing business in Nigeria has been a great experience for the company.

“Nigeria has a much better social and business environment than is perceived from outside. It is surprising that as compared to the information available outside the country, people are very friendly and hospitable,” Mr Sanjiv said.

The company clearly understands that installing confidence about the company in the minds of the people is very important. Confidence creates an affinity for your

Longterm business sustainability and its implications for business He points out that there is often little motivation to take on the challenge of acculturating long-term business sustainability and that most business leaders are fixated at the moment with getting through the current economic turmoil.

“Long-term sustainability should be central to a business’ strategic development process. Companies should ensure their sustainability teams are fully integrated into the strategy development process, rather than operating in a vacuum”.

He concludes that businesses should be forward-thinking so that they can become leaders when new trends appear and they should revise and review their plans regularly. This helps business leaders proactively identify potential long-term trends and issues.

Sanjiv brands and also builds a lasting relationship between the company and the people.

“Another great thing about Nigeria is that trade here is lively. This is not surprising because in terms of size, population and attitude to innovations, Nigeria, is one of the few countries that has it all. However, you have to understand the rules of the game and the rules and laws of the country”, he said.

The role of consumers to Godrej Like most companies, Mr Sanjiv

mentioned that Godrej has learnt about its consumers. “If our products are bad or is too expensive, they will not buy, given that Godrej is a consumer goods company, it makes more sense to focus the company’s attention on changing the behavior of its customers, who account for the majority of the company’s environmental footprint. We are a company focused on the consumer so we have a lot to do there”, he said.

He also believes that the world is gradually approaching an era where consumers will stop buying

Nigeria’s current economic recession While some people worry that the pace of change is far too slow to address the scale of problems that Nigeria is currently facing, Mr. Sanjiv cautions against pessimism and suggests that the foundations for transformation are being put in place and they are being put in place to ensure sustainability.

He also believes that the government will take actions that that are sufficient enough to address the problems explaining that other countries have been through what the country is going through and have worked their way out of it successfully.

on investor phrases translated into normal English healthy dose of strategic obfuscation, means that investors are often, how shall we say this, less than entirely candid with founders.

Don’t believe me? On his blog recently, 500 Start-ups partner Sean Percival went so far as to write, “During the pitch, no one is actually saying what they

really mean.”

“This can be frustrating for both sides involved,” he goes on to say (with a touch of understatement). But thankfully, Percival is happy to play translator, offering a list of common phrases used

by VCs as well as what they really mean. Here you go:

“It’s too early for us to jump in here” = I can’t think of a real reason to decline “We’re looking for mission-driven founders” = We expect you to work unhealthy amounts of hours on this.

“When is your round closing?” = How long can I delay in giving you a commitment?

“Who else are you talking with?” = I’m going to email them right after this meeting to gossip about you “Who else is investing in this round?” = Is anyone smarter than me sticking their neck out first?

“How are your cohorts performing?” = I sound smart if I use

words like “cohorts” “Oh, yes. I know them very well!” = We had lunch once “We’re going to pass at this time, but I’ll be rooting from the sidelines for you!” = I’m appearing supportive just in case you actually make it work and I want to invest later Of course, founders

are guilty of less than straight talk too. So check out the complete post for Percival’s list of founder phrases, as well as a handy guide to reading the tea leaves of investor meeting behaviour (muffins, apparently, are a really good sign).

This article was first published on inc.com

26

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Rates to rise as investors’ preference for fixed income securities intensify Expectations are high that money market rates will adjust upwards as investors continue to buy into fixed income securities.

Traders said rates will bend to liquidity dynamics as dictated by the Open Market Operation mopups expected to be conducted by the Central Bank

of Nigeria barring any unexpected inflow.

At the Treasury Bills auction on (T-bills) Wednesday, N28.1 billion of 91-day, N23.6 billion of 182-day and N89.1 billion of 364-day instruments were issued at stop rates of 14.0 per cent, 17.3 per cent and 18.3 per cent respectively.

The auction was oversubscribed by 0.4 times with net subscription amounting to N398.1 billion against net offered amount of N140.9 billion.

Nigeria’s interbank lending rate eased to around 15 percent on Friday, down from nearly 40 percent for overnight lending a week ago, as the disbursal of

August budget allocations to government agencies boosted market liquidity.

“We expect money market rates to adjust in tandem to liquidity dynamics as dictated by OMO mop-ups by the Apex Bank barring any unexpected inflow,” said dealers from Afrinvest West Africa Limited.

with Chima Nwokoji m:08032637535 e:chimatitus@yahoo.com

S&P lowers 6 banks’ ratings citing economic risks

S

tandard and Poor (S&P), Global Ratings on Friday lowered its long-term counterparty credit ratings on six Nigerian banks after reviewing 9 lenders and one holding company.

The rating actions S&P said, reflect the view that economic risk in the Nigerian banking system has increased due to the weak economic environment in Nigeria, arising from low oil prices, a restrictive foreign exchange regime, and delayed fiscal stimulus.

In its latest report, the agency said it lowered longterm counterparty credit ratings on top lenders as follows: Access Bank PLC (ABC), to ‘B’ from ‘B+’; Guaranty Trust Bank PLC (GTB), to ‘B’ from ‘B+’; Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC (Stanbic), to ‘B’ from ‘B+’; Zenith Bank PLC (ZNB), to ‘B’ from ‘B+’; Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. (ECN) to ‘B’ from ‘B+’; Fidelity Bank PLC (FID), to ‘B-’ from ‘B’ and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), to ‘B-’ from ‘B’.

According to S&P, the lowering of the rating on Ecobank (ECN) reflects the fact that that the group’s diversification has not protected the operations from Nigeria’s downturn and “we expect financial performance will be negatively affected by the volatility of its operating environment.”

It said the lowering of the ratings on Fidelity reflects our view that the challenging economic and operating environment in Nigeria will impact mid-tier banks’ financial performance more than top-tier banks’, owing to their weaker business position and more expensive

From left, Tseyi Hammond, Deputy Director & Head Institutional Sales, FBN Capital Plc, Tseyi Hammond receiving the Best Africa Investment Bank Award from Hurbert Danso, CEO & Vice Chairman, Africa Investor at the Ai Capital Market & Index Series Awards 2016, held in New York. funding.

“For Fidelity, we think that credit losses will increase to around two to three per cent, still below the system average. The expected deterioration in the bank’s financial profile is now factored in to the ratings; hence the outlook is now stable,” the report stated.

On FCMB, it said the lowering of the ratings reflects the view that the bank’s asset quality is vulnerable to the economic downturn in Nigeria because of its significant credit concentrations by sector, single-obligor, and foreign currency, alongside the higher exposure to retail lending compared with peers (albeit salary backed).

It further said that the lowering of the ratings on Access Bank, GTB, and Zenith

reflects the opinion that the heightened economic risks in Nigeria will weigh on these banks’ financial performance and increase their credit losses.

While the agency expects pressure on their earnings in 2016-2017, it anticipates that they will be able to maintain better asset quality and lower cost of risk than the sector average. Access, GTB, and Zenith have access to top-tier corporate clients and low-cost deposits in Nigeria, and have demonstrated stronger underwriting skills and management of their foreign currency liquidity than the sector average according to S&P. Also, the lowering of the ratings on Stanbic reflects the expectation that the bank’s asset quality will

weaken due to the economic downturn in Nigeria. The agency said it believes that Stanbic is better-placed to withstand economic shocks than most of the mid-tier banks, thanks to expected parental support from the Standard Bank Group (SBG) Ltd. “Our assessment of industry risk for Nigerian banks is unchanged, and we maintain our view that its trend is negative. We note that foreign currency reserves have fallen to $26.2 billion in 2016 compared with $34.2 billion in 2015 and that banks have foreign exchange orders amounting to about 15 per cent of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s international reserves, partly to settle letters of credit opened on behalf of their customers,” it read in part.

Nigerian Tribune

Money Market Review

Contrary to deficit opening balances throughout the previous week, aggregate system liquidity improved this week as liquidity levels opened in a surplus position on all trading sessions save for Monday when opening balance stood at a deficit of N123.1 billion. Accordingly, Open Buy-Back (OBB) and Overnight (O/N) rates eased 22.8 per cent and 21.7 per cent week on week (W-o-W) respectively but remained in double digit levels.

On Monday, aggregate liquidity level in the system was buoyed by a Federal Government bond coupon inflow of over N40.0billion which ensured a 10.1 per cent and 8.2 per cent points decline in OBB and O/N (O/N) lending rates to 26.2 per cent and 28.8 per cent respectively. Rates moderated further to 17.3 per cent and 18.4 per cent respectively on Tuesday and eventually settled at 10.3 per cent and 11.8 per cent by midweek as system liquidity further improved.

However, dealers at Afrinvest West Africa Limited said an open market operation (OMO) mop-up worth N201.

0billion coupled with Treasury (T)-bills auction debits for Wednesday’s Primary Market Auction (PMA) drove OBB and O/N rates 6.5 per cent and 6.3 per cent points higher to 16.8 per cent and 18.1 per cent on Thursday.

Despite the OMO mop-up on Friday (of N207.1bn), OBB and O/N rates moderated on Friday down 3.3 per cent and 2.8 per cent to 13.5 per cent and 15.3 per cent respectively.

This could be attributable to about N200.0billion Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) inflow which had earlier hit the system.

On Monday, average T-bills rate rose 10 basis points (bps) to 17.2 per cent (from 17.1% on Friday). Average rate however dropped 12bps points on Tuesday to settle at 17.0 per cent amid speculation on the outcome of the MPC meeting.

The impact of Wednesday’s T-bills auction on system liquidity was however offset by a net T-bills maturity of N90.

9billion and an OMO maturity of N149.5billion on Thursday. Traders said average T-bills rate closed the week at 17.5 per cent on Friday, down 41bps W-o-W. Foreign Exchange The naira appreciated 0.3 per cent W-o-W at the interbank market as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept policy rates constant during the week. Interbank market spot rate appreciated on Monday as the local unit strengthened to N307.25/$1 from N308.69/$1 on Friday following a S$1.5 million worth of foreign exchange (FX) intervention by the Apex Bank. Nonetheless, the Naira weakened to N310.08/$1 and N313.07/$1 on Wednesday and Thursday despite further intervention by CBN on both trading days.

However, the domestic currency rallied in the interbank to close the week at N307.79/$1 on Friday. Compared to $25.4 billion as at 30th August 2016, Gross External Reserves stands at $24.7 billion as at 22nd September 2016, down 2.8 per cent month to date. At the parallel market, the naira opened the week flat on Monday but appreciated to N424.00/$1 on Tuesday. However, parallel market rate tumbled 2.3 per cent W-o-W as the domestic currency closed the week at N435/$1 on Friday relative to N425/$1 in the previous Friday.

Activities in the futures market however improved as the total value of open contracts rose $159.3 million to $3.4 billion from $3.2 billion penultimate week. Investors were more interested in the August-May 2017 instrument as the value of open contract on the instrument increased to $38.53 million to $102.87 million.

The NGUS-FEB 2017 instrument trailed closely appreciating $34.61 million. Also, the August-October 2016 and NGUS-SEPT 2016 instruments recorded $23.91 million and $20.19 worth of buy interest during the week. The NGUS-APR 2017 and the NGUS-JUN 2017 contracts however saw the lowest patronage with value of open contract rising $0.51million apiece compared to the previous week where they witnessed the most buying interest.

Bond Market Contrary to previous weeks, activity level in the bond market picked up this week amid bullish sentiment, as average yield across benchmark bonds declined on all trading days and by 28bps W-o-W on the back of increased buying interest, particularly at the longer end of the curve.

On Monday, average yield across benchmark bonds dipped 11bps points to close at 14.9 per cent (from 15 per cent on Friday) as interest in the January 2026 and March 2036 instruments increased. This trend was sustained on the second trading session of the week as average yield further declined 7bps to close at 14.8 per cent on Tuesday.

Despite the MPC’s decision to maintain status quo on key rates, interest persisted on Wednesday, as average yield shed 17bp across benchmark bonds to close at 14.7 per cent.

Average yield further declined to 14.6 per cent on Thursday, eventually settling at 14.7 per cent.

“We think improved liquidity level contributed to the drop in yields this week, but anticipate a reversal in next week’s trading sessions as the central bank has maintained its policy tightening stance,” Afrinvest stated in a note to investors.

moneymarket Lender highlights Nigeria’s export potentials 27

A

s the Federal Government of Nigeria intensifies efforts to net in revenues from on non-oil export in a period of recession, Heritage Bank Limited, Nigeria’s Most Innovative lender has identified major commodities that can boost foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Some of the export potential products as listed by the bank under Agriculture are: Cocoa, Cashew, Groundnut, Fish, Horns, Sesame seed, Ginger, Cassava and Snails.

Others include: Tobacco, Coffee, Cotton lint, Rubber, among others. Under Vegetables and spices, the lender identified Bitter leaf, plantain flour, Ground melon, Ground Crayfish, Ground Maize among possible foreign exchange earners.

Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Ifie Sekibo said farmers and exporters of agricultural produce should seek more knowledge in order to increase the quality and quantity of their products because export business involves dealings with other world players.

The bank chief said the 10-year tenor export stimulation facility provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) at nine per cent interest rate is a laudable incentive for exporters.

According to him, although the lenders would want the economy to grow by lending to farmers and other productive sectors of the economy, farmers/borrowers/exporters on their part should know that banks want their monies back and that “there is need for competence, commitment and confidence in the process.”

Speaking on the topic: “Providing Finance for Exports: Expectation & Experience,” Sekibo said Nigeria can also export such manufactured Goods as: Cocoa cakes, butter, powder & liquor, detergents, Malt drinks Palm kernel cakes & oil, baby clothes, confectioneries, leather. In the category of handicraft, Sekibo noted that Nigeria can export Talking drums, Calabash, Wood carvings, Raffia products among others, not forgetting the ever flourishing Nollywood which is even being watched

by Militants (like Gendam) in neighbouring countries.

Represented by Mr Olugbenga Awe, Group Head, Agriculture Finance, Project & Development Finance Department of Heritage Bank, Sekibo regretted that exporters from Nigeria are not competitive enough, such that some Nigerian exporters go to Cameroun to bring in products, blend them to Nigerian products so that they can export. For instance, Yams that are consumed in London are from Ghana, not Nigeria.

As a country, Nigeria cannot afford to continue going backward in terms of non-oil export he reiterated.

The banker therefore advised exporters to master the steps to getting funding for export. He said, the first step is to know the difference between funds required for financing the business between

Monday, 26 September, 2016

the commencement of the manufacturing or procuring process and the dispatch of the goods, known as pre-shipment finance; and that of post-shipment finance, which are funds required for financing the exporter between the dispatch of goods and the receipt of payment.

It should be recalled that in recognition of Heritage Bank’s com-

mitment to promoting non-oil export business, the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) recently provided a $150 million funding support for the lender.

Afreximbank, a frontline African financial institution believes in the uniqueness of the business strategy of Heritage Bank especially the Small Growing Business focus of the bank which aligns with the

founding mission of Afreximbank.

According to Sekibo, exporters should also know that Banks look for certain criteria for financing.

“There must be history of previous performance in terms of volume of export handled in the past; Frequency of Export; Payment methods; Payment Terms; how Products are sourced and how risk are mitigated,” he said.

From Left: Chairman, Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), Mr Babajide Komolafe; Director, Development Finance Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr Mudashiru Olaitan; Managing Director, Starlink Global & Ideal Ltd, Mr Adeniji Adeyemi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Nnamdi Okwonkwo; Executive Director, JMG Ltd and Representative of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye and Group Head Agric Finance, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr Gbenga Awe, during the 2016 FICAN Annual Conference held in Lekki, Lagos.

Why borrowers can’t access long term loans —Fidelity Bank CEO Banks’ deposits are mainly shortterm in nature and lending such funds to customers for long-term can lead to asset mismatch, Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Namdi Okonkwo has said.

The bank chief who spoke at the 2016 Annual Conference organised by Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) said although the lenders would want the economy to grow by lending to farmers and other productive sectors of the economy, they also have to keep an eye on the stability of their institutions.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Nigeria Beyond Oil: Financing Options for Non-Oil Exports’, he said: “A whole lot of people do not realize that banks’ business is to buy and sell money. So, I come to the market to purchase my raw material is cash and my finished goods are also cash. Every other thing banks do are added services. Banks get a lot of bashing for not lending long-term. Then I ask you, if as a banker, I know that secret place, where I can find long-term funds, we will be the number one bank in Nigeria today, because I can lend long-term.”

Okonkwo reiterated that most depositors who have huge amounts to save, invest in short term basis and collect huge interest on such deposits.

“I want borrow N100 million, then bring me one depositor who will place N100 million with me at 10 per cent and I will lend at 15 per cent. Remember that in calculating those 10 per cent of N100 million, what you have actually given me is N75 million because

N25 million will be placed with the CBN as Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).

And for me to access N5 million out of the N25 million CRR cash, I have to lend the money for use in industrial production. Then what are your risk assessment criteria if the industrial sector you want to lend to is fighting for breath,” he asked.

Besides, the CRR, he said such lender has to pay five per cent of the N100 million initial deposit to Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) premium. “People actually believe that banks are not lending long-term because they do not want to. We do profitable business,” he said.

He explained that pension funds, equity and insurance funds where long-term funds should come from are not forth coming with such cash.

The Fidelity Bank boss also listed lack of right framework as being responsible for local banks not lending long term to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises(SMEs).

He lamented the problem of lack of infrastructure, such as lack of power, adding that his bank with about 248 branches generate private electricity to power its operations, the level of power that can serve Lagos state as a whole.

He regretted that a lot of banks collapsed in the past because of assets mismatch. “When there is a run in the system, the owners of the short term funds will come for their money and you have to pay them. And if you pay them, the people you gave long-term loans cannot pay up. Then you begin to have distress in the system,”

Okonkwo stated. .

He disclosed that the Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) and his bank are taking measures to enhance non-oil export and create wealth for Nigerians. Both lenders, he said, want exporters to explore opportunities presented by the N500 billion, non-oil Export Stimulation Facility, as well as the expansion of the export credit Re-discounting and Refinancing Facilities (RRF) to develop the economy, stimulate their operations, and create jobs for the people. He said his lender is always at the forefront of financial services solutions and lending, stressing that supporting SMEs goes beyond funding.

Okonkwo praised the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme unveiled by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), insisting that the project has the capacity to boost the country’s non-oil export earnings.

“The CBN has ensured that thousands of rice farmers form the anchor borrowers. The CBN lends money to the farmers, but you know it is not like in the past when the farmers saw such cash as government money and find it difficult to repay. What the CBN does now is give them the money in the form of inputs and improved seedlings. And the farmers have formed themselves into co-operatives to make loan repayment easy. And when the produce are harvested, the farmers get immediate buyers for their produce. I believe that over time, Nigerians will feel the impact of the scheme,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune

Interbank Settlement System to tap into Nigerian Universities’ Artworks Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) has concluded plans to provide young student artists the opportunity of having their works adorn its wall through an art competition for all artists who are students of higher institutions in Nigeria.

Addressing the press over the weekend to mark the flag off of submission of entries, Managing Director, NIBSS, Mr Ade Shonubi said paying for those ideas will help the students in school, encourage youth participation, with ultimate objective of reducing unemployment rate in Nigeria.

He said that NIBSS have been focusing on improvement of the payment system. It later focused on capacity building and this time, the institution is focusing on the environment, believing that the project is an effort that will also bring financial services to the unbanked and finally broaden financial inclusion.

According to him, rather than buying artworks to decorate the NIBSS building which is currently undergoing renovation, the management thought it wise to engage the youths and get the best out of them.

“We want to take that opportunity to encourage young people to start showcasing their talent. We want to commission young artists to embark on producing about 40 to 50 artworks that will adorn our building and they will be paid, based on quality of materials, size and other requirements. My dream is that in the next 20 or 40 years, somebody can say this is the original artwork done by this master-artist that is celebrated globally,” the NIBSS helmsman disclosed.

The company is looking to compliment the new look of its Head Office Complex on Victoria Island Lagos with a collection of diverse local art works that best reflect the themes being promoted and submission of entries lasts between September 21 and September 30, 2016.

Adenubi revealed that NIBSS expects interplay of relief features with water movement using sustainable materials, lighting, and nature, inorganic forms among others in expressing the concept and a bit of magic.

Available on NIBSS website according to the company, other features of the works to be commissioned include: space allocation of 6.8m wide x3.15 Height, while maximum base or pool extension is 0.8m; collage (analog and digital) Assemblage, Construction, in all mediums and styles; maximum of one piece9art work0 per artist that can be wall hung, free standing or pedestal mounted.

In terms of size, NIBSS wants all work to fit through: minimum 450mm x 1500mm, maximum 4600mm x 2600mm.

According to the interbank settlement house, all work must be original, new, customized to fit the company’s theme and NIBSS reserves the right of refusal on all work that is too fragile to display.

28

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

MTN doles out over N60m, other gifts in Mega hunt draw Telecoms service provider, MTN, made good its pre-promo promise as it gave out over N60 million to lucky subscribers in its Mega Hunt Promo Presentation Ceremony, held in Lagos, recently.

While four subscribers, Tunde Onaleke, Usman Abdulaziz, John Gasper and Rosemary Okeke emerged proud winners of N10 million each, 20 other subscribers of the network were rewarded with N1 million each, at a prize presentation event held before a select media, industry regu-

lators and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the ceremony, the company’s Country Manager, Upstream, Riaan Abdoll, explained that the promo was aimed at exciting and rewarding customers for their participation.

According to him, “Products like Mega Hunt gives ordinary people extra-ordinary chance and opportunity to make a difference,” Abdul said.

On his part, Consumer Marketing General Manager, MTN Nigeria, Richard

brands &

Iweanoge who was represented by the Sponsorship and Events Manager, Okundola Bamgboye described the promo as one of MTN’s ways of appreciating its teeming subscribers, who have stayed with the brand through the years.

“For us, our teeming subscribers are our most valuable asset and we consider it necessary to support them through initiatives like this and many others,” he said.

In her response, one of the lucky subscribers, Rosemary Okeke, a university

hopeful from Enugu, expressed utter shock at the prize, stating that she was at first skeptical of the process when she received a call from MTN concerning her winning.

She stressed that the cash prize would help her fund her University education effectively.

While some other lucky subscribers won N500,000 cash, some went home with gift items such as LED television sets, generators and smartphones.

with Akin Adewakun

mark ting m:08054683584 e:akadewakun@yahoo.co.uk

We will not tamper with our CSR spend, despite harsh economic environment —Airtel

From left, Director Starbright International, Mr Olu Ayeni; Ogun State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Modupe Mujota; Marketing Manager, Nestle Water, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mrs Gloria Nwbuike and Director, Social Mobilisation, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Omotunde Egunjobi, during the Nestle Nigeria Plc Launch Water Education for Teachers (WET) project and workshop, at DLK, Event Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

One of the nation’s frontline telecom companies, Airtel Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment to continue to prosecute its ‘giving back’ initiatives despite the nation’s harsh business environments.

Speaking at the flag- off of the third edition of its CSR programme, Airtel Touching Lives, in Lagos, recently, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya stated that the company was not contemplating reviewing, downwards, its spends on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, despite the challenging times.

bodies in Nigeria, promote and enhance the status of such professional bodies and offer advice, while also rendering assistance to government where necessary.

In his response, the president of NIMN, Aare Ganiyu Koledoye expressed delight that the institute had eventually joined the body.

According to him, the institute, which he said, is more than 40 years old, would have joined APBN more than ten years ago, but for internal wrangling, that almost tore it apart then.

“Each time we applied for such

admission then, the question was always, which of the factions?’ the NIMN boss stated.

He however expressed the hope that the collaboration would be mutually beneficial; since it would allow the institute to align with other professional bodies to speak with one voice.

In his goodwill message, the Managing Director, Berger Paints Nig. Ltd, Mr Peter Folikwe, assured APBN of the marketing institute’s commitment to adhering to rules and regulations set by APBN.

How APBN, NIMN collaboration will raise stakes of professionalism in marketing practice —Experts Stories By Akin Adewakun

M

arketing practice in Nigeria received a huge boost, over the weekend, as the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), the regulatory body established by law to regulate marketing practice in the country, formally became a member of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN).

APBN is the umbrella body of government-recognised professional associations in Nigeria, set up to speak with one voice on behalf its member-bodies.

With the inauguration of NIMN, the marketing institute becomes the 30th member of the professional bodies association.

Interestingly, since the collaboration was consummated in Lagos, few days ago, not a few have expressed the belief that such development would no doubt enhance the equity of marketing practice, and make it more attractive, to an hitherto skeptical marketing public.

Speaking at the inauguration event held in Lagos, the President of APBN, Mr Foluso Fasoto, argued that the admission of the marketing institute into the association’s fold would, no doubt, go a

long way in enhancing professionalism in the country.

Expressing his optimism that the relationship between the marketing institute and APBN would be mutually beneficial, the APBN boss stated that it had become imperative for professional bodies in the country, to align with the association, since it provides them the opportunity to speak with one voice and get the much-needed hearing from the government.

“The complexities of today’s human activities are such that there is hardly any activity of the government, organisation or household that does not require the input of multiple disciplines. Although, in the past this might not be the case, but it is now inevitable for us to work together, sequel to the realities of our time.

‘This is imperative because when we come together this way, we can collate our views and be in a position to present to the government a well-articulated opinion on economic, social and other national issues and propose policies and strategies to enable government attain its full potential and greatness,” he stated.

He argued that some of the objectives of the professional bodies’ association is to encourage the formation of national professional

While expressing the determination of the company to improve on the feats achieved in the past two editions, the Airtel boss stated that one of the corporate missions and essence of the brand is to always give back to the society, noting that programme, since its introduction, in the past few years, had impacted positively the lives of the less privileged in the society.

‘There is joy in giving. That is where we derive our strength, and the more reason we will not allow whatever is happening on the economic front to affect our CSR spend,’ stated Ogunsanya.

He however appealed to other corporate organisations to emulate the telecoms service provider by providing support for the less privileged in the society, and putting them on solid economic platforms.

Responding to the gesture, one of the beneficiaries of the first edition of the CSR initiative, Mr. David Anyaele of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, commended the telecoms service provider for identifying with the less privileged, through the initiative.

Anyaele, one of those Nigerians that got their limbs amputated by the Liberian warlords, during the country’s civil war then, explained that Airtel had, through the Touching Lives initiative, helped his organisation in pushing the course of the less privileged in the society.

Chivita ‘My 100% Achievement’ promo excites consumers Not a few consumers of the Chivita 100 per cent Fruit Juice have expressed excitements over the brand’s recently concluded consumer promotion, ‘My 100% Achievement,’ noting that besides being used as a reward mechanism, the promo has also gone a long way in inspiring the audience.

In line with its consistent drive to engage its consumers at their various touch points and rewarding them for their loyalty, Chivita 100% fruit Juice from the stable of Chi Limited recently thrilled consumers of the brand with exciting gifts from the just con-

cluded ‘My 100% Achievement’ social media promo.

The promo which witnessed a high level of participation, many believe further consolidates the brand’s affinity with consumers across the digital space.

Describing the promo as quite inspirational, a marketing communication expert, Taoreed Bhadmus, noted that the promo effectively highlights essential elements of success and leadership.

“It reiterates the brand’s understanding of the Nigerian consumer who wants to associate with the best there is,” he said.

A lucky winner in the promo, , Esezebor Sylvester described the promo as unique, since it affords participants the opportunity to inspire others by sharing their 100 per cent achievement stories.

“The promo is unique because through our ‘100% Achievement’ stories, we were able to inspire each other to achieve the best there is at anytime,” stated Sylvester, a winner of an i-phone at the promo.

The promo only required participants to share epic moments of their lives, such as school graduation, book writing, starting a business.

29

south-westnews

Monday, 26 September, 2016

LAUTECH solely belongs to Oyo —Alao-Akala

Says joint ownership with Osun terminated in 2010

By Wale Akinselure

F

ORMER governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, has stated that the state government is legally recognised as the sole owner of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and that its joint ownership with Osun State government had been revoked since December 31, 2010.

Alao-Akala spoke against the backdrop of the motion by the Oyo House of Assembly demanding the sole ownership of LAUTECH by the state government.

Alao-Akala maintained that attempts overtime aimed at circumventing the enforcement of the amended law establishing the university but not at repealing the law signed by the Attorney generals of both states, Niyi Owolade and Aare Abdulsalam in 2010.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, the former governor noted that the Osun State government only got a Supreme Court declaration to the effect that the two states maintain a working relationship in the management of the institution, but that Osun State govern-

ment lacked enough funds to abide by the declaration.

“LAUTECH solely belongs to Oyo State; it does not belong to Osun. Osun knows this and that is why it has ceased funding the institution. There was a law enacted that states that LAUTECH solely belongs to Oyo State government and that there is no joint ownership with Osun anymore. The 2010 law amended, as regards the establishment of LAUTECH, is captioned under the title, ‘Amending Ladoke Akintola University of Technology’.

Paragraph 3 of the law states that, “Any rules, conventions

or practices, in existence, in respect of joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is hereby revoked. And it shall be caused to have validity or force of law with effect from 31st December, 2010. The university is deemed to be solely owned by Oyo State as from 31st of December, 2010.

“The law has not been enforced because there have been efforts to circumvent it but it has again been brought to the open by the House of Assembly. It is unfortunate that during my tenure, I had to confront my brother and friend, former governor Ola-

Former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala (second right), presenting a portrait made by the Unity Group, Igboho, to the former JAMB registrar, Professor Dibu Ojerinde (right), during the reception in honour of Ojerinde, held at the Atlantic Events Place, Ilorin, on Saturday.

With them are the chairman of the group, Chief Olawuwo Oni and Mr Gani Owolabi. PHOTO: MOSES ALAO.

JAMB: Ex-Registrar Ojerinde restates commitment to Oloyede’s success

By Moses Alao

ABOUT eight weeks after leaving office as the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Dibu Ojerinde has restated his commitment to the success of his successor in the office, Professor Ishaq Oloyede.

Ojerinde noted that “his success would be my success, because that is the only thing that can make me happy and justify my service and sacrifices, which Nigerians honour me for today.”

Ojerinde, who stated this in Ilorin, on Saturday, during a reception organised in his honour by the Unity Group, Igboho, which comprise indigenes of Ojerinde’s home town, Igboho, said that he had been privileged to be the only Nigerian to have served as Chief Executive of different Federal Government agencies for

about 24 years, adding that he would return to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he would be able to impart knowledge and experiences to the coming generations.

Speaking at the event, a former governor of Oyo State and chairman of the occasion, Chief Adebayo Alao-

Akala, lauded the ex-JAMB Registrar for performing miracles at JAMB and bringing about standard and excellence in the education sector, saying: “Many of us are proud of Professor Ojerinde and his achievements in the education sector and service to this country.

Earlier, the chairman of

the Unity Group, Chief Olawuwo Oni, said the group organised the event to honour Ojerinde for his selfless and meritorious service to Nigeria, noting that for years, Ojerinde has distinguished himself as a lover of his community, Igboho, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State and Nigeria.

Don’t deceive Nigerians, CCC boss urges Buhari PASTOR and Spiritual Head of Celica Church of Christ World Wide (CCC), Right Reverend Emmanuel Adetunji Adeonigbagbe, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to resist the temptation of deceiving Nigerians on the current challenges facing the country.

The Head of CCC said this in Ibadan recently while speaking with newsmen on the 24th Anniversary of his church, coming up later in

the year.

He warned that “except the masses genuinely go back to God and our leaders stop deceiving the governed, it might be difficult to overcome the numerous problems of the nation.”

The cleric lamented that those in government were apparently unmindful of the plight of the masses owed salaries and allowances.

He appealed to the president to be humane in his

administration, assuring that the economic recession would be successfully addressed if those in power live by example.

Adeonigbagbe faulted the execution of the war against corruption alleging “it is targeted against those opposed to the policy of the APC government as only people from outside the ruling party were being tried,” adding “only spiritual approach will make the war succeed.”

gunsoye Oyinlola because I knew that this would be brought up once again.

“What Osun went to the Supreme Court for was a declaration to circumvent the existing law by stating that the two states agreed to work together. And, the Supreme Court sanctioned the working together of the two states but the 2010 law was not repealed. We have continued to run away from the existing law. Governor Rauf Aregbesola is not running away from that Supreme Court’s declaration but the state does not have enough money to abide by that declaration,” Alao-Akala argued.

Displaying the transition committee report on the legal framework for the sharing of assets and liabilities between the owner states, headed by Professor Chiedu Mafiana, dated October 23, 2010, Alao-Akala said the modus operandi for sharing properties of the university had also been spelt out.

“We not only enacted that law, but also shared our properties. A transition committee headed by one Professor Chiedu Mafiana saw to the sharing of properties. Osun State has some of the movable properties that we jointly owned. They don’t have any unmovable properties that we jointly own. We have shared them.

I also offered Osun State some percentage of studentship yearly to make sure that Osun remains our catchment area for students.”

Meanwhile, following a motion moved by the member representing Ogbomoso North State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Wumi Oladeji, for the disengagement of Osun State from the joint ownership of LAUTECH, the institution’s alumni association has berated the Assembly for what it described as an attempt to ‘jeopardise’ the glowing future of the undergraduates.

A statement personally signed by its national president, Jide Bewaji, said that the Assembly should have lent its voice to that of those calling for the resolution of the crisis engulfing the once-upon-a-time best state university of technology.

It will be recalled that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, had written a letter for the disengagement, followed by a protest by a socio-cultural group under the aegis of Ogbomoso Parapo.

For 23 months, he said, the students and staff of the university have been at home owing to the failure of both owner states, Oyo and Osun, to fulfil their statutory obligations to the university in the last 23 months.

Nigerian Tribune

LAUTECH doctors protest payment of half salary

By Tunde Adegbola LADOKE Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LTH) branch of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), on Friday, staged a peaceful protest against the decision of Oyo State government to pay 50 per cent salary in January, February and March 2016 to only LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff while other doctors and health workers in the state get their full salaries.

Its President, Dr Sebastine Oiwoh, told newsmen in Ogbomoso that the decision of the state government would force the hospital management to pay remaining 50 per cent of the salary from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

According to him, “The implication of the decision is inconsiderate hike in cost of health service delivery which would make health care unaffordable, not accessible and therefore unacceptable to the citizens.

NCS president hints of govt’s support for ICT

By Ibukun Adenuga

PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Professor Adesola Aderounmu, has hinted of the commitment of the Federal Government to support the development of technological innovations amongst Nigerian youths through the establishment of ICT centres across the country.

Aderounmu stated this in a brief remark at the founder’s day and 20th anniversary of Oritamefa Baptist Model Schools (OBMS) in Ibadan.

He explained that the government, under the Ministry of Communication and Technology, believed that the establishment of such ICT facilities would enable youths to develop their innovative ideas.

Aderounmu avowed the involvement of the private sector, as well as the Nigerian Computer Society, in terms of funding and other contributions.

Aderounmu, who gave the guest lecture, entitled, “Strategies for transforming OBMS into a world-class school in the 21st century”, encouraged management, staff and students to aspire towards ensuring that the institution attained a worldclass status.

Chairman, Education Committee Board of OBMS, Dr Remi Awopegba, bemoaned the challenges of educational system in Nigeria.

30

politicsnews

Monday, 26 September, 2016

PDP reconciliation: Makarfi’s committee to brief stakeholders this week Taiwo Adisa-Abuja

T

HE Senator Ahmed Makarfiled National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic arty (PDP) is set to brief stakeholders of the party on the moves to reconcile the warring factions in the party.

The camp of the factional chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff had, last week, announced its readiness to reconcile with the mainstream and collapse the factions.

Two leaders from the factions, Senator Ben Obi of the Makarfi group and Honourable Cairo Ojougboh of the Sheriff faction, had jointly announced that a peace option was in the offing without prejudice to all outstanding matters in court.

Sources in the party however told the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday that the Makarfi-led National Committee would brief the stakeholders to pave the way for total reconciliation.

Though the publicity secretary of the committee, Price Dayo Adeyeye, only

said that the peace process was alive when our correspondent called him on Sunday, sources close to the process, said that the Makarfi team was set to brief the stakeholders.

“I can confirm to you that the Senator Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee is on

the verge of meeting with all the stakeholders to pave the way for genuine reconciliation.

“The team will soon schedule meetings with the governors, the Board of Trustees and other critical stakeholders to analyse the way forward.

“The Sheriff faction did not really submit any demand that we cannot handle as a party, but there is the need to carry the stakeholders along and that is what the Caretaker committee is working on,” the source said.

The source added that a

final peace option would be ratified after the meetings with the critical stakeholders.

The Makarfi and Sheriff groups had, last week, addressed a joint press conference where they announced the decision to work together.

From Left: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Mr Davies Ekanya; Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Finbone and Women Leader, Mrs Caroline Nagbo, during a news conference on the attack on members of the party and destruction of their properties in the state, on Sunday

Budget padding: CNPP insists on independent investigation

By Abiodun Awolaja

THE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has rejected the move by the House of Representatives to probe Honourable Abdulmumi Jibrin over what it called his efforts at exposing alleged budget fraud in House, reiterating its call for an independent investigation into the allegations “rather than engaging in the persecution of the whistle blower.”

Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers of were named in the budget padding and abuse of office allegations by Hon. Jibrin.

The CNPP, in a statement signed by its secretary general, Chief Willy Ezugwu, alleged that Jibrin’s probe by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges was “a witch hunt and harassment of whistle blowers to the detriment of the ongoing war against corruption by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration”.

It said: “The CNPP insists that the Speaker and the fingered principal officers of the House must

step aside until they are properly investigated as they cannot be the Judge in their own case and yet lay claim to equity.

“For us, the probe of Hon. Jibrin by the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the House, with an obvious predetermined script to suspend him, is nothing but a blackmail.

“How can the war against corruption succeed when the principal leadership of the House of Representatives noticeably pays lip service to the anti-corruption drive by the Buhari government?

“Rather than embarking on the probe, the House should have compelled the Speaker and the principal officers named by Hon. Jibrin to submit themselves to an independent probe panel comprising relevant security agencies and if cleared, they can sanction the lawmaker for false allegation. Is this not what is most reasonable to do by the House?

“What is it that the Speaker and the principal officers are afraid of? Why are they quick to probe the allegation by some members who

claimed their reputation has been damaged by Hon. Jibrin’s allegations, when the allegations have not been investigated and found to be untrue?

“We, therefore, call on the Speaker to immediately disband probe commit-

tee and submit themselves first to an independent investigative panel for open probe of the allegations against them.

“It is only then can any probe of Honourable Jibrin may be acceptable to well meaning Nigerians.

“If the House is truly concerned about its image, clearing the abuse of office and budget fraud allegation against its Speaker and other principal leaders should be more troubling to them at this time,” the CNPP said.

Ondo gov: Fresh primaries not necessary in APC —Chieftain Chistian Okeke -Abuja

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State and former aspirant to the Federal House of Representatives seat for Akoko North East and North West Federal Constituency, Adebisi Olanrewaju Abraham, has said that it is not necessary for the party to conduct a fresh primary for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

He argued that any fresh primary would still throw up crises which the party could not afford at this time.

Speaking in Abuja on the crisis that greeted the last primaries of the party, the pioneer chairman of Coalition of APC Support Groups for the South-West

said that the state was ripe for picking by the party if only the members could put their acts together before going into the poll.

“I am appealing to our people to come together before the state crumbles.

We should keep calm, accept the candidate that has emerged, work with him and work for our party to win. The candidate that won and the ones that did not win, all have wonderful visions to develop the state and I urge them to come together and reconcile,” he said.

According to him, the chances of APC winning the election were very bright because of what he described as the woeful performance of the outgo-

ing government in the state which he said owed workers for several months and failed to address the dilapidated roads.

He accused the present PDP government in the state of largely concentrating development in one area and leaving the others, especially Akokoland, in a sorry state.

He said, “I want to appeal to all delegates to the just concluded governorship primaries in Ondo State and those who contested for the governorship primaries in the state and indeed fellow APC members to accept the result and work with the man who has been declared the winner, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN.),” he said.

LG poll: Ogun APC members write Amosun, decry imposition of candidates Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta

SOME stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State have written to the state governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun to protest against alleged imposition of candidates in the October 8 local government election in the state.

Acting under the aegis of APC stakeholders, in Sango/Ijoko Local Council Development Area, they asked the governor to caution those behind such plan in the overall interest of the party.

According to them in the letter dated September 23, the members of various Community Development Associations in the council area had resolved to reject the imposition of an unpopular candidate by some leaders of the party.

The letter signed by Chief Jimoh Adisa and Elder Joel Emmanuel as chairman and secretary respectively, added that the yearnings of the grassroots people which formed the block of voters should be respected in this regard.

The letter partly reads: “With every sense of responsibility and commitment to our great party, we the above named committed stakeholders wish to let you know the feelings of the ordinary man on the street who form the block of our voters.

“They have vouched never to vote for a particular candidature if the party makes any mistake of fielding him as the chairman of our LCDA. We, even held series of meeting with the Community Development Associations (CDA) and Community Development Council (CDC), and they were unanimous in their resolve not to vote for the said individual. They confirmed that they had written to your Excellency on this issue.

“In view of the above, we passionately appeal to your Excellency to influence the fielding of any other candidate. We pray that our great party will continue to wax stronger in all schemes in the national unity.”

Monday, 26 September, 2016 31 politicsnews We’ll win Edo election —APC dep gov candidate

•As CRPP adopts Ize-Iyamu From Taiwo Adisa and Banji Aluko

RUNNING mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, Honourable Philip Shuaibu, has declared that the APC would win Wednesday’s election because the party in the state had set a record of how money meant for governance should be used.

This was just as the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) adopted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, saying he had the capacity “to deliver the state from the present maladministration.”

Shuaibu, who spoke with journalists, said in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area, that the APC candidate, Godwin Obaseki, would build on the achievements of Govcernor Adams Oshiomhole.

He said: “Oshiomole has changed the face of Edo State. Godwin Obaseki and I would sustain the legacy and improve on it by making sure that Edo State becomes the hub of development and agricultural growth.”

Shuaibu, who is the lawmaker representing Etsako Federal Constituency and former majority leader of the state House of Assembly, disclosed that the PDP-controled Edo Assembly frustrated every developmental move of Oshiomhole in the first year of his administration.

However, a statement signed by the state chairman of the CRPP, Samson Isibor, stated that the members had resolved to support Ize-Iyamu because of his pedigree as administrator, lawyer, farmer and a God-fearing person.

The statement read in parts, “It is uncharitable to say that Edo is working.

The question Edo people are asking is which Edo is working?

“The fact is that when Oshiomhole came in, he met some establishments and parastatals working, but at the dying minute of his administration, none of them is working.

“Oshiomhole did not establise one single establishment to generate employment. He could not resuscitate Okpella Ce-

ment Factory and so many others.

“The outgoing government relegated agriculture to the background and communal farms located

in various districts in the state such as Usugbenu, Ilushi, Sabongida, Igarra, Warake and others that generated employment to over 50,000 graduates

were closed down, while housing is a no-go-area for the Oshiomhole administration.

“We are tired of all this.

Only the touts at the motor

parks are the beneficiaries of this administration.

They are smiling to the bank with their levies and over taxation. Oshiomhole and the APC must be vot-

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right), exchanging pleasantries with chairman, caretaker committee of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Mr Chukwudi Ezinwa (middle) and a former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Donatus Ozomgbachi, during a thank-you-visit by the people of Ezeagu Local Government Area, at the governor’s country home, Orba, Nsukka, on Sunday.

We’ll wipe out ghost workers from Benue’s payroll —Ortom BENUE State governor, Samuel Ortom, on Sunday, vowed that his administration would not relent in its determination to eliminate ghost workers towards delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

The governor spoek against the backdrop of the recent discovery of ghost workers in the state’s payroll.

He said the elimination of ghost workers would further reduce the state wage bill to a level where payment of salaries would be sustainable.

Ortom, who spoke at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja on arrival from a trip to the United Nations 71st General Assembly in New York, the United States of America, said he renegotiated with major stakeholders on matters concerning the welfare of the citizens.

He assured that efforts in the provision of security had led to reduction in criminality in the state, but emphasized that the permanent solution to the perennial farmers and herders clashes remained ranching.

Accordingly, he said a

bill prohibiting open grazing in the state had been forwarded to the state House of Assembly for passage.

He was accompanied during the US trip by his Special Adviser, Media and Information Communication Technology, ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, and Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties, Mr. Abraham’s Kwaghngu.

Ortom made a presenta-

tion on “Experiences in multi-stakeholders’ engagement in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in Africa at a side event of the Assembly.

He canvassed the involvement of stakeholders across all sectors in the implementation of projects of the scheme.

The governor also attended another side event on climate change organ-

ised by the Federal Ministry of Environment, at which President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister in the ministry, Amina Mohammed as well as other players in the sector across the globe were present.

At the close of the United Nations events, Ortom met with a cross section of the Benue community in New York which hosted him to a dinner.

Saraki, Ugwuanyi, Umahi, others felicitate with Ekweremadu’s wife at 50 •Meet behind closed door Jude Ossai-Enugu

THE Mpu country home of the deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Saturday, became a Mecca of some sort, as politicians across the country converged on the community to celebrate the 50th birthday of his wife, Lady Nnenna Ekweremadu.

Among the dignitaries were the Senate President Bukola Saraki; Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his Ebonyi

State counterpart, Dave Umahi.

Also at the occasion were senators Obinna Ogba and Mao Ohuabunwa; Chukwuka Utazi, Gil Nnaji, and Chief Anayo Onwegbu.

Although the gathering was meant to felicitate with Ekweremadu, it was learnt that some of the politicians in attendance used the opportunity to meditate on the issues affecting political parties in the country.

It was not however clear

if the meeting resolved on political realignments ahead of the 2019 general election, which would be a test case for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Curiously, most of the top shots at the occasion were of the PDP stable.

Prior to the event, the Special Media to Senator Ekweremau, Luke Mgbo in his invitation. said that journalists should drop their papers and pens and come as guests to the occasion.

ed out; it is a task that must be done.”

The CRPP, therefore, appealed to all its members in Edo State and voters to cast their votes for Pastor Ize-Iyamu and the PDP. Similarly, a pro-PDP caucus, the PDP Reform Group, has urged the use of electronic gadgets to monitor the election in the polling units.

The group, in a statement by its convener, Mr Ariyo-Dare Atoye said there would be “real-time monitoring of the election,” adding that the group too was working round the clock with some partners to equally deploy long-range sophisticated cameras in strategic locations in attempts to compromise the election.

The group said: “We have mapped out strategies with highly intelligent persons to deploy some long-rage sophisticated cameras in strategic locations under our Operation Eagle-Eye Edo (O3E) to monitor and record per second happenings.

“We are equally appealing to the electorate and all concerned Edo people to be vigilant, alert and use their camera phones and all other electronic gadgets at their disposal with in-built camera devices to record, snap and monitor developments in all voting centres and adjoining areas in their locality.

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty; we are going to ensure citizen-monitoring and citizen-policing of the election to reflect the true wishes of the electorate. Ensuring a credible, free and fair election is a service to God and humanity.”

The group also counseled security agencies to discharge their duties responsibly and with the fear God, adding that the agencies should be wary of “some desperate politicians who are likely going to make some wicked attempts to reach out for deals and compromise.

“This election is very dear and important to the Edo electorate; the people will do everything humanly possible as responsible citizens to protect their mandates.”

It further said: “Therefore, we urge our security agencies to be professionally-minded and protect the rights of the people to freely choose their leaders.”

32

news

Monday, 26 September, 2016

I’m fine now, Shekau tells army in new video •You’re mentally sick, Army replies him

A

BUBAKAR Shekau, leader of the Boko Haram, has released a new video claiming he is “fine now” after being struck by the Nigerian army in an air raid.

On August 23, the army had claimed that Shekau was “fatally injured on his shoulder” in the air raid.

“In what one could describe as the most unprecedented and spectacular air raid, we have just confirmed that as a result of the interdiction efforts of the Nigerian Air Force, some key leaders of the Boko Haram terrorists have been killed while oth-

ers were fatally wounded,” Sani Usman, spokesman of the army, said in a s tatement.

“The air interdiction took place last week Friday, August 19, 2016, while the terrorists were performing Friday rituals at Taye village, Gombale general area, within Sambisa forest, Borno State.

“Those Boko Haram terrorists commanders confirmed dead included Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Mallam Hamman, amongst others, while their leader, the socalled ‘Abubakar Shekau’, is believed to be fatally

•Troops kill 22 terrorists, lose 4 soldiers

wounded on his shoulders.

Several other terrorists were also wounded.”

On September 14, Boko Haram released a video of its “Eid-el-Kabir prayer,” which did not feature Shekau. In it, the group threatened to capture President Muhammadu Buhari, whom it described as “leader of the entire infidels.”

However, in the new video clip released on Sunday, Shekau said with God, he was fully prepared against the Nigerian armed forces.

He reiterated that to secure the Chibok girls’ freedom, the Federal Gov-

ernment should release its members dead or alive.

Meanwhile, the Army, on Sunday, said the latest video

by Boko Haram showed beyond all reasonable doubt the earlier suspicion that the purported factional terrorists’ group leader, Abubakar Shekau, was mentally sick and unstable.

It said the ranting was also another sign that the end was near for him.

The army, in a statement by the army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, insisted that Boko Haram terrorism as it was known, was gone for good and that the army was already

Tompolo’s father’s burial tragedy: 3 bodies recovered •No one drowned –Tompolo so far —Police Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

THREE bodies have been recovered from Warri river on Sunday, following a boat mishap during the first day of the threeday funeral rites of Chief Thomas Ekpemupolo, octogenarian father of the fugitive, Mr Government Ekpemupolo aka Tomopolo, on Friday.

The Delta State police command, through its im-

age maker, SP Celestina Kalu, had earlier on Saturday, claimed ignorance of the number of those that were dead, but disclosed that 11 persons were rescued from drowning by the marine police during the incident.

Kalu, while on phone with the Nigerian Tribune, on Sunday afternoon, however, confirmed that three bodies of those that

drowned in the ill-fated boat mishap had been recovered.

But the former militant leader, Tompolo, speaking through his media aide, Paul Bebenimibo, denied the report that four persons died during the funeral of his late father last Friday.

Bebenimibo had, in a hurried statement signed and forwarded to jour-

nalists in Warri, on Sunday afternoon, denied the reports that the burial of the octogenarian claimed four lives at the Warri river.

“We wish to state clearly that there was no such incident linked to the burial of Tompolo’s father.

“Tompolo father’s burial, which took place at the weekend, was crowned with huge success.”

counting down to the day when all the few remnants would be totally wiped out or brought to justice.

He said army took note of the fact that the purported leader of the group, in his usual insane manner, made all sorts of assertions to the point of threatening various towns, groups and individuals.

Usman urged Nigerians, especially the residents of Maiduguri, Kano, Kaduna and Zaria, not to panic, as the army had “more than what it takes to defend them and deal decisively with the remnants of the terrorists group.”

He said: “The Nigerian Army wishes to assure the public that they should not be bothered by the contents of the video clip. This is because the facts on the ground speak for themselves.

“It is public knowledge that the military has been making concerted efforts to clear the remnants of the terrorists and rescue all persons held hostage by them, especially the abducted Chibok Secondary School girls. This is a task that will be accomplished, no matter how long it takes.

“We are determined in

this regards. Already thousands of persons have been rescued by troops from the terrorists.

“The video has further shown that he has derailed and no longer believes and practices the Islam he professes to follow; as he was absent at the last Eid prayers video. It is equally reported that he could not even lead prayers. The public should not be fooled by this individual.”

In another development, the Nigerian Army said it repelled terrorists attack at Logomani on Dikwa-Gambarou road in Borno State, on Sunday and killed 22 of them.

A statement issued by Colonel Sani Usman, the acting Director, Army Public Relations, however, said four soldiers died in the attack and their riffles missing, while two others sustained injuries.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Usman said the attack came in three waves with the terrorists, using 36 hand Grenades and Rocket Propelled Launchers.

He said the troops recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one FN Rifle, one G3 Rifle and 36 hand grenades after about an hour.

33

news

Monday, 26 September, 2016 Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Ondo APC: Tinubu bombs Oyegun Continued from pg2

fairness and justice were to guide APC internal deliberations.

“Party founders realised that only by intramural fair dealing could the party remain faithful to the progressive ideals that we presented to the Nigerian electorate as our governing creed.

“If the party could not justly govern itself, it would find it difficult to establish and maintain just government throughout the nation.

“In essence, the party was the embodiment of a democratic promise made between its members as well as a democratic vow made to the public.

“Evidently, some errant members believe promises and vows are mere words to be easily spoken and more easily broken.

“Oyegun has breached these good pledges in a most overt and brazen display. In doing so, Oyegun has dealt a heavy blow to the very party he professes to lead. It is an awful parent who suffocates his own child.

“The party was supposed to buttress APC members elected to government at all levels. Because of Oyegun’s conduct of our affairs, the party is rapidly becoming an albatross to those it was meant to help.

“Oyegun’s comportment regarding the Ondo State primaries will become the textbook definition of political treachery and malfeasance of the basest order. In early September, the state primary was held. A purported winner was named.

Having faith in the ways of the party, Tinubu publicly accepted what he assumed to be a verdict honestly derived. As a democrat, one must face the possibility of defeat and accept such as outcome with as much grace as one would embrace victory.

“One of the few bright spots during the conduct of the primaries was Jigawa governor, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.

He chaired the primaries convention with decorum and impartiality. He was unaware that a tampered list had been slipped into the process.

“Indeed, within hours of the announcement, news began to filter in that gravely disturbed me. Credible allegations of fraud troubled the waters. The delegate list had been materially altered by someone in a strategic position to so do. The names of over 150 valid delegates were excised to make room for an equal number of impostors. This was not a clerical error.

“The alteration was will-

fully executed that the primaries would be directed toward a chosen end that bore nothing in common with the will of most state party members. A cunning few had tried to deceive the many into believing they were outnumbered.

“A conspiracy to steal the Ondo primary had been uncovered.

Fortunately, the grand deception afoot had been unable to cover its tracks fast enough. Truth began to cry for justice.

“Several candidates filed petitions contesting the result. The party established an investigative board to review the evidence. In a two to one decision, the panel found the delegate roster had suffered tampering. The panel recommended that a new primary should be held using the valid delegate list. This recommendation was tabled before the National Working Committee (NWC).

“After many hours of deliberations spanning several days, a final vote was held by the NWC. Before hand, NWC members agreed that the decision of the majority would become the stance of the party. Such is the way of democracy. The NWC voted six against five to cancel the fraudulent results and hold an honest primaries.

For a moment, it seemed the party would restore its integrity by giving democracy a chance. However, those who sought to scam an entire state would not let the vote of 11 people spoil their enterprise.

“After the NWC vote, a noticeably agitated Oyegun proposed the NWC engage in prayer before concluding the meeting. Adhering to his request, NWC members began to pray. Seeing that the others had taken his bait, Oyegun used the prayerful interlude to secretly excuse himself from the meeting.

“Oyegun arrogated to himself the right to submit the name of Rotimi Akeredolu to INEC as the candidate of the party.

Truth has finally come to light. There exists a regressive element in the party that cares nothing for the progressive ideas upon which this party was founded. They joined the APC because it was the best ride available at the time. Now they want to guide the party into the ditch. They want to turn the party into a soulless entity incapable of doing good, just like they are.

When such a person tastes power, they shed all good restraint. They come to abuse the trust given them as if they are the owners of that trust and not its mere custodians. These people did little to build the party but now will do much to

wreck it.

Our party was to stand for change. Oyegun and his fellows seem to be on a different wave length.

They are the cohort of Unchange. The APC wants to guide Nigeria into a better tomorrow. Oyegun and the cohort of unchange want to pull Nigeria back into the past where rigging and vote stealing were the old and new testaments of politics. They want the people to think that there is no alternative to their reactionary system of skewed politics and imperious government. Thus, they seek to turn the APC into a factory of the very political malpractices the people soundly rejected in the past election. To choke the APC in this manner is to kill the chance for progressive reform for the foreseeable future. Much more than the

Ondo primary is at stake.

Oyegun has revealed his team’s game plan: It is the destruction of progressive politics and governance on behalf of the people.

He has robbed APC members in Ondo State of the chance to pick in a fair manner who they believe is the best candidate.

“As such, he has broken faith with the party and probably has broken a few laws. The consequences of

what he has done are more expansive than a man of his scope can fathom.”

“There must is a powerful and sinister arm at work to compel a man of Oyegun’s age to steal the decision of the party in a manner so crude that it would embar-

rass even the commonest thief.

With strong expectation, we await a response to Oyegun’s wrongdoing from those who clamored so long and loudly about Tinubu’s alleged role in the Ondo primary.

34 CHANGE OF NAME IS N4000 PER BOX CHANGE OF NAME

Monday, 26 September, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Odeyemi Elizabeth Omolola now AKANOIDOWU ELIZABETH OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ademola Oluwabukola Stella now MRS. AKINMOLADUN OLUWABUKOLA STELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ajulo Tajudeen, Ajulo Taju, Ajulo Taju Thompson, Ajulo Tolani and Ajulo Omotolani now AJULO TEMITOPE THOMPSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Dele Bob Manuel now BUSARI ALIU ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Anyalechi Francisca Chiamaka now MRS IHEME AMAKA FRANCISCA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sherifat Opeyemi now RAIMI SHERIFAT OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ugwuja Helen Ubah now UGWUJA HELEN VIRGILUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adewole Esther Folasade now MRS OGUNTOYE ESTHER FOLASADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Aluko Adebola Oluwadamilare now ALUKO NIRAN ADEBOLA OLUWADAMILARE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olayinka Muhammed now O M I T O G U N NURUDEEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olotu Folasade Tosin now GBENRO FOLASADE TOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public and authorities concerned take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Kareem Temitope Rashidat now MRS AKINPELU TEMITOPE RASHIDAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Onwukwe Ifeoma Anthonia now MRS NWAFOR IFEOMA ANTHONIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adeyemi Esther M. now ADEYEMI ESTHER TAWAKALITU. All former documents remain valid.

General public and authorities concerned take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Raji Ramat Omoladun (Nee Iwaloye) now MRS FAGBO RAMAT OMOLADUN. All former documents remain valid.

Osun State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Osogbo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adesina Sarah Tomisin and Adeboye Sarah Tomisin now ADETUNJI SARAH TOMISIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ojaokomo Funke Hannah Now MRS UWAEGHARE FUNKE HANNAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Fajemisin Kehinde Mary now AyoOsho Kehinde Mary. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ayetan Abimbola now ABIOLA ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

EHORECON and general public take note.

I, formerly Adelabu Yewande Christianah now WILLIAMS YEWANDE CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olalekan Ajayi now AUGUSTINE OLALEKAN OGHENEJABOR. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Oluwabunmi Florence Olaitan now MRS OLUWABUNMI FLORENCE AJAYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I hereby declare that my correct name is Adegoke Isaiah Adeniji and not Isaiah Adegoke Adeniji.

Now, I wish to be known as ADEGOKE ISAIAH ADENIJI. ALL documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ekunnusi Jibola Oluwabukola now BASHIRU JIBOLA OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Funmilayo Adetunji am the same person bearing Adetunji Funmilayo Busayo. Now, I wish to be known as ADETUNJI FUNMILAYO BUSAYO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adebayo Taiwo Adekunle now ADEBAYO TAIWO OLUSEGUN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION/CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Oluokun Jelilat Joke, as stated in my First Bank account am the same person as Animashaun Joke as stated in my BVN details by Skye Bank Plc. Henceforth, I wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUOKUN JELILAT JOKE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ariwoola Jimoh now OKEGBEMI OLAWALE JIMOH. All former documents remain valid. Itesiwaju Local Government, Otu, Local Government Service Commission, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Adeniran Abeeb Mokanjuola now MR ADENIRAN ABEEB ADISA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adetunji Adeola Esther now MRS SOWO ADEOLA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Akinleye Adebisi now MRS AJEWOLE ADEBISI ADERAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Adewoye Adepeju Olanrewaju now MRS ADEWOYE HELEN ADEPEJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ajekigbe Elizabeth Bisi now ADEIYE ELIZABETH BISI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunyemi Abolade Abeke now MRS IYANDA ABOLADE OLUWAFUNMILOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Afolabi Oluwaseun Olamide now MRS BANJO OLUWASEUN OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olabode Kofoworola Yetunde Oyindamola now MRS POPOOLA KOFOWOROLA OYINDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oseni Florence Oluwemimo now OSENI AYOBAMI OLUWEMIMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Anifowose Adeola Monisola now MRS ONIBIYO ADEOLA MONISOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bekederemo Pereowei Frank now BEKEDEREMO PERRY IGHO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, formerly Omisore Oluwabunmi Mulikat now ERINFOLAMI OLUWABUNMI MULIKAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Areh Ebun Olayemi now MRS OLUBUNMI EBUN OLAYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Oshin Opeyemi Oluwaseun now MRS OYEGOKE OPEYEMI OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ilori Deborah Iyabo now MRS AJANI DEBORAH IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly David Segun Olu now DAVID SEGUN MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeyi Amudalat Oluwakemi now MRS ADEGBOYE AMUDALAT OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Oyebamiji Risikat Omonike now MRS LAWAL RISIKAT OMONIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Salako Fatimo Temitope now MRS KASALI KUYE FATIMO TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Hameed Muhammed Ozovehe now MUHAMMED A B D U L H A M E E D OZOVEHE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oladimeji Abigail Yemi now MRS OLAGOKE ABIGAIL YEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Aratide Abdullahi Adediran now AWOTIDE ADEDIRAN LAZEEZ. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly M i s s Adetoro Elizabeth Adedoyin now MRS OLADEJO ELIZABETH ADEDOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Mrs Amubikaun Bola Sinmiat am the same person bearing Amubikaun Bola and Amubikaun Sinmiat. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMUBIKAUN BOLA SINMIAT. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Kate Michael Uwak now MRS KATE ONIFADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Ojarikre Monica now MRS OJARIKRE MONICA MBALI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Tella Taiwo Rosemary now ADU TAIWO ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Elijah Oluwawomisan Ezekiel am the same person bearing Demehin Omoniyi Elijah. Now, I wish to be known as DEMEHIN OMONIYI ELIJAH. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc, UBA Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lamina Olutundun Olanike now LAMINA SARAH NIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Ogundele Emmanuel Sola now MR OGUNJINMI EMMANUEL SOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ajani Olawumi Suliat now MRS SALAAM OLAWUMI AJANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Sunday Oyekale now TIMOTHY ADENIRAN OYEKALE. All former documents remain valid. Surulere Local Government, Iresa-Adu, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Usoro Uduak now MRS UDUAK OLUWATOSIN ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Yekeen Taiwo Rasheedat now MRS ONI TAIWO RASHEEDAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Titilope Bukola Paul now MRS TITILOPE OLUBUKOLA ADEPOJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Nwachukwu John Kentus now NWACHUKWU KENTUS OKWUDIRI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Ogungbenro Richard Olorunfemi Ogunfeyitimi now GBENRORICHARDS OLORUNFEMI OLORUNFEYITIMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Vitus Ifeanyichukwu Vitus now ONUCHUKWU VITUS IFEANYICHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olapade Eniola Olanike now MRS OLAWALE ENIOLA OLANIKE. All former documents remain valid.

University of Ibadan, NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Chinyere Dim now DIM CHINYERE ROSE. My correct date of birth is 5/1/1972 and not 4/8/1977. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Omilodi Adegoke Aderemi now OMILODI ADEGOKE FOLOUNSHO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Toru Agatha Epelles now IBITORU AGATHA EPELLES. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olaniyi Yetunde Amope now MRS AJAYI YETUNDE AMOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeniji Moses now OLUWAGBEMIGA SAMUEL TOBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Aderemi Roseline Omowale am the same person bearing Ilemobayo Roseline Omowale. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEREMI ROSELINE OMOWALE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, Andrew Titirhon Raheem Akpokobayen am the same person as Akpokobayen Andrew and Andrew Titirhon Raheem. Now, I wish to be known as ANDREW TITIRHON RAHEEM AKPOKOBAYEN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Odunaike Fatima Ayomide Moji now ODUNAIKE FATIMAT MOJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ikechukwu Offor now IKECHUKWU OFODILE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Kolade Omotayo Oluyemi am the same person as Edward Olaolu. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as KOLADE OMOTAYO OLUYEMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olabisi Esther Olarinre now MRS OYEWO ESTHER OLARINRE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olasunkanmi Eunice Temilola now MRS OKENIYI EUNICE TEMILOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeagbo Adesewa Morisade now MRS ABIDOGUN ADESEWA MORISADE. My correct date of birth is 17/6/1982 and not 12/3/1985. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Lawrence Ogunbiyi Oyekale am the same person bearing Lawrence Atanda Oyekale. Now, I wish to be known as LAWRENCE OGUNBIYI OYEKALE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Egunjobi Abosede Comfort now MRS OLAPADE ABOSEDE COMFORT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Abioye Mary Foluke now MRS ABIOYE MULIKAT FOLUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

35

south-westnews

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Ondo APC primaries: Abraham may seek court redress, promises not to dump party Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

T

HE closest rival to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s primaries in Ondo State, Chief Olusegun Abraham, on Sunday, said he might head towards court to seek redress over the result of the primaries.

Abraham, who assured his supporters that the current situation will not drive him out of the party, said he will continue to explore all available options within the party to reclaim his mandate before instituting legal action to correct an alleged undemocratic process within the party, Abraham, who stated this during a press conference in Akure, the state capital, said he had just explored only one of the three options available, saying the party has submitted a surrogate candidate to the In-

dependent National Electoral Commission (INEC. He said there was need to redeem the reputation of the APC in the state, saying “the day the result was announced, the party’s reputation went into comatose.”

Three of the aspirants, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2012 governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke, Dr Olusegun

Abraham and a lawmaker representing Ondo North at the Senate, Professor Ajayi Boroffice, had petitioned the party over the result of the primaries.

The trio, during a press conference at the weekend, frowned over the undemocratic behaviour of the leadership of the party over its decision to pick Akeredolu as the party’s candidate and specifically

pointed an accusing finger to the National Chairman of the party, John Oyegun, for overruling the decision of the National Working Committee According to Abraham, “Three of us are very key to the success of the party in Ondo State and we are challenging the fraud in the process and our grievances is not personal or selfish but to put things right.

“The mandate belongs to us and we shall get the mandate in spite of the name of Akeredolu being submitted to INEC. We still have till October 19 to replace or substitute the surrogate name submitted.

“The party in the state went to comatose the day the party submitted his name and the only way out of this is to thread the path of justice.”

Ondo 2016: I will bring my experience to governance —Jegede THE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, has promised to use the experience he acquired as part of the incumbent government, to impact positively on governance in the state.

According to the former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, his position as an integral part of the current government in the state has given him an insight into what could be done to further raise the bar of governance beyond the high position the Dr Olusegun Mimiko-led government has driven it.

Fielding questions from newsmen in Akure at the weekend, the Jegede said the challenges of the time demand that the best hand is engaged to address them, adding that he will rely on his understanding of the state and its people as well as his experience as part of the administration for over seven years to identify targets and drive same.

He insisted that legacies of previous governments in the state would be protected.

To this end, Jegede revealed that he has perfected a blueprint for job creation and the growth of the state’s economy to the desired position, stating his determination to take bold steps in the drive towards making the state the preferred destination.

Mr Tanimowo Kolawole David, Director of Finance and Administration, Ekiti State Electricity Board (middle), receiving laptop from the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose (right), while the Head of Service, Dr Gbenga Faseluka (left), watches during the distribution of 400 laptops to civil servants in the state, recently.

Group promises to champion unity of Yoruba race Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure A factional Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and economic group under the auspices of Yoruba People’s Congress (YPC), on Sunday, said it would continue to champion a new course towards the realisation of Yoruba unity.

The group, which stated this during a sensitisation programme organised for its members across Ondo State, tagged: “Towards Ondo State Peace Gubernatorial Election”, noted that the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) was established to promote and

defend the interest of Yoruba people but said the objectives have since been defeated.

Speaking with journalists through its National President, Reverend Isaac Igbakin, it noted that “YPC was established to provide services which OPC has failed

Bomb threat handiwork of mischievous elements —UI

By Laolu Harolds

AUTHORITIES of the University of Ibadan (UI) have described the alleged threat by the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic sect to bomb the institution as mere handiwork of mischievous elements.

A letter purportedly originating from the sect had surfaced on social media on Friday threatening that bombs would be detonated on the university’s campus as a punishment for it being the first university that brought in and entrenched western education in Nigeria.

Naturally, it created panic and set in motion frantic security measures, including the state police command immediately dispatching a bomb disposal squad to the

campus, to forestall it.

But speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on telephone on Sunday, the university’s Director of Public Communication, Mr Olatunji Oladejo, said no one in the university received any threat from any group, and that the so-called threat only existed and circulated on the internet.

The Oyo State command of the Nigeria Police, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, had also dismissed the threat as mere rumour by people who wanted to create “unnecessary tension.”

Oladejo said on Sunday: “Everywhere is calm; everything is peaceful. That Friday was the day our international students kick-started their International Students

Week, and they started with a Jumat service.

“Thereafter, they had a carnival procession. Today (Sunday), they were in the church; yesterday they had a football match. They enjoyed themselves; and these are international students from about 38 countries.”

Oladejo was pained that such mischievous rumour was being peddled at a time the university had just been listed as one of the most distinguished universities in the world.

“And for you to be listed, definitely, your environment must be secure and conducive for teaching, community development and knowledge transfer.

Our environment is secure.

Everyone is applauding what we have in place in terms of security.”

to provide for Yoruba nation.”

Igbakin who was the former state coordinator of OPC in Ondo State, stressed that “YPC is non partisan socio-cultural and economic group crusading for social justice and the rule of law.

“Members of the YPC are the top national officers of OPC who decided to pull out of the parent body after observing that the OPC has compromised and derailed from its vision.

“YPC has been working relentlessly fighting for Yoruba race since 2011 and the organisation has successfully been established in 10 states of Yoruba nation with the help of Yoruba leaders.

This time around, we are ready to launch out and play our role in defence of Yoruba people.”

Speaking on the theme of the event, the National Secretary of YPC and state coordinator, Ekiti State chapter, Akinrogun Olufemi, said the group decided to organise the sensitisation programme for members to know the roles they are to play in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

Nigerian Tribune

Ekiti NASS members hail Fayose, teachers MEMBERS of the National Assembly (NASS) from Ekiti State have hailed the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on the state’s first position in this year’s National Examination Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), saying the feat was a confirmation of the governor’s total commitment to return the state’s lost glory in the education sector.

The National Assembly members said they were particularly happy that Governor Fayose was able to perform the same feat that he performed during his first tenure, adding that coming from 10th position in NECO in 2015 to 1st position in 2016 as well as from 34th position in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2014 to 11th position in 2016 was an achievement that all sons and daughters of the state should be proud of.

Rising from a meeting with Governor Fayose on Saturday, the NASS members, which include Senators Biodun Olujimi and Duro Faseyi as well as House of Representatives members; Honourables Akin Awodumila, Segun Adekola, Kehinde Agboola, Ayodele Oladimeji and Thadeus Aina saluted teachers in the state for collaborating effectively with Governor Fayose-led government to revive education in the State.

Aregbesola releases N6m to tackle tetanus in Osun Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

OSUN State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has released a total sum of N6 million to the state Ministry of Health to tackle the number of maternal and neonatal tetanus cases (MNTE), capable of claiming women lives after child birth in the state.

Making this disclosure in a statement issued on Sunday, the state Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Akinyinka Oluseyi Eso, lauded the efforts of the state government, United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) for the provision of medical facilities in the state.

He contended that the state government released the fund to combat tetanus following discovery that Nigeria is one of the countries where the disease was causing maternal and infant deaths at high rate.

36

news

Monday, 26 September, 2016

How to overcome office stress Continued from front page

blood sugar, high blood pressure, excess body fats, among others.

A three to five minutes timeout for stretch would do just fine in optimising the metabolic activities of the body. It is also important for flexibility, range of motion and injury prevention, warming up the body cells and preventing gloominess.

In the event of long hours of meetings where sitting is the only option, then ensure that while you keep your eyes on the files and documents, keep your legs busy with under-the-desk exercises.

See that you sit tall on your chair; create space to stretch your legs at full length for between 20 and 30 seconds, sit on one leg and stretch the other and then interchange.

Break gaze on the screen at intervals For a desk office job or other jobs that require constant relations with

your laptop or desktop, taking a blink timeout is your best bet to keep your vision from unwanted eye defects.

Dr Robert Abel Jr, an Ophthalmologist, explained that the best way to overcome the computer vision syndrome is by using proper lighting.

“When using a computer, try to dim the ambient lighting to about half of what is normal for an office.

You may want to use less bulbs or bulbs at a lower wattage for this effect. Also, try to position your monitor so that any exposed windows are at a right angle to the computer screen.

“Another way to minimise eye strain from the computer is to take a series of short, five minute breaks throughout your work day. Stand up, stretch and focus on things other than your computer screen,” he said.

Consider the water therapy Water has been performing the lifesaving task excellently from

the word go. In the confine of your office with head buried in office activities, water therapy would adequately and readily reset the body to default.

Drinking water at intervals while thrashing out work assignment could go a long way in reducing dehydration and dizziness.

Water can also help optimise office performance by energising the body cells. Have you ever felt a part of your body disconnected from the other part after working long hours or sitting too long in a position? Water might be all you need to restore the body activity efficiently.

out of the computer screen.

In order to prevent back pain, therapists advise that it is expedient to always support your back while sitting by adjusting your chair so your lower back is properly supported.

You should also strongly consider adjusting your chair height, so you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor.

If you have to lean forward, ensure that your elbow is well rested on the tabletop, providing support to your lower jaw and also ensure that you place your screen at eye level.

Ensure a pain-free sitting position This is one of the hardest rules to obey during office time. It takes only a blink of an eye for one to break the sitting position rule while engrossed with work. Sometimes, the documents or computer gets so fascinating that we tend to move closer as if we want to pick the letters

Avoid heavy food for lunch Heavy lunch would not be a great idea while still having productive hours to spend at work. The brain and body concentrate more on digesting the food and you might end up sleeping off the rest of office hours. Though high energy food is recommended, it doesn’t have to come in ‘mountainous’ form.

World leaders' praises for Buhari, an indication govt on course —Lai Mohammed Christian Okeke - Abuja MINISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the recent global community's appreciation of the giant strides which have been made by President Muhammadu Buhari -led administration in the fight against terrorism and corruption, as well as in managing the nation's economy at a time of global economic downturn, was an indication that the administration was on course in its quest to ensure better life for the citizens.

He said that it was particularly delightful to hear from world leaders that President Buhari's determined and committed leadership as well as his integrity, had given Nigeria a positive image in the comity of nations.

In a statement where he expressed excitement over the global endorsement which the president received from world leaders during his recent trip to the United States for the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the minister said the fact that the president was able to highlight and seek a global rallying point on critical issues during his trip, would have a positive effect on the country.

He also expressed optimism that the country will soon begin to reap the benefits of the United StatesAfrica Business Forum and the meeting with top Nigerian professionals, which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. ''These three areas are the priorities of the Buhari -led administration and its ef-

forts have not gone unnoticed globally, despite the attempts by naysayers to pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians.

"World leaders, including President Barrack Obama, United Nations SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon and

Switzerland's president, Johann Schneider-Ammann ,all took turns to extol President Buhari-led administra-

Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio (right), with the President of International Bar Association (IBA), Mr David Rivkin, during IBA conference in Washington, DC, United States, at the weekend.

2016 hajj: Niger lost 2 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia Adelowo Oladipo - Minna TWO pilgrims among those who went to perform 2016 Hajj in Makkah ,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from Niger State ,have been confirmed dead and buried in the Holy land.

The pilgrims are Alhaji Haruna Kusherki, a member of the state Hajj team, who died two weeks ago and one Hajiya Aisha Suleiman Kaka, a pilgrim from Edati Local Government Area of the state.

The second pilgrim, Hajiya Kaka, was said to have died

last Saturday after a brief illness, while their remains have since been buried after a prayer session at the Majid Al-Haram in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that prior to the female pilgrim's illness in the Holy land, she was said to have got burnt on her legs due to excessive heat on the tiles of Prophet Muhammad Mosque in Medina about three weeks ago.

In another development, another pilgrim from the state, (names withheld) ,is

said to be receiving treatment at a Saudi Hospital in Makkah , as a result of a road traffic crash in the Holy land.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Habibu Wushishi, the deputy press secretary to the Niger State deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, confirmed the incidents to the Nigerian Tribune, at the weekend.

Wushishi, who is also one of the state pilgrims, who went to perform the 2016 Hajj , said this in the Holy land, in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, on Saturday.

tion. ''This should be a source of hope and pride to Nigerians, who have borne the brunt of the difficulties associated with the current economic downturn as well as the country's negative global image in the past.

"While thanking Nigerians for their perseverance, there is no doubt that by continuing to give their unalloyed support to the president, they will be ensuring that these tough times will not last ''The president sent a clear and direct message to world leaders on such issues as poverty, climate change, terrorism, plight of the IDPs, arising from Boko Haram activities, diversification of the economy and the creation of enabling environment for foreign investment in Nigeria.

I'm alive, says Dangote AFRICA’S richest man, Aliko Dangote, has responded to rumours of his death by some websites, describing it as ‘malicious’.

Media publication had claimed on Sunday that the business magnate had died at the age of 59 in Germany during a brief illness. The report claimed his family confirmed the news to a socalled German DW-TV3.

The publication has gone viral on social media. However, Mr Dangote tweeted on Sunday that he was “hale, hearty and alive”.

I am hale, hearty and alive. Please, disregard malicious report saying otherwise. Thank you.— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) September 25, 2016

Group drums up support for Onakoya as Leguru LCDA's boss

By Gbenga Olumide THE People of Leguru Local Council Development Area of Ogun State have been charged to vote for Mr Ololade Onakoya, in the forthcoming local government election, slated for October 8.

Giving the charge was the Director-General,Onakoya Campaign Organisation, Mr Ireti Adenugba, while addressing newsmen on Sunday, at Atiba, Odogbolu Local Government Area, on the forth coming election.

Adenugba appealed to the people to cast their votes for Onakoya and other candidates on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the council area.

“Onakoya, who is contesting for the chairmanship position in Leguru LCDA on the platform of APC, is someone who has contributed his quota to the development of Odogbolu Local Government Area before the creation of Leguru LCDA. “He is a person who has been tested and can be trusted anytime.”

Prophet Salawu for burial September 30 THE final home journey activities for the great missionary, founder and General Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church (Revival Centre), Agbara Jesu wa sibe, Prophet Michael Olutayo Salawu, who died on Monday, July 18, at the age of 73, will begin on Wednesday, September 28, with a-12 hour service of songs, at CAC Revival Centre, Agbara Jesu wa Sibe (Headquarters), Apata, Ibadan, by 4.00 pm.

Lying-in-state will hold at the Christ Interdenominational Camp of Fire, City of Salvation, Oru-Ijebu, on Thursday, September 29, by 12 noon. There will be wake keep on the same day, by 4.00 p.m. at Christ Apostolic Church, Revival Centre, Apata, Ibadan. Funeral service will hold on Friday, September 30, at the church headquarters by 10.00a.m, while interment holds at Micheal Olutayo Salawu Mausoleum, on the church headquarters’ premises.

Thanksgiving service will hold simultaneously with the Christ Apostolic Church Revival Centre Anniversary Day Service on Saturday, October 1, 2016 by 10:00am.

Prophet Salawu

37

Monday, 26 September, 2016

foreig naffairs

08116954632 with seyi gesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

other NEWS Ugandan police block gay pride parade UGANDAN police have blocked gay pride celebrations from happening in two resorts outside the capital, Kampala.

Gay rights activist Frank Mugisha said more than 100 LGBTI people tried to participate in the celebrations in Entebbe near Lake Victoria.

But many were escorted by police back to Kampala in minibuses.

BBC reported for Kampala that the minister for ethics and integrity had threatened to mobilise

mobs to attack participants.

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda.

After being blocked from entering the Entebbe resort, several dozen participants moved on to another resort but were kicked out by officers.

This is the second time the LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex] community has tried to hold gay pride celebrations in Uganda this year. In August, the authorities broke up a beauty pageant and arrested activists.

Ugandan activists held celebrations in August 2015. PHOTO: AFP

Syria conflict: Russia may have committed war crime —Johnson

U

NITED Kingdom Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has suggested Russia may have committed a war crime in Syria if it was behind an attack on an aid convoy near Aleppo.

He told the BBC that it was right to ask whether Russian forces had deliberately targeted civilians.

Eighteen lorries and a warehouse were destroyed and 20 people killed in last Monday’s attack.

Russia denied responsibility, blaming rebel shelling or a United States drone.

Mr Johnson also said Russia was “guilty of protracting” the war in Syria and of “making it far more hideous”.

His comments came as Aleppo sustained heavy bombing, with the Syrian

Washington mall shooting: 20-year-old suspect arrested

China’s great space telescope begins operations THE world’s largest radio telescope has began operating in southwestern China, a project which Beijing aid will help humanity search for alien life.

The mega telescope began working around noon, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday, adding that it will explore space and search for signs of intelligent life, Al Jazeera reported.

The 1.2 billion yuan ($180 million) science megaproject is named after its huge dimensions: the Fivehundred-metre Aperture Spherical Telescope, or FAST. Built within a valley surrounded by naturallyformed karst hills in China’s remote and mountainous southwestern Guizhou

province, the FAST radio telescope’s huge dish is equal in size to 30 football pitches and was built from 4,000 individual metal panels.

It also required the relocation of 10,000 people living in the vicinity of the huge structure.

The feasibility study for the telescope was carried out over 14 years and construction took more than five years to complete.

Chinese state media have enthusiastically focused on FAST’s huge size, noting that it dwarfs by 200 metres the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, which at 305 metres in diameter had been the world’s largest single-aperture telescope since the 1960s until the Chinese telescope was completed in July.

The last panel of China’s FAST radio telescope was installed in July, 2016. PHOTO: CHINA DAILY/REUTERS

government saying it had launched an offensive to retake rebel-held areas.

In the latest fighting, rebel forces in the city were reported to have retaken the Palestinian refugee camp of Handarat, on elevated ground north of the city.

The strategic area fell to government troops on Saturday.

The United Nations Security Council is due to meet on Sunday morning in New York to discuss Aleppo.

The meeting was requested by the US, the UK and France.

United Nations special envoy Staffan de Mistura described last week’s attack, on an aid convoy and Syrian Arab Red Crescent warehouse outside Aleppo, as an “outrage”. The US said two Russian warplanes were

Arcan Cetin. PHOTO: TWITTER

THE suspect in a shooting at a Washington state mall that left five dead and sparked an intensive, nearly 24-hour manhunt is in custody, authorities said.

Washington state police identified the suspect via Twitter as 20-yearold Arcan Cetin, of Oak Harbour, Washington.

Al Jazeera stated that authorities announced earlier that the suspect had been apprehended on Saturday evening.

A gunman opened fire at the Cascade Mall, in Burlington, Washington, on Friday night, killing four females and a man before fleeing.

One of the victims was a 16-year-old girl. Sarai Lara’s mother told The Seattle Times that her daughter had survived cancer as a young girl and was a happy student.

Evangelina Lara told the paper that she was shopping at the Cascade Mall with Sarai and her younger sister, but they split up; Sarai went to Macy’s looking for pants.

The first emergency call came in just before 7pm on a busy Friday night at the Cascade Mall: A man with a rifle was shooting at people in the Macy’s department store.

By the time police arrived moments later, four people were dead, and the gunman was gone, last seen walking towards a local highway.

A fifth victim, a man, died in the early morning hours on Saturday as police finished sweeping the 434,000-square-foot building.

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. PHOTO: UK MIRROR involved in the attack.

Mr Johnson appeared to go further, saying the convoy could have been deliberately targeted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was “not only... handing [Syrian President Bashar] Assad the revolver”, he told the BBC. “He is in some instances actually firing the revolver himself.

“We should be looking at whether or not that targeting is done in the knowledge that those are wholly innocent civilian targets. That is a war crime.”

Jordan: Gunman kills writer ahead of cartoon trial A gunman has shot dead prominent Jordanian writer Nahed Hattar outside a court where he was facing charges for sharing a cartoon deemed offensive to Islam.

According to Al Jazeera, Hattar was struck by three bullets before the unidentified assailant was arrested on Sunday, state news agency Petra reported.

Witnesses and police said Nahed Hattar, 56, was preparing to enter the courthouse for a hearing when the lone gunman shot him at close range.

“He was standing at a short distance of about one metre

in front of Nahed on the stairs of the Supreme Court,” a witness told the Associated Press news agency on condition of anonymity, fearing repercussions.

Hattar, a Christian, was arrested on August 13 after posting a caricature on his Facebook account that depicted a bearded man in heaven smoking in bed with women, asking God to bring him wine and cashews.

Nahed Hattar

Opposition rejects Gabon court’s ruling on Ali Bongo election win GABONESE opposition leader Jean Ping has said a constitution court ruling which upheld President Ali Bongo’s election victory was “unjust”.

Mr Ping called for his supporters to “remain vigilant

and mobilised”. There have been concerns about violent protests following the court ruling.

To ease tension Mr Bongo offered to include opposition members in his cabinet, BBC stated.

He came to power in 2009 when his father died after ruling for 42 years.

President Bongo says he is now seeking to form a new government.

Gabonese opposition leader Jean Ping (c) at a press Speaking to conference in the capital Libreville. PHOTO: AFP

supporters in the capital Libreville, Mr Ping sought to ensure supporters that the Gabonese people would be “respected” and that “2016 will not be 2009”.

Mr Ping had asked the court to re-examine results in the Haut-Ogooue province where Mr Bongo won 95 per cent of the vote on a turnout of 99.9 per cent.

But the court threw out copies of tally sheets that Mr Ping had presented as evidence, saying they had not been verified.

38

communitynews

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Ogun moves to establish chieftaincy tribunal

By Joseph Ajayi

OGUN State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Olajide Ojuko, has emphasised the importance of establishing a chieftaincy tribunal to resolve chieftaincy related disputes.

Chief Ojuko made the remark during the visit of the House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as part of its oversight functions to the ministry in Oke-Mosan.

The commissioner said the incumbent administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun would not rest on its oars at repositioning the State Traditional Council for better performance and grass roots development as it plays a key role in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the state.

He pointed out that the intention of the government was to ensure accelerated hearing of chieftaincy cases so that development could spread across the communities in the state, disclosing that due to many years of court proceedings, many towns and communities were yet to install either chief or baale.

“As a result of court proceedings which lasted for years, many communities lost out in the scheme of development, but with the establishment of a chieftaincy tribunal, matters affecting the traditional institutions would not only receive accelerated hear-

ing, but will also be gazetted,” Ojuko said.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Honourable Olusola Sonuga, commended the ministry for living up to its statutory responsibilities at ensuring adequate supervision and monitoring of activities of the 20 local government areas of the state.

He also urged the ministry to step up its human capacity development drive by organising seminars and workshops for workers of the councils to enable them tackle the various challenges in the sector.

He, however, promised to speed up hearing of the Chieftaincy Tribunal Bill when it is presented to the House of Assembly for approval.

A partially collapsed building at Ososami area, opposite Ibada Central Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State. PHOTO: PETER OYEBANJI

Council resolves land dispute in Amukpe community Ebenezer AdurokiyaWarri

A

protracted land dispute among the people of Amukpe community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has been resolved by members of a panel and the Duke in Council, Amukpe District.

The 40 plots of land in dispute is located in Ibada Amukpe community.

Mr Paul Umukoro on behalf of Ibada Amukpe community had dragged Daniel Kokogho (on behalf of the children of late Chief Kokogho) and the president and executive members of Ovwore Amukpe community before the Duke in Council

of Amukpe district over the land.

Before the close of the case, panel members and representatives of the disputing parties visited the land.

The panel in its findings, submitted that the area covered by the survey plan of the defendants showed that it was an old camp once inhabitated by

MGS old students make donation to alma mater

By Aramide Saanu THE Old Students Association of Muslim Grammar School, Ibadan (1981

class), led by former Commissioner for Education in Oyo State, Dr Nureni Adeniran, has donated desks and

chairs to the alma mater.

In his address during the presentation ceremony, Dr Adeniran described the

Enogie eulogises Benin crown prince over road project Abiodun Jimoh-Benin City ENOGIE of Useh community in Egor, Edo State, His Royal Highness Olomuza Otamere Eweka, has expressed gratitude to the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness Eheneden Erediauwa, for his efforts in ensuring the construction of some major roads in the community.

The construction of Olomuza Street, Okunbor Street and Useh Road off Siluko Road are being undertaken due to the intervention of the crown prince, who had urged the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to come to the aid of the community by constructing the roads.

HRH Olomuza made this remark in a chat with news-

people.

Economic trees such as coconut and rubber trees among others were also found, including broken bottles, broken plates, used pots and a shrine.

Both parties had laid claim to all sections of the land as their ancestral property, except the shrine.

The parties also con-

men in Benin City.

He also thanked the management of the NDDC for the quick response and for mobilising a reputable construction company which had commenced work on

the roads.

Speaking further, the traditional ruler disclosed that the contract for the construction of the roads had long been awarded but the initial contractor didn’t do

the required job.

Meanwhile, the Enogie has appealed to the NDDC to lay asphalt on the roads after completion and build drainage on both sides of the roads.

Why we are opening up communities —Atiba LG boss by tunde Ogunesan

THE Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Gbolagade Okeniyi, has said that the need to ensure that the dividends of democracy and development get to every nook and cranny informed the decision to grade and rehabilitate some roads within the council.

Okeniyi, who took over from Prince Akeem Adeyemi, who now represents Oyo federal constituency

in the House of Representatives, said he is committed to the development of the council and the people, adding that more than 200 kilometres of roads have been graded, opened up and rehabilitated.

Okeniyi said, “we have not relented in our efforts to make life more abundant for our people. Education, health, agriculture and rural development, youth and women empowerment and others have been given top priority since we came on board.

“These are in line with the

restoration agenda of our leader and governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and we are not going to derail. Our father, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has been very supportive.

“Apart from the grading of roads across the council, we have rehabilitated some and dredged some rivers to allow free passage of water and to prevent flooding.

We believe when there are access and link roads, it will aid the people’s movement as they go about transacting business,” he noted.

donation as a token of the 1981 set to the school.

“This is the school we attended. My colleagues and I, therefore, decided to pool resources together to make the presentation.

And this is just the starting point.

“We came up with the idea of chairs and desks because we know it is not possible for government to do everything, especially with regards to the education sector,” he said.

He urged other alumni associations to see what they can do to make education interesting for students, while charging students to be disciplined and respectful.

In his response, the senior school principal, Alhaji Adekunle Sarumi, said: “Some old students associations have promised us many things but they failed to deliver. But with the full support of the PTA, teachers and your association, the school has been progressing.

“We thank you for this gesture. If other old students can emulate your set, the sector as a whole would be the better for it.”

cluded that the shrine was where one Okotie, a herbal medicine practitioner lived with Kokogho.

The panel afterward carefully considered the evidence of both parties vis-a-vis what were discovered at the site and concluded that some people once lived there, and, therefore, it was improper for Ovwore Amukpe community to approve such a land for an individual/family, saying the approval is against the constitution of Amukpe district.

The panel also resolved that the Deed of Grant emanating from the transaction was null and void and of no effect, noting also that the land caretakers were not involved in the granting of the deed.

Members of the panel, who amicably resolved the issue, included Chief P.E. Asagba (Duke), chairman; Chief M. Asagba, member; Chief John Erhitobor, member; Chief E.M Odebala, member; Mr Godday Okpako, member; Mr Peter Smart, Amukpe district president-general and Samuel Ifude, member.

Meanwhile, a prominent member of the community, Ambassador Igho Erute, the secretary of Ibada-Amukpe, has warned investors to stay away from Ibada family’s land known as Okuokoko which, he said, is the ancestral home of the people of Ibada.

39 sport

Monday, 26 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Iwobi delighted by London derby’s MVP award

By Nurudeen Alimi

N

IGERIAN international, Alex Iwobi, says he is delighted to be named Man of The Match in Saturday’s 3-0 win over London rivals, Chelsea, at The Emirates.

However, the teenager wrote on his twitter handle that the win over Chelsea was more important than his player award because any of the Gunners could have been picked as Man of The Match of the starstudded game.

“Delighted to be named man of the match in such a game, however there could have been other man of the match as well. Great team performance. #AFC# BIG 17# 3 POINTS,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Iwobi is one of the 23 players expected in Nigeria preparatory camp ahead

of October 9 clash against Zambia’s Chipolopolo in Ndola and, bar injury, is expected to play a big role in the clash having missed out in Nigeria’s recent outing against Tanzania earlier in the month.

He further told the club’s website that the win over Chelsea was no fluke but a

result of rigorous training sessions.

“We played well, especially in training we’re working together very well.

We’re training very well and we’re just putting a lot of training into matches, which was on show Saturday, ” he told told arsenal.com.

Wenger hungrier after humbling Chelsea Chelsea only big on paper —Conte ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger said he was hungrier than ever for success after his side marked the 20th anniversary of his appointment by stylishly defeating Chelsea 3-0.

“I’m hungrier because I know I have not got 20 more years in front of me,” smiled Wenger, whose team rose to third place in the Premier League table.

Chelsea have gone three

league games without victory and while beaten manager Antonio Conte refused to single out individuals for blame, he had strong words of criticism for his team.

“Now we are a great team only on paper, not on the pitch,” said the Italian.

“To be a great team, I prefer to be a great team not only on paper but also on the pitch. The pitch is the truth. The pitch speaks.

Dalung urges state governments to invest in sports THE Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has called on state governments to invest in youth and sports development.

The Minister made the call when he paid a courtesy visit on the governor of Kwara state Abdulfatah Ahmed at the Government house, in Ilorin.

Barrister Dalung thanked the governor for investing in the National Youth Games through the provision of accommodation for the athletes and odfficials, facilities and funds.

“I want to thank and congratulate you for hosting this games. Kwara state will be remembered when the history of modern sports development in Nigeria is written because of the role the state government has played in providing not only accommodation, but also going out of your way to provide other logistics including financial support for the games.

“The panacea to all related development problems is to redirect energy to investment in sports. States will forget about spending on security because those

Solomon Dalung

who would naturally have created security problems for you will be dutifully engaged. There will also be much for the economy because there will be so many commercial activities involving so many people and sports will attract tourism .

“If sports is the only unifying factor across this nation, why do waste so much money holding seminars and conferences instead of investing in sports? We will need your support to redraw the architecture of sports and reposition the image of Nigeria within the comity of nations. We are determined, committed and willing to serve our country selflessly”, Dalung urged.

In his response, Governor Abdulfatah said that sports development was one of the best things that any country could truly use as an instrument to drive it’s youth development.

Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi (left) nullifying Diego Costa of Chelsea. AFP Photo.

Ronaldo not above substitution —Zidane

Ronald (left) and Zidane

CAF C/ Lea ZAMALEK of Egypt suffered a shock 5-2 defeat at Wydad Casablanca of Morocco on Saturday, but still qualified to meet Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the 2016 African Champions League final.

Zamalek won the first leg of the semi-final 4-0 in Alexandria last weekend and squeezed through 6-5 on aggregate.

Wydad, who sacked coach John Toshack after the first leg defeat, were attempting to become the first club to wipe out a four-goal deficit in a Champions League semifinal.

The Moroccans came close,

producing a dramatic comeback to leave Zamalek shaken until they scored on the counter attack through Nigerian Stanley Ohawuchi to end the homers’ hopes.

Liberian William Jebor scored twice to help Wydad to a 3-1 half time lead, with Ismail El Haddad also scoring for the hosts. Basem Morsi scored Zamalek’s goal in the first-half.

A brace from Congolese Fabrice Ondama after the break extended the score to 5-1 for Wydad - putting the sides level on aggregate but with Wydad still needing one more to win the tie because of the away-goals rule.

Ohawuchi

REAL Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insisted Cristiano Ronaldo has to learn to live with being substituted after sulking off the field visibly frustrated in the European champions’ 2-2 draw at Las Palmas.

Zidane replaced the threetime World Player of the Year with Madrid leading 2-1 18 minutes from time, but an unhappy Ronaldo

watched from the bench as Sergio Araujo equalised to ensure Real dropped points for the second time in four days.

“I have to take him off sometimes and tonight we did it,” said Zidane.

“That isn’t going to change what we are going to do continue to do.”

At the forefront of Zidane’s mind was Real’s huge Champions League clash away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

However, Ronaldo endured a poor night in front of goal as he fluffed a great chance from Alvaro Morata’s cut-back before halftime and fired straight at Javi Varas in the build-up to Madrid’s second goal.

“We have a game on Tuesday and I thought it was the time to take him off, 20 minutes from the end, thinking about Tuesday,” added Zidane.

“I know he always wants to play and always wants to stay on the field, but I also have to think about the players and for me it was best to rest and think about Tuesday.”

SIDELINES

NO 16,597

MONDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER, 2016

T

HERE is a crisis of honour and of conscience in our country. And because of this there is hardly any person, man or woman, boy or girl, political leader or political follower, in this generation of our country who possesses or practises the full art of morality or of integrity. The nature or trait of any member of this generation of our country is clearly devoid of the full elegance of virtue or of justice or of integrity or of positive principle.

In which class of the citizens of our current generation can we vouch for men and women of untainted conscience or of untainted integrity and honour without blemish? In our answer we may say that because we are not a nation of saints and purists of elegance or of first grade moralists or of remarkably good people of outstanding excellence, we thus should not answer the posed question in a definable boundary of assertiveness: the boundary of truth that lacks exaggeration.

But regardless of the class we pick or unpick our choice answer cannot but point to the fact that ours indeed is a generation of elusive men and women of high integrity and diligent conscience.

I am not laying any claim to the status of a social philosopher or moral artist/ columnist or moral philosopher. But if we really try to decipher our current generation of high chiefs, for instance, we truly will see that our so-called high chiefs are nothing but low men and women. Put them in positions of any kind demanding of mere competence or of high competence you will see how low many of them will sink. In fact, you will see their dual nature that will change with the swing of low tides, belonging in one second to the land of the honour-less, now to the sea of the conscience-less.

There is hardly anywhere in our country now where our youths don’t follow the wrong footsteps and fins of our relatively unstable honour-less land dwellers and conscience-less water dwellers. Let me escape from my visible world of metaphor.

In this difficult country made more difficult by high chiefs in power, our youths every now and then give thought

N150

Parents are reportedly withdrawing their children from private schools and registering them in public schools following the recession in the country. As most public schools are run-down, with unpaid teachers angrily pacing about, this is a classic case of the proverbial thorny issue which leaves a fart in the mouth and salt in the palm. The fart cannot be licked, and neither can the salt be thrown away. Hmmm.

in&out with Tony Afejuku

08055213059

A honour-less and conscience-less generation to how to cut corners, and swim in the tides of dirty and merciless millions - not millions in terms of naira but in terms of the almighty dollar. How they get to the river of genuine wealth is not their concern and business. What they want is to escape from the enormous toughness of our difficult world and swim through dark waters of ill-gotten wealth. They are not interested in education or learning for its sake. Always, they point and point at this high chief, or mention and describe this or that personage, and say it loud and clear: “What school did he or she go to?

Tell us, what qualification does he or she have?” They are not done yet: “They are in money, real money. Tell us the businesses they ran that gave them the money they have. Tell us the sources of their money…

We are in school because we never hammer….”

Talk to them about the question of honour or of conscience or of morality or of justice. They would answer you with mocking chuckles and laughter. And I remember pretty well the exchange I had recently with a pretty brilliant chap on the subject. He cited several personages from the class of pastors and bishops who are visibly rich and wealthy in every stupendous sense of the term. He also cited several personages in politics whose crazy wealth had many times troubled his conscience. If he had his way, he

Talk to them about the question of honour or of conscience or of morality or of justice.

They would answer you with mocking chuckles and laughter. would sell his conscience for money not minding anyhow it would come or anyhow it would travel to him. I resisted him and became a preacher of morality, integrity, justice and more to him. Unfortunately, my preaching-time coincided with the time the House of Reps’ budget-padding scandal hit our air-waves and tabloids.

The young chap stiffened his resistance, and vowed that nothing would make him a comrade of honour and justice in a country

Rangers one game away from ending 32-year title jinx Remo Stars promoted to NPFL

By Olawale Olaniyan

RANGERS International FC of Enugu on Sunday are just one game to clinching the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title after beating home team,

Obinna Nwobodo, Rangers striker

Ikorodu FC of Lagos by 2-1 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta in a Week 35 duel.

With the win, Rangers gathered 60 points as closest challenger, Rivers United after playing goalless draw against Abia Warriors, in Port Harcourt are on 57 points.

However, Rangers will have to lose by 4-0 to El-Kanemi Warriors in their last home game while Rivers travel to Uyo to claim a famous away win over Akwa United on the final day to wrest the title from the Flying Antelopes .

Tribunesport recalls that Rangers last won any national title in 1984 beating the Shooting Stars and the defunct New Nigeria Bank to the year’s League title.

In Ibadan, the Shooting Stars ensured safety after beating Wikki Tourists by a lone goal scored by Olabisi Samuel in the 52nd minute but the home fans were scared stiff by an Ibrahim Hassan’s effort which rattled the Shooting Stars post in the 23rd minute.

“This is the toughest game of our campaign, it was a make-or-mar,” said Shooting Stars Team Manager, Dimeji Lawal. However, Wikki Tourists captain, Festus Nmana felt disappointed by officiating.

Meanwhile, Remo Stars on Saturday won promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) cadre after beating City of David 2-0 in a Division B1 game decided in Ijebu Ode.

of honour-less parliamentarians. He went further to poke fun at our country’s quota system of allocation of resources and opportunities at the expense of national endowment and individual talents. As far as he was concerned, ours is a country where our leaders indeed have abandoned their total responsibility to citizens. They all are conscience-less leaders, they all in our institutions are conscience-less men and women.

Now his bombshell: Did I hear the nauseating news about the nauseatingly hefty millions of dollars that had just been found in the accounts of a former first lady of our generation? What work did the erstwhile first lady do that fetched her the anarchical millions of dollars and choice properties everywhere? What was her constitutional salary as first lady? And what qualifications qualified her for the anarchical millions? Anarchical millions?

Yes, for there is something definitely hideous about that Satanic money that can unleash chaos in the land, this land where those to look up to have defined ours as a honour-less and conscienceless generation by their untroubled consciences and honour-less activities.

Resist them, comrades. Resist their values that are value-less to our generation. The true meaning of our resistance, comrades, must derive from our total rejection of their value-less values.

NPFL RESULTS Ikorodu United Rivers United El Kanemi Sunshine Tornadoes Heartland FC IfeanyiUbah Nasarawa Utd Shooting Stars

1 0 1 1 3 1 1 2 1

Rangers 2 Abia Warriors 0 Plateau 0 Warri Wolves 0 MFM 1 Pillars 0 Enyimba 0 Akwa 2 Wikki 0

THE TOP FOUR Team P W D L GS GA +/- Pts Rangers 35 17 9 9 49 37 +12 60 Rivers Utd 35 18 3 14 36 28 +8 57 Ifeanyi Uba 35 16 8 11 37 32 +5 56 Wikki Tourist 35 15 9 11 44 29 +15 54

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 26/9/2016.