28th Septebmer 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,336 MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER, 2015

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Ogun will immortalise HID Awolowo —Amosun —P6

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Trial of oil thieves will begin soon —Buhari —P3

Disquiet in judiciary over CJN's successor

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FULL REPORT ON PAGE 12

—P5

Ministerial list: APC holds emergency meeting today •Saraki, Senate crisis also on agenda •Politicians relocate to Abuja

From left, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Ogun State deputy governor, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga; Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, at the Ikenne residence of the Awolowos, on Sunday.

FG set for looters' trial

•CJN, Sagay's committee in secret meeting —P5

—P4

From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu; General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, at Ikenne, on Sunday. PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE.

Criminals cannot overwhelm Nigeria —IGP —P37

Again, Boko Haram attacks Borno village, kills 20 —P3

Monday, 28 September, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

9 1. From left, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu, Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and Reverend Tola Oyediran. 2. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Administrative Secretary, The Apostolic Church, Pastor Joseph Aderemi, the President, The Apostolic Church, Pastor Gabriel Olutola and Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran. 3. Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu welcoming Senator Ibikunle Amosun. 4. Reverend Tola Oyediran welcoming Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. 5. Bishop Olusina Fape and his wife, Toyin.

6. Prince (Dr) B.A. Onafowokan sinigng the condolence register. 7. From left, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Suraju Adekunbi, Reverend Emmanuel Adebanjo and his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Esther Adebayo. 8. From left, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abdul Majid A.H., Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni and Mrs Dorothy Gimba. 9. Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Chief (Mrs) Bose Adedibu and Reverend Tola Oyediran. 10. From left, Mrs Bimbo Rotimi Williams, Chief Kayode Rotimi Williams, Reverend Tola Oyediran, Alhaja Serifat Soaga and Mrs Macheld Ochu.

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Monday, 28 September, 2015

Again, Boko Haram attacks Borno village, kills 20 James Bwala - Maiduguri

T least, 20 people were killed while several others were injured when members of Boko Haram sect invaded Malari and other surrounding villages of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Malari village is about 35-kilometre drive from Maiduguri, the state capital. The village has suffered series of deadly attacks in recent past, until recently when the Nigerian military liberated the area from insurgents. The attack of Sunday, according to residents of the area, came as a surprise, as the insurgents came with superior fire power to that of the few military men left behind to secure the area. Mustapha Abubakar, who fled to Maiduguri, said the insurgents, who came on motorcycles and some Hi-

lux vehicles, shot sporadically, killing all they came across. “We have to flee into the bush and hide. After they had left, we went back to

pick some of our belongings. I counted 20 corpses. Some were slaughtered while others died as a result of gunshot wounds,” he said.

Confirming the attack, the state Police Commissioner, Mr Opadokun Aderemi, said “today (Sunday), at about 2.00 a.m., suspected Boko Haram terrorists

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said the prosecution of those who misappropriated the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) revenues under past administrations will soon commence. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in a statement in Abuja, said Buhari gave this indication in New York, United States, on Sunday, while restating his determination to fully sanitise Nigeria’s oil indus-

We’ve expended N1.4bn on overseas scholarships —Wike D apo Falade - Port Harcourt GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has disclosed that his administration had so far spent N 1.4 billion on scholarships for indigenes of the state schooling abroad. He made the disclosure at St Paul’s (Anglican) Cathedral Church, Diobu, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, to commemorate the 55th Independence Day anniversary. Represented at the service by his deputy, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Banigo-Harry, the governor also expressed his appreciation to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for its concerns over students from the state.

Maiduguri and its environs. “Injured victims are now being treated at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Security has already been beefed up.”

Police kill 3 kidnappers, recover arms in Anambra Suzy Oruya - Onitsha ANAMBRA State police command has reportedly gunned down three kidnappers during a shoot-out, just as it arrested a woman and her teenage daughter for allegedly keeping a three-year-old daughter of one Pastor Nwele in their custody. Addressing the newsmen at the State Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) headquarters, Awkuzu, while displaying the corpse of the three kidnap kingpins with some arms and ammunition recovered from various robbery and kidnap gangs, the state Police Public Relations Officer

(PPRO), Ali Okechukwu gave the name of one of dead three-man gang as Chukwuemeka Ilo, while two others were yet to be identified. Okechukwu noted that following a credible information about the operations of the three-man deadly kidnap gang, men of the SARS, led by its state commander, James Nwafor trailed the gangsters to their whereabouts, but as soon as the gang members noticed the arrival of the SARS operatives, they opened fire on them, but the operatives doggedly returned fire for fire, gunned down the three-man gang and recovered their Mit-

subishi bus with registration No. Anambra: XC 731NEN. He also paraded two other members of a kidnap gang who were arrested by the police, while negotiating a ransom of some workers of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, who they kidnapped in faraway Lagos State and came down to Anambra State to negotiate for their ransom, adding that one Chukwuebuka Ohams from Owerri, Imo State, was arrested for threatening to kidnap one Dr Nwokolo if he failed to surrender the documents of his landed property to them. He stated that some kidnappers went to Pastor Nwele’s residence at

Trial of oil thieves will begin soon —Buhari C lement Idoko - Abuja

attacked Malari village. “Nine persons were reported killed, while 10 others were injured. The village is not far from Alau Dam that supplies water to

try and make it totally free of corruption and shady deals. Speaking at a meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations, President Buhari said a necessary first step in this direction had already been taken with the appointment of a new management for the NNPC and its subsequent reorganisation. President Buhari thanked President Xi Jinping for China’s ongoing help in curbing crude oil theft from Nigeria. The president applauded China’s interception of ship-

loads of crude oil stolen from Nigeria, which were to be sold and proceeds paid into private accounts. “We know your stand on corruption and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated,” President Buhari told the Chinese leader. He also assured President Xi Jinping that under its new leadership, the Nigerian military had been re-trained and re-equipped and was now making steady gains against Boko Haram. President Jinping told Buhari that China would increase its investment in the country’s agricultural sector

to support the achievement of domestic food security.

Ngozika Housing Estate and attempted to rape his wife, but could not succeed, and on the second day, they went back to his house and dropped some quantities of salt into his car engine to make the car engine knock and left. He further stated that on the third day, they snatched two of his bank ATM cards and kept withdrawing monies from his and wife’s accounts in the bank and on the fourth occasion, they now kidnapped his threeyear-old daughter, who they kept with the woman and his teenage daughter to look after, while negotiations for the ransom continued until they were arrested by the SARS. He said one Ifeanyi Okafor and Samuel were arrested with gunshot wounds and in possession of one locally-made pistol and

750 rounds of ammunition, just as Ifeanyi Nwankwo and Eloka were arrested for snatching a motorcycle from one Okwuchukwu Nwonu. He, therefore, commended the good people of the state for volunteering information to the police which had paid off. He also commended Governor Willie Obiano for his tremendous assistance to the police and other sister agencies, which have synergised with the police, adding that security of lives and property of the entire citizenry were guaranteed within this ember months up till the Yuletide period. He said one K2 riffle with 15 rounds of ammunition, 750 AK47 brand new live ammunition, 85 rounds of live cartridges and a locallymade pistol were recovered from the hoodlums.

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Monday, 28 September, 2015

Ministerial list: APC holds emergency meeting today Saraki, Senate crisis also on agenda Taiwo Adisa - Abuja

HE leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to hold an emergency National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on today, over the series of crises rocking the party from different fronts. Sources close to the party told the Nigerian Tribune that the meeting would discuss the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to do it all alone in choosing his ministers, while rejecting most nominees from the states. It was also gathered that a key issue on the agenda was the brewing crisis in the Senate, following the arraignment of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, before that Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The arraignment is already threatening to turn the Senate over to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the resolve of Saraki’s loyalists to back a

candidate from the opposition party for the plum job in the event that Saraki was removed unceremoniously. It was learnt that Saraki’s traducers were relying

on Section 18 of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which empowered the CCT to remove any inducted officer from office. It was gathered that the

APC was worried that it might be unable to assert its full authority in the Senate, even if Saraki was removed, a situation that had necessitated a proactive measure

from the NWC. A source close to the party, said: “It seems we have a monster in our hands and if not properly handled, could spell doom for us. It is one

From left, chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Tanimu Aduda; former head of Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan; APC national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; Speaker, House of Representatives ,Yakubu Dogara; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, during an interdenominational church service to mark 55th Independence anniversary, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Sunday. PHOTO: NAN

...Politicians, senators, others relocate to Abuja List due for submission this week Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja AS the nation awaits the release of the names of the ministerial nominees by President Muhammadu Buhari, several stakeholders, such as politicians, National Assembly members and others, on Sunday, started relocating to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, after the Sallah celebration to monitor unfolding events. President Buhari had insisted that he would unfold his cabinet before the end of this month and less than three days to the end of the month, it was learnt that all hands had been on the deck at the Presidency in order to meet the deadline. Nigerian Tribune gathered that to this end, all normal security checks on all the nominees by the security forces had been completed and the final list would be transmitted to the Senate this week, barring any last minutes changes. The National Assembly which had been on annual recess is expected to resume tomorrow, if resumption date would not be altered again because

of the October 1st Independence Day anniversary slated for this week. Following the feelers from the Presidency that the list would be transmitted to the Senate this week for the final screening, Nigerian Tribune gathered

as of press time, that some of the ministerial hopeful and their associates have been arriving Abuja since Sunday. It was also gathered that the bookings by the politicians, as well as the lawmakers at most the hotels

in the FCT had been on the increase since Saturday. A senator who confirmed the rush to Abuja by his colleagues and other stakeholders on the ministerial list to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, on Sunday, said “it is expected,

because there are many contending issues, raging from the trial of the Senate President before the Code of Conduct Tribunal and some powerful blocs within and outside who want to be there or their surrogates at all cost.”

Osinbajo, Catholic bishop differ on Boko Haram Clement Idoko and Adetola Bademosi - Abuja VICE President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the Catholic Bishop of Kafachan, Reverend Joseph Bagobiri, on Sunday, differed on festering Boko Haram sect’s activities in the North-Eastern part of the country. While the Catholic Bishop blamed President Muhammadu Buhari and other Muslim leaders for belated condemnation of the activities of the Boko Haram, he said would have helped stem the tide of the insurgents during the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, the vice president warned that further divisions should not be created by utterances of people who are supposed to guide the people. Both Vice President Osin-

bajo and Reverend Bagobiri spoke in Abuja, at the 55th Independence Day anniversary interdenominational church service, with theme: “Making Nigeria function as a family.” Trouble started when Bagobiri, in his message entitled “Making Nigeria Function as a family: Panacea to healthy national integration, said President Buhari and former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida and Muslim leaders in the country declined open condemnation of Boko Haram insurgents during the Jonathan-led administration. He said they only opted to condemn activities of Boko Haram when serious damages had already been done. He said: “I like what the president said. He said nobody kills in the name of Islam and says he is a Mus-

lim. Why did Buhari wait till he became president before making the statement? Why did he not make the statement when President Jonathan was in power? That statement would have made more sense then than now. Babangida followed and condemned Boko Haram. Why did they all have to wait till Buhari won before condemning activities of Boko Haram?, he queried. He called for the implementation of all the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference convoked by the government of former president, Jonathan. He warned that anyone that threw away the report of the National Conference had thrown away Nigeria. Bagobiri said there was no justice when Supreme Court Justices were appointed from one section of the country.

The cleric, who urged Christians to rise to defend themselves in the face of any threat, said it was unfortunate that Muslim faith had continued to use violence against Christians. Vice President Osinbajo, who was visibly transfixed by the message for the better part of the reflection, however, in his remark, warned against politicisation of all issues in the country, stressing that those who exploded bombs in markets, churches and mosque did not seperate Christians from Muslims. He admitted that the nation had unfortunately been sharply divided along the lines of religion and ethnic groups a long time ago, adding that what should be emphasised now should be things that would unite the country, especially with the new administration in place.

of the issues we are going to handle before darkness comes. It is true that Nigerians voted for APC overwhelmingly, but we must manage this success well before the power struggle therein consumes us. “A lot of issues are bedeviling the party. There is the issue of the reported rift between Lagos State governor and his predecessor. There is the issue of ministerial list, over which many stakeholders are unhappy. Also, that Governor Akinwumi Ambode and former governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola are seen as washing their dirty linens in the streets cannot help the party. Something must be done and this is why the today’s NWC is crucial to us. To win election is one thing and to settle down to good governance is another,” another top APC member said. It was gathered that top members of the party were unhappy that they didn’t have insights into the composition of the Federal Executive Council at a time the leadership of the Senate was about to slip off the party’s hands. It was also leant that senators were already divided on the way forward in handling the crisis rocking the chamber over Saraki. While loyalists of the APC in the chamber are insisting on seeing Saraki off his seat through that CCT trial, some members of the PDP are seeing undue interference in the affairs of the Senate through the backdoor. The senators are set to hold a crucial meeting today to decide the way forward. So far, the Saraki group appears to be in the majority, even though the Senate Unity Forum, which is pursuing the APC agenda in the Senate is seeking to lobby some loyalists of the Senate President. It appears that PDP is retaining its block votes of 49 for the Senate President. A senator of the PDP, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune, said that the senators were not seeing corruption trial in the Saraki saga, adding: “Why must there be preferential treatment and separate rules, whereas, Senator Bola Tinubu was acquitted for non-compliance with section 3 (D), the chairman of the CCT is insisting on Dr Saraki standing trial for an issue that the former Lagos State governor was acquitted and the suit struck out.”

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Monday, 28 September, 2015

Disquiet in judiciary over CJN succession

•Senior lawyer tipped to succeed Mahmud •Ex-CJNs divided •Lawyers can now be CJN —Mahmud •We’ve recommended names —NBA Lanre Adewole - Lagos

HE reform bug which has caught up with the judiciary is causing serious sectoral tension among both serving and retired stakeholders, Nigerian Tribune has learnt. If the current move by certain well-positioned judicial personalities sails through, a senior lawyer may succeed the incumbent Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, who retires November 2016. Justice Walter Onnoghen is the most senior justice of the apex court. A lot of judicial stakeholders had been pushing for a replacement of successionby-seniority with merit and competence. Calls have also been cacophonous in support of direct import of senior lawyers into the apex Bench. Former CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar pushed the frontiers with the reform that allows senior lawyers to be appointed straight to the Bench of the apex court and be qualified to be CJN after three months. Many of her predecessorsin-office reportedly kicked against the move, while the incumbent is overtly supporting the reform. The division among them reportedly played out at last Monday’s swearing-in of new Silk and commencement of the new legal year which others except Aloma boycotted. Both the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Mahmud have spoken in favour of the planned new order. Speaking at Wellington, New Zealand, on September 13, during Commonwealth Chief Justices meeting, Mahmud said to the gathering: “My Lords, the need for a change in the criteria for the appointment of Judicial Officers in Nigeria prompted me to direct the National Judicial Council to implement the new Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of all Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria 2014. “It was clear that the old Guidelines and Rules had become unworkable as it saw anachronisms such as the limitation that saw only Justices of the Court of Appeal, as of right, making it to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. “Under the new, more rig-

orous and transparent rules, any qualified legal practitioner with the requisite intellect has the opportunity of making it to any Court in the land and even to the posts of Heads of Federal and States

Superior Courts, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria. “As chairman of the National Judicial Council, I have had to take up the responsibility of ensuring that the overall appoint-

ments procedure maintains the institutional integrity of the judicial appointment process while ensuring that only the most competent persons are elevated.” President of the Bar As-

sociation, Mr Austin Alegeh, at the Monday event, also revealed that the names of lawyers had been submitted to Mahmud for direct appointment to the apex court. According to him, “recent-

From left, Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; celebrant/founder of Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun and King Sunny Ade, at the 80th birthday celebration of Fasehun in Lagos, at the weekend.

ly, the NBA recommended some of its members to the CJN for appointment to the Supreme Court. We trust that this practice will resolve the issue of conflict of interest wherein persons who have presided over matters at the court of Appeal will still preside over the same matter on appeal to the Supreme Court.” While the recommended names are being kept under wraps, Nigerian Tribune learnt from a top judicial source, that one of the nominees is from South-East and being nominated mainly to succeed the CJN. The planned reform is said to be in tandem with the desire of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. While they were ready to confirm the move under strict anonymity, all judicial sources contacted refused to be quoted on the matter. According to a top source, “this is a very sensitive matter. Coming out for or against it could put one on the spot with these men (senior judges).”

FG set for looters trial, as CJN, Sagay’s committee hold secret meeting Lanre Adewole - Lagos THE administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is reportedly at the final stage of the preparation towards charging suspected looters of treasury in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan to court, Nigerian Tribune has been reliably told. With the minimal confidence the current administration reportedly has in the existing anti-corruption commission, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, headed by Professor Itse Sagay, is reportedly commissioned to co-ordinate the imminent legal battle in the prosecution of the said suspects. After meeting with both the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Sagay’s committee, last week, had its final leg of meetings before kick-starting the planned prosecution of suspected looters and recovery of alleged looted fund. The committee met with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, last Tuesday, at the Supreme Court.

The marathon secret meeting began in the afternoon and spanned hours, according to sources privy to it. It was learnt that the first two weeks in October may see the first batch of arraignment taking place, when an Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice was expected to be in office. Every permutation points in the direction of Mr Femi Falana occupying the office. Collaborative efforts have also been on to hand-pick

outstanding judges to handle the planned prosecution. The effort had yielded little positive result with many shortlisted judges failing integrity test. It was learnt the meeting with the CJN was basically to identify judges that could handle the alleged looters’ prosecution without compromise. Sagay told Nigerian Tribune of the search for the said judges, collaborating with security agencies. Names reportedly ex-

changed hands at the meeting. With the trial expected to hold nationwide considering that almost all the targetted former public office holders are spread across the states, the meeting with the CJN was also reportedly primed to facilitate the identification of the “anti-corruption” judges in the 36 states. The issue of judges granting ex parte application for perpetual injunction halting prosecution or stopping arrest of suspects in corrup-

tion cases, was also said to have been discussed at the meeting. It was learnt that it wasn’t unlikely that a new administrative directive on the issue of injunction would soon be out to ensure that the anticorruption war wasn’t scuttled using legal technicalities. It could not be confirmed if President Buhari had passed the list of alleged looters said to have been made available to him by the Western world, to the Sagay’s committee.

Fasehun announces retirement from partisan politics Bola Badmus -Lagos FOUNDER of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, at the weekend, said he would henceforth cease from being partisan, while commenting on political development in Nigeria. Fasehun spoke at the grand reception held for him in Oregun, Lagos, to mark his 80th birthday, saying he took the decision because many Nigerians saw him as an icon who they looked up to for directive. While announcing his retirement from partisan politics, he said he would also

like to be regarded as an elder statesman. “I give up card-carrying; every Nigerian is my brother, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and others,” he said. “All of us should be committed to bridge-building; henceforth, I will be an advocate of peace to all,” he added. Speaking further, the OPC founder explained that the celebration was organised to build bridges, as it brought different ethnic groups in Nigeria together. “Our country needs to be re-organised and that is why I feel very happy that many ethnic nationalities are here,

because we want to use this opportunity to start bridgebuilding in this country,” he said. Speaking on 100 days of the present government in office, Fasehun said 100 days were not enough to assess President Muhammadu Buhari in terms of the impact he had made, urging Nigerians to give him more time. “We have not noticed the possible aspect of change, but 100 days is too short. We want Nigerians to be patient; we want to advise President Buhari to concentrate on governance,” Fasehun said.

While commending Buhari on the fight against corruption, he warned him against embarking on what he termed “selective probing.” Major Hamzat Al-Mustapha, former chief security officer to the late head of state, General Sani Abacha, described Fasehun as large hearted and a bridge builder. On his part, chairman on the occasion, Senator Femi Okurounmu, said Fasehun was instrumental to the unity in Nigeria, adding that he was among those incarcerated in the struggle for the actualisation of June 12.

HIDAWOLOWO(1915-2015)

Monday, 28 September 2015

Ogun’ll immortalise HID Awolowo —Amosun By OlayinkaOlukoya and Moses Alao

HE Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Sunday, said that the state will immortalise the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief HID Awolowo, for her good deeds. He stated this while speaking with newsmen at the Ikenne home of the Awolowos, during his condolence visit to the family, noting that Mama deserved the honour so that many generations yet unborn would know about her. Amosun, who just returned from Mecca, while speaking earlier at the Efunyela Hall, had rendered a praise song “What shall we say unto the Lord, all we have to say is thank you Lord,” maintaining that Mama had so many children and that she lived an eventful life. “Mama was the last of the hegemony of human capital available to Ogun State and beyond; a good mother; a devoted, dedi-

cated, supportive and loyal wife. Certainly, the rank of our first generation mothers and wives has been finally depleted,” the governor said, adding that the state would participate fully in the burial programmes. The governor said: “We will participate fully. It is our show, though Mama transcends the shores of Ogun State and the Western Nigeria. Unarguably,

Mama will be mourned all over Nigeria for obvious reasons. But what can we say; as I said earlier, it must happen one day; it has happened. It has pleased God to make Mama live this long. “We are not happy that Mama has left us, but we are celebrating her good legacies. It is end of an era, really. How many of Mama’s peers are still around?

THE President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, observed, with sadness, the passing away of Chief (Mrs) Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, “just before her 100th birthday, which we had all looked forward to with much anticipation.” In a message, released through Dr Olukayode Oyeleye, his media assistant, Adesina noted that “Mama was an epitome of resilience, tenacity and commitment in immortalising the great and enduring legacy and achievements of her husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.” The president remembered, with fond memories, his growing years, pointing out that “as a boy, I benefited from the free primary education under the visionary policy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, ably supported by Mama.” He noted that “the free primary education

By Olayinka Olukoya and Moses Alao

THE Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and a former governor of Oyo State, General David Jemibewon, have all extolled the virtues of the Yeye Oodu’a, Chief HID Awolowo, describing her as one of the greatest women Nigeria has ever had and a definition of what a woman should be. Arase, Adeboye and Jemibewon, as well as several

laid the early foundation for which millions of us have become today. We will remain forever grateful for the opportunities you gave to us.” Adesina lamented that the death of Mama HID “marks the end of a remark-

other dignitaries who paid condolence visit to the Ikenne home of the Awolowos yesterday, eulogised the deceased. While speaking, Arase assured the family of the Nigeria Police’s readiness to ensure smooth and seamless passage rites for Mama Awolowo. He condoled with the children of the deceased, saying that the Nigeria Police “associates with the Awolowo family in this hour of your grief,” adding “We have always appreciated this family, we have always admired

able era, characterised by uncommon love and care for all, and undying dedication to the cause of helping others.” He described Mama as “a pillar of strength for her family, even in the face of adversity that would have made others crumble.”

Mama, a rare gem —Obanikoro Bola Badmus - Lagos

Former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has described Mama HID Awolowo as a rare gem who contributed tremendously to the development of the nation. Obanikoro, who is also a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said this in a statement released on Thursday. The former minister noted that Mama’s sterling qualities would be evergreen and her legendary impacts would form the

We’ll miss Mama —JFK Osibodu’s family Children of the late Managing Director of Ibukun Olu Medicine Stores, Chief JFK Osibodu, have said that they would miss Mama HID Awolowo. Mrs Oluronke Orimalade, who spoke on behalf of the family, said they will miss Mama, saying: “our family and the Awolowos lived near each other in those

the legacy that Mama left behind that will motivate us, because they sacrificed yesterday for our yesterday and tomorrow. “We will name a lot of things after her, because she deserved it.” Responding, Reverend Omotola Oyediran, appreciated the governor for his support, love and care towards Mama and the family during her lifetime.

In attendance during the visit were Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; Ogun State’s deputy governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Suraj Adekunbi Ishola; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa; Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, The Right Reverend Olusina Fape and other family members.

IGP, Adeboye, Jemibewon, others extol her virtues

Death of Mama HID marks end of remarkable era —Adesina By Femi Ibirogba

Papa Awolowo and his lieutenants have gone; all their wives too. And you know that Mama is not just another wife, she was that pillar behind the successes that Papa recorded. So, we will miss her. We will continue to revel in the good legacy that she left behind. It will give us the muchneeded tonic and it will be the reason that we will seek to continue to do well. It is

Nigerian Tribune

days in Ibadan. Our father’s house was adjacent the Old AG Secretariat at No. 80, Ijebu Bypass, Oke Bola, Ibadan and we regularly went to Mama’s house, because she was a mother to all of us. “Our father and mothers are no more, but we have come as the family of JFK Osibodu to condole with the family,” she added.

crux of history even to the unborn generations. He added that Mama’s exit was a celebration of life and that the people of Lagos and Nigerians would always remember her courage and wisdom that had sustained the Awo’s dynasty. The statement reads in parts:”I join millions of Nigerians in condoling Pa Awo family over the demise of our mother and the mother of the nation, Mama HID Awolowo. “Her contributions to national development and her sterling qualities will continue to linger in our minds. “On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, we pray for the repose of her soul and pray Almighty Allah to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

them. Anybody who goes through Nigeria’s political history and is not able to read what Papa wrote in all his books has not started or he doesn’t have an idea. “So, I want to tell you that we are with you in this hour of grief and we will do everything within our powers to make sure that the passage rites is peaceful and seamless,” Arase said. While fielding questions from journalists, the IGP further eulogised Mama, noting that she was a definition of everything that a woman is supposed to be. “She stood by Papa Awolowo all through his life and even when he passed on, she protected his ideals and was there for the children. She made the family remain united; that is why everyone is celebrat-

Group urges Nigerians to emulate her Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

THE National Youth Vanguard of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the death of Mama HID Awolowo as a great loss to Nigeria. The Kogi West Senatorial District chapter of the group said the Mama

would be missed for her role in the emancipation of the country. A statement by the coordinator of the group, which is also a platform for Wada/ Awoniyi 2015 in the state, Jerry Olayemi, however, noted that the deceased lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

HID’s passage loss to mankind —Aragbada Mr Phil Aragbada, a former editor and retired bank executive, has described the triumphant passage of Awolowo matriarch, Mama HID Awolowo, as a colossal loss to humankind. At a press briefing in Ibadan, Mr Aragbada explained that the avuncular and ecclesiastical disposition of Mama to Yoruba and national issues at large endeared her to all and sundry. “Her uncommon fidelity to the political ideology of her husband coupled with the centripetal force

Mama was a role model —Onafowokan PRINCE (Dr) Babatunde Onafowokan has described Mama as role model to womanhood worldwide, noting that the people of Ikenne revered her and

ing her. She was a woman of virtue. And to Papa, she was his jewel of inestimable value,” he stated. In her response, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran appreciated the IGP for the honour accorded the family, commending the police for its support so far since Mama passed away penultimate Saturday. Pastor Adeboye described Mama Awolowo as one of the greatest women Nigeria has ever produced, saying: “Definitely, Mama is one of the greatest women Nigeria has ever produced. We thank God that she lived well and she departed well. We pray that all other women will emulate her and by the grace of God we will all end well.” General Jemibewon, in a condolence message de-

“we pray for the repose of her soul.” “We had hoped to rejoice and celebrate her 100 years anniversary but God’s will be done. We shall celebrate her life,” he stated.

she represented in the unity of the political family of the sage distinguished her as an epitome of honesty, perseverance, hard work, humility and optimism.”

Okotie commiserates with Awo family Chairman, Fresh Democratic Party, Reverend Chris Okotie, has described the death of Chief HID Awolowo as a “loss of a jewel of inestimable value to the nation.” The pastor-politician said in a press statement issued from his media office in Lagos that the late matriarch of the Awolowo political dynasty was a great role model to Nigerian women, especially those in public office.

scribed Mama Awolowo as “a legend of our time,” saying: “We share with the family the joy of the great life that Mama lived. She was a legend of our time. May the good Lord grant her soul eternal rest.” Earlier, during the daily service conducted by the Remo Anglican Diocese, the Archdeacon of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne, Venerable S.O. Enike, preached on Acts 9:36-43. Venerable Enike, who was in company of the Dean of the Cathedral, Church of Saint Paul, Sagamu, Venerable E.A. Adegbuyi, compared Mama Awolowo to the Biblical Dorcas, noting that the matriarch of the Awolowo family lived her life doing good like Dorcas. He stated that the good testimonies about the deceased so far showed that there were only good descriptions for her deeds. He maintained that Mama Awolowo has done her bit, noting that it is a challenge to the living to be mindful of the life they lived. “What are people saying about you and what will they say about you when you are no more? “One day, we will all sleep like Mama. But for those who do the will of God, for those who realise the purpose of their existence, there is always hope for them hereafter. For us who are still living, it is better for us to work and live for others,” he said. The Ikenne Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) also presented a letter of condolence to the family, maintaining that they valued Mama Awolowo’s contributions to the association. The Clergy Wives and Mothers’ Union of the Remo Diocese of the Anglican Communion also visited the Awolowos, where they conducted a service in honour of Mama Awolowo, who was praised as a good mother. Leading the two groups was Mrs M.O. Ojomo, who represented the Presidential President of the Women’s and Girls’ Organisation, Province of Lagos, Mama Bassey Akinde.

news

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Chief Imam killed in Mina stampede —Sokoto pilgrims agency TUC laments death of pilgrims Laolu Harolds, Sunday Ejike-Abuja and Adamu Amadu - Dutse with Agency Report The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, has said that Sheikh Liman Dan-Ata, the Chief Imam of the Sultan Abubakar III Jumaa'at Mosque, Sokoto, is among those killed in the stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia. The Media Assistant to the agency, Alhaji Farouk Umar, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday. NAN recalled that the state government, had, in a statement issued on Saturday by Imam Imam, spokesman to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, confirmed the killing of nine other pilgrims from the state in the Mina stampede. The agency has also confirmed the killing of the immediate caretaker chairman of Illela Local Government Area of the state, Alhaji Bello Gidan-Hamma, his mother, step-mother and two wives in the stampede. Also, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has expressed shock over the reported death of thousands of pilgrims and hundreds of others injured

during a stampede that occurred at the ritual ‘Stoning of the Devil’ during the hajj, outside of the holy Muslim city of Mecca. In a statement jointly signed by its President, Mr Bobboi Kaigama and Secretary-General, Mr Musa Lawal, the TUC lamented that it was so painful that while “we were yet grappling with the over a hundred people killed in Mecca when a construction crane fell on the crowded Grand Mosque, another one is happening.” It recalled that the last time a tragedy of this magnitude befell pilgrims was in July 1990, when 1,426 pilgrims perished in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites near Mecca. “It was the ninth in a string of such incidents since then; and we had thought that by now Saudi government should have addressed the cause of such avoidable deaths. It just does not make any sense for people to die in places of worship, especially at an occasion as important as Islam’s most important feast and day of the stoning ritual. Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has commiserated with the

Court of Appeal and the families of two Justices of the Court of Appeal, who died during the stampede last Thursday, in Mina, Saudi Arabia, while in the Holyland to perform Hajj pilgrimage. A statement by the media aide to the CJN, Ahurakah Yusuf Isah, said Justice Mohammed, in a condolence message to the families of the two deceased justices said, the Court of Appeal, the judiciary and indeed, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noted that it was with a deep sense of shock but with gratitude to Almighty Allah that he learnt of the death of Abdulkadir Jega, Presiding Justice of Abuja division and Justice Musa Hassan Alkali of Ilorin

division. The CJN said the death of the revered jurists is not just a huge loss to the judiciary but Nigeria in entirety, adding that both men of the bench had contributed immensely to the development of our jurisprudence. In a related development, the Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, has condoled with President Muhammad Buhari, Sultan of Sokoto and the National Amiril Hajj, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III as well as the entire families of those who died in a stampede in Saudi Arabia. This was contained in a press statement issued, signed and made available to newsmen in Dutse, on Sun-

day, by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Jigawa State governor, Malam Bello Zaki. According to the statment, “the death of Abdulkadir

tops the list of government institutions that have consistently refused to implement the provisions of the law. The national coordinator of the group, Mrs Ene Nwankpa, in a statement announcing the report, said that of 39 government institutions assessed, the report found that none had complied with the obligation to proactively disclose information – no institu-

tion obtained even a 20 pe cent compliance rating. According to her, the average standard of disclosure is limited to basic information about the structure and general functions, which falls far below the legal requirement. “Furthermore, the statutorily recommended methods for disclosure were underutilised, websites are cumbersome to navigate and have dated information. No website has a designated FOI portal or information schedule that would facilitate ease of accessing and understanding information,” she added.

Four years after it was enacted, government institutions have refused to implement the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, a report by a non governmental organisation(NGO), the Right to Know (R2K), has shown. The report which will be released today to mark the Global Right to Know Day, shows that the judiciary

Appoint technocrat as transport minister, railway workers tell Buhari Shola Adekola - Lagos As Nigerians await the appointment of his cabinet ministers on Wednesday, the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a railway ‘friendly technocrat’ as the next Minister of Transport. Speaking in Lagos, at the weekend, the SecretaryGeneral of the union, Mr Segun Esan, on behalf of the union, requested that such a minister should also reflect the gains of Buhariled administration in the

ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Esan insisted that it was necessary for President Buhari to appoint a technocrat, who understood the economic importance and relevance of rail transport system to the development of the nation, rather than a politician who lacked the knowledge of the relevance of the sector to the development of the society. According to Esan, railway development must continue if the nation is truly keen on achieving any meaningful develop-

ment for the country even as he said that despite the promises of the past governments, NRC, could not boast of having up to 30 effectively working locomotive engines, which he explained, was the fulcrum of rail transport business. His words: “The corporation is still grossly deficient of passenger coaches and goods wagons to really meet the growing market share of the traffic offer available to it. Now that the anti-corruption campaign is being vigorously pursued and yielding practical re-

Group commends lawmaker on development projects It was a remarkable event for the Oyo Progressive Assembly members, the families and the political associates of Honourable Moroof Akinwande, the immediate past executive chairman, Education Secondary Board, Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Abuja, as all and sundry commended his performance while in office. The Oyo Progressive Assembly is a pressure group with the sole aim of rewarding excellence and supporting the less privileged in the society. The main Hall of Daudu Hotel, Oyo town, was full to the brim during the week-

end, where Oyo indigenes of different professions and notable politicians in Oyo Federal constituency gathered to honour Akinwande for his performance in office; aside from establishing all his investments in Oyo that provide job opportunities for youths, he has also used his office to employ many others into federal parastatals. According to the president of the group, Hassan Adebayo, Honourable Akinwande, is a man of proven integrity and dynamic politician who believes in human capital development and someone

Igbo Day: Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for sober reflection Jude Ossai - Enugu President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gary Igariwey, has said that the 2015 Igbo Day celebration slated for tomorrow would be low-key, saying that it is a time for sober reflection for Igbo nation. Briefing newsmen in Enugu, on Sunday, after a meeting at Ohanaeze national secretariat, at

NGO accuses public institutions of violating FOI Act Sunday Ejike - Abuja

who takes the development of his town serious.

sults with evident tracking of the stolen funds, it will be good that the gains of the anti-corruption campaign is invested in the railway to reverse the infrastructural deficiency in the rail transport system.” Esan also advised the Federal Government to come up with a realistic longterm development plan that would be followed in the sustainable development of the nation’s rail transport system. Esan declared that a welldeveloped and effectively managed railway system would reduce carnage on the road, strengthen the integration of the nation, and significantly stimulate socio-economic growth of the citizenry.

Jega and Musa Hassan Alkali ,as well as the Amirul Hajj of Taraba State, Emir of Zing, Alhaji Abbas Sambo, in the Hajj incident, was a sad event

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7, Parks Avenue, Enugu, Chief Igariwey, explained that there would be no reason for the Ndigbo to cheer, adding that the current situation of the Igbo called for a deep review of their national political lives. Igariwey said the Igbo Day would, however, be celebrated by respective member states, as planned by their leadership, stressing that there would be a three- minute silence for departed souls of Igbo extraction that died during the Biafra/Nigeria civil war. "Following recent political trend in the country, including Federal Government appointments, which appear to be going against the interest of the socio-cultural group, after its meeting in Enugu, declared a low-key Igbo Day Celebrations", he said. Meanwhile, disturbed by the perceived marginalisation of Ndigbo in the country, a socio-cultural organisation, "Aka Ikenga", has urged the people of the South East geopolitical zone, to have a rethink and consider investment in the zone as top priority.

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Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Lagosmetro —Slum dwellers’ association Chukwuma Okparaocha Residents of the Ijora Badia East community in Ebute -Metta area have continued to lament the demolition of their homes by government agencies. According to information gathered, residents of the community were recently awoken by the noise of bulldozers and other heavy duty equipment at about 4am, while many of them were understandably still asleep. They said they were subsequently ordered to vacate their houses because the government had concluded that there was no going back on the demolition exercise. The residents stated that a team of policemen and other security agencies had cordoned off the community and threatened to deal with anyone who resisted the demolition exercise. Following the threat, residents said they hurriedly moved their belongings out of their wooden houses. In his chat with the media, the secretary of the Mainland Slum Dwellers Association, and President of the Rural Urban Development Initiative Mr Agbodimu Musbau condemned the demolition exercise. “The residents woke to the noise of bulldozers and other heavy duty equipment. They were not informed about the demolition and were not given notices on time to relocate. This is inhuman treatment to the poor. We appeal to the Federal Government to intervene and come to the rescue of the hundreds of stranded residents who have nowhere to go. They have been sleeping in the open with their children and the aged. This is not the change we voted for. Lagos State government should be called to order. More than 200 houses have been demolished so far and the residents are sleeping in the open.” Similarly, another resi-

Despite the sign board placed by Apapa Local Government Council warning against dumping waste on the road, residents living close to Ayorinde roundabout still dump waste on the road. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

confectionery, bungalow, shops gutted

here was confusion on Sunday afternoon as suspected cult members set a bungalow on fire in Ikorodu area of Lagos State. A confectionery around

Agbado Railway Crossing and some lock-up shops in Ogba were also between Saturday night and Sunday midday destroyed. The Pan African University in Lekki area of Lagos State was also gutted by a fire incident which involved a tank, some cables

and a giant generator. The Pan African University fire was still on as of the time of filing this report with fire fighters from different fire stations battling to put it out. A gang of people, suspected to be cult members had on Sunday afternoon

LAWMA official arrested for stealing street-light cable Olalekan Olabulo An official of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been arrested by the police in Lagos State for vandalising and stealing power cables in the state. The suspect, identified as Ibrahim Alli, was a few days ago arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, who were on a routine patrol in Opebi area of the state. An identification card belonging to LAWMA with the name of the suspect, vandalized cable and a wristwatch were recovered from him by the police.

Edited By Lanre Adewole

lanreadewole@yahoo.com 0811 695 4647

AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin

Fire fury: Pan African University, Olalekan Olabulo

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Landlord asks ministry to demolish property to evict ‘stubborn’ tenant

Bulldozers came for Badia demolition 4 a.m. dent who identified himself as Jide Onimole, told media men that: “We were sleeping about 3.55am then we heard noise. We came out and saw policemen and other security personnel everywhere. They came in vehicles and they told the residents to behave and move out. We were shocked and confused because there was no notice informing us to leave our houses. We hurriedly moved our families out and about 10am, the bulldozers started demolishing our houses. They informed us that the government said we are illegal occupants and our community harbors criminals. We are in the cold as we have nowhere else to relocate to.”

The police in the state are on the trail of the other members of the gang, simply identified as Yunusa, who escaped from the scene of the crime. Lagos Metro gathered that operatives of the RRS, led by Superintendent Aroge while on a routine patrol late in the night of September 25 sighted the two members of the gang vandalising power cables in Opebi. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Joe Offor, who confirmed the arrest, “The policemen who were on routine patrol in the area sighted the two men while in the act of vandalising the street light

power cable which had left the entire community in a blackout. “As the policemen were approaching, the two of them took to their heels and immediately the operatives made a hot chase; while one of the suspects was apprehended, the second suspect escaped. “The suspect from his statement revealed that he and his gang member were in the habit of vandalising and stealing power cables which always has adverse effect on the entire community by throwing the area in total blackout on several times. The Adamawa State-born suspect confessed to the

set a bungalow in Ogijo area of Ikorodu on fire in an incident that created panic among residents of the area. The alleged arson also resulted in serious panic among patients and staff of a hospital situated directly beside the burning building.

crime, and blamed his involvement on greed.” Confessing his crime, Alli said, “I am a staff of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) at Onipanu, but I was not contented with my meagre salary. And my friend, Yunusa, introduced this act of robbery to me. “At midnight, I and Yunusa went to Opebi in Lagos to steal street light cable. While I was arrested, Yunusa, who is my leader, escaped. It is Yunusa, who used to sell the cable and I don’t know the receiver. I only assist him in vandalising the cables. “He only gives me N1,000 or N1,500 after the sales.”

The reason for the setting of the building on fire was yet to be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, but the suspected arsonists scared residents away from putting out the fire. The suspected cult members also hindered the operations of men of the Lagos State Fire Service, who arrived at the scene. The director of the state fire service, Rasak Fadipe confirmed the incident to Lagos Metro and condemned the attack on his men by the cult members. Fadipe also stated that fire fighters from the state responded to a fire incident at a confectionery around Agbado Crossing on Saturday night, where millions of naira worth of properties were destroyed. He also stated that some lock-up shops were on Sunday afternoon destroyed as fire ravaged shops in front of WAEC office in Ogba. The Lagos State Fire Service boss also confirmed that there was a fire incident at the Pan African University on Sunday afternoon.

A Lagos based lawyer, Destiny Obun Takon, has petitioned the Commissioner for Physical Planning over alleged plan by some officials of the Ministry at Ikota, Lekki to demolish a property currently occupied by his client, Mrs. Gladys Ifeyinwa Caza. In the letter dated August 13, 2015, the lawyer disclosed that his client has been the sole occupant of the property situated at No. 21, Kenneth Agbakuru Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki, Lagos as a tenant to one, Kenneth Agbakuru, since July 2007. The relationship between the duo was said to have gone sour sometime in 2013, following which the property owner, Kenneth Agbakuru, allegedly made series of efforts to forcefully eject the woman from the property. The lawyer disclosed that an attempt by the property owner to forcefully eject the woman on December 11, 2013, almost led to her death when she was hit with a thick marble slate by the man in company with three other assailants. The property owner was also said to have on January 20, 2014, attempted and failed to forcefully evict the woman from the property after allegedly using two of his companies to obtain a consent judgement between them both to be used in ejecting her. However, the judgement was said to have been set aside after it was discovered that the magistrate was misled to enter it. Having failed on several previous occasions to forcefully evict the woman, the lawyer accused the property owner of deceitfully commissioning officials of the Physical Planning office at Ikota, Lekki to carry out the demolition. It was further disclosed that officials of the Physical Planning Office had on July 24, 27 and 28, 2015 taken photographs of the perimeter fence of the building,

leaving behind an instruction that the owner of the property had applied for its demolition because the occupier and her de-

pendants had refused to vacate the building after being asked to do so. According to the lawyer, it was later gathered

that the property owner had procured an approval from the Ministry of Physical Planning to demolish the property.

While seeking the commissioner’s urgent intervention in the cancellation of the approval, the lawyer disclosed that

photographs and videos of the property in its present state have been taken, while a COREN certified engineer has also been commissioned to assess the property and write a report to show that it is structurally sound and not in any way dangerous to the occupants or the public at large. According to him, the plan to demolish the house was a measure adopted by the property owner to forcefully evict his client despite the pendency of a suit at the Lagos High Court over the dispute. A copy of the petition was also sent to the General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).

3 unemployed youth rob trader at gun-point AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin

Residents of this area located at Randle Road, Apapa have turned this roundabout to a dump site. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

17 rescued from Ikorodu boat mishap Lagos State government said on Sunday that five people lost their lives while 17 were rescued from the boat mishap which occurred at the weekend along Oke Ira Nla, Ajah-Bayeku and Ikorodu axis of the state. This was just as it said it has concluded plans to embark on an aggressive campaign and enforcement of guidelines for commercial boat operators, in a bid to forestall the tide of boat mishap in the state. Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mrs Abisola Kamson, said this in a statement made available to newsmen. The LASWA Managing

director said the new drive was in line with the commitment of state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, to ensure that water transportation by all standards remained the most efficient and cost effective mode of transportation. Kamson, who said LASWA was notified of the incident involving a Bayeku Ferry Association commercial boat carrying 20 passengers and two crew members from Oke Ira Nla, Ajah to Bayeku in Ikorodu, disclosed that upon receiving the notification, the Authority’s Water Guards were immediately deployed to the scene of the incident to assist in rescue efforts.

Kamson said she later led a delegation of state officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Local Government and Community Affairs, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, and the Baale of Baiyeku, Chief Saheed Aleje Ajibode, to visit the site of the incident. She confirmed that all passengers on board were wearing life jackets, revealing that 17 of them were rescued alive while five who were earlier rushed to the nearest General Hospital, died afterwards. The LASWA boss said preliminary investigation by the Authority revealed that aside the mechanical fault that developed when the steering

cable connected to the engine propeller cut, the captain of the boat was possibly also over-speeding, adding that he is presently being questioned by the Marine Police. “The Lagos State government in its drive to promote a multi-modal transport system, especially the movement of passengers, goods and services on its waterways, will under no circumstances compromise safety standards and the protection of lives and property. As such we restate our commitment to the promotion of all safety measures and ensure that all operators comply with all safety standards in line with global best practices,” she said.

Three men, Oluwafemi Olawale, 27, Olawale Babalola, 22 and Akeem Mukaila, 23, have been accused of dispossessing a man of his goods at gunpoint. It was gathered that the trio who claimed to be unemployed, conspired to rob one Mr. Olarenwaju Oyedumade of his goods worth N250, 000 on June 7, at Ibese, Owode, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The accused persons unlawfully entered the complainant’s shop with guns, and threatened to shoot him if he refused to comply, thereby hauling away varieties of phones valued N250, 000. Oyedumade allegedly sighted the accused in Ikorodu, three months after he was robbed. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them. The Court Magistrate, Mr. O.A. Aka-Bashorun of an Ikeja High Court in his ruling, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 each, with one surety each in like sum.

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 28 September, 2015

confectionery, bungalow, shops gutted

here was confusion on Sunday afternoon as suspected cult members set a bungalow on fire in Ikorodu area of Lagos State. A confectionery around

Edited By Lanre Adewole

lanreadewole@yahoo.com 0811 695 4647

AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin

Fire fury: Pan African University, Olalekan Olabulo

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Landlord asks ministry to demolish property to evict ‘stubborn’ tenant

leaving behind an instruction that the owner of the property had applied for its demolition because the occupier and her de-

pendants had refused to vacate the building after being asked to do so. According to the lawyer, it was later gathered

that the property owner had procured an approval from the Ministry of Physical Planning to demolish the property.

While seeking the commissioner’s urgent intervention in the cancellation of the approval, the lawyer disclosed that

3 unemployed youth rob trader at gun-point AyomideOwonibiOdekanyin

Residents of this area located at Randle Road, Apapa have turned this roundabout to a dump site. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

businessnews

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

NNPC to scrap 500 retail outlets over fraud OlatundeDodondawa-Lagos

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has stated that it will scrap over 500 retail outlets due to inherent fraud along its value chain. The Group Managing Director (GMD), NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated this in Lagos at the weekend while addressing journalists on his agenda for the corporation. According to him, “we started our retail business with about 23 filling stations of our own. But right now, we have affiliates of about 500 filling stations. “How do you grow from 20 to 500 in two years without institutional supports. What has happened is that there is a lot of fraud inherent in that cycle and lots of products disappear along the value chain. So we will revoke the retail licence to our affiliates and focus on our retail outlets.” Moreover, he argued further that “until a scenario came in, the amount of money that was being put into the retail business was affected and nobody was collecting it. “In a private venture, when I was running my own oil company, you pay ahead of time, that is, you pay before you get allocation. So the issue of money disappearing does not even arise.” When asked to be specific on the amount of fraud, he only asserted that “most of the independent marketers pay for their products on time but the major marketers are not (paying on time). So again, we are go-

ing to cut down the credit cycle because it is being abused. If I want to give

you products, you must pay.” He said apart from re-

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has said it has evolved a new framework that would adequately guarantee wider investment space utilising the country’s huge pension fund. The Director-General of PenCom, Chinelo AnohuAmazu, speaking in Lagos, said Africa and indeed Nigeria were faced with huge infrastructure deficit and pension funds, as a longterm capital, were ideally suited for investment in that area. The pension boss said the fund was adequate for long term capital and strategically suited for investment in infrastructure. She wondered why such a

improve the efficiency of collection process. “There are lots of nostalgia you

From left, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge; CEO, MTN Nigeria, Michael lkpoki and winner of the 8th MTN Project Fame, Jeff Akoh, during the presentation of N5 million to Akoh at the closing ceremony of the 8th MTN Project in Lagos, on Saturday. PHOTO BY ALABA IGBAROOLA

have to unleash in the system and we are getting there,” he said. On the issue of subsidy, he said that the subsidy issue would continue to be a major challenge. “There have been calls whether to remove subsidy or not but I don’t want to go into that debate because it is very political and not my focus. My focus is to deliver products at a price that make sense to this Corporation so that we can survive as an entity and the country can take away some of the support that it gives that may not necessarily mean a full pull out of subsidy. “I will need to find a contractual model that will enable me to deliver products at perhaps NNPC retail station at subsidized rate. If we focus on our own retail outlets for deliveries, you will find out that you can actually reduce the resources dramatically and let those private operators do their own business without being our affiliates,” he said.

Nicon Insurance reiterates commitment to prompt claim payment Gbemi Solaja-Lagos Nicon Insurance has reiterated its commitment to prompt settlement of claims and efficient service delivery. The company said this recently at the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) members evening that, as part of its rebranding process, it

had positioned its financial base and would ensure prompt settlement of all outstanding claims. The Managing Director of Nicon, Bayode Samuel, said that N10 billion ($50 million) of the company’s assets would be disposed before December of this year, while the other N10 billion would be sold later, implying that it hoped

PenCom to develop new framework on fund investment Gbemi Solaja-Lagos

ducing the retail outlets, the corporation would cut down credit line in order to

challenge persisted despite availability of huge aggregate of pension funds. She added the upcoming summit, themed, ‘Building Sustainable Pension System in Africa,’ would attract experts in the areas of investment, infrastructure financing, real estate and other pension-related fields. The event will also feature plenary on ‘Reform and Development in African Pension System (Regional Reports), ‘Global Developments in Pension System and ‘Real Deal; Structuring Pension Investments for Sustainability and ‘Expanding Investment Frontiers for Pension Funds’ and team will address specific interest areas.

The PenCom boss also said Africa had not achieved much in the area of micro pension plans, and that the session would focus attention on the huge potential that exist in that area to encourage African countries to take bold steps to come up with suitable and innovative pension plans that will adequately cater for the needs of informally employed persons. She added that the summit would help harness African talents in pensions and also provide the platform for pension regulators and operators in Africa to brace up to the challenge positively, while also contributing to the socioeconomic growth of the continent.

to settle claims with the money realised. The company, with outstanding claims of N466 million, intends to use converted assets to meet its obligations. “We will use it to expand our operations, get first hand IT, pay all outstanding claims and commissions, improve staff welfare, and buy operational assets like new vehicles and new operational issues. Those are the things needed by modern insurance companies responsive to clients’ needs,” he said. It will be recalled that just recently, the company disclosed that it had, from January this year to date, paid a total claim of over N138.11 million, made up of N50.98 million in general business and N87.13 million in life and pensions businesses. “Our operations have so far not been different from what obtains everywhere in the industries. We have always done our best possible to jump across series of hurdles to have come thus far. It has not been rosy, more especially with our erstwhile estranged relationship with you our partner and professional

associations, but we are confident that the current management team will fix things right in the shortest time possible. “In our resolve to reposition the company, we have decided to extend our strategies to our six regional and 40 branch offices across Nigeria for optimal and superior performance,” he added. However, the Managing Director lauded the efforts of the regulator, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), on the enforcement of compulsory insurance and its public awareness campaign, saying that it had surely helped in deepening the market. “Additionally, the introduction of the Market Development Restructuring Initiative (MDRI), the technical management board for Energy and Allied Insurance Pool (EAIPN) and the industry’s contribution to the GDP will, hopefully, be in higher figures. “The intervention by NAICOM’s Customer Complaints Bureau in the controversial disputes on the delay in settling claims by we underwriters is worthy of note. In other words, the alternative dispute resolu-

tion platform earlier established by NAICOM and NIA should be sustained, strengthened and improved upon. “After all, the business of insurance is ultimately to settle genuine claims. Annually, insurance companies make huge provisions for outstanding premiums in their books and delays or non-payment of these premiums, invariably affect their ability to make profit, pay dividends to shareholders and attract investments to sustain growth. “However, the new policy of ‘no premium no cover’ has impacted positively on the cash flow of the underwriters and has drastically reduced, if not totally eliminated outstanding premiums that were hitherto written off as bad debts. “The Local Content Act in the Oil and Gas sector came into being in April, 2010. It provides a huge opportunity for local operators to enjoy premium rights on services provided before it is taken abroad. The energy and allied insurance pool that was promoted by NIA will ensure risks diversification and spread in the industry,” he added.

businessnews

Monday, 28 September, 2015

UBA’s Oduoza wins award at Investment Summit in New York

ROUP Managing Director and CEO, UBA Plc, Mr Phillips Oduoza, has emerged the 2015 Ai Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) 30 CEO of the year at this year’s 8th annual Ai CEO Investment Summit. This is the second time he is winning the award after winning it first in 2013. He was named the winner from a long list that included Nassef Sawiris, CEO, Orascom Construction Company; Sifiso Dabengwa, CEO, MTN Group; SA, Guillaume Roux, CEO, Lafarge Africa; Segun Agbaje, CEO, GT Bank; Graham Clark, GMD, Dangote Sugar and Ben Kruger/Sim Tshabalala, Co-CEOs, Standard Bank. The event took place in New York at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Africa investor (Ai) is a leading international investment and communications group based in South Africa. Every year it organises the institutional investment summit as a platform for public and private sector leaders in Africa to dialogue with global counterparts on ways to invest and grow businesses in Africa. As an integral part of the summit, Ai also hosts the investment and business leadership awards to reward exceptional business practices, economic achievements and investments across Africa, whilst recognising the institutions and individuals improving the continent’s investment climate. At the summit and awards ceremony attended by over 250 of Africa’s most prominent and influential business, government and development finance leaders, as well as five African Heads of State, the UBA CEO won the Ai SRI CEO of the Year award in recognition of his exceptional achievements over the last

year which according to the summit organisers, is an “inspiration for business and government leaders working to raise Africa’s investment profile.” The judging panel considered excellent leadership skills, enhanced organisational image, innovation and originality as well as alignment with the millennium development goals (MDGs) in choosing

the Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) 30 CEO of the year. Speaking on the award, Oduoza who has twice been recipient (the first time in 2013), said: ‘as Africa’s global bank, The United Bank for Africa, UBA, has operations in 19 African countries and 3 global financial centres - New York, London and Paris, serving over 9 million customers. This

award validates our efforts over the years in building a solid pan-African banking business that is profitable, sustainable and socially responsible. I dedicate it to all UBA people: customers, staff and other stakeholders in Africa and across the globe”. Other recognitions at the ceremony include: Venture Capital/Private Equity Award won by the Abraaj Group, whilst In-

Divisional Head, Marketing and Corporate Relations, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr Charles Aigbe, receiving the Award of SRI 30 CEO of the Year on behalf of the GMD/CEO UBA, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, from CEO Africa Investor, Mr. Hubert Danso at the Africa Investor CEO Institutional Investment Summit and Awards in New York at the weekend.

Zenith Bank donates to Ajasin varsity THE Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, has commended Zenith Bank for donating a workstation to the university. The workstation was being used by the bank for skeletal services before its relocation to a substantive structure on the campus in 2014. The university’s Director of Physical Planning and Development, Mr Emmanuel Orimoloye, who represented Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, and received the

documents of the Portakabin from the officials of the financial institution, thanked Zenith Bank for the generous donation. He assured the bank of the university’s continued collaboration with it to achieve better results. Orimoloye said: “On behalf of the university management, I want to thank Zenith Bank for this generous donation to the university. The bank started in a small place and the Lord has helped it to build a befitting structure from where it operates now. Zenith Bank is a

bank to beat. “The services Zenith Bank has been rendering to the University community have been great. Zenith has changed the face of banking on campus. And we want to assure you that the university will continue to collaborate with you to achieve better things for the university and the bank.” He also commended the bank for renovating the facility before the donation. Earlier in his speech, the Zenith Bank’s Zonal Head in charge of Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara States, Mr Abiodun

AIESEC Alumni Nigeria announces 31st management series By Rotimi Ige ALUMNI of AIESEC in Nigeria have announced the 31st Omolayole management lecture series. The Omolayole management lecture series has been in existence for over 30 years, held in honour Dr Michael Omolayole, a pioneer president of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Nigeria (CIPM) 1968-1970, former Chair-

stitutional Investor of the Year and Investment Promotion Agency of the Year went to Public Investment Corporation of South Africa (PIC) and Centre de Promotion des Investissements en Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI) respectively. The Leadership in Sustainable Investment in Africa Award went to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

man/Managing Director, Lever Brothers Nigeria Plc, now Unilever Nigeria Plc, former Presidential Advisory Committee member and Chairman/Director (past and present) of numerous multinational companies to address contemporary socio-economic issues of national and international concern. This year, he is being hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Management

(NIM) where he served as past president. This year’s theme, according to a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, is ‘Development Strategies for Job Creation and Economic Growth’. The chairman /host of this event is Dr Nelson Uwaga, president of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). The Chief speaker is Mrs Ibukun Awosika, CEO of the

Chair Center, now known as Sokoa Chair Centre Ltd; Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Capital. The theme is specifically aimed at developing youths and the country’s economy. According to the release, “In our nation today, there has been little progress made in this regard, and this year s lecture seeks to showcase some solutions to the problem and ideas that can be looked into.”

Oshode, had described the donation as a token in appreciation of the good relationship it has enjoyed with the university since the beginning of its operations on campus. Mr Oshode said: “We really want to thank the Authority of Adekunle Ajasin University for the support we have enjoyed over the years. It has been a symbiotic relationship. It has been a winwin partnership. With God on our side and on the side of the university, we are sure that this is just the beginning of greater things to come. “We know that the relationship is growing, and there is a lot the Bank can do in assisting the University to grow stronger. We are giving this as a token and I want to assure that as the relationship continues, our bank will continue to assist the University.” Meanwhile, no fewer than 193 students of university, who participated in the institution’s 2014/2015 academic session Student Work-Study Scheme (SWSS), received their stipend on Tuesday last week.

business

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

daily summary (equities) for WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER, 2015

Monday, 28 September, 2015

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Monday, 28 September, 2015

INSIDE LAGOS

Monday, 28 September, 2015

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5 1. From left, CEO, Inspiration FM, Soni Irabo; Comedian, Owen Gee; TV Presenter, Bolanle Olukanni; Head Coordinator, Kayode Odukoya; Life Coach, Lanre Olusola; Radio Presenter, Tosyn Bucknor; Social Media Expert, Japhet Omojuwa and CEO, Curve Communications, Adeola Odunowo, during the WEECMAN 2015 Event, held at the University of Lagos, on Tuesday. 2. From left, CEO, CHARACTERS LTD, Mr Oladele Ogunlana; Partner, Technology and Entrepreneurship, Workplace Centre, Mojisola Olateru-Olagbegi; Principal Consultant, Toff Resources Nigeria LTD, Mr Tunde Arogunmati; Managing Partner, Workplace Centre LTD, Mrs Bola Adeniyi-Taiwo; Chief Amazement Officer, SHEPARD PRESENTATIONS, Mr Shep Hyken and President, Westminster College, during the Workplace Centre LTDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one day workshop on Customer Amazement Revolution Master Class with Shep Hyken, held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Thursday. 3. From left, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; deputy governor, Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; deputy governor, Osun State, Chiefn (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, presenting the National Women Council award to a former member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, while the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle, watch, during the closing ceremony of the 3-day National Women Conference organised by Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), held at Eko Hotel, on Friday, in Lagos.

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6 4. From left, chairman, Sheraton Hotel, Chief Goodie Ibru; his wife, Emuobo; Group Managing Director, Jacaranda Casino, Mr. John Storey; former governor of Delta State, Chief Felix Ibru and the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Lottery Board, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, during the official opening of Jacaranda Casino, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, on Friday in Lagos. 5. Chairman, Organising Committee FC WAMCO Cup, Kenneth Omeni; captain, Three Crowns Powder Team, Matthew Nwankwo; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Rahul Colaco; captain, Friso Team, Alfred Osaibo and Corporate Affairs Director, Ore Famurewa, at the kickoff of the FC WAMCO Cup Season 10, organised by the company, in Lagos, recently. 6. From left, representative of the Inspector-General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Fatai Owoseni; representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Minna, MajorGeneral Mobolaji A. Koleoso; chairman of Island Club, Mr Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN); representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ralph Osondu; representative of the Chief of Air Staff, Senior Air Staff Officers Logistics Command Nigerian Airforce, Ikeja, Air Commodore Magnus O. Ugwuezumba and the representative of the AIG Zone 2 Lagos, DCP Isaac Akinmoyede, during the Island Club Public Interest Symposium Series NO 1, held at the Peacock Hall, Island Club, Lagos, on Friday.

18 LETTERS TO THE

Monday, 28 September, 2015

editor

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

OAU SUG: What does the future hold for Nigeria?

read with dismay the huge amount spent by the Students Union officials of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; this issue has been reacted to by different individuals and organisa-

tions. I want the students to know that the future begins on the foundation we lay now. One cannot expect any better society where the expected future leaders are harbouring corruption like

the present day politicians. A critical look at the proposed budget reflects total impunity among the union officers. The leaders of the union see their occupation of the offices as a way for them to enrich themselves

Hope for the youth A youth is universally defined as anyone between the ages of 15-40. However, I consider a youth to be anyone who has a heart of courage and who plans to have and fight for a bright future. It is the youth that strives to better the future because they know they will be part of that future. The youth in any nation are the epitome of greatness and prosperity of their society. This is so because they carry the energy and potentialities to turn things around for the better. We are the hope of tomorrow; we are the hope that God is not finished with man and this is why when a child is born into a family, the joy of the family knows no bound. Therefore, there is no youth that does not have hope or ambition. Some people might say it is my ambition to succeed, which means to be a professional in his/ her perspective, but due to corruption, nepotism and greed in the country, many youths have had their hopes ended. How can there be hope when there is massive failure of WAEC and NECO?How can there be hope when the future children rarely have the basics to complete their primary education? These are the questions running silently in the mind of youths and it leaves them in awe since there is nobody ready to answer these questions. Though the hope of Nigerian youths seem to have withered away, now is the time the youth of this country have come face to face with history and we must have that audacity of hope. This hope is coming from the fact that though our fathers have failed us, we cannot afford to fail our own children. A hope built on the thought that

we have nowhere else to call home except this Godblessed land of Nigeria. So, we must make it work again. In this troubled nation, we are the hope for peace, prosperity and for the change Nigerians desire. We are the one to heal the wound of this nation because youths are the Nigeria of tomorrow. To this end, we must begin to stand up, we must begin to walk above all, and we must begin to work. Do something so you do not remain idle and be tempted to do evil. Nigerian youths have at-

tended to some of the best universities in the world and most of them come out in flying colors and in some cases top their classes. Those that opted for other skills are becoming the best in their various fields like fashion designing, agriculture, computing, digital service and various other sales. Nigerian youths must, therefore, continuously prove that if given the right environment and equal opportunity, they can become world champions. •Samson Ogundele, International Institute of Journalism (IIJ).

in a corrupt and illegal way. This should be condemned by everybody in the society, and if this should continue unchecked, our society is in a serious problem, which is capable of wrecking the society. In the budget, the Speaker proposed to spend a sum of N232,500 for official calls for 310 days. But we can ask the Speaker how many days we have in a session? What are the things that make them to spend up to N300,000? Even the Budget and Finance Committee is not left out in the scandal as it proposed to expend N114,000 for calls, while bus maintenance will cost the union N300,000 as well. The Speaker will also spend N1,250,000 on both “long and short journeys,” among others. The officers are oblivious of their constitutional duties which include securing the welfare of the students,

provision of social amenities, provision of security of lives and properties of the students. Virtually all of the halls of the residence are in poor state, but the officials are blind to the socio-economic conditions of the people they claim to be representing. They see governance as a tool for them to achieve their selfish agenda of draining the hard-earned resources of their fellow students. Although we are yet to

know the break-down of other officers’ budgets, we can expect an ugly face of corruption as many of the students’ union leaders are bent on embezzling public funds. If the present is so disheartening like this, what hope does the future have as those who we can entrust the affairs of the future are nothing but corrupt individuals. •Timothy Faboade, OAU, Ile-Ife.

The quest to acquire riches at all cost I would really love to be rich; to be as rich as Bill Gates or Alhaji Aliko Dangote, but as a man who has just a wife and three kids, what do I really need N50billion for? Ok, let’s come to Nigeria; do I need N25 bil-

lion like Dangote to be happy in life? Do I need to have mansions all over the world, private jets and yachts to know I am successful? Alright, as an African man, I do not live for myself and my family alone. I have parents, in-laws, as well as other relatives. How much do I really need to make all those around me comfortable? The truth of life is that no matter how rich a man is, he will continue to strive to earn more. That is why our politicians also steal. They want a better life for themselves and their families, but as soon as the children grow up, they leave their parents behind. I have seen a son who told his father he would never manage his (father) company, and that he had his life to live. It was so painful to the father because he was his only son. He needed somebody to take over all he had struggled to achieve. This life is just so short; we shouldn’t make earning billions of dollars, or naira our priority. In fact, achieving worldly things should not be our goal in life. Rather, we should focus on how to make those around us happy. If we have this philosophy, then politicians will stop stealing public funds. We need a change of heart as Nigerians for our country to develop. •Esther Uduma, CBD, Abuja.

editorial

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

The SIM re-registration headache

RECISELY in 2001, the Nigerian telecommunications industry was given a facelift with the emergence of the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM). Driven right from its inception by the core objectives of providing effective telecommunication roaming, spectral efficiency and adequate networking, the GSM is very popular in the country. Although costly, and thus common among Nigerian subscribers who could afford the GSM service at the time of its introduction, GSM in the country is worth being acknowledged for relative efficiency and comparative usefulness which has resulted in ever increasing growth in the customer base of the service providers. Unfortunately, as useful as the GSM has been, the need for the country to have a comprehensive data base of GSM end users has become a critical issue of national security, given the worries on amenability of the system to criminal use, and how insufficient biometric details of subscribers has sometimes made tracking of GSM-enhanced crimes seemingly difficult. Obviously prompted by the apparently intractable security reasons, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) had directed at various times that biometric data of mobile phone users in the country be captured. In a renewed effort, the commission had on June 15, this year, warned the telecommunication service providers to re-register the Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) of some of their subscribers whose biometric details were said to be haphazard. The commission, which imposed heavy monetary fines as sanctions, also directed the service providers to deactivate all assumed unregistered SIMs for re-registration before such SIMs could be reconnected to the respective networks of the service providers. While we see the background to this exercise as a factor in the equation of ensuring security in the country, we equally agree with the proponents of the SIM re-registration that it would most likely guarantee a standardized data base of mobile phone users in the country. However, we are worried that in media reports on the NCC directive and the consequent barring of numerous subscribers from mobile telecommunication services by the providers, many Nigerians had suffered for no just cause and they had cried foul of customer disservice and maltreatment at the hands of service providers, who, in response, had said they had to abide by the command of the NCC. Much of the indignation of the affected subscribers is on the basis of the fact that in 2011 when the NCC made SIM registration a condition for SIM activation, while the SIMs acquired immediately after that policy had to be registered before they

could be activated, all subscribers who had been using unregistered SIMs prior to the registration policy had to get their SIMs registered at different times as prompted by the service providers. So, any notices received from the service providers asking subscribers to visit the customer service outlets of the providers for re-registration were both baseless and confusing because very many people who received such notices had got their SIMs duly registered before. On some occasions, the service providers did not even give any notice of incomplete registration before subscribers were denied access to services. In the face of the loss recorded by some victims in terms of how the situation had made them unreachable for business and other very important purposes which they use their deactivated phone lines for, it is grossly unfortunate to behold multitude of agitated subscribers resolute in revalidating their severed mobile phone lines in unpleasant circumstances. Frankly speaking, the harrowing experiences of subscribers whose SIMs have been blocked speak loudly of endless undeserved punishment of service end users who are being made to bear the brunt of negative implications of capacity building, and sometimes, mixed grill of carelessness and incompetence of service providers in the country. Sad as it is, many of the subscribers whose mobile phone lines had been blocked on the premise that their SIMs were not duly registered had gotten the deactivated SIMs registered at one time or the other by the service providers. Do we say we have a Consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Right Protection Council (CRPC) in the country? And is the CRPC leaving up to its responsibility of championing the cause of justice and welfare for consumers in the country, given the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparent silence on issues of customer disservice such as this? If the much-touted security value is attached to SIM registration by both the NCC and the service providers, what happened to the biometric data of some subscribers who had registered their SIMs before and whose mobile phone lines have now been blocked because their previously captured data is non-existent as explained by the service providers? While we are of the view that many GSM service subscribers whose phone lines have been blocked as a result of invalidated SIM registration have been treated unfairly, we posit that just as the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened in the Bank Verification Number (BVN) registration palaver by extending the deadline for doing so by bank customers across the country, the NCC should, as a matter of urgency, prompt the immediate activations of blocked SIMs of affected subscribers and consequently give the service providers a fresh deadline for the SIM re-registration exercise.

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opinion

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Lasisi Olagunju Lasgunju@yahoo.com (08111813053)

N July 20 last year, I wrote of the Koledowo spirit in the All Progressives Congress (APC). That spirit is not done with the party yet. This is especially so now that it has its barn full of good harvests. At least, loss does not knock on the door of the bare-barned. The more I look into, and, at intrigues nibbling at the intestines of the new ruling party, the more I wonder if it has not become another PDP from another mother. And no one is bothered there. Misfortune starts just like that — helping the ignored mild fever with enough space to get fatal. In my Koledowo piece, I wrote of a vicious PDP that grimly ate its own as sacrifice to some strange gods. That spirit has migrated to the APC. Maybe, it is actually the spirit of power. Power takes all humanity from the humane; it wrenches the soul of goodness from good men, injects hopelessness into hope. I may be wrong. Maybe. Last year I wrote about “this character in a popular Yoruba drama called Koledowo. His name literally means “he who builds his house ahead of riches.” One who builds a barn in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. And the Yoruba do not just give names to babies without checking the circumstances of their birth. The name contains not just the destiny but also the character-traits that will follow the baby all his life. Koledowo started very lowly, very poor, but not without the optimism contained in his name. His homestead was not just bare of means, it was equally barren of children. And he was courageous and hardworking and determined to live beyond the optimism of his name. Fortune soon smiled on him and when he started having children. They came — not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not even seven — but eight! Now, he is happy. Money has come. Children are here. His barn is full of good, quality yield. What else remains? Who else is left? Like today’s Nollywood actresses flaunting their endowments to the chagrin of people of moderation, Koledowo cares less of what anyone says. He has arrived. He is master of himself now with his fortune. Whatever you like, you may say. If you are not happy with the way he lives his life, go hug NEPA’s transformer. On a cool, clear day, Koledowo gathered his kids, counted them with his forefinger — one to eight- and announced that he was going to celebrate them round the village. He

APC and the spirit of rituals

must parade them — the same way today’s pentecostal fellows give loud testimonies of their blessings. His wife protested but he was quick to remind her that he was the head of the family and, more importantly, the owner of the children. Even his mother’s mouth smelt bad in his nostrils. He would not listen. And so, from one door to the other, Koledowo sang and danced. At the door of the childless, he flaunted his beautiful kids and laced his happiness with songs reminding the childless of their ill-fate. Koledowo took the village by storm. No one had so haughtily celebrated fortune like that before. Besides, a mother or father does not rest, celebrate or rejoice until their offsprings come of age and outlive them. So, why this? And it happened soon after the dance. One by one, the kids died. Not even one was allowed to remain in the home of the overly joyous. His own mum was ordered to ensure the kids all die. Koledowo paid for his indiscretion of challenging the culture of moderation of his clan. Here, good harvests are eaten in the inner recesses of one’s home. That is the wisdom taught the village by the grey hairs of the ancestors. These are definitely not the best of times for the APC. The story of the party is the story of promise aborted at the threshold of fulfilment. My people pray against spirits that decapitate good heads. And yet, they are quick to

pillory beings with good heads and bad manners. When you have good fortune and bad manner is your crown, it is certain the character flaw will turn sorely septic negating all the mileage gained through the smiles of fortune. The APC is a family of five — the ACN, CPC, ANPP, a faction of APGA and — the NewPDP. All these pooled their blessings into what turned out to be Nigeria’s biggest opposition party since this republic. And this was a party that displayed billboards with the moderation of “one by one with God...” Soon, as the harvest yielded good, there was this forgetfulness of the years of toil. There was this inexplainable air of superiority over the wisdom that called for discretion and tact in building more barns even in the presence of the enemy...” So much has happened since 2014 July when the above warning was written. The APC has since transited from being a very big opposition party to being the first opposition party in Nigeria to defeat an incumbent president. It has also become the first party in government to double as the opposition party ( to itself.) It has shown all of us, naive beings, that powerless people, when unexpectedly empowered by their chi hardly know what to do with their fortune. The spirit of defeat in victory, epitomised by Koledowo’s child-chewing mother is on the prowl in the APC. And it may succeed. I know what you are thinking. Is this about Bukola Saraki? Not exactly. The spirit is just starting its thing. Is this about the people? I have asked that question too, especially when I look at people preaching the new gospel. Lucky APC is today a party with governors without governments; workers without salaries. And the spirit is very much at work. I know this spirit has a different agenda. It has a covenant to deliver its own as rituals to the gods of greed and covetousness. We will see more of the Saraki experience across all camps in the APC. Already, there was a parallel on Sallah day. Stones in Saudi Arabia, missiles in Ilorin with the loudest laughter on the Kwara shame coming from within the APC family outside that state. If stones were thrown at big men in Ilorin on a day millions were stoning satan in Mina, Saudi Arabia, and you think this is just a Kwara thing, you will soon know that every compound has a Mina with plenty of stones. Let no one sleep with both eyes closed.

Winning the war against global terror By Iyoha John Darlington THERE have been terror attacks here and there which are still ongoing. Is there any country on earth that has never experienced any terror-linked attack? I doubt! These attacks have always resulted in a monumental loss of human lives and property. Governments the world over are increasingly becoming helpless and frustrated as to the mechanism to employ that would stand toe to toe with these vermin whose only language the world understands is destruction to advance or propagate their retrogressive ideologies. Be that as it may, we must first identify the root causes of terrorism to enable us know how to effectively tackle the menace. Since the destruction of the twin towers in New York, USA, concerted efforts have been made to investigate the cause of that ill-conceived attack on the World Trade Centre by the George Bush administration. President Obama has also not relented in his effort in this regard. This has led to beefing up of security within the United States and extending the same beyond their territorial borders. America, without doubt, stands out today as the most advanced nation on earth and in that capacity has employed all means to ensure that the bitter experience of 9/11 is never relived throughout the length and breath of the world’s most powerful country. It is a thousand pities that there is no battlefield solution to terrorism, America in her military skill, dominance and prowess in war which is second to none would have long rooted out terrorism from their land and export same to the rest of the world in her resolute pursuit of global peace and security.

Long after the historic 9/11 attack on US soil, there have also been other terror-linked attacks in the United States calling to mind the botched attempt by a certain man to detonate a shoe bomb aboard American Airlines Flight 63 on December 23, 2001. In September the following year, six Yemeni-Americans were swooped on by US security operatives for providing material support for al-Qaeda. The above-named, the writer has it on good authority, also ran a terrorist cell somewhere in Buffalo, USA. What would have destroyed and adversely affected world trade was the unsuccessful terror plot on key financial institutions namely, the New York Stock Exchange, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Citigroup Centre in 2004. As luck would have it these attacks were foiled. Another terror plot was foiled in 2010 when a young man of Nigerian extraction went to Yemen, got radicalised and on return attempted to blow up an American Airliner over Detroit on Christmas day. There have been many other terror plots in post-9/11, targeting Western especially American interests all over the world. Here in Western Europe there have been many terrorist attacks before the sensational assault on Charlie Hebdo in the French capital of Paris last year which claimed many lives. Taking a cursory glance at Terrorism Database in Europe the following countries, namely Britain, Switzerland, Spain, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden and Belgium have fallen prey to terror-linked attacks with Spain hard-hit calling to mind the Madrid train blast in May 2004. London tube and bus bombings also reportedly claimed many lives. Further glance at Global Terrorism Database has more to tell us about terror attacks as of 2014 in other coun-

tries around the world namely Australia, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen , Somalia, Cameroon, Libya, Syria, Lebanon and Nigeria. From the foregoing there is no restating the obvious that terrorism has become a global problem out to annihilate mankind. How to tackle terrorism? False doctrines and teachings in places of worship should be frowned upon. This is the pivot on which most terror plots and attacks rotate. Many people are often led astray by the cloudy and ambiguous nature of some theological philosophies. Unemployment is another problem; it reduces people to pawns at the hands of terrorists and it is one social problem that materials must be committed to fight to a standstill. An idle mind , they often say, is the devil’s workshop. Ignorance too is ruinous and has cost civilisation a great deal. When people are uninformed they believe hook, line and sinker whatever they are told. That is why governments the world over should endeavour to provide education to rescue people from the pit of ignorance. Corruption creates certain conditions that are favourable for terrorism. In a nutshell, corruption provokes terrorist acts. Misappropriation of government funds by political leaders in third world nations via embezzlement often creates hardship for the people, thereby making them to be willing tools at the hands of the terrorists. However, tackling the increasing threat of global terror is a collective responsibility. The campaign must start now to deradicalise some religious faithful who have been brainwashed by terror masterminds. Governments also have a pivotal role to play in this by providing good governance. •Iyoha lives in Turin, Italy.

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Group Business Editor

tribune

business

Abraham Nwankwo, DG, DMO

Sulaimon Olanrewaju

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

Oscar Onyeama, DG, NSE

As debt burden takes toll on major Nigerian companies Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

RESH facts have emerged that fallen share prices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have pushed major companies that should have raised capital from the market to get deeply involved in borrowing. Though financial experts have rated debt as cheaper than equity and can lower a company’s average cost of capital when utilised well, the value of debt becomes a burden when it is excessive and/or not put to good use. Industry analysts are worried that most banks and companies are reporting high debt/equity ratio. Under this scenario, they pay higher interest expense rather than higher return on shareholders’ equity (ROE), thereby working for debt holders instead of shareholders. These institutions have been heavily taking on debt and thus have high risk. Debt to equity (D/E) ratio is calculated by dividing a company’s total liabilities by its stockholders’ equity. The D/E ratio indicates how much debt a company is using to finance its assets relative

to the amount of value represented in shareholders’ equity (money brought by owner). A report obtained by the Nigerian Tribune has listed 12 top Nigerian companies which debts have become a burden instead of an asset. They include UAC of Nigeria Plc (UACN), Dangote Cement, Forte Oil, Nestle Nigeria, Seven Up, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), Transcorp and Guinness. Others are First Bank Nigeria, Diamond Bank and First City Monument Bank (FCMB). Comparing debt with shareholders’ equities In the report signed by Jude Fajokwu, Principal Analyst, Thaddeus Africa Research firm, it was stated that UACN’s “debt/equity is at 73 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. Times interest earned is at 1.6X.” The report views this as too high and a concern because this implies that UACN’s income is only 1.6 times greater than its annual interest expense. In other words, UACN cannot afford to pay additional interest expenses within the year. In this

respect, the company’s business is risky and experts advise companies in this situation to stop accepting loans. Dangote Cement’s debt/equity is at 51 per cent as at June 30th, 2015. Times interest earned is 4.5X as of same time. This, according to the report, is a bit over the top compared to peers in terms of debt in this sector. Generally speaking, finance experts state the ‘times interest ratio’ in numbers as opposed to in percentage. The ratio indicates how many times a company could pay the interest on loans with its profit before tax. So, obviously the larger ratios are considered more favourable than smaller ratios. In other words, a ratio of four, for instance, means that a company makes enough income to pay for its total interest expense four times over. Put in another way, that company’s income is four times higher than its interest expense for the year. Creditors would favour a company with a much higher ‘times interest ratio’ because it shows the company can afford to pay its interest when they come due. Higher ratios are less risky while lower ratios

indicate credit risk. Forte Oil’s debt/equity is at 327 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. Debt is 3.27X equity. Times interest earned is 1.2X. Theddeus research described this as another dire situation. The research firm said the company’s half year earnings also confirmed the above. This signifies that Forte Oil’s income is 1.2 times greater than what it pays as interest expense per annum. In other words, Forte Oil cannot afford to pay additional interest expenses within the year. In this respect, the company’s business is risky and it is wise for management to stop creating more loans in the face of plunging oil prices. Nestle Plc, the report stated, had debt/ equity ratio of 141 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. Times interest earned is 4.2X. The company is also heavily burdened with debt on its books, exceeding equity, even though its interest cover is commendable given the burden on the company’s books. For Seven-Up, its debt/equity is at 77 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. “Times interest earned is 4.2X. This is another debt-burdened company; the bottom has Continues pg 22

tribunebusiness

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Debt burden affecting shareholders —Report Continued from pg 21

not fallen out. Its cover is decent,” the report read in part. At a ratio of 4.2 for the two companies, though operating with debts above equity, they make enough income to pay for the total interest expense four times over. Put in another way, the two companies’ income is four times higher than their interest expense for the year. Other companies listed Despite a highly successful global IPO of $500 million, with history mid April 2014 as the first upstream company to be listed on the NSE, Seplat had a debt/equity ratio of 72 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. Times interest earned is 1.76X. The report views this as another dire situation, and has been confirmed by the company’s half year (H1) earnings. For Flour Mills, the company’s debt/equity is at 223 per cent as of March 31st, 2015. Debt is 2.23X equity. Times interest earned is 0.55X. “This is the worst situation of all,” the report said. It explained that this is what happens when a company gets into too many businesses all at once and is heavily exposed to currency and externality risks. Nigerian Tribune checks revealed that as part of its diversification strategy, FMN commissioned a sugar refinery of international standards, a vegetable oil and margarine facility and also entered the snacks category. The company engages in the importation and distribution of high grade fertilizer, while in a bid to decrease their own packaging cost and provide valuable products to the Nigerian market as a whole, FMN has also taken a 70 per cent stake in BAGCO, one of the largest suppliers of industrial sacks to many industrial and agro- allied companies in Nigeria. It is noteworthy that FMN said a series of its support or auxiliary businesses are profitable; such as Golden Transport, which operates more than 500 trucks and the Apapa Bulk Terminal, which handles over 3 million metric tonnes of bulk cargo per annum. Its times interest earned of 0.55X means Flour Mills income can barely be enough to meet interest expense for the year. Transcorp’s debt/equity is at 94 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. Times interest earned is 2.5X. This company, according to Theddeus Capital Research, is overtly debt burdened as evident in its H1 earnings. Its income can only pay for the total interest expense 2.5 times over. Guinness Nigeria Plc has a debt/equity ratio of 84 per cent as of March 31st, 2015. Times interest earned is 2.9X. This is another debt burdened company that has been held in bondage, the report further stated, adding that its new business initiatives have not yet fully reflected on the income statement due to the company’s debt burden. First Bank’s debt/equity was at 52 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. This is a bit over the top; about 900 basis points away from safety. “I created a formula to assess how well banks are putting their debt capital to use. On a relative basis, First Bank is utilising its debt slightly better than Diamond and much better than First City Monument Bank (FCMB). On an absolute basis, First Bank is not putting its debt capital to good enough use. Still managed to eke out an increase in profit,” the analyst said in the report. FBN Holdings’ half-year pretax profit rose 7.93 per cent to N52.08 billion ($262 million) from a year ago. Diamond Bank’s debt/equity was at 50 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. This is also a bit over the top; about 700 basis points away from safety. According to the bank’s half year results released at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Pre-tax earnings declined by 11.7 per cent year on year (YoY) to N14.2 billion, just as the bank’s interest expense increased by 5.2 per per cent YoY to N24.5 billion. FCMB’s debt/equity was at 85 per cent as of June 30th, 2015. This, according to the report, is a dire situation, especially for a bank. The company’s debt is pretty much double where it should be at current equity levels. “An equity capital injection will likely not be enough to bring the bank to a level of safety. The holding company structure could not prevent (unlike First Bank) a decline in profit year-on-year. Its half year results show that profit before tax for the period decreased 14 per cent or N1.6 billion to N9.6 billion from N11.1 billion in H1 2014, just as the drop in net interest margin to 8.5 per cent from 8.6 per cent recorded in H1 2014 can be directly linked to

Ladi Balogun, GMD, FCMB

Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group

at the local bourse, following investors’ growing concerns about Nigeria’s growth. Available records show that the NSE benchmark performance indicator –All Share (Though All Share Index closed at 30,543.17 on September 23 against the previous close of 30,426.10 while market capitalisation closed at N10.497 trillion against previous close of N10.457 trillion, Index (ASI)), has retreated from year-open highs of 33,943.29 points as of January 5 this year, to 29,214.13 points as recorded Monday August 24, 2015. Also, the value of listed Nigerian equities declined from record highs of N11.237 trillion as of January 5, this year, to N10.013 trillion as of August end, indicating a value loss of about N1.224 trillion. Eight years ago, equity public offer was the popular way to raise capital when needed. Some companies even came to the market twice within a fifteen-month frame. the 27 per cent increase in interest expense from N22.97 No company thought of raising debt; stock prices were at all-time highs which made it easier for companies to raise billion in 2014 to N29.14 billion. desired sums without piling up on shares outstanding. Besides, who wants to raise capital that has to be fully Comparing with African peers repaid with interest and the company has to try to generComparing the above results with two Malawian and ate income from utilization of debt in excess of interest Ghanaian banks showed that their debt to equity ratio, only ranged between 13 per cent and 46 per cent, well due plus principal repayment? When companies raise equity, shareholders’ recourse below average. is to sell their stakes on the exchange for whatever the For National Bank of Malawi, debt/equity was at 13 per market says the company is worth and move on. In other cent as of December 31st, 2014. The bank borrowed minimally, taking into cognizance the high borrowing rates words, the management of companies does not have to and volatile currency. Return on Equity (RoE) was 33 pay back equity shareholders directly. Once they get the per cer cent for fiscal year 2014 and the bank utilized the equity, it belongs to the companies to pretty much do as they please. The equity capital raising party continued limited debt it took on very well. Another bank is NBS Bank Malawi. The bank’s debt/eq- until equity prices tumbled in 2008 and 2009. “In the absence of any positive news flow to trigger a uity was 46 per cent as of December 31st, 2014. This is market rebound, we still expect speculative play to domslightly above safety levels. The bank was able to generinate equity positioning,” said Kayode Tinuoye-led team ate RoE of 23 per cent (which is higher than every Nigeof research analysts at Lagos-based United Capital Plc. rian Bank except for GT Bank and Stanbic IBTC.) “The bank was still able to put its excess debt “It is much easier to take on debt than to get out of it. to good use and better than every Nigerian bank Many of the often sought after Nigerian companies are in 2014 despite also operating under adverse cir- shackled by their debt burdens. It is time to hunker cumstances including expensive borrowing rates down; times have gotten tougher,”” the report further and a volatile currency,” the report observed. observed.

It is much easier to take on debt than to get out of it. Many of the often sought after Nigerian companies are shackled by their debt burdens.

Ecobank Ghana’s debt/equity was 28 per cent as at December 31st, 2014. This is well within safety levels. The bank utilized its debt better than NBS Bank Malawi. The bank did not borrow beyond safety levels more so, given the high borrowing rates prevailing in the country it stated. For Ghana Commercial Bank, debt/equity was 24 per cent as of December 31st, 2014. This is also well within safety levels. The bank utilized its debt better than NBS Bank Malawi and Ecobank Ghana. The bank has the best RoE among banks in Africa for 2014 at 41 per cent. According to Theddeus Capital, Nigerian Breweries and Lafarge Africa are two companies in Nigeria that have good debt levels; meaning that it is not all a bad situation for Nigerian companies. “Lafarge is the more cautious of the two. This is expected, given the crises the company experienced about 10 years ago due to excessive debt on its books,” it stated. A glance at share performance A setback to Nigerian stocks prospects partly reflects on a widening gulf of approximately N1.2 trillion lost so far

Working for debt holders instead of shareholders Following the decline in oil prices since the middle of last year, with its ripple effect on the economy, companies (especially Nigerian banks) saw their share prices no longer trading at appealing prices. The other source of capital that companies dreaded, pretty much became their only option. “Companies start working for debt holders instead of shareholders. “Debt starts holding companies back instead of propelling them forward as too much is taken on within a short period and is deployed into wrong scenarios for debt capital,” Fajokwu regretted. The above list is only a major, visible Nigerian companies and their most recent debt state of affairs, with a mix of two banks in Malawi and Ghana who are also experiencing high borrowing rates. The question is, did these other banks rein it in or go on a borrowing spree also? (Equity attributable to shareholders was used where applicable.) The analysts fear that debt should now be a constant filtering factor in assessing African companies.

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 28 September, 2015

+ entrepreneurship

anchor Ruth Olurounbi

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

‘Nigeria, a country where a man

can turn N500,000 into $20bn’

Sijibomi Ogundele is the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction Limited. At 34, he is a billionaire with various investments, and entrepreneur with a difference. He speaks in this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE about his business and style. Excerpts:

OU recently delivered luxury estate, Medici Terraces, in Ikoyi, just within few months of your operations in Lagos. What did it take to put it all together, judging from the fact that it was sold out in record time? The Medici Terraces was a successful project because we were true to our words of setting high standards, paying attention to details and not compromising on quality. We used the best raw materials, the best team and inputted outstanding features in the property. The

facility management and concierge service, which is a subsidiary of Sujimoto Group, handles the day to day running of the property, giving residents the ultimate experience that cannot be derived anywhere else. Our business mantra is “Build It, Sell It, Manage It.” So we always aim to exceed expectations in all three aspects. My main focus was to create the most beautiful town-house property in a choice area on the island in Lagos, and I dedicated all my effort into generating quality and value; ignoring immediate gratification.

What exactly would you say are the setbacks to the development of the real estate industry in Nigeria? A few things come to mind as the setbacks to real estate development. The craftsmanship, lack of technical know-how, the significance of expertise and proper training are undervalued in Nigeria. As a result, finishing, quality and attention to detail are compromised. Continues on pg25

+ entrepreneurship

11 CEOs reveal daily habits responsible for their success

‘One of the biggest causes of failure is distraction’ Continues on pg25

From left: Fabian-Carlos Guhl, Founder & Managing Director of AMPION Africa; Director, Legal & Corporate Affairs - Africa Initiatives, Amrote Abdella, Director of Startup Engagement & Partnerships at Microsoft; Kabelo Makwane, Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria and Ifeanyi Oteh, Co-Founder of AMPION Africa at the launch of Microsoft/AMPION partnership in Lagos recently.

DEMO Africa 2015: Microsoft, AMPION

partner on accelerator programme for African entrepreneurs

RUTH OLUROUNBI, who was at DEMO Africa 2015 held at EKO Hotels, brings excerpts of what occurred at the pan African event.

By Christina Desmarais

OOK run-

a t any CEO ning a profitable c o m pany and you’ll f i n d someone w h o has figured a few things o u t . One trait many o f these leade r s have in common: c o n s i s - tency. Check out these quotes from 30 successful CEOs regarding the daily habits that help them get ahead in business and life. 1. Try one new thing each day “Every day, I force myself to do something that is out of my comfort zone. If I hadn’t left my comfort zone back in 2008 to buy that one-way ticket to Buenos Aires, I never would have met my business partner, Aaron Firestein, and BucketFeet would never exist.” —Raaja Nemani, cofounder and CEO of BucketFeet, a footwear brand that was founded in 2011 after a chance meeting between two travelers. It has grown from one hand-decorated pair of shoes to a brand that has collaborated with over 20,000 artists in more than 100 countries. 2. Don’t do bad days “I am a huge fan of Mike Bloomberg and recently saw him speak in a conversation with Alan Patricof at an event. At one point, he turned to Patricof and said something to the effect of, ‘Alan, I’m 73 years old, I don’t do doubt and I don’t do bad days.’ That really stuck with me. Running a company is really hard, and every day is different, but having a bad day is a choice.” —Dan Teran, co-founder and CEO of Managed by Q, an office cleaning, management, and maintenance platform that recently expanded to San Francisco, following

Monday, 28 September, 2015

New York City and Chicago. 3 . Stay informed about what’s trending. “ [ I spend] an hour or two every day keeping up with tech news on Twitter. It’s not good to obsess over what other people are doing, but staying informed is certainly important.” —Michael Bruch, founder and CEO of Willow, a new social platform focused on personality and conversation and aligned with how friendships and partnerships are naturally formed offline. 4. Accept invitations to as many meetings and events as possible “You never know who you will meet or the advice you’ll receive.” —Liat Zakay, founder and CEO of Donde Fashion, a visual search engine that allows users to shop from more than 6,000 brands and over 1 million products. 5. Experiment constantly “I’m always trying new things and changing how I work. As we’ve grown from a team of four to a team of 28, my job has changed pretty significantly, and by experimenting with new habits and processes regularly, I am always discovering better ways to run my team that make sense as we grow.” —Zach Supalla, co-founder and CEO of Particle, an “Internet of Things” startup that raised more than $1.1 million on Kickstarter and $4.9 million in series A funding. 6. Fight brain blocks with building blocks “There are footballs, golf balls, softballs, chessboards, Legos--everything a

curious kid c o u l d d r e a m of--cove r ing our office space. Whenever I’m stuck on an idea, I play a quick game of catch or build a Lego house to give my brain a breather. Then it’s back to the drawing board. I encourage my team to do the same thing, too. Just like any muscle, your brain needs a recovery session after a tough workout.” —Dan Hogan founder and CEO of Medalogix, a health care technology company that provides analytics, workflows, and business intelligence solutions to home health and hospice providers. 7. Never be afraid to email someone who is “too big” “Most people are accommodating and open, as long as you are clear about your needs and what you have to offer.” — Kegan Schouwenburg, CEO of SOLS, a 3D-printing technology company. 8. Make punctuality a priority “I strive to be on time for every appointment, every day, without exception. This may seem like a no-brainer in the business world, but you would be surprised how many people still don’t make this a priority. It’s mind-boggling. If a leader is consistently late, it tells others that he or she is unreliable or has no respect for the time of the individuals he or she works with. If he or she is on time, the opposite is true.” —Andy Bailey, founder of Petra, a business-coaching firm serving 58 businesses in 17 states. 9. Never ask somebody to do some-

thing you wouldn’t do yourself. “No matter how exciting your company or the problems that you are solving are, there will always be dayto-day tasks that are simply boring. Showing that you are willing to roll up your sleeves when the going gets tough will be a positive example for your team. You will be amazed at how this reverberates.” —Herbert Moore, co-founder and CEO of WiseBanyan, a free financial adviser that minimizes fees and helps people start investing sooner. 10. Watch YouTube to learn from other great leaders “I spend time at the end of every night watching interviews, speeches, and panels of other leaders I admire. Through a bit of YouTube stalking, I’ve gotten great lessons on culture from Brian Chesky, brand building from Neil Blumenthal, and leadership from Esther Dyson.” —Lydia Gilbert, co-founder and COO of Dia&Co, an online personal styling service for women sizes 14 to 32. 11. Exercise and meditate “Transcendental meditation for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening is the perfect complement to daily exercise, whether it’s a trip to the gym or a run across the bridge. Since I’ve started this routine, I’ve found my mental clarity and focus have increased enormously.” —Elliot Tomaeno, founder and CEO of ASTRSK, a PR agency which has grown from five employees to 16 employees over the past year. Culled from inc.com

LAST week, the pan Africa event, DEMO Africa, kicked off with industry players from the tech space, business and government communities who converged to witness over 200 hundred entrepreneurs pitch their business to the world. The three-day event, which was opened by Dr Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr (Mrs) Omobola Johnson, Former Minister of Communication Technology, Federal Government of Nigeria and Mr Peter Jack the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), on Thursday, witnessed several startups like Zeepay, InsureAfrika, Simbapay, IPC productivity, Talking Bookz, Koomzo, Mavis Computel, My Toddler, Flippy Campus, LocName, Ogavenue and Carparts, pitch. Over 200 entrepreneurs who came for the event, received the resources, networking opportunities and mentorship needed to start their own businesses, thanks to Microsoft 4Afrika, which collaborated with AMPION to provide financial, technical, and mentorship support for the 2015 Venture Bus, fellowship and accelerator programmes. Going forward, other interested entrepreneurs, who are looking for resources to launch or start their business, will be receiving such from the fellowship and ac-

celerator programmes from the Mircrosoft4Afrika and AMPION. The program, according Amrote Abdella, Director of Startup Engagement and Partnerships at Microsoft 4Afrika, will start out with five buses of 40 entrepreneurs travelling across 16 countries in Africa. On the Venture Bus tour, entrepreneurs will receive on-board mentorship and visit local tech hubs over seven days, with the aim of helping them develop solutions and business ideas. Following this, through the six to nine months of fellowship followed by an extensive incubation program, Microsoft’s support will include, amongst other offering: in-country and virtual mentorships through the MySkills4Afrika volunteer program (using Microsoft Cloud services, Skype for Business and Yammer to stay connected) and technical & business support and skills training, through BizSpark and the Microsoft Virtual Academy programs, to help them refine and take their business solutions to market Abdella said: “Microsoft is keen on supporting an innovation ecosystem in Africa. Entrepreneurs who tackle issues create the path for innovative solutions while building sustainable businesses on the continent. Through our collaboration with AMPION, we look forward to giving young talent the tools and resources needed to succeed – laying the foundation for the creation of globally competitive businesses.” The first Venture Bus has just completed the West Africa tour which started in Cote d’Ivoire, passing through Togo, Ghana and Benin. Its final stop is at the annual DEMO Africa startup event in Nigeria, which Microsoft is sponsoring for the 4th consecutive year.

If we want to compete with foreign developers such as the Germans, Lebanese and Italians that have spent decades mastering their craft, we will need to raise our standards in the Nigerian construction market. When people refer to quality as being expensive, I always correct them saying it’s not; what is expensive is our intention to deliver quality. How would you describe LorenzoBySujimoto? Lorenzo is an unveiling of world class hospitality, bringing a redefinition in high value residential structures, comprising of two to four bedrooms and a fascinating addition of penthouses with private swimming-pools. Nigeria is fast growing as one of Africa’s ideal locations for investors and this is a big focus for us at Sujimoto Construction. With “LorenzobySujimoto,” we cater for those looking for a property that suits their lifestyle, and investors aiming to yield high returns. The project promises to be the first of its kind, delivering a plethora of top class quality and design. Very few properties would be comparable to the Lorenzo in terms of architecture, finishing and features. Off-plan buyers would gain the opportunity to buy at a fraction of the prime market price, propelling their return on investment. You recently met with the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. What was the defining moment of the meeting? The defining moment for me was the advice and words of encouragement I received directly from a man of great vision who I have looked up to for so long. He made me understand that the sky should be my starting point and I should never limit my dreams if I’m ever to embark on something. It is an encounter I will never forget. I had previously shared my dream for Lorenzo with someone and the advice I got was “...be careful, this is Nigeria, this your dream is too big, take it easy...”, yet a King who knows virtually nothing about me gave counsel that has filled me with hope and encouragement to go beyond the limit. You’re looking forward to seeing business tycoon, Aliko Dangote, as the richest man in the world by 2020. What influenced this prediction? Because I believe it is very attainable for a man that has demonstrated such an industrious capacity. He was able to utilise the resources and opportunities available to

him beyond measure to succeed which cannot be said about a lot of wealthy individuals who may have found themselves in his position at some point in their lives. He is an uncommon individual that did not rest on his oars but kept pushing till he got to where he is today. What do you think are the most important personal skills someone must have to be successful in business? Diligence; the ability to constantly push yourself to be ten times better. One must also have the capacity to set priorities and execute responsibilities. I have applied it to everything I do and I must say that my life changed totally. What would your business advice for young entrepreneurs be? Young entrepreneurs should take hold of their destiny and start looking for opportunities surrounding them. Nigeria has been highlighted as one of the next economic giants with reference to the MINT Nations analysis by Goldman Sachs. We come from a country with a vibrant population of 170 million people who are natural entrepreneurs. Nigeria is a country where a man can turn N500, 000 into $20bn. It is very simple. You have to be relentless, unwavering, hardworking and determined to achieve business success. One of the biggest causes of failure is distraction and allowing the wrong people influence you. Can a Mechanic advice a Doctor in affairs of medicine? You have to constantly remind yourself that people’s opinion are far from your reality and God’s extraordinary plan for you. One would think that having acquired this much at 34, that you were probably born with a silver spoon. What kind of upbringing did you have? On the contrary, I was not born with a silver spoon. I was born in the suburbs of Agege and grew up in the ever busy Idumota market where my mother was a trader. I am blessed to have been brought up by a woman who is an astute business woman. At a young age she was sent to Cameroon as a sales girl and rose to become one of the top 5 distributors in Nigeria for Nestle Plc. Having this kind of mother who achieved more with less, inspired me to become the kind of individual I am today. I have zero tolerance for failure; hence my broader understanding of true possibility and optimism. How do you indulge yourself? I love reading and learning new things every day. It has become a habit. I push myself to expand my knowledge and capacity in order to be best that I can be. I am also a lover of chess; I believe it is the game for champions.

Monday, 28 September, 2015

moneymarket

Nigerian Tribune

anchor Chima Nwokoji

m:08032637535 e:chimatitus@yahoo.com

weeklyreview

Mrs Tamunonie Kalio-Timothy, receiving a Certificate of Participation from Ose Osundeko, Centre Manager, Wild Fusion Digital Centre, during the Digital Skills Acquisition Training organised by Access Bank Plc. and Wild Fusion Digital Centre.

CRR cut will not add dollar liquidity to banking system —Fitch

UTTING reserve requirements will not add liquidity to the Nigerian banking system because it releases no additional foreign currency (FC) to the banking system, says Fitch Ratings. The agency in a latest press statement observed that substantial government-related FC deposits are exempt from reserve requirements and have already been withdrawn from the system after the government ordered all public-sector deposits to be moved from commercial banks into the centralised Treasury Single Account NITTY SEP. 23RD, 2015 Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

11.8454

-0.38

13.1212

0.02

13.4519

0.19

13.6518

-0.03

14.6038

-0.07

12M

15.1857

-0.23

(TSA) earlier this month. Nigeria’s Monetary Committee reduced mandatory reserve requirements on all local-currency (LC) deposits to 25 per cent from 31 per cent last week in the hope that this might ease liquidity pressure, stimulate new lending and boost economic growth. Though it acknowledged the fact that this should provide some additional LC liquidity into the banking system but around NGN1.3trn (USD6.5bn) of deposits were sucked out of the banks in September, reflecting transfers to the TSA. On the basis of this and other reasons,the agency said: “Our sector outlook for Nigerian banks remains negative. Key financial metrics reported by Nigerian banks are likely to continue

▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼

FBN Bills

CBN Bills 2/25/2002

11/26/2001

Date of Auction

7/15/2015

6/17/2015

Security Type

FGN Bonds

Maturing On

5 Year

20 Year

5 Year

20 Year

9/19/2002

2/13/2020

7/18/2034

2/13/2020

7/18/2034

Amount Offered (N mn)

Subscriptions (N mn)

77.07

42.48

50.55

44.01

Tot. Successful (N mn)

28.00

16.00

40.00

25.00

Date of Auction

5/15/2003

Security Type

CBN Certificate CBN Certificate CBN Certificate

CBN Certificate

Tenor

180

Maturing On

11/13/2003

2/20/2003

11/21/2002

9/24/2001

Amount Offered (N mn)

82227

15000

5000

1155

Subscriptions (N mn)

37767

4161

2740

1155

Tot. Successful (N mn) Net Sales (N mn)

17019

4161

2740

Successful Bid Rates 0

20.5

Tenor

¬Net Sales (N mn)

Range of Bid Rates Marginal Rate

to weaken in the closing months of 2015. “Impaired loans have been rising over the past 12 months. We expect them to rise above the central bank’s informal 5 per cent of total loans cap but to remain below 10 per cent at yearend. Pressure is mounting on regulatory capital ratios and we expect Tier 1 capital ratios at many banks to fall below 15 per cent, which is low by recent Nigerian standards.” The agency noted further that loan growth is slowing under the strain of lower oil prices. “Our expectations for loan growth are muted - a nominal 5 per cent increase in 2015, which is low by Nigerian standards - due to the much deteriorated operating environment,” it stated.

19.5

True Yield

Range of Bid Rates

12.0000

- 16.7450

- 17.0000

- 14.8990

- 15.9000

Successful Bid Rates

12.0000

14.3000

13.0000

13.4945

- 15.2890

- 15.2990

- 14.4290

- 14.2490

Marginal Rate

15.289

15.299

14.429

14.249

CBN Rates as of 9/22/2015 Currency US DOLLAR

Buying (NGN) 196 POUNDS STERLING 302.6044 EURO 218.6576 SWISS FRANC 201.3561 YEN 1.6344 CFA 0.317 WAUA 275.6977 YUAN/RENMINBI 30.7346 RIYAL 52.2569 DANISH KRONA 29.3058 SDR 275.2428

Central (NGN) 196.5 303.3764 219.2154 201.8697 1.6386 0.327 276.401 30.8134 52.3902 29.3805 275.945

14.3000

13.0000

13.4945

Government Securities Selling (NGN)

Auction Date

9/2/2015

197 304.1483 219.7732 202.3834 1.6428 0.337 277.1043 30.8923 52.5235 29.4553 276.6471

Security Type

NTB

Tenor

Auction No

03-09-2015-91 Day

Auction

Primary Market

Maturity Date

12/3/2015

Total Subscription

18202.5

Total Successful

17850.15

Range Bid

9.0000 - 14.0000

Successful Bid Rates

9.0000 - 10.0000

Description

Issue

Rate

True Yield

10.2557

Amount Offered (mn)

Public-sector deposits traditionally account for around 10 per cent of total banking sector deposits. Lower reserve requirements will not offset the tighter FC liquidity at Nigeria’s banks. Fitch said a currency split of public-sector deposits is not disclosed but in its opinion, FC deposits are substantial, held up by oil-related deposits. The centralising of publicsector and government-related FC deposits at the TSA has made it increasingly difficult for commercial banks to meet customer demand for FC. “FC availability was already strained in 2015 due to falling oil revenues, central bank action to defend naira depreciation and heightened negative investor sentiment towards emerging markets. Warnings throughout the year that JP Morgan intended to remove Nigeria from its Emerging Markets index, which occurred in mid-September, also triggered heavy FC outflows as investors sold Nigerian securities. “Viability Ratings assigned to Nigeria’s banks, all in the ‘b’ category, already reflect a wide range of weaknesses, including the increasingly strained FC liquidity position,” the agency’s statement signed by Solena Gloaguen Director, Financial Institutions, Andrew Parkinson Associate Director, Financial Institutions among others read in part.

Money market review and outlook ACTIVITIES at the money market ended on Wednesday ahead of the Eid El-Kabir holiday. Traders said market liquidity dropped to N56 billion by Monday from around N161 billion credit balance on Friday. Dealers said there was no trading in the morning because commercial lenders were unwilling to make bids for rates quoted first at between 20-50 percent for overnight lending. Sediments around expected Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC)- budget allocation to states and local government - credit to the system crashed rates to the sub-10 percent level,” one dealer said. Interbank lending rates for overnight placement closed at an average of 6 per cent - a 60 percent fall from the 15.5 per cent quoted on Tuesday. Traders said there was a liquidity deficit of about N110 billion on Wednesday. Banks were holding off deals until an expected injection of cash when the new cash reserve requirement (CRR) would show its effect. Nigeria’s central bank kept its benchmark interest rate on hold at 13 per cent on Tuesday but loosened monetary policy by cutting banks’ cash reserve ratio to 25 per cent to ease liquidity shortages. While foreign investors continue to express concerns on the current regulation and the uncertainties surrounding the value of the naira amid JP Morgan’s announcement to eject the Country from its Bond index, a statement was attributed to President Buhari two weeks ago on his stance against the devaluation of the naira. This appeared to have further dampened any hope of a likely devaluation in the interim. Foreign Exchange Market Review In the interbank market last week, the local currency maintained stability as it closed at N199.05 against the dollar. Against other currencies, naira closed stable as it traded at N248 and N250 Euro at the BDC and parallel market, N338 and N340 pounds respectively at both segments of the forex market. However, the Central Bank of Nigeria maintained its intervention rate at N197/ US $1.00. The naira on Tuesday closed stable against the dollar across all segment of the foreign exchange, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cut the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR), which is the minimum fraction of the total deposits of customers that banks have to hold as reserves either in cash or as deposits with the CBN, to 25 percent from 31 per cent. The naira on Wednesday closed at N220/$ and N222/$ at the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the foreign exchange and parallel market, respectively, the same as the previous day. Bond Market Review Yields on Nigerian bonds declined on Wednesday after the central bank slashed its cash reserve ratio by 6 percentage points to boost liquidity in the banking system but interest rates remained high at the interbank market, traders said. Yields on Nigerian debt, which had risen to 17 percent after JP Morgan said two weeks ago it would remove Nigerian bonds from a key emerging markets index by October, slipped below 15 percent. The benchmark 2024 bond was quoted at 14.93 percent on Wednesday, down from 15.15 per cent on Tuesday before the central bank’s move. The 2020 paper was trading at 14.99 percent against 15.18 percent it closed on Tuesday, while the longest tenor 2034 was quoted at 14.99 per cent from 15.16 per cent. But at the same time overnight lending rates were quoted at between 30-50 per cent from 15.5 per cent the previous day, banking sources and traders said.

moneymarket

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Why we established special fund for entrepreneurs —BOI MD

Mr Olugbolahan Mark–George, Managing Director, Mark-George Consultants; Mr Abubakar Suleiman, Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc and Mr Adewale Akinrinde, Group Head, Propositions & Products, Sterling Bank Plc. at the press conference to announce the flag off of the bank’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Academy at the weekend.

BVN: 32 million bank customers yet to register Stories by Chima Nwokoji -Lagos

ATEST figure from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed that barely a month left to the expiration of the deadline for Bank Verification Number(BVN) enrollment, an estimated 32 million active bank accounts are yet to be enrolled on the platform. Sources from the CBN disclosed that, “the emerging statistical trend of the BVN

registration exercise showed that for about 52million active bank accounts in various banks, total enrollment stood at about 20million, out of which about 14million accounts have been found linked to the BVN as at September, 2015.” The question now the source asks, is whether bank customers have been taking advantage of the extension of deadline to complete their BVN registration, and also ensure that their various bank accounts have

been linked to the BVN? Available records also showed that after the initial rush between the end of June and July 2015, there has been a steady decline in new BVN enrolment figures for August and September, 2015. The apex bank and members of the bankers committee are worried that the emerging scenario therefore, strongly suggests that many bank account holders have continued to show apathy instead of taking

Disclose more state of affairs, analyst urges Nigerian banks DESPITE slight improvement with the emergence of conference calls and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) reporting, an investment analyst Mr. Jude Fajokwu has said that Nigerian Banks have always had a problem with fully disclosing their state of affairs. According to him, having looked extensively at the financials of African Banks from North to the South of the continent, “I can say without a doubt that Nigerian banks have a lot more information to provide (and can provide) to the investing public and have not yet done so,” in their financial results. In a detailed analysis emailed to investors, the analyst wants banks to break out of loan book into detailed tenors: less than 1 year, 1year - 2 years, above 5 years among others and should also reveal interest rate(s) charged on comprehensive loan book in nar-

row value ranges. The banks should also reveal in their accounts, largest single loan obligor name, amount disbursed, interest rate, tenor and status. He observed that lending skewed to the oil and gas sector and government and now in addition the power sector post privatisation, warning that the same pitfalls of 2007-2009 are rearing their ugly head again. “Interestingly enough, the power sector is actually closely intertwined with the oil & gas sector beyond a cursory look. Some oil and gas exposures have now been referenced under services to reduce the sense of exposure of the bank to this ‘ever tempting’ sector,” he said. According to him, government loans have been restructured with longer tenors. The details are shrouded in secrecy outside of the banks, government and the Central Bank.

“Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) are rising beyond what the banks are telling us and IFRS, with its black or white loan quality judgment call as against the prudential guidelines assessment is giving banks more wiggle room to keep labeling some loans already in payment default as performing.

advantage of the extension period. “Given this development, there is the apprehension that the commotion and melee experienced at various banking halls in the month of June 2015 would be repeated if customers do not use the remaining one month to ensure that they complete their BVN registration, and also get their various accounts linked to the BVN,” the source stated. However, the CBN has made it clear that there would not be further extension after October 31, 2015 deadline. This means that customers without the BVN-linked accounts may risk being restricted from normal operations of their accounts or free access to their bank account balances. BVN is now mandatory requirement for opening new bank accounts. As a result, those affected by the restrictions are customers’ accounts that were opened

prior to the commencement of the BVN scheme. The Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee, introduced the Bank Verification Number (BVN) on February 14, 2014. This initiative of the Bankers’ Committee is aimed at ensuring unique identity for all bank customers and other users of financial services in the country by the use of the customers’ biometrics as means of identification. Initially, it was estimated that all bank customers would, within a period of 18 months, complete enrollment in the new system of customer identification. The enrollment for the scheme can be done in banks across the country. It should be remembered that one of the most potent arguments advanced by banks for not extending enough credit to prospective credit customers in Nigeria has been the absence of credible identity system.

MANAGING Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, has revealed that the Bank initiated a special fund for Micro Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) in order to deepen its support for the SME clusters and customer segments. Olaoluwa, who was represented by Abdul-Ganiyu Mohammed,General Manager, SMEs disclosed this at a forum in Lagos. In fulfillment of its commitment to developing this sector, the Olaoluwa said the bank has established N1billion fashion fund for women entrepreneurs. Olaoluwa stated that the bank was particularly excited about the fashion fund because of its potential impact on the Nigerian fashion industry and the entire economy. He said, “Fashion is an international, highly globalised industry, with clothing often designed in one country, manufactured in another and sold worldwide. “Globally, fashion industry revenue is over $1trillion. “A growing number of shopping malls and e-commerce platforms are emerging in Nigeria for fashion designers and businesses to promote their brands to a mass market.” He added, “We see an opportunity to support Nigeria’s leading fashion businesses, to increase their production volumes and quality, thereby making them more competitive in both the domestic and international markets.” According to him fashion provides an important opportunity to diversify Nigeria’s economy and create jobs, particularly among the youths.

Heritage Bank targets N100bn SME lending by end 2016 THE newest Bank in Nigeria’s banking landscape, Heritage Bank has revealed its commitment to grow loan book, especially to the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to the tune of N100 billion by the end of 2016. According to the Managing Director Heritage Bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo within the last two and a half year of existence of Heritage Bank, the bank has supported Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to the tune of N23.5 billion as at end of August. Sekibo who was repre-

sented by an executive of the bank Mr Ekene Madueke at the just concluded annual conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos said, “By the end of financial year 2016, we intend to grow this volume to about a N100 billion. We have already started working towards achieving this goal.” He disclosed that based on the understanding that SMEs are the engine of growth in any economy, the bank has supported various sectors in the SME space, especially those that have the

potential of creating more employment in the system. “We have supported SMEs operator in the area of bottled water production, printing companies, beverages, those in the agricultural sector and other operators in the SME space,” the bank’s boss stated. However, in the process of engagement with this sector, the bank said it has noticed certain challenges. One of such challenge is that an average SME customer in Nigeria, does not have a streamlined book keeping and accounting records. As a result of this, it is difficult to

get reliable records to base judgment on the true worth of their businesses. In most cases “we are constrained to rely on the customers’ banking activities. What the bank is specifically doing to get them improve on this is to render advisory services to them. “We interact with them on day to day bases, and on monthly bases. We organise advisory workshops where we take them through the rudiments of running businesses better, for the ultimate benefit of the economy,” he said.

Monday, 28 September, 2015

capitalmarket

anchor Olatunde Dodondawa

m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

Investors’ wealth appreciates by 0.69% Stories By Olatunde Dodondawa - Lagos

NVESTORS in the Nigerian capital market experienced appreciation of investment as the NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation appreciated by 0.69 per cent to close at 30,543.17 and N10.497 trillion respectively on Wednesday. Similarly, all the indices finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSE Banking and NSE Pension indices that shed by 0.66 per cent and 0.28 per cent respectively, while the NSE ASeM Index closed flat. Last week Monday, being the first trading day of the week, 117 stocks were traded out of which 16 stocks appreciated in value while 17 stocks declined in value. However, 74 stocks remained unchanged. Turnover value was N1.56 billion with 175564201 shares exchanged hands in 3,157 deals. Tuesday trading recorded 105 traded stocks, with 19 stocks appreciated in value while 19 stocks declined in value. 67 stocks remained unchanged in value. Turnover value was N3.13 billion while 207590995 stocks exchanged hands in 3,263 deals. The last trading day witnessed a turnover of N4.4 billion in 119 stocks that were traded. 22 stocks appreciated in value; 24 declined in value and 73 remained unchanged. A total of 446940186 stocks exchanged hands in 2994 deals. After the three trading days, on the average, 29 equities appreciated in price last week, lower than 56 equities of the preceding week. 36 equities depreciated in price, higher than 22 equities of the preceding week, while 125 equities remained unchanged, higher than 112 equities recorded in the preceding week. Meanwhile, a turnover of 850.095 million shares worth N9.060 billion in 9,414 deals were traded last week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.384 billion shares valued at N13.862 billion that exchanged hands last week in 17,984 deals. The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 726.294 million shares valued at N6.058 billion traded in 5,086 deals; thus contributing 85.44 per cent and 66.87 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with a turnover of 38.681 million shares worth N1.790 billion in 1,895 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with 37.874 million shares worth N224.698 billion in 538 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equi-

ties namely: Zenith International Bank Plc,United Bank for Africa Plc and Sterling Bank Plc(measured by volume) accounted for 334.012 million shares worth N3.674 billion in 1,472 deals, contributing 39.29 per cent and 40.56 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. However, the top 10 gainers included: E-transact Plc which gained N0.32 to close at N2.75; NEM Insurance gained N0.05 to close at N0.70; Seplat Petroleum Develop-

ment Plc gained N15.00 to close at N255; AXAMansard gained N0.13 to close at N2.73; UACN Property gained N0.37 to close at N7.79; Forte Oil Plc gained N11.19 to close at N239.99; Portland Paints gained N0.20 to close at N4.31; Paints and Coatings gained N0.06 to close at N1.30; Custodian and Allied Plc gained N0.19 to close at N4.25 while Cutix Plc gained N0.07 to close at N1.67. Leading to top 10 losers was Trans Nationwide Express which lost

N0.12 to close at N1.20. Other losers included: Flour Mills Nigeria which lost N1.62 to close at N22; Honeywell Flour mills lost N0.15 to close at N2.30; UAC of Nigeria Plc lost N1.82 to close at N30.00; Eternal lost N0.11 to close at N1.84; Vitafoam lost N0.30 to close at N5.55; Champion Breweries lost N0.23 to close at N4.40; Interlinked Technologies Plc lost N0.22 to close at N4.21; Morison Industries lost N0.09 to close at N1.73 while NAHCO lost N0.23 to close at N4.51.

From left, Assistant Director, Special Insured Institutions Department (NDIC), Mrs Ajigbewu Nurat; Sales and Distribution Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr ‘Tsola Barrow; Managing Director, LAPO Microfinance Bank, Dr Godwin Ehigiamuose and Assistant Director, CBN Abuja, Mr Jonathan Tobin, at the launch of ‘MTN BizGrow’ in partnership with MTN and LAPO in Lagos, recently.

Mercuria Energy acquires 17% stake in Forte Oil THE world’s third largest independent energy traders and asset operators, Mercuria Energy Group, has successfully acquired a 17 per cent stake in Forte Oil Plc, a Nigerian indigenous petroleum products marketer and power generating company. With this deal, Mercuria will enhance its goal of becoming a more vertically integrated business in the oil trading market and offers Forte Oil Plc access to a global market where its goal is to become a key African player in the energy and power sector. Both the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have granted approvals to this landmark transaction which should net Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola about $200 million estimated inflow (SP –N239.99; 52 Wk Range 141.67 - 252.00 @Sept 23, 2015), according to Proshare. The stocks sold consist of ordinary shares held by Femi Otedola (direct) and Zenon Oil (indirect). Three years ago, Forte Oil market capitalization was about N8 billion but now valued at N312.6

billion as at September 23, 2015. Mercuria is a Swiss privately held international commodity trading company active over a wide spectrum of global energy markets including crude oil and refined petroleum products, natural gas (including LNG), power, coal, biodiesel, carbon emissions, base metals and agricultural products. In 2014, the company bought the commodities trading arm of J.P. Morgan in a reported $800 million deal. They are the third largest independent energy traders and asset operators and are based out of Geneva, Switzerland, with 50 offices worldwide. Mercuria moves about 1.5 million barrels of crude and oil products daily, and has upstream and downstream assets ranging from oil reserves in Argentina, Canada and the US, to oil and products terminals in Europe and China, as well as substantial investment in the coal mining industry and bio fuels plants in Germany and the Netherlands. Their primary competitors are Swiss commodity houses Glencore, Trafigura

Nigerian Tribune

and Vitol, US based trader Cargill and Hong Kong/Singapore based Noble Group. Mercuria was founded in 2004 by Marco Dunand and Daniel Jaeggi, then executives at Phibro, the commodities trader sold by Citigroup to Occidental Petroleum in 2009 and previously at Goldman Sachs. Until 2007, Mercuria was called the J&S Group and focused mostly on oil trading. As they have expanded, they have hired away traders and investment professionals from across Europe, particularly Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Louis Dreyfus Group and Electrabel in London. Mercuria’s 2013 revenue was $112 billion. It has subsidiaries worldwide, including Navitas Energy in Canada and Vesta Terminal Services in Europe, which operates port logistics, storage and processing facilities in the Netherlands, Estonia, Belgium, and Germany. Mercuria, former owner of Vesta Terminal, entered into a joint venture with Sinopec by selling 50 per cent of the terminals in 2013.

Global stocks slump towards worst quarter in 4 years By Olatunde Dodondawa with Agency Reports THE decision by the Federal Reserves in the Unites States (U.S) to leave interest rate at less than one per cent and its Nigerian counterpart, Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to also leave rate at 13 per cent may have negative effects on global stocks, according to experts. Last week, the MPC retained its interest rate at 13 per cent at the end of its two-day meeting while reducing banks’ Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 25 per cent from 31 per cent to cushion liquidity challenges in the banking sector following implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA). Besides, in the United States, as the third quarter winds down, investors will hear separately from six Fed officials, including fresh comments from Chair Janet Yellen. She’ll speak two days before the government’s September payrolls report, the last reading before the Central Bank convenes on Oct. 27. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index finished the five days with a loss of 1.4 per cent. The gauge has tumbled 6.4 per cent in the quarter, headed for its worst slide in four years. A rally Friday, sparked by Yellen’s reassurance that turbulence in emerging markets won’t harm growth in the U.S., was snuffed out by the selloff in biotechnology shares. The Nasdaq Biotechnology Index tumbled into a bear market after falling 13 per cent in the week, its worst since 2011. The rout was sparked by a tweet from Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton suggesting there may be “price gouging” in the market for prescription drugs. Health-care shares in the S&P 500 tumbled 5.8 per cent, the most of 10 groups. The selloff refocused attention on the volatility in markets that have been roiled in the six weeks since China’s shock devaluation of its currency. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index climbed 6 percent to 23.62 in the week, including a one-day jump on Tuesday of 11 percent that was the biggest since last month’s rout. The gauge has closed above 20 for 25 straight days, the longest stretch since January 2012. Equities began the week higher after four Fed officials separately said any turmoil would be shortlived, and growth wouldn’t be disrupted by higher interest rates this year.

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

labour

NDE, Katsina govt in partnership for employment generation Stories by Soji-Eze Fagbemi -Abuja

N recognition of the efforts being made by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to create jobs and generate employment opportunities under the leadership of Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, the Katsina State government has resolved to partner with the directorate to address the issue of unemployment in the state. Both the NDE and the state government jointly agreed to partner when the NDE Director-General, Mohammed, paid a courtesy visit to Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, after the NDE management team inspection tour of the value-chain Sabuwa Agricultural Park, Sabuwa Local Government Area of of the state. Apart from the Sabuwa Agricultural Park, which is under construction, Mallam Abubakar told Governor Masari that the NDE had about eight other fully equipped skills acquisition centres across the state, including a traditional textile training centre at Agayawa and an integrated farming training scheme at Kagadama. He explained that each of the first six centres was training 120 unemployed persons in different areas, such as computer operations, GSM repairs, fashion design, knitting and welding; while another 120 are receiving training in traditional weaving at Agayawa centre and 50 unemployed persons are also being trained in environmental beautification. The NDE director-general sought the cooperation and partnership of the state government, saying that if such projects were replicated across all the local governments in the state, it would go a long way in creating jobs and reducing unemployment of the youth to a large extent. Abubakar said: «The prospects of possible collaboration between the state government and the directorate for effective utilisation of these centres are many. The sustainability of these centres through collaboration would go a long way in reducing youth unemployment in Katsina State to the barest minimum. “The NDE is quite at home with the fact that the enormous challenge of fighting mass unemployment in the country is not an exclusive monopoly of an agency, but requires an active collaboration of all relevant stakeholders. “May I suggest that the NDE skills acquisition centres in Katsina State be used to provide basic apprenticeship while the state-owned crafts villages be upgraded to provide advanced apprenticeship for those wishing to acquire higher proficiency and competencies. This, I believe, could be a first step towards a mutually beneficial collaboration.” In his response, the Katsina State governor acknowledged the efforts of the director-general and assured him that the state government would partner with the directorate in the ongoing efforts to reposition and change the country. Governor Masari said: «We have seen your landmark which is appreciated by this administration that focuses on human capital development. “We believe that you develop people, and they will develop the land. From the programmes that you are carrying out all over the state, we believe you are in complete partnership with this government in terms of addressing youth unemployment which leads to youth restiveness, which also leads to all forms of criminality and insecurity. “From the history of insurgency to the most current one, you find that more than 70 per cent of those directly involved, those in the frontline are youths. Why are they doing what they are doing? It is because they lack functional education that will make them useful to themselves and to the generality of the society. Secondly, it is because of massive unemployment. “As you rightly pointed out in your submission, we

Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, Director-General, NDE

The NDE is quite at home with the fact that the enormous challenge of fighting mass unemployment in the country is not an exclusive monopoly of an agency, but requires an active collaboration of all relevant stakeholders.

are not talking of employment in terms of being a paid worker either in federal, state or local government. Our understanding of employment is for you to be productive enough that you can earn a living for yourself and your immediate family.” The governor believed that the vocation training and skills acquisition centres were the most obvious practical option in addressing the issue of youth unemployment, especially in states like Katsina, “where we are witnessing massive dropout, especially after secondary school, without any necessary qualification to go beyond secondary school education.” On the partnership, he said: “In Katsina State government, you have a partner. We will look at the proposal you have made, and currently, may be a coincidence of some sort, we just inaugurated our committee to go and audit all the apprenticeship training centres across the state.

“We have about seven to eight that have been abandoned; and we are trying to re-equip them and employ quality skill instructors. We really believe that the middle manpower that will come out of our skills acquisition and skills technicians must be encouraged if we want to create value, for the products that are likely to come out of small and medium-scale industry. “We have to move into massive Agricultural production, into solid minerals prospecting because our over dependent on one commodity alone can put the entire country at risk economically, politically and it will also create its own insecurity. “So as we are thinking and planning to make sure that we add value in terms of processing agricultural products, in terms of adding value to whatever mineral we can find within our reach, we need to train technicians that will provide the backbone of these businesses to take off. “I am sure you are aware that countries with the best technicians produce the best products. So it is now our opportunity to use this change to engage our youths in meaningful and productive life that will take their minds and energy away from criminality, drug abuse and insurgency.” The director-general with his team was in Katsina State on a pre-commissioning inspection of the value-chain Agricultural Park established by the directorate. The Agricultural Park, which occupied between 30 and 100 hectares of land at Sabuwa, is the NDE biggest project of recent and it is an all-inclusive agricultural-business with value addition chains that drive global business. According to Abubakar, “it provides solutions to barriers to successful agricultural-entrepreneurship, promotes farm extension services to beneficiary communities, drives agricultural technology adoption and adaption, value addition and commercialisation of products of research and development.” He explained that the whole gamut of the project was designed to strategically key into the Federal Government›s commitment to developing agriculture as a business and in the process, providing decent job opportunities to the teeming unemployed youths. Beneficiaries of the parks which include graduates of tertiary institutions will undergo hand-on-training in poultry management, aquaculture, fish ration formulation, export grade smoked fish production, crop cultivation, green house and irrigation techniques, processing and packaging techniques, alongside mentorship, civic responsibility and life skills training. So far, the NDE has expended about N120 million on the Sabuwa Park project, with millions of naira still require for the completion and continuous running of the project. The NDE has only two of that project in the country with another type located only in Akunnu, Akoko North Local Government Area on Ondo State. But Abubakar added that other states, Gombe, Cross River, Niger and Kwara, have now shown interest in the project by donating between 30 and 100 hectares of land for its take off. Abubakar said: “We have no business importing fish in this country. We have no business importing chicken in this country. Apart from its full potential, I always want NDE projects to be models for all stakeholders. I believe other local governments around here can emulate this kind of things. If we replicate these things, we shall see the end of this disgraceful phenomenon of importing fish and chicken. It a long-term project; I don›t know when it will end. If you think of value chain in agriculture, you can›t see the end of it. We sat down and think of it before we put it in place. We didn›t just wake up one day to do it.” He commended the state government, the local government, the traditional rulers and members of the community who have all given tremendous support to the NDE, particularly on the project.

Monday, 28 September, 2015 30 labour Resident doctors threaten to begin strike in FCT Stories by Soji-Eze Fagbemi -Abuja

HE Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), has called of the Permanent Secretary, FCT, John Obinna Chukwu, to immediately ensure full payment of the 2014 adjustment Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) arrears; the funding of residency training and retraining of doctors and also release letters of promotion for members who participated in the exercise. In a letter addressed to the permanent secretary, the association warned that any failure on the part of the FCT management to resolve the issues would lead to immediate strike by all the doctors in the employment of the FCT. The letter indicated the doctors were frustrated and in the mood of strike, because the management had failed to address the issues despite series of meetings and dialogue

held with them. Another issue was the commitment of the management to the improvement of infrastructure in the health facilities. Already, the association had given ultimatum twice to the management and the last of their ultimatum ended today. The letter signed by the President, Dr I. O. Akerele and the Secretary, Dr O. O. Sotinwa and copied to the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Resident Doctors and others; contained a communiqué issued at the end of the extra-ordinary emergency general meeting of the association held recently at the Wuse General Hospital, Abuja. The letter stated that though the congress expressed satisfaction with the management for their pledged resolve to respond to the demands in the communiqué; while it also appreciated the approval for the release of promotion letters to affected members in the last promotion

exercise. It, however, regretted that the management had not done anything concrete since when the first 21-day ultimatum was given, before it was extended for another seven days. The association, therefore, rejected the verbal commitment from the management and demanded a written and formal commitment from the management.

As parts of the resolutions taken at the extra-ordinary meeting, the letter said the congress gave the extension of 7-day ultimatum to give room for the management to formalise and transmit their agreement to the congress formally. This, according to the congress, would also serve as a window for constructive dialogue to other contending issues for peaceful resolution and settlement.

The congress also said it believed that there would be enough time to solve all other outstanding issues. The letter, however, read: “Failure of the management to embrace this window for amicable settlement, the ARD-FCT will proceed immediately on a three-day warning strike and withdrawal of services on or before midnight, 27 September, 2015. “The congress considers

Nigerian Tribune

this an olive branch to all stakeholders to prevent avoidable industrial crisis in the FCT health sector because of the consequences, knowing full well that the ordinary citizens and Abuja residents cannot afford medical tourism abroad. “The congress hereby notifies that it requires the full implementation of these issues for healthy industrial relations in the FCT health sector.”

Unemployment rate consistently on increase —NBS By Femi Ibirogba

DESPITE a marginal increase in the number of economically active population (persons within ages 15 and 64) from 102.8 million in the first quarter to 103.5 million in the second quarter 2015, the unemployment rate has increased by 8.2%, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said. A report by NBS, tagged ‘Highlights of Unemploy-

ment and Underemployment in Q2 2015,’ said: “Within the same period (between first and second quarter), the number of unemployed in the labour force increased by 529,923 persons or 9.58% between Q1 2015 and Q2 2015, resulting in an increase in the unemployment rate to 8.2% in Q2 2015 from 7.5% in Q1 2015. This represents a third consecutive rise in the unemployment rate since Q3 2014.”

It added that “the number of underemployed in the labour force during the review quarter however, increased by 1,362,274 or 11.16% resulting in an increase in the underemployment rate to 18.3% (13.5mn) in Q2 2015, from 16.6% (12.2mn) in Q1 2015. “In Q2 2015, the labour force population (those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work) increased to 74.0 million from 73.4million in Q1 2015, representing in an increase in the labour force by 0.81%. This means 574,498 economically active persons within 15-64 entered the labour force i.e. were able and willing and actively looking for work between April 1 and June 30 2015. Within the same period, the total

number in full employment (did something for at least 40hours) decreased by 1,317,700 or -2.37%. It said a drop in number of full employment, that is, those working less than 40 hours despite a rise in the labour force, could be attributed more to job losses or previously fully employed persons choosing or being forced to work part time or in underemployment. “With an economically active or working age population of 103.5 million and labour force population of 74.0 million, this means 29.5 million persons within the economically active or working age population decided not to work for various reasons in Q2 2015 compared to 29.3 million in Q1 2015,” it added.

ILO commends G20 move to tackle inequality

Kaigama

Wabba

ITF seeks collaboration with Ajasin Varsity on staff training THE Ondo/Ekiti Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr Tayo Salami, recently requested for partnership between Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, and ITF in the area of staff training. Mr Salami, who assumed office as the new ITF Area Manager in May this year, made the request during a courtesy visit to the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, in his office. The ITF boss said: “I am aware that ITF enjoyed a lot of support from you when you were the Rector

of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO). ITF is not meant to train students only, but also the workforce. Since you have been our partner from RUGIPO, we want to appeal to you that anytime we call on you for participant drive, kindly, answer our call in this regard.” He said the visit was to familiarise the new ITF management with the university authorities, adding that, “we are glad to note that we have been enjoying the massive support of your Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), particularly in terms of ensuring that

the students are prepared and presented for SIWES promptly.” Mr Salami commended the serene, neat and beautiful environment of the University. Responding, Professor Ajibefun thanked the ITF team for its commitment and for finding the time to visit the university. The vice chancellor noted that the contributions of ITF to the society over the years had been remarkable, adding that the body would continue to remain relevant in the country. On the request for the continuation of the re-

lationship ITF had with RUGIPO while he was rector, the VC said, “We are going to extend the kind of relationship we had with your predecessors to your team. We are going to sustain the current areas of our collaboration and look at other areas where we can collaborate such that both of us will benefit. “We know that you organise different training for different categories of organisations and institutions. We will also look at how we can benefit from such training. The practical exposure that ITF offers our students cannot be overstressed.”

THE Deputy DirectorGeneral for Policy, International Labour Organisation (ILO), Sandra Polaski, has commended the recent meeting of G20 Labour and Employment Ministers in Turkey as a promising step to promote policies curbing inequalities, promoting growth and creating more and better jobs. Recent research by the ILO, IMF and others also demonstrated that in addition to the social injustice and division that comes from inequality, the latter also harms economic growth. Earlier this month, G20 labour ministers meeting in Ankara, Turkey, made the right choice when they showed a strong commitment to boost growth, jobs and reduce inequalities. Tackling inequalities and creating better jobs helps to build more inclusive

societies and stronger economic growth. Polaski, stated that the extent of the increase in inequality in some countries is staggering. Citing the example of the United States, Polaski said between 1979 and 2007, almost half of the total national income gains were captured by the top 1 per cent, while in Europe, the top 10 per cent in the distribution of incomes (wages and capital) obtains 35 per cent of national income. “One of the major causes for growing inequalities is the declining share of total GDP that goes to working people through their pay checks and benefits. In addition to unemployment and underemployment, a significant slowdown in wage growth in most advanced and emerging G20 countries is responsible for the decline in the labour share of national income,” Polaski said.

Monday, 28 September, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo adisa 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

Nigeria built on quicksand, may collapse —Olaniwun Ajayi Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, a nationalist, legal luminary, astute politician and renowned philanthropist, is a repository of history and knowledge. In this interview with KUNLE ODEREMI and DARE ADEKANMBI, he speaks the core issues impeding Nigeria’s quest for stability, growth and development, as well as other issues. Excerpts:

AVING been very close to the Awolowo family, how would you analyse the life and times of the sage, Papa Awolowo and Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo as a couple? They lived a wonderful life as husband and wife. Both were people who could profitably be emulated. And those of us who were very close them really emulated them and we thank God for this. Both of them were stout Christians. The qualities of Baba Awolowo were many. First was discipline; second were fairness, justice and promotion of equity. Papa was a worthy and wonderful leader. I can illustrate the quality of fairness and equity, which Papa Awolowo espoused. Let me give just two examples. One of them was in respect of Alhaji Balarabe Musa, whom I believe you know very well. He was a successful gubernatorial candidate in Kaduna State. He won the election as governor but he was of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the majority of the members of the state House of Assembly were of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). From the beginning, they wanted him to be impeached. Papa Awolowo felt that was wrong. Why do you want to impeach someone who contested election and won? Impeachment is a criminal action, a constitutional offence and what offence has he committed? He engaged Chief GOK Ajayi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, myself, and his late daughter, Mrs Ayo Soyode, to go to the North and do our best to ensure that the attempt to impeach Balarabe Musa did not materialise. So, Chief Ajayi went to court and I was asked to go to the state House of Assembly to watch the proceedings. Of course, it was an audacity of a sort for me to sit in the midst of NPN in their bid to impeach their governor, particularly because I belonged to the opposition), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). However, they succeeded in impeaching him. Of course, we were in court but the court attempt also failed. Then Papa called the governors of UPN and said that Balarable Musa represented the progressives, therefore they must assist him. He asked him to go out of the country to breathe fresh air; to have some time to think about himself and his future. So, he told the governors that whatever assistance they could give, know-

Sir Ajayi

As a matter of fact, when he was released from prison and they made him the vice chairman of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and commissioner of finance, he should be living in Victoria Island or a very good house in Ikoyi. But, he rejected it and rented a flat at Surulere. ing he was out of the country, they should do so as a sort of respite. So, the governors did it: the likes of Lateef Jakande, Adekunle Ajasin, Bola Ige, Ambrose Ali and others.

Then some time later, the Leader of the House of Assembly in Borno State, Abdulraham Shugaba, they said he was not a Nigerian; they deported him out of the country. Then Baba Awolowo again said should go to his help and see to it that Shugaba was taken back. He contested an election (Great Nigeria Peoples Party), a popular election, which he won and the people made him the Leader of the House and yet you said he was not a Nigerian, and then bundled him out of the country. So, it was by that act of fairness on the part of Papa Awolowo that Shugaba should be brought back. Of course, you know that’s politics. But Baba Awolowo was a very strong, persuasive and good lawyer. He won the respect of all the judges, both in the High Courts and the superior courts and all along his political life, Mama was always around him, providing to him all that Baba Awolowo needed, particularly in the area of funding. Baba had no money. He was a successful lawyer but when he exhausted his savings, he wouldn’t take government money at all (to be his money).

If you remember, throughout his life and throughout the period he was in government, he never lived in Government House and never used government cars. As a matter of fact, when he was released from prison and they made him the vice chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Commissioner of finance, he should be living in Victoria Island or a very good house in Ikoyi, but he rejected it and rented a flat at Surulere, which was where he was living. As a matter of fact, as at that time, he had no car. He relied on Mama’s car, which was what he was using. So, they were wonderful people and Mama was exceedingly generous. You will find out that when Baba was alive, he was always a well-dressed Yoruba man. But, he never used his money to buy a yard of the cloth he was using. All were supplied by his wife. It was his wife, who would give him materials to sow the beautiful apparels, which he was wearing all the time. As a matter of fact, the salary Baba was earning as the Continues pg32

politics&policy

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‘How Awo, HID fought against injustice’ continued from pg31

commissioner of finance and vice chairman of the FEC, was not enough to pay the staff at Surulere, Ibadan and Ikenne. Mama took over the responsibility. It’s a pity that we have lost the two of them, particularly Baba Awolowo at the time he left, because we still needed him in this country. But God knows best. He left when it was honourable for him to leave, because all the useless lies, corruption, kidnapping, stealing, and so on that is going on now, if Awolowo were alive, I am sure he will be terribly frustrated. Not that there was no corruption in his time, but not in the current magnitude. Could you tell us some of the challenges that Papa Awolowo had with trying to galvanise the Yoruba to come under the same umbrella? He had no problem at all, because he was in England as a student when the Egbe Omo Odua was organised. When he came back to Nigeria in 1946, he was the Secretary of organization, which was more or less the precursor of the Action Group (AG). Do you know how the AG came about? I can tell you, because so far, apart from UPN and succeeding political parties coming after the AG, no other political party in this country was established as a proper political party.

What exactly made the AG the main party? There were three important political parties in the First Republic: the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon (NCNC), Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) and AG. The NCNC came about as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was campaigning, going here and there, gathering supporters. But the group didn’t come up as a political party. Then, some people went to him one day and said sir, why don’t we organise a political party; why don’t you ask the old boys of Kings’ College Lagos, to join us so that we can form an association and of course include the Cameroonians who are here?’ So, the old boys of Kings’ College were invited. Some Cameroonians, who were some of the people following him about, also joined the group. Then they said, ‘what name shall we give our association? Let us call it the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroun.’ Well, with the passage of time and changes to the political structure, the Cameroonians decided to go out of Nigeria when Nigeria was going for independence. But the NCNC remained the same in name. For NPC, there was a local union. The leader of the union said, ‘since we have no political party, why don’t we change this union into a political party and call it the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC)?’ They saw it as a good idea and that was how NPC came. In the case of the Action Group, Awolowo called for a meeting, wrote a circular, inviting people for a meeting to discuss the future of western ideas. For the first time, very few people came, even up to the fifth time. Then the sixth time, Awolowo said, ‘let’s put our name down in the meeting, and not summons any more meeting.’ Then Baba Jackson said, ‘let’s not do that. Let’s try once more; whoever attends the meeting, the seventh one, let’s make the go for our purpose. So, they called the seventh meeting and those who came were very fair in number. And then they constituted themselves into a would-be political party. Then, they were holding meetings with Awolowo being the driving force of the organisation, with ideas coming forth from each meeting as to the action to take on the organisation that wants

Sir Ajayi to grow. They had asked themselves: ‘Shall we look towards the elite, the haves or the masses?’ They decided they would embrace the masses as opposed to the middle class or the elite. Furthermore, they decided that their meetings towards forming a political party should not be publicised because if they did, some political opponents would destroy it. So, they didn’t make any noise about their political party. The party came into being at about March/April 1951. At that time, a lot of important decisions had been made as to what they were going to do. Then, of course, they had something that is not heard of now and that is shadow officers; shadow ministers. What is the purpose of having a shadow cabinet? For a shadow minister of education for example, it will be part of his binding duty to know what is going on in the ministry of education. He will know as the proper minister of education. So that when they came to their meeting by way of planning, for that time when election would be conducted, and they would take over and form government, they would be quite prepared; how to prepare their budgets and how to prepare for various projects they would embark upon. For example, the shadow minister of agriculture will know where cocoa will be quite profitable and be best planted. He will know the problem

Baba was always a welldressed Yoruba man. But, he never used his money to buy a yard of the cloth he was using. All were supplied by his wife. It was his wife, who would give him materials to sow the beautiful apparels, which he was wearing all the time

of cocoa farmers. He will know the sale of cocoa products. Then on arable farming, preparing food crops, the shadow minister of agriculture will know where they will be profitable and how to encourage yam farmers or cassava farmers. That was why you found that the number of places in the old Western Region, you had some places where there were poultry; cash crops and others. That was possible because we had a parliamentary system of government. Can we have that kind of system now? Why not if we know what we are doing? Take works, for example, the shadow minister of works would know what goes on in the ministry of works. He would know the total mileage of roads in the whole Western Region. He would know how many of them are tarred, how many are requiring repairs, how many miles of new roads should be provided, particularly the ones leading to far settlements. He would know what it would cost to a mile of tarred road; he would know how much it would cost to repair an average road, depending on the state of disrepair. When it comes to making budget, agriculture ministry would come with its ideas, works, finance, health would also come up with their own. So, when we take over government, there would be an announcement of our budget of our party. If you want to know what this is like, you can read a book written by Gordon Brown. In 1996 or so, when they were preparing to take over government from John Major. In preparing for the take over of government by the Labour Party. Gordon Brown did a lot with some young people in the party. One of the boys is now the leader of LP, his senior brother was in the government of Blair, Leremy Corbyn. The senior one was working very closely with Brown, preparing very hard to take over government from the conservatives. That was the sort of thing that the Action Group was doing. AG prepared very well for government and therefore, when it took over government in 1952, the colonial government voted so much for education. But when the AG got there, because they had prepared themselves for governance, they

just raised the amount provided by the colonial government because the money was not enough to cover the running of education in the region. AG provided 200 scholarships for people to go overseas- Oxford, Cambridge and other countries. Was one of them was Allison Ayida, Phillip Asiodu and many others, including I think Aboyade too. Then, there was a lot of discipline in the party so because in the constitution of the AG, there was party supremacy, party loyalty and party discipline. These were the principles upon which AG were run. I tell how they managed the party then. In preparation for the appointment of ministers, the leaders met and bearing in mind the number of ministries there were in government, then there should be corresponding number of ministers. So, they sat and met to have six or eight ministers. What will illustrate the point I want to make about party discipline or loyalty. The National Working Committee of the AG said Remo should get two slots. Awolowo said Remo was too small to have two ministers, that how Remo could be compared with Egba and Ondo, for instance. The other NWC members insisted Remo must have two and Awolowo didn’t argue further. He said if that was the decision of the party, so be it. So, they decided the number of ministers and who the ministers should be. About three days later, there was a man called Bode Thomas, now very many years late. He went to another leader called Chief S.O Gbadamosi in Ikorodu. Thomas said “SOG, the meeting we held the other day nominating candidates for ministries was most inadequate because we didn’t give any slot to Lagos Colony.” Lagos Colony then was Ikeja, Ikorodu and Badagry and the other parts of of Lagos were separate entity. SOG realised the oversight and they both went to Ikenne to meet the leader, Papa Awolowo who, upon being told, called a meeting of the NWC where a slot from the two slots for Remo was given to Lagos Colony, after the leaders realised it was a serious error. That slot was given to the Akran who later became the Oba of Badagry. The NWC of AG decided that second person to Awolowo in Remo would no longer be made a minister. Some leaders were mandate to talk to the nominee, M.S Sowole from Ipara. The leaders told him he would no longer me minister. He agreed with the decision of the party. But the party decided that when election came and it won, Sowole would be given a comparable position in government. Today, if people had been told they would be ministers or commissioners and the promise was later changed. What would such politicians do? They will tell the party leaders that they will leave the party because they have spent so much money to build the party. They will threaten to and even join another party. But party discipline in our time would not allow that to happen. Another instance of party discipline was the case of an Akure man called Olu Ibukun who wanted to contest with a man called Olumofin in the House of Assembly. Awolowo was in Akure one day where he and Olu Ibukun met. He told Olu Ibukun to start to campaign for Olumofin and ensure the candidate win. Olu Ibukun agreed and worked for Olumofin. Election came and we won and Olu Ibukun was made the chairman of the Western Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (WNBC). He was alarmed and said if he knew he would get such position he would not have ventured into contesting the Assembly seat. If today, party leaders tell some politicians not to contest against certain individuals, Continues pg33

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‘Our president is an emperor’ continued from pg32

would such politicians accept? On party loyalty, I give another example. There was a man who was called Reverend T.T Solaru who later became a Bishop. He was schooled at Oxford and was very brilliant. He was one of the best speakers of English in Yorubaland at that time. AG appointed him to be a member of Airways Corporation. The government at the centre then was a coalition between NPC and NCNC. They invited us to nominate someone or two and Solaru was sent to them. When they were behaving funny and acting in ways inconsistent with our own philosophy, we asked Solaru to resign and he did immediately because that was the instruction from the party. Today, can such people resign? These were the attributes that made the Action Group very tick and so loved by the people. These were what differentiated the AG from other parties. At what stage in your life did your come across the Awolowos and what was the attraction? I was about 21 years when I came in contact with the Awolowo family and that was in 1946. I was at Wesley College, Ibadan then. But at that time, there was a friend of mine from Ode Remo who was an employee of Cooperative Bank in Ibadan and was staying in the Boys’ Quarters of the Awolowos at Oke Bola. Whenever we had an outing, I would go there and spend time with my friend. So, with the passage of time, I was getting to know the Awolowos. Then of course the acquaintance then started to grow and grow till the Acton Group came into being in 1951 and I joined in 1952. At that time, I had left Wesley College and was teaching at Sagamu and I was secretary to various organisationsthe Wesley Guild, quarterly meeting of the church and the Boys Brigade. So, as the secretary of Wesley Guild, occasionally I would be asked to invite Papa Awolowo to come and lecture us. So, these things made me closer to Chief Awolowo. Did this account or why you mere made a commissioner in the old Western Region government? That was many years later, over 20 years later. It was the military period and Brigadier General Rotimi was in charge of the Western Region in succession to General Adeyinka Adebayo. I got a telephone call from the secretary to the government at that time, P.T Odumosu. He told me the governor would like to see me and asked what time I would come. I replied him by asking what the governor would like to see me for. He said he didn’t know and I told him if he didn’t know the purpose, I wouldn’t come. He exclaimed and said it was the governor that wanted to see me. I told him I heard

Sir Ajayi that. I must know what I was going to do with the governor and if I didn’t know I would not come. In any case, this was a military period, emergency period, and I said even if he was going to put me in incarceration, I must know and be able to tell my wife to manage the affairs in the house. He then rang off. He called the following day and I asked if he had known the purpose of my being asked to come and see the governor. He said I was being very difficult. My wife who was sitting next to me said I should honour the invitation. I told Odumosu I would come the following week on Wednesday. I said next week because I had to prepare myself and couldn’t afford to leave my office just like that without making some preparations. The appointment was for 1:00p.m amd by 12:5pm I was on the doorstep of the governor. I got in and he greeted me and then pleasantries. He started asking me some questions which I didn’t answer because I knew he was trying to size me up. He said he knew it had been very difficult getting me and that I asked for the purpose of my being asked to see him. He said he had been trying to put up his cabinet and wanted to appoint some people for the corporations. I asked if he wanted to make me a cabinet member of was going to appoint me in a corporation. He told me I was the last person he was interviewing and I was the first person to ask him that question. I told him I must know what I was coming for. He said he wanted me to be a cabinet member with him. I said “Fine, I will give that a thought and let him know my decision will be.” He said “You can’t tell me your decision now.” I said I could not because I had a wife and friends I would consult. I told him I would let him know my decision

the following week. To be a member of cabinet is a very serious affair and I told him I couldn’t accept the offer without giving it a serious thought. I got up to leave after our discussion and he escorted me. By the time we approached the door, he said “May I take it that your response would be yes?” I said that would be grossly misleading. In the evening, Odumosu rang me again and asked if I was going to phone or write him to make my decision known. I said I was going to write and post a letter. He said I should phone him as soon as the letter was posted. In the evening of the Wednesday when I posted the letter, I phone him and told him. He asked what the content was and I told him it was a ‘yes.’ The following day, my picture was on the front page of the Daily Times. That was I made commissioner for education for about two years and later moved to the health ministry. After three years in his government, I went to him and told him I was leaving because to serve only for three years and would not stay any longer. Many have described the transition of Papa and HID Awolowo as the end of an era. What do their deaths portend for Nigeria? What are the challenges ahead? The challenges are serious in the sense that, when Papa was alive, he was the person around whom we rallied. We would go to him, consult him for one thing or the other. He was relevant throughout his life. Mama was equally relevant. They were more or less inseparable partners, like Siamese twins, when they were going by and as years went by. In politics, if you found Papa campaigning at Ife, you would be surprised to find Mama, supported by a few women, campaigning at Osogbo

or Epe. The beauty of their service was that Papa, as Premier for eight years, you would not hear that his wife assisted him so much to get to where he got and therefore the wife was going to be commissioner or minister or any of his children. Have you found that in any record? Did Mama act as the First Lady of the Western Region then? There was nothing like that. Mama was Mama and Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo full stop. It was service as far he was concerned; service without acquittal, real service. And of course, when we talk of service, we are talking of religion, particularly service that is rendered without anything in return. So, that was Mama for you. If anybody who had any problem went to Mama or Papa, the person would leave their residence satisfied that their problem had been solved. What is important is that Mama HID, without being ostentatious or obtrusive, was a valiant heroine because in politics she fought; in church matters, she fought; in the locality, she fought; in Remo, she fought. Mama built a number of churches for the Anglican Communion. The church never can forget her. She made the home really conducive for her husband because the leader of a people like the Yoruba has to have his head working correctly. So, Papa had a lot of time to think and not trying to settle problems. Even problems might arise that Mama would have solved without Papa even hearing of them. So, that was Mama HID. And the challenges their transitions pose for the country? Papa fought valiantly for a country that would be true federalism, himself and his wife. So far, we have not succeeded in that. And because of that, we are not able to

make progress as a country. We are now about 60 years old as a federation, but those who were at the same stage of development as we in 1960, namely Brazil, Russia, India, Malaysia and others are far ahead of us. Definitely, Brazil is moving out of the status of a third world country, but we are not. Unfortunately, we have the wherewithal to be a great country- men and materials. But we don’t give room for these to operate in our favour and interest. There is the partiality with which we started this country. It is a fact that Nigeria was constructed contrary to geometric principle because we are a multilingual, multinational and multicultural country. And because of this diversity, we should have real federalism, just as we have today in Belgium and in a place like Malaysia. Singapore was part of Malaysia, but in 1965, the government of Malaysia said the Singapore people were becoming useless to the federation and must find their way out of the federation. It became a problem for Li Kwan Yu who was a member of government at that time. He wept and called his people to a meeting to chart a way forward. Singapore was a very small country with no resources, nothing to rely upon. But maybe because he started to organise Singapore on the basis of meritocracy, it was all merit all along. The first to do was to make sure the atmosphere in Singapore was very good for business to thrive and therefore inviting outsiders to come and invest in the country. The set of problems which Nigeria had, they also had. For example, education or traffic problem or women not marrying educated men because they felt the educated men were making themselves superior to them. Those were some of the problems for Li Kwan Yu and he had to face the problems and solved them. The same traffic congestion we have now, they had and they solved it. They organised their country. Today, Singapore has the best airport in the world. They became independent in 1965, but we have refused to learn from them. Look at what is happening to us in Nigeria today. A lot of people have traced our problem to corruption, arguing that if we are able to tackle this monster, Nigeria will be on the right path. Corruption is a bye product of management and leadership. Our problems started from not being constructed properly as a federal country. I agree that corruption must go. There is no country in the world where you don’t have corruption, not even in England or the United States. As far back as 1944, they still bribed people for votes in Scotland. The magnitude of corruption in Nigeria is beyond measure. Our basis as a country, our foundation is not proper. Nigeria was built on quicksand and Continues pg34

politics&policy

Monday, 28 September, 2015

‘Yoruba nation in serious problem’ vides for the councils to do they can’t do them because the money has been taken from them by the state government. 16 years after civil rule, it appears most of the challenges are still noticeable. For example, banditry, kidnapping and all what not… We have security personnel as though we do not have them. How can a person be safely kidnapped and not found for days or weeks. Why should that happen? Why should I be on my farm and some people come to kidnap me? Why should I be in my house and I can’t have peaceful sleep because burglars are going to burgle me because there is no security? Why should Bola Ige be killed and nobody is talking about it. The other day, a Nigerian- Daramola Taylor, was killed in the United Kingdom and there was nothing the British government did not do to unravel the circumstances that led to his being murdered. That will never happen in Nigeria. Do you know how many Nigerians have been killed and killed in vain? Both political and spiritual murders go on in Nigeria. Why should our money not be safe in our banks? Why do we have to put special equipment in the banks to protect them and despite this the robbers still go to rob the banks? We have an electoral law and a very good person as election umpire, yet elections are still rigged. That is a pity.

Sir Ajayi continued from pg33

that is why the country may collapse. The name Nigeria was not our name. It was given to us by Flora Shaw who later was Lugard’s wife. Nigeria came into being in January 1897. But then, France has been France; Italy had been Italy; Belgium had been Belgium; Mali had been Mali and Ghana was there all the years. In about 11th century, when we had the Ghana Empire or the Mali Empire or even the Shongai Empire and Ghana Empire was destroyed in 1235; Mali Empire destroyed in 1335; and the Shongai Empire was destroyed in 1585. With the destruction of these three empires in Africa, there was no country whatsoever in Africa we would call until about 1833. Ghana, you may recall, used to be called the Gold Coast, and after independence, the Ghanaians said “let us go back to our name; the name by which we were know at birth, that is, Ghana.” Ditto for Mali which became FrenchSudan but after independence returned to the name Mali. But when became independent, there was no name by which we would go because there was no name to call us except the one given to us by the British woman. That was not the case with Ghana and many other countries in Africa. The countries we used to call Rhodesia and Tangayika are no longer known by those names since independence. We have to operate on the principles of federalism as a country. Although we now cannot go back to say states should be created as we wanted in the 50’s, we now have six geo-political zones. So, let us give teeth to those zones. I f we do that, there will be peaceful co-existence. When we had the three regions in the 50’s we were making progress. But now we are not making progress. We have an Emperor or a Monarch whom you call President. He is a Monarch? How do you mean? Who is a monarch or an emperor? You know the meaning of a monarch or an emperor. With its literal meaning as the head of an empire? Oh yes, that is what the president is. The President dictates to the governors. He shouldn’t because he has no control over our governors. Every governor is under the control of each state House of Assembly. But the President dictates to them. Of course, the governors have to be dictated to because their hands are not clean; their hands are as unclean as their minds. Are you saying it is because their hands are not clean that he is dictating to them or because it the constitution that makes such arrangement possible… Of course, it is the constitution they gave us that gives the President such powers. We don’t how the constitution came about; we just woke up and found it. We don’t know who the authors are. We should know our constitution and be able to say “we the people...”

The governors have to be dictated to because their hands are not clean; their hands are as unclean as their minds.

If the President is an emperor, then it is the constitution that made him one? Yes. The constitution was just forced on us and we don’t know how it came about. It should not be our constitution. If you go to the 1963 Constitution by which we became a Republic, you will find out that the functions of the Federal Government in that constitution were about 60 in number. But go to the 1978 and 1999 Constitutions, the functions have been increased to nearly 70 if not more because it is they who are in charge. President Muhammadu Buhari has made some appointments recently and you will find that majority of the appointments are in the North. But the principle of federalism is that there should be no government that will be so strong as to control the other parts of the federation. They should be coordinates, that is to say, each of them having its own function. Some people have also interpreted it to mean a northern agenda to subjugate the South of Nigeria I told you that we have an emperor by the name of a President and this is inconsistent with federalism. Is there no way the National Assembly can address these issues you have raised or do you think the recommendations of last year’s conference will be relevant? The recommendations are absolutely relevant. The National Assembly should accept the conclusions of confab and as true and honest patriots give institutional effect to the recommendations. But because the thing had been coming all along till 2014 gives them a lot of room to steal and take a lot by way of salary and allowances in millions. Our legislative institutions are the most costly and expensive in the world. What are they doing? The joint account between the states and the councils will not pay the governor if such is cancelled because the governors won’t be able to steal from council funds. The functions which the constitution pro-

Will the Yoruba remain sheep without a shepherd after the demise of the Awolowos? I am not an Oba neither am I a governor. But the thing is that, if we realise who we are as Yoruba people, we will know what to do. Of all the nationalities in this country, the Yoruba are the only people who can point to one ancestor as their progenitor. The Hausa-Fulani can’t say that; the Igbo can’t say that. We need to use our heads; we need to get together and discuss how we are going to run our affairs as a nation. If we can’t do that, then we are in for it. Some people have taken benefits from these people who gave patronage to some Yoruba people who keep quiet in the face of injustice because they don’t want to lose their privileges. Unless and until we get together as a nation and try to get restored to us those great things which God has given to us, we will continue to suffer. But whether we like it or not, salvation is going to come some day and God will intervene. At that time, some people will cry; some will not be alive to cry. They will suffer because of what they are doing to this beautiful race called the Yoruba. The Yoruba people have as their heritage the status of being regarded as Omoluwabi. But do we have Omoluwabis among those who sold us to the Caliphate? It is a great pity and that is why the death of a person like Awolowo was a great loss to us. The other day, when census was on and it was terribly rigged, journalists approached Awolowo and they asked him about the exercise. Awolowo said “Census? That is a futile exercise.” And that was the end of that census. They heard what Awolowo said and they knew it meant something. They stopped it. But since then, we never have had an authentic census in this country. We never have had any election that will not be contested in court. It was God who intervened in the last election; otherwise, we would have had serious violence. In spite of these challenges confronting the country, do you see in Buhari Li Kwan Yu? I don’t know. Buhari has just come. I pray that that may happen for this country. If it happens, whilst he is in charge, we will owe him a great debt of gratitude for saving us from collapse. If it does not happen, Nigeria will collapse ultimately. As a renowned lawyer and consummate politician, how do you see the approach of Buhari to the war against corruption? It is very beautiful to the ears. But I have a serious prayer that he will go to whole hog; there should be no sacred cows at all. If he could do that, Nigeria may arrive. But from what you have seen so far… Nothing to judge so far. How many people have been sent to jail since Buhari got there? It is promise, promise and promise. We want to see the actual thing, that the thieves are in jail. It doesn’t matter who the person is. We must kill corruption. We must kill kidnapping. We can say good or bad to the attempts being made so far. Some people have complained that they are being hunted in selective approach to corruption war… What do you expect them to say? Will they say the people who are against corruption are right? They won’t say that.

Monday, 28 September, 2015 Editor: Bayo ALADE featuresdesk@yahoo.com 08055001747

features

Falae

Abducted in Akure, found in Owo Falae’s four days ordeal with kidnappers Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

HE former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae had mapped out his schedules for the week, part of which was to silently mark his 77th birthday with his family and diligently carry out the special assignment of the Anglican Church communion in which he was the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC). As fate will have it, he never carried out any of his Plans as he was whisked away from his farm by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on his birthday. Falae left home early for his farm in Ilado, in Akure North local government area of Ondo state, some 15 kilometres away from his home to monitor some developments in the farm believing that the downpour from the previous night might have wrecked some havoc and the condition in the farm may be requiring attention. The Afenifere chieftain left with the hope of retiring home early to mark his birthday silently with his

family but alas, he was held captive by strange men who invaded his farm, demanding for a whopping sum of N100million as ransom. When the news filtered into town, many believed it was the usual face off between the farm workers and Fulani herdsmen, who have at different times trespassed into the farm with their cattle in the past but it wasn’t. Narrating the event, the farm manager simply identified as Bruno explained that stet was on his way to the dam with the driver when the kidnappers who had been hiding in the surrounding bushes suddenly jumped out started shooting at them while they desperately made efforts to escape the gun shots. Bruno said “we were taken by surprise. We tried to escape by reversing but we got stuck and they started shooting at us. They dragged us out of the car and I was matcheted while the driver was seriously hit too. “They were all armed, about six or seven, threatening to shoot us if we failed to cooperate with them. Though they spoke in English, their accent sounded like the Fulani or Hausa accent. Only one of them had his face masked and

apparently knew the topography of the farmland.” Bruno narrated further that Chief Falae was about to take his breakfast when they arrived at the farmhouse. “Baba came out from his office to find out the source of the rancour in the farm and questioned the men, but one of them identified Baba. They immediately let go of us and dragged Baba out of the farm through the forest.” He said Falae’s abductors started shooting into the air sporadically to scare away farm workers and residents of the village. As soon as the case was reported at the police station, no fewer than 50 policemen were sent to the area to secure the release of the septuagenerian. Personal Assistant to Chief Falae, Moshood Raji, alleged that

The important thing is that Baba Falae is home safe and sound.

Fulani herdsmen were behind the abduction of his boss recalling that they been a pain in the neck for the farmers and residents of Ilado community. According to him, the herdsmen have been dragged to the police where they signed an undertaking not to encroach into farms in the area again. He specifically noted that there had been incessant face offs between the herdsmen and the Afenifere chieftain over the frequent invasion of his farm. He explained that: “the Fulani herdsmen have been known to always invade the farm and this has caused a lot of problems between them and Baba. Some weeks ago we arrested some of them and they were detained at the state Police Command over the same matter but they were later bailed after signing an undertaking. “It got to a stage that the Secretary of the Fulani community confronted Baba and told him to erect a fence around his big farm so that his men would not be grazing their cattle on his property. He also warned that Baba should ensure that nothing happens to his people and their cattle, threatening that

if anything went wrong with his men, baba will be dealt with.” However, less than five hours after Falae’s abduction, the gunmen contacted the family asking for N100million ransom. They called Falae’s wife, Racheal and said, “Baba is safe, hale and hearty with us but you must make available the sum of N100million within the next 24 hours.” The kidnappers after negotiating with the family reduced the money to N90million while the family claimed they could only raise N2million to secure freedom for the former SGF. An anonymous source within the family said, “as of the time the abductors contacted us, they said they could only reduce the ransom to N90million but we told them we cannot afford that and we begged them to collect N2million but they rejected it out rightly. They said they will keep in touch with us but as of this moment, they have not called,” the source stated. Falae, however, regained his freedom some four days after the visit of the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, who led some security operatives on a rescue mission and handed over the septuagenarian to his family. Looking frail and weary, the former minister who had a wound on his left elbow, spoke in hushed tones while speaking with the state governor and his family members as he recounted his ugly experience at the hands of his abductors. He later confirmed that his abductors were Fulani herdsmen. According to Chief Falae he was made to sleep on the floor for four days and trekked several kilometres to get to the hideout of his abductors. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the Fulani herdsmen dropped Falae in front of Joy land Hotel in Owo and he was later picked up by some security operatives that brought him to Akure. The former SGF was accompanied to his Oba- Ile residence by the IGP, the state police commissioner, Mike Ogbodu after he was rescued in Owo where his abductors reportedly dropped him. A family source said that Falae informed them that whenever he was tired of walking, the abductors took turns to carry him on their backs till they got to Owo. The Inspector General of Police, Arase who earlier stated that no ransom was paid to secure the release of Falae pointed out that “the important thing is that Baba Falae is home safe and sound. President Muhammadu Buhari gave me a mandate and that is what I have done exactly by rescuing Baba Falae.”

features

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Fiscal policies rendering indigenous developers uncompetitive —Omisore

Chief Tokunbo Omisore, whose firm, Topservices Limited, has partnered to develop several malls in Lagos, Ibadan and Akure, spoke with PAUL OMOROGBE how certain fiscal policies have rendered local developers uncompetitive against foreign counterparts.

T has been noted that certain fiscal policies have affected malls operations. What are they? The new Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) foreign exchange policy affects existing malls that have loan facilities provided in dollars, being the only facility that has its interest rate closer to single digits than the high naira denominated one. The structured malls are all rented in dollars but payable in naira. This is universal to attract the loan facilities. However, CBN policies in place without consideration for Real Sector Support Funds simply sets the local developers on a suicidal mission which unfortunately is not seen as a problem of local bankers but of the borrowers. The sustainable mall retailers are challenged with stocking their outlets while the international brands investing and operating in the malls are currently giving notices to closures of their stores. The situation has become so confusing and has affected the abilities of mall occupants to pay the expected rent and as such will affect the malls. Our local banks also remain clueless on the way forward in the current circumstances.

In the light of current economic realities, why should malls be considered ‘infrastructural developments’ and as such attract the CBN Real Sector Support Funds (RSSF)? Malls with full international standard amenities have retail supermarkets as the major anchor tenants, usually occupying at least 30 per cent of the mall, that is, 10,000 square metres gross and lettable area of 3,000 square metres, making this an industrial retail development and one to be classified as being infrastructural. On this note, the malls are retail factories providing on the premises a bakery, a butchery that does processing and packaging within the mall, fish processing centre, deli providing different ranges of freshly prepared meals on the premises Manufacturers who are into food and drink processing rely on the major anchor tenants in the malls (presently Shoprite and Spar) to provide the opportunities to showcase their products through this infrastructural development. We appreciate the developers for providing this enabling environment. Of note is that these malls are provided with power transformers in excess of 1750Kva, generators in excess of 2000Kva, adequate boreholes, water with treatment plants among others. A survey of properly defined malls with

the facilities provided above from the major anchor tenant can be seen as a factory providing other retail outlets and in some cases entertainment opportunities. If local loan facilities available to our malls do not have the CBN RSSF or the Pension Funds (now in excess of N4.3 trillion) then local developers may as well stay off these developments and allow the foreigners with funds under 5 per cent interest rate with a 15 to 20 years tenure to dictate our retail market. Tell us about the direct and indirect employment opportunities malls create for the young entrepreneurs. Using our concept that provides a neighbourhood mall, that is 10,000 square metres gross lettable area at 75 per cent occupancy will employ directly in excess of 700 people and indirectly in excess of the same amount over time. The major anchor tenant employs direct and auxiliary staff close to 300 persons per store. Other line shops employ between two and three persons for a 20square metres shop and up to 30 people on an average for shops between 500 to 1,000 square metres. The mall creates opportunities for different suppliers, security guards, cleaners, waste collectors, car park attendants, facilities management staff etc and this makes up the employment which grows as the patronage of the mall increases. As I did mention earlier, those young entrepreneurs into food and beverage, farming, fashion or even Information and Communication Technology have seen malls’ existence as a development centre that has not only inspired them, but provided an opportunity to be operators or vendors in such centres. The opportunity to showcase products, either as an artist, sculptor, fashion designer has in recent times given not only the opportunities, but also inspiration to be innovative despite the lack of empowerment denied them by our banking system. What other conditions currently hinder the local developers from competing effectively with the foreign counterparts?

Omisore The local developers have no support from the pension funds. The Pension Funds though now in existence for more than eight years need more policies to become a reality. As l did mention, the foreign developers have funds at less than 5 per cent for a tenure of up to 20 years while their interest on any particular mall development is usually limited to between five and seven years. The Chinese philosophy to achieve 1000 steps advices on taking the first step, unfortunately the Nigerian Pension Funds remains in a cooler and periodically we read with dismay how part of such funds have been misappropriated. As a nation we remain short-sighted and pay lip services to certain needs. We fail to appreciate that we can achieve ‘More with Less’ At the opening of our Cocoa Mall in part-

The Chinese philosophy to achieve a thousand steps advises on taking the first step, unfortunately the Nigerian Pension Funds remains in a cooler and periodically we read with dismay how part of such funds have been misappropriated

nership with Odua Investment Company on October 30, 2013, in my speech I asked when Pension Funds will be used to develop our nation or should it continue to be amassed for looters? I ask if as a nation, we want to lead our continent in the retail industry or remain short-sighted and continue to be a traders’ haven. What in your opinion is the way forward for Nigeria’s retail industry? The retail industry in Nigeria needs first to be understood and appreciated. Complicating the industry with unsustainable measures will further promote corruption which is misconstrued as a plague that can be chased away overnight. Nigeria’s retail industry needs to provide an enabling environment and empower our dedicated and innovative local retailers. Top Services Ltd provides affordable malls to grow the local retailers and could improve this course if supported by our Pension Funds or the CBN RSSF. CBN and the local banks can make a difference, we all understand that trading in oil and gas may provide immediate returns on depositors funds as often referred, but over time it cripples the nation’s future and denies creation of opportunities. As a strong supporter of made-locally, transparent and measurable benefits to support this course must be provided periodically to encourage our local retailers and international brands in appreciating the need to wholly or partially produce their goods locally. A nation based on importation denies its population opportunities of growth and most importantly employment. Let’s encourage and support made in Nigeria and over time with competition we will surpass any standard and improve our GDP. As l often say, let us research our Palm Wine and make it comparable to Champagne, and reduce our colossal flight on this product among others.

news Criminals cannot overwhelm Nigeria —IGP

By Olayinka Olukoya and Moses Alao

he InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase, has vowed that criminals would not overwhelm Nigeria under his watch, noting that the Nigeria Police are on top of their game and would ensure that the country is safer and secured. Arase, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen at the Ikenne home of Pa Obafemi Awolowo, where he and other leading officers of the Nigeria Police had gone to condole with the family over the passage of the Yeye Oodua of Ife, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, added that Nigerians should not be apprehensive over the spate of kidnapping in the country, as the police have been making arrests and intercepting the criminals. The IGP said: “Let me debunk the impression that there has been an increase in the issues of kidnapping; it has been there with us. I don’t know if you have taken a comparative study of the incidences of kidnapping outside Africa and globally.

150 civil society groups petition NJC against Saraki’s lawyer Chukwuma OkparaochaLagos

A coalition, Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction the counsel to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, stating that they misled the lawmaker in his ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Bureau Tribunal. In a statement issued by the organisation, which comprises of over 150 civil society groups, through its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraj, CSNAC said Saraki’s lead lawyers, Joseph Daodu and Mahmud Magaji, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, erred by advising their client to defy the summons of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The CCT had summoned Saraki to answer a 13-count charge of fraudulent acquisition and declaration while in office as the governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011. The statement said the accused person did not appear at the Tribunal scheduled to commence on Friday, September 18 because the senior advocates were looking for an ex-parte order to prevent the Tribunal from sitting.

Monday, 28 September, 2015

If you have the statistics, you will discover that ours is still within a manageable level. The police do not have to eulogise ourselves any time we apprehend these people. Whenever it happens, we apprehend them.

“The statistics have shown that we have made a lot arrests and a lot of successes but the Nigerian public tends to dwell on the negative; what about the successes we have recorded? These things have to be put side by side

with what is happening in the country.” He further assured that criminals would not overwhelm the state, saying: “I can assure Nigerians that criminals cannot overwhelm the country; they cannot

overwhelm the state. It is impermissible and it will not happen under my watch. My men keep working, intercepting them and degrading them and that is exactly what we will continue to do.”

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki (right), with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, when the monarch led members of Kwara State traditional council on a solidarity visit to the Senate President, in Ilorin, at the weekend.

Asset declaration: Kwara monarchs caution FG against persecution Ayodele Adesanmi Abuja

The Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council at the weekend advised the present administration in the country against politics of persecution. Apparently reacting to the ongoing trial of the Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, over alleged false declaration of assets by the Federal Government, the monarch said it was obvious that the Senate President was being persecuted. According to a statement from the Media office of the Senate President and signed by Sanni Onogu the monarch pledged to continue to support and pray for the Senate President and leader of Kwara politics to overcome his present challenges. They added that the present administration that Nigerians who voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election, voted for change and not for political harassment of perceived opponents. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who led the delegation of the top Kwara traditional chiefs on a solidarity visit to Saraki’s residence in Ilorin, urged Nigerians to be wary of bad elements bent on dividing the country on account of political vendetta. Sulu Gambari, who is the Chairman, Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, stated that since

nobody can claim perfection, the resort to hurling political enemies before the courts over spurious charges is harmful. According to him “We are here for good reasons and to bring the goodwill of the Council of Chiefs, representing all the chiefs and traditional rulers of Kwara State. We came here to join our son (Bukola Saraki). We are ready to support him. We are here to see him on the various constitutional challenges; we would not call them problems. May God not make them problems for us.

“The politics of persecution is not the right change for Nigeria. We want changes; we want it to be clean. He who seeks equity must come with clean hands. If you want equity, you must do equity. There is a situation where you must come with clean hands; there is situation where you must do equity to ask for equity. “We know there are several stages of challenges before our leader (Saraki) in Kwara State, such that nobody in Nigeria can ever be clean enough. But do we want to upset the whole Nigeria community because we want beautiful change?

Time and posterity will tell. “But we want to appeal to men of goodwill that politics should not be with bitterness. Politics should be about the unity of this country. “We have come so far, we have tried many forms of political structures. The one before us now, which God has given the APC, the APC has been given straitjacket power of this country. We want to appeal for their understanding to keep what God has given them jealously from those who are ready to dismantle them.”

Man hangs self in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

A middle-aged man, Tope Ogunmodede, has reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself in Lafe area of Akure, the Ondo State capital, last weekend. Ogunmodede, 52 who was said to have been having mental related disease for about 32 years reportedly took his own life out of frustration. An anonymous source who explained that the deceased has been battling with the mental problem was billed to visit the hospital for medical attention, last Thursday, but had to be shifted to Monday because of the

Sallah holiday. Ogunmodede, who has been stay i n g w i t h h i s mother was said to have left home on Friday after his old mother went out t o a t t e n d to personal engagement and was left alone in the house. The mother was said to have returned, only to find the dead body of his son dangling in his room. “When the mother could not find him at his usual place where he used to sit, she felt something has happened and searched every room because it was unusual not seeing him where he used to sit. She later found him dangling in one of the rooms,” the source added.

A family member, who sp o ke w i th N i g e r i a n Tribune, said that a lot of money has been spent at the psychiatric hospital by the family members over the mental illness but to no avail, describing the death of Ogunmodede as very painful and unfortunate after spending huge amount of money on the ailment. The Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo confirmed that police detectives have visited the scene of the incident and taken photographs of the deceased. Ogodo who said that no foul play was suspected, adding that the corpse has been deposited at the Akure Specialist hospital.

CNYA backs Gemade for Senate Presidency Gbola Subair- Abuja

The Coalition of Northern Youths Association CNYA has resolved to mobilise its members and senators to rally round Senator Barnabas Gemade to become the next Senate President in view of the corruption charges involving the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki. Rising from an emergency meeting in Kaduna, on Saturday, the group in a statement signed by its National Coordinator Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed stated that the current crisis bedevilling the Senate President with his eventual arraignment at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, last week, has raised a moral issue, and that is, is Senator Saraki morally fit to continue to preside over the affairs of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? “To us in CNYA, we strongly believe that Senator Saraki has no moral right to preside over the affairs of the Senate based on the allegations levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, and he cannot be facing trial and at the same time while presiding over the affairs of the Senate. As such, the best option left for him now, if he has conscience, is to resign honourably and pave way for a new leadership in the senate,” the group said.

IWG attracts partners to its development programmes Newly inaugurated panAfrican non-governmental organisation, based in Nigeria, named I Will Give (IWG) has started attracting partners from different sectors of the economy to its six articulated socio-economic development programmes. IWG recently named a 10-man steering committee to govern its activities with members which include Dr Lola Dare, President of Chestrad International and Dr Bimbola Ogunkelu, former Minister for Cooperation and Integration. IWG as a development platform mobilises resources through social giving, organised philanthropy and corporate social responsibility for high social impact programmes spread across different fields of education, health, youth and women economic empowerment.

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Monday, 28 September, 2015

Army seizes 8 boats, 2.3 million litres stolen diesel in Rivers

roops of Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, have seized 2.3 million litres of allegedly stolen diesel worth N3.45 million from an illegal bunker site in Rivers. The petroleum product was siphoned from the pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Major-General Alani Okunlola, the Commander of the operation, formerly known as the Joint Task Force, disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday, at Tamunotonye Ama in OguBolo Local Government Area of Rivers. Okunlola said that two suspected oil thieves were arrested at the bunker site, while several equipment used by the operators of the illegal bunker were seized during the raid. “On September 23, troops of Sector 2 of OPS of 2 Brigade Army, Port Harcourt, stormed TamunotonyeAma community and dis-

Group petitions ICPC over Lake Chad Institute fraud Collins Nnabuife - Abuja

A group, Nigerians United against Corruption (NUAC), has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), to reopen the corruption case at the Lake Chad Research Institute, which led to the five-year jail term of its former Director-General, Professor Bukar Bababe, in January 2015. The group, in a petition titled “The Need to Revisit the Lake Chad Research Institute Fraud Saga,” signed by its president, Ola Oluwasanmi, alleged that proper investigation into the matter had not been concluded as another suspect in the matter, Mr Shettima Aji, was said to be on the run. The petition dated September 23, 2015 said “We in this light write to request that the investigation into the matter be reopened to ensure all culprits and accomplices into the matter are apprehended and the matter given a more cursory look to end that regime which still has tentacles and agents at the Lake Chad Research Institute to continue permeating corruption and its attendant vices,” It read in part.

covered a very large bunkering site which operates illegally. “Troops during the raid discovered and seized eight large metal badges laden with stolen Automated Gas Oil (AGO), commonly referred to as diesel, while other 23 empty barges were also seized. “Two of the eight metal

badges have estimated capacity of seven tanker trucks each,” he said. The OPS commander told newsmen that other items found at the site were 44 large plastic tanks, 22 illegal pumping dumps, 18 pumping machines, three speedboats, two outboard engines and a lengthy hose. He added that 19 storage

tanks filled with stolen crude oil were also seized from the site during the operation. “Two suspects in our custody will be interrogated, while the barges have been towed to Ogoloma Jetty in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers,’’ he said. Okunlola said that investigation into the activities of the operators of the illegal

bunkers had begun. He said that the investigation should reveal how they were able to operate in the area without being spotted. The OPS commander said that under his command, the operation had increased the frequency of raids in a bid to end oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region.

From left, founder, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Chief Subomi Balogun; Ogun State deputy governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at the 2015 Ojude Oba festival, held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Saturday.

Military tasks Nigerians on anti-terrorism war THE Nigerian Army on Sunday, appealed to Nigerians to team up with the military in its efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency. Making the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, Major-General Yushau Abubakar, the Theatre Commander, Operation “Lafiya Dole,” said one of the key roles the people could play was volunteering vital information. Abubakar explained that the anti-terrorism war could not succeed through military operations alone. “I want to inform all that this operation should not be seen as purely military; it should be seen as an inclusive peace operation, where everybody has a role to play. “This battle can best be won at the quickest time with the co-operation of all stakeholders. “We need information; we need co-operation; we need synergy, we need support, support in the sense that we have lots of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), which I believe, good Nigerians, good organisations, either domestically or internationally, can always come to assist. “While this is being done, the military is faced with the task of degrading, destroy-

ing and arresting the terrorists,” he said. The commander said that wealthy individuals and corporate organisations should also assist by providing logistics to the military to aid its operations. “In a situation where you find us in more areas than expected, then our attention will be diverted, that is why we need the co-operation of other stakeholders. “About two weeks ago, Toyota Nigeria Limited came and made a donation;

such support will enhance our efficiency,’’ Abubakar said. He also advised Nigerians to form vigilance groups in their localities and places of work, to prevent terrorists’ attacks. “We are appealing to everybody to take charge of security of his or her environment by being vigilant and reporting strange happenings. “The military will do all it takes to secure the society, but Nigerians must help out

by being vigilant,” he added. He lamented that spate of explosions in motor parks in spite of the fact that the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) is one of the strongest unions in Nigeria in terms of membership and organisation. “Unfortunately we always have challenges or cases of bomb blasts in motor parks. “I will appeal to NURTW, market organisations and religious bodies that security should be our collective responsibilities,’’ he said.

FG will sustain intervention in varsities —TETFund boss Clement Idoko - Abuja

THE Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Professor Suleiman Bogoro, has said that the Federal Government will sustain intervention in public universities in order to achieve desired improved quality teaching, learning and research. Bogoro said he was glad that Nigerian universities were coming up in global ranking in view of the current infrastructural development efforts at the institutions by the Federal Government through TETFund. He spoke at the weekend, when he unveiled some TETFund sponsored proj-

ects at the Kogi State University, Anyigba. Some of the projects include blocks of building to serve as Department of Anatomy in preparation for clinical studies at School of Medicine, Kogi State University. Bogoro noted that the low rating of Nigerian universities was as a result of their inability to meet two-third of accreditation requirements, particularly on infrastructural and human capacity development. He said now that the situation has improved, brighter prospects await these institutions as the agency would not relent in its intervention efforts. He said: “I am excited that the ranking of Nigerian uni-

versities is coming up positively. Before now, the major challenge of the ranking of Nigerian universities had to do with their inability to meet two-thirds of accreditation requirements, particularly on infrastructures and human capacity development. “We have been addressing that largely through aggressive intervention in respect of infrastructure in both federal and state universities. Before I assumed office about a year ago, less than 50 per cent of higher institutions in the country were able to access TETFund grants due to their low rating, I am glad to say that trend has now been reversed.”

Nigerian Tribune

Aisha Buhari condoles with NUJ over hajj tragedy THE wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed her deepest sympathy and sincere condolences over the death of over 700 pilgrims in Mecca. According to a statement signed by Adebisi Olumide-Ajayi, Special Adviser, Media to the Wife of the President, Mrs Buhari noted that it was disheartening to hear of the death of so many prominent Nigerians. She also commiserated with all members of the Nigerian Union Of Journalists (NUJ) over the demise of the first female journalist from Northern Nigeria, Bilkisu Yusuf, who was involved in the incident, adding that Yusuf would be sorely missed for her many contributions to the advancement of womenfolk and her mentoring of young female journalists.

Dickson commends Awujale at Ojude Oba Bayelsa State governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has lauded the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, for preserving and propagating the age long cultures and traditions of the people of Ijebu land in Ogun State. The governor, who was one of the Special Guests at the 2015 celebration of the annual Ojude Oba festival, commended the Oba and the people of Ijebu for using their culture, as a rallying point for sons and daughters of the land at home and abroad and also as a unifying factor for Nigerians and even non Nigerians. He expressed satisfaction with the wide acceptance of the ideals of the festival by the people, noting that, it has been made possible by the leadership style of the Awujale, who has continued to demonstrate deep rooted love and appreciation of the culture and tradition of the land. Honourable Dickson also expressed gratitude to the Awujale, the chiefs and people of Ijebu land for the invitation extended to him to participate in the Ojude Oba festival, stressing that, the honour would also strengthen the already existing bond of unity between the people of Bayelsa and Ogun states as well as the Ijaws and the Yorubas of the South-West.

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Monday, 28 September, 2015

Revelations by military against some prominent Borno indigenes worrisome —ACF Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

HE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said the recent revelations made by the military against some prominent Borno State indigenes over moves to undermine the fight against

Boko Haram were worrisome. This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim and made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Kaduna on Sunday. The military authorities had alleged that some

“unscrupulous individuals and their cohorts are determined to reverse the gains made and scuttle our efforts of achieving the presidential directive to defeat Boko Haram terrorists within three months.” “ACF considers this statement very grave, disturbing and worrisome considering

the efforts being put by the military and other security agencies to end the insurgency in the North-East region. “It is callous, wicked and unfortunate that some prominent individuals place their personal benefits above national interest. “ACF urges the military

to thoroughly investigate the clandestine activities and other diabolical efforts of these politicians, expose and prosecute them to serve as deterrent to others.” The statement maintained, “Nigeria cannot afford to treat such unscrupulous groups or individuals with kid gloves at this material time that all hands are on deck to restore peace and order in the North-East subregion and the country in general. “ACF will support and encourage the military to take any lawful action against the so called prominent elders and politicians undermining the effort of the Federal Government to combat terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.”

Expert tasks NPC on solution to water problem By Nurudeen Alimi

Anchor of Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce music concert, Okey Bakassi, presenting Glo gift pack to Rebecca Erukubami who emerged winner in the dancing contest, held during the event on Saturday night, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

Again, APC, Fayose trade words over bailout Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State and the state government have again traded words over the opposition party’s consistent criticism of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s plans on how to use the N9.6 billion bailout received by the state. The APC, through its spokesperson in the state, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, has been claiming in various statements that Fayose had planned to divert the funds and on Sunday, again said in a statement that Governor Fayose “plans to divert the N9.6billion bailout by the Federal Government to assist the state workers in the payment of their salary arrears and other entitlements.” But the state government described the allegation as “the usual frivolity”, and that “the APC would be put to shame beginning from this week when Ekiti workers begin to receive alerts for the payment of their salary arrears brought for-

ward from the administration of ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi.” Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Idowu Adelusi, said “we will not react to or elevate frivolous talks of the Ekiti APC,” adding that “this week when the Ekiti workers are paid the August and September 2014 salaries and the deductions owed them by the inept Fayemi Adminis-

tration, the Ekiti APC will be put to shame because Ekiti people will hate them more.” Olatunbosun had said in the statement that it noted that an “announcement by the governor that pensioners’ entitlements and other categories of workers were not captured in the bailout was an attempt to divert the money to other uses.” The APC, which said it

had put the Central Bank, Debt Management Office (DMO), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on notice, also threatened to apply for the Freedom of Information Law instrument to get the details of the breakdown of the bailout at the CBN and DMO.

TSA hitches force Ado Poly to postpone post-UTME tests Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

THE Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, has moved the dates for its post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (P-UTME) screening tests following what the institution said were ‘challenges’ faced by its candidates in banks owing to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the Federal Government. According to the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Information, Mr Ade Adeyemi-

Adejolu, the postponement was “due chiefly to challenges experienced by many prospective candidates in possessing their e-transact PIN from banks as a result of recent government banking policy on TSA.” Adeyemi-Adejolu added that last week’s Sallah holiday also added to the polytechnic’s resolve to shift the screening to between Monday and Friday next week at the institution, as against this week as earlier scheduled.

He said the postponement became imperative “by the need to enable a hitch-free preparation and successful conduct of the screening test with the hope that the shifting would afford many prospective candidates normalise their registration.” He urged all interested candidates yet to complete their online application to do so until Wednesday when the admission portal would be closed for further administration.

A geologist and water expert, Mr Michael Ale, has tasked the National Planning Commission (NPC) to proffer solutions to the varying water challenges in the country by partnering with development partners in the country. Ale, who is also the National President of Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday. According to him, NPC cannot execute critical planning of activities in the water sector except expertise in water resources management and Planning in the department are saddled with such responsibility. “NPC activities are to make sure that any development partner interested in the water sector is guided right (advisory) on the areas where critical investment in water sector is required as it fits into the national development strategies,” he said. Listing the number of active development partners available in Nigeria, he said: World Bank, European Union (EU), African Development Bank (AfDB), USAID, French Development Agency (AFD), UNICEF, Department for International Development (DFID) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) were active in supporting water activities in Nigeria.

UNESCO, NMEC to support adult literacy development in Oyo By Kehinde Adio

THE National Commission for Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC), in collaboration with the United Nations Educational and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has resolved to join Oyo State Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education in its ongoing efforts to promote literacy, especially at the community level. Oyo State Acting Executive Secretary, Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education, Mr Folarin Akinsanya, who gave the hint recently, stated that UNESCO and NMEC team from Abuja would pay an advocacy visit on the state governor, Senator Isiaka Ajimobi, as the team would visit one of the communities’ adult learning centres in the state at Ikereku village, located at Akinyele Local Government Area, to donate teaching and learning materials to the centre. Mr Akinsanya commended NMEC and UNESCO for their supports toward the ongoing war against adult illiteracy challenges in the rural areas.

6 die in Sokoto boat accident SIX persons have been confirmed dead in a boat accident that occurred on Saturday in a river in Bengaji District of Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Confirming the deaths in a statement issued to newsmen in Sokoto, on Sunday, Alhaji Mika’ilu Sabo-Yabo, the Assistant Information Officer of the local government, said that the six persons died after the boat they were travelling capsized. According to the statement, four other passengers of the ill-fated boat survived with minor injuries. The statement further explained that the boat broke into two while in motion before it capsized killing six of the passengers, who were from Kissa, Gadara and Kalangu villages. “Nobody can tell me what really happened as at now, but further investigations would reveal the real cause of the mishap. “The deceased have since been buried according to Islamic rites, while the injured persons are responding to treatment at the hospital,” the statement said.

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Monday, 28 September, 2015

Youths give Okowa 7-day ultimatum to reinstate LG boss Ebenezer Adurokiya Warri

GGRIEVED youths from Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have handed seven days to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to reinstate chairman of the council, Mr Henry Baro. The youth, from across four communities of the local government threatened to unleash carnage on the area if Okowa takes their threat lightly. It will be recalled that members of the state House of Assembly had, on August 4, suspended the council boss over allegations said to be unfounded. As a result, the local government area has been under siege by security operatives who, daily, restrict movement in and

around the council secretariat. This action has, since then, been crippling daily administration and creating panic among residents. The angry youths handed the threat to resort to mayhem in a statement dated

September 24 and addressed to HRM, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie. The statement was signed by Samson Agboire, Richard Idjai, Mudiaga Arisi, and Unity Ojegba, who are the youth presidents of Effurun, Ekpan, Ugborikoko

and Ugboroke. The youth leaders described Baro’s suspension as unlawful and accused the Uvwie monarch and his traditional council of sitting on the fence on the matter. “Those who want to take our message as empty boast

should cheerfully wait till the end of the ultimatum. His Majesty, it is in deference to you that we elected to be circumspect which all know very well is not our trade mark,” the angry youths warned in the statement.

Exercise good for your heart —Cardiologist B y Gabriel Oshokha

SENIOR Consultant Cardiologist in Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, Dr Rajeeve Kumar Rajput, has disclosed that exercise can boost one’s heart health in many ways. The cardiologist stated that coronary problems were increasing worldwide, owing to various reasons like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even smoking which he said, is becoming common. He noted that exercise could improve cholesterol and blood pressure, adding that it could also help one to reach a healthy weight. Dr Rajput, who made the disclosure in Abuja while on a visit to Nigeria, recently, said: “Exercise is less as most of us have sedentary lifestyle and because of all of these factors, there are blockages in the blood supply to the heart which causes chest pain, artery pain and heart problems which are now common.” Dr Rajput, however, advised people to talk to their doctor, before starting an exercise programme for their safety. “Africans and Asians are more prone to artery blockage. A lot need to be done to train local doctors here. The gold standard of managing heart attack today is to do a gene venography of these patients and open the artery and put a stand. “I spoke to the doctors who came here, there is one centre doing it sometimes. It is not routinely available in Abuja.

Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (middle); his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro (right) and Reverend Justus Mogekwu, during Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary service in Asaba, on Sunday

Okun leader carpets APC over choice of running mate for Audu Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

A leader of the Okun ethnic group in Kogi State, Pastor Femi Obalemo, on Sunday, described the choice of the member representing Ikeja Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Abiodun Faleke, as the running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate,

Abubakar Audu, as an insult on the ethnic group. He said it was wrong for such a choice to be made without the input of the leadership of the ethnic group. Obalemo, who is also the Senior Special Assistant on Debt Management to the state governor, said the development amounted to imposition by the leadership of the party

since no consultation was done with the people and the state chapter of the party before the choice was made. According to him, at least seven aspirants from Okun extraction of the party participated in the last governorship primary of the APC, saying one of them should have been picked. He said it is worrisome that the seven aspirants

Group wants FG to review admission policy into varsities Bola Badmus- Lagos

A group, Winning Generation of South West Youth (WGSWY), has urged the Federal Government to urgently review the admission policy that gives preference to candidates from “educationally disadvantaged states” considering the negative impact it poses on merit driven academics in the country. The group made the call at the weekend in a statement made available by its president, Comrade Tope Musowo, saying that the concept of educationallydisadvantaged-states was none existent in Nigeria. According to WGSWY president, what existed in the country are individuals

who are not interested in education, saying no youth from any region should be given preference above others. “Nigerian youths should be allowed to compete on a level-playing field, because no youth from any region is intellectually inferior to the other,” he said. “There is nowhere in the entire world where there are two admission standards for the same set of candidates, in a situation where candidates from a particular region would get admission with a JAMB score as low as 200 for the same course that requires about 270 from candidates from another state, this is discriminatory, obnoxious, and against the principle of equity, fairness and a unit-

ed Nigeria,” he said. “If we study with the same curriculum, used the same syllabus, we all have our annual budgetary allocations for education, government made educational facilities available to all in equal measure, teachers were deployed to schools in all the parts of the country, if anyone refuses to take advantage of all these, why should some youths from certain part of the country be made to suffer for this?”, Musowo queried. He therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently, review this obnoxious policy that is truncating our dream and frustrating our parent’s effort in this part of the country, for the present admission year.

were eminently qualified to be governor of the state, but regretted that none of them was deemed qualified to be considered as the running mate to Audu. He, however, regretted that the situation got to the level that somebody in another state had to impose a candidate on the people, saying it was unacceptable. Obalemo said the days were gone when somebody could just impose a candidate on the people without the people asking that “why must it be Faleke who is currently serving as a Federal Legislator when there are so many other qualified candidates in the area?” In his words “if the issue of powershift in 2019 will be realised, it must be within the context of those who are in the struggle, those who have spent their energy and resources for the struggle and not a ‘foreign mercenary’ that will end up servicing his god father in Lagos.” Pastor Obalemo who claimed the APC governorship candidate was not in the good books of civil servants and pensioners in the state said the situation was more compounded for him when Faleke was presented as the running mate. He therefore called on the people of the state to support the re-election bid of Governor Idris Wada, saying with all options considered Wada was still the better candidate.

Abdullahi commends officers, thanks Nigerians, security agencies THE Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has expressed satisfaction over the security situation across the country as Muslim faithful celebrate Eidel-Kabir. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Commandant General thanked Almighty Allah for a hitch-free celebration and the peace recorded nationwide. He stated that he and principal officers of the NSCDC have been involved in the patrol as a way of assuring Nigerians of the security of lives and property during the festive period. Gana, however said, No going back on anti vandalism war, he stressed that activities of economic saboteurs are geared towards selfishness and self-interest without taking into consideration the adverse effect on the society.

Lawmakers commiserate with families of Hajj victims TWO lawmakers from the Nassarawa State House of Assembly, Honourable Luka Illiya Zhekaba from Obi II Constituency and Honourable Makpa Malla from Wamba Constituency, who is also the chairman House committee on information, have condemned the death of about 14 Nigerians that recently met their untimely death in the cause of performing this year holy pilgrimage at Mecca. The two parliamentarians described the incidence as saddening, calling on the authority concerned to do everything humanly possible to prevent a future occurrence. They, however, felicitated with Muslims across the nation on the joyous occasion of the celebration of this year Eid-el-kabir festival, praying that God will grant everyone of them long live good health to witness many more of it on earth.

news

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Why I insisted LG election must hold —Fayose

kiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, has said that he insisted that local government election must hold in the state so as to lessen the burden on the state government and bring governance closer to the people in the grassroots. Fayose made this disclosure during a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders’ Forum meeting in OtunEkiti, at the weekend. According to a statement by Stephen Gbadamosi, the

Special Assistant (Media), to the speaker of the State House of Assembly, the governor was represented by the speaker, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, who maintained that nothing would stop the local government poll from holding according to the time-table released by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Committee (EKSIEC). “As the election approaches, let us talk to our children who are contesting not to cause trouble. They all have

right to those positions, but only one person can occupy a post at any given time. Once a person has emerged through a credible process, others should support him or her. “The governor asked me to tell you that in his experience as a politician, he has known that the elders are the backbone of the party. That is why he is interested in your forum. It is important. Those who are contesting for one position or the other in the party emanated

from your wards, your compounds and houses. “The governor also asked me to tell you that he is father over all the party members and as such, he has no special candidate. It the person that you choose from your local government or ward that I recognise. It is grassroots politics. Everybody has to go and work. If anybody tells you that he is Oshoko’s candidate, you should also tell him that you are Oshoko’s candidate,” he said.

He added that the state government had to put employment into the civil service on hold as a result of paucity of funds, contending that government, monthly, had to augment the federal allocation for it to be enough to pay workers’ salaries. The forum consists of 10 members of PDP, who are above 60 years of age each from the 11 wards in the local government, and the meeting is expected to be moving round the local governments in the state.

Bayelsa APC : Guber aspirant calls for cooperation over fresh primaries Taiwo Adisa - Abuja A governorship hopeful in the Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress(APC), Ambassador Emmanuel Otiotio, has called on other aspirants to cooperate with the party over the planned fresh primaries in the state. Otiotio, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Japan in a statement, expressed confidence in the ability and impartiality of APC national leadership to conduct a free and fair primaries that will be acceptable to all. He said: "Politics and political contest should not be a do-or-die affair, but should be about service to humanity. We must imbibe the fear of God even in politics as we seek to serve the people and give our uttermost best. "It behoves all of us in APC to work together to rescue Bayelsa State from the precipice and uninspiring leadership. It is a task that goes beyond an individual and one which infighting and internal wrangling cannot achieve. We must all make a commitment to have a new Bayelsa. "I have explicit confidence in the ability of our great leaders at the national level to conduct a fresh poll devoid of manipulation. I have no doubt that they want the best for Bayelsa people and are strongly interested in our party presenting a decent and purpose-driven candidate and we must support them to actualise this.” The ambassador, who is among the 19 aspirants contesting the APC ticket for the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa, is seen by many within and outside the state circles, as an upright figure who can sanitise the state, engender development and indeed, get the support of the people to defeat the countryman governor, Seriake Dickson.

From left, representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Julius Okojie; former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon and the ProChancellor and chairman of council, University of Jos, Chief Don Etiebet, at the convocation ceremony of University of Jos, on Saturday. PHOTO:NAN.

We won’t spare any govt MDA, officials —Osun Assembly Oluwole Ige - Oshogbo

Osun State House of Assembly has warned that no Ministry, Department and Agency (MDAs), as well as officials of government would be spared in its efforts at strengthening the system to ensure that the people get the best from their commonwealth. It said it would go deeper and be more critical beyond its usual supervision to en-

sure effectiveness in the governance of the state. The speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam, said this while receiving the former governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who visited him for Ileya festival celebration. “Of recent, we have been beaming our searchlight into the activities of some specific agencies of government and even contractors because we have to step up to further en-

hance the performance of this government. “We are ever ready to be more critical and go deeper. It does not mean that we want to witchunt anybody, but to ensure that everyone secure the best in terms of raising the profile of the masses and ensuring that financial appropriation served its purpose. “Whether you are a contractor, a worker or even political office holder, everyone must

String of successes against B/Haram shows military can meet 3-month deadline —APC Bola Badmus - Lagos The All Progressives Congress (APC), has again, lauded the Nigerian military for what it described as string of successes in the battle against Boko Haram, saying the impressive performance had shown that the terror group could, indeed, be defeated within the three-month deadline stipulated by President Muhammadu Buhari. The party said this on Sunday in a statement made available by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The APC declared that the continued push to dislodge the terrorists from their fortress in Sambisa forest and

elsewhere, the dismantling of their major fuel depot and other logistics and the rescue of many innocent people from the clutches of the terrorists, were clear indications that the military had gained the upper hand against Boko Haram insurgents. The party said the mere fact that the terrorists were now surrendering in droves to the gallant troops of the Nigerian military, was the clearest indication yet that the bandits were feeling the tremendous heat which had been turned on them. It urged the troops to continue with their gallantry and patriotism until they had finally silenced the terror group that had caused

the nation so much pain, stressing the need to step up intelligence gathering to stop the lone wolf suicide bombers. The APC also commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership, saying their personal examples which had seen them on the battle front many times, had made all the difference in motivating their troops. “The bigger picture of the impending Boko Haram defeat is the restoration of the much-vaunted capability of the Nigerian military and its globally-acclaimed professionalism that have vaulted Nigeria to the elite group of top global peace-keeping nations.

be put on his toes”. “No MDA would be spared in this operation. We want to scale up our supervision”, Salaam said. He said that Assembly would not approve the budget of any MDA without convincing the parliament about the performance of its last budget, most especially in the area of revenue generation. The speaker, who used the avenue to address the issue surrounding the delay in the formation of standing committees of the House, said it would not in any way affect the oversight function of the house on the executive. He said the Assembly was only taking its time to have better hands at various committees to be able to deliver effectively. Salaam then lauded Oyinlola for the visit paid on him, saying, the gesture was a demonstration of a good leadership. Earlier, Oyinlola had commended the parliament for playing its role towards the development of the state. He appealed to every stakeholder, especially workers to come out new to serve the state diligently, saying, “this state belong to all of us and its survival depends on what we do today that would be the reflection of what happens tomorrow”.

20,000 benefit from micro-finance loan in Kwara Biola Azeez - Ilorin

About 20,000 people in Kwara State have benefitted from over N5billion revolving loan granted by KCMB Micro -Finance Bank, Ilorin, in the last six years even as the bank presented a cheque of N10.2 million dividends to Kwara State government. Speaking during the third annual general meeting (AGM), of the bank in Ilorin, at the weekend, the chairman, board of directors of KCMB Micro-Finance Bank, Alhaji Demola Banu, said that despite challenges in the banking sector, the bank has recorded N23.5million Profit Before Tax (PBT), adding that the bank declared 18k dividends per share in the year ended December 2014. “Also, the bank customers have increased from 13,462 in 2013 to 15,183,while active borrowers have increased from 1,516 in 2013 to 2,115 in the year under review”, he said, adding that the bank was set up to provide financial services to low-income earners as well as micro and small enterprises in the state. Alhaji Banu also said that the bank was on its mission of enhancing the entrepreneurial potential of small and medium scale businesses. “As a result of this, we believe we are the leading micro -finance bank, which is line with our vision”, he said.

Anniversary Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Revival Centre, (Agbara Jesu wa Sibe), 1, Oluwatedo Close, behind Government College, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State, has commenced its 33rd anniversary last Friday. According to the host, Prophet M.O. Salawu, the theme of the programme is "Looking forward to the coming back of the Lord Jesus Christ." The week-long event which commenced last Friday, will end on Thursday, October 1, with the anniversary day, at the church auditorium, by 10.00am. The host speaker is Rev (Dr) J.B. Ayanlowo.

Prophet Salawu

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Obama to lead UN peacekeeping, counterterrorism summits

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08116954632 with seyi gesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

Iran criticises Saudi Arabia over deaths during pilgrimage Three days after hundreds of people died in a stampede at the holiest Muslim pilgrimage, the Hajj, Iran’s Supreme Leader lashed out at host nation Saudi Arabia. “Saudi rulers, instead of shunning (responsibility), must accept their responsibility in this grave incident by apologising to the Muslim Ummah and bereft families,” said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday, according to Iranian state-run Press TV. At least 769 people were killed in a stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, according to Saudi staterun SPA news agency. At least 934 people were injured. “This is not a situation with which to play politics,” Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Saturday. “I would hope that the Iranian leaders would be more sensible and more thoughtful with regards to those who perished in this tragedy and wait until we see the results of the investigation.” Saudi officials have said that they’re investigating what caused hundreds of pilgrims to get trampled. Among the suggested causes: rushing to com-

plete the rituals, extreme heat, throngs of worshipers pushing against one another in opposite directions, even confusion among the many firsttimers on the annual Islamic pilgrimage. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia categorically denied “misleading and distorted allegations” about road closures that it believes started through Iranian state-controlled media.

Bodies of some of the affected victims

France launches first air strikes against ISIL in Syria France has carried out its first air strikes in Syria against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group. The announcement from President Francois Hollande’s office on Sunday came after a year of hesita-

tion. Hollande had resisted the raids in Syria, saying he did not want to strengthen Syria’s President Bashar alAssad, who is the target of ISIL fighters. Hollande announced a change in strategy ear-

lier this month because of growing concern about the Syrian refugee crisis that is putting pressure on Europe - the preferred destination for the asylum seekers. In Iraq, France has been carrying out the air raids since last year as part of the

US-led coalition. Hollande, heading to the UN General Assembly on Sunday where Syrian crisis was expected to be the key subject of debate, stressed the importance of seeking a political solution for Syria.

The United States President, Barack Obama arrived at the United Nations on Sunday for several days of meetings, speeches and summits. Among them, he will chair two high-level sessions; one on U.N. peacekeeping and the other on countering terrorism. He is also expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The peacekeeping summit will take place today and will be co-hosted by the United States, eight other nations and U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon. “Our intense focus is rooted in recognition of the fact that the need for nimble, effective U.N. peace operations has never been greater,” said Sheba Crocker, U.S. assistant secretary of state for international organisation affairs. The United Nations has more than 120,000 troops and police deployed in 16 missions around the world at a cost of over $8 billion a year.

Pope: God weeps for victims of Priest sexual abuse Meeting with Roman Catholic bishops in Philadelphia, Pope Francis on Sunday called for continued vigilance against

clergy sexual abuse of youth and superiors’ efforts to conceal grave misdeeds. “God weeps for sexual

abuse of children,” said Francis, who met earlier Sunday morning with three women and two men who as youths had

Pope Francis kisses a baby from his popemobile near Independence Hall, Philadelphia. PHOTO: (J. Socolovsky/VOA)

been abused by priests. The meeting included their relatives and some teachers, the AFP news agency reported. Francis addressed the 300 bishops, who’ve been attending the previous week’s Vatican-sponsored World Meeting of Families, at St. Martin’s Chapel of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The pope and his entourage spent the night at the seminary. In his Sunday morning talk with the bishops, he asked for “careful oversight

to ensure that youth are protected and that all … will be held accountable.” According to The Associated Press, the pope is creating a new Vatican tribunal to prosecute bishops who covered up for pedophile priests instead of reporting them to law enforcement. On the final day of his whirlwind six-day, U.S. tour, the pope also is scheduled to visit a prison and celebrate a final outdoor Mass in downtown Philadelphia.

otherNEWS

Migrants continue pouring into Croatia Thousands more migrants, many from Syria and Iraq, streamed into Croatia on Saturday on a journey fueled by hopes of a better life in Europe. The influx, described by authorities as unprecedented, came a day after Croatia lifted its border

blockade with Serbia, ending a week long standoff that had severely strained relations between the two Balkan countries. It also came two days after an emergency European Union summit convened to address the largest movement of human-

ity on the continent since the end of World War II. Within hours of the border opening, an estimated 10,000 migrants had crossed into Croatia. Authorities in Zagreb said 65,000 migrants had entered the country of 4.5 million residents in the

Migrants line up after crossing a border from Croatia near the village of Zakany, Hungary. PHOTO: AP

past 10 days. The French news agency, AFP, quoted Croatian authorities as saying the government might temporarily house the new arrivals at a former Yugoslav army base in the south of the Adriatic country.

Spain’s Catalonia votes in crucial elections Catalans have started voting in an election described as the most important in Spain’s recent history, with opinion polls pointing to a win by supporters of a candidate who has pledged to declare the region indepen-

dent. Voting stations opened at 07:00 GMT on Sunday in Spain’s richest region of 7.5 million people where separatist feeling has increased in the recent years of economic crises.

Artur Mas, Catalonia’s nationalist president, told a crowd of tens of thousands of supporters as he was wrapping up his election campaign on Friday that the vote would “lead to freedom”. “Sunday is a special day for the

future of Catalonia. It is an historic day,” he said. Opinion polls show the conservative Mas and his leftwing allies in the pro-independence list, Together For Yes, could win that majority and nearly half the votes overall.

For his part, Mariano Rajoy, Spanish prime minister, urged voters to return Catalonia to “normality”. “There is a majority of Catalans who love their people and love their land, and do not want to see it amputat-

ed from Spain and from Europe,” he told supporters. Nationalists in Catalonia, which has its own language and cultural traditions, complain that they get less back from Madrid than they pay in taxes.

communitynews

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Tricycle owners and operators organise free medical service

Flooding at Olu Obasanjo Axis, Port Harcourt, Rivers State after a downpour, recently. PHOTO: DAPO FALADE

The Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN), an affilate of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), recently organised a three-day free medical test, treatment and health talk, for all its members in Lagos State. The Chairman, Lagos State council of the union, Comrade Joseph Odusanya, disclosed this at the council secretariat in Abule-Egba. He said the medical test involved blood group test, eye test, diabetes screening, hy-

IBEDC, Ota communities parley on electricity challenges olayinka olukoya-abeokuta

he Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and Community Development Associations in Ota/Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State, have resolved to work together to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. Speaking during the parley, the Commercial Manager of IBEDC for Ota Hub, Mr.Paul Peters, explained that the meeting was an avenue for the company to address electricity challenges confronting IBEDC customers. He noted that the company, in order to serve the communities better, had opened offices in many parts of the business district. He said, ”electricity is a joint process. We need

our customers to understand that we are a private organisation, who pay to get the electricity that we distribute. If our customers do not pay their bills, how do we get the electricity to distribute? We are here not to only tell you people to pay your bills, but to also

make you understand that we care about your health and safety as well.” He stressed the need for communities to abstain from accessing electric poles, as they could get hurt or ultimately die from shock. Peters pleaded with CDA leaders to educate

Iduwini National Movement for Peace and Development has commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for the restoration of peace to troubled Odimodi community. The group, which also commended Chief Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo, charged the people of the community to embrace peace by resolving their

tomers who do not have pre-paid meter should apply for it, saying that the company had designed a process whereby the company would install it within 45 working days. of the Highlights meeting was free medical check-up for custom-

Calabar residents express concern about condition of roads Some residents of Calabar have expressed concern about the deplorable condition of roads in the city. In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, the residents, therefore, called on the Cross River State government to repair the roads. According to most of the residents, the roads within the city were abandoned shortly after their con-

struction between 1999 and 2007. Mr James Johnson, a taxi driver, told NAN that Ikot Eyo Road by Parliament Street had become so bad to the extent that motorists always avoided plying the road. “Look at the deep holes on Ikot Eyo road; they are getting deeper more and more and with the heavy rains, the road may collapse before long,’’ he ob-

Group lauds Okowa for restoration of peace in Odimodi ebenezer adurokiya-warri

members of their communities not to harass members of staff of the company when they come to carry out their duties. He warned against electricity theft asking people to report such cases in the interest of all. He advised that cus-

differences amicably. President of the group, Engineer. Forcados Kingsley, who made the commendation in a statement in Warri, last week urged the people of Odimodi to have the interest and development of the town at heart. He charged them to be ready to sacrifice their personal interests for the overall well-being of the community. According to him: “We must be determined to see

Odimodi rise to a new level of prominence in development, with positive impact on our people. “We commend the Delta State government led by His Excellency, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa; the deputy governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro; Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo, Chief Ebikeme Clark, Chairman, Burutu Council, Chief Tunde Smooth, Chief Bibopiri Ajube and other Niger Delta leaders for their timely intervention.”

served. Another resident, Mr Oqua Etim, said the road to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital ``is bad and needs urgent intervention by government. “It gives me a great concern because, apart from obstructing traffic, vehicles often get damaged after plying the route. “Most of these street roads need rehabilitation and we need government’s attention in this direction immediately.’’ Also, Mrs Grace Ekpeyong, a business woman in Bi-quo area, expressed concern about the presence of large potholes along the roads in the area, saying the situation was very disturbing. Ekpeyong said the potholes had become embarrassing because the area was in the heart of Calabar. “The potholes are just too many and they are increasing by the day and if nothing is done urgently, some parts of the road may soon become ponds.

“I just hope that the government will do something about it now that Calabar Carnival is fast approaching,’’ she said. Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Kingsley Akor, a trader, also expressed concern about the deplorable condition of Lemna road, saying it needed serious attention. But Mr Christian Ita, a media aide to Governor Ben Ayade, attributed the deplorable road condition to the downpour being experienced in the state in the last two months. According to him, the state road maintenance agency would repair the roads as soon as the rainy season is over. “All these are caused by frequent rainfall in the state, especially in the last two months and this is expected. “You do not expect government to work on the roads now that the rains are still pouring. “But I can assure you that as soon as the rains are over, the state road maintenance agency will start repair works, so, there is no cause for alarm,’’ he said.

pertension screening and general medical checks. The lead medical consultant that held the health talk was Dr Baderinwa Adewale, who is a member of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the Ministerial Committee on Complementary and Alternative Medicines. He commended the chairman National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos State Comrade Tajudeen Agbede for his contribution to the transportation system and security in the state.

Security agencies partner community leaders to fight crime adelowo oladipo-minna

Security agencies in the country have concluded plans to collaborate with community leaders in their efforts to checkmate the activities of criminal elements in the larger society. The plan to collaborate with community leaders is to enhance the gathering of intelligence report on rural- urban and inter-state movements in the country. Making the disclosure was the new zonal commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in charge of Zone H, Dr Ahmed Mohammed Jega, during a meeting with civil defence commanders in the zone comprising Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Zamfara and Sokoto states. Dr Jega further explained that some states in the North had resolved to provide logistic support for security agencies in the prevention of cattle rustling and crises in the states. Cattle rustling, herdsmen and farmers clashes are the major security challenges facing states in the north central and north western parts of the country.

communitynews

Monday, 28 September, 2015

Community celebrates Akinale Day olayinkaolukoya-abeokuta

The celebration of the 2015 annual Akinale Day in a sleepy community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State was classic in its own way. The celebration, held at the town’s market square, had in attendance dignitaries from different parts of the state. Addressing the gathering, the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, said the exhibition of farm produce during the celebration was to encourage subsistence farming among the people of the community and those outside. He observed that if everybody engaged in subsistence farming, the level of poverty would reduce drastically. Oba Ogunleye said the community would be made a farmers’ market where farmers all around would come in with their various agricultural produce to exhibit and sell. “When I was crowned 10 years ago, I started what we call the Akinale Day, and we have been doing it every year. But I thought differently this year. I thought about people who complain of poverty so I asked them to bring what they have produced in their farms; that we are making this community a farmers’

market,” he said. He added that diseases would be a thing of the past if the people embraced organic farming and stop promoting foods that contain chemicals. In his lecture at the ceremony, the National President, Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners (NOAN), Professor Olajire Adeoye, urged the people to embrace organic foods instead of chemically cultured foods He noted that given the right atmosphere, one could plant without the use of chemicals. He equally encouraged people to plant at subsistent level, crops like pepper, tomatoes, vegetables and cassava to feed their families, adding that rearing of animals should also be encouraged. One of the farmers present for the exhibition, Mrs. Oluyinka Odukoya, said she was trained as a secretary but

ventured into agriculture because of her love for farming. She exhibited fruits

Some of those who graced the occasion were Oba Rasaki Jimoh Famuyiwa, the

Onipapa of Papa land; Chief Oluomo Bolaji; Chief Ogooluwa Bankole, among others.

From left, Oyebola of Igbaga Ijebu, Oba Olatunde Adenaike; the celebrant and founder of Fola Ogunsola Foundation, Mrs. Fola Ogunsola; Obelu of Esure Ijebu-Imushin, Oba Kamoru Sansi and Chief Soga, at Fola Ogunsola’s 50th birthday in Lagos, recently.

Kwara communities want govt intervention on development biola azeez-ilorin

eople of Ogodo, Sholu and Gbago communities in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State have concluded arrange-

ments to make advocacy visits to elected government officials, relevant agencies and legislators’ constituency offices over lack of infrastructure and socio-economic development in their communi-

AIG tasks officers, men on community policing The Acting Assistant Inspector -General of Police (AIG), Zone 10, Kano State, Mr Olufemi Ogunbayode, has charged officers and men to establish a cordial relationship with members of their immediate communities for effective community policing. Ogunbayode, who gave the advice during an inspection tour of Kebbi Police Command in Birnin Kebbi, noted that the advantages of police/community relations crime control could not be overemphasised. He said community policing had made law enforcement agencies and the communities to enjoy cordial relationship, thus improving crime control and detection, He warned that if any officer was caught harassing people, he would be dealt with accordingly, The police chief urged the general public to report officers found to be corrupt or high-handed.

and vegetables like mint, snake gurd, star fruit, cultured guava, local apple amongst others.

Responding, the Kebbi Commissioner of Police, Mr Yakubu Jibrin, told the AIG that the command had declared total war against violent crimes, saying: “the

morale of our men is very high.” He said the command had the lowest crime rate in the country and would sustain its record.

Atani youths organise ‘kangaroo’ carnival suzy oruwa-onitsha

The youth leader in Atani Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr Izukanne Casmir, has condemned the celebration of this year’s Okpotu carnival by some youths in the community without regard for the unresolved crisis in the community. Speaking to newsmen in Onitsha, Izukanne alleged that some youths, with the intent of making money, went ahead to organise the carnival knowing full well that there is unresolved crisis among the youths in the community which had led to the cancellation of

this year’s carnival. He said the carnival was initiated in 2013 by himself and the town union’s president, Dr Nwuke Okwuosah to unite the youths and entire community as a result of the then Igweship tussle which was tearing the community apart. He condemned the exercise, saying that neither him nor the town union’s president was aware of the plan, adding that such carnival was meant to enjoy the participation of all. In a telephone chat with Community News, Dr Okwuosah, he said,”I was not aware of any plan to hold the Okpotu carnival this year”.

ties. Speaking at a stakeholders debrief of 2015 Participatory Review and Reflection Process (PRRP) organised by Actionaid, a non-government organisation, in collaboration with the Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE) among rural dwellers in Ilorin at the weekend, representatives of the communities said their areas lacked potable water, health facilities, adequate teachers in schools, classrooms and furniture. A member of Sholu community, Abubakar Lawal, said residents of the area travel about six kilometres to Afon where the nearest health centre is located, adding that the link road was in bad state. He said a health facility could only be functional when there’s a good source of water, adding that the community could not complete the borehole they started due to lack of fund and the stony nature of the area. For people of Gbago community, lack of concrete electric poles had been their challenge over the past five years, while the spokesperson of the area, Abdulganiyu Isiaka, said the community also lacked good roads, adequate teachers, classrooms, and furniture for its schools. “We’ve met on many

occasions with the local government chairman, officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Energy. We even paid N200,000 to the electricity company just to get power supply. We had to buy wooden poles which have all gone bad. Our request now is that if government can’t refund the N200,000 we spent to bring light to our community, it should provide us with concrete poles, because as a community, we are not supposed to provide light by ourselves. “School pupils have their classes under trees, while the kindergarten have theirs on bare floor, making them susceptible to cold. So, we call on government to encourage teachers to work in rural areas because they come to school at 11 a.m. You can imagine that primary six pupils cannot write their names in full,” he said. Also speaking, Abdulfatah Ibrahim, from Ogodo community, lamented the lack of potable water in the area, saying the problem of water surfaces whenever the rainy season ends. He said the stream, which remains their source of water, was always polluted by Fulani herdsmen and their cattle, adding that the poor state of roads in the area always elicited high cost of transportation of goods to nearby towns. Also commenting, the coordinator of Actionaid,

Abraham Ayodeji, said the participatory review programme was meant to assess what the NGO had done in two years, adding that it had worked in 18 communities in the state since 2007. Ayodeji said the organisation had provided boreholes, blocks of classroom, health centres with VIP latrine, renovated classrooms and empowered many through vocational training. In his contribution, the Deputy Director, Quality Assurance in the State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB), Ova Ilori, said a total of 16 classrooms were provided for different communities in Asa Local Government Area this year. Ilori, who said henceforth, teachers in the rural areas would be monitored to ascertain their promptness and attendance in schools, added that absentee teachers would be sanctioned. The SUBEB official also disclosed that teachers in the state would be redistributed with the aim of allocating appropriate number and relevant teachers to different schools in the state. He lamented that many teachers do not like to teach in rural areas due to bad roads, calling on the people in the communities not to hide the lapses of teachers posted to their areas.