30th October 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 16,360

friday, 30 OCTOBER, 2015

www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

I’m on a consolidation mission —Prof Yakubu

Ogunwusi may be coronated Ooni Nov 10

—P4

—P16

•As Senate confirms him INEC chairman

@nigeriantribune

Nigerian Tribune

•Begins 21 days confinement

n150

Naira will not be devalued —Osinbajo —P13

PDP senators kick, walk out as Senate confirms Amaechi •Say APC is condoning corruption —P4

•Confirmation shows APC is united —Lai Mohammed

BVN: Over 31 million bank accounts to be barred —P11 FirstBank pays N1.8bn TSA fine —P13

From left, Dr Andrew S. Nevin, Advisory Partner and Chief Economist, PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) Nigeria; Chief Michael Ade Ojo, Chairman/ CEO, Elizade Nigeria Limited; Edafe Erhie, Partner and CIPS Leader, PwC Nigeria and Dr Oseme Oigiagbe, Chairman, Automobile and Allied Sectoral Group, at the 2015 Symposium/Luncheon of the Automobile and Allied Products Group of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in Lagos.

Plateau PDP guber candidate, Pwajok, dies in India •2 days after —P41 losing at tribunal

5 Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs resign •Massive reorganisation imminent

—P4

Friday, 30 October, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915-2015)

PHOTOS: ALOLADE GANIYU

9 1. Cross section of Oyo State lawmakers, with Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu. 2. From left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Mr Alex Oladipupo and Mr Yemi Ogunyemi. 3. Cross section of Muslim Community South West, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 4. Cross section of Anglican Christian Fellowship members, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 5. Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran (fourth right), Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu (third

left), with Fountain of Hope 30NG Board of Trustees, Reverend Melon Methodist Church. 6. Cross section of National Council of Women Society members, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 7. Cross section of Oyo Yoruba Unity Intiative, with Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran and Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu. 8. Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu (left) and Mrs Christiana Onayiga. 9. From, left, Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu, Reverend Olusina Fape, Reverend (Mrs) Oyediran, Mr Olalere Adebayo and Chief (Mrs) Yemi Borisade. 10. Mrs Bukola Majekodunmi (right) and Miss Jaye Ladipo.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

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Friday, 30 October, 2015

Rowdy session, protests as Senate confirms Amaechi, 17 others

•PDP senators walk out, say APC condoning corruption •Presidency commends Senate for expeditious action Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja

HERE was rowdy session on the floor of the Senate, on Thursday, as senators confirmed the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Mr Rotimi Amaechi and 17 other ministerial nominees, who were earlier screened by the senators. The Senate had, on Wednesday, completed the screening of the nominees, but reserved the confirmation till Thursday. There had been contention as to the confirmation of Amaechi, as senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to partake in questioning him on October 22, when he appeared for screening. The contention emerged again on Thursday, as the Senate moved for the confirmation of the ministerial nominees. Shortly after the confirmation of nominees for the chairmanship of the Independent National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and the national commissioners, the senators dissolved into a closed session that lasted close to two hours. After the closed session, the Senate resolved into plenary and the chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, was called upon to present the report of his committee, which investigated the petition against Amaechi. Anyanwu, in his report, noted that his committee received a petition from Mr Liningstone Wechie, which alleged that Amaechi had allegations of financial impropriety hanging on his neck. The petition asked the Senate not to screen Amaechi as a ministerial nominee. The committee observed that since the matter surrounding the petition against Amaechi was a subject of litigation in a competent court of law and since the Senate could not work contrary to its own rules (Order 41(7), it (the Senate) is constrained in taking any further action on the matter. The committee, therefore, recommended that “since the ministerial nominee (Amaechi) had gone to the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, to challenge the content of the petition and the white paper of the judicial commission of inquiry, the Senate was unable to recommend the consideration of his confirmation.” The recommendation, however, divided the senators, leading to a rowdy session on the Senate floor. Senate majority leader, Ali Ndume, who kickstarted the

drama that characterised the confirmation process, was the first to take the floor after Anyanwu had presented his report. Ndume said the Senate should proceed with the confirmation of Amaechi, since the Anyanwu-led ommittee had confirmed that the matter was pending in court. His submission led to a protest by the minority leader, Godswill Akpabio, who refused to second the position of the majority leader. Akpabio raised a countermotion, saying that the Senate should debate the report. He raised Order 43 of Senate standing rule to explain that the PDP caucus had earlier declared that it would not contribute to questioning Amaechi; adding that its position had changed since the committee’s report has been laid. According to him, Ndume was attempting to mislead the Senate against debating the report. He insisted that though his colleagues in the PDP had resolved not to question the nominee, the report should be debated now. Senator Babajide Omoworare, however, took the floor and attempted to turn the argument against Akpabio. He said part of the Senate standing rules upon which the committee relied on to arrive at its recommendation was obsolete and irrelevant. He was shouted down sever-

ally as the chamber became rowdy. His argument was, however, countered by Senator Joshua Lidani, a member of the PDP from Gombe State, who stated that the section of the Senate rule relied upon by the ethics committee was still in force. He added that the position of the Senate committee not to have anything to do with Amaechi was in line with sections of the Nigerian constitution, which empowers the Senate to regulate its own procedures. Senator George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers State), who presented the petitions against Amaechi, told the Senate that confirming the nominee had implications for the image of the chamber. “We represent our people and the Nigerian people we represent are the majority. The majority is not APC, the majority is Nigerian people. The true judges are Nigerian people. So, we must respect the Nigerian people. “The report that was laid there was weighty allegation on corruption and sales of government assets, mismanagement of funds and above all, a standing issue on petitions. “And you are magnanimous enough to refer the matter to the ethics and privilege committee. There is no way a senator can amend the committee’s report because it is not a motion,” he said. Amidst protests and a row-

dy session, deputy Senate minority whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi, took the floor and declared that it was obvious that the minority would have their say and majority would have their way. She said it was obvious that the APC senators were bent on committing illegality by confirming Amaechi, despite the allegations against him. She stated that it was shocking that the government of the APC, which rode to power on the crest of anti-corruption, was condoning allegations of corruption through the move to confirm Amaechi, adding that there was moral burden on the APC government and the Senate if it confirmed the nomination. Following their failure to persuade their APC colleagues to consider the report, the PDP senators decided to walk out of the chamber, leaving their APC colleagues to continue with the confirmation process. Thereafter, the APC senators in the chamber confirmed Amaechi and adjourned the session. But the PDP senators later converged at the Senate Hearing Room 1 of the White House, where they addressed the media on the development on the Senate floor. Senator Akpabio, who addressed newsmen, said the PDP lawmakers insisted that the committee report be upheld because the matter was

in court. He said there were series of court cases instituted on the matter, including the ones filed by the nominee himself. Akpabio said it would have been better for the nominee to withdraw his suit in court. He said his colleagues on the side of APC had displayed lawlessness, adding that the PDP decided not to “partake in the charade.” Reacting, the APC said the confirmation of all the ministerial nominees by the Senate, despite some misgivings by the opposition PDP, is a clear demonstration that there is no longer division within the APC family. The party made this declaration in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. “The cohesion and unity exhibited by the APC senators on Thursday have shown that our legislators are ready to work with the executive and the party to ensure that the agenda of the party is implemented for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said. The party, therefore, commended all its members and leaders in the Senate and, indeed, the leadership of the APC for what it described as “this show of unity.” It said democracy was clearly at work in the Senate on Thursday, despite the decision of the opposition PDP senators to stage a walk out over the confirmation of Amaechi. “It is part of democracy that

while the minority can have their say, the majority will have their way. Therefore, the decision of the PDP senators to walk out is nothing but democracy in action,” the party said. Also on Thursday, the Presidency commended the Senate for promptly handling the confirmation of the ministerial nominees. Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, who addressed newsmen in the Senate, said the APC conducted the confirmation exercise as a united family, while the PDP also showed maturity. Besides Amaechi, other minister-designates confirmed on Thursday included Adamu Adamu (Bauchi) Professor Anthony Gozie Anwuka (Imo), Okechukwu Enelamah (Abia), Muhammadu Musa Bello (Adamawa) and Ms Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto). Others were Khadijah Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe), Claudius Omoleye Daramola (Ondo), Geoffrey Onyeama (Enugu), Brigadier-General Mohammed M. Dan-Ali (Zamfara), James E. Ocholi (Kogi), Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (Kaduna), Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Borno), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa), Professor Isaac Adewole Folorunsho (Osun), Pastor Usani Usani Uguru (Cross River), Abubakar Bwari Bawa (Niger) and Adebayo Shittu from Oyo State.

I’m on a consolidation mission —Mahmud Yakubu

As Senate confirms him INEC chairman, 5 others as national commissioners Taiwo Adisa and Ayodele Adesanmi -Abuja THE new chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmud Yakubu, has said his mission in the commission is not for experimentation, but for consolidation, adding that he is going to build on the success of his predecessorin-office, Professor Attahiru Jega. He disclosed this on Thursday, after the Senate confirmed his nomination as INEC chairman. The Senate also confirmed five others as national commissioners, in accordance with Section 154 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. Those confirmed as national commissioners are Alhaji Baba Shetimma Arfo from Borno State; Dr Antonia Taiye Okoosi Simbine from Kogi; Amina Zakari from Jigawa; Dr Mohammed Mustapha Lecky from Edo and Mr Soyebi Adedeji Solomon from Ogun.

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, after the confirmation, congratulated the nominees, calling on them to be upright and put the nation

first during their activities. Speaking during the screening session, Professor Yakubu, an indegene of Bauchi State, said “the suc-

cess of any election depends on the ability of the commission to organise, arrange properly and in advance” adding that in Nigeria, “we

have this culture of last minute rush. As a result, so many things that are supposed to be done much earlier are not done.”

5 Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs resign Saliu Gbadamosi -Abuja A massive reorganisation in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is imminent in days to come, following the resignation, on Thursday, of all five Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) who, the Nigerian Tribune learnt, turned in their letters of resignation in Abuja, on Thursday. The Customs DCGs are Ibrahim Mera (Human Resources); Adewuyi (Tariff and Trade); Nwosu (Strategy, Research and Planning); Musa Tahir (Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection) and Atte (Finance, Administration and Technical Services). A source hinted that the five DCGs, who only last week returned from a week assignment to the four zonal commands, were directed by a circular on Tuesday to proceed on a two-week leave. The source informed that

the assignment used to be performed by Assistant Comptroller-Generals during the tenure of the immediate past Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Inde Dikko. According to the source, the report of their assignment was not really positive, adding that it was the DCG in charge of Human Resources, Mera, who had requested to proceed on leave before all of them were asked to do so. Sensing that the directive might be a prelude to their forced retirement from the service, the DCGs, the Nigerian Tribune learnt, met and took a joint decision to resign before being booted out. It was further gathered that when the officials presented their letters to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Colonel Hamid Ali (retd), he was

said to have told them that he would present same to President Muhammadu Buhari when he returned to the country from his state visit to India. Nigerian Tribune gathered that there was speculation that all Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs and Comptrollers who have one year or less in the service might be asked to retire now, though this could not be confirmed as of the time of filing in this report.

When contacted to confirm the veracity of the report, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, did not pick his call, but later responded to an SMS sent to him, saying that he could not confirm the report. “Not aware of this development yet. We closed early today, being our sports day. Won’'t be in a position to confirm this until tomorrow morning, please,” he stated in his reply to the Nigerian Tribune's text message.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Lagosmetro NURTW crisis deepens • National leadership handling it —Agbede Akinrolabu Akinduro THERE seems to be no end in sight on the leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State council as there have been accusations and counter-accusations from the two opposing factions of the union over its state of affairs. The recent re-election of the chairman of Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede is deepening the crisis as the faction loyal to the state treasurer of the union, Alhaji Musliu Akinsanya, who is also eyeing the chairmanship position, in a recent advertorial accused Alhaji Agbede, of high-handedness, lack of accountability and transparency, misappropriation of fund among other issues. A prominent member of the group Alhaji Sulaiman Ojora in an interview told Lagos Metro that all allegations in the advertorial were true situation of things in the union in the state, adding that the group was ready to substantiate them before any court of competent jurisdiction. Ojora also called on the national leadership of the union not to recognise the election that brought Alhaji Agbede back to office for second term, insisting that the election did not follow due process However, in a reaction to Akinsanya’s group’s allegations, Alhaji Agbede in a telephone conversation with Lagos Metro dismissed them as unfounded, baseless and spurious, planned purposely by some few members to discredit him and also destabilise the hitherto relative peace and the unity in the union. Agbede explained that there was no iota of truth in what the Akinsanya’s group published or have been saying about his leadership style.

Fire fighters truck positioned to quench the fire which has lasted for three days.

Smoke from Kessingsheen factory on Thursday. PHOTO: Chima Nwokoji

Iyana-Ejigbo fire fury enters Day-3, residents wear masks Chima Nwokoji

he Lagos State Safety Management Agency has called on residents of Iyana-Ejigbo and passers-by to wear nose mask to avoid inhaling smoke emitting from Jichu Industries Limited located within Kessingsheen premises in the area. To this end, the agency has embarked on distribution of nose masks to residents of the area and passers-by as men of the fire service continue to fight a non-stop fire ravaging the factory for the past three days. Goods worth millions of naira have already been destroyed as the fire seems to defy all efforts to quench it, burning the factory said to contain five warehouses. A safety expert, who did not want to be named as he was not in position to comment on the matter, said the fire could not be put out because of excess hydrocarbon materials being used in the factory. According to him, “efforts

are being made by Lagos State fire service to bring equipment that will help localise the burning materials, so that it can give way for the inferno to be put out.” “This release does not always lead to exposure. You are exposed to a substance only when you come in contact with it. You may be exposed by breathing, eating, or drinking the substance or by skin contact,” the safety official told Lagos Metro. It was further gathered that the fire outbreak caused a traffic snarl around the Ja-

kande area as residents and firefighters from the Lagos State Fire Service struggled to contain it. Only two of the warehouses had been ravaged as of the time of filing this report. “Water trucks from the Isolo, Ikotun and Alausa stations of the state fire service have been coming to the factory, emptying their tanks going out,” an employee of the company said. Meanwhile, the Director of the state fire service, Rasak Fadipe, while con-

firming the incident, said the inferno was giving the firefighters a tough time because the goods were petrochemical products. He was quoted as having said that, “It is a serious fire and our men are presently on the ground combating it. The goods on fire are rubber materials like shoes and bags and these are petrochemical products. It was initially men from the Ikotun and Isolo fire stations that were there but the Alausa fire station later gave support. The compound is

surrounded by residential buildings and we are trying to put it under control.” Fadipe said a preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a generator, adding that at the end of the operation, the agency would assess the situation comprehensively. Efforts made to speak with the management of the company did not yield result as some employees said the Chinese man who is the Managing Director known as Mr Jacob travelled out of the country.

RRS raid black spots, arrest 5 teenage robbers, 32 Olalekan Olabulo Men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Tuesday raided many black spots in Lagos metropolis arresting 37 miscreants and five teenage-in-traffic robbers in Oshodi. The teenage robbers were arrested around 9:00 p.m. based on tip off from one Mrs Okechukwu Abes, whose bag and phone were

stolen by the gang at Oshodi Under Bridge. The boys are Ajala Lateef (16 years); Salami Sodiq (15 years); Raji Kazeem (19 years); Bashiru Adeyemi (19 years) and Ikechukwu Ukueje (15 years). Confirming the robbery, one of the teenage robbers, Ajala Lateef, a secondary school dropout from IsaleEko, said their ring leader, Taiye, still at large, pre-

tended as a passenger and snatched Mrs Okechukwu’s bag and mobile phone while she was boarding a bus. “I know Taiye very well. He sleeps in Oko-Mola at Oshodi Under Bridge. I have seen him in different occassions dispossessing passers-by in Oshodi of their bags, phones and other belongings. Most times, we pretend as pas-

sengers to rob people,” Ajala stated. The Commander of the RRS, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu said that RRS would continue to work round the clock to make Lagos a haven for those with legitimate businesses. Disu emphasised that the force has been charged by the Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Com-

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

Lagos to provide preservation equipment for LASRAB

THE Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde has pledged the State Government commitment to provide preservation equipment for the State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB). Mr Ayorinde made the pledge, recently, when he paid an official visit to the Bureau as part of his familiarisation tour of all agencies under the Ministry of Information and Strategy. While promising that the state government will try as much as possible to make available necessary equipment to preserve the materials, he assured the bureau of his unflinching support in its area of need. The Commissioner, however, commended the management team as well as staff of LASRAB for their efforts and achievements so far, despite inadequate equipment, fund and manpower, stressing that he will do all in his capacity to assist the bureau in order to achieve the set goals and objective of the present administration. In his own remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Fola Adeyemi implored the bureau to go into partnership with foreign institutions and organisations for sponsorship and training assistance of the Archivists and Records Management Staff for capacity building in line with the International best practices on records management and archival preservation.

2 others missioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni to rid the state of all forms of crime. He called on Lagosians to assist the police by supplying information that would help the police to curb crime and track down criminals adding that perpetrators of crime live among us. The suspects have been transferred to the State Investigation and Intelligence Bureau, Ikeja.

Gridlock, insecurity worry me — Ambode Bola Badmus LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed concern over the persistent traffic gridlock in the metropolis and increase in spate of robberies, saying he had directed the fixing of

all potholes to ease vehicular movement and mandated security agencies to enforce the ban on commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders on highways. Governor Ambode stated this on Thursday at the inau-

gural retreat organised by the state government for commissioners, Special Advisers (SAs) and body of Permanent Secretaries in the state, as he reeled out policy direction of his administration for the next three and half years, and appealed for the support, co-

operation and vigilance on the part of all Lagosians in moving the state forward. The governor, who disclosed that he had already called for enforcement of ban on commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders on highways by

Lagosian forced to use the Pedestrian bridge at Oshodi in order to avoid arrest KAI official pushing a man arrested for crossing the Oshodi expressway inside a from KAI officials. PhotoS: Sylvester Okoruwa. Black Maria at Oshodi.

Ajao clash: Police arrest 20 Okada riders Olalekan Olabulo Over 20 commercial motorcyclists were arrested between Wednesday night and early Thursday around Ajao Estate by the police in connection with the clash between them and the police on Wednesday night. According to the residents, “The rampaging commercial motorcyclists attacked the policemen with petrol bomb and broken bottles and other dangerous weapons.” 54 commercial motorcycles were also impounded by a combined team of policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Ajao Estate divisional police station. A policeman was severely injured and a police Armoured Personnel Carrier damaged by the rampaging commercial motorcyclists, who chanted war songs against the police. A team of policemen from

the Special Task Force had gone to Carnal area of Ajao Estate to implement the ban on commercial motorcycle operation, when the clash started. A resident of the area, who simply identified himself as Samson narrated “the policemen impounded some motorcycles, but immediately the policemen impounded some motorcycles, the peo-

ple mobilised and attacked them with petrol bomb. “The okada riders, over 300 of them including women overpowered the task force policemen and took their driver away. They also vandalised their patrol van while other policemen escaped.” The image maker in charge of the state police command, Joe Offor confirmed

the arrest of 11 riders and 54 motorcycles to Lagos Metro and added that investigations are on to arrest other members of the gang. Offor stated that the arrested suspects would be charged to court for attack and malicious damage, while also adding that other members of the gang that attacked the policemen would be arrested.

the security agencies, noted that aside the risks of accidents that use of okada on high posed, such could also be a security threat to the people. Governor Ambode, who said the government was also working hard to restrict street hawking, urged the people to stop patronising them, so as to discourage street traders from the highways. “We have already hit the ground running. I am deeply concerned about the issues which Lagosians are sending back to me which range from security issues, traffic gridlock and the environment itself. We are looking at the immediate solutions to them. There are medium term solutions that Lagosians will see in the next few weeks, which we will roll out. “We have declared zero tolerance on potholes and we are deploring more men to ensure free flow of traffic. As we are now in the ‘Ember’ months, I just want to appeal to Lagosians to be more vigilant, and cooperate with us in all the measures we will be carrying out,” Governor Ambode said. Highlighting key components of the Lagos Development Plan, Ambode said the first pillar of the plan hinges on economic development, and that it would fundamentally be about wealth creation through creation of employment for the people. He also stated that the second pillar of the plan harps on infrastructure development, explaining that the government would make money available for long term investment in transportation, power, housing and water.

5 arrested for hanging on moving train Olalekan Olabulo Five men who took an illegal ride hanging on the body of a moving train are now in Ikoyi prison, awaiting the perfection of their bail. They were arrested while hanging on to train no MTT 106. Police has arraigned them before Ebute Metta

Magistrates’ Court. The suspects are Wale Ajibawo (40), Yusuf Tunde (33), Azeez Olayeye (22), Rasheed Olayiwola (22), and Wakilu Saka (30). The suspects allegedly conspired and endangered the lives of passengers travelling by train by hanging on the moving train. They were charged for forcefully entering a train

between Ikeja and Shogunle station without any lawful authority under the Criminal Code. For trying not to pay a N200 fare, they got N50, 000 bail and a surety in like sum. Their accomplices reportedly bolted. They pleaded not guilty to the charge against them. The prosecutor, DSP Nkaku, asked the court to

take cognizance of the offence the suspects committed by endangering their lives and those of the other passengers on board. The presiding Magistrate, Mr T. Abolerinwa granted them bail, but remanded them in prison pending the perfection of their bail. The matter has been adjourned till November 11, 2015.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

businessnews

Friday, 30 October, 2015

BVN deadline: Over 31m bank accounts to be barred Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

VEN as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) insisted that the deadline for enrollment on the Biometric Verification Number (BVN) set for tomorrow October 31 will not be extended, there are fears that access to over 31 million active bank accounts may be stopped. Data from the CBN show that out of 52 million active bank accounts, only 20,833,635 bank customers have so far enrolled for over 40 million accounts in various banks in the country under the BVN registration exercise as at October 25, 2015 The emerging statistical trend of the BVN registration exercise according to the apex bank shows that out of 52 million active bank accounts in various banks, total enrollment stands at approximately 21 million, out of which about 14 million accounts have been found linked to the BVN as at September, 2015. “The CBN has made it clear that there would not be further extension after the October 31, 2015 deadline,’’ earlier statement from the bank said. Meanwhile, a visit to some bank branches in Lagos metropolis show that mild queues have returned, but not with the rowdiness that characterize last minute rush . The Managing Director, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Ade Shonubi, who disclosed that banks have so far invested N8 billion in the project, said the BVN channels for easy verification for all forex transactions by bureaux de change operators (BDCs) and customers will start by November 1, 2015. This is coming on the heels of the directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to all BDCs operators to demand for customers’ BVN as part of continued efforts to stabilise the forex market, stem the rampant cases of forex leakages and illicit money transfer from Nigeria. It explained: “All banks and licensed BDCs operating in Nigeria as well as the general public are, therefore, put on notice that with effect from November 1, 2015, all customers desiring to purchase forex through all available channels in Nigeria must provide their BVN, which shall be validated by the CBN authorised forex dealer through the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System platform before the transactions are consummated.” The BVN registration being implemented in collab-

oration with the Bankers committee was initiated to provide unique identities for all bank customers and other users of financial ser-

vices in the country. The unique identity is established by the use of the customers’ biometrics as means of identification

in all transactions undertaken with the banks. At the expiration of the initial estimated 18 months period for the registration

after the launch, there was huge apathy among bank customers, who were reluctant to register. The poor appreciation

From left, Sales Director, Africa and Europe, Kaon Media South Korea Limited, Mr Young Kang; President/CEO, Media Concepts International (MCI) Limited, Mr Babatope Agbeyo and Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mr Emeka Mba, during a world media briefing and signing of an agreement between (MCI and chosen OEM Partner) with NBC in Lagos, on Tuesday.

Customs revenue nose-dives over CBN foreign exchange restriction command collected N23.8 Tola Adenubi-lagos

THE revenue of the largest revenue collecting command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) – the Apapa Area Command – plummeted for the third straight month due to the

policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) restricting sales of foreign exchange to the importers of 41 select items. The command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Charles Edike, told stakeholders in Lagos that the

Oando Marketing launches synthetic lubricants Olatunde Dodondawa-Lagos

IN its effort to expand its market share by expanding its range of lubricant products, a leading downstream player, Oando Marketing, launched its synthetic lubricant, known as ‘Oleum SYN’, for use with premium motor spirit based engines. ‘Oleum SYN’ is an ultra high performance passenger-car fully synthetic engine oil formulated with ultimate cleansing technology and designed for the most advanced modern petrol engines, including turbo charged ones. Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune at the ongoing Annual Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream exhibition in Lagos on Tuesday, the Head of Lubricants, Oando Marketing, Lilian Ikokwu, emphasised the company’s commitment to quality. She highlighted that as a renowned brand, sourcing and utilising top quality raw materials for the for-

mulation of lubricant production process is key and Oleum SYN formulated to meet the highest specifications. “Every litre of Oleum SYN is made of top quality base oils and additives; the output is certified by a highly equipped laboratory. What this means is that each time you purchase a bottle of Oando Oleum SYN, you are buying top quality grade in line with international and industry standards,” she explained. The Lubricant Research and Development Manager, Dahiru Mohammed, also reiterated that Oando Marketing had invested a lot in product development. “We have done a lot of research and market study to understand and meet consumer requirements in terms of reliability, thereby ensuring the premium quality of our product, quality of caps, security involved, labels and eventually the seal on the bottle with regards to credit integrity,” he stated.

billion in September this year as against the N30.4 billion it collected in the corresponding period of last year, representing about 22 per cent loss of revenue. Edike also painted a gloomy picture when he declared that the situation would not get better anytime soon. He attributed the decrease to the low level of importation, which he said was as a result of some government policies, especially the CBN policy. He said: “Since the CBN policy was rolled out, for the first three months, the remnant that came in were the ones we have been clearing but the remnant is now dwindling, finishing and so that explains why this month may not be as rosy as the previous month was. “We also know that so many containers are trapped in the port. This month is not too rosy as of now and we all know the reason. “The trend is not moving as it ought to move and importation is very low and that is the major reason, because we only collect duty on things imported but when there is no importation, we cannot collect revenue.” He also announced that the command would offer reprieve to importers whose goods were trapped

at the port as a result of the implementation of the forex restriction policy. “Before you import, you are supposed to get your pro-forma invoice with which you will approach your bank and the bank will help you with your Form ‘M’ to customs portal and then customs approves your form M. That is only when you can now import. “When you import, before your goods arrive here, your papers would have been ready and that makes it prearrival. But many people would rather import and when the goods are about getting to our waters, they will now start going to the bank to get Form M and begin to rush. “Those people were the people that by the time the CBN policy (restricting sales of foreign exchange to importers of select imports) came, they were caught off guard and because there is no PAAR, we cannot clear them and they are trapped in the port. “So that things will not get too bad, we want to grant conditional release to those containers that are trapped,” Edike said. He added that after the conditional release, the importer would still be required to apply for PAAR to ascertain if the appropriate duty is paid on the consignment.

of the benefits of the BVN resulted in last minute rush in most banking halls across the country towards the end of the June 30, 2015 deadline set by the CBN for enrolment by all customers. The CBN extended the deadline by four months, till October 31, 2015, to allow more people register. The extension of the deadline was to enable banks provide more facilities to enhance seamless enrolment of customers both within the country and abroad. Given the tradition of holding multiple accounts by an average Nigerian, the NIBSS said the total number of accounts that may have been enrolled during the period could be estimated at conservatively two or three per account holder.

‘African Economic Merit Awards will boost growth’ Gbemi Solaja-Lagos

THE African Economic Awards (AEMA) will, apart from rewarding African entrepreneurs and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) that have contributed immensely to the development of Africa also stimulate international business community. President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), AEMA, Mr McEva Temofe, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja, on Tuesday, when he said AEMA was aimed at boosting economic growth in African communities by uniting successful business entrepreneurs with the latest talents. He stressed that it would also enrich the soil and give hope to Africans with agricultural, technology and business initiative. “We said, let us encourage and stimulate the international business community to power growth in the grass roots to adopt ethical business and entrepreneurial standard. To raise awareness among business leaders and employees on recognising local creative and productive minds,” Temove stated. “On this platform, we develop community empowerment programmes for sustainable growth and peaceful co-existence. As a brand made up of dynamic, self-motivated youth, we intend to harness Africa’s economic, business and social resources using modern administrative methods.

businessnews

Friday, 30 October, 2015

PwC Report projects Nigeria as Africa’s next automotive hub

new report on automotive industry in Nigeria released by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has said that Nigeria has the potential to become the hub of Africa’s automotive industry. The report, entitled Africa’s Next Automotive Hub, took an indepth look at the Nigerian automotive industry from the 1960s to date and stated that the Federal Government’s 2013 policy to revive the automotive industry through the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) contributed largely to the projection. The policy seeks to discourage vehicle importation and encourage local production. The report noted that the new policy has attracted a number of top automotive brands into the country with three already commencing assembly in the country as of 2015. It pointed out that 30 other brands had signed commitments with technical partners and had already obtained licences to assemble passenger cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses and trucks in the country. Andrew Nevin, a partner with PwC Nigeria and co-author of the automotive report, said during the presentation of the report that industry experts believe that Nigeria’s potential in the new-car market could be as high as 1 million. It currently sits at about 56,000 in a used vehicle dominated market. The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) estimates annual imports at about 400,000 vehicles (100,000 new and 300,000 used), valued at about US$3.45 billion. He stated that local production capacity stands at 100,000, noting that utilisation has dropped to less than 15 per cent. The

NADDC believes the automotive industry, which currently employs around 2,600 workers, has the potential to generate 70,000 direct jobs and 210,000 indirect ones. The report, according to Nevin, presents three growth scenarios for the auto industry. The growth projections highlight the potential of the industry and present three different scenarios for the industry till 2050. “In these scenarios, growth is measured in terms of car sales and we have assumed it to be de-

pendent on GDP. As a result, we use PwC’s The World in 2050, a report that forecasts economic growth for 32 of the largest economies in the world, for the period 2014 – 2050,” Nevin said. “In the first scenario, which projects rapid growth, the proper implementation of the National Automotive Industrial Development Plan (NAIDP), especially with the protection of the borders and strong government support, puts real GDP growth at 6.6 per cent till 2020, 5.1 per cent

“Government must invest in a knowledge-based economy. Gone are the days of commodity-based economy. Japan and Singapore are examples of countries like this. The government should invest in research that will produce solutions that are sellable and can bring money, the way it is done in other climes.” This was the advice given by Professor Olusegun Odunola, after delivering his inaugural lecture en-

dustrial Development Plan (NAIDP) by subsequent administrations with moderate government support. Here, real GDP growth is 6.6 per cent till 2020, 5.1per cent till 2030 and 5.4 per cent till 2050, making it among the 10 largest economies by 2050. In this scenario, Completely Knocked Down (CKD) production will begin in 2019, manufacturing will start in 2025, tokunbo (used imported vehicles) will be phased out by 2040, while Semi Knocked Down (SKD) will cease to exist by 2041.

From left, Principal Partner, Lube Services Associates, Mr Kayode Sote; Managing Director, Lubcon Limited, Mr Taiye Williams and Assistant Director, Corporate Planning, CMC Connect Burson Martelle, Mr Raheem Olabode, at a press conference to herald the forthcoming Nigerian Lubricants Summit 2015 held at Zen Restaurants in Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

NSE reiterates commitment to SME development Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

THE Nigerian Stock Exchange (SME) has again declared its support for the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country, in recognition of the crucial role SMEs play in the economy. Chief Executive Officer of

the NSE, Oscar Onyema, while delivering a keynote address at the 19th annual Stockbrokers Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) on Thursday, in Lagos, said that SME sector was crucial to Africa’s growth, noting that the sector had contributed more than 45 per cent to employment and

‘FG should shift from commodity-based economy’ By Paul Omorogbe

till 2030 and 5.4 per cent till 2050, making it among the 10 largest economies by 2050.” “This scenario predicts that Completely Knocked Down (CKD) production will begin in 2019, manufacturing will start in 2023, tokunbo (used imported vehicles) will be phased out by 2034, while Semi Knocked Down (SKD) will no longer exist by 2035.” The second scenario projects medium growth in the situation that there is partial implementation of the National Automotive In-

titled ‘Molecular Architecture: Juggling metals and electrons for technological advancement,’ at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Thursday. The well-attended event, which had academics from various tertiary institutions in the South West as well staff and students of the university and wellwishers in attendance, saw the former rector of the Polytechnic Ibadan elucidate how over the last 30 years, his research

had “used various metals and ligands to design and construct molecules which bear a similar corollary to design of buildings for various uses which are beneficial to mankind in polymer industries, food and beverages, material sciences, biological systems as well as in fundamental research that drives various applications.” Professor Odunola recommended the establishment of a National Research Foundation to promote research for national development.

33 per cent to GDP. Onyema, however, noted that SMEs continued to face challenges, citing studies, which indicated that more than 70 per cent of SMEs lack access to medium/longer-term finance, creating an SME funding gap of more than US $140 billion in Africa alone. In recognition of these, the NSE CEO explained that the Exchange had launched the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM), a specialist board for the listing of SMEs, which according to him, was a pointer of commitment in the vision of promoting and supporting SMEs, believing that someday some of SMEs in the country would become globally recognised corporations. Onyema noted the NSE’s crucial role in supporting economic growth by providing an efficient and sustainable capital market, saying this had driven all actions in the Exchange. “Internally, we have put

in place a strong corporate governance regime that guides management and employees toward promoting a fair, equitable and just market. We are championing responsible financial and investment services, sustainable business practices, engaged and talented people, community contributions and environmental stewardship,” he said. He added that the Exchange had used its position as the biggest Exchange in West Africa to champion sustainability along four key impact areas, which were the marketplace, a platform for promoting market-based approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) imperatives; the community, where NSE made contributions to positively impact lives; the workplace, through which NSE facilitated diversity, wellbeing and harness the talent and skills of the people; and the environment, as NSE focused on reducing its environmental impact.

Nigerian Tribune

businessnews

Friday, 30 October, 2015

FirstBank pays N1.8bn TSA fine By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

IRSTBANK of Nigeria has paid a fine of N1.877bn imposed on it by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over non-compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the remittance of revenue belonging to ministries, departments and agencies to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) domiciled in CBN. In response to the announcement, the bank’s share value tumbled to a 10-year low of N5.00 on Thursday during trading, although it later gained 10 kobo to close at N5.10. The fine payment was disclosed by Firstbank’s parent company, FBN Holdings, in a statement published on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) website on Thursday. FBN Holdings’ Group Secretary, Tijani M. Borodo, in the statement, said, “We wish to confirm and acknowledge the imposition of a fine of the sum of N1.877 billion by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on our subsidiary, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (First bank) and declare that the fine has since been paid.” Borodo, who noted that

the management of the bank was still holding consultation with the CBN on “the regulatory decision”, added that bank would always act ehically. He said, “Kindly be assured that the bank and the entire FBN Group as responsible corporate citizens remain committed to values epitomized by strict

compliance to the highest standards of ethics and corporate governance.” FirstBank, which was said to have failed to remit Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s N37,548,198,102.41 to the CBN as directed by the Federal Government, was fined 5 per cent of the sum.

NSE: Investors lose N20.3m Kehinde Akinseinde-JayeobaLagos

INVESTORS on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, on Thursday, lost a sum of N20.323 million of their investment as market closed on a positive note with 0.17 per cent appreciation after six days of persistent loss. Diamond was the major striker in the loss recorded as it lost a sum of N3.32 million worth of 30,155,763 shares shedding 11 kobo of its N2.66 kobo per share. NSE All-Share Index appreciated by 0.17 per cent to close at 29,446.95 basis points, compared with the 0.60 per cent depreciation of 29,3396.31 basic points recorded on Wednesday. Market capitalisation closed at N16.63 trillion to the N16.57 trillion of the

previous day, as volume declined by 33.29 per cent against the 173.43 per cent increase recorded in the previous session. At the end of the day buying and selling, N2,824,672,556.27 worth of 257,693,273 shares exchanged hands in 2,882 deals.

Chima Nwokoji-lagos

THE governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, and other members of staff of the bank, have commissioned a N40 million worth multi-purpose hall for the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) to enable them to let out, generate income and enhance their welfare. The governor, who was represented at the official commissioning ceremony by the Director, Human

STANBIC IBTC Holdings, a member of Standard Bank Group, has announced its nine months unaudited results for the period ended 30 September 2015. The group’s Gross earnings of N104.4 billion, represented an increase of 10

Emefiele, CBN employees build N40m hall for the physically challenged Resources Department of the bank, Chizoba Victoria Mojekwu, disclosed that through their personal and individual contributions to the CBN Staff Alms Fund, the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the fund approved the request to build a multipurpose hall for SCIAN and conveyed same to the promoters. According to him, the

CBN Staff Alms Fund was established as a result of an initiative to collectively address the nagging issues of street begging, and the destitute in major cities of Lagos and Abuja. Other branches of CBN he added, later keyed into this laudable project by also establishing a similar Fund in their various locations.

Why naira will not be devalued —Osinbajo Leon Usigbe-Abuja

VICE President Yemi Osinbajo has advanced reasons while the present administration will not yield to pressure to devalue the naira, saying that such

Stanbic IBTC Holdings reports 10% growth Chima Nwokoji-lagos

Nigerian Tribune

per cent as against N94.6 billion of September 2014 . Net interest income of N32.9 billion, declined 5 per cent compared with N34.7 billion of the same period last year. Noninterest revenue of N41.3 billion, declined 2 per cent as against N42.0 billion recorded in September 2014.

measure is not an appropriate option in the current economic realities in the country. He said it offers no solutions as far as the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is concerned. Speaking when he received Ambassadors from Italy and Canada, Mr. Fulvio Rustico and Mr. Perry John Calderwood, respectively, in his office on Thursday, the Vice President posited that devaluation of the naira would not help the economy. He said: “I don’t agree on devaluation and it is not that I am doctrinaire about it. In the first place, it is not a solution-we are not exporting significantly. And the way things are, de-

valuation will not help the local economy.” According to him, “what we need to do is to start spending more on the economy and then things will ease up a bit.” He observed that the issues around the economy are no exact sciences, stressing that what is important is to be reasonably flexible in dealing with them. He outlined Federal Government’s plans to set up a $25billion Infrastructural Fund which will be sourced from local and international sources including through Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund and also the pension fund.

tribunebusiness

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Customers waiting on queue for BVN registration.

BVN: When will Nigerians stop procrastinating? By Ademola Bakare

ympathisers of procrastination often advance funny defence for their attitude as ‘it doesn’t matter when a task gets done, so long as it’s eventually accomplished.’ Their attitude may also be as a result of ‘rebellion’ against authority or an institution that they feel is making an unreasonable demand or coercing them into performing a task. Description above fits exactly the attitude of Nigerians to many of the noble programmes of government. Going back in history, Nigerians’ last minute rush in accomplishing or keying into any project initiated by government or an organ of government for their well-being did not start with the Biometric Verification Number (BVN) initiated early last year by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee, as the attitude of Nigerians has made government on several occasions bend backward in frustration to suit their whims so as not to allow such projects or programmes fail. Classical examples abound and one could recollect Nigerians’ attitude to issues of National Census Programme registration; the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) voters’ card; the National Identity Card project by the National Identity Management Commission, and now the BVN. Prior to the last general elections, the government was practically begging Nigerians to go and register essentially for their constitutional civic right and responsibility to vote for their preferred candidates in the general elections. This was the only way to avoid the usual complain of short-changed to ensure that an unpopular candidate other than the preferred choice does not emerge winner. The deadline by INEC was on a number of occasions shifted to get an appreciable number of Nigerians registered to have credible and fair elections. The procrastination bug has equally caught up with the CBN/Bankers’ Committee’s BVN project. The BVN project was initiated and launched by the Bankers’ Committee in conjunction with the CBN on 14 February, 2014 with a deadline of 30 June, 2015. But as characteristic of Nigerians, they have been displaying their lackadaisical attitude

and waiting till the dying minutes to rush to their banks with the resultant commotion. As stipulated, one of the milestones of the BVN was that by 30 June, 2015, all Deposit Money Banks (DMB) customers should have BVN registration, and any bank customer without the BVN linked to his account would be deemed to have inadequate requirement with respect to the Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines. As a centralised biometric identification system for the Nigerian banking industry, it is to ostensibly give a unique identity that is verifiable across the Nigerian banking system which is not peculiar to a particular bank, thus customers bank accounts are protected against unauthorised access. The apparent lukewarm attitude to this noble course aimed at addressing issues of theft and to reduce exposure to fraud remains rather baffling. It is also to fish out

those chronic and blacklisted customers, reducing long queue in the banking halls and enhance efficiency in banking operations. It is thus surprising that Nigerians with knowledge of these inherent benefits have not responded as expected. This made the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee to graciously extend the deadline to 31 October, 2015. The extension seems not to be having much impact. Typical of Nigeria banking customers, particularly the elite they are waiting for the last week or the last day of the expiration to besiege their banks for the exercise, the key to their accounts. There is no doubt that such ugly incidence of commotion and harassment of bank officials which was witnessed prior to the 31 October extension may resurface. However, shock awaits them as there would be no further extension as reiterated by the Bankers’ Committee.

The issue then remains, why do we always wait till the eleventh hour to do things? This attitude is not only to government programmes, but even in our domestic or personal affairs. The CBN’s bid to make access to banking facilities easy and all inclusive, is being frustrated by the attitude of Nigerians as if what the BVN entails is a task too arduous to accomplish. 31 October is some few days away and millions of Nigerian bank account owners are yet to register with their banks for the BVN, in spite of enlightenment programmes, newspapers and radio/television advertisements by the Central Bank of Nigeria. They are waiting to register by the 99th hour. Why are we like this? We need a change of attitude, and now is the right time to do things and have respect for our institutions. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.

Paynet Group rebrands to Interswitch, unveils new corporate identity in Kenya Interswitch, a leading integrated digital payments and commerce provider focused on Africa on Tuesday launched its brand new corporate identity in Kenya. This marks a new phase in Interswitch’s expansion across Africa and follows the completion of merger with leading East African e-payments provider, Paynet Group. Effectively, Paynet Group, East Africa’s leading multi-institutional payments provider and owner of PesaPoint brand, now becomes Interswitch East Africa. Paynet started in Kenya in 2003 and is the first and only business in Kenya to achieve PCI-DSS certification, the global card industry security standard. It is best known for a number of innovations including building the extensive PesaPoint network of ATMs and agents in Kenya, linking ATMs with M-PESA and driving the adoption of EMV Chip cards. Following the announcement and official opening of new offices for the business, Kenya becomes the second country where Interswitch has rebranded its operations, after it unveiled a new logo in Nigeria last month seeking to establish uniform brand values and identity across Africa. Interswitch operations in Uganda and Gambia

will also rebrand before the end of year. Speaking during the launch held at Interswitch’s new Nairobi offices at Orbit Place, Westlands-Nairobi, Interswitch Group Managing Director, Mitchell Elegbe, said the new brand is a statement of Interswitch’s leading position in the market and reflects its ambition to continue to grow its world class service across the African continent. “Interswitch’s new logo and brand is a confident statement of our leading position in the market and sets us apart from the competition. The bold design clearly reflects the best-in-class service we provide our customers, our ambitious pan-African expansion plans and our relentless pursuit of new and innovative e-payment solutions for the African market. “Our future at Interswitch is increasingly bright as we continue to push the frontiers of not just digital payments but commerce as a whole.” The new identity celebrates Interswitch’s continuous drive to innovate e-payment solutions tailored to the African market with the aim of delivering ‘intuitive exchange,’ where transactions happen at the speed of thought.

Bernard Matthewman, CEO, Interswitch East Africa while commenting on the launch, said the new bold yet simple design encapsulates the personality, drive and values of integrity and trust that are central to the Interswitch brand. “For our customers, partners and stakeholders, re-branding of our business to Interswitch comes at a time when we are investing heavily in people, training and technology, to ensure we position the business to deliver a greater range of services and enhanced service levels. We now have an unrivalled, truly borderless pan-African payment infrastructure under Interswitch which we will leverage to enable faster transactions, innovation and even greater value for our partners.” Since launching in 2002, Interswitch has grown rapidly and consistently, resulting in a current transaction volume of over 350 million transactions per month and more than US$32 billion a year across its platforms. Interswitch runs one of Africa’s leading payment card brands ‘Verve’ and according to Deloitte is the fastest growing tech, company in Africa with revenue growth of 1,226 per cent in the last five years.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

There should be level playing field for govt, private hajj agencies in Nigeria —Hajj Mabrur MD share the remaining 90 percent. Financing is another big challenge. Sometimes you assume that the fare charged by private operators is higher. All transactions involved in hajj travel are in foreign exchange and unlike in our own case, government agencies are given concessionary rates. This is a challenge we usually face, which puts a lot of pressure on us. People are paying so much and, automatically, there is so much expectation from them. However, we still have restrictions, but we are making cases and we hope that someday, the government will put us on the same pedestal with others, because we are rendering the same services, and give us a level playing field.

The Managing Director of Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited, a private hajj/umrah agency, Alhaji Ahmed Solate, speaks with SAHEED SALAWU on hajj operation in Nigeria and puts the tragedies that occurred during the 2015 pilgrimage in perspective.

any Muslim nations, especially Iran which recorded the highest casualty figure in the stampede that occurred during this year’s hajj, have criticised Saudi authorities on the incident. What would you say about this development? A lot of people who do criticism are those who are not involved in hajj administration. If you have followed the history of hajj, especially the rite at the Jamrat, in the last 15 years, you would see that people always expected that there would be an incident, but they [Saudi Arabia] were able to expand the site. The incident that occurred did not occur at Jamrat, it was on the way to the place. If anyone wants to blame Saudi Arabia, perhaps they would say there were not so many officers on ground. But the fault was not really theirs. It is natural that when you have a crowd as huge as that, there would be an incident. The normal thing is that you go through a route and then return through another route, but in this case, some people had their tents close to the site, so, they felt going round to turn back would take them a longer time and perhaps because the temperature was so high, they wanted to get back to their tents so quickly. So, rather than take the normal route, they decided to face the oncoming crowd. And for any stampede, it only takes a person to fall down. There was nothing the Saudi Arabia government could have done about that. We don’t think Saudi Arabia deserves the criticism because we also passed through the same place. They have really tried over the years in the area of crowd management, especially at the Jamrat. This was not expected, especially just on the road – not even at the site. In the real sense of it, the Saudi government had done their best. Did your agency record any casualty in the incident? Alhamdulillah, all our pilgrims were safe. We went together and came back together. We had no incident from our side. What measures would you advise the Saudi authorities to take to prevent this kind of occurrence in the future? The Saudi authorities have always been very active and responsive. Incidents of these kinds had not occurred in more than eight years because they have made a lot of efforts to expand the place and create more rooms for pilgrims. All they need to do is to step up their efforts, especially in the area of enlightenment. They should try and carry officials from the different countries along and make them understand the kind of structure they want to run. Perhaps because things have been going smoothly for years, some of the officials relaxed to some extent this year,. Perhaps if a lot of them had been there, they could have tried to control the crowd much more effectively. But then again, there is nothing you can do about the design of Allah. Do you think the stampede that has been described as the worst tragedy in recent hajj history is a blight on the sanctity of hajj as some people think or is capable to dissuading prospective pilgrims? If you are talking of numbers, relating even 2000 to about two million people in terms of percentage is insignificant but because we are talking of lives, the number is quite heavy. And the incident did not stop people from going to the Jamrat that same day. The next day, the third day, we all went out there. So, if the incident would have a negative impact on hajj, people would not have gone out the next day

Alhaji Solate to do the stoning, following the same route that those people that were involved in the stampede followed. Stampede is not new; it happens all around the world. In Nigeria, we had stampede during immigration recruitment at stadia around the country. A lot of people died. In fact, if you compare the casualty figure from the Nigerian immigration incident to the Mecca incident in terms of percentage, you would say that the immigration incident is worse. The moment you have a crowd, the people have to be cautious. So, the incident does not have any effect on hajj. Death is a phenomenon that is beyond anybody’s control and it would come when it would come. Where? Nobody knows. I know of a case of a Nigerian who was coming home but died at the airport. So, as Muslims, we know that when death has come, it has come. You take care of it and learn possible lessons for human precaution, but the final say is in the hands of Allah. How would you describe hajj operation in Nigeria as an independent operator? By and large, hajj administration in Nigeria has been improving for quite some time. The controlling agency, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria [NAHCON], has been making a lot of efforts, trying to sanitise the industry. In the last three to four years, they have tried as much as possible to regulate the industry. But those of us who are private hajj/ umrah operators in the country still face some challenges. One of the challenges is that of the whole allocations given to Nigeria, the percentage given to private organisations is very low. We are given less than 10 percent. The states

The reason for going to hajj is worship and one of the things that destroy acts of worship is show-off.

It is said that a hajj that is performed based on ignorance of the rites involved will not be acceptable in the sight of Allah. How does your organisation guide your pilgrims towards a valid hajj? In fact, that is one of the reasons we came into hajj operations. Hajj Mabrur is owned by The Muslim Congress [TMC], so, we are purely an organisation trying to propagate Islam and we know that hajj is one of the pillars of Islam. The first time I performed hajj was in 1997. I went through a pilgrims welfare board. When we got there [Mecca], they just dropped us. You are on your own. You don’t even know which way to go. Even if you have read something, there is a difference between reading about hajj and getting there and actually doing what you should do. That is why we decided to see what we could do to guide people in that wise. So, what we usually do is, right from home, before our pilgrims depart, we organise a series of seminars for them. We have scholars who teach them the way Prophet Muhammad, solallahu alaehi wasalam, performed it. By the time we get to Mecca, every day, we organise lectures to explain every step to them. And for every rite that they perform, there is a team of officials of Hajj Mabrur leading them. We stay in the front and guide them through all the rites. These are the ways we have been going and they have been producing results. We chose the name of our organisation, Hajj Mabrur, because that is our focus. It is always our core value. What do you do in the event that your pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia? How do you break the news to the family? Before such a pilgrim is buried, the message has to be relayed to the family. When people are leaving for hajj, there is always a contact, a next of kin, stated when they complete their forms. In fact, there is a form at Hajj Mabrur which we call ‘the will.’ You are asked to write your will. Although you intend to travel and come back, the final decision rests with Allah. So, people’s minds are always prepared. Now if such a situation occurs, the first thing is to contact the next of kin and let the family be aware of it. The Saudi authorities would not bury anyone unless the necessary steps have been taken and they have been given the goahead from the dead pilgrim’s home country. Then, necessary papers must be obtained to prove that the person actually died so that the family would be able to ascertain that that was what actually happened. Does fixing of a gold tooth in the mouth have anything to do with the performance of hajj? There is no basis for it. It has nothing to do with hajj. It is only part of an unfounded culture. In fact, such a thing may even destroy your hajj. The reason for going to hajj is worship and one of the things that destroy acts of worship is show-off. You are supposed to show sincerity in your acts of worship. Once you show off, it destroys your hajj. When you put the gold tooth and smile so that people could see that you have been to hajj, you are lessening the reward of your hajj. Even calling yourself ‘Alhaji’ doesn’t connote anything extraordinary. What is important is for your hajj to be accepted.

news

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Ogunwusi may be coronated as Ooni Nov 19 As he begins 21 days confinement in Ilofi Oluwole Ige -Osogbo

arring any unforeseen contingency, Oonidesignate, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, may be coronated as the 51st Ooni on November 19, Nigerian Tribune authoritatively learnt on Thursday. The development came, as he began 21 days solitary confinement in Ilofi, the place a would-be monarch would be traditionally prepared for functions and responsibilties of Ooni. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the coronation date would mark the end of his traditional sojourn of 21 days in Ilofi. At Ilofi, located in Iremo quarters of Ile-Ife, a distance of about 10 minutes trek from Ile Oodua, Ooni’s palace, Isoro cult members were said to have commenced installation rites and other cultural arrangements for Ogunwusi ahead his coronation. Credible source informed Nigerian Tribune that any Ooni was a member of Isoro cult, disclosing that “Ooni-designate entered Ilofi to commence the traditional rites around 4.40 p.m. on Thursday. Before he proceeded to Ilofi on Thursday, Ogunwusi, however, received visitors in his residence and later held a closeddoor meeting with some palace chiefs. Though details of his meeting with the palace chiefs were not made pub-

lic, but one of the aides to Ogunwusi, who pleaded anonymity, hinted that “it was likely Ooni-designate asked the chiefs about what awaits him in Ilofi. “He was in high spirit and exchanged pleasantries with the people. He did not panic or wear any look that suggest he was displeased. He remained very calm and expectant.” According to him, “Oo-

ni-designate was led to Ilofi in a convoy of a few cars at exactly 4.40 p.m. and was escorted by Obadio of Ife and the head of all deities in the ancient town, Oba Olajide Ifaloba and other members of Isoro cult.” A palace source, however, added that as soon as the rites began in Ilofi, Ooni-elect would no longer be allowed to receive

visitors or see any other person, except members of Isoro cult. Confirming the preinstallation rites for the Ooni-elect, Ifaloba maintained that members of Isoro cult had taken full charge of the rites, stressing that members of the cult had already carried out some installation rites which did not require the presence of an Ooni.

I didn't sign letter to investigate Lamorde —DPP Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr Mohammed Diri, has denied signing any letter directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate its Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde. Diri told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that he did not sign such letter on behalf of the ministry. He said: “I didn’t sign any document to investigate anybody.” On whether the ministry was interested in investigating the allegation, Diri said: “I am not competent enough to comment on that. “The only question I can answer is that I did not sign any paper against the backdrop of the media report.” In a related development, the ministry’s spokesman, Mr Charles Nwodo, has also described the media

report as “erroneous and misleading.” Nwodo, however, acknowledged that the ministry received a petition against Lamorde and other top EFCC officials on diversion of proceeds of corruption. He said the ministry forwarded the petition written by one George Uboh to the EFCC boss for his response “as required by the rules of public service and constitutional right to fair hearing.” A media report had said that the Federal Government had directed the EFCC to investigate Lamorde for allegedly diverting about N1 trillion proceeds of corruption recovered by the EFCC. Sequel to the report, the House of Representatives had, on Tuesday, debated the matter and flawed the procedure that EFCC should investigate its boss while in office. The Minority Leader of

the House, Honourable Leo Ogor, had raised the issue under matters of urgent public importance. The House had said the money and other recovered assets had been held by the anti-graft agency, as against the requirement of law that such assets be remitted to government. It noted that the EFCC could not be a “judge in its own case” by investigating the circumstances surrounding the non-remittance of the funds. The House directed its Committee on Financial Crimes to take over the investigation from the EFCC for “a thorough and proper investigation.” In the alternative, the House had called on the Solicitor-General of the Federation to reassign the investigation, to either the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) or the Nigeria Police.

Reps to investigate N400bn CBN intervention projects Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja THE House of Representatives, on Wednesday, mandated its committees on Banking and Currency and Works to investigate N400 billion expended by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on intervention projects in the country and report back to the House in four weeks for further legislative action. The House resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Honourable Toby Okechukwu, entitled: “Need to investigate the level of compliance by the CBN with the laws in its various intervention projects.” Honourable Okechukwu, while moving the motion, noted that “CBN has ex-

ecuted and continued to execute various intervention projects in the education and other sectors across the country, running into over N400 billion of taxpayers money.” He, however, alleged that CBN did not follow due process, as provided in the laws for the engagement of consultants and contractors for the execution of these intervention projects. According to him, “the CBN awarded the contracts without the involvement of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) as required in the Public Procurement Act 2007, which runs contrary to the Federal Government’s policies and determination to curb economic waste, ensure accountability

and strict adherence of the rule of law.” To this end, he queried the source of the funds for these intervention projects and wondered if the CBN was complying with the provisions of the Central Bank of

Nigeria Act 2007, Fiscal Responsibility Act 2011. When the motion was put to vote by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Yusuff Lasun, who presided over the session, it was unanimously supported by members.

Work more for political stability, security, Buhari tells African countries Leon Usigbe -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, in New Delhi, asserted that Nigeria and other African countries must work harder to achieve greater political stability and security before they can enjoy the full benefits of partnership arrangement, such as the India-Africa Forum. He made the declaration while addressing the plenary session of the third summit of the forum, arguing in order to attract the massive investment inflows, which they needed to overcome the challenges of unemployment and wealth creation, Nigeria and other African countries must also establish policy environments that guarantee the sanctity of contracts on the basis of the rule of law. The president told the gathering that since its inception in May this year, his administration had been working with determination to establish these preconditions for rapid socio-economic development and refocus governance on the real needs of ordinary Nigerians. He said: “As a government, we have demonstrated our strong determination to change the direction and content of governance, including the management of our resources through accountability, transparency and result-orientation in governance. “We are confident that India, as a tested friend and dependable partner, will always stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the discharge of the mandate entrusted to us by our people.” The president expressed hope that the India-Africa Forum would deepen, in practical terms, the SouthSouth cooperation that countries of the South have desired for so long. He further said: “The

current international economic and political environment is far from being favourable, particularly for developing countries. Fresh political conflicts have erupted, accentuated by terrorism and extremism in the most awful forms. “Trans-border crimes, illegal arms trade, irregular migration and cybercrimes have all added to the new global threats that demand our collective action. “Furthermore, the world is facing the challenge of climate change in which Africa remains badly affected with severe threats to food security and social stability. “From the West to the East, North to South, virtually every country in our respective regions is faced with unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment and a youth bulge. “India and Africa must develop a new spirit of solidarity, cooperation and partnership to confront these emerging threats. We must recognise that, in this globalised age, we all live interconnected lives in a fragile planet. We must, therefore, work together to uplift the lives of our people in a manner that preserves the sustainability of our living environment. “These challenges call for a renewed sense of urgency among African countries for economic development. It is an open secret that Africa possesses all the prerequisites to become a major growth region of the world. “There is, therefore, the need for India and Africa to strive together to build a virile framework for partnership and cooperation, in order to address common challenges in key areas, including health, education, interconnectivity, power and employment generation, as well as the strengthening of institutions of governance and democracy.”

Bailout fund: 'Preliminary probe report on 27 states ready' Lanre Adewole - Lagos Indications emerged on Thursday, that a preliminary probe report has been put together by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concerning state governors’ plot to frustrate probe of spending bailout fund. A senior commission source, while reacting to Ni-

gerian Tribune’s exclusive story on Thursday, confirmed the frustration of the commission’s field officers in the affected states, saying the commission expected the state governments to be difficult. “These (governors) are people who had been very broke, then huge sum was thrown at them at a go, you expect them to try and eat of it and do some other

things from it, outside of the original intent for giving it. “But I can tell you that as our men on the field are filing their reports to the chairman, actions are being taken on them to ensure that the state governments complied. “In a state in the SouthWest (name withheld), it was some people within who forwarded informa-

tion to us that something like fraud was about to happen and we moved quickly. Our intervention led to the governor calling an emergency meeting of those managing the fund. “Now, all the reports forwarded to us by our men on the field have been collated into a preliminary report, which the commission is now reviewing for further actions."

Friday, 30 October, 2015

OWARDS the end of September 2015, Senator Ayo Fasanmi clocked 90. This is the story of a political fighter whose entire life has been dedicated to the total struggle of liberating the common people of Nigeria from the clutches of political slavery and economic impoverishment Say what you like, Senator Ayo Fasanmi is a frontline Awoist and a revolutionary whose name has been synonymous with anything that proves the Marxist point that the people and the people alone are the motive force behind history. I have always been fascinated with the life and times of Senator Ayo Fasanmi who was born ninety years ago at Ilejemeje in Ekiti State of Nigeria. He fought every inch of his life to make the plight of the people, the very focus of his active political life. Senator Ayo Fasanmi has been everything associated with Papa Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo while Papa Awo was alive, Senator Fasanmi was a member of the Action Group of Nigeria’s first republic. In the second republic, he was unflinchingly loyal to the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) founded and led by the Avatar himself – Papa Obafemi Awolowo. Senator Ayo Fasanmi’s life has been an open book. Talk of trade unionism of the progressive school, he is there. Talk of effective participation in progressive politics, Ayo Fasanmi is there. His twin brother friend in politics was the late Dr. (Comrade) Tunji Otegbeye whose memory came alive about one month ago with the launch of a book written by Tunji Otegbeye himself, at the Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos. When Tunji Otegbeye was alive, anywhere he went had the touch of his friend Ayo Fasanmi. The two of them were classmates at the Government College, Ibadan. Both of them were heavily bearded. The two of them were Papa Obafemi Awolowo’s political children. Remarkably also, Tunji Otegbeye and Senator Ayo Fasanmi were Nkrumaists. They both believed in the Pan African revolutionary politics of Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah the first post colonial Prime Minister of Ghana, formerly called the Gold Coast. There is no way anyone will talk of the AFRICAN REVOLUTION without the mention of Kwame Nkrumah and Papa Obafemi Awolowo. The two were visionary leaders uncompromising in the struggle for the freedom of the African continent from the shackles of imperialism and colonialism. Books written by these great leaders have remained imperishable in the archives of African politics. Papa Obafemi Awolowo was “AWO” to the masses while Kwame Nkrumah was “KANTAMANTO” of African politics. Senator Ayo Fasanmi had a clear cut political background and his radical life completely radiated this wonderful platform. I left university in 1969. The names that touched the lives of my colleagues at that time included principally Senator Ayo Fasanmi, the late Comrade Ola Oni – the Marxist scholar of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Tunji Otegbeye, the late Uncle Bola Ige, Professor Nkenna Nzimiro, the late Wahab Goodluck, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the late Bisi Onabanjo the “AIYEKOTO” himself and several others. I remember Senator Ayo Fasanmi very well during those formative years of my active political life. He was Nigeria’s then living fighter against corruption. Any struggle against corruption these times without reference to the Ayo Fasanmi struggles against corruption in Nigeria of the 70s will be absolutely unproductive and meaningless. President Muhammadu Buhari who incidentally today belongs to the same political party with Ayo Fasanmi must consult Senator Ayo Fasanmi to succeed. Though I am Ijesa by birth, I was brought up in Ekiti where my late father was a Methodist cleric for over 25 of his dear life. I remember the Ekiti politicians of those years clearly. They include, the late Hon. T.A. Ajayi, Hon. ‘Ade Komolafe whom I am told is still very much alive, the late Papa Babatola of Oye, the late Chief Osuntokun of Oke Imesi, the late Chief Babalola of Ado-Ekiti. Senator Ayo Fasanmi though much younger than many of the above named Ekiti political leaders, was without doubt one of the shakers of politics in Ekiti of my youthful days. Ayo Fasanmi made his mark in Nigeria’s politics of the time. In revolutionary politics, Ayo Fasanmi was a great star. Senator Ayo Fasanmi lived many years at Osogbo (capital of present day Osun State). I believe he still lives there. He had a Chemist Shop at Fagbewesa Street near the PAX HOTEL owned by the late Papa Adepitan, the father of one of my close friends, Gboyega Adepitan. All our escapades of bubbling youngmen at that time ended with our patronising Egbon Ayo Fasanmi’s Chemist Shop. He was there for us all and he was well known at that time as a politician of note. Senator Ayo Fasanmi’s newspaper articles were incisive and class dominated. He wrote and talked for the POOR. He was brave and politically daring of the oppressive class. Handsome, and visibly pushful, Senator Ayo Fasanmi hated the excessive rich and he did everything in his political power and influence to balance political equation on the side of the poor and the dispossessed. We loved him and we still do up till today.

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Senator Ayo Fasanmi at 90

•Senator Ayo Fasanmi

When I saw “Egbon” Ayo Fasanmi at an Anglican Church in Ibadan at the centenary celebration of Mama Akande, the mother of our friend Chief Harry Akande, tears dropped from my eyes. Senator Ayo Fasanmi who was named as a strong supporter of Mama Akande during the years of Awo’s Action Group struggles, without doubt had aged. As tears started to drop from my eyes, I said to myself that time and time indeed waits for no man. Egbon Fasanmi is old but he has paid his dues. Harry Akande and myself are both 72 having been born in 1943. We too have started the countdown to eternity. Well, may the Lord’s name be praised. Senator Ayo Fasanmi remains a brilliant and shining political star of our dear country. Nigeria will for ever celebrate him! FEMI OREBE AT 70 Femi Orebe turned 70 some weeks ago. Though I am two years older than him (Femi Orebe), my friendship with him has remained firm, and unshakeable. Femi Orebe is today a popular columnist of The Nation newspapers. He is a fine fellow and many of us have grown to respect him for his openness and bluntness. Femi Orebe has been my friend since

Senator Ayo Fasanmi’s newspaper articles were incisive and class dominated.

1968 when he was an undergraduate at the then University of Ile-Ife now known as the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. When my dear mother Fehintola Babatope died in 1969, my friend Femi Orebe was one of the first set of our friends who had commiserated with me on the death of my darling mother. I will not forget this gesture until I too answer the supreme call. Femi Orebe has remained by my side till today despite our memberships of different political parties. While Femi Orebe is a militant member of the APC, I remain an irredentist supporter of the PDP. Femi Orebe’s pen is biting and forceful. He has never been apologetic about his political membership of the APC, a political party that I do not support. My friend, Femi Orebe, even at 70 has remained handsome. When we were young, we were all boys about town. I remember one time we spent at the Enugu Campus of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. This was about 1976. Within two hours, it had become known that two Lagos boys had invaded the campus of the Nsukka University. Those were days to remember. Today, the two of us have become clear victims of biological process of human development. In 1975, we both emerged as national officers of the Association of Nigerian University Administrators (ANUA) then led by the late Chief S.A. Odumuye. The first Secretary of the Association was the late Charles Balogun then of the University of Ibadan. The Association remained an administrative force in the universities of Nigeria at that time. Today, the Association has gone moribund. Femi Orebe still continues to radiate his handsome self despite his being 70. AFEME, congratulations and many thanks for your consistent love for me! God bless you!! EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK DEATHS TOO MANY (BOOK YOUR COPY IN ADVANCE)

18 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 30 October, 2015

editor

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

Nigeria is a secular state

ITH all due respect, I want to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to please go to the roots of our problems and dig them out without fear or favour, in order to effect

Celebrating Tribune, Wale Emosu on CNN award ADEWALE Emosu, an Associate Editor of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publisher of the Tribune titles, won the prestigeous CNN/ Multichoice African Best Journalist award 2015, in the culture category, at a ceremony held in Kenya, on Saturday, October 10, 2015. With the award, Emosu has brought honour to Nigeria as a nation, African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, his family, and most importantly, some of us, his colleagues in his university days, with whom he toiled to acquire a sound education which is a contributory factor to his attainment today. Emosu as a student carried himself with dignity and suavity befitting the prince that he is. He was hard working and creative. His world view is cosmopolitan, likeable, a good mixer, lover of team work and an extrovert. These qualities which made him a sought- after in our university days he carried to the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, when he joined in 1999 as a sports reporter. With hard work and dedication to duty, he became what he is today. He had had opportunities to report events at International sports fiestas. Equally, Emosu was in Brazil to cover the 2014 World Cup. His dedication to work made him to write on the story that won him the award. I congratulate him and his employer, the Nigerian Tribune. •Adewuyi Adegbite, ayekooto05@gmail. com

the expected changes in the country. The president has gallantly exhibited to the whole world that he is a risk-taker and a history maker. This time, he must go ahead to convince us that he truly belongs to nobody by correcting those wrongs of the past which have dragged our country into various bondages of economy, religious and political crises. Nigeria, by the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic is acclaimed to be a secular nation but many things have happened and are still happening that negate this position which the present government must look into without further delay. Again, it is important to call the attention of our great president to certain mistakes which previous leaders committed that contributed to our pres-

ent predicaments. One of those errors is the inclusion of Sharia law in our constitution. Nigeria is known to be a secular state, which means that there is no official religion, and if that is the position of the constitution,

there should be no trace of any particular religion in the policy and practice of our government, both at Federal and state levels. Therefore, President Buhari’s name will be written in gold for ever in the history of our nation

and, indeed, of the world for good if his government deletes every trace of religion from our constitution. I pray God will give President Buhari the divine strength, energy, wisdom and courage to

lead us to the land of fulfillment in Jesus name. The older President Buhari is in age, the stronger he will be in strength and energy. •Oluwakayode Adebayo Akinlawon, Abuja.

Politicians should work together to develop Nigeria HAVING come from a particular region that voted enmasse towards the emergence of the incumbent governor of the state, that alone is more than the reason for producing enough candidate who will represent the state at the federal level, not to talk of his (candidate’s) endurance with the party all this while, as well as being a stakeholder of the merger that brought together the three big parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). In fact, President Mu-

hammadu Buhari is a visionary leader for taking some decisions that look divine. I want to use this medium to implore our politicians to see politics as a game to better the lot of the masses and correct some anomalies of the past; if there was no error, there would not be room for forgiveness. Meanwhile, we all have to learn one or two things on a daily basis as far as politics is concerned. When I was in school, I learnt that in every system of government that lacks

opposition, there could be little record of achievement because a strong opposition plays the role of a political watchdog, correcting the ruling government whenever it goes astray through constructive criticism. To drive home my point, I salute Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State in his manner of embracing the nomination of the immediate of past governor, Kayode Fayemi as a minister. While some others are busy writing petitions against the nominees in

their respective states, despite the fact that they are still in the same party. I must commend the diplomatic manner in which the Presidency and the Senate handled the whole issue. Conclusively, I am writing this as a concerned citizen and more so, speaking the mind of the majority of the people of Oyo State. We wish our potential minister a happy serving period. •Sunday Oyetunde Job Agbowo, UI, Ibadan, Oyo State.

APC govts should conduct LG elections FOR some time now, we have been having caretaker chairmen manning local governments across the states, but unfortunately, this is having a negative impact on the development of the LGs. Caretaker chairmen are not elected by the people, and as such, do not have the people’s mandate to perform excellently well in office. If they had been elected, they would have no reason not to perform well in office. I am, therefore, appealing to states that still have not conducted local government elections, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC) states in the South Western part of the country to do so now for the development of the council areas. •Fatoki Olaoluwa, olasmart4eva@yahoo.com 07067717400

editorial

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Akure: The Eze Ndigbo’s audacity

THNIC proclivities were heightened recently when a simple misunderstanding that could have been amicably resolved needlessly deteriorated into a major mess through the indiscretion and lack of restraint of the head of the Igbo community in Akure the capital of Ondo state. The Akure monarch, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi eventually had to proscribe the title Eze Ndigbo to check the unease which it had foisted on the ancient Yoruba town for quite a while and the alleged contempt with which its holder, Gregory Iloehike had treated the Deji in his domain. Obviously taking himself more seriously than he ordinarily should, Gregory Iloehike, then as the Eze Ndigbo, had been summoned by the Deji presumably to resolve a leadership tussle at the Mojere market along Ilesa Garage where Igbo traders are known to sell vehicle spare parts and which had threatened the peace in the town. Not only was Gregory Iloehike contemptuous of the monarch’s summons, initially claiming to be too busy to honour it, when he eventually turned up, he was clad in the full regalia of royalty and with a smirk. According to media reports, palace sources spoke of his condescending attitude which he displayed to which the Deji had to summon all royal courage and decency to resist provocation. He even donned a beaded crown and was poised to trash the essence of the town’s mores. While the youths of the town had been visibly miffed by the unwarranted impudence of the Eze Ndigbo, the Deji intent on peacemaking had remained calm and unperturbed. Hitherto, Akure has provided a comfortable ambience for many Nigerian citizens to ply their trade with neither hostility nor hindrance to such an extent that the Igbo living there could be minded to install an Eze, all in the name of conviviality. Does the Eze Ndigbo in Akure belong to the state’s Traditional Council? Is the title recognised in the state’s statutes? How come then that Mr Gregory Iloehike would muster the audacity to treat the Deji shabbily and in contempt? According to media reports even an Igbo trader said inter alia that “Iloehike insulted the Deji, telling him to tread softly

in order not to be dethroned like a former Deji who was deposed recently. He supported his arguments with biblical stories of some 0f the kings who erred in the bible and were relegated......the Igbo cannot tolerate this in their land.” The sad and ugly development has even irked the publicity secretary of the Afenifere Renewal Group, Kunle Famoriyo enough to denounce what he called “the unrelenting desecration of Yoruba culture particularly by the Igbo communities’ obsession with having a crowned king in Yoruba domains.” Now, that is getting quite precarious such that it could lead to mutual resentments among the different ethnic groups that are otherwise law-abiding in their areas but who ply their trades elsewhere. Thankfully, the state governor, Dr Mimiko has waded into the matter and we can only hope his intervention will douse the ethnic tension which the lack of circumspection on the part of Iloehike could have precipitated probably on a national scale without any just cause. Ordinarily, the title Eze Ndigbo outside the Igbo territory should not come with any authority beyond taking care of the people of that extraction in simple matters that do not involve the law. But Gregory Iloehike had thought otherwise and had used a ceremonial position as a pedestal to confront a hospitable traditional authority and in the process enlisted the hostility of a benevolent host. The Deji has given certain conditions to mitigate his deserved wrath and it is our hope that Iloehike will wholly comply. However, it may be instructive to the Yoruba to do something concrete about their institutional liberalism which has unfortunately been exploited to cause disaffection and instability in their respective domains. The title Eze Ndigbo is of no traditional consequence anywhere in the Yoruba towns and cities to cause any form of political or economic imbroglio and we are persuaded that for the Deji to have even required any kind of apology in major newspapers and the broadcast media may be tantamount to giving recognition to an unknown quantity. The proper thing to do is to ignore an unfit title holder after abrogating the title of course.

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opinion Still on President Buhari’s cabinet 20

By Ikeogu Oke

those who, if their names were on the list, might justify its composition by urging its critics to cast the first stone if they have never sinned and so regard themselves as saints. Or they might remind them, like Jesus in that Biblical passage, that if you point one accusing finger at someone the remaining four points back at you. Or they might urge them, also like Jesus, to remove the log in their eyes before attempting to remove the mote in the eyes of those on the list. Still, vacating the spiritual realm, such people, to justify their names being on the list against such criticism by agents of the politics of attrition, might argue that, though they may not be “moral saints”, as suggested by the general perception that they are not pure, they are “legal saints”, since they have not been convicted for any offence under the law. The list has also been criticised for being “unreasonably delayed for four months”, since it is comprised of “people we already know” – even by people who should know that, as

humans, our nature is so complex that sometimes those we believe we know thoroughly can still surprise and disappoint us by what they evolve into. And if it was released as early as those behind this criticism would prefer, the politics of attrition might still have criticised it for being released too hurriedly, without the President taking enough time to scrutinise the character of the nominees for reliability in spite of our familiarity with them, considering that the challenges before him require him “to do things methodically and properly”. The idea – and this clarifies the modus operandi of the politics of attrition and its peculiar type of censoriousness – is to find out what is not done, or what its not present, and latch on to it as a defect to generate criticism. And if that thing were done, if it were present, then to latch on to the opposite or whatsoever that is not done or is not present to generate criticism. Of course, such politics, with the drag it imposes on national progress, did not originate under the Buhari presidency. In fact, it was played to devastating effect in the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan, having existed in some less prominent forms under previous governments. Its survival into the Buhari presidency perhaps underscores its staying power in its most insidious form following its metamorphosis into a pervasive political misconduct of the ruling party, the opposition and myriads of their supporters in the Jonathan era. Needless to add that, in the interest of national progress, we must dispense with this type of politics and the primordial, negativist inclinations it promotes, especially at times like the present when the obvious challenge is to build the nation and not to win votes. Viewed soberly, President Buhari’s ministerial list is still like pudding that is just about to be placed on the fire for cooking and should not be condemned as if it has been eaten and found to be unsavoury. And who would not admit that the skills of a chef can make the difference even with cooking done with long-familiar ingredients – for those who insist that the ministerial nominees are all too familiar? Or that a bad cook may not produce a tasty dish regardless of the condition of the ingredients at their disposal? The real question should be: “Is Buhari such a skilled chef?” Time will tell. But if majority of Nigerians did not believe he is, why did they vote him in preference for a much younger incumbent President? •Oke lives in Abuja.

ARGELY, the criticism of the first ministerial list released by President Muhmmadu Buhari, containing twenty-one nominees, reflects a lack of sobriety on the part of the critics. In other words, the critics have hardly been dispassionate in their reactions, which reflect the censorious politics of attrition that is prominent in our country. This is the politics which considers it obligatory to generate antagonism and find fault with opposing political interests. It is quite different from opposition politics, which is expected to be constructive in its criticism, though it is not always so. It is a corruption of opposition politics whose inherent perversity is made worse by its conscious and compulsive desire to injure real and imaginary adversaries even without justification. In a word, this brand of politics is marked by its inclination to antagonise and find fault for its own sake. Voltaire, the French writer and philosopher once said, “If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.” For this negative type of politics, the credo seems to be: “If no ground for criticism exists, it would be necessary to invent one.” It would have invented many grounds to criticise any leader’s ministerial list regardless of its composition. If Buhari’s ministerial list were dominated by fresh hands and “young” people, unlike Audu Ogbeh, Chris Ngige and Abdulrahman Bello Danbazau, who are experienced and above sixty, this type of politics might still have found fault with it, as it also has for its having a greater number of “old” people. It might still have criticised the list, alleging that it exposes the President’s lack of understanding that our nation’s present challenges require tested hands as ministers, that our country needs experienced people as ministers to help pull it out of the quicksand of political and socioeconomic troubles. If the list were found not to contain names of political allies who stood by the President through the years and resolutely during his presidential campaigns until his eventual victory after a fourth try, like Ogbonnaya Onu, Lai Mohammaed and Babatunde Fashola, this type of politics would have criticised it as a mark of the President’s ingratitude or inability to appreciate loyalty, and a disincentive to those who would rather not be fair-weather friends in a country where fidelity is hard to find, especially among the political class. This type of politics has criticised the list for not being populated with “saints”. However, this criticism is coming from

Friday, 30 October, 2015

President Buhari’s ministerial list is still like a pudding that is just about to be placed on the fire for cooking and should not be condemned.

Climate change and Nigerians’ health indices The discourse and call to actions for the Nigerian government to join the globe on ways to mitigate climate change in the country have been left to too very few environmentalists, journalists and learned agriculturalists, even effects and emitting challenges are present in the health sector as well. The impact of climate change on human health is indeed alarming. All over the World, the changes in the climate is affecting all humans in adverse ways; the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. All of these add pressure to the continuous loss of control to sustain the required health standards. Take for instance air pollution, the single greatest environmental health risk. Estimates released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), reports that in 2012 around 7 million people died; that is one in eight of the total global deaths – as a result of air pollution exposure. This finding more than doubles previous estimates and confirms that air pollution is now the world’s largest single environmental health risk. In particular, the new data reveal a stronger link between both indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure and cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and ischemic heart disease, as well as cancer. This is in addition to air pollution’s role in the development of respiratory diseases, including acute respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. These pollutions come from burnt fossils (kerosene, coal, petro-chemical, etc), gas flaring, deforestation (tree felling for industrialisation), bad waste disposal practices, etc. Under-nutrition already accounts for 3 million deaths each year in the world’s poorest regions. Rising temperatures and more variable rainfalls caused by the global warming induced by large CO2 emissions have caused rising water levels and running floods; washing away farm lands and reduce crop yields, further compromising food security and nutritional

needs. Currently, under-nutrition contributes to 53% of all deaths in children under the age of five. Poor nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life leads to poor physical growth which in most cases is irreversible and associated with poor brain development. Nigeria has about 11 million stunted children, ranking highest in the continent and second globally, as 41 per cent of children under five years are chronically malnourished. Floods are increasing in frequency and intensity; creating breeding grounds for disease carrying insects. Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria are particularly sensitive to change in heat and humidity as rising temperature accelerates the life-cycle of malaria parasite. Today about 3.2 billion people – almost half of the world’s population – are at risk of malaria. In 2013, there were about 198 million malaria cases and an estimated 584,000 malaria deaths were reported. Ninety per cent of all malaria deaths occurred in the WHO

African Region. Malaria kills almost half a million children under five each year mostly from Africa. In 2015, an estimated 100 million malaria cases and about 300,000 deaths each year make Nigeria the country with the highest number of malaria casualties worldwide. According to WHO estimate, climate change will cause an additional 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. Most will likely die from malaria, diarrhoea, heat exposure and under-nutrition. Children and elderly people are marked among the most vulnerable, especially in countries like Nigeria where health infrastructures are unavailable, inadequate and ill-funded. The implication is that the health gap which stakeholders are trying to close up will likely widen as a result of the adverse climate change and the lack of political will of the government to provide health facilities via improved budget funding, implementation and releases, not to forget the low level of discussion on the issues. Climate change mitigation can yield substantial and immediate health benefits. While there is the need to increase public knowledge on these pressing issues, it’s time to translate knowledge into actions. Health sector leaders in Nigeria; the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), Society for Public Health, Association for Reproductive Family Health (ARFH), Environmental Health Association, Association of Nurses and Midwives, etc, must stand hand-in-hand with climate negotiators to confront climate change in Nigeria. Our health systems must be resilient to climate changes; hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) should be reinforced to withstand heat waves (especially in gas flared environments), desert storms and other extreme weather conditions. •Ikenna is of the Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

By Ofoegbu Donald Ikenna

Friday, 30 October, 2015

fridaytreat

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

...When Wande Coal becomes most ‘Wanted’

>>INSIDE

Gospel music is my lifestyle — Eben

Echoes from MultiChoice’s ‘Only the Best’ night of a thousand stars

Music Business 101 c Tips for music business success

35 Nigerians selected for Chris Ihidero’s ‘Story Master’ class

HE final list of selected participants for the inaugural edition of Chris Ihidero’s ‘Story Story’ has been made public, following a four week screening period that saw entries from hundreds of Nigerians from all over the country. The completely free three-day workshop, which kicked off on Tuesday October 27, 2015, was in partnership with The British Council, True Nollywood Stories and X3M Ideas. In a statement, founder and lead facilitator Chris Ihidero, said 35 candidates were admitted to participate from Tuesday through Thursday at The British Council office in Ikoyi. “We always knew that there was a need for capacity

building in storytelling but it was nonetheless intriguing to see that the workshop was three times oversubscribed. I think we are on to something here and it will be a real pleasure to engage these participants over the course of the next three days.” ‘Story Story’ has been described by pundits as another intervention project, capable of bridging the skills gap in an industry that could potentially be a driver for the Nigerian economy. Nigeria’s creative industry is worth an estimated N5 trillion, but peopled by thousands of enthusiasts and practitioners with limited access to training and skills development.

The selected participants were drawn from varied industries, including photography, filmmaking, public relations, media, writing, poetry, blogging, and marketing. Chris Ihidero’s Story Story Masterclass also featured a faculty of creative professionals who narrated realities in storytelling. Established and respected in the industry, these experts include producer and director, Tope Oshin; publisher, journalist & PR Expert, Ayeni Adekunle Samuel. Others are award-winning writer, journalist and PR Consultant, Toni Kan; advertising guru, Steve Babaeko; culture journalist, Jahman Anikulapo; writer and TV producer, Nkiru Njoku and producer, Emmanuel Uduma.

fridaytreat

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

Protecting and Exploiting the Artiste’s Musical Works

It is risky and constitutes an absolute waste of time, money and energy resources to engage in an aggressive promotion of music when that music has not been copyrighted nor registered with a collective management organisation By Toyin Adeniji

HE concept of starting and running individually owned record labels, under which an artiste/musician self-release and selfpublish his/her music in the music industry is a smart choice for those who truly understand why. But for those artistes who see it as another way of being ‘fashionable’ or in vogue without understanding why, they risk missing out on the benefits and opportunities that is available when they own and operate their own record label. Traditionally, when an artiste is signed to a conventional record label, the label automatically as part of the terms of the recording agreement acquire the rights both to the song and its recording. The label therefore controls all rights to license and collect copyright revenues across the numerous rights inherent in both the song and recording. It is this perceived rip-off by the labels in taking away the majority rights away from the artiste that prompted artistes to seek independence from the labels by setting up their artiste-owned labels. In an era where affordable and cheap music production and distribution technologies have made the historic substitution of roles between traditional labels and artistes possible, it is therefore not enough for the artiste to be the master of his own music business destiny; he must master the business of commercially exploiting the rights inherent in his creative works. Otherwise, it will be futile for an artiste to have and operate his record label when he lacks the fundamental knowledge of how to exploit his musical rights as provided by the copyright law. It is also counter-productive for the artiste to have ownership of his musical rights in his works

and not know how to protect his creative works. The most important step any artiste should take after writing and recording his/her song(s) is to register and do copyright protection for it. The way to do this is to register the song(s) with the Nigeria Copyright Commission (Please visit http://www.eregistration.copyright.gov.ng for details). The NCC has made the process easy by launching the electronic registration of copyright works via the internet. The hidden danger unknown to most artistes is that in the case of an infringement on their work, even if the artiste is able to prove ownership of the disputed work successfully in a lawsuit, the court will not award any form of damages to that artiste if the work was not copyrighted initially. But if the artiste had done copyright registration for his musical work before the work was infringed on, that artiste can rest assured of smiling to the bank at the end of the case as the court will be under obligation to award damages to the author of the infringed work. Registering a musical work with the NCC offers protection for the work and the author – the artiste/musician. However, while the copyright registration only provides protection and conferment of statutory copyright “rights” on the author, it does not generate any form of revenue for the artiste beyond the rights conferred in that regards. In order to exploit the rights that the copyright law has conferred on the work which the author i.e. artiste/musician has ownership of, the artiste must register with a collective management organisation in this case COSON which is the sole collective management organisation for musical copyright works in Nigeria at the moment. Every time a musical work is played or performed publicly through the use of any media such as radio, TV, clubs, hotels, airlines, magazines, shopping malls etc, that work gets paid royalties through its public performance right which the CMO i.e. COSON licenses and collects on behalf of the artiste. Many artistes/musicians with all kinds of fancy label tags

ignorantly invest expensively on promoting their music and videos in the media with the myopic focus of selling it, becoming popular and getting invited to shows without caring to protect their work, and to put structures in place for the commercial exploitation of their rights. This attitude among artistes amounts to labouring hard to build a house while ignoring the need to file and collect genuine ownership receipt for the land and certificate of occupancy leaving the door open for anyone with a wrong motive to claim ownership and collect rent where they have not built due to the owner’s ignorance and inability to prove ownership of both the house and land. It is risky and constitutes an absolute waste of time, money and energy resources to engage in an aggressive promotion of music when the music has not been copyrighted nor registered with a collective management organisation. Ideally, the more exposure and spin a song get in performance via radio, TV, online, club-play etc, the more revenue that song generates through its public performance right which is one of the rights conferred by the copyright law on a musical work. Every right that the copyright law provides in a musical work are all potential sources of multiple revenue generation for the artiste if it is well harnessed and exploited. In running your own record label, it is important to know and to be able to make sound decisions about how to protect and exploit the rights inherent in your musical works as an artiste/musician. The only way to ensure the protection of your musical works for posterity and to increase its potential to keep on generating revenues or create opportunities for the artiste/musician long after the artiste might have retired from making music is by both registering for copyright and with a CMO for collection of royalties from the works usage. So, if you are serious about building a successful and sustainable career in the music business, get your song(s) copyrighted with NCC and register with COSON in order to maximise your opportunities and curtail threats.

Echoes from MultiChoice’s ‘Only the Best’ night of a thousand stars

MAURITIUS is an island-nation, 2,000 kilometres off the South-east coast of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. Its white beaches, turquoise lagoons - which are as clear as day, rich national park with lush rainforests, mountainous passes, waterfalls and hiking trails, make it a haven for tourists; a paradise for honeymooners; as well as the ideal place for executives on business retreats. The island has hotels and meeting venues that are appropriate for retreats in the day and can be transformed to a setting for relaxation and fun in the evenings. Juxtaposing the allure which embody MultiChoice and the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, venue of the MultiChoice Content Showcase, Mauritius, was to say the least, the ideal location for a meeting of ‘Only the Best’. The MultiChoice Africa Content Showcase launched in 2014 in Mauritius, is a dynamic Five-day content extravaganza, which sees a host of DStv’s and GOtv’s biggest channels, reviewing their latest and greatest content, soon to be seen across the video entertainment service provider’s platforms. The showcase serves as a platform for interaction between local and international content providers and media personnel, all in a convivial atmosphere. The theme, ‘Only the Best’, gives credence to the array of premium content accessible by DStv and GOtv subscribers, and the success of the first edition seems to pale in comparison to this year’s edition. The week long content extravaganza got rolled off with an opening gala, ‘A night with a thousand stars’. Just like the event hosts IK Osakioduwa and Eku Edewor, the media were all celebrities in their own right as they strode the walk of fame, and through the red carpet which led to the main marquee, venue for the welcome dinner. Though a show for the media, the gala also played host to tons of celebrities as well as comedians from across the continent including; Nigeria’s Banky W, Flavour, Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nuoah, Rita Dominic and setting the tone for the five-day showpiece. Following a night of fashion, dance, comedy, and fine dining, the channel providers and media

got down to business. This year, Sony Max; SuperSport; Nickelodeon, MTV Base, BET and Comedy Central all from the stable of Viacom; Zee World; A+E Networks’ Lifetime, Crime + Investigation (CI) and the History Channel; Turner with its Boomerang and Cartoon Network Channels; The Walt Disney Company with its bouquet of channels including; Disney channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior; the Food Network; BBC Brit and Lifestyle; and M-Net with its international and local channels including Africa Magic and M-net Edge; all had showings. The events were experiential with the media and bloggers hosted at roundtables and treated to a variety of fun games

that they will linger for a long time. The Walt Disney Company for instance held an outdoor movie night under clear blue skies, treating the media to a Hollywood blockbuster, Avengers: Age of Ultron from the stable of Marvel, one of Walt Disney’s subsidiaries. The Viacombat was another very exciting media challenge. Hosted by Basketmouth and MTV VJ, Nomuzi Mabena, the assembled media representatives from across the continent played a series of games, based on programming from Viacom channels; MTV Base, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET and Comedy Central with an MTV MAMA award up for grabs – though the most-anticipated prize of the evening was a chance to dump the famous Nickelodeon Green Slime over a guest of each of the winning team’s members’ choosing. With DJ Vigilante presiding over the decks, the groups attempted to beat each other in games including the Nickelodeon Genius Impossible Quiz, ‘Guess The Tight End’ with BET’s The Wendy Williams Show, MTV Base’s Break The Beat Down, MTV Ridiculousness Epic or Fail and Comedy Central South Park Celeb. The fun packed event continued with A+E Networks media competition tagged ‘Four Weddings of a Lifetime’. The winning prize was an all-expense-paid trip for two to Mauritius. Before this media challenge, A+E Networks Director of Programming, Rachel Job had explained that although its channels are traditionally known for telling stories using documentaries, the network is now telling stories in more contemporary way using films such as ‘Whitney’. Anthea Petersen, A+E Networks Regional Director for Africa added that this October, two revelatory OJ Simpson documentaries will be broadcast on Crime + Investigation (CI) Africa. The content showcase not only availed the media an opportunity to engage with executives of MultiChoice and its content providers, it also provided a platform where celebrities from Hollywood and Nollywood networked with guests and one another.

society

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

For Booking, contact Alaba Igbaroola alabaadewale01@gmail.com 08155975474

...celebrating the people

Faces @ Late Tajudeen Disuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8th day Fidau

The first child of the deceased, Mr Jameel Disu, rounding off the tributes with a vote of thanks at the Fidau prayers

A pictorial illustration of the life and times of late Mr. Disu.

From left, Ms Zummy Disu, daughter in law of the deceased, Mrs Bella Disu, first son of the deceased, Mr. Jameel Disu, widow of the deceased,Mrs Folasade Disu, another son, Babatunde Disu, daughters, Tolulope Disu and Bukky Disu at the 8th Day Fidau prayers.

From left,Mr Kunle Disu,Ms Zummy Disu, daughter in law of the deceased, Mrs Bella Disu and her husband, first son of the deceased, Mr. Jameel Disu.

From left, daughters, Tolulope Disu, Bukky Disu and Lolade Disu.

Mr. Jameel Disu, Mrs Folasade Disu and another son, Babatunde Disu .

From left, representatives of Lagos State Government, S.A,Commerce and Industry, Mr Benjamin Adeyemi Olabinjo, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye and Former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu.

A cross section of clerics at the 8th Day Fidau prayers led byFounder/Chief Missioner, Jawadu-IIAH Islamic Society of Nigeria, Chief Imam Ahmed Olore and lecturer, AL-Hikmah University, Ilorin and Chief Missioner, Jamwat Society of Nigeria, Dr Sikirullah Adenigba.

From left,Otunba Segun Jawando, Mr Remi Makanjuola, former IG Musliu Smith and Oba Elect of Ikate Surulere, Alhaji Lateef Adams (LATRIS).

Wande Cole becomes most ‘Wanted’ Nigerian artiste this week

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

fridaytreat Emmanuel Benjamin a.k.a Eben is a toprated gospel music artiste. Having produced songs that have become anthems of sorts within and outside Nigeria. He speaks with BLESSING OBUAKU about his talent, among other things.

TOP rated Nigerian act, Wande Coal a.k.a Black Diamond has released his second album which according to stakeholders, has taken a long time to attain fulfilment. The new album, ‘Wanted’ comes six years after his debut album ‘Mushin to Mohits’ album which has been hailed by many to be one of the most musically conceptual album to come out of contemporary Nigeria. Since the release of the album, Wande Coal had dominated the internet landscape. Friday Treat findings show that most people praised his dexterity on the album, with some positing that artistes like Wande were the hope that Nigerian music could be ranked among lyrically great albums in the world. A 23-track work, ‘Wanted’ features collaborations from top acts, both locally and internationally, like Seyi Law, AKA, Falz, Maleek berry, Jimmie, 2face Idibia, Burna Boy, Wizkid and King Spesh. However, missing on the album is D’banj, which has got tongues wagging. The pop star was partly responsible for breaking out Wande Coal, who was signed to the defunct Mo’Hits record label. In a recent interview with Toolz Oniru on Beat FM, Wande Coal said he and his ex-label boss did not work together on the new album. “I’m very cool with D’banj right now but he is not on my new album.” Wande Coal had said. Production of the album was also distributed across a posse of top rated producers in the entertainment industry. They include Sarz, Xela, Maleek Berry, LeriQ, Major Bangz, BeatFrekz, Legendury Beatz, JFem.

Biography Wande Coal (born 18 October 1985), born as Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe in Lagos Island, Lagos state, Nigeria, to Chief Ibukun Olufunto and Mrs Omolara Oluwayemisi Ojosipe. The first of two children, Wande had his primary school education at Staff Nursery and Ijaniki Primary School, and his secondary education in Federal Government College Ijanikin in Lagos State, and went on to University of Lagos (Unilag), Lagos State, where he studied Curriculum Studies. Wande, a.k.a. Captain Mushin, like most great musicians started singing in the teenage choir at his church. He got his break in the Nigerian entertainment industry as a dancer. He continued improving on his vocals skills and got signed to Don Jazzy’s Mo’hits records in 2006. He featured on D’banj’s Rundown/Funk you up album on singles such as ‘Loke’, ‘Tonosibe’ and ‘Why me’. Being signed to Mo’ Hits records he is also a member of the Mo’ Hits allstars and played a major role in the released CV (Curriculum Vitae) album. His first single of the CV album, ‘Ololufe’, has been described as one of the greatest love songs ever written by a Nigerian. Wande Coal later released his debut album ‘Mushin to Mo’Hits which was widely received across Nigeria, UK and the USA. Wande Coal has also recorded tracks with other Nigerian artists including ikechukwu, Naeto C, Dr SID, D’Prince, Wizkid and many more. In 2012 following a fallout between record label Executives Don Jazzy and D’banj, Wande Coal, Dr SID and D’Prince signed on to Don Jazzy’s new Record Label Mavin Records with the addition of Tiwa Savage from 323 entertainment acting as the first lady of mavin records. Wande Coal left Mavin Records in 2013 and established his own label, Black Label Entertainment. He has maintained his A-game, over the years, with the release of popular singles that have kept him in the limelight. His latest effort, according to critics, proves Wande Coal as a hard worker who has a glorious future.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Gospel music is my lifestyle — Eben USA. I also won an award in LMAA (Love world Best worship leader of the year 2014).

Background grew up in the city of Lagos, with three older sisters and two brothers. I am also an undergraduate of the University of Ibadan (Political Science).

Eben

When and how did you first become interested in music? Ever since I was a child, I loved listening to music whether on Radio or Television. In 1994, I got hold of a tape by Moris Chapman and the Maranatha singers and I have never stopped singing ever since. I discovered my talent in the church; I was asked to do a special number in one of our teenagers’ church meetings for the first time, which I did and the response from the audience was amazing and that became a pointer for me.

Artiste to watch

Mike Obot

Mike Obot is one of the fastest rising musicians in the city of Ibadan with a unique genre of music. In this interview with FESTUS IYORAH he speaks on his experiences, style of music and his upcoming album Growing up? I was born and bred in Kano.

How did you discover your talent? I discovered it when I was 12 years old. Then, I realised that I could do things others couldn't do at a tender age; I did amazing things with my voice when I was in choir.

Wande Coal

a studio background vocal artiste where I recorded an album as Double E. In November 2007, I released the album “On the Rock” as a solo artiste, Eben. How did you come up with the name Eben? It was given to me by my late elder brother. He loved what I was doing and came up with the name. Everyone loved it and since then, Eben has become my name.

What influenced your choice to do gospel music and not circular? My relationship with God changed my life. I fell in love with Jesus and this love walk has been my life and my motivation for everything.

How many albums do you have to your credit? I have four albums to my credit, ‘On the Rock’, ‘Justified’, ‘Phinominom’, and the latest one ‘Magnified’.

When did you decide to do gospel music professionally? I started out professionally as a rapper; I was in a group before I decided to break out and try out as a solo act in 2007. I had worked as

Which album was your debut? My first album, ‘On the Rock’, became my debut in 2007 with hit tracks like ‘Immarama’, ‘God dey’.

self and also to inspire and encourage people like me who think they need to be helped or get approval from anybody to start off. The song also passed a message to lazy people who give excuses as a ploy to be mediocre. I went into music not just because I love it, but also because no matter how hard I try to shelve my talent, I just couldn’t hide from it. It would always find me and I can only survive and be fulfilled through it. Music is my greatest natural tool and I find it convenient to express and share my messages through it. Moreover, my romance for music is borne out of the fact that I find fulfillment and I see it as a way to impact positively in the society.

Eben

Nina Simone once said it is an artiste’s duty to reflect the times we are. I've been called and saved to serve, to meet needs and solve problems. That's who I am. Future collaborations I'd like to do a song with Cobhams, John Legend, Don Jazzy, Timi Dakolo. Rate the Nigerian music industry We're doing well. But there is still room for improvement. Most of our music in Nigeria lack content. We are too focused on the fun part and money making but there’s more that we haven't tapped into. Noise has been christened music. Musicians churn out music to fulfill all righteousness, forgetting the creative ability they possess.

Background My background is a terrible wilderness experience and I thank God everyday for what I’ve gone through and When and why did you decide to venture into music pro- where he has brought me to. I lost my father when I was fessionally? 12, I had to live with my grandmother who didn't only I ventured into music in 2002. Prior to that time, I had been writing teach me to be strong but also handed me over to the Latest music project songs I heard in my spirit; I was always with a pen and a jotter then. first choir I ever sang in. She did a great job on me. I will drop my first album on Sunday, 1st NoIn 2003, I recorded a single titled ‘Only you can’ produced by Edvember 2015 at VOG, Premier Hotel, Ibadan. ward Sunday of Azusa Production . I wrote that song to inspire myWhat inspires the concept of your music? Mike Obot

How many awards have you won so far? I have won several awards locally and internationally; Best male artiste, PSO awards, GMA Ireland, Crystal awards, AGMA UK, (Best rock song/ rock artiste). I was also nominated at NEA awards in the

Your songs “You Alone” and “All the Way” won you the best worship leader of the year at the Love World award 2014. Were you anticipating to win the award and how did you feel afterwards? Not really. That year I put in my best as a worship leader in my church and on other platforms but my wife told me it would happen. Out of so many anointed singers in my church, I felt blessed and honoured to have emerged the winner. Do you think you deserve to win this year’s award? I trust in God’s grace. He will do it again and again. Prior to the release of your song “All the way”. Did you expect this buzz? Definitely an artiste would expect responses from his work, so I did expect the buzz, but I did not think it would be as much as it turned out to be. Every country I had visited all want me to perform the song. Are you signed to any label? No, I am signed under my own record label “Hammer House of Rock”. Since you dropped your recent album “Magnified”, have you been getting the desired result? So many testimonies poured in from the social media as to the impact of my music; praise and worship sessions in so many churches will not be complete without them singing one of my songs, all glory to God almighty.

project so far as a gospel artiste? I have had several big projects; my videos, songs and album lunch. I will say the live DVD recording\ album lunch is my recent big project for this year. Have you ever considered going secular as an option? I have never been tempted nor have I ever considered secular music as an option, because I am sold out to Jesus and nothing can separate me from His love. Gospel music is my lifestyle. Your inspirations and your role model? I am inspired by the Holy ghost, fellowship with Him is to stay inspired always because He is the best helper I know.

Don Daniel hosts Free to Worship Music Concert By Ronke Sanya THE ancient city of Ibadan will on Saturday, October 31st be filled with worship as Don Daniel, a fast-rising gospel act will host several anointing-filled gospel artistes to an evening of worship tagged ‘Free to Worship. The worship concert which is set to hold at Christ Embassy Church Auditorium at Olaniyan Fagbemi Avenue, Mobil will be spiced up with ministrations from various artistes including Obi Shine, Souldave, TY, Exodus, T.Worship, Pee Jay Paul, Nne, Emmy B., Paul ‘Marpe’ Atume, BigJosh, Sandrah, U.Go and the host of the concert, Don Daniel The event will also feature Comedy performance by Saint Michael, Dance by Buki Ballet and instrumental performance by Justin A.B. The music concert will be preceded with Blue Carpet by 3.00pm and word ministration will be by Pastor Gabriel Omorogieva.

Which will you consider to be your biggest

I have never been tempted nor have I ever considered secular music as an option, because I am sold out to Jesus and nothing can separate me from His love. Don Daniel

Friday, 30 October, 2015

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

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

Stories by ‘Wale Olapade

NARGUABLY, the choice of venue for the just concluded edition of the Magical Kenya Expo in Diani, Kwale County is not only perfect for its nature endowed ambiance, but also timely as a big sell for the limitless splendour Kenya offers to destination enthusiasts, buyers and trade marketers and most importantly MICE audiences. The fifth edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo, which played host to trade buyers, visitors and over 150 exhibitors, 176 hosted buyers and media from over 35 countries at Diani, Kenya from October 15 to 17 made a big statement for the country’s numerous tourism offers and its new brand campaign. The Diani venue was renowned for its truly idyllic-10 kilometre of palm-fringed coastline that meets the calm and warm waters of the Indian Ocean with plethora of ideal activities for leisure and holiday seekers to explore. Diani has for the second consecutive year been voted Africa’s leading beach destination at the World Travel Award, an outstanding accolade the fifth edition of the travel expo leveraged on to boost traffic to the destination. Key in positioning and showcasing the tourism prides of Kenya, the expo displayed an unparallel diversity of travel experiences embedded in exhibitors’ products and services at each stand. The outing was another milestone by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to reawaken its drive to showcase and promote Kenya as an up-market, highvalue destination to top notch international trade with the aim to increase tourist arrivals and revenue. The three days marketing and interacting platform theme Sustainable Tourism: Keeping the Magic Alive, rallied three global tourism experts who did justice to the seminar session. The speakers, Tracy Winde, Jeff Jarvis and Nick Hall, all spoke extensively on sensitive topics ranging from transforming the tourism business, unlocking the billion dollar youth travel market, social media marketing and the Generation ‘Y’; the next travel frontier.

Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort. General Manager, Ann Safari and Group Sales Manager, Liz Tapawa (in uniform attire), displaying the Magical Kenya Travel Expo best exhibition award with other family of Jacaranda at Diani Beach, Kenya recently.

Magical Kenya sets the tune for tourists’ boom

Speaking with journalists at the MKTE the Kenya Tourism Minister, Mrs Phyllis Kandie, who walked the talk with Kwale County Governor, Mr Salim Mvuya and the Managing Director of Kenya Tourism Board, Mr Muriithi Ndegwa assured all and sundry of the country’s commitment to not only re-invent newer ways to up the marketing trend with its tourism offers, but also increase international patronage to Kenya. On the preparations Kenya has put in place to welcome an expected boom after the MKTE, Kandie who spoke with high hope said all logistics are on ground to meet visitors demand.

East Africa players unite on airfare slash to boost tourism

From left are East African Tourism Platform Chairman/ Rwanda Representative Manzi Kayihura, Carmen Nibigira Regional Coordinator EATP and Anne-Lyse Bizindavyi, EATP Steering Committee Member/ Burundi Representative, addressing journalists on the sidelines of the just concluded Magical Kenya Trade Expo.

TOURISM players in the East Africa region have committed to bring down the cost of tourism products within the region in a bid to increase its attractiveness domestically and internationally. This is to be achieved through the commissioning of a price competitiveness survey whose main aim will be to ensure uniformity of prices across the five countries. East Africa Tourism Platform Regional Coordinator, Carmen Nibigira says the survey will be conducted in partnership with source markets and tourism boards with the key objective of streamlining taxes, prices, air fares with a view of making East Africa a more affordable and attractive destination. “The exercise will involve studying each partner state and region’s price competitiveness with regard to taxes, levies and charges so as to inform regional and National policy reforms,” said Ms Nibigira. Speaking on the sidelines of the just concluded Magical Kenya Trade exhibition, Nibigira said the survey will inform how the five countries namely Kenya, Uganda, Kigali, Tanzania and Burundi how to develop, design and price products that are relevant to the domestic and regional market while accelerating consumption of the same. “We as EATP are lobbying on behalf of private sector on

the issue of high cost of domestic and regional air travel, open sky policies and the free movement of tourism vehicles and services as we continue to foster discussion around these issues,” she said. EATP, which comprises of private sector tourism umbrella bodies of the East African Community countries and tour operators, had its members convene at the Magical Kenya Trade Fair for a joint steering committee where they discussed opportunities and challenges and achievements in the region’s tourism sector. So far under the Northern Corridor Joint Marketing Initiative, some airfares within the region have dropped by over 50 percent as a result of bilateral agreements signed between member countries and more continue to be signed. Mike Macharia, a member of the Northern Corridor Joint Marketing-committee, said the East Africa tourism private sector continues to lobby for further concessions in making the destination more affordable and attractive including the launch of one destination web portal, the Single Tourist Visa and addressing the issue of seasonality to ensure sustainable tourism. “A flight from Nairobi to Kigali on Rwanda Air was costing $700 and now it is $300.That is a $ 400 cut. We are looking forward to regional airlines signing such more agreements that will make air travel attractive and affordable within this region therefore spurring increased movement,” Macharia noted. Meanwhile the East Africa Tourism players are calling for a political solution for the on-going political crisis in Burundi. EATP Chairman/Rwanda Representative Manzi Kayihura noted that the negative effects of the ongoing crisis are being suffered by all member countries and not Burundi only. Anne-Lyse Bizindavyi EATP Steering Committee Member/ Burundi Representative reiterated that tourism is the second biggest contributor to the Burundi economy after agriculture at 12 percent and requires the support of its counterparts in the region to sustain it.

According to the tourism minister, “I am proud to say that we are ready for the boom, because we have renewed strength in our infrastructure and human capacity to meet the needs of visitors. The Governor of Kwale County and the host of the MKTE 2015, Mr Mvuya, spoke with great enthusiasm about Daini as a tourist haven and its preparedness as the next preferred tourism destination to look out for. Mvuya said his county is committed to renew effort to sell the rich natural splendour of Diani and other tourism offers to the world through the MKTE. For the Managing Director of Kenya Tourism Board, Mr Ndegwa, “We will turn the travel expo to a must attend platform for stakeholders not only within the region but also globally. “With the increasing interest and commitment and popularity of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo, we have the impetus to take it to more enviable level.” Top list of winners at Magical Kenya For the best exhibition stands, Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort topped the list with Funzi Keys Resort and Leopard Beach Resort coming first and second runner up respectively. Lamu County emerged the best stand in the county stand categories while Kajiado and Kwale came second and third. In the participating countries Tourism Board categories, Uganda was true to its appellation as the pearl of Africa as it topped the list of the best tourism board at the exhibition with South Africa and India queuing behind as second and third respectively. The last categories, which featured the best airline stands, had Kenya Airways as the overall winner while Turkish Airlines and China Southern Airlines followed in that order.

From left Kenya Tourism Minister, Mrs Phyllis Kandie; Governor of Kwale County, Mr Salim Mvuya and Managing Director, Kenya Tourism Board, Mr Muriithi Ndegwa, with the Jacaranda Beach resort team, Ann Safari and Liz Tapawa; during the walk the talk at the Magical Kenya, Travel Expo in Diani Kenya recently.

politics&policy

Friday, 30 October, 2015 Group Politics Editor Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 tai_adis@yahoo.com

APC, PDP and the corruption war The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been locked in a fresh battle in recent times over the anti-corruption war of the incumbent government. Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, examines the brickbats.

HE arrest and interrogation of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio two weeks ago acted as the trigger for series of questions regarding the direction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war. It also triggered a new round of altercations between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the prosecution of the war against corruption by the current government. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari has consistently mouthed its desire to fight corruption and tackle graft strongly. It made the issue one of its key campaign points. In effect, many had expected a heightened tempo of anti-graft war once Buhari was sworn-in. Quite early in the tenure, however, the opposition PDP had started raising issues concerning the management of the anti-graft war. The PDP had branded the war “selective” and mainly targeted at only members of the opposition. The APC, as a party, had risen in defence of the government, insisting that those being questioned must have some questions to answer. But when on October 15, the former governor of Akwa-Ibom State and current Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Akpabio, was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), tongues started wagging afresh. The development, coming on the heels of reports of similar allegations of graft against notable figures in the polity who have pitched their tents with the ruling APC, practically gave the PDP a platform to justify its perceptions. The party seized the opportunity and the media was kept busy days after Akpabio was arrested and released by the EFCC. PDP spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement on October 18, descended on President Buhari, calling him a dictator and declared that the anti-graft war was a mere sham. Metuh said that the PDP was out to expose “the hypocrisy, double-standard and dictatorial proclivities of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government in its orchestrated anti-corruption fight in Nigeria.” He said that whereas, the PDP, which ran Nigeria for 16 years, had over time restated its support for a credible, holistic fight against corruption, unfolding events already appeared to confirm the fear that the new administration was only using the anti-corruption posture as a tool to “witch-

Buhari

The best example of the curious nature of the war against corruption is the fact that former PDP governors and ministers are being hounded and arrested over apparently orchestrated petitions.

hunt PDP members and perceived political opponents of APC government.” The statement further read: “We are aware that having realised that Nigerians have seen through their propaganda, deceit and lies, as well as their ineptitude in handling governance, the APC government is now mortally afraid of the on-going rebuilding in the PDP to take over power in 2019, and is as such, applying every negative means to decimate our great party, including the relentless victimisation of our key members. “It is clearly manifest that the same dictatorial tendencies manifested during the military regime of 1984 are being presently

applied in the polity in the attempt to discredit PDP members and weaken our great party ahead of 2019. “The APC and its government have been busy denigrating the PDP and trying to appropriate our achievements, while at the same time blackmailing, hounding and harassing our elected members with the aim to cow and force them to leave the PDP and join their party. “We have verifiable reports from our key members that agents of the APC have been approaching them to join the APC with threats to use the EFCC to victimize them should they refuse. The APC and its agents

have been boasting that they have the powers to deal with or spare any person, depending on the party such person belongs to. “This clearly explains why the so-called fight against corruption has been selective and focused against PDP members, despite counsels by stakeholders that it should be holistic and in accordance with the due process of the law. “The best example of the curious nature of the war against corruption is the fact that former PDP governors and ministers are being hounded and arrested over apparently orchestrated petitions, while their APC counterparts, who have more damaging petitions, are being nominated for ministerial positions. Even other APC former governors, who have on-going corruption cases in court, have emerged as APC governorship candidates for the forthcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa. “On the issue of Senator Godswill Akpabio, we invite Nigerians to note that in the three rich states of Akwa-Ibom, Rivers and Lagos states, there were petitions against their former governors. Whereas the former APC governors of Lagos and Rivers were on the list of ministerial nominees, their Akwa Ibom PDP counterpart and the current Senate Minority Leader is being hounded by the EFCC. This is in spite of the common knowledge that Akwa-Ibom under the Senator Akpabio is arguably the least indebted state in Nigeria, and where the governor appropriately applied available resources to effectively transform the state. We challenge the APC to show Nigerians any of their governor that matched the feats achieved in Akwa-Ibom under Senator Akpabio, whose only building in Uyo is uncompleted and being built with verifiable bank loans. “The PDP therefore state categorically that the orchestrated investigation of Senator Akpabio is politically motivated and targeted at weakening the PDP for 2019 elections, by virtue of his being the face of opposition in the National Assembly. “It is also part of the fight by the Presidency to weaken the legislature as an arm of government and prevent it from effectively carrying out its constitutional role of checks and balances in a democracy. “As we speak, no APC member, despite the public petitions of corruption and squandering of state funds, has been invited or questioned by the EFCC. We challenge the EFCC, as an anti-corruption agency, to show Nigerians any member of the APC it has so far questioned, not to talk of being arrested since the emergence of this administration, despite petitions against them. “Recall that even the case of former Adamawa State, Governor Murtala Nyako started before the advent of the current administration but is now reportedly being worked on ostensibly to extricate APC members involved. “This government has established itself as a hypocritical regime that accommodates continues I pg30

28 politics&policy

Friday, 30 October, 2015

What Nigeria should learn from Australian federalism â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Babalola erage paid General Practitioner (GP) in Australia, for instance, earns about $ AU 200,000 per annum. At the exchange rate of 1: 150, which is about N30 million per annum. How much does the average GP earn in Nigeria? The quality of life in Australia is much better - better roads, better health care, better professional updates, more secured living; children have better access to world-class education, and so on. I disagree that the brain drain is intractable. The common wealth in Nigeria needs to spread better than it is at the moment. There should be equal opportunity for advancement for all - in education, in financing, in opportunities. If the system is equitable, brain drain will die a natural death. Look at the example of Singapore.

Dr Dele Babalola, is the author of a new book, Tai Solarin: Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greatest Educationist and Humanist, and vice president of Ex-May Global Charity, founded by former students of May Flower School, Ikenne, Ogun State. In this interview with KUNLE ODEREMI, he talks about the brain drain syndrome, among other issues.

HAT do you think are the similarities between Nigeria and Australia, where you are a practising doctor, especially on the issues of ethnic heterogeneity, political structure and system? Both countries are vast land masses geographically. Australia (Oz) is much bigger in term of size perhaps six to eight times the size of Nigeria. The Australian population is 22 million compared to almost 200 million for Nigeria. Blacks are in the minority in Australia while Caucasians are well over 65 per cent. The reverse is the case in Nigeria. Nigeria is a Republic; Australia is not. The Head of State of Australia is the Queen, represented by the Governor-General. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister. Australian political and economic systems are far advanced than in Nigeria. Democracy and the rule of law in Australia are very operational and reflect the will of the people. Australia is a very safe and rich country - has a lot of mineral resources and oil. The per capital income for Australia per annum is $42, 000 and for Nigeria, a paltry $5,000. What makes Australia relatively stable as a political entity? Australia practises true federalism with a relatively weak centre compared to Nigeria. There is religious tolerance in Australia. The literacy rate is about 99 per cent compared with Nigeria which is less than 45 per cent. The government is very pro-people, unlike in Nigeria. The government pays allowances to the unemployed and the invalids. Crime rate is very low because of this. Australia practises a bicameral legislature as in Britain, which reflects the true will of the people. So, their system is cost effective, efficient and stable. All that matters to the political leadership is selfless service, coupled good governance. What do you think is the problem of Nigeria, given your experience in Australia? Simply, it is failure of political leadership - lack of sense of direction, vision, political programme continuity, as well as lack of a national population policy plus purpose and accountability. Sincere and committed political leadership drives the Australian system. It constitutes part of the catalyst that makes the system to thrive and wax strong. It fosters national planning culminating in national stability, economic prosperity and general

What are some of those things you and other Nigerian professionals plying their trade in Australia and indeed in the Diaspora are missing about your country? We miss the authentic Nigerian culture and cuisine. There is nowhere like home and again, we are in the minority in Australia.

Babalola

The average paid General Practitioner (GP) in Australia, for instance, earns about AU$200,000 per annum. At the exchange rate of 1: 150 ratio, it is about N30 million per annum. How much does the average GP earn in Nigeria?

growth and development. Because of the political leadership is sincere, patriotic and focused, there is less friction in the larger society. So, the Australian system propels growth and development, just as it encourages self-actualisation. Brain drain is one of the major problems that Nigeria has contin-

ued to rear its head in Nigeria. Why has it remained seemingly intractable? Brain drain will continue to be a problem for Nigeria as long as the Nigerian academics and professionals abroad remain better paid and are receiving much better career satisfaction and prospects in the more advanced countries. The av-

With the change of guard since May this year in the political leadership of Nigeria, can you say there has been a kind of change in the direction of things in the nation? It is too early to say. It is not even one year yet. The present trend is promising, however. We are optimistically watching and hoping. Much is expected from the present crop of Nigerian leaders. The international community is eager to see Nigeria regain its pride of place in the comity of nations. We have the resources to take Nigeria to the next level. All that the leaders need to do is to demonstrate the political will, capacity and sincerity in harnessing the huge potential of the country for the benefit all citizens, especially the majority of the population that have been at the receiving end of inept leadership over the years. Emphasis must be on leadership by example through quality service to the people and working assiduously to bequeath an enduring legacy to posterity. No society develops when its political elite institutionalise the building of personal business empire. Nigeria cannot frontally tackle the myriad of issues pertaining to development and growth if it the culture of impunity and personal aggrandizement reigns. What are those areas you would like to see drastic, rapid and farreaching changes in the affairs of Nigeria and why? Education should be made more qualitative and accessible; primary health care should also be made affordable and functional; electricity and water supply should be made high priority projects and mass transits should be accelerated in places like Lagos to decongest vehicular traffic and urban squalor and housing should be practically addressed. These are key determinant areas impoverishing Nigeria and keeping her backward

29 politicscommentary

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Ethnicity factor in Nigeria By Eddy Erhard

IGERIA’S heterogeneity as a nation is clearly manifested in the multiplicity of its ethnic groups. While recognising the existence of over three hundred ethnic groups in Nigeria, it has become fashionable to categorise these groups along the lines of majority and minority ethnic groups. Incidentally, each of the major ethnic groups has a geographical area of dominance, while myriad of minority groups exist side by side with them. Sometimes, major ethnic groups are presented in a compound form; hence in terms of the identification of the ethnic groups in Nigeria, one of the often identified groups is that of the Hausa/Fulani which predominates in the North of Nigeria; while the other often identified major groups are the Yoruba in the West and the Igbo in the East. There are such other recognisable groups as the Kanuri, Tiv, Ibibio, Efik, Kalabiri, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw, Edo, Birion, who as stated earlier are settled in various regions where the maj o r groups exist. It is important to note that the various groups are identified on the basis of consanguinity in terms of their traditions of origins, cultural affinities and similarities, especially in the realm of language, and sometimes in terms of their political preferences and practices. It should be noted however, that within the major ethnic groups, there exist sub-ethnic divisions, as is more visible among the Yorubas, “where the Oyo, Egba, Egbado, Ijebu, Ijesa, Ekiti, Ondon, Akoko, Owo and Ife retain a strong consciousness of their separateness.” Thus within their regions or locations this separateness features in the determination of the dynamics of their relations. While internal differences and dichotomies do exist within the major ethnic groups, the fact remains that outside of their geographical location and at the level of national interaction there is a greater tendency towards oneness among the sub-groups. As noted earlier in this presentation, there is nothing inherently destructive, negative and disintegrative about ethnicity and the identification with members of one’s group, but the fact remains that ethnicity has the capacity of being manipulated to becoming quite disintegrative, destabilising and destructive, especially in terms of the ways that various groups interact with themselves. Historians, political scientists, sociologists/anthropologists and general observers of the evolution of the Nigerian polity recognise ethnicity as a major factor that has affected and helped to chart the course of the country’s history. Most of the works that have examined the place of ethnicity in the nation’s evolution, have emphasised the way it has negatively impacted on the nation’s development, and many still believe that the ethnicity factor remains a portent force that could and still works against peace and reconciliation in the Nigeria of today.(Ikime,1987, Otite,1990:145). A pertinent question here is why is it that ethnicity has been a problem for Nigeria, and many other nations. This answer is best captured by Pieterse who identified different forms of ethnicity, including “competition ethnicity”, there is competition over resources of the states and development. Thus the mere existence of ethnic groups identified along the lines of cultural forms, values and practices, does not automatically guarantee conflict in a

nation, rather it is the way these groups see themselves, relate and compete f o r power, and other resources of state, that has the capacity of creating crisis, this is exactly what has happened in Nigeria. A pertinent question here is why is it that ethnicity has been a problem for Nigeria, and many other nations? This answer is best captured by Pieterse who identified different forms of ethnicity, including “competition ethnicity”, there is competition over resources of the states and development. Thus, the mere existence of ethnic groups identified along the lines of cultural forms, values and practices, does not automatically guarantee conflict in a nation, rather it is the way these groups see themselves, relate and compete for power, and other resources of state, that has the capacity of creating crisis, this is exactly what has happened in Nigeria. In Nigeria, from the immediate preindependence era, ethnicity reared its head, as was noticed in the formation of political parties each of which was dominant in a particular region and was attached to each of the major ethnic groups in the region. It is instructive to note that some of the parties had at their nucleus at the time of formation, members of an ethnic group that had established pan-ethnic group that had established Egbe Omo Oduduwa of the Yoruba that dominates the Action Group, the Igbo State Union, whose members became dominant in the National Council of Nigerian Citizens

a n d t h e Jamiyya Mut a n e n Arewa that metamorphosed into the North- ern Peoples Congress. .The inherent concomitant consequence of the origins of these parties was that their ethnic coloration later clearly manifested in their areas of dominance and the political agenda that they pursued in subsequent years. It is instructive to note that the political parties aimed at protecting the interests of the members of the ethnic group that dominated their membership. It is for this reason that many have argued that when ethnicity was introduced into the Nigerian political terrain, it came as a disintegrative force, since it fuelled competition for power and national resources for development along ethnic lines. In the subsequent ensuring contest, and in the administration of the Regions where each of the parties was dominant, the minority ethnic groups in these areas now felt marginalised, neglected and oppressed, hence the early agitation for minority rights, which now led such groups to seek for regions of their own and later states. The immediate post-independence politics of Nigeria, witnessed so much acrimonious struggles, disagreements and contests among the ethnic groups, and these eventually culminated in the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War. The fact is that although many reasons have been adduced for the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War, the pivotal and overarching cause was the ethnic disagreements, and perceived insecurity of members of the Igbo ethnic group in the Nigerian nation. It was therefore not surprising that in the course of the war, it gradually became obvious that most of the minority ethnic groups in the Eastern region were not in support of the succession bid of the Igbo. Without

Protests by ethnic group agitators have bordered on neglect in appointments to offices, especially “key offices,” neglect in terms of allocation of resources to their areas for development, and perceived victimisation in the scheme of things.

doubt, the outbreak of and prosecution of the Civil War, marked the high point in the way ethnicity has negatively affected the unity and peace of Nigeria. It can be argued that the immediate post civil war era in Nigeria witnessed the dousing of bellicose ethnic struggles in Nigeria. But in the politics of the Second Republic (1973-1983) the ethnicity factor once again reared its head, especially in the formation of political parties and citizens’ affiliation and identification with the parties. Hence, it was not surprising that the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), and the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) were dominant, respectively in the areas or states where the leaders of the parties had their ethnic groups as could be noticed in the UPN dominance in Yoruba land and the NPP in Igbo land. Political debates and contests during this period were always tainted with ethnic biases and proclivities. As it were, the Second Republic was toppled by the military. The immediate past period of military intervention in Nigeria’s politics, witnessed a seeming brazen blatant and flagrant utilisation of ethnicity in deciding on national policies and in the making of political appointments. In this climate, massive consistent and orchestrated cries of ethnic marginalisation and domination tended to pervade the political terrain. The cries of the ethnic minorities rented the air, and even the major ethnic groups jumped on each other’s throat, accusing others of marginalisation and domination. The most eloquent testimony to these acrimonious disagreements among the diverse ethnic groups was and is still to be found in the call for a sovereign national conference where all the ethnic groups in Nigeria were and are expected to re-negotiate the basis of nation’s federation, with a view to protesting and respecting the rights of all the ethnic groups in the federation. Protests by ethnic group agitators have bordered on neglect in appointments to offices, especially “key offices,” neglect in terms of allocation of resources to their areas for development, and perceived victimisation in the scheme of things. Interestingly, these protests have been determined by the relative geo-political level of interaction. Thus, a major ethnic group that might be complaining of neglect at the national level may at a state level of administration accused of marginalising and dominating other groups. In the ensuing contests for power and resources, the different ethnic groups have sometimes resorted to violence, especially in recent times when the minority groups have become very militant and assertive about their rights and in seeking for better deal from the system. Some of the groups, although they have not overtly resorted to violence or arms in seeking for redress in their fight against exclusion, or struggle for supremacy vis-a-vis the others, had threatened to break away from the union, that is the ultimate solution. Agitators of ethnic rights in Nigeria have been able to latch on to the threat of secession because the ethnic groups are territorially based, i.e. they have geographical areas where they are dominant and therefore always think that they can break away from what some of them have called the “artificial federation” in Nigeria. •Erhagbe is an Associate Professor, Department of History and International Studies, University of Benin, Benin City.

politics&policy

ESTERDAY, October 29, made it exactly five months that President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office but he was not around at presidential villa to mark the occasion as he had left for India on Tuesday to participate in the 3rd Summit of the India-Africa Forum. In those five months, the presidential compound has undergone much alteration in physical appearance and in terms of personnel, ostensibly in line with the much-touted change promised by the All Progressives Congress (APC). A security architecture has since been put place which apparently places the final say on the close body protection of the president in the hands of his Aide De Camp (ADC) rather than the Chief Security Officer (CSO). Recall the very public spat between the ADC, a soldier and the CSO, a Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, over who should exercise such powers, ultimately leading to the ouster of Buhari’s original CSO from his post in the villa. All personnel of the DSS who provided close body protection for the president were similarly sent packing at the time and replaced with soldiers. Not used to that kind of thing, the soldiers were soon bungling their assignments to the point where Buhari had to cry out after he had been mobbed during a prayer session at a mosque on Sallah day. Since, then, a way has been found to accommodate some DSS men to beef up the president’s protection. Change is evident in the number of security personnel inside the villa. It is leaner, less stifling and much more amenable to visitors and staff. The era of treating people who are not part of the security architecture as sub-human is gone. The barking on, push-

Friday, 30 October, 2015

inside

aso rock WITH LEON USIGBE

08078891838 leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk

The changing face of Presidential Villa ing and shoving, especially of journalists, in the course of their legitimate responsibilities is less rampant as bodyguards have become more benign in their conduct and have consequently eased the perpetual tension that appeared to envelop the presidential villa. There is some drawback though as pleasing as this may suggest. We have a bit of disorderliness these days in the entire compound. During the last dispensation, everything was tightly controlled; visitors and vehicles that could access the villa and what business could be conducted there. Of course, who gets into the premises is still controlled but there is a relaxation of the number of cars allowed in. It used to be that a state governor, minister or any individual with a motorcade could only go beyond the Pilot Gate, the last major gate in the compound, with just his flag car and in some instances, with an additional car bearing his close security aides. But these days, it appears that the entire convoy gets access. So, when there is any large meeting, say

aso rock

of governors or heads of Ministries, Depart- AO was considered brutal and was hated by ment and Agencies (MDAs), the presiden- many for his actions. Now, everyone realises tial villa is choked. But that is not all. Driv- that he was efficient in his duty to enhance 08078891838 ers now have no inhibitions condemning and around the premises and WITH LEON security in leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk the well-tended lawns within the premises made sure there was orderliness in the bewhere they are forced to park their heavy havior of staff and visitors alike. The menSUVs for lack of adequate parking space. tion of “AO” evoked fear then in people who But the struggle for parking space goes parked their cars wrongly as the cars did not beyond visitors’ vehicles. Even at ordinary only risk being towed away but the drivers days, as the number of people acquiring cars were likely to spend time in DSS cell. in the villa continues to grow, the parking The AO also prohibited trading in wares space is tightening up such that it is now a and selling of food outside the Officers’ Mess. common phenomenon to find security per- Within the last five months, merchandising sonnel carving out spaces for their personal has returned while it appears that many jucars by barricading free spaces with stones nior level female staff want to engage in the and broken chairs even when they are away. commercial provision of one catering service This is sickening to many people who drive or the other for interested personnel. in and are unable to find convenient places Therefore, it is no longer uncommon to to park and the whole thing leaves a nostal- enter a section of the Villa and it is mistakgic feeling about the work of the occupant en for a restaurant because people are busy of the Administrative Officer (AO) post in munching away while at work. There is the the last dispensation. He brooked no park- tendency for it to grow worse unless much ing in unauthorised places in the Villa. That more control is exercised.

Which way the ongoing anti-graft war? continued from pg27

corruption, profligacy and sleazes in government quarters while hoodwinking the people and witch-hunting PDP members. “The hypocrisy of this administration came to the fore with the show of insensitivity to the mood of the nation as copiously demonstrated in Saturday’s ostentatious thanksgiving party (with hundreds of millions of naira spent) by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SFG) Babachir David Lawal, at a time the people of the North-East geo-political zone, where he hails from, are being ravaged by insurgency. Finally, we request Mr. President to end this dictatorial proclivity of selective anti-corruption war that has characterized the APC government.” The government and the APC did not give an elaborate response to the fire from the PDP spokesman of President Buhari, Mr Femi Adesina, who replied the PDP statement, accusing the party of repeating itself and sounding like a “broken record.” Adesina said: “The opposition seems to have run out of ideas so soon. Daily, we hear the same jaded, hackneyed allegations from them. I think they really are to be pitied; they need help. A broken record that repeats itself ceaselessly is of no use than to be thrown away.” That notwithstanding, not a few believe that a trend is already emerging around the anti-graft war. A number of commentators have questioned the refusal of the EFCC to raise questions about any of the immediate past governors of the APC, who have allegations of graft hanging on their neck. The PDP had mentioned a number of scenarios surrounding the anti-graft war. Those scenarios are already raising ques-

tions about the pursuance of the anti-corruption war under the current administration. For instance, observers have questioned the possible coincidence of the fact that all the former office holders invited for questioning so far by the EFCC are PDP members. Besides Akpabio, who is the Senate Minority Leader, there is also the ongoing trial of a former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido and his two sons, as well as a former governor of Benue state, Gabriel Suswam and former Governor of Kebbi State, Saidu Darkingari. Incidentally, the EFCC, the anti-graft agency is said to have recovered petitions against former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola and his Rivers state counterpart, Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Neither of the two was invited for questioning before their recent screening as ministerial nominees in the Senate. But those who raised questions also made reference to the insinuations in some quarters to the effect that the invitation of Akpabio might be linked with the tension over the screening of ministerial nominees in the Senate.

Senators of the APC and the PDP have been dragging issues on the possibility of screening or rejecting some nominees. It got to a head when issues were raised about the petitions against Amaechi. The PDPled state government in his home state had raised series of allegations of financial impropriety against the former governor and indicted him in a White Paper. A nongovernmental organisation, the Integrity Group also petitioned the EFCC and the National Assembly on the alleged activities of Amaechi. But opinions were divided along party lines. While the PDP senators insisted on seeing through the petition against the former governor at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. Twice, Amaechi’s name appeared on the Order paper for screening and on the two occasions, he returned home without being screened. The Ethics Committee was taking its time on the petition and investigations had confirmed to newsmen that the contention being raised by the PDP was responsible. Amaechi, had while appearing before the Senate Committee, insisted that the matter surrounding his petition was already before the courts and that the Senate

Senators of the APC and the PDP have been dragging issues on the possibility of screening or rejecting some nominees. It got to a head when issues were raised about the petitions against Amaechi.

should not discuss it. But, senators of the PDP resolved that in line with Senate Rule 53(5), the matter of Amaechi should not be raised at all. They had insisted on this line, in order to keep to the rules and keep Amaechi at bay. Incidentally, the senate committee which probed the petition also reported in like manner. Thus, screening Amaechi as a ministerial nominee was becoming a tough order. But the leaders of the APC rallied the slim majority the party enjoys in the Senate and resolved to ensure Amaechi was screened. Before that could be done, sources had hinted that some power-brokers had caused the EFCC to be unleashed on Akpabio as a way of whipping those opposed to Amaechi and other ministerial nominees in line. Whether that was the truth or not, Amaechi’s screening was held down for days, until he emerged on the Senate floor on October 22. But then, his appearance was said to have been made possible when the APC and PDP senators reached an accord at the closed session held in the morning of October 22 to allow the screening go ahead while the lawmakers would revert to the issue of the petition before confirmation. Those who have raised questions about the current anti-graft would also back their arguments up with claims that while former PDP governors were being questioned by the EFCC, their counterparts who are now in the APC including former governors are being treated with kid’s glove. The question would then be; which way Buhari’s anti-graft war? That question would remain fresh in the minds, notwithstanding claims that every suspect is to be seen as innocent until proven otherwise.

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Friday, 30 October, 2015

hers

Editor: Yemisi Aofolaju yemiaofolaju@yahoo.com 08055001741

Would you abandon your wedding for a multi-million Naira job interview?

Tijani

Buki

Samuel

Arinola

With the unemployment situation in the country, many graduates are roaming the streets. But what if the unthinkable happens and a mouthwatering job interview is fixed for a date previously fixed for one’s wedding? IDOWU FAJI spoke with a cross section of Nigerians on what they would do in such a situation. Excerpts:

Tijani Quadri can not leave my wedding and go for any interview because I can get another job elsewhere, so the interview should wait.

Roy Edozie If I don’t have a job at the moment, I am having my wedding, I will have to go for the interview. Buki Qudri First of all, I will be happy that I was even called for the interview, but at the same time, I have also been waiting for my wedding to come, but one is more important than the other.The job can be on hold because I can still get another one, so i will go ahead with my wedding.

Busayo

Ibukun won’t want to make her cry on her day. Shola Olatunbosun I will go for the interview because opportunity comes once in a life time. Ayinde Oluwafemi I will not go for the interview, another job opportunity will come. Eunice Aburime I won’t leave my wedding because nowadays its rare to find good men.My wedding is important, it is the happiest day in my life, so I can’t leave my wedding and go for an interview.

Temitope Odedina I believe if I have my wife, I have everything, I won’t go for the interview. On the other hand I might go for the interview and not get the job. So, I can’t lose two things at a time. Besides, if the job is mine and from God, it won’t clash with my wedding. It is a form of temptation.

Babajide Okunnubi I can never go for any interview, because this is just for one day, wedding is a lifetime issue. If truly I love my wife, I should be able to sacrifice some things for her, even if I don’t have a job before getting married, I will not go for such an interview.

Joy Ademu My wedding is very important, to hell with the job interview! I can get another job elsewhere and there are so many opportunities out there, as one door is closing, another is opening.

Adeola Adedapo As for me, I will not cancel my wedding for a job interview because other job opportunities will come. It is because I have a source of income that prompts my getting married, even if the salary for

Abayomi Adekoya I will go for the interview that is if I don’t have a job before getting married. I will postpone my wedding. Ibukun Abraham I can’t leave my wedding for any job interview, because my wife will kill me.As a matter of fact, I

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My daughter’s attitude hurts to the bone marrow! 4 <P3

Adesoji

the new job is one million naira I won’t leave my wedding. Ikpommwosa Mary I will never leave my wedding. One gets married once in a life time. The job can wait or go to hell! My wedding is my life, my future. Omowumi Oke I won’t go for the interview because one is not sure if the job will click or not. I can’t leave my wedding programme; another job opportunity will come. Bukola Aderemi I won’t go for the job interview. The wedding day is a significant day in every woman’s life and a day one will always remember for good, so, I won’t let a job interview stop me from enjoying that day. Seun Aderibigbe I will go for the interview because without money, what will one use to feed the family? I will plead with the pastor to make everything snappy or I postpone the event. Ajayi Aduragbemi Who does that, on my wedding day? The happi-

SHARE-A-burden

She is carrying my baby, but I don’t love her! 4 <P3

est day in my life, I can’t just leave my wedding and go for a job interview that I don’t know if the job will eventually be mine. Ezekiel Brown Assuming I don’t have a job before getting married, I might risk it and go for the interview. I will also ask my wife to accompany me so she won’t think I want to dump her and run away. I will tell the pastor in charge to announce to the audience that the couple should be excused for 30 minutes, or one hour. Teniola Durotoye Continued on pg32

thekitchen

32 hersay

Friday, 30 October, 2015 Continued from last week

If it’s followed by love. It’s the only thing that can liberate me from myself, from my own self-built prison walls, from the barriers I so painstakingly erect. It’s the only thing that will assure me of what I can’t assure myself, that I’m really worth something. But I don’t tell you this. I don’t dare. I’m afraid to. I’m afraid your glance will not be followed by acceptance, will not be followed by love. I’m afraid you’ll think less of me, that you’ll laugh, and your laugh would kill me. I’m afraid that deep-down I’m nothing, that I’m just no good,and that you will see this and reject me. So I play my game, my desperate pretending game, with a facade of assurance without and a trembling child within. So begins the glittering, but empty parade of masks, and my life becomes a front. I idly chatter to you in the suave tones of surface talk. I tell you everything that’s really nothing, and nothing of what’s everything, of what’s crying within me. So, when I’m going through my routine, do not be fooled by what I’m saying. Please, listen carefully and try to hear what I’m not saying, ”what I’d like to be able to say, what for survival I need to say, but what I can’t say.

Parenting The host of Straight Talk!

With Olufunke Adetuberu

08023242389

What’s your background like (3)

I don’t like to hide. I don’t like to play superficial phony games. I want to stop playing them. I want to be genuine and spontaneous and me, but you’ve got to help me. You’ve got to hold out your hand even when that’s the last thing I seem to want. Only you can wipe away from my eyes the blank stare of the breathing dead. Only you can call me into aliveness. Each time you’re kind and gentle and encouraging, each time you try to understand because you really care ,”my heart begins to

Would you abandon your wedding for a multi-million Naira job interview?

Benefits of cold showers Burn fat There are two kinds of fat in your body: white fat and brown fat.White fat is the body fat we all know and struggle to get rid of. When we consume more calories than our body needs to function and we don’t burn those calories for energy, they are stored as white fat, which tends to accumulate at your waist, lower back, neck, and thighs. Brown fat is the good guy you might have never even heard of, and its function is to generate heat to keep your body warm. When brown fat is activated due to extreme cold, it burns calories to keep you warm, which could provide a helpful assistance in your weight loss plan. How much of an assistance? Scandinavian researchers found that exposure to cold temperatures increased the metabolic rate of brown fat by 15 fold, which could help a person drop nine pounds in a year if sustained. Boost recovery after exercise Athletes often take ice baths after vigorous training do reduce soreness. You don’t have to take it that far, but you can obtain a similar benefit with a quick cold shower after your training sessions. Maybe dropping a pencil or walking upstairs won’t be quite so agonising with a little dose of cold after all of that running. Increase mood and alertness Who doesn’t feel a bit groggy when they take that first step out of bed? This is something everyone struggles with, but if you’d like to put some pep in your step first thing in the a.m., take a cold shower before you go to work. When cold water pours over your body, your breathing deepens in response to the shock of the cold (this is your body trying

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grow wings, very small wings, very feeble wings, but wings! With your power to touch me into feeling you can breathe life into me. I want you to know that. I want you to know how important you are to me, how you can be a creator—a honest-to-God creator— of the person that is me if you choose to. You alone can break down the wall behind which i tremble, “you alone can remove my mask, you alone can release me from my shadow-world of panic and uncertainty, from my lonely prison, if you choose to. Please choose to. Do not pass me by. It will not be easy for you. A long conviction of worthlessness builds strong walls. The nearer you approach me, the blinder I may strike back. It’s irrational, but despite what the books say about man, often I am irrational. I fight against the very thing that I cry out for. But I am told that love is stronger than strong walls, and in this lies my hope. Please, try to beat down those walls with firm hands, but with gentle hands for a child is very sensitive. Who am I, you may wonder? I am someone you know very well. For I am every man you meet and I am every woman you meet.

Continued from pg31

I won’t go for the interview. How will I tell my husband that I want to go for a job interview?. He definitely will ask if I am okay. God will provide another job at the right time. Shewa Afolabi I won’t go for the interview because my wedding day is my special day, the job interview can go to hell.

to keep you warm by increasing overall oxygen intake). Your heart rate will also increase, resulting in a rush of blood through your body that will help you get energised for the day. Strengthen immunity and circulation Remember that cold showers speed up your metabolic rate, which helps you lose fat? The increase of this rate activates your immune system, which releases virus-fighting white blood cells that will help you get sick less frequently. Cold showers also increase your overall blood circulation, which can help you avoid hypertension and the hardening of arteries. Give you attractive hair and skin If you’d like to reduce the appearance of acne, cold showers could do the job. Hot water dries out your skin, while cold water tightens your cuticles and pores, preventing them from getting clogged. You can also use cold showers for shinier, more attractive hair that your partner can’t resist playing with. Cold water will close your cuticle, making it less likely dirt can accumulate in your scalp. Courtesy: Google

Kemi Babatunde I can never go for such job interview because my wedding is once in a life time and there are so many job opportunities out there. If one doesn’t work, another one will and if I decide to go for the interview, how sure am I that I will be considered for the job? John Chuks I don’t think it worths it, leaving my wedding for a job interview! Even if I don’t have one before getting married, I can’t leave my wedding. The Almighty God will provide another good opportunity. Abayomi Ige I will go for the interview, I will explain to my wife- to-be. I will beg her to please let me go for the interview. Then, I will tell the pastor to hasten the wedding ceremony so that I will have enough time. Abraham Segun I will go for the job interview. Money first, business first. I will explain to the pastor and ask him to hold on.

Roy

Afolabi Ogunderu I won’t go for the job interview, my wife comes first. If truly I love my wife, I won’t leave my wedding and go for any job interview that I am not even sure I would be considered. I will see it as a temptation and I will never fall for it. Ughchukwu Ibrahim It depends, if it is a good job I will go, but if not, I won’t . I can’t leave my wedding for a job opportunity. Bolanle Ogunderu I will ask for a shift or to fix another day for the interview because I am getting married that day. I also love my wife and I won’t want to spoil her day. Adeleye Ajayi I won’t go for the interview, I will simply ask for a shift in date. My wedding is special and important, I won’t want to spoil the special day for everyone. Mobola Hassan I won’t leave my wedding, such a day is very important for every woman. It is also a day that I become one with my husband and cease to make decisions on my own. The job interview will have to wait. Olundegun Samsudeen I won’t leave my wedding programme because the job interview is not certain,but if it is certain,I will go for the interview. I will tell my Imam to wait till I come back from the interview.

Ogene

Ogene Tega I won’t go for the interview and leave my wedding. The job I don’t even know if I will be picked, but if it is certain that I will be picked for the job, I will go, but if my husband says I can’t go, then he should find someone else to marry. Yusuf Abdullamed I will go for the interview only if the job is hundred percent sure that I will be picked. My wife’s pastor and everyone should wait. Adesoji Abiodun I will go for the interview, money comes first,without money, one can’t be a fine boy or be a big man. At least we’ve seen wedding ceremonies where photographs of husbands-to-be were used to represent the husband on the wedding day. I will tell my in-laws to wait or represent me with picture and continue the programme. Blessing Uchendu I won’t go for the interview, a job that cannot come before or after my wedding can wait. I can still get another job elsewhere, getting married is a future thing. Nowadays, Nigerians are selfemployed, no one is looking for a salary job again. The job can wait. Muritala Sodiq I won’t go for the interview because I don’t know if I will get the job. So, another job opportunity will come my way, it is not the end of the world. Arinola Akinola I can never leave my wedding and go for an interview. Even a sensible lady will not think of going for an interview on her wedding day. Kehinde Bashorun I can never leave my wedding for a job interview. It is my wedding we are talking about and it is a future thing. Even if I decide to go for the interview and they hire me tomorrow, they can fire me. So it is better I have my wedding and forget about the job and if God says the job is mine, it will surely come.

news

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

Bayelsa: Dickson tasks security agencies on peaceful exercise

As traditional rulers adopt him, lauds his dev strides Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa

S activities for the December 5 governorship poll in Bayelsa State gather momentum, Governor Seriake Dickson has urged security agencies to intensify efforts at keeping the state safe before, during and after the election. Granting audience to the new Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Apoehi Suleiman, in Yenagoa, on Wednesday, Governor Dickson restated his administration’s commitment to partnering with

the Navy to effectively police the waterways in the state. He expressed concern over the resurgence of kidnapping in the state, stressing that government’s efforts to secure the Bayelsa environment for business and other social activities would yield little result if the Command fails in its mandate. While congratulating the new Flag Officer on his posting, Honourable Dickson commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication to duty, which he noted, has resulted in an increase in crude

PDP accuses APC of plotting mayhem Allegation unfounded—APC Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State, on Thursday, said it had unearthed a plot by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to unleash mayhem, calculated to disrupt the election. The publicity secretary of the PDP in the state, Mr Bode Ogunmola, who raised the alarm in Lokoja, the state capital, alleged that security reports reaching the party headquarters in the state indicated that strange youngsters had recently encamped in some communities to the utter discomfort of their hosts. According to him, the people, who are most prominent in Ajaokuta and Ijumu Local Government Areas, reside in nondescript hotels,

guest houses and in the forests. Ogunmola said, “They strut around the communities in small groups and clusters, moving around local pubs and bars, and have reportedly been found consuming prohibited substances, even as they have no defined mission. “Fears have been expressed that the set of new arrivals in Ajaokuta may not be unconnected with a terrorist sect fingered in the recent attack on the detention facilities of the Department of State Services (DSS), in Lokoja which was repelled by a coalition of security services.” But the APC had described the allegation as unfounded and an attempt by the ruling party to smear its image.

APC urges EFCC to investigate project loan diversion Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has threatened to write to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) over alleged plan by the Governor Seriake Dickson administration to divert N45 billion loan procured for the state airport project. According to the APC, the alleged plan to divert the N45 billion airport loan was being masterminded with the project contractor to tamper with the terms of the loan and remove the clause on the presentation of milestone certificate needed to access the fund. The APC, through the Director of Publicity for

the Sylva/Agiri campaign organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, said though the earlier alarm raised by the party was to the effect that Governor Seriake Dickson’s administration had planned to procure a N12.5 billion loan through the approval of the State House of Assembly, the recent disclosure on the N45billion loan diversion was a self confession from the PDP. But the chairman of the state media team of the Restoration Campaign Organisation of the Governor, Dan Kikile, dismissed the claim by the APC and declared that the PDP did not need to divert loan to fund its campaign, “we do not need any loan to fund our campaign.’’

oil production in the state. He also used the opportunity to laud the immediate past Flag Officer Commanding of the Central Naval Command for the leadership he provided as well as working tirelessly with other security agencies to keep the state safe and urged the new FOC to do same. The governor also assured the Federal Government that his administration would spare no effort in its partnership with security

agencies to sustain the war against oil theft and piracy as well as protecting the state from being used as a launching pad for insurgency. Meanwhile, traditional rulers from Epie kingdom has eulogied the efforts of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State for transforming the state capital; Yenagoa in less than four years in office, assuring him of their total support in his re-election bid. The traditional rulers and

council of chiefs led by the Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, King Malla Sasime said, in spite of the dwindling allocation from the Federation account, the governor has been able to impact on the lives of the people, not only in Yenagoa local government area but the state as a whole. With various developmental projects; completed and ongoing, the governor, according to the traditional ruler deserves another term of four years

in office. Barely six weeks to the Bayelsa State governorship election scheduled for December 5, 2015, a strong supporter and an aide to Governor Seriake Dickson, Barnabs Edure, has resigned his appointment. It was also gathered that some of the cabinet members were angry that the governor sidelined them in various committees constituted for his re-election campaigns.

Be politically alert, Amosun counsels new commissioners OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has advised newly sworn in commissioners and special advisers in the state to be politically alert to their environment and accord due respect to the political class. He also tasked the new political appointees to eschew graft and profligacy, warning that officials of the various anti-graft agencies were on the prowl as the government’s anti-corrup-

tion crusade is real. The governor gave the advice on Thursday, after administering the oath of office on 18 commissioners and special advisers at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta. He noted that the new commissioners should always be aware that “it was because we won an election that they were appointed as commissioners and special advisers. “You should know that

you are representing various interest groups and so accord the respect and attention due to politicians. If we didn’t win elections, none of us will be here and we should remember that we toil for this victory together with these our people.” Governor Amosun charged the new commissioners to “regard their appointments, out of a pool of equally well qualified people, as entirely a call to service.”

He further tasked the new political appointees that the new assignment must be carried out in consonance with the best practices. “You must be professional in your dealings, most especially in the area of proper administration and financial prudence. “You must be conscious and careful in your dealings and avoid any financial profligacy and/or impropriety that will put your name into disrepute,’’ he said.

news

Friday, 30 October, 2015

HID was a complete, non-tribalised woman —Oyo Speaker From Olayinka Olukoya, Olakunle Taiwo and Olawale Olaniyan

peaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Micheal Adeyemo, on Thursday, said there had been no replacement for Chief and Chief (Mrs) Obafemi Awolowo, because of their unflinching contributions to the country and immeasurable legacies they both left behind. Honourable Adeyemo made this remark when he led principal officers and other members of the House to the Awolowos’ residence in Ikenne, to condole with the family over the passage of Mama Awolowo. Speaking on behalf of other lawmakers, Adeyemi expressed joy that it was a rare privilege for him and his colleagues to sit in the same hallowed chamber the former premier of the Western Region once sat. “Papa and Mama passed through the hallowed chamber we are today. They are colossus. Their legacies are incomparable and we are yet to find a replacement for them. We will continue to promote their ideals of love, sharing and honesty,” he said. Describing Mama Awolowo further, he said “talking of Mama is like writing a book that has a beginning without an end. She is a complete woman, also a non-tribalised woman, because every tribe identified with her as a mother.” Responding, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, told the lawmakers that Papa Awolowo started his political journey at the hallowed chamber of the Oyo State House of Assembly. She noted that the duo of Papa and Mama Awolowo were inseparable, adding that there were so many things to learn from them. Oyediran said: “Theirs were lives of service, love, sacrifice and giving. We promise as a family to keep their legacies alive. The Nigerian Tribune stable is more of a child to Mama and as a family, we are promising to keep the flag flying.” Dr (Mrs) Tokunbo Dosumu Awolowo, however, urged them to continue where Papa Awolowo stopped. “Papa and Mama's exit should not be the end of an era and please, don't let it be. We all have a duty to make sure their era continues,” she noted. For the Anglican Christian Fellowship (ACF) Nigeria, Remo chapter,

Mama Awolowo was a pillar of support to the Anglican Diocese of Remo, especially in its time of crisis. The delegation, led by its national president, Mr Henshaw Adesoye and Mr

Oladipupo Orepitan, recalled the role of the diocesan mother in ensuring a one indivisible Remo Diocese. In his short exhortation at a daily devotion

organised by the Remo Diocese, Reverend Canon S.A Odeleke, charged the gathering, which had in attendance Bishop Micheal Fape, to use their God-given glory in affecting lives of

others. The farewell service was conducted by the Sagamu Archdeaconry and the ACF, Remo chapter, in honour of Mama Awolowo. The Muslim Ummah of

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (fifth left); his wife, Olufunke (sixth left); Head of Service, Mr Sola Adeyemi and a cross section of the newly sworn in commissioners, at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Be prepared for worse economy, Bauchi gov warns APC govs Saliu Gbadamosi -Abuja WITH the continuous dwindling revenue accruable to the three tiers of government in the country, governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have been told to be on their toes, in order not to be caught napping as the Nigerian economy is going to grow worse. The warning was given on Thursday, by Bauchi State governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, at the opening ceremony of the PGF meeting, held at the Yankari Resort and Safari in Bauchi. Using the September allocation shared among the federal, state and local governments as a guide, the Bauchi State governor stated that the take for all was that September was indicative of the fact that the days and months ahead would be tough. Given this scenario, Abubakar enjoined his brother-governors in the progressives fold to find means of increasing their internally generated revenues (IGRs) to cushion the effects of dwindling federal allocation. According to him, doing

so was the only solution to the impending economic crisis, which he said would be a harbinger of things getting better in the country. Narrating what his state was doing in increasing its IGR, Abubakar informed that his administration had started learning from the Lagos and Kano experiences by understudying the two states’ template, with a view to improving Bauchi State’s economy. While expressing the hope that both Rivers and Akwa Ibom states would soon join the fold of PGF, Abubakar commended the founders of the Forum for their vision in bringing APC governors together under an umbrella, which he said would be a veritable vehicle that would engender the peer review among its members as well as an avenue for them to learn from each other. Declaring the meeting open, the Forum chairman and Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, declared that the meeting came at a time the country was going through a difficult economic moment, saying that the meeting would discuss critical national issues, including election tribunal judg-

ments, among others. “As you know, our nation is going through a moment of difficult economic downturn and we are just struggling to make sure that all is well. “What we are doing today is the management of the past. There is no need for you to be worried as citizens as President Muhammau Buhari is a man of integrity and has all it takes to make things in Nigeria right,” Okorocha said. Okorocha stated that APC governors, who were in the minority during the last dispensation, carefully founded the PGF with a view to working towards creating an economic fulcrum for them to operate on in improving the lives of the people of their respective states, expressing happiness that the governors were now in the majority. According to the Forum chairman, the APC was a masses-oriented party, adding that the ordinary Nigerian was key to the programme of the ruling party. He, however, commended the judiciary for its verdicts on the April 11 governorship elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, declaring that the judgment of the tribunals were in line with the wishes of the

people. “We will also review the cases going on at the tribunals. I will first of all commend the judiciary for what took place in Rivers and Akwa Ibom because Nigerians were expecting the outcome of those tribunal decisions. And these were in line with the wishes of the people,” he declared. Okorocha added that the Forum meeting would also discuss the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states, adding that the progressive governors would hold discussions with the leadership of the party with a view to strengthening the ruling APC. Governors of Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Plateau, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kwara and Kebbi were present at the meeting, while the deputy governors of Adamawa, Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Katsina, Ogun and Benue represented their principals. Also in attendance at the meeting, the first to be hosted by the Bauchi State government, were APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the party standardbearer in the next month’s Kogi State governorship election, Prince Abubakar Audu, among others.

South-West Nigeria was also part of the visitors who thronged the Awolowos’ home. Leading the pack were MUSWEN president, Chief (Dr) Zakariyau Babalola, the Executive Secretary/ CEO, Professor Dawdu Noibi and Chief Idowu Sofola. Others were the national president of the National Council of Muslims Youth Organisation, Alhaji Kamalddin Akintunde, representatives of Muslim communities from Ekiti and Osun states, respectively, Dr Ogunlaye, Professor Muib Opeloye and the Iya Adinni of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola. In her own remarks, national president of the National Council of Women Societies, Nigeria, SouthWest, Professor Adetowun Ogunsheye, said Mama Awolowo's contribution to the development of the country in the business, academic, church and the society cannot be overemphasised. On the entourage were the national vice president of the society, Chief (Mrs) Laraba Soda and leaders of the society from the Sagamu zone. The Fountain of Hope Society 30G, Reverend Mellor Methodist Church, Nigeria, led by its president, Chief Jas Adekunle, described Mama as a true African nationalist, whose place in the history of Nigeria and Africa is assured “because she positively touched peoples' lives in so many ways.” The Ogo Yoruba Unity Initiative also joined other guests to extol the many virtues of Mama Awolowo. HID made me who I am today —Isama THE imporatance of education has, once again, been stressed by one of the retired generals of the Nigerian Army, General Alabi Isama. General Isama, while signing the condolence register of Mama HID Awolowo, at the Tribune headquarters in Ibadan, said his being educated and the attainment of his rank today in the Nigerian Army, was as a result of Mama Awolowo’s insistence that he attended school, adding that he was immensely grateful to have been advised to get formal education. He wrote: “Mama, thank you. I went to school just like you advised many of us and today, we are great people in the country. Thank you, RIP in Jesus name.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

arewa

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

Offa union cries out over deplorable roads Biola Azeez - Ilorin

Some cattle on the grazing field Isaac Shobayo - Jos

S part of the move to tame the insecurity occasioned by cattle rustling in Southern part of Plateau State, youths in Langtang South and North Local Governments of the state have resolved to end cattle rustling as a way of promoting peaceful existence between the Fulani herdsmen and natives of the two local government areas. The two local government areas in recent times have experienced series of crises between the natives, Tarok, and the Fulani herdsmen as a result of counter allegations of cattle rustling on both sides while quite a lot of people have lost their lives to the hostilities. Youth leader in Langtang South, John Zingko, said this when the Plateau Assembly Special Committee on security met with elders, youths and other relevant stakeholders from the area. Zingko said relative peace had returned to the locality, but that cattle rustling had remained a persisting problem that mainly caused the attacks and counterattacks between the Fulani and the native Taroks.

Insecurity: Plateau youths vow to end cattle rustling

He explained that in most cases, crops on farmlands of the natives were always destroyed by cattle, adding that the natives felt the best way to retaliate was to rustle the cattle of the Fulanis. ‘’We the youths in this locality have agreed to put a total end to cattle rustling because we believe if that is stopped, peace will be achieved. So, enough is enough

to cattle rustling and wanton destruction of farmlands, lives and properties,’’ he said. According to the youth leader, another major cause of the myraids of insecurity in the area is the absence of paramount ruler, as with substantive traditional institution, on ground, saying if there was a ruler, most of the problems experienced would not have lingered.

Jos inland container depot to commence operation soon Isaac Shobayo - Jos AFTER years of expectations and promises, Jos Inland Container Depot, expected to serve both local and international markets of perishable agricultural produce, will soon commence operations to meet the need of importers and exporters within the North Central geo-political zone. This is even as the management of DUNCAN Maritime ventures, the

concessionaires company handling the project, has expressed its preparedness to do everything possible to see that the project was completed as soon as possible. The North East Coordinator, Nigerian Shipppers Council, Mr Bali Kparbong and Acting Project Manager, DUNCAN International Inland Container Dry Port Ltd, Mr Nenfort Gonchen, who disclosed this in Jos, Plateau State during a

Senator Sani to empower 3,400 women Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

THE Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone, Comrade Shehu Sani, has launched a programme to empower three thousand four hundred (3400) women in his District. Addressing newsmen shortly after launching the programme at his Tudun Wada office recently, Senator Sani said about eighty million naira had been earmarked for the project. He said the programme was targeted at benefitting three thousand four hundred (3400) women from seven local government areas of the district. According to him, “it is part of the constituency project for Ka-

‘’We believe if we have a paramount ruler here and more districts created, some of these problems will naturally take care of themselves because he can always call on the warring parties for peaceful resolutions. The various district heads will also serve as extra eyes who will be checking the activities of the people and reporting back to the paramount ruler,’’ he said.

Senator Sani duna Central that I have embarked upon and it consists of areas that will directly affect the lives of our people. “It is an intervention in education, in health, in empowerment, in skills acquisition, in trades, in sports and recreation.

“It is an intervention to alleviate the sufferings of the masses of the people and to also give them an opportunity to foster their skills. “This is one of the so many programmes that I have as a Senator; it is very clear to me that many of our women within this very constituency have been unable to address some of their basic needs in terms of educating their children, paying their rents and also taking care of their families. “So by giving them this opportunity and also evolving some policy by giving them soft grants, they will be able to take off from there and I can say that this is my own personal intervention to address the problem of poverty in our society.”

tour of the facilities at the depot in Heipang, Barki Ladi Local Government Area of the state, said that the project, when completed, was expected to make Nigeria not only self sufficient in fresh agricultural produce, but a leading exporter of the produce. Expressing their commitment to ensuring that the operations of the inland container depot came on stream, Kparbong said: “ There was a problem with the previous government regarding the project. But I think there is a head way now because we are making fresh arrangement for the project to take off. So, I can assure you that there is good hope for Plateau State and indeed Nigerians because the dream of realising the project is on course” Arewa findings revealed that efforts by the authorities concerned to bring the depot on stream and make it meet the need of people of the geo political zone in the past six years were often frustrated by unnecessary bureaucratic procedures and lack commitment. Piqued by the slow pace of work at the site, Arewa learnt that the Chief of Staff to Governor Simon Lalong,Mr John recently led a delegation to the site of container depot for acessment with the aim of facilitating the completion of the project within a reasonable period of time.

THE Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU), a socio-cultural organisation of indigenes of Offa town in Kwara State, has cried out over deplorable condition of roads leading to the ancient town. Speaking with journalists in Offa during activities marking the 80th anniversary of the ODU, the secretary general of the group, Chief (Mrs) Wosilat Mccarthy, urged the Federal Government to release fund for the rehabilitation of the six kilometre road to ameliorate the suffering of the vehicle owners plying the road. The ODU chieftain, who said that the people were concerned about the present condition of the road, added that business owners had suffered losses resulting from damage and destruction of their goods and vehicles, especially when rain fell. The organisation, which commended efforts of the state government at rehabilitating the roads in the past, said that several letters of appeal had been written to the concerned authorities over the nagging problem. Speaking on the high level of insecurity situation in the ancient town, characterised by armed robbery and kidnapping, Mrs McCarthy blamed the situation on modernity in the ancient town. She, however, said that the people were determined to halt the trend, adding that six security patrol vehicles were provided through communal efforts of indigenes and traditional ruler of the town last year as a demonstration of readiness to combat the challenge. She also said that security and law enforcement agencies had been deployed to the town to limit interference of the hoodlums, adding that men of the Neighbourhood Watch and local hunters were complementing their roles to ensure protection of lives and property in the town.

CREW

Sabiu Muhammed - Kaduna 08067698878 mohsabiu@yahoo.com Isaac Shobayo - Jos 08037032359 shobayo.isaac@gmail.com Biola Azeez – Kwara State 08034276889 biolababes@gmail.com Saliu Gbadamosi – Bauchi 08052150868 ayebavi2001@yahoo.com Yinka Oladoyinbo —Lokoja 08033506541 James Bwala – Borno / Yobe 08069596659 jamesbwala97@gmail.com

Friday, 30 October, 2015

PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY

ZONAL CAMPAIGN RALLY & PRESENTATION OF FLAG TO CAPTAIN IDRIS ICHALLA WADA

His Excellency,

Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada, Executive Governor, Kogi State

PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC PARTY Kogi State

hereby welcomes the National Chairman, Members of the National Working Committee, State Governors and Party Chieftains to

The PDP Governorship Zonal Campaign Rally &

Presentation of Flag to

Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada, Kogi State Governor.

Date: Saturday, 31st October 2015. Venue: Ohinoyi Pavilion Okene, Kogi State Time: 10.00am. Come and witness the historic occasion.

Announcer Wada/Awoniyi Campaign Organization,

Friday, 30 October, 2015

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I, formerly Miss Anjous-Yinka Raliat Modupeola now MRS. ANJOUS-ALAO RALIAT MODUPEOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

I, formerly Miss Kazeem Afusat Titilola now MRS. GBADAMOSI AFUSAT TITILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinbileje Comfort Adewumi now MRS. OGIDAN COMFORT ADEWUMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adetunji Funke Florence or Adetunji Florence Funke now MRS. OMOLOLA FLORENCE FUNKE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State TESCOM and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Alonge Iyabo Olufunke now MRS. OGEDENGBE IYABO OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Akure and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Amanwachi Chioma now MARK NDUBUISI NNACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Tom Lucy MRS. FAASEMA FANYAM LUCY. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Agnes Eleojo Obaje Musa now ABUTU JOHN AGNES. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Urama Ekwutos Rosemary now DIYOKEUGWU ROSEMARY EKWUTOS. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Meri Augusta Veronica now CHIKEZIE AUGUSTA VERONICA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Daibatu Garba now DAIBATU UMAR SULEIMAN GONI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Womi Ubi Arikpo now MRS. WOMI ARIKO EBRI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Awoyera Oyindolapo Hellen now MRS. ADESINA OYINDOLAPO HELLEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Musili Kasheem now SULEMAN HASSAN MUSILI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Sumaila Aishat now MRS. ADAMJIDDAH AISHAT. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Binta Suleiman now UMARU BINTA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Omotola Grace Babalola now MRS. OMOTOLA GRACE FATOBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ramon Adijat Taiwo now MRS. AWOJOODU ADIJAT TAIWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adewoyin Christianah Omolara now PASTOR (MRS) JAMES CHRISTIANAH OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Fagbemile Folake now MRS. FAGBEMILE ELIZABETH KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Grace Motolani Bolanta now MRS. GRACE MOTOLANI SOMOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Idi Aisha Adamu now TANKO AISHA YAHAYA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ezeomeke Onyinye Lydia now MRS. UGWUAGBO ONYINYE LYDIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Dahunsi Folake Busayo Yetunde now MRS. ALADE FOLAKE BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ologun Esther Morenikeji now MRS. OWOKOLE ESTHER MORENIKEJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Koiki Ojooluwanbo Damilola am the same person as Koiki Omowunni Ojooluwanbo. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as KOIKI OMOWUNNI OJOOLUWANBO DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adejare Kehinde Adebimpe now MRS. SANNI KEHINDE ADEBIMPE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note

news

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Ibadan school protest: Teacher not

responsible for student’s death —NUT By Lanre Akinmoladun and Wale Olopade

HE Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, has denied the report that a teacher in a public secondary school in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, flogged a student to death. It was reported in the news on Thursday, that a student of IMG Secondary School, Oke Ado, Ibadan, was allegedly flogged to death by a teacher for arriving late to school. Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, chairman, Oyo State NUT, Comrade Waheed Olojede, said reports on the incident sent to the union indicated that the teacher did not flog the student, saying the deceased slumped immediately he rushed into his classroom. According to Comrade Olojede, the female teacher was in the class to take afternoon attendance as the class teacher, noting that “the student was marked present in the morning, but was not in class that afternoon,” he said. He said the report at his disposal indicated that the deceased rushed into the classroom in an attempt to be marked present, but slumped immediately he rushed into the classroom. According to him, neither did the teacher flog the student nor did the principal of the school direct the teacher to give the deceased corporal punishment. “The students themselves confirmed that the teacher did not flog the student, but that he slumped immediately he rushed into the classroom. “The principal made frantic

efforts to revive the boy but to no avail,” he said, adding that on their way to the hospital, the student gave up the ghost. “The NUT regrets the incident, because the boy could have been used by God to do great things in Nigeria,” he said. On why there was rampage by students of the school, the NUT chairman said it might be the students were emotionally triggered by the sudden death of one of them. Comrade Olojede also confirmed to the Nigerian Tribune that the principal and the teacher had been released by the police after interrogation. Nigerian Tribune also gathered that the principal and the teacher had also reported at the state’s teaching service commission. Also speaking on the event, Mr Kolapo Oladapo, Secretary, Ibadan South-West

Don’t engage in financial impropriety, Amosun charges new commissioners, others Olayinka Olukoya -Abeokuta

GOVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State on Thursday warned newly sworn-in members of the State Executive Council, to desist from any form of financial impropriety in the discharge of their duties. He gave the warning during the swearing-in ceremony of 18 commissioners and 20 Special Advisers at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. Amosun advised the appointees to key into the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari, in

Oyo govt to move out beggars By Wale Akinselure

HARD times await beggars in Oyo State, as the state Inter-religious/inter ethnic committee, on Thursday, resolved to move out beggars, as part of proactive measures to maintain peace and security in the state. Reading the communiqué at the end of the committee’s meeting, presided over by Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Alake Adeyemo, representative of the Muslim Committee, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, held that begging was antithetical to religious teachings and societal norms. He bemoaned that some beggars, despite not being disabled, had taken up begging as a professional calling contrary to religious teachings that every human

NUT, said: “the teacher did not flog the boy. The teacher was only in the class to take the afternoon attendance. It was unfortunate that the incident was not reported the way it happened. The students themselves also confirmed that the teacher did not flog the deceased.” When Nigerian Tribune got to the premises of the school on Thursday, a notice was pasted at the entrance to the school, apparently by the National Examinations Council (NECO), indicating that candidates allocated to the IMG Secondary School, Oke-Ado centre for the ongoing NECO examination, had been relocated to Onireke High School, Onireke, Ibadan. A parent of a candidate allocated to the centre, who spoke under condition of anonymity, also affirmed the development to the Nigerian Tribune.

being should have a means of livelihood. Sanni hinted that Oyo State had become a destination for beggars banned in Northern states like Kaduna.

turning around the fortune of the country, by being conscious of their dealings. He noted that Buhari’s government would not tolerate any form of corruption saying “the Buhari-led government has percolated down and the Eagle eyes of the anti-graft agencies are everywhere. You must be conscious and careful in your dealings and avoid any financial profligacy and/ or impropriety that will put your name in disrepute.” The commissioners included Chief Jide Ojuko (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Chief Muyiwa Oladipo (Culture and Tourism), Mr Bimbo Ashiru (Commerce and Industries), Mrs Ronke Sokefun (Agriculture), Mrs Modupe Mujota (Education, Science and Technology), Adenrele Adesina (Budget and Economic Planning), and Mr Adedayo Adeneye (Information and Strategy).

NOA calls for synergy between agency, media Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Dolapo Dosumu, has called for a synergy between the agency and the media for effective sensitisation and enlightenment of the society. Mrs Dosumu, who paid a courtesy visit to the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, said collaborating with the media and other related agencies,

would increase the level of sensitivity of the people in the society, particularly on issues that affect health and socio-economic matters. “We have been doing our best with the resources available to sensitise the people in the nooks and crannies of the state, and I am sure with the media coming on board as a partner in progress, we will be able to achieve more in making our people informed,” she said.

news Plateau PDP guber candidate, Pwajok, dies of cancer 41

Frisday, 30 October, 2015

•2 days after losing at tribunal From Taiwo Adisa, Isaac Shobayo, Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family and entire people of Plateau State were thrown into mourning on Thursday following the death of Senator Gyang Pwajok, the gubernatorial candidate of PDP in the April 2015 election, after a protracted illness. Also, two senior directors of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Jos, Plateau State, died on Wednesday as four others sustained injuries in a motor accident while on their way to Jos from Kaduna State. Pwajok’s death is coming less than 72 hours after the governorship election petition tribunal dismissed his petition against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Simon Lalong. Pwajok has dragged Lalong to the tribunal, claiming that the election was rigged in some local governments of the state. Indeed, his appeal, on the admissibility of the evidence of the forensic expert he relied on for possible victory, is pending before Supreme Court.

According to a family source, Senator Pwajok, fondly called GNS by friends, died on Wednesday in an Indian hospital at the age of 48. Pwajok took ill in May, and was therefore unable to join his colleagues in the valedictory session of the seventh Assembly. He was flown out immediately to a London hospital, and was subsequently transferred to India for a better medical care, where he eventually passed on. The family source said he died of a cancer-related illness, adding that arrangements are in top gear to return his remains to the country. Pwajok was a Director of Research, Planning and Documentations during the first term of the former Governor Jonah Jang, he later became the Chief of Staff to the administration of Jang during his second term in office. After the death of the late Senator Gyang Dantong who was killed in July 2012 while attending a mass burial in Barakin Ladi Local Government area of the state, Pwajok was fielded by the PDP to replace Dantong in the Senate and consequently won the by election.

Gunmen kill man in Rivers Uduakabasi Patrick - Port Harcourt

SOME gunmen on Thursday at the Ozuoba axis of Port Harcourt in ObioAkpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, reportedly killed a man, Mr Anthony Wede, (A.K.A) Atochi, at his residence. The gunmen, allegedly suspected to be armed robbers, were said to have stormed the deceased’s residence 12.00a.m. and carted away 32 inches television. A source told the Nigerian Tribune that the gunmen entered the deceased’s apartment through the window. Another source who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, Mr Chike Alekiri who is also the Community Development Committee Chairman of Ozuoba, said, “Around 12:00a.m., I was called that Atochi was shot by armed robbers that came to his house and has been rushed to the hospital. When we got there, the doctor confirmed to us that he has died.” When the Rivers State

Police Command was contacted through the Assistance Police Public Relations Officers, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, she said she had not been briefed on the issue, but that the police would swing into full investigation of the matter.

•2 NFC directors die in auto crash

He later won the gubernatorial primaries of the PDP and contested the last governorship election but lost to the incumbent governor, Simon Lalong. His Media Aide, Mr Chuwang Dung, also confirmed his death to the Nigerian Tribune, adding that the family would soon come up with the details of his death and burial. Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the PDP family nationwide, mourned the sudden death of the party’s flag bearer in the 2015 governorship election in Plateau State, Senator Pwajok. A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja, on Thursday, said the party was shocked to learn about the death of its former gubernatorial candidate in the last election in Plateau State. The statement said: “We are indeed shocked by the news of the loss of this strong, committed and outstanding party man, especially coming at the time when he was still pursuing justice on his deprived victory at the April 11 governorship election. “Senator Pwajok lived a patriotic citizen and a brilliant lawmaker who gave his all and discharged his responsibilities with unequalled forthrightness, loyalty and commitment to the development of his state and our dear fatherland in general.” Also, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has expressed shock over the

Malaria: NGO engages 220 volunteers in Maru LG Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) under the aegis of the President Malaria Initiative (PMI) has engaged 220 volunteers in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State to help the rural people on how to make use of the mosquito nets given to them free by the organisation. This was disclosed by the Co-ordinator of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) in the area, Isiyaku Saidu, while speaking with newsmen in Maru town, headquarters of Maru council area. He said thousands of nets were distributed to the people across the 12 wards that made up the council.

Nigerian Tribune

“We have volunteers in each of the wards that move from house to house to educate the people on the use of the mosquito nets in order to curtail the spread of malaria.” He said the Long Lasting Insecticide Net (LLIN) campaign was intended to prevent malaria by promoting proper and effective utilisation of the nets. Saidu remarked that the volunteers were equipped with tools to encourage recipients on how to use the nets before hang-up as well as how to take proper care of the nets. Meanwhile, the Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Chika, said distributing the nets free would prevent further spread of malaria.

demise of Senator Pwajok, saying “his death is a colossal loss to the state.” The governor in a statement signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Emmanuel Nanle, said the death of Senator Pwajok had robbed Plateau of the contribution of the senator, whose wealth of political and legislative experience would have added value in the bridge building project on the Plateau. Former governor of Plateau State, now senator representing Plateau North, Senator Jonah Jang, said the late Senator Pwajok died of complications from Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Senator Jang, in a statement, described the late senator as a detribalised man, adding that Senator Pwajok served his people through his sojourn in politics and his tenure in the Red Chamber by bringing

together different people, divergent views and ideologies with the sole aim of unifying all. “It is for this singular cause that he lived and flourished up to his exit. His greatest desire even in death is to see Plateau people and the nation at large become one unified, indivisible entity. Also, immediate past President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has described the death of Pwajok as huge loss. Mark, in a condolence message, made available in Abuja, said that news of the demise drew him to tears as he recalled Pwajok’s commitment and uncommon patriotism. Mark, in a condolence message signed on his behalf by his Media Aide, Paul Mumeh, lamented the demise of Senator Pwajok, who was a member of the Seventh Senate.

We must not fail Buhari on change agenda, Oyo-Ita tells perm secs Clement Idoko - Abuja

THE Acting Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, on Thursday unveiled her vision for the service with a passionate appeal to her colleagues in the body of Permanent Secretary to work collectively to retool and recreate the nation’s public service. She said as policy implementing organ of government, the civil service must not fail President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to deliver the goals of his change agenda to Nigerians who overwhelmingly elected him. Oyo-Ita spoke during her inaugural address delivered to an extra-ordinary service-wide meeting of the Federal Permanent Secretaries in Abuja. While expressing her renewed commitment to deepen the ongoing public service reforms, she vowed to rid the Civil Service of corruption, inefficiency and incompetence. She disclosed that there would be enhanced performance management and measurement with definite structure for reward and penalty for those who are excelling and those who have fallen short of the demands. She called on the top echelon of the Federal Civil Service to be arrowheads of this new vision. “The vision is to recreate the civil service, clench that image of incompetence, corrup-

tion, lack of sensitivity and inefficiency.” The Acting Head of Service acknowledged that the country is currently faced with enormous challenges that requires the Civil Service to be innovative and proactive by devising strategies and action plans that would assist the government in addressing these challenges.

According to him the former Senator exhibited a complete gentle man character while also displaying uncommon commitment and patriotism to the ideals of nationhood. In a related development, the film industry, especially the management and staff of Nigeria Film Corporation, Jos, has lost two of its senior directors, Director Human Resources, Mr J. B Olayisade and Director of Production Consultancy, Mr George Lawal, who died on Wednesday in a motor accident while returning from a meeting in Kaduna. Director of Media of the establishment, Mr Brian Etuk, who survived the accident, told the Nigerian Tribune from his hospital bed that the management of the NFC had gone to Kaduna on Monday for a meeting with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). According to him, they were on their way back to Jos, on Wednesday, when a tyre of the vehicle they were travelling burst and the car skidded off the road, adding that the two directors died while others sustained injuries. When the Nigerian Tribune visited the NFC in Jos, scores of people were trooping into the establishment to condole and sympathise with the state and management of the organisation.

BEEMC lecture holds Sunday THE bi-monthly lecture of the Bodija Estates and Environs Muslim Community (BEEMC) holds on Sunday at Bodija Islamic Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, at 11.00

a.m. The lecture, entitled, “Zakah: Why Muslims may remain beggars,” will be delivered by Dr Femi Abbas, an Islamic scholar and newspaper columnist.

HRM Oba Funso Omo-Ogunkoya joins his ancestors His Royal Majesty, Oba Funso Omo-Ogunkoya, JP, Afimolegbade-Tunwase 1, the Saderiren of Isoyin, Ijebu North East Local Government, Ogun State, has joined his ancestors on September 28, 2015.

According to a statement issued by Isoyin Community Development Association, the burial activities for the revered monarch have been scheduled to hold between November 27 and 28, in Isoyin.

2,438 bag NCE certificates in Ikere College Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

THE College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, at its 22nd convocation on Thursday awarded certificates to 2,438 National Certificate in Education (NCE) students that graduated for 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic sessions, at a ceremony. Also at the ceremony, 29

Post-Graduate Diploma students also graduated, with the Provost of the college, Professor Francisca Aladejana, advising graduates of the institution to fall back on the entrepreneurial skills acquired in the school to serve their employment needs. Aladejana also advised the graduates not to be discouraged if they could not get jobs on time.

news

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Appeal court throws out APC’s application in Rivers Sunday Ejike - Abuja

HE Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Thursday, dismissed an application by the Rivers State APC, asking the President of the Court, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, to constitute a new panel to hear the appeal that would flow from the judgment of the Justice Suleiman Ambrosa-led Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. The tribunal had, in a judgment delivered last week, sacked Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State and ordered the Independent Nation Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh governorship election in the state within 90 days. Arguing on the application, counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), urged the Court to disregard the application as it was tantamount to disqualifying itself from hearing the appeal for no just reason.

Tribunal declares PDP winner, annuls APC Rep victory in Nasarawa Ademola Adegbite - Lafia

THE National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, on Wednesday night, annulled the election of Honourable Saraki Dahiru-Maiyama of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency. While delivering his judgment, the chairman of the tribunal, Mr Peter Oboira, who declared the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Honourable Haruna Kigbu, as the authentic winner of March 28 elections, lamented that the cancelation of results and subsequent conducting a rerun election in Chiroma electoral ward by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was unlawful. The chairman affirmed that Kigbu had initially won the election conducted on March 28, 2015 and declared the rerun election conducted in the constituency by INEC on April 18, as illegal. According to him, “the declaration of Dahiru-Maiyama of APC as the winner of the election after the conduct of the rerun was also illegal and I thereby annul same.”

Wike’’s counsel, Mr Osima Ginah told the court that the application for the re-constitution of the Appeal Court Panel via a letter written by the Rivers State APC on October 28, 2015 and brought to the attention of the Court on Thursday, should be dismissed. In the same vein, the Court also expunged from Judicial records of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal

all the evidences against named and un-named security agents and named an un-named political thugs in the petition filed by Dakuku Peterside against Wike’s election. It will be recalled that the Rivers State APC had appealed an interlocutory ruling of the tribunal wherein, all the evidences against named and un-named security agents and named and un-named political thugs were struck out from

the records of the tribunal because the Rivers State APC failed to join the said security agents and political thugs in their petition. The tribunal, however, took into consideration the evidences against the security agents and alleged political thugs in their judgement, relying on them despite the earlier interlocutory ruling of the tribunal. Justice Datti Yahaya, who led Justice Tanim Yu-

suf and Justice Mustapha Mohammed on the panel, held that the evidences that were led against security agents and political thugs whether named and un-named in the course of the hearing of the petition filed by the Rivers State APC governorship candidate against the election of Governor Wike, where the said security agents and alleged political thugs were not joined as parties should be struck out.

President Muhammadu Buhari (fourth left); with other presidents, heads of state and leaders of delegation, at the third India-Africa Forum Summit, at the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex, New Delhi, India, on Thursday.

Supreme Court affirms Okorocha’s victory as Imo gov Sunday Ejike - Abuja

THE Supreme Court, on Thursday, dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 election in Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, challenging Rochas Okorocha’s election as governor of the state. The seven-man panel of the Supreme Court presided over by Justice John Fabiyi, held that Ihedioha’s appeal lacked merit. The apex court affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Owerri, which held that Ihedioha’s failure to properly serve Okorocha and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had robbed the Court of Appeal the jurisdiction to hear the case. The Supreme Court also held in the judgment that failure of the appellant to indicate the addresses of other respondents on the processes of the appeal was fatal to the case. Ihedioha, who is the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, had appealed against the ruling of

the Imo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered on July 22, 2015 which dismissed his petition on the grounds that it was incompetent. Dissatisfied with the decision of the tribunal, Ihedioha then rushed to the Court of Appeal which also, on September 3, 2015 dismissed

the appeal against the ruling of the Court of Appeal. He had further appealed to the Supreme Court which by its judgment, delivered on Thursday, effectively laid to rest contention about the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state. Ihedioha had told the tri-

bunal to declare him winner of the April 11 governorship election in Imo State or alternatively, cancel the entire exercise and conduct a fresh election on the grounds that the election that produced Okorocha was flawed by violence, intimidation, widespread malpractices and partisanship.

Rivers women protest nullification of Wike’s election Dapo Falade - Port Harcourt

Women trooped out in their hundreds on the streets of Port Harcourt, on Thursday, in protest against the nullification of the election of Chief Nyesom Wike as the state governor. The state Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, had, last Saturday, nullified the April governorship election on the ground that it did not comply with the Electoral Act. However, the women, mostly traders from various markets in the Port Harcourt metropolis and other parts of the state, staged a peaceful protest against the ruling of the tribunal. They marched from Aba

Road to the Government House, carrying placards with various inscriptions that captured their feelings about the recent political development in the state. The women said they needed peace in the state with Wike as the governor as they displayed the placards with such inscriptions as “Wike is the People’s choice,” “Ogu/Bolo is behind Wike,” “Cancellation of Wike’s election is not justice” and “On Wike, we stand.” Organising Secretary of the Rivers Market Women Association, Mrs Evelyn Nweke, said majority of the people in the state voted for Wike, adding the market women were not happy with the ruling of the tribu-

nal. Speaking with newsmen after the protest, Nweke, said while elections in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states were upheld by the court, elections in states where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held sway were cancelled. “Despite the ruling, we are happy that Governor Wike is still on seat in the Government House. We will not insult the judiciary. Every judge has the right to give whatever decision he likes, but God has the final say. “We are aware of how the Wike’s administration paid pensioners their pensions after they were owed for months by the immediate past administration.”

Nigerian Tribune

Don’t go for appeal, don advises Ladoja By Adewale Oshodi

THE immediate past chairman of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, has urged the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in the last election, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, not to appeal the verdict of the election tribunal saying it would continue to slow down governance in the state. Professor Olowofela, who spoke to journalists on the verdict of the election petition tribunal, said the ruling was a re-confirmation of the people’s mandate for Governor Ajimobi’s excellent performance during his first term. Olowofela, a professor of Geophysics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State said if the petitioner goes to the Appeal Court, enormous time and resources would be devoted to the legal case. “The governor needs maximum concentration at this point in time, in order for him to provide the dividends of democracy to the people of the state who voted for him enmasse.”

‘My victory at tribunal, affirmation of my electoral victory’ A member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ido State Constituency, Honourable Safiu Olalere, has described the verdict of the tribunal that upheld his election as an affirmation of the mandate given to him by the people of the area in the last general elections. Olalere made the declaration shortly after the state House of Assembly elections’ petition tribunal sitting in Ibadan, declared him the authentic winner of the April 11 election, on Wednesday. Earlier, the Accord Party candidate, Mr Babatunde Akintunde had dragged Olalere before the tribunal, praying to the court to nullify the election of the former, on the allegations of massive rigging, irregularities and non-compliance with the electoral law. Akintunde also urged the tribunal to order a fresh election in the areas due to the allegations he brought before the court, saying the APC candidate declared by the INEC after the April 11 election did not meet the requirements for state assembly seat.

news Sylva’s running mate’s 100- yr-old mother abducted 43

Austin Ebipade - Yenagoa OROPA Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has come under tension, sequel to the abduction of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Madam Ebifegha Dikuro, at the early hours of Thursday. The victim, Madam Ebifegha Dikuro is 100 years old. The incident has left both Chief Timipre Sylva and his running mate, Wilberforce Igiri in confusion, particularly because of her state of health and the trauma she would undergo in the hands of her abductors. The centenarian was reportedly kidnapped by some unidentified gunmen in three speed boats, at about 1.a.m on Thursday, at her community in Foropa community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Council of the state The spokesman of the state Police Command, Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, said the details were still sketchy, as investigation was ongoing. The abduction of the centenarian, on Thursday, had sparked off claims and counter claims between the campaign organisations of the Chief Timipre Sylva and Governor Seriake Dickson. While the director of publicity of the Sylva/Agiri campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, attributed the abduction of the centenarian to the alleged violent campaign embarked upon by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and the state governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson. The PDP, through the chairman of the Bayelsa Media Team, Mr Esueme Dan Kikile, said though the abduction of the centenarian is condemnable, the claims by the APC is unfounded and baseless. According to Nathan Egba, ”we call on the PDP, particularly the governorship candidate,

Friday, 30 October, 2015

to lower the political temperature in the state and lead by example as he seems to be preaching violence and insulting the APC leaders in all public events. “The kidnap of the aged

mother of the APC running mate is only the latest in a rash cases of kidnapping and sea piracy that have apparently overwhelmed the security agencies in the state. Recall that last year,

the uncle and guardian of our governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, also died in the hands of the kidnappers. Yet, Governor Dickson kept shouting about peace and security.”

Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on arrival from holy pilgrimage to Israel, appealing to the protesting commercial vehicle operators who made bonfire on the Akure-Ikere road, at Iju/Itaogbolu, over the shooting of one of their members by the police, on Thursday.

Gunmen abduct matron in Ondo rubber company Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure GUNMEN suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a matron of the Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited, Araromi Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mrs Unulkiere Eralkhuemen. The kidnappers numbering about five invaded the community and dragged their victim, who was on her way to church, into their car and zoomed off. The abductors of Eralkhuemen, however, had contacted members of her family and the management of the rubber company, demanding for a ransom of N35 million to secure the release of the 53-year-old woman. A source within the rubber plantation company, disclosed that all efforts by the management of the company where the victim works, and her family to reduce the ransom, were turned down by the kidnappers. He said the incident had been reported to the police

station in the area, adding that security operatives had been trying to locate the hideout of the kidnap syndicate without positive result. “The kidnappers have turned down all the offers sfrom the management of the company to reduce the ransom. The woman is one of our best staff here and has been with the company for a very long time. We pray they release the woman on time,” he said. Confirming the abduction, the Managing Direc-

tor of the company, Mr Eric Hocepied explained that the abductors were demanding for N35 million as ransom to buy the freedom of the company’s matron. He frowned on the rate of kidnapping in the state, calling on the relevant authorities to find a lasting solution to the menace in the state, saying: “they have turned kidnapping to money-spinning venture in the state and other parts of the country. A Belgian, Mr Hocepied

EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said the state will further explore agricultural opportunities which he said he discovered during his recent pilgrimage to Israel. The governor made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen after arriving from Israel.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, quoted the governor to have said: “My trip to Israel was both religious and economic. We went there to pray for Ekiti State and Nigeria. There were other state governors from Benue, Plateau and even the Speaker of the House of Representatives was there. “By God’s grace, our state

said the company would continue with negotiation with the kidnappers to ensure the release of the company’s matron. The state Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the development, adding that his men from the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad were on the trail of the kidnappers. Joseph assured that the woman would be rescued by his men soon, with a pledge to also bring the perpetrators to book.

LG chairman, 10 others arrested, remanded for stoning Gov Al- Makura CHAIRMAN of Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Mr Yusuf Aliyu Turaki, along with his stooges have been arrested, charged to court and remanded in prison for allegedly stoning and lampooning the state governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, during the latter’s visit to the area.

Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that the incident, which happened during the governor’s inspection and assessment of ongoing construction of modern hospital and the level of damages caused by downpour in the area, left two of his aides wounded as a result of attack. It was gathered that the governor, who visited the

will experience great rebirth in all ramifications. I will use the fresh anointing from God to pray for our dear state. The agricultural opportunities we found out in Israel, we will further explore to bring the sector back to the forefront,” he said. Commenting on the revelation by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara,

that he prayed for him to become the speaker, Fayose said all the glory belongs to God. “Yes, he came and we prayed. God can use anybody. But all the glory belongs to God. Those trying to twist what happened for political reason, that is their own cup of tea. As far as I am concerned, God can use anybody for His glory,” he said.

Ademola Adegbite- Lafia

Ekiti to explore agric opportunities with Israel —Fayose Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

In his reaction, Kikile said the Dickson government, had in the past, raised the alarm over the increase in violent crimes in the state, due to alleged activities of the APC.

local government area in an helicopter, ran into angry youths, who had been allegedly mobilised by the embattled chairman, to descend on him and his entourage whenever his aircraft touch down. Government source told the Nigerian Tribune that the council boss was apprehended after one of the suspects arrested earlier, indicted him that the latter mobilised them for the unwholesome act. When contacted on phone in Lafia, the state capital, on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ismaila Numan, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) confirmed the arrest of 11 persons from the area, but declined comment on the personality of the council chairman, adding that all the suspects had been charged to court.

Nigerian Tribune

Community Grammar School, Gbekuba, Apata, clocks 10 COMMUNITY Grammar School, Gbekuba, Apata, Ibadan, on October 19, began a weeklong programme of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the school. The event chaired by the Registrar of the Federal College of Animal Health Production, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Reverend Tope David, started with a football match between the school and Community Grammar School, Idi-Ishin. The school’s principal, Mrs M.O.Kuti took the kick off of the friendly match. Arbour Day held on October 20 when trees were planted round the school premises while a discourse entitled: “Scope in Arts, Science and Commercial” was delivered on October 21. Quiz competition between Community Grammar School, Gbekuba and other neighbouring schools came up on October 22. Traditional and cultural day encompassing all aspects of our culture was observed on the fifth day while the guest speaker on the occasion, was Dr Mubo Aderibigbe of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The grand finale came up on the sixth day when the maiden edition of the school’s magazine was launched, with awards given to Mr Odekunle B.T, Deaconess Adedeji, Mr Oladejo Alao, Mr Olajobi Akinrinsola and Pastor S.O Oladele. Dr Mrs Ogunleke of the Federal College of Animal Health Production, Ibadan and other dignitaries graced the occasion, just as the principal, Mrs Kuti expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration of the anniversary.

Great Ife alumni dinner/award night holds today GREAT Ife Alumni Association, Ibadan branch will today converge on Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan for the annual Dinner and Award Night of the association. The annual event which will have in attendance Alumni of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, will feature a speech on “Nigeria: A Nation in a Flux” to be delivered by Professor Olusola Akinriande. Members of the association who had distinguished themselves in their professions will be celebrated at the event, while awards will be presented to others in recognition of their contribution to national development. Alumni across different walks of life are expected to grace the occasion.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

China drops 35-year one-child policy

hina’s ruling Communist Party has decided to abolish the country’s one-child policy and allow all couples to have two children, the official Xinhua News Agency said. It cited a communique issued by the ruling Communist Party on Thursday after a four-day meeting in Beijing to chart the course of the nation over the next five years. China is “abandoning its decades-long one-child policy”, Xinhua reported. The restriction was introduced in 1980 as a way to curb the population and limit demands for water and other resources. Roderic Wye, associate fellow at Chatham House’s Asia Programme, told Al Jazeera: “The importance is not so much democratic, but in the lifting of a highly restricted and coercive policy. “It’s going to be 20 years before it has a significant impact on the working population.” The controversial policy restricted most couples to only a single offspring, and for years authorities argued that it was a key contributor to China’s economic boom. But after years of strict, sometimes brutal enforcement by a dedicated government commission, China’s population - the world’s largest - is now ageing rapidly, gender imbalances are severe, and

its workforce is shrinking. The concerns led to limited reforms in 2013, including allowing a second child for

some couples in urban areas, but relatively few have taken up the opportunity. Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride,

A Chinese mother carrying her child raise the country’s flag. PHOTO: REUTERS.

reporting from Beijing, said the one-child policy was no longer viable for the country. “China needs more people joining the workforce, so there is the economic aspect looking further ahead that China needs to have larger families. “This was one of the widely anticipated measures that was expected from the fiveyear plan and I think it will be broadly welcomed. The one-child policy is an unpopular measure here in china. We have seen children growing up in isolation because of it,” our correspondent said.

Republican Paul Ryan elected US House speaker • Promises to fix broken US House

Newly elected United States House Speaker Paul Ryan, on Thursday promised to sweep away Republican Party differences and repair a “broken” House of Representatives by returning legislative power to committees and rank-andfile members,. Reuters reported that Ryan won 236 votes among the chamber’s 247 Republicans to be elected speaker, abandoned by only a handful of conservatives who mounted repeated revolts that pushed out his predecessor, John Boehner, who retired. Ryan said in a speech after the vote that infighting in the Republican-majority House had been counterproductive and added to the

legislative gridlock in Washington. “We’re not solving problems, we’re adding to them and I am not interested in laying blame,” Ryan said. “We are not settling scores, we are wiping the slate clean,”

Right-wing political leaders and groups have called for Israel to exercise control over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as the Israeli government takes harsh measures to quell ongoing Palestinian unrest. Returning to the Mount, a hardline right-wing Zionist organisation, announced this week that it would pay 2,000 shekels ($516) to Jewish-Israelis detained while praying at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the third holiest site for Muslims. Jewish groups refer to the site as the Temple Mount and

otherNEWS

the Chadema party, rejected official results, accusing the election body of falsifying tallies. “We refuse to accept this attempt to rob the citizens of Tanzania of their democratic rights, which is being done by the National Electoral Commission by announcing results which are not the actual results and that are intended to take away our victory,” said Lowas-

The Republican presidential candidates have clashed over tax plans during the party’s third presidential debate, with front-runner, Ben Carson, defending his Bible-inspired proposals, Al Jazeera reported. Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, said his plan, which is based on religious tithing principles, would get rid of deductions and loopholes and constitute a flat rate of about 15 per cent that would be sufficient to fund

pean Parliament Martin Schulz announced the selection Thursday, saying Badawi’s sentence is “a kind of torture” and “one of the most cruel sentences possible” in Saudi Arabia. He said he had spoken with the King of Saudi Arabia to ask him to pardon

Ben Carson

Key Syria players seek path out of war

Tanzania’s main opposition candidate, Edward Lowassa

Major backers of Syria’s warring rivals will seek to narrow divisions over the future of the country and its embattled President Bashar al-Assad. The United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and

sa. He claimed that his party’s own count gave him victory with 62 percent of the vote.

Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinians, including one who stabbed a soldier, the latest in

Badawi and to release him so he can travel to Strasbourg in December to accept his prize. According to VOA, Badawi was arrested in 2012 after founding a website that served as an online platform for political and religious debate.

a sharply reduced government. “Remember, we have 645 federal agencies and subagencies. Anybody who tells me that we need every penny in every one of those is in a fantasy world,” Carson said. Businessman Donald Trump largely refrained from personal attacks on his rivals, which has been a signature of his campaign, even taking a light touch with Carson.

Donald Trump

Iran will meet in Vienna today, Friday, with the aim of achieving a political settlement to help end the Syrian war, Al Jazeera said. The group met for the first time one week earlier, without an Iranian delega-

tion. Representatives from Britain, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, the European Union, and possibly other Arab states, were also expected to attend.

2 Palestinians killed in West Bank stabbings

Saudi blogger Raif Badawi wins human rights prize The European Parliament has awarded its annual Sakharov Prize for human rights to Raif Badawi, a Saudi Arabian blogger sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for insulting Muslim clerics. President of the Euro-

their increased incursions into the mosque compound have triggered Palestinian protests across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Although formally banned from praying there, Israeli activists enjoy police escort when they venture into the compound. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 2 on Tuesday, Raphael Morris, head of Returning to the Mount, accused the Israeli government of imposing “ruthless restrictions” on Jewish Israelis.

US Republican presidential hopefuls clash over tax plans

Newly elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Paul Ryanm, wields the speaker’s gavel for the first time on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Thursday. PHOTO: REUTERS.

Opposition kicks as Tanzania ruling party candidate wins presidential vote Tanzania’s ruling party candidate won presidential elections with over 50 percent of the votes, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) said. John Pombe Magufuli of the long-ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party was elected with 58.46 percent of the votes, the NEC announced on Thursday. Tanzania’s main opposition candidate, Edward Lowassa of

Ryan added to applause. Ryan said the House would tackle tough issues, including reducing budget deficits and reforming taxes, saying this would help raise incomes and bring people out of poverty.

Israeli rightists push for takeover of Al-Aqsa compound

Israeli soldiers carry the body of a Palestinian, shot by an Israeli policeman, in the West Bank, on Thursday. PHOTO: REUTERS.

a string of clashes in the volatile and divided West Bank city of Hebron. The VOA reported that while protests and attacks in Jerusalem have eased, tensions have flared in Hebron, where near-daily clashes pit youths against Israeli soldiers enforcing the decades-long occupation of the West Bank and the presence of Israeli settlers has kept tempers hot.

In one attack on Thursday, a 23-year-old Palestinian man stabbed and lightly wounded an Israeli border guard near a shrine in Hebron known to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs and to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque. The man then attempted to stab another security officer before Israeli forces shot and killed him.

communitynews Ila-Orangun vows to resist plan to merge college

Oluwole Ige-Osogbo

he entire Ila-Orangun community and students of Osun State College of Education, Ila have vowed to resist the alleged plan by the state government to merge the institution with Osun State College of Education, Ilesa. Addressing a press conference in the community, the secretary of Ila-Orangun Action Council, Prince Yemi Adeoye, said, “we will kick against such development, bearing in mind the socioeconomic importance of

Friday, 30 October, 2015

the college to the entire Ila town.” He maintained that “our community’s attention has been drawn to the systematic process of reducing the present 28 academic programmes in the state College of Education,Ila-Orangun to just two through restructuring.” According to Adeoye, “the strength of this incredible information that has been making the round in the last couple of days that Osun State government has perfected plan and arranged a framework to obliterate Osun State College of

Education, Ila-Orangun by subsuming it into Osun State College of Education, Ilesa in the name of restructuring and rationalisation of tertiary institutions in the state has become a source of anxiety.” He continued, “without mincing words, the information has sent shock waves to the stool of Ojulowo Omo Oodua, the Orangun of Ila. It has also sent grief to the faces of the entire Ila-Orangun sons and daughters and all residents of Ila-Orangun. “We want to categorically state that the information is more than a rumour. Ila

people are aware that a serious plan is underway to relegate Osun State College of Education to a mere continuous education centre. God forbid! Ila people say no to that bid and describe it as sheer marginalisation.” Adeoye further emphasised that the college as of today, is the only viable institution in Ila-Orangun and its environs, stressing that the “status quo should please be allowed to remain. This is very important because of posterity and generations yet unborn.” Reacting to the development, the Director, Bureau of

A pupil of Elewura Community Primary School, receiving notebooks donated by Honourable Saheed Fijabi, representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives. Photo: Olawale Olaniyan.

Traditionalists want inclusion in governance Traditionalists have said that their integration into the scheme of governance would further enhance the peace, stability and advancement of the country. This assertion was made by the Chairman, Executive Working Committee of the Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council (ARSADICT), Chief Ifagbenusola Atanda, while addressing newsmen after a meeting at Ile Oduduwa, Ile-Ife, on Saturday. Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Atanda, who is also the Asiwaju Awo Agbaye, described the role of traditionalists in any given society as second to none. He said: “We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria in this era of change, to give due recognition to traditionalists. We must quickly state that Nigeria is a complex nation of diverse groups of peoples and cultures, therefore, there would

be more than one ancient religion in existence. This is similar to the South Africa and Ghana experience. “Religion is an important instrument for the development of any nation and its people if properly harnessed and not exploited for personal benefits. Successful nations of the world have given recognition to all notable religions and that is why we are agitating for our inclusion in governance.” On a insurgency, the group said if integrated into governance, it will put an end to Boko Haram in a few weeks. “The group has solution to the Boko Haram insurgency that has been the bane of peace and security in the North-East. “If President Muhammadu Buhari must win the ongoing battle against insurgency and terrorism, he must adopt a traditional and spiritual means of fighting them. “When a conventional

method fails in a battle, spiritual and traditional methods have to be adopted and that is where traditional powers come in,” Chief Atanda added.

The group, however, recommended that political office holders should take the oath of office using the names of deities like Ogun and Sango.

Communication and Strategy to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, said there was no plan to relocate or merge any tertiary institution. “What government is doing is to reposition and reenergise the institutions towards meeting modern and current needs of the society

Govts should support traditional festivals—Olukoyi The Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Home Affairs, Tourism & Culture, Mrs Olajumoke Bello, has reiterated the support of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led administration to the promotion of cultural and traditional activities in the state. The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director, Field, Research & Documentation in the ministry, Mrs Abiola Kolawole, at this year’s Osun-Ikoyi Festival, described the governor as a man with spirit of love for culture and tradition. According to her, the state government will not relent in its efforts to turn around the fortune of the state in which the promotion of cultural and traditional activities is inclusive. In his message, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi land, Oba Yisau Bantale Otunla-Kodaolu 1, called on government at all levels to always support traditional festivals. According to him, government at all levels have a lot to gain from cultural promotion. He further said: “I want to call on states and local governments across the SouthWest to provide funds for monarchs to celebrate the traditional festivals of their people. “This will not only engender peace and unity among the people, it will also go

Fijabi donates notebooks to students by olawale olaniyan

In fulfilling his electioneering campaign, a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, on Monday, distributed materials to the schools in his constituency. The lawmaker, who represents Ibadan SouthWest/North-West Federal Constituency in Oyo State, distributed notebooks to pupils of Elewura Community Primary School, Elewura, UMC Demonstrated School, Molete, Eleyele High School, among others. The lawmaker, who was

represented by Honourable Monsuru Lukman at the presentation, disclosed that it is part of the promises made by the legislator. He said Fijabi will still cover other schools in his constituency, adding that the notebooks will improve ducational standards in the area. According to him, “Honourable Fijabi has been representing his constituency well . He has also pledged to execute more people-oriented programmes that can help the students and youth of his area. Speaking on behalf of her

in terms of human capital development. Host communities such as Ila will soon find the colleges in their domains to be more result-oriented with greater capacities to contribute to the host communities with the intended reforms. There is no merger,” he explained.

students, the headmistress of Elewura Community Primary School, Mrs Adefunke Balogun, thanked the lawmaker for fulfilling his promises and for the gift to them, saying the pupils will make use of it just as she said God will endow him with the grace to do more. Also speaking, a community leader in Elewura, Pastor Babatunde Salami, said it was rare for politicians to look back and help their communities but that the character of Honourable Fijabi had showed that he’s a man of integrity and honour.

a long way to improve the economic development of these communities as the festivals would attract both local and foreign tourists who would come to spend money that would help lift the local economy.” Oba Otunla, who used the medium to commend the Governor Aregbesolaled administration for promoting cultural activities in the state, said celebrating Osun-Ikoyi Festival was a way of honouring the founder of the ancient town and to pray for the people and the town as a whole. The Olukoyi, however, commended residents of the community for maintaining peace and order all the times.

Atikori donates patrol van to security agents Atikori community in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State has launched a patrol van to complement the efforts of the police in combatgin crime in the community. The Keegbo of Atikori, Oba Ibitoye Solaja, made the disclosure while addresssing newsmen. He said the van will patrol Atikori community and environs only, by security agents, to curb criminal activities in the area. Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Atikori Community Development Council, Chief Ogunyemi, stressed that there could be no peace where there is no security. While calling on the people to give their support to security agents, Ogunyemi noted that apart from the fact that the project will bring development, it will also engender peace in the community. He further charged members of the community to the pay their security fees as and when due.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

occasions

featurestribune@yahoo.com 081 118 450 48

Family, friends celebrate Onayoade @ 50

anya Johnson Onayoade recently threw a lavish party to celebrate his attainment of the golden age. He lived up to his promise to celebrate long ago and to give God all the glory. Sanyoyo, as he is fondly called, is seasoned journalist, Media and Brand consultant and public relations practitioner and worked with the punch, Guardian and, many other companies. The event, which held at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos, was attended by several dignitaries including the former Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, and her husband, Dr. Felix Obada, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, former Minister of External Affairs, Gen. Ike Nwachuwku, former Managing Director of Tribune and President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, former House of Reps Member and wife of Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Chief (Mrs.) Biola Babatope, President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Remi Bello, President of Lagos Country Club, Chief Kayode Moradeyo as well as past presidents of the club, and Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Mr. Wale Aboderin. In her speech, the chairman of the occasion, Erelu Olusola Obada extolled the virtues of the celebrant, saying he is a diligent and honest Nigerian, adding that he is a true leader Nigeria needs. She acknowledged his journalism ca-

reer, saying his hard work should be emulated by today’s journalists.

Other speakers including Gen. Nwachukwu spoke in similar vein, saying his

attitude to life and forthrightness were worthy of emulation.

1. The celebrant Sanya Onayoade, his wife Ese and children (left to right) Tomitan, Fela and Tara. 2. Former Minister of State Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada (second left), her husband Otunba Felix Obada and the former Minister for External Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu with the celebrant, Sanya Onayoade and his wife, Ese. 3. From left, The celebrant Sanya Onayoade with the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, CEO of Magnate Communication Mr. Aliu Mohammed and Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Mr. Wale Aboderin. 4. From left, Communication Manager of Shell, Mr. Gbenga Odugbesan and the Director of Communication in the State of Osun, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon with the celebrant, Sanya Onayoade.

IGR: Assembly commends Ijebu North East LG By Taiwo Olanrewaju

Monday, October 12, 2015 would remain memorable in the history of Ijebu North East Local Government. That was the day the Ogun State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs went on an assessment tour of the council and gave it kudos for a job well done. Led by the chairman, Honourable Samuel Olusola Sonuga, the committee commended the Local Government Transition Committee chairman, Lord Banjou Deola-Tayo, especially on the improved internally generated revenue (IGR) of the council and urged him to keep it up. Lord Banjou, in his address, gave a brief background information of the council created 19 years ago and listed non-release of revenue from the Federation account, indebtedness to banks, non payment of staff deductions and leave bonus, lack of official vehicles for the office of the chairman and lack of office accommodation as some of the challenges faced by the council. Meanwhile, the chairman also met with the standing committee of the state Community Development Council at the ultra modern Town Hall at Odonselu-Alaro on Tuesday, October 13, on how to achieve common goals.

(1) The Local Government Transition Committee chairman, Lord Banjou Deola-Tayo (rifght) and the chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Samuel Olusola Sonuga. 2. Some Ijebu North Local Government staff with members of the Ogun State House of Assembly standing committee on Local Government. 3. Members of the local council staff with the visiting team. Middle is the council chairman, Lord Bayo. 4. Cross section of people duirng the Ogun State Community Development Council, State Standing Committee meeting on Tuesday, 13th October, 2015 at Odonselu-Alaro Town Hall in Ijebu North East Local Government.

Friday, 30 October, 2015

Nigerian Tribune

At the grand finale of Olokun Festivals, organised by OPC at Suntan Beach, Badagry, recently.

PHOTOS: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

8 1. From left, Sir Ferdinand Anikwu, Olori Esther Olanipekun and the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, Oba Yisa Olanipekun. 2. From right, the Olota of Kpomaze, Benin Republic, Oba A. M Fadipe, Kurumi, Olokun Festival Ambassador and Nollywood actor, Yomi Fash Lanso and the Jagun of Oyo, Chief Ayo Adewuyi. 3. From left, Professor Muyiwa Falaye, Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Sali Mbanefo; National Coordinator, Odua People Congress, Otunba Gani Adams and High Chief Aguloto of Badagry.

4. From left, Mrs Iyanifa Ifatoun Marla, Yeye Olokun, Mrs. Maule Moiett Talabi and Mrs. Maria Rodrigo. 5. Cross section of traditional ruler arriving at the event. 6. Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs Mbanefo, presenting a new car to winner of Miss Olokun Beauty Pageant. 7. Cross section of representatives of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum. 8. From left, Oba Joseph Adewole and his Olori; Aseyi of Isoyin, Oba Ganiu Adekunle and the Abijoun of Adjoun, Oba Sigon Adekilumo

SIDELINES

no 16,360

n150

Friday, 30 october, 2015

Policemen in Yobe State are currently operating their stations from under trees occasioned by Boko Haram’s burning down of several police stations. How will these displaced policemen secure a somewhat vulnerable state? Why won’t Boko Haram outgun a weary policeman? Why won’t the policemen feel dehumanised?

World Cup qualifier:

Oliseh recalls Obafemi

U-17 World Cup:

Eaglets impressed me —Amuneke

By Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja

Martins

EAD Coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh has named Seattle Sounders of USA striker, Obafemi Martins and 22 others for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Sihlangu of Swaziland. Martins who has been in a devastating form in the Major League Soccer (MLS) this season with 15 goals from 19 appearances, last played for Nigeria under Stephen Keshi in 2013 against Kenya. His invitation also serves as a birthday present to the former Inter Milan player, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday. However, Martins told BBC Sport that he was surprised by his call up.

By Ganiyu Salman HEAD Coach of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amuneke has said he was impressed by the great performance of his wards who spanked The Joeys of Australia 6-0 in the early hours of Thursday at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. The victory shot the reigning world champions to the quarterfinal of the biennial championship where they will now face the young Selecao of Brazil on Sunday. “Where do I start from? Amuneke told thenff.com before heading for the post match conference. “It was a good performance by our players today and I want to congratulate them for a job well done. This was an interesting match because the Australians are a very good side and they have some individually good players; but I want to praise my players for following through the plans and our strategy which gave us victory. “Our performance today was better than our last when we lost 1-2 to Croatia and we are hopeful that they continue to get better and make progress in the competition starting with our next game,” he said. Amuneke later in a post match interview told FIFA.com that their game plan worked out as planned. “We knew that Australia was a good team because they qualified from a very difficult group, but my players were able to recuperate themselves from the loss against Croatia and regained their level,” he said.

The former African Footballer of the Year acknowledged that the three-goal hero, Victor Osimhen had a brilliant outing against the Aussies. “Victor (Osimhen) had a great game, although the philosophy of this team is to play collectively. We are candidates to win the title, but so are Brazil. We will work to put up a good fight,” Amuneke said. Meanwhile, coach of The Joeys, Tony Vidmar said his wards were overwhelmed by the fourtime world champions. “We played a big part in this result. In the previous matches we managed to put a high pressure on our rivals, that was key today. We had the possession, but did not do anything with it. Our lines began to separate between each other and with spaces, they (Nigerians) are lethal,” Tony said.

U-17 World Cup:

Osimhen

By Olaoluwa Olowoyeye NIGERIA’s forward, Victor Osimhen and the referee who handled the second round FIFA U-17 World Cup match against The Joeys of Australia, Roberto Tobar created a mild drama after the match at the Estadio Sausalito in Vina Del Mar, Chile. Reason: Osimhen who grabbed a hat-trick went straight to the Chilean referee to collect the

Osimhen grabs hat-trick in 6-0 win over Australia

match ball after the final whistle, but was denied of the ball which was traditionally meant to be a souvenir for scoring three goals during the match. Osimhen immediately turned back in confusion as the referee, who apparently forgot that he was a hat-trick scorer held on to the ball. Meanwhile, Osimhen who is leading the adidas golden shoe award

“It was a bit of a shock, but a nice shock. I’m very happy, because I have always worked hard, supported and respected all the players picked by the coaches. “I thank coach Oliseh for this great opportunity. I’m just looking forward to going out there and playing for Nigeria again,” he said. Oliseh also named six homebased players for the game, while Arsenal’s youngster, Alex Iwobi is also on the list of invited foreignbased professionals, after his debut early this month against DR Congo in a friendly in Belgium. The Coach has directed all the invited players to arrive at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, November 8 as training commences the same day by 7pm.

with seven goals has dedicated his first goal against The Joeys to injured team-mate, Tobechukwu Ibe. “Tobechukwu is one of our key players but he has not played here; and immediately I scored the opening goal today (against Australia), he was the only one on my mind,” said Osimhen. Osimhen had scored his first goal of the tournament against the United States of America and a brace against Chile and also scored Nigeria’s lone strike in the 1-2 loss to Croatia before Thursday’s hattrick against Australia. Also on song against Australia were captain Kelechi Nwakali who scored from the spot, substitute, Edidiong Essien and Samuel Chukwueze.

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