26th Novebmer 2015

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 16,379

thursday, 26 november, 2015

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Buhari, Osinbajo, Saraki, 16 govs, 12 ministers bid HID farewell •Obasanjo, Gowon, Shonekan, Tinubu, Subomi Balogun, Dangote, Otudeko, Senators, former govs, diplomats, others grace funeral service —P9,10 •HID earned all the honours she got —Buhari

MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 2,3,4,5,6,7 & 8

The casket, during the funeral service at Our Saviour's Church, Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

Chariot, conveying the remains of HID Awolowo.

We will pay N5,000 to unemployed youths next year —FG —P41

From left, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu.

UK deports 48 Nigerians —P39

Emir Sanusi to Nigerians: Buckle up for more challenges —P16

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HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

Thursday, 26 November, 2015 PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE, ALABA IGBAROOLA, ALOLADE GANIYU, YEMI FUNSO-OKE, SYLVESTER OKORUWA & D’TOYIN

HID AWOLOWO’S BURIAL

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10 1. From left, Mrs Wemimo Anifowose, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Pastor (Dr) Segun Olatunji, Mrs Kemi Aderemi and Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran.

2. Mr Segun Awolwo (left) with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

3. From left, Olori Ladun Sijuwade, Mrs Kemi Aderemi and Vice-President Osinbajo.

4. From left, Alhaji Tunde Badmus, Mr Ayodeji and Mrs Yejide Badmus.

5. Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo’s grandchildren with Vice-President Osinbajo.

6. From left, Oba Otudeko, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr Obafemi Awolowo.

7. From left, Mrs Aderemi, Vice-President Osinbajo and Prince Adedamola Aderemi.

8. Mrs Yejide Badmus (left), with the wife of Vice-President Osinbajo, Dolapo, and others.

9. A cross section of foreign nationals on the occasion.

10. From left, Mr Olumide Oyediran, Mr Ladi Soyode and Chief Segun Oni.

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HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

Thursday, 26 November, 2015 PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE, ALABA IGBAROOLA, ALOLADE GANIYU, YEMI FUNSO-OKE, SYLVESTER OKORUWA & D’TOYIN

HID AWOLOWO’S BURIAL

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10 1. Our Saviour’s Church, Ikenne.

2. Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, arriving for the Funeral Service.

3. Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, arriving at Our Saviour’s Church, Ikenne.

4. From left, Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade; Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima; Jigawa State governor, Muhammad Badaru and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu.

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Business Mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, arriving for the burial service.

Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade and Olori Ladun Sijuwade on arrival.

Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, arriving for the funeral service.

Leader of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun.

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal (right) and the Zamfara State governor, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Yari arriving at the church.

10. Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (right), with the Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Abimbola Ashiru.

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Thursday, 26 November, 2015 PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE, ALABA IGBAROOLA, ALOLADE GANIYU, YEMI FUNSO-OKE, SYLVESTER OKORUWA & D’TOYIN

HID AWOLOWO’S BURIAL

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10 1. From left, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, his wife, Dolapo and the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari.

2. Minister of Transport, Chief Rotimi Amaechi (right), with former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Bola.

3. Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (left) with Mrs Wemimo Anifowose.

4. Cross section of Chief (Mrs) H.I.D Awolowo’s grandchildren.

5. Ondo State goveror, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his wife, Kemi, with other guests.

6. From left, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Senator

Tony Adefuye.

7. From left, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Solid Mineral, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and other guests.

8. From left, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, Chief Kunle Ojora and the Minister of Communication, Alhaji Bayo Shittu.

9. From left, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Senator Tony Adefuye and Mrs Bisi Sangodoyin.

10. From left, Professor Afolabi Oladapo, Chief Dipo Jimilehin and other guests.

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HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

Thursday, 26 November, 2015 PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE, ALABA IGBAROOLA, ALOLADE GANIYU, YEMI FUNSO-OKE, SYLVESTER OKORUWA & D’TOYIN

HID AWOLOWO’S BURIAL

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10 1. From left, former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Chief of General Staff, General Oladipo Diya; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria.

2. From left, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Gbolahan Dosumu.

3. From left, former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu; his wife, Remi and a former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Niyi Adebayo.

4. From left, former Ogun State governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel; his wife, Olufunke and a former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

5. From left, Zamfara State governor, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Yari; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo.

6. From left, Mr Segun Awolowo, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, Vice-President Osinbajo and Mrs Bola Awolowo.

7. Professor Osinbajo (left) with Bishop Olusina Fape. with them is the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

8. From left, Mr Babajide Awolowo, Gbenga Awolowo and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

9. From left, Dr Saraki, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Mr Tunde Ayeni.

10. From left, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Senator Olabiyi Durojaye and other guests.

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HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

Thursday, 26 November, 2015 PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE, ALABA IGBAROOLA, ALOLADE GANIYU, YEMI FUNSO-OKE, SYLVESTER OKORUWA & D’TOYIN

HID AWOLOWO’S BURIAL

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10 1. The horse cart carrying HID Awolowo’s remain 2. Band of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), leading the procession of HID Awolowo’s casket to the church.

3. President Muhammadu Buhari arriving at Ikenne. With him are Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.

4. The remains of Chief HID Awolowo being taken into the Awo’s Mausoleum, her final resting place.

5. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran; wife of Governor Amosun, Olufunso; Mr Olumide Oyediran and others.

6. From left, Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, with Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Mr Segun Awolowo.

7. From left, former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; General Oladipo Diya and former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

8. Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, exchanging pleasantries with his predecessor in office, Chief Olusegun Osoba. With them is a former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Niyi Adebayo.

9. Great grandchildren of Mama HID Awolowo at the funeral service.

10. Evangelist Ebenezer Obey performing at the reception.

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HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

Thurssday, 26 November, 2015 PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE, ALABA IGBAROOLA, ALOLADE GANIYU, YEMI FUNSO-OKE, SYLVESTER OKORUWA & D’TOYIN

HID AWOLOWO’S BURIAL

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9 1. Sir Olaniwun Ajayi (left) and Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

2. Senator Bola Tinubu leading others and acknowledging cheers inside Macopolo bus.

3. Former Lagos State governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; his wife, Abimbola and another guest.

4. Mr John Mastoroudis and his wife, Maria.

5. From left, Ogun State deputy governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; former Ekiti State governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo and former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

6. Chief Dele Momodu and Admiral Akin Aduwo (retd).

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7. From left, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, former deputy governor of Lagos State, Chief (Mrs) Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; Comrade Yinka Odumakin and Mr Toyin Okeowo.

8. From left, Chief B.A Onafowokan, Chief (Mrs) Comfort Olutunda and Yeye Funmi Arikawe.

9. From left, Mr Tola Asekun, Simi Asekun, Dr Fred Ogunseye and Mr Folu Olamiti.

10. From left, Senator Mamora, Oba Otudeko and the Ondo State governor, Dr Segun Mimiko.

8 HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

Thurssday, 26 November, 2015 PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE, ALABA IGBAROOLA, ALOLADE GANIYU, YEMI FUNSO-OKE, SYLVESTER OKORUWA & D’TOYIN

HID AWOLOWO’S BURIAL

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10 1. Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran performing the dust-to-dust rites on her mother, Chief (Mrs) H.I.D. Awolowo.

2. Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu performing the dust-to-dust rites.

3. Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Nicholas Okoh, performing the dust-to-dust rites.

4. Mr Segun Awolowo performing the dust-to-dust rites.

5. The remains of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo being taken to her final resting place.

6. Granchildren of Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo leading the procession.

7. From left, Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola; Oyo State governor, Senator

Abiola Ajimobi; his wife,Florence and the deputy governor of Osun State, Chief (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori.

8. From left, former governor of Oyo State, Chief Christopher Alao-Akala; Senator Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi.

9. From left, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Mr Edward Dickson; Professor Wale Adebanwi and theDirector/Consultant, ANN Plc, Pastor Segun Olatunji.

10. From left, Governor Aregbesola, Governor Ajimobi, his wife, Florence; Chief (Mrs) Laoye-Tomori and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.

9 news

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Nigeria bids HID Awolowo farewell

Buhari, OBJ, Gowon, Shonekan, 16 govs, 12 ministers, Dangote, diplomats grace funeral service Stories by Olayinka Olukoya, Saheed Salawu, Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare, Tunde Ogunesan, Moses Alao, Dare Adekanmbi, Victor Ogunyinka and Olakunle Taiwo

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PERATORS of the political and economic structures of Nigeria, on Wednesday, paid their last respect to the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Dr) Mrs HID Awolowo.

Nigeria literally ground to a screeching halt in honour of HID Awolowo, whose remains were committed to mother earth at the Awolowo residence in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, after a colourful funeral service.

Ikenne Remo, for the better part of Wednesday, became the momentary political and economic capital of the country.

The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari was put off. The president, who chairs the meeting, and 12 ministers and other members of his cabinet were in Ikenne, apparently as a mark of honour for Awo’s jewel of inestimable value.

For the state governors, no other business could be more pressing than gracing the funeral of the mother of the nation. Sixteen state chief executive officers from the six geopolitical zones — South-West, South-South, South-East, North-East, North-Central and NorthWest were in attendance.

Drivers of the economic structure of the country for whom time remains an invaluable asset, muffled the sound of their business clocks and sat through a three-hour funeral service appropriately salted with tuneful and melodious renditions.

HID Awolowo’s funeral broke ethnic and political walls, as politicians from across divides exchanged pleasantries, slapped one another on the back and made space for one another on the church pews in which they literally squeezed themselves.

It was easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for dignitaries to gain admittance into Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne, venue of the funeral service, which had all the trappings of a state burial.

Even after every space in the church had been occupied,

eminent personalities were funneling through the aisles, enduring whatever inconvenience that gave, all in the honour of HID. At the funeral were President Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Bola; General Yakubu Gowon and his wife, Victoria; Chief Ernest Shonekan, LieutenantGeneral Oladipo Diya (retd), Senator Bola Tinubu and his wife, Remi and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Lasun Yusuff.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Funso (Ogun); Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence (Oyo); Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat (Osun); Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his wife, Kemi (Ondo); Governor Ben Ayade (Cross River); Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his wife, Iara (Edo); Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Governor Abdul-Azeez Yari (Zamfara); Governor Mohammed Jibrilla (Adamawa); Governor Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa); Governor Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna); Governor Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Governor Kashim Shettima (Borno), were also present.

Members of the Federal Executive Council at the event included Rotimi Amaechi (Transport); Mrs Kemi Adeosun (Finance); Barrister Adebayo Shittu (Communication); Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Information and Culture); Dr Kayode

Fayemi (Solid Minerals); Mr Babatunde Fashola (Works, Power and Housing); Professor Isaac Adewole (Health); Amina Mohammed (Environment); Abubakar Bwari (Solid Minerals - State); Dan Ali (Defence); Dr Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology); Chief Audu Ogbeh (Agriculture), among others.

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; investor and entrepreneur, Dr Oba Otudeko, and business magnate, Olatunde Ayeni, led the pack of the drivers of the production/ manufacturing sub-sector of Nigeria’s economy to Ogun State’s town to bid the ‘Jewel’ farewell. Other were Chief Subomi Balogun; Mr Segun Ogunsanya (MDCEO Bharti Airtel); Dr Yemi Onabowale (Chairman, Reddington Hospital).

Also present were Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Sir Olaniwun Ajayi; Chief Olu Falae; Senator Biyi Durojaye; former governors and deputy governors: Chief Olusegun Osoba; Chief Niyi Adebayo; Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and his wife; Chief Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Olufunke; Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his wife; Chief Titi Laoye-Tomori; Mr Femi Pedro; Chief Koforola Bucknor-Akerele; Other dignitaries in attendance were Senator Gbenga Kaka; General Olufemi Olutoye; Senator Daisy Danjuma; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Senator Lanre Tejuosho; Senator

Olorunnimbe Mamora; Pastor Tunde Bakare; Chief Dele Momodu; Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu; Honourable Abike DabiriErewa; Chief Kola Ogunjobi; Dr B.A Onafowokan; Chief Tunji Ayanlaja, SAN; Chief Supo Sonibare; Dr Fredrick Fasehun; Patrick Obahiagbon; Chief Michael Oyedele; Emeritus Professor T.O Ogunlesi and many others.

The procession from home to church was a spectacle.

The children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a horde of well-wishers accompanied HID’s body.

They were later joined by Governors Okorocha and Aminu Tambuwal.

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, who was thrilling dignitaries to melodious music, also welcomed the president to the Awolowos’ compound with a special song.

Even in death, Mama HID Awolowo’s constituency in life were well represented to give her a befitting exit in a blaze of glory. For a woman who served God in all her years on earth and was deeply committed to uplifting the church of God, the procession of men of God at her final rites was not unexpected.

It was, indeed, a prominent ecclesiastical gathering as the clerics, in their nobility, left their ministerial duties to honour a woman that exhibited the fear of God in all her dealings while on earth.

For Mama’s burial, there was no barrier of doctrines or denominational segregation,

as the body of Christ was united and with one voice; that indeed, a woman of God had been called into glory and the church must honour one of their own, who was selfless in her service to God. They came from far and wide, irrespective of titles and statues; there were Reverends, Pastors and Prelates from the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, The Apostolic and the Foursquare church, among many others.

Those that were on ground to bid Mama farewell included the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend (Dr) Nicholas D. Okon; Prelate of the Methodist Church, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Emeka Uche; the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Reverend Felix Meduoye and the President of the Apostolic Church, Pastor Dr. G.O Olutola.

Others were the Archbishop of Ondo Province, Archbishop George Lasebikan; Most Reverend Ephraim Adebola Ademowo; Most Reverend Adebayo Dada Akinde; 36 bishops, pastors, catechists, ordinands and other ordained ministers of God and religious leaders.

The honour given to Mama Awolowo by the clerics reiterates the belief that to die in Christ is a beautiful thing and there’s no greater testimony for the dead than honour given by God’s faithful ones.

Speaking, the Senate President, Dr Saraki, who

represented President Buhari in the service, linked the presence of dignitaries from across the country at the service to the preeminence of HID Awolowo in the country.

“As you can see, prominent Nigerians from the South, to the East and to the North came here today to pay their last respect to Chief Awolowo. Nigeria is here today,” Saraki said.

He commended HID for holding the fort for 28 years after the departure of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, describing her as an unforgettable woman.

Governor Amosun could not hold his joy for the life of the deceased and the calibre of people who came to pay their last respect to her. He burst into a Christian lyric, which underscored the need for people to strive to make heaven.

One of the grandchildren, Mrs Oluwemimo Anifowose, sang her farewell to HID with a solo performance of “Amazing Grace” tune to the admiration of the gathering.

Buhari respect

pays

last

When President Buhari arrived at the residence of the Awolowos, shouts of ‘Sai Baba, Sai Buhari’ from admirers rent the air.

Welcomed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Olatokubo Awolowo Dosumu, the president visited the mausoleum, where the remains of the matriarch were interred.

Orderliness, finesse in Ikenne as Nigeria paid last respect to HID Awolowo WITH the calibre of personalities cutting across the socio-political and economic spheres of Nigeria expected in Ikenne, not a few had envisaged a huge traffic of humans and vehicles, because Mama Awolowo had always pulled a crowd.

As people drove into Ikenne from the LagosBenin Expressway, the first striking feature was the heavy presence of an admixture of security personnel, comprising policemen, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who collaborated to ensure smooth traffic into the hometown of the Awolowos.

But that proved to be a tip of the iceberg in terms of orderliness and organisation, as well-

wishers soon discovered the solid and orderly arrangement put in place ahead of the landmark funeral ceremony.

At the entrance to the town, many parking lots were provided for vehicles conveying those attending the ceremony. As security agents asked people to disembark from the vehicles, because they could not be allowed beyond that spot unless they conveyed certain dignitaries, attendees had begun to calculate the distance from the parking lots to the church.

But no sooner had people disembarked from vehicles than buses of different shapes and sizes showed up for the onward conveyance of people to the Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, venue of the ceremony.

As a result of that forwardlook and solid logistic plan, not only did the movement of vehicles to and from the venue become easy, the crowd had no difficulty in accessing the venue.

Interestingly, top shots in the security agencies, including the Corp Marshal of the FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdulmajid Ali, had humbly ‘returned to the field’ to direct traffic and ensure the orderliness and organisation witnessed at the ceremony.

But that orderliness, as it was discovered, was beyond traffic control; same exquisite planning had also been put in place for the crowd control at the church, where passes were exclusively used to gain access into certain segments

on the occasion.

Six television stations beamed the funeral ceremonies live for Nigerians across the countries and beyond to follow the proceedings blow by blow.

At the church premises, where canopies equipped with large television screens and sound amplifiers were provided for those who could not gain access into the church, adequate provisions had been made to ensure that no one was left out of the service to celebrate the eventful and glorious life of HID Awolowo.

While the burial event lasted, the church environment—nay, Ikenne, was a beehive of activities, as young and old venerated Papa Awolowo’s jewel of inestimable value. From commercial motorcycle

riders, who had taken a break to honour Mama Awolowo to the elderly, who all waited in front of their houses, awe-struck and taking in the splendour on the occasion.

Outside the church, Agere masquerades, traditional drummers and praise singers adulated dignitaries and celebrated the departed heroine of the Yoruba race.

As the service wound down, selected dignitaries and family members headed for the Awolowo home for the interment of the Yeye Oodua, who was ‘transported home’ from Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne, for the last time, in resplendent majesty befitting a queen, by horsemen clad in uniforms, while the others headed for the reception venue.

10 news

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

HID Awolowo earned all the honours she got —Buhari

Amosun, Oyediran, Dosumu speak Leon Usigbe - Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari delayed his departure for Malta, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), so he could be part of the ceremonies marking the funeral rites for Chief HID Awolowo, wife of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

Speaking to a gathering of family members, friends, associates and other prominent Nigerians at the Ikenne home of the Premier of the defunct Western Region, where he had gone to pay condolence, he explained that the deceased deserved the attention she was receiving from home and abroad.

Buhari noted how she effectively took care of the homefront while her husband was busy around the country and throughout the world.

He praised her family and urged all of them to stick together as they have done.

Buhari said: “Let me appreciate those who have come to participate in this ceremony.

“When I was in the car, I discussed it with the Ogun State governor that HID Awolowo deserved all the nation is doing for her.

“While Chief Awolowo was all over the country and the world, she was effectively managing the family.

So, she earned this. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

“And for you, who had for weeks been gathering friends, associates and facing all the logistic problems, day and night, I congratulate you for a very successful burial of the late Mrs Awolowo “I came back last evening from Iran and I had to make sure I do not miss the last rites for Mrs Awolowo, because she earned it.

“This is the third time I have been here and I hope the family will try and continue to hold together as they have been doing.”

Speaking earlier, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State expressed delight at the presence of the president in Ikenne, noting that it was a honour, not only to Mama HID Awolowo, her family and womenfolk, but to the whole of Yoruba race and the nation.

He praised Buhari for delaying his trip to make a personal presence at the ceremony and recalled that the president had spoken highly of Chief (Mrs) Awolowo.

Ibikunle stated: “We are happy to have in our midst Mr President. I think I have to say this, Mr President is just back from Iran to honour mama and he is travelling back again, because he just came deliberately for this.

“He would have been on a trip that would take him to Malta for the Commonwealth, but he had to honour us and Mama.

“I will not want to take much of our time because the president himself is here and I know that he has come to honour Mama. In fact, in the car, he was saying that Mama deserves all the accolades, all the celebration we are giving to her.”

While thanking the president, he added: “You are not just honouring Mama, you are honouring all of womenfolk and all of us, all the Yoruba race and indeed, the entire nation.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, eldest child of the Awolowo family, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran,

welcomed the president to Awolowos’ residence and thanked him for the honour.

She said there had been outpouring of love on the late matriarch of the Awolowo family everywhere they had been to, adding that it was a demonstration of how well loved she was.

According to her, “judging by the life Mama led, little did we know that she was so loved by all Nigerians and you all have demonstrated it this afternoon. So, we warmly welcome you into our midst.”

While thanking the president and various state governors in the South-West, who had been part of the burial activities, she stated: “You have been extremely wonderful to this family.

“When we got to Lagos, we thought that was it. When we got to Ibadan, it was a complete standstill and when we got to Ogun, the governor was dancing with us all the way from Sagamu to Ikenne, with all the beautiful ladies with us here this

afternoon.

“So, I want to thank you and use this opportunity to wish your government progress and the good work which you have started, I pray that the good Lord will continue to support you and you will not fail in Jesus’ name.

“We all believe that there will be a change.”

In her vote of thanks, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, revealed that Chief (Mrs) Awolowo had, in the last 20 years discussed her funeral, telling her family that it was not an affair for them alone, but the whole world.

She said the way the final rites had gone would have been beyond the imagination of the deceased.

She stated: “It must be so wonderful to grow old, old enough to be able to talk about one’s funeral in a matter of fact way.

“For the last 20 years, I think Mama had been discussing her funeral and what it would be like and

where the damask was on which she wanted to lie and all sorts of things like that.

“And she used to say one thing. She said ‘my funeral is not yours alone. I belong to the whole world.’

“I personally did not fully appreciate what she meant.

I had no idea that this was what she meant.

“And I am not sure that even she had an idea just how much the country loved her or how big her funeral would be, but there is one lesson in here which I think everyone should learn.

“Mama lived all her life in the fear of God and she did everything she did, not because she wanted accolades, but because she believed those were the right things to do and today, we can see the result. Let us give God the glory.

“And so, I thank God for Mama’s life. I thank you sir (president) for doing her this honour and I thank everyone here for doing her this honour and for honouring her family, because if

you did not come, we can’t complain.

“Papa’s funeral was nothing like this. Again, because Papa was not old enough.

He was merely 78 and when he died, we were all too busy crying. We cried all the way even after the internment and the police band tried to give us live music, but we had to ask them to leave because we were just too sad.

“But today, I think we are burying both of them. We are doing Papa’s final rites finally. And so, we thank God for their lives, we thank God for the privilege of being their children and we will ask you to continue, those of you who know how to pray to continue to lift us up in your prayers and we will continue to lift you (president) up in prayers sir, because the task before you is huge.

“It is daunting, but with God, everything is possible.

So, we wish you success in your assignment and we pray that everybody who is here, will return home safely.”

Nigeria burdened with self-inflicted problems —Okoh MOST Reverend Okoh, at the burial said Nigeria was heavily burdened with selfinflicted problems such as corruption, indiscipline, terrorism, unemployment, among others.

Okoh noted that no individual in the country could exclude himself or herself from the problems which, according to him, were weighing on the country.

Speaking on the theme: “The rest God offers,” Okoh said the country, over the years, had been plagued by myriad of challenges, which had taken away its peace.

He said so much investment had been wasted on fight against terrorism, which he described as one of the self-inflicted problems of the country.

He bemoaned the unemployment level in the country, submitting that failure to address the problem would affect the future of the country.

Okoh said: “Today, what can we classify as the yoke and burden of our society and family? Let’s just take a sample; criminal behaviour such as armed robbery, kidnapping, raping, human trafficking, baby factory and so on.

“These are all the things weighing the conscience of the society down. Corruption of all description, including indiscipline, unemployment

and terrorism, are also taking their turns.

“Only recently, I learnt that if you are 27 years old, you are already at the bar of getting a fresh employment.

So, if you graduate and at 27, there is nothing for you. It will be very difficult before any organisation can employ you. So, we run into the trouble of having a generation of young people, who are wasting away.

“Devil has taken away our peace. It has also taken away our money. We are making a heavy investment to combat terror. This is a self-inflicted problem that we going through.

“Again, we have broken homes and this is of grave consequences. These are the yokes on the conscience of the society. Is there anyone of us who can exclude himself from the yokes and bondages? In all sincerity, we are all heavily burdened.

It affects bishops, civil servants, business men and women, academicians and politicians.”

Okoh described Chief (Mrs) Awolowo as “a grassroots leader, a national and international figure of great reputation.”

According to him, “Mama was a happily married wife, devoted to her husband so much that she earned from her indomitable husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the iconic description of the

‘Jewel of inestimable value.’”

That was to be the beginning of several revelations about the activities of Chief (Mrs) Awolowo in churches and the political circle till she breathed her last.

Okoh added that “it is not every woman that a man of that calibre can describe like that. It wasn’t done for publicity sake; it was based on the intrinsic qualities of Mama. She stood by her husband through all his political travails. Little wonder the man was indomitable.

“She was such a great wife.

Chief Awolowo’s most enduring legacy, in my view, and I think in the views of many, is education.

Mama shared in the credit due for that. Through that, God came to a people who had no hope and their lives were transformed and what

did he get for it? He never expected to be rewarded by man.

“Mama was a courageous woman. She lost three of her children while alive, but she was not overwhelmed by grief. She still looked forward with determination and fortitude.

“She is a good example of motherhood to those who are aspiring to marry and for young women who are married and those who feel marriage should be all about money and money alone. There is the need to take lessons from people like this.

“Many young people today would prefer to marry permanent secretaries and not men who will eventually become permanent secretaries; they want to enter into already made places.

“In the church, Mama

played a very active role in the Apostolic, Methodist and Anglican churches at different times. She attended the Methodist Girls High School and later, at Ibadan. She was a great member of Agbeni Methodist Church and she excelled in service.

“In the Anglican church, Mama and her husband championed the creation of the Remo Diocese, which became reality in 1984.

She was a diocesan mother till her death. She built and donated the Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Anglican Church, Ikenne, in memory of her husband.”

The long queue of dignitaries then returned to the compound of the Awolowos’ trekking, and entered the Mausoleum around 1.40 p.m. while the dust-to-dust rite was performed.

Buhari hosts senators to dinner Taiwo Adisa - Abuja IN what looks like the beginning of rappraocahment ahead the presentation of 2016 budget, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, hosted senators to a dinner.

The dinner, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was the first meeting between the

senators and the president.

The National Assembly had run into turbulent waters under Buhari, following the emergence of Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, against the expectation of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The president of the Senate, Saraki, led his colleagues to the dinner at 7.30 p.m.

It was gathered that the senators had discussed the details of the dinner invitation at a closed-door session earlier on Wednesday.

The closed-door session presided over by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, afforded the Peoples Dermocratic Party (PDP) and the APC senators to reach a consensus on the agenda of the meeting.

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Thursday, 26 November, 2013

12 news

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Senate moves to restructure FCT Area Councils Taiwo Adisa, and Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

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HE Senate on Wednesday passed for a second reading a bill seeking to restructure the local council administration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The bill, which is seeking to restructure the administrative and political structures of the six area councils of the FCT and other related matters, was sponsored by Senator Phillip Aduda.

Senator Aduda (PDP, FCT) told the Senate that the bill seeks to establish the administrative and political structure for the FCT area councils with relevant laws to that effect by the National Assembly as against the Niger State laws that have been used in running the councils over the years.

Aduda lamented that the six area councils in the FCT namely, Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali Area councils, have been operating under Niger State laws.

According to him, “It is the responsibility of the National Assembly to enact laws for the Federal Capital Territory as provided under Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

“Since 1999, the National Assembly has not enacted any such law for the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils to enjoy their democratic existence as guaranteed under the constitution.

“The law applicable to the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils have been in existence since

1984 and this law refers to Niger State Edict of 1976.

It is therefore with a view to liberating the FCT Area Councils from Niger State laws, that I present this modern and dynamic law for consideration.”

He believed that the proposed law, if eventually passed, would be divided into five parts dealing with issues adumbrated under Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

He explained that the proposed Act has no financial implication as the area councils, in terms of structures, are already in existence.

Most of the senators who contributed to the debate like Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani, Adamu Aliero, Emmanuel Bwacha etc, argued for quick passage of the bill after which the Senate passed for second reading and accordingly forwarded it to its committee on FCT for more legislative inputs.

Boko Haram: Nigeria, France partner on intelligence sharing Chris Agbambu - Abuja FOLLOWING the continued attacks by terrorists in the world and the incessant attacks by Boko Haram in Nigeria which has led to loss of lives and property in the North-East, the French military have said it will partner with Nigeria on intelligence sharing to curb the scourge of terrorism.

This was disclosed by the French Director of Military Intelligence, General Christophe Gomert, when he visited the Nigerian Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan.

According to General Gomert, “like you know this phenomenon of global terrorism is catching all nations napping. It’s something we did not prepare for including developing countries like Nigeria. We have to evolve new ways of tackling them, stamp them out of existence.”

He further said “in the area of geo spatial intelligence, we seriously rely on you to help us develop that capacity. We are in the process of setting up that development.

“And believing in building up capacity, we must leverage on our capable partners like you to help us from the level we are today to a higher level.”

In his remarks, the Nigerian Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Morgan sympathised with France on the recent terror attack on Paris which left over 150 persons dead.

“I want to sympathise with the entire community of France, and particularly the people of Paris, for the mischievous attack carried out by terrorists. We as a nation, we understand the feelings that you are going through right now, because we have the same nuisance in our hands,” he said.

Pray for peace to reign in Nigeria, Nasarawa govt urges intending pilgrims Ademola Adegbite - Lafia THE leader of the 2015 Nasarawa State pilgrimage government delegation, Honourable Godiya Akwashiki, on Tuesday, urged intending pilgrims from the state to nourish their spirits by praying fervently for peace to reign supreme in the state and Nigeria as a whole while in the Holy land.

Honourable Akwashiki, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, further charged them to effectively propagate the message of peace, love and harmony when they return from the Holy land.

He gave this advice during an orientation exercise held

for the intending pilgrims in Lafia, the state capital.

According to him, “this year, most of you are seated here because of your religious affiliation and because of God. I don’t want you to abuse the opportunity given to you, so as not to jeopardise the opportunities of others tomorrow. So, you have to make a positive impact in the lives of those you come back to meet for the betterment of our state and Nigeria at large.

“We are going to Jerusalem to pray not to picnic, that is the rule,” he warned.

The lawmaker explained that the state government’s new policy of sponsoring only clergymen and Christian Religious Studies (CRS) teachers was aimed at offer-

ing the pilgrims a first-hand experience on how and where Jesus Christ lived, worked and died.

He said the experience would inspire the pilgrims to spread Jesus Christ’s message of peace and love to worshippers and CRS students back in the state, pointing out that this would go a long way to inculcate in the worshipers and students the habit of sustaining peace and love amongst themselves and in their various communities.

In his welcome speech, the Executive Secretary of the state Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Clement Odeh, said the orientation exercise was to enlighten the intending pilgrims on the do’s and don’ts of the holy exercise.

13 news Activist, Alfred Ilenre, lauds Ambode over assistance Bola Badmus-Lagos

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ENOWNED activist and chairman of the June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations, Mr Alfred Ilenre, has lauded the governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, for his timely intervention to save his health

condition.

Ilenre, who is also the Secretary General of Ethnic Minority and Indigeneous Rights Organisation (EMIRO), who was at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa Secretariat, said he deemed it fit to come and pay gratitude to the governor for extending a helping hand to him, which has helped him re-

Ondo extends tenure of LG caretaker committees ONDO State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, approved the extension of the tenure of the caretaker committees of the 18 local governments in the state for six months.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Jumoke Akindele, announced the approval after members voted in favour of the request of Governor Olusegun Mimiko for the extension, conveyed through a letter.

The letter was read by the Clerk of theAssembly, Mr Bode Adeyelu.

Mr Gbenga Araoyinbo, member representing Akoko North West constituency 2, moved the motion asking members to grant the re-

quest.

Mr Olamide George, member representing Akure North constituency, seconded the motion, saying there was no need to over stress the issue since democracy and governance must be sustained.

Similarly, the assembly has invited four commissioner nominees to appear before the Committee on Selection on Tuesday, Dec.1.

Earlier, the clerk read a letter from the governor requesting the assembly to confirm the nomination of Mr Femi Adekanbi, Mr Segun Ayerin, Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju, and Mr Dayo Awude, for appointment as commissioners.

cover and get back on his feet.

Speaking with newsmen, the activist, who is also a veteran journalist, said the governor had taken notice of his health condition during the commemoration of this year’s June 12 1993 Presidential Election at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, when he had to be helped up the stage while his goodwill message was read by someone else.

“When it was time to read my goodwill message, as I stood up, my legs started wobbling and I just blacked out. It was noticed, but we quickly beckoned on one of our very resourceful activists, a lady called Titilope Akosa, who is a member of the June 12 Coalition. She read my statement eloquently and then we outlined our tablet of issues that the government should look into,” he said.

He disclosed that he received a call three days after from a doctor informing him that the governor had directed that his health condition be monitored, followed up and the appropriate steps taken.

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

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businessnews

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

We expected 8% slash in MPR, not 2% —MAN

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HE Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that the reduction of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 13 per cent to 11 per cent is not enough.

The President of MAN, Dr Frank Udemba, made the remark in Abuja on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said that the two per cent reduction announced by the Monetary Policy Committee would not have much impact on bank lending rates.

He said: ``It is a good development but I think the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should do more. ``This is because whatever MPR that is pronounced affects the lending rate from banks to manufacturers and other customers. ``The reduction will be highly marginal knowing the system in which we operate. ``Banks are lending at between 23 per cent and 28 per cent. So, a two per cent reduction will bring the lending rate down to between 21per cent and 27 per cent, which is still very high.’’

Udemba said that MAN’s expectation was for the MPR to be slashed to five per cent to bring down the lending rate to 10 per cent at most.

According to him, stimulating the manufacturing sector with access to affordable finance is critical to economic diversification.

He noted that accessing funds at affordable rates was one of the challenges facing manufacturers, hence the need for further reduction of MPR. The MAN president urged Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to relax the conditions for accessing

its N300 billion real sector support facility and other intervention funds for the real sector.

He said the stringent conditions attached to the funds were making them unattractive and inaccessible to manufacturers.

Udemba said the association was also concerned about the level of infrastructure decay in the country and called on the Federal Government to urgently address the situation.

Reduction will boost nation’s investment opportunities —NACCIMA, LCCI

However, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) on Wednesday said that the cut in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) would boost the nation’s investment climate.

NACCIMA Vice-President Jani Ibrahim told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the decision would spur the growth of the real sector and boost investors’ confidence.

Ibrahim said that the development would give banks the opportunity to lend more to the real

sector aside other critical factors and stimulate economic growth.

He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the decisive decisions and urged commercial banks to follow the trend by actively lending to entrepreneurs for the growth of the economy.

Mr Obiora Madu, Chairman, Agro-Commodity Export Group of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), however, said that two per cent cut in the MPR still fell short of the mark.

He told NAN that the MPR should be further reduced to achieve increased

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said it has engaged the Department of State Services (DSS) and Economic and the Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a renewed effort to arrest hoarding and diversion of petroleum products by some unscrupulous marketers.

The engagement of the security agencies is also meant to assist in the monitoring of nationwide fuel truck-out to retail outlets.

While apologising to commuters, motorists and the general public for the noticeable hardship faced in accessing petrol across the country, the NNPC

Experts commend CBN for reducing MPR, CRR Some financial experts on Wednesday commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its decision to adjust downwards

From left, Dr Henk F. J. Hendriks, Project Leader, Top Institute for Food & Nutrition, Netherlands; Professor Emevwo Biakolo, Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos and Mr Nicolaas Vervelde, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, at the 2015 Nigerian Beer and Health Symposium at Intercontinental Hotels, Lagos, recently.

its monetary policy rates.

The experts, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun, said that banks would now be more comfortable to lend to the real sector.

Dr. Wale Adegbite, the President, Ogun Chapter of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), commended the downward adjustment of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).

Adegbite said the reduction in MPR was commendable because it would enable banks to lend at lower rates to the real sector.

The CBN announced the adjustment of the rates after a two-day meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) was adjusted from 13 per cent to 11 per cent, while the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) was adjusted from 25 per cent to 20 per cent.

The CBN said that the measures were to check inflation in the country.

MAN president said that the adjustment of the monetary policy rates would make more funds available to manufacturers to do business.

He, however, expressed regret that Nigerian banks preferred to invest in treasury bills rather than lend to manufacturers.

IPMAN warns members against fuel hoarding Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos

THE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has warned its members to desist from hoarding petroleum products.

The association also urged the National Assem-

bly to ensure speedy passage of the Supplementary Budget as submitted by the Presidency.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the Assistant National Secretary, IPMAN, Alhaji Ahmed Fashola, stated that this became impera-

tive considering the hardship Nigerians were going through to get fuel.

“I am appealing to the National Assembly to urgently pass the supplementary budget into law to arrest the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country. The government should also do the needful by ensur-

NNPC engages security outfits to curb hoarding Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos

investments and higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the country. ``What the CBN has done is good, but interest rates reduction is not just the only one. ``Government needs to do a lot more for the sectors that will drive economic growth of the country.”

Nigerian Tribune

assured that it was doing everything possible to normalise the fuel supply and distribution situation.

Speaking during a working visit to the NNPC depot in Suleja in Niger State and some filling stations in Abuja and environs to evaluate the current fuel supply situation, the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment of the corporation, Dr Babatunde Adeniran, said any marketer found wanting in the sale of petroleum products, including the NNPC Retail outlet dealers, would be sanctioned appropriately.

Dr Adeniran added that there would be no sacred cow as the corporation was working round the clock

by supplying sufficient petroleum products to marketers to ensure that Ni-

gerians enjoy the Yuletide without the pain of fuel queues.

ing speedy payment of the marketers’ subsidy claims.

“At the IPMAN level, we are also appealing to our members to try their best to assist the government in resolving the persistent scarcity,” he said.

Fashola assured that all independent marketers would begin 24-hour operations in their stations to reduce long queues at filling stations.

He added that surveillance and monitoring

ISPS code: NIMASA shuts Obat oil jetty for non-compliance Tola Adenubi -Lagos

THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), pursuant to its mandate as the Designated Authority (DA) for the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, has shut Obat Oil and Petroleum Limited Jetty at Ibafon for noncompliance with the provisions of the code.

The closure was in exercise of the agency’s powers in line with provisions of Part VIII of the ISPS Code

Implementation Regulations 2014. The facility was adjudged to be non-compliant despite repeated warnings and extension of time graciously granted its management over the past year.

Going by the saying that a chain is as strong as its weakest link, the management of the agency has commenced the shutting of port facilities that have persistently failed to comply with the ISPS code so as to forestall a situation where security breaches in such facilities will nega-

tively impact the compliant firms.

Any shut facility will remain closed until the managers of such a facility correct the identified deficiencies and pay a prescribed fine before they will be reopened for business.

NIMASA, which formally became the Designated Authority for the implementation of the code in May 2013 when compliant facilities were less than 10, has progressively grown the number to over 80 per cent of the nation’s 129 facilities.

teams had been inaugurated to checkmate defaulters.

“And based on the loading template, we have started seeing the changes.

The national body has directed all members operating in major cities to avoid hoarding or selling above pump price,” he said.

He advised that any marketer that has any challenge in dispensing products should contact the security operatives, the IPMAN zonal offices or headquarters in Abuja.

On direct supply of products by the NNPC, Fashola commended the corporation for ensuring direct supply of petrol to IPMAN members in order to stem the ongoing fuel scarcity.

He said the national headquarters of IPMAN had nominated him to coordinate the western zone in pursuit of a common goal that would move the oil and gas industry forward.

According to him, “I am saddled with the responsibility to bring the marketers together and ensure that we solve our internal problems so that we can actually protect our business.”

businessnews AfDB signs N2.4bn loan agreement with Nigeria’s LAPO Microfinance Bank 15

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HE African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has granted a N2.364 billion ($12 million) credit facility to Nigeria’s LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd. The bank, in a statement e-mailed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday, said that the loan agreement, signed on November 17, was to support inclusive growth in Nigeria.

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

It noted that the facility would equally enhance local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the

country.

LAPO MfB is the largest microfinance bank in Nigeria with 1.1 million clients

and 327 branches, currently operating in 26 out of 36 states in the country.

Given its history of

group-lending model centred on a communitybased approach, LAPO predominantly focuses on

Union Bank unveils ‘new look’ branches

By Laolu Harolds

AS part of efforts to make banking “simpler and smarter” for its teeming customers, the Union Bank Plc, on Wednesday, unveiled two of its upgraded branches in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

It also launched an innovative savings product, UnionKorrect, which it said was designed to assist customers “save small and win big.”

The two upgraded branches of the bank unveiled on Wednesday were those on Bank Road, Dugbe, and the University College Hospital (UCH), in a transformation process the Transformation Manager, Joe Mbulu, described as “work in progress.”

Speaking at the event, Mbulu said the bank had in the past three years been working and improving on its physical infrastructure to provide customers more comfortable banking services.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the background such that when customers come into the new Union Bank, they can see it’s as good as (if not better than) any other bank in Nigeria. In fact, our goal is to make it better than any other bank in Nigeria,” he said.

But beyond the physical infrastructure upgrade, Mbulu said the bank had improved on its operations, especially its technology. Customers can now walk into any of the branches and open an account (including processing of ATM/verve card) in less than 30 minutes.

He said, “Our transformation transcends the physical branch. We used to have archaic technology, we admit. The old Union Bank was a bit difficult to work with; but we have currently the best in banking technology in Nigeria.

“We have (also) built a world class data centre in Lagos; and we have a backup of that databank. So, the era of ‘system down’ in Union Bank is over.”

National Sales Coordinator, North West, Globacom, Mr Fatai Kelani, presenting branded gifts to the San Turakin Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ado Bayero, at the commissioning of a Gloworld centre at the Ado Bayero Mall, Zoo Road, Kano, on Tuesday.

NCAA suspends 5 oil marketers from supplying aviation fuel Shola Adekola-Lagos

THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered some oil marketing companies to stop supplying aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, to airlines due to lack of depot facilities.

The affected marketing companies include Jushad Oil and Gas Limited, Lubcon Limited, Ascon Oil Company Limited, Acon Petroleum Limited and

Star Orient Aviation Limited.

The regulatory body, in a circular with reference number: NCAA/DAW/AD. 1104/AOL052/VOL.1, dated November 9, 2015 and addressed to Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) entitled, ‘Notice of Suspension of Some Companies from Providing Aviation Fuel Supply Services to Airlines at Airports in Nigeria’, explained that the reason for the suspension

was that the said companies did not have depots and therefore should not be engaged in the distribution of aviation fuel at the airports.

The letter said: “This is to notify you that the authority is in receipt of a letter from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) that the underlisted companies have no depot facilities and should not be engaged in aviation fuel distribution at the airport.

Sterling Bank secures $40m facility from Turkey EXIM Bank IN recognition of its commitment to international trade finance and investment among individuals and institutions across the world, Sterling Bank has secured a $40million facility from the Turkey EXIM Bank.

The facility was granted

by Turkey EXIM Bank following the conclusion of a due diligence on the Bank which confirmed it as a reputable financial institution with capacity to meet its obligations and a worthy partner through which funds could be brought into the country for trade finance leading to the development of the country.

This further lays credence to the rating of the Bank by Moody’s, a leading global rating agency which assigned a first-time local and foreign currency issuer and deposit ratings of B2 with a stable outlook to Sterling Bank Plc. The rating according to the Agency, reflects the

Bank’s solid asset quality metrics and provision coverage, improvements to its Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and risk management processes as well as its high liquidity buffers and a solid deposit funding base.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the Bank indicated that the facility would be used to support trade businesses and projects with Turkish origin.

With this development, members of the Turkish business community in Nigeria as well as Nigerian businessmen and women doing business with Turkish partners will have easy access to finance for their businesses especially in the importation of necessary raw materials and other infrastructure for production which would also serve as a catalyst for economic development in the country.

The Bank in the statement explained that the

choice of the Bank by Turkey EXIM Bank may have been informed by its role in international finance, its reputation as a stable and reliable financial institution and its capacity to support both local and international institutions.

“The letter further asserted that the integrity and competence of these companies cannot be ascertained by the DPR and advised the authority that these companies be disallowed from further supply of aviation fuel to airlines located in Nigeria.”

The circular also indicated that the NCAA had required the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to deny the aforementioned companies access into airports in Nigeria, including their aviation fuelling vehicles and personnel till further notice.

“You are hereby required to suspend the fueling of your aircraft by any of thee companies until further notice,” NCAA directed the airlines and urged them to ensure strict compliance.

Nigerian Tribune

low-income households and women by providing an average loan size of N38,000 ($190).

“The corporate AfDB loan will support a proposed expansion project of LAPO MfB to achieve its goal to serve 5 million clients by 2017.

“It is focusing on lowincome individuals (predominantly women) and micro/small enterprises by providing affordable access to finance, savings, credit and insurance in urban and rural areas.

“The MfB will also expand its geographic coverage and number of branches,” the statement said.

According to the bank, with the loan, multi-faceted development outcomes are expected for LAPO MfB. “It will increase the proportion of poor households and small businesses with access to financial services in Nigeria and its financial sector infrastructure, as it plans to expand their branch network.

“The funding will also stimulate product development aimed at meeting diverse needs of low-income households and local enterprises, including a soft loan scheme to provide clients a more convenient and safe solar powered lanterns.

“It will also enhance financial inclusion of women and female entrepreneurs and support increased revenue for poor households,” the bank further stated.

In spite of its lower-income client base, LAPO’s total loan portfolio exceeded N40 billion ($200 million) in December 2014 due to its efficient decentralised banking model.

LAPO has achieved its goal to reach over 1 million clients by end of 2013, and is targeting to reach 5 million clients by the end of its five-year business plan (2013-2017).

Ado Bayero praises Glo as another Gloworld opens in Kano THE San Turakin of Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ado Bayero, has commended next generation network, Globacom, for its commitment to excellent service delivery.

He described Globacom as the pride of the nation and noted that the Board and Management of the company deserved praises for their efforts to ensure that telephone services were made accessible and affordable to all Nigerians irrespective of social or economic status.

The traditional ruler stated this at the company’s

opening of another customer service centre, Gloworld, in Kano at the Ado Bayero Mall, Zoo Road, Kano.

“Glo is not like any other telecoms company but a truly Nigerian company that continues to impact lives of Nigerians in many positive ways with its quality network, best tariffs, life-changing promotions and sponsorships,” Alhaji Bayero observed.

The Gloworld Coordinator, Mr. Dele Uwefoh, disclosed at the commissioning that the company

decided to open another retail outlet in Kano in order to further enrich the telephony experience of its customers in the state, adding that they are paramount to its corporate existence in the State.

“As you are well aware, our approach to customer service is one that is always underpinned by innovation and total inclusiveness, which is why we are consistently seeking innovative channels to make available our bouquet of services to them’’, Uwefoh said.”

news Nigerians should buckle up for challenges —Sanusi

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Banji Aluko - Benin City

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MIR of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has warned Nigerians to buckle up for challenges to come, admonishing them to support President Muhammadu Buhari with prayers.

He said the new government was just taking off at a time of great difficulty occasioned by the mismanagement of past governments and corruption issues that have put the country’s economy in a precarious situation.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, who spoke at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) after he was installed as the chancellor of the institution, lauded the efforts of the Federal Government aimed at providing qualitative and quantitative education, calling for the private sector to invest in education.

Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, who represented President Buhari, disclosed that the Federal Government was committed to the implementation of the NEEDS Assessment Plan.

In his short speech, Sanusi described Benin as a city rich in culture and tradition, hence his appointment was homecoming giving the critical role of culture and tradition in his upbringing and the importance he attaches to them.

He disclosed that despite the height he attained in the banking sector, his first love and primary constituency was academia, describing his appointment as chancellor as partial fulfilment of the dream he never fulfilled in the academia.

“Years later in my life, I joined academia by taking up a teaching appointment at my alma mater, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

However, my coming into the banking sector meant that I would not become a professor or vice chancellor. My friend said I left the university but the university never left me.”

The Emir, who was in November, 2012, conferred with the honorary doctorate degree of the University of Benin, described himself an alumnus of the university, promising to do his best to uplift the institution.

The event had in attendance the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Faraday Orumwense and other top members of the institution’s academic community.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has expressed satisfac-

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

tion with the performance of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, saying the governor is doing well.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House, the Emir said: “I am happy to see that the governor is doing well.”

According to him, “I have been following some of your recent comments on the minimum wage,” adding that Governor Oshiomhole had been consistent with the ideals for which he

is known.

“I am here this time on the occasion of the honour done to me by the president and the Federal Government of Nigeria in appointing me the Chancellor of the great University of Benin.

“Your Excellency, for me, it is a matter of deep pride to be associated with this city and this state and this particular university. I can assure you that we will do our very best to ensure that we bring as much development as we can and to further strengthen the excel-

lent relationship between the people of Kano and the people of Edo,” the emir stated.

In his response, Governor Oshiomhole said “we cannot but remember the very laudable legacies that your highness left behind as the CBN Governor.”

“I want to thank you for your support, thank you for your kind words and thank you for your prayers.

We also want to congratulate your highness on your richly deserved appointment as the Chancellor of

the University of Benin which we are all proud to describe as UNIBEST and I am sure under your leadership, it would witness even more growth and development and Edo as a community will continue to benefit from the activities of the university.

“I thank the president for his wise judgment in identifying you as the next chancellor of the university. I know that everybody in the University of Benin is excited about your appointment for several reasons.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State receiving the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, during the emir’s visit to the governor in Benin City, on Wednesday.

Kogi election: Fayose accuses Buhari, AGF of breaching constitution, Electoral Act Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, of breaching the constitution and the electoral act in the recent announcement that their party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), would substitute the late Prince Abubakar Audu, its

candidate in the election.

Governor Fayose alleged in a statement on Wednesday that the president, through the AGF, was “setting Nigeria on the path of anarchy by using his personal lawyer and member of the APC who is the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to induce the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) decision on

the inconclusive Kogi State governorship election.”

He accused the president of “using the AGF to carry out an act which amounted to amending the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2010 to advance his ambition and that of his party to turn Nigeria to a one party state.”

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Public Communications

AIG seeks cooperation of traditional rulers in crime prevention Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

ASSISTANT Inspector General of Police (IGP) in charge of Zone 6, Calabar, Mr Baba Bolanta, has called for a synergy between the police and traditional rulers in Rivers State as a means to effectively stem and prevent crime in the state.

He said this in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, when he paid a courtesy call on the chairman of the Rivers State traditional council, King Dandeson DouglasJaja, as part of his familiari-

sation tour of police formations under the zone.

According to him, traditional rulers were best partners in fighting and preventing crime because of the influence they wield at the grassroots level.

The top police cop also said the closeness to the grassroots put them at a vantage position to be able to identify those likely to engage in crime.

“My visit to Rivers State is part of my familiarisation tour to identify and familiarise myself with the tradi-

tional institutions and the state police command on the need to maintain security and nip crime in the bud.

“The police always succeed in fighting crime because of the role traditional rulers play in giving vital information on ways of preventing crime,” he said.

“We will continue to rely on traditional institutions on security and crime prevention. Security is the collective responsibility of everybody and should not be left alone in the hands of the police alone.”

and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor, who vowed to use all legal means to fight the “kangaroo” decision on the Kogi State election, noted that “only the Supreme Court can resolve issues not envisaged by the Constitution like the one that happened concerning the Kogi State governorship election.”

He added that “INEC further exposed its partisanship and un-dependability by relying on legal advice from the AGF, a man who has disobeyed the court severally and an interested party in the Kogi State election, being a personal lawyer of President Buhari and a member of the APC.” The governor said President Buhari and APC took to illegal amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, owing to the fear of facing a fresh election as a result of the malpractices perpetrated by the APC in the inconclusive election.

Governor Fayose noted that it was shameful that the first election held by the new INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, ended in controversy.

Reps want Customs to tackle smugglers Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Controller General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ali (retd), to deploy more personnel to the borders to curtail the activities of smugglers.

The House, however, urged the Customs boss to stop the practice of mounting road blocks in search of goods that have already been brought into the country.

The House also urged the service boss to engage in continuous training and development programmes for its officers for optimal performance.

The House resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by Honourable Olatoye Temitope entitled “Low service delivery and exploitation of the masses

by Nigeria Customs service.”

To this end, he said that if Nigerian Customs Service is effectively managed, it could be the highest revenue generating agency of the country.

He added that the potentials of the service are being hindered by negligence of duties and corrupt practises amongst its personnel.

Ogbomoso Community Foundation launches book Nov 28 A book entitled “Ogbomosoland in Perspective: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, edited by Mr Oyegade Emmanuel Adebayo, is to be launched on Saturday, February 28, at 1,200 Lecture Theatre, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

Also, a fundraising ceremony for various peopleoriented projects for provision of social, economic and commercial services for Ogbomoso Community will take place simultaneously.

Organised by Ogbomoso Community Foundation (OCF), a non-political social organisation, the chairman on the occasion is Sir (Chief) Debo Omotosho, proprietor/chief executive officer, Bond Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Aawe while the chief launcher is Chief Ladiji A. Gbadamosi, an industrialist.

17

Thursday, 26 November, 2015 With Tommy Adegbite 0811 695 4631 tommyabijo@yahoo.com

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8 1. From left, Kaduna State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Shehu Balarabe,CEO, Matthew Willsher, Vice President, Consumer Sales and Services; Ken Ogujiofor, Retail Marketing Manager; Haidrah Burke and the Director, Retail Sales; Lou Odunuga, all of Etisalat Nigeria, at the official launch of Etisalat’s Experience Centre, in Zaria, Kaduna State.

2. From left, Head of Business Development, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr Olumide Ojo; Head, Product Marketing, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms Olajumoke Okikiolu; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr Emmanouil Revmatas; winner, Samsung Picture Your Dream competition, Ms Ifeyinwa Obienu; Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr Brovo Kim and Business Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr Hung-Bae Kim at the J7 Picture Your Dream Competition winner announcement, in Lagos.

3. The sixth Annual Conference of Association of Private Educators In Nigeria (APEN) took place at the Eko Hotel. From left, Mrs Olufunke Fowler-Amba ,Chairman Planning Committee; Mr Wole Oshin, guest speaker; Dr (Mrs) Femi Ogunsanya; Chairman, APEN and Mrs Lai Koliki, member, at the ceremony.

4. Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole (right), presenting a souvenir to Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of State for Health, during the minister’s visit to the governor, in Beni City.

5. Former Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Bolajoko Adeniji (retd) (second right); chairman, Bible Society of Nigeria, Oyo Area, Pastor Joseph Olu Makinwa (right); Oba Kingsley Oyelami Onikola Olufiji II, Onidere of Idereland (left) and Special Apostle (Dr) Sola Adekoya, chairman on the occasion (second left), during the Bible Society of Nigeria, Oyo Area annual luncheon award and fund raising ceremony, held at Emmanuel Alayande Hall, Ibadan Grammar School, Molete, Ibadan. PHOTO: D’TOYIN 6. Honourable Tajudeen Obasa, member representing Ojo federal Constituency (middle), flanked by leadership of the Lagos State University Students’ Union, led by Comrade Wasiu Onikoro.

7. Mama Sarah Adebimpe Atolagbe during her 70th birthday held in Ilorin at the weekend. flanked by her children, from left, Director, Code of Conduct,Ondo State, Mr Akinola Atolagbe, Mrs Adejoke Aluko and Mr Ademola Atolagbe.

8. From left, Dr (Mrs) Ololade Adesokan; Mr ’Derin Adewumi; Professor ’Remi Adewumi; Pastor (Mrs) ’Kemi Oyekunle and Mr Kayode Ogunsulire, during the interment of their mother, Chief (Mrs) Marian Adefunke Adewumi, at St John’s Anglican Church, Osogbo, recently.

For bookings, contact ’Laolu Afolabi on 08116954645 or Tommy Adegbite on 08116954631

18

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

yournews

SEND YOUR SHORT MESSAGES TO: 08054005323, 08055001746

Whither Kogi State SECTION 36(1) of the Electoral Act does not apply to the Kogi State governorship election. In that section, the death of a candidate can only affect an election if the election has commenced but not concluded.

The constitution and electoral act are silent on this. Recourse should be made to the party’s constitution, and in the absence of any clear provision, then the doctrine of necessity be invoked, so as to let the running mate conclude the election he started with the deceased Abubakar Audu.

Emmanuel Rotimi, 08066272815

Still on illegal refineries HARDLY would a day go by without the media reporting on the activities of illegal refineries. Shouldn’t we give it a thought? Here we are suffering from acute fuel scarcity, and yet, some some people are ‘helping’ Nigerians by refining crude, and we condemn their activities as illegal. I think its high time the Federal Government legalised the activities of the so-called illegal refineries and allow them to operate freely under certain laws.

In a situation whereby the country’s main refineries have refused to function properly, is it not advisable to allow the illegal refineries function legally, while government tax them like real businesses?

This will definitely bring about healthy competition in the oil industry that has been plagued by endemic corruption, bunkering, oil theft and vandalism.

It will also reduce the influence of the oil cabals, thereby erasing the huge money government is paying as subsidy. It will also lead to a drastic reduction in the price of petroleum products in the country.

Nigeria’s economic managers should, therefore, support the legalisation of the ‘illegal’ refineries now.

Tola Akinwumi, 09020142910.

•For the love of the Nigerian Tribune! From right, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode; his Osun State counterpart, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, and his wife, Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola, while at the Tribune House, Ibadan, in honour of Mama HID Awolowo. PHOTO: OLAWALE OLANIYAN.

Fuel scarcity: President Buhari, we are suffering IS this the change we really voted for? Nigerians, for some months now, have been suffering due to the lack of fuel at our filling stations. We now struggle to get the product, and it is like a throwback to the dark days of the Abacha regime.

This is supposed to be our government; we voted enmasse for this government, and we don’t deserve to be suffering like this.

What is shocking is the fact that those in government don’t even know what is happening. The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, had told Nigerians several times that there is fuel, but we are not getting any to buy.

If this is a sabotage, is this government not able to tackle it?

Already, those who support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the

last election are making mockery of Nigerians’ support for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Our defence that the PDP had ruined the country in the last 16 years is no longer tenable. We shouldn’t be experiencing this pain this early.

What is most unfortunate is that President Muhammadu Buhari is even not saying anything about the situation. Nigerians want to hear the president talk. What is happening? Is the government planning to force the deregulation down our throats the hard

way, so that after suffering for a while, we will say government should deregulate the oil sector so that we can, at least, be getting fuel to buy?

President Buhari is the Minister of Petroleum, and he should do something fast about the current situ-

Ore/Ode-Irele roads: Attention, Ondo gov I want to appeal to the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, to focus on Ore and Ode Irele towns in his developmental programmes. These two towns have not really benefitted much from his administration. The roads in the towns are not tarred, and as a result, everywhere is dusty; there are no street lights, no good roads, no recreation centres. The stadium project in Ode Irele had

been abandoned, while the link road to Okitipupa had also been abandoned.

Again, I want the gover-

nor to know that the Ore expressway needs a pedestrian bridge, which the people of the town can

done again.

Some of the ex-service men were on sick beds when the exercise was conducted, thereby missing the exercise.

always use when crossing the express, instead of risking their lives.

Bamidele Akindele, 08172741878

Skye Bank, pay our entitlements A renewed appeal is hereby made to the authorities of Skye Bank on behalf of the 2000 ex-staff whose gratuities have not been settled.

Last year, we were promised that the entitlements would be settled before

December, but here we are, almost a year after, with no hope that we will soon be paid.

The management must know that the ex-staff are suffering; our children

On retired soldiers’ pension exercise I want to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to give ex-soldiers who missed the last pension verification exercise the opportunity to have it

ation. Already, the enthusiasm that came with the Change movement is fading away, and in no time, Nigerians will start moving against the government. We, therefore, want a workable solution now.

Isola Tayo, 08062086668

I hope the President, as well as the office in charge of ex-soldiers’ pensions can have pity on those who missed the exercise.

This will go a long way

in easing our pains, as some of us can still not travel to Abuja to get it sorted out.

Adekunle Shaibu, 08138493745

who are in the civil service are not being paid their salaries, and this has made it harder for them to take care of us. We also have children who are unemployed, while some are still in tertiary institutions.

I hope something can be done about our entitlements soon, as we are not really happy making this a public issue, but we are helpless, and we have no other option to take.

Jacob Adetoye, 08023289332

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editorial

T

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Prosecuting electoral offenders

HE swearing in of the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu and five national commissioners, on November 9, 2015 provided the appropriate forum for President Muhammadu Buhari to underscore the need for reforms that will address the lacuna in election cases. According to him, it is not just enough for an election to be cancelled and a new one ordered, it will be much better if all whose actions or inactions led to the cancellation of the election are investigated and prosecuted if found culpable. He said it was long overdue for the shortcomings in Nigeria’s judicial system to be addressed.

While President Buhari has not said anything new, it is particularly significant that he, as the political chief executive, has lent his name to an issue to which analysts have drawn attention at different times and fora. His contention was that all those involved in electoral malpractices should face the wrath of the law, be they election candidates, party agents, security agents or ad-hoc and permanent electoral staff. He said perpetrators of electoral violence should not be spared and stressed the point that unless the system stopped covering up electoral malpractices the country would not get it right.

At times, it can be a difficult task making a clear distinction between election and selection in Nigeria.

The manipulations that characterised the electoral process have, in certain situations, made it impossible to say with confidence that the declared winner was the true choice of the people. There have been instances in which prospective voters were chased away from the polling centres by party thugs who went ahead to stuff the ballot boxes with alreadythumb-printed ballot papers. There have been cases in which the results were simply written and the outcome of the election was known before the D-Day. Election results have been challenged on the grounds that the authentic figures were altered and victory was awarded to the predetermined candidates.

The conduct of elections in Nigeria was such that it became almost impossible for the chief electoral umpires to leave with their reputation intact. The progressive deterioration in election administration which reached its peak in 2007 virtually rendered democracy meaningless in the country. So many cases were filed before the election tribunals which unseated many of those said to have been elected. Even the man declared elected as the president of the country, the late Umaru Yar’ Adua openly admitted that the election that brought him to power was flawed. In spite of the noticeable improvements in the management

of the 2011 and 2015 elections, there were still fraudulent practices that diminished the integrity of the electoral process.

One obvious inadequacy that has often been identified as the source of the impunity in the country’s electoral process is the failure of the system to go beyond the nullification of manipulated elections and the withdrawal of stolen mandates. Governors and legislators have been sacked and elections have been ordered to be rerun in the process of electoral adjudication. The worrisome aspect of it is that nothing has been happening to the perpetrators of the irregularities.

The prayer which the cheated candidate has been placing before the election tribunal is for the nullification of the election and/or the retrieval of the stolen mandate.

The manipulations and other forms of interference that perverted the electoral process are criminal offences which the state should take up with the individuals or institutions concerned.

In consonance with the change mantra of his administration, therefore, Buhari should initiate whatever reviews he considers necessary in the electoral law to plug existing holes and put an end to the impunity. As a major beneficiary from improved election administration, he should introduce reforms that will elevate democracy in Nigeria to a higher pedestal.

Any reform that only makes it possible for ruffians and hooligans, mobilised with peanuts, to be arrested and punished for election-related violence will be a waste of time and energy. It is the candidate, who is fraudulently declared an election winner and the political godfather who procures arms for party thugs to disrupt elections, that should be earmarked for condign punishment. Any beneficiary from electoral manipulation should be seen as a receiver of stolen good and dealt with accordingly. The intendment of any reform should be the enhancement of the integrity of the electoral process.

The president hit the nail on the head with his observation on the nauseating conduct of local government elections by the state electoral bodies. Our hope is that he will impress it on state governments under the control of his party — the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties as well — to serve as agents of positive change that others can emulate.

He should let them know that any state government that interferes with the electoral process to achieve an underserved victory is diminishing the integrity of the party and doing a disservice to democracy.

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20

opinion

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

the

avant-garde

Buhari, fuel subsidy and unanswered questions

M

Y post-graduate thesis submitted to the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, is on critical discourse analysis of pre- and post-election speeches of Nigeria’s political class, especially as it touches presidential discourse.

Four of the speeches made by the immediate past president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan- two pre-election and two post-election speeches-provided the data for the research. I found out that the pre-election speeches were largely laced with emotive expressions, euphemism, appeal to ethnic sentiment, impreciseness and many more. Conversely, the post-election speeches contained a high dose of appeal to sense of reason, dysphemism, threat, instructional language and more.

The import of these findings is that politicians moderate their language, are evasive and tell half-truth or outright lies, mask cruel intention in pre-election speeches. They want people’s votes and any strategy that will deliver the votes, no matter how morally obscene, will do. But as soon as they get to office, their real intention begins to unfold. This approach to governance increases the mistrust of the citizens for those in government.

Sadly enough, activities under the government of President Muhammadu Buhari are daily validating some of the research questions of the thesis in reference. Like a typical Nigerian politician, Buhari joined the band of critics of subsidy claims. That was before the election. He described subsidy as nothing but entrenched culture of fraud for the benefit of the ruling elite in PDP-led government of Jonathan. Some of the sound bites of his criticism are “Who is subsidising who?...

If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us…If elected, my government will give corruption a bloody nose.”

After six months in government, Buhari is asking the National Assembly to stamp approval on N413 billion to be paid to fuel importers as subsidy. When the news of the request was broken, Nigerians were alarmed that the same man who doubted the veracity of subsidy claim by the last government is the one asking for approval to pay a humongous amount of

money as subsidy. Except Buhari will tell us that the money includes part of the unsettled subsidy of the last government, N413 billion subsidy debt in six months verges on overkill and perforates his moral balloon. Buhari gave the impression he is a man who will go after those feeding fat on the commonwealth, profiteering at the expense of the masses. Is this government not giving the cabal behind fuel importation more room to kill Nigerians and drain the remaining juice of humanity in them?

Many were very loud in their criticism of the Jonathan administration, particularly the constant harrowing experience of Nigerians on the supply of petroleum products. We reasoned that, with the crash in the international price of crude oil, petrol should not sell at N97 a litre. Jonathan bowed to public pressure and ordered that the pump price of petrol be reduced to N87 a litre (10.30 per cent reduction). Of course, that was in January this year when election was approaching.

It was nothing but a political gimmick. Nonetheless, there was appreciation in some quarters that, perhaps for the first time in the country, we complied with the dictate of the law of gravity (what goes up must come down).

To detract from whatever political capital there was in the decision for Jonathan, Lai Mohammed, then the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reacted that the price should not be more than N70 a litre and urged Nigerians to consider the N87 as deceitful and ‘mere tokenism.’

“Now that the oil price has crashed to about 44 dollars per barrel, landing cost without subsidy is about 65 Naira per li-

Nigerian Tribune

with Dare Adekanmbi

m:08053412982 e:samueldare2002@yahoo.ca t:@dareadekanmbi

tre. The same goes for diesel which should not sell for more than 90 Naira per litre.”

Today, crude oil is selling below the $44 price it was before Jonathan left government. But the change-chanting government of APC has not deemed it fit to further reduce the pump price of petroleum products, not only on the strength of the further crash in price but also as a demonstration that it is a government that is truly out to correct the ills of the Jonathan years. This is the social contract between Buhari and the masses.

After tiring lamentations that appear to have fallen on the president’s deaf ears, what the masses-the canon foldersare now saying is: If Buhari cannot reduce the pump price of petrol, which is feasible in the light of further crash in crude oil price, then he should leave it at the price he met. Let God, the Ultimate Judge, decide. Thus, the current situation where by petrol sells for between N120 and N200, despite government agencies’ daily rendition of threat to sanction erring marketers and outlets, speaks volumes of a government that is grossly insensitive to the plight of the citizens.

It is obvious that the Department of Petroleum Resources, which is saddled with the task of regulating major and independent marketers to ensure that no one sells above the official price of N87, has been captured. Agency capture occurs when a body that is asked to regulate operators in an industry is itself regulated by the operators. Shall we conclude that Buhari does not have the will to give the corruption in the oil sector the chanted ‘bloody nose’? Is it the case that the crisis is being allowed to fester so that government, which is in dire need of money to actualise its campaign promises, will profiteer at the expense of the masses?

What happens to the refineries we were told would come on stream in July and December this year? How come the DPR allows the private tank farm owners to sell beyond the official N77.66 to the marketers? There are many more questions but no answers are coming. Presidential silence is criminal. The lethargy of the civil society leaders is unhelpful. The refusal of the PDP to once again ‘sound like a broken record’ (using Femi Adesina’s phraseology) is not good for the party.

NAFDAC: Promoting Nigeria’s agric export trade

By Martins F.O. Ikhilae

In what apparently seems an attempt to accord Nigeria a prideful place in the international non-oil export trade, the National Agency for Food,Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] has unfolded series of Agricultural exports redemption packages in an attempt to shore up the nation’s reputation in global non-oil export markets.

Reeling out the scientific based solutions in Abuja, the nation’s administrative capital recently, the agency’s Chief Executive Officer and Director General, Dr Paul B. Orhii, said he was out rightly uncomfortable with the orchestrated and seeming gang-up by developed nations against Nigeria’s resolve to explore alternative means of foreign exchange earnings through maximum participation in the highly coveted and age long nonoil export trade particularly in the exportation of value added agricultural products.

The European Union member nations under the auspices of the European Food Safety Authority had recently placed a one year[ie from July 2015 to July 2016] blanket-ban on the exportation of key value added agricultural products comprising beans, sesame seeds, melon seeds, dried fish, meat, peanut chips and Palm oil emanating from Nigeria, owing to what it tagged-prevalence of very high level of injurious and deadly contaminants such as Mycotoxins, Pesticide residues as well as abnormal level of Dichlorvos pesticides (in the case of beans).

Consequently, NAFDAC has commenced frantic and very intense efforts geared towards urgently correcting this foreign exchange denying economic malady. It has eventually adopted for immediate implementation, ultra-modern cutting-edge technologies for the rectification of this economic disaster so as to avoid further extension of the hydra-headed ban upon its expiration in June 2016.

The technology based agric export solution filled package being initiated by NAFDAC under Dr Orhii renowned for his

preference for digitalised regulatory engagements, will involve massive deployment/distribution of mobile motorized testing laboratories to all nooks and crannies of the nation’s 36 states and Abuja including remote farms, exportable agric products processing centers ,produce market centers, sea and airports as well as Land border stations in the country.

Also to be engaged in by the agency with the aid of the yet-to be deployed ultra-modern specialised mobile scientific laboratories is the intensive training/supervision of farmers, produce marketers and other stakeholders in Agric export business nationwide with a view to compelling them to comply with the rules of the game via meeting global standards specifications in this trade. They will be maximally furnished with the required know-how on food storage, ideal packaging practices and other relevant quality control measures.

Consequently, funding for this urgent patriotically dynamic interventionist initiative amounting to a negligible token sum of about N2billion is being sought from the Federal Government either through outright operational grant or a repayable loan to enable this lofty bailout NAFDAC concept become a maximum reality in view of perceived urgency required by the situation to aid immediate acquisition, shipment, freight and deployment of these resourceful /ideal solution providing facilities.

Undoubtedly, this innovative technological adoptions is of enormous benefits to the nation. Aside successfully combating food contaminants/poisons, help analyse regulated products, effect on-the-spot quality assessment and monitoring of value chain agricultural exports, avoid a permanent European Union ban on Nigeria non-oil export and grossly reduce poverty.

The Dr Orhii’s agric export revitalisation and quality standardisation initiative will make Nigeria become agric export dependent, rather than being as currently the case. It will avail the nation mass employment opportunities, massively boost government foreign exchange earning capacity and thus becoming a steadily dependable alternative revenue source, and accord the nation a befitting reputation in the committee of nations among others.

Expectedly, diversification of Nigeria’s economy from that of a majorly crude oil export dependent nation to an inclusively Agricultural produce exporting nation is being maximally craved for, particularly as being projected by the seeming puritanical President Muhammadu Buhari led democratic administration.Undoubtedly, agricultural export trade has the capacity to continuously and adequately sustain the nation should our potentials in this regard be ideally harnessed for a befitting socio-economic growth.

However, trade in agricultural products at the global market strata is certainly not an all comers engagement as it is largely dependent on a variety of factors. To earn admissible status, agric exports must as a matter of necessity comply with specific international quality standards. Unfortunately, the nation’s desire to maximise foreign exchange earning through international agric export trade is being massively threatened by inability of operators in the sector to comply with specified quality benchmark, and that is why NAFDAC has stepped in.

•Ikhilae, a Lagos-based public affairs analyst, sent this article viamartinsikhilae@ymail.com

21

Thursday, 26 November, 2015 Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

maka nd’igbo

4,500 jobs: Ugwuanyi hails Father Mbaka Jude Ossai - Enugu GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has commended the Chairman and Spiritual Director of an indigenous company, Aqua Rapha Investment Nigeria Limited, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka for using his company to provide 4,500 jobs for the people of the state.

The governor made the commendation during a visit to the company at 9th mile corner, Ngwo, for the launch of her new product lines – Rapha Groundnut oil, Rapha Soya oil and Rapha Carbonated drinks.

Ugwuanyi noted that the Enugu State government was interested in such business initiatives that created jobs for the people of the state and turned around its economic fortunes, adding that the inherent benefits were enormous and deserved the commendation of the state government.

He expressed delight that the gesture had further reduced crime in the state as a lot of youths were now meaningfully engaged by the company.

“As the governor of Enugu State, I am happy that this development is taking place in my state. I am happy that this company is providing employment for 4,500 people. It means a lot to the state.

It has added value and improved the A team of medical doctors attending to people during the free medical services.

continues pg22

Jubilation in Akpuoga-Nike community as church offers free medical services Jude Ossai - Enugu

T

HERE was jubilation at the weekend in Akpuoga-Nike community in Enugu-East Local Government Area of Enugu State as the Dominion City offered free medical treatments to hundreds of people in the area.

Maka Ndigbo was at the occasion and observed old men and women as well as children queue to receive medical attention from the team of medical doctors who accompanied members of the church for the medical services.

It was learnt that the routine free medical outreach was organised by the Enugu headquarters of the Dominion City.

In his remarks at the event, the pastor in charge of Enugu headquarters, Lawrence Ughamadu, explained that "the exercise is also aimed at taking free medical care to the door steps of the good people of Enugu state, pointing out that it was part of the vision of spiritual leader of the church, Head Pastor David Ogbueli.

Ughamadu further explained that the exercise was carried out in partnership with Abiding Fruits Maternity powered by the Federal Government YOUWIN's programme.

Speaking to Maka Ndigbo, the leader of the medical team, Dr Chukwuemeka Anikene of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, said that his team treated dozens of persons

during the exercise.

Dr Anikene noted that special emphases were given to patients with eye, ear, blood sugar level and blood pressure and counseling sessions.

Also speaking, the President of the Men Fellowship of the church in the Enugu headquarters, Dozie Samuel,

reiterated: "We believe in Dominion City church that a healthy community is a wealthy community" He applauded the spiritual leader of the church, Pastor Ogbueli, for deriving joy in saving human lives, adding that the medical outreach was initiated to address the health challenges of poor rural

CREW

People from Akpuoga-Nike waiting for medical attention at the event.

Day ICPC moved its crusade to Enugu

—pg22

dwellers in the country.

One of the interesting things in the free medical exercise was that people of different faiths and denominations received medical attention as the event was not narrowed to only members of Dominion City.

A beneficiary of the free medical treatment, Mrs Juliana Okechukwu, said although she was not a member of Dominion City, she was grateful for getting free medical treatment, adding that before the event, she was contemplating on how to raise money to go to the hospital for treatment.

“I am very happy for what is happening today in Akpuoga-Nike. I thank God for Pastor Ogueli and the team of doctors who have come here because of us. They are here to help us medically and I appreciate their efforts in a special way”, she concluded.

Ekwueme, Obiano, Ezeemo, others honoured at Aguata Diocese 10th anniversary —pg22

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

22 makand’igbo

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Day ICPC moved its crusade to Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu

T

HERE is no doubt that corruption undermines democratic institutions, retards economic development and contributes to government instability.

It is against the aforementioned premise that the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), last Monday, took its crusade to Enugu, the Enugu State capital. It was a week-long gathering of participants drawn from different educational institutions in the region.

Interestingly, the target audience of the Enugu event, which was “ACAN-UBEC Regional Workshop on Entrenching Transparency and Integrity in the Financial and procurement processes” were children of school age; hence, the involvement of staff of educational bodies like State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and FCT-SUBEB. The Chairman of ICPC, Ekpo Nta, who was represented by the ICPC Zonal Commissioner for Enugu, Prince Hassan Mohamed, stated at the opening ceremony of the workshop that the importance of UBEC, SUBEBs and FCT-UBEB cannot be over-looked in our educational sector.

“As institutions that have the mandate to mould children’s lives through formal education, it, therefore, becomes imperative that their lives have to be groomed in such a way that corruption and immoral life-styles should not be acceptable by them”, he said.

According the ICPC chairman, the

programme was designed not only to inform them on the dangers of corruption, but to also to ensure that the “message is carried down to the grassroots level”.

He advised them not to see the workshop as a mere workshop, adding that it was expected that they train others in their offices and ensure that transparency, accountability, honesty and integrity were the order in their private and public lives.

Nta further stated that the role of ICPC was no longer news, saying what was news was that the ICPC had ‘Prevention’ of corruption as one of its core mandates, adding “ this it has done with enormous Olfsseccus”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Provost, AntiCorruption Academy of Nigeria, Professor Sola Akinride, had stated that the Basic Education System was the gateway to the education system in the country, adding that the need to get the system right with regard to the management of internal processes had made the workshop a necessity.

He appreciated the UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr Dikko Suleiman and his management team for the collaboration and cooperation they received during the planning as well as the ICPC Chairman and the honorable members for the constant support and encouragement they had been giving to the Anti-Corruption Academy.

“When we consider the output of the Nigerian public education system, we all will agree that a lot of work needs to be done, most importantly at the basic education level. There is a clear need to

standard of living of our people. Be rest assured of the support of the Enugu State government”, the governor said.

In his response, the Chairman and Spiritual Director of the company, Fr. Mbaka thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for finding it important to come and launch the products in spite of his tight schedule.

He assured the governor of their unquantifiable solidarity and persistent support of his goodwill and sound vision for Enugu State, adding that the joy of the company was to give people job, reduce unemployment, fight poverty and aintain peace in the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Sunday Nwankwo, disclosed that the new products were designed on the principle of quality which the company was known for and applauded Governor Ugwuanyi for his magnanimity in providing a level

Ekwueme, Obiano, Ezeemo, others honoured at Aguata Diocese 10th anniversary Suzy Oruya - Onitsha

play ground for businesses to thrive in the state.

Reverend Father Mbaka

Chief Alex Ekwueme

4,500 jobs: Ugwuanyi hosts Father Mbaka

that the nation had failed in delivering on the soon-to-wind up Millennium Development Goals.

They noted that all indicators showed that the spread of this cancer called corruption had become frightening as it had eaten deep into both private and public sectors.

Ekpo Nta, ICPC chairman

The Second Republic Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano and the leader of Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), Mr Godwin Ezeemo, were among the dignitaries honoured by the Anglican Diocese of Aguata during its 10th anniversary.

The awards given to the dignitaries were part of the activities which featured during the one week celebration that ended at the Cathedral of St John, Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state.

Speaking shortly before the awards, the Archbishop of Aguata Diocese, Reverend C.O. Efobi, said the awards were for their individual contributions to the work of God in the Diocese and in the development of the nation.

Reverend Efobi, who is also the Dean, Church of Nigeria and Bishop of Aguata Diocese, said that the awardees had contributed immensely towards the successes recorded by the Aguata Diocese created in 2005.

The award recipients included Mr Anayo Bedford Onwuegbu from Enugu state, the oldest and longest serving traditional ruler in Anambra State, HRM Igwe

ICPC banner

continued from pg21

get the foundations right as other levels can only build on what has been achieved at the basic education level. It seems we are missing it and a major instrument for taking the country back to the drawing boards is the UBEC and its state counterparts, the SUBEBS”, he added.

Various speakers at the occasion agreed

Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi; Late Igwe M.N. Ugochukwu of Umunze; late Venerable Bernard Chukwurah Igilige; Most Revd.

J.A. Onyemelukwe; Igwe G.O. Ezechukwu of Umuchu; Dr Raymond Chukwugozie Obieri and Sir Jonah Onyebuchi Eze. Earlier in his sermon at the church service to mark the anniversary, Archbishop Efobi expressed gratitude to God for great things he had done for the Diocese and the nation at large.

He traced the history of the Diocese which took off with five Archdeaconries, and had risen to 12.

Archbishop Efeobi, who anchored his sermon on Psalm 126 verse 3, called on Nigerians to renew their faiths, pointing out that faith was essential in the work of God. He told the congregation that God never reneged in his promises to mankind.

According to him, although our problems are numerous, God is greater than all the problems we have.

He stressed the need for people to intensify prayers which he said were essential in working with God. Fielding questios from journalists at the end of the ceremony, the leader of PPA and proprietor of Orient Newspapers, Mr Godwin Ezeemo, expressed gratitude for the honour done to him and said it was a call for greater service to God and the Diocese.

Also answering a question, Chief Anayo Onwuegbu said it was a privilege for anybody to contribute to the work of God. He called on Nigerians to always use their resources to serve God. Dr Sam Ezenwa, a participant at the epoch ceremony, thanked God for giving the diocese willing men and women to work in his vine yard.

He said that the award would act as a stimulant to other faithful to use their God-given wealth in evangelism and humanity.

In his own contribution, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Arch Christian Ike, thanked all those who contributed in making the anniversary a success.

23

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

campusbeats

Nigerian Tribune

Doyin Adeoye 08058130577 kreatifink@yahoo.com

NWAG awards scholarships to 37 female students Gerald Nwokocha - Abuja

Some of the participants at the intercampus oratory debate displaying their certificates of participation.

Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo has described charity as a burden on every affluent individual living on earth.

This she said during the 13th scholarship awards ceremony to 37 female students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria by the Nigeria Women Association of Georgia (NWAG), held in Abuja, recently.

Mrs Osinbajo thanked the NWAG for lifting up burdens, describing members of the association as women of focus.

She also noted that Nigerians’ needs are so great and so, requires a joint effort to meet.

“I sometimes get overwhelmed

NANS marks 1st intercampus debate

By Aramide Shanu

I

n commemoration of the International Students Day, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) recently marked its first intercampus oratory debate.

Speaking at the event, the Rector, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Professor Olatunde Fawole, who was represented by the Deputy Rector of the institution, Mr Bayo Oyeleke, commended the planning committee for such a debate among campuses in Oyo State.

“The future of the country lies on education, which is key to nation-building. With education, the country will have the best human resources to run the day-today affairs of the state.

“Education is the key factor of nation-building. It is the tool that breaks the yolk of intimidation, oppression and ignorance,” he said.

In his address, the NANS chairman, Oyo axis, Olanrewaju Segun, said the inter campus oratory debate is aimed at bringing together students in Oyo State, to orientate and showcase their talents.

Chairman of the planning committee, Falola Ahmed, said the event was the first of its kind in the

state, as it will propagate healthy rivalry among talented Nigerian students, who have being longing for a platform to showcase their oratory prowess.

The event rallied participants from the Federal College of Forestry; Federal Co-operative College; Federal School of Survey; The Oke Ogun Polytechnic Saki;

UNIBEN graduates 64 first class students University of Benin The (UNIBEN) will today confer honorary degrees on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase on its 41st convocation ceremony.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Osasere Orumwense, made this known at a press briefing held at the senate chambers in the administrative building, recently.

Addressing reporters, Orum-

wense stated that the university senate approved a total of 11,020 results from the 2013/2014 academic session. Giving a breakdown; 64 persons were first class, 1,671 second class upper and 4,346 second class lower and three pass. Adding that 268 had diploma, 533 unclassified degrees and 541 post graduate studies.

There were also 2,212 masters and 382 doctorate degree.

“I commend the senate, lectur-

UNN: Fresh development trails compulsory laptop fee Following the meeting between the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Professor Benjamin Ozemba and the Students’ Union of the institution, last week, a fresh development has trailed the N70,000 laptop fee mandated by the university made compulsory as part of the university’s ICT initiative programme.

The fresh development was articulated in a statement released by the school management. It reads: “The university administration has arrived at the following resolution after an extensive discussion with the SU. The laptop fee is compulsory for all first year students, but there is an option to either pay once or in three instalments.

“N70,000 for those who can pay

Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo; Federal College of Agriculture; Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology; Federal College of Education Oyo (special), Federal School of Statistics, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and Federal School of Animal Health, among others.

once, while for those who want to pay over three instalments, will make a yearly payment of N25,000 spread over three sessions. The yearly laptop instalment will be added to the student’s service charge for the affected sessions. All non first year students, however, who want to be part of the laptop programme would have to make a one-time payment of 70,000. There is no instalment provision for non first year students,” the statement read.

However, students who spoke with Campusbeats still hold mixed feelings on the imposition of laptop fee by the school management.

A first year student of the Department of Microbiology who pleaded

anonymity said she already owns a laptop and is not comfortable with the imposition of laptop.

“My parents were surprised by the laptop imposition because I have a laptop already and the total money for the school, acceptance, accommodation and laptop fees is exorbitant.

“For instance, I paid N59,000 as school fees, N25,000 as acceptance fee, N11,500 as hostel fee and N25,000 as part of the laptop fee (instalment). That is N125,000, excluding bank charges.”

But, chinenye, a first year student of Nursing is happy about the imposition of laptop fee. She said it would help her academically even though the money is quite expensive.

ers and students of the University of Benin for their support thus far, our lecturers have labored hard to train these ones. We do not doubt our products, UNIBEN students would always contribute to the development of the polity in any area they find themselves.”

Also revealing that the convocation would feature the first founder’s day ceremony, Orumwense told journalists that the convocation is the first he would preside over as the VC. The 41st convocation lecture will be delivered by Professor Attahiru Jega, Pro-Chancellor, University of Jos (UNIJOS).

Orumwense also used the medium to clear the air on the rumored school fees increment in UNIBEN. “Let it be known, that the University of Benin didn’t increase school fees. The N400 added is a conjecture from the NUC for the National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS. We pay one of the cheapest fee in UNIBEN. The press conference which was witnessed by various dean and directors of the institution had no fewer than 40 journalists from both print and electronic media.

Eddy Uwoghiren and Ezekiel Efeobhokhan (University of Benin)

with the amount of needs we have in our nation. I run two shelters for women and children in Lagos, one is 150 beds, and the other is 100 beds.

“It is not enough for us to walk in here and walk out; the need is so great and so immediate.”

She, however, urged the awardees to refrain from mundane things which would eventually hinder them from accomplishing their goals in life.

Every year, the NWAG gives out scholarships to 37 students drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. The scholarship award is intended to encourage academic excellence among the girl child, and restore hope to the hopeless.

NWAG has successfully awarded scholarships to over 400 female students in Nigeria in the last 13 years. In addition, 11 orphanage homes across the country were given financial assistance to the tune of N120,000 each to enable them run their homes.

In his keynote address, Reverend Sam Oye, General Overseer of the Transforming Church Gwarinpa, Abuja, described NWAG as a body that supports excellence.

“The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. Everyone must be committed to seeking the good and welfare of others. No matter how poor one thinks he is, there is someone somewhere who is poorer,” he said.

The founder of the organisation, Mrs Dayo Keshi, who is currently the Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture, said NWAG, which started in Atlanta, USA with six women, has grown to over 70 women as members.

She advised the awardees that the scholarship be channelled into small scale businesses which in turn would generate resources.

In her remarks, Mrs Agatha Nnaji, the International Coordinator/ Country Director of the body, said NWAG is determined to stalemate every unholy act young girls are involved in to make their living.

She reiterated the decision of the body to be consistent in giving out scholarships, donating to orphanages and foundations.

Explaining the criteria for selection, Mrs Nnaji said, “The awards were keenly competed, as students were subjected to different tests to ensure the right persons got the awards.”

The Vice President of NWAG, Mrs Iruka Ndubuizu, said NWAG would continue to serve Atlanta as well as Nigeria, through empowerment, cultural enrichment, and education of women, youth and children, thereby fostering togetherness and excellence in their collective pursuits.

education FUTA VC lists achievements as 28 graduate with First Class 24

By Laolu Harolds

T

WENTY-EIGHT students graduated with First Class honours at the 27th convocation of the Federal University of Technology held on Saturday in Akure, Ondo State. A total of 4,435 graduandstook part in the exercise.

In his speech at the event, the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Adebiyi Gregory Daramola, listed some of the various milestones achieved by the institution in the past one year, crediting them to “visionary leadership and responsible followership.”

He particularly noted the fact that the university was able to start and successfully complete the 2015/2016 academic session without any interruption in the calendar.

Professor Daramola disclosed that academic activities had commenced in the newly established School of Health and Health Technology, following approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Other achievements listed include the ranking of FUTA as the eighth best university in the countryby the 2015 Webometrics Ranking of universities – which is an improvement on the ninth position in 2014.

Daramola said the collaboration and linkage programmes of the institution had started yielding results, as some FUTA students now spend their final year at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), United States, under a special collaboration and exchange pro-

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

gramme.

“This year, seven students have already proceeded to FAMU, while three others will be joining their colleagues before the end of the year,” he said.

The university is also set to set a record by being the first in the country to launch a satellite into space, through collaboration with the Kyutech Institute of Technology, Japan, as a memorandum of understanding is being executed.

He also noted that the number of FUTA staff that had been outsourced as vice chancellors, rectors, bursars, registrars and librarians, among others, is in-

dicative of the quality of staff in the university.

The new Chancellor of the institution and Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, was officially inaugurated at the event by the Visitor to the univer-

sity, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Julius Okojie.

The pro-chancellor, Dr Mohammad Shata, thanked the Ondo State government for re-

leasing 200 hectares out of the 10,000 hectares allocated to the university for the take-off of the School of Health Technology.

A total of 2,675 graduated with Bachelor degree; 743 with Master and 73 with doctorate.

UNILAG lecturers remember Iyayi

among them close associates of the late activist.

THE Academic Staff Union of The union members used the Universities (ASUU), Univeroccasion to call on the Federal sity of Lagos chapter, last week Government to set up a Judicial convened a special congress Panel of Enquiry to investigate session in honour of its former the death of Iyayi, stressing president, Professor Festus that the novelist was murdered.

While speaking to journalists at the end of the session, the chairman of the union, Dr Adelaja Odukoya, said the manner of the late writer’s death was consistent with murder. He described Iyayi as a man of unequalled integrity.

“For us at UNILAG, we are not mourning, because Iyayi lived a great life. Iyayi was a humanist. Iyayi to us epitomised what our union stands for. Iyayi was a defender of public education, particularly public university, in Nigeria. He fought against commercialisation of education in this country. He fought for the common man and he stood for the welfare of the Nigerian academia.”

Earlier, lecturers at the session took turns to speak about the life of the late professor.

“He was so simple that people who did not understand him would think he was preStudents of School of Science, Pade, Oyo State during the presentation of a Chalk Production Project at the 5th JETS Day\Quiz Competi- tending,” said Professor Ngozi tion programme of the school last Thursday. Photo: MODUPE GEORGE. Osarenren. “To me, Festus cannot die... his numbers are still on my phone.”

Dr Patrick Oloko, a lecturer in the Department of English, said Iyayi’s novels were a tool At the end of the quiz competi- tional College, Moniya, Ibadan, devised by the late icon to imto keep abreast of innovations tion, which involved 10 schools, and Oladipo Alayande School mortalise his vision of social around the world.

On the rationale behind the an- the host, School of Science, Pade, of Science, Ibadan came second harmony. nual exhibition of projects, the came first;while Kings Interna- and third respectively.

Coordinator, JETS Programme Committee of the school, Mr Olaleru Bolaji, stated that it is to make room for creative improveSam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti PhD student in Yale University a folly of himself. A PhD student ment in the students and to challenge them.

OPEYEMI Enoch, the Nigerian that he plagiarised his work was has not published any work for He said: “It has always spurred scholar who solved a 156-year- “a misdirected venom and part anybody to plagiarise, so I am the students to also want to go old Riemann Zeta Mathemati- of the conspiracy of some rac- not really bothered by his allegaout to represent the school out- cal Hypothesis, has called for ist academics in the West who tion. But it is wrong for anybody side in competitions so as to a campaign against racial dis- believe nothing good can come to rate a PhD student higher and come up with medals for the above a PhD holder simply becrimination among some West- from Africa.” school. cause the latter is from Africa.”

He said, “I made my presentaern academics against their black “The impact of the programme He said the findings took him tion before 119 nationalities of has always reflected in the results counterparts. various countries on November seven years to resolve, after his He also debunked insinuation of our students yearly. We have a student brought the mathemati11, 2015 on the Riemann Zeta lot of them gaining admission to by some scholars from the West- Function. I was able to generalise cal puzzle to him in November the university the same year they ern world that he plagiarized his all findings on the hypothesis 14, 2008 from an online publicafinish from the school. It is really findings in resolving the hypothand that formed the basis of the tion. helping, and that is one of the esis.

The scholar said he had been things that is encouraging parWhile addressing newsmen in research and its acceptability. sponsored by international bod“One thing is very clear here: ents to keep bringing their chil- Ado-Ekiti on his achievement, if the International Conference ies like Centre for Mathematdren down here.”

Enoch said some non-African At the programme, there was scholars were promoting racial on Mathematics and Computer ics and Physics Association and an exhibition of a periscope discrimination in the academic Science, Vienna, Austria did not Kwazulu University in South Afproject created by the T.S.P.C world, and urged Africa to cre- find my work worthy and accept- rica to Port Novo, Benin RepubCollege, Toll Gate, Ibadan and ate its own laurel for academics able, it wouldn’t publish it on its lic, and Marrakech in Morocco, a Light Emitting Diode Display denied of laurels they deserved portal. Aside this, the PhD stu- to give presentations on the conBoard as well as Chalk Producdent in America who wrote that I tentious mathematical issue in owing to discrimination. tion by the host school, SOS, Enoch said an allegation by a copied his work was only making 2014.

Pade, respectively.

Naza Okoli - Lagos

Iyayi, who died on November 12, 2103.

Tagged ‘Extraordinary Memorial Congress for a Hero Martyred for the Survival of Public Universities in Nigeria’, the session had in attendance lecturers from all the faculties,

SOS holds 5th annual JETS Day\Quiz competition

BY MODUPE GEORGE THE Principal, School of Science, Pade, Mr Ojedokun Gab Adebayo, has said that the school will not relent in its efforts at imparting all-inclusive knowledge to its students.

Declaring open the 5th annual JETS (Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists) Day of the school last Thursday, Adebayo stressed that the aim of the programme was to expose young scientists to practical works, projects exhibition and general competitions.

He urged the officers in science to further prepare students for the 2016 state and national competitions, such as Science Olympiad, Festival of Science, Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition, among others.

While commending the officers and students who contributed to the success of the programme, he assured them of the school’s continuous support, especially in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and regular subscription to internet facilities as a way of assisting both the officers and students

Scholar wants advocacy against racial discrimination in academics

25

education

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

‘At Crescent, we’ve raised the bar in journalism training’ Kola Adesina is the Head of Department of Mass Communications, Crescent University, Abeokuta. The awardwinning journalist and former News Editor of the West Africa Magazine shares with LAOLU HAROLDS what makes the Mass Communications Department of Crescent University unique. Excerpts

C

OULD you give us a peak into your journalism training and practice?

I started journalism on the field in Nigeria in the 80s, from where I was deployed to go and start the European bureau for the West Africa Magazine in London in 1986. From there, I moved on to full time journalism practice in the United Kingdom for about 15 to 20 years. After that, I moved to classroom teaching on Media Studies and English Language in England. I did my Masters in Media and Development Studies, and also my doctorate. From there the proprietor of the university, Judge Bola Ajibola, came to hire me to come down here and start the Department of Mass Communications.

The Crescent University’s Mass Communications Department you started is gradually establishing itself as a department of first choice in journalism training. Being a relatively young university, what is responsible for this ascendancy?

When the proprietor, Judge Bola Ajibola, came for me in England, I was aware that about that time, there were between 40 to 45 departments of Mass Communication in Nigeria, including those in the polytechnics and universities. I told him if I were to come to Nigeria to do Mass Communication, I would not do the run-of-the-mill mass communication that everybody is doing. It’s not that I would come here to reinvent the wheel, but when I got here, I looked at the curriculum. I’m familiar with the curriculum in the United States, UK, Nigeria and even India and Australia. So, I sat down (it took about a year) and came up with a hybrid curriculum; a very robust curriculum that would make our students comfortable and accepted anywhere in the world. In other words, we have the best practices here and the best practices abroad put together in our curriculum. Apart from fulfilling the theoretical aspects of the course, a lot of emphasis is placed on practice.

What exactly are you doing differently here?

We have a course (Basic Word Processing for Media; Infotech and Media Practice. We have International Journalism and ICT; New Media and Radio, New Media and Television, New Media and PR and Advertising; then we have Media Convergence. Media Convergence is the new thinking in Journalism. Nowadays, nobody employs a journalist either for print or advert or radio; they employ multi-platform journalists now. In other words, a journalist must be able to operate on all the platforms. In our days, about 25 years ago, a photographer must come with a reporter; nowadays, a reporter takes his own photographs. That is what is called media convergence. You are the reporter, you are the photographer; some newspapers

Kola Adesina

now do video journalism. Our training here prepares our students to work in any area of the media. That is what we are doing; taking full benefits of ICT and new media.

Our students have their blogs, news sites; and they are very active on all the social media – these they must do as part of their curriculum.

How many years now since you put these things in place?

I got back here in 2009.

Have there been success stories from this department?

There have been very many success stories. In Nigeria, for your university to be successful, the first thing that you must do is that your courses must be accredited; your university must be licensed for you to operate as a university. Your courses must be approved. When the NUC came here for accreditation, I cannot begin to tell you some of the adjectives they used for us; but it was apparent in the scores they gave us. Our ‘Overall Score’ in 2012 was 90 per cent. At that time, it was about the best in the South-West. In ‘Academic Content’, they scored us 97.5 per cent. In ‘Practical and Physical Facilities’, they scored us 92 per cent. ‘Overall Average’ was 90 per cent. That was the first milestone. The second was that our first graduate with a First Class, Ms Rufiat Gawat, got a scholarship to go abroad for her Masters. She got BSc Mass Communications here in 2010, and went to Robert Gordon University in Scotland (one of the best in

Oando foundation donates solar ICT centre to school Naza Okoli- Lagos OANDO Foundation has installed a solar-powered Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at St. Patrick’s Primary School, IkotNseijen, Etinan, Akwa Ibom, as part of its Adopt-A-School initiative.

In a statement issued by the Foundation at the weekend, Adekanla Adegoke, Head Oando Foundation, said: “With an estimated 95 per cent of the country’s future workforce requiring ICT skills, it is important that educational curricula keep pace with the fastchanging, technologically advanced world we live in.

This formative process provides a great foundation and empowers the students to be better prepared for

advanced education and life prospects.

“This project is an embodiment of the fact that we all have a role to play in fostering social progress and long term economic

growth, ensuring tomorrow’s youth are adequately prepared today, and bridging the technology gap between privileged and under privileged Nigerian primary school children.”

According to the statement, the Foundation intends to open 100 centres by 2020 in its adopted schools.

Oando Foundation’s ICT centres are established to

Media and Communication in the world) and still came out with distinction. The university was so impressed that they invited me as HOD to come to the convocation ceremony in December 2014. The supervisor then told me that when the lady scored 74 in the final project, he wanted to know the university in Nigeria (that trained her). The man said he had never given anybody more than 70 in 30 years of project supervision. The lady got 74 per cent.

The third milestone is that when I was at UNILAG as a student, we used to produce UNILAG Sun – which was one newspaper per year; the whole department would come together to do UNILAG Sun. And maybe every two years, we did Lagoon Echo. When I got to the UK, anytime I got to the newsstand, I would see up to 300 different kinds of newspapers and magazines, most of them specialised magazines in different areas – motor cars, railway engines; even for motor cars you had the ones for Peugeot, Toyota; then you had for health, doctors, nurses, farmers, fishermen, drivers and so on.

The same thing in the US, Germany and France. And I said, well, if I’m coming back to Nigeria to start a department of Mass Communications, that is one of the things that I would bring. I know other universities do one (publication); but these are what we do here (brings out magazines): This is Radiance; a general interest magazine, but mostly for ladies. This is Image Frontier; this is for public relations, advertising and printing. This is Newsmakers, general interest magazine. This is a newspaper; a community newspaper. Other universities teach it as a course; but we don’t just teach the theory, we go into the field real time and produce these.

Are these individual projects or…?

(They are) group projects. There are about eight groups in the department; they rotate. If you do this (kind of publication) this year, you do another next year.

Every year, we add another specialised magazine to the market. We have done this now up to the point that our friends in the industry are asking for our products.

What can you tell us in terms of the quality of teaching staff and equipment in the department?

Mass Communications has a peculiarity. Quality in Mass Communications is not just about professors or PhD holders; it is also about experienced people in the field who can show students how to do the practical side of it. We have been able to strike a balance here. I was already a senior lecturer in UK before I came. We have Dr Bola Alegbe here; we just employed him from the University of Dublin. We have Dr Orebiyi, an experienced man also. Then we have Dr Abioye. Our external examiner is Professor Idowu Sobowale, one of the best three in Africa in mass communication. Then we have Professor Osho also as a consultant.

Then we have Mr Ariba, a retired director at the Radio Nigeria. We have Mr Odetoyinbo, a retired director with NTA. We have Adebimpe, who was public relations manager with the Nigeria Population Commission.

enhance the learning capabilities of pupils, facilitate their exposure to digital technology and create a platform for them to be on par with their peers globally.

Ibadan Poly set for 31st convocation

By Modupe George THE authorities of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, say the institution’s 31 stconvocation will be focused on celebrating four major stakeholders – students, parents\guardians, staff\ management and the proprietor.

Addressing a press conference at the Ibadan North Campus Assembly Hall of the institution on Monday, the Deputy Rec-

tor\Chairman, Graduation Ceremony Planning Committee,Mr Bayo Oyeleke, said the students would be celebrated for being compliant with the rules and regulations and for enduring the rigours of the academic environment.

He said the parents\ guardians would be celebrated for supporting their wards morally and materially and the staff\ management for releasing the students entrusted on

them back to the parents\ guardian alive with higher educational qualification.

The proprietor of the institution, the governor of Oyo State,would be celebrated for ensuring that the institution continues to fulfill the objectives of its founding fathers.

Oyeleke listed programmes earmarked for the 31st graduation to include Jumat and church service, and an exhibition of models, fabrications,

artwork and some finished works from the institution’s workshops and laboratories.

The graduation lecture, according to him, entitled ‘Stepping out into the World, Potential Wellbeing, Change in Life Style and Cancer Education’, will be delivered by Head, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Professor Aderemi Tajudeen Ajekigbe.

Emunemu becomes Professor UNIVERSITY of Ibadan has approved the promotion of Benedict Emunemu of the Department of Education Management, Faculty of Education, to professor.

Before his promotion, he was the Chairman, Quality Assurance, Distance Learning Centre of the university, from 2014, and was the acting Head of the Department between 2011 and 2013.

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Thursday, 26 November, 2015

aviation

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Shola Adekola

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

Med-View Airline introduces Nigerian delicacies on Lagos–London route Med-View Airline is a Nigerian carrier that has just commenced operations on the Lagos-London route.

In this interview with SHOLA ADEKOLA, the Managing Director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, speaks on the plans on ground to make Nigerian travellers on the route have value for their money. Excerpts:

W

hat have been Med-View’s contributions to manpower development?

I am happy to say that since we started training here, we have raised so many captains; we have raised many senior first officers, some of whom today you will find in some airlines.

We have more than eight of our captains that went to Air Peace and we are proud to supply them such manpower because they have been leaving us and they know that we spend so much money training them. Everybody is poaching all of them because of their skills and the training we gave them. We are still proud of them and we are ready to train more so that Nigerian aviation industry will continue to grow.

Why Gatwick and what additional services are the airline providing for passengers?

I was in the United Kingdom on three occasions. I went to Heathrow and I went to Gatwick.

I looked at what Gatwick is all about, I saw the traffic in Heathrow, it was very huge in number.

I saw the traffic in Gatwick in a number of millions and I told my colleagues that we are going to chose southern terminal in Gatwick.

As soon as we started putting the project in place, we were also speaking with limousine services. Anybody who flies MedView from Lagos to London, Gatwick in business class, has a waiting limousine standing by for him. Anybody who flies MedView Airlines on economy class has a contract already signed on Gatwick express linking you from the Gatwick airport southern terminal to wherever you are going.

We are not adding any money to that. We have already done this to look at those of us, who are probably going to central London. And for those who are going up North, they value Med-View in Gatwick than going back again to Heathrow.

So, who are those flying for the

benefit of all? Are they not Nigerians? Have you ever seen a white man flying out of Heathrow coming to Nigeria except they are coming to do business in this country? The magnitude of the traffics going out there are my people, so additional value will be added in such a way that we are turning this business to a Nigerian airline providing Nigerian cuisine.

Also on Med-View Airlines’ flight we offer efo riro, egusi, edikangikong, ofe Owerri and amala.

Today, we have come with N149, 000 as airfare between Lagos and London, as against N350,000 that passengers were paying. We now give. We also provide 32 kilogrammes, twopiece for economy class passengers, so that people can have enough to bring back home by economy. And for business class, they will have three piece of the same value of 32 kilogrammes.

For those of us who know this business, we always want to add value for money. There are many advantages available in Gatwick Airport and one of the secrets is that the airport is bought and owned by a Nigerian.

How prepared is the airline for stiff competition from other airlines on the route?

One of the secrets of this business is sincerity in everything you do. Don’t forget this business is not plane on the ground; it is ensuring that the aircraft is in the sky. It is done in an altitude of 40,000 feet to 45,000 feet where you don’t see anybody, there is no branch up there, you don’t see any fueller out there to give you fuel, neither do you see maintenance guys to give spare parts for maintenance. So competition has been the way to grow the business. What makes the difference? It is all about your service.

I have flown in many airlines on the domestic front before we commenced this operation. I know when I leave my house in Lekki, it takes me one hour to get to the airport to board one of those early departure flights.

Bankole I don’t take breakfast because there is no way I could have one if I wanted to make a 6:45am flight and get to Abuja at 8 o’clock.

That again will add more headaches to your brain for a meeting that is slated for 10 o’clock.

“So the first thing we do is to make sure passengers are comfortable and provided with a world-class breakfast. And we did the same thing on the lunch level.

This is one of the things we promised to put on the table and we will improve on it so that people will have benefit and added value to whatever money they have provided for this business.

In addition to service, we have a partner with Ethiopian Airline and others, who are our maintenance partners but the game here is this; we value something that is indigenous and African.

This is African man working for an African airline.

Ethiopia has done nothing different in their market today; it is always about aviation. It is a shame for Nigerian Airways Limited to have been liquidated. Today, the economy and the financial viability of that country lie on Ethiopian Airlines. Where are we today? So we are working with

Ethiopian Airlines, we are working with Boeing and we are improving on our increase in fleet.

By His Grace, in the first quarter of 2016, we might be adding two more aircraft.

Point to point operation As we all know that International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is the baby of IATA. Most of the airlines today cannot attain that level without having IOSA certification. Today, we have done the third workshop on IOSA and we are having the international auditing of this company come January 2016.

What is the airline doing to prevent the carrying of drug by its crew?

On my visit to the UK, we visited the Home Office; I know definitely it is one of the criteria. We were given some materials, some news items but we have held a meeting with the British High Commission in Nigeria, they will be here because their Home Office has directed them to come and work with us. As a new airline coming into the market, a lot of people will like to play some games. We are not unmindful

of that, and we are working seriously with the British High Commission and with our security partner AMLL, which is partnering with our new trained security personnel to bring out the best of this issue. That has made us to feel comfortable to commence the London route because for them to offer this free service, I think it is a good thing for me to tell you that we use this medium to appreciate the British High Commission for offering this service.

What is Med-View planning in the area of in-flight entertainment and timeliness?

We are also in discussions with some Nollywood actors to partner in this area. There is one thing that keeps Med-View ahead of others and that is ontime, reliability. We don’t negotiate with time at all, except for any reason may be for A-check.

We take the aircraft off the line.

For domestic operations, on average, the number we carry with three aircraft is 45,000 monthly.

Ideally the statistics should be between 1500 and 1,850 and if you multiply 1500 by 30 days it will give you 45,000 an average.

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aviation

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

S/African Airways commences flights to Abuja Jan. 26

crucial moment

Clement Idoko - Abuja

With Shola Adekola

0803 365 4818

Nigerians are still waiting for the coming national carrier

Everyone who has been in, or around, aviation for a while would easily agree that the ill advised liquidation of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways, is responsible for many of the problems confronting the sector till now.

These are the straight words of Dr Kashim Shettima, President of of Skyjet Aviation Services on the need for government to expedite action on its plan to establish a new national airline for Nigerians after the unjust liquidation of the former one over a decade ago.

There is no doubt that the controversial liquidation of the defunct Nigeria Airways was one of the worst policies to have been taken by the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The defunct carrier used to be the pride of the country through its vibrancy made possible by the good Nigerian professionals running the airline then.

It is on record that most of the pilots and engineers in the then national carrier were among the best across the world. In other words, there are professionals who are more than qualified to make things work if given a free hand.

Again, there is no doubt that since the liquidation of the defunct national carrier against the desire of many Nigerians, the sector has never remain the same again coupled with its direct effect on the travelling public who have been subjected to unfair treatment in the hands of many of the foreign carriers operating into Nigeria.

It is in line with this that President Muhammadu Buhari’s body language about floating a new national carrier is not bad after all.

However, in as much as he has a good heart to achieve this, there is an urgent need to draw his attention to some things he needs to consider if he wants the coming airline to meet the desired effect.

In the first instance, the president should not leave the issue of the national carrier in the hands of those who have been found to have contributed negatively to woes that have confronted the sector.

Entrusting the national project in their hands will even lead to the failure of the project from the beginning.

For him to achieve this, the president must identify so many core professionals who can effortlessly deliver to Nigerians a national carrier that the government will be proud of in view of their past records.

While government should use this group of people to really brainstorm on the pattern it wants the airline to follow, there is however the need for government to put aside sentiments this time around.

There are many Nigerians who are capable of delivering the desired yearnings of Nigerians for a new national carrier.

For sure, this group of people with the support of serious technical partners will be able to come up with a vibrant and economically viable national carrier that will not only bring back the lost glory, but give the foreign carriers a good fight.

If President Buhari wants to write his name in gold in the sector, he should carefully assemble this group of professionals as against the hangers on milling around him presently who cannot manage their own business profitably not to talk of a huge national project like a national carrier.

Presently, Nigerians are eagerly waiting to hear from the presidency the next line of action since the committee set p to guide the presidency has since submitted its report.

Nigerian Tribune

‘FG will support Nigerian as ICAO president’ Stories By Shola Adekola - Lagos

T

he Federal Government has promised to support the Nigerian born President of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu for another term in office.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, gave the assurance at the ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada, while on a visit to the Nigerian born President-in-Council, Dr Olumuyiwa Aliu.

According to Sirika, Aliu had nurtured the organisation in its role of being an enabler for the development of international civil aviation, thereby enhancing friendship and understanding among nations and peoples of the world.

He cited some of Aliu’s his laudable projects such as the ‘No Country is Left Behind” policy, aimed at providing more direct assistance to states, especially developing countries.

The minister promised to leverage on the office of the president-in-council to deepen development in the

country’s aviation industry.

The minister who was accompanied by the Acting Nigerian Ambassador to Canada, Balarabe Ja’afar Mohammed and top echelon of Nigerian aviation, also urged Aliu to continue to take his job in the organisation as a worthy ambassador.

In his response, Dr Aliu congratulated Sirika on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would bring his experience as an aviation expert, to bear on his office.

He called for the upgrading of the Nigeria College of Avi-

Oba of Lagos tasks FG on soft loans to airline operators The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu has appealed to the Federal Government to assist indigenous carriers with soft loans in form of aviation intervention fund to boost their businesses.

The monarch insisted that if the government granted such loans to the operators, safety would further be improved upon in the industry and air travelers would have more confidence in the operations of in-

Nigerian airports ready for Yuletide traffic —FAAN The Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured the travelling public especially passengers and airline operators, that necessary operational and security measures have been put in place at all the country’s airports to ensure hitch-free passage of passengers and cargo during the forthcoming yuletide holidays.

Apart from the statutory security and safety measures already in place at the airports, members of the Bomb Detection Unit of the Nigerian police Force have also been deployed at the airports, to compliment the effort of our Aviation Security Personnel at the security screening points.

According to the general

ation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, into a regional institution in the African sub region, promising to support such initiative.

It would be recalled that the ICAO President in Council, Dr Aliu assumed leadership of this global aviation body on November 13, 2013, as the first African to head the council with membership of almost 200 countries.

The Minister of State also visited the Nigeria office at ICAO headquarters where he was received by the representative of Nigeria on ICAO council, Mr Martins Nwafor.

manager, corporate communications in FAAN, Yakubu Dati; “Passengers’ facilitation at all our airports has also been enhanced by the installation of more modern and bigger conveyor belts and metal walk-through detectors.

“The expansion and modernisation of all the airport terminals now provide better ambience and more space for restaurants at the terminals, as well as newly opened duty free shops. This helps passengers relax comfortably while waiting for their flights.”

The authority, however, advised passengers to make early arrangements for their travels and to leave home early on their travel dates, in order to complete their boarding facilities in good time.

digenous carriers.

Akiolu further challenged insurance companies both in the country and abroad to reduce premiums charged the local operators, decrying that premiums charged the airlines was too high.

Akiolu made these statements when the management of Med-View Airline hosted key players and travelling agencies in the airline business in United Kingdom.

Akiolu hinted that it was necessary for the government to assist the airlines in accessing soft loans to increase their capacities especially in the area of acquisition of brand new aircraft, assuring that with welltrained personnel and good equipment, Nigerian airlines would succeed in their operations and reduced major incidents and accidents to the barest minimum.

He declared that most of the country’s airlines closed shop early as a result of lack of financial supports, favourable policies and encouragement from the banks and Federal Government.

He explained that the government could serve as a guarantor for the airlines in a bid to access such soft loans.

THE South African Airways (SAA), a leading carrier in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, has concluded plans to commence flights to Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital City as a new second gateway that is expected to give business travellers more options.

The initial flight operation between Johannesburg and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is scheduled for 26th January, 2016.

Regional General Manager, Africa and Middle East, SAA, Mr Aaron Munesti, who briefed newsmen on the development in Abuja, said the three weekly flights would exposed Nigeria to over 180 airports worldwide.

He noted that the introduction of flights to a second entry point in Nigeria, Lagos being the first, was part of the quest to enable trade and unlock mobility, Munesti, said would considerably add to business travel options to and from the West Africa region.

Unions condemn Virgin Atlantic over crew sack The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) have condemned in totality the action of Virgin Atlantic Airline management to lay off Nigerian cabin crew.

According to the unions, the airline management sacked the Nigerian crew without any known procedure in line with international labour practise or aviation professional practice and standards.

In a statement signed on behalf of ATSSSAN and NUATE, Saint Omotaje and Olayinka Abioye respectively, the unions declared: “We have studied the situation and have decided to call on the Federal Government through the relevant ministry of Transportation and Aviation Agencies (MDA’s) to intervene in this act of racism before it gets out of hand.

“It is now obvious that Virgin Atlantic does not have a workable conditions of service for its employees. Even where it exist, it discriminate against the Black race (Nigerians) aboard their airplane and yet they will not want to leave the Lagos - UK route for those that love us, Nigerians.”

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Thursday, 26 November, 2015 Editor:

health YOU&EYE

Sade Oguntola sadeboguntola@yahoo.com 0805 506 9260

SEX,SEXUALITY&YOU

NATURALHEALTH

INSIDE

‘Why fake, substandard drugs will remain a major issue in Nigeria’

Page 36

NATURAL HEALTH

First week of birth critical to survival of mother, baby

By Sade Oguntola

Why tiger nut, onions increase sexual potency —Scientists

Page 37

HEALTH QUOTE

Ways you can get Sexually Transmitted Diseases without having sex Page 37

H

ELEN Angola, a 30-year-old mother of two almost died from continuous bleeding after childbirth. She started bleeding profusely two hours after she was delivered of a baby boy at a maternity facility run by her church.

She was fortunate to be rushed to a nearby government hospital where the doctor said her womb must be removed to stop her bleeding.

“It is painful that I will not be able to have more children since my womb was removed to stop the bleeding. My only consolation is that I am still alive,” Helen said on her bedside at the central government hospital.

Everyday, many women die from treatable complications of pregnancy and childbirth such as severe bleeding and infection. Many of these deaths occur during labour, birth and the 24 hours following delivery. They are related to care at the time of birth.

The World Health Organisation(WHO) data show that causes of these deaths are not really different in sub Saharan Africa. In fact, the majority of deaths in mothers and their new babies occur around the day of birth. Its reduction is one of the components of the Millennium Development Goals, turned Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Effective health measures provided at birth and during the first week of life, said Professor Emmanuel Otolorin, Country Director, JhPIEGO, can reduce up to 75 per cent of deaths in newborn babies.

This was in a sendforth and valedictory lecture he gave in honour of Chief Ebun Delano, Vice

President, Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Ibadan, Oyo State.

ARFH is one of the leading indigenous nonprofit organisations in Nigeria committed to improving the quality of life of underserved and vulnerable communities by promoting access to quality health care and harnessing community capacities for sustainable development.

According to him, “About 1.2million stillborns occur around the day of birth and over a million newborn and 113,000 mothers die in the first three days of childbirth. Paying attention to what happens in the first seven days after child birth should be able to reduce 75 per cent of newborn deaths and also reduce the majority of deaths that occur in women.”

The survival and health of newborn babies are critical part of the push towards lower child mortality in Millennium Development Goal 4, because a large portion of under-five deaths actually occur during the first month of life.

Because many of these deaths are related to care at the time of birth, newborn health goes hand in hand with the health of mothers, Millennium Development Goal 5.

But Otolorin, appraising the reasons women die from pregnancy and childbirth, said ensuring the health of mothers would require further reducing women dying from severe bleeding, infections and other complications of pregnancy.

“Forty nine per cent of women developed severe bleeding, but 34 per cent of these women ended up dying as a result of it,” he said.

Part of the continuum of care for healthy mothers and attainment of the SDG also require at least 90 per cent of women being delivered by

skilled birth attendants from the current 40 per cent rate as well as increase in modern contraceptive usage.

A report of analysis of 72 countries indicated that as the proportion of people with contraceptive use increases, maternal mortality reduces.

Nigeria with its modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 10 per cent, Professor Otolorin said, contributes about 40,000 per year to the global burden of maternal deaths.

The proportion of unmet family planning needs in Nigeria, indicating the number of women who do not want to have children, but never access family planning, has marginally come down by 2013 to one per cent.

Ensuring 70 per cent reduction in the deaths of newborn and children under five in Nigeria, one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goals, Professor Otolorin said, would require making access to sexual and reproductive care, including family planning universally accessible.

“We should focus on better care at birth, making sure that low cost intervention are provided at 100 per cent to women at birth; pay more attention to clinical governance; invest in life saving commodities to prevent too many incessant stock out; continually monitoring and evaluation of facility and task shifting,” Otolorin suggested.

The core package for the day of birth care is not really very new. These include the use of pathograph to monitor labour and identify obstruction before it occurs; administering appropriate drugs immediately after childbirth to prevent bleeding; keeping the new baby warm and appropriate cord care, among others, to reduce deaths in newborn and women.

The healthy, the strong individual, is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he has an abscess on his knee or in his soul. —Rona Barrett

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Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Dr. Ben Ajayi 0805 400 5447

you-and-eye@gmail.com

Eye aches and Headaches – a doctor’s personal experience

T

HIS is a true story. Dr. Waleh (not the real name) is a very busy surgeon. He presented with a history of severe eye ache associated with a mild, dull headache, off and on, for three months. Usually it would start after work; increase as night fell; getting better in the morning and disappearing after a day or two, until another week. He had tried self-medication with no effect so he felt he needed to see another specialist.

Dr. Waleh narrates his experience.

“The very first time I experienced such an eye ache was a Monday, about 8:00pm.

I had just finished the day’s work and was driving home to have a well-deserved rest.

I felt some tenseness around my eyes.

Soon, what had started as a mild nagging ache in both eyes a couple of hours before, had become more intense. It was associated with a mild, dull headache.

I barely struggled to keep my eyes open.

‘Maybe it’s hunger and will soon go away,’ I thought to myself. My last meal was about 3:00pm on Sunday. It was only about four hours later than usual. I usually skipped breakfast in the morning except at weekends and holidays.

My first and only meal of the day is usually about 4:00pm. Occasionally, I would have some snacks, usually biscuits and a bottle of soft drinks in between consulta-

tions or during meetings.

“By the time I arrived home, my eyes were aching terribly. I went straight to the dining table and had something to eat. The pain will go away if it is due to hunger. I know that quite often eye aches and headaches caused by hunger would disappear at the smell or sight of food. If it didn’t, it would go within an hour or so following a meal. I was wrong! I had just a mild relief.

I picked up my lap-top and went on the internet to check my mails. This seemed to aggravate it. Then I tried something I rarely did – took some analgesic pills. I felt some relief after a few minutes but it was short lasting. The terrible aches soon returned. I abandoned what I was doing and went to bed.

“I shut my eyes and sleep took over. It was not a relaxed sleep. I felt a dull ache throughout the night. It was as if someone had put weights over my eyeballs. I got up in the morning better and fresher but still with some lingering aches in both eyes. As usual, I soon got lost in the day’s activities and forgot about my eye aches. My Tuesdays are not as busy as other days and was home for lunch break by 4:00pm. I didn’t have much problem on subsequent days. I noticed the pain was more severe on Mondays.”

“What do you do on Mondays that

you don’t do on other days?” I asked Dr. Waleh. “Monday is my surgery day and I usually spend about six hours in the theatre. I have to use a microscope for my surgeries,” he replied. “One more question for you doc. You are 50 years old, do you wear your glasses for your operations?”

“No,” he replied.

“Doc, I know the cause of your recurring eye aches,” I said confidently. “What’s it?” asked an excited Waleh. “It is due to eye strain. We also call it asthenopia. It usually manifests through nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, headache and occasional double vision. From now on you must use your glasses for your surgeries and for any task at near or intermediate distance,” I commanded.

Quite often, eye aches and headaches caused by hunger would disappear at the smell or sight of food

I didn’t hear from him for about four weeks, so I called him to ask after his health. “I complied fully with your instructions and the eye aches literally vanished.

I am sorry I should have phoned you to let you know. Thank you very much sir.”

I went into a deep thought. “These medical doctors are a funny lot. I know Waleh would have screamed if any of his patients missed an appointment. “Don’t do self-medication,” they would say to their patients but they do it! There are doctors who smoke cigarettes and who drink heavily despite knowing the dangers. But doctors are not alone! A judge insisted on an out-of-court settlement for a bigamy case “in the interest of the children.”

Privately, he admitted it was in his own interest! He might be unwittingly providing a precedence for his own trial. He had three wives – the first under the marriage ordinance and the other two under native law and custom! I always wonder why this sign was ever put up in our police stations, “Don’t give or take bribes. It is a crime.”

The lesson is in the common adage, “Do as I say, not as I do for your own sake.”

Dr. Waleh’s lifestyle is absurd. Every bit of it, unhealthy and a potential cause for headaches, eye aches and more. Ask yourself today, “Is my lifestyle capable of causing me any health problems? You know the answer – change!

Dr Abayomi Ajayi

ivf &you

info@nordicalagos.org

Male infertility INFERTILITY is defined when a couple is unable to achieve pregnancy after a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

Male infertility can be defined as an inability of the male to initiate pregnancy in his female partner due to inability to produce or deliver quality fully functioning sperms. It can also mean that the infertility in a couple is solely due to a problem in the man.

Infertility is a condition of global interest, found in about 10 to 15 per cent of couple in western world and in about 20 to 25 per cent of couples in Africa.Fifty per cent of cases are linked to or contributed to by male factor infertility; there is a gradual drop in semen parameters over the years.

The testes are a paired organ located in the scrotum, chiefly responsible for the production of sperm cells and male sex hormone; it functions under the control of hormones from hypothalamus and pituitary.

Epididymis and ductus deferens help with storage, transport and maturation of sperms. The accessory glands secret liquid portion of semen which makes up about 80 to 90 per cent of ejaculate. Penis contains the urethra which functions as passage for ejaculation of semen and excretion of urine.

Spermatogenesis involves differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatocytes, spermatids, and finally, spermatozoa.

The process of differentiation from spermatogonia to spermatozoa takes place in the testes over 74 ± 5 days.

Male infertility can be due to impaired production or function of sperm cells as seen with abnormal shape or movement of sperm, low sperm count/ concentration, varicocele, undescended testicle, testosterone deficiency (male hypogonadism), genetic defects, infection of the reproductive tract e.g. clamydia, mumps and gonorrhea.

Impaired delivery of sperm cells as seen in erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, blockage of the epididymis or ejaculatory duct, hypospadia, anti-sperm antibody and cystic fibrosis. General health and lifestyle issues identified as risk factor for male infertility include: emotional stress, malnutrition, obesity, alcohol and drugs, cancer and its treatment (radio/ chemotherapy), advancing age of the man, other medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Environmental hazards/ exposure with adverse effects include: pesticides and other chemicals, overheating the testicles, substance abuse, tobacco smoking, and

0700 6673422

radiations.

Management of male infertility usually begins with evaluation of the couple, this involves history taking, examination and baseline investigations. For the man, background family history, medical or surgical history including that of testicular descent and development of male secondary sexual characteristics are important to note. Examinations involve inspection of testes and phallus, testicular scan and seminal fluid. Analysis and sperm DNA integrity testing where indicated may be required.

Traditionally male infertility is treated with sperm boosters and/or surgery where indicated. This, however, do not always lead to fulfilling the hope of becoming a father. With lack of beneficial outcome after these treatments, the condition seems hopeless. Affected men are therefore advised on lifestyle modification focused on: stopping cigarettes and marijuana, stress relief therapy, prompt and adequate treatment of infections, avoidance of anabolic steroids and avoiding the use of sperm toxic lubricants.

All variants of male factor infertility are now treatable with a good chance of becoming a father after applying assisted reproductive techniques. These involve

treatment like intrauterine insemination and in-vitro fertilisation. The option of treatment is decided based on the semen function derived from SFA result.

Mildly low sperm count with optimal motility and morphology, can be treated with intrauterine insemination(IUI). Its success rate is comparable to natural monthly pregnancy rate, so it is advised that couple move on to IVF after three to four failed IUI. IVF involves a myriad of highly skilled techniques done in the laboratory, which could be employed to target the specific deficit in sperm function based on SFA result. Sperm selection techniques include ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), PICSI (physiological ICSI) and IMSI (intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection).

The selected sperm is microinjected into the egg during process of fertilisation in the IVF laboratory. Sperm retrieval techniques like TESA (testicular sperm aspiration) is applied to obtain immature sperms from the testes in men with azoospermia (no sperm cells in semen). This is used to fertilise the egg with a good outcome.

Donor sperm is used as a last option in azoospermic men when sperms are not retrieved from TESA.

35 everydayhealth

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Nigeria to lose $10bn to non-communicable disease –Expert

By Sade Oguntola

W

ORLD Health Organisation’s former Coordinator for West Africa and a consultant pharmacologist, Professor Oladapo Walker has warned that Nigeria may lose up 10 billion dollars in the next 10 years, if the rising cases of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes, are not curtailed.

Walker spoke at the second Professor Joshua Adeniyi annual guest lecture and book launch on the theme “Non-communicable disease: An emerging public health issue,” organised by the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Walker, who remarked that the world may be poorer by more than three billion dollars due to these diseases, said from WHO’s estimation, the social and economic implications of non-communicable diseases was tremendous and as such the need for a multidisciplinary team approach and strong health policies to tackle the problem.

The medical expert, stating increasing trends in stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and chronic respiratory diseases and cancer in all countries of the world, said ill health from these diseases may lead to catastrophic poverty and illness.

He declared: “Treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases may adversely

affect the economic growth of a family and by extension, the country. It is a well known fact that many of our patients who are on hypertensive and diabetes medications may not be

able to afford the high costs and defaults on treatment with catastrophic outcomes which in some cases result in death.

“If this trend continues, it is not difficult for us to see

that we may be producing a new wave of orphans from non-communicable diseases while we keep on controlling the communicable diseases.

“The challenges that peo-

From left; Professor Ademola Ajuwon, Professor Oladimeji Oladepo; representative of the Iba of Kishi, Chief Niran Bioku; honoree, Professor Joshua Adeniyi and his wife, Yetunde, at the lecture and book launch recently in Ibadan.

ably in the middle class may find themselves struggling in order to pay the drug bills.

“If a hypertensive patient has to renew his or her prescription every three months, at an average of N5, 000, we can easily estimate the cost per year and what that would cost if the prevalence of hypertension is 25 per cent of the adult population.”

Walker, however, said individuals should not see non-communicable diseases as diseases of the rich or old people, adding that many children are now developing diabetes, hypertension and other stressrelated diseases.

He urged people to learn more about non-communicable diseases and ensure they take steps to prevent them such as avoidance of smoking and air pollution; weight control, appropriate diet and control of high blood lipid and increased physical activity.

Unity in health sectors, pivotal to health delivery- Sotiloye, FMC’s MD

By Sade Oguntola MEDICAL director, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Oladapo Sotiloye has described the role of pathologists in the diagnosis and treatment of patients as pivotal, urging them to work as a team with medical laboratory scientists in moving the health sector forward.

Sotiloye, speaking at the 2015 World Pathology Day

hosted by the Association of Pathologists of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, in Abekuta, said division between the pathologists and medical laboratory scientists will make fulfilling this role difficult.

The medical director, saying the gap between pathologists and medical scientists must be bridged, said working as a team will make it possible for the team to impart on the health sector and

health of Nigerians rather than tear the sector apart.

Sotiloye, who described pathologists as crystal balls that help to resolve confusing issue in care of patients, urged the group to lay aside whatever difference preventing them from working as a team with the medical laboratory scientists.

“You should use the privilege of 2015 World Pathology Day to close ranks and find ways of moving the health sector forward rather

MTN unites Nigeria, South Africa, US against breast cancer THE fight against breast cancer in Nigeria received a major boost as Nigeria’s leading ICT Company, MTN, sponsored the 2015 edition of the African Patrons Cup Tournament.

The tournament, which had a special focus on creating awareness for breast cancer, saw female polo players from Nigeria, South Africa and the US participating in the two-day tourney.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, the wife of the Niger State governor and Ambassador of the Pink Polo Day commended the ICT Company for her sustained efforts in the fight against breast cancer.

She said, “Breast cancer, as we all know is one of the most common cancers. On behalf of the Nigerian women, I would like to commend MTN for being a strong advocate against the breast

ple with chronic diseases have is that of maintaining the same quality of life, and paying essential bills when the drug bills keep on mounting. In the long run, families who were comfort-

cancer scourge.”

Also speaking on the tourney, Hajia Hadiza Nasir El-Rufai, Chief Host of the event and wife of Kaduna State governor expressed optimism that the Pink Polo Day would draw awareness to the devastating effects of breast cancer in the country. She also called on other corporate bodies to emulate MTN’s commitment towards fighting breast cancer in the country.

In her words: “We hope that well-meaning Nigerians, especially in the private sector, will emulate MTN’s efforts at confronting the challenge of breast cancer in Nigeria. The truth is, it is possible to defeat breast cancer. But it is a fight that requires collaborative effort.

MTN has led the way and we charge others to join this fight. This is the only way, we can win the fight against the disease.”

In his response, Events and Sponsorship Manager,

MTN Nigeria, Dola Bamgboye, who represented, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Richard Iweanoge, assured of MTN’s continual support in the fight against breast cancer.

“Mammograms are critical for early detection, thus lowering the risk of death from breast cancer. To complement efforts in the country to reduce death from this cancer, MTN through its Foundation (MTNF) established six mammography centres and embarked on several awareness campaigns across the country,” he said.

Richard said that the MTNF mammography centres are located within public hospitals across the six geo-political zones.

These are General Hospital Marina, Lagos; Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua, Edo State; Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto;

Federal Medical Centre Nguru, Yobe State; Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. The MTNF Mammography centres offer affordable breast cancer screening services.

than being the one that will tear the health sector apart,” he said.

Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr Olatunji Aigoro, said Ogun State government had commended training of laboratory physicians to help reposition its medical laboratories services.

Aigoro, who remarked that pathologists were quite important for quality medical service, said “we already have some laboratory physicians doing residency training at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, when they come on board, we will be able to reposition our laboratory services.”

Dr Olushola Shobowale, in a lecture on the role of pathologists in infection control, said about one million people globally from hospital acquired infection every

year.

Shobowale, noting that outbreak of infections is initially detected by a pathologist, listed some of the hospital acquired infections to include genitourinary acquired infections, respiratory tract infections and surgical sites infections, The expert, who warned that hospital acquired infections, can be life threatening and difficult to treat, stressed the need for surveillance for these infections in hospital setting, education of patient and health workers on usage of antibiotics and establishment of regulatory bodies on infection control.

Shobowale stressed the need to implement stringent antibiotic policies to forestall the looming epidemic of antimicrobial resistant come 2025.

FG, Unilever pledge support for cavity-free Nigeria Newton-Ray Ukwuoma THE Federal Government under the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Unilever Nigeria Plc has renewed its commitment to make dental care accessible to Nigerians in its bid to rid the nation of cavity problems.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2015 National Oral Health Week in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Enahire, who remarked on improvements in oral health aware-

ness and promotion in the country through the investments of stakeholders, pledged to support the reduction of cavity problem through making oral health products accessible to the average Nigerian.

He said that “the ministry is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to rapidly reduce the burden of these diseases through prevention, early detection and management of cases”.

The Minister admonished Nigerians to see oral health as “closely integrated with their general health system

since the mouth is the gate way to the body and since several oral diseases are related to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension”.

Unilever’s Pepsodent Toothpaste, the joint organiser of this year’s event tagged ‘Good Oral health Better Health for Nigerians’ also pledged to continue its support and promotion of oral health in the country in order to ensure that “every Nigerian, both child and adult, is cavity free; and, therefore, can smile naturally”.

36

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

healthpeople Why fake, substandard drugs will remain a major issue in Nigeria —Popoola, MD, Reals Pharmaceuticals

Mr Adesanmi Popoola, the Managing Director, Reals Pharmaceuticals Limited, in this interview with SADE OGUNTOLA, talks about why faking and counterfeiting of drugs will continue to be a major issue and why pharmacy shops cannot be established in every nook and cranny of Nigeria, among other issues.

Mr Ade Popoola

W

HAT is it like to run a dominant pharmaceutical company in Nigeria given all the challenges currently being faced in the sector?

It takes God’s grace and experience gathered in other areas of life to run any company in Nigeria because of adversity coefficient. The challenges faced require someone with high adversity coefficient and a great shock absorber because, everyday, new things crop up.

Having been around in the pharmaceutical business for more than 30 years, I have seen a lot and built a strong network of contacts. I know almost everybody in the value chain and this has really been helpful.

Knowing everybody and everybody knowing you is a key to remaining dominant. If there is any issue, I just pick my phone to call to sort things out.

What makes Real’s products (ethical and OTC) different from the others in the markets here in Nigeria?

Basically, it is the quality put behind the conception of any of our brands. We avoid copying what others are doing; we take a lead in new ways of doing things.

What we do is determined by the gaps and demands in the pharmaceutical markets, rather than what is trending. Pharmaceutical business is different. By following what is trending in the market, what I termed the “me too” syndrome, one is bound to face some challenges, starting with the fight on prices.

So, basically, what is considered is the value of the product to the patient and areas patients are eager to have a solution to their problems.

Where can you place Real pharmaceuticals in the Nigerian Pharma market?

You know, it is difficult answering this.

When you sit in your farm, your belief will be that your father’s farm is the largest. If Reals Pharmaceutical Limited is quoted on the stock exchange today, I can bench mark the company.

Presently, only six pharmaceutical companies are quoted on the stock exchange.

Although Reals Pharmaceutical Limited will be 20 years by next year, it is not yet

ripe for this. This is not to say either that only companies quoted on the stock exchange are successful.

Agreed, being on the stock exchange will give you money for business. But the question that must be asked is, do I need the money and will I be able to declare profit to all shareholders at the end of the year?

Current at Reals Pharmaceutical Limited, profit is pumped back to ensure its growth.

What measures do you take to ensure Real’s products are not faked or cloned?

So far, we have not had challenges with being cloned or faked. A 3-D hologram with the name Real Pharmaceuticals is on some of our products to prevent faking. Anything can be faked, but we are still lucky that our products have not been faked. For now, the hologram has worked for us.

Real Pharmaceutical Limited does more of ethical or prescription drugs than over the counter (OTC) medicines. Often times, OTCs are more exposed to faking than ethical or prescription drugs because they are produced in higher volumes. Tracking products made in large volumes is always more difficult.

How true is it that fakes and counterfeits still remain a major challenge in Nigeria?

Faking and counterfeiting is an issue and it will continue to be a major issue as long as pharmaceutical products are taken as commodities in Nigeria. A commodity is something you can go to the market to buy; it is something whose sale is not controlled.

But agencies like NADFAC control drugs?

Despite that, pharmaceutical products are still sold in open markets. Medicines should be sold only in pharmaceutical shops that are manned by pharmacists. That is what operates in advanced countries.

Given that pharmaceutical shops are not sited in extreme ends of towns and villages, what happens when people in such areas need drugs?

I will give you a scenario; I met a friend in the UK who has a pharmacy in a different town from where he resides. He said

the number of pharmaceutical shops that are allowed in any town is controlled and that people must go from where they are to where the pharmacy is to get whatever is required.

But the case is not so in Nigeria because we take a pharmacy shop like every other shop and supermarkets where household needs such as soap and milk are sold. We have commoditised pharmaceutical products.

Just as drugs can heal, it could be dangerous, resulting in death when not well managed. Also, that a drug is sold in the market also exposes it to degradation.

In hinterlands, where there are no pharmacy shops, what should happen?

We do have medicine stores in hinterlands. Pharmacies sell controlled prescription drugs as well as OTCs, but medicine stores should sell only over the counter drugs. So, there is a mix up in our conception of what type of store should be in a particular area.

Ordinarily, medicines stores in villages should be able to meet immediate medicine needs of people in their vicinity before they can go to the nearest pharmacy shop. Prescription drugs are not supposed to be given out anyhow and anywhere. There is no way you can get an antibiotic like ampicillin, for example, without prescriptions in developed countries. It creates loopholes to faking and adulteration.

If you were to advise this new government on policies that can be implemented to make drugs more affordable and available, what will your advice be?

First, encouraging the pharmaceutical businesses with low interest loans, as low as 10 per cent. Having a fixed interest rate for pharmaceutical businesses is not the solution. What is important is access to low interest loans and advances.

Although people talk about getting loans

Many local manufacturing industries due to “Nigerian factor” do not have access to certain loans

at the Bank of Industry, not all pharmaceutical business are considered as industry and as such, qualified. Also, many local manufacturing industries due to the “Nigerian factor” do not have access to loans.

There are also industries that, once they have access to certain loans, will not be able to take another one since the owner does not have another property to use as his guarantee. And there is nobody that can do business without access to loan. If you are that wealthy, there will really be no need for a loan.

Importantly, government should learn to patronise local manufacturers. When they do, they should also make payment a priority. Currently, there are governments owing drug manufacturers for more than a year.

It has been argued that if Nigeria really wants to develop the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, it must restrict the volume of finished drugs imported into the country.

How sound is this argument?

PMG-MAN is pushing for a reduction in the volume of pharmaceuticals imported into the country. Ensuring this is no problem provided they can meet the needs of the country.

But the challenge with this is that many of them only produce primary products, which are products that do not need hitech for their manufacture.

However, only few local companies make other products that need hitech for their manufacture, such as those for treating chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. As such, their demand cannot be met by the few pharmaceutical plants. So, importation of drugs cannot be done away with.

Thinking of PSN at 88, can it be said that pharmacy as a profession has positively affected the nation so far?

Basically, the professionals have an impact on the nation because life expectancy has improved. And a contributing factor to this is the quality of medicines that patients were able to access.

From your experience and interactions, which areas of the profession need to be changed to transforming pharmacy practice for better outcome?

Basically, is its phase with the public. The government needs to encourage more pharmacy shops to be established in areas where they are not available as well as subsidise their operations so that they can operate affordably in that area.

37

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Why tiger nut, onions increase sexual potency in men—Scientists

By Sade Oguntola

M

asculinity encompasses sexual potency as one of its determinants. Indeed, the humiliation associated with failures of sexual performance is common across various cultures.

As a result, many men do not disclose aspects of sexual dysfunction to their physicians. This has therefore maintained the popularity of aphrodisiacs, which are substance to stimulate sexual drive or desire, for centuries.

There has been scepticism on the biological effects of aphrodisiac plants, but advances in scientific research have started to demonstrate the efficacy of traditional aphrodisiacs using animal models to elucidate their mechanism of action.

In a new study, scientists studied the influence of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) on sexually active male and found it stimulated sexual motivation and performance in both highly and moderately active rats.

Tiger nut ( Aya in Hausa, Ofio in Yoruba and Akihausa in Ibo) is one of the ancient food sources known to humanity and used traditionally in the Middle East to stimulate sexual arousal in men. Also, known commonly by several names such as chufa and earth almond, it is frequently given to grooms, during their honeymoons as a sexual invigorator.

For the study, two sets of sexually active male rats, highly active and moderately active, were identified depending on baseline sexual activity. Rats in each set were randomly divided into a control and treated groups.

HEALTH classes usually do a good job of warning students about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

And while you may not remember every single detail, it’s so important that you know how to protect yourself. Considering what STDs are, it is not surprising that unprotected sexual intercourse is the most common way to contract an STD. But what you might not know is that it is still possible to contract an STD even if you have never had sex or currently sexually active.

Here are other ways you can contract STDs Kissing The danger of getting an STD might not be the first thought that runs through your head when you think about making out with that cute guy at a party, but it is possible to get an STD just from kissing.

When someone has type I herpes, also known as oral herpes, they carry it for life, says Senior Physician at Boston University Dr. Mark Weber. So even though the disease may not be visibly showing, the danger of infection still exists.

However, the possibility of transmitting the disease is much lower if there is not an outbreak of sores. Dr. Weber says that another difficulty with type I herpes is that many people carry the disease without even knowing it.

Even though infection is sometimes possible without visible symptoms, the best way to protect yourself from getting infected by someone who has type I herpes is to know how to recognise it.

A sore on someone’s lip that is made of small clusters of fluid-filled blisters is an indication of herpes, says Annabeth Elliott, the STD Programme Coordinator at the Idaho Department of Health. She says that even if the cluster is red, crusted

The highly active rats were treated with doses of 1 and 2 g/kg/d of raw tiger nut powder, while moderately active rats were treated with a dose of 2 g/kg/d. After 30 days’ treatment, sexual behaviour and serum hormonal levels were measured.

Tiger nut was found to enhance sexual motivation (desire) in highly active and moderately active male rats, and to improve the sexual performance (potency) in moderately active rats. This was accompanied by an upsurge in total serum testosterone concentration in treated rats in both categories.

The researchers suggested in the 2015 edition of the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine that the enhanced sexual desire and potency in the male rats treated with tiger nuts was partly because of a boost in their serum testosterone levels.

According to them, tiger nut could positively contribute to testosterone production and improve the erectile function because of its several components such as quercetin, vitamins E and C, and zinc.

natural

health

While the exact mechanism by which tiger nut boosts testosterone levels is not entirely clear, they speculated that tiger nut act directly on testicular cells.

Studies have revealed that quercetin, a dietary flavonoid, was associated with a significant increase in testis weight, sperm quality and testosterone level in male rat.

Vitamins C and E are essential nutrient speculated to enhance testosterone synthesis and improve the erectile function. The trace element zinc is speculated to play a critical role in sexual development. Zinc deficiency was found to disrupt testicular tissue, impair sperm production, and reduce testosterone levels.

Previous experts have claimed that tiger nut extract improves sperm count and motility in male rats. Also, they said that it was protective against male infertility arising from testicular damage from lead acetate poisoning.

Additionally, aphrodisiac activity has been

Tiger nuts

attributed to food plants as garlic, asparagus, bitter kola, Mondia whitei (white ginger, pako ijebu in Yoruba or atu-uhie in Igbo), Sclerocarya birrea (marula) fruit, Chenopodium album (wild leafy vegetable), and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed.

However, researchers’ assessment of Mondia whitei, Chenopodium album, Cucurbita pepo and Sclerocarya birrea extracts at a fixed dose of 200mg/kg body weight on sexual behaviour, sperm parameters and testosterone levels in adult male rats rated the root of M. Whitei the most effective in enhancing sexual activity in male rats compared to the other extracts tested.

This study, which demonstrated varying aphrodisiac activities of food plants used traditionally as aphrodisiacs, indicated leaves C. album as the least effective. This was followed by seeds of pumpkin and fruit or juice of S. birrea respectively.

Although there was no change in number of ejaculations and sperm count for all treatment groups compared to controls, all treatments increased sperm motility.

The researchers, however, said in the 2015 edition of the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine that these food plants when used as aphrodisiacs has no deleterious effects on the maturing and already formed sperm.

That traditionally aphrodisiacs are used as formulations, combinations of two or more plants, they concluded may ensure that the different plants augment sexual function given their different effects on testosterone production, libido and erection.

sex,sexuality

&your health With Monica Taiwo

strictly adult teenagers, adult & geriatric sexual well being

08187754992 (sms only) taiwomonica@gmail.com

Ways you can get Sexually Transmitted Diseases without having sex

or scabbed over and peeling, this is still a sign of the disease.

The biggest danger of becoming infected

comes when there is a break in the skin that comes in contact with sores. If you have chapped lips or other breaks in the

skin and you come in contact with infected secretions, it is more likely that you will get infected than if your skin is completely intact. So if you are tempted to plant a kiss on someone with these signs, think twice before you do.

Oral Sex Although some people might not consider oral sex to actually be sex because it does not involve vaginal penetration, it can still lead to the spread of STDs. Dr. Weber says that oral sex should still be considered as sex, despite some misconceptions that many students have, and it can lead to transmission of herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and other diseases.

An STD can be spread during oral sex by contact with infected secretions and surfaces on the body. Dr. Weber emphasises that although condoms can reduce the spread of diseases, they cannot always be sure to completely prevent infection. But it is always safer to use condoms during penile-oral sex or dental dams for oralvaginal sex.

Avoiding sex when you have any breaks in the skin or other involved bodily tissue which may come in contact with another person can be protective as well, Dr. Weber says.

Continues next week

38

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Lagosmetro Police kill 5 robbers in Lagos, arrest 1 Olalekan Olabulo

F

IVE suspected armed robbers were on Wednesday killed during a gun battle between men of the underworld and policemen in Lagos State.

A member of the gang was also severely injured and was on Wednesday afternoon transferred to the headquarters of the state police command.

The armed robbers had reportedly around 2a.m. on Wednesday morning engaged policemen from Elemoro police station in a fierce shootout that lasted for over 30 minutes.

A source at Elemoro divisional police station told Lagos Metro that members

of the gang had been under the close watch of the police in the area.

The police source, who pleaded anonymity, while speaking with Lagos Metro said, “Our DPO received a distress call around 1.30a.m. on Wednesday morning that some armed

robbers were operating at Abule Parapo.”

The source continued that “We quickly mobilised our men and when we got to Awoyaya, the armed robbers sighted us and they started shooting.”

He added that “We engaged them and we had

a superior fire power. We were really prepared for them. We were actually looking for them.”

“Five of them were killed in the fierce gun battle, but we arrested one of them alive. He was also injured in the gun battle but he is still alive now,” the police source

stated.

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Joe Offor, confirmed a gun duel between the police and some armed robbers to Lagos Metro, but could not confirm the number of the armed robbers that were killed.

Mother abandons 2 children at railway line Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 40-year-old mother, Adebisi Adeeko, has been charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly abandoning her two children at Ilupeju railway line.

The police accused Adeeko of deliberately abandoning her children at the railway line crossing at Ilupeju.

It was alleged that Adeeko abandoned the children aged, 13 and 15 and absconded without thinking about the welfare of the children thereby exposing them to harm and exploitation.

The case was reported at Alakara Police Station for Juveniles and subsequently to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

It was gathered that the children are currently in custody of a juvenile centre in Ilupeju, pending the determination of the case.

Adeeko, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following Adeeko’s not guilty plea, the Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, granted her bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum. Osunsanmi consequently adjourned the case till November 27.

Lagos State Governor’s Monitoring Team arrests vehicles for violating traffic rules and other related offences, on Wednesday.

Ejigbo residents beg lawmakers for safety from hoodlums Chukwuma Okparaocha WORRIED for the safety of their lives and property, a group of protesters from Ejigbo community of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos on Tuesday urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to rescue them from hoodlums sacking them from their property and houses.

The protesters from Angbaka family in the community said they could no longer live in peace following harassment from one Wemimo family which they said had disposed them of their property.

The protesters, who chanted different solidarity songs, hoisted placards with various inscriptions like: “Save our souls in Ejigbo”, “Please, help restore peace at Ejigbo com-

munity” and “Ejigbo is under threat”.

Alhaji Sulieman Gani, Secretary to Angbaka Family and leader of the protesters said the family could no long bear the demolition of their property by hired hoodlums.

Gani said, “Our forefathers sold a portion of land to Wemimo family in 1969, but after one Mrs Wemimo Mosaku took our family to the court, the court ruled in her favour to concede 22.13 hectares which is approximately 132 plots of our property to them.

“Our family agreed and heeded to the ruling of the court but now they are giving us trauma and causing violence in our community.

“We are speaking with documents since we were not born then. They have

exceeded what was given to them and started encroaching into our property.

“We cannot live them alone. They are now using thugs to send people away from their houses and destroying people’s property, and denying some people entrance into their houses.

“We don’t want violence that is why we seek the intervention of the lawmakers. We want the House of Assembly to rescue us.”

Gani, one of the grand children of Angbaka said that the traditional rulers and the residents were constantly disturbed by disturbance coming from the hoodlums.

Also speaking, Alhaji Wahab Popoola, the Coordinator of Landlord Association in Ejigbo Community said that the Angbaka Family recognised the Supreme

Court Ruling conceding 22.13 hectares of the property to Wemimo Family in 1988.

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Man accused of raping neighbour’s 11-year-old daughter Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A 30-year-old man Peter Ekom, has been accused of forcibly having sex with an 11-year-old.

According to the police, Ekom is a co-tenant with the minor’s parents in Oshodi.

It was gathered that the accused lured the 11-year-old girl into his room and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her.

Ekom allegedly took advantage of the child and defiled her. According to the police, he caused her severe physical and emotional injuries.

The police said the offence contravened of Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty when he was charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be working in reputable companies and must show evidences of tax payment.

Osunsanmi adjourned the case till January 13, 2016.

Ambode to complete work on 471 roads December Bola Badmus LAGOS State government has stated that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode would by the end of December rehabilitate a total number of 471 roads across the state.

Giving a breakdown of the projects, the General Manager, Public Works Corporation, Mr Ayo Sodeinde, stated that out the figure, 282 roads had already been completed, while the corporation had

started an additional 189 roads which it hoped to complete by December ending.

According to him, 117 out of these roads are Federal Government roads.

Speaking further, Sodeinde said some of the affected roads being rehabilitated being rehabilitated currently had been bad for upward of 10 years.

He said that work had to start of the roads in earnest, based on the governor’s promises to Lagosians.

39

news

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

UK deports 48 Nigerians Shola Adekla-Lagos

A

BOUT 48 Nigerians were on Wednesday deported back to Nigeria by the United Kingdom (UK) authorities in a fell swoop over allegations of immigration related crimes and offences.

According to information from a source, close to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the deportees were brought into the country through the Lagos airport at 8.03 a.m.

The deportees were flown into the Lagos airport aboard a chartered Boeing 767 aircraft with registration number AWC931, which took off from London Stansted Airport. They were accompanied by security officials from UK to prevent the deportees from becoming violent on board.

On arrival, they were made to pass through required immigration processes through the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) area

of the international airport.

Among those deported were 44 young men and four women.

It was gathered that the deportees were accused

of violating immigration related offences ranging from expired travel documents and other immigration offences.

When Nigerian Tribune visited the Lagos airport,

only few of the deportees were seen around as most of them had left. Some of them were said to have contacted their friends and relations on phone to pick them up while others ar-

ranged for car hires to take them to their various destinations.

One of the deportees, who spoke anonymously, declared that he has a dual citizenship of Nigeria and

THE Senate, on Wednesday, kicked-off investigations into the abandoned Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), Agbaraho Township roads project in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The project is valued at N24.4 billion.

The Senate took the decision to investigate the road project following a petition

by Agbarho lmprovement Union, which was submitted by Senator Ighoyota Amori (PDP Delta Central).

The petition, dated November 17, 2015 was signed

by Chief John Gbenedio, the President General of Agbarho Improvement Union and two others indicated that the contract for the 23 Kilometer road was awarded in 2009 to Messers Serena Rocks Limited at the cost of the N2.4 billion.

The petitioner explained that the contractor has already received N360 million as a mobilisation fee in 2011 and another N360 million in 2012 from the Federal Government to execute the contract, but nothing to show for the money collected, compared to the work done on site.

They, however, lamented that all efforts by the community leaders to get the

We’ll ensure gas flaring law enforcement —Senate Taiwo Adisa And Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, with the chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, after the inauguration of the third batch of Senate standing committees, in Abuja.

Senate probes NDDC’s N24bn abandoned project Taiwo Adisa And Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

Netherland and that he was picked up on his way to the studio.

contractor to move to site was unsuccessful The petition reads in part, “We formally write to bring to your notice, a clear case of massive corruption going on in NNDC, relating to several development

projects in the Niger Delta, using Agbarho, as a case study. After several years of neglect, in 2009, NDDC awarded the contract for the contraction of Agbarho Township Roads (23kilometres) to Messer Serena

Rock Limited at a cost of N2.4 billion.

“After a long process of securing Presidential Approval for funding of the aforesaid project, in 2011, the contractor petition, Serena Rocks Limited was

Police uncover fake Dettol worth N11m in Kano Kola Oyelere-Kano

THE Kano State police command has uncovered 1,301 cartons of Dettol liquid and four cartons of fake Dettol Soap worth N11, 189,500 million.

This was contained in a statement signed by the police public relations officer in Kano State, Magaji Musa Majia, on behalf of the state commissioner of police, Muhammed Musa Katsina, a copy of which was made available to Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday.

In respect of the recovered fake products, six retailers and three dealers were arrested, when the command raided SabonGari Market in Kano State.

The command disclosed that the raid was prompted due to the receipt of a letter of complaint from a citizen over the proliferation and distribution of fake Dettol soap and liquid disinfectant substances by some unscrupulous persons.

Majia said the arrested dealer is one Gambo Musa, 30 years old, of Kwana Hudu Quarters, a major dealer that was arrested

with 1,200 cartons of the counterfeit products.

In his words, “He is known to be notorious and was arrested for similar crime of production of fake injection water and was charged to Court for prosecution. As he regained freedom from the Court, he exhibited no remorse

and immediately went back into the illegitimate business.”

Other dealers arrested include one Alhassan Abdullahi, who was found in possession of four cartons of counterfeit Dettol Soap, while one Ifeanyi Ibube, aged 41 years, of Sarkin Yaki, was arrested with

paid N360.7million, being 15 per cent mobilisation to commence the project.

In 2012 the contractor received another N360 million payment for the same project with nothing on ground.

80 cartons of unregistered counterfeit Dettol liquid disinfectant.

Therefore, the Kano Police Command has vowed to fish out all criminals and activities that may affect the health and safety of the public, as well as retard the economy of the state and the country at large.

THE Senate Committee on Gas has pledged to ensure the enforcement of the Nigerian Gas Supply and Pricing Act, signed into law

by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, in 2008.

Chairman of the committee on Gas, Senator Bassey Akpan, who stated this, on Wednesday, during the inaugural sitting of his committee said that the Act would enhance international standards in the sector.

Akpan said: “That Act actually stipulates what the domestic gas supply obligation of every single international oil company operating on the soil of Nigeria is. It also stipulates the penalty on the issue of gas flaring.

“We will be engaging the various stakeholders from next week, Tuesday. We will first of all, talk to the regulators, like the Ministry of Petroleum Resource, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the Department of Petroleum Resources and gas aggregator,” he said.

Akpan further said: “We have found out that the law is not being enforced. One thing is to have a law; another thing is for you to ensure that every stakeholder and operator adheres strictly to the conditions of the law.

“So, we will be looking at the law because this is an era of the rule of law.

Kashamu vs Abiodun: Court of Appeal set to deliver judgment

By Nurudeen Alimi

AN Appeal Court sitting in Ibadan, has said it will communicate the judgment date of the appeal filed by Senator Buruji Kashamu against the judgment, which nullified his election as a Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

This followed the conclusion of briefs by counsels for the parties in the appeal, after members of a new panel assumed duty and swung into action on Wednesday.

Chairman of the threemember panel, Justice A.G. Mitshelia, told parties involved in the case that

the judgment date on the appeal would be communicated to them.

Counsels for the parties in the appeal, which include Alex Izinyon for Senator Kashamu Buruji; Ajibola Oluyede for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Yusuf Alli for the first and second respondents, Prince Dapo Abiodun and All Progressives Congress (APC), among others, had justified their various positions before the panel and why their clients’ prayers should be granted.

Issues raised included the admissibility or otherwise of documents tendered as evidence before the tribunal, which initially handled the case, the competence and qualification

of the principal witness in the case, as well as fairness of the lower tribunal in its verdict.

During Wednesday’s proceeding, after arguments by the counsels and adoption of their various briefs on the appeal notice and cross appeal, Justice Mitshelia announced that the panel would pass the judgment date on the appeal case to the concerned parties.

Earlier in the day, a cross section of politicians from the Ogun East senatorial district had earlier stormed the premises of the Appeal court in Ibadan, where the panel was sitting, pleading with the appeal panel for fairness and objectivity.

The politicians were seen displaying placards with various inscription were however restricted from entering the court premises.

One of the protesters, Mr Adeleke Shittu said the peaceful protest was meant to appeal to the judiciary to be fair in its business, declaring that, “we are here to let the whole world know that we want justice.”

It would be recalled that the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District of Ogun State, Buruji Kashamu had filed an appeal against the verdict of the Ogun State elections petition tribunal, ordering the re-run of election in 91 out of 110 polling units in the senatorial district.

40 news

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Kanu: Ohanaeze youths, FG in crucial meeting Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia

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N the bid to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, the youth wing of the apex Igbo socio- cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo met yesterday in Abuja with the Federal Government.

National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro who broke the news to Nigerian Tribune in Umuahia, on Wednesday , said the meeting was held on Tuesday night in the office of the Minister of Youths , Solomon Dalong, who represented the Federal Government.

Isiguzoro said that the Ohanaeze delegation at the meeting impressed it on the minister that Kanu have to be released unconditionally based on the demands of IPOB and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), during the South-East stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday, in Enugu.

The OYC helmsman said the release of Kanu was part of the conditions by IPOB and MASSOB to halt their mass protests, adding that for peace to reign in the South-East, the Federal Government should consider the demand as part of necessary sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity and peaceful coexistence .

He added that OYC had pledged to bring IPOB and MASSOB to a negotiating table with the Federal Government provided their re-

quest was met.

Isiguzoro further disclosed that the minister had promised to convey the requests to President Muhammadu Buhari for action, while thanking OYC for its peace

initiative.

The group also expressed the hope that its current peace initiative to secure the release of Kanu and to broker peace between IPOB/ MASSOB and the Federal

Government would yield something positive.

The OYC, therefore, appealed to Biafran agitators to be calm and remain peaceful as efforts were on to address their grievances .

The outgoing chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, handing over to the acting chairman of the agency, Mrs Roli Bode-George, at the Ikoyi headquarters of the agency, Lagos.

Appeal Court reserves judgment in alleged N1.8bn petroleum subsidy scam Sunday Ejike - Abuja THE Court of Appeal, Abuja Division has reserved judgment in the case involving Yanaty Petrochemical Limited , an oil marketing company, over an alleged N1, 840, 768, 720 petroleum subsidy fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is asking the appellate court to set aside the judgment of Justice Ad-

eniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court, Abuja, that all investigations into the alleged petroleum subsidy fraud against the defendant had been concluded.

Yanaty’s Managing Director, Elias Adeojo, was given approval by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPRA) to import 30,000 tonnes of petrol under the Petroleum Support Scheme in the first quarter of 2011.

The defendant claimed he imported 31, 256 .992 metric tons equivalent to 42, 171, 630 million litres in March, 2011 via MT Beaver.

Yanaty purportedly discharged the product at Lister Oil Jetty, Lagos, which is managed by Oando Marketing Plc. Yanaty allegedly received N2, 731, 942, 103.73 as subsidy for purportedly discharging 42, 773, 279 million litres of PMS.

NDLEA chairman, Ahmadu Giade, bows out of office Shola Adekola - Lagos THE outgoing Chairman/ Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has handed over to the Director-General of the Agency, Mrs Roli Bode-George in a colourful parade, at the Ikoyi headquarters, Lagos.

Giade, who inspected the guard of honour on the occasion, also received the lowered NDLEA flag and then presented a new flag to the acting chairman which was immediately hoisted, signifying the beginning of a new era.

This is the first time in the agency that an outgoing chairman successfully served for 10 years without blemish.

According to Giade, “I am

The Igbo group also restated its belief that President Buhari would give listening ears to the grievances of the protesters, with a view to finding permanent solution to their agitations.

leaving the agency better than I met it 10 years ago.

My greatest legacy is my zero tolerance for corruption. If we must continue to dislodge drug barons and eradicate drugs from our society we must remain forthright and committed to drug control

programmes. I am leaving behind a legacy of proactive and intelligence-led organisation. The agency under my watch, has a representative at INTERPOL headquarters and has successfully raised the international profile of the country through unprecedented sei-

zures of drugs and arrest of drug barons.”

He cited the removal of Nigeria from the drug majors list by the United States government and the cordial working relationship with stakeholders as some of the significant achievements recorded in the past 10 years.

However, during investigation, Oando, operator of Lister oil jetty, disclosed the MT Beaver discharged only 10, 187.353 metric tonnes, which is equivalent to 13, 952.926 million litres of PMS for Yanaty, as opposed to 31, 256.992 it claimed to have discharged.

Yanaty, therefore, allegedly received N1, 840,768,720 as unearned subsidy from the Federal Government.

Counsel to the defendant, Michael Anache, had filed a case against the PPRA and its Executive Secretary before Justice Ahmed R. Mohammed of a Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking a declaration that all investigations against them by law enforcement agencies had been concluded.

Though the EFCC was not joined in the suit before Justice Mohammed, judgment was given in favour of Yanaty.

We have passed life-changing progressive laws —Lagos Assembly Speaker Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos SPEAKER of the Lagos State Assembly, Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, has said that the Assembly has passed progressive laws that have positively enhanced the lives of Lagos residents in recent years.

Highlighting some of the laws to the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada

in Nigeria, Mr Lajos Arendas, who paid him a visit in his office, early this week, Obasa stressed that the House had passed Child Rights Law to protect children, Domestic Violence Law to protect women and procurement law, among others.

He said further that the visit of Lajos was a confirmation that Canada was interested in the development

of democracy in Nigeria, adding that the parliament is the symbol of democracy in the country.

The Speaker noted that Canada and Nigeria had come a long way, saying that the country stood by Nigeria during the years of the late General Sanni Abacha, who was a maximum ruler of the country.

“We know you also support the Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC), and you provide support for our country by helping to reduce maternal death rate.

We will continue to represent our people and their interest is paramount to us.

“We thank you for granting us visas, we want this to continue, but the period of obtaining the visa of your country should be reduced,” he said.

Buhari mourns Tor Tiv, Wada Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday expressed sadness over the passing away of the paramount ruler of the Tiv people of Benue State, the Tor Tiv, Alfred Akawe Torkula, and a Minister of Defence in the First Republic, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Wada.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the president in separate condolences, commiserated with the immediate families, friends and associates of the deceased, the governments and people of Benue and Kano states, and urged them to take solace in the knowledge that the departed distinguished Nigerians lived well and contributed significantly to the development of not only their states but the country in general.

The statement added that the President, who noted that the fourth Tor Tiv was a great advocate of peace and unity during his 24-year reign, urged his subjects to maintain the existing peace during and after the succession process.

Police rescue kidnap victim in Delta Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri OPERATIVES of the Nigeria Police, Delta State Command, Asaba, have rescued one Samuel Ofolue from his abductors.

Ofolue was said to have been abducted and being forced into a waiting car last weekend by three armed men at Kingsley Nwobi Close, ObodogbaOkpanam, Asaba.

But a Good Samaritan was said to have intimated the District Police Officer (DPO), Okpanam Division, who, in turn, mobilised a patrol team to go after the hoodlums.

It was gathered that on sighting the police operatives, the hoodlums fired shots into the air and escaped arrest.

But they could not escape with the victim, who was rescued with injuries on his head and left hand.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the rescue in a statement, said three empty shells of AK47 ammunition were recovered at the scene while investigations were ongoing to apprehend the hoodlums.

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news

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

We’ll pay N5,000 to unemployed youths next year —FG Kolawole Daniel -Abuja

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HE Federal Government, on Wednesday, said it would commence the payment of N5,000 promised unemployed Nigerian youths starting from early next year.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalong, dropped the hint during a courtesy visit on the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun, in Abuja.

The minister was on a visit to commiserate with the party on the demise of Prince Abubakar Audu, the party’s governorship candidate in Kogi inconclusive election.

Speaking with newsmen, he said “I would want the youth to understand that every promise must be backed up by budgetary provision and our promise to pay

N5,000 is not contained in the 2015 budget.

“Definitely, it is going to begin in 2016 as we have made budgetary allocations for that.

“We are committed to the campaign promises of creating jobs and to combat poverty. We have embedded in our manifesto things that we are translating to reality.

“Some of the youth empowerment programmes that are ongoing, we are busy reviewing them to ensure that they are more viable and people-oriented.

Bayelsa: Police to deploy 9,000 personnel

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HE Police Command in Bayelsa, on Wednesday, said it would deploy 9, 000 officers and men on various duties during the December 5 governorship election in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Nasiru Oki, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN), in Yenagoa.

Oki assured that the command would provide adequate security that would ensure peaceful conduct of the election.

“The strategy is already on the ground; we have done our operational orders as regards who should do what, when to do what; we will be working in collaboration with INEC and other secu-

rity agencies,” he said.

He stressed the need for the people, especially politicians, to be law-abiding, and advised politicians and the electorate to avoid anything that could cause violence during, before and after the election.

“We are expecting so many officers to boost security on that day; we are planning to deploy between 9, 000 and 10, 000 men but this will be

decided by the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

“Our men will be spread over the eight local government areas of Bayelsa, because we are going to have adequate personnel and logistics to ensure a hitch-free election. Firstly, movement will be restricted on that day.

“We have told the party followers to avoid being used

Ekeremor communities endorse Dickson ALL the communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state, unanimously endorsed the second term bid of Governor Seriake Dickson, at the various rallies during the governor’s tour of the area, culminating in an unprecedented mega rally in Ekeremor town, where a mammoth crowd had gathered to endorse his re-

election bid.

Before the Ekeremor rally, the communities visited included Ayamasa, Obirigbene, Isampou, Egbemo-Angalabiri, Tamogbene, Amabulou and Foutorugbene. Others were Peretorugbene, Ndoro, Aghoro, Aleibiri and Ekeremor, the hometown of the minister.

The campaign team was

Nembe communities declare support for Sylva Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa

ALL Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, has said that the Nembe unity bridge, connecting Ogbolomabiri and Bassambiri, abandoned

by Governor Seriake Dickson led People’s Democratic Party (PDP), would be completed if elected as governor in the December 5, 2015 election.

This, Sylva said when the entire community trooped out to endorse his return to “Creek Haven,” the Bayelsa seat of government at the King Koko Square in Nembe Local Government Area of the state.

The people of the community demonstrated their love for their son, as both men, women, youths and the traditional rulers danced to the rhythm of pro Sylva songs, while several posters and banners with messages such as “we will deliver 100 per cent votes for Sylva/Igiri, we are tired of PDP deception, Dickson lied about Nembe road, Dickson abandoned unity bridge dot the rally ground.

Elated Sylva said he was always at home in Nembe, told his people that his father, Mingi X11, Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, was solidly behind him,

“We are also looking at the possibility of realigning some of them to our vision, so that in the final analysis, it can add value to the people,” he said.

saying “the time of God has come for me to return to occupy government house.”

He posited that Nembe was too strategic to be neglected, adding that it was time for Nembe to be at the centre of governance in view of its economic contribution to the state and the nation.

Sylva enjoined the people to stay clear of the PDP and its deception, saying “the PDP is wayo wayo government, they lied that they completed the Nembe road, but the false claim has been exposed as SPDC has placed signpost on the Nembe road, to tell the world that it’s their project.

The APC standard bearer said it was pathetic that the people and Bayelsans are faced with hunger and poverty, owing to the draconic policies of the Dickson-led PDP government; and assured that the tide would change as the APC takes over the reins of government in the state.

Also, the Director General of the Sylva/Igiri Campaign, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said the PDP defectors to APC in all communities visited attested to the unpopularity of PDP, even as he noted that PDP was dead and would be permanently buried on December 5, 2015.

comprised of the governor’s wife, Dr Mrs Rachael Dickson, a daughter of the area and same for the Director General of the campaign, Honourable Fred Agbedi, who is also the current serving member of the House of Representatives for Sagbama/Ekeremor federal constituency.

Also on the governor’s entourage included Senator Foster Ogola, representing Bayelsa West senatorial zone, the acting state PDP chairman, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff and others.

The people and their leaders said their decision to back the governor’s sec-

ond term bid was based on his impressive performance in office.

Describing the on-going Sagbama-Ekeremor road project as a lasting legacy of the present administration, the chiefs At the various rallies, political gladiators in the area, including the former deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi, Solomon Aguananagha, Boyelayefa Debekeme and all serving political appointees said they would do everything within the confines of law to ensure that PDP wins convincingly in Ekeremor.

According to them, APC’s

supporters in the area were negligible and could not convince any well- meaning Ekeremor person to vote for their candidate, who they said, for five years as governor paid lip service to the all- important Sagbama-Ekeremor road.

The chiefs and people of Peretorugbene, in particular thanked Dickson for the role he played in the burial of their late son, General Andrew Owoye Azazi.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Nwosu Ijeoma Edith now MRS IJEOMA NDUBUEZE JEREMIAH EDEMAIH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Fatima Gambo Ndansukwo now FATIMA ABUBAKAR USMAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

by the politicians to cause trouble; we have advised them to remain ambassadors of peace even as they prepare for the forthcoming governorship election.

“The politicians should not get near the polling unit with their armed personal security details; all we want from them is to cast their vote and return to their houses.

“After the election, they should take the result in good faith, exhibit spirit of sportsmanship, because election is not a do or die affair,” Oki said.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bosede Alice Adebayo now MRS BOSEDE ALICE STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abdullahi Abubakar now ABDULLAHI NURUDEEN. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank, UBA, GT Bank & Sterling Bank and general public take note.

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Thursday, 26 November, 2015

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Pope arrives Kenya in pilgrimage to 3 African countries

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RUSHING aside concerns for his security, Pope Francis arrived in Kenya on Wednesday for his first-ever visit to Africa, including to Central African Republic, a country torn by fighting between Christians and Muslims.

Francis was received upon arrival at Nairobi’s airport by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi governor, Evans Kidero.

Kenyan Cardinal Njue and a host of bishops also welcomed the pope amid singing by traditional dance groups, The Associated Press said.

Francis is also scheduled to visit Uganda and the Central African Republic, which will mark the first time a pope has flown into an active armed conflict. The

Central African Republic, or CAR, has been bloodied by a 2-year-old spiral of sectarian violence.

Asked while flying to Kenya in his Alitalia jetliner if he was concerned about security risks, the pope quipped: “I’m more afraid of the mosquitoes.”

Large crowds held back by hundreds of police gathered along the road from the airport and cheered as Francis’ motorcade passed by.

After greeting Kenyatta, Francis was presented with a bouquet of flowers by a boy and a girl and traditional dancers, some dressed in Maasai regalia, and choirs at

the airport sang “karibu baba” in Swahili, lyrics which translate to “welcome father.”

Later, Francis was welcomed by an honor guard at the State House and a 21-gun salute.

The pope wants to bring a message of peace and reconciliation to parts of Africa torn by extremist violence, but security concerns are so high that he might be forced to make changes to his itinerary for the final leg of the trip.

On the eve of the departure, the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, insisted that there were no new worrisome threats

and that the pope planned to carry on with his scheduled program.

But in a sign that the Vatican was on alert, Francis’ own chief bodyguard made a last-minute visit to CAR’s capital, Bangui, this week to get the latest security updates, and will only meet up with the pope once he lands in Nairobi on Wednesday afternoon.

The bodyguard, Domenico Giani, said upon his departure that “some small modifications” could be made to the itinerary if risks emerged, especially for the civilian population or the U.N. peacekeeping operation.

Pope Francis (centre), waves to traditional dancers accompanied

by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta (left), on his arrival at the airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday.

PHOTO: AP.

A man walks past the bus that exploded on Tuesday in Tunis. PHOTO: AP.

Tunisia declares state of emergency after explosion kills 12 TUNISIAN President Beji Caid Essebsi held an emergency meeting on Wednesday with his security council, a day after an explosion killed at least 12 people in the country’s capital.

The blast hit a bus carrying members of the country’s elite presidential guard on a tree-lined avenue in the centre of Tunis.

According to VOA, security and presidential sources said the explosion was an attack and that it was not immediately clear whether it involved a bomb or an explosive fired at the bus.

Essebsi declared a 30-day state of emergency in Tunisia, and Tunis was under an overnight curfew.

Russia bombs Turkmen rebels’ region •Rescues pilot of downed jet after 12-hour operation President Barack Obama

Obama holds security talks as Hollande urges action against IS

RUSSIAN forces launched at least a dozen airstrikes against insurgent-held areas near the TurkeySyria border where the Sukhoi SU-24 fighter jet was shot down by the Turkish army on Tuesday.

Heavy bombardment hit areas controlled by Turkmen rebels, the group claiming to have shot and killed one of the pilots of the Russian jet as he parachuted out of the flaming wreckage, and attempted to kill his co-pilot.

The rebel group released a video showing them cheering and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ as they discovered the body of Lieutenant Colonel Oleg Peshkov, who will now receive Russia’s highest state honour posthumously, Mail Online said.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday confirmed that the surviving pilot, identified as Cap-

PRESIDENT Barack Obama met with his national security team on Wednesday for a briefing on homeland security nearly two weeks after the deadly terror attacks in Paris and as millions of American travel for a national holiday.

Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, is one of the busiest travel days of the year in the United States. While the FBI said there is no specific credible terrorist threat, local and federal law enforcement agencies are on high alert, the VOA said.

Friday will also be an extremely busy day at malls and shopping centers as it is the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season.

France, which was already on alert after the November 13 attacks that killed 130 people, announced on Wednesday it would deploy even more police and soldiers for the upcoming global climate conference, which starts Monday.

Obama is among the large group of world leaders traveling to Paris Medics carrying Ebola victim. for the event.

tain Konstantin Murahtin, had been rescued by Russian military in a 12-hour long joint operation with Syrian government forces, and taken to a Russian air base.

At least 12 air strikes hit Latakia’s northern countryside as pro-gov-

ernment forces clashed with fighters from al Qaeda’s Nusra Front Policemen form a line to prevent protesters from and Turkmen insurgents in the entering an expressway in Chicago. PHOTO: AP. Jabal Akrad and Jabal Turkman areas, the British-based Syrian Protests in US after fatal Observatory for Human Rights police shooting video said.

released

President Vladimir Putin, inspecting Russian armoured tanks, during a visit to the UralVagonZavod factory in Nizhny Tagil, on Wednesday. INSET: The rescued Captain Konstantin Murahtin. PHOTOS: AP.

THE tiny white bulbs lit up the black boards and spelled out their cause.

L-A-Q-U-A-N. The signs were in memory of Laquan McDonald. The 17-year-old was shot last year by a Chicago police officer 16 times within 30 seconds.

The six people holding the letters were among hundreds of protesters in the Midwest United States city where, earlier in the day, dashcam video of the shooting was released.

A journalist had filed a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request to make the video public and a court ordered it released on Tuesday.

Fears in Liberia after new Ebola death THERE is growing fear in Liberia after it was confirmed a teenage boy had died from the Ebola virus after more than 150 people were put under surveillance, two months after the West African nation was declared Ebola-free.

The death of the 15-year-

old boy was the first of such death since the country was officially declared free of the disease in September.

Francis Karteh, head of Liberia’s Ebola crisis unit, said on Tuesday that the teenager’s parents had also tested positive for the virus and

were under observation in the capital Monrovia.

More than 150 people are under surveillance.

“The 15-year-old has finally died. He died yesterday,” Karteh told the AFP news agency.

Al Jazeera said it was con-

firmed last week that the boy and two of his relatives had contracted Ebola, which has killed more than 11,300 people since December 2013 in its worst ever outbreak, mainly confined to the West African nations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Thursday, 26 November, 2015 Nigerian Tribune 43 3RD EDITION OF BIBLE ENGAGEMENT BREAKFAST MEETING ORGANISED

BY SCRIPTURE UNION NIGERIA

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 1) From left, Dean Immanuel Theological College Ibadan, Rev Dr, W. A. O. Egbetakin; Founder, Scripture Pasture Christian Centre, Pastor Olubi Johnson; Director of Schools and Youth, Scripture Union Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Adekuoroye; St. Mary’s Anglican Church Oluyole Estate, Venerable J. O. Wonarola and President, Men of Issachar Ministry, Reverend Samson Ajetumobi.

2) Reverend Egbetakin (left) making his remarks and Pastor Olubi Johnson (right).

3) A member of staff, Scripture Union attending to participants during the book exhibition .

4) Some participants during the book exhibition.

5) Venerable J. O. Wonarola flanked by Mr. Patrick Adekuoroye and Reverend Samson

Ajetumobi.

6) A cross section of the guests during the 3rd Edition, Bible Engagement Breakfast Meeting held at Scripture Union Training & Conference Centre, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday.

7) From left, Executive Director Scripture Union Press, Mr. Egu Godwill; Rev Dr, W. A. O. Egbetakin; Elder Patrick Adekuroye ; Rev Samson Ajetumobi; General Director Scripture Union Nigeria, Mr. Philips A. Odelana; Pastor Olubi Johnson (third right); Managing Director Scripture Union Press, Mr. Emmanuel Ekwurumadu and Venerable J. O. Wonarola (right).

8) A cross section of the participants.

Thursday, 26 November, 2015 44 news Lions Club to NNPC engages DSS, EFCC to curb hoarding of spend N25m petroleum products on measles

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HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) has engaged the Department of State Services (DSS) and Economic and the Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to stop the hoarding and diversion of petroleum products.

This was contained in a statement issued by NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr Ohi Alegbe, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

The statement said that the arrangement was to assist in the monitoring of nationwide fuel truck-out to retail outlets and stop hoarding by unscrupulous marketers.

It said NNPC was doing everything possible to normalise the fuel supply and distribution situation in the country.

The statement said NNPC also apologised to commuters, motorists and the general public for the hardship faced in accessing petrol

across the country.

It said the Group Executive Director Commercial and Investment of NNPC, Dr Babatunde Adeniran, during a visit to NNPC depot in Suleja, warned the marketers against sharp practices.

“Any marketer found wanting in the sale of petroleum products, including the NNPC retail outlets would be sanctioned appropriately. “ There will be no sacred cows as the corporation is working round the clock by

supplying sufficient petroleum products to marketers to ensure that Nigerians enjoy a yuletide season without pain.

“We must all make sure that petroleum products get across to Nigerians at the regulated price, especially as the yuletide season approaches.

“We have enough products and we want to plead with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) not to be involved in the diversion of petroleum products in or-

der to avoid causing untold hardship to motorists.”

It said the Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mrs Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, said defaulters would be sanctioned.

“The DSS and EFCC will arrest any marketer involved in sabotaging government’s effort in making petrol available to Nigerians,” the statement said.

“We have invited the EFCC and DSS to join us in this campaign of monitoring the movement of petroleum products and they have our mandate to sanction any errant marketer, enough is enough.”

DPR orders filling station to sell fuel to motorists free in Kaduna, seals off 7 in Delta From Muhammad Sabiu And Ebenezer Adurokiya

From left, Mrs Adeola Ogunmola, Miss Oyinoluwa Ogunmola, Mrs M.M. Ogundeji, Mr A.O. Ogundeji, Mr Yomi Ogunmola and Pastor and Mrs Sina Mola, at the burial ceremony of Madam Mabel Bolanle Ogunmola, held at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, Felele, Ibadan, recently.

Fuel scarcity may further impoverish economy if ... —TMG Adetola Bademosi-Abuja

THE lingering fuel scarcity may further impoverish the economy if the Federal Government failed to find lasting solution to it, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), said this on Wednesday.

It stated that the scarcity, which seem to be biting hard into the daily earnings of ordinary Nigerian ,had led to increase in transport fares, which directly affected the cost of goods and services.

The chairman of the group, Ibrahim Zikirullahi,in a statement issued in Abuja,said scarcity of fuel should not be coming six months after Nigerians had voted for the much anticipated change era.

He wondered why there should be queues in filling stations even after President Muhammadu Buhari recently announced that most of the refineries, which were hitherto comatosed, had commenced to produce refined products, including petrol.“ However, he urged the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the problem, considering

the fast approaching festive period.

The statement reads in part; “The TMG is concerned over the debilitating spate of fuel scarcity, which in the last few weeks, has crippled the economy and made life unbearable for the ordinary Nigerian. As this round of scarcity bites harder, Nigerians are being compelled to bear the

monumental economic costs. Beyond wasting man hours at filling stations across the country waiting for petrol, the scarcity is breeding inflation with the rising cost of transport in turn impacting on the cost of goods and services.

“For an economy struggling to adapt to the six month-old-administration of President Muham-

madu Buhari, the consequence of this new round of scarcity, is to say the least, most damaging.

With the current liquidity squeeze in the system, as well as the meagre N18,000 minimum wage, which can hardly take the average Nigerian worker home, TMG is disturbed that the fuel scarcity would further impoverish Nigerians.”

I won’t reduce N18,000 minimum wage, Fayose insists Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has insisted that his government will not reduce the workers’ N18,000 minimum wage, advising the labour movement to resist further attempt by governments at all levels to impoverish the workers.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary( CPS),Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, Fayose added that “the N18,000 minimum wage under the current economic crunch, has become

grossly inadequate for the workers not to now talk about reducing it.”

The governor said he would not be part of any plan or meeting to slash workers salary under whatever guise, saying governors should rather come to the level of the people they govern and explain to them the economic situation on ground.

He said: “In my state, I have transferred power back to the people and the labour movement cannot claim not to know what comes to the state monthly as allocation and how it is

appropriated.

“I don’t play to the gallery, I don’t deceive people, Ekiti people understands me quite well because I make my administration very transparent.

“Therefore, let me reiterate, notwithstanding, the economic situation starring us in the face, I will neither retrench nor slash workers salary in my state.”

Fayose said his statements over time had guided the Muhammadu Buhari-led government, pledging not to shy away from saying the truth.

THE Controller of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Kaduna zonal office, Usman Ndanusa, has ordered the Samrada Filling Station, Kaduna metropolis, to sell fuel to motorists free of charge for hoarding the product.

The controller, who led other members of the department, stormed the station on Wednesday.

The DPR team later discovered that the station was hoarding 19,500 litres of petroleum product.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, had directed DPR to auction the product of any filling station found hoarding petroleum products.

Meanwhile, in what looked like a sudden wake from a deep sleep, the DPR, in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, sealed off, seven filling stations over various offences.

Those Delta State filling stations sealed off were Franckies filling station at Enerhen Road, Mobil at Warri Garage, Orogun Brothers Ltd at Orhuwohoro, J. Tamah filling station at Udu road, Pogson Motors Limited at Udu Road and Jeroh Petroleum Limited, at Orhuwhoru road.

The filling stations were accused of selling above the official pump price of N87 per litre, failure to perfect sales licenses, under-dispensing and hoarding of petroleum products, among others.

The raid was carried out by over 10 DPR officials led by the head of operations, Mr Obukaroro Ovedje and head of the public relations, Mr Goddey Agusa, who were accompanied by a team of policemen.

campaign

Biola Azeez-Ilorin

THE Lions Club International is set to spend a total sum of N25 million on a five-day advocacy campaign on immunisation to eradicate measles in the northern part of Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists during an advocacy visit to the Secretary to the Kwara State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, in Ilorin, the national coordinator for measles campaign of the Lions Club, multiple district 404, Professor Abdulfatai Adesokan, said the disease was still much prevalent among Nigerian children.

Professor Adesokan, who said that the club started the annual measles immunisation campaign programme since 2011,added that the five-day national immunisation campaign programme was slated between November 20 and 24.

He said that the southern segment of the exercise would come up in February next year, adding that the advocacy campaign was kick-started by members of the organisation with a road show around the Ilorin metropolis on Friday to raise awareness to the people, particularly parents.

Shittu off to Geneva for telecoms conference MINISTER of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, has led Nigeria’s delegation to the 2015 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) conference in Geneva, Switzerland.which started on Wednesday and ends tomorrow . The minister, in a statement, in Abuja, by his special assistant on social and online media, Mr Toyese Oladejo, revealed that Mr Shittu would partake in discussions aimed at improving the sector all over the world.

The minister would also showcase the nation’s abundant potentials in the sector in line with the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari -led administration. Shittu had always drummed the readiness of his ministry to make the sector a cash cow for the country in the face of the continuous dwindling in oil and gas earnings by the country.

45

Thursday, 26 November, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Emenike returns from injury

A

l Ain of the United Arab Emirates striker, Emmanuel Emenike has announced his return to action for his team after he was sidelined by injury for a week.

“Starting with the team today (Wednesday) after one week injury. Ready to be back,” Emenike wrote on his Instagram wall.

The former Fenerbahce of Turkey player suffered the injury while in action for Al Ain in a league cup game on November 16 in a 3-1 loss to Dibba Al Fujairah, when he

Akwa Utd receives grand reception in Uyo Udeme Utip-Uyo

was substituted in the 46th minute for Ryan Babel.

The former Nigeria international has scored four goals in six league games for Al Ain since his loan move from Fenerbahce last summer.

He won the Turkish League 1 title with Karabukspor in 2009/2010 season, the Turkish Super League and the Super Cup with Fenerbahce in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons, respectively.

Emenike, who announced his international retirment a few weeks agpo, has won the UAE Super Cup with Al Ain already.

State FAs chairmen for leadership training in UK The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finalised arrangements to take members of its Congress to attend a four-day leadership training programme in the United Kingdom.

Already, the persons in the first batch of the program, which runs between December 4 and 7 in London, have secured entry visas into the United Kingdom for a training which quality is underscored by the capacity of the resource persons and the keen interest of the private sector.

Thenff.com learnt that leading airline, ARIK, top bank Zenith Bank and the FROT GROUP are the sponsors of the elite programme.

There are 20 persons in the first batch, made up principally of chairmen of state football associations, and including the general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi.

“The chairmen of the state FAs are the first-line charge for real development of the game at the grassroots. They also constitute the primary constituency of stakeholders.

“We are happy to have been able to arrange this programme for them, and I can assure you that the impact of this programme on the development of Nigerian football will be felt in the months and years to come.”

Among the resource persons for the four-day programme

are Mr Greg Dyke, chairman of The Football Association; Mr Richard Scudamore, chief executive of The Premier League; Sir Dave Richards, former Chairman of The Premier League and Mr David Dein, former vice chairman of Arsenal FC. “The present NFF administration is committed to building/enhancing the capacity of all workers in the game of football. Over the course of the past year, we have organised capacity–building programmes for referees and coaches in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. This is an ongoing exercise.

“I want to say that other sectors of the sport will also benefit, as we look to improve the capacity of everyone involved in the beautiful game,” added Pinnick.

Among those in the first batch are Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Chairman of Chairmen); Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi (Osun); Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam (Imo); Busari Ishola (Kwara); Mohammed Alkali (Nasarawa); Yahuza Adamu (Bauchi); Abubakar Ladan (Kebbi); Oswald Atuake (Cross River); Frank Ilaboya (Edo); Margaret Icheen (Benue); Abdulkadir Magaji (Kaduna), James Odeniran (Oyo); Chidi Ofo Okenwa (Enugu) and; Porbeni Ogun (Bayelsa).

The second batch will go in January 2016.

Enenike

National SWAN fixes Oyo poll to hold by Dec. 15

By Olawale Olaniyan The national body of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has ruled that the Oyo State chapter’s election should hold by December 15 this year.

This was contained in a communique issued on Tuesday by the reconciliatory committee set up by national SWAN led by the vice president, SouthSouth zone, Mr Honour Sirawoo after its twoday sitting at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat, Press Centre, Ibadan.

It also allowed for fresh nomination of aspirants into the offices yet to be filled.

The communique states: “To re-open nomination for aspirants and hold a free and fair election based on the revalidated membership list on or before December 15, 2015.

“The previous lists and membership of the chapter be disregarded and fresh revalidation exercise under the supervision of vice president, south-south be effected immediately, which has been done, and

subsequent re-validation exercise must go through due process.”

The communique also urged the “SWAN National Electoral Commission (NEC) to ensure total revalidation of membership across the country, using the Oyo State approach/ template as a model.

“To partner Oyo State government by promoting and supporting its vision, policies and programmes in sport development, in

view of the promises of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) on behalf of government.”

Present at the meeting were national ex-officio member, Mr Alloy Chukwuemeka; vice president of South West zone, Muideen Adeleke, Oyo State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Gbenga Opadotun; Zonal Liaison Officer, SouthSouth, Gabriel Nwanetanya and Rivers State Secretary, Olalekan Ige, among others.

The people of Akwa Ibom State, from all walks of life, practically abandoned their daily engagements to receive the victorious players and officials of Akwa United FC who returned from Lagos where they defeated Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi 2-1 on Sunday, to emerge champions of the 2015 Federation Cup. In a grand reception on Wednesday, governor Udom Emmanuel, congratulated the team on the victory, stating that they have written the state’s name in gold in football.

Emmanuel, who described the victory as a testimony to the Dakkada philosophy of greatness, said that the victory of the team was anchored on the Dakkada philosophy which seeks to promote unity and greatness among Akwa Ibom people.

An elated Emmanuel undertook a victory walk from the Ibom Plaza to the Globe Square alongside the victorious Akwa United known as ‘the promise keepers’, where he remarked that the victory has broken all barriers of ethnicity, hatred and divisiveness.

He noted that the feat is an indication that there is no limit to human achievement once the passion is right and reiterated his commitment to lay a solid foundation for the youth to rise to the peak of their career.

Earlier, the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Monday Uko, expressed appreciation to the governor for providing the necessary logistics that propelled the team to victory in the Federation Cup.

From left, representative of Oyo State NUJ Chairman, Prince Segun Adeyemo; vice president SWAN, South-South zone, Mr Honour Sirawoo and his counterpart from South West zone, Muideen Adeleke during the reconciliatory meeting held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists,(NUJ) Press Centre, Ibadan. PHOTO: OLAWALE OLANIYAN.

46

tribunepools

DR. J.K POOLS – 070392755802

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That means all the members failed. Those I texted Nap to score 2 over three games was 20-31-34.

I wept as no 20 spoilt the NAP. This week have discovered my error of last week. I will increase my enrolment when I started scoring 3/3. 4/4. From N5000 to N50, 000 so be prepared.

Now pick two bankers from 2025-31-34 and 39 and add to the above bracket games GOOD LUCK SAYS DR J.K

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4 Special draws wk 18 cost N6, 000

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28 SURE 26 Mill wall sure scunthrope is the bonus pair to our 3 scheduled draw controlled with WALSALL home 31 again reference to week 16 of 9 draws – N15, 000 – winning guaranteed.

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Christmas bonanza draws is here with me this week 20. With only N1, 500 MTN recharge card you will benefit from it. Don’t be a loser again and be in money on Sunday with my 3 fixed draws and 1 hot pair.

KAMARK SUPER NAP 08186673842

10x 17x 12x 31x For fixed 3 draws in preparation for our Annual week 21 fixed draws on ARSENAL vs. SUNDERLAND appearance on coupon Number 1 is to produce 3 direct banker draws cost N10,000while the permutation cost N8,000payable to Mr. S.B Odesola at IBTC bank no 0001361916. Good luck

SUCCESS FOR REAL

FOR WEEK 20=2xxx 29xxx 40xxx for two draws call for remaining one banker cost N5,000 and for week 21 and 22 cost N25,000 each week don’t miss out, it is another celebration time. GOOD LUCK and Happy new month in advance

PETER NAP PAIR 10X 10X 21X 08076546261

Congratulation in advance to any

wise staker that will get my release this week as the much awaited west ham at home on top of bar that get 19XX, 23XX, 34XX 3/3 in week 17, will get it again this week cost just N25, 000.00 pay to the saving account no: 3023114822 first bank in person of Mr. Onaolapo peter G. And call on 08076546261. Meanwhile bank on no 10 & 21 for this week together with two others don’t miss it.

Thursday, Nov 26 - Dec 2 2015

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE POOLS PAGE THE WINNERS CHOICE GET A COPY AND WIN MBA EXPERT (08077247137 / 08104694618) PAIR 48XX 49

As it was in the beginning with week/Dates of play pool computation for draws, so it must always be. Now, focus on numbers 48x49 as pair. The jinx surrounding my purple color is in action has been rectified since week 16 with 3 Nap games that produced only 2 draws from nos. 5x 11f 47x.

This week 20 climaxes my 3 weeks special operations which have had successful performances in weeks 18 and 19. Be that as it may, the last release has been packaged with 2 sets of 3 draws each for a token fee in addition, arrangements have been concluded with my overseas Experts compilers to unleash operation 5 killers draws on pools promoters to ensure a merry Xmas celebration for all fans of MBA Expert / Dr Maikel Associates precisely in week 22 slated for the weekend of 12th/13th December 2015.

Those in doubt are most likely to remain in continuum. Send sms for details Good luck.

IKECHUCKWU – MAGNANIMOUS NAP PROMOTES ENEMY – 08168157259

Congratulations again, our 10 – 10 weeks 0s NAPs – Weeks 10, 20, 30 and 40 = 2014/2015 Week 10’2014 & 2015 – 21x 36x 41x 42xx – 19 x 20 Week 20’2014 & 2015 – x x x x – 36 x 40 Week 30’2014 & 2015 – x x x x– 07 x 10 Week 40’2014 & 2015 – x x x x– 15 x 30 Week 10 – 2dates of play as PAIR = 19x 20x Week 20 – Oxford and 36 = 36 x 40 Week 30 – STOKE and 44 = 44 x 10 Week 40 – Wolves and 30 = 15 x 30 Ike brothers are ready to put another smile to your face. Our winning progressive movement is you sure contact – N50, 000 = Price reduced to prepare you for our N250, 000 = Cup NAP 2nd round. Welcome &Good luck

OBINYAN POISED FOR MORE ACTION

The guru of pools compilation and computation in Africa and chairman / managing Director of kings and Gorge group of forecast papers. Prince Willy Ehi Obinyan said he was now posed for more action from this week, to enable all to have a fullfiled winning experience to xmass season. This followed not very impressive performance of his paper with surprise draws emerging from fixtures last week. Africa No 1. Bookmaker said he was well set to put smiles on the faces of the stakers. He therefore enjoined therefore advise stakers onto get copies of his paper pools telegraph, Zesters pools guild. Murphy sports, shoot pointers, NEW Dream and final result.

MID – WEEK OFFERS 42 – 43 (08087176217)

Pools promoters had a lucky escape last week as our free game scored only 2/5. We opted for No 41ff instead of No 42x as they were the strongest pair of last week. Not to worry, the three games are ready and we are using the inseparable pair of 42/43 to give your 4/5 unfailingly at only N15, 000 instead of the advertised N30, 000. Take advantage and call 08087176217.

You are blessed.

BEST BARGAIN INTERNATIONAL 08163084077

WK 20 = 45CBK + OTHERS This week is another purple color, which is the second in the series of the purple color sequence from the Pools Panels which started in week 16 when we won with 2xx 5xx 26xx With the power given to me by the Pools panel, I command Barrow and working to draw on coupon No 45. Take it or leave it, No 45 must draw this week with draw this week with other fixed draws to give you millions of Naira as we move closer to the Xmas and New Year period. Call me on 08163084077 for us to discuss on the mode of payment and other details.

FAITHFUL INTERVENTION – 07082899957 WEEK 19 = WOLVES, WALSAL AND WYCOMBE W. W. W. = 13X 29X 31XXX – NAP = 3/3 – NAP Oh yes! Our intervention mission is on song with good winning information. Your faith is your winning desire. A week cup and cup Naps was programmed for your Yelutide and New Year celebrations Stakers should not lack. Winners World Position of Ross Country and Kilmarnock in Cup Week is a bonus sure for a week to cup and 3 other faithful Naps – Again. Your winning is Crystal clear again this week. You only need ‘FAITH’ to win with us. Congrats – N50, 000.

THE CYRIL (WINNING DIRECTOR) 08154836338

11X 29X 31X 39XXX (26 BURY / 36X) Week 38 ‘2014 and week 19 ‘2015 BURY ON WEEK NUMBER. Brighton away 11xxx, Sheff UTD, Wimbledon and Newport = 11x 29x 31x 39xxx. Bury on week number put many promoters into financial mess especially when No 11. Sunday match played 1 – 1 draw, that gave us 4/4 Naps = Burnley confired the No of drs. Following week Bury pair game under week 39 2014 and week 20 2015 = 26/36. Winning REAL on authentic winning directives from the source it is now imperative for you to partnership with the current winning director. Welcome & Good luck.

LAST HOPE 2015= 08103222635= 20 NAP 21

4 SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 19 NO 15X 29X 31X 34X 4 SPECIAL DRAWS N6, 000 WK 20 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 19 NO 15X 34X PAIR 29X 31X TWO BANKERS N3000 WK 20 NO NAP NAP PAIR NAP NAP STAKERS TRY TO GET LAST HOPE 4 SPECIAL DRAWS THIS WEEK COST N6, 000. We set for wks operations wk 20 No NAP NAP pair NAP

WISDOM NAP – 07088103080 - 13XXX 28

WEEK 19 – B vs. B = 11, W vs. W = 31.

And the addition as the 3rd draw (NAP) = B, W = 42 = 11+31 =42xxx Starting of our Annual 3 weeks NAP stated to rescue all stakers from their weekly regrets. Our newly introduced winning sequence is fleshly served and directed from the PPAs that were filtered out by a renowned foreign expert. You need wisdom and large heart to win millions in pools. Congrats your reliable wisdom draw specialist is here again. N50, 000 = 0n week 20 = west vs. west on no 10 promotes 3 gazette/ fixed matches CONGRATULATION - & CALL FOR YOUR WINNING sure 07088103080.

DR BILLY 08034970970 (25 OR 26).

AGAIN OUT WITH BANSLEY ON WK NUMBER 3RD COLOUR, BANK It was ¾ last wk 19 when the 2Bks 11, 42 and the pair 34/35 got ¾. Congratulations. This is just the tip of iceberg. This wk 20 again, Bansley on week of play setting that made some of my members/customers rich in wk 10 (21/9/13) with 12x 16(pair) 32,39(2Bks) = 4/4 is perfectly set again.

Check wk9 (15/9/12) = 19x 23 pair, 28, 37(2Bks) = 4/4 wk 10(21/9/13) = 12x 16 pair, 32, 39(2Bks) = 4/4.

This wk 20 again it is either 4/4 or ¾. Just pay N10, 000 into my acct and call for details. GOOD LUCK

AKIN MR AKIN ON SONG – 07067202291 28 MUST 27 06X 13X 15XXX 34X 44F Week 19 winning KEY and other setting were on CARLISLE HOME 34.

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MADAM HILLARY – 08163902330(29x 28)

11+31=42xx NAP = WEEK 19 - 06X = 4/4.

Congrats again, you are all advice to miss this week Nap as our starting Naps got 3/3 last week. Scuntrope Must Shrewsbury free pair and 3 fixed matches selected as 3 draws – 28xxx29= N20, 000- Pre Xmas Win = call & Win gazette. Happy celebrations

MALLAM BAWA MUSA STILL ON TOP

08052506287 HOT 38, OR 39.

Wk. 19 = 31x, 32x, 34x. pair 10f, 11x Stakers, I am appealing to you all to try and get my new 3 weeks operation Naps in weeks 20, 21, 22 and you can be sure of winning 3/3 Nap correct with no story, no excuse.

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18 confirm 40. You must sure of good win this week. Call for details HEADMASTER 08032747136 Wk 21=13, 19, 49, 3/3 (2014) Wk 20= Nos. 3, 4, 25= (2015) - = draws.

This is another year of Xmas preparation. Did you remember 2014, wk 21, Wk 20 would prepare you against Wk 21 2015. Play the above 3 games for 2 draws wk 21 release cost N50, 000

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13 MUST 33 As we said last week that we are just back from U.K. where we concluded arrangement for unfailing draws, the pair above is also fixed to give you a draw with other games. Pay N25, 000 and get the games for you to smile to your bank on Monday.

WEEK 20 STATUS EKO – 20 AND 48 LKO – 04 SUNDAY – 05 – 07 – 09 – 10

CHIEF ALAKE IS BACK

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The Cyril innovation Nap has no equal. HENRY Abuja

MR JOSEPH WINNING DIRECTOR THANK YOU SIR. JOHN ASABA

AMUKO REMAINS THE CUP MANAGER—Till nextweek be prepared.

Solomon Resort you are the current compiler. Mr TOYE - V.I

WK 20. AWK TO CUP. WK. 21 FA CUP 2

CRONDON.K TWO BANKER

KINGSTON TWO BANKER

F10F X11X

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NAP – 39 X 40X 41XXX PAIR 16 AND 25 This is a new key for 4 weeks operation Naps the above games is for week 20. To prepare you for weeks 21, 22 and 23 cost N25, 000 respectively = payment to Balogun Adesina Kamoru. Fcm Bank a/c no 0279550010, wema Bank a/c no 0206965116 or G.T. Bank no 0115505082 call – 08056753098 / 07085060512. Good luck.

47

tribunepools

EMIRATE FLY –

08087104491 (28 MUSR 39).

13x 34x 46xxx – 6x 16F Quoted II draws last week. Whao!

Its incredible win to all my clients has the go 4/5 from 11 draws on board. Congrats this is another bumper win to all winning desired stakers. Board Emirates flight to your promised land. The above free pair of 28 and 39 is surely guaranteed and other fixed NAPS. Contact fee remain – N25, 000 = WIN TO 2ND CUP. Good luck

WINNER CODE 505= 0813563750= 42 NAP 46

UK SYSTEM TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 20= 20 2015 NO NAP NAP 21 WK 2015 NO CUP CUP WK 22 NO CUP CUP WK 23 NO NAP NAP. winner code 505 two Bankers N2000 wk 20 2015 no NAP NAP wk 21 2015 No Cup Cup wk 22 No cup cup.

ADESURE NAP TWO BANKERS N2000 WK 2015 NO NAP NAP WK 21 2015 NO CUP CUP WK 22 NO NAP NAP. Power X Power two Bankers N2000 wk 20 2015 No NAP NAP Wk 21= 2015 No Cup Cup Cup 4 Special Draws this wk 20 1 cost N25, 000 wk 20. 2015 N25, 000 wk 21 No cup cup cup cup 4/4. send MTN Card 08135637650. the Game will send to you by text message.

The Paymaster is back 44, 47,

08037174526, 08052207802

The Paymaster, and Nigeria’s foremost Pools Compiler Dr. M.M Promise will release 3 accurate Nap draws to all Stakers in weeks 20, 21, 22, cost N30, 000 Cash per week. All interested stakers, fans and Customers are hereby enjoined to take maximum advantage of this lifetime opportunity to win 3/3 Nap correctly in 3 consecutive weeks. Pay at UBA, to Dr. Maxwell M. Promise, accts No. 1003610591.

Call 08037174526, 08052207801

DOSA 08072216644 12 PAIR 13

Your financial problems will be solving this week 20 if you are not master Na lie. My 3 nap draws and a pair cost N1, 500 MTN recharge card. I promise you hundred percent winning on pool betting this week 20. Please don’t miss it.

ALHAJI SADIKU TALK OF THE TOWN 08057416201 PAIR 28, 29.

Wk. 19 = 29x, 31x, 32x. Pair 51= 6x.

This week 20 will offer another ample chance for every staker to win again unfailingly with my Nap. Cost only N10, 000.00 cash, pls do not miss it. Payments at GTB, to Alhaji Sadiku Adedoja, acct no: 0030411077. Call 08057416201

SHORT – GUN (1 HOT 24) 08050614477 / 08168241902

Congratulations to all those who followed us last week with our ever dependable Hot Pair which played 32xx and 39xx with other draws.

This week, the pair above must also supply with other gazette draws.

The game costs N25, 000. Join the expert and stop your losses.

SUNDERLAND SYSTEM (42XX 46) 09038460009

4. Special draws N6, 000 Wk 19 No 6x 15x 31x 32x 4. Special draws N6, 000 Wk 20 No Cup Cup Cup Cup= N6, 000 4. Special draws N6, 000 Wk 21 No Cup Cup Cup Cup= N6, 000 Two Bankers N3000 Wk 19 No 15x 32x Pair 6x 7x Two Bankers N3000 Wk 21 No Nap Nap Pair Nap Nap Two Bankers N3000 Wk 21 No Cup Cup Cup Cup time to win pool this wk 20 Sunderland Olfmetsys 4 special draws this wk 20 play 4/4 correct hurry to get your copy today two Bankers cost N3000 wk 19 no 15x 32x PAIR 6x NAP 7. 4 Bankers wk 20 Cup Cup Cup Cup. Send MTN Card 09038460009.

SIR MICHAEL NAP

(38 PAIR 39) 08130011263

Last week release got, 31xx, 32xx, 34xx 3/3, the pair if 49f making 4/5. Meanwhile another 3/3 and 4/5 this week cost N1, 500. Don’t miss it.

SAM AYO –

08109152433 (44 MUST 49)

ALDERSHOT HOME 44 Control this week guaranteed NAP call your darling Sam for your winning details.

FAITH NAP - 08077887876

Wk. 20 No 4 X 28 X 34(2 X 15) free & enable you buy our wk. 21 F.A. Cup special release cost N25, 000. 00 after wk. 20 result for wk. 21 draws call. 08077887876 for details.

EDITOR’S PLACE (26 x 28)

PLEIAD DE MAXWELL – 09099968585

CAN SUNDERLAND HOLD STOKE? = Last week Premiership division was almost barren with draws thanks to Swansea with the first half equalizer to 2 – 2.

In fact, they had no goal to the 90mins. Whao! Draws are fixed?

Man. United and Arsenal visit to Leicester and Norwich the 2 recent promoted teams from the Championship to Premiership elite division has draw structure. Can Sunderland hold Stoke? Your guess is as good as mine.

Draw region is Sky bet League one and 2 draws from the English Conference League.

For your winning details contact De Maxwell draws clinic where draws is discharged after surgery operation – TOKEN MANAGER. Welcome

DR B4 DR_ 08062748396(28 SURE 27)

WINING REFERENCE TO CONFIRMED WINNING. WEEK4-PORTVALLE AWY 27= WEEK 15-ROCHDALE HOME 27= WEEK 20-ROCHDALE HOME PORTVALE AWY 27 Week 4 - 07x 19x 34xxx - 27x 26x Week 15 - 11x 16x 38xxx - 27x 27x Week 20 x x x - X X. Dr. B4 Dr new winning contact has no equal .Enough weekly losses .Winning Resumes-45,000= Goodluck

NAZAR MASTER PLANS BIG FOR XMAS, NEW YEAR

NAZAR Master Pools Company Limited, Ibadan, Oyo State has unfolded its master plan to reward critical stakeholders in the industry during the Yelutide season of Xmas and the New Year.

The leading pools company in Oyo State and environs made this known in a statement made available to TRIBUNE POOLS during the week.

According to the pools company, “We want to say thank you to all Stakeholders who have stood with us throughout the year. Collectors, Stakers, Agents and others should expect handsome rewards from us. We shall also continue to pay big dividend and winnings as and when due

SOLOMON RESORT (RESCUE TEAM)

09091111800 = 30 X 22 Week 17 – 2013 & 2015 -02 x 11 x ABROATH = 38 x 21x Week 18 – 2013c & 2015 – 21x 23x CRAWLEY = 13xxx Week 19 – 2013 & 2015 – 31x sheff utd, A wimbledon Week 19 – 2013 & 2015 – X X X = 31 x 30 Week 20 – 2013 & 2015 – X X X = 27 x 28 FINAL WIN Events make History wise Solomon 4 weeks CUP TO CUP Nap with reference to weeks 17 – 20. In 2013 and 2015, Bi- annual N (2/2yrs) NAPS. Week 17 – Abroath East fife Week 18 – York – Plymouth Week 19 – Bolton away 17 Week 20 – Tottenham on West ham – Nos. 9 & 10 The above statement is the assurance winning Key to our 4 weeks WIN. In God we trust – N50, 000 = for NEW Clients ONLY. Read our previous adverts for more details.

Triple Spice on the Pools Again in the 1Bk series with 46xx…

Now offers 7 – 8(08035324990) Your indomitable Triple Spice International was really on Song last week in the 1Bk series on No 46xx. We are really on track.

Our 1Bk remains the same at only N1, 500.00, 2 draws sell at N3, 000.00 while 3Bk cost N10, 000.00 this week on 08035324990. Good luck as you call

ADEOTI SYNDICATE 07051327960 Bank ON Nos: 09 – 11 – 41 PAIR = 18x 36x

Xmas is coming. As the Xmas is fast approaching I will not disappoint all my fans and all readers of Thursday Tribune. Next week is week 21. F.A. cup Round 2. Banker for that cup is KILMANOCK – DUNDEE u. (26X) must play 1-1 draws with 4 others. My release is 3 weeks operation weeks. 21- 22 – 23 for Xmas.

Cost N10, 000 cash each week 3 draws & a pair. All registered members should get ready for their second round gift Next week. Pay to AHMED SHAFIRI A/C. Nos. 2001788431 ZENITH BANK. All those people who ready to join as members should pay N25, 000 cash for registration. Try the above five games for preparation for next week game. Thanks Good luck to you all.

B & P LEGEND / 08032746525

SUN - BANKER & PAIR - 12 CBK PAIR 25x 26 FREE STAR - BANKER & PAIR - 19 CBK PAIR 25x 33 FREE MOON- BANKER & PAIR - 36 CBK PAIR 8 x 18 FREE EACH BANKER AND PAIR COST N1, 000 / THREE BANKERS & PAIR COST N3, 000 HOTLINE:-08059577151 THANKS

MADAM DE MADAM -08023329191.

(18 MUST 36)=18X2=36=18+18+36 WEEK 19 ARITHMETICAL NAP=15+31=46XXX Madam De madam WEEK 19 N ADDITIONAL Naps is now talk of the town. In fact this is not our first time of outwitting promoters .another opportunity is open again on the above winning arithmetic and 3 special draws .No Regret .Madams is your winning assurance spot .

Call our media man for details (Mr. Joshua) #25000= new client. Price reduce against our special 2nd round Cup NAP= welcome

ZENITH NEW DREAM – 08146879314. (12 MUST 28).

Congratulations our pronounced 3 weeks Annual provisional Naps stated

well on S vs S No. 10= 15x 22x 26xxx 10x.

Week 19 – B vs B on No. 11= PAIR= BLACKBURN= 06X 15X 34XXX 11X Week 20 – B vs B on No. 12= PAIR= PETERBORO= X X X 12X 28 It is no longer new telling the staking public that our week 18 Nap was successful when its now talk of the town.

All thanks to God for the fulfilled promised to take you to greater Heights. (Zenith of wealth). Weeks 19 and 20 Naps is free to all winning desired stakers. =N40, 000= now. Congrats.

MANCITY SYSTEM F. A. CUP SYSTEM= F.A CUP SYSTEM 09038633666= 08135888720= 11XX 42XX

Two Bankers N3000 Wk 20 No 31x 34x Pair 13x 15 Two Bankers N3000 Wk 21 No Cup Cup Wk 21 No Cup Cup Pair Cup Cup 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 19 No 29x 31x 34x 46x 4 Special Draws N6, 000 Wk 21 No Cup Cup Cup Cup= 4/4 Stakers try to get MANCITY. 4 SPECIAL Draws this wk 20 Cup cost N6, 000 two Bankers Wk 20 cost N3000 we set for 4 wks operations wk 20 No cup cup cup cup. Two Bankers wk 21 No cup cup cup cup send MTN to 09038633666

JOSEPH RESUME ON 3 WEEKS NAP 08167278061

A WEEK TO CUP – CUP – and A WEEK AFTER Winning galore at Joseph place where many millionaires emerges again on SOUTHAMPTON, SOUTHAMPTON – MANCITY and MANCITY Week 20: No 6 – Man City – Southampton = No 6 Week 21: No 6 – Southampton at home No 6 Week 22: No 6 – Man City at home No 6 INCREDIBLE 3 WEEKS CURRENT WINNING SEQUENCE CULLED FROM 2015/2016 WINNING ENCYCLOPAEDIA – N50, 000 = Contact sure win – 08167278061

DR JACKSON- 08156829811 = 26x 27

VALENCIA ON VILLARREAL IN CUP WEEK IT CONTROL 3 WEEKS NAP – A WEEK TO CUP – CUP WEEK AND A WEEK AFTER CUP. REFERENCE TO WEEKS 27, 28 AND 29 – 2014/2015 AND WEEK – 20, 21 AND 22 – 2015/2016 WEEKS 20& 27 – ASTON V HOME NO 1 WEEKS 21 & 28 – VALENCIA ON VILLARREAL WEEKS 22 & 29 – ASTON V MUST ARSENAL ON NO 1.

WEEKS – 20/27 – X X X – BURY X 26/27 WEEKS – 21/28 – X X X – 27/28 WEEKS – 22/29 – X X X – 47/48 CONGRATULATION ON OUR 3 WEEKS 4/5, 5/5. WINNING GAZETTE CALL AND WIN PROGRAM – N30, 000 = NOW

ATTENTION ALL COMPILERS, OUR POLICY ON NO ADVERT NO WRITE UP STILL IN PLACE — MANAGEMENT

Thursday, Nov 26 - Dec 2 2015 MODUPE (08033566694) 26- 28- 36. 2drs Call for super winning now.

PLATINI NAP – 08069759520 = 39X 11

10-10- WEEKS winning sequence Week 10- 08x 15x 43x 38x/10 Week 20 – x x x – 39x - 11 Week 30 – x x x - 40x - 12 Our 10-10 weeks wining sequence is set again. Hope you’ve not forgotten our week 10. 5/5 NAP now 4/4 cost – N20, 000. Callfor your 10 - 10 weeks winning details N20,000 - flat. Good luck

SYNDICATE= 08139714848= 11 NAP 12

3 Special Draws N6, 00 W|k 20 No CHAIN CHAIN CHAIN WITH CHAIN CHAIN 3 Special Draws N6, 000 wk 21 2015 No CHAIN CHAIN CHAIN with cup cup cup= 6/6 3 Special Draws N6, 000 wk 22 CHAIN draws cost N6, 000= W\k 20 No CHAIN CHAIN CHAIN with CHAIN CHAIN Wk 21 No NAP NAP NAP= 3/3 WITH CHAIN CHAIN CHAIN Send MTN Card 08139714848

MADAM FAJOBI 10, 11

08079826939 Call for 3 sure Nap draws in Weeks 20, 21, 22. Cost N15, 000.00 cash weekly. Call 08079826939

FORTUNE DONOR DONATES (8-11-43) 29/30 (08099111828)

Your weeks of fortune are here!

Mark it down. Weeks 20-21-22 are the week of fortune. Don’t doubt.

We give it free you get it in the last 2 wks it. Week 21 & wk 2SSSS2 at only N30, 000.00 per week.

Don’t doubt. Use 8-11-43-29/30 maximally for 4 solid draws this week and pay for the bumps hall of weeks 21 & 22. You have been told. Good luck as you calls 08099111828 next week for payment details.

4 MEMBERS. 4 BANKERS= 08162705220. 21XX 25XX

4 BANKERS N5000 WK 20 NO NAP NAP NAP NAP 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 21 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 22 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP 4 BANKERS N5000 WK 21= 2015 NO CUP CUP CUP CUP WITH Stakers try to get 4 members 4 .

This wk 20 cost N5000 wk 20 No Cup Cup Cup Cup with 21. 25 wk 21 No Cup Cup Cup Cup with X X

MR CHRIS NAP & CO

0802136501708021365017 30 = WIGAN A = 3030 = WIGAN A = 30 Due to the situation of draw nowadays we decided to have a break till we have a genuine draws for the masses. With the 3 draws with us this week and next week 21 will surely make any interested staker who needs money for Xmas to win.

Call us for the Nap. Please don’t doubt our integrity as our Nap is sure bet Call for the Nap details cost = N20,000 this week. Next cost = N50,000 = cash - Goodluck

WEEK 19 XRAY

Congrats, another fulfilled week of full payment many stakers won with our pools page compilers.

Victorious Victor excelled by putting a lasting smile on his 2bankers series. Our pair Experts had an impressive performances Madam Hillary, 3 syndicates, Dazzling, Akin Mr. Akin, Wisdom Naps, Zenith New Dream, Innocent, sir Braka, Dosa, Emirates fly, Winner code, Goodna, Short Gun, Dr Billy, Adeoti Syndicate, Heritage, Malam Bawa Musa, Success for all and professor one banker they all deserves appreciation embrace them for your good win, other experts of the page promised good tidings to all stakers in their pre cup Naps call them for your sure win. Good luck.

NJOROGE MR ASSURANCE08177474535

PORTVALE SURE PETERBORO = MUST 27 MUST 28

Final whistle to month of November Annual winning right given to Mr. Assurance is to put back your winning interest in Pools staking.

We at Njoroge therefore enjoined all our numerous clients to make good use of our week 20 ‘pre Cup Nap’ very serious = Week 20 – 2-14 = X X X – PORTVALE 27X WEEK 20 – 2015 = X X X – Portvale/ Peterboro Watch Portvale at away 27 in week 20. 2014 & 2015. Trust your Assurance Manger for your confirmed winning. Our PRIORITY I S YOUR WINNING – Assurance fee N25, 000 with reasons.

LEAGUE TABLE HOPE 2015 08166222529

TWO BANKERS = N3,000

TWO BANKERS = N2,000

WK 19

X29X 34X

WK 19

11X 11X

WK 20

NAP NAP

WK 20

NAP NAP

WITH CONFIDENCE 08166222529

WK 19

WK 20

TWO BANKERS = N5,000

X15X X42X

WK 19

NAP NAP

WK 20

TWO BANKERS = N5,000

TWO BANKERS = N2,500

X32 X32X

TWO BANKERS = N2,500

NAP NAP

4 SPECIAL DRAWS THIS WK 19 NO 11X 29X 32X 42X= 4/4 COST N25, 000

TONY NAP 1, 33, 38, PAIR 17 & 13 These 3 draws are direct napping this week.

Week 21, 3 draws cost N30, 000.00 cash

MR. ANTHONY AKINDASA

A/C No. 0000236064, UNION BANK UCH BRANCH or 3010812202, SKYE BANK, BODIJA BRANCH GSM: 08067236910

NAP 1, 33, 38 BEST OF LUCK BOLTON

WATFORD

BUNLEY

X13X X39X

X29X X34X

X31X X32X

TWO BANKER WK 19=N3, 000

WK 20 PURPLE

NAP X NAP X

TWO BANKER WK 19=N3, 000

WK 20 PURPLE

NAP X NAP X

TWO BANKER WK 19=N3, 000

WK 20 PURPLE

NAP X NAP X

4 SPECIAL DRAWS WK. 20 VOL 1 COST N25, 000

SEND MTN CARD TO 09038460009

CHIEF ALAKE IS BACK – 07039433141

To enrich stakers in preparatory to our 3 weeks nap = week 20 – free – 38x 39x 40x while weeks 21 and 22 cost – N50,000 – 1 million. Call – 07039433141/07058826169 for details. Good luck

VICTORIOUS VICTOR 08126994034 WINNERS PLACE

SIDELINES

NO 16,379

N150

THURSDAY, 26 NOVEMBER, 2015

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby has said that the terror attacks in Paris made him doubt the presence of God. He might as well have asked where God was when His only begotten son was crucified. Where then is his faith? As a christian, is he not supposed to believe that God is everywhere?

“Revisiting independence constitution on preservation and management of ethnic diversity.”

T

HE agitation for Biafra is getting more interesting by the day. Recently some of those at the forefront of the protests were reported to have accused prominent Igbo indigenes of conduct perceived to be inimical to the actualisation of their objectives. Furthermore, governors of the states forming part of the East have bandied together in a collective effort to stem the tide of the increasing protests.

Concerned about the effect of it all for the nation, several leading newspapers have dedicated their editorials to analysing what they consider the cause of the problem. It is these very developments and more that informed my decision to discuss the recent calls for the actualisation of the State of Biafra. I am as worried as millions of peaceloving Nigerians who currently agonise at what the present protests if not urgently addresses would spell for a peaceful Nigeria.

Without a doubt, the questions raised by the protesters deserve some answers. I therefore identify with those who have been quick to point out that those answers cannot be got from statements such as those made by the army reminding the protesters of their duty to “to suppress insurrection, and aid civil authority, if called upon to do so as a result of the ongoing pro-Biafra agitation.”

The answers to the current problems must be sought via an examination of the history and structure of Nigeria, how hundreds of different ethnic identities were brought together to form one nation without any real regard for their distinctive identities. Despite this anomaly what I consider more regrettable, and a direct cause of the current problems is the idea that those ethnic identities and idiosyncrasies must forever be relegated to the background, never to be acknowledged, forever to be sacrificed in favour of an artificial creation –or as Awolowo put it, a geographical expression-called Nigeria. This was not the intention of the founding fathers of the nation.

POST INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION MAKING PROCESS RECOGNISED DIVERSITY In the process leading up to the promul-

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

afeonthursday

aareafe@gmail.com

Nigeria: Managing diversity — The Biafra issue and way out (2)

gation of the independence constitution, the fore fathers of the Nigerian nation deliberated extensively in Lancaster House, London on several matters which were imperative for the take-off and the development of the new nation. Many of the issues discussed related to the distinct identities of the numerous ethnic groups which were by the amalgamation of 1914 brought together under one constitutional banner. These leaders realized the need to come up with a structure that will preserve the identities of the component ethnicities whilst at the same time allowing for the enthronement of nationalistic sentiments and ideals. It therefore did not come as a surprise when the Independence Constitution provided for Regional Governments across the country. By this arrangement, each region was allowed to develop at its own pace utilizing resources available to it.

History teaches that most countries which practice the system of Federalism enshrined in our 1999 Constitution and which also have similar diversity in ethnicities have been forged together as a Nation firstly by preserving the interests of the member states. This philosophy has contributed in no small measure to fostering a deep sense of unity and tenacity of purpose amongst the people sufficient to render insignificant whatever differences might otherwise had existed as a result of their diversity.

The United States of America is one of such countries. It is commonly referred to as a country established by immigrants from different countries. Rather than serve as a reason for disintegration, the diversity worked to the advantage of the United

States as a result of which it became and remains a bastion of democracy and civil rights. Canada and Australia are other examples which fit this description. Both Countries like the US were colonized by immigrants, the descendants of who still exists today. However in both countries, measures have been adopted which recognize this diversity and actually use it as a platform in strengthening the union.

However in Nigeria, the approach appears to be different. There appear to be a deliberate policy of placing emphasis on the national identity without firstly giving full recognition to the ethnic diversity that exists in the country. Nigerians are asked to think of themselves firstly as Nigerians and nothing more. The fact is that every Nigerian is firstly a member of his ethnic group before he is a Nigerian. In other words, I am firstly an Ekiti man before I am a Nigerian.

The same applies to every member of the Kanuri, Ibibio, Efik, Hausa, Fulani, Nupe, Egun, Tapa, Ibo or Ijaw ethnic group. I do not know one of us who is firstly a Nigerian before being a member of his ethnic group.

It is important to recognize and preserve this identity so that each group will be in a position to canvass areas of interest or importance to it and disclose the terms which it wants explored by the whole in order to allow or permit a more peaceful, fruitful and productive existence with the whole. These areas of interest may include issues of economic, social and political development of its area of inhabitance. It may include issues of religion, education or even language. To drive home this point, I wish to refer to the situation in Canada and Australia. The Ca-

nadian Constitution recognises two official languages; English and French. Articles 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the Constitution Act 1982 protect the right of citizens to use either of these languages even in conducting business with government agencies. Furthermore by Article 23, Canadians have the right to have their children receive educational instruction in either language even if it is the minority language in their province.

More importantly Article 35 recognises and protects the rights of the Aboriginal People.

The said Section provides as follows: (4) The existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada are hereby recognised and affirmed.

Definition of “aboriginal peoples of Canada” (2) In this Act, “aboriginal peoples of Canada” includes the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.

Land claims agreements (3) For greater certainty, in subsection (1) “treaty rights” includes rights that now exist by way of land claims agreements or may be so acquired.

Aboriginal and treaty rights are guaranteed equally to both sexes.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the aboriginal and treaty rights referred to in subsection (1) are guaranteed equally to male and female persons.

The above provisions not only recognise the diversity of the country but also protect it. It recognises that some people are firstly aborigines and not Canadians even if by the same Constitution they are citizens of the country.

To be continued…

Dream Team won’t miss Rio Olympics ticket — NFF SECRETARY-GENERAL of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Sanusi Muhammed is optimistic about the chances of Nigeria’s Dream Team U23 to qualify for next year’s Olympics.

Samson Siasia’s men are zoned in group B and would play their opening game on Sunday against Mali before facing Egypt and Algeria.

The NFF scribe, Sanusi is upbeat about the team’s chances at Senegal 2015, just as he urged Nigerians to pray for the team’s success.

“The team is very ready for the task ahead and in high spirits. They have played two friendly matches, won one and drew the other,” said Sanusi.

“We have done the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test here and for those who are not here and those who have joined the team in The Gambia have all done their

MRI test and everything is okay. Those who have been decamped are coming back to Nigeria tomorrow (Wednesday).

“So I can confidently tell you that the team are in high spirits and by the grace of God they will do Nigeria proud and we will qualify for next year’s Olympics.

“What we are urging Nigeria to do is to be optimistic that victory is going to be our portion. Let them continue to pray because united we stand, divided we fall. With prayers we can move mountain.

“We have players who have the skills, abilities and everything but what we need is prayers for this team from all Nigerians and God will do it for us.”

He however, praised Siaisa for the mature way he had handled his mother’s kidnap issue and carried on with his work.

Coach Samson Siasia

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. 26/11/2015.