29th April 2016 by Nigerian Tribune

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,490

FRIDAY, 29 APRIL, 2016

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Labour to FG

Reject N56,000 as minimum wage, face industrial action •Tells govs who can't pay to resign —P32

Fulani herdsmen:

FG has no firm policy —Soyinka

PDP NEC zones chairmanship to North-East

EFCC vs Fidelity Bank MD:

Diezani's transactions duly reported —Mgt

Buhari to release more funds to states —P33

—P39

—P11

—P2

•24 states still can't pay salaries despite bailout •FG has given states 15% of Excess Crude Account for development —Governor Yari

Saraki: CCT chairman refuses to disqualify self •Says EFCC not answerable to AGF —P4

Enugu killings: Senate summons service chiefs —P2

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (left), with wife of the deceased, Dr (Mrs) Grace Braithwaite (second right); son, Dr Olumide Braithwaite (right) and daughter, Mrs Ebunolu Adeosun (third right), during the funeral service for Dr Tunji Braithwaite, at the Reverend Braithwaite Memorial Church, Papa Epe, Lagos, on Thursday.

Confusion as Customs officer beats up FAAN staff at airport —P34

2 news

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Buhari to release more funds to states President can’t sleep with states in trouble —NGF Leon Usigbe - Abuja

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern that in spite of the bailout funds received by state governments, they are still unable to pay salaries, thereby subjecting people to hardship. At a meeting with members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, he, however, said the Federal Government would strive to make more funds available to them, by refunding money spent on road maintenance. According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, after the meeting, Buhari said “that nearly two-thirds of states of the federation are still having difficulties with salary payments, despite the bailout funds provided to them by the Federal Government” was a matter of great concern to him. He said he was disturbed by the hardship which state government workers across the country and their families were facing due to the non-payment of salaries. To ameliorate the hardship, the president said the Federal Government would make more funds available to the states, by expediting action on refunds due to them for the maintenance of federal roads and other expenses incurred on behalf of the Federal Government. According to the statement, Buhari also said he would establish an interministerial committee to study a Fiscal Restructuring Plan for the federation, which was presented to him by the governors. He said the committee would review the plan to improve the finances of state governments and make recommendations on how proposals in the plan should be handled by the Presidency, the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly through legislation. The president urged the governors to, however, understand that while he was ready to do all within his powers to help the states overcome their current financial challenges, the Federal Government also had funding problems of its own to contend with. “You all know the problems we have found ourselves. You have to bear with us,” he told them. The governors had told the

president that while they had resolved to take other measures to boost their internally-generated revenue, the implementation of the Fiscal Restructuring Plan would help them to deal with their funding problems on short, medium and longterm bases. They said that if the plan was adopted and implemented by the Federal Government, states of the fed-

eration would become more financially empowered to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities. Speaking to State House correspondents on the meeting, chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, noted that Buhari could not possibly sleep comfortably when the states were beset with problems.

He said the states owned the lands where natural resources were derived and, therefore, could not be ignored by the president. “The meeting is about the economy. We deliberated amongst our colleagues and we did say we would pass our demands to the Federal Government to look at demands per state. “Today, we have received support from the Federal

Government in terms of bailout, debts restructuring, and it has given us 15 per cent of the Excess Crude Account for development,” he said. Yari said the governors demanded payment of money owed states from the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration to date, as well as moratorium of 18 months before loans are paid back. Earlier, the governors had

met on Wednesday night to review the state of the economy and agreed to table their demands before the president. Yari had, after the meeting of Wednesday night, told newsmen that the governors were not asking for another bailout from the Federal Government but, rather, a permanent solution to problem currently facing the states.

Police avert clash between pro, anti-Saraki protesters Pro-Saraki protesters threaten to occupy Aso Rock Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja THE police and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Thursday, averted a bloody confrontation between two group of protesters who occupied the entrance of the National Assembly in respect of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki. Members of Citizens in Defence of Democracy (CIDD), a group believed to be campaigning for the retention of Saraki in office, despite his ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, had arrived at the gate of the National Assembly in the morning and began to move towards the canopies of the other group, #OcuppyNASS #Reclaim Nigeria, which is seeking Saraki’s ouster. Tempers flared as soon as the #Occupy NASS group saw the CIDD members walking towards them, while members charged at each other. Policemen and men of the NSCDC, however, moved swiftly by coming in-between the two groups to avert a violent clash. Shortly afterwards, Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, Wilson Inalegwu, arrived at the scene and immediately went to the camp of #OccupyNASS group to address them. Inalegwu, who came with some senior police officers, appealed to the protesters to approve the re-opening of the main gate that had been under lock and key sine Tuesday, informing them that the closure was causing hardship for the people. One of the coordinators of the group, Retson Tedheke, however, turned down the appeal of the police commissioner, saying that the gate would not be opened until the senators came out to address them. Tedheke said another rea-

son they would support the reopening of the gate was if the National Assembly leadership would allow them to move in and relocate to the open space directly in front of the White House. The pro-Saraki protesters, armed with banners and posters, speaking through their coordinator, Ohazuruike Tochukwu, disclosed

that they were in the National Assembly to draw the attention of Nigerians to the alleged injustice being perpetrated against Saraki, through the judiciary. “We stand for accountability and transparency by all public office holders. We stand with Saraki and the National Assembly and demand that the executive

should desist from impunity that led to the unpopularity of the last government. “If our demands are not met by next week Wednesday, we shall commence a massive unprecedented move to occupy Aso Rock,” he said Three senators, Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani and Ben Bruce, later met the group and collected their letter

intended to be submitted to the Senate President. He disclosed that the other group, #OcuppyNASS #Reclaim Nigeria, did not inform the Senate that they had a message to pass across, adding that “since their intention was to occupy the NASS, they are free to go ahead and exercise their rights.”

Enugu killings: Senate summons service chiefs Sets up committee to probe violence Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja THE Senate, on Thursday, summoned the nation’s security chiefs to brief it on the incidences of violent attacks by Fulani herdsmen across the country. The lawmakers, who issued the summons after adopting a motion by Senator Chukwuka Utazi, condemned what they called bemoaned horrendous carnage the herdsmen recently inflicted on residents of Nimbo community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. They said it was callous to see a group of marauders

gruesomely kill over 38 persons, while over 100 others severely injured, aside countless number of houses and other property set ablaze. Though no date was fixed for the appearance, the lawmakers also agreed to set up a six-man ad hoc committee to probe the crisis. The lawmakers announced Senate leader, Ali Ndume, as the chairman of the committee, which was mandated to carry out thorough investigation into recent attacks of the herdsmen and possible way out of the menace. Members of the committee were Isiaka Adeleke to represent South-West; Mao Ohunbunwa, South-East;

Abdullahi Adamu, North Central; Shehu Sani, NorthWest and Ben Bruce to represent South-South. Utazi, in his motion, said Boko Haram may be a child’s play when compared with the current Fulani herdsmen attacks if decisive action was not taken against them by government and people at all levels. He called for introduction of community policing across the country as a prelude to establishing stateowned police services later which, he said, would be more on ground across the various communities in the country in tackling such internal attacks. Senators who contributed

to the debate condemned the Fulani herdsmen menace with some of them, including Olusola Adeyeye, calling for establishment of state police for more security surveillance at the grassroots. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the session, said the ad hoc committee would surely come up with needed solution to the problem. The senators also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to urgently dispatch relief material to Nimbo and other neighbouring communities of Nkpologu, Uvuru, Ugbene-Ajima and Adani.

Multinational task force to patrol Gulf of Guinea waters —Buhari Chris Agbambu and Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed plans to establish a multinational task force to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. He made the disclosure while speaking at an audience with France Minister of Defence, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday. Buhari said patrols by the multinational task force would augment and boost ongoing efforts to improve security in the Gulf and curb crude oil theft and piracy. According to statement

issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari and Mr Le Drian also discussed ongoing French support for the Federal Government’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency. The president expressed his government’s appreciation of the assistance and support of France and other G-7 countries, which he said had helped Nigeria achieve significant successes against Boko Haram. “When we got into office in May, last year, Boko Haram was effectively controlling at least 14 local government areas. But now, it is

no longer so and they have resorted to attacking soft targets with improvised explosive devices. “We are determined to secure all of our territories effectively. We are doing our best and our troops are now operating in the Sambisa Forest,” he said. The minister assured President Buhari that France would continue to assist Nigeria to overcome Boko Haram, saying all terrorists must be seen as common enemies of the free world. In a related development, the French government will assist Nigeria in the analysis of Boko Haram’s

recovered assets and share the products of the analysis with the Armed Forces of Nigeria. This was part of agreement reached between the Nigerian government delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and the France Defence Minister, Jean-Le Drian, after two-day meeting in Abuja. In a communiqué released at the end of the meeting, France agreed to identify credible manufacturers, capacity building and negotiations with French equipment manufacturers, which would be offered to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

4 news

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Saraki: CCT chairman refuses to disqualify self Says EFCC not answerable to AGF Sunday Ejike - Abuja

HAIRMAN of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr Danladi Yakubu Umar, on Thursday, dismissed an application by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, asking him (Umar) to disqualify himself and withdraw from presiding over the false assets declaration charge preferred against him by the Federal Government. The tribunal chairman, while ruling on Saraki’s application argued by his counsel, Ajibola Oluyede, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting Saraki on behalf of the Federal Government, was not answerable to the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation in the investigations and prosecution of its cases. According to Umar, the AGF could not prosecute without sufficient evidence from investigative agencies, adding also that the incumbent AGF, Abubakar Malami, had cleared him when he (Umar) appeared before

the House of Representatives committee, which was petitioned in respect to the N10 million bribery allegations. The CCT chairman recalled that Malami told the House committee that he (Malami) stood by the March 5, 2015 letter, which EFCC wrote to former AGF, Mohammed Bello Adoke, which said that there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute him. The Senate President had filed an application seeking the tribunal chairman to disqualify himself on ground that he (Umar) was under the investigation of the EFCC over alleged N10 million bribe and that, there was the likelihood of bias which could invariably affect the justice of the matter. Oluyede, while arguing Saraki’s application on Wednesday, held that the tribunal chairman would likely be controlled by the anti-graft agency which, he said, was still investigating him. Umar, in the ruling of the tribunal, held that Saraki’s

application “lacked absolute merit and is accordingly dismissed in its entirety,” while he upheld the submission of the prosecution counsel that EFCC had cleared him of the bribery allegation. Umar said EFCC was already prosecuting the suspect found culpable in the allegation, adding that by its letter dated March 5, 2015, through its then chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, to the then AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, EFCC cleared him of the alleged crime. He said the March 5,

In the notice of appeal filed by Oluyede, Saraki claimed that the CCT chairman erred in law when he arrived at a conclusion that the application seeking his disqualification lacked absolute merit. Part of the grounds of appeal was that the tribunal chairman, by his action, had turned himself to a judge in his own case, leading to a ruling that was essentially a tirade against the office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation. In the ground two of the appeal, Saraki submitted that CCT erred in law when it decided that the application lacked abso-

2015 letter in which the EFCC indicated that the allegation against him was a mere suspicion and that it did not constitute sufficient evidence to prosecute him superseded the earlier investigation report issued by the anti-graft agency on June 24, 2014 In the June 24, 2014 report, Adoke had endorsed it, directing that Umar and his co-accused be prosecuted. However, Saraki has appealed against the refusal of the tribunal chairman to disqualify himself from further presiding over his trial, having been accused of bias in the conduct of the trial.

lute merit, merely because Umar was of the opinion that the AGF had no constitutional right to investigate and that the AGF lacked authority to give instruction to the EFCC to prosecute him. He, therefore, asked the court of appeal to set aside the ruling of the tribunal and to, as well, disqualify Umar from sitting on the panel trying him on charges that were investigated and being prosecuted by EFCC. Saraki had pleaded to a 16-count amended charge preferred against him by the Federal Government during the proceeding.

Army arrests Boko Haram logistics elements in Borno THE Nigerian Army said on Thursday, that it had arrested some suspected Boko Haram logistics elements after an operation in Dikwa, Borno State. The piece of information was contained in a statement issued by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, in Maiduguri, the

state capital, on Thursday. “Following reports by some good citizens about Boko Haram terrorists activities and on hearing of very loud explosions near Dikwa, on Wednesday, troops of 22 Brigade embarked on a patrol to Ajiri and Antul villages, Southeast of Dikwa, on DikwaGulumbagana Road.

“The patrol made contact with Boko Haram logistics elements, who specialised in using the two villages as base for food storage and other logistics before moving them to Bama and then to Sambisa Forest,” Usman said. He said five suspected terrorists—three adults and two minors, were ar-

rested during the encounter. “The underage male children were dressed in new Boko Haram uniforms. “The troops recovered one truck, two Golf cars painted in mud, four bicycles and 3 x 5KVA generating set, as well as 55 bags of corn,” Usman said.

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Friday, 29 April, 2016

11TH CORONATION ANNIVERSARY OF AGILA OF IGILA IJESHA TOWN, OBA (DR) SAMUEL ADEBAYO FALAYE (JP)

The Agila of Igila Ijesha town, Oba (Dr) Samuel Adedayo wearing the beaded crown for the first time.

The Agila of Igila Ijesha town and his wife with ministers of God praying on the traditional beaded crown.

The Agila of Igila in a group photograph with traditional rulers from neighbouring towns.

A cross section of the congregation at the coronation anniversary thanksgiving.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

businessnews

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Nigeria gets N5.6bn EU grants for economic diversification Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

EAD of Trade and Economics Section of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Filippo Amato, has said that the EU has provided £19 million pounds (about N5.6 billion) grants to Nigeria to drive the diversification of the economy from oil to non-oil. Amato said in Abuja that the grant was implemented through the Nigerian Private Sector Competitiveness Support Programme to improve the business and investment climate through the improvement and implementation of regulatory reforms, especially in the areas of competition policy, land titling and business licensing with pilots in Kano State. “As you are aware, Nigeria in terms of population and economy is over 60 percent of ECOWAS. The EU combined support to ECOWAS and Nigeria in the areas of Trade and Economic Development is over 1.3 billion euro between 2008 and 2014. “In energy, our current 10th EDF (European Development Fund) intervention is the Nigeria Energy Support Programme, that started in May 2014 and will finish in September 2017, with a 15.5-millioneuro funding from the EU. It is being implemented by GIZ,” he said. He added that the project focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency, rural electrification and techni-

cal skills development issues. According to him, the EU has helped Nigeria to establish the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) working closely with the

Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC (National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control), Consumer Protection Council (CPC), and other stakeholders

THE World Bank Group has commended recent efforts by Nigeria to improve her ease of doing business climate. Although in the latest report published in October 2015 the country moved only a step upwards to 169th out of 189 countries in the World Bank’s ease of doing business report, Cemile Hacibeyoglu, the bank’s Doing Business Report expert declared “Nigeria’s performance is very exemplary”. She nonetheless, proposed some strategies for Nigeria specially to help improve her ranking. According to Ms Hacibeyoglu, “the average rank for a Sub-Saharan African economy is 143, this is out of 189 economies globally - if you had to break down these averages per region, you’d see and observe that this is the lowest regional average you see on the index”.

EU is partnering with GIZ, DFID (Department for International Development) and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) in these projects.

From left: Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, Agada Elachi; Managing Director, Asunto Diversified Limited, Jimi Atoki; Director-General, Consumer Protection Council; Dupe Atoki and Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), during the presentation of the Guiding Light Award to Atoki by the NBA, in Abuja.

EFCC vs Fidelity Bank MD: Diezani’s transaction duly reported —Mgt Chima Nwokoji-lagos

THE management of Fidelity Bank Plc has assured stakeholders that the transactions undertaken in 2015, which has been a subject of investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) were duly reported as required by the regulators and that

the Bank is cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure quick resolution of the saga. The Bank’s Managing Director Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, was reported to have been arrested by the EFCC on Monday for allegedly receiving $115 million in cash from a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-

Doing business: World Bank praises Nigeria’s efforts Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

to improve the quality of products manufactured, exported and exchanged in the Nigerian market and to protect consumer rights. He explained that the

In the latest report, Mauritius maintained its top position as the highest ranked African economy on the index, placing 32nd position out of 189 territories ranked. In West Africa, Nigeria also made notable strides on the index. “When you look you actually see there is room for improvement in many areas - in some of the areas Nigeria’s performance is very exemplary.” The country was also ranked 20th in the category of protecting minority investors. According to Hacibeyoglu, this addresses the rights of minority shareholders related to party transactions and the rights of shareholders in major transactions. “That is where Nigeria does very well and it looks strictly at the legal framework that applies to these transactions,” she said.

Another area the country does well in is the credit space, the country ranks 59th and here the report looks at two things: Credit information index, what type of information is available on borrowers and 2. The secure transactions and rights of borrowers.

Madueke. In a statement made available to Nigerian Tribune, and signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Ejike Ndiulo, the bank said its attention has been drawn to reports in the media on investigations into transactions it undertook “in the normal course of business in 2015.” “The transactions are now the subject matter of investigations by the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). We can confirm that the transactions were duly reported as required by the regulators and the bank is cooperating fully with the authorities on the investi-

gation. “We assure our numerous stakeholders, including our customers that we are working assiduously towards a quick resolution of the issues,” the statement read in part. Alison-Madueke was said to have deposited the $115 million in the bank as preparations commenced for the 2015 presidential election. She was said to have invited Okonkwo to Abuja, where she briefed him on the deal. Okonkwo allegedly accepted to receive the money into the bank’s coffers despite the fact that Alison-Madueke did not have an account with Fidelity Bank Plc.

Railway act restrictive —Saraki Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

SENATE President, Bukola Saraki has described the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act Amendment Bill 2015, a private member Bill as one of the high priority bills of the National Assembly which members were determined to ensure its quick passage. This was as stakeholders underscored the need to open up the railway subsector to allow private investors participation. Saraki who spoke at a one-day public hearing

organised by the Senate Committee on Land Transportation on the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act repeal and re-enactment Bill 2015 at the National Assembly said the existing law in the rail subsector was drafted and enacted to support an outmoded model that restricted management and investments in railway to the public sector. He noted that there was no doubt that the rail system is one of the most important arterial systems of the country’s economy and

“therefore a major determinant of the success or otherwise of our economic reform package.” A statement from Alex E. Okoh, Head, Public Communications of the Bureau of Public Enterprises quoted Saraki thus “the Nigerian Railway Corporation Act Amendment Bill 2015 is one of the high priority bills of the National Assembly which members are determined to ensure its passage in the manner that will be advised by participants at public hearing.”

Nigerian Tribune

OBJ to launch Nigeria zero hunger strategic review inaugural meeting at IITA tomorrow By ’Wale Olapade FORMER president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is set to launch the inaugural meeting of Nigeria Zero Hunger Strategic Review at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State today. This was contained in a release made available to Nigerian Tribune by the management of IITA, stating that the inaugural meeting will draw representation of about 50 key participants from government, ministries, development organisations, international entities, and public and private sectors. “These participants in collaboration with IITA and other relevant partners will help ensure that this ambitious programme of ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture is implemented in Africa’s most populous country.

NUFBTE, BAT at loggerhead over unionism THE President, National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Comrade Lateef Oyelekan, has urged the management of British American Tobacco, Nigeria (BAT) to comply with rules and regulation of the union in order to avoid drastic measure being take against the company. The union, which is an affliation body of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is to propagate and protect general interests of the Nigerian workers in both public and private organisations. Oyelekan gave the advice shortly after the aborted meeting with the management of BAT in Ibadan, Oyo State. The union boss explained that efforts had been made to reach agreement with the management of BAT on how to become a member of the union, where their officers would also be inaugurated, but the efforts were proved abortive. According to him, “It is in our constitution that any organisation with about 50 work force must be unionised, BAT has over 1,000 workers and has been operating for more than 10 years.

tribunebusiness

FCMB, committed to efficient service delivery in retail banking Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

FIRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has expressed commitment to building efficient and valuable franchise in the retail banking space. The lender said key attraction to this commitment includes the bank’s innovative products and service offerings. These addresses the needs and lifestyles of the market with an excellent customer service strategy that is currently generating customers’ commendations and accolades. The conscious drive by the bank to carve a niche for itself in service delivery can be seen in its team of friendly, courteous and professional staff carefully positioned across the bank’s branches nationwide. They are usually willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs of their existing and potential customers. Added to this is the strategic location of the bank’s over 220 branches nationwide and its fast growing portfolio of alternate channels, which are designed to provide prompt and convenient banking services, while promoting financial inclusion. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First City Monument

Heritage Bank partners Oyo on economic diversification HERITAGE Bank and Oyo State Government have gone into a multi-billion naira partnership to revive agriculture and boost agro-allied businesses in the state. Tagged, Oyo State Agricultural Initiative (OYSAI) the state government announced that the project was part of its revolution in the agricultural sector and a massive empowerment programme for both youth and women across the state. Speaking at the launch of the project in Paago Village, along Igboho – Okeho road, recently, the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, explained that the state has “successfully secured a viable partnership with some private investors and financial institutions to back up the project in the areas of poultry development, rice production and processing along the value chain. The bank’s Executive Director, Lagos, South West and Corporate Banking, Mary Akpobome, who represented the Managing Director/CEO of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, at the launch, said the project was in line with the bank’s vision of partnering with individuals, organisations and governments to create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations.

Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ladi Balogun was recently quoted to have assured, ‘’We will remain focused on improving operating efficiency, whilst also continuing with our steady customer acquisition drive and consolidation in alternate service channels in order to provide a more consistent and convenient customer experience. Overall, we are confident our progress will be sustained, as we continue to grow our market share, and improve our margins and efficiency ratios’’. Indeed, these developments have impacted significantly on the profile of FCMB helping the Bank to consolidate its position as the largest retail lender in the country, granting over 240,000 loans a year. The corporate players - telecoms, oil and gas, manufacturing, agribusiness and allied firms, among others are also constantly being financed by the bank as part of its support for the economic revival and growth of the country. In the same vein, the Bank’s customer base has been on the rise; moving from 1.8 million in 2013 to 2.5 million in 2014 with a target to further grow this to 4 million by the end of this year, 2016. FCMB now has 689 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), 12,000 Point of Sale (PoS) terminals and 71 agent banking outlets (with a plan to grow to 800 agents), across the country. On product offering, FCMB has an array of innovative products that cuts across socio-economic and demographic segments. These products (current and savings accounts), which are easy to open and affordable to operate, include nairawise, kids account, Flexx account, (a youth product that meets the needs of this very important segment of the population) as well as the e-savings account. FCMB’s giant strides are also being felt by Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (MSME) operators. As one of the Banks appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria for the disbursement of the N220billion MSMEs Fund, it has continued to provide support at various levels, including funding and advisory services, to customers in this regard. The Bank is said to have disbursed about N5billion to such businesses. FCMB’s SME product, known as FCMB Business Account has been described as one of the best in the industry. This product comes with affordable account opening balance, with minimum opening balance of only N5,000 and there are no limits to the frequency or

number of times withdrawal can be made, apart from other very friendly features. There is also the FCMB Personal Business Account, which is a current account designed for traders and merchants with reduced cost of banking and protection against the unexpected, arising from disasters such as fire or flood. In addition to reduced banking charges, there is a free cover for loss of stock up to the tune of N1million in case of fire or flood incidents. In the area of electronic payment, FCMB has consistently proved its mettle as a financial institution with robust platforms that ensure secure, convenient and seamless solutions that have been deployed to drive its retail, corporate and commercial banking businesses. Its alternate channels, such as ATMs, Point of Sales (PoS) terminal, internet banking, mobile banking and telephone banking, enhance customer experience across all touch points. The Bank equally has a suite of card products designed to meet the lifestyles of a wide spectrum of users. FCMB’s Debit Cards for example have a competitive edge from a service delivery perspective. These cards are issued instantly at all the Bank’s branches nationwide on the MasterCard, Verve and Visa platforms. There are also, foreign currency (USD and GBP) denominated varieties. Apart from the enhanced security features of FCMB cards such as chip and pin, passport photograph and global SMS alert service, customers are offered 24/7 access to their funds anywhere in the world. FCMB card holders are welcome to the world of exquisite privileges through the Priority Pass Card which gives cardholders access to over 700 lounges, all at various airports across the world. The pre-paid card serves account holders and non-account holders who are new to the bank and would like to have the cards without necessarily opening accounts. And as part of efforts towards encouraging Nigerians to key into the banking system, FCMB initiated a microfinance arm to provide financial services to the unbanked and underbanked low income segment, especially women in the rural parts of the country. Designed as a group lending programme, the aim is to create financial awareness and funding for traders through microcredit schemes to grow their respective businesses. The pilot in Oyo State had within five months provided loans to almost 5,000 women.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

FUTURE ASSURED INITIATIVE OF HAJIA AISHAT BUHARI IN IBADAN

From left: the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari; wife of Oyo State governor, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi and Governor Abiola Ajimobi, at the Oyo State edition of Future Assured Initiative, the free health screening programme for women organised by Hajia Aisha Buhari, held at Loyola College, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, on Thursday.

Governor Ajimobi, welcoming the chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, to the reception organised for Hajia Buhari at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan. With them is Chief (Mrs) Priscillar Kuye.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (left) and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji at the event.

Cross section of APC governors’ wives at Oyo State edition of the programme.

editorial

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Passing the 2016 budget

N Tuesday this week, Senate President Bukola Saraki promised that the 2016 Budget would be ready within a few days. This admission followed the meeting held between the presidency and the leadership of the National Assembly. Indeed, the 2016 federal budget is gradually entering the history books as one of the most contentious ever. Assailed on all fronts by controversies, even right from its conception, it engendered a stalemate that has lingered on embarrassingly. This began with accusations from the National Assembly regarding the presidency’s non-conformity with the rules and practices of budget presentation, followed by allegation of the budget document developing wings and taking its exit from the parliament. When it was eventually ‘discovered,’ the legislature agonized over a budget which it claimed exhibited a palpable failure to meet a rudimentary format of budget presentation, followed by a counter rife allegation that the figures therein had been selfishly padded, in an alleged illicit tradition of the parliament. While all these recriminations were ongoing, however, the budget was passed by the National Assembly, only to be subjected to an allegation of removal of strategic components which had earlier been presented by the presidency, especially the Calabar–Lagos rail project, as well as allegation of massive doctoring of the document in favour of the parliament. When he was eventually handed the budget, as passed by the parliament, President Muhammadu Buhari initially hinged his refusal to sign it on the absence of details. When eventually the details of the budget were handed over to him, he called an emergency meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) which claimed it discovered discrepancies in the document. For instance, the parliament was alleged to have increased its own allocation in the budget, with various leaders of the parliament rewarding selves with jack-ups of budget figures. The allegation of the light rail’s absence from the budget also embarrassingly detained the nation and heated up the polity. While the parliament alleged that the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, personally added it to the budget after the document had been received from the presidency, the legal appropriateness of this addition engaged attention and discussions for days. Unwittingly, this provoked the agelong North/South dichotomy in the federation. Ultimately, the president has since delayed or even denied assent to the document. As the National Assembly and the presidency engage in this endless roulette of ego-flexing and underscore of individual power, making it difficult to identify the provenance of guilt

of the two parties, the stagnation occasioned is affecting every department of national life, compounding citizens’ economic woes in a period of global financial stasis. Some staff of ministries and contractors are being owed allowances and payments that have dragged on interminably while the ordinary persons on the streets who eke a living from the flakes of such economic engagements are suffering. All over the country, there is visible paralysis of governmental activities and, by that very fact, a stagnation of Nigerian national life that is essentially hinged on government and its economic mobility. The delay in the operation of the budget has had very serious effects on Nigerians and they apparently cannot afford its dragging on a moment longer. What is however apparent in these exchange of recriminations and allegations is that the two arms of government concerned are lacking in coordination and organization. While we agree that there should be independence among the three arms of government, the realization that it is same government with a single aim of bettering the lives of suffering Nigerians should be at the back of the minds of the various actors in the three arms. The executive and legislative arms of government have acted like the proverbial seeds in a walnut pod which, though united by a common purpose, have carved out islands unto themselves. Indeed, the executive and legislature have been behaving like rivals and giving the impression that this government is one in competition with itself. Lack of coordination and solo governmental runs are cogent issues that have been palpably evident in the process of the 2016 federal budget passage, which makes the two arms look like two suitors embroiled in bitter rivalries. The lack of coordination reflects in the executive making known its disavowal with the budget in the press, rather than in a tete-a-tete with the runners of the legislature, and with the parliament too rebutting the executive’s allegation over the budge at a press parley in an acidic and unparliamentary language. Even though the ding-dong will deepen the process of consent and dissent that can only be obtained in a democracy, the bitterness and negative impact that it is having on the people is becoming unbearable and undesirable. We are pleased with the ongoing efforts at mending fences among the two arms of government. Whatever differences that exist between them should be resolved at a parley and not in the press. In the interest of the suffering Nigerian people, the executive and legislature must close ranks and kick-start the economic ambit of the journey towards change that is the mantra of the present party in government.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 29 April, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@tribune.com.ng or by sms to 08078891826. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Boko Haram: What has changed?

F the past administration took Boko Haram for granted, making the disaster a justification for grand treasury theft and even failing to correct perception of its key figures as sponsors of the the group as conspiracy theories promoted to gullible and polarised citizens, the Muhammadu Buhariled administration, despite its controversial handling of the economy, clearly takes its predecessors as a bad model for conflict management. A prominent politician once told me that the war on terror failed under former President Goodluck Jonathan because, aside from our popular ridiculing of the man as uncharismatic and clueless, he was “afraid of his service chiefs.” This is interesting considering the involvement of heads of our security institutions in some of the biggest heists in the history of Nigeria, diverting funds voted for counter-terrorism to their private causes and per-

sonal accounts. The region was thus allowed to be destroyed by the Boko Haram because of the evil benefits to these morally irresponsible public officers. Quite unfortunate was the politicisation of counter-terrorism, with the president even seeking to make it a Muslim agenda against his Presidency, while conspiracy theorists in the North, indoctrinated by some people, portrayed the spate of killings as a covert operation of some Christian organisations or personalities eager to decimate the dominating North and its politically overpowered Muslims. I have always seen the Boko Haram as a real conflict that emerged from our cultural flaws and thrived on our institutional lapses. It’s not a conspiracy, it’s a reality to which many of us are firsthand witnesses. I don’t think the past administration sponsored the Boko Haram insurgency, they just let it happen because of the billions allocated to our security

agencies by the tricked and paranoid dispensation. Yet, the past few days, with the liberations of many towns previously sacked or occupied by the insurgents as announced by the Nigerian troops, internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been reunited with the only places they

call homes, giving another chance for them to breathe freedom again, and rebuild their lives. The recent images of happy “returnees” posing for selfies with their liberators, the soldiers, were the most beautiful symbols out of Nigeria since 2009, the year the terrorist cult

became an uncomfortable menace from a carelessly managed face-off with the security operations in Maiduguri, Borno State. The liberators are the same soldiers we once derided for their “tactical manoeuvres.” What has changed? Leadership! Responsible and effective

leadership, not one that diverted the resources meant for the welfare of these rank-and-file soldiers to causes other than counterterrorism. •Gimba Kakanda, Abuja.

Re: Unbundle power, works and housing ministry PERMIT me to use this opportunity to commend one David Atolagbe, whose letter was recently published in the Nigerian Tribune. Atolagbe had calling on the Federal Government to unbundle the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. While admitting that the minister, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, was very hardworking, the author said combining these three critical sectors and handing them over to a man is like overloading a vehicle. I really want to support him on this. Just before last year’s election, All Pro-

gressives Congress (APC) stalwarts gathered in Lagos for a conference where Mr Fashola, who was still the state governor then, reeled out how the government could provide uninterrupted power supply for Nigerians. Fashola’s lecture was so eloquent that I believe it was what made President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over the key ministry to him to reform. Buhari, whoe was still a presidential candidate under the APC at that time, also attended the event. However, since Mr Fashola took over the com-

bined ministry, power supply to Nigerians have gone from bad to worse; while nothing is happening on the rehabilitation of roads across the country, the housing sector is also at a standstill. We can blame the lack of progress in road and housing construction to the fact that the budget has not been passed, but the truth

is that these three sectors are too much to be merged for just a man to handle. I hope President Buhari will listen to the voice of reason and unbundle the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to the separate ministries that they were before the coming on board of this government. •Nugwa James, Abuja.

Herdsmen’s killings will cause war in Nigeria THE activities of Fulani herdsmen are unbecoming in the country. They now attack people with impunity, without minding whose ox is gored. The manner in which they murdered innocent citizens in Benue and Enugu states leaves a sore taste in the mouth. What is most painful is the fact that when these killings are ongoing, security agents will maintain a distance, but when the people come together to protest against such killings, they (security agents) are always on hand to dis-

perse them. Is there really something we don’t know about these killings? Can it be true that these herdsmen have an expansionist agenda? Nigerians, particularly those in the southern part of the country, are boiling, and sooner than later, they will be forced to defend themselves. If our security agencies cannot save the people, then ethnic militias will start war against the herdsmen. •Sanjo Philips, Surulere, Lagos.

OntheappointmentatWCOS I want to commend the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for appointing Alhaji T.A Akanji as the Acting General Manager of the Water Corporation of Oyo State (WCOS). This appointment is coming at the right time because of Alhaji Akanji’s antecedents. The corporation needs an experienced person at the helm of affairs, and someone who will work tirelessly in solving the water scaricty being experienced in some parts of the state. The appointment has also

shown that the governor is serious about finding a lasting solution to the perennial water shortage affecting the people of the state. I, however, want to call on the new Acting General Manager to see his appointment as a call to service, and it is hoped that the people of the state will feel the impact of his appointment. •Ola-Olaniyi Bamgbola, 53, Agbeni Quarters, Ibadan, Oyo State.

opinion

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Ending malaria in Nigeria for good

In Nigeria, PMI works with national partners such as the Ministry of Health and the National Malaria Elimination Program. PMI also works with international partners such as the UK Department for International Development, the World Health Organization, and the Global Fund to reach and maintain universal coverage with long-lasting, insecticide-treated nets for all individuals living in malaria endemic areas. This year alone, PMI will provide 8.7 million nets to families in Nigeria. The United States also supports the Nigerian people by training medical personnel and community health workers to care for people with malaria. This past year alone, PMI supported training for nearly 7,000 health workers around the world in malaria case management. PMI also provides the test kits and medicines to help those patients who come to them. In just the past year in Nigeria, PMI procured 19 million anti-malarial treatments and more than six million rapid diagnostic tests kits. The most exciting news about malaria is that it can be eradicated. To make this happen, we must recognize that we do not need to accept malaria as being a normal part of

The bait from Beijing By Fola Ojo I give a streaming applause for President Muhammadu Buhari’s brawny efforts to get Nigeria out of her present economic sticky-wicket. Nigeria is in a deep ditch and it appears to me that this President has the will to dig us out. “Where there is a will, there is a way”, so says the old English outlandish proverb. The Shakespearean injunction says that, “where there is a good will, there is a good way.” It looks like Buhari has a good will. The will and the way, however, are inseparable Siamese twins. You can’t have one without the other to record successes. Now, this President is trying to show us the way. His will and way recently took him to China, the world’s second most affluent economy. In Beijing, the President struck some deals. He, thereafter, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the visit, which he claimed yielded “additional investments in Nigeria exceeding $6bn.” If all we have been told about the trip is anything to go by, key sectors of the Nigerian economy, including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transport will soon experience a rejig and rejuvenation. But before we hit the floor dancing about the Chinese deal, we must strap on tight our dancing shoes lest we trip on the floor and break our spines. When dealing with the Chinese, you are dealing with some beastly bait with a possible crippling warhead. China may have no sworn enemies, but they sure have no close friends. In all negotiations and trade deals, its interest is a priority. They are princes of fine prints and stalwarts in building trade brick walls. China’s economy is embosomed in a firewall of imperviousness and impenetrableness; and the Chinese words are not usually their bonds. Americans are probably sitting around some barbecue grills right now, chatting off and wondering if Nigeria knows what she is in for with the Chinese. According to figures from China’s commerce ministry, Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa went from $392m in 2005 to $2.5bn in 2012. Since 2002, it has invested close to $100bn on the continent. China has locked in trade partnership with Africa, shoving aside the United States.

At any negotiation table, this is how they play their trade scrabbles. They come dazzling and rattling as they place their potential partners under relentlessly incandescent stage lights. And they serve sumptuous Shrimp lo-Mein with barbecue ribs accompanied by a gallon of chilled Chinese rice wine called “Mijiu” to top up. And then they simper. Servers of the wine may be some Chinese slim fit damsels who have been programmed to lavish smiles of seduction right in your face. And they haul big dollar figures at you that will make you feel like you are back in the days of manna from Heaven. Between and betwixt the hoax hospitality, and before you know it, you are shrieking and screeching: “Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!” to all Chinese offers. I am not sure if this was in the package tossed before our President and his men. Ask Buhari when next your paths cross. He doesn’t talk much; but he’ll tell the truth when he does. Chinese are kings of cozenage and masters of trade tricks. With one hand, they shake your weak hand and with the other, they swipe ignominiously at your ignorant face. Don’t get in any wild excitement about a supposedly “no-strings attached” Chinese deal. The Chinese government loves nobody but the Chinese. Their focus is on local rapid economic development, and more money made through trade tricks helps the Chinese government stem the growing discontent of their Achilles

N the past 15 years, Nigeria has made historic progress in turning the tide against malaria. Since 2011, an aggressive program to fight malaria in Nigeria reduced mortality rates among children under five by 18 percent, and malaria among this same group declined by a remarkable 15 percent. Although this is impressive, worldwide progress on malaria control during this same period resulted in infection rates dropping globally by 60 percent. As we commemorated World Malaria Day on April 25, we celebrate this success. The United States, as the world’s leading donor in global health, remains strongly committed to working with Nigeria and all our partners to intensify the efforts to free people from the tremendous burden of malaria. Despite Nigeria’s tremendous progress, we must remain committed to our fight against malaria. More than 430,000 people around the world still die each year from this preventable and treatable illness. Ninety percent of all malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The vast majority are children under five, as malaria kills one of our children every two minutes. Malaria sickens hundreds of millions of people over and over again. More than half of all school absences in Africa are due to malaria. The disease costs the continent billions of dollars each year in health costs and lost productivity. In Nigeria, the National Malaria Elimination Program estimates malaria costs the Nigerian economy 132 billion naira ($660 million) annually. I am proud that the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) continues to play a key role in the global fight against malaria. PMI, which supports 19 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, provides Nigerian communities and families with a mix of tools to fight malaria, including long-lasting, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor insecticide spraying campaigns, the latest drug therapies to treat infections, prevention treatment of malaria in pregnancy, and community education campaigns. Treated mosquito nets are a highly effective means of preventing infection and reducing malaria transmission.

life. If we sleep inside a treated net every night, if we seek treatment from a qualified health worker within 24 hours of the onset of a fever, we can drive down the presence of the malaria parasite in our environment and ultimately eliminate it. Despite our impressive gains, we still have much work to do. We must improve the protection of expecting mothers and their newborns from malaria. During pregnancy, malaria can cause particularly serious, life-threatening risks for both the mother and her baby. Common problems include maternal anemia, miscarriage, prematurity, stillbirth, and low birthweight in newborns. We must increase access to health services, especially for the poor. Community health workers must be able to provide reliable testing and treatment for malaria and other childhood illnesses. We have shown in a number of countries that such services can be scaled up quickly and affordably, and that they make a difference. Ending malaria is not just good social policy, it is good business. Leading economists have identified the fight against malaria as one of the “best buys” in global development, estimating that a 50 percent reduction in global malaria incidence could produce over 7,000 naira ($36) in economic benefits for every 200 naira ($1) invested. Malaria eradication could deliver more than four hundred trillion naira ($2 trillion) in economic benefits and, more importantly, save an estimated 11 million lives. Success during the next three to five years will be crucial to attain the vision of this year’s World Malaria Day theme, “End Malaria for Good.” Ridding the world of this burden will have a long-term transformative impact across the globe, saving millions of lives and generating trillions in additional economic output. I thank my colleagues and counterparts in Nigeria, who fight malaria tirelessly in communities every day. If we all continue to pull together, we can rid the world of this deadly scourge. •Entwistle is the United States ambassador to Nigeria.

heels- rural farmers and migrants and the rural poor. Today, these two groups are the Chinese government’s Achilles heels because it believed they can stir up a revolution. Not too long ago, the Gabonese government dragged a Chinese oil investor to the International Chamber of Commerce’s arbitration court for etching small deceptive fine prints in the original contract between both parties. The prints blocked the Gabonese government from selling their own oilfield licence to a third party. They fell into the seductive Chinese trade- trap. The international tribunal, however, saved the day for the Gabonese government in a 2013 favourable ruling. Their possession the Chinese could have taken. Angola went livid when about 300,000 Chinese workers flooded the country to do the work their unemployed and poor men and women could do. When the Chinese come to your backyard, they tear off your back, ravage your yard, and then take over. They do it smiling; one hand in a shake, the other covering up the small fine prints. There is an ongoing battle now between Ghanaians and illegal Chinese miners. Ghanaians are frustrated because of the aggressive and domineering tactics of the Chinese at Ghanaian goldmines. Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe went cap in hand to Beijing in 2014 asking for a $10bn rescue from his country’s economic illness. China agreed to a $2bn loan to build a power station, coal mine and dam. The condition was that Zimbabwean future mining tax revenue would be used as collateral. Zimbabwe was also requested to sign a commitment to use revenue from Zimbabwean stateowned companies to obtain loans from Chinese banks. Chinese trade deals are serially and sickeningly onesided. They are already in Nigeria extracting our raw materials and sending back finished goods that are many times unfinished. However, life does not bring you what you necessarily desire. It brings what you negotiate. At the negotiation table with the Chinese, check the fine prints before you fall for the bait from Beijing. •Ojo is a public affairs analyst.

By James F. Entwistle

Friday, 29 April, 2016

USILIU Adeola Kunbi Smith, a former Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, turned 70 about two weeks ago. The birthday was celebrated by members of his family, his friends and associates. Musiliu Smith is a friend I have known for over 45 years. We entered the University of Lagos during the Civil War years. He moved from the university to join the Police. When we left the university, the Police became an attractive profession to many of our friends and colleagues. As I write this, I remember the following friends of ours who had, with Musiliu, joined the Police – S.A.P Agbedo aka “Sapa Boboyeke.” (SAPA was a member of the famous Panama Pyrates Confraternity who retired from the Police with the rank of a Deputy Inspector General of Police), I remember the late Sam Emokaro (who was equally a member of the Panama Pyrates Confraternity. He retired as a Commissioner of Police and died some years ago). We were all together at UNILAG where I was their colleague at the Panama Pyrates Confraternity, with me as their Book Saylor. Musiliu Smith, who spent many years in the Police Intelligence Unit, later went on to become the InspectorGeneral of Police. Smithy is a likeable person; cool, calm and collected; nothing can ever ruffle him as a human being. His friends are many and his disposition to life is simple and quite exemplary. Musiliu Smith, without doubt, is a Lagosian. His ancestry, however, lies with the Ijesa people. My friend ‘Sina Adedipe, a journalist of repute, is a specialist in locating the historical origins of well-known Lagos families. While ‘Sina believes that Musiliu Adeola Kunbi Smith hails from the Ijesa line, he also believes that the late “Egbon” Tunji Braithwaite was also from Iperindo, Ijesaland. He (‘Sina Adedipe) says the Dohertys (Akanni and Adebayo of the Papa Obafemi Awolowo Action Group (AG) fame) came from Ijero; Raji Fashola and Uncle Ola Vincent’s families hails from Ijesaland. Chiefs Folarin Coker and Adeyemi Bero are from Iyin Ekiti; St. Matthew Daniel from Igbara Oke, near Akure, while the Akereles hail from Oyo. Like I mentioned before in this piece, Musiliu Smith is from Ijesaland. I once confronted him with this fact and he explained it all in a way that fully cemented his Lagosian root. He however did not dismiss the historical suggestion that his forefathers had something to do with Ijesaland. As I write this, there is an Ariyike Smith (definitely a relation of Musiliu Smith) who permanently resides in Ilesa. Now near 68, Rike Smith had such a charming look in those years of our youth which endeared her (even till now) to those of us the dashing youngmen of our childhood days. I remember that Musiliu was posted to the old Gongola State when he joined the Nigeria Police in the very early 70s. When Papa Awolowo started his presidential campaigns during the Second Republic, we still met Smithy at Yola (Adamawa State). We of the then Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) remember Smith as the senior police officer who gave Papa Awo and his team a first class security cover as we then crisscrossed the then Gongola State of Nigeria. There is no doubt that Lagos remains the first love of Musiliu Smith. When he left service as the InspectorGeneral of Nigeria Police, it is Lagos that he came to settle. He is a hardened believer in Allah, the Merciful. Though Musiliu does not joke with his Muslim faith, he however, is never a religious fundamentalist. He attends both Islamic and Christian functions freely. I say it with all emphasis that my friend, Musiliu Smith, is very liberal in the dispensation of his religious beliefs. When he retired from his position as the InspectorGeneral of the Police, his position was taken over by another Akokite from the University of Lagos, Tafa Balogun, called by many of us “Tafi Balinga.” Tafa Balogun was a member of the Panama Pyrates in our university days (though I was his senior in the university). Tafa Balogun, a super active police officer like Musiliu Smith, was a success story in the discharge of his duties as Inspector-General. Biologically, I am three years older than Musiliu Smith, but we remain close friends till this day. You just cannot stop loving Smithy as a creation of God. As I have

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Musiliu Smith at 70

•Alhaji Musiliu Smith

mentioned earlier, nothing ever can ruffle Musiliu Smith. He takes all your jokes with equal minds. Never a politician, “Smithy” enjoys the respect of politicians of different schools. I sincerely salute Musiliu Kunbi Smith on his attainment of age 70. I will forever wish him well. As Biological process of human development gradually moves us near our graves, we can only continue to appreciate our Creator for His mercy and grace in keeping us alive thus far. Well done “Smithy”! We all continue to love and appreciate you!! THE DEATH OF CHIEF RAFIU JAFOJO On Saturday 23rd April, 2016, Uncle Rafiu Jafojo died in his house in Lagos. Chief Jafojo was a former

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who had served in the never-to be-forgotten Action Governorship years of Baba Kekere, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande. “Egbon” Rafiu Jafojo was a devoted follower of the Papa Awolowo and a committed member of the then Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) of the Second Republic. “Egbon” Chief Rafiu Jafojo was, indeed, a jolly good fellow. I will very soon pay adequate tribute to Jafojo on this page. May his soul rest in piece. Amen. •EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK: UNCLE KUNLE OLASOPE ON BISHOP ODUBOGUN (BOOK YOUR COPY IN ADVANCE)

Smithy is a likeable person; cool, calm and collected; nothing can ever ruffle him as a human being. His friends are many and his disposition to life is simple and quite exemplary.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Alhaji Taofeek Akeugbagold, speaks with OLUWATOYIN MALIK and SAHEED SALAWU on the fortune of the board, especially as regards preparations for this year’s hajj, among other issues.

HAT challenges has the board faced since you assumed its headship? Well, there have been lots of challenges but I have been carrying out my reform agenda in the board in line with the agenda of the Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi government. A number of sharp practices were going on before the advent of the administration of Governor Ajimobi. There was lack of confidence in the board on the part of intending pilgrims. There was the problem of touts (agents), popularly called agbero, and that was the biggest of all the challenges we have faced so far. How were you able to overcome these challenges? Well, Alhamdulillah, we employed three things to get out of the problems. One of them is prayer. Being in this seat requires a lot of prayer. This is one of the hottest seats to be in, especially in this state, but my strength has always been grounded in prayer and fasting. Secondly, directives and counselling from the governor, who is a man of foresight and principle, have really helped us. The third thing that is helping the board is the understanding that exists between me and my co-workers and the members of the board. Before we came on board, I remember that intending pilgrims did not have faith in this board. Then, the touts were in control of virtually everything in this office. People believed that if they wanted to succeed in their intention to perform hajj, they must go through the agberos. Those agberos were the people they knew. I was once a member of this board and this gave me the opportunity to understand a lot of things about the affairs of the board. Although I never dreamed of becoming the chairman of the board, I designed a blueprint which I intended to hand to whoever would become the chairman to be able to navigate through the problems. But, Alhamdulillah, courtesy of Governor Ajimobi, I am here as the chairman of Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board. When I assumed office, the first thing we did was to restore public confidence in the board. We reached out to the public and we were able to redeem the image of the board. What have you done to guard against the common situation where some pilgrims would fail in their bid to perform hajj despite meeting the requirements? We now encourage intending pilgrims to come directly to the board. This board does not recognise any agent. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has banned activities of these so-called agents in all states. Neighbouring states like Lagos, Ogun and Osun enforced the ban about seven years ago and all those ‘agents’ that were chased out of those states came to settle down in Oyo State and that is the reason it was difficult to chase them out. In 2013, Governor Ajimobi banned all activities of agberos as regards hajj operations in Oyo State. People now understand us better and so they come straight to us to register.

Sacking touts from

hajj process in Oyo was a big war —Akeugbagold At this juncture, we would like you to make a clarification between the ‘agents’ you have been talking about and private hajj operators so that members of the public don’t get confused. There is a big difference between them. Agents were parasites on the board, while tour operators are licensed by NAHCON. They are legalised to entertain their clients (intending pilgrims); they have nothing to do with the state welfare boards. They are private and they pay directly into the account of NAHCON, which gives them their own separate allocations. As far as I am concerned, the private tour operators in Oyo State are performing wonderfully, but ‘agents’ were those who constituted parasites to the board. They were never recognised by NAHCON. They were like the common agberos in the motor parks who would invite passengers into buses and then remain in the park after the buses have moved. Given the fact that you occupy a political office and given the nature of politics, especially in this clime, are you not concerned that these problems you have enumerated may come back into the hajj system in the state after your tenure? I am very sure that these people [touts]

will celebrate by the time I finish my tenure but my prayer is that when I leave this office, Allah will not permit someone who will take this board back to the Stone Age to take this seat. I can only pray; there is nothing I can do. But it will be on record that I have done my part. What have you done to upgrade the operations of the board? We have computerised every aspect of our hajj operation. Again, our accommodation this year, I am sure, is the closest to Masjid al Haram and it is a five-star hotel. Apart from these, due to the present economic situation in the country, we have decided that henceforth, this board will be sponsoring its hajj officials as a way of helping the

Nowhere in the Arabian world - Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Egypt or Saudi Arabia – do they use government money to sponsor people on holy pilgrimage. But in Nigeria, whatever we do, we tend to exceed the boundary.

government. The state used to spend about N150 million per year on the board but when he came to power, Governor Ajimobi introduced prudence in the whole system. He wanted every penny spent justified and accounted for. After due consideration, the money was reduced N30 million. But in 2014, we decided that the board should be able to stand on its feet and not bother the government with demands. So, since last year, the board has been responsible for the movement of its officials to Saudi Arabia and back to Nigeria and the credit for this feat goes to the governor. In fact, we are planning to start raising IGR [internally generated revenue] as a means of helping the government. We are planning this and in sha Allah, it will work. So, besides not depending on the government, we will be generating revenue for the government. We have tabled this idea before the government and it was welcomed. I must add that one thing that has helped us in the registration of our pilgrims this year is the introduction of a sort of saving system of payment. In view of the current economic situation which we know would take its toll on everyone, right from January, we encouraged our pilgrims to pay N35,000 per week and commit themselves to it. People heeded this advice and, Alhamdulillah, today, Oyo is one of the states which do not have a problem as far as registration of pilgrims is concerned. We are even planning to buy more seats from other states because we have exhausted our seats and we want to make sure that all intending pilgrims who come to us have the opportunity and do not run into fraudsters in the process. What are those things that you have found difficult to achieve for the board? Well, one thing that has yet to come to fruition for me is the issue of Alakia airport. However, I pray that before I leave this office, Oyo State pilgrims will be boarding aircraft right from that airport. All manner of Muslims, including those who know next to nothing about the rituals of hajj, like always, are preparing for this year’s exercise. What measures are you taking to ensure that this class of pilgrims perform a valid hajj in Mecca? I remember that at a meeting in Abuja last month, Oyo State was singled out for commendation for excelling in the area of orientating intending. When it comes to orientation of pilgrims, we stop at nothing to achieve results. In fact, last year, we introduced a sort of practical demonstration and that helped us a lot. I can assure you that the board will not allow anyone who fails to know what they are going to do in Saudi Arabia to go. That is the reason we are starting the religious screening very early this year. That will be early in May. Those who fail the religious screening, who do not know how to pray or what to do during hajj, have been given three months to know what they are supposed to know. We are trying to orientating them and making them understand that hajj is a rigorous exercise; that they are going there to work. We are telling them that hajj is not all about having the wherewithal to do it and thereafter fixing a silver tooth in the mouth. They have to work and expect challenges. Alhamdulillah, last year, none of our pilgrims was involved in either of the tragic incidents. This was a mercy from Allah. We believe that the oriContinues on pg 18

islamicnews

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Sacking touts from hajj process in Oyo was a big war —Akeugbagold Continued from pg 17

entation will go a long way to ease the job for us as well as the pilgrims.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, cutting the 30th anniversary cake of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), at the closing of the events marking the anniversary, in Lagos, penultimate weekend. With him are the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Rahmon Bello (second right) and others.

Neglect of zakaah responsible for widespread poverty —MUSWEN By Saheed Salawu

HE Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has described the decision of the majority of eligible Muslims to push zakaah to the back burner of their spiritual and mundane affairs as the reason poverty is common in the society, particularly among Muslims. MUSWEN stated this through its consultant, Dr Femi Abbas, who delivered the keynote address at its second General Assembly with the theme “Zakaah and Poverty Alleviation,” held earlier in the week, in Ibadan, Oyo State. Dr Abbas argued that “Allah has given us five pillars of Islam. One of them is zakaah. We as Muslims practise the four others pillars and each of them is personal; no one shares from whatever you do there. The only one that is sharable is zakaah and that is the one chosen for neglect. That is the one neglected by the entire Muslims.” Describing crime, insecurity and corruption as effects of poverty, he underscored the need for Muslims to de-

sist from neglecting zakaah and accord it a priority status like the four other pillars of Islam so as to achieve the status of a total Muslim. According to the scholar, it is necessary to deploy Zakaah as a tool designed by Allah to alleviate poverty among the faithful as well as other classes of people in the society. “Zakaah is a necessity, not the ordinary charity that we do on a daily basis. And it is the simplest thing. Allah has made it simple for us: you pay two and a half percent of your net income just once in a year, and we still find that difficult while we are swimming in abject poverty.” “We cannot continue to live in such a situation. It is for us

to find the solution. Nobody will find that solution for us,” Dr Abbas emphasised. Earlier, MUSWEN president, Dr Sakariyau Babalola, commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to fight corruption head-on, just as he called for support for the administration to succeed in its dealings. At the event, the state governor, Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ishmael Alli, noted that Islam forbids begging and as such appealed to relevant sections of the society to assist the government in its efforts to discourage the act. Dignitaries at the event

Inmates’ welfare: Prison controller woos religious bodies, NGOs RELIGIOUS bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been urged to partner with the Nigeria Prison Service, especially in the area of augmenting funds made available by the Federal Government. Deputy Controller of Prisons, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo

State, Mr Olufemi Ogunyadi, made the appeal during the maiden sensitisation programme organised by the Muslim Prisoner Concern Forum (MPCF). Ogunyadi described the Federal Government’s budgetary allocation as grossly inadequate to take care of the welfare of inmates and

ed that although the country was currently going through a rough patch, the problems having been long in existence, Nigerians remain hopeful that the results of the government’s efforts at solving the problems would be swift in coming.

The Council took cognizance of the governorship elections taking place in Edo and Ondo States later this year and, therefore, called on political parties in the states to give due consideration to Muslims as their standard-bearers.

Pay your workers, NACOMYO begs debtor states THE National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Southern Zone, has called on states of the federation owing civil servants salary to double their efforts and pay the workers their entitlement. The group made the call in a communique after its third annual da‘wah retreat in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. NACOMYO said the call was necessary in order to prevent labour unrest in the states and the nation at large. In the communique, signed by the National Vice President (Southern Zone), Alhaji Mustapha Balogun and Secretary, Abdul Mojeed Momoh, the group not-

included the chairman of the Board of Trustees of MUSWEN, Prince Abdul-Jabar Bola Ajibola; the Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Dawud Noibi; a former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith; President-General, League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere and Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakri Agbotomokekere. Others are former Minister of Sports, Professor Taoheed Adedoja; the Iya Adinni of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola and Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni.

...NSF begins leadership training today in Ibadan THE NACOMYO Student Forum (NSF) will today begin its Leadership Training Course at NACOMYO Islamic Centre, Sanyo, Ibadan, Oyo State. A statement by the state coordinator of NACOMYO, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, said the programme, with the theme: “Charting the Right Career: The criteria,” would

feature lectures, special prayers and practical computer class for young Muslims. The formal opening ceremony, according to the statement, will hold tomorrow at the same venue, where a retired banker and school proprietor, Alhaj Lukman Fasasi, will discuss the theme of the conference.

of other needs of the prisons. He, however, said that such partnership could include meeting the material, psychological, educational and spiritual needs of the inmates. He said that religion is particularly known worldwide to develop the total man and impact positively on man’s welfare, spirituality, morality and character. “NGOs and religious bodies in Nigeria have been contributing to the welfare of the inmates but more needs to be done towards contributing to the welfare of inmates in Nigerian prisons. “The inmates need the support of the NGOs and religions bodies in the payment of fines awarded to convicted inmates, as some cannot afford such fines and without any relation to pay for them. “Organising Islamic lectures, teaching of the Holy Qur’an and other Islamic seminars to aid the understanding of the Muslim inmates can make them become better persons in the future,’’ said Ogunyadi.

As events have shown in the past, not everyone that goes to Saudi Arabia has a genuine intention and that brings us to the issue of drugs. How is the board taking care of this? This year, we are working hand in hand with drug law enforcement agents. There is a security committee on the ground now comprising officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), SkyNet and the Department of State Services (DSS). We are doing all this just to make sure that we have a hitch-free hajj. We don’t want any embarrassment for the state; we have leant from past experiences. We have even told intending pilgrims and we are telling members of the public to go to our website and look at the names of the intending pilgrims and if they see any pilgrim with a questionable character, they should let us know in time so that we disqualify such a person if information provided about him proves to be true. I can even assure you that all the committee members will travel with us to Saudi Arabia. They will be at the point of departure at Lagos airport helping in screening all the pilgrims. They will be on the ground to ensure that rigorous screening is carried out on pilgrims from Oyo State. In spite of this lofty position, you have continued the da’wah activities for which you were well known prior to your occupying this office. How have you maintained this? Alhamdulillah. I remember that when I was appointed to this office by Governor Ajimobi, a lot of people who listened to my lectures across the world sent messages expressing their disappointment that I would take this type of appointment. They believed that this would affect my da’wah; that I won’t be able to preach the truth again. But I told them that political appointment is like breeze, which comes and goes when you do not expect it to. Da’wah will remain with me till I die. I will continue to preach the truth and I will not fear anybody. It is true that I am now a political office holder but that does not prevent me from carrying out my religious assignment and my duties to my Creator. There have been occasions where I preached and people believed that my preaching also pointed in the direction of my boss, Senator Ajimobi, but the governor is not someone who is averse to the word of God. He would even sometimes engage you on religious issues, especially when he is convinced about what he is saying. For example, when the governor wanted to start the process of stopping the sponsorship of pilgrimage by the government, he invited me. He asked me what the Holy Qur’an says about sponsoring people on holy pilgrimage. I said the Qur’an says that a Muslim has to be economically able to make the trip. Then he asked which part of the Holy Qur’an mandates the government to engage in hajj sponsorship when the government does not have such money, especially at such a time that the government is even managing to keep paying its workers. Then I told him that there is nowhere in the Holy Qur’an that this could be found. In fact, I can tell you that nowhere in the Arabian world Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Egypt or Saudi Arabia – do they use government money to sponsor people on holy pilgrimage. But in Nigeria, whatever we do, we tend to exceed the boundary. It is a good development that the government has stopped sponsoring people to hajj. What is your advice for Muslims as Ramadan approaches? The best preparation for Ramadan is the fear of Allah. Muslims must stay away from all forms of Haram when it comes to fasting in the month of Ramadan. They must not feed themselves with money obtained through unlawful means. Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wasallam) was quoted to have said that many people would be fasting but their action would have no meaning in the sight of Allah because they only abstain from food and do not fear God. I want to use this medium to appreciate His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, for his faith in my capabilities and his love for me. I am a son to him and he has always been there for me. I also appreciate Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, for always being a good mother to me. She has been the board’s go-to person for solution in the event of any problem. At times, she goes to the extent of using her personal resources to solve a problem for the board.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

fridaytreat T

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

...As Africa mourns Papa Wemba

FRICA was shocked and thrown into mourning, earlier in the week, when Congolese music legend, Papa Wemba, was confirmed dead around 9:10 GMT in Abidjan, the Ivory Coast capital, by his manager, Marie Laure Yaone, in a Facebook post. The Soukous maestro, who was performing with his band at the FEMUA 9 musical concert, slumped on stage at about 5:30 GMT on Sunday. His dancers and members of the Red Cross could not revive him on stage and subsequently rushed him to a hospital where he later died. “I do not have the strength to put this information on Facebook,” Ms. Yaone wrote in French.” She had published a post of how the musician slumped and was rushed to the hospital. “Papa Wemba fell on stage at Anoumabo, Abidjan where he was performing at the Legislative Femua festival, organised by the Magic System. There’s more scared than hurt. As a manager, I assure you on his state of health and beg you not to put false information. “He was quickly taken over by the Red Cross and is resting in a hospital in the square. Malongiskin Cornely Malongi who’s with him taking care of everything. Thank you Lord for your grace.” However, two hours later she posted a message that heavy with grieve: “You can’t do this to us dad, no.” with a Facebook emotion that read: “feeling shocked.” Papa Wemba, whose real name was Jules Wembadio Kikumba, was born on June 14, 1949. He was one of Africa’s most popular musicians and perhaps the most influential Soukous performer. He was instrumental in making the genre of music popular worldwide.

Musical history Papa Wemba’s road to fame and prominence began when he joined the music group Zaiko Langa Langa. This was followed by his success as a founding member both of Isifi Lokole and then Yoka Lokole. But Wemba gained international success and status with his band Viva La Musica, especially after he took them to Paris, France in the early 1980s. While Papa was still a baby, the family moved to Leopoldville, the capital of the country, then a Belgian colony. His father, an ex-soldier who fought in the Belgian Army during the Second World War, became a hunter and often went off into the forest.

His mother was a professional mourner, an essential, traditional part of all funereal vigils and wakes. By regularly taking her son with her, she introduced him to music and song which very quickly became a passion for the child. However, his father was totally opposed to his son becoming a musician and dreamt of him becoming a journalist or lawyer. Viva La Musica In 1977, Papa Wemba finally formed Viva La Musica, a group of about 15 musicians, which after numerous changes still exists today, 20 years later. At the time the young man was a star throughout the whole of Zaire and beyond the rivers which encircle the country. His impact far exceeded the world of music. In the suburbs of Kinshasa, covering a large residential area, the singer recreated a village “The Village of Molokai” and established himself as the head man. Within the village, he imposed a fashion style centred around the beret. You had to speak in a certain way, walk in a certain way… It was a town within a town with its own codes and its own rules. European producers then began to take an interest in Papa Wemba, a highly promising commodity in countries where African music was gradually beginning to take hold. Tied to an exclusive contract with the Visa 80 label of Luambo Makiadi, alias Franco, it was a while before the Zaire national began to work with Europeans. A 30-year-long career The following year, Papa Wemba took off on a tour that took him around the globe. Then he returned to the studio to record a new album, “Bakala Dia Kuba”, which was released later that year in December 2001. Celebrating the singer’s 30-year-long career, the album featured an extensive mix of musical genres: soukouss, Latino sounds, Congolese Rumba, and Soul music. The artiste’s close friends and fellow countrymen, Lokua Kanza and Ray Lema appeared on it as special guests. It hit record stores while the artist was getting ready for a big show at Bercy—the biggest music venue in Paris. The creator of a fashion and a music, Papa Wemba has been instrumental in introducing Afro-pop to the Western charts. But at home in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a whole generation of youth has been following the trials and tribulations of the Kasai SAPE member step by step for nearly thirty years.

Matters arising: Between Lil Kesh, YAGI records and YBNL LIL Kesh is young and is getting it! Two years after penning a record deal with YBNL boss, Olamide, the talented artiste had stamped his foot firmly on the entertainment scene, stealing fans’ heart, and worked his way to becoming one of the most sought after artistes in the country. And so, it was surprising to many fans, when the news of his purported exit from the YBNL imprint filtered in recently. While many felt his exit was untimely and would dent his rising profile, others hailed his decision to help other budding talents as a move in the right direction. While arguments were rife on social media as to whether or not Lil Kesh was indeed leaving the YBNL family and if it would mean doom for Kesh’s career, Olamide and Kesh took to social media to address the issue. Olamide confirmed that Lil Kesh’s contract expired weeks ago as it was a two-year contract. ‘Baddo’, in an Instagram post shared, “Good day guys, sorry we didn’t put guys in the loop...Maybe cause we see no point in bringing it up cause family is family business or no business...I signed 2 years deal with Lil Kesh and Viktoh, it ended weeks ago.. But the bond is 007 leave it (James bond level) Don’t touch it. Kesh got his own record label now, YAGI but still works with YBNL management. Viktoh is still under YBNL management too. So worry not. The world is ours for the takeing..YBNL FamilyForEver”. Lil Kesh also has corroborated Olamide’s statement explaining his departure from YBNL via a post on Instagram saying, “Ok, so it’s true that my contract ended about two weeks ago like we all know my contract with YBNL was for two years, but that’s the business side to it. And did I state that my contract included three videos for me and one album? But Baddo went out of his way to shoot about five videos for me. Business or no business YBNL is family and will always be till I go six feet under the ground. YAGI records is real with the support of my big bro, Olamide YBNL, remains my management for life, YBNL doesn’t just produce successful artistes, it produces artistes that help produce other successful artistes. That’s the dream Baddo shared with me about a year ago.” the rapper said.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

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

fridaytreat ‘I want to redefine the entertainment industry’

Helen Paul celebrates

Toyosi Ogundele, the leader of Da’ Jazztee Band, needs no introduction in the entertainment cycle, both in Nigeria and in diaspora. The versatile entertainer has carved a niche for himself amongst his contemporary in the entertainment world. He speaks on his career and steady rise to fame.

HOW did you discover your passion for music? It all started at a very tender age in my father’s church. I started as a junior choirister and drummer and later became the main keyboardist / guitarist in the senior choir. I grew up to be an instrumentalist as well as a chorister. I later joined a musical group known as LASPET, where I also helped the group in its album production, under the supervision of a senior lecturer from the department of Mass Communication, Lagos State Polytechnic, Mr Steve. In a bid to step up my game, I eventually set up my own band known as Toyosi and Da’Jazzytee Band in 2008 and as God would have it, the band has grown in leaps and bounds, especially with its classic performances at events. I am a multi-instrumentalist, singer, song writer and professional producer. What was the acceptability like since you ventured into music professionally? I thank God for the steady rise and acceptability towards my music career, though it has not been easy. However, irrespective of the ups and downs I still have every reason to thank God for the grace and how he has brought us thus far. The acceptability has been encouraging, because God has helped us in showcasing the God-given talent. We have been able to carve a niche ourselves in the entertainment industry, especially among our peers. Could you recall your best performance ever?

I have never had a dull moment at any performance with my band. That is why I cannot classify or differentiate either best or worse. We ensure that we always give our best at any point in time. We have performed on various platforms within and outside Nigeria including; Nokia First Chance, G’bam Glo Show with Sasha. The band is also the in-house band for the award winning television show known as Teju Baby face’s show. We have also performed alongside King Sunny Ade, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, Sir Shina Peters, Adewale Ayuba, Alabi Pasuma, Olamide, Mike Okri, Muma Gee and M.I to mention but a few. My band also featured in Festival of Culture 2013 and 2014 alongside top juju singer, Arabian Jerry, The Supple Juju maestro and the Banjooz band under Sammek Entertainment; Festival of Culture Ankara night (Expressions magazine), American thanksgiving eve; Turkey night and in the United States with American-based musicians such as Latunde

I have never had a dull moment at any performance with my band. That is why I cannot classify or differentiate my best or worst performance.

Silva, Akinz Melody Fido fobia, Gbenga Ajayi, Labule, Kola Ogunkoya, Jah drums, Shegge show and the Authentic vibes band. How many albums to your credit? Da’jazzytee band have two albums to its credit; “Appreciation Vol.1” and “Appreciation Vol.2”. Also, preparations are in the top gear to release some hit tracks soon. We are also glad to inform our fans that Toyosi and the full Da’jazzytee band is set to embark on a tour to some African countries including the Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana. We also plan to embark on America tour, especially for ‘Festival of Culture 2016’ under the sponsorship and promotion of an international promoter, Sammek Entertainment. The bases of all these development are to expand our fan base and most importantly redefine industry with our style of music. Your background? I am a native of Offa, Kwara State, but born and bred in Surulere, Lagos in the early 80’s. My father is the founder of a church, while my mother is a business woman. I’m a trained architect and a graduate of Environmental Studies from the Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos. Your word to your fans I want to use this medium to appreciate them for their love and support. I promise to deliver as well as improve on my game. I also promise not to let them down.

17 Years on Stage with ‘Life Burial’ M

ULTIPLE award-winning entertainer, Helen Paul, has celebrated her 17 years on stage with the release of her anticipated play, ‘Life Burial’. The event was held amid pomp and ceremony at the University of Lagos Guest House on Sunday, 24 April 2016. During the event, which was attended by Prof Olumuyiwa Adebanjo-Falae, (Dean, Faculty of Arts, UNILAG), Mr Femi Bamisile, Chief Charles Nwoji and Dr. Otun Rasheed among others, Helen Paul also unveiled members of her drama troupe officially. Prof Adebanjo-Falae, who was the chief launcher of the day with his wife, described Helen Paul as a ‘special breed’. “Her husband is lucky to have her, and she is lucky to have a gentleman like him too because without his support and sacrifice, she can’t be where she is”, he said. Chief Charles Nwoji, who gave Helen Paul her first official public performance as a singer in Abuja in 1999, narrated how he met and discovered the entertainer’s singing prowess almost two decades ago before she was given the opportunity

to participate where she emerged the Best Gospel Act. According to Dr Otun Rasheed, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lagos, a genius is someone with one percent aspiration and 99 percent perspiration. He further described Helen Paul as a “focussed lady I have been monitoring from her undergraduate days. She started the idea of writing ‘Life Burial’ five years ago. It is thoroughly edited and I can boldly say that it can compete anywhere in the world.” ‘Life Burial’ is a boisterous comedy on gender relationship, but such relationship between a licentious man, Chief, and his assorted women. Apart from Anike, the only woman that Chief married, marriage and love is a game in the life of the other characters. In playing the game of love and marriage, Chief maintains a clear distinction between the woman he married, Anike, and the other women who got married to him. Unfortunately, the whole game takes a fatal turn when envy mixes with desire and denial. In the play, laughter is made an antidote to a confusing and confused world. In an amorphous

pect from Helen except one carefully designed to instruct by entertaining. The play is a good drama with full potentials for the stage. I recommend it to all without reservation,” Dr Osita Ezenwanebe, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts, UNILAG rapped. Helen Paul recently toured some Nigerian universities with her crew to present ‘Live Burial,’ her first work as a playwright. The tour started from the University of Lagos, before moving to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and Redeemers University, where the drama received accolades from veterans like Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva and Dr. Ahmed Yerima. Helen Paul said the second phase of the successful tour is scheduled to kick-off later in the year. “Interestingly, we have actually received messages from some international schools requesting that we bring ‘Live Burial’ to their respective institutions. But we would be starting from Cameroon soon,” she stated.

world where social values are derided, where truth and honesty are evaded and the law is made to look as a buffoon, nothing is left but the surprises of troupe. with her l being and beu a P n Hele coming. The playwright, Helen Paul, wrote ‘Life Burial’ as a doc- toral student in the department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos. She is one of the finest TV presenters, a stand-up comedian, an actress and above all, a scholar and critic of theatre and performance. “She is unique in her quest for knowledge despite being acclaimed as a star in the big screen. What types of drama, then, can one ex-

‘BAIP 2016 ’ll discover young, talented and beautiful ladies’ AS the Beauty of Africa International Pageant (BAIP) marks its 10th anniversary, the organisers have announced that this year’s edition will be the biggest and most celebrated ever. Established to create platforms of opportunities and recognition for young and talented ladies in Nigeria and Africa, the grand finale of the 2016 edition themed ‘Ambassador for Tourism, Peace and Friendship’ will hold on October 8 at Queens Park Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Over the past nine years, Beauty of Africa International Pageant, formerly known as Face of Daniels, has been able to discover and promote high-ranking models that are currently enjoying corporate endorsements both within and outside the country. The pageant has also brought together the crème de la crème of corporate Nigeria, top government functionaries, media executives, entertainment giants, designers, tourism and marketing executives among others. Speaking at an unveiling press conference held in Lagos recently, Mr. Daniel Opuene, President, Beauty of Africa International Pageant, said: “BAIP was established as part of our commitments to corporate social responsibility and service to youth development in Nigeria. It is a platform to discover and give opportunities to young, talented and beautiful ladies who would become the face, heart and soul of the rich cultural heritage of the good people of Nigeria. It is also designed to prove that they can make it in the world of modeling. The 2016 contestants would demonstrate both their inner and outer beauties as well as have opportunity to express their creative abilities.” According to Opuene, screening of the 2016 contestants will take place in six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Kicking off in Kaduna on June 4, the audition train will move to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on June 11. It will be the turn of Asaba, Delta State on June 18, Enugu on June 25, Abuja on July 2, Port Harcourt on July 9 and finally Lagos on July 16. However, the grand finale will hold in Lagos in October.

Trending Faces @ City Buzz 2016

Reminisce

Super Kharot

Tope Adedeji (Topside) with Black Diamond

Tuwyze (left) with Sharon JayRu

Fabulous Pizzy (left) with Sharon Taiye Currency on stage

Sheun Natural

Sade Blaq

Friday, 29 April, 2016

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

’Wale Olapade 08161235359 wale11g3@gmail.com Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year

NATOP sets agenda for tourism promotion in Nigeria

AKING its position as one of the frontline tourism associations in Nigeria, National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has outlined areas of interest that will boost development and promotion of the country’s tourism industry. NATOP advocate for practical tourism promotion to attract foreign tourist influx to Nigeria, thereby calling on the Federal Government to streamline the visa procedure to encourage tourists and in-bound visitors. In a communique issued by NATOP after its last Annual General Meeting in Calabar and recommendations from other tourism experts at the programme, the body observed that the procedure for Nigerian visa is cumbersome and the cost is very high especially for tourist visa. NATOP maintained that the Nigeria Immigration Service eVisa system is not visitor-friendly and does not work most times. It noted that a national carrier is very necessary for Nigeria to develop tourism. NATOP emphasised in the communique that top tourist destination countries worldwide leverage on the advantages of national carrier to increase visitors’ arrivals with the attendant benefit of revenue generation. The body maintained that it is important that unique Nigerian tourism products be developed to promote and market Destination Nigeria, while tourism in Nigeria should leverage on opportunities being created by the creative industry. NATOP also in the communique stressed the need for value chain optimisation in the industry, the need for tour packaging in collaboration with the creative industry, need for tourism policy advocacy, wealth and employment creation as tourism industry is the largest employer of labour worldwide, including the need for a well-defined cultural tourism calendar and Tourism Product Quality Standardization. NATOP also listed the useful recommendations of the keynote speaker at the event: Professor Pat Utomi who traced Nigeria economy from independence till date and stressed the need for commercialisation of culture, like revenue from music/ movie industry (Nollywood) which can be used to develop tourism. Utomi observed that Immigration Service is a major constraint of tourism development.

He recommended that tourism assets/ resources/ products should be developed, need to build and develop a service culture among Nigerians, need to build strong institutions in the tourism sector – NATOP, FTAN among others. Others include engagement of stakeholders to evolve viable institutions, human capacity development – need for training in the tourism sector, culture- value addition to tourism, that tourism is a low hanging fruits in the economy if developed, need for regional integrated approach to tourism development. On her part, the Director General of the National Council of Art and Culture (NCAC), Mrs Dayo Keshi stressed the need to promote national festivals like the Boat regatta, Durbar, Ofala, Calabar carnival, Oxun, Igue, Ojude Oba among others, including the need to fast

track processes and procedures in the system. Similarly, the Director General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, Yusuf Abdallah Usman who was represented by the Curator of the Calabar Museum called for the preservation of National Patrimony – Heritage. Abdallah Usman who stressed that tourism is key to diversification also called for the ranking of tourism as one of six priority focus of government. The NCMM boss called for the Review of policy: Re-launching and implementation need to invest in tourism and also the need to commend NATOP. While the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, (FTAN) President, Tomi Akinbogun stressed the need for affordable intervention funds for tourism development.

From left; Chairman, Sinotrust Group of Companies, Alex Wang; Group Executive Chairman, Peacock Group of Companies, Aare Segun Phillips; Chairman, Sino Travel International, Air Services (Beijing) Co Ltd, James Zhan and Chief Accountant, Peacock Group, Mr Olawale Oyero, shortly after a discussion in Lagos by the three companies on travel business collaboration between Nigeria and China.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11 (Middle), founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Wanle Akinboboye (first Left) and other African envoys during the Nigerian Drum Festival in Ogun State, recently.

Amosun lauds Anu, Olo at Drum Festival

THE governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has lauded the performance of two female cultural instrumentalists of Atunda Entertainment that thrilled visitors and tourists at recent drum festival in the state. Amosun who applauded the festival and commended all the artistes and troupes as well as the guests publicly acclaimed the performances of Anu, the lady Ekwe, who is Nigeria’s only female Ekwe percussionist and Olo Omidan Bata, who is also Nigeria’s only female bata drummer both of Atunda Entertainment. He described their feat at the festival as not only entertaining, but exceptionally creative and enchanting, adding that being ladies made it the more captivating and that their devotion to the art and the authentic talents displayed by the duo should be embraced and emulated by all especially the youths and young girls. Also speaking was the Founder and President of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye who said that the drum festival, which was making its first entrant to the cultural and entertainment landscape of the country, should be renamed African Drum Festival. According to Akinboboye, who applauded the state govern-

ment for the initiative, which he said demonstrated positive and creative thinking by the governor and his team, is one of the best cultural concepts that has emerged from Nigeria in recent times and that if properly managed and promoted has the potential of opening up the rich and vast cultural potential of the country and thereby opening door for the tourism industry to thrive. Akinboboye said that the drum festival is something that will resonate well with the rest of the world because it is a showpiece of the authentic and creative firmament of Nigeria culture, which is the world has never seen except the fleeting percussion sessions that they are treated to in our musical performances. As the true African ambassador, he advocated for the festival to be made an African event and named African Drum Festival with the scope and content enlarged so as to use it as a force to unite Africa countries, but more importantly to launder the image of Africa. “If the drum festival is properly packaged, I have no doubt that judging from thrilling display of different groups; the festival has the potential of drawing huge traffic to Nigeria and the continent especially the Diaspora, whom he said are yearning for a return to their root.

Ethiopian wins Best African Cargo Airline award ETHIOPIAN Airlines has been voted as the Best Cargo Airline of the Year from Africa at the 2016 Cargo Airline of the Year” Air Cargo News awards held at the Lancaster London Hotel, London on 23 April, 2016. Air Cargo News is the world’s leading air cargo publication which has produced the highest quality editorial content for the past 33 years. The awards are based on the voting results of more than 18,000 supply chain professionals over a two-month period. Shippers, the beneficial owners of the goods, and their logistics partners were asked to vote on the publication’s website for the airline that provided the best overall customer experience and for the best service provider in each region. Ethiopian Airlines has been pioneering African cargo by introducing the latest technology and fostering the growth of air cargo transport by providing convenient cargo import and export.

Ethiopia was the first in Africa to receive and operate the B777200 LR freighter, which has exceptional uplift, range and fuel efficiency, and is perfectly suited for the transport of Africa’s growing import and export of freight. Roger Hailey, Editor of Air Cargo News said, “Once again the air cargo industry has proven that innovation and customer service go hand in hand with ef-

ficient and secure global supply chains. “Ethiopian Airlines is a worthy winner of this award, as recognised by peer group professionals who voted in recognition of its valuable contribution to African air cargo. Congratulations.” “We are very pleased to win such a distinguished award: Best Cargo Airline of the Year for Africa at a time we are celebrating our 70th year anniversary.”

Mr Fitsum Abadi, Managing Director, Ethiopian Cargo Services (middle), receiving the award.

Ethiopian Cargo Services, the second largest Strategic Business Unit in the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Group, has been leading the continent with the largest and efficient air cargo network of connectivity with Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia for African exports and imports. “This award encourages us to do more in our contribution towards the socio-economic development of Africa. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our cargo team for their dedication and our Global cargo customers for their vote of confidence,” said Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopia operates cargo flights from its two cargo hubs: Addis Ababa and Liege. Liege Airport has been serving as Ethiopia’s main European cargo hub since 2008 for Ethiopian flower exports to the European market and the import of high value goods into Africa.

Friday, 29 April, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

The widening gulf between Bello and APC Kogi State remains the centre of national discourse, as the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of no confidence on Governor Yahaya Bello. YINKA OLADOYINBO, in this report, looks at the issues surrounding the sudden twit of events in the state.

ince the conduct of the last governorship election in Kogi State, the political terrain of the state that prides itself the confluence state, has been moving from one controversy to another without any sign that the situation might abate soon. From the declaration of the election inconclusive to the death of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Abubakar Audu to the replacement of his name with that of the incumbent governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the state has always been in the news, sadly in most cases, for negative reasons. Still swimming in the series of crises that trailed the conduct of the governorship election, the state found itself in the state House of Assembly debacle, following the removal of the Speaker, Rt Hon. MomohJimoh Lawal by five out of the existing 20 members of the legislative arm of government. The development led to the intervention of the National Assembly, which eventually culminated in the sealing up of the state assembly complex with the House of Representatives proclaiming the taking over of the functions of the assembly. The development further polarised the state and the polity with the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, drawn into the crisis. This followed the opening of the assembly complex by the police, who relied on the legal advice from the office of the AGF. As the IGP was facing the committee of the House of Representatives on the Kogi issue, chaired by the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, to clear his name and explain his involvement in the perceived disobedience of the order of the national assembly, another round of crisis surfaced. This time around, the issued pitched the governor against his own party, the APC. It has been an open secret that all was not well between Bello and the majority of the members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the party in the state since his nomination by the John Odigie-Oyegun-led national executive. Most of the members of SEC did not hide their opposition to the decision of the party to pick Bello as a replacement for Audu for the supplementary election held on December 5, 2015. However, some of them, particularly the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, who is from the same Kogi Central Senatorial district with Bello, decided to toe the line of the governor, believing that being same Ebiraman, he would have a real sense of belonging in the government. This development gave the agitation by SEC members setback at the initial stage as there was no forum where a decision could be jointly taken by the people. But on individual basis, some SEC members had complained bitterly about the situation in the party in the state. They said the party hierarchy was not recognised and was indeed being maginalised in the scheme of things. To them, major decisions that required the input of the SEC members were being taken without recourse to the party. The atmosphere at the state secretariat of the party also does not portray it as the party in power in the state. Instead of the place booming with activities; the building is always deserted with only a few party members at hand discussing the direction of politics in the state. Therefore after many months of lack of activity and direction, members of the executive of the party met to review developments in the party and came out with some

Gov Bello

Oyegun

decisions that are already widening the gulf between the party and the government. The highlight of the decisions was the passing of a vote of no confidence on Bello over the way he has been ruling the state in the last three months. At the meeting, which was reportedly attended by 34 of the 36 members of SEC and presided over by Ametuo, the APC state leadership accused the governor of engaging in anti- party activities and therefore did not deserve the confidence of the executive of the party. Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the state secretary, Salam Adejo, said the meeting was conveyed to X-ray the general happenings and chart a way forward for the party. He said members resolved to pass a vote of no confidence on Bello, as it appeared he was not ready to work with the party. He said that almost all the 36-member SEC were unanimous in their complaint against the approach of the governor and supported the decision of the meeting. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am the secretary of the party in the state, and am representing my local government in the state executive, the governor appointed a Senior Assistant from my local government and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know him in person. This

is a big slap on the party. When the governor assumed office, we gave him a number of recommendations at the level of the party, but all of them were thrown into the dustbin. We are operating on parallel lines.â&#x20AC;? Expectedly, the development has since been generating reactions and counter-reactions, with some people supporting and aligning with the vote of no confidence. Others have been protesting against the decision and coming up with their own vote of confidence on Bello. Some APC stakeholders fired the first salvo against the governor, as they saw the step taken by the SEC as the best to save the party and reposition it for future victories. They went further by demanding the resignation of Bello from office based on the vote of no confidence on him by his own party. Speaking through Mr Ben Adaji, the stakeholders accused the governor of rendering the party hierarchy useless in the scheme of things in the state, saying that with the vote of no confidence, Bello could no longer lead the state. But the development seems to have served as an eye opener to some supporters of the governor, who have since been condemning the Ametuo-led executive, while others have capitalised on the situation to roll over one another in their attempts to endorse the governor. No fewer than four groups have visited the press centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the last one week to castigate the SEC members for their action and alternatively passed votes of confidence on Bello. As this was going on, some party chairmen at the local government level that are loyal to the governor calso alled stakeholders meetings in their respective councils to solidarise with Bello and dissociate themselves from the decision of SEC. However, one of the groups that is supporting Bello in the crisis, the Coalition of APC Support Groups, led by Dr Yakubu Ugwolawo, while condemning the action taken by Ametuo and his SEC members, brought another dimension to the issue by claiming that the executive lacked the power to pass no confidence vote on the governor. It alleged that they were only trying to create anarchy in the

When the governor assumed office, we gave him a number of recommendations at the level of the party, but all of them were thrown into the dustbin.

Continues pg 24

politics&policy

Friday, 29 April, 2016

What 2015 poll taught PDP —Adedoja

Former Minister of Sports and elder of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Taoreed Adedoja has declared his intention to contest for the position of the national chairman of the party. In this interview, he speaks on agitation for the post to be zoned to the South-West and the APC administration in the country. BOLA BADMUS brings some excerpts:

women of honour in the South-West that have the experience and pedigree to lead the party to success in 2019. So, the SouthWest people must contest for the position of PDP chairman.

Your explanation suggests there is a conflict between those that are in office and former office holders in the party, as governors of the party are saying the position should go to the north? There is no conflict at all; it is a matter of understanding. Our understanding is that our leaders in PDP in South-West and for which we are gathering is to reverse the position. You know in life, you can have a position and a counter-position based on a superior argument. The meeting was held yesterday championed, of course, by some of our leaders, and yesterday was Wednesday. A decision was taken on Wednesday, there is a superior argument to counter it on Thursday, and that is exactly what we are saying.

here is a brewing crisis ahead of the PDP National Convention next month. What is the assurance that the party will not have parallel conventions? There is no crisis within the PDP; there is no crisis at all. Remember that our party is one of the largest in the whole world. It will definitely have challenges. It is one of the challenges of our party, and we are looking forward to the national convention come May 27. Then in specific terms, what informed the meeting of you and other PDP leaders in the South-West, held in Lagos last week? It was about equity and justice for the Yoruba race; equity and justice in the sense of demanding for the right of the South-West because since inception of the PDP by the founding fathers, there is no-

Adedoja body in South West that has occupied the highest political office in the party, that is, the national chairman. Right now, temporarily, I will say the chairmanship of PDP has been zoned to the North, also with the intention of zoning the presidential ticket of the party to the same zone. So, the meeting was about the unacceptability of that arrangement. The South-West deserves and is demanding the position of chairmanship of party, because we have highly and qualified competent men and

But sometime ago, a group of party leaders from South-West also went to the PDP national headquarters in Abuja to say that the zone was not interested in chairmanship; that the current acting party boss, Ali Modu Sherif, should continue in office? That is their opinion; remember as individuals, they are entitled to their opinion. Does that not indicate that the South-West PDP is in indeed divided and in crisis? No, it is not. They are entitled to their opinion. It is an opinion, but what I am saying is that the South-West should to

go for the slot of chairmanship of the PDP because we have eminent people that are qualified, and I am one of those eminent people. I have declared to contest for the position of the chairmanship of the PDP. If and when it is zoned to the South-West, I will contest. Even if it is not zoned to the South West, I will contest for the position because all of us in the country have equal right to any position. I am desirous, and it is a business that will be pursued by the special grace of God. But what will you do if the party prevails on you to drop your ambition? The party can only prevail on you if there is a superior argument but as of today, there is no superior argument. There is no superior argument in the sense that in the politics of PDP, the South-West has been marginalised. If this country is about marginalisation, then, there is no hope. I also remember that I contested for the national secretary of the PDP during the 2012 national convention; we were asked to step. We stepped down because of the interest of the party, but now that we are talking of the party coming back to limelight and giving strong leadership to PDP at the national level, the position of national chairman of the party is very important. One of the reasons I am offering myself to swerve is that I have worked and lived in all parts of the country. I am a Yoruba and from Ibadan, but I was born in Kano. I lived there and in Borno State, as well as Delta State. In the whole of the South-West region, there is hardly any where that I have not touched people’s lives.

Battle over spoils of office Continued from page 23 state. Ugwolawo said it was necessary to note that the Bello is a member of the State Executive as contained in Article 12 (8) of the constitution of the APC constitution, adding that the SEC failed to use the instrument of the committee to settle their differences if there is any. However, the support enjoyed by the governor was to be punctured by another meeting of elders/ stakeholders of the party, which had the likes of Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane, Senator Saliu Ohize and Chief Dare Olatunde, among others, in attendance. A communique issued at the end of their meeting accused the governor of relegating the winning APC in the state to an opposition party, describing the situation as worrisome. While emphasising the sanctity of the November 21 2015 gubernatorial election and calling on the relevant authorities to give effect to the will of the people as demonstrated in the election, the stakeholders urged APC national leadership to, as a matter of urgency, take steps to correct the injustices of occassioned by the emmergence of Bello as the governor of Kogi State. The stakeholders however endorsed the action of the SEC as it concerned the vote of no confidence passed on the governor. But the governor seems unperturbed by the no-confidence vote passed on him by the state APC executive committee but believed it was an attempt by some leaders of the party to distract him and derail his administration from delivering his electoral promises. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Kingsley

Fanwo, the governor said: “I have always maintained that the basis for which the alleged vote of no confidence was passed was sandy. The leaders of the party who have chosen to tow the path of division should have a rethink and join the New Direction path for the greatness of Kogi State. The world is watching and questions would be raised concerning the genuineness of the actions of a section of the party leadership that is playing out a script written from outside the state. “Governor Yahaya Bello has nothing to prove as to his belief in the ideology of the All Progressives Congress. He is the biggest supporter of the party in the state. He has been supporting the growth of the party even before he assumed office.It would be recalled that the Governor was hugely responsible for the landslide victory of the party in the 2015 general elections when he mobilised Kogi youths to deliver victory to the state. He sponsored the election of many candidates of the party. “The allegation against the Governor that he didn’t support the party’s candidates in the National Assembly rerun elections smacks of aggressive falsehood and misrepresentation of facts. No one has freedom of misinformation. Party candidates were barred from the rerun due to the mismanagement of the nomination processes by the same elements that are now turning round to accuse the Governor of supporting opposition party. “On the Assembly crisis, the Governor as a peace-promoter wouldn’t have stoked the fire of crisis in the Assembly. The problem started long before he assumed office. A member of the State Executive Committee of the party was seen campaigning openly for the emergence of a PDP Speak-

er in the House. These set of elements are the real problems of the party. Defending his pattern of appointments, which was a major issue that led to the vote of no confidence, Bello said: “Government appointments have been based on merit and the fairness. This is the first time a government is doing this in Kogi State. The de-tribalised nature of the Governor is already achieving ethnic cohesion and integration. The Amso Show, where some self-styled leaders gathered to fruitlessly malign the integrity of the governor, highlights the extent some leaders could go to destroy their own party. “Governor Yahaya Bello is neither surprised nor perturbed by the resistance of anti-change elements who are not stating their real angst against him. Governor Bello has shown his desire to do things differently in the state to achieve results. He is focused on his cardinal programs of education, healthcare, job creation, urban and rural rebirth and ethnic integration. The pace at which the governor is going is really frightening his opponents, hence the desperation to forge the signatures of eminent party leaders to support a vote of no confidence. The governor will remain committed to the development of the state through the lofty manifesto of the All Progressives Congress. He is not prepared to do the bidding of party leaders who wants a government of the few by the few for the few. “The present Kogi State government is committed to using the commonwealth of the people to serve the common good of all. It is clearly untrue that the governor is detached from the party structures. While some party leaders are not comfort-

The present Kogi State government is committed to using the commonwealth of the people to serve the common good of all.

able with the style of the Governor which is tailored to meet the direct needs of the people, others who have the interest of the people have been working closely with the governor. Whatever the governor is delivering today cannot be disconnected from the programmes of the APC” The fresh crisis in the political landscape of the Confluence state has clearly shown that it might take a while before the state purge itself of the series of self-inflicted challenges it has enmeshed in since the later part of 2015. With the litigations over the last governorship election, to the plethora of logjam in the state House of Assembly, now to the intra-party conflict in the APC, which has pitched the governor and his supporters on one side against the members of SEC and some notable leaders of the party in the state on another, definitely the last is not heard about the political row in Kogi.

politics&policy

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Y first ever encounter with Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, was by chance a few days before the official announcement of his appointment to the post. It’s going to a year now. One national daily got the scoop that he would become the spokesman of the new president and went to town with it. I was boarding a plane on the tarmac of the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos to Abuja when I noticed him on the queue just ahead of me. I recognised him from his photographs I had seen and I called out to him, “Congratulation on your new appointment,” before mentioning my name and beat which he was familiar with obviously from my bylines. He greeted me warmly. But he was keen to stress that there was no such appointment yet, that he had only read it in the media. In any case, I told him that I hoped the speculation became true and my colleagues and I would be looking forward to receiving him at the presidential villa. He said he would keep his fingers crossed. Once the appointment was formalised a few days later, the State House Press Corps was his first port of call in the villa in a move designed to familiarise himself with his immediate constituency and vice versa. The meeting took place at the media centre of the old Banquet Hall but with the benefit of hindsight, I am not too sure it achieved its aim at the time. Before his arrival for the session, members of the corps had resolved that individuals would not speak but that just one person would present our position which was not more that an official welcome and expression of readiness to work with him. This was a mechanism to prevent our flanks from being exposed so early in the life of the administration. Therefore, apart from the introductions, Adesina was not afforded the opportunity to get to know how our individual minds worked or what could be our disposition towards his office.

inside

aso rock WiTH leon UsigBe

08078891838 leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk

Femi Adesina, nearly a year after s At the end of the day, he spoke glowingly about his dreams for his new job and the press corps. We came away with the impression that he was a professional who understood the peculiar situations of journalists in a pressure cooker environment. But there were certain pronouncements he made that portrayed him as either playing to the gallery or have now been rendered impracticable by the constraints of “change.” We may need to discuss that later. The point here though is that nearly one year after his resumption as the presidential spokesman, there appears to be a struggle in the press corps for a proper understanding of his drift. In an all-too-familiar pattern, the corps is looking alienated, unable to forge a more positive relationship with the system. Rather than being partners in the enterprise, we have seemingly fallen back to that master-servant relationship with the tendency to be used as and when needed. It takes more than a deliberate effort to develop or maintain anything close to a personal relationship. It’s even more complicated now because under this dispensation, the corps has become unwieldy and basically, anonymous, growing from about 65 regular members to a total of 110 as at the last count. Adesina indicated at that first and only informal meeting that he would expand the corps by admitting online

reporters which up till that time had restricted access to the villa. Even though he was talking with correspondents of mainly the traditional media, he appeared more interested in online practitioners. Our conclusion then was that since online media ostensibly played a crucial role in the election of the08078891838 currentyahoo. government, he was deleon WiTH leonusigbe@ co.uk termined to have them in the house to continue to provide him complementary service. Consistent with the fad these days, Adesina is social media savvy. That’s why you are likely to stumble on announcements of some of the administration’s new policy stance on his Twitter handle or Facebook account before you have the opportunity to learn about them from official channels. He introduced the corps to the president as soon as Buhari resumed work in the villa last year. However, as it was in the previous dispensation, his nearly one year-old promise of regular interactions with the president has failed to materialise. Nevertheless, he has continued to be viewed as a good man by the press corps. He takes phone calls whenever reached and never the one to shy away from responding to tough questions. Beyond that, his constant rancorous laughter provides reassurance for any correspondent who has the privilege of a one-on-one with him.

aso rock

FCT and the Buhari administration By Akinsola Alonge IT was Charles de Gaulle that said, Men are great only if they are determined to be so.” It is apparent that the FCT has not been so lucky in having ministers determined to be great and reproduce (at least if they cannot surpass) the achievements of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai regarding the administration of the city affairs. The following questions you hear these days are troubling and shameful: Who is the FCT Minister? Why is Abuja becoming dirty and disorganised? The level of mediocrity and impunity that has overtaken this beloved city since 2007 is unprecedented and saddening. For architects and allied professionals like I am, reckless distortion of the FCT Master plan, organisation and administration is disheartening. It is a fact that the best administration or measure that mitigated the spiralling decay in the FCT was the Obasanjo/El-Rufai partnership between 2003 and 2007.The partnership confronted the corruption, impunity and recklessness that they had met entrenched in the system. They adopted a “no-nonsense” and “no friend-of-the-status-quo” approach to achieve results. El-Rufai developed and perfected a system that was on its way to making Abuja a truly Modern Capital City like Johannesburg and Abu-Dhabi and left with outstanding success. Unfortunately, every other administration has been peopled by politicians who are after their pockets rather than effective administration of the FCT. Since most of us (including this writer) voted for Buhari, we had and still have great hope that it is possible to re-enact the spirit of el-Rufai as regards the FCT administration. So, let us give the present FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammed Bello, the benefit of doubt. Though, I must say that lots of Nigerians are disappointed that no visible plan of action has been seen yet. It is expected that Mr President would form a powerful partnership with the minister just as Obasanjo did with el-Rufai. I have great liking for PMB and utmost confidence in his ability to bring change to the FCT and Nigeria. The FCTA ought to be chaired by Mr President as governor as provided by law, while the minister should serve as the Minister of State just as he is doing with the Petroleum Ministry. The hardest thing to do in Nigeria is to be different and take pride in perfection. It is said that Mallam Muhammed Bello, abhors corruption and is a stickler for details. Though not too late to act, it was expected that within a few weeks of being sworn in, he would start dis-

Buhari

mantling most of the shameful legacies of the immediate past FCT administration that took pride in allocating green areas, sewer/waterways and open spaces to government officials, religious organisations and other patrons. Our beloved FCT has degenerated to the extent that Mr President will need to declare an emergency for the rebirth and renewal of the FCT in its entirety from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) where officials make it difficult for registered professionals to thrive as evident in the development of non-fancied, non-iconic buildings in the city, to the allocation of visible green areas to mosques/churches (this is a danger that the APC-led government should immediately avert before it becomes a dragon that cannot be contained). For instance, it is in the public domain that the former administration allocated a plot of land to a popular church in Apo which was later discovered not to be originally designed for a religious institution and has become a contentious issue now. Another impunity is in the allocation of green areas to selected individuals for the development of an Event Centre and a Mosque for Wuye District Muslim Community adjacent to the FCT Wuye District Office. Another gloomy

example is the allocation of a corridor between Federal Ministry of Finance and the Yobe State House along Ralph Shodeinde Street in the Central Business District to an auto firm. We must not allow these acts of impunity to continue unchecked. We must also not be tempted to think these issues can be covered up in the course of reviewing the city’s master plan. Neither should we act as if it is none of our business to poke our snout into the administration of the city, because such will be like a self-threatening suicidal time bomb targeting the development of a modern planned city. Allocation of plots to influential politicians, military personnel, civil servants, etc., for gardens is now the practice, where permanent structures are erected as event centres, restaurants, car-sales depots, etc. Even the existing spaces allocated for gardens are not properly maintained. For instance, the Asika Ukpabi Gardens in Wuse Zone 5 has degenerated so far that it has become an eyesore to the public. One will feel terribly disappointed that it had to take Senator Dino Melayo and his colleagues from the Senate to alert the FCT minister on the abuse of the green areas in Maitama along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway/IBB Boulevard, opposite the Aguiyi Ironsi Barracks. Of recent, a director in the FCT was openly embarrassed on a national TV as being part of the beneficiaries of the impunity and lawlessness that has characterised this projected modern city, for erecting his personal house on that same green area. Meanwhile, green spaces that have survived the indiscriminate conversion into personal uses and retain their status as gardens are not properly maintained. As the Dutch journalist living in Nigeria, Mr. Femke Van Zeiji stated, “mediocrity has overtaken corruption to wreck Nigeria”. It is noteworthy that it is solely the duty of the FCT Minister to ensure that this City becomes the pride of Africa it was envisaged to be at inception. He should be ready to work hard at (achieving) this without waiting for the interference of members of the national legislature or prompting of members of the public. Alonge is a chartered architect and PRO of the Association of Consulting Architects of Nigeria (ACAN), writes from Abuja.

communitynews

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Ogun resolves 16-year land dispute

GUN State government has resolved a 16 – year land dispute between Nasirullahi-il fathi (NASFAT) and five families of Asese Community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state. Speaking at the signing of a peace agreement between the two parties, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olumide Ayeni, informed that the Senator Ibikunle Amosun led-administration in the state had again reached a milestone in its determination to ensure that its people coexist peacefully and harmoniously. It will be recalled that the land dispute began sometimes in 2000 before the advent of the present administration in the state. About 58 acres of land in Mowe/Ibafo area were sold to NASFAT which the community claimed belonged to them. The case had since passed through three court appearances before the state government waded in through the intervention of the Baale General of Igbein land, High Chief Olukayode Lisoye, who brought the case to the attention of the government. The commissioner revealed that the resolution would bring lasting solution to the land dispute and serve as a reliable evidence to support the move to settle out of court, when they file for

a withdrawal of the case which is pending at the Supreme Court. Ayeni said the state government decided to adopt the mechanism of Alternative Dispute Resolution which allowed the two parties to bare their minds freely without rancour after which both parties agreed that a total of 12.06 acres be ceded to Asese community while the remaining goes to NASFAT. “With the signing of the agreement, it would bring to an end the 16-year land dispute between five families in Asese town in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state and NASFAT society,’’ he stated. Speaking during the mediation, a representative of NASFAT and the Deputy Chief Missioner, Imam Onike-Azeez Maroof, commended Governor Amosun for his prompt intervention in the matter which had culminated into settling the case out of court, noting that the resolution would

bring socio-economic development to the area and the state at large. Similarly, the Baale of

Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure THE lawmaker representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Mike Omogbehin, has been commended for his bursary to students from Irele and Okitipupa Local Government areas of Ondo State. No fewer than 230 students across communi-

ties in the two local government areas benefited from the gesture which the lawmaker said was a fulfillment of one of his promises during the electioneering. Speaking on behalf of the communities, a community leader from Irele, Adegoroye Adebayo, said the bursary would go a long way to provide succour

are ready for distribution”. In the letter presented to the leadership of the assembly, the oil communities alleged that the 2015 budget had not been fully implemented. They said; “All figures in the 2015 budget were cleverly omitted to shortchange host communities, especially in the capital budget.” Addressing the protesters, the Chairman, House Committee on DESOPADEC in the House of Assembly, Chief Denis Omovie, said the protest was premature, adding that the assembly was yet to look into the budget sent to it last week for necessary legislative action. According to him “a budget is an instrument of law that passes through

a process and the 2015 DESOPADEC budget cannot be an exception”, stating that it was not in the power of Host Communities to tell the assembly how to do its work. He said: “DESOPADEC is an interventionist agency. Every Deltan has an interest but we must project our interest within the ambit of the law.” He, however, commended the protesters and assured that the assembly would consider the interest of all stakeholders without neglecting the mandate of DESOPADEC. It will be recalled that the Itsekiri Hostcom, last week Wednesday, protested against the provision of N600 million security vote in the 2016 budget of the commission.

HOST Communities of Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) in Delta State, on Tuesday, stormed the state House of Assembly complex in Asaba to protest the nonaccountability of N16 billion in the 2015 budget of the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). Led by the state Chairman, Dr. Peter Egedegbe and the National Coordinator, Prince Maikpobi Okareme, the protesters arrived the assembly complex at about 9:30 a.m. in six buses. They called for the “full implementation of the 2015 budget as passed, especially projects that hadbeen designed for which tender documents have been prepared and

hibited by the state government in ending the dispute had again showed that the government was

passionate about ensuring peaceful coexistence in the community and the state in general.

Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, presenting the key of a motorcycle to the state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ibrahim, during the presentation of 50 motorcycles to the state Police Command by the state government.

Students get bursary in Irele, Okitipupa

Oil communities protest non-accountability of N6bn in budget alphonsus agborh-asaba

Asese, Chief Kasumu Sonola, who spoke on behalf of the five families, said the high level wisdom ex-

for parents and students who have been facing one challenge or the other, especially in the face of the present economic realities in the country. He lauded the lawmaker for the scholarship which he said was better than the distribution of okada and called on him to find ways of engaging unemployed youths in the area. Speaking during the presentation of bursary at Okitipupa, headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area, the lawmaker said the bursary would afford those struggling to study in tertiary institutions because they were not born with silver spoon,”the opportunity to actualise their dreams.” He said “ though I was born with silver spoon and grew up in the palace, I saw hardship. I never had the opportunity of going to a conventional university. Therefore, it has been on my mind that anytime I have the opportunity, I will do just what I am doing today.” He further commended the initiatives of the only higher institution in the South Senatorial District, Ondo State School of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), for establishing a synergy with the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Training (CELT) to empower the youths and students of the constituency. The lawmaker afterwards donated five Lenovo laptops and other computer accessories to the institution. He explained that the

230 students selected for the scholarship were picked from the two local government areas with 10 students from each ward, The students are from different higher institutions across the country.

Ojuri donates vehicles to constituents in Odogbolu THE Odogbolu state constituency representative in Ogun State House of Assembly, Honourable Adebowale Ojuri, has empowered three of his constituents with vehicles. This, according to him, is in continuation of his empowerment programmes as hundreds of his constituents had since his assumption of office 10 months ago benefited from a series of empowerment programmes embarked upon by him. Speaking while presenting car keys to the beneficiaries, Ojuri said the ability to move is a very important phenomenon as it is one of the avenues for employment. He noted that when someone is assisted by being given a vehicle, that person has been made a “fisherman” and his job made easier. “What I’ve noticed in the last few months is their desire to own vehicles which to me, is motivating.

I intend to give out one vehicle per quarter. I believe this is achievable with God on my side” he said. According to him, the beneficiaries were not picked randomly but because they contributed immensely to his success in the last general election “ so, it’s a way of thanking them but they must see it as an empowerment tool.” Ojuri further said that in the last 10 months, he had executed a lot of projects which include grading of over 50 roads, giving of soft loans to associations, distribution of over 20 wheelchairs to the physically challenged, distribution of study materials to students, donation of school furniture to schools, sponsoring of over 100 constituents on vocational training among others. The beneficiaries, Messrs Okukoya, Adebiyi and Ayinde were full of praises for the lawmaker for the gesture, promising to maximise the opportunity.

Friday, 29 April, 2016 Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 0811 184 5048

features

When

six doctors, their driver united Ekiti in grief

The ambulances conveying the corpses of the deceased.

Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

HE people had lined the streets as they expected the bodies. They all wore mournful and curios look as they took over the available spaces at the Adebayo Road from Fajuyi Park, where Governor Ayo Fayose and his entourage were also waiting, towards the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH). The people wore curious looks because the news of the death of the seven Ekiti sons, in an automobile accident, in one fell swoop, was sudden, sad and sullen. Governor Ayodele Fayose, his deputy, Dr. Kolapo Olusola; his chief of staff, Chief Dipo Anisulowo; his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olurotimi Ojo; the chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Dr. Samuel Omotosho and the Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, among others were all at Fajuyi Park when the ambulances conveying the bodies arrived. Before then, senior doctors and sundry medical workers in the state, including senior consultants such as a former chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state, Dr. Pius Adeojo, had received the bodies as they arrived in Ado Ekiti, at outskirts of the state capital. The howling of the ambulances could hardly drown the wailing of the various mourners, which had risen pitches higher as they sighted the seven ambulances in the long, regrettable motorcade. Many of the individuals in some of the vehicles in the convoy cried loudly as they also saw the waiting crowd. And there was no one to stop anyone from expressing grief as the bodies and the injured were given the right of way to EKSUTH. It wasn’t an evening to remember. The EKSUTH main gate had been filled too with crowds of mourners, and there were hundreds of them wailing and expressing grief in various others forms. Given the number of people in and around the hospital, the entire hospital must have stood still as even its security operatives had to adjust their work and lined

the roads towards the mortuary, the temporary abode of the dead. Even at the mortuary, students, tutors and sundry workers at the EKSUTH School of Nursing had trooped in through a gate linking both institutions, to also catch a glimpse of the events. There were no speeches. Neither Governor Fayose nor Dr. Ogundipe had anything else to say. The events had said it all. But the governor, when newsmen insisted described the development as “an everlasting pain.” He also promised that his government would “assist their families in whatever way we can to assuage their pains.” He also didn’t fail to mention that the state government was already done with plans to immortalise them. Dr Ogundipe on his part said the bodies were deposited at the EKSUTH mortuary for the families to see them before they were dispatched to their various locations for burial. However, apart from the elderly women on the streets, who had frequently wiped their tears with their wrappers; the relatives of the seven dead victims of the accident, who had wept uninhibited as the ambulances howled, and the hundreds of hospital workers and

There were no speeches. Neither Governor Fayose nor Dr. Ogundipe had anything else to say. The events had said it all. But the governor, when newsmen insisted described the development as “an everlasting pain.”

others, some of whom shouted the names of the victims as they concerned them, numerous other Ekiti other Ekiti indigenes have also mourned. The accident and the dead had united Ekiti in grief. Beyond the communities, Ekiti elders and political leaders are also united in their grief. For instance, apart from the state government which declared a three-day mourning period, the immediate past governor of the state and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also commiserated with the families, government and people of the state on the tragedy. Fayemi noted that “losing seven citizens, including six dedicated and patriotic doctors in one accident is not only disheartening, it is troubling. It is indeed a terribly sad moment for the entire people of Ekiti State.” Also, legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) commiserated with the state government, the management of EKSUTH) and that of FETHI, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. Babalola said their death “is particularly painful bearing in mind the place and import of their services to humanity and the dearth of their ilk in the society.” Also, a former deputy governor of the state, Dr Sikiru Tae Lawal; Senator Ayo Arise, a former member of House of Representatives, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, were all part of the mourning and they stated so in their various statements. Even the All Progressives Ccongress (APC) in the state mourned, saying in a statement that it regretted “the sudden loss of the physicians, who are illustrious sons of the state who had made their marks in medical profession.” The Efon Development League, to which one of them belonged and the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ekiti State also mourned the deaths. Many other citizens of the state had also taken various means to express their sadness over the incident. There have been numerous social media feeds by people who are variously close to the deceased. Even in Ido-Ekiti, workers of FETHI mourned the dead with a strange protest they said was meant to draw attention

to what they said they believed caused their death. The FETHI workers riled some people with the motive of their protest, and they saw this as a let down. But some others saw their action as their own way of mourning. However the tragedy is taken, Efon, Egbe, Ayede, Aramoko, are among the communities connected in this. One of the dead, a Consultant General Surgeon at FETHI, Dr. Tunde Aladesanmi, was buried on Wednesday just as the state concluded a three-day mourning period on Thursday. Aladesanmi’s funeral service at the Life Fountain Cathedral of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was like a pointer to what it would be like when the others are to be buried. There were tributes, and the NMA in its tribute described his death as a devastation of sorts as the association recalls that Aladesanmi was to have been ordained a Deacon in RCCG in August. Old students of St. Augustine’s Comprehensive High School, Oye-Ekiti, his alma mater described Aladesanmi, who was a senior prefect of the school, as “humility personified” and said his life was “all about giving back.” The Ekiti State government, through Dr Olusola, who was at the service said from what workers of FETHI said of Aladesanmi, he was a “man of the people”. The mother of one of the dead doctors was said to have died last Saturday while he died on Sunday. They are both in the same mortuary now with the others. The father of Ekiti NMA secretary, late Dr. Alexander Akinyele, a Resident, Community Medicine at FETHI, is said to be undergoing treatment when the son died. Dr. O. J. Taiwo was a Consultant Anatomic Pathologist at EKSUTH and was the first vice president of Ekiti NMA. Dr J. B. Ogunseye was a senior Dental Officer at the general hospital, Ifaki and national secretary of NAGGMPD, Dr James Adeniyi was a Senior Health Officer at the state’s Health Management Board, Dr. Olajide Olayiwola was a Resident, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and President, Association of Resident Doctors in EKSUTH. Mr. Ajiblola Olowookere was the driver of the ill-fated bus.

28 features

Friday, 29 April, 2015

Debasco celebrates wife with One-in-town birthday bash

LORI Mariam Onakoya, wife of popular businessman and politician, Otunba Babatunde Onakoya (Debasco) was the cynosure of all eyes recently when she celebrated her birthday at her husband’s country home in Atiba, IjebuOde, Ogun State. It was a gathering of the whois-who in the political and social circles in the state including eminent personalities, dignitaries, captains of industry and celebrities like Otunba Oluwole Paul, Princess Soga, Alhaji Akewusure, Professor Seun Omotayo, (Dr) Tunji Dawodu, former President Ijebu Ode Club, Chief Idowu Salami, Commissioner Oluwole Olubena, Barrister Ogunba and Barrister Abey Onashoga and Oluomo Segun Oyesanwo. Guests at the event were entertained with choice menus and imported wines while music was supplied by Omo Ebira Fuji. The celebrant’s husband, Otunba Onakoya dressed in an all white attire with a white hat to match celebrated his wife describing her as his “jewel of inestimable value.”

1. Otunba Onakoya Debasco with his wife. 2. The couple flanked by Prince Soga Onakoya and Dr Tunji Dawodu. 3. Celebrant with her husband and well-wishers. 4. Celebrant with other well wishers.

Philanthropist down with leukaemia, needs N8m

Martins

By Tunde Ogunesan OLUSOLA Martins, a banker, had a passion to see less-privileged but brilliant young students achieve their academic goals. To achieve this, he co-founded a non-governmental organisation, Sozo Network, which is dedicated to leadership and career and development in children. Martins, 36, born in

Zaria, Kaduna State, and hails from Oke Ero Local Government Area, in Kwara State, started his professional career in Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) in 2006 and worked diligently till he left for First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in 2009 where he works till date. With Sozo Network, he paid for over 50 students to write their JAMB Ex-

amination and sponsor a good number to university. But as fate would have it, Martins developed symptoms of severe fever, generalised itching, body swelling and multiple boils. In September 2015, it was discovered he had Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), simply put; a rapidly proliferating cancer of the white blood cells in the Blood. The only life saving procedure for leukemia is a bone marrow transplant. He is in dire need of this transplant because of the exponential rate of deterioration of his body regardless of palliative treatments. The transplant and other expenses would cost N8 million which should be paid as possible to save him from death. Donations can be done through: http://gofundme.com/kqxzjzkc or Bank: GTBank (Current Account), Account Number: 0009380841, Account Name: Martins, Timothy Olushola

Oluwamuyiwa

Medical student, Oluwamuyiwa, seeks help to live A Third year medical student, Olaoluwa Oluwamuyiwa, who is down with renal failure has appealed to Nigerians to help save his life. Born on February 16, 1988, 28-year-old Oluwamuyiwa hails from Ondo State from a small family of four, comprising his parents, himself and his younger sister. ‘Dr Lulu’, as he is fondly called, began to experience difficulties in pursuit of his childhood dream to become a medical doctor in 2000 when his father lost his job. Shortly after, he had an accident that made him uncon-

scious for several months. He has been unable to fully use his legs well till date. Undeterred by the challenge, ‘Dr Lulu’ travelled to Ukraine to study medicine, but had to abandon the study owing to financial difficulty. He came back to Nigeria. But refusing to give up on his dream, he went to China after some years to study medicine again. He is currently in his third year. However, ‘Dr Lulu’ now faces a major challenge as he is suffering from renal failure. He is currently undergoing dialysis pending the

time he will be able to raise the N7 million required for kidney transplant. His family has appealed for assistance from good spirited Nigerians and corporate organisations to help raise the funds. You can help keep ‘Dr Lulu’ alive by donating to Oluwamuyiwa Olaoluwa Oyinde’s account no. 0108134961 at Guaranty Trust Bank. Enquiries can also be made via telephone numbers 08177356420 (Olaoluwa) or 08036607719 and 08029140079 (Oluwamuyiwa’s father).

29 hersay

Friday, 29 April, 2016

RIVING is a privilege. Cell phones are a privilege. Dating is a privilege. What your kids wear is a privilege; that he has something to wear is a right. What your kid eats is a privilege; that he has something to eat is a right. Watching television and playing video games and being on the computer are privileges. Spending money, whether it comes in the form of an allowance or payment for chores, is a privilege. Privacy is a privilege that is earned. Spending time with friends is a privilege. Your kids have the right to food, shelter, safety, medical care and education. Unlike being arrested, your kids don’t even have the right to remain silent. Everything else beyond those things in their life is a privilege. The definite Do’s of parenting Respect your own parents, so your kids will respect you. Teach your kids to enjoy reading. Teach healthy eating habits. Teach your boys to put the seat down. Exercise with your kids. Stay involved in all that your children do. Know your kids’ friends. Encourage private time, because kids need to learn how to be alone. Teach your kids to share and be charitable. Teach your kids to be on

Parenting The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu

08023242389

cryonmenow@yahoo.com

Difference between right and privilege time. Teach your kids to say “please” and “thank you.” Be consistent Teach them to play fair. Teach them to fight fair. Do the right thing every time— even when it isn’t the popular thing, the convenient thing or the cheapest thing. Draw lines in the sand—make it clear what is right and what is wrong. Take the time to listen. Play Kids need to play and you need to play with them. Teach your kids about money: how to spend, how to save, how to invest, how to enjoy it. Teach your kids how to say ‘I’m sorry.’ Teach your kids how to be po-

lite. Teach your kids table manners. Teach your kids to respect their elders. Let your kids have some privacy. But remember that privacy is an earned privilege. Be the kind of person you want your child to be. Teach your kids that when they make a mess, they clean up their own mess. Show unconditional love Tell your kids you love them. Sit on the floor a lot when you have little kids. Treat your kids with the same respect you want them to show you and others. Use short, quick corrections—never nag and badger. Hug your kids a lot, even when they think they are too old for it. “Teach your kids that a promise is a promise. Teach your kids to do what they said they would do,

when they said they would do it, the way they said they would do it. Then do that yourself. Keep your word to your kids. Teach your kids how to use a hammer, a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. This goes for both boys and girls. The definite Don’ts of parenting Don’t expect your kids to raise themselves. They will do a lousy job of it. Don’t let the television be your babysitter. Don’t think you can throw money at your kids as an expression of love. Love is involvement in their lives. Don’t expect your kids to read your mind. Tell them what you expect from them. “Don’t think you are showing love by not disciplining your kid. You are abusing your kid by not disciplining your kid! Don’t think your kids are perfect or that they won’t lie to you or mess up. Don’t make the mistake of not knowing your kids’ friends. Don’t allow your kids to talk in theatres. Don’t let your kids smack their gum. Don’t allow your kids to whine. Don’t allow your kids to talk back. Don’t be your children’s best friend, be their parent. Don’t expect your children not to do something that they see you do. Think smoking, overeating, overspending. Don’t lie to your children and don’t allow them to lie to you.

Victoria Modupe Oke (VOM) Foundation empowers girls,women,boys

From left, Mrs Regina Walker; mother of the day, Madam Victoria Modupe Oke; Mrs Dupe Akindeko; Mrs Helen Aina Esho; Ms Bola Alo and Mrs Lolade Fagbenro-Byron at the ceremony held at the Women’s Improvement Society Nursery and Primary School, Onireke, Ibadan. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU. By Yemisi Aofolaju A life worthy of emulation and one that will continually be remembered,even after being separated from this divide is one that is used in living for others. The gathering, which attracted women of substance in their own right, was the closing ceremony of a two-week training cum empowerment programme put together by the Victoria Modupe Oke (VMO) Foundation to put smiles on the faces of both young and old without prejudice to the gender of participants as the woman, in whose honour the foundation was put together, said she hated seeing people suffer especially women and girls. According to the Vice Chairman of VMO, Mrs Lolade Fagbenro-Byron,the main objective of the foundation is delivery of life skills and training of young women and girls in Nigeria to pro-actively contribute to ending violence against women and young girls, as well as promote and implement the new sustainable development goal 2016-2030. “VMO since its inception in 2012 has trained 24 young girls and women in Lagos. The Ibadan zone that is closing

a two-week training today has succeeded in training and empowering 60 girls, women, boys and men, small scale upcoming entrepreneurs who, I believe, will begin to affect their generation from this day, given what they have been able to learn these 12 days of extensive training,” said Mrs Fagbenro-Byron. Mrs Dupe Akindeko, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of OAF Micro Finance Bank, in her admonition as a guest speaker, urged the graduands to put to best use the skills they had acquired for the desired change in homes, communities and the society at large to be achieved. “As I am congratulating you for being beneficiaries of training that has been put together by VMO Foundation, I want you women and girls to begin to see yourselves as bridge builders, peacemakers, glory of creation, helpmeets and not as sex symbols in order to influence your world. There is the need for you all to imbibe the spirit of excellence right from day one as you go about your different vocations. ‘’The Mama, in whose name this foundation is established, is an excellent woman whose qualities should be emulated by you all. In all you do, let your watchword be

integrity. Mama is still alive, healthy and not tired of lifting people in need up,” emphasised Akindeko. In his presentation, a motivation speaker, Mr Rotimi Olaoluwa, spoke extensively on customer retention and enjoined the trainees to cultivate the culture of reading so as to remain relevant in their careers, as well as identify and live with the passion they had identified as this was not learnt in school. “As you go into the world of entrepreneurs, ensure you build on trust, loyalty and confidence. These are the key words that will take you and your endeavour to the next level. Never over price yourself and always see every complaint from your customers as a gift for improvement,’’ Olaoluwa said. Madam Victoria Modupe Oke whose life and experience has been endowed with a foundation in her life time implored the trainees never to see themselves as failures in life. While thanking God for being alive to see the foundation wax strong, she added: “You should never consider yourselves either too old or too young to be what God has ordained you to be, since there is time for everything.” Equally on hand to counsel the trainees was veteran journalist, Bola Alo, who advised them to, as a matter of principle, imbibe the culture of honesty as they joined the world of the employed so as to be celebrated in due season and make Nigeria a better nation in the comity of nations. The highest point of the ceremony saw the South West Programme Manager of the foundation, Mrs Victoria Olorunfemi-Ajani, present the outstanding participants’ empowerment tools ranging from local oven and other baking equipment to the best catering trainees just as the exceptional trainee in both soap making and make-up were empowered with undisclosed amount of cash while the best in bead class went home with a casing for their tools while other trainees went home with modern save (kolo) to encourage the culture of saving. In appreciation of making the soap making class a memorable one, the instructor, Mrs Fagbenro-Byron, gave every of her trainee a measuring pail for their soap making business as she warned that it was not just an ordinary pail for the bathtub! Incidentally, the exceptional gift in the catering unit went to a 16-year-old Ayinde Opeyemi, SS2 student of Atanda High School, Ibadan and Adams Isaiah, 16 yearold of the bead class from Rochas Foundation College who is equally in SS 2 and an indigene of Kaduna State.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

PRINCE ADETUNJI ADEYEMI OGUNWUSI, CHAIRMAN, PRIME WATERVIEW HOLDINGS AND THE ENTIRE MEMBERS OF THE OGUNWUSI ROYAL FAMILY OF ILE-IFE RECENTLY BADE FAREWELL TO THEIR MATRIARCH, OLORI AGBA MARIAN AYEYEMI OGUNWUSI, WHO DIED AT THE AGE OF 104

From left, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi and his wife, Olori Margaret, Right Reverend Olubunmi Akinlade and Right Reverend Taiwo Olaoye at the wake keep service at the Oduduwa College Ground, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

From left, Prince Tunji Ogunwusi, Prince Abimbola Ogunwusi, Olori Wurola Ogunwusi, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi and his wife.

From left, Princes Tunji, Abimbola, Ropo and Olori Ogunwusi.

From left, Princes Tunji, Abimbola, Ropo, Olori Margaret and Taibat Omosalewa Ogunwusi.

From left, Directors of Prime Waterview Holdings, Mr Eric Balogun, Dele Agekameh and other dignitaries at the wake keep.

Pall bearers carrying the remains of Mama into the church for the funeral service.

From left, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Olori Margaret Ogunwusi and Prince Ropo Ogunwusi.

A cross section of the grand and great grand daughters of Olori Marian Ayeyemi Ogunwusi at the church service.

From left, Olori Taibat Omosalewa Ogunwusi, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi and Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

Former Oyo State governor, Chief Rashidi Ladoja (right) and Chief Amidu Ajibade on the occasion.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

From left, Prince John Obayuwana, other guest, Chief Alex Duduyemi and Prince Ropo Ogunwusi at the reception held at the OAUTHC Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Saturday.

From left, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Osun State and his wife, with them is Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, on the occasion.

From left, Asiwaju Olumide Mayungbe; board members of Prime Waterview Holdings, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, (chairman) Mrs Morola Babalola (GMD Mr Dele Agekameh and Mr Eric Balogun (both directors).

From left, Mrs Morola Babalola, Mr Dele Agekameh, Chief Kenny Martins, Mrs Bolatito Obaigbo and Mr Idowu Tawoju.

From left, Prince Tunji Ogunwusi, Oba Moshood Alamu and Oba Jacob Alajide.

From left, Prince Ogunwusi, Mrs Morola Babalola and one of Prince Tunji Ogunwusiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aunts.

Oba Dokun Abolarin (right) and Mr Dele Agekameh.

A cross section of traditional rulers at the burial reception in Ile-Ife.

From right, Olori Taibat Omosalewa Ogunwusi, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi and his wife and other relative.

Prince John Obayuwana (right) chairman, Polo Group with Mr Dele Agekameh.

Friday, 29 April, 2016 32 news Labour to FG: Reject N56,000 minimum wage proposal, face industrial action

•Says govs who can’t pay should resign Soji-Eze Fagbemi-Abuja

ABOUR, on Thursday, warned of the crisis that will follow any attempt by the government to reject or delay the new demand and upward review of the national minimum wage to N56,000, as presented on Tuesday to the Federal Government. Speaking in an interview on Thursday with journalists ahead the May Day and the new minimum wage demand made by Labour to the government, the President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, declared that the government would be inviting trouble if it rejected the new N56,000 national minimum wage demand or delay in the process that would lead to its immediate implementation after the May Day. Comrade Kaigama made this known, even as he stated that the organised Labour were only celebrating workers for surviving the hard economic situation and various challenges that were facing them as workers and Nigerians. The TUC president, who regretted that the last N18,000 national minimum wage, which was presently being implemented took about two years before it could be agreed upon and became a law, said Labour and the workers would not sit down and watch the government drag the process of their present demand to last for a year. He warned that the least minimum wage Labour and workers would accept in the face of inflation and collapse of the Naira, was N56,000; adding that they were being reasonable on their demand. On the expected action of Labour if government threw away their demands, he said: “That will be inviting trouble. What we are saying is that we have followed the due process. The law says after five years, there will be a review and we have followed that law. “No responsible government will throw that issue away. You will be inviting trouble. But like we are saying, N56,000 is the barest minimum we have considered. Otherwise, if you relate it to what government spends on prisoners, then Nigerian workers should be asking for between N90,000 to N100,000. We are even being reasonable.

He said the time frame for a new minimum wage, according to the law, was already over, thereby, Labour would not accept unnecessary delay like before. Kaigama said: “Remember that the last one took close to two years. We had to move round the country to collect submissions from all sectors of the economy. “Normally, the time frame of five years has already elapsed. We don’t have to give a time frame for them to respond. It is expected that as soon as they received our proposal, the process should be put in place. But where we would hinge on time frame is on agreeing on modalities of our workings - when we will start and when we

will end and submit our reports. I think that is where our priority should be. “We don’t want to make it look like we have started pulling muscles. If the other side does not behave reasonably, we will wake them up. If they don’t react positively, they should expect reactions from us.” He pointed out that Labour would not accept excuse from any state governor that “the state is not buoyant enough to pay because, before the creation of any of those states, they always come with arguments that they are viable to become a state, and the first thing they boast of is their ability to pay salaries and cater for their people as a state.” He said the governors

were lazy, relying only on Federal allocation, even after proving their states were buoyant in terms of human, capital and natural resources. According to the TUC president, “any governor who knows he cannot cope and pay salary should resign and allow a better hand to rule their people; while such state which cannot pay salary should be merged with other viable state. He said: “It’s not that they are not able to pay. It is the fact that they have mismanaged the resources of their states and they are lazy. There is no state in this country that cannot, at least, pay their workers’ salaries from their IGR. If there is any such state that

cannot afford to pay, we will demand for a merger of such state with a viable one. “Any governor who cannot afford the minimum wage should put forth his resignation letter.” On May Day celebration, he said: “We are only celebrating workers for surviving the hard economic situation. There are issues of arrears of unpaid salaries, particularly to states and local government workers. There are issues of arrears of promotions, death benefits, training allowance, and other issues of workers’ welfare at the federal level. “Then you are aware of this critical issue of hike in electricity tariff. You are also aware that we are hav-

ing challenge of scarcity of fuel. You are also aware that five years down the line, the national minimum wage law is due for upward review. “You don’t need to be told that the inflation in the country has gone up to double digit. So, Nigerian workers are celebrating these challenges and, like we keep saying, the struggle continues, victory is certain. “In spite of all these challenges, we will keep putting on smiling faces because we are patriots. We have a passion for the development of this country. And if we say we should wear our problems on our faces, then nothing will move in this country.”

Reps to probe administration of over N400 trillion recovered looted public funds, assets Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

THE House of Representatives, on Thursday, mandated its Committee on Public Accounts to carry out a comprehensive probe on the administration of looted public funds and assets recovered from 1999 till date, by the successive administrations, running to over $2 trillion. The House also directed its Committee on Financial Crimes to investigate whether crimes had been committed in the course of the management and disbursement of funds recovered in the last 12 years. The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Honourable Segun Adekola, entitled: “Need to ascertain the status of recovered public funds,” at the pelnary on Thursday. While moving the motion, Honourable Adekola expressed deep concern over the recent statement credited to the Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had so far recovered more than $2 trillion (over N400 trillion at the current rate) looted from the national treasury, in its 12 years of existence. According to him, it had become imperative for a proper investigation to be carried out on recovered funds that were fraudu-

lently sent out of the country by corrupt government officials, even as recoveries were also made by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Department of State Services (DSS). The lawmaker, who wondered how “the huge amounts of money re-

turned by those who, at various times, entered into plea-bargain with the EFCC” were managed, stressed the need to look into the present government’s assertion that some former officials of the prevoius administration had been returning unspecified sums to the Federal Government’s treasury. According to him, “for many years now, successive governments have

continued to take possession of billions of dollars of looted public funds returned from various parts of the world, with Switzerland returning a higher percentage of the amounts.” “But there is the persistent confusion as to the exact amount that had been recovered, and what happened to it,” he added. . “It is also of concern that successive governments have not been transpar-

ent regarding their management or spending of recovered public assets, giving vent to the allegations that some of the recovered funds may have been spent, mismanaged or simply disappeared,” he further stated. When the motion was put into voice vote by the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, who presided over the pelnary, it was unanimously accepted by members.

INEC releases supplementary guidelines for conduct of elections Jacob Segun Olatunji-Abuja

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released additional guidelines to the existing 2015 guidelines and regulations for the conduct of elections in the country. This was contained in the daily bulletin of the commission made available

to newsmen in Abuja, on Thursday. According to the bulletin, “having approved the pilot of the continuous accreditation and voting procedure at elections, for the time being, the commission has decided that the following shall constitute a supplement to the existing guidelines and regulations

at elections.” The commission stressed that: “All procedures specified in the guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the 2015 general election remain in effect with the following exceptions: * Voting shall be by the continuous accreditation and voting system;

FG declares May 2 public holiday for workers’ day Clement Idoko-Abuja

THE Federal Government has declared Monday, May 2, 2016 as public holiday to commemorate the 2016 Workers’ Day celebration. Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (retd), announced this on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the permanent

secretary of the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung, on Thursday, in Abuja. He congratulated Nigerian workers for their resilience, hard work and commitment to the Change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari, despite the current challenges confronting the nation. He enjoined them to continue to support the president in his desire to fight corruption, ensure secu-

rity of lives and property and stabilise the economy through creation of jobs and diversification of the economy. Dambazau further urged Nigerian workers to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation and remain productive for the growth and development of the country. He also wished all Nigerian workers a joyful and peaceful celebration.

* The accreditation process shall comprise authentication and verification of voters using the smart card reader (SCR), checking of the register of voters, and inking of the cuticle of the specified finger; * The ballot paper shall be issued in the prescribed manner by the presiding officer of a polling unit/ voting point (settlement) of the FCT, and the assistant presiding officer, APO (VP), in the case of a voting point (VP). * Accreditation and voting shall commence at 8.00 a.m and close at 2.00 p.m. provided that any voter already in the queue shall be granted access to accreditation and voting in the prescribed manner. * The polling unit layout shall require the presiding officer to sit next to the APO II; * The presiding officer shall act as the overseer.

33 news

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Fulani herdsmen: FG has no firm policy —Soyinka By Yejide GbengaOgundare

OBEL Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has described as mortifying, the assurances of President Muhammadu Buhari that the escalating spate of killings by Fulani herdsmen across communities in the nation would soon be over, adding that the government was yet to articulate a firm policy of non-tolerance for the serial massacres taking place in the country. Professor Soyinka made this assertion in his address, entitled: “The killing culture of the neo-nomadic” to the National Conference on Culture and Tourism, on Wednesday, adding that impunity evolved and became integrated in conduct when crime occurred and no legal, logical and moral response was offered. According to him, it was not just arbitrary violence that now reigned across the country, but total undisputed impunity, which the government had failed to address, thereby encouraging perpetration of violence on innocent masses. “When I read a short while ago, the presidential assurance to this nation that the current homicidal escalation between the cattle prowlers and farming communities would soon be over, I felt mortified. He had the solution, he said. Cattle ranches were being

set up, and in another 18 months, rustlings, destruction of livelihood and killings from herdsmen would be ‘a thing of the past’. Eighteen months, he assured the nation. “I believe his Minister of Agriculture echoed that later, but with a less dispiriting time schema. Neither, however, could be considered a message of solace and reassurance for the ordinary Nigerian farmer and the lengthening cast of victims, much less to an intending tourist to the Forest Retreat of Tinana in the Rivers, the Ikogosi Springs or the Moslem architectural heritage of the ancient city of Kano. In any case, the external tourists have less hazardous options. “But now, would the young adventurous set out to visit the mystery caves of Anambra and its alleged curative pools from mere interest? They would think twice about it. It is not merely arbitrary violence that reigns across the nation but total, undis-puted impunity. Impunity evolves and becomes integrated in conduct when crime occurs and no legal, logical and moral response is offered. I have yet to hear this government articulate a firm policy of non-tolerance for the serial massacres that have become the nation’s identification stamp. I have not heard an order given that any cattle herdsmen caught with sophisticated firearms be instantly dis-

armed, arrested, placed on trial, and his cattle confiscated. “The nation is treated to an 18-month optimistic plan which, to make matters worse, smacks of abject appeasement and encouragement of violence on innocents. Let me repeat, and of course, I only ask to be corrected if wrong: I have yet to encounter a terse, rigorous, soldierly and uncompromising language from this leadership, one that threatens a response to this unconscionable bloodletting that would make even Boko Haram repudiate its founding clerics,” Professor Soyinka said. The Nobel laureate further stated that insecurity was the inability of any vacationist to let go completely, relax or submit oneself completely to the offerings of a new environment; the sounds, sights, smells, textures and taste, adding that there was no ambiguity in the mind of the enemies of cultures they make no bones about their detestation “call them Taliban, Daesh or Isis, al Shabbab

or Boko Haram. Their hatred is pathological and impassioned to a degree that goes beyond the pale, beyond insanity and sadly beyond cure. The duty of governance towards such retrogressive outbreaks remains unambiguous. “After Boko Haram, what next? In fact, at this moment, Boko Haram has no ‘after’ since it is by no means ended, no matter what technical expressions, such as “militarily degraded’ means. But let us assume indeed, that we are already in the past of Boko Haram. It is now clear that the succession is already decided, the ‘vacated’ space is already conceded and that the new territorial aspirants are already securely positioned. The entire nation appears to be theirs without a struggle and the continuity of an established Nigerian necropolis north to south and east to west is being consolidated,” he said. Professor Soyinka explained that it was close to a year that he attempted to utilise the Open Forum platform of the Centre for

Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, to launch a national debate on the topic: ‘Sacred cows or sacred right’, adding that the signs were already clear and the rampage of impunity was already manifesting a cultic intensity of alarming proportions. “For reasons which are too distasteful to go into here, the forum did not take place. We were already agreed that General Buhari be invited to give a keynote address, based on his long experience in such matters as former Head of State and as a cattle rearer himself, who might be be able to penetrate the mentality of this ‘post-Boko Haram pestilence’. That challenge remains open, but should now involve this gathering, which surely includes tourist and educational agencies. They should join hands with human rights organisations, the Ministry of Agriculture, farming and local vigilante associations, among others. It is a gauntlet thrown down to be picked up and urgently, by any of the affected or

ACF condemns attack on Enugu community THE Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), on Thursday, condemned Monday’s attack on Ukpabi Nimbo community in Enugu State, describing it as most unfortunate and barbaric. The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity

Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, commiserated with the government and the people of Enugu State “over this unfortunate ugly incident.” It called on security agencies to unmask the perpetrators of the hei-

nous attacks, so as to end current “dangerous generalisation” of Fulani herdsmen as responsible for the attacks. “Nigeria cannot afford to graduate from Boko Haram insurgency to an unwarranted attack by un-

while only one endorsed the memo. Strangely, you ruled that the memo had carried and that Mr Sani Omolori is appointed the acting Clerk of National Assembly.” They further wrote that the chairman acted against the commission’s norm, which mandated it to adopt its minutes of meeting at a follow-up meeting before making an announcement. They stated that the action of National Assembly Service Commission chairman had exposed the commission to negative publicity and, therefore, dissociated themselves from the appointment. The commissioners recalled that Fika had, in 2014, attempted to name Omolori deputy Clerk to the National Assembly

ahead Efeturi, but the bid was reversed after the intervention of 11 commissioners, who dissociated themselves from the action. They further clarified that since Efeturi had been appointed deputy Clerk to the National Assembly on November 21, 2014, the issue of seniority in the National Assembly hierarchy had been settled, adding that Efeturi should be allowed to takeover the seat in acting capacity. “We, the undersigned commissioners, dissociate ourselves from the letter appointing Mohammed Sani Omolori the acting Clerk to the National Assembly and affirm that Ben Efeturi is the rightful person to assume that office based on seniority,” they said.

Crisis over NASS Clerk deepens

As 7 commissioners disown chairman Taiwo Adisa - Abuja THE crisis over who becomes the next Clerk to the National Assembly deepened on Thursday, following the decision of seven of the 12 National Commissioners to dissociate themselves from the letter of appointment issued last week, to Mr Sani Omolori as acting Clerk. The commissioners, in a letter dated April 26, said the chairman of the commission, Dr Adamu Fika, acted alone by issuing the appointment letter to Omolori. Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, had, last week, written to the National Assembly Service Commission, asking the chairman to withdraw the appointment letter issued to Omolori, as he insisted that the

appointment failed to follow due process. Saraki had said in a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Senator Isa Galaudu, that Mr Ben Efeturi was the most senior Clerk to take the position of acting Clerk to the National Assembly. The incumbent Clerk, Salisu Maikasuwa, is due to retire in August and is set to start his pre-retirement leave in matter of days. Seven Commissioners—Abubakar Rufai (North-West), Idi Ningi (North-East), Joseph Oru (South- South), Dr Paul Oweh (South-South), Elder Stephen Yelphi (NorthCentral), Barrister Funmi Lamuye (South- West) and Honourable Abel Chukwu (South-East) wrote on Tuesday, claiming that Fika acted alone.

troubled sectors of society, or indeed, any capable and interested party at this conference. The CBCIU is prepared to collaborate,” he stated. Professor Soyinka concluded by calling on the government not to watch idly as innocents continue to be massacred, but to teach herdsmen that for every crime, there was a punishment. “Herdsmen, let us appreciate, are perhaps humanity’s earliest known tourists. They must be taught, however, that there is a culture of settlement and learn to seek accommodation with settled hosts wherever encountered. “The leadership of any society cannot stand idly and offer solutions that implicitly deem the massacres of innocents mere incidents on the way to that learning school. For every crime, there is a punish-ment, for every violation, there must be restitution. The nomads of the world cannot place themselves above the law of settled humanity,” he concluded.

Fika had, in a letter dated April 26, replied Saraki, insisting that Omolori was rightly appointed the acting Clerk. But the seven commissioners, in the letter dated April 26, sighted by Nigerian Tribune on Thursday, said Fika acted unilaterally in announcing Omolori. The commissioners wrote: “The chairman, National Assembly Service Commission would please, recall that you convened an emergency meeting of the Commission on Wednesday, April 20, where you presented a memo for appointment of an acting Clerk of National Assembly. “At the meeting, though there were divergent views as follows: Five commissioners made no comment,

known gunmen alleged to be Fulani herdsmen. “The traditional Fulani nomads have coexisted peacefully with their host communities and have been grazing their cattle for decades all over Nigeria without any such attacks. “ACF is, therefore, disturbed and seriously concerned with this recent development. “It, therefore, calls upon the security agencies to do a thorough investigation into the identities of the suspected gunmen, in order to stop this dangerous generalisation of labelling certain tribe or people of certain faith as responsible for these attacks. “This will cause mistrust and likely incite people of different tribes and faith, who have lived together peacefully for decades. “Criminals hiding under whatever guise and committing heinous crimes against innocent people and the state should be treated as such and in accordance with the law,” it stated. The ACF commended the recent directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to security chiefs, to secure affected communities, arrest and bring the perpetrators to justice.

news

Friday, 29 April, 2016 Friday, 29 April, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Customs officer beat up FAAN staff at Lagos Airport SHOLA ADEKOLA-Lagos

HERE was confusion at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, on Thursday, when a Customs officer attached to the airport command, beat a staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to stupor, for preventing him from driving against traffic. Trouble started, according to a source, when the FAAN cargo staff whose name was given as Taiwo Adeyanju, who was at the time driving out through the cargo gate, confronted the Customs officer identified as H. Daboh, who was in mufti as of the time of the incident, for violation of traffic rule, by driving through the Monument Gate leading to

Bayelsa speaker swears in 3 opposition members Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa THE speaker, Bayelsa State Assembly, Honourable Friday Konbowei Benson, has sworn in members-elect of the state assembly to commence contribution to the state legislative business The three members-elect are Watson Alfred Belemote of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), representing Brass constituency II; Gibson Edwin Munalayefa of the Labour Party, representing Ogbia constituency II and Gabriel Michael Ogbara of African Democratic Congress (ADC), representing Ogbia constituency III. The inauguration of the members took place on Thursday, inside the legislative chambers of the state Assembly, Amarata, Yenagoa. Sequel to the delay in inaugurating them, it was gathered that they had sent a protest letter to the leadership of the National Assembly and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), to prevail on the state assembly to inaugurate them as duly elected members.

Remembrance

THE 10th year remembrance of Mr Albert Abiodun Ogunyebi, who died on April 29, 2006, will hold today (Friday). The deceased was survived by children and grandchildren.

Mr Albert Abiodun Ogunyebi

the cargo side of the airport, through a well marked exit gate. The Nigerian Tribune learnt that the Customs official, who could not comprehend the audacity of the FAAN staff, alighted from his car and descended on Adeyanju with punches. Before unleashing several blows on the FAAN staff, the Nigerian Tribune learnt that the Customs official brought out a can of tear gas and sprayed it directly on Adeyanju’s eyes, a barbaric act which led to his unconsciousness, before he was rushed to FAAN clinic where he was subsequently

referred to the Air Force Hospital within the airport, due to the severity of the blows inflicted on him. It took the intervention of some workers at the complex and the personnel of the Nigeria Police attached to the airport, before Adeyanju was successfully rescued from Daboh who punched him non-stop. When Daboh realised the consequences of his action, he attempted to escape, by driving directly to the office of the Customs at the airport, but he was given a hot chase by some workers at the airport, who apprehended him and took him

Edo 2016: PDP commends Odubu’s doggedness Banji Aluko- Benin City

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has hailed the entrant of the state deputy governor, Dr Pius Odubu, to the September 10 Edo State governorship election. The party commended Odubu for what it termed “courage and temerity exhibited by officially declaring his intentions to vie for the office of Governor under the All Progressive Congress (APC) platform.” A statement signed by the state publicity secretary of the party, Chris Nehikhare, said the declaration by Odubu had opened up the political landscape in the

state. The statement added that Odubu deserved commendation for his refusal to be blackmailed and cowed out of the race. Odubu, who declared his interest to succeed his boss, on Wednesday, debunked speculations that he was told to step down from the governorship race, saying, “my desire to to contest as gone down well with all and sundry; stepping down is not in my calculation.” He said as a loyal party man, he would accept the outcome of the APC primaries if he did not win as long as the primaries were free, fair and transparent.

Edebiri assures on workers’ welfare

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the September 10 Edo State governorship election, Solomon Edebiri, has declared himself as the most worker-friendly governorship aspirant, promising to make the welfare of workers priority if elected into office. The aspirant also admonished Edo PDP governorship aspirants to avoid unhealthy rivalry among themselves, advising them to caution their supporters against making provocative remarks against rival aspirants. Edebiri, who spoke with journalists in Benin at his campaign office, said as a former factory worker, he understood the plight of workers more than any governorship aspirant in Edo State, promising to devise a system that would elevate and recognise workers. The president of the Nigerian Institute of Welding, said the only solution to addressing the plight of

long-suffering Edo workers, was to have a truly labour conscious governor, adding that workers would never suffer under his watch. He regretted the collapse of factories in Edo State like the Bendel Brewery, Bendel Pharmaceuticals, Bendel Insurance and Edo Line, declaring that his government would revitalise the dead companies, adding that he would embark on industrialisation of Edo State. He said failure to nominate and elect a labour conscious aspirant, would further prolong the sufferings of Edo workers, adding that, “enough is enough of electing people who get into office and treat workers like slaves.” We must upgrade skills, knowledge as well as develop capacity building to advance workers productivity. We must develop the potentials in agriculture to tackle poverty and boost the economy in the face of the dwindling oil price.

to the police station within the airport, where his senior officers intervened, before he was released. Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune at the Air Force Hospital, Adeyanju said the intention of the Customs officer was to blind him totally but for the intervention of some people at the venue of the incident, even as his Volkswagen Gulf with the registration number Lagos: EPE 136 BK was partly damaged by the

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officer. “The Customs officer was in mufti when the incident happened this morning (yesterday). I was driving out of the Hajj and Cargo Terminal through the exit point when I saw a vehicle driving in through the exit point. I actually challenged him, but I was still inside the car and all of a sudden, the man who I later gathered was a Customs officer came out and rained

blows on me. “As I made attempt to come out of the car, he held me by the neck and brought out a teargas and sprayed it directly into my eyes. It took the intervention of passersby before I could be rescued from his grip. Later, he attempted to run away, but he was chased by some of my colleagues right into the Customs complex,” Adeyanju said.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Muyideen Anifa Ajoke now MUYIDEEN ANIFA TEMILADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adewale Sinab Romoke now TAIWO RAFIAT. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc, EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

I, Akhimieho Egbeokhaiarhe Liberty Johnfyne was erroneously written as Johnfyne Liberty Akhmieho instead of Akhimieho Egbeokhaiarhe Liberty Johnfyne. My correct name is AKHIMIEHO EGBEOKHAIARHE LIBERTY JOHNFYNE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Salami Nafisat Morenike now MRS ADEKUNLE NAFISAT MORENIKE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Lukman Dadepo Lawal now MR OLUFEMI DADEPO ADESINA. All former documents remain valid. The Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Anabalam Obiageri now MRS YINUSA MICHAEL OBIAGERI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Opanike Oluwakemi Titi now MRS OLAJUBU OLUWAKEMI TITI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oladehin Tolulope Oladunni now MRS ONI TOLULOPE OLADUNNI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, OAU, IleIfe and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Otun Ismaila Lateef now OTUN FATOBA TAJUDEEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Shandorf Margaret Emakpor now MRS ALEGBE UFUOMA FIONA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Efunkoya Olusegun Ayodeji now EFUNKOYA BRIGHT AYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ibrahim Opeyemi Barakat now KAZEEM BARAKAT OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Isiolaotan Olubukola Foluke now MRS IYANIWURA OLUBUKOLA FOLUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adetunji Monisade Busola now MRS. ADEYEMO MONISADE BUSOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akande Gbemisola Ganiyat now MRS OLASUPO GBEMISOLA GANIYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akintola Temitope Khadijat now MRS AKINBORODE TEMITOPE KHADIJAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Obisesan Adebola Janet now MRS ODERINDE ADEBOLA JANET. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Arogundade Olowolayemo Muazu Omogbolahan now YAHAYA MUAZU OMOGBOLAHAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Hammed Gafar Gbolagade now HAMMED GAFAR AGBOLAGADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Onaolapo Folashade Augustina now MRS OLUGUNAGBA FOLASHADE AUGUSTINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Muibat Kolawole now KOLAWOLE MUYIBAT YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Odunayo Yinka Tunde now Odunayo Nurudeen Yinka. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ajisafe Christianah Modupe now MRS AYORINDE CHRISTIANAH MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adeseko Agnes Adewumi Mojibade now MRS ADEBIYI AGNES ADEWUMI MOJIBADE. All former documents remain valid. Health Management Board, Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adegbite Timilehin Elizabeth now OKEDELE TIMILEHIN ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Olaniyan Oladimeji Idowu am the same person bearing Oladimeji Jacob Olaniyan and Idowu Olaniyan. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OLANIYAN OLADIMEJI IDOWU. My correct date of birth is 6th September, 1985 not 1st of February, 1985. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Danjuma Friday am the same person bearing Kagoh Friday Kubacha. Now, I wish to be addressed as KAGOH FRIDAY KUBACHA. My correct date of birth is 03-03-1984 not 09-06-1977. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Eco Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Dickson Otobong now DICKSON AKPAN OTOBONG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ojuekaye Modupe now MRS. BALOGUN MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Salawudeen Lukuman now SALAWUDEEN LUKUMAN ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Kolawole Bolatito Ruth Ainat now MRS OGUNSINA RUTH BOLATITO AINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Temiloluwa Orimogunje now MRS OLUWASOORE MOSUN SINAT and my correct date of birth is 5th January, 1958. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Hassan Maman Mukhtar, my name was mistakenly written as Hassane Mamane Mutari instead of HASSAN MAMAN MUKHTAR. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akpotu Victory Oghenero now MRS AKINTOMIDE VICTORY OGHENERO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adeyemo Omotayo Aderonke now ADEYEMI OMOTAYO ADERONKE. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Immigration Services and general public take note.

I, formerly Fagbamila Motunrayo Titilayo now ALLI MOTUNRAYO TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abdul Ganiyu Kunle Adisa now ADISA GANIYU ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ilesanmi Mary Ayomide now MRS OLUWASUJI MARY AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid. LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Bola Friday Uduehi now MRS OLADIPUPO OMOLARA FRIDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Kotun Olabisi Karimot now MRS ADEGBITE KOTUN OLABISI KARIMOT. All former documents remain valid. NURTW, Lagos State Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Kekere Isaac Adesina now ADEWOLE ISAAC ADESINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Haruna Balarabe now HARUNA YUSUF. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Rabiu Olasumbo Musibau now EMMANUEL OLASUMBO MOSES. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olayemi Funmilayo Hannah now MRS THOMAS FUNMILAYO HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oladeji Khadijat Bukola now MRS IBRAHIM KHADIJA BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Tola Akinyemi now MRS OMOTOLA ESAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Bolanle Lateef Nafisat now SULAIMON NAFISAT ADEBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olaiya Sarafa now KAMORUDEEN SARAFA OLAIYA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adeyemi Vivian Shade now MRS BALOGUN VIVIAN SHADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Hammed Abdullahi now AHAMAD ABDULLAHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Kowo Kemi Abidemi now OJO KEMI ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This box is for sale

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Okeke Ifunanya Benjamin now OKEKE BENJAMIN SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akinpelu Awawu Olajumoke now ADEKUNLE AWAWU OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Adebowale Oladejo now MR ADEBOWALE TINUOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly David Goyol Yilkangha now EZEKIEL LINUS GOWOK. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akintola Moriyike Felicia now MAKINDE MORIYIKE FELICIA. All former documents remain valid. Wema Bank Plc, Olubadan branch and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abigael Aminu now MRS TAOREED SEKINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Abiola Ayobami Abosede am the same person bearing Abiola Ayobami Oluwatoyin. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ABIOLA AYOBAMI ABOSEDE. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ogunfusika Alaba now OGUNFUSIKA ALABA BIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Kehinde Hazzan Yusuff now KENNY HAZZAN YUSUFF. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Muritala Ayinde Jimoh now ADEBISI MURITALA AYINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Nasiudeen Arowolo Lawal now MR NASIRUDEEN LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Oluwakemi Mary Olatunde now MRS OLUWAKEMI MARY PENCIL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Friday, 29 April, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Opara Clementina Chika now EMEAHU CLEMENTINA CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Idowu Oluwaseun Peter now OGUNTOYINBO OLANIYI AZEEZ. All former documents bearing Idowu Oluwaseun Peter remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Iyegbu Ifeyinwa Vivian now MRS ADERIBIGBE IFEYINWA VIVIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Korede Samson Oluwani now KOREDE SAMSON DARE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Akerele Lydia Olabisi now MRS. ALOOJUMU LYDIA OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Daniel Ugonna Ezeani now DANIEL UGONNA UMEMBAJIEGO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ailokpede Winifred Aijolomoehi Ofure now MRS. ADENEKAN WINIFRED AIJOLOMOEHI OFURE (NEE AILOKPEDE). All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Idowu Abidemi Adebukola now MRS. OYEWOLE ABIDEMI ADEBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. University College Hospital (UCH) Management and general public take note.

I, formerly Endurance Jeremiah now GOLDEN JEREMIAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ogunji Omotayo Emmanuel now OLALEYE OMOTAYO EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, OMERE EMMANUEL IKECHUKWU am the same person bearing LAWRENCE EMMANUEL. That all documents/transactions bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Tiamiu Alao Aminat now TAOFEEK AMINAT OLANIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Hammed Agnes Ifeoluwa Opeyemi now MRS. FAFIYEBI AGNES IFEOLUWA OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akintunde Suliat Oyindamola now MRS. AZEEZ SULIAT OYINDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adeniji Taiwo now ADENIYI TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Abana Chinedu Ejike now MR. ABANA CHINEDU DILIBE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I, Oladimeji Sikiru Olanrewaju am the same person bearing Oladimeji Adewole Olanrewaju. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLADIMEJI ADEWOLE OLANREWAJU. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Anegbe Francis Amhanogbo now MR. ANEGBE FRANCIS OKHE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adelodun Ayodeji Olayinka now ADELODUN FEYISAYO IYANIWURA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Emmanuel Kutelu Ademuwagun now OLABISI EMMANUEL KUTELU ADEADEMUWAGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Eyure Adjekuko Florence now ADJEKUKO FLORENCE ESE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, formerly Askowo John Ubong now wish to be known as ASUQUO JOHN UBONG. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Mokwunye Cynthia Shimite now MRS. OGORU CYNTHIA SHIMITE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Okubanjo Oyewunmi Nurat now MRS SULAIMAN OYEWUNMI NURAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adedokun Oluwabukunmi Olanike now ADEDOKUN IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Alimi Sakariyau Adedokun now ALIMI SAKA ADEDOKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Musa Yakubu S. now ADENIPEKUN SUNDAY OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Mr. John Femi Ajao also known as John Oluwafemi Christopher now wish to be known as JOHN FEMI AJAO. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. First Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc., and general public take note

I, formerly Adepoju Abel Olufemi now ADEPOJU ABEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Okoriogha Sarah Onowojo now MRS. OCHARIVEH WINTA SARAH ONOWOJO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Wahabi Oyebamiji Togunde am the same person bearing Wahab Oyebamiji Togunde. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as WAHAB OYEBAMIJI TOGUNDE. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, Akingbade Rafiu Lanlokun am the same person bearing Agboola Rafiu. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AKINGBADE RAFIU LANLOKUN. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Formerly Mrs. Mabel Nkem Osakwe Now MRS MABEL NKEM OKORORSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, ISAAC AMECHI am the same person bearing ONOH ISAAC AMECHI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Umeh, Joy Chidimma now EBUBEOGU JOY CHIDIMMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ogunsina Theophilus Kunle now OLUSINA THEOPHILUS KUNLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Kor Leticia Kpenbeen now MRS. MARK LETICIA KPENBEEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OMISSION OF NAME

I, Ogun Romeo Timipere, am the same person as Ogun Romeo. That TIMIPERE was omitted in my BVN. All documents remain valid. EcoBank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Michael Dono Christian now PUWEI ABRAHAM EDISEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Masheni Mercy Oke Now MRS. ILAH MERCY OKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Alfa Dauda Kasali now KASALI DAUDA OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bakare Olaide Fatimo now OLAIDE FATIMO AGBOOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Iroegbu Grace Chinenye now MRS. EDET GRACE CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ojo Oluwatosin Ololade now MRS. OSHO OLUWATOSIN OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, SALAMI TOBA LAMIDI am the same person bearing ABDULSALAMI TOBA LAMIDI. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunjimi Lola Comfort now MRS. OLALEKAN LOLA COMFORT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Fadero Oluwatoyin Roseline am the same person bearing Fadero Adedayo Oluwatoyin. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as FADERO ADEDAYO OLUWATOYIN. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinsola Remi Wosilat now MRS. OLUMUYIWA REMI WOSILAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Salami Justina Oyime now AKINLADE JUSTINA OYIME. All former documents remain valid. NAPTIP and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ojo Adajo now OSUMA SEUN. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, FREGENE EYETITAN ODEWORITSE am the same person as NEWWORLD FREGENE. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. EcoBank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Medu Helen now MRS. IHRIEROMA HELEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ikeakanam Blessing Obazei now MRS OGORU BLESSING OBAZEI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I, MR EMORUWA EMMANUEL OLUWAFEMI was born on 13th February, 1992 and not on 2nd March, 1990 as was wrongly written on my account number. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Omoyemi Christanah Pateola now MRS AKINYEMI CHRISTANAH PATEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Magret Amoke Oluremi now MAGRET OLUREMI AMOKE ADEOLU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Jimoh Salamontu Bolanle, born on 2nd day of February, 1938 as against 6th day of June, 1959, am the same person as Oyewale Salamotu. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as JIMOH SALAMONTU BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Okeneye Titilayo Imoleayo now MRS. ADENEYE TITILAYO IMOLEAYO. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note

I, formerly Enyinwa Chika Francisca now AKINSAMI CHIKA FRANCISCA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Jamiu Lukumon Alade, now LUKUMON GANIYU ALADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bukola Tosin now ABIRI TOSIN BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Otoru-Afenfia Magdalene am the same person bearing OtoruAfenfia Megdalene. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OTORU-AFENFIA MAGDALENE. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adekogbe Funmilayo Olusola now MRS ONWUDILI FUNMILAYO OLUSOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Alao Adebukola Adenike now MRS. AINA ADEBUKOLA ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Shuaibu Bala now SHUAIBU BALA AMADU. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Dede Hope Itohan now MRS. OKOSODO PROMISE ITOHAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Seashore Richardson now ORUBU NANNA RICHARD. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME I,OBOMINURU AUGUSTINE am the same person bearing OBOS AUGUSTINE CHARLES. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Ecobank Plc., Heritage Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olulademi Moyomolu Osameyan now MRS. OLULADEMI MOYOMOLU AYEDUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Alice Damilola Taiwo now DAMILOLA ALICE AUGUSTINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Azeez Hammed Olayinka now TAIWO OLAYINKA TUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Enoma Adesuwa Blessing now MRS. OTOKITI ADESUWA BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Lagosmetro

Cain Weavers responsible for Ojota flooding — Commissioner Bola Badmus

HE Lagos State government has stated that the flooding noticed in some parts of the metropolis after Thursday’s early morning rain was caused by the residents, particularly the Cain Weavers under Ojota Bridge, thereby threatening ejection of the weavers from under the bridge. Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, speaking at a press briefing held at the Bagauda Kalto Press Centre, said that the cain weavers had blocked the drainage where the water from the bridge was supposed to discharge into the main collector right, leaving the bridge and the road flooded. He said, “I will be going to Ojota right after this briefing, this is the second time this is happening, the last rain too also flooded the bridge and when we investigated the situation, it was discovered that the drain where the water was to discharge had been blocked with cement because they said water was destroying their work place. “Are they supposed to be there in the first instance? I am going to take them out of that place. We will repair it and I assure you that it will not happen on that bridge again. I grew up to meet cain weavers under the bridge, but if they are not going to be responsible because their fathers that started the business had all gone, we will have no choice

but ask them to leave,” he said. According to him, the government is not relenting in

its effort to clear the drains so as to avoid flooding at the peak of rainfall in the state. The commissioner ap-

fulfilled all payment obligations to private operators of waste disposal to enable them carry out their job.

Heavy flood at Ojota-Maryland Link Bridge, after a downpour on Thursday morning. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Braithwaite’s legacies inspired my vision to work for the masses — Ambode Bola Badmus

LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has eulogised the life and times of the late activist and foremost lawyer, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, saying he had always been fascinated about his disposition towards the masses and the people of Nigeria. Ambode, who stated this on Thursday, at the burial service, held at Reverend Braithwaite Memorial Anglican Church, Epe, said he was a beneficiary of the

kindness of the Braithwaite family, pointing that the late nationalist fought for good causes and for Nigerians throughout his lifetime. “I never thought I would ever be a politician, but I have always been very excited about the things Dr Braithwaite used to propagate. Issues that relate to people and to the masses, and that is why we decided, on behalf of the people of Lagos, that we must honour this very good man and to also immortalise him in a way that people can come

Onagoruwa lauds Braithwaites activism, Braithwaite’s legacies inspired my intellect “I had the privilege of reFORMER Attorney Gen- waite in the early 70s. In vision toand work the Ambode viewing one of his books, the years thatmasses followed, I — eral of Nigeria Min- for ister of Justice, Dr Olu Onagoruwa, in a tribute, has lauded the late Tunji Braithwaite as a “loyal friend, a courageous and brilliant learned colleague, a great intellectual and dogged political activist.” Onagoruwa noted Braithwaite’s passion and commitment to the plight for the betterment of humanity epitomised in his desire to serve Nigeria by venturing into politics. “I met Dr Tunji Braith-

pealed to residents to desist from the act of throwing refuse in the drains, adding that the government had

came to admire him as a loyal friend, a courageous and brilliant learned colleague, a great intellectual and dogged political activist.” “He was a deeply religious man who dedicated his life to serving his Lord diligently. His passion for humanity and the plight of the oppressed within and outside Nigeria motivated him to venture into politics and formed the Nigerian Advance Party during the Second Republic in Nigeria.

“The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracle.” The book was dedicated to the oppressed and those thirsting for justice around the world. Braithwaite would be remembered in Nigeria as a superb political activist and with resounding care and quest for justice for the oppressed. The nation has lost a remarkable elder statesman. I pray that the Almighty Lord will comfort and strengthen his wife and children.”

to understand those who actually stood for true democracy and also fought for the masses,” Ambode said. The governor said apart from the fact that Braithwaite was consistent and persistent in the fight to enthrone better society; he was also a deeply religious man who contributed positively and immensely to the body of Christ. Bishop of Lagos Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend (Dr) Adebola Ademowo, in his sermon, said from the testimonies of people about the late Braithwaite, he sure led an impactful life and queried the congregation about

what people would say as well concerning them.

LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the lump sum payment of leave allowance to all staff in the state’s mainstream Civil Service, Local Governments and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), with effect from May. State Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Olabowale Ademola, disclosed this on Thursday, in a circular she issued, explaining that the approval was sequel to agreements reached during

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Lagos @50:

Soyinka’s partner, Gbadamosi ill, flown abroad Lanre Adewole

CO-CHAIRMAN of Lagos @50 planning committee, Alhaji Rasheed Gbadamosi is critically ill and has been flown abroad. Gbadamosi was appointed by the Lagos State Government to partner Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, the chairman of the committee. The appointment of the duo had generated controversy, with an umbrella association for indigenes, Eko Foundation, demanding Soyinka’s resignation for not being an indigene of Lagos State. Gbadamosi was reportedly ailing from stroke by the time he was appointed, though he attended the inauguration aided by walking stick. President of Eko Foundation, Professor Wole Smith confirmed the indisposition of Gbadamosi. The pressure group is agitating for his replacement with another illustrious indigene of the state and demanding that such person should lead the committee with Soyinka serving as the co-chairman and consultant.

UNILAG crisis: NANS trouble-shooting fails •Students accept to sign undertaking Naza Okoli

THE leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Thursday met with the management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), but was unable to resolve the current impasse between the management and the Students’ Union. This was disclosed by the Deputy Coordinator, Zone

Govt approves payment of lump sum leave allowance to staff Bola Badmus

Nigerian Tribune

a meeting with the Lagos State Public Service Joint Negotiating Council (JNC). She also said the gesture was in line with Governor Ambode’s commitment to improve the welfare of the state workforce. She said officers between Grade Levels 1 and 8 would be paid in May; officers between Grade Levels 9 and 12 would be paid in July; officers between Grade Levels 13 and 14 would be paid in September, while officers between Grade Levels 15 and 17 would get theirs in October.

D, of NANS, Mr Afolabi Saheed who spoke with Lagos Metro shortly after the meeting. “They (Management) said they are going to reopen the school next week, but on the issue of the re-instatement of the union, they have not given the verdict on it,” he said. “We were unable to reach any agreement with the management concerning the suspension of the union.” It was gathered that a large number of students had already downloaded their letters of undertaking and the indemnity forms, ahead of the May 2 resumption date. There was still heavy security presence at the University gate, even as security officials were seen interrogating visitors and students before letting them in. The Union officials had, at a press conference on Tuesday, condemned the suspension of their Union and vowed to use “legal and political” means to ensure that “victory is certain.”

news

Friday, 29 April, 2016

Ekiti doctor who died 24 hours after mother’s death for burial Tuesday •As 3 more doctors, driver buried Sam Nwaoko-Ado Ekiti

HREE more of the medical doctors from Ekiti State and their driver, who died in an accident on Sunday, on their way to Sokoto for the 56th annual national conference of the

Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have been buried. Two of the doctors, Olajide and Ogunseye, were interred at the premises of the NMA Secretariat in the state (Doctors’ House) at Tungba, in the outskirts of Ado Ekiti, while the others

were taken to their various communities for interment. They were buried after a funeral service at the Doctors’ House which was attended by various dignitaries, including the deputy governor of the state, Dr Kolapo Olubunmi Olusola. However, one of the

dead doctors, a Consultant Anatomic Pathologist in EKSUTH, Dr O.J. Taiwo, whose mother had died barely 24 hours earlier, would be buried on Tuesday. Sources claimed that Dr Taiwo had told relatives before his ill-fated trip that

Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, inspecting the vehicle in which the Ekiti doctors and their driver died.

We’ll rescue Anisulowo safely —Amosun GNI, Paseda condemn her abduction Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta GOVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, on Thursday, assured that Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, who was kidnapped by armed men on Wednesday evening, in Sawonjo area of the state, will be rescued unhurt. He said this when he paid an on the spot assessment to the scene of the incident in Sawonjo, at Ilaro, in Yewa North Local Government Area. The governor added that all security apparatus had been deployed to rescue her from the hands of her abductors, saying it is the responsibility of any government to secure her citizens. He described Anisulowo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as an enterprising and industrious woman. “Even if it is not high profile like this, it is our responsibility as a government to secure our citizens. Ogun State is safe and secured notwithstanding what has happened. And I can assure that everybody is involved in the rescue operation - the army, police, SSS, paramilitary agencies and the local vigilante. “Farmers, hunters, everybody have been involved since late night when it happened. I was in Abuja and I just rushed back today and

everybody is combing everywhere. But because of the security nature of what has happened, we can’t probably be telling you this is what we have done, this is what we are doing, but you can be rest assured that everybody is on it. I have to thank our people too. “We’ll get her safely. I know she would be troubled but we know the Lord is in charge. I pray that quickly we get her back, maybe in the next few hours, not even days. And to those that did this, of course we are ready for them.

The victim’s husband, Dr Aderemi Anisulowo, appreciated the prompt response of the state government on the kidnap of his wife. Anisulowo said, “I thank him for what he has done and pray God to continue to strengthen him and give him more wisdom and knowledge to continue to steer the ship of the state.” Paseda, who spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, said the abduction of the first female Senator in Ogun State, had introduced a frightening dimension to the state of insecurity in the

country . He said “as kidnappers are invading the South, Fulani herdsmen continue the festival of bloodshed in the Eastern part of the country. The Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last general election, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, also condemned her abduction. He, however, called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to ensure her release and apprehend the kidnappers.

Ekiti hosts 11 PDP governors for Fayose Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti ELEVEN Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors are expected in Ekiti State today (Friday), for the inauguration of various projects completed by the Ayodele Fayose’s government in Ekiti State. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports Development, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi, who doubles as the chairman of the publicity committee of the ceremony, stated this on Thursday, when he addressed newsmen in Ado Ekiti, on the events. Ogunsuyi said the governors would be inaugurating “various projects which

have been initiated and completed by Dr Ayodele Fayose,” saying “the events, coming up on Friday, will begin with a thanksgiving service in honour of Darius Ishaku, the governor of Taraba State, whose victories at the polls and the Supreme Court were prophesied by Governor Fayose.” Ogunsuyi listed the projects for inauguration as including De-Head (Bawa Estate) - Adetiloye road; dualised Awedele - Secretariat road; Ewi of Ado Ekiti Palace Gallery and the Adunni Olayinka Women Development Centre. The expected governors are Udom Emman-

uel (Akwa Ibom); Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Dr Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); Alhaji Ibrahim Dakwambo (Gombe); David Umahi (Ebonyi); Dr Ifeayin Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Dr Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo); Chief Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Darius Ishaku (Taraba) and Senator Ben Ayade (Cross River). Ogunsuyi reiterated that the Adunni Olayinka Women Centre was constructed at no cost to the government but through donations from corporate organisations, colleagues and admirers of the late deputy governor, in her honour.

when he returns from the NMA conference in Sokoto, they would meet to discuss his mother’s burial. Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, the Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, offered prayers for the families left behind by the deceased at the service while Reverend Rotimi Sanya, who preached at the ceremony, quoted from the book of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, and said there was time for everything as there was time to be born and time to die, calling on the audience to turn away from sins and commit their lives to God to whom they will return. Rev Sanya, in his sermon said death was inevitable and that one of the ironies of life was the fact that there was no chronological roster of death as a younger person may die before the elderly. Fayose, who spoke through Olusola, urged the family of the dead persons to take heart during the period of grief and pledged the support of the state government to them.

Mimiko challenges religious leaders over herdsmen attacks ONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has raised fresh alarm over the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians and wanton destructions of properties by Fulani herdsmen in various parts of the country, even as he charged religious leaders to pray more for the country. The governor, while addressing members of the state executive of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), during a courtesy visit to him in his office, warned that, if the heinous crime against humanity being committed by the Fulani herdsmen was not checked, Nigeria would be moving towards a precipice. He noted that religious leaders must as a matter of urgency and national importance rally round and pray fervently for the unity, peace, development of the country, which at the moment is confronted with challenges. He appreciated the religious leaders and the people of the state for their prayers before his assumption of office and in the last seven years of his administration, promising to further collaborate with the Christian body for the sustenance of peace and progress in the state.

Nigerian Tribune

‘Court didn’t stop Ogun PDP congresses’ THE Ogun State executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that court did not stop its ward congresses slated for Saturday (tomorrow), contrary to media report. The party, in a statement issued on Thursday, by the state chairman, Chief Adebayo Dayo, said “the report that a Federal High Court in Abuja, has given an order restraining the PDP from going ahead with the Ward Congress scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2016 is an outright fabrication.” According to the party, Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, did not grant any orders because he told the parties and their counsel immediately they announced appearances that he had read the file and that since the plaintiffs were resident in Ogun State and the subject matter of the suit was in Ogun State, he would return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for it to be sent to the Abeokuta Division of the Federal High Court.

Oba Agila receives beaded crown IT was double celebration as the Agila of Igila Ijesa, Osun State, Oba (Dr) Samuel Adebayo Falaye (JP), receives the traditional beaded crown, which also coincides with his 11th coronation anniversary. The event, which attracted traditional rulers from Ijesaland and beyond, set the town agog as the king wears the traditional beaded crown for the first time in a carnival like procession round the town. Oba Adebayo, who is the fourth on the throne, and the first Agila to receive staff of office and be decorated with traditional beaded crown, could not hide his joy and appreciation to God. At the thanksgiving service held to commemorate the coronation anniversary, the king declared that God has been the backbone of his reign. He challenged sons and daughters of Igila to be hard working and of good behaviour wherever they are, and always remember their homeland, calling on all and sundry to join hands with him in building the town of Igila to an enviable posture among towns in Ijesaland.

news

Friday, 29 April, 2016

2,500 Oyo women benefit from Aisha Buhari’s free health programme By Wale Akinselure ABOUT 2, 500 women across the 33 local governments in Oyo State were freely screened for breast and cervical cancer, blood sugar, blood pressure, among other ailments, under the free health screening programme of wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, on Thursday. Flagging off the programme in Ibadan, as part of her pet project tagged “Future Assured Initiative,” Buhari noted the need for Nigerians to be proactive in seeking medical attention by regular visits to healthcare centres for regular medical checkups. This, Buhari noted, aided early detection of ailments and prompt commencement of treatment. She noted that the exercise, which continued to transverse the country, was aimed at raising awareness on the importance of regular medical checkups in line with ensuring healthy lives and promoting the wellbeing of Nigerians. Especially, she enjoined stakeholders involved in the provision of health care services to ensure the requisite availability and accessibility to the services. The initiative targeted at women and children will see the provision of medical services which range from blood pressure and blood sugar checks to breast examination, eye

and dental check up, cervical cancer screening, genotype screening for sickle cell disease, deworming of children and Vitamin A supplementation.

THE Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on Thursday, sealed up some companies in Rivers State, over alleged indebtedness to the Federal Government. This was as the service said it had embarked on a vigorous debt collection drive, aimed at getting debtor companies across the country to pay up their debts to the government. FIRS coordinator for Edo, Delta and Rivers states, Mr Joel Thomas, spoke with newsmen in Port Harcourt before the commencement of the operation. He said the debt revenue drive was on the order the FIRS chairman, Mr Babatunde Fowler, in compliance with the directive of

Care Foundation” initiative, to better health and welfare of women and children. Mrs Ajimobi urged women to take charge of their

health and lives, generally, and constantly undertake medical checkups to know how to manage their health status. She called for caution by

women who usually stress their bodies as well as urgent intervention in the nation’s health sector so as to reduce mortality among women.

Convention: PDP NEC zones chairmanship to N/East Jacob Segun Olatunji and Leon Usigbe - Abuja

HE National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally ratified a new zoning formula for the party with the position of the national chairman allocated to the North-East. The national chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, is from the North-East, but when asked by reporters after the NEC meeting at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, whether he would contest for the post in the forthcoming national convention, he said the decision of whether to contest or not was personal to him. He said he would take a decision and communicate it to the public at the appropriate time. The zoning arrangements, as proposed by the zoning committee, headed by Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State, which leaked before it was officially announced, had caused problems within the ranks of the party. The other positions were zoned as follows: Deputy National Chairman, South-South; National Secretary , South-West

FIRS seals off companies in Rivers over indebtedness to FG Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt

Furthermore, Buhari commended the commitment of wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, through her “Access to Basic Health

President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that all government funds were retrieved and paid into the government account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The operation in Rivers State was segmented into five task forces, as the leader of the operation, a deputy director, Chief Tunde Eniolorunda, sealed up O. K. Isokriari And Sons Nig Ltd, a building and civil engineering firm, based in Port Harcourt. The company was sealed up at 11.50a.m, with a warning that it should not open for business until it pays the sum of N154, 105, 954.96 million, being the amount it owed. General Manager, Operations, of the firm, Onimisi Ehinlaiye, who received the FIRS task force, said the managing director was not around.

iv. Deputy National Secretary NorthCentral; National Legal Adviser, North-West; Deputy National Legal Adviser, South-South; National Treasurer, South-South; Deputy National Treasurer, NorthWest; National Financial Secretary, North-Central; Deputy National Financial Secretary,. South-East; National Woman Leader, North-West; Deputy National Woman Leader, South-South; National Auditor, South-West; Deputy National Auditor, NorthEast; National Publicity Secretary, South-West; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, North-Central; National Organising Secretary, South-East; Deputy National Organising Secretay, NorthCentral; National Youth Leader, South- East; Deputy National Youth Leader,

North-West. Some aggrieved members had threatened to hold a parallel national convention should the zoning arrangements be sustained. But irrespective of the threat, the NEC of the party adopted the zoning arrangement. However, there were ominous signs of trouble within the party at Thursday’s meeting as majority of the NEC members stayed away from the meeting. Aside from the acting chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin, virtually all the BoT members stayed away from the NEC meeting. Four of the 12 governors elected on the platform of the party were also absent at the meeting. Speaking at the opening session of the meeting

before going into a closed door session, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, in his remarks, begged aggrieved party members to shield their swords and accept whatever happens. He said: “PDP is the only party in Nigeria that we can say belongs to everyone and belongs to no one. “The time is now for us to make sacrifices, the time is now for us to make compromise so that the party will remain strong, so that Nigeria will be able to trust us again in 2019. “The responsibility for this belongs to all of us. Hopes that the schedule of our congresses and convention will be religiously followed.” Governor Ibrahim Dankwabbo, who spoke on behalf of the governors’ forum, said, “Let me commit members of the governors forum to the decisions of

NEC, as a party and democrat, we are bound to have disagreement and agreement on issues, but once the party takes position, as party members and democrats, we are bound to follow the decision of the party. Jibrin, acting chairman of the BoT, in his comments, also appealed for calm among party members, as he faulted all those who held nocturnal meetings prior to the NEC meeting held on Thursday. He admitted that there were challenges within the party, but gave assurances that those of them who were founding members would not abandon the ship of the party. He offered apologies to members of the BoT for the inability to hold their meeting before the NEC, as he assured that they will meet in due course.

SIDELINES

FRIDAY, 29 APRIL, 2016

N0 16,490

N150

As the state governors are asking the President for bailout from economic crisis, the organised Labour is also asking him for increment in workers’ basic salary from N18,000 to N56,000. Other issues like the fuel crisis, Fulani herdsmen crisis, power crisis, water crisis, even food crisis, are also crying for attention. Well, this time too shall pass.

Kenneth Omeruo (left) in an aerial contest during the 2014 World Cup.

Arsenal fans plan to carry placards during Norwich clash

I’m fit to play for Eagles —Omeruo

ENNETH Omeruo has revealed he is fit and ready to play for Nigeria in next month’s international friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg. After failing to make the Super Eagles’ squad for last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Egypt owing to groin worries, the Kasimpasa player ruled himself out of the Rio Olympics due to medics’ recommendation. However, the 2013 AFCON winner, speaking after his name was included in the 26man squad to face Les Aiglons and Red Lions, he expressed his

eagerness to play his part in the friendlies. “I am happy that I have been called up for the friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg,” Omeruo who is on loan from Chelsea told the Super Eagles’ media officer, Toyin Ibitoye. The former Middlesbrough defender debunked the reports that he was nursing an injury and not fit for the upcoming friendlies. “I’m looking forward to putting on the green and white of Nigeria again and giving my 100 per cent to the team. “There is no truth in the reports that I am currently side-

lined by groin injury. I am very fit and hope to stay this way for my club and country. “I regret my inability to be part of the Olympic team but as a professional player one has to be guided by the recommendations of experts. “My doctors advised that it is best I have a good rest dur-

ing the off season and they felt participating at the Olympics won’t guarantee that so I had to pull out. “In my absence, I believe in the abilities of the national U-23 team coaches and the players to do the nation proud in Rio,” Omeruo was quoted as saying.

Wenger made me an intelligent player —Elneny ARSENAL midfielder, Mohamed Elneny has revealed that manager, Arsene Wenger has told him to shoot less and be an intelligent player. The Egypt international was speaking to Arsenal Magazine and quoted by KingFut.com saying he used to shoot more whilst at FC Basel. However, the French manager turned him into a team player and told him to be intelligent in how he shoots the ball. “I used to shoot a lot when I was at Basel but sometimes that doesn’t suit our style here. [Wenger] taught me to be more of a team player and to be intelligent in terms of when I shoot,” Elneny said. “I also paid attention to my

team-mates and took their advice. That has helped me to improve my performances already. “The most important thing for me has been listening to Arsene Wenger’s advice and putting it into action. “The manager has been giving me advice since the first day I arrived at the training ground. “He’s also helped me to understand the system and playing style he prefers to see us playing.” Regarding his ambitions, the Pharaohs midfielder said that he joined the Gunners with an ambition to win trophies adding that they will fight for the EPL title next season after missing out on league glory this term.

“If it’s not meant to be this season, we need to work hard and fight to win the title next year,” adds the 23-year-old. “Personally I am here to help Arsenal win trophies. We want to make the fans happy and bring back the golden times.” The fourthplaced Gunners are set to face Norwich City tomorrow at the Emirates Stadium.

Elneny

ARSENAL fans who are planning a protest against the club for tomorrow’s match against Norwich have told Goal why they will raise banners in the 12th and 78th minute at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have seen their title challenge dissipate over the past few weeks and can no longer mathematically win the Premier League after Leicester’s 4-0 win over Swansea last weekend. It’s been a season of turmoil in the red side of north London with much of the criticism from Arsenal fans being targeted at manager Arsene Wenger and majority shareholder Stan Kroenke. Goal spoke to Mark King from the Black Scarf Movement, a fan group who are leading an initiative on Saturday (tomorrow) which will include holding ‘Time for Change’ placards on the 12th and 78th minute, in reference to the 12 years that have passed since the club’s most recent title win. “I think the problems at the club are multiple and there is a lot of discussion at the club about who is to blame,” said King. “There’s a large segment of fans who think it’s driven by the board and that the board has very little football experience on it and is only interested in doing what the owner wants - which is driving profitability and keeping a healthy cash balance. “We feel that Kroenke uses that to benefit his US sports ‘franchises’ and particularly when he’s moving the St Louis Rams to Los Angeles. There’s a large segment of fans who feel the board are not driving the quest for success on the pitch and then there’s obviously another large section of fans who blame the manager and to a certain extent the players as because they’re obviously the ones on the pitch.”

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