28th March 2016 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,466

MONDAY, 28 MARCH, 2016

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Nigerian Tribune

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Easter without fuel •Nigerians struggle at filling stations, queue for hours •Pay between N140 and N250 per litre —P2,3,12 •Transport fares skyrocket •Nigerians are suffering —Northern CAN •Civil society groups threaten 'mother of all protests' Wednesday •APC vice chairman calls for Kachikwu's resignation Army Colonel abducted in Kaduna —P5

Security in Nigerian airports to gulp N25bn —P5

Long queue of motorcyclists at Total filling station, on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Ondo begins lawyer's wig production —P29

Why recovered loot can't be made public now —Presidency •To embark on town hall meetings soon

—P3

2 news

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Easter without fuel

•Nigerians struggle at filling stations, queue for hours •Nigerians pay between N140 and N250 per litre From Muhammad Sabiu, Biola Azeez, Sam Nwaoko, Olayinka Olukoya, Jude Ossai, Ebenezer Adurokiya, Oluwole Ige, Hakeem Gbadamosi, Tunde Ogunesan and Adelowo Oladipo

LOOM pervaded the whole atmosphere at the weekend, as Nigerians, in serious agony, celebrated Easter throughout the country. The fuel scarcity, which had been on for some times, bit harder during the period of the festivity, as the price of petrol kept rising. Motorists spent hours on queues at few petrol stations that dispensed the product, not minding the exhorbitant charges by the petrol stations, as many of them sold the product for between N150 and N200, as against the regulated price of N86.50. The situation was the same at some of the few stations of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) dispensing the product. It was also pity scenes as many Nigerians who had not been enjoying stable power supply for a long time had to queue to buy petrol with Jerry cans at stations where the product was available, in order to power their generating sets and enjoy the holiday period. Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune showed petrol now sold between N140 and N200, while the outrageous price had led to increase in the price of some consumable items such as food, transport, among others. In Enugu State, a litre of fuel was sold at N160 in filling stations owned by independent petroleum marketers, while the major marketers still sold a litre of fuel at controlled price, though most of them closed their stations. Reports from Nsukka, Agbani, Udi and other urban areas of the state, on Sunday, indicated that a litre of fuel was sold at N200. Although queues were observed at major petroleum filling stations willing to sell the product in Enugu, there was no queue in fuel stations operated by independent marketers as they sold the product at exhorbitant prices. Operators of black markets made huge profits as they sold a litre of fuel between N200 and N250, a development thta made

Motorists at Mobil filling station on Berger expressway, Lagos, on Sunday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA many motorists to express their displeasure. In Delta State, most filling stations closed shop over non-availability of fuel, while a few others selling the product sold it at higher prices. Checks by the Nigerian Tribune at major fuel stations in Warri showed that the product was not available at the stations. At a few others where the product was dispensed on Sunday, the prices ranged between N150 and N160 respectively. The development made many commuters to resort to trekking to their various destinations, especially to worship centres on Sunday. A keke operator, Saliu Adam, said in pidgin English “the fuel high well well; na N170 I buy this morning; the thing too much, Oga. Some black marketers sell am for N200; person no dey fit buy fuel, sometimes dem open for early morning and night; dem go sell high high price.” Nigerian Tribune also noticed that in the midst of the fuel crisis, black marketers were smiling to banks, as they allegedly get the product from fuel stations at odd hours between 12.00 midnight and 5.00 a.m. In Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Nigerian Tribune investigations gathered that only few filling stations were open to sell the petroleum product to buyers, as most people travelled several kilometres to get fuel. At the state capital, only few filling stations that opened to sell at Offa Garage, Basin Road, Agba Dam area sold at N150 per litre, while most petrol stations were closed for business. Interestingly, Nigerian Tribune gathered that the

petrol product was sold at N140 per litre on Saturday, while apprehension grew among consumers that the price may go higher on subsequent days. The scarcity took toll on economic activities in Ogun State, as many stations shut down businesses as a result of non-availability of the product. Some independent marketers who had the product sold it as high as N150 or N160 in some cases, higher than the official price. Only few of the independent marketers like MRS at Isale-Igbein area of Abeokuta sold at official price, while buyers queued on a very long stretch. Abeokuta, the state capital, was worse hit by the situation, with motor operators capitalising on the scarcity of the product to hike fare. Investigations conducted by the Nigerian Tribune had it that petrol stations in Ifo and Sango areas of the state sold the product at N130 per little with little or no queue, while many fuel stations in Sagamu and Ijebu axis were equally not selling the product, even when available. Travellers for the Easter celebration from Abeokuta to Lagos pay as high as about 300 per cent of the fare because of the situation. In Kaduna, long queues of

vehicles were seen in most filling stations belonging to major marketers in the metropolis. While filling stations belonging to major marketers remained closed, a few others owned by independent marketers sold the product at N200. When the Nigerian Tribune visited some stations at the Western bypass, Kaduna, a petrol attendant, who pleaded anonymity, contended that they had to increase the pump price from N140 to N200 because “we had been expecting two trucks from Lagos since two days ago.” In Oyo State, the unofficial price of petrol was N140, with motorists subjecting themselves to rigours of queues at few filling stations selling the product. Across the length and breadth of Ibadan, the capital city, the scarcity of the product hunted residents. Nigerian Tribune gathered that most of them had resorted into making calls to their friends, associates and even relations at the other side of the city to inquire if they could get fuel at their end. Most stations opened to people and selling at N140 per litre continued to experience heavy patronage from both commercial and private motorists. Meanwhile, few other sta-

tions, it was gathered, sold at N150 per litre, citing holiday, non-availability of the product and recent declaration by government that the situation might last longer. A commercial driver who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune said it took him more than a day to get some litres of fuel for his Sunday trip. In Niger, there was no respite for motorists and commuters alike, following the scarcity of petrol. The commodity went up more than twice its original cost, as a litre was sold for between N200 and N250 at the black market, while the pump price at the NNPC mega station on Nnamdi Azikiwe way, Minna, was N86. Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune showed that independent petroleum marketers within Minna, the state capital and its environs sold for N135 and above. Filling stations in Akure and its environs in Ondo State remained shut to motorists since Friday, while the few who opened for business sold above the official pump price. In most of the filling stations visited by the Nigerian Tribune , the product was being sold for between N140 and N160, with heavy queues noticeable. Some motorists who could

not afford to queue at the filling stations were seen buying from black market operators, who sold 10 litres for N1,500 or N1,800. In Osogbo, Osun State capital, the lingering fuel scarcity continued to have bitting effects on the people, just as long queues of motorists in filling stations caused traffic congestion on major streets. Checks in few of the filling stations selling petrol indicated that a litre of the product went for N150 or N170. However, at the NNPC mega station, where a litre of petrol is sold for N86, there was no fuel, thus compounding the woes of motorists, commercial motorcyclists and other categories of people. Petroleum queues eased in Ekiti State, following the tension generated by the face-off between petroleum dealers in the state under the aegis of Tanker Drivers branch of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The disagreement, which bordered on accusation and counter-accusations on alleged extortion on the part of NSCDC, led to the withdrawal of tankers from supplying petrol to the state and the development led to nonavailability of petroleum products in petrol stations the state. However, with the troubles said to be over, more petrol stations had products to sell, but none of them sold the product for less than N140 in parts of the state capital. Petrol stations at the Polytechnic Road, Adebayo area and Secretariat road of Ado Ekiti, the state capital, were seen selling products but the lowest price at which they dispensed was N140, with some of them selling at N150. The NNPC outlets in the state had queues, though they sold the product at N86.50 while some of the outlets did not have the product to sell.

Nigerians are suffering —Northern CAN Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna THE Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has charged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in solving the lingering fuel scarcity facing the country as Nigerians are suffering. This was made known by

the spokesman of the association, Reverend John Hayab, in an interview on Sunday. He said since January, the untold hardship Nigerians were facing as an oil producing nation was unacceptable. The cleric, speaking on the significance of Easter, noted

that the government should reflect on the fact that Jesus Christ died to eliminate the sufferings of mankind and, as such, the government should do the needful to eliminate the current hardship being faced by Nigerians. He berated the recent statement credited to the Minister of State for Pe-

troleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, that fuel scarcity might linger till May. He described the minister’s statement as unguarded and an insult to the long-suffering Nigerians, stressing that Nigerians voted the current government for positive change. continues pg3

3 news

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Why recovered fund cannot be made public now —Presidency To embark on town hall meetings soon Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

HE Presidency has said funds recovered from those who looted the nation’s treasury cannot be made public now, until they are used as evidence against those the money was recovered from. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, told newsmen on Sunday that although the president had the intention of making the recovery public, it could not be done now until they had been brought before a judge as evidence against the looters. He said the money recovered was currently being lodged in an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), adding that the challenge before the government right now was that the money had to first be presented to the court before being made public. “The issue of how much has been returned has been there. The money retrieved has to be used as evidence in court. The president said two things; we will recover and we will prosecute. So as it now, you don’t go and bring all these millions returned out. “I am aware that there is an account with the CBN where some of these funds

are being kept and are evidences for a judge to see. It is not for public display. I think that is the challenge we have at the moment,” he said. Shehu revealed that the Vice-President, Professor

Yemi Osinbajo, would soon begin a town hall meetings to explain government policies and actions to the people, adding that the meetings, which would begin at zonal levels, would later go down to state levels.

“I know that there is a plan for Professor Osinbajo to start town hall meetings in zones and then it would be broken down to the state and so on. Government realises that there is a need to take information to the

people and there are steps that are being taken in order to ensure that is done,” he said. He further stated that appointments in boards of ministries and the parastatals had been held back due

THE All Progressives Congress (APC), on Sunday, asked the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachukwu, to honourably resign his position if he is not capable of doing his part, by efficiently running the ministry assigned to him and providing workable solution to the current fuel scarcity in the country. National leader of APC, Senator Bola Tinubu, had first called the minister to order over his recent comments on the lingering fuel scarcity in the country. The party, in a statement issued by the APC national vice chairman, South-

From left, Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, during the visit of the Sultan to his palace in Iwo, on Sunday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

UAE court sentences 11 for life on ‘terror’ charges A court of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Sunday, sentenced 11 persons to life imprisonment over terror charges with two being sentenced in absentia.

An official report from Abu Dhabi disclosed that the 11 were accused of being members of a group called “the youth lighthouse” and were planning terrorist activities

South, Prince Hilliard Eta, said it was high time the minister climbed down from “his high horse” to face squarely the duties required of him by his office, adding that responsibility

to the people was one of the cardinal points of the APC which he professes membership.” According to the statement, “Kachukwu has not entirely cast off the orienta-

in the Gulf Arab nations. It said further that 23 others received prison terms ranging from five to 15 years, while the rest seven were acquitted by the court.

It said tthe group was accused of attempting to establish a Islamic State (IS)style caliphate in the UAE, and ordered that the group’s assets be confiscated.

According to him, government was meant to cushion effects of hardship on the people, hence it needed to wake up to its responsibilities now more than ever be-

tion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he was,” noting that such was still manifesting in his actions and utterances. “Dr Kachukwu must not be a cog in the wheel of

progress and he should do the needful by resigning honourably if he is not capable of doing his part by efficiently running the ministry assigned to him,” the statement read.

Doyin Okupe defends Petroleum minister SENIOR Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe, on Sunday, defended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, in view of the odium the minister attracted for reportedly stating that the present fuel shortage would last till May.

Okupe, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, said “Nigerians hate being told the truth,” while enjoining the people to face the reality. “The minister of state for petroleum is a Nigerian I know by reputation only. When he was appointed I actually wondered why on earth will a man in his exalted international

Nigerians are suffering —Northern CAN continued from pg2

Exhibit love, tolerance always, Sultan charges Muslims Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

Resign honourably now, APC vice chairman tells Kachikwu Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

to the fact that the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration wanted to undertake a restructuring for the ministries.

fore. The leadership of Northern CAN, he noted, was of the view that the celebration would be worthwhile if Nigerians were not facing such tough times. “What we are saying is

that government is meant for the people and as such government should double its efforts to reduce the pains inflicted on the average Nigerians by the fuel scarcity in the country,” he said.

position and pedigree come into the murky arena of the Nigerian oil business. It can only be patriotism. “Since he assumed office, I have noticed a high level of professionalism and candour. But Nigerians abhor the truth. “The minister said a few weeks ago that it is cheaper to import fuel than process our crude locally. I thought that should be obvious to all discerning minds. Our newest refinery is 35 years old. The capacity of the refinery to fractionate. “Crude reduces drastically with age. In its best form, you get about 51 per cent PMS per barrel of crude refined. But at the current ages of our refineries, we hardly

can do more than 35 to 40 per cent. Therefore, our policy of setting aside crude for local refining is outdated and counter-productive and should be stopped. “Secondly, the minister said this present fuel crisis will tarry till May and all hell was let loose. The minister is right. He quietly informed the nation that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is now responsible for 100 per cent of our fuel imports. The reason for this anomaly is not far-fetched. “We consume 40 million litres of PMS daily. At about $645/tonne that comes to about 55cents per liter is $22m/day. Which importer and which bank in Nigeria of today can open $22 mil-

THE Sultan Of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on Sunday, tasked Nigerians, especially Muslims, to exhibit love and tolerance in their daily activities. Giving the charge at the official commissioning of the Wings Schools Central Mosque in Iwo, Osun State, he said love and tolerance were germane to the social and economic growth of Nigeria. According to Abubakar, “any society could be better lived if all Muslims close ranks and become one for its advancement. A good practicing Muslim should not pretend to be one but work religiously to uphold its doctrinal principle, which is love.” While imploring Nigerians to live in unity by eschewing acrimony and mistrust, he said everybody, irrespective of religion, tribe and political divides should work for the peace and heathy development of Nigeria. In his remark, the Oluwo Of Iwoland, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, also appealed to Muslims across the globe to always centre their preaching of Jihad around love. lion daily? Not even the Almighty NNPC! So that is the real cause of the scarcity. The truth is what the minister said is that, it’s not going away soonest. “The only reasonable, cost effective and efficient way of ensuring Nigerians get petroleum products regularly and continuously, without further complicating the unavailability of the dollar and its continued stagnation of the national economy, is by scrapping the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPRA), stopping the allocation of crude daily for local refining and allocating appropriate volume of crude to the oil majors under a transparent oil swap arrangement,” he said.

news Go beyond apology, redress lapses, Fayose tells Buhari 4

Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

OVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has charged President Muhammadu Buhari “to go beyond apologising to Nigerians on some flawed policies and miscalculated steps his administration has taken since assuming office and redress such lapses.” Governor Fayose, in a statement on Sunday, also said the President should “stop seeing himself as a sectional leader or the president of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but as the leader of all groups and people of the country.” Fayose, in the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, however commended the President for coming out to admit some errors his government had made. The governor also said the President should be wary of some selfish persons in the APC who were bent on dropping his name to commit atrocities, all in the name of politics. “This is a moment of truth. I commend the president for being bold enough to apologise for his lapses. He has come out to admit and accept that criticism is part of democracy. He can do whatever he likes, but it must be within the ambit of the law. “The President has swallowed his pride by admitting that there is a sharp drop in electricity and that we are experiencing an agonising fuel scarcity in the country. They told us the refineries are working, but that is a lie, we are still importing fuel. “The President must not, however, stop at apologising. He cannot continue to apologise over everything, he must step up. A leader must think very well before making policy statements. “He apologised on the dissolution of Governing Councils of federal universities which I had earlier criticised. There are laws establishing these boards and you cannot just wake up one day and say you dissolve them. “I call on the President to do something about the lingering fuel scarcity. Many motorists now sleep at filling stations. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has told Nigerians not to expect solution soon. The government should end the pains without delay and stop chasing perceived political enemies. “The President should also address job losses

Monday, 28 March, 2016

which have become a daily occurrence. They promised Nigerians jobs but the reverse is the case now. “They should also pay attention to security issues, rather than exerting energy on silencing opposition. Look at the Agatu issue.

That place is a food basket for the country and when herdsmen now go on the rampage destroying lives and properties, we should not fold our arms,” he said. Governor Fayose also took a swipe at the manner elections have been con-

ducted under the present regime, saying it had destroyed the legacy of credible elections left behind by former President Goodluck Jonathan. “It is an understatement to describe the conduct of elections in Kogi, Bayelsa

and Rivers states by the Buhari administration as a show of shame. This is an aspect where the President has to be very careful. He must not allow himself to be led by the nose by some rejected and crooked politicians.

From left, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; the new couple, Wale and Folasade Melaye; Senators Biodun Olujimi, Dino Melaye and Hope Uzodinma and Aliyu Abdullahi (behind the couple), during the wedding ceremony of Senator Melaye’s sister at Ayetoro-Gbede, Kogi State, on Saturday.

Lack of constitutional consensus, cause of political, economic tension —Agbakoba Yejide Gbenga - Ogundare

THE chambers of Lagos based lawyer and former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba, on Tuesday, stated that the political and economic tension being experienced in Nigeria is a result of the lack of consensus on the constitution while seeking for popular participation in the democratic process in Nigeria. Agbakoba, through his chambers, the Human Right Law Service (HURILAWS), has commenced an initiative aimed at encouraging popular participation in the democratic process in Nigeria and enhance the role of civil society in the democratic process in Nigeria.

“The fact that Nigeria’s democracy, even economy is heading for the rocks, is so apparent even a blind man can see it. To arrest the situation deserves urgent actions aimed at effectively reversing the ugly trend. The major cause of the political and economic tension being experienced today in the country is that the country has not been

able to build consensus on the constitution. “The phenomenon largely accounts for the extremely fragile and slow development of the country. It is also the reason for the continued unrest and agitations across the country. The National Assembly has adopted a piecemeal approach to altering the 1999 Constitution. Three alterations have

Ahmed: BVN to end salary delay Biola Azeez - Ilorin

GOVERNOR Abdulfatah Ahmed has given an assurance that the verification of workers in the state through the presentation of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and the proposed Biometric exercise will end

delay in the payment of salaries in the state. Governor Ahmed gave this assurance at a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders in Ilorin, adding that through the presentation of the BVN, salaries of local governments’ workers

Plateau govt set to rebuild Jos Main Market razed in 2001 FROM ISAAC SHOBAYO - JOS

AS part of efforts to enhance commercial activities and as well boost internally generated revenue, Plateau State government has commenced the process of rebuilding the famous Jos Main Market, razed by inferno in 2001. Since the ultra modern market was gutted by fire in 2001, all efforts to rebuild the famous market by successive governments in the state had proved abortive

been successfully made to the constitution. The Senior Legal/Programme Officer at the Agbakoba Chambers, Collins Okeke, made this known on behalf of the shambers while speaking on the topic ,Evolving a constitutionthat works for Nigeria, during a media chat at the Olisa Agbakoba Legal Conference room in Apapa, Lagos.

while traders have been plying their trade along major roads, thus constituting nuisance to other road users. Chairman, Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the development of the market, Chief Ezekiel Gomos, who disclosed this in Jos, said 12 reputable Transaction Advisers had bided for the job, but four were selected after thorough and transparent evaluation, adding that the four would be invited and given one month to submit their

technical and financial proposals for the job, after which one would finally be selected. Gomos was optimistic that by April, the selected bidder would have emerged after which the market project would be handed over to the bidder by May 2016. “The adviser will now advertise for Private Sector Players who have funds to come and develop the market, and the job will be handed over to the private sector for work to begin on or before June.”

and State Universal Basic Education teachers, which had been a major problem, would become a thing of the past. According to the governor, the approval by the Debt Management Office of the N20 billion Bond to be secured by the state would fasten the tempo of the development of infrastructure in the state. Some of the projects tied to the bond, the governor said, include the expansion of some major roads in the state capital, construction of two new campuses of Kwara State University in Ilesha-Baruba and Osi in Baruten and Ekiti local government areas respectively. “With increased internally generated revenue, youth empowerment and employment programme of this administration would also improve tremendously,” he promised.

Kano State govt warns Hajj centre officers against misdemeanor Kola Oyelere - Kano

KANO state government has warned the Hajj Centre Officers against any misdemeanor capable of jeopardising the government’s preparation for the religious exercise. The state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje then directed Hajj Center Officers to remain alive to their duties to ensure that this years’ Hajj and subsequent operations are conducted with highness of honesty and transparency. This was contained in statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Communications to the state governor, Baba Halilu , a copy made available on Sunday to pressmen in Kano His words “Government would not condone diversion of Hajj funds or any form of racketeering by public officials in the conduct of the religious obligation”, It directed the Hajj Center Officers to give priority to prospective pilgrims that made 100 percent payment for the Hajj Seats last year, in the interest of equity and fairness.

Mark’s wife offers free medical service to Agatu displaced children Johnson Babajide - Makurdi

THE wife of former senate president, Barrister Catherine Mark in collaboration with a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) Live Healthy Organisation LHO have offered free medical services to over 4000 children of the internal displaced persons of Agatu . Speaking on behalf of Mrs Mark, Honourable Ada Mark Ogbole explained that the free medical services been provided by senator Mark’s wife was part of her contributions to the needy especially the displaced persons from the Agatu crisis ridden area. Mrs Mark said that the medical services were meant for women and children whom she described as the most vulnerable persons in crisis situation, stressing that the medical team treated children who had malaria, typhoid, cough and other related sickness. According to Mrs Mark, ‘as a woman and a mother I feel for those whose comfort have been disrupted by the invaders, in situation like this, it is a well known fact that children and women are most vulnerable people in such situation like this’.

news

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Army Colonel abducted in Kaduna Muhammad Sabiu- Kaduna

HE Nigerian Army has said one of its senior officers serving in the Nigerian Army School of In-

fantry, Jaji, Kaduna, has been abducted. This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna, on Sunday and signed by the Deputy Director, Army Public Re-

lations, 1 Mechanised Division, Kaduna, Colonel Usman Abdul. The statement said Colonel Samaila Musa was abducted at Kamazo, near NNPC Junction, Kaduna,

at about 7:30p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016. According to the statement, the abductors dropped his wife and left with him in his car. The car headed towards Abuja.

The statement further stated: “Anybody with useful information or assistance should please assist in tracking these abduc-

No room for ethnicity in my govt — Bello Yinka Oladoyinbo- Lokoja

From left, Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase; his wife, Agharese; Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Finance and Administration, Dan’azumi Doma and the wife of the Coordinating Chaplain, National Christian Centre Abuja, Mrs Nkechi Ogunmuyiwa, at the thanksgiving service during the Police Week, in Abuja, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN.

Security in Nigerian airports to gulp N25bn Shola Adekola- Lagos

AS governments of nations across the world make efforts to beef up security around their airports, for the Nigerian government to be able to do likewise, a whopping N25 billion is required to construct perimeter and operational fences across all the 22 airports in the country. The General Manager, Corporate Communications at FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, during an interview with some journalists after the bombing of Brussels airport by terrorists, said that a recent survey carried out by the authority indicated that to properly fence the 22 Federal Government-owned airports, FAAN would need the massive sum. The development came just as the authority had assured all the airport users of safety and security of travellers, cargo and equipment at all times. According to Dati, each of the 22 airports is about 50 kilometres long and would require serious investments for all of them to be properly fenced according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommended practices.

Aside the four international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt that are partially fenced, other 18 airports owned by the Federal Government are not fenced, a situation, which has led to encroachments on the lands by some indigenes and undesirable elements. While information gathered indicated that the 22 airports across the country occupy over 500 kilometres of land mass, the ICAO security guidelines

however, prescribed that all airports must be secured with double perimeter fences. Dati, in explaining other safety measures FAAN had taken in line with international best practices to boost security and safety within the nation’s airports, declared that the authority had introduced the perimeter patrol, built perimeter towers, which enables the Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and other security

THE Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Saturday, said ethnicity will have no place in his government as he is ready to ensure equity, justice and fair play in the discharge of duties and distribution of social amenities to every part of the state. The governor also noted that bad leadership has been the bane of the state and the country at large. Bello, who said this during the third anniversary of the coronation of the Attah Igala, Michael Idakwo, in his palace in Idah, Idah Local Government, said he was elected as a governor of the entire state and not a section. He however, said the Attah Igala has exemplified foresight required of any leader to lead the nation. Speaking on his administration, the governor said his government has paid two months’ out of the outstanding salaries inherited from the past administration in the state. He lamented how some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies were afraid of bringing forward the nominal roll of the workers for payment because they were not very sure of it. However, the Attah Ig-

ASUU issues 21-day ultimatum to Kogi govt Yinka Oladoyinbo- Lokoja

THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kogi State University chapter, Anyigba, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government to pay the five months’ backlog of salaries owed its members, after which they would enforce the principle of “No pay, no work.” The union noted that while it was against corruption in any form, paying its members outstanding salaries would enable them continue the war against corruption without any hindrance. The chairman of ASUU, KSU, Anyigba, Dr Daniel

Aina, lamented that ASUU members could no longer feed, transport themselves to work and pay their children’s school fees, among others. According to him, the state government had in the last five months failed to pay the lecturers their salaries, saying the academic staff of the institution had been living in a precarious economic situation where they could no longer meet their basic needs. Aina maintained that the best that could be done to forestall negative attitudes from members was for the state government to pay their salaries as at when

Ayefele loses band member in auto crash TRAGEDY struck on Saturday night when one of the trucks conveying musical equipment of ace musician, Yinka Ayefele, entered a deep pothole along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and swerved off the road into a deep ditch, killing one of the engineering

agencies to have a full overview of the airport environment and installed latest technologies in strategic locations to increase surveillance. His words: “It will be recalled that about two months ago, we invited a team from Airport Council International (ACI), to carry out security audit of our airports and they identified some gaps, which needed to be closed and we were able to close those gaps.

crew aboard while several others sustained various degrees of injury. The deceased, Mr Tunde Oduneye, 39, was confirmed dead at the University College Hospital (UCH), around 11:00p.m. on Saturday. The Merry Makers Band,

in a release signed by the Publicist of the band, Mr. David Ajiboye, had been contracted to perform at wedding ceremony before the truck conveying the equipment back to Ibadan had the accident shortly after the old toll plaza at Ogere.

due to guarantee free corrupt institution. He said, “No forms of corruption in extorting money from students could be allowed under any guise in KSU, but we know that a

tors. “They are in a Mercedes Benz GLK Black colour with registration number Abuja, KUJ 154 TZ.

hungry man is more prone to corruptive tendencies. Therefore, it is no longer acceptable that our members continue to work with five months’ backlog of unpaid salaries.

ala and a former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmadu Ali, have called on those hidding under ethnicity to foment trouble in the state to have a rethink and embrace peace in the interest of all. The royal father, who commended the governor for his peaceful disposition, further stated that Ebiras migrated from Idah to Koton Karffi and Okene in search of greener pastures, stressing that Igalas and Ebiras are one tribe. He warned those trying to fan ember of disunity between the Igalas and Ebiras to desist to pave way for peace and development in the state. The monarch charged Bello to start the implementation of the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Igala Kingdom, which is his ancestral home in order to bring development closer to those at the grass root. He said the occasion was postponed for a week following the unfortunate incident of the death of the former Minister of state for Labour and Employment, Mr James Ocholi, SAN. He recalled with pains, the death of many illustrious sons of the kingdom within a span of 34 years. Speaking at the occasion, Ali said power belongs to God and He chooses whom He gives at a particular time, urging the Igalas to massively support Bello administration in order to bring even development and transformation to every part of the state.

Boko Haram: NAF to expand air force platforms Chris Agbambu- Abuja

IN its efforts to improve the aerial bombardments of terrorists’ targets, the Nigerian Air force (NAF) is set to expand its platforms in the North-Eastern Nigeria towards speedy response in counter-insurgency operations. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, who stated this while on a visit to military formations and traditional institutions in Borno State, announced that “the Nigerian Air Force is exploring the possibility of expanding the Air Force group in the North-East to ensure that total restoration of peace is achieved in the shortest time possible.” Air Marshall Abubakar

explained that “With the planned expansions, more personnel will be deployed and more platforms created to widen our operations towards timely and speedy response in counter-insurgency campaigns. “We are already widening the roles of our regiments as special combat forces to secure and protect key points after successful operations.” Air Marshal Abubakar, who commended the military in the ongoing campaign against terrorists, said the citizens have a lot of roles to play. He said: “The public should complement the gallantry of our armed forces by being security conscious through timely reporting of suspicious objects, movements, or strange persons to the nearest security agencies.

“Security is a collective effort not only that of security agencies as government alone cannot provide security absolutely to its citizens without the support and cooperation of its citizens.” While commending the support and encouragement from President Muhammadu Buhari to the Nigerian armed forces, the Air force chief urged the states to do the same in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. During his visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, the traditional ruler, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Ibn Umar El Kanemi, called on the government to work assiduously towards ensuring the return of Internally Displaced People to their villages.

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Lagos

Touts remove Keke Marwa rider’s tooth over N120 ticket Olalekan Olabulo

commercial tricycle rider, Wasiu Bamidele, lost one of his teeth to touts, believed to be working for a council, who attacked him in Ojodu Berger area of Lagos State. Bamidele stated that his tricycle was also crashed by the touts, who were involved in an accident while they were trying to drive his tricycle to their office. He also alleged that the touts have been threatening him due to his demand for a new tricycle. The victim explained to Lagos Metro that “I was working on that day, when they stopped me and demanded for the N120 council ticket. I told them that I did not have it and promised to pay it after that trip but they refused and insisted on impounding my bike. The council officials then descended on me and removed one of my teeth in the process before

going away with my tricycle.” He identified the council

touts as: Sugar, the leader of the gang; Anjorin; Emma; Babalola and Baba Kabiru.

He explained further how the council touts crashed his tricycle while on the way to their office. “One of them rode the tricycle, while the others joined him and on their way, the tricycle was involved in a very serious accident. They abandoned the tricycle at a side of the

A 35-year-old man, Abayomi Ismaila and Akeem Raji have been remanded in prison for allegedly robbing a passenger. According to the police, the victim, Ijuo Charity, had on March 12, 2016 at about 12:30 pm, boarded a bus under the Costain Bridge. The suspects who pretended to be passengers, suddenly poured a substance into the air which caused her eyes to go dim and got her panicking after which the suspects demanded money from her. She was allegedly searched thoroughly and when no tangible cash was found on her, the suspects took her phone and ATM card and forced her to give out the pin to withdraw money from it. The suspects allegedly withdrew the sum of N120, 000 from the victim’s account. According to the prosecutor, the victim thereafter re-

can do for me is to repair it. I bought that tricycle on instalmental purchase and I have not finished paying.” Efforts to get the reaction of the image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, failed, as calls to her mobile phone were not answered.

Street trading: Alade Market gets

additional 120 shops Bola Badmus EXECUTIVE Secretary, Ikeja Local Government, Mr Adekunle Dally-Adeokun, has said that following the desire to address issue of street trading, more key-clamps and an additional 120 lockup shops are currently being added to Alade Market, increasing the total number to 300. A total of 180 shops had already been constructed by the council

Bamidele

Robbers pour strange substance on victim to collect ATM card Gbemi Solaja

road but the police later came and the five of them were arrested but released that same day,” Bamidele said. He lamented that, “They have spoilt my tricycle and the damage is too much. I want a new one but they are adamant that the best they

ceived debit alerts from her bank. Both men, who pleaded not guilty, are facing a twocount charge of felony and stealing at the Ebute-Metta Magistrate’s Court.

The Prosecutor, Sergeant Jimah Iseghede, said the offences contravened and are punishable under Section 285 and 409 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2011.

The Magistrate, Miss M. O. Okpe Agbe, adjourned the matter till April 22 for ruling on bail application as requested by their counsel, while both men were remanded in prison.

in the market. The executive secretary disclosed this during a media tour of the proposed site, disclosing that the Alade Market development plan was just an aspect of the council’s economic master plan aimed at increasing the economic viability of that market. According to Dally-Adeokun, who expressed optimism that by the site relocation project plan, amenities that will be provided to give the market a competitive edge, will include a standby 350 KVA generator for general use, in order to reduce pollution and fuel costs for traders; an access road built with interlocking concrete for durability and aesthet-

Scene of a trailer accident at Berger which happened last week and still remains on the same spot one week after. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

ics, and a fence round the market to prevent unauthorised access and improved security. The executive secretary, who noted that the project had kicked off before the inception of his administration, said the focus of the his team since assumption of duty had been to try and complete the project within the shortest time possible and ensure a rancour-free transition that would be governed by the rules of fair play for all concerned. While expressing gratitude to the Iyaloja of Alade Market and her committee for their unflinching support, Dally-Adeokun appealed to the traders to join hands with the council towards a smooth transition process.

Monday, 28 March, 2016

metro

Edited by

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

“Wonder” oil company dupes businessman N360m Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A businessman, Emmanuel Ugoakaeze, on Wednesday, narrated how a company, Nospecto Oil and Gas, allegedly defrauded him of N360 million by deceiving him that the money had been invested in an industrial fuel business. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the company and four others on charges bordering on conspiracy, stealing and collecting deposits illegally from the public without licence. They were accused of fraudulently converting the sums of N360 million, property of Gladys Cho and Associates and N180, 750,000.00 belonging to Rivotel International Limited. The other defendants are Alhaji Yusha’u Maiyaki; Alhaji Al-Sidiq Manga; Alhaji Monday Philemon and Alhaji Najeem Yusuf. According to the anti graft agency, the offences were committed between August 2006 and May 2007. At the resumption of the trial on Wednesday, Ugoakaeze, alleged that sometime in 2006, he was introduced to Alhaji Maiyaki, the chairman of Nospecto Oil, by one Ambrose Okogie, a member of his church. “Ambrose had a business model that he said was gen-

erating N40, 000 from an investment of N330, 000 every month,” Ugoakaeze said, adding that after the introduction to Maiyaki and Manga at a meeting, the defendants made a presentation and it was confirmed that the business was real and authentic. “I was encouraged to invest in it and I decided to give it a six-month trial. I later approached Alhaji

Maiyaki, proposing that I wanted to buy land in Ikeja for a hotel. The cost of the land was N800 million.” He said he met the defendants and Maiyaki assured him they could manage his investments and urged him to invest his money in four companies appointed by them. “Their business, as per the MOU we signed, was transacting in fuel oil and

after he confirmed that they had licence to carry out the business, I sent N360 million in total to his suggested companies and they issued me with receipts. Eventually, we started transacting business and statements were coming,” Ugoakaeze said. He added that it was after six months that he saw on Television that Nospecto was a fraud, and that the

company had invested his money in another company dealing in shares. “They introduced me to their stockbroker and it later occurred to me that the money I paid was diverted to several places. We visited their office in Victoria Island but they were no longer there.” Justice Kudirat Jose adjourned till May 23 for continuation of trial.

A Police van, which rammed into a Police check point at Sheraton Opebi link bridge junction, on Sunday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

How Ifa priest murdered my brother — Trader Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin A distraught trader, Azubuike Ebi, has narrated how his younger brother, Ejay Ebi, was allegedly murdered by a 30-year-old Ifa priest, Adeshina Musiliu. Ebi, while being led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Akin George, before an Ikeja High Court said: “I am the older brother of the deceased, Ejay Ebi. He used to live in Jos and I asked him to come to Lagos to live in Ikorodu with me to avoid being killed by

insurgents. On November 6, 2014, my brother, who is also a trader, woke up early by 4:00 a.m. to go to Yaba to buy some goods. “At 6:00 a.m., one of our brothers, Mr Matthew Amadi, called my mobile phone to tell me that my brother was lying dead at Kokoro Abu Roundabout in Ikorodu.” The trader told the court that he immediately went to alert some vigilantes about what happened to his brother. “I ran to the Onyabo vigi-

lante post to report but they said they did not want to be involved in issues of human corpse. When I left the vigilante post, I was weeping and heading to the Kokoro Abu Roundabout to take my brother’s corpse. “I received another phone call telling me that the culprit who murdered my brother had been caught and taken to the police station.” Ebi said he immediately went to the police station where he met the defendant and a vigilante, one Matthew Olanrewaju.

Nigerian Tribune

“Olanrewaju told me that he went to the crime scene and Musiliu allegedly ran to him, shouting that he is in trouble that he had killed a man and pointed to the corpse. “According to Olanrewaju, he asked Musiliu why would he do such a thing and he responded that an unknown spirit entered him, leading him to kill my brother.” The trader, however, said autopsy revealed that his brother was beaten to death with a stick. “My brother was beaten to death on the head with a stick

and Musiliu confessed to the crime at the Igbobo Police Station and the State Criminal Investigations Department, Panti. Unfortunately, Mr Olanrewaju, the vigilante to whom Musiliu made the confession, passed away a few months after the murder and I have with me a copy of the obituary.” Olanrewaju’s obituary was tendered at the court as evidence by the prosecution. Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye adjourned the case to April 21 and 27 for continuation of trial.

Ojokoro LCDA to rescue under–aged girls from hotels THE Education Department of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, on Sunday vowed to rescue under–aged girls on menial jobs or prostitution in hotels. Mrs Abimbola Whenayon, the Head of Department of Education in the LCDA, gave the promise in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). She said that officers of the department would begin the rescue and rehabilitation exercise in April. The officer said many under-aged girls had been lured into menial jobs in hotels or as sex workers by their relatives, who brought them to the state under the pretext of better life, adding that the girls would be reunited with their parents and subsequently enrolled in schools to become better citizens. “When I was in Surulere Local Government, we rescued some girls, rehabilitated and enrolled them in schools. I am new in this LCDA, but by April, after the holiday, I will start going into it fully to rescue the girls who are being exploited. We will get a place for them, rehabilitate them, send them to school and even seek partnership with private organisations to train those who are not interested in school. “We will train them in vocational skills that will make them responsible citizens. After a while, we will link up with their parents or family anywhere in the country so that we can reunite them,” she said. Whenayon also reiterated the council’s commitment to educate illiterate adults in the area through the adult literacy programme. According to her, this is in line with the directive of the Federal Government, adding said that about 80 adult students were currently receiving classes in 25 different centres in the area.

news

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

FG will establish primary health centre in each political ward —Minister By Tunde Ogunesan

HE Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has revealed that the Federal Government is planning to establish Pri-

mary Health Centre in each political ward in the country. The minister gave the assurance in Ibadan after his featuring on a television station live programme, Bottom Line, where he talk-

ed about the state of health in the country. Professor Adewole assured Nigerians of quality health delivery across the country. His words: “What we want to ensure is that in

each political ward, we will have functional Primary Health Care Centre. That is my target.” He described the ongoing face off between government and resident doctors in Osun State as unfortu-

nate. “The issue cannot be seen from the perspective of my ministry but rather, from the perspective of my position as a minister and also as an indigenous citizen of the state. I have spoken, I

Niger gov charges MDAs on service delivery Adelowo Oladipo - Minna NIGER State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has given a marching order to all ministries, departments and agencies on service delivery, warning that his administration cannot afford to fail the people of the state. The governor handed down the directive at a closed-door meeting with executive council members, permanent secretaries and heads of parastatals. Governor Sani Bello expressed deep concern over the lackadaisical attitude of some government officials to work and called for attitudinal change on the part of the state workforce. He challenged all ministries, departments and agencies in the state to brace up in their service delivery and ensure that government meet up to the yearnings of the people.

According to the governor, “we promised our people change and we cannot continue to operate like before if this change must be made real.” He stressed that as leaders

of the MDAs, the platform for service delivery in the state, all must be productive and brace up to enable effective implementation of government policies that are designed to bring posi-

tive change to the state. “We want to see a new Niger State where all Nigerlites can assess qualitative and affordable basic amenities, such as education, health, good roads and security and

I strongly believe that with determination and commitment of all of you here today, we shall not only deliver on our promises but take the state to higher height,” the governor maintained.

Police arrest 3 suspected child traffickers in Bauchi BAUCHI State Police Command has arrested three women suspected to be

‘specialists’ in child trafficking. DSP Haruna Mohammed,

Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, disclosed this on Sunday in

Queen’s School Ibadan alumni to embark on classroom construction By Kehinde Adio AS part of efforts of the old students association of Queen’s School, Ibadan, to support the development of the college for effective learning, the association has resolved to commence the construction of 12 class-

room blocks in the school. The President, Queen’s School, Ede/Ibadan Old Girls Association, Ibadan chapter, Mrs Foluke Onasanya, gave this information recently at a reunion meeting and fundraising held in the college recently. According to her, the old

students have series of supportive responsibilities to carry out in their alma mater activities portfolio to ensure that the school meet the global secondary school standard in terms of infrastructure that can guarantee qualitative education.

a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi. He said the suspects were arrested by detectives of the command on March 25. Mohammed, one of the suspects from Plateau, was arrested for selling a 17-month-old baby to a woman from Imo State at the cost of N200,000. He also said the woman also sold a 14-month-oldbaby to another woman, who hailed from Benue, at the cost of N80,000.

am involved, I had discussion with the governor and very soon things will be back to normal. “The situation there is very unfortunate, unfortunate in the sense that through some errors and criminal activities in the past, they over absorbed staff. Where they got approval for 300 staff, they appointed 700. People were irregularly promoted. These are some of the issues that the government is looking into. I am sure we will get over the situation in the state.” Speaking on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Adewole noted that the situation in the country is not encouraging because only six per cent of Nigerians registered under the scheme. “The current situation is such that only six per cent of Nigerians have registered under NHIS. We are encouraging more Nigerians to register because health insurance is good. “And I am happy that many state governments as of today are working on contributory insurance scheme for their states. I think very soon, all over the country, we will have health insurance scheme.”

Monday, 28 March, 2016

businessinterview

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

KADCCIMA: Building synergy for sustainable solid minerals development in Nigeria By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

T is no more news that Nigeria is enmeshed in unexpected economic doldrums, the type of which was not envisaged by President Muhammadu Buhari during his campaigns, where loads of promises were made to the downcast citizens. As expectations from the already agitated citizens continue to grow, pressure has been mounting on the new government to shift its policies to meet the immediate and future needs of the people, as contained in the change mantra. In a bid to realize the goals of the Buhari-led administration and move the Nigerian economy away from total dependence on oil, the new ministers began the alignments of stakeholders to partner with different sectors on forming workable templates for the economy. Okechukwu Enelemah, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, had urged stakeholders in the private sector to partner with government to achieve this objective. “The Federal Government would accommodate new ideas for inclusive and sustainable economic development of the country through promotion of export products to enhance revenue inflow”, the minister promised. He added that his ministry would “welcome ideas, suggestions, proposals and initiatives from all stakeholders on how to chart the path for an inclusive economic development.” To this end, proactive measures are being vigorously pursued to stimulate new gateways for the revival and sustenance of the economy and its diversification. Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, at the opening ceremony of the 52nd conference of the Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, said, “the Nigerian economy has for decades precariously leaned on the fragile leg of crude oil. Consequently, it has a checkered growth trajectory driven by the vicissitudes of oil prices. “The emerging trend suggests that the last few years have seen the earnings from oil, which is the major source of foreign reserve, dwindling,” he said. The minister reminded the gathering of the compulsion of diversifying the export earnings of the nation, seeing the misfortune of the once touted ‘Black Gold’ in the international market. Moreover, he argued that oil is an exhaustible asset and not a solid platform to build a resilient economy.

From left: Patron of KADCCIMA, Mallam Abidu Yazid; President of KADCCIMA, Dr Abdul-Alimi Bello and Director of Admin and Finance, Kaduna State Ministry of Commerce, Alhaji Muazu Dantata, at the closing ceremony of 37th Kaduna International Trade Fair. As a result, government is determined to focus on the shift in policy, so that investors could leverage the opportunities that abound in the non-oil sector, to stimulate the economy. A clearer insight into mining, which should be a leading income generator to the economy was further highlighted by the former governor of Ekiti State; “The major thrust of my ministry is to fulfill this mandate and make Nigeria’s solid mineral sector improve its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 0.3 per cent to at least 10 per cent in the near future.” The minister on March 1, 2016 inaugurated a committee to chart a Road Map for the sector. Headed by the Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Garuba, a respected member of the Association of Miners, it was mandated to examine the challenges facing the sector and suggest ideas to chart a new direction to address them. Some of the hurdles identified include geosciences data generation, need to improve the computerised mineral title administration, access to information, illegal mining, and need to improve the marketing system. “I believe strongly that the task of diversifying the economy through sustainable exploitation of the mineral resources also rest on the laps of all of us. The intellectual contribution of men and women of this highly esteemed association will go a long way to chart a new course and support the current effort of Mr President to diversify the economic base of this country,” Fayemi said. At the 37th edition of the Kaduna International Trade Fair, organized annually by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), held from 26 February and 6 March, 2016, it appears that the minister’s prayers may have been answered.

Themed “Promoting Solid Minerals Sector for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria”, the focus captured the mind of government on the economic direction, along with the expected roles of the solid minerals sector. President of the Chamber, Dr Abdul-Alimi Bello, said: “The theme was deliberately chosen to align with Mr President’s change mantra aimed at transforming the country from current almost absolute reliance on oil revenues to other sectors, mainly agriculture and solid minerals. KADCCIMA intends to collaborate fully with Federal and State Governments in the realisation of the stated objectives.” Bello reiterated the position of the Federal Government to utilise the opportunities in the agriculture and solid minerals sectors as part of its strategies to generate jobs for the teeming youths that are left idle all over the country. He called on the National Directorate of Employment to leverage on government’s policy shift to engage Nigerians on the agricultural and solid minerals

The major thrust of my ministry is to fulfill this mandate and make Nigeria’s solid mineral sector improve its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 0.3 per cent to at least 10 per cent in the near future.

schemes to generate jobs. In addition, a business roundtable discussion on “Transformation of Nigerian Economy through Profitable Investment in Solid Minerals” was also organised. The roundtable afforded eggheads within the sector opportunity to brainstorm and come up with a position on the way forward. In his presentation, Bassey Edem, National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, acknowledged that the country is richly endowed with varieties of solid minerals which are yet to be fully exploited; adding that their availability provides opportunity for the emergence of the new downstream industrial products and increased opportunities in rural areas, where such minerals are found. He further emphasised that focused investment in the sector would aid Nigeria’s sporadic socio-economic development as well as being positioned as contributors to the GDP as witnessed in countries like Ukraine, South Africa, Russia and Australia. Realisable recommendations which should ordinarily see the light of the day, as part of the policy direction of the Buhari-led administration were made and being processed to be submitted to the relevant authorities, as the contribution of KADCCIMA towards realizing the diversification goal of the government. The forum recommended that there was the need for the reorganisation of the sector to involve the participation of all stakeholders, with strict adherence to the Mining Act of 2007. It further asked for the establishment of National Minerals Exploration Agency to

determine the volume of mineral deposits at various spots in the country. Discussants also called on the Federal Government to establish an industry specified bank Mining Development Bank, to provide necessary support to operators and grow the industry; and urged government to dedicate three per cent of its revenues to fund the solid minerals sector. Since mining activities take place at the urban and rural locations, the forum sought government support to make adequate provision for security network to safeguard lives and properties at mining sites. In addition, appropriate measures should be developed to structure the value chain in the sector to encourage beneficiation of minerals in the country; some chemicals and minerals currently being imported could be sourced locally through this measure to save Nigeria’s scarce foreign exchange. In its bid to further encourage participation, especially among women, government should be strict in the observation of the principles of transparency and good government and ensure it opens up channels of information to unveil opaque transaction in the mining operations. If these ideas are aggressively pursued, it is believed that they possess the requisite tonic to reposition the industry with appreciable attendant socioeconomic benefits, which include diversifying the economic base, import substitution, stemming the rural-urban migration, foreign exchange and voluminous jobs generation. The country also stands to make marks in generating adequate raw materials to iron, steel, cement, fertilizer, paint, pharmaceutical and other industries as well as gaining increase in its GDP.

businessnews

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Fuel scarcity: CSOs call for Kachikwu’s resignation

coalition of civil society groups, Civil Society Coalition for Positive Change and Stand Up for Nigeria (SUN) have issued a 72 hours ultimatum to the Minister of State for Petroleum and NNPC GMD, Dr Ibe Kachikwu to resign from office over the prolonged scarcity of fuel which it said has brought Nigerians severe hardship. The groups stated that the inability of the minister of state to restore normalcy to the current fuel crisis shows his incompetence to manage the situation. Comrade Venatius Torkuma and Labake Boboye National President and Executive Director of the groups respectively in a joint statement issued and made available to journalists on Sunday, said the Minister of State for Petroleum had failed to justify his appointment. Kachikwu, who doubles as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had said in reaction to public criticism of his handling of the fuel scarcity, that Nigerians should count themselves fortunate that the NNPC under his stewardship had been able to bring in the amount of fuel it is currently doing. The groups described the statement as careless and insulting to Nigerians who voted for the current administration. The groups called on President Muhammadu Buhari to fire Kachikwu should he refuse to resign. It stated that the statement by the Minister of State that he was not trained as a magician is an admittance of his incompetence. The groups threatened

to take to the street on Wednesday in a mother of all protests in the nation’s capital to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the international community should the minister refuse to resign.

The statement said, “Nigerians fought hard to vote in this government of change. But to hear the minister say the kind of things he said is not only insulting to Nigerians but showed his gross incompetence. Nigerians will not

crisis, he should immediately resign his position. Indeed, Kachikwu was not coerced to take this job. He accepted the job and its responsibilities knowingly. He also must remember that he does not own NNPC.”

From left; Executive Director Public Sector, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dauda Lawal; Managing Director, Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), Mr Banfred Audu Enjugu; MD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited & Subsidiaries, Dr Adesola Adeduntan; and Director, Gel Utility Limited, Mr Felix Achibiri during the Facility tour of Gel Utility Power Plant project Financed by FirstBank Management at the Port Harcourt Refining Company.

Firstmonie introduces Talk360 to enable low cost international calls in Nigeria FIRSTMONIE, the mobile money platform for First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has partnered with MMIT (Mobile Media Info Tech) to introduce international calling app Talk360 to Firstmonie mobile wallet users and Nigerian consumers. This partnership gives consumers the ability to pay for low cost international calls through the Talk 360 calling app with

their Firstmonie mobile wallets. This mobile wallet capability is the first of its kind in the competitive Nigerian mobile money and payment landscape. Talk360’s high quality service allows the user to save up to 90 per cent on call costs to mobiles and landlines around the world without the need for a contract or SIM. The app can be downloaded for free via the Ap-

Heritage Bank partners youth professionals on N500m grant to boost entrepreneurship HERITAGE Bank Limited has upped the ante of its support for entrepreneurship and education in the country by launching a N500 million Young Entrepreneurs and Students (YES) Grant last week in Lagos. The initiative, which is in partnership with the Nigerian Youth Professional Forum (NYPF), will, according to the bank, support students and young entrepreneurs toward socio-economic freedom. The Heritage Bank Managing Director, Ifie Sekibo, in his remarks at the occasion explained that the bank’s support for the programme arises from the fact that the initiative aligns with the vision of the bankwhich is to help create, pre-

tolerate such recklessness. In case the minister needs a reminder, the era of incompetence is long gone with the previous administration. “Since he has admitted that he cannot restore normalcy to the current fuel

serve and transfer wealth across generations. The Managing Director, who was represented by Obioma Emenike,Group Head, Market Strategy, added that the bank will also support the project in terms of training the beneficiaries, disbursement of the grant as well as in the monitoring and evaluation of the project’s milestones as agreed with the beneficiaries. “We have been playing strongly in the education and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises(SME) sectors of the economy. This project syncs with our mission and vision as a bank. The age bracket of 18 to 40years for the beneficiaries also aligns with our corporate goal, just like the

keysectors which include agriculture, ICT and creative industry, identified for the project are pivotal for economic growth” he said. The NYPF, according to its Chairman, Moses Siasia, is a non-governmental organization conceived by a group of young professionals with the mission to promote innovative ideas for socio-economic development. Siasia disclosed that the programme is geared toward assisting bothaspiring and existing young entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, and ultimately create jobs and distribute wealth in the economy. For the students, the grant can be accessed for tuition fees to help low income students and technological research and innovation.

ple App Store, the Amazon App Store and the Google Play Store and comes with a free trial to call anywhere in the world. Because the receiver of the call does not have to be online, the Talk360 app is far more reliable and accessible than free-to-use alternatives According to the Group Head, E-Business at FirstBank, Mr Chuma Ezirim, the Bank has spearheaded financial inclusion initiatives and is confident that this partnership will create ease in payments by consumers while driving convenient banking in a cashless society. “We are very pleased to partner with MMIT and Talk360 on this strategic initiative which will help in actualizing our goal of

enhancing e-commerce in Nigeria through our Firstmonie platform,” Ezirim added. Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Talk360, Hans Osnabrugge stated that the partnership is the next step in the evolution of apps, which should not only be available for the upper class with international credit cards, but should both localise their content and payment methods. “Thanks to our partnership with Firstmonie and MMIT, we are making a huge step in setting us apart from all other communication apps.” Also speaking, CEO of MMIT, Kim Fraser noted that MMIT is excited to be partnering with Firstmonie and Talk360 in Nigeria.

Nigerian Tribune

#CrazySelfie: Palmchat announces N1m for winner By Victor Ogunyinka

AFMOBI Nigeria, owners of Palmchat (a social media and IM app) and Palmplay (an app store), has announced Ms Janet Lawal as the winner of its N1million #CrazySelfie competition held on Palmchat app. The competition, which ran between December 2015 and January 2016 witnessed entries from all over the country and was promoted on various social media platforms. On winning the competition, Ms Lawal, said, “The money received would go a long way in furthering my education and bring me closer to my dream of helping make Nigeria a better country.”

Customers commend Sterling Bank’s global ranking THE rating of Sterling Bank Plc as one of the top 100 banks in the world, number three in Africa and the Best Bank in Nigeria by Lafferty Group, an international rating Agency has attracted commendation from customers of the Bank who described it as a recognition of excellent service delivery and support for the growth of the Nigerian economy. The rating is based on key quantitative and qualitative criteria such as strategy, culture, customer care, brand promise and financial performance. A cross section of the Bank’s customers who spoke with our reporters in Lagos, noted that the rating would further reinforce their confidence in the Bank as it has become a major player globally in terms of provision of customer oriented products and quality service delivery.

Dangote Group offers pocket friendly prices for products at Enugu trade fair IN a strategic move to grow market share and expand customer reach more customers in the Southern part of the nation, companies under the Dangote Group are participating in the Enugu International Trade Fair which kicked off last week at the Trade Fair Complex, Golf Estate Enugu. Companies under the Group who are introducing either new and repackaged products to the delight of the consumers

include Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Agrosacks, NASCON Allied Industries Plc (Dangote Salt), Dangote Rice limited, Dangote Cement Plc, Dangote Flour and Dansa Foods Limited among others. Some of the products to be displayed at the fair include Dangote sugar, Dangote Flour, spaghetti, noodles and macaroni Dangote salt, Danq (seasoning), tomato paste, various ranges of fruit juice products and

bottled water from Dansa Foods. Dangote Sugar will be offering customers different sizes of granulated sugar packs at the fair. A statement from Corporate Communications Unit of Dangote Group, said the fair has become a veritable venue for introduction of new innovations to Dangote products and that visitors to the group pavilion at both fairs will have the opportunity of buying products of these companies at reduced prices.

editorial

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

For enduring peace among Yoruba obas

ECENTLY, two prominent traditional rulers in Yorubaland, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Israel Adedotun Gbadebo, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, engaged in a dispute over supremacy. The dispute occurred at a time when spirited moves were being made by Yorubaland’s most revered monarch, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to foster unity within the race, an initiative which took him to eminent traditional rulers and leaders of different shades of opinion within the zone. Given the avowed goal of promoting concord and harmony within the race considered one of the most enlightened in the world and boasting a rich cultural heritage, the matter deserves scrutiny. The Ooni’s initiative was instructive, given the predicament of the Yoruba nation over the years owing to the myriad of challenges plaguing the Nigerian federation, with Yorubaland, the epicenter of political, economic and commercial activities, suffering endemic heamorrhage. It was therefore no surprise that the altercation between the revered monarchs astounded many prominent sons and daughters of the race at home and in the Diaspora, who felt that the people could hardly afford further cracks in their fold. While the monarchs appear to have sheathed their swords, the pragmatic moves made by royal fathers and other eminent citizens to douse the tension must not go unnoticed. Worried by the obvious fresh threat to Yoruba unity, the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had poured cold water on the furnace by getting the feuding monarchs to a roundtable. Shortly after assuming office, Oba Ogunwusi had promised to work with other like-minded persons to herald a new horizon in terms of relationships within the Yoruba race, given the implications for Nigeria’s progress and development. In trying to walk the talk, he had embarked on shuttle diplomacy to the palaces of other prominent royal fathers and residences of other eminent persons in Yorubaland. In his view, “We must learn how to work together regardless of our differences because each ethnic group has a unique power that distinguishes it from others.” The vision endeared the Ooni to prominent Yoruba organisations and distinguished personalities. The panYoruba organisation, Afenifere, through its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, immediately announced that it was

keying into his vision for a new dawn in Yoruba unity, as did former President Olusegun Obasanjo who commended the “unity course,” just as the revered cleric, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, asserted that if there was unity among all Yoruba groups across the country, their lost glory would be recovered, for, according to him, “united we stand and divided we fall.” It thus behooves Yoruba leaders to sustain and consolidate on the inherent gains in the ongoing push for unity, and this lofty goal can only be achieved in an atmosphere devoid of mutual suspicion, uncanny rivalry, acrimony and bigotry. In this connection, it is gratifying that all the obas have unequivocally declared their commitment to unity, and it is not fortuitous that they cut across different age grades and academic backgrounds, and possess credentials which could be properly harnessed and consolidated in the quest to take the zone to greater heights. As sacred and edifying institutions, the royal fathers are not just expected to be role models, they should be veritable unifying figures and custodians of the best standards. While there is a need to deconstruct certain perceived distortions created by the era of colonialism, the imperative of upholding the unity of the race should never be compromised or beclouded by any interest, be it political or otherwise. Yoruba elders must rise up and build on the current peace process in the overall interest of the race. It is in the overall interest of Nigeria that the Yoruba avoid acts capable of engendering supremacy feud in any form. The royal fathers should take the lead position in the efforts to reposition the race and bequeath a viable, enduring and amiable legacy to future generations. We believe that the Yoruba can only get what they truly deserve in the larger frame of Nigeria if they act cohesively and promote peace and amity across the nation. Therefore, all tendencies, actions and utterances capable of causing disharmony among the Yoruba obas should be avoided. The royal institution in Yorubaland is famous for operating a dynamic and efficient internal conflict management mechanism that predates the era of westernization, and which has survived the vagaries of time. The obas represent that institution that has held the Yoruba nation together and propelled it to great strides in very difficult situations. These values and virtues must be sustained and made to wax stronger.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Monday, 28 March, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@tribune.com.ng or by sms to 08053412982. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Unemployment: FG must listen to IMF

HE advice by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the Federal Government that the country needs to create about 10 million jobs in the next decade in order to develop is a good one which should be taken by the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. In the past, Nigerians view the IMF with disdain because of its support

for anti-austerity measures against the Nigerian people. We must also not forget that IMF, had on several occasions, also supported the removal of fuel subsidy in the country. However, advicing the Nigerian government to create millions of jobs for its development is a positive direction from the global finance organisation. Unemployment is a big

Still on Rivers’ election LAST week’s election in Rivers State has shown that we are not making progress as far as democracy is concerned in the country. With the violence before and during the election, it shows we still have a long way to go democratically, and I hope the security agencies will prosecute those who perpetrated violence during the election. It is unfortunate that the candidates as well did not do much to douse tension among their supporters, thereby creating a feeling that they were in support of the tough approach towards the election. I hope the Federal Government will constitute a probe of this war-like election, while meting out the appropriate punishment to those who might have instigated or supported the violence that erupted in parts of the state. The government should do this without fear or favour, as inaction will send a wrong signal to other politicians across the country that contesting for an election should always be ‘war.’ We should not forget the violence that also characterised the election in Bayelsa State a few months ago. We don’t want our politics to be do-or-die; this will simply kill the interest of good Nigerians in politics. Already, we are encouraging professionals to join politics so that they can contribute their quota to the development of the

country, but when they see the violence that greeted the election in Rivers State, then will have a re-think. We must get certain things right in this country if we are ever to develop politically; elections should be issues-based, and not about violence. The people know who they want in positions of authority, and as such, politicians should not force themselves on them. •Tuope Henry, Gokana, Rivers State.

Pensioners need bailout IT was a relief for workers in several states when the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, approved bailout for some states last year. Before the approval, many states were finding it difficult to pay their workers and retirees. With the bailout, we thought that the suffering of retirees had come to an end, but it was not to be. We had thought state governors would pay our gratuities with the bailout. However, I want the Federal Government to release another trance of bailout to the governors with the specific instruction that retirees’ gratuities be paid. •Felix Alabi, Osogbo.

problem in the country; it is responsible for the high crime rate which we are experiencing at the moment. However, when jobs are created, our youths will be gainfully employed, thereby taking them away from unproductive activities. It is, therefore, expected that the Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, will take the advice from the IMF seriously by working towards creating jobs for the youth. The truth is that the government alone cannot provide the jobs directly through employing youths in government agencies, but it can focus on entrepreneurship to create jobs. Youths should be supported to set up businesses, particularly small scale businesses. When I visited Italy several years ago, I discovered that most of the popular shoe brands known all over the world were produced

in cottage industries. Each of such businesses employed over 10 people. We can replicate this in Nigeria. We must support small

businesses in the South East with loans to expand. We should also focus on developing agribusiness in the South West and the

North; this is the only way we can create jobs for our youths. •Dr Taju Alalade, Ilorin.

Fuel scarcity: Nigerians are hurting PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari should come to the aid of Nigerians who are suffering as a result of the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country. Already, Nigerians are complaining that things are getting tougher every day. The president should first focus on tackling this lingering fuel scarcity, as it is making life unbearable for the people. We really don’t know what is going on in the oil sector again, and if saboteurs are responsible for the crisis, then the president has the power to deal with them ruthlessly. One thing about Nigeria is that fuel scarcity affects virtually every sector of the economy, and things get

really expensive as a result. Nigerians, therefore, want an end to this lingering fuel scarcity in the country. Today, fuel attendants now behave as kings; gone are the days when they helped customers wipe their windscreens. Now, motorists beg them, and even tip them before getting fuel to buy. Is this the way it should be? It is so funny that we suffer for what we have in the country, while enjoying what we don’t have. Do we really need to export crude oil, while importing the refined products? This simply shows a country that doesn’t know what it is doing, but it is through this terrible situ-

ation that some people make their money; they have thrown away patriotism to the dogs. President Buhari should help us find a lasting solution to this problem, as Nigerians are already tired of everything. The president has the power to deal with saboteurs in the sector. Nigerians do not want to know if saboteurs are responsible for the fuel scarcity; what we want is the opportunity to be able to buy fuel with ease. We want to return to the good old days when things were normal in the country. •Nelson Ekwale, Benin, Edo State.

opinion

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Lasisi Olagunju

Lasgunju@yahoo.com (08111813053)

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari last week described Rivers State as the deadliest in Nigeria. I do not think there is any wailer who would say he was not right on this. Imagine an exclusive enclave of uncontrollable guns and competitive cultists; that is the picture you get when you profile Rivers State outside its capital, Port Harcourt. The state has proven to all sensible people that it is possible in the 21st century to have a swart of land inhabited by blood-sucking ghommids to whom neither law nor law enforcement agencies mean anything; a real state of anomie. With the horrible stories flowing daily out of that forest of a million demons, I called my old teacher, actually an indigene of the state, on Friday to find out if he was still alive. My teacher is immensely gifted with an awful sense of humour. He replied with a very dry laughter and said I should be calling him daily to confirm if he was still around. “It is very bad, my brother. Our kinship system, our values have collapsed. It is horrible. Here, life is brutish, nasty and short. People live just for the moment. No life is sacred here. Brother will put gun to his brother and kill him. Cultists kill anyone they see. Even their parents run from them,” he said. Now, counting costs, mopping up the blood, tears and sorrow after the failed elections of last week, shouldn’t we all thank the Supreme Court for sparing us the agony of holding another governorship election in that state? I am sure the Court of Appeal justices who ordered the rerun elections of last week are silently seeking God’s mercy for the innocent lives lost. Legislative elections were held and hell took over. Innocent blood as usual got spilled to appease the gods of political demons who have that state held in the neck. A corps member from Delta State thought he was on national service in Rivers State and participated in officiating the election. He simply, sadly became the latest victim of the strange spirit that drinks blood during elections in Nigeria. If you have people living in that state, you wonder what the hell they still do there. I have three friends there. One an old classmate, the second one is the old teacher who nurtured my literary mind in the early years. The third friend is a recent resident, flung there by the exigencies of work and living. I told my teacher I was writing as he was talking. He asked: “About what?” He waited for me to answer as I murmured the initial title of this piece -“Rivers of a thousand demons,” but my old teacher shouted that I should change the ‘thousand’ to ‘million’. “Whatever you write, you cannot overrate,

Rivers of a million demons

you cannot exaggerate on anything about this state. Palaces, churches are not immune. They now kidnap even in church and go away. Only demons do that. They are unmatched in savagery. No one is safe. And these are little, little boys who are clearly above the law. “And, is it just politics or what really is the problem? “It has gone beyond politics,” he said. “If anyone tells you it is APC or PDP, it is not true. I live here. It has gone beyond that. It is true that politicians armed them initially but they have lost control. Politicians gave them the kind of guns which not even the army and the police have. Their bullets are inexhaustible, their ammunition doesn’t finish....And you know, soldiers, policemen are also fathers to some children somewhere, they want to live. So, the other time the boys operated in Omoku, security agents were knocking on doors begging residents to open (doors) for them, begging to hide in homes. Those boys have shut down this place. Igbos who sustain the economy are massively moving out. Oil workers go on leave at the slightest opportunity just to escape the carnage here....” He went on and on and I remained shell shocked, taking notes. He said when those boys killed soldiers last week, residents felt that, yes, this whole madness will stop now. But what has happened? There does not seem to be any-

thing suggesting reason for optimism. But why would he remain there if things are that bad? “Where do I go at this age? I work here, my wife works here. Just continue to pray for us anywhere — church, mosque anywhere... My brother, call me everyday,” he pleaded, with a tinge of ominous foreboding. I called the second friend and raised the topic again. She asked if I had watched a film with the title “Beasts of No Nation”- a film adapted from a book of same title written by Ngozi Okonjo Iweala’s son, Uzodinma. “To understand what is happening here, just watch that film.” She said the story is as gruesome as any African war film could be. Shot in Ghana, the horrors of war come alive right before your very eyes. “All features of war are here: Fear, death, betrayal, internal displacement, despair and most horrible of all, recruitment of child soldiers...” She said the film tells the story of today’s Rivers State. My friend pointed at the heart-wrenching metamorphosis of a major character in the film. The character becomes radicalised into a hardened killing machine in the hands of the opposition militia after witnessing the killing of his father by troops. “Now, my angle to the movie is not only about that boy, Agu, and his commander brilliantly portrayed by Idris Elba, but the fact that the opposition militia who claim to be fighting for the rights of the people gradually become the exact thing they are fighting against. Deception and killings in the ranks, break out of factions over sharing of the loot- in short, they become their own worst enemies because they also do all they claim to be fighting against...Now, I look at all the killings, the maiming in Rivers and I ask, why? Isn’t it ironic that we become exactly what we revile? Why do people steadily become their worst fears?” Those of you who wail because there is no salary or you receive half salary or there is no electricity or there is no good road, just thank your stars. In Rivers State, I understand salaries are being paid in full but peace is as scarce and deregulated as Kachikwu’s fuel. So, if you read D.O. Fagunwa’s Forest of a Thousand Demons with all the demonic horrors, one-eyed leopards, seven-headed ghommids and their atrocious escapades, you can then imagine a setting of a million, multiple horrors. That is the under-reported (or unreported) Rivers State. If you have people living there, call them. They deserve your per-minute prayers to survive the nasty, brutish condition of their Rivers of blood.

Making businesses thrive with tax reduction By Smart Adekunle THE death knell has sounded for many businesses in Nigeria as a result of multiple taxation and the over-bearing attitude of many state and local government officials who go about obstructing lawful business activities under the guise of revenue generation. Worse hit are the small scale industries that have no financial clout to muscle their way through these pernicious challenges. Local governments are supposed to be the bedrock of governance and development because of their proximity to the people at the grassroots, but a performance evaluation of how they have fared is disastrous, owing to crass leadership, self-aggrandising motives and a citizenry that are not given to interrogating government officials. This dysfunctionality is even more glaring in terms of revenue generation. A critical look at the revenue collection system in Nigeria reveals that, indeed, local governments are empowered by law to impose and collect certain defined taxes and levies within their jurisdictions as a means of revenue generation to fund the effective and smooth running of the affairs of the local governments. However, in a bid to generate funds by all means, many of these local governments act as if they are above the law by resorting to thuggery, violence and mounting barricades and road blocks that obstruct lawful commercial activities. So, how will commerce flourish in our states when there is this dangling scepter over the heads of corporate organisations? Laughable as it might sound, this shocking development

raises some posers. One, a business can wake up one morning without prior notice and find that they have been shut out of their premises under the pretext of a very flimsy claim. Secondly, how do we get local governments to be more professional in their modus operandi?. Thirdly, why should a corporate organisation that has paid its companies’ income tax, education tax, capital gains tax, among others, be saddled by the local government with a third party cost, or be expected to act as revenue collection agent for a local government? Till date, many stakeholders still complain about the quality of service from many mobile telecoms operators but how many people remember that these operators have suffered, and are still being bludgeoned by the menace of multiple taxation and riotous activities of officials of local government and state agencies. Buoyed by what they assume are

the jumbo profits of telecoms service providers, virtually every arm of government in the country has been up in arms against these operators, brandishing taxes and requests for payment in one form or the other. From local government to state government, to airport authorities, to the Consumer Protection Council, and officials of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, there have been never-ending demands for payments in one form or the other, even when the subsisting Telecommunications Act of 2003 is explicit on the organ of government with regulatory and tax oversight of the telecommunications industry. A case in point is the issue of Planning/Building Permit fee, which is under the purview of the state government. However, local governments also demand for erection permit, installation permit, telecom building permit, which are unknown to law. These extraneous taxes and levies have led to the closure of many Base Transceiver Stations across the country, and resulted in poor network performance by the telcos. Clearly, there is an urgent need to tackle the problem of multiple taxation and the opprobrious methods used by state and local government officials to extort money in the name of taxation from business entities across the country. Acts of brigandage by council officials will only drive away potential investors, as such making their communities unattractive for large scale investment possibilities along with its attendant benefits, which include sustainable growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. •Adekunle writes from Lagos.

Monday, 28 March, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

Why I criticise Buhari —Fayose Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, sat with a select group of journalists last week in Abuja to discuss the state of affairs in the country. LEON USIGBE brings excerpts of the interview.

HAT can you say about the just concluded National Economic Council (NEC)

retreat? The retreat itself is a good idea if it is not the same old rhetoric, the same old story because we all know where the problem is, where it is coming from. The reality is that we need a change of attitude. That’s what we need. No matter what you say, the ministers, the governors—some are two-term governors, some were leaders of this country before, like Audu Ogbeh. He is a leader of this country, he has been here for a long time and they know where the problem is. The kind of things they put together, as good as they are, the attitude of everybody must change; from the president to the last man in government and beyond government. If you want to dispense justice, for instance, you must dispense justice equally, equitably. If you want to fight corruption, you must fight it equitably. If we are talking about restructuring our economy, there are certain bases of co-existence, the electoral reforms, because economy is not only by itself. There are other parameters. If you oppress me, I will not be favourably disposed to the programmes you are offering me. But the moment the president remains the father, a good leader that can rally everybody together, the agenda of country will be pushed with all readiness by all parties and stakeholders. So, we have had a lot of this things, we have been through such gatherings. But, at the end of the day, will it not be the same old rhetoric, same strategies, and a diversionary move to make Nigerians think you are working on the economy? This government was elected precisely a year now but doesn’t know what it is doing. They don’t know what they want, they don’t know why they got there. Maybe they wanted power and not to put Nigeria on the part of prosperity. So, it is a good idea that we should talk about the economy of the country but I think the driver should know the direction more than the passengers. But they

don’t know direction. They are now fishing. They say when people are investigating and fishing for information to persecute the accused, they are fishing for ideas to run Nigeria. Again, with all due respect, people won’t like the way I am saying it today but they have to come to terms with reality; you can’t grow more than your pastor. You can’t grow more than your MD under the same roof. The president himself has very little capacity. He is limited by age. He is limited by his exposure and he is limited by his academic competence. If you can’t grow more than your pastor, what will you offer? And everybody has to look up to the president. So, within his family of APC, they ought to have had an economic team, economic master plan for Nigeria. They would have set the direction. There are indicators of an economy, indicators of an economy that will tell you what will happen next year. It will tell you that, next year, there will be drop in rain for farming and we must build irrigation. It will tell you there is going to be issues that could make the economy get gloomy. It is not today, now. That is why we have technology. That is why we have advanced information. That is why you have specialists. The president is the president. He is

Since he came, the dollar has run from almost N200 to N400. Sometimes, I don’t blame him for the drop in oil price but the fact is that I blame him for not being proactive.

Fayose

not the minister for finance. He is not the technical adviser. I was reading in the papers where someone said that the ministers of the president are incompetent or something like that but I am not condemning them. I am only saying the president himself had two months to himself after swearing in. The president himself was preparing for a build up to election two months from swearing in and again we are here again. We are one year into his election and Nigeria is still like this. in finding solutions to those things. Secondly, we should ask the president why are Nigerians suffering under him more than ever before. Look at the electricity tariff. In most places, they will never get the supply of electricity, maybe once a month; they will get what we call estimated bills. The people are so disenchanted, the people are not happy. There was this international body that said findings show that Nigerians are more unhappy than ever before. Something must be causing all that. If you look at that last six elections all over the federation, APC is not winning. It shows people are now asking; “have we not missed road?” And the fact remains that when a disease catches a person, you may not know until the thing is about terminating the life of the person

concerned. If you look at the violence greeting our elections now, it will amaze you, it will give you concern. Dr Goodluck Jonathan—abuse him, say what you want to say—promised there would be free and fair election and he delivered it against himself. If this was the kind of violence that greeted Buhari’s election, would he ever have been president? No! Nigerians don’t know party; they know their stomach; they know their business, they know their economy. Let’s look back and imagine that so many middle class businesses are gone. Look at me having a daughter abroad and somebody says she can’t get maintenance money in dollars abroad anymore. The education of my child has come to a halt after building such a child to part three in the university. These are indices and indicators of incompetence, a clueless administration. Sometimes, a lot of eggheads in the APC might have clues. You see these things, people are afraid to say them. You are very critical of this administration. Do you have any personal grudge against Buhari? You know you will be a nuisance if what Continues on pg17

politics&politics

Monday, 28 March, 2016

‘PDP yet to ratify zoning formula for 2019’ their opinion or his opinion. So, his opinion is his opinion. It does not outweigh the opinion of the majority. And in Ekiti, you can’t decide for me. Dr Olusegun Mimiko in Ondo State, you can’t decide for him. Other leaders are in their various states, you can’t decide for them. Then, the party will do its zoning. When the party comes up with zoning, a decision will be taken.

Continued from pg16

I am saying is not the truth. Everything I have said to you is backed with facts and figures. It’s not being critical of this administration. I didn’t start today but before the election. So, it is not as if I started attacking the president today. I told Nigerians not to vote for him. I was a young man of 24 or 25 when Buhari was president of this country. The Yoruba man will say “if you have taken a medicine that works for you, please give me.” We took a medicine which kills. Anybody that is 40 years old today that voted for Buhari doesn’t know Buhari because from 1984 to date is 32 years. If there’s a guy of eight, he won’t say he knows Buhari clearly. So, add that eight years to 32 years, that is 40 years. They voted for a man they never knew. So, if you consider people from the age bracket of 18 – 40 and remove their votes from Buhari’s vote, you would realise that he wouldn’t have won the election. I don’t know if I am making sense to you. I am not critical of anybody. When APC is talking about me, they say whatever they say but I defeat them in all elections, even when they call it militarisation; even when they say Fayose is controversial. Whatever name you call, in every battle I defeat them. That first impeachment, by His grace, they were beaten again and lambasted by the Supreme Court. There is a difference between vendetta and the realities on the ground. If I am incompetent, Ekiti people would not vote for me eight years after. Let us look at PDP politics. A few days ago, the national chairman of PDP, Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff, said you were one of those responsible for his selection as chairman. Looking at what has happened since he came, are you satisfied with what is on ground now? Is it what you were expecting? You see, I didn’t work for Sheriff like that. I worked for the truth. I worked for someone I believe has what it takes to lead our party. Party politics is not book politics. Party politics is being realistic. Life in itself is about being realistic. Myself and Sheriff were not close friends, and we were not enemies either. We don’t see often, we were not in and out with each other. We have never been in the same political party but everybody that came, they engaged them one after the other. By the presentation Sheriff, I supported him. That is the truth. There was a particular question they asked him; “if the party needs N5million before the governors come or can be reached, would you still be able to support it? If there is a meeting in Lagos or somewhere else and there is no commercial flight and you have to get there, would you have to call the governors, saying please lend me your aircraft or send me some money?” Secondly, they asked him “about this issue of Boko Haram you are being linked to, don’t you think it is going to be against your person in the public domain?” And he said “How can a man be linked to Boko Haram and still be walking around, never charged to any court in Nigeria and above all, I am in-law to Mr. President. He is fighting Boko Haram now. Will you ask him to marry a Boko Haram person or a relative to Boko Haram?” These are logical things and I was convinced in my heart and I said “I will stand by you.” And my yes is my yes

There have been suggestions in the last couple of days that the chairman is working towards elongating his stay in office. Are you aware of this? I don’t know what you mean by elongation. There are constitutional provisions that say your tenure starts from this period to this period and there are bodies that have to ratify that, which is the NEC. And you cannot act outside the NEC provisions. But, I don’t want to be misquoted. As of today, except there is a zoning nobody, you cannot contest an election. As of today and until an agreeable zoning formula has been reached, you cannot come out and say someone can’t contest.

Fayose and my no is my no. If I am with you I am with you and if I have issues against you I will go there and tell you to your face, I will even call you. Let me give you an instance of Nigeria. If the president wants to govern this country properly, he needs both his friends and foes. Yes, to your second question, the gentleman has just been there for two weeks. What would anybody have done in a party for this long? We have to be realistic. He needs time and even in his three-month interregnum, he can only do very little but it is better than a man who has no clue at all. But why are people against him? Why were people against me when I wanted to be governor of Ekiti State? Because they knew I would defeat them! When you see a lion, you dodge. Why is it that people don’t keep lions inside their houses? Because the lion is the king, they know what you stand to represent, they know who you are. Remember, when I wanted to do my primary, there was this consensus idea. About 26 aspirants said “we want consensus, take one of us” and I said “I want to face all of you.”

If the president wants to govern this country properly, he needs both his friends and foes.

The Bible says “the righteous are as bold as a lion.” The whole of the kingdom at that time in the Bible, all the chiefs of the clans were against Daniel. Does it mean Daniel was wrong? The plotting against Jesus Christ, does it mean Jesus Christ was wrong? That is not a measure of people being against you. When people are against me, I get things done better. It makes it easy for me, they showcase me, and it makes the whole world know Fayose is there. I like people to engage me. It’s good. Our style can’t be the same. Some South-West leaders led by Senator Buruji Kashamu said they want the position of the party chairman to remain in the North. I don’t know if this is your view because there ought to be a zoning formula and the PDP has already indicated that its presidential candidate in 2019 will come from the North. How do you react? I don’t know the people that came. Senator Bunju Kashamu can never in his own capacity make that statement for Yoruba people. He is a friend. I love him, I love him so much but the fact remains that I take exception to that statement. Firstly, the zoning committee is yet to be constituted. Let me round it off by saying it is his opinion or their opinion. Again, there is no good Yoruba leader, even if you don’t like the position to come to the South West—there is no good Yoruba leader that the best of things will be coming to your zone and you say you don’t want? I take exception to that. Kashamu is my friend but I take exception completely and totally to that statement and I have told him in person. He said he was going to do a rejoinder. And what he told me later is that it was

And that includes Ali Modu Sheriff? You cannot say anybody cannot contest. I don’t want to be misquoted. When you are quoting me, quote it the way I have said it. What Buruji said, I take exception to it and I am glad he said it is his opinion. One, there is nobody that everything good will be coming to his zone, if truly he is a leader from that zone, that will be opposed to such a thing. So far, as of today, we have not zoned it and if we have not zoned it, the constitution does not debar people from contesting for that office. If anybody wants to contest, they can contest but when the party now meets, takes a position ratified by NEC, it becomes a law that we all have to obey. What chances does PDP have in 2019? What chances do you have to live till tomorrow? A lot of people blabbing today, who told them that they are going to be alive by that time? Who is telling my oppressor he is going to still be there; that it will not be me that will be in charge at that time? You understand? We have seen so many things in this country and I am the longest-serving Nigerian governor. I served in Obasanjo’s administration, I served in Jonathan’s and I am serving in Buhari’s administration now. That’s why I am not a small boy that anyone toys around with. If you want to try me with impeachment, they have done it before. You want to try me with state of emergency, they have done it before. You want to clamp someone in detention, they have done it before. I am an experienced man. I am fearless. The reason is that great is He that is in me than he that is in them. Let me remind you, if they have another person to join with Buhari to get more forces, they will bow to this force here. I am telling you the truth. Power doesn’t come from anywhere, God rules in the affairs of men. Oppression and cutting people down, dropping people, taking their blood on the ground make God angry. Look at my predictions for the year 2016 for Nigeria. Everything has come to pass. This is a different ball game. He that will take me, he that will go against me must first of all defeat God.

politicscommentary

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Issues and challenges of governance in Nigeria Continued from Friday

By Akin Mabogunje

NTIL a parcel of land is titled and registered, it has only use value of producing crops at best. Once it has a registered title, it also acquires an economic exchange value and can be used as collateral to raise credit to improve the productive capacity of its owner. Thus, land titling and registration not only are fundamental to reducing poverty of citizens but are important for raising substantial revenue for State government and can underscore their capacity to raise additional resources in the capital market. Certainly, it would purge State Government of the prevailing “awuff” orientation and strengthen their governance capability to raise and increase tax revenue. It is, however, at the local government level that the lessons of international experience are most salient. No country in the world that I know of has a local government system that does not recognize the difference between urban centres (however small) and rural settlements especially given their contrasting infrastructural and service needs. Or, as Beckinsale & Houston (1968: 72) put it, “for many purposes town and country had different problems: legal justice must exist everywhere, but street lighting belonged to towns. Poverty must be relieved everywhere but policing was an urban need. Gas lights could burn all night to brighten Brecon but the countryside rightly remain dark and asleep”. In other words, the needs of urban centres for various infrastructural amenities and services such as waste management are not replicated in rural areas and must be paid for by urban residents through property taxes and tenement rates. To lump urban and rural areas together as we have done in Nigeria is thus to deny both areas the development they deserve. Hence, the daily spectacle on the television of infrastructural decay in most of our urban centres, with residents always awaiting the state or federal government to do something about them, ncluding removing their solid wastes. There is, of course, nothing intrinsic about having just 774 local governments. It is nice to remember that it was to have been 299. But the United States with about just 1½ times our population has over 19,000 local governments and Britain with less than half our population has over 9,000 local governments. All these local governments are specific as to the communities they serve and are able to extract from them the resources needed to provide the citizens with services. Indeed, the situation at the local government level in some of these countries is such that they are already involved not just in participatory democracy but also in participatory budgeting in which the citizens at the local level take active part in the preparation of their budget, especially the determination of capital projects and their equitable locations among neighbourhoods in particular urban centres. Most urban centres, however small, are thus chartered or legally incorporated in order to enhance their capacity to raise additional resources from the capital market needed for their infrastructural development. Such capacity is made possible because the citizens are involved in the decisionmaking about such development and can see it as it progresses. They are willing to pay for the development because of what is referred to as “perceptible interdependence”, that is their appreciation of the fact that they all have to play their part through paying their taxes in order for the community to enjoy the particular benefit. As urban centres grow in size and result in the merging of smaller distinct urban entities, metropolitan authorities are established with even greater ability to source for capital for more sophisticated infrastructure such as light railways, large water supply schemes and power supply systems as well as more diffused suburban development. Conclusion I believe I have said enough to emphasize that the major issues and challenges facing governance in Nigeria at all levels is largely structural and derive from the military government wanting a federation turned upside down to align with the unified command structure of military administration. This, of course, was made possible because of the coincident windfall of high petroleum prices. The resulting overthrow of the “derivation principle” in the nation’s constitutional fiscal arrangments, placed the Federal Government in the position to provide the funds, or at least most of the funds, for the governance activities at State and local government levels. The decision to consume most of the windfall from high petroleum prices in recurrent expenditure largely of heightened personnel emolument not only ran counter to interna-

tional best practices butended up creating an “awuff” mentality in the population and fostering widespread corruption with impunity in the country. The present almost unconscionable exhibition of crass corruption at the very highest level of government even in the midst of a devastating insurgency and national emergency shows how deep the cankerworm of corruption had eaten into the moral and ethical fabric of the country. But, as Tom Friedman of the New York Times opined, there is a down side to this situation since it is increasingly apparent that “as the price of oil goes down, the pace of freedom goes up”. In the Nigerian case, the present revenue crisis could provide a new opportunity to re-visit the present structure of governance and restore the country to a more truly federal and democratic bases. To this end, it can be suggested that where to start off is at the local government level, to recognize and give freedom to urban centres to start to be able to greatly look after themselves. If states are unwillingly to wean themselves from the present local government structure because of the assymetric benefits to some state governments, then maybe the present local governments can be treated as counties. A second level of local governance which recognizes the distinction between urban and rural communities can then be established below it in which the different needs of both communities can be seriously addressed. Citizens would thus have secured their democratic freedom to actively participate in their own governance and perform their civic responsibility of paying their taxes and overseeing how well these are used to meet their needs and requirements. Just to underscore what this freedom entails. Imagine a local government system in which Ijebu-Ode is treated as a true municipality, a municipality in which Mobalufon is not treated unconsciounably as in the “awuff” system as part of Odogbolu Local Government from which it can receive no

The decision to consume most of the windfall from high petroleum prices in recurrent expenditure... not only ran counter to international best practices but ended up creating an awuff mentality in the population and fostering widespread corruption with impunity.

services whatsoever. Imagine that we all have to pay our tenement rate or property tax to provide the resources for our municipality. Imagine that the municipality can build on the efforts of our Kabiyesi to restore some of our traditional governance institutions such as the ituns and the regberegbes to be relevant features of our governance. Imagine that as a municipality we could insist on at least ONE Town Hall meeting a year not to listen to the State Governor but for our Councillors to present to us the annual budget of the Council and a report of the Council’s achievements in the preceding year. Imagine that the Council is sufficiently forward looking to engage all residents of the municipality in what is known as “participatory budgeting” whereby neighbourhoods or itunsagree among themselves because of the limited resources where infrastructural development such as road tarring, storm water drainage channels, street lighting will take place in a given year until the whole municipality is properly serviced. Imagine the importance of “perceptible inrterdependence” as a result of which we all can “see” and “appreciate” what we are paying the tenement rate or property tax for. Imagine that the Town Hall Meeting also allows the residents to discuss the desirable economic and social development in our municipality almost in the manner of the initiation of the programme of the Ijebu-Ode Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction Programme. I believe we can all appreciate that Ijebu Ode Municipality would be a very different place to live in than what we have under the present “awuff” dispensation. More than this, it will be clear that individuals we will vote for to go to the State House of Assembly or the National Assembly would be individuals with well-known track records of local achievements rather than individuals with the gift of the gab or one imposed on the community by political parties for no ostensible reason. It is instructive to note that the governor of Edo State recently raised his voice to alert citizens as to the imperative of appreciating the need to return to the “good old days” when government services were provided on the basis of the tax revenue collected from the citizens. Even if the price of oil does not slump this low, the international climate change campaign and the global search for renewable energy sources are destined to reduce the dependence of people all over the world on hydrocarbons especially petrol. So, as we contemplate the future, it is my earnest hope that our political leaders would re-visit a number of institutions deriving from the period of military rule, especially the local government system. They should help create truly effective democratic local governments for the governance of our towns, cities and rural areas so as to empower the citizens and make them take ownership of their governance at the local level. Re-visiting our governance system at the State and Federal level should be specifically to cut down the cost of governance at those levels and make governance more efficient and effective for collective service delivery to citizens. In this regard, it is gratifying to note that the National Conference of 2014 (NC, 2014: 202) had itself recommended what it called a Modified Presidential System at the Federal level which combines the best practices in both the Parliamentary and the Presidential system of government although it says very little about local governments other than to return them to the states. It, however, still proceeded to recommend the creation of 18 new States on the “awuff” basis. However, even if these new states were to be created on the basis of eligibility criteria such as fiscal viability, I have no doubt that Ijebu State would have no difficulty sailing through, given the well-known financial astuteness of its people, ably led by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, the Awujale of Ijebuland. All that now remains for me to do is again to thank Kabiyesi, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, the Awujale of Ijebuland for the honour of nominating me to deliver this lecture and to express my deep appreciation to the Board of Trustees of the Endowment Fund for the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance for accepting the nomination. Concluded

Being the concluding part of the Guest Lecture delivered by Professor Mabogunje, on the occasion of the launching of the endowment fund for the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance, Department of Political Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos on Thursday, March 10, 2016).

Monday, 28 March, 2016

+ entrepreneurship

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Ruth Olurounbi

m:0811 695 4637 e:ruth.olurounbi@tribuneonlineng.com t:@Olurounbi

inside #TEEP2016: Hope rises for African women entrepreneurs —P20 quote In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; the cash will come later. — Harold S. Geneen

female entrepreneurship myths debunked

More women than ever are launching startups. But there are stumbling blocks, with many still believing entrepreneurship is a man’s world. Josephine Fairley (who took the plunge and bought two tons of chocolate with her savings), separates fact from fiction. Here are some of them.

You’ll never get funding CTUALLY, it’s never been easier – so long as you’ve got the good idea. I was in the fortunate position when I started Green & Black’s (with my husband) in 1991 to have £20,000 proceeds from the sale of my Bridget Jones digs. I used them to buy the first two tons of chocolate. Today? I’d have crowd-funded the whole thing via Kickstarter or Crowdcube. Accord-

ing to recent research from the University of Jerusalem, although men tend to ask for more money per project than women, we see a great level of success in having projects fully funded: 69 per cent of female-led projects are successful, compared to 61 per cent for men. Fact is, good ideas will get funded these days, without having to have a charge on your house (to be avoided whenever possible), or giving up big chunks of equity.

And if the crowdfunding pitch fails? Look on it as valuable market research, of a type that’s rarely been available in business history. Most women aren’t brave enough Yes, some women are risk-averse – understandably anxious for the security of their family. But to the many women happy to embrace their ‘inner skydiver’ and take the leap, my advice is: wear a parachute. Many enterprises can be launched part-

time, at least during the start-up period, so that you’ve got a secure income. Or go into partnership with someone who has a secure income. Where it goes pear-shaped time after time is when two former salary-earners go all in, the business doesn’t take off rapidly, cash runs out (usually, sod’s law being what it is, just when you’re just on the verge of a big contract). Continues on pg21

By Ruth Olurounbi

LTHOUGH the Nigerian Senate would rather trample on women’s right, choosing to declare women as inferior to men, women in Nigeria and Africa are refusing to go down. More than ever before, women in Africa are rising to the task of not only improving livelihoods, they are also improving, developing and defending economies. Importantly, some private organisations are rising to the responsibility of strengthening African women entrepreneurs, towards a more robust development and growth. The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, launched by the chairman, Heirs Holdings and United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), continues to show that investing in female entrepreneurs in Africa is the only the proper to do, it is one of the most viable business strategy to embark on. The selection process for the 2016 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme was concluded last week with the announcement that a new set of 1,000 African entrepreneurs have been selected for the round two of the $100 million programme for the year, women on the continent made stronger representation in this year’s selection, as against last year’s. Among the 53 countries that participated in this year’s competition, 15 had a higher female-to male ration in the final 1,000 entries. These

+ entrepreneurship As African women made strong showing for #TEEP2016

•Hope rises for women entrepreneurs in Africa

From left: Selection Committee member, Nimi Akinkugbe; Tony Elumelu, Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF); CEO Tony Elumelu Foundation, Parmindar Vir; Tony and Awele Elumelu Foundation Prize Awardee, Shadi Sabeh; Selection Committee Members, Angelle Kwemo and Sam Nwanze; and Accenture Development Partner, Osato Noah, during the announcement of the second round selection of 1,000 beneficiaries of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) in Lagos. countries include Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Madagascar, Morocco, Senegal, Sierra Leone and South

Sudan, while countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya, and Uganda, among others

had a higher male-to female ration. Women in South Africa achieved almost parity with their male coun-

S/Africa to host Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2017 By Ruth Olurounbi IT’S official! South Africa will host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in 2017. At the recently concluded GEC2016 held Medellín, Colombia, President, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), Jonathan Ortmans, formally

Monday, 28 March, 2016

passed the host torch to the South African delegation for the GEC2017, in Johannesburg. This will be the first time the GEC, which will be held at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, from March 13-17, 2017, will be hosted in Africa, with SEA Africa, the Department of Small Business

Development, the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, ABSA and Transnet, making a collaborative bid for the event. Ortmans, while passing the torch, said: “GEC 2017 is just one example of the Global Entrepreneurship Network’s commitment to helping the next generation of African entre-

preneurs start and scale – rebranding the continent and permanently shifting perceptions around the world. We look forward to coming to South Africa.” Reacting, Councillor, the Johannesburg Department of Economic Development, Ruby Mathang, said: “The globalization of entrepreneurship has brought an explosion of programs, startup communities and investment opportunities into a new field. We are here in Colombia, as South Africa, to inform the global entrepreneurship network that Johannesburg is here to collaborate and share world class best practices.” Lindiwe Zulu, the South African Minister for Small Business Development, promised that the GEC “will provide insight on best practices, which we will localize, for the South African market. I am further encouraged that South Africa’s delegation will also use the opportunity to spark networks and create strategic conversations with global investors in preparation for Africa’s GEC in 2017.”

terparts. Data obtained from TEF showed there were 12 per cent of female applicants to 36.14 per cent, compared to 2015’s figures. It will be recalled that two weeks ago, March 14, 2015, in discussing “Why Africa needs its women entrepreneurs” on Entrepreneurship+, it was suggested that for Africa to experience a dramatic effect on its economy, it must unleash the power of female entrepreneurship of the continent. One of the ways to do this is to provide equitable access to resources for these entrepreneurial females, who are not only sustaining economies, but also improving it. Although only 32 per cent of the selected 1,000 applicants were women, a situation which underscores disparity among women entrepreneurs’ access to fundamental resources such as finance, education and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) training programs, as against their male counterpart, there seems to be a glimmer of hope though, that with organisations like TEF and others who are rising to strengthening women entrepreneurship in Africa, significant breakthrough is on the horizon. As organisations like Elumelu’s invest in the future of African women with additional multi-billion dollar invests from international agencies and governments, one hopes that women entrepreneurship will truly rise to the its role as driver of for economic growth, social inclusion, and secure communities.

adviceOFTHEweek

Fidelity Bank raises N30bn to support MSMEs Chima Nwokoji - Lagos

FIDELITY Bank Plc says it foresees an imminent growth in non-oil export as more Nigerians, governments begin to wake up to the huge prospects inherent in the Agricultural and Small Medium Enterprise (SMEs) sectors. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, who made this remark at a one-day workshop/training on exports organised by Koinonia Ventures Limited in conjunction with the bank, expressed high optimism that these sectors, if properly positioned could play significant roles in diversifying Nigeria’s one product economy. To assist export-oriented MSMEs ENTREPRENEURS have takes as learning curves, raise their level of competitiveness in to learn the power of net- because from [these] they the global market, Okonkwo said the working and the value of can build formidable busibank had raised N30 billion in corporate mentorship, as these are nesses. bonds on the Nigerian Stock Exchange Third, reputation is everythe things that most entre(NSE). He said the capital raising exerpreneurs take for granted. thing in business. Always cise is expected to enable the bank fulfil And also they must know strive to deliver more than its promise to increase MSME lending that opportunities will not what you have promised. to 50 percent by 2017, further adding come to them; they have Always go an extra mile to that the bank has earmarked 80 percent to go out there and create keep your clients happy beof the net proceed of the bond to finance them by knocking on corpo- cause that is the only way MSMEs which have been peddled as the rate doors with proposals. to succeed. Happy clients next cash cow. Personally, I am where I am mean more business and reOkonkwo however pointed out that because of a business men- ferrals, which means more no other time is the subject of import, tor who changed the way I growth for you as an entreand export substitution more imporpreneur. see things. tant than now when the country is grapSecond, they must be willpling with a revenue crisis caused by ing to work harder than — Anda Maqanda, founder the steep decline in crude oil prices and they have ever done before of AM Group. widespread corruption. and be willing to take critiThis advice was first pubThe Nigerian Export Promotion Councism because that is the only lished on howwemadeitinacil (NEPC) has predicted that Nigeria’s way to learn. They must use frica.com. non-oil sector will generate about their mis$100 billion in export earnings in the next 12 years. Okonkwo, who was represented by Chijioke Ugochukwu, the Bank’s Executive Director, Shared Services & Products, said the lender’s renewed focus on MSMEs was driven by its growing role in the transformation of economies. Speaking on ‘Turning Adversity to Prosperity: A Case for a Radical Repositioning of Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Sector’, Olufemi Boyede, MD/CEO, Koinonia Ventures noted that the Nigerian economy can only make progress if local entrepreneurs become export-ready. Commenting on the country’s competitive advantage, particularly as it relates to export trade, Boyede said Nigeria currently has over 5, 000 exportable products, explaining that about 21 of such products can be quickly founder of harnessed for the benefit of the – Aliko Dangote, p at we have. nation’s economy. Alluding to the the Dangote Grou ess has posure th sin bu ing do of damental for us to st fun it’s ly “THE co nd co Se enormous successes of Obama’s ex for . ke ing Ta th a. g at the Af National Export Initiative (NEI), d value to every kin ad ea d sp an come down in Afric s s es wa oc pr ote ng 3 Da of the over 26 idjan, Côte the Koinonia boss urged the fedare business cycles ample that 72 out a CEO Forum in Ab en People say there ric be ve ies ha ilit at lat th vo ms The 2016 Africa eral government to create the odity price business refor d’Ivoire, last week. ne in and comm s do les en Un be . ve en ha pp ; ha lly s ll alway w a number of busi- much needed environment for done globa d CEO Forum, sa es to do – they wi an inu s nt se m co ali a tri ric us Af ind So a Africa… and policy makers fro Nigerian exporters to thrive. “The and until Afric tured ness leaders fac w nu ho ma ng . of ssi ing e cu th ar dis ht sh nt its s ine the rig se nt Barack Obama Administration co rea e inc th ss I ro think ac do better? ving forward in has made it a top priority to imards GDP… So I mo “But what must we tow ep s ke od n go ca a r ric ou Af e to diversify bal economic prove the conditions that directly is not in panic. Th think first we need the face of today’s glo to di- the solution s ve ha ion o lut als so we for g d an kin export mix affect the private sector’s ability ion is not loo challenges. to which we solut lution is internal.” so e Th re. versify the countries to export”. he ew els e the risk of exexport so we reduc

ThoughtOFTHEweek

Nnamdi Okonkwo, Fidelity Bank MD According to him, the Nigerian government must ensure that trade barrier abroad are completely removed, stating that government

at all levels must channel their energies towards helping firms of all sizes and farmers overcome hurdles of financing and access to new markets. Boyede applauded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),for establishing a N550 billion intervention fund aimed at upscaling Nigeria’s export performance, urging Fidelity Bank Plc to help exporters take advantage of the facility. In her keynote address at the training programme, Aisha Abubakar, minister of state, Industry Trade & Investment said government is more than ever dogged in its quest to revive agriculture as an alternative to crude oil through better reforms, value chain/addition and discouragement of export of raw materials. “There are a sizeable number of agricultural commodities grown in Nigeria that are quoted in the international commodities market and these include cocoa, palm oil, groundnut, Sesame seed, Shea Nuts, cotton and even fish”.

5 female entrepreneurship myths debunked Continues from pg19

Women aren’t emotionally strong enough We’re different, yes. But not as strong? It’s just that few of us feel the need to beat our chests like a mountain gorilla, or strut around like the Emperor Nero, to show our professional prowess. New research might have found that women cry more than men but actually, in business, that ‘humanity’ can work in our favour. It’s OK to admit to your co-workers that you’re not superwoman. Even to shed the occasional tear, many when life conspires to hit you with the occasional double-whammy of a business glitch with a family emergency. You can’t juggle running your business with running a family No question: running your own business is hugely demanding. Many entrepreneurs I know show workaholic tendencies, partly because the (invariably rollercoaster) journey just proves utterly thrilling. But as the rise of the mumpreneur has proven - the whole point of being your own boss is that you call the shots. And if you’re going to have to put in long hours, at least you’re in control of where you put them in. Location, location, location. I needed a separate office for Green & Black’s – so I rented the teeny flat next door to our house (resisting my husband’s exhortations to put a door in the wall to our bedroom. I actually quite liked the discipline of going to and leaving the office, in those days).

If you want to spend time with your family, run your business from home. Your garage. A shed. The cupboard under the stairs. A laptop on the kitchen table, after you’ve tucked everyone else up in bed. What I’d counsel against is an office far away from home (not least because commute-time is just wasted time) and any expectation that when you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll be able to control the hours you work. If you want to shut your door on your business at the end of the day, keep the job you’ve got (and stop reading this now). You won’t have a life Well, sometimes you won’t have a life. I don’t know a single entrepreneur who hasn’t at some point been consumed by what they’re doing, up till 4 am trying to problem-solve (or at the very least tossing and turning at that hour, burdened by a business anxiety). My observation: all enterprises cost twice as much and take twice as long to get where you think they’re going to be, and if you factor that in from the word ‘go’, you’ll save yourself a lot of grief. If I don’t step away from the screen, I can’t see the bigger picture – and that objectivity is vital, for any successful venture. If you don’t take care of your health and wellbeing (emotional and physical), replenishing the reserves required to continue on your entrepreneurial journey, that’s when it overwhelms – and you start to feel you don’t, actually, have a life. Culled from Telegraph.co.uk

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Group Business Editor

tribune

business

Sulaimon Olanrewaju

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

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor

Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

N the face of falling oil prices which have left a hit on government revenues, there is no better time than this to highlight potential areas of diversification and attendant government incentives. Therefore, an overview of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) efforts in growing the country’s non-oil sector is apt as the bank vigorously pursues this novel initiative. It has been estimated that its intervention in the development of the real sector currently stands at over N1.358billion. A breakdown of the disbursements so far shows that Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF) received N300 billion, the Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) stood at N220 billion, the Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) got N75 billion and the Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilization Fund (NIRSAL) netted N213 billion. Other interventions by the apex bank include N50 billion Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and N500 billion Export Refinancing and Restructuring Facility. In his maiden press briefing on June 2014, as the 11th Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele emphasized that the CBN’s core principle under the development finance department was that the regulator would act as a financial catalyst by targeting predetermined sectors that could create jobs on a mass scale and significantly reduce the country’s import bills. According to him, “the CBN would deploy developmental initiatives to create an enabling environment with appropriate incentives to empower innovative entrepreneurs to drive growth and development.” Some of CBN’s developmental functions, he added, would include credit allocations and direct interventions in key sectors of the economy such as Power, Agriculture, Micro-Small and Medium scale Enterprises (MSME), Oil & Gas and Health. “While playing an active developmental role, the CBN will not only operate within the law and its mandate but will also be transparent about what it believes as strategic and appropriate interventions. We will revisit the goals and implementation of our intervention programmes in the agricultural sector, in order to ensure that high value addition is obtained from funds provided,” the Governor had assured. In an earlier chat with the Executive Secretary /Chief Executive Officer, Financial Markets Dealers Association, Mr. Wale Abe, he said the objective driving CBN’s agenda as a short, medium and long-term plan is to achieve price stability which is consistent with its mandate. Since CBN has, to an extent, achieved this objective, what is next is to create a stable financial system environment that will encourage economic growth and development. According to him, the essence of a fi-

CBN: Empowering real sector through sustained intervention

nancial system is to facilitate movement of money from those who have to those who have not through the banks, in order to achieve growth and development in the economy. This growth, according to him, will create employment, positive balance of payment and ensure that the economy as a whole is in a good state.

Available data from the CBN as of February 2016 show that the apex bank has disbursed a total of N337.635 billion out of which N137.804billion has been repaid.

Abe expressed strong confidence in the management of the bank by observing that Emefiele “has made it clear that he is going to pursue constructive and consistent lending policies not only to the small and medium scale enterprises but to the real sector of the economy.” Also, in an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Tribune, a senior lecturer at the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Mr Akinola Owolabi, said the CBN is doing its best to ensure that bankers do banking as it is practised globally. Owolabi further argues that one of the problems in the economy is that there are very short term sources of funding. According to him, because of the fact that the banks get income from other avenues like using government money to trade, they did not take a serious look into getting involved on long term funding, which is the gap CBN is striving to fill. “It is the long-term funding of the real sector that usually has overall positive im-

pact on the economy,” Owolabi concluded. Current status of some of the bank’s intervention funds is reviewed below. CACS Through its Development Finance Department, CBN established the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) in 2009 with an initial N200 billion funding. At end-September 2013, the total amount released by the apex financial institution to the participating banks for disbursement stood at N221.9 billion for 294 projects. The beneficiaries include 30 state governments. While the programme evaluation data is being awaited, available data from the CBN as of February 2016 show that the apex bank has disbursed a total of N337.635 billion out of which N137.804billion has been repaid. The bank made disbursements to 423 viable projects which created 1,132,232 Continues on pg23

tribunebusiness

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

As CBN empowers Nigeria’s real sector... Continued from pg22

concessionary rates to targeted investments in the power sector. We will encourage investment in the gas to power infrastructure to improve the reliability of supply of gas to the existing and new power plants. We will also support investments in renewable energy in rural areas through matching funds schemes, and providing first loss guarantees,” the Governor had said.

jobs and saved a total of N42.564billion of interest that the beneficiaries ought to have paid. Probably agreeing with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) that “societies have in fact defined themselves by the way and degree in which they have succeeded in increasing agricultural production, the Bankers’ Committee at its meeting in December last year, expressed its preparedness to further boost the efforts of serious farmers, agribusinesses and small and medium entrepreneurs in the new year by setting aside as much as N300 billion loans to boost lending to those segments of the economy. Emefiele said that the facilities would not only be for SMEs, but also to large scale farming companies especially because agriculture value chain needed to be de-risked to allow banks to grant facilities to farmers to stimulate growth in the economy. Ultimately, the banks intend to ensure increased local agriculture products like rice, tomatoes, wheat, fish and sugar, among others, hoping that this would reduce the demand for foreign exchange to boost foreign exchange reserves and by extension strengthen the Naira. SMECGS Realizing that SMEs have been crowded out of the credit market, CBN established the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Refinancing and Restructuring Facilities for SMEs in 2010. The two schemes are meant to create indirect incentives and direct finance for increased lending to SME across the country. According to CBN, by 2010, 516 SMEs had received project support amounting to N199.67 billion, while projects valued at N7.5 billion had been guaranteed under the SMEGS. SMECGS had a seed funding of N300billion. N 4.219billion of the fund has been disbursed and N 2.439billion repaid from 87 projects as of February 2016. The apex bank’s Governor also observed that funding for SMEs in Nigeria had largely been viewed from a social development perspective with the goal to reduce poverty through job and wealth creation. According to Emefiele, “this has put the development of the sector squarely in the hands of the government with mixed results. Going forward, we propose a business approach to funding SMEs, which requires the strong involvement of the private sector.” The new framework which the bank proposed is to combine the profit motives of the private sector and the development objectives of the government. It proposes a structure that enables the government to leverage the project selection and credit analysis processes of private sector investors who will place more of their resources at risk in funding the SMEs. ACGSF The Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) was established by Decree No. 20 of 1977, and started operations in April 1978. Its original share capital and paid-up capital were N100 million and N85.6 million respectively. The Federal Government holds 60 per cent and the CBN, 40 per cent of the shares. The capital base of the Scheme was increased to N3 billion in March 2001. The Fund has since been raised and guarantees credit facilities

NEMSF Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilization Fund (NEMSF) was established in 2014 with the approval by the federal government of N213 billion for power sector investors. It had a 10-year tenor and a moratorium period of 12 months on the principal. As of February 2016, the apex bank through the DFD had disbursed N64.755 billion to 18 participants.

President Buhari

extended to farmers by banks up to 75 per cent of the amount in default net of any security realized. The Fund is managed by the CBN, which handles the day-to-day operations of the Scheme. The guidelines stipulate the eligible enterprises for which guarantees could be issued under the Scheme. Data by the CBN show that a total of N7.34 billion was disbursed under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund to farmers in 43,714 loans between January and October 2013. This brought total guaranteed and disbursed since the inception of the scheme in 1978 to N69.386 billion in 846,978 loans to individuals and groups across the country as at 2013. Of this amount, N64.12 billion was disbursed to 822,251 individual borrowers, representing 92.41 and 97.08 per cent of value and volume of loans respectively. Cooperative societies followed with N2.466 billion loans extended to `12,667 of them; while companies got N1.342 billion in 2,140 loans. Meanwhile, latest data from the apex

Through its Development Finance Department, CBN established the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) in 2009 with an initial N200 billion funding

bank’s development finance department as of February 2016, show that it has disbursed 97.014billion, out of which N 67.014billion has been repaid. It has granted a total of 1,009,180 loans and created 5,045,900 jobs for Nigerians. While the private sector invests more of their risk capital in the selected companies, CBN funds is focusing on resolving challenges such as access to collateral, enterprise development support, development of a nationwide credit scoring system among others. Real sector spport fund The CBN through its development finance department floated the Real Sector Support Fund (RSSF), in 2014. The RSSF started with N300billion. The scheme was designed to unlock potential in the real sector of the economy, engender higher industrial output, drive value added productivity and stimulate job creation in the economy. The scheme provides long tenure credit facility to large enterprises at single digit. While the programme evaluation data is being awaited, as of February 2016, a total of N3.50billion had been disbursed to one project which recorded N54.356 billion in interest savings. The power sector In his maiden address, Emefiele had re-emphasized CBN’s mandate to “develop and implement various policies, programmes and schemes aimed at the effective, efficient and sustainable delivery of financial services to special sectors of the economy.” The bank established Power and Aviation Sector Intervention Fund (PAIF) in 2010 with a seed amount of N300billion. It has disbursed N255.642 to 56 projects , out of which N69.755billion has been repaid while N42.544billion has been saved from interest that ought to be paid. “We will facilitate investment in key parts of the value chain by providing funds at

MSMEDF The CBN set up the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), in 2013 with the seed amount of N220 billion. Its vision was that 60 per cent of the MSMEDF would support loans from microfinance banks and institutions to women and women-owned enterprises. It is mainly targeted to Agriculture, Cottage Industries, Artisanship, Services, Trade and General Commerce, Renewable Energy/ Efficient Products and technologies among other income generating projects as may be prescribed by the CBN. As of February 2016, N55.069 billion had been disbursed and N0.7 billion repaid from 438 projects. The fund has also recorded N4.076 billion interest savings. Anchor borrowers programme The apex bank initiated Anchor Borrowers’ Programme(ABP), which was launched on Tuesday November 17, 2015 by President Mohammadu Buhari. It is aimed at creating economic linkages between over 600,000 smallholding farmers and reputable large-scale processors with a view to increasing agricultural output and significantly improving capacity utilization of integrated mills. The idea is to close the gap between the levels of local rice production and domestic consumption, as well as complement the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture by graduating GES farmers from subsistence farming to commercial production. The CBN set aside N40 billion from the N220 billion MSMEDF. Available records show that a total of N1.33 billion had been disbursed to 2,710 farmers already as of February 2016. While flagging off this project, both president Buhari and Emefiele frowned at the level of Nigeria’s importation of food items that could be produced locally; stressing that the N1 trillion importation bill of the country was not sustainable. ACSS The Agricultural Credit Support Scheme (ACSS) is an initiative of both the Federal Government and CBN with support of Bankers’ Committee. The Scheme prescribes a fund of N50 billion to enable farmers exploit the untapped potential of Nigeria’s agric sector, reduce inflation, lower the cost of agric production, generate surplus for export, increase foreign earnings as well as diversify its revenue base/Commercial Agric Credit Scheme. It is a collaborative scheme of the CBN and Federal Ministry of Agric and Water Resources in 2009 to provide finance for the agric value chain (production, processing, storage and marketing).

Monday, 28 March, 2016

moneymarket

anchor Chima Nwokoji

m:08032637535 e:chimatitus@yahoo.com

N400bn recall causes 20% rise in inter-bank rates Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

IGERIAN overnight interbank lending rates rose to 20 percent on Thursday after the central bank recalled some N400 billion ($2 billion) from the banking system to meet a new cash reserves ratio (CRR) on deposits, traders said. The rates had spiked across all tenor buckets following Tuesday’s increase in monetary policy rate to 12 per cent from 11 per cent. Dealers said overnight funds rate on Wednesday, the day after, rose to 7.42 per cent from 4.81 per cent it was on Tuesday. But on Thursday, the open buy-back (OBB) and overnight rate were quoted by banks at 20 percent compared with 6.75 per cent and 7.33 per cent at the close on Wednesday due to banks scrambling for funds. On Tuesday, Nigeria’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate from 11 to 12 per cent, and the cash reserve ratio for commercial banks to 22.5 per cent from 20 per cent, to try to curb rising inflation. “We have had major funds placers in the market quoting between 20 and 25 per cent for overnight placement, while takers are quoting between seven and 10 per cent,” one dealer said, adding that no deals had yet been done on the rates being quoted. Traders said there was

NITTY as @ March 24, 2016 Tenor 1M 2M 3M 6M 9M 12M

Rate (%) 5.8052 6.1136 7.0476 8.4058 8.5506 10.1010

Change (%) -0.30 ▼ -0.11 ▼ 0.50 ▲ 0.33 ▲ 0.36 ▲ 1.43 ▲

Government Securities Auction Date

1/22/2026

Security Type

FGN Bonds

Tenor

10 Year

Auction No

20-01-2016-10 Year

Auction

Primary Market

Maturity Date

1/22/2016

Total Subscription

74.99

Total Successful

Range Bid

5.7856 - 15.0000

Successful Bid Rates 5.7856 - 12.5000 Description

Maginal

Rate

12.5

True Yield

Amount Offered (mn)

additional cash outflow for premium payments to the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which further put pressure on liquidity in the system and forced lending rates up. On Wednesday, yields on Nigeria’s benchmark 20-

year bond raised 55 basis points to 12.7 per cent after the central bank unexpectedly tightened monetary policy. The total commercial lenders’ credit balance with the central bank stood at N320.9 billion on Thursday,

weeklyreview

up from N217 billion last week. However, traders said the level of cash in banks’ vaults would have dropped significantly due to cash withdrawals to meet the new CRR and premium payments on customer deposits.

From left; The Manager, Alagbaka branch, Akure, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr Olusola Abe; a student of Federal Government College, Akure, Miss Ololade Abegunde; the Principal/Director of the School, Mrs Florence Ejikeme; Vice President/ Group Head, Corporate Communications of FCMB, Mr Diran Olojo and another student of the school, Miss. Rukayat Hamidu; during the financial literacy programme organised by the for FCMB students of the school held in Akure, Ondo state on Thursday.

Intervention funds created 6.17m jobs —CBN (CACS). This revelation is coming at a time when the CBN has solicited the support of all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria, to create at least one million employment opportunities for young graduates in 2016. The job creation initiative according to the apex bank, will be in form of support from both CBN, the Nigerian banks and development institutions in terms of giving out cheap and concessionary loans to companies that are in the Micro-Small and Medium scale Enterprises

THE combined impact of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), flagged-off in April, 1978 and the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) established in 2009, have led to the creation of 6,178,132 in the Nigerian economy since inception. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have showed that while under ACGSF, a total of 5,045,900 jobs were created, a total 1,132,232 jobs were created under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme

(MSMSE). The CBN Governor Mr Godwin Emefiele wants managing Directors of banks and directors of various departments to design appropriate ways to accomplish this and to stop believing that young graduates will take loans and will not pay back. He said the Bank of Industry has already designed a commendable scheme whereby original university and NYSC certificates as well as their biometric data of young graduate in place of collateral.

CBN Exchange Rates as at 2/19/2016 Currency US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING EURO SWISS FRANC YEN CFA WAUA YUAN/RENMINBI

Buying(NGN) 196 278.0064 219.2848 201.0875 1.737 0.3159 274.0086 30.1451

Central(NGN) 196.5 278.7156 219.8442 201.6005 1.7414 0.3259 274.7076 30.2224

Selling(NGN) 197 279.4248 220.4036 202.1135 1.7458 0.3359 275.4066 30.2998

RIYAL DANISH KRONA

52.2569 29.4082

52.3902 29.4833

52.5235 29.5583

SDR

274.0276

274.7267

275.4257

FGN Bonds Date of Auction Security Type Tenor Maturing On 1/22/2016 1/22/2016 2/13/2020 2/13/2020 1/22/2026 1/22/2026 3/18/2036 3/18/2036 Amount Offered (N mn) Subscriptions (N mn) Tot. Successful (N mn) Net Sales (N mn) Range of Bid Rates Successful Bid Rates Marginal Rate

Nigerian Tribune

1/22/2026 FGN Bonds 204.7868 10 Year 180 5 Year 180 10 Year 82227 20 Year

3/16/2016 FGN Bonds 205.4112 170.7672 1.4001 0.3028 240.1376 26.7946 15000 4161

3/16/2016 FGN Bonds 206.0355 171.2862 1.4044 0.3128 240.8675 26.8765 5000 2740

3/16/2016 FGN Bonds

17019 40 74.99 35.00

4161 20 72.56 20.00

2740 40 89.36 40.00

40 100.53 40.00

5.7856 - 15.0000 5.7856 - 12.5000 12.5

8.0000 - 15.5400 8.0000 - 11.3340 11.334

11.0000 - 13.7459 11.0000 - 12.0900 12.09

11.0000 - 14.9995 11.0000 - 12.4000 12.4

1155 1155

Money Market Review and Outlook As a result of the Easter holidays, the market only traded on the first four days of last week. The week opened with system liquidity hovering at the same levels from the end of last week on the back of no significant inflows or outflows; Open Buy Back (OBB) and Overnight (ON) rates dropped 0.5 per cent a piece on Monday to close at 4.3 per cent and 4.8 per cent respectively as investors animatedly awaited the resolutions from the MPC meeting. On Tuesday, the CBN refunded the Deposit Money Banks for unfulfilled bids at last week’s FX intervention auction, but its impact on liquidity levels was offset by the DMBs simultaneously provisioning for this week’s FX auction, consequently, OBB and ON rates remained at the same rates from Monday. At the end of the MPC meeting on Tuesday, the CBN governor announced the committee’s decision to increase MPR by 100bps and standing deposits and lending rates to 7.0 per cent and 14.0 per cent respectively. On Wednesday, there was a T-bills auction worth N115.0 billion, where the 91 days, 182 days and 364 days tenor bills were issued at stop rates of 6.0 per cent, 8.6 per cent and 9.6 per cent respectively. On the back of reduced liquidity levels as a result of the auction, coupled with the MPC’s announcement on Tuesday, OBB rose 2.4 per cent whilst ON rose 2.5 per cent on Wednesday to settle at 6.6 per cent and 7.3 per cent respectively. OBB and ON rates continued to rise on Thursday to close at 12.8 per cent and 13.3 per cent, up 7.5 per cent apiece Week to Date (WTD). Nigeria Interbank offered Rate (NIBOR) average climbed 3.6 per cent WTD to 12.2 per cent. Foreign exchange review The foreign exchange market continued the stability last week that was observed penultimate week. Naira/Dollar exchange rates at the regulated segments of the market remained at about penultimate week’s rates (CBN: N197.00/$1.00 and Interbank: N199.50/$1.00). Activities at the Bureau De Change (BDC) was also stable all week as the Naira traded at N323.00/$1.00 all through the week, appreciating N2.00 from Friday. The parallel market mirrored the stability at the BDC as naira traded at N324.00/$1.00 on Monday and Tuesday, appreciating to N323.00/$1.00 by Wednesday. At the end of the monthly monetary policy committee meeting, there was no clear direction for FX as the MPC remained mute on it. The committee rather maintained, as it did in the previous meeting, that a comprehensive reform of the foreign exchange market is currently being undertaken. “This is in consensus with our expectation of a likely reform of the market structure. Bar unveiling of the new model, the reservation foreign investors’ bear towards entering the Nigerian market will linger on for the time being as currency risk persists amidst devaluation uncertainties and shortages of FX. Hence, we expect the spread between parallel and official rates to be maintained,” Afrinvest stated. Bond market review The bonds market was broadly bearish last week with yields rising WTD across all benchmark tenors in reaction to the eventual lift-off of the CBN’s monetary policy tightening cycle. On Monday, average yields initially dropped 8bps on average to 11.3 per cent as the market lowered expectations of a tightening by the MPC in line with consensus estimates. Yields retraced modestly on Tuesday as investors anticipated the outcome of the MPC meeting with sell-offs in short to mid-term bonds while average yields climbed 6bps. As a result of the decision of the MPC to increase MPR to 12 per cent from 11 per cent on Tuesday, the bonds market caught the buzz as average yields across benchmark bonds moved northwards by 0.4 per cent to settle at 11.7 per cent with increased activity observed on the FGN JAN2026 and FGN JUL2034 bonds. Dealers said there was bargain hunting on Thursday as the market recovered from the initial knee-jerk reaction leading to a 19bps average contraction across tenors to 11.5 per cent; however still up 19bs increase WTD. With the bonds market providing a safe haven for risk averse investors amid current macroeconomic circumstances, “we expect demand for bonds instruments to remain high despite the tightening of policy. “However, the market could see further upward correction in yields depending on the pace of fiscal borrowing for implementation of the budget,” dealers said.

Monday, 28 March, 2016

capitalmarket

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Kehinde Akinseinde-Jayeoba

m:08057336640 e:kehinde_07@yahoo.com

Non-interest capital market: A wild goose chase? Kehinde Akinseinde -Jayeoba - Lagos

ECENTLY, The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) held its second roundtable on non interest capital market, otherwise known as Sukuk in Sokoto, where remarkable turnout was recorded, thus reinforcing its decision to explore the Islamic market in the Nigerian capital market to up to 25 per cent of market capitalisation. While this resolve to expand the depth and financial inclusion was met with positive response in the first and second regional roundtable organised by SEC in Kano State and Sokoto State, other regions await such, however, with mixed feelings. To transform Nigeria’s potential into reality in this regard, the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2013 set up an industry-wide committee of experts to develop a strategic blueprint for the growth and development of Nigeria’s non-interest capital market. Their recommendations have been incorporated in the 10-year Capital Market Master Plan which is currently being implemented by the SEC, where the master plan sets a strategic direction for the non-interest capital market in Nigeria, to attain at least 25 per cent of total market capitalisation. According to an analyst, global sukuk market continues to witness remarkable growth since after the 2008 global financial crisis, with annual issuances grown from $15 billion in 2008 to almost $120 billion in 2014. “In fact, last year was widely considered a landmark year for Islamic finance, especially with landmark debut sukuk issuances by countries such as the UK, Hong Kong, Senegal, South Africa and Luxemburg. “Of course the year witnessed continued strong interest from key markets of Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and emerging markets like Turkey and Indonesia, there is no doubt that the sukuk market is emerging on a global scale as a viable alternative source of funding,” the analyst said. On the global scene, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar are the top five largest Islamic finance markets in the world, in that order. They account for the highest sukuk issuances and contribute more than half of the total assets under management in the industry, strengthening the argument that in Nigeria, with over 80 million Muslims, and a larger economy, with the exception of Saudi Arabia, there was no reason why Nigeria should not be a major global Islamic finance market. The Director-General, SEC, Mr Mounir Gwarzo, at the just concluded roundtable at Sokoto State, had stated that the regulatory board was considering additional regulatory initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s non-interest bond market to

Oscar Onyema provide alternative financing sources to governments and additional investment opportunities for investors. He noted that the capital market regulator was aware of the need to deepen the non-interest capital market segment to

While most people identify the capital market as an important source of medium-to-long term capital, few actually realise its amazing potential to serve as a catalyst for financial inclusion.

enable millions of Nigerians and people of faith invest their savings ethically, while adding that globally, investors were allocating their resources into Islamic finance products, just as he observed that Sukuk bond, one of the most important components of the Islamic financial system, could provide state governments with funds to implement their developmental agenda. According to him, while most people identify the capital market as an important source of medium-to-long term capital, few actually realise its amazing potential to serve as a catalyst for financial inclusion. The Commission has implemented some reforms aimed at deepening the non-interest capital market. They include review of the regulatory framework for the non -interest segment and issuance of rules on Islamic fund management as well as rules on Sukuk issuance. Gwarzo pointed out that the Islamic fund management and Sukuk rules have encouraged Islamic product innovation with the registration of five ethical and Shariah-compliant funds and the issuance of Nigeria’s first-ever sub-national Ijara Sukuk by the Osun State government in 2013, which was oversubscribed.

“We are also considering modalities for setting up a Sharia Advisory Council as a body of experts to advise SEC and the market on non-interest product and their applications,” Gwarzo said, while noting that the commission had been working with the Debt Management Office (DMO) to ensure that Nigeria issues her first sovereign Sukuk that would provide the needed benchmark for other categories of issuers. However, the optimism that the non-interest market would be a success in the country is still not shared by stakeholders as most do not believe the country is a good ground to practice such. The National President of Renaissance Shareholders Association of Nigeria (RSAN), Olufemi Timothy, explained that the move towards deepening the Nigeria capital market through sukuk might be met with reservation as the country is not dominated by Muslims who might want to go for financial system that goes with their ethics. Timothy explained that the survival of the initiative is strongly under doubt, citing that the instituted Islamic bank in the country is currently faced with challenges and striving for survival.

Monday, 28 March, 2016

labour

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Soji-Eze Fagbemi

m:0803 604 4077 e:sojiezek@yahoo.co.uk

World Water Day: Generating employment through water: How ILO leadership of UN-Water will help Nigeria As the world celebrates the 2016 World Water Day with the theme: ‘Water and Jobs,’ SOJI-EZE FAGBEMI looks at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) chairmanship of the UN-Water and how its leadership will help Nigeria; going by the historical partnership between the country and the ILO.

ATER is life and its importance to humanity cannot be overemphasised. It is very invaluable to human existence and all efforts to provide clean water must be seen as efforts to protect humanity. Globally, as this year’s World Water Day (WWD) was celebrated, attention was drawn to issue of water, its provision and how it could be used to generate more and better employments. With the theme of this year’s Water Day: ‘Water and Jobs,’ the event, primarily, was aimed at demonstrating the connections between access to water, decent jobs creation and the workers. The Director General of International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr Guy Ryder, led the global awareness as the Chairman of the UN-Water for the year 2016 celebration; thus the ILO boss played a very crucial role in this year’s WWD. The focus, this year, relates appropriately to jobs and employment generation through provision of good water. As the chairman of UN-Water for the year, Guy Ryder has put it in the right perspective. He said the 2016 World Water Day was a great opportunity for UN agencies, non -governmental organisations, enterprises, unions and citizens to come together to make a call for better water and better jobs. Stressing the importance, Guy Rider, said the livelihoods of many workers such as fishermen depend on the quality of the freshwater, while farmer’s job depends on his or her ability to manage the available freshwater. “The fact is, water is work. It requires workers for its safe and clean delivery and at the same time, it can create work and improve conditions of work,” he said. According to Ryder, “there is no life without water and the fact that access to water underpins all our efforts to achieve sustainable development is undoubted. “What is not so often said is that the availability and sustainable management of water has a clear and direct link with the creation of quality jobs. World Water Day provides a unique opportunity to highlight this relationship, under the 2016 theme ‘Water and jobs.” The ILO added that “almost half of the world’s workers, that is 1.5 billion, work in water related sectors and nearly all jobs depend on water and those that ensure its safe delivery.” He pointed out that millions of these workers are not recognised, or protected by basic labour rights. “Water can contribute to a greener economy and sustainable development. But for this to happen, we need more workers qual-

ified to realise the potential of new, green technologies. And we need those workers to have decent work that provides dignity, equality, safety and a fair income,” he said. The quantity and the quality of water has a direct impact on workers lives and health; Ryder said every year, over 340,000 workers die because of inadequate water supply and sanitation. “The livelihoods of many workers such as fishermen depend on the quality of the freshwater. A farmer’s job depends on his or her ability to manage the available freshwater. If the 2030 Agenda is to be a success and we are to build together a sustainable future, we must ensure that work in water is decent and that the water we all rely on is safe,” he said. To Ryder, the WWD, therefore provides, “a great opportunity for UN agencies, non -governmental organizations, enterprises, unions and citizens to come together to make a call for better water and better jobs.” In Nigeria, the ILO has undoubtedly provided interventions over the years to the Government and people of Nigeria in the areas of decent job and employment creation. Its technical expertise and financial support in related activities in the world of work, is acknowledged by the government, employers’ of labour and the organised labour. Already, it has provided the platform for increased job growth and provision of employment through water and other sources in Nigeria. As the focus of the Nigerian government is to diversify the economy, which has hitherto focused on oil and gas, the ILO, through its technical and financial supports has identified areas, in which decent jobs can be created in the country. To understand where Nigeria as a country is coming from as a nation, and how the new focus could be achieved effectively, the ILO, identified and highlighted the major employment challenges which have to be met, as a result of the global economic and financial crisis facing the country, as well as the long standing employment crisis. In the National Action Plan on Employment Creation 2009 -2020, which was fully sponsored and financed by the ILO, it was identified that if the excessive unemployment/underemployment situation in Nigeria is to be prevented from getting worse, four million new jobs in all sectors should be created annually. The role of water in the field of agriculture through provision of dams and irrigation system is also highlighted by the ILO. It has over the time supported through capacity building and provision of inputs in agricul-

Director General, International Labour Organisation (ILO), Guy Ryder ture and captive fishery. In the area of livestock rearing and training facilities, the National Employment Plan highlighted the activities to include construction of Earth dams, livestock service centres and borehole in grazing reserve in 21 states of the federation. Also the ILO is currently supporting the National Employment Policy review in Nigeria which is to address the increasing disparity between economic growth and low capacity within the economy to create decent and sustainable employment. The goal of the policy is to create the enabling environment for productive and employment-intensive growth in Nigeria. The policy highlighted the fundamentals and broad objective to be adopted in achieving this. The policy review also highlighted the roles of stakeholders and actors in its implementation process. The stakeholders include the Federal Government, private sector, employers Organisations such as the Employers’ Consultative Association, Labour Unions (NLC and TUC) and other international development Organisations. The ILO has also carried out two very important case studies on employment in Nigeria in 2013. The first is on: “Employment mapping, institutional assessment and coordination mechanism study,” while the other one is on: “Building constraints to inclusive and job rich growth in Nigeria, a review of macro and sector policies and strategies. According to the Director, ILO Office for Nigeria, Mr Dennis Zulu, the emergence

of the Global Financial crisis of 2008, prompted a request from the Nigerian government to the ILO for financial and technical support towards addressing the challenge of unemployment in a short and medium term, with the aim of ameliorating the consequences of the global financial crisis in the area of employment, unemployment and underemployment. This invariably led to the convening of the first National Employment Summit in 2009 which culminated in the publication of the National Action Plan on Employment creation. Also Mr Zulu said in 2012 the Federal Government also made a request to the ILO to support it in the formulation of the National Employment Policy that will address employment deficits and ensure inclusive growth. This request for technical and financial support led to the two diagnostic surveys. The surveys gathered relevant information that contributed towards the formulation of the National Employment Policy that is intended to tackle decent work deficit, while targeting the youth and other vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disability. According to Zulu, the report provides an audit of the various employment programmes and projects at the federal level and selected states in Nigeria. It also classifies and quantifies employment generation initiatives of the Nigerian government based on outlined national action plans and policies for employment creation.

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 0811 184 5048

features

Death on the highway

How expired, substandard tyres cause road crashes By Adewale Oshodi

NE of the most important components in a vehicle is the tyre, but unfortunately, it is the least that is looked after, or taken care of. For some people, so far they don’t have flat tyres, then everything is just fine. However, one surprising thing about tyres, which most Nigerians don’t know about, is the fact that they have expiry dates. It is so terrible that a larger percentage of Nigerian drivers don’t even know that tyres expire, or even know how to check if their tyres have expired. This is, therefore, one of the contributors to burst tyres while vehicles are in motion. When asked if he knows that tyres have expiry dates, a commercial bus driver in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Musiliu Abolaji, admitted that he doesn’t know that tyres have expiry dates. “In fact, this is a surprise to me; I am not the only person who doesn’t know that tyres

have expiry dates, and it is a good thing that you (the reporter) have just told me. “It is funny that my vulcaniser has never mentioned it to my hearing that tyres have expiry dates, and I am not sure he knows himself,” Abolaji said, while charging relevant authorities in charge of vehicles in the country to start sensitising vehicle owners about this. Another inter-state commercial bus driver, Salau Oriyomi, could not confirm if tyres have expiry dates, saying he once heard from a distance when some people were talking about the expiry dates of tyres. “I didn’t put all my mind in the discussion because I felt they were trying to bring out the faults in fairly used tyres, which most car owners prefer to new tyres,” Oriyomi said. When asked why car owners prefer fairly used tyres or what is generally referred to as tokunbo tyres, Oriyomi said, “it is due to the economic situation in the country; brand new tyres are so costly, but tokunbo tyres are affordable, so that it why many vehicle

owners opt for tokunbo tyres to save cost. “However, some believe that tokunbo tyres are actually stronger and more durable than new tyres. When you buy a tokunbo tyre, it has already been used abroad, so it would smoothen out when you start driving, but new tyres take time to smoothen out. For a couple of months, you will be feeling it on the wheel that the tyre is new. “I don’t know why this is so, but most vulcanisers even prefer their clients buying fairly-used tyres than new tyres, and as a commercial bus driver who travels every day, I have never been disappointed with fairly-used tyres, and I have never bought new tyres in my life, ” Oriyomi said. A vulcaniser, Salau Stephen also agrees, saying that in fairly-used tyres, there are grades, “we have Grade A, which are the tyres used in the United States and Europe; we also have Grade B, which had been used in South Africa and other African countries before being imported into the country. “These two grades of tyres were produced

with quality and would have served the owner for many years before being imported into Nigeria as tokunbo tyres. “We should not forget that the roads in the US and Europe are different from what we are used to in Nigeria, so the tyres imported from these countries are of superb qualities. “However, most new tyres produced for the Nigerian markets are mostly substandard; I had bought a new tyre for a client, and within six months, it began leaking. This client was so angry, and since he no longer had money to buy a new tyre, he settled for a tokunbo tyre, and two years after, he is still enjoying the tyre,” Stephen, who is popularly known as Tyre Doctor, said. Another vulcaniser, Waheed Adebayo, also supported Stephen, saying since most tokunbo tyres were produced to be used in the US and Europe, the manufacturers produced the best, but whenever it comes to producing tyres for the Nigerian market, they would produce substandard tyres for us. Continues on pg28

features

Mr Yusuf Salami

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Salau Stephen

Waheed Adebayo

Arowolo Agbona

Every tyre has an expiry death — FRSC Continued from pg27

“That is why many motorists prefer tokunbo tyres, and it has nothing to do with whether vehicle owners have money or not. “However, I know a client who is well-to-do who prefers buying tokunbo tyres; this is a question we should ask ourselves in this country. “Why is it that products manufactures for us in Nigeria do not last, while fairly used products manufactured for clients in the US and Europe last longer?” Adebayo said. However, is it really true that tokunbo tyres are stronger than new tyres? A businessman who deals in tyres, Chief Arowolo Agbona, disagrees. “The truth is that those who say tokunbo tyres are stronger than new tyres do not really have the means to buy new ones, and as such, they look for ways to justify what they are buying. “The economic situation in this country has taken the purchase of new tyres beyond the reach of most vehicle owners, and this is the same issue with new cars, or new electronics. “So when the people cannot afford a new thing, they come up with stories to justify why they are buying a fairly used. “A new thing is a new thing; whether when we are talking about cars, electronics, or tyres; we can never compare new products with fairly-used. “However, there may be sense in what those who say tokunbo tyres are stronger than new ones, because what most tyre importers do is to go to China, and then give the manufacturers the specifications that they want; they will do this bearing in mind that they also want to make profit, so they won’t produce quality tyres. “This, therefore, does not say new tyres are not good, but we should be able to ask Customs Officers how substandard tyres are flooding the Nigerian market. “If things are done the way they should be done, then new products will always be new products; there can never be basis for comparison,” Agbona said. People’s submissions on the issue being discussed is also not different in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where many vehicle owners also don’t know that tyres have expiry dates, despite the claims of enlightenment campaigns by the relevant authorities. Mr Ayodele Musa, a motorist who spoke on the issue, admitted that he had always patronised fairly-used tyres, “and I have never been disappointed.

“Tokunbo tyres are cheap when compared to new ones, and I believe they are even stronger and better than the new ones. “The tokunbo tyre I am using now was brought about two years ago, and it hasn’t disappointed me yet, so I don’t see any reason why I should stop patronising tokunbo tyres.” Musa’s positive ratings for tokunbo tyres was corroborated by Gabriel Amaechi, a taxi driver in Abuja, who said he doesn’t believe that fairly-used tyres cause accidents as being claimed by those in positions of authority. “Speeding is the major cause of road accidents; if one is not on excessive speed, then if anything happens to the tyre, he will be able to control it. “However, we must not forget that it is the terrible condition of our roads that mostly cause accidents on our roads, and not tokunbo tyres,” Amaechi, who confessed that he had never bought a new tyre before and does not know if it has expiry dates, said. Denying that there are campaigns being aired on the televisions and radios in the Federal Capital on the dangers in buying expired tyres, another driver, Mr Friday Okon, said he had not heard of such campaigns. “There are programmes targeting vehicle owners on the national television station here in Abuja, and such

The economic situation in this country has taken the purchase of new tyres beyond the reach of most vehicle owners, and this is the same issue with new cars, or new electronics

enlightenment campaigns about the expiration of tyres ought to be aired on such programmes, but in actual fact, I have never come across such campaigns, so how do you expect the public to know that there are expiry dates on tyres,” Okon said. However, the Director, Public Relations of Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mr Abiodun Obimuyiwa, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said a lot had been done by the Council regarding consumer awareness on the use of tyres. “The CPC has been doing so much on awareness creation on the need for consumers to always check the date of tyres and other products which they buy. “We have included this awareness in all our enlightenment programmes and we have produced flyers and bills which we give out to members of the public from time to time. “We have also devoted one edition of our television programme to the safe use of tyres, and it will soon be aired on the television. “However, the problem with Nigerians is that we do not take certain issues seriously; we tend to overlook and play down important issues which are risky to life,” Obimuyiwa said, while urging vehicle owners to always check the expiry dates of all products purchased in the market in order to avoid misfortunes. Also speaking on the issue of sensitisation of the public on the expiration dates on tyres, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Yusuf Salami, said the Command had been sensitizing members of the public on how to know the expiry dates on their tyres. “We have been going to television and radio stations to sensitise the public, and today, I will be addressing a group of Okada riders at the Mapo Hall in Ibadan, where I will also tell them about this. “We use public enlightenment strategies to inform the people about this because bad tyres result in road accidents, and this is what we are out to prevent. “On how to know the expiry dates on tyres, we tell them to look at the figures on the tyres, which usually come in weeks and year of manufacture; we then expect that using a tyre for about three to four years after year of manufacture, then the tyre will expire,” Mr Salami said, while urging vehicle owners to always ascertain the manufacture year of their tyres so as to prevent avoidable accidents.

south-westnews

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Oke-Ogun PDP may boycott state congress if... —PDP leaders

HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo North Senatorial District have said it may boycott the party’s state congress slated for April 24, if aggrieved members who stepped aside during the 2015 general election were excluded from the congress. In a release signed and made available to newsmen by the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy of the party, Mallam Adebayo Muritala, the resolution was made at a meeting held recently at Otu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State. The Oke-Ogun PDP members maintained that they would not allow a situation where erring members are prevented from taking part in the congress. “Let all our members who left during the last elections on allegations of lack of internal democracy, enforcement of candidates and are now willing to stage a comeback be allowed to be part of the congress.

There is one medical doctor, 600 moribund boreholes in Itesiwaju LG —Chairman By Tunde Ogunesan

THE caretaker committee chairman, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Niyi Adeagbo, has lamented over the state of infrastructure in the council area, revealing that there is only one medical doctor and 600 moribund boreholes in the area. Adeagbo stated this in his report of activities 14 days after he resumed as the caretaker chairman of the council area with headquarters at Otu. Adeagbo, while speaking on water supply, health, education, economy/Internal Generated revenue, infrastructure, employment generation/empowerment in the council area, said: “We were miffed seeing our health centres in a sorry state. The 10 public health centres that we have are not up to one in the real sense. We need not bore you with rhetoric or resort to play blame game but we need to, however, set the record straight to know the condition of things.”

“We will not be part of any congress where elections will be staged-managed with the wish of the people thrown to the winds,” it warned. The leader of the party in Oke-Ogun, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, called on the Oyo State government to restructure its urbanisation programme so as not to af-

fect the much priced and cherished educational programme of previous administrations in the state. “Education, which is said to be the best legacy that can be given to our children has been ‘criminally’ neglected by the APC administration in the state as in recent years. The standard of education in the state is at its

lowest ebb,” he noted. Mustapha who dares the Governor Abiola Ajimobiled administration to test his popularity by conducting the local government election as promised, said the PDP is prepared to flush out the ruling party in the state beginning with the council polls. Present at the meeting are

Senator Gbenga Babalola, Alhaji Bashiru Hammed Laguda, Yakubu Ladoja, Alhaji Sikiru Ikuogbogun, J.S. Amodu, Siju Lawal and Honourable Feyiniyi Oyetoro. Others included Sunday Alabi, O.K. Salam, Madam Arewa, A. Ajinawo, Amos Ige, Rafiu Adebare and Alhaji Tunji Oyetoro.

Wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode (left), being presented with a copy of the Holy Bible by the General Secretary, Bible Society of Nigeria, Reverend Dare Ajiboye, during the Easter celebration and Lagos State police command thanksgiving service, held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, on Sunday.

LCDA: Don’t shortchange Ogun West senatorial district, indigenes beg Amosun Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

THE people of Ogun West Senatorial district, under the platform of Ogun West Collectives, have appealed to Senator Ibikunle Amosun to re-consider the allocation of 15 proposed Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to the district. They argued that additional eight LCDAs should be added to the 15 out of the 37 proposed by government, which is presently before the state House of Assembly for consideration. Presenting the position was the former Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Professor Biyi Afonja, who led notable indigenes of the district to a public hearing organised by the Assembly on the proposed LCDAs, on Thursday, in Abeokuta. He appreciated the governor for creating the LCDAs as a way of bringing governance closer to the people. Afonja, in a letter addressed to the Speaker, Honourable Adekunbi Ishola, contended that there was lopsidedness in the creation of the LCDAs as regards Ogun West. The letter, signed by Ogun

West Collectives chairman and secretary, Chief Jubril Elegbede and Prince Wale Adenopo, respectively, said the senatorial district would further be marginalised if the LCDAs were carried out as proposed and therefore appealed that the issue should be looked into

to redress injustice. The Professor of Statistics, who is one of the founding members of the state, called on the people to continue to live in peace and remain united for the progress of the state, while requesting for more developmental projects for the

people of Ogun West Senatorial District. Afonja said: “There should be equity. If the gap cannot be closed, it should be reduced considerably. What the senatorial district had been given is not enough compared to the statistics of the state itself.”

Ondo begins lawyer’s wig production To partner NBA AS the Ondo State government makes further progress in its determination to focus on agriculture as a means of job creation for the youths, Governor Olusegun Mimiko has encouraged the Seri-culture section of the state’s Wealth Creation Agency (WECA) to go into massive production of lawyer’s wig in anticipation of a business relationship with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA). Governor Mimiko, during a tour of the Sericulture section at the weekend, reiterated that agriculture remains the sector with capacity to stimulate and insulate the economy, noting that the state government’s decision to reinvigo-

rate WECA was part of his administration’s determination at enhancing food security and providing raw materials that can promote industrialisation as well as employment opportunities. He charged the sericulture section of the state to go into massive production of lawyer’s wig in order to provide more employment opportunities for the youth and promised to liaise with NBA chairman for collaboration and patronage. Dr Mimiko had before the visit to the sericulture section, visited the newly established 1,000 daily capacity chicken processing plant also on Ondo Road, in Akure, the state Capital. Mimiko, who commended

the Chairman of the Agency, Mrs Bolanle Olafunmiloye and the management staff for their initiative, advised the pro-farmers attached to the processing plant to make the maximum use of the opportunities in the entire agricultural value chain they are being exposed. Responding, Chairman of the Agency, Mrs Bolanle Funmiloye, while conducting the governor and his entourage round the premises of the processing plant, explained that the chicken processing factory was set up to add value to the chicken being raised by the pro-farmers attached to different Agro Business Cities established by the state government across training and incubation centres for the youth.

Nigerian Tribune

Ondo 2016: APC will crush PDP —Alasoadura Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

THE lawmaker representing Ondo Central Senatorial District at the upper House, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, has expressed optimism that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state would be crushed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election. Alasoadura, who stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital, during his formal declaration to run for the forthcoming governorship election in the state, called on the leadership of the party to field a credible candidate for the election. He noted that the result of the last presidential election indicated that the party remains a party to beat in any election, saying this accounted for the high number of aspirants showing interest in ruling the state under the APC platform. He called on the party to pick a grassroots politician who can win election, saying “I offered to serve and lead the party to victory. I have dared Mimiko and defeated him thrice and if I am given the ticket of the party, be rest assured that PDP is gone in the state.”

Ogun sensitises residents to benefits of tree planting THE Ogun State Government has urged residents of the state to plant trees in their surroundings, saying aside economic value trees are also important for human survival. The state government promised to support the tree planting campaign with 1.5 million seedlings, which would be spread across the nine forest reserves in the state. The Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, spoke shortly after planting some tree seedlings as part of events commemorating the annual Forestry Day, tagged, “Forest and Water.” Lawal said 2016 had been earmarked by the ministry for massive tree planting as the state government had started the distribution of tree seedlings across the three senatorial districts. “For the government and the people of the state, year 2016 is a tree planting year, that is why we have stepped up the numbers of tree seedlings in our nursery sites from 700,000 to 1.5 million tree seedlings, so that we can have enough for distribution and planting in our forest regeneration exercise,” he said.

eastermessages

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Make love, peace your watchwords, Olubadan urges

HE Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Olasupo Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has urged christians and non-christians alike to make love and peace their watchwords. In his Easter message, Oba Adetunji noted that proper understanding of the life and times of Jesus Christ shown that the greatest message of Jesus Christ on earth is love which covers multitude of sins. Said he “As the father of all irrespective of religious and ideological persua-

sion, we need peace, love and harmony at this time, more than at any other times in the history of our community. It is the height of love and sacrifice for somebody to offer to lay down his life for the sake of others which is exemplified in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” He commended the people of Oyo State for conducting themselves harmoniously, noting that without peace and love, there could be no progress. Meanwhile, youths from Oluyole Local Government under the aegis of Oluyole Youth Council led by

the Mayor, Comrade ilori Olusegun Peter came to observe the monthly envi-

ronmental sanitation exercise around the premises of the palace at Popoyemoja,

Ibadan. The Olubadan commended them for the generosity

Learn from Christ’s selfless lifestyle, Bello enjoins Nigerians Adelowo Oladipo- Minna NIGER State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has enjoined Nigerians, especially Christian adherents and their counterpart Muslim brothers and sisters, to draw lessons from the selfless lifestyle of Jesus Christ and place the country above self. Governor Bello, in his Easter celebration message at the St. Peter’s Anglican Ca-

thedral Church, Minna on Sunday, said with the collective efforts of every citizen, the country could overcome its current economic and

political challenges. Governor Bello, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr

THE bishop of Ibadan Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, has urged Nigerians to think deeply and use

the occasion of Easter celebration to pray fervently for the development and growth of the nation. He also tasked the Fed-

Lord Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, The Most Reverend (Dr) Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa (middle); the Provost Cathedral of St. James the Great, The Very Reverend (Dr) David Olasode Olagbaju (right) and the Deputy Chancellor, Ibadan Diocese, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, after the Easter Sunday service and thanksgiving, at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, on Sunday. PHOTO: D’TOYIN.

Pray for unity, nation’s survival, Makinde tells faithful FORMER governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Oyo State, Mr Oluseyi Makinde, has called on the Christian faithful to continue to pray for the unity and survival of the nation. This was contained in a press statement issued and signed by his media aide, Alhaji Akeem Azeez, on Sunday, a copy of which was made available to the

Nigerian Tribune. The SDP chieftain admonished Christians to use

the period to reflect on the activities and tenet of Jesus Christ who died for man-

kind on the cross, and follow in Christ’s footsteps wholly in their daily activities.

eral Government to remain focused on its quest in restoring sanity to the nation through wealth creation, employment, as well as the provision of social amenities for the people. The bishop made the submission while delivering sermon to mark the 2016 Easter celebration tagged: “Christ is Risen,” at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, OkeBola, Ibadan, on Sunday. While urging government at all levels to concentrate on taking the nation to the next level through execution of development projects that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people, he urged leaders not to misuse their position but to look for ways of alleviating the problem of the poor masses. “Unless we recognise God, things may not work well for the nation,” he said. He, however, admonished Christian faithful to continue to preach the gospel of Christ, adding that it is incumbent on them to show the uniqueness and greatness of Christ.

Imbibe spirit of forgiveness, Ibadan North East LG caretaker charges

love anyone can show to his neighbour. “We must all learn to work in the way of Jesus Christ

so that others can copy us. His was a mission of commitment to the course until that mission was fulfilled.

ness as entrenched in the teachings about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was contained in a release issued by the caretaker chairman of Ibadan North-East Local Government Area, Honourable Rasheed Olalekan Afuye in his Easter message to the people of the council area at Easter season. While urging the people to be their brother’s keeper, ensure unity and to-

TOURISTS from different parts of the country, on Sunday, visited various tourism sites and museums in Badagry, as part of activities marking the Easter celebrations, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. NAN reported that Christians from Nigeria joined their counterparts from the rest of the world to commemorate the res-

urrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, after he was crucified on Good Friday. Ahead of this celebration, most Christians had observed a 40-day season of lent when they restrained themselves from sins and other worldly vices , rather they involved themselves in charity, penance, prayer and fasting throughout the period that ended on holy Saturday.

Also, the Federal Government had declared May 25 (Good Friday) and May 28 (Easter Monday) as public holidays for Nigerians to celebration the Easter season. A correspondent of NAN who visited the Badagry Heritage Museum, the first storey building, Seriki Abass Museum and the Slave Market, observed several tourists and revelers there.

NIGERIANS, especially the people of Oyo State and the residents of Ibadan North East Local Government Area in particular, have been charged to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, love and brotherli-

Emulate Jesus, Ibadan North LG boss charges civil servants THE caretaker chairman, Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State, Honourable Yinka Akinbode has enjoined civil servants in the local government council to emulate Jesus Christ in all their day-today activities. Akinbode stated this while addressing members of staff of the council, during their weekly fellowship held at the hall of the council, Agodi Gate, Ibadan. In his goodwll message Honourable Akinbode stated that “Jesus Christ offers himself as a sacrifice for humanity. This is the greatest

Jonathan Vatsa, specifically charged Nigerlites to be patient with his administration in its bid to achieve the desired change.

Akinfenwa to Nigerians: Pray fervently for development, nation’s growth

Live in love, harmony, Akpabio charges faithful SENATE Minority Leader and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated with the Christian faithful across Nigeria and beyond on the 2016 Easter festival, charging them to continue living in love and harmony. Akpabio, who stated this in his Easter message to Nigerians, signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, maintained that the essence of Easter “is about love and the sacrificial death of Christ. It is about showing love to others and living lives worthy of emulation,” urging Christians to imbibe Christ’s qualities of love and sacrifice. The former governor charged Nigerians to, as a part of their sacrifices, pray for Nigeria and continue to seeks its progress. He noted that “together in unity, we can all overcome all challenges facing our great country. And to achieve that unity, there must always be love among us irrespective of our religious, ethnic or political differences.”

of their spirit, saying they should continue to walk in unity in the spirit of Easter.

Tourists troop out to tourist sites in Badagry

getherness, the caretaker chairman said governance is a collective responsibility that required all hands

to be on deck to take Nigeria to greater heights, with a view to achieving the desired change expected by

By Tunde Ogunesan

of religion. Alhaji Rahman urged influential people in the society to be their brothers’ keepers always. In her reaction, the assistant matron of the Ibadan Home for the Motherless Babies, Mrs Aderinola Oke, while expressing her happiness, thanked the association for its kind gesture. She noted that it is only those that have the grace of God that considered the plight of the less privileged ones in our society. Mrs Aderinola called on well-meaning Nigerians to take a cue from the Alumni Association of Osun State College, and use their Godgiven resources for the betterment of mankind.

Osun College of Education Alumni donates to Ibadan Home AS part of activities marking this year’s Easter celebration and reunion of members, the Association of Osun State College of Education, Ila- Orangun Old Students, has donated gifts worth thousands of naira to the Ibadan Home for the Motherless Babies. The association’s chairman, Alhaji Taofik Gbolagade Rahman (Ogbori), disclosed that the association deemed it fit to celebrate the maiden edition of its reunion with the motherless children rather than wine and dine among themselves. He said the association of 1979 believed in service to humanity instead of being sentimental about the line

Monday, 28 March, 2016

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

Cathedral Church Choir, at the Easter Sunday service in Kaduna, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN

From Left, Registrar, Anglican Diocese of Lagos, Chief Olurotimi William; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Adefulire; Diocese Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, The Most Reverend Adebola Ademowo and retired Chief Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice George Oguntade, at the Easter Sunday Service of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN

Archbishop of Ibadan Catholic Diocese, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin leading a procession to mark Easter Sunday Service at St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, Ibadan, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN

An orchestra of the Deeper Life Bible Church performing at the National Easter retreat of the church, in Suleja, Niger State, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN

From left, Bishop of Kaduna Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Timothy Yahaya; Cathedral Chaplain, Reverend Samuel Fayomi and the Youth Pastor, Reverend Canon Victor Aghahowa, at the Easter Sunday service, in Kaduna, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN

Beneficiaries of free train ride from Lagos to Osun sponsored by the Osun State government, in commemoration of Easter celebration, at Iddo Terminal, Lagos, on Friday.

news Ortom tackles Tarzoor over N28bn bailout 32

By Kunle Oderemi

ENUE State governor, Samuel Ortom, on Sunday, flayed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in 2015 poll in the state, Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, for his “baseless allegations” over loans obtained by the state government. According to the governor, it was mischievous for Tarzoor to impute frivolity to the current moves by the government to clear the mess created by the previous PDP state administration. Ortom said through a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Information Communication Technology (ICT), Mr Tahav Agerzua, that he expected Tarzoor to offer suggestions on what ought to be done or what he would have done differently if he were a governor who inherited a deficit treasury with huge salary arrears and other financial burdens. He recalled that when he assumed office last year, the morale of civil servants was at its lowest ebb due to five months of unpaid salaries, which necessitated his government to obtain a N10 billion facility to pay May and June salaries, ensure take off of the government and meet other critical obligations. He explained that the obligations also included payment for accreditation requirements of the College of Health Sciences at the Benue State University, where the pioneer students had spent 12 years for a

Monday, 28 March, 2016

six-year course because the previous administration did not care about their plight. This, he said, was contrary to records uncovered by the Elizabeth Kpojime Commission of Inquiry set up by his administration indicating there were more than enough funds available for the previous

regime to clear the arrears if it were its priority. According to Ortom, such inherited liabilities made it imperative for the current government to obtain the N28 billion Federal Government bailout obtained for the payment of the salary arrears at the state and local government levels.

THE Nigerian army has arrested six suspects over the ongoing communal crisis in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State. Lt Colonel Chima Egemole, the commanding officer of the 93 battalion, Takum, paraded the suspects along side arms and ammunitions recovered to newsmen on Sunday, in Takum. Egemole disclosed that two peace meetings were held in Ibi ,recently as directed by the military authorities but the rampaging youths turned deaf ears and continued to forment trouble in the area. "Prior to the recent incident, on Friday, two peace meetings were held in Ibi within the same week with a view to finding amicable solution to the crisis but it seems the miscreants are bent on going on with the with the crisis. "It took the prompt intervention of troops and other security agents to restore

“With the loan N3.8 billion was paid to UBEC and an equal amount accessed bringing the total amount to N7.6 billion made available for investment into primary schools in the state. Tenders for projects in hundreds of primary schools have already been advertised.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr David Babachir (left), presenting certificate and agricultural equipment to Abdullahi Musa (right), during the graduation ceremony of Buba Industrial Village, under youth empowerment programme, organised by Honourable Yusuf Buba, representing Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency, in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN.

Boko Haram : FG begins reconstruction of schools, police stations

As NEMA solves malnutrition problem in IDP camps

THE Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr David Lawan, has said the Federal Government has commenced the reconstruction of schools and police stations destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents in the North East. Lawan made this known

on Sunday, in Hong, Adamawa State,during the graduation of 500 students trained by Buba Industrial Village. The training was part of the youth empowerment programme introduced by Yusuf Buba, the member representing Gombi /Hong Federal Constituency.

Army arrests 6 over Ibi crisis in Taraba Sylvanus Viashima - Jalingo

He added that the need to pay counterpart funding in order to access more funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and other development partners who were leaving the state in their numbers made his administration to obtain a N5.5 billion facility.

normalcy in the area," he said. The commanding officer said a 24- hour curfew has been imposed on Ibi ,while manhunt for the remaining hoodlums is onging. Egemole, who explained that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General. Tukur Buratai's mission ,was to ensure the restoration of peace among all Nigerians, urged all stakeholders to continue with negotiations. "Measures have been put in place for more peace meetings to resolve the crisis in the area," he said He urged parents to educate the youth on the need for peaceful coexistence and tolerance among the inhabitants to give room for development of the area. The Nigerian Tribune learnt that arms and ammunitions paraded at the event include; three AK47 assault rifles, two AK47 magazines, 104 rounds of 7.2MM, 19 rounds of 5.5 MM, four single barrel

guns, 11 cartridges among others. Egemole, thereafter, handed over the six suspects , the arms and ammunitions to Mr John Akpovwovwo, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO),in Takum, who transfered them to the state headquarters for further investigation.

He said that the reconstruction of the region was part of the election campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari. The SGF stressed that the aim was to bring lasting solution to insurgency and rebuild destroyed infrastructures in the area. “Federal Government has began reconstruction of schools, police stations among others destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents in the North East region. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has said that it had put in place machinery to tackle high rate of malnutrition in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) camps in the country.

NEMA Director- General, Alhaji Sani Sidi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Maiduguri. Sidi said that the agency was worried over rising cases of malnutrition among the Displaced Persons. "We are concerned as an agency of government on the issue of nutrition in IDP camps. "You can see for yourself that most of IDPs are women and children, more than 70 per cent of IDPs are women and children,'' he said. Sidi added: "We have noted the issue of malnutrition in the IDP camps, so, we are working with experts like UNICEF and other partners.

Consumer protection committee seizes fake measuring tools in Jigawa CONSUMER Protection Committee (CPC) ,Jigawa State, has seized 25,000 fake measuring tools, 132 bags of adulterated animal feeds, sesame seeds and sorghum in the state. This was disclosed by the chairman of the committee, Alhaji Farouk Abdullah, at the weekend, while addressing newsmen shortly after the committee's operation in one of the markets, adding that the committee

would continue on it so as to maintain transparency Alhaji Faruk Abdulhad said that the items were confiscated within three months from traders in different markets across the state. According to him ,his committee in different operations, seized 25,000 measuring tools from traders in Gujungu, Suletankarkar, Malammadori, Hadejia, Garungabas and Balangu markets ,respec-

tively. The chairman added that 102 bags of adulterated animal feeds were confiscated in Kafinhausa Local Government Area. He said that other confiscated items include 18 bags of zobo, 10 bags of sorghum and three bags of sesame seed mixed with sand ,were seized in Gujungu Malammadori and Maigatari markets, of Taura, Malammadori and Maigatari Local Government Areas.

Cleric tasks Nigerians on honesty Oluwole Ige - Osogbo CHAIRMAN, Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Reverend Olumide Kehinde, at the weekend, charged Nigerians to be honest in their business activities, saying the nation’s ailing economy can only be revamped, if Nigerians exhibit honesty in their business dealings. He gave the charge at a training workshop by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-Entrepreneurial Development Centre for Betheljoy Professionals Awareness Initiative and Cooperatives, at the Multi-purpose hall, Union Baptist Church, Osogbo, Osun State. Reverend Kehinde, who is also the Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, lamented the current economy meltdown across the globe in particular, Nigeria, contending that “this is the appropriate time that Nigerians must use their hands to work assiduously to reduce poverty in the land”. While observing that the nation can only get over the current economic challenges quickly when Nigerians embrace honesty, the cleric maintained that any business activity based on lies and corrupt tendencies cannot stand. While commending the organisers of the training for doing the right thing at the right time, Reverend Kehinde maintained that the training workshop is part of efforts towards assisting in revamping the nation’s economy.

Enemies behind APC crises —Onwuzulike Suzy Oruya - Onitsha FACTS emerged, on Sunday that the intra-party crises currently rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) are being sponsored by enemies of progress within the party to witch-hunt perceived enemies, who they feel are the stumbling blocks to their personal interests. To buttress his point while addressing newsmen in Onitsha, Anambra State, the coordinator of ‘ Kwankwaso Envoy Nigeria’ Anambra State chapter, Honourable Charles Onwuzulike, said, “look at what is happening in Kano State between the incumbent Governor Abdulahi Umar Ganduje and his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who made him governor." “Today, Kwankwaso has become his greatest enemy. It is unfortunate,” he said. He advised Governor Ganduje and others attacking Kwankwaso because of his leadership qualities and achievements to rethink in the interest of the party and Nigeria as a whole, adding, “Kwankwaso is God-sent to better the lives of the people.”

news

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Abubakar Rimi Market fire: Gov laments lack of fire fighting aircraft

As Saraki commiserates with victims Kola Oyelere - Kano and Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

ANO State governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje has lamented that lack of fire fighting aircraft worsen the fire outbreak that engulfed Abubakar Rimi Market as such facility belonging to the National Emergency Agency (NEMA), was not in the country then. This is just as the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammadu Katsina, confirmed that over 100 people were arrested by security operatives, saying that they would be prosecuted in accordance with the law soon. The governor, who was at the market on Sunday, to inspect the extent of destruction at the market, said that “even when it started, I contacted the Presidency over the fire outbreak, purposely to request for a fire fighting aircraft but the Presidency said the aircraft was not in the country. “I also contacted my friend, the Lagos State governor, Akinwumi Ambode, if he has such aircraft, he said they don’t have that facility, so, we could not do anything than to rely on our local facility, we then requested corporate agencies to come to our aid and I am happy to say that most of them turned up and assisted us to put off the fire.’’ Meanwhile, the senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Sunday, commiserated with the victims of Saturday fire disaster that ravaged the Abubakar Rimi Market in Kano. Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), lamented the continuous occurrence of fire disasters in markets across the country and urged the management of markets to always employ modern means of preventing and combating fire disasters to ensure traders are not subjected to this harrowing loss. The market was in the early hours of Saturday engulfed by fire that led to the destruction of goods and property worth millions of naira. According to him: "the continuous loss of merchandise and property in many commodity markets in the country and Kano in particular to fire disasters, has reached a worrisome level that requires urgent measures to combat the trend." "These fires incidents had deprived our hardworking and determined traders the means of livelihood and survival and these are breadwinners of their families. In addition, these loses represent the depletion of nation-

al wealth as most of the victims constitute a significant chunk of entrepreneurial class, who are supposedly

great contributors to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “This is most unfortunate

to the economy of Kano State, more so coming after the destruction of Kurmi Market, the oldest market

in Kano by fire and the recent inferno at the furniture section of Abubakar Rimi Market.

Kano State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Gabduje (middle), speaking at the scene of Sabongari Market fire disaster, during a visit, on Sunday. PHOTO: KOLA OYELERE.

3,800 shops destroyed by fire at Sabon Gari Market in Kano —NEMA As Dogara apologises to Nigerians Clement Idoko - Abuja with agency report

THE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said on Sunday that at least 3,800 shops were destroyed by Saturday’s fire incident at the Sabon Gari Market, Kano. Its Director-General, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi Sidi, told newsmen at the scene of the incident in Kano, that the interim assessment of the situation indicated that more than 90 per cent of the market had been destroyed by the fire. “It is unfortunate that from the record more than 90 per cent of the market has been burnt. “Based on the report, more than 3, 800 shops and quite a number of buildings were razed by the inferno,” he said. The director-general explained that no fewer than 15 persons sustained various degrees of injury during the incident. He, however, said that the injured were already receiving treatment at the hospital. “The incident was unprecedented and overwhelming and can negatively affect the economy of the country,” he said. Also, no fewer than 100 suspected looters were arrested by security agents during the fire outbreak. The state commissioner of police, Mr Muhammad Katsina, disclosed this when Governor Abdullahi Ganduje visited the market on Sunday. He said the suspects were

apprehended while trying to escape with their loots, by security personnel deployed to the market to ensure security of lives and property following the fire outbreak. He said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation was completed. Ganduje commiserated with the victims of the disaster and commended security personnel for ensuring adequate security during the incident. Meanwhile, Dr Ganduje, has called for the introduction of weighbridges along major highways in the country in order to control axle load violation. Ganduje, spoke in Kano while receiving the Corps

Marshal and Chief Executive of the FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, at the Government House, Kano. FRSC’s Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Mr Bisi Kazeem, in a statement, on Sunday, in Abuja, said Oyeyemi, was in the state in continuation of his monitoring of the Corps’ special Easter patrol in the North-western parts of the country. The Corps Marshal used the occasion to commiserate with the government and people of the state on the recent fire incident that occurred in the state. Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara

has apologised to Nigerians over a statement on last Saturday’s Kano market fire disaster where Dogara was quoted as saying that “it is only when people are godly that such incidents will cease to occur.” Some Nigerians were outraged at the statement as implying that the fire outbreak served as punishment for sins allegedly committed by businessmen and women in Sabon Gari Market. Dogara, on Sunday, through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, regretted that the statement was issued by one of his aides without clearance from either the speaker or any of his senior aides.

Gas explosion victims at CBN out of danger —UCTH CMD SURVIVORS of March 11 gas explosion at the Calabar branch of Central Bank of the Nigeria (CBN) admitted at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), are out of danger. Professor Thomas Agan, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), UCTH, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, on Sunday. Agan, however, said that a number of fatalities were recorded out of 16 persons admitted at the hospital. “Two died on arrival. On the whole, three persons died on day one while the fourth died

the following day. “Two out of the four victims brought in on critical conditions have been discharged. One of the discharged is a woman with a history of asthma. “The other one with head injury, was also discharged after examination by a neurosurgeon. Virtually all of the victims have been discharged except five who are all doing well,’’ he said. He added that the UCTH health team had been taking care of the victims. "Basically, we are taking care of their burns, infections and protecting the victims. They are out of

danger list. "As we are talking, they are communicating with family members. Three of the survivors are likely going home on or before Tuesday next week depending on their response to treatment. "Two of the survivors will still stay back for observation and care’’, he said. The CMD said the hospital was able to cope with the challenge due to dedicated manpower. "We were able to cope because we are one of the largest tertiary hospitals with good and dedicated manpower. We believe in saving lives first.

Ajimobi to commission UI/ NLNG Engineering Laboratory Complex tomorrow OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is to commission the multi-million naira solution-driven engineering laboratory complex, at the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan (UI), on Tuesday (tomorrow). The first and the only automation complex in Nigeria is the product of partnership between the University of Ibadan and Nigeria LNG Limited. The facility was built by the University of Ibadan and equipped by Nigeria LNG Limited, on an equal partnership basis of $2million each. In a statement by the university's Director of Public Communication, Mr Olatunji Oladejo, he disclosed that the laboratory will support the repositioning of science and technology in a way to reshape and promote the automation of all engineering processes for the purpose of increased productivity and efficiency in Nigeria. Mr Oladejo further disclosed that the Minister for Health and immediate past vice chancellor of the university, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, will be there to celebrate the commissioning along with his successor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka. The release also stated that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Olasupo Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, will be the royal father of the day.

Burial MR Christopher Adedokun Adeniran is dead. He was aged 70. There will be service of songs for him on Thursday, April 7, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mount Zion Cathedral, Oyo Province 1 Headquarters, Bolumole Street, Off Ring Road Challenge, Ibadan, at 6.30p.m. Burial service will hold on Friday, April 8, at the RCCG Mount Zion Cathedral, Oyo Province 1 Headquarters, Bolumole Street, off Ring Road, Challenge, Ibadan, at 11.00a.m. Reception is at Ebenezer African Church Hall, Iyana Anfani, Ring Road, Ibadan.

Adedokun Adeniran

34 news Group embarks on campaign to stem ethnic, cultural, religious disputes Monday, 28 March, 2016

notable rights group has embarked on a nationwide campaign to stem age-long differences often fueled by ethnic, cultural and religious disputes in Nigeria. The project is aimed at preventing further violence and blood-letting, apart from deepening democratic culture in a country of over 250 ethnic groups whose over 100 years of nation-building is dotted by unending conflict and a bloody civil war. The project involves training, advocacy visits and campaigns that will draw community-based groups, ethnic associations, security operatives and exceptional stakeholders including but not limited to leaders of nomadic people. In a statement on Monday, the Journalists for Democratic Rights, (JODER) established in 1996, said the programme would involve a nationwide constructive engagement with ethnic associations, community-based groups, the media and other stakeholders, that would undergo training and skills acquisition on peace-building and conflict management. It will also involve a series of actions like advocacy visits, campaigns and interactive and expert-on-conflict meetings. The project is being supported by the Ford Foundation West African Regional Office. “Our country is constantly sprinkled with the dew of hate, suspicion and despair, sometimes arising from religion, ethnicity or creed. This trend is promoted daily in the social media with daring consequences on peace and sustainable livelihood. We have the capacity to take off this divisive lid by creating a new abiding faith of peace among Nigerians from their rainbow of values, opportunities and an amazing history of rich culture,” the statement signed by JODER’s Executive Director Mr Adewale Adeoye and the Assistant Programme Officer, Mr Obafemi Kasali stated. The group observed that in Nigeria, the seed of conflict is planted mostly during electioneering, nothing that the consequences of violence and ethnic conflict often come long after elections had been held. “The threat of violence in Nigeria is real and mainly derived from the country’s historic precedence. Though democratic elections are held every four years, we have seen that the impulsion for conflict remains. Nigerians on their own can take measures to create a platform of understanding and mutual trust. It is a task that can be achieved through a com-

prehensive programme of non-violence training of the critical stakeholders across the country,” JODER stated. JODER said the strategic focus of the programme was to promote peace, democracy and stability in

Nigeria, through the media, socio-cultural groups and youth-driven organizations. “We’ll be working with local people and indigenous organizations for the success of the programme.” The group stated that the

recent conflict at Mile 12 which led to loss of lives, could have been prevented by the people themselves if conflict resolution standards already existed. The group said ethnic faithinduced violence were sour

points that continued to pull Nigeria back from the tower of greatness, adding that every year, thousands of human lives, including women and children were lost to avoidable conflicts traced to ethnicity and differences

armed men shot the deceased in the face. There was anxiety at the scene of the incident as residents and passersby scampered for safety. It was learnt that the sporadic shooting rented the air forcing motorists and motorcycles plying the area to detour for take escape route. “It was like a theatre scene when the gunmen arrived. They started shooting that everybody around had to runaway. We didn’t know what happened, we only discovered that the style of operation of the gunmen appeared like they are cultists. “Before now, we have been observing Wasiu (the victim)

because his action too was suspicious. He might be a cult member that is why he was away for sometime now before yesterday’s incident,” a source said. It was learnt that the remains of the victim were evacuated from the scene by a relative, before the arrival of a detachment from the state police command. It was gathered that armed policemen from C Division arrived at the scene and inquired from neighbours an account of the incident. The spokesman of the state police command, Okasanmi Ajayi, promised to contact the Nigerian Tribune when contacted to confirm the incident.

Cultists kill one in Ilorin Biola Azeez -Ilorin GUNMEN suspected to be members of a cult group have reportedly shot one person dead in Ilorin, on Sunday. The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the victim of the attack, who was identified simply as Wasiu was killed around Ikokoro/Sakamo area of Ilorin around 3:10 p.m.

Wasiu, who allegedly belonged to a rival cult group, and said to be in his 30s, according to sources, had hitherto fled the area to avoid being killed but returned recently. The gunmen numbering about four, were said to have arrived the area in a commando style and shot the victim at a close range. An eyewitness said the

Be strong in face of challenges, Kwara Speaker enjoins Nigerians at Easter Biola Azeez -Ilorin THE Speaker, Kwara State Assembly, Honourable Dr Ali Ahmad, has enjoined Nigerians to be strong in the face of several challenges facing the country, noting that with unity of purpose Nigeria would soon overcome the crises. Ahmad made the charge in his Easter message issued by his Media Aide, Shuaib Abdulkadir in Ilorin, at the weekend, adding that Nigerians must utilise their differences in religions, ethnicity and languages to make the country great. While congratulating Christians on the Easter celebration, he admonished them to imbibe Jesus Christ’s qualities, be their brother’s keepers, preach peace at all times, and as well as show love to people around them, especially adherents of other religions. The speaker further admonished them to use the festive period to pray fer-

vently for God’s intervention in Nigeria’s situation, with a view to end series of crises being experienced in the nooks and crannies of the country. According to him, in the course of celebrating the death of Christ, we must resolve to do only what is right and celebrate modestly, saying we must also appreciate His death on the cross, by being true to his words, teachings and practices in order to live a better life and make the society a better one. The celebration, according to him, also provided opportunity for us as Nigerians to come together, do away with our differences and make use of several things that bind us together, noting that this would make us strong as one indivisible country. Ahmad also called for support and prayers for the Buhari-led administration in order to succeed in changing the country’s fortunes for better.

163 exhibitors to participate in 7th Gateway Fair Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta THE Ogun Chamber of Commerce,Industry,Mines and Agriculture, will be hosting the 7th Gateway Trade Fair between April 18 and May 2nd,in Abeokuta, the state capital. This was stated by its President, Chief Toyin Taiwo, at a news conference heralding the fair, who disclosed that this year’s edition is in conjunction with TACOMS Nigeria Limited. He added that the trade fair would attract 163 exhibitors and 150,000 visitors, as well as foreign investors, small and medium

enterprises and inventors. Taiwo urged the Federal Government to redirect the National Youth Service Scheme towards revitalising agriculture in the country in the face of fall in the oil price globally. He said the scheme which had turned out about 50 million Nigerians, had failed to fulfil the dream of its founding fathers. The OGUNCIMMA boss expressed displeasure over the country’s mono-economy nature,insisting that it had become imperative for her to diversify through massive investment in agriculture.

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in values. “This situation can be brought under control by an action-driven by the people. Most of the times, these conflict arise from lack of communication, stereotyping and complete ignorance of mechanism for conflict resolution. These are the challenges we intend to address.” According to JODER, “the project will deepen Nigeria’s fledgling democracy and strengthen peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s sometimes fractious social formations. The workshop/ training will also afford participants strategies for conflict resolution and series of other training and skills acquisition that will help the nation to realise her dream of making peace and mutual trust and enduring monument. The group stated that the beneficiaries of the project are people who could make impact in their communities, youth groups and leaders whose voices are dominant in their territories.

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I, Lasisi Ramoni Olalekan am the same person bearing Oduola Rahamon Olalekan. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as LASISI RAMONI OLALEKAN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

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communitynews

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Delta gov gets commendation for even development alphonsus agborh-asaba

CHAIRMAN, Delta State College of Health Technology, Dr.Nelson Ejakpovi, has lauded Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration for carrying all Deltans along in his developmental programmes. Speaking shortly after “a thank you” visit to Governor Okowa by Isoko ethnic nationality under the auspices of Isoko Development Union at the Government House, Asaba, Dr Ejakpovi observed that Governor Okowa has proved that he is not a governor with sectional interests with his appointments distribution of projects in the state. First, I commend the IDU for this initiative to appreciate our governor, it has shown that the Isoko nation is happy and you know, it is when you show appreciation for what you have received that more will come to you,” he said, adding that, “we are all in Delta State and when you look around, you just have to commend our governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for the effective way he is managing the affairs of government.” He further said, “despite

the financial challenges the country is facing, he is giving political patronage to all the ethnic nationalities, and his empowerment programmes cut across all segments of the society.” Dr. Ejakpovi expressed the hope that the governor will sustain his unbiased approach to governance and called for support and understanding of Deltans to enable the government succeed. The chairman emphasised that engaging in peaceful activities by Deltans was imperative as a way of encouraging investors which will accelerate the level of development in the state.

Newly elected executive members of the Yoruba community in Kano, Alhaji Abdulateef Faisu, President-General (second right) and Mr Samuel Alade (left), with the convener, Ibadan Support Group in Kano, Prince Bello Armstrong Muji (left) and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun, at the recent coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Invasion: Kogi community sends SOS to FG, rights commission Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja

he people of Aluala-Iyano community in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State have sent an SOS to the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission and the Amnesty International over the mayhem that

rocked the area in 2015. The Onu of Aluala-Iyano, Chief Benjamin Akoji, who made the disclosure, lamented the crisis that led to the death of one of his subjects, John Ateli, while another, Omanyo Acholo, has been declared missing. According to him, the call for help became necessary in view of incessant attacks, arson, destruction of lives

and property, perpetrated by neighbouring communities following chieftaincy tussle in the area. He explained that the people deserted the community as a result of the 2015 mayhem and had not been able to return since then. Akoji added that his people have since expressed their desire to return home with calls on government

You’ll benefit from Warri kingdom, Olu assures Ilajes •As Ilajes demand recognition Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, has assured Ilajes resident in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State of maximum benefits from Warri Kingdom. This is just as the Public Relations Officer of the Seven Ilaje Communities’ Trust, Mr. Adesuji Adewole, appealed to the Delta State government to accord recognition to Ilajes living in Ugborodo. The traditional and spiritual head of all Itsekiris worldwide gave the assurance at his palace in Warri recently when Ilaje people resident in Itsekiri land of Ugborodo paid him homage on to his coronation as the new Olu of Warri. The Ilajes’ spokesperson, Adesuji Adewole, said the Ilajes resident in Ugborodo which are Ilesanmi, Egbokuta, AgoIlaje, Agodo, Costain, Ogo-Oluwayo and Ogidigben Seashore, deserved recognition by the state government like other ethnic groups because they had settled in Escravos for no fewer than two centuries. He explained that the decision to pay homage to the

Olu of Warri was to underscore their unalloyed loyalty to the monarch. Receiving the delegates in his palace, the Olu commended them for their loyalty to Warri Kingdom

over the years and for living peacefully with their hosts. Also speaking on behalf of Ilaje communities, Chief Bowoto Omoboye Samuel, expressed joy over the coronation of the

new Olu of Warri. He commended Olu’s good leadership qualities, praying God to grant him more wisdom and many years of peaceful reign on the throne of his forefathers.

and security agencies to assist and work towards their return. He also disclosed that they had written a notification letter dated January 12, 2016 to the Kogi State governor intimating him of their willingness to return home. He lamented that the people were finding it difficult to earn a living after the destruction of their businesses, apartments, farm produce and domestic animals allegedly perpetrated by people from neighbouring communities. The traditional ruler further said that an emergency peace meeting was convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge

Ijebu-Ife celebrates Ebi Festival Olayinka Olukoya-Abeokuta Sons and daughters of IjebuIfe, in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State has celebrated the annual Ebi Festival in grand style. The festival is celebrated to herald the rainy season and to serve as a social control sys-

tem. Speaking during the festival, the Akeweje of IjebuIfe, Chief Jimoh Mabadeje, explained that the festival is used to checkmate the excesses of unscrupulous people in the town. He said the age-long fes-

tival had been transformed from the way it used to be celebrated in the past, submitting that visitors that were not allowed during the celebration were now welcome. He added that the festival is also about cleansing the

Tiv community honours Malu, 3 others Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

The Tiv Community Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Kaduna has honoured the Commander of the Nigerian Army Headquarters Garrison, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, MajorGeneral John Malu, with a merit award for selfless service to his people. The garrison commander received the award in Kaduna alongside three others. They are former Commander, Nigerian Army Corps

Supply and Transport, Major-General Emmanuel Nienge (retd); member, Benue State House of Assembly, Honourable Terhemba Chabo and Manager, Production Department of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company (KRPC), Mr Tsavnande Atighir. In his remarks, after receiving the award, Malu said: “It feels great to be honoured by your people. It means that the little you are doing is recognised and

it is an encouragement to do more for your people. So, I am highly honoured, even though, I didn’t really expect it. “That is why it is important to recognise your people, even as we portray a nationalistic posture. You must always remember where you come from; your people need you and when you work hard, your people look up to you as an example, and when you associate with them, they feel a sense of belonging.

town of evil occurrences and securing it. “Ebi festival is all about cleansing and securing our town. It is an annual event. We celebrate it to correct social injustice within the society,” Mabadeje said. The Poluga of Ijebu-Ife, High Chief Gbenga Omilola, corroborated Chief Mabadeje, saying that the festival is celebrated to correct the ills in the town as it relates to individual action. He said: “During Ebi festival, the secrets of those that have done evil will be revealed. Ebi masquerades (Jigbo) will dance round the town and stop at the house of any member of the town that might have committed any evil acts. “So, the festival is a form of social control system, also heralds the rainy season, signifying bountiful harvest. The celebration has been modernised.”

of Ibaji Local Government Area, Egwu Nwaschi, at Onyedega in February to resolve the issues with other communities. He, however, regretted that despite the readiness of the community to embrace peace, the peace efforts did not yield any fruitful result. He said it was when the people attempted to return to their community that Ateli was hacked down by assailants, who were said to be patrolling the area with some women. He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government and non governmental organisations to come to the aid of the people of the community who are now refugees in their fatherland.

Eburu of Iba for coronation June 4 by gbenga olumide

Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, has approved the official presentation of the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the new Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Okunoye. A release signed and made available to Community News, on Tuesday, said the coronation and presentation of the staff of office to the royal father will take place on June 4, at Eburu’s palace in Iba, Ifelodun North Local Council Development Area. The occasion is expected to be graced by people from all walks of life, particularly sons and daughters of the ancient community.

communitynews

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Okowa charges traditional rulers on provision of land for investment Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

elta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged traditional rulers and community leaders to partner with government in the provision of land resources for private sector investment. He made the request when he received traditional rulers and executive members of Anioma Congress led by its deputy chairman, the Obi of Owa, Emmanuel Efeizomor II, in Government House, Asaba. Governor Okowa said the state needed to partner with the private sector in infrastructural development, but added that traditional rulers have a duty to maintain peace and security in their domains as well as provide land resources for investors. He stressed that with private sector investment in the communities, youths would be gainfully engaged. He promised that government would use any land provided for economic purposes for the benefit of the communities. While reminding the traditional rulers and community leaders that investments could only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment, the governor charged them to cooperate with security agencies and local government area chairmen for the provision of investment-friendly environment. “There is the need to partner with the private sector to develop our land. I want to continue to appeal that there is the need to keep our communities not only peaceful and safe but to provide land resources so that we can re-

fer investors to such areas where lands are available lands”, he said. According to him, “I have told the Commissioner for Lands to look out for areas where communities are willing to make lands available for the purpose of partnering with the private sector; this time, we will not just take up people’s land only to allocate same to individuals. Any land made available by any community will be used for something that has an economic relevance to that community and to the people of Delta State.” Governor Okowa disclosed that the state government was partnering with some investors to carry out housing, agricultural production and processing, and solar energy projects in the state. He noted that “these are the kinds of development we are looking into. Apart from the fact that these houses will be taken up through mortgage and at reasonable prices, in the course of construction, our

people will be employed as it will provide a lot of jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers.”

Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, Rita Agbo, has disclosed that the council generated N3million revenue from two community markets in the area. Agbo disclosed this during an interactive session with women groups, who converged under the auspices of Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3), to x-ray the recently celebrated 2016 International Women’s Day, in Calabar. The one-day conference, which was organ-

more of our youths will employed.” Earlier, Obi Efeizomor II had explained that they

were in Asaba to felicitate with Governor Okowa on his electoral victory at the Supreme Court.

Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (second left); his deputy, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro (left); Obi of Owa Kingdom, Emmanuel Efeizomor II (middle); Deputy Speaker, state House of Assembly, Honourable Friday Osanebi (second right) and former deputy governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, during the courtesy call by Anioma Congress on the governor, in Asaba.

Ijoko residents excited over Sterling Bank’s ATM gallery tola adenubi-lagos

Residents of Ijoko town in Sango area of Ogun State have expressed happiness over the location of the first ever ATM Gallery g by Sterling Bank in the town. Ijoko town currently does not enjoy banking services as the major road leading to the town, used to be in deplorable state until the state government’s intervention. But following the completion of one of the lanes

of the road by the state government, an ATM Gallery has been established in the town along the road by Sterling Bank Nigeria Plc. The ATM Gallery, which is yet to be declared open is located almost adjacent to the popular Leksokky Hotels and Suit. When Community News visited the area, to feel the pulse of residents in respect of the ATM gallery, they commended Sterling Bank for blazing the trail by

‘Ogoja generated N3m from community markets’ Anthony Ubong-Calabar

He further stated that “if we are able to get the private sector to invest in our land, then our people and

ised in collaboration with Market Development Programme in Niger Delta, according to GEMS3 Lead Gender Adviser, Nkechi Nwankwo, seeks to connect women to useful services for economic empowerment. Speaking further, the council boss added that the increase in revenue was made possible by the introduction of Point of Sale (PoS) automated machine in 2014. She also alleged that before now, most of the revenue points in the council were allocated to politicians, as compensation.

She said: “When I assumed office in 16 December, 2013, we sought to find a way of blocking leakages in revenue collection. “For those of us who are familiar with the local government system, most of the revenue points were usually allocated to politicians and at the end of the day, you will find out that the market women and tax payers work so hard to make money, but these monies only go into the pockets of a few persons. And there was nothing to show for it.”

establishing its presence in the town. According to Alhaja Modinatu Ashafa, the move will go a long way in addressing the challenge of having to go to Sango-Ota to conduct financial transactions. Her words: “You know, all the banks are located in Sango-Ota and its environs. There are no bank here in Ijoko because most of them are scared of insecurity issues and the deplorable state of roads. “With the rehabilitation of the road now, we are hoping this is just the beginning. We want other banks to locate their offices on the

Ijoko road so that we won’t have to always go to SangoOta to carry out financial transactions. “Even if it is just electronic branches or ATM galleries like what Sterling Bank has done, we will appreciate it because sometimes, going to Sango could be tedious and cumbersome.” Another resident, who apparently came to Leksokky Hotel to have some fun stated that the ATM gallery will reduce the stress of moving around with cash all the time. “You know, Leksokky Hotel does not have an ATM point within its building and

their Point of Sale (PoS) is subject to network availability. “Sometimes, they will tell you there is no network which of course is of no fault of theirs but the banks. But with the ATM gallery being built by Sterling Bank almost opposite the hotel, I can always drive down with no cash on me to enjoy myself as long as I have my ATM card with me,” he stated. It will be recalled that the Ogun State government recently commended the rehabilitation of the 32 kilometre Sango/Ijoko/Agbado Road.

The Edo State coordinator of the NDE, Ayo Edegbai, who represented the acting director-general of NDE at the event, said the trained women would be provided with “the seed of funds to set up and practice the skills they have learnt.” According to Edegbai, “it is a statement of fact that our trainees’ lives will never remain the same as they will soon start to practice the acquired skills and in no distant time, become employers of labour.”

He noted that the NDE was out to create a new generation of entrepreneurs, who will form part of the bedrock for the economic development of the nation, adding that employment generation was the only way poverty and social vices could be conquered. He said over 150,000 persons have benefited from the programmes of NDE, the majority of whom are now practising their trades as entrepreneurs.

NDE trains women in adire making banji aluko-benin city

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Edo State has completed the training of hundreds of women in the art of making tie and dye, otherwise known as adire. The training, which was kicked off at the National Youth Skills Acquisition Centre in Benin, was put together by the Women Empowerment Branch (WEB), a unit under the Small Scale Enterprise (SSE) of the NDE.

Monday, 28 March, 2016

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08116954632 with seyi gesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

Easter: Pope condemns terrorism in Africa, Europe, Mideast

Denounces security threat in Vatican

MID the tightest security ever for an outdoor Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis on Easter Sunday lashed out at the “blind and brutal” terrorism afflicting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and beyond. Five days after Islamic State attacks in Brussels killed 31 people, extraordinary security controls left some faithful waiting in line for hours and forced some to watch the Mass from up to three-quarters of a mile away from St Peter’s Square. Even so, the ceremony drew as many as 200,000 on a sunny and crisp Easter morning, according to media reports. Speaking from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, USA Today said Pope Francis lamented the difficulties of political and economic refugees looking to settle in Europe, and he discussed the religious significance of the Jesus resurrection symbolized by Easter, something he called a “message of life” for the world. “This day invites us not to forget those men and women seeking a better future, an ever more numerous throng of migrants and refugees, including many children, fleeing war, hunger, poverty and social injustice,” the pontiff said. Terrorism was a dominant theme on Sunday, from the scores of police and military personnel checking bags

and scanning crowds to the pope’s message of rebirth, which he said he hoped would “draw us closer to the victims of terrorism, a blind and brutal form of violence.” The Vatican and Rome have attracted repeated threats from extremist groups in recent years, something Francis has tried to confront in part by reaching out to other faiths. On Good Friday, for example, he washed the feet of Christian, Muslim and Hindu migrants. Francis, at the start of the fourth year of his papacy, has made repeated outreach to other faiths. “One of the pope’s main messages boils down to the belief that we are all brothers,” Franca Giansoldati, a Vatican expert with Rome’s Il Messaggero newspaper, said in an interview. “Fran-

Pope Francis

cis’ political messages are always tied to the pastoral role he takes. He speaks as a pastor, not as a pope or a head of state.” After the Mass, Francis pushed aside security

worries to tour St. Peter’s Square in the convertible “popemobile,” stopping several times to embrace a few of the faithful and to accept some small gifts — all with a dozen or more security personnel keeping pace on foot. Safety was on the minds of those gathered for the Mass. “We’re on a ski trip in northern Italy and six months ago we made our plans to come to Rome for Easter, and when the attacks happened in Brussels, it made us think for a moment about canceling,” said Rita O’Dowd, 55, a dentist from Ireland. “But we lived for a while near Northern Ireland during the troubles there, and what you learn is that you cannot live worrying about what might happen,” O’Dowd said.

The blast happened in the early evening. PHOTO: AFP

Suicide bomber kills 52, mostly women, kids in Pakistan Park A suicide bomber killed at least 52 people, mostly women and children, at a public park in the Pakistani city of Lahore on Sunday, government officials and police said, striking at the heart of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s political base of Punjab. The blast occurred in the parking area of Gulshan-eIqbal Park, a few feet (meters) away from children’s swings. Around 150 people were injured in the explosion, officials said. There was no immediate

Sanders wins Democratic landslides in Hawaii, Alaska, Washington states VERMONT Senator Bernie Sanders overwhelmingly won Saturday’s Democratic caucuses in the western states of Washington, Alaska and Hawaii, inching

Bernie Sanders

closer in his bid to chase down party front-runner Hillary Clinton in the race to become the next United States president. Sanders won 82 per cent of the vote in Alaska and more than 70 per cent in both Washington and Hawaii. Democratic rules award delegates on a proportional basis, meaning even with Saturday’s losses

Clinton still gets a chunk of delegates. “We knew things were going to improve as we headed west,” Sanders said Saturday while campaigning in the northern state of Wisconsin. Clinton dominated the southern states earlier in the nominating contest calendar, but Sanders has won five of the last six states, all located in the western part of the country. Even with Saturday’s victories, Sanders trails Clinton - the former secretary

of state - by just under 300 pledged delegates and faces a tough path to overtake her and seize the nomination.

Al Jazeera to cut 500 jobs THE Qatar-based Al Jazeera media network has announced that it is cutting 500 jobs. It said the job reduction would affect posts worldwide but most of the losses would be in Qatar. Acting director general

otherNEWS Brussels attacks: Police move against Syria civil war: Assad hails Palmyra ‘hooligan’ protesters recapture from IS BELGIAN police fired water cannon to ties said it would strain police disperse a large group of demonstrators who stormed a central Brussels square. They invaded the Place de la Bourse as people paid tribute at a makeshift memorial for victims of last Tuesday’s deadly attacks. Riot police intervened to try to restore order after the group confronted Muslim women in the crowds, made Nazi salutes and chanted. The attacks at Brussels airport and on the metro killed 28 people. A “march against fear” planned for Sunday was called off after the authori-

The protesters chanted nationalist and anti-immigrant slogans. PHOTO: AFP.

resources for the investigation. Belgian police also carried out 13 new raids and took more people in for questioning on Sunday as part of investigations into the attacks. A man already in Belgian custody was reported to have been charged in connection with a foiled attack in the Paris region. The BBC’s Anna Holligan in Brussels says the group involved actually call themselves Casuals against Terrorism - not Fascists against Terrorism as earlier reported. Some of the hundreds-strong group wore balaclavas and anonymous masks. Many wore black clothing. Some reports described them as football hooligans.

PRESIDENT Bashar al-Assad has hailed the recapture of Palmyra from so-called Islamic State (IS) as an “important achievement” in the “war on terrorism”. A monitoring group has backed the Syrian government’s claim that the city was recaptured overnight by the army. Military sources say the Syrian army

Assad

claim of responsibility for the blast. Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation of 190 million people, is plagued by a Taliban insurgency, criminal gangs and sectarian violence. Punjab is its biggest and wealthiest province. Eyewitnesses said they saw body parts strewn across the parking lot once the dust had settled after the blast. The park had been particularly busy on Sunday evening due to the Easter holiday weekend. Salman Rafique, a health adviser for the Punjab provincial government, put the death toll at least 52 people. “Most of the dead and injured are women and children,” said Mustansar Feroz, police superintendent for the area in which the park is located.

now has “full control”. It had been gaining ground for several days, supported by Russian air strikes. President Assad said this showed the success of the army’s strategy. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Mr Assad, a Kremlin spokesman said. The Kremlin said President Assad knew the Palmyra operation “would have been impossible without Russia’s support”. IS seized the UNESCO World Heritage site and modern town in May 2015. Images released by the Syrian military on Saturday showed helicopters and tanks firing at positions in Palmyra.

Mostefa Souag said the decision was “difficult” but the group was “confident it is the right step”. Al Jazeera, funded by the Qatari government, was founded in 1996 and has more than 70 bureaux worldwide. A statement from Al Jazeera described the latest move as “a workforce optimisation initiative” in response to “the ongoing transformation of the media landscape”. Mr Souag said: “While our decision is consistent with those being made across the media industry worldwide, it was difficult to make nonetheless. “However, we are confident it is the right step to ensure the Network’s longterm competitiveness and reach.” Al Jazeera America announced earlier this year it would shut its cable news channel despite spending heavily to break into the US market. CEO Al Anstey said the business model was “simply not sustainable in light of the economic challenges”. It spent millions of dollars hiring top US journalists but struggled to bring viewers to its news programmes.

Monday, 28 March, 2016

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

AFCON Qualifiers:

Danger looms for Nigeria, as Chad pulls out

HAD, who are in the same AFCON qualifying group with Nigeria, have withdrawn from the series with a possible implication of this withdrawal being that only the overall group winners will qualify for Gabon 2017

We must win 2 remaining AFCON qualifiers —NFF THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have stated that the Super Eagles have no other option but to win their remaining two AFCON qualifiers including Tuesday’s clash in Egypt to qualify for Gabon 2017 in the wake of the shock withdrawal of Chad. Egypt lead Group G on seven points, two points ahead of second-placed Nigeria. Tanzania are third on four points. But on account of Chad withdrawal, all their previous results will be nullified and as such Egypt will remain top on four points, Nigeria have two points and Tanzania on a point. A win for Nigeria in Alexandria on Tuesday night will therefore see them leapfrog Egypt to top spot of a group that can now only produce one qualifier for AFCON 2017. “We don’t have an escape route than to win our remaining matches, then we will be home and dry, and this includes beating Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday,” said NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire. Top NFF officials addressed the Eagles at their Kaduna hotel on Sunday afternoon and warned them of the grave implications of not winning in Egypt.

as groups with only three teams cannot produce second best qualifiers. Chad cited financial constraints for their withdrawal. They will therefore not honour Monday’s reverse leg match against Tanzania on account of their financial problems. An official statement by Chad signed by FA General Secretary Moctar Mahamoud said the country will not be in Tanzania for Monday’s AFCON qualifier due to the global economic crunch, which has also affected their participation in other international competitions. Chad currently at the bottom of Group G with no points having lost their matches against Nigeria, Egypt and Tanzania. Besides the trip to Tanzania, they are also due to host Nigeria in June before a final group game against Egypt.

Siasia

I don’t compare myself with Ronaldo —Messi BARCELONA star Lionel Messi has reiterated that he does not care about comparison with Real Madrid counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo as he is only focused on his own performances. The Argentina international’s achievements are

Nadal crashes out of Miami Open RAFAEL Nadal slumped in a changeover chair, the blood pressure gauge strapped to his mighty left arm serving as a scoreboard. He was on the verge of defeat, and a few points later he retired from a match for the first time in six years. Nadal faded in the subtropical heat and conceded after falling behind in the third set of his opening match Saturday at the Miami Open against Damir Dzumhur. The No. 5-seeded Nadal trailed 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 when he called it quits after losing a point to fall behind 30-15. He had earlier consulted with a trainer between games three times, and had his blood pressure checked. Nadal said he started feeling badly at the end of the first set. “It was getting worse and

worse and worse,” the Spaniard said. “I get a little bit scared -- too dizzy. I felt I was not safe, so I decided to go. I wanted to finish the match, but I seriously couldn’t.” His departure left the draw without three of the five highest-seeded men. No. 4 Stan Wawrinka lost to Andrey Kuznetsov 6-4, 6-3, and No. 3 Roger Federer withdrew Friday because of a stomach virus.

Nadal

often contrasted to those of the Portuguese star, with the duo dominating individual awards such as

the Ballon d’Or over the course of their careers. But Messi remains unperturbed by such talk on who

has enjoyed more personal success and says he is only thinking about helping his team to win silverware.

Court sacks Egypt FA THE executive committee of the Egypt Football Association (EFA) have been sacked by a court on account of rigging of the polls that produced them. The court verdict is final and cannot be appealed, according to Ahram newspaper. And it comes just two days

before Egypt takes on group rivals, Nigeria, in the African Cup of Nations group-stage qualifiers at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium. The case dates back to a lawsuit filed in 2013 by the president of the second division football team Bani Ebeid, Hermas Radwan, challenging the integrity of

the voting process in the association’s 2012 elections. The regular four-year elections of a new board are set to take place in September 2016. The current executive director of the board Tharwat Sweilam is expected to direct the association till September.

NWF names 10 wrestlers for Rio Olympic qualifiers By Ganiyu Salman THE Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has named 10 wrestlers who will represent the country at the Africa/Oceanic qualifiers slated for Algeria between April 1 and 4. The team consists of five female, four male freestyle and one Greco Roman wrestlers. The female wrestlers are: Genesis Mercy (48Kg); three-time African champion, Aminat Adeniyi (58Kg),

seven-time African champion and team captain, Blessing Oborududu (63Kg); Hannah Reuben (68Kg) and Blessing Onyebuchi (75Kg). The male freestyle wrestlers are: Welson Ebikewenimo (57Kg); Daniel Amas (65Kg); Melvin Bibo (74Kg) and Soso Tamara (97Kg) while in Greco Roman, Nworie Emmanuel (66Kg) will seek to redeem his image after a disastrous outing at the African Championship.

Odunayo Adekuoroye who has qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics after winning a bronze medal at the 2015 World Wrestling Championship held in Las Vegas, USA will accompany the team to cheer her colleagues to victory. The Technical Director of NWF, Damien Ohaike while speaking in Abuja said the coaches are working round the clock to ensure that all the wrestlers for the tourney qualify for the Olympics.

Monday, 28 March, 2016

schoolsport

Nigerian Tribune

Anchor: Nurudeen Alimi oladimejialimi@yahoo.co.in 08111847089

‘We want to produce well skilled students in sports at Olashore’

LASHORE International School, Illoko-Ijesha, Osun State has restated its determination to train students who are also well skilled in sports. The Head of Extra – curricular activities, Mr Felix Adeboboye, stated this at the school’s inter-house sports competition held recently at the school play ground. According to Adeboboye, sporting activities help train children for the challenges in the future. “Generally, inter-house sports competition helps to keep students fit, engenders healthy rivalry and trains them for the future. We are committed to raising sports youngsters with the international standards set by the school in sports. Nigeria has won so many laurels in sports across the world. It is a segment that has pictured Nigerians in the comity of nations. We have a structured programme for our sports development such that between 5pm and 6pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, the students come out to train and also at weekends. Aside from in-house training, we also hire a professional from outside to train them. They usually embark on various field and track events in order to get well rooted in them. “I encourage students to build themselves on sports because in this present day, sports is more like a money spinning sector and we need to ensure students are kept on their toes,” he said. The principal of the school, Mr Derek Smith stated that as part of school’s eagerness to build 21st century leaders, children are trained to be skilled. “We want to ensure our students are trained and well skilled in sports so they can participate in national and international competitions. As it is, we have one of our students participating in the United Kingdom. Some of our

current students might grow to become even better competitors. Above all, learning to live a healthy lifestyle

is key,” Smith stated. Meanwhile, Red House emerged winner of the inter-house meet ahead of

Blue House, while Green House finished third leaving the Yellow House behind.

Red House captain, Adeniran Adedeji and assistant captain, Nwachukwu Chioma, receiving the overall winner’s trophy from the chairman, board Of directors, Prince Abimbola Olashore, during the annual inter-house sports competition of Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesha, Osun State.

Green House wins Westerville inter-house meet By Tunde Busari STUDENTS of Westerville School, Pedro, Lagos recently treated their parents and invited guests to a memorable sporting show at the school’s third inter-house sports competition. Held at the Army Sports Camp, Shomolu, the event drew a sizeable number of sports-loving personalities to the venue. No fewer than 10 races were competed for by students, teachers and parents. Green House emerged overall winner, while Red House emerged the best in the March past event.

Invitation relay among select schools set the track on fire with superb performance of the participants. Proprietress of Westerville School, Mrs Yetunde Olubunmi Balogun was filled with a sense of fulfilment, especially for having a hitch-free event despite the early threat of rain. She described the inter-house meet as her school’s effort towards developing complete students. Physical activities like sports, Balogun stressed, are part and parcel of human development, which must be emphasised in school curriculum.

“It should not be all learning without exercising body. Students as a matter of right must be give right exposure because of the dynamism of the world now. Sports is a big venture and we should not be left behind. That is why we are exposing our students to it. “Inter-house sports competition is also an opportunity to unwind together under peaceful atmosphere. I am happy at the turn out despite the weather condition. By the special grace of God, next year’s edition will be better because we cannot afford to compromise our standard,” Balogun said.

Heroes Academy International Schools, Ibadan holds sports and fun day celebration

1 Members of Yellow House, overall winner of the school inter-house sports competition during the March past event.

2 Students and pupils of Pink House displaying the first runner up’s trophy.

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NO 16,466

N150

MONDAY, 28 MARCH, 2016

HESE are upsetting times that compel all persons of feeling not to keep quiet. Day by day things are getting bad and bad in our country – in fact things are getting from bad to worse day by day in our land of unreason. And this must be the new name of our country. Dispute it in your feelingless hearts, and we will drown you all, you heartless souls and soulless hearts in the gory streams and rivers and creeks of Rivers State of gory election battles of real goriness. Things are that ugly there and you quip: Niger Delta fellows are as bloodthirsty as Boko Haram daredevils. Everywhere in horrendous Rivers of horror brothers and sisters have become inveterate enemies with hearts of inveterate feelings of hostility on account of desperate wretches who call themselves politicians of valour - who lack qualities of valour. And why the people allow themselves to be used by despicable fellows who are always “willing to steal and enslave men by violence and murder for gain, is rather lamentable than strange”. And it is even extraordinarily strange that the people, like the masses of their fellow countrymen, seem to lack the capacity and faculty to reason as they should or ought to. Maybe we should not blame them. The generality of my fellow countrymen have since lost the faculty to draw the distinction between those who usurp their happiness and those who rightly desire to produce their wants. Our enduring love for our country must compel us to question the hell that has been happening in Rivers and in our country generally. Those who stay on the fence significantly because the tyranny of violence that is spilling the blood of both the innocent and guilty has not yet visited them and their communities must be full of the hormones of people of unreason. They should be told and taught that wickedness that births violence of any kind is not hereditary as righteousness is not. They should never ever forget this. Circumstances in one place can always visit another place and compel denizens of

As fuel scraity bites harder at Easter, many Nigerian leaders preached true love and unity to the long suffering masses. How about ‘true love’ beginning with government being responsive to the cries of the people?

in&out with Tony Afejuku

08055213059

Our country of unreason the latter to experience the misery of the former. No one region or zone is consigned perpetually to the ash-can, metaphorically speaking, of pain, unhappiness, misery and trouble everlasting. We can only reject this delicate statement of truth in an uncanny country such as ours where self-subsistent unreason is real beyond all reason and its movement and desire. Unless we eschew the politics of intrigue, and call a spade a spade and not any other name, we shall continue to flounder in our country we are unreasonably turning into a mud-country. I am not engaging here in a metaphor of rhetoric or of oratory to gain the favour of your mind to turn to my point of view. After all, I am not a clever politician who uses meaningless words to hoodwink and conquer our gullible people to their world of intrigues and evil designs. Now, tell me: How many PDP governors and front-line party members have openly condemned the tyranny of violence that we have known in Rivers especially since the governor there entered the government house? And lest you accuse me of unbalanced views, I must similarly ask as follows: How many APC governors and opinion molders have voiced out to the central government the need to exercise restraint in dealing with members of the opposition party in our Rivers of bloody and bloody political strife? Of course, we

Unless we eschew the politics of intrigues, and call a spade a spade and not any other name, we shall continue to flounder. must know - if we reason well as we should or ought to – that the political strife in that state or elsewhere, for example, Ekiti State, cannot be divorced from the association between selfishness and the passion for power, including disinclination to share with others – especially with those in opposition. The love of authority, of power, of being obeyed even against reason will do our political gladiators no good in the end. Personages like Governor Ayodele Peter Fayose of Ekiti State must learn to curtail their prosperous utterances in order to curtail the political tension in the land. Prosperous criticism prospers all. But most of the rich utterances coming from the governor’s end are those that may cause disequilibrium that will serve the growth and perpetuation of interests that will not benefit the masses. Maybe some

persons have told him this in his closet, but I am saying now what my mind tells me to tell him conspicuously. Obviously, the central government desires to be lambasted if it does things against the grain of our country’s collective interest, but our lambaste must not be at the instance of envy or jealousy or fear. My words here to the protagonist of prosperous utterances equally apply to his antagonists. This must be if we must rescue our country from its current state of odious unreason. But I must utter my last words unprosperously as follows: If the declaration of a state of emergency will counterbalance the disequilibrium in any state in the federation, the central government must not hesitate to do so regardless of the tyranny and prosperity of words or the rhythm and resonance of violence from any quarter or source. Good reason, like noble thoughts, cannot but compel this in our country’s current state of unreason. We must not allow those who have passion for power, authority and command to lead us and mankind to an untoward end. And we need not be told or reminded that nothing is or can be more prosperous than peace. This is one lesson the odious Boko Haram daredevils and the foul sharks and crocodiles of the mangroves of the Niger Delta must be forced to learn. But do they have enough hormones of reason to learn it? Happy Easter Monday.

AFCON qualifier: Ikeme out of Egypt clash

Team off to Alexandria today SUPER Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers of England shot –stopper Carl Ikeme is out of Tuesday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in Alexandria. Ikeme is feeling unwell and the coaches have decided not to risk him in goal on Tuesday during the all -important encounter against the Pharaohs. Super Eagles team doctor Ibrahim Gyaran told thenff.com that the goalkeeper has stomach upset which has kept him out of training since Friday’s game in Kaduna. “After the game last Friday, Carl has been struggling with some stomach upset and it has not allowed him train with the rest of the squad,” Gyaran disclosed. “He is stable but needs a lot of rest to be

back in 100% shape for the kind of high profile game that we have on Tuesday. Considering the amount of travel involved as well, it is best we give him a break,” he added. Reacting, Head Coach Samson Siasia has allayed fears that the absence of the goalkeeper will hamper the team’s chances of victory on Tuesday. “We will surely miss Carl but the good thing with our team is that we have capable replacements in every department. Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are still here and any one of these two will help us get the job done in Alexandria,” Siasia concluded. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are expected to depart the country’s shores today for the return leg match in Alexandria.

Results: Nigeria Premier League Sunshine Stars

3sc

Ikorodu Utd

Rivers Utd 3

El-Kanemi

Nasarawa

Kano Pillars

Ifeanyiuba

Plateau Utd

MFM

Enyimba

Wolves

Lobi

Wikki

Akwa Utd

Abia Warriors

Tornadoes 0

Heartland

Giwa Fc

Rangers

Ikeme

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