Fri 11 April 2014

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth Friday, April 11, 2014

Vol. 30, No. 12,888

www.ngrguardiannews.com

N150

Reps okay N4.7 trillion 2014 budget From Adamu Abuh, Abuja FTER months of deliberations, the House of Representatives yesterday passed the 2014 Appropriation Bill amounting to N4,695,190,000,000 with a call for its speedy execution.

Of the amount, the sum of N408,687,801,891 is for Statutory Transfers, while the sum of N712,000,000,000 is for debt servicing.

About N2,454,887,566,702 is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure, while the balance of N119,614,631,407 is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year end-

A

Urge speedy execution

the world, including Nigeria.

With focus on media, religion and Internet freedom, the poll involved 17,000 people worldwide from December 2013 and February 2014.

According to the poll, across the 17 countries surveyed, an average of 60 per cent of respondents said they feel free from government surveillance in their country as op-

detailing the items and estimates approved in the budget.

Chinda, who was ruled out of order after the House Minority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, maintained that such call was ill-timed and justified his position saying there was the need to allay the fears of those who think that there was no provision in the budget for Rivers State.

Spokesperson for the House, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed who addressed reporters after Tambuwal announced that the House would be embarking on a two-week recess, explained that Chinda’s position was uncalled for since the entire committees of the House had screened the entire gamut of the budget during the budget defence session with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He disclosed that the budget passed by the House was similar to the one okayed by the Senate, adding that it was a deliberate act to avert the constitution of a conference committee comprising members of both chambers that could take weeks to ar-

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ing December 31, 2014.

The passage of the budget came after the lawmakers endorsed the report of Mr. John Owan-Enoh-led Committees on Appropriations and Finance at the proceeding of the House presided by Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

It was however not a smooth sail for the budget as a member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Mr. Kingsley Chinda, while relying on the Standing Rules of the House, sought for a compendium

Diverse views trail media freedom, Internet safety in Nigeria, others

By Adeyemi Adepetun SURVEY conducted by the A British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has shown diverse views on media freedom and Internet safety in Nigeria and other parts of the globe.

The survey tagged “BBC Globescan 2014 Freedom Poll” was conducted by Canada-based international opinion poll research agency, Globescan, in 17 countries of

Gbagyi original inhabitants’ culture on parade during the inauguration of Phases 3 and 4 (20 million litres/hours) lower Usuma Dam water treatment plant in Abuja... yesterday.

Govt summons Zimbabwean envoy over Mugabe’s comment on Nigeria From John Okeke, Abuja HE Federal Government T yesterday summoned Zimbabwe’s Embassy Head of Chancery in Nigeria, Stanley Kunjeku, over a statement that was purportedly credited to President Robert Mugabe which is considered uncharitable to Nigeria and her citizens.

In related development, the Federal Government has condemned the attack on 10 of its citizens in South Africa and the looting of 25 shops owned by Nigerians by organised gangs in South Africa.

Newspapers reports of

Decries attack on Nigerians in S’Africa March 16, 2014 had revealed that Zimbabwean President during his 90th birthday hosted by the service chiefs and the public commission described Zimbabweans as behaving like Nigerians who have to be corruptly paid for every service.

In a meeting with the envoy in Abuja yesterday presided

by the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martin Uhomoibhi, the Federal Government protested Mugabe’s statement.

He said: “I have been asked to invite you this morning by my Government to speak on a matter of utmost concern to us in the Foreign Ministry in Nigeria.

“The last elections that took place in Zimbabwe, Nigeria was one the first countries to congratulate Robert Mugabe on that exercise but recently we were very deeply concerned when we read that on the occasion of 90th birthday of President Mugabe, he took off considerable time to utter vituperations about

Subsidy fraud suspect has fled to Canada, EFCC tells court

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Child bride forced into marriage poisons groom - Page 4

Nigeria reflecting what we considered to be a strong aversion for our country.

“The remarks seem to be considered deliberative on Nigeria and Nigerians in general. He was reported to have said that Nigerians are corrupt people when he hosted the service chiefs and public commission on that 90th birthday.

“We are aware of the news reported on March 16, 2014 in which President Mugabe said “we are now just like Nigeria where you have to reach your pocket to get anything done.

“The rest is also documented. We want to present the

strongest protest on that statement. Not only does it not reflect the reality in our country, but such coming from the sitting President of the brotherly country is regrettable.

“We thought it was most unkind and very dishonourable, so we take the strongest exception to it and we protest it in strongest terms not for its partial inaccuracy, but also for the unfriendly attitude that it conveys for the President towards Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Uhomoibhi recalled that CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Friday, April 11, 2014

U.S. denies predicting Nigeria’s break-up in 2015 From Isa Abdulsalami Ahovi, Jos HE United States (U.S.) AmT bassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, has denied a report that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015, saying such prediction is very false which has no backing of the American government.

He stated this yesterday when he led a delegation to the University of Jos on a courtesy visit.

Entwistle’s team was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Hayward Mafuyai and other management staff of the institution.

According to the ambassador, no U.S. official has ever said that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015. “My government has never said that.

Rather, I see Nigeria having a successful democratic election in 2015 and the government of the U.S. will support it. Take the issue of disintegration off your mind because Nigeria will not disintegrate.”

Entwistle said the U.S. is looking forward to seeing peaceful elections, good governance, development opportunities and better future for Nigeria. He praised the efforts of the military in fighting terrorism, adding that the U.S. is going to assist Nigeria greatly in containing

the insurgency.

Answering a question from the university academic community, he said America is ready for a female president in the U.S. In his comments during the meeting, Ambassador Entwistle emphasised the importance of U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship in terms of trade and economics, democracy issues, partnering on shared security, and advancing access for all Nigerians to education and health resources. He said the 2015 elections will be an important test for Nigeria, and urged politicians, the media and individual Nigerians to make a pledge “that they will not advocate, support or condone violence before, during or after the election.”

He said the U.S. will lend its support to Nigeria’s efforts, but will not dictate to Nigeria.

Entwistle also met with members of the U.S. government- supported Conflict Mitigation Council, and learned about the process of USAID’s technical contributions to peace and reconciliation efforts in Plateau State.

He said: “Nigeria has great potential. Your diversity should be a source of strength, not strife. People must learn to tolerate and get

along with each other. Across the globe, history has shown that countries that make progress are those whose communities live in peace with each other.”

The Vice Chancellor said it is heartwarming to note that the U.S. government has been quite supportive at the level of staff training and develop-

ment of the university. “Many academic members of staff of the university enjoyed one training opportunity or the other with funds provided by the U.S. government.

“The Fulbright Fellowship programme, in particular, has helped immensely in building capacity of academic members of staff in the uni-

versity. The University of Jos has benefited through collaborations with a number of American universities. The Department of Zoology has been supported by the USAID through Abt Associates for Malaria Vector Control Programme in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

“The American Corner in our university has strengthened cultural ties between our peoples. However, the university, like Oliver Twist, will continue to ask for more of these opportunities to be extended to its young academics to help them finish their doctoral programmes in record time,” Mafuyai said.

FG protests Mugabe’s comment on Nigeria, summons envoy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Nigeria as a country had contributed immensely to support Zimbabwe towards its independence.

“In the time of liberation struggle until now, our contribution in moral and material terms to the liberation struggle that potentially led to the independence of Zimbabwe is also very wellknown.

“Even after the liberation struggle, successive Nigeria governments have rallied the conscience of the world and international organisations

to the condition that prevailed in your country at the time of independence”, Uhomoibhi added.

According to him, since independence, Nigeria has continued to stand with Zimbabwe shoulder to shoulder in improving her relations and in fighting for freedom not just in the continent but all over the world.

On why it is taking such a long time to respond to Mugabe’s statement, he said: “In diplomatic parlance, you don’t respond on the hill or react in the way other people

expect us to react. We reflect on what has happened; we verify the statement and we articulate our position in a way that will ensure that we can thoroughly reflect the sentiments of our country.”

Uhomoibhi also vowed that Nigeria would get to the root of South Africa’s attacks by following international human rights standards to ensure appropriate justice.

He stressed: “We condemn in strong terms any act of resilient xenophobia and discrimination perpetrated by whosoever, including in that

particular country and we are sad that this incident occurred from the country we hold in higher esteem and which is a brotherly country to Nigeria.

“And we hope that due processes will be taken to ensure that this act of impunity does not happen and that all appropriate actions consistent with the commitment of South African government to the international standard of behaviour and the cordial relationship existing between our two countries that those matters are dealt with in appropriate way.”

Reps pass 2014 budget CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 rive at a conclusion.

Zakari stated that as things stand, the MDAs have no excuse not to execute the budget since they have eight months to hit the ground running in executing the capital component of the budget required to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians.

Among heads for the substantial votes in the recurrent (non -debt) expenditure costing a total of N1,951,836,168,306 were the police formation and command – N295.6 billion; Defence, Ministry of Defence, Army, Air Force/Navy – N314.3 billion; office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) – N66.6 billion; and Education – N373.5 billion.

The capital component of the budget for MDAs also in-

dicates that Petroleum Resources Ministry had N106.3 billion; Office of the NSA N51.1 billion; Works – N106.3 billion; Education – N50 billion; Police Formation and Commands – N7.3 billion and Health – N49.5 billion; Niger Delta – N49.4 billion were among those with substantial amount of votes.

Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) was allocated the sum of N268.4 billion while a N100 billion was allocated for the execution of the special intervention and constituency projects.

The sum of N150 billion was voted for the National Assembly, National Judicial Council – N73 billion; Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – N45 billion and the NDDC –N49.030 billion; among others.

Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke (right); Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Darius Ishaku and another guest, during the presentation of an ipad made in Calabar Phone and Ipad Assembling Plant by the minister to the govenor at the Government House in Calabar, yesterday.

Stakeholders differ on media freedom, Internet safety in Nigeria CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 posed to the 36 per cent who claimed not being free.

The report noted that unlike the United States (U.S.) and Germany, all other surveyed countries have majorities who consider themselves free from government monitoring programmes.

For instance, 76 per cent of Chinese polled said they feel free from government monitoring, which was the highest proportion in the survey.

In Nigeria, 63 per cent of those surveyed claimed to have respected privacy, while in countries including Australia, Indonesia, Canada, Peru, Russia, Pakistan and United Kingdom (UK), it is 72 per cent, 68 per cent, 64 per cent, 62 per cent and 61 per cent respectively.

On press and media freedom, on the average, the report disclosed that only 40 per cent believed that the press and media in their country are free to report news accurately, truthfully and without undue bias, with about 27 per cent of the polls supporting opposite opinion.

According to the Globescan report, respondents from emerging economies, including Nigeria, tend to believe in

the freedom of their national media.

For instance, in Nigeria, 49 per cent of the population agreed to this. Respondents in countries including Indonesia, Peru, Kenya, India and China with 73 per cent, 51 per cent, 44 per cent, 49 per cent and 49 per cent respectively, also agreed to this.

Conversely, South Korea stands out with seven in 10 (69 per cent) respondents saying the media is not free.

Same goes for Spain (46 per cent) and France (40 per cent).

Globescan pointed out that the results of the survey were drawn from a telephone and in-person survey of 17,589 adult citizens across 17 countries, stressing that within country results were considered +/- 2.9 to 4.9 per cent 19 times out of 20.

Globescan Chairman, Doug Miller, commented, saying the poll suggests that two of the underpinnings of modern democracies are at risk—a media seen as free and fair, and an Internet safe for the free expression of views.

“The results also suggested that many of the personal freedoms that Western democracies have champi-

oned in the world are actually fairly well-established in the minds of citizens across these 17 countries. It is in some of these very democracies where citizens give relatively poor ratings of some freedoms”, he stated.

On the safety of the Internet, respondents in Nigeria and five other countries said they can express their opinions online safely.

Specifically, 71 per cent Nigerians said the Internet is safe.

Other countries that supported this view include India (67 per cent), Indonesia (57 per cent), Kenya (52 per cent), Pakistan and Peru at 51 per cent each.

However, huge percentage of respondents between 65 per cent and 76 per cent in France; South Korea; Spain; Canada; and Germany felt they cannot express their views safely online.

“Two-thirds of respondents (67 per cent) say the Internet brings them greater freedom, with the most enthused respondents being in Africa (81 per cent in Nigeria and 78 per cent in Kenya), followed by Australians (77 per cent), Britons (76 per cent), Indonesians (73 per cent), Canadians and Americans (both 72 per

cent).

“In contrast, people in China do not report a strong sense of increased freedom from using the Internet, with a narrow majority agreeing with the statement and 45 per cent disagreeing with it”, the report stated.

The report noted that among eight tracking countries surveyed on media freedom in both 2007 and 2014, perceived freedom of the media has plummeted, dropping from 59 per cent in 2007 to 40 per cent in 2014.

The biggest drops, according to Globescan, occurred in Kenya, down by 37 points, India (down by 23 points) and Russia (down 20 points).

In the area of religion, strong majorities across the full 17 countries surveyed, about 87 per cent of respondents considered having a high level of freedom when it comes to ‘practising the religion of their choice.

Globescan reported that 86 per cent of those surveyed believed they married or lived with the person of their choice, while 87 per cent respondents believed they have freedom to speak about any issue publicly in the countries surveyed.

Friday, April 11, 2014 | 3

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

News Ex-militants sue FG over alleged exclusion from amnesty programme

Cholera, Lassa fever kill 60 in Bauchi, Plateau

From Willie Etim, Yenagoa

From Isa Abdusalami Ahovi (Jos) and Ali Garba (Bauchi)

CORES of aggrieved forSBayelsa mer militant youths from and Delta states yes-

O fewer than 59 persons N have been reportedly killed, following a fresh cholera outbreak in Bauchi State.

Briefing newsmen yesterday, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sani Malami said the 54 persons died in their homes while five died at the treatment camps in the state.

He said the cholera outbreak was triggered by massive movements by people from neighbouring states into Bauchi as a result of insecurity and flood.

He said, “the state recorded a high casualty figure because some of the victims were treating themselves at home while the deaths recorded in the treatment camps across the state was low because the victims accessed medical attention early enough.”

Malami disclosed that the state government was able to curtail the spread of the epidemic by establishing treatment camps, chlorinating over 60 wells and dispatching medical teams for houseto-house search in 2,000 houses.

According to the commissioner, “the state government has increased access to health care centres in the state to forestall the spread of the disease and also partnered with international bodies to set up camps at hospitals across the state.”

Meanwhile, one person has been confirmed dead and five others critically ill in two hospitals following the outbreak of Lassa fever in Plateau State.

Confirming the outbreak of the disease, the Deputy Director, Epidemiology in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Raymond Juryit, who spoke with journalists yesterday, said there were cases of suspected Lassa fever in the state and four infected persons were being treated at the Bingham Hospital, Jos while one person is being treated at a hospital in Jingri, Bassa Local Council.

Personal Assistant to General Overseer, Administration and Personnel, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Johnson Odesola and President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Mr. Victor Famuyibo, during the 2014 yearly Administrative Officers/Computer Secretaries Conference at the Youth Camp of RCCG, Lagos-Ibadan Express road, Mowe, Ogun State.

Subsidy fraud suspect has fled to Canada, EFCC tells court From Bertram Nwannekanma (Lagos) and Abosede Musari (Abuja) HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday alleged that an oil marketer, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo, who is on bail in an alleged N979.6 million subsidy fraud trial, has fled the country to Canada.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Emmanuel Jackson, who disclosed this at the resumption of Ogunbambo’s trial at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja presided over by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, said the agency has not been able to enforce the bench warrant because of that.

Ogunbambo and another oil marketer, Habila Theck, are standing trial alongside their firm- Fargo Energy Ltd. But the failure of Ogunbambo to appear before the court for the continuation of his trial at

T

• Operators of parallel ICPC office nabbed the last adjourned date made the judge to issue a bench warrant against him on February 10.

However, during yesterday’s proceeding, his counsel, Mr. Raphael Oluyede, urged the court to stay execution of the bench warrant.

The counsel, in an application dated Febuary 11, 2014, also urged the court to restrain the EFCC from arresting him pending the hearing and determination of Ogunbambo’s appeal against the bench warrant, which had been filed at the Court of Appeal, Lagos.

He said that Ogunbambo was absent from court because he was recently attacked by some unknown gunmen who had wanted to abduct him.

But in opposition to the

application, Jackson said the EFCC had not been able to execute the bench warrant as ordered by the court. “We have deposed in our affidavit that intelligence available to the EFCC is that the defendant (Ogunbambo) has left the country to Canada.

“The commission is concerned because of the number of cases we have filed against him. He has abused the liberty of being granted bail and his action is making the criminal law to be like a toothless bulldog.”

He also refuted the claims that Ogunbambo was recently attacked by some unknown gunmen, adding that it was evident that he was no longer in Nigeria.

“This particular application is one that ought to be dismissed because it is an abuse

of court process,” he added.

Ruling on the application has been adjourned till April 28.

Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has uncovered a parallel commission office being operated by a group in Ibadan.

The commission, through its Head of Media, Mr. Folu Olamiti, informed yesterday that the fake office located at Abonde Road, opposite Elekuro High School, Akanran Road, Olorunshogo, Ibadan, Oyo State has been raided.

“Nine suspects were arrested and are being interrogated in ICPC Ibadan office in Oyo State. They are: Ilesanmi T. Okunola, Oladipo Barnabas Abiodun, Ogunsanya Ayinla, Akintunde Oluwasogo, Akanbi Oluwole, Omo-Aare Temitope Emmanuel, Odetunde Olamide, Adewuyi Peter and Iyanda Lekan,” Olamiti said.

Stakeholders chart path to better electricity supply in Lagos

By Kamal Tayo Oropo the tone for the sevSmit,ETTING enth Lagos Economic Sumalso known as Ehingbeti 2014, Lagos State stakeholders yesterday brainstormed on how to ensure efficient electricity supply for industrial and domestic uses in Lagos State with a view to boosting economic growth and improving the wellbeing of the residents.

Speaking at the Summit, Governor Babatunde Fashola said that when the nation’s power sector is fully sanitized, its economy will not only blossom but impact more meaningfully on the lives of the citizenry.

But, according to him, “an economy that is giving 25 per cent to the GDP with 1000 and below megawatts just shows

what we can unleash if we ramp up power supply.”

According to him, part of the initiatives the state government had embarked upon to improve power supply in the state include the establishment of the Lagos Island, Adiyan and Alausa independent power plants.

Corroborating him, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun said the nation must be ready to tackle the problem of power supply to aid manufacturing industry if indeed it wants to witness economic growth, noting that the figures of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are not driven by the manufacturing sector.

“If one looks at the component of the GDP, one will realize that truly it isn’t in the real GDP that

the country has done well.

Look at services alone, I think it is over 50 per cent while manufacturing is under 10 per cent.

What does that tell us? It shows that something is missing.

That isn’t the best way. I would have been happier to see the thing swapped and maybe about 50 or 60 under manufacturing. That will mean real growth. And we cannot achieve all of these without power.

“Indeed, the key to solve the challenge that we have today is power. Everyone needs power to do his or her business. And that is why the theme of this summit is better at this time.

Until we solve power challenge, we will continue to have this GDP that is more of servicebased. That is why the current

GDP doesn’t translate into reducing unemployment and putting food on our table.”

Consequently, and against the reported dwindling daily supply of electricity to states, experts and stakeholders in the power, gas and related sectors canvassed measures to ensure significant improvement in the current gas supply across the country to boost efficient power delivery to the state.

The stakeholders also tasked government at all levels to eliminate the activities of vandals who burst gas pipelines and destroy other power transmission equipment, noting that the unchecked menace of those behind the act is a major stumbling block to efficient electricity supply in the country.

The experts, who spoke on ‘’how can electricity delivery to Lagos be accelerated?’’, in one of the plenary sessions at the summit, which ended yesterday, included Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji; Commissioner, Rates and Market Competition, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr. Eyo Ekpo, and the Group Executive Director, Gas and Power, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige. Others were, Chairman, Falcon Petroleum Ltd., Mr. Chima Ibeneche; Managing Director, Sahara Power, Mr. Kola Adesina; Chairman, West Power and Gas, Mr. Charles Momoh; and General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), Mrs. Damilola Ogun-

terday filed a suit before the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa seeking an order compelling the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Amnesty Implementation Committee, Kingsley Kuku and the Amnesty Committee to honour an agreement reached with the Federal Government for their inclusion in the amnesty programme.

The suit filed before Justice Lambo Akanbi claims that the aggrieved ex-militants were among those that had accepted amnesty under the Third Phase and surrendered their weapons to the Federal Government through the Amnesty Office in 2011 under the Peace Initiative of the Federal Government.

The aggrieved ex-militants, including Asenekiri Oyinle, Angiama-Owei, John Government, John Sawyer, Trydy Okpeke, Dollar Motor, Slebi Ayowei, Bombra Angese and Richman Oyindoubra claim that the Amnesty Committee erred by refusing to include them in the ongoing programme after series of resolutions from meetings with the past and present National Security Advisers to the President, the late General Owei Azazi and Col. Dasuki Sambo respectively.

The protesters claim that instead of respecting the resolutions and directives from the National Security Adviser, Dasuki Sambo, the Amnesty Committee turned down the call to include the ex-militants and adopted a divide and rule tactics with the inclusion of three out of the 22 persons affected by the exclusion.

In the statement of claim against Kuku and the committee made available to our reporter, the youths seek a court order compelling the Amnesty Committee to approve reasonable slots for them as claimed to have been agreed at one of the peace meetings on 19th December 2011.

“For the court to compel the defendants to pay due allowances of the plaintiffs and their foot soldiers from March 2012 until the plaintiffs are fully settled under the Niger Delta Amnesty Committee. To compel the defendants to immediately send the plaintiffs and their foot soldiers for the mandatory skills acquisition training for the Niger Delta militants.”

Also being sought by the aggrieved militants is an order from the Court compelling the Amnesty Committee to pay the sum of N7million representing alleged general damages and N1m representing cost

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

4 NEWS Friday, April 11, 2014

Govt rejects Oronsaye’s recommendations on culture, tourism parastatals From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja HE Federal Government T has rejected Steven Oransaye’s recommendations

Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen in a handshake with Senator Smart Adeyemi while Governor Idris Wada (middle) of Kogi State watches with keen interest shortly after the flag-off of the construction and rehabilitation of Ilorin-Kabba-Obajana road …yesterday in Kabba, Kogi State.

to merge and reduce the number of parastatals under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation.

According to the White Paper on the Report of the Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, released recently, Federal Government has kicked against the initial recommendation to merge the National Theatre, National Troupe and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) as one entity.

It also rejected move to scrap National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) as well as the suggestion to merge Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) with National Institute for

Confab delegates disagree over attacks in North From: Terhemba Daka and Karls Tsokar, Abuja ELEGATES at the ongoing D national parley holding at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja were at daggers drawn on the floor of the conference yesterday as some conferees disagreed sharply over the spate of killings in the North East and North Central region of the country.

This is just as a Federal Government delegate, Gen Jonathan Temlong called for a radical redesign of the Nigerian security architecture in the collective approach in tackling the alarming insecurity in the country.

The former military officer who is representing the North Central on the delegation also bemoaned the spate of corruption ravaging the country

• Seek restructuring of security agencies • Oppose grazing routes for herdsmen and expressed the need for the authorities to conduct medical check on public officials to ascertain the reason d’être for their tendency for criminal accumulation which he described as a threat to national security.

“How do you explain a situation where a Nigerian public officer will be sleeping on a mattress of money meant for pensioners? Money that has been contributed by people and they are in billions. There could be something wrong and we need to conduct medical test on some of these people to see whether they are humans or to see why the spate of primitive accumulation is in them.

He said this money could be used to provide or to jumps start the economy, while the country’s teaming youths and children who are out on the streets could be better employed.

On the state of insecurity in the country, he said “the situation has reached a stage that we must redesign the architecture for the Nigerian security because the current architecture cannot provide security for us. We need to also design the infrastructure that will carry out this architecture.”

He said: “Foreigners come into this country, settle and carry out dastardly acts against Nigerians, attack us at

Child bride forced into marriage poisons groom drought because a bride much more likely to contract CHILD bride forced into price is paid and it means AIDS and be subjected to doA marriage in Nigeria has one less mouth to feed. Fifty mestic violence, according to killed the groom and three of his friends with a poisoned meal, police said yesterday.

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), quoting an Assistant Superintendent Musa Magaji Majia, 14-yearold Wasila Umaru was married last week to 35-year-old Umaru Sani.

Over the weekend, the groom invited a dozen friends to celebrate at his Ungwar Yansoro village, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the northern city of Kano.

The teenager told police she bought rat poison at a village market and used it to prepare a dish of rice.

“The suspect confessed to committing the crime and said she did it because she was forced to marry a man she did not love,” Majia told AP. The groom and a friend died the same day and two other victims died later in the hospital.

Umaru is cooperating with police and likely will be charged with culpable homicide, according to Majia.

Child marriage is common in Nigeria and especially in the mainly Muslim and impoverished North, where the numbers increase in times of

per cent of Nigerian girls living in rural areas are married before they turn 18, according to the U.N. Children’s agency. That’s a lot of child brides in a country of some 170 million people of whom half are under 18.

Child brides often suffer difficult pregnancies - the leading cause of death worldwide for girls aged 15 to 19 - and are

the International Center for Research on Women.

Early and forced marriage is classified as modern-day slavery by the U.N. Labour organisation and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act prohibits marriage before 18. But that federal law competes with Islamic Shariah law that holds in most northern states.

will and do everything without anybody knowing or catching them.

“Criminals roam around and they are in positions of authority in this country. The fingerprinting that we talk about only ends at the police station or the prison yard where the man is held. So, we need to design architecture as well as the infrastructures that will enhance our security if not we are heading to a failed state.

Making a submission in his intervention on the floor on Thursday, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and participants at the parley, Hon Terseer Tsumba has declared that the planned grazing routes for cattle being contemplated by the government was not acceptable to the people of the north central.

Tsumba said the North Central, which has been under siege by herdsmen, would resist any plan to delineate their farmlands as grazing routes for cattle.

“So I wonder why some people and even the Federal Government will propose that it will give these people grazing reserves. You give someone a grazing reserve behind your compound who is coming with a machine gun, I don’t think that will be acceptable by us; I thereby call on us to do a rethink on the proposed issue of grazing reserves.

“Mr. Chairman, I will like to

bring before you what one of our leaders in the north central did; late Senator J.S. Tarka, who had a friend in Borno, Alhaji Immam; Tarka, brought him and gave him a Tiv name Gatie Iwarwar, and made him to represent us at national level.

Mr. Chairman, I will like to inform you that, today, the son of this “Tiv man”, is here in this hall, Alhaji Kassim Imam; this was the spirit with which our leaders at the time saw Nigeria and were working together. There were no differences.

“But Mr. Chairman, on the issue of insecurity, I am from the north central and it is not gainsaying for me to know that the whole of north central has been under siege.

Kafanchan has been under curfew; Plateau is going through the same; and from my state where I come from, Benue State, there are a lot of refugees scattered in Makurdi as we are speaking here; now that the rains have started, I wonder what will be the situation of the refugees. We have been under series of attacks from the Fulani militia.

“In the sixties we lived with the Fulani; our forefathers lived with them; we ate their fura and nono (Cow milk) and indeed as a Tiv man, we exchanged nicknames with the Fulani. They called us Munchi and we called them Agwai; and we retained friendship.

Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).

Government also rejected the Committee’s recommendation to repeal the Act establishing the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) and that budgetary allocation be stopped with effect from 2013 Fiscal Year. The White Paper reads: “Government rejects this recommendation.

However, the White Paper okayed merging of National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the National Gallery of Art. For the National Council for Arts and Culture, government directed in the White Paper that the Council be left to stand-alone. It consequently rejected other recommendations, which include that the enabling laws of National Troupe of Nigeria and that of National Theatre be repealed and their functions be transferred to NCAC. It also rejected that the enabling law of NCAC be amended to accommodate the merger of the agencies and their functions in view of the earlier directive that NCAC be allowed to standalone.

On National Commission for Museums and Monuments and National Gallery of Art, the Committee recommended that: “A staff audit of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the National Gallery of Art be carried out”.

The position of the government in this regard reads: “Government accepts this recommendation. The Heritage, Museum and Monument potentials with respect to revenue yield should be fully exploited”.

Clause ii of the section reads, “the Committee recommends merger of both the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the National Gallery of Arts into a single entity to be known as National Commission for Museums, Monuments and Art. “Government also accepts the repeal of the laws setting up NCMM and NGA and the enactment of new law to accommodate the merger”.

The Committee’s recommendation that NTDC be fully commercialised with effect from 2013 Fiscal Year was adopted by the government but with a directive that the Corporation be given another five years (2018) within which to be fully commercialised.

Senate passes anti-HIV/AIDS discrimination law From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja HE Senate yesterday moved T to end discrimination against persons living with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) in the country by passing the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Bill.

The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, seeks among others, to reduce the HIV burden through the prevention of discrimination and stigmatisation on the basis of real or perceived HIV status, encourage voluntary testing and counseling, provide access to treatment, as well as reduce risky sex behaviour.

It also protects the rights and

• NACA, others seek speedy Presidential assent dignity of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, as well as promotes appropriate and effective ways of managing the scourge in the workplace, community, institutions and other fields of human endeavour.

According to the bill, any institution or organisation that discloses the status of an infected person faces either twoyear jail term or a maximum of N1 million fine, while any individual that discloses the status of an infected person, which he or she obtains in confidence, shall be liable to a fine of N.5 million or a year jail term.

In his presentation, Chair-

man of the committee, Okowa, decried the increasing rate of HIV pandemic, stressing that it is one of the most significant challenges to health, development, economic and social progress in the world today and requires proactive measures to address the scourge.

In his remarks, Senate President David Mark noted that people with “HIV and AIDS should no longer be afraid to relate with members of the society as awareness has taken care of discrimination”.

In another development, Mark tasked the Armed Forces and other security operatives to close ranks and

work in harmony to design a common approach to curb insurgency in the country.

Addressing participants at the Executive Management Course 07 of the Institute of Security Studies (ISS), Mark stressed the need for synergy among security agents to end insecurity.

He blamed the security crisis plaguing the country on lack of understanding of democratic processes among Nigerians, noting that only a strong security arrangement can safeguard and defend democracy.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Prof. John Idoko, has said the passage of the bill re-

flected Nigeria’s commitment to stopping all forms of stigmatisation and discrimination of people living with HIV. “We at NACA will continue to work very closely with the Senate Committee on Health and the House of Representatives Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to ensure that this bill becomes law,” he said.

However, Activists and Network of Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (NEPLWHA) said the passage of the bill would ensure that patients are protected from institutionalised discrimination, but would not immediately end the stigma that endangers many lives and livelihoods.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

UNILAG College of Medicine inducts 113

By Wole Oyebade O fewer than 113 medical and dental doctors were yesterday added to the list of practitioners in the country, as College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL) held the 2014 induction ceremony in Lagos.

The ceremony, held at the Idi-Araba campus of the institution, had 79 new doctors in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) category and 34 doctors in Bachelor of Dental Surgery section.

(BDS) Congratulating the new inductees and their parents for the feat, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahmon Ade-Bello, said the institution was proud to see its student successfully complete another six years of rigorous exercise. training Ade-Bello, who led the college of professors at the ceremony, said the latest doctors in town would be proud to have come through “the best medical school in the country and one of the best in the world.”

Though the institution is due to take delivery of a new Simulation Laboratory to enhance training of doctors, the VC was in no doubt that the inductees were well-equipped to add value to healthcare delivery in the country.

He said the institution was poised to improving standard of training to make teaching and learning easier. Ade-Bello congratulated the “star candidate” of the induction ceremony, Elizabeth Adelola Ogunwale, for emerging with distinction in Bachelor of DenSurgery. tal

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Friday, April 11, 2014 NEWS | 5

Ogbeh urges high tariff on champagne imports From Kanayo Umeh, Abuja ORMER Peoples DemoFman, cratic Party (PDP) ChairChief Audu Ogbeh, has urged the Federal Government to impose high import duty on champagne import, saying that Nigeria spends over N9 billion annually on the importation the product.

He disclosed this at a breakfast meeting organised by Quintessential Diamond Limited in Abuja.

According to him: “I cannot imagine a country like Nigeria importing toothpicks or worst spending over N9 billion on champagne, which is a luxury. No country imports everything, we should safeguard our economy so that we don’t truly become a consuming nation.”

Ogbeh called for special banks funded by the treasury and targeting industrial and agricultural growth at one digit interest rate.

• Decries N9b spent annually on product

Ogbeh “With the current interest rate, you can’t manufacture. The next thing is, we have got to create special development banks. We had them before – NIDB, NBCI. They were there focusing on industrial growth. Some of these reforms have deformed this

country’s growth. And those banks should charge one digit interest rate. This business of throwing the whole thing wide is not helping the country. I don’t care which economist is preaching this stuff. I challenge such an economist that since 28 years ago when we began this programme (the country’s economic programme), poverty crisis has worsened by the day. We must have special banks funded by the treasury targeting industrial, and agricultural growth at one digit interest rate. Otherwise, we are heading for trouble,” he said.

He noted that other developed countries spend huge investments on agriculture and also make policies that encourage people go into farming as a source of livelihood, but the reverse is the

case in Nigeria.

The renowned farmer said that though the country was blessed with vast farmland across the country most states are not interested in investing in agriculture, but are rather focused on oil as their major source of income.

Speaking on the policies of the government towards importing and exporting of agriculture goods, Ogbeh noted, “I’m not against importing goods but impossible duties should be placed on them to discourage those who are known to engage in such business so as to encourage our local farmers.”

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Quintessential Diamond Limited, Shimite Katung, said that what farmers need is an outlet where their farm products can be turned into finished products and sold on the international

NHRC denies indicting AGF over Apo killings HE Executive Secretary of T the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Bem Angwe, yesterday said its report on the killings of some squatters in Gudu/Apo District of Abuja did not indict the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) as is being insinuated.

He said the Office of the AGF acted as Judge Advocate to

the commission during the public inquiry into the killings.

Angwe made the clarification in an April 8, 2014 letter (NHRC/ADM/030/XV) to the AGF against the backdrop of ripples generated by the report.

The letter said: “May I humbly bring to the attention of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice that

the commission delivered its decision on the above complaint on the 7th day of April, 2014 and following which I personally certified a copy of the final decision of the Commission and caused same to be forwarded to your honourable chambers.

“I wish to state here clearly that at no point was the conduct of the Attorney-General of the Federation in question or even mentioned in the

proceedings before the commission and in fact, the office of the Honourable AttorneyGeneral of the Federation acted as Judge Advocate to the commission in the proceedings.

“Consequently any publication that the commission indicted the Attorney-General of the Federation is not only untrue but also a clear departure from the decision of the commission, which was pro-

market while competing favorably with other farm products from other countries.

Her words: “Our expectation is to find someone who can invest in a factory that can process some of our goods, from yam to yam flour, honey from the bee to packed honey that can go into any shop in the world.

This is what we want to do because we believe with this Nigerians will be able to invest into agriculture and make profit from their investments.”

Katung, who is also leading a high-powered group of women involved in farming said so far what is missing are investors who would be willing to take the risk of putting money into establishing factories that will package and process these raw materials from the farm to reduce the huge wastages suffered by the farmers and those who purchase the raw materials.

“Most microfinance banks that are supposed to fund small holder farming make loans quite difficult to acquire thereby leaving the rural farmer at the mercy of the middle man who buys the goods at ridiculous prices,” Shimite said.

She explained that microfinance banks are not positioned to finance farming because a lot of patience goes into the sector and those involved do not have collaterals to secure loans neither are they able to meet interest rates.

TheGuardian on Saturday

POLITICS

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

COVER

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014

Menace Of Herdsman

How is the issue of rotation of the governorship slot, in the spirit of equity and fairness, among the three senatorial districts playing out in Abia State? And who are those in the race to Government House next year?

Across the country today, especially in the North Central zone, the fear of herdsmen is the beginning of wisdom for residents who have been attacked by them.

From Benue to Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and other places, the story of the sophistication of the weapons used in such attacks has made many wonder whether these are just the usual herdsmen they used to know or insurgents terrorizing the northern part of the country.

The Guardian once again looks at the killings, travails of victims and survivors and why they have continued unhindered, perhaps until recently when soldiers were drafted to check the menace, especially last week’s killings in Zamfara State.

LOVE&LIFE

10 warning signs that your husband is cheating.

These and more in The Guardian tomorrow. Grab your copy

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

6 NEWS Friday, April 11, 2014

NIS begins repatriation of illegal immigrants in Taraba From Joseph Wantu (Makurdi) and Charles Akpeji (Jalingo) HOSE parading as Fulani T herdsmen in Benue State are not Fulanis but insurgents, Governor Gabriel Suswam has told the joint Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Defence, Police and Interior, led by Mammam Magoro, on a visit to the Government House, Makurdi, yesterday.

He disclosed that indigenes have become more worried in view of the fact that these insurgents have their base in neighbouring Nasarawa State, from where they invade his state, strike and run back.

“This is not the case of ordinary herdsmen that we know, who came around with their wives and children,” Suswam said. “These ones come with AK 47, shoot and kill unprovoked.

“The destruction they have caused in the state in terms of property and deaths is unquantifiable. We are not saying we don’t want to live with Fulanis around us, but not those that come with AK47.”

Meanwhile, following the lingering attacks, the Taraba State command of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced the repatriation of illegal immigrants living in the state.

As at the time of filing this report, over 107 illegal immigrants have been fished out from their various residences, 80 of whom have already been screened and ready for repatriation, ac-

cording to the state Comptroller, Habibu Adamu Haruna.

Briefing newsmen yesterday at their headquarters in Jalingo, Haruna said that none of the arrested immigrants was found to have participated in the ongoing killings in the state, but stressed that the need for the command to carry out its assigned responsibilities to the public had become very vital.

Of the 107 illegal immigrants arrested, 105 migrated from Niger Republic

while the other two came from Chad and Cameroun respectively.

Suswam, while expressing disgust that the insurgents resorted to the use of chemical weapons on his people, signaling the intention to massively wipe out the Benue race, he implored the Senate committee to raise the issue with the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko AlMakura, as they move to his state for further investigation.

He thanked the Senate for the seriousness it has shown

in the invasion of the state by terrorists and commended Senator Barnabas Gemade for keeping the upper chamber of the National Assembly on its toes on the issue.

Earlier, Magoro said the visit was in view of the motion moved by Gemade on the floor of the Senate on the spate of attacks in the state and others by Fulani marauders, noting that the “experience is totally strange.”

Nevertheless, Haruna believes that the country’s porous land borders, which

make massive influx of immigrants possible, can be checked if only the command gets the much needed logistics, including patrol vehicles equipped with communication gadgets.

He urged the public to always provide useful information to the command as would assist in checkmating the activities of insurgents.

Meanwhile, it was observed that most of those arrested were into such menial jobs as shoe making, truck pushing and water vending, among others.

Senate summons FCT minister, Julius Berger over airport road contract From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja

• Considers internal revenue board for territory

HE Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory T (FCT) has summoned the Min-

tion, Abu Alfa, is 99.5 per cent completed, would be delivered this month. Alfa added that the open drainages were constructed based on 1991 drawing.

Meanwhile, the Senate has commenced consideration of the report of the Joint Committee on the FCT and Finance on a Bill for an Act to Establish the FCT Internal Revenue Board.

The bill seeks to, among other functions, set up the FCT Internal Revenue Board for the collection and administration of the revenue generated within Abuja.

Presenting the report, Adeyemi said that considering the continued reduction in the FCT budget, the FCT administration might not deliver on its mandate of providing the needed infrastructure for the city and the satellite towns.

ister, Bala Mohammed, and the firm handling lots one and two of the Airport Express Road, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, over the state of the road.

They are expected to appear before the committee after the chamber resumes from its Easter break. Chairman of the committee, Smart Adeyemi, who was on tour of the site in company of other members, expressed concern that in spite of the huge contract sum, the drainages were left open, thereby causing fatal accidents on daily basis.

The contract for both lots cost N49 billion and N59.2 respectively and was awarded in 2009. While Lot 1 would be delivered in December 2014, Lot II, which, according to the Director of Engineering, Federal Capital Territory Administra-

However, Adeyemi noted that though the quality of work on the road was commendable, the contractor must device means of closing the drainages. He said the interface between the committee and other stakeholders on the road contract would fashion a way forward.

According to him, since the contract sum was huge and the contractors use free raw materials, they should bear the extra cost of closing the drainages as a corporate social responsibility.

He said: “There is no city in the world where drainages are left open. Even in many states where you have projects, you are not doing open culverts, so, why in the FCT? This constitutes hazard, it is a death trap and we must sit down and talk on the likely solution.

“The total cost of construc-

tion is high, yet you extracted granite stone free. You must do something about it. If not, we will use our powers to compel you to do something.

It is very uncivilized. If this is the road design given to you, as you said it is 1991 drawing, it is obsolete and must be upgraded.

“Whatever is to be done on the road must be done before the completion of project, if not we will withhold your payment. Laterite, granite and water were obtained free. You have not answered our query on these raw materials you took free. We had our reservations about the cost, but it is now history.”

Also, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman noted that there is a lot of room for improvement, adding that the committee would want to meet with the people who have authority over the design and see what could be done, and urgently, too.

MPPP backs APGA, wants INEC to fund parties, candidates From Chuks Collins, Awka

O eliminate abuse of power, incessant defecT tion of politicians across parties and give every registered political party equal opportunity and financial leverage for fair competition, the Mega Progressive People’s Party (MPPP) in Anambra State has canvassed the continued funding of parties and their candidates.

Briefing newsmen in Awka yesterday, the MPPP state chairman, Samuel Anidike, said that the Federal Government, funding the parties through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), remains a welcome development that must be restored.

He urged the Federal Government to sponsor parties through INEC before bigger parties swallow up smaller ones, adding that funds from INEC will give parties the financial leverage to compete in elections.

While disclosing that the party would sponsor candidates for all elective positions in the state during the 2015 general elections, he said the party accepted the 2013 governorship election in good faith, having studied it critically and felt the need to maintain peace and move the state forward.

He enjoined candidates of other parties who lost in the November 16 election to join forces with Governor Willie Obiano to develop the state instead of dissipating their energies in the court.

TheGuardian on Sunday

INTERVIEW

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2014

COVER

Fresh Concerns Over 2015

N spite of assurances by President Jonathan and the INEC that 2015 will be better than 2011, last Saturday’s bye-election in Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State and facts on ground elsewhere do not support Mr. President’s enthusiasm. In Ekiti and Osun states, where governorship elections are in the corner, there are already violent clashes by supporters of candidates. On the part of INEC, we are yet to see how much it has kept faith with its own timetable. Again, join us as we take a fresher look at the road to 2015.

I

Jega

PAUL ADEFARASIN:

House On The Rock Brings God’s Kingdom Down For The Benefit Of His children.

UGBORODO: SPECIAL REPORT Oil Rich Islands IKE in other oil producing commuLnities in Nigeria, Ugborodo is tenOf Trouble sion-soaked. There is so much money

IBRU

planted here by Mother Nature, but the people are starving. They are divided and they have been fighting themselves. They blame government for abandoning them and blame some of their leaders for fleecing them. The story is now steaming and ready to serve right from the heart of Ugborodo!

Nigeria’s $503bn Economy: BUSINESS The Flipside Of A Rebase

Beware of ‘men of God’ who combine fetish practices with the Bible.

Economists give insight into what the future holds for Nigerians.

These and more in The Guardian on Sunday. Grab your copy

Friday, April 11, 2014 NEWS | 7

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Insurgents raid Tiv villages in Nasarawa

History as Calabar Ipad, phone assembling plant graduates 100

Shekarau cautions INEC over polls in N’ East

OVERNOR Liyel Imoke of G Cross River State yesterday reaffirmed the commit-

From Mohammed Abubakar (Abuja) and Msugh Ityokura (Lafia) O fewer than eight Tiv villages were yesterday raided in Giz and Kadarko districts of Keana Local Council of Nasarawa State where scores were killed by the presidential task force over a week ago.

The insurgents armed with sophisticated weapons were said to have invaded the villages belonging to Tiv farmers having heard that the farmers were planning to return to their ancestral homes.

The affected villages are Kumu, Kagarwa-Mbagwa, Gidan- Kparevin Giza, GidanBature, Azere-Abo and Ayima in Kadarko, Ugbagyer, TseAbebe, Ayeraga Ormtswen, Nenpua Gidan-Aondovihi, Tse-Ankyuwa.

No life was however lost in the incident as the inhabitants were only planning to return.

One of the victims who spoke with The Guardian said that the attackers came in a large number, vowing that the already fled Tiv people of the area would never be allowed to come back to their ancestral homes.

Meanwhile, former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against going ahead with 2015 general elections if the security of lives of the people could not be guaranteed.

Speaking with State House correspondents yesterday, the erstwhile chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but now with the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said while he believed that the people should be allowed to determine their political faith, it should not be done at the expense of the security of lives of the people.

Shekarau, who was reacting to a joint statement on Wednesday by the governors of the three northeast states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe on INEC to go ahead with the 2015 general elections in their states, said: “As a democrat, I always insist that let there be elections to allow people to decide their fate, but this does not necessarily mean we conduct elections under a volatile situation.

ment of his administration to youth empowerment and wealth creation initiative of the Federal Government.

Speaking while receiving the Supervising Minister for Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs, Architect Darius Ishaku, shortly after the graduation of the first batch of 100 graduates of the Niger Delta Skill Acquisition Centre (Phone and Ipad Assembling plant component), in Calabar, Imoke said, “for us in Cross River, impacting the necessary skill on the youths is imperative if there must be meaningful development in the country.”

The governor commended the ministry for what he described as “its effort in implementing aggressive

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Chairman, Hygeia Group, Mrs. Fola Laoye (left); Head, Marketing and Sales, Mr. Eyo Ekeno and Chief Executive Officer, Hygeia (HMO), Ramesh Kurup, during the launch of Enhanced Hygeia HMO Health plans in Lagos

Women rally in support of oil sector reforms, minister From Collins Olayinka, Abuja PLOT to paint women in government as incompetent and unnecessarily flamboyant officials is being executed in the country, an organisation, Concerned Women Group, has alleged.

The group, which made the claim during a rally in Abuja yesterday, argued that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, was being persecuted for her uncompromising insistence on reforming the nation’s oil

A

and gas sector.

The group stated that those persecuting her are backed by powerful cabals who have been out of business since the minister began her reform mission.

Alison-Madueke is facing an investigation at the House of Representatives for allegedly spending about N10 billion on private jets for nonofficial trips.

Despite clarifications from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that hiring of planes for its

operations falls within the law, calls for her removal, especially by the opposition, have persisted.

According to the group’s National Coordinator, Martha Yaduma, there is a coordinated effort to ensure that the reform of the sector is truncated.

Yaduma added, “we are here to tell Nigerians that the accusations that are being levelled against Mrs. Alison-Madueke are not true. She has not done anything that should warrant

FG files fresh charge against Mohammed Abacha over alleged stolen funds From Lemmy Ughegbe , Abuja HE Federal Government has preferred a fresh ninecount charge against the son of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, Mohammed over unlawful receipt of about N446.3 billion allegedly stolen from the country’s treasury between 1995 and 1998.

In the charge sheet, Mohammed was accused of “dishonestly receiving stolen property” and “voluntarily assisting in concealing the said money.”

T

The charge replaced the earlier one of 121 counts whereupon Mohammed was charged with Atiku Bagudu, whom government has now excluded from the fresh charge. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bagudu may be adopted as Prosecution Witness.

According to the new charge marked CR.21-24/2008, the stolen money allegedly received by Mohammed, and which he was accused of concealing include £141,100,000 and $384,353,000 made up of

cash and travellers cheques.

The charge dated February 24, 2014 was filed by a private prosecutor, Daniel Enwelum, who is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Federal Government and upon a fiat dated February 18, 2014 issued to him by the Attorney General of the Federation.

However, Mohammed was absent from court and therefore could not be arraigned before Justice Mamman Kolo of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja

GDP rebasing debate a distraction, says APC HE All Progressives ConT gress (APC) has described as an orchestrated distraction and mindless public relations gimmick the ongoing debate on the rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which puts the country as the largest economy in Africa.

In a statement in Washington DC, United States (U.S.), yesterday, its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that coming after the damning World Bank report that declared Nigeria as one of the countries with the largest population of poor people, there was no doubt that the rebasing was government’s response to the classification.

“However, the Federal Government has only succeeded in opening itself to ridicule,” the party added. “This is because, if ever there was a clear play at oxymoron, this is it: The largest economy with the largest population of the poor, the largest economy with the largest population of unemployed, the largest economy with the largest population of citizens living in darkness, and the largest economy with the worst infrastructure.”

He added: “Simply put, there is too much poverty in the midst of plenty, and the so-called economic growth the Federal Government has been trumpeting with its dubious statistics is not a result of any deliberate gov-

ernment policy.

“Policies of government are expected to result in reduction in unemployment, increase in capacity utilisation by manufacturers, increased access to basic needs of life (food, water, electricity, healthcare, education, healthy environment, among others), and increase in transparency and accountability. On the contrary, the country continues to slip down the ladder on all of these fronts.”

According to the APC, the Federal Government carried its joke too far by even giving the impression that the said emergence of the Nigerian economy as the largest in Africa is a function of the economic policies under Presi-

dent Goodluck Jonathan, “rather than a rejigging of figures calibrated to fool an unsuspecting public.”

The party said that fortunately, no one has been fooled by the government, even though it has succeeded, at least temporarily, in diverting attention from the pervasive and worsening insecurity in the land, the hopeless power situation that has seen Nigerians publicly protesting being thrown into perpetual darkness, the ticking time bomb of rising unemployment, especially among our youth, the unprecedented massive frittering away and looting of the commonwealth and the total absence of governance.

the pressure being placed on her. She should be left alone to continue her work of reforming the petroleum sector. The accusations are not correct because to the best of our knowledge, we have not seen anything wrong in her conduct. She has not stolen or mismanaged Nigeria’s money. We want her to continue as minister and we want the National Assembly to stop their continuous harassment of the minister. People continue to bring up false allegations against the minister just because she is a woman.”

Secretary of the group, Bose Abimbola, warned that female activists were ready to resist attempts to bring down women in government by the men folk.

youth empowerment programme of which ICT is a key component. It indicates genuine intention to transform the country and better the lot of youths in the region.”

Imoke added, “with over 100 million active phone users and over 50 million persons having access to internet, the phone assembly plant is the best move for youths to benefit from the huge demand in the sector.”

Five feared killed in Lagos high-tension cable collapse

By Odita Sunday O fewer than five persons N were yesterday roasted to death when a high-tension cable fell on a vehicle that was carrying petrol at Oworonshoki area of Lagos.

Although, the identities of the deceased persons could not be ascertained as at yesterday evening, report has it that those who died in the fire include a pregnant woman, and three female teenagers.

Emergency workers from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the police and some state government officials had about 4.am contained the fire, which started at about 1.45am.

Eyewitness account revealed that the high-tension cable fell on the vehicle loaded with fuel in 50-litre Jerry cans and parked in a compound.

The fuel was said to have spilled into the compound and causing a fire outbreak, which forced the occupants of the house to run for safety.

It was gathered that as the occupants were running, the pregnant woman stepped on the high-tension cable and was electrocuted instantly while the fire consumed the others.

“There were series of sparks from the cable when it fell which later triggered off a huge fire which engulfed the vehicle,” the eyewitness said.

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THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, April 11, 2014

PHOTONEWS

Programme Operations Manager, Mobile Enabled Community Services, Mary Roach (left); Chief Marketing Manager, MTN, Larry Annetts; Sales & Distributor Executive, MTN, Omatsola Barrow and CEO & Co-founder, Lumos, David Vortman, during the media briefing and signing ceremony of partnership between MTN and Nova-Lumos to provide Mobile Electricity Solution in Lagos.

Representative of Chairman of Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMA), Prof.

Kolawole Oyedeji (left); Chairman, Pharmaceuticals Society of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Gbenga Olubowale and Executive Secretary, HEFAMA, Dr. Jimi Asumi, during HEFAMA’s fourth stakeholders meeting with healthcare providers in Lagos.

PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Former British Ambassador to Uganda and Chairman, Orient Bank, Michael Cook (left); Governor, Bank of Uganda, Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile; Group Managing Director, Philip Ikeazor and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador Cornelius Omolade Oluwateru, at Orient Bank’s Customers Forum in Uganda.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chams Plc, Ademola Aladekomo (left); Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Haruna Jalo-Waziri and Chairman, Chams Plc, Very Rev. Ayo Richards ringing the closing bell during the presentation of the Facts Behind The Figures of Cham’s 2013 financial year result to the NSE in Lagos.

PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Group Commercial Development Director of Vlisco, Andrew Connelly (left) presenting the Vlisco Woman of The Year Award to Adesuwa Onyenokwe at the second edition of the award in Lagos.

Market women in solidarity march to support the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke at the National Assembly in Abuja…yesterday

Director, Centre for Enterprise Management and Research (CEMA), Sebastine Okeke (middle) and other participants at the Chief Executive Training Class organised by CEMA in Lagos.

Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Prof. Adekunle Bashiru Okesina (third left); Registrar, Dr. Julius Olusakin Faniran (left); Director of Development, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso (right); Bursar, Fatai Adebayo Lasisi (second right) and Diamond Bank officials during Prof. Okesina’s first year anniversary celebration as VC in Osogbo.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, April 11, 2014

9

WorldReport WHO unveils emergency moves against Ebola onslaught in Guinea

UN approves force for Central African Republic HE Security Council voted T unanimously yesterday to send 12,000 United Nations peacekeepers to the Central African Republic, where violence between Christians and Muslims has triggered fears of genocide.

The resolution, submitted

by France, will deploy up to 10,000 military personnel and 1,800 police to the former French colony, where sectarian violence has killed thousands in the last year.

The UN peacekeeping mission is scheduled to take over on September 15 from 2,000 French and 6,000 African Union soldiers already in place as humanitarian needs in CAR escalate.

The Security Council adopted Resolution 2149 in a vote called by Nigeria, which holds the body’s rotating presidency.

The mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is to protect civilians and humanitarian convoys, maintain order, support a political transition and promote human rights.

France hailed what its ambassador to the UN called a “key turning point” and urged the UN and African Union to “do everything possible to allow a swift and effective deployment.”

“The security situation in CAR remains volatile,” am-

bassador Gerard Araud told reporters after the vote.

“African Union troops supported by the French troops are doing tremendous work to protect the civilian population — but it’s just not yet enough.”

United States Ambassador, Samantha Power, who just returned from the Central African Republic, said she could “personally attest to the critical urgency” of bringing more security there.

She said the country was on the “edge of disaster.”

“AU troops have done heroic work... but untold horrors continue in small villages throughout the countryside,” she said.

The United States has pledged $67 million in humanitarian aid for the Central African Republic this financial year, focused on health, protection, economic recovery, water and sanitation.

The United States will also work towards getting more African troops into CAR before September 15, to overcome a decline in numbers provoked by the departure of Chadian troops.

Chad announced last week it was withdrawing from the African peacekeeping force.

Its troops faced repeated accusations of siding with Muslims in the sectarian violence.

O control an outbreak of T the deadly Ebola virus that has so far killed a hundred

Israeli police detain an Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man during a demonstration against compulsory military service in Jerusalem… yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Putin cautions Europe of gas shortages over Ukraine debts USSIAN President, Vladimir R Putin has warned European leaders that Ukraine’s delays in paying for Russian gas have created a “critical situation”.

Pipelines transiting Ukraine deliver Russian gas to several European Union (EU) countries and there are fears that the current tensions could trigger gas shortages.

Armed pro-Russian separatists are holed up in official buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk, in eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, a European human rights body has stripped Russia of voting rights.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) monitors human rights in 47 member states, including Russia and Ukraine.

Protesting against Russia’s annexation of Crimea last month, PACE suspended Russia’s vot-

Pope Francis wants end to human trafficking OPE Francis said “enough” P to human trafficking yesterday, denouncing it as a crime against humanity as police leaders and religious groups from around the world pledged to work together to combat it.

Francis addressed the final session of a two-day Vaticansponsored international conference on human trafficking attended by top law enforcement officials, politicians and representatives of religions.

“Human trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a

scourge upon the body of Christ. It is a crime against humanity,” he said. Departing from his prepared text, he said there were many “people of good will who want to shout ‘enough’” to human trafficking.

Participants included British Interior Minister, Theresa May, Interpol Secretary-General, Ronald Noble, London Metropolitan Police Chief, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, and anti-trafficking activists from around the world, many of them nuns.

According to a report last Oc-

Italian court mulls community service for Berlusconi ILVIO Berlusconi has asked Stence to serve his one-year senfor tax fraud helping disabled people, judicial sources said ahead of a hearing to decide what form of punishment the former Italian prime minister will receive.

Later yesterday a Milan tribunal began consideration on the request and must issue its decision by next Tuesday.

The ruling will be crucial in determining what role the 77year-old - still the most influential political figure on Italy’s right - can continue to play in public life over the coming

year.

The court could in theory rule that Berlusconi must go to prison, but this is considered highly unlikely. Far more probable is that the media tycoon will be sentenced to house arrest or community service.

Berlusconi’s most immediate concern is to be able to campaign at the head of his Forza Italia party for European Parliament elections next month.

The court could either facilitate this or make it virtually impossible by setting strict limits on his freedom of movement and action.

tober by the Walk Free Foundation charity, nearly 30 million people live in slavery across the globe, many of them men, women and children trafficked by gangs for sex work and unskilled labor.

Hogan-Howe told reporters that the commitment between Church groups who work with victims of trafficking and police forces to cooperate is vital.

“This is a pretty powerful network. We have the heads of the various police forces (and) many people who are leaders.

They are committed,” he said.

He said it was important for leaders like the pope to make appeals against human trafficking and brand it a crime against humanity because such denunciations can bring concrete results.

“Apart from its mere statement, it encourages governments to pass laws. By making such a declaration it encourages governments to take this to a very high priority.”

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, said: “We learned that just one percent of people caught in human slavery are being rescued. The comment was made that slavery has never been as widespread in the world as it is today.”

ing rights as well as Russian participation in election observer missions.

The Russian delegation had boycotted the meeting. Its leader, Alexei Pushkov, described the proceedings as a “farce”.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that Moscow may well brush off this diplomatic snub, but it is another sign of the price it is having to pay for its annexa-

tion of Crimea.

Russian state gas giant Gazprom says Ukraine’s debt for supplies of Russian gas has risen above $2bn (£1.2bn; 1.4bn euros).

Gazprom said on Wednesday it could demand advance payments from Kiev for gas but President Putin said the company should hold off, pending talks with “our partners” widely believed to mean the EU.

people across the country, the World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday launched a raft of emergency measures in the Guinean capital Conakry.

The Geneva-based United Nations health agency announced emergency training for 70 people who would fan out across the community to track people who have had close contact with Ebola patients.

The agency is also setting up a special alert and response operation centre within the Guinean ministry of health in order to handle all matters relating to the Ebola scare.

The WHO also said that it was training staff at Guinea’s Donka national teaching hospital and would be expanding that programme to other health facilities in the coming days.

The WHO this week described west Africa’s first-ever Ebola outbreak among humans as one of the most challenging since the virus emerged in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

10

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, April 11, 2014

Politics My contract with Anambrarians is sacrosant, says Obiano On power, we are also working hard on receiving some proposals on how best to jumpstart and make sure that our industrial clusters have the needed light in a very reasonable time.

These are the trust of what I intend to do and doing now as Governor of Anambra State. I will like to solicit your support on Anambra because it will take a while for us to learn the ropes.

I am on the ground running because I am in a hurry to get some of the things sorted out. That is the trust so that the people that are working with me will know where we are heading.

Anambra State Governor, Dr. Willy Obiano, was in Abuja recently for the National Economic Council meeting, and he used the opportunity to brief journalists on the focus of his new government. Abuja Bureau Chief, Madu Onuorah, was there.

Focus on governance HE first is to continue what we call the economic enablers in the area of providing power, roads and other infrastructure. We will also focus in the area of youth empowerment, women development and childcare.

These are economic enablers.

But beyond these areas, which are almost similar to what my predecessor, Governor Peter Obi did, I have been spending time doing things that will move Anambra into wealth-creating opportunity. I will encapsulate them under four pillars.

The first pillar is agriculture. Anambra is blessed with almost 100 per cent arable land.

Therefore, to show you what we want to do, if one football field of arable land has been cultivated in the history of Anambra, then, we will cultivate in 10 football fields.

This is the kind of thing that we want to do in mechanised agriculture. We are going to achieve that in various ways. Last week, I appointed a committee on agriculture, to give me a blueprint and summit a report in four weeks.

We want to also take advantage of the rain so that we don’t miss this planting season.

We are also giving emphasis to tree crops.

That doesn’t mean we would not do vegetables but the crops are mainly cassava, maize and rice.

In Ayamelum, Aguleri, Anambra East, Anambra West, Achalla, Ogbaru, Igbariam, Orumba North and South local government areas, we have arable lands. Part of the things the committee is studying is what to plant, whether cassava, rice and what have you.

They (committee) will determine what volume is being consumed now, what volume will be gotten in the medium term, nine months and beyond.

They will determine what kind of arrangement we will have. We plan to attract companies that are agro-based in the area of packaging, processing, storage and manufacturing.

All these will create a lot of jobs for our people, and generate revenue for the government. For us, agriculture is very critical.

Beyond this, we intend to, in the three senatorial districts, set up three special vocational centres. They will teach fish farming, animal husbandry, pig fattening, poultry and what have you.

The state, in liaison with some private individuals, will prepare the fishponds; there could be 40 or 100 fishponds in each local government.

So, each local government will bring people that will be trained and they are going to be trained free of charge. If they do well, they continue to work with them at the fishponds. If they do not do well, they remove them after training and assign other people.

Again, we are going to teach other people that are not in these schemes how to perfect this skill. In the long run, we are going to be self-sufficient in fish production, and ability to smoke dry fish (Mangala).

We will stop Mangala fish from coming to Nigeria, as we will be producing dry fish, as there will be preservation and storage facilities around. Through this, we intend to create a lot of jobs for the youth.

T

HE second area is oil and gas. We are going T to synergise the processes on ground with a bid to attracting oil and gas industry and also getting a blueprint on oil and gas for Anambra State.

To be able to accentuate things that will

Obiano make some companies to come for oil exploration in Anambra State, we intend to support this through providing necessary things that will make their job easy.

The only oil and gas company in Anambra, Orient, is setting up its refinery, which they have done to almost 60 per cent level. So, in less than nine months and one year, I believe the refinery will be set up.

You understand the bye products of refin-

The first pillar is agriculture. Anambra is blessed with almost 100 per cent arable land. Therefore, to show you what we want to do, if one football field of arable land has been cultivated in the history of Anambra, then, we will cultivate in 10 football fields.

This is the kind of thing that we want to do in mechanised agriculture. We are going to achieve that in various ways.

Last week, I appointed a committee on agriculture, to give me a blueprint and summit a report in four weeks.

We want to also take advantage of the rain so that we don’t miss this planting season. We are also giving emphasis to tree crops. That doesn’t mean we would not do vegetables but the crops are mainly cassava, maize and rice.

ing. There are so many of them and all these things will attract oil and gas industry. Also, opportunity for job creation and revenue for government is there.

All these things I am talking about will be so in one way or the other and that moves me into the third pillar, which is trade and commerce.

We intend to modernise and build modern markets that will sustain the kind of things we are doing so that people will have very good experience when you come to doing business in Anambra State.

We will be building on existing markets and modern markets and of course the malls, the way we know them in Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi. Significantly, it will improve the market scope in Anambra.

We also intend to introduce viewing cameras. Our people are used to people being there physically when they are buying their goods. We are going to try to open their sales by introducing viewing cameras so that somebody in Ghana can purchase their goods here with ease.

Of course, we will review the enabling laws to make sure that they are consistent with the trust and demands of time.

The last (area of focus) is industrialisation, which has been fed with other pillars I have discussed. These areas will target Anambra into an economic giant, because it will engage the youths, and reduce unemployment in the state. It will also help in solving, permanently, the issue of insecurity.

Among the economic enablers, we are going to have immensely security. Because, if I can get security fully in my pocket, get

power 24 hours in the industrial clusters, people will begin to believe in what we are saying. There will be need for them to come back to Anambra for investment purposes.

So, we have started the process of checkmating kidnapping, armed robbery and what have you in Anambra State.

Lastly, I inaugurated the joint task force consisting of the Police, the SSS, the Army, the Navy and the NDLEA and some other groups that carry arms. I am looking at the arsenal of the police to see how they can improve on security.

We also started a review of the existing Vigilante Trust that we have with a view to revamping, retraining, re-equipping these security apparatus. I have no doubt in my mind that we will stamp out all those crimes in the state very soon.

On power, we are also working hard on receiving some proposals on how best to jumpstart and make sure that our industrial clusters have the needed light in a very reasonable time.

These are the trust of what I intend to do and doing now as Governor of Anambra State. I will like to solicit your support on Anambra because it will take a while for us to learn the ropes.

I am on the ground running because I am in a hurry to get some of the things sorted out.

That is the trust so that the people that are working with me will know where we are heading.

I just made some major appointments like the Chief of Staff, Prof. Joseph Asike; Principal Secretary, Willy Nwokoye; and Secretary to the State Government, Oseloka Obaze. The commissioners’ list will come out very soon.

I am setting up the administrative teams that will enable me work in a more professional manner, organise things in a structured manner and begin the re-orientation of the teams that I am going to work with.

This is how things are going to be done.

Development of the state capital, Awka In the coming week, I am revising the draft of Awka Capital Development Authority and the draft will go to the State House of Assembly next week.

As soon as I get it back, I will appoint people to that board that will be charged with developing the Awka territory. It will compose of designers, builders and what have you.

It is important that we really show that Awka is a state capital.

Ownership of controversial over oil wells It is clear Anambra State owns all the oil wells that are there now. There is a boundary commission that is settling that and I am going to give them all the support that they need.

I have also spoken with the Kogi Governor.

We are going to give them all the support to finish the boundary demarcation. It is not in dispute. The oil wells are in Anambra, full stop.

Friday, April 11, 2014 POLITICS

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

11

‘There’s grand design to eliminate northern minorities’ (2) Are there truly second-class citizens in Nigeria? Well, Professor Saleh Dauda of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, the University of Abuja, says so. Indeed, the delegate from Bauchi State at the national conference in Abuja, appears to have opened a can of worms in an interview with Foreign Affairs Editor, Oghogho Obayuwana. He did not only list how the minority groups in northern Nigeria are systematically denied, dehumanised and discriminated against, and religiously dominated, but also gave reasons why the conference must come up with workable solutions to save the North from itself.

CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY E hope that the minorities are given their dignity. Our desire is that there should be more local autonomy for the constituent units and that Nigeria should practice true federalism.

We are standing on the ground that it is possible to have seven states each in all the six geopolitical zones. Because, for instance, the Northwest has seven states while the Southeast has five states.

There should be uniform representation in all the states. A situation where some states have double the number of representatives in the National Assembly is not good enough. I would recommend uniform representation.

As you know, there is also a disproportional representation in terms of the number of delegates (at the national conference).

For example, Kano State has 44 local governments and look at Bayelsa State, it has, I think, eight and in terms of representation, Kano has three times the number of representatives, even at the National Assembly. It is only at the Senate that all states have three members each.

So, we are advocating that there should be equity in this regard. There should be equal number of states, equal number of representation in all the geopolitical zones. Then you would have a functional, working federal system of government in Nigeria.

Some people are saying that they have the destiny of this country in their hands. This is not proper. This does not make for efficiency in the working of true federalism. There must be equal representation, local autonomy and autonomy of the communities.

How can the conference take care of this?

That’s why we are saying that this unfortunate situation should be redressed. If it means creating states, you can create more states to take care of this and for the minorities in the North so that the people’s pains can be alleviated.

Being tied up with the majority groups has become chronic source of instability. I am advocating that the conference comes up with workable group relations in Nigeria.

But if you have instances where states cannot now be created, what are the ways out? How can restitution come to these people you are referring to?

There should be autonomy for local governments. As it is now, most of the money meant for the local governments is being appropriated by the states; it is not getting down to the real people.

You have the arrangement where the state, at the state level, is depriving the minorities of their dues and the much-needed resources that they can use to develop their communities. Local governments are not sufficiently developed. We want the resources to be allocated directly to the local governments.

The local constituents should be able to manage their resources and be allowed to contribute to the centre. They can best administer the same and then contribute to the growth of their people.

But in a situation whereby money meant for the local governments is taken away by the states and the states are not even able, or are not willing to embark in any meaningful development, the local communities are saddled with double exploitation and oppres-

W

sion. It’s double jeopardy.

This is why I am, on behalf of my people, canvassing broad restitution and for the upholding of the rights of the minorities in northern Nigeria, apart from the denial of basic amenities.

How bad is the situation really?

There is a lot to be unravelled. It seems to me that there is a grand design to wipe out the northern minorities from Nigeria. It can even be likened to genocide.

Look at what is happening in Wasse, in Plateau State; look at what is happening in Birom land, in Barkin Ladi; look at what is happening in southern Kaduna, in Kaura local government.

Look at what is happening in almost all the communities in the northern parts of the country — the minorities are seriously disadvantaged.

Apart from the denial of basic human necessities, there is also a grand design to see that they are eliminated. They are being pursued and trampled upon and are without requisite protection by the state.

Is there any link between the stated problem(s) and the current Boko Haram war?

Well, there is a link; there is a link. Whether we like it or not, people continue to say Boko Haram is not a religious war but it started as a religious movement. Even if it has now assumed something different, it started as a religious movement.

As far as I am concerned, it is the failure of governance, at the state and local governments that has continued to fuel the rise of insurgence and people taking up arms to challenge the authority of the Nigerian state.

THE other day, the Lamido of Adamawa said that if secession became imperative, his people had the choice of joining their kin in Cameroun. For your people in Bauchi, what are the options if compromise broke down completely and perhaps, the country disintegrated?

For us, we have no other country to go to apart from Nigeria. If the Lamido has another country to go to, that is up to him. But for the minorities, we have nowhere to go. This country remains our country and we will stay and work out the modalities of how we are to live together peacefully.

Sometimes, my problem with the traditional institutions in the North is that they have failed to appreciate the modern state structure of Nigeria and that you cannot re-enact the precolonial political organisation. The sovereignty of Nigeria takes precedence over pre-colonial arrangements and the feudal system.

Even though some of your empire extended to Cameroun but you must appreciate that Nigeria is a modern state and that there is an international boundary that demarcates Nigeria and Cameroun.

In the modern state of Nigeria, no traditional ruler can claim authority over any territory because they have lost that with the conquest by the British and now in an independent Nigeria, no traditional ruler can lay claim to any area based on pre-colonial conquest or what have you.

These are some of the problems that we are facing in this country because there are some people who feel that others are subjects while they are citizens and therefore, they want to reinvent the mentality of the pre-colonial period in Nigeria. It cannot work.

What should the delegates come up with in dealing decisively with the vexatious settler-

There should be autonomy for local governments. As it is now, most of the money meant for the local governments is being appropriated by the states; it is not getting down to the real people. You have the arrangement where the state, at the state level, is depriving the minorities of their dues and the much-needed resources that they can use to develop their communities. Local governments are not sufficiently developed. We want the resources to be allocated directly to the local governments. The local constituents should be able to manage their resources and be allowed to contribute to the centre. They can best administer the same and then contribute to the growth of their people. This is why I am, on behalf of my people, canvassing broad restitution and for the upholding of the rights of the minorities in northern Nigeria, apart from the denial of basic amenities.

indigene problem?

Delegates should appreciate that we are all citizens of the Federal Republic. Nobody is more Nigerian than any other person once he qualifies to be a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On the settler-indigene issue, my advice is that Nigeria should work for according anybody citizenship rights once he has lived in a place for more than five, 10, 15 years, depending on what is agreed upon, and he or she contributes meaningfully to the growth and development of that society. He should qualify to be an indigene.

I have found that this haze and the complicity in acquisition of citizenship fuel the issue of ethnicity and religious intolerance in Nigeria.

For example, if a Muslim settles in Kano for more than five, 10, 15 years, he is assimilated and integrated — like the Abachas, the Shekaraus, and the others. People are even saying the present governor of Kano (Dr. Rabiu Musa) Kwankwaso, falls under this category. So, religion, maybe serves as an easy tool to achieving this.

If an Igbo man goes to settle in Kano, even if he lives there for 50 or 100 years, he is still not accepted in this regard.

In the same vein, if a Hausa man should settle in Bauchi, he is taken in, easily. In Bauchi, there are people that migrated from Zaria, Kano and even some from Cameroun; they are the ones now holding power in Bauchi. So, with religion, assimilation is fast.

Religion and culture can facilitate citizenship in some areas; while in some others, it can work against citizenship.

One of the areas to be deliberated upon and serious recommendations made (at the national conference) is boundary adjustment. People should be free to decide what state they want to belong.

I think if there is a referendum in Bauchi, and people are given the choice to move say to Plateau State where they share the same culture and traditions, instead of remaining in Bauchi where they do not have much in common in terms of cultural affinity, in terms of similarities; certainly we would love to move to Plateau instead of this persistent tension, and somebody out there perpetually planning how to kill you in the night.

Can the conference resolve all these contentious issues?

Even if the conference is unable to resolve these issues, I have confidence that our voice would be heard and of course, everything would be done, to a very large extent, to resolve the issues.

In what sphere do you envisage problems, points of serious conflicts that can lead to grey areas? Was it fitting for President Jonathan to have excluded discussion of the corporate existence of Nigeria in the terms of reference for the conference?

I believe the president was correct to have said that the Nigerian unity is non-negotiable. But what people are saying is that if we are to remain together, there must be acceptable terms for coexistence; that nobody should be thinking that he owns Nigeria; and that it is wrong for some group to be rooting for us to remain together as one entity only if things are done in their own way.

A situation where some are subjected to second-class status in their own country would henceforth not be

Dauda

acceptable. We don’t want some people to continue to enjoy certain privileges that are not in line with equity, fairness and justice.

This is not the kind of country we are working towards. We want a society that is open, where there would be no exploitation of man; where there would not be some people who are advantaged than others.

There should be a level playing field where everybody can actualise his or her potentials; where everybody can aspire to be the president of this country.

Look at the way President Jonathan put it: Where somebody from a rural area in Yobe, a rural area in Otuoke, a rural area in Oyo can aspire to become the president of this country without let or hindrances or religion or ethnicity.

That is the new Nigeria of our dream, and not a Nigeria that what determines your social mobility is when you are married to the Emir, the Lamido or the Oba of Benin’s daughter, and the like.

We want a country where your social mobility should be based on hard work, creativity, education, and not on your family background.

Nigeria is not a feudal state. This is the new Nigeria of our dream.

Now, if decisions are taken, what is the mechanism on ground to ensure that they would be implemented?

The president gave us his word. He said you could send it to the National Assembly or subject it to a referendum and once it’s accepted, it becomes part of our constitution.

And even if that does not fully happen, we would have achieved something. Remember the delineation of Nigeria along the six geopolitical zones was a product of the 1994 Constitutional Conference (under General Sani Abacha). Even though it is not written in the constitution, Nigeria has been working with it; appointments, representations have been following this.

We should not reduce the achievement of this conference to whether it becomes part of the constitution or not. There are new ideas that would come out in aid of a more egalitarian and integrated society: a country where there would be no exploitation of man by man. This is what some of us want to achieve.

•Concluded

TheGuardian

www.ngrguardiannews.com

12 | Friday, April 11, 2014

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011) Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial Anambra on the rise S the curtain closed on the generally highly rated administration A of Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, following the inauguration of new Governor Willie Obiano and his deputy, Nkamakonam Okeke one major concern was what the change of baton portended for the state. Building on Obi’s much-acclaimed achievements or a return to the old order when Anambra was a jungle in which political warlords and rent-seekers held sway to the detriment of the people?

Only one thing was certain: it was the end of a good era and the dawn of a new but uncertain one? Happily, Obiano appears to have picked up the baton with gusto and gone to work with aplomb. His words since his inauguration on March 17 have been measured and his deeds assuring. God’s speed!

Succeeding Peter Obi, who is highly regarded for a substantial measure of good performance, not only in terms of fiscal discipline, but also in the careful deployment of state resources for infrastructural development and human security needs of the people of the state, must come with its own challenges. The most notable of these is an inevitable high level of pressure to deliver and match, if not surpass, a popular predecessor. It is common knowledge that Obi was reputed to be prudent with the use of state funds and exemplary in his ascetic personal lifestyle. When most of his counterparts were not satisfied even with ostentatious living and had to notch it up to obscene levels his modesty in public appearance and conduct put a shame to the splendor other governors advertised so gleefully. When others used state funds to procure and maintain chartered or private jets, Obi not only flew commercial but did so at the most minimal cost.

It is against this background that the least expectation seems to be that Obiano would follow in the steps of his predecessor and possibly surpass his performance in good deeds. These expectations are legitimate for, as someone coming into the job with impressive credentials from the private sector, it is only proper to expect the new governor to bring some entrepreneurship, sobriety and decency into the governance of the state. With these, the new government can definitely move Anambra to higher level on the scale of development.

Given that Anambra State has peculiar environmental and developmental challenges, the new government in Awka is expected to re-double efforts at addressing these fundamental problems of the state, most especially erosion and education for the teeming youth population. The government should also endeavour to support, in a sustainable manner, the ongoing industrialization in the state, especially in the Nnewi industrial hub. The support for local creativity and industrialization should, however, be done in a way that will not compromise youth education, as youth education is pivotal to the developmental aspirations of any state and should be accorded adequate priority.

It is also important to focus on the provision of pipe-borne water to ease the burden on the people of the state who are perennially in search of clean water. This way, the new government can consolidate and build on the good legacies of its predecessor.

It is, however, important to underscore the fact that the task of bringing development to Anambra state is not the sole responsibility of the government. It is a collective responsibility of all citizens and is, therefore, incumbent upon all, especially opposition parties, civil society, media and the private sector to join hands with the Obiano government in taking Anambra to greater heights. This collaboration is, however, without prejudice to the ongoing litigation against the victory of Governor Willie Obiano. If anything, the case should be pursued to its logical conclusion within legally permissible limits. This way, whatever legitimacy question may be hanging on the new government can be permanently laid to rest. The judiciary too owes it a duty to the good people of the state to treat all pending cases pertaining to the election with urgency and decency in a manner that ensures justice, fairness and equity, following which Anambra’s upward ascent can continue.

LETTERS

Locating corruption in Nigeria’s culture IR: Corruption has Sdeeply over the years eaten so into the fabrics of the Nigerian society to the extent that it reflects in the everyday language of many Nigerians.

Sometimes, some vocabularies are wrongly used.

For instance, the dictionary defines the word “hustle” in various ways: “To force to make a decision before they are ready or sure”, “To sell or obtain something, often illegally” and “To work as a prostitute.” It also defines a hustler as “a person who tries to trick somebody into giving them money.”

If the above descriptions explain hustle and hustler, then, it is correct to say that most politicians and political office holders in Nigeria are hustlers.

What most Nigerian politicians have done over the years is to deceive the people with false promises, obtain their electoral mandates through rigging and assassination of opposition. They are also political prostitutes because they hop from one politi-

cal party to another.

Ask individuals among Nigerian youths what they do for a living and you get a reply like “Am just a hustler.”

Obviously, they don’t know what the word means. Corruption is just a way of life in Nigeria and herein lies the leanness of development prospects for the people and country.

A political office holder who refuses to steal public funds like his counterparts is seen as an underperformer or failure by many, including the members of his own household. An act of honesty is perceived by majority as an error, while fraud is widely applauded and accommodated. The official nature of corruption in Nigeria frequently heightens doubts as to the readiness of the country to leave underdevelopment status.

Ours is a society where a known criminal is highly respected because of the volume of cash the person

parades. We are in a clime where leaders lie to the followers shamelessly about matters that are already in public domain.

As a people, it has become necessary that Nigerians begin to eliminate the corrupt elements in their daily lives.

Unless individuals and peoples from the various groups that make up Nigeria return to the original noble values of integrity, love and honesty, there is no way the country can move beyond its present status in terms of growth and development.

We can all borrow a word from Mohandas K. Ghandi, father of the Indian nation: “The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity and worship without sacrifice.”

• Albinus Chiedu, Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Friday, April 11, 2014

13

Opinion Ibadan ritual den: Facts, fiction, propaganda

By Ayodele Adigun have watched and listened with consternaIOyotion over the past couple of days how the State Government, the mass media and various individuals have attempted to turn a current event into ancient fables and myths.

While the Government propaganda was very active in distancing government from the bizarre issue, the mass media have been lethargic in unearthing the facts.

More disturbing is the fact that friends and foes alike all over the world have continued to pour scorn and denigrate our proud city of Ibadan as a city meant for cave dwellers. I say with all sense of responsibility that it is the state government through its negligence and bestial actions that has in a large measure dragged the name of the city in the mud. The facts here under will suffice to buttress the point.

In 1996, Aprofim (that was) awarded the contract to construct the Ogunpa Channelisation Scheme took up accommodation at that Soka premises near Ogunpa River as its site office.

When the company could not perform, Costain was brought in to continue with the project. Again, the contractor proved to be incapable of going on with the project.

As the permanent secretary overseeing the project then, I recommended that the contract be terminated and the site as well as the equipment therein be taken over by Oyo State until the balance of advance payment was refunded to government. The recommendation

was approved, and the site taken over by government in 1999.

Between 2003 and 2007, the Ladoja administration advised the Ministry of Environment to put the premises into productive use. It was then that the idea of setting up a sewerage plant to take care of domestic waste was mooted. The ministry then succeeded in constructing an oxidation pond at the site. The oxidation pond became very useful for septic tank evacuators who had their waste products treated after paying some amount to government as revenue.

Later, the Nigerian Breweries got interested in the project and constructed an industrial oxidation pond for its exclusive use to treat its waste products. Thus the activities at the premises became a revenue earner for government between 2005 and 2011.

A cursory look at Oyo State Book of Estimates for the year 2009 at page 25, item 125 (v) will reveal an approved revenue estimate of N7, 000,000.00 (seven million naira) from oxidation pond user charges. In the 2012 Approved Book of Estimates at page 27 item 4310000 Revenue Code 4020142, there was an approved revenue estimate of N9, 000,000.00 for 2011 while no provision was made for 2012 for oxidation pond user charges. This means that the project was discontinued in 2012. The reason for this is not far-fetched. The complaints of the people of the area with a sparse population when the project was started had become more intense and the odour emanating

from the ponds had become very disturbing, hence the cancellation.

These facts completely debunk the notion that the place was a ritual den since about ten years ago because a government agency could not have operated a project generating revenue for government where such a nefarious activity was going on.

In July, 2012, the Oyo State Government awarded a contract for the evacuation of lunatics from Ibadan and its environs to Messrs Kolaful Company Limited with Ibrahim Gbadamosi as the consultant. The police were subsequently implored to provide cover for the assignment through a letter written to the then Commissioner for Environment and Habitat, Wasiu Oladimeji Dauda.

The destination of these unfortunate Nigerians carted away from the streets was the Soka premises. The Nigerian Tribune edition of Thursday, August 15, 2013 at page 9 with a story titled ‘Oyo Government moves lunatics from Ibadan roads’ credited to Tunde Ogunesan also confirmed the movement.

It is disheartening to note that the site, which was not made to accommodate people, became the abode of hundreds of perceived lunatics, destitute and unkempt looking people with no provision for medical care, rehabilitation or feeding.

The contention of the Special Adviser on Environment and Habitat Yomi Oke on Channels Television during an interview on the subject on Saturday March 29, 2014 also con-

firmed that government was only interested in getting these people off the streets to enhance the government environmental beautification programme without following up on what happened to them. This is not permissible in any civilised society.

The fact is that the agents of government starved most of these unfortunate people to death. Those who did not die were on the throes of death with emaciated physiques when they were rescued.

May I confirm that the Ladoja administration did not initiate any programme to move lunatics from the streets, neither was it done by the succeeding administration of Akala. Oyo State Government should be honest enough to take responsibility for this inhuman, wicked and irresponsible act rather than trying to hide behind a needle. There is no other word for this act than genocide! The nefarious acts were committed between 2012 and 2014.

It might have been possible for ritualists to take advantage of the shoddy arrangement by government but the fact is that government used its resources to gather these unfortunate people to a location where they became vulnerable to human predators and the elements. I sincerely hope that the police and human rights organisations will get to the root of this evil.

• Adigun, a retired permanent secretary was also a commissioner and secretary to the Oyo State Government.

Why Lagos must reconsider LASU fees

By Nurudeen Temilola T is hardly a secret that a regime of high fees has reIinmained the greatest challenge students have faced with the last decade at the Lagos State University (LASU).

Therefore, the state government’s call for superior arguments and proposal for the reduction is a testament to the fact that it is not inflexible to change.

Following the seemingly endless crisis in LASU in 2011, the Lagos State House of Assembly was forced to intervene; the honourable house even passed a resolution. Consequently, the governor set-up a visitation panel to look into all the issues that nearly tore LASU apart. In the report of the visitation panel, recommendations were made to the government on the way forward in the university.

Unfortunately, government was selective – in favour of those that suited her purpose. A classical example of this is in Section 4.0, Term of Reference (iii), particularly at Section 4.0.2 paragraph (g) where the panel recommended the “increase in the budgetary allocation to the university using the UNESCO benchmark of a minimum of 25 per cent of annual budget of the state to be expended on education.”

Considering the class and social status of all members of the panel, the anti-poor people decisions were not surprising - these are people who can afford multiples of these ‘outrageous fees’. Meanwhile, LASU is meant for Lagosians, a larger part supposedly in the middle class.

In the law establishing LASU, Section 3 provides that the objectives of the university shall be to: (f) “ provide ready access for citizens of the state in particular to higher education regardless of social origin or income.” It therefore suffices to say that the law provides that LASU is meant for the people without prejudice to social status or economic classification.

More so, 30 years ago, the Lagos State Government under Chief Lateef Jankande established LASU. The party in government then was the Unity Party Nigeria (UPN), a party with linear ideological leaning to then regional Action Group led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. By the Second Republic, the idea of the free education was no longer restricted to primary education, but also to secondary and tertiary education.

Your Excellency Sir, I will want to quickly digress to consider all that were summed up in the fee before we arrived at N193, 750; N223, 750; N248, 750 and N348, 750 for Arts/Education, Social and Management Sciences, Law and College of Medicine respectively. Some of these bills cannot be justified. For instance in Faculty of Education, Teaching Practice is N15, 000. For the purpose of clarification, teaching

practice is a service rendered by our students to public secondary schools in Lagos. Like the compulsory ‘Housemanship’ for medical students, participants are meant to be paid for rendering these services and not to pay for rendering it.

LASU students are not conceding to claims that quality education is determined by how much you can afford. His Excellency once argued, “a lawyer trained with N25, 000 cannot compete globally compared with his counterpart in the U.K trained with 9,000 pounds”, but we make bold to aver that there is no correlation at all between price and quality education. It is a fact that University of Helsinki, Finland is the first in Finland and 76th in the world and it is tuition- free.

The Lagos State government may wish to argue that it is subsidising the education of each student with so much but we are yet to see any concrete evidence to that effect.

This is premised on the fact that if a private university can charge N 450,000 to include feeding and accommodation for a year, then LASU is costly compared to private schools for charging N350, 000 without accommodation and feeding.

However, LASU is not a private university. It is a public utility that is meant to serve the people and not for profit making. Therefore, the fee hike is unjust for reasons that LASU was created as an institution to level social class in the society for the poor, rich and middle class. Harvard is a private school, LASU is not. Therefore, let us stop comparing LASU to Harvard.

On enrolment trend, LASU used to be a university of first choice. At present, the reverse is the case. Students that never picked LASU as a first choice university are now being enticed with admission whenever they lose out in other schools. In LASU today, we now have third and fourth rounds of post-UTME tests after rigorous advertisements.

Enrolment has dropped drastically from 4, 570 in 2006 to 1,416 in 2014.

The implication of this is that innovations and intellectual competitiveness amongst the students that the university thrives on have dwindled. Our students will not be exposed to solving societal problems. How then will the gown relate with the town? Looking at the enrolment list for 2013/2014, PHE has one student on roll, French (one), Fisheries and Aquatic Biology (two each), Physics (one); some departments do not even feature on admission list for lack of patronage. The trend reinforces the unwitting reduction of LASU students’ strength from about 24,000 students to about six thousand by next academic session.

From the above illustration, the government is paying

dearly for it! By under-utilizing the infrastructure and human resources in LASU, the Lagos State Government is indirectly paying more. The same fixed overhead that can effectively train 4, 500 students will now be deployed to train 1,000 students.

What of the implications on social security? Abraham Lincoln said, “if you run away from responsibility, you will be held responsible”. To avoid being held responsible in the future, Lagos must stand up to the responsibility of making tertiary education affordable. LASU must be made affordable to the teeming youths in Lagos State. The dreams of thousands of youths out there have been shattered by the fee hike. One day, they will want to come back asking for their rights, so Lagos State must begin to invest heavily in security.

In some departments even the few students admitted had dropped out because they could not cope with the fee regime. For instance, in the Department of Computer Science Education, five dropped out of 20 that were admitted.

In Fisheries and Aquatic Biology, 60 got admitted, 46 dropped out and of the 14 left, only four had registered as at January 23, 2014 due to the fee hike.

The continued progress of Lagos State University is the wish of any well-meaning stakeholder. The Lagos State University Students’ Union, as the foremost representative of the students, also craves for the progress and change of this great citadel of learning. We say no to the new regime of fees because Lagos State is the third largest city in Africa after Cairo and Kinshasa; and the sixth emerging mega city in the world and in fact, it is richer than many African countries.

According to the Pro-chancellor, Bode Augusto, “the fee hike is not enough to pay salaries for three months as LASU needs N900, 000, 000 a month to survive”. On the 20th of March after the Commissioner for Works Dr. Babafemi Hamzat inspected on-going projects in LASU, the vice chancellor affirmed, “the infrastructural development in LASU has nothing to do with the fee hike.” Now the question is: why were the fees hiked?

Conclusively, Wilfred Pareto asserted that a change that makes at least one individual better off and makes no individual worse off is an improvement in social welfare.

Conversely, a change that makes one individual better off and at least makes one individual worse off is a decrease in social welfare. Our submission: Under no circumstance and for no flimsy excuse should the state government deprive the poor access to higher education in order not to experience a decrease in social welfare. To these, we submit.

14

Friday, April 11, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Opinion Challenge, confrontation: Jonathan’s new year (3)

By Lindsay Barrett T would not be wrong for readers of this series of articles so far to assume that this writer sympathises with the Jonathan administration’s assertion that it has a vision and agenda for Nigerian nationhood that should be supported. However, in an objective analysis, sympathy does not always translate into the absolute rejection of critical observations and opinions about the conduct of affairs of state by the incumbent administration. There are certain elements of governance that tend to become more prominent in the assessment of the performance of political leadership in the period leading up to electoral contest.

In Nigeria today the issue of state-fuelled corruption and impunity towards the practice by the authorities has become a fundamental source of criticism in the general political discourse. It is also undeniable that the strengthening of a unified opposition movement has become an important imperative of the political arena. Dr. Jonathan’s strategic advantages have therefore been seriously eroded by public perceptions of the deployment of privilege in his cabinet, and under-performance by several agencies of government. When such issues are portrayed by critics of the administration as elements of the conduct of government, the popular will is easily seduced by the process of confrontation that these concerns suggest. This is an important factor in democratic discourse and must be fully understood and considered by the incumbent administration as it formulates its response to critical commentary in 2014.

It would be frivolous, not to say irresponsible, for those who craft the president’s response to concerns voiced over the impact of corruption on the national economy to pretend that there is no substance to the concerns being raised. Already one of the most credible and respected professionals in the cabinet, the Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has indicated that the

I

question of corrupt practices within the system has provoked her own anxieties. It is therefore imperative that President Jonathan should constitute a task force of his own officials as well as independent investigators to supervise a thorough inquest into the issue.

The recent publication of a report on Nigerian corruption released by the U.S. State Department has added fuel to the fire of confrontation over the issue that Jonathan’s administration must contend with. It might not be far-fetched for one to assume that this was part of a deliberate strategy crafted by official agencies of the U.S government to create concern in the Nigerian polity. This is a widely recognised historical strategy of the U.S.A in nations where it seeks to promote the development of competitive democracy, and the Nigerian system has often been described as being a clone of the American presidential system.

Nevertheless the establishment of the system and its dependency on the economic support of the Western industrialised nations that purchase its main export, petroleum products, means that any serious leader must be prepared for such scrutiny and be able to marshal credible responses to interventions of this nature.

If President Jonathan and his colleagues are not prepared to weather attacks and accusations such as those that have surfaced in recent months then it would be safe to assume that they have lost interest in continuing in government. However this can hardly be the case since Jonathan has personally initiated some of the most far-reaching and transformative official initiatives in vital sectors of the socio-economic and socio-political arena. His government is therefore committed to completing, or at least consolidating, these policies and initiatives before its tenure come to an end constitutionally. In that respect it is only natural to

expect that President Jonathan and his party will seek to have him elected for a second term.

However the claim that he had pledged himself to serve only a single term has become a matter of vital discourse both within and outside of his own party, and this controversy has been fuelled by the assertions voiced by the former President and elder statesman, General Olusegun Obasanjo.

This is one issue that effectively illustrates how a topic that should be regarded as marginal in the process of governance can become central to the stability of an administration once it is installed in power.

When he first came to office Jonathan had indeed expressed a desire to have Nigeria’s presidential tenure changed to a single term of six years. However, the legislature has not approved this nor has a necessary constitutional amendment been promulgated to this effect, so the president’s constitutional term of office allows him to be elected to two terms of four years each.

President Jonathan has clearly used his first term to plan his administrative agenda, and his programme of transformation has only just begun to take hold. It is also clear that he regards much of the criticism being aimed at his government as signposts for the reform and strategic re-organisation of the very bureaucracy that he put in place.

This suggests that if he is voted in for a second term he will embark on corrective strategies to ensure that the initiatives of his first term become more effective in his final term in office. However, the nature of competitive democracy places the opposition under no obligation to grant a reprieve to the serving government, which it is seeking to replace, to enable it complete or develop its agenda.

As a consequence, Jonathan and his supporters can justify their decision to challenge the onslaught of allegations against

the conduct of affairs of state that they must confront in 2014. But the focus of the administration must extend beyond responding to noisome attacks and pay attention to the content of some of these attacks so that the response will be more than mere propaganda.

In a year that is leading up to a seminal election, it is vital for the success of the democratic principle that the government should be able to apply criticism of its performance to the actual process of governance. If this occurs the electorate might be encouraged to regard government as more than just an institution of privilege as portrayed by the opposition and take note of its actual performance. This will challenge the government to improve its record of service in the year ahead.

The greatest challenge confronting the president this year is that he must encourage the survival of the democratic processes and principles upon which the system of his government thrives even while seeking to overcome the challenges that have been unleashed by it.

His main opponents include some former leaders who have been no less complicit in many of the anomalies that they accuse him of condoning when they were in office themselves.

However while they are able to hide behind their absence from officialdom in recent years he must take responsibility for the perceived failures of official policies and programmes. Many of these are the consequence of normal deficiencies of implementation that can be corrected in time but the president is being held to account for them now because this is a year in which political campaigning and public scrutiny are the indices at the forefront of the social order. This is the central paradox of the confrontation and challenge that lies at the heart of President Jonathan’s New Year.

• Concluded.

• Barrett wrote the three-part series via daylight-

The orator’s last bow (2)

By Niyi Osundare

(for Columbus Chukwujindu Ihekaibeya, 1942-2004) ES, even on that first day, Chuks and I did it ‘the Ibadan way’.

Y As we regaled each other with tales of our Lagos-London flight (the first flight experience for both of us), Chuks dug his hand into his coat pocket and whipped out a poem he had written about the flight. I complemented his effort with one that I too had composed while on board. Neither of us was surprised at this coincidence. Chuks’ lines were purple and poignant (as usual), mine were full of visual images and oriki-tenored tropes.

Each of us had something to say about the prophetic hubris of Icarus, though we were grateful we did not return to earth as ashes. Some self-congratulation and mutual backslapping rewarded our readings, as did quite a bit of close interpretation and Leavis-esque criticism. This creative and intellectual exchange characterised and strengthened our friendship throughout my time in Leeds. It was impossible to keep Chuks’ company and remain intellectually inactive.

Let me summon two brief anecdotes to the aid of this assertion. Early one morning in February 1974, I was still trying to clear my eyes of the debris of slumber when a gentle knock unsilenced my door. It was Chuks on an urgent literary visit to me in my little room in Hey House, Bodington Hall, some one-andhalf miles from where he resided. ‘What are you doing here so early, Oga Orator?’ I asked, an expectant smile on my lips. ‘See, just see’, Chuks responded as he breezed through the door, holding a book in his hand. ‘Have you seen this? Have you read this? Ah, this is more than fantastic!’ He enthused as he brought out (again, from his coat pocket!) a thumb-bruised, copiously book-marked copy of Wole Soyinka’s The Man Died which he had read all night and just couldn’t wait for the daybreak to share with me. For the next two hours, we flipped from page to page, mesmerized by Soyinka’s riveting account of the Nigerian civil war, his role in this tragic event, and his travails in the solitary confinement unit of General Gowon’s prison.

The second episode occurred on March 12, 1974, (alas, 40 years ago!). Again, it was Chuks on a visit to me at Bodington Hall; only this time, he was not alone. Again, that gentle knock on the door and behind it was Chucks with some five or six other colleagues in tow. As I opened the door, a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday!’ surprised my ears. It was they who actually reminded me, for I hardly ever remember my birthday! My new Akai stereo set went to work, and for the next two hours, we gyrated to the compelling rhythms of reggae and highlife. Halfway through the jollification, Chuks cleared his throat and said,

‘Ladies and gentlemen, a gift for Niyi’. The loudspeakers went silent; the dancing crowd became expectant. Whereupon the Orator brought out (again, from his coat pocket!) a neatly folded yellow piece of paper from which he read ‘Crimson Moments’, a poem he had composed for my birthday and typed up on his new small typewriter. (A few weeks before, Chuks had celebrated the purchase of that typewriter, an Olivetti, if my memory serves me right, as his initiation into the esteemed kingdom of writing). The audience exploded in admiration.

Chuks and I were locked in cordial embrace. We both knew my gratitude was beyond words. . . . I have carried that poem with me ever since. Its echo hovered over my consciousness as I composed ‘Birth Day’, one of the poems in Days, my book of poems published in 2007, and that particular poem was dedicated to Chuks Ihekaibeya and memories of ‘Crimson Moments’.

But Chuks was no joyless nerd and shriveled book shrimp. He was a rounded human being who cherished the plenitude of life. If Chuks’ smile was disarming, his laughter was lungful and robustly infectious. The Orator knew his way to the highest reaches of elocution, but he also knew how to mine lowly dialects for their pithiness and earthy humour. He was colourful, demonstrably colourful, but never flashy; sociable without being noisily gregarious. His was a life devoted to the methods of the mind, the priceless treasure of quiet moments. Hence he chose his company judiciously. Two of the people he introduced to me in our first two weeks in Leeds were Gaius Anoka, the famous Thespian and very pleasant human being, and Ogbonnah Agbai, a witty and humorous fellow who had also just arrived in Leeds for a degree in Geology. He was Chuks’ junior in high school and displayed reverential awe for his former senior’s character and oratorical prowess. Ogbonnah and I were age-mates and constantly traded age-mate jokes. Chuks renewed his acquaintanceship with Siyan Malomo, my close friend and our mutual colleague from Ibadan, who was on graduate studies in Geology.

Chuks loved music generally and reggae with a passion. He and I used to comb the music store at Chapel Town in the West Indian district of Leeds for the latest sounds from the Caribbean. We fell in instant love with The World Needs Love by The Pioneers and Jimmy Cliff’s The Harder They Come. Chuks loved dancing, very much as I too did, and I was never tired of teasing him about his dancing style which was something close to a mix of the gallopy reggae stride and the shouldershaking athleticism of Atilogu. And almost invariably, he replied by mocking my waist-wiggling moves. Quite often, we concluded our entertainment session with a cerebral analysis of the lyrics of the songs as if we were back once again in Dan

Izevbaye’s poetry appreciation classes at UI. I returned to Ibadan in September 1974 to begin my career as a university teacher. Chuks and I corresponded vigorously in the first few months before life despatched us on its different trajectories. Thereafter, our correspondence became less frequent, then went into many years of hiatus. But it wasn’t total silence. I remember our afternoon together in London in December 1986 when I was in the UK to receive the Commonwealth Poetry Prize. Older, mellower, and wiser now, Chuks and I went over our usual fare: literature, music, philosophy, and politics. We pondered over the conundrum called Life and its Eshu-like vicissitudes. And more than ever before, my friend and I agonized over the perennial delinquency of our country Nigeria and our continent Africa, and the problems of being black in a world in which that colour still stinks like a disabling blemish.

Our second contact was official and indirect: I was so delighted in November 1999 to receive a letter signed by Chuks in his capacity as Special Assistant to Chief Emeka Anyaoku to whom I had copied my petition to the British Ambassador to the United States regarding a bungled entry visa application issue. A couple of months later Chuks and I met at the Murtala Mohammed Airport where he introduced me personally to the affable Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. I was hardly surprised to see that Chuks had become a respected Commonwealth official; for in addition to his literary and intellectual acumen, the art and act of diplomacy came to him as a natural asset. In later years he became a Commonwealth envoy and much demanded point man. Our last correspondence took place a couple of months ago, and it carried Chuks’ characteristically perspicacious and eloquent response to my 2012 Save Nigeria Group (SNG) lecture in Lagos. We had agreed to reconnect physically again, and I was thinking of this happening the next time I was in the UK. And then, last week, that highly moving obituary notice from Chukwuma Azuonye . . ..

Cerebral, well spoken, urbane and consistently humane, Columbus Chukwujindu Ihekaibeya was an accomplished human being with a global soul. He strove for excellence in everything he did, and had no patience with half measures. Chuks loved people and he cherished being loved in return. He had but one tribe, and that was the human race, and he did all he could to project it the noblest heights. Now the music is gone, but the melody remains… Sleep well, my dear Chukwujindu.

Sleep well, Orator.

• Concluded.

• Prof. Osundare is based in New Orleans, United States.

Friday, April 11, 2014 15

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

TheMetroSection ‘We refuse to be used as thugs’ • Anti-crime Youths Vanguard, council boss bicker in FESTAC Town

By Odita Sunday COLD war has been raging between A the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Council, Mr. Ayodele Adewale and youths of the community under the aegis of the Community Policing Youths Vanguard, inaugurated by the Lagos State Police Command, in the wake of increased criminal activities in Festac and its environs.

The Local Government chairman has alleged that the youths were being used to carry out nefarious activities and terrorizing members of the Neighborhood Watch under the control of the LGA Chairman. But the youths in a swift reaction told The Guardian that it was the LGA Chairman who has become a thorn in their flesh by allegedly peddling all sorts of lies against them and the police authorities in order to ensure that the Area Commander Mr. Dan Okoro was redeployed.

Spokesman of the youth group, Mr. Gbenga Akinbinu, who spoke with The Guardian over the matter noted that no amount of propaganda by the chairman would stop them from ensuring that Festac community and its environs were secured.

According to him: “The Amuwo Odofin Local Council chairman has been peddling all sorts of lies against us. He said we beat up members of Neighborhood Watch, which is a big lie. Neighborhood Watch was set up by the state government, how can we beat up and matchet its members? There is no single reason why we should attack neighborhood watchers. Some Neighborhood Watchers are even our members.”

“He hates us because we refused to work as his thugs. We are called Community Policing Youth Vanguard (CPYV). The Commissioner of Police Alhaji Umar Manko and the Area Commander, ACP Dan Okoro, to assist the police in ridding our community of all sorts of crimes and violence, inaugurated us. After the Cythia Osokogu murder incident, we discovered that crime rate was on the increase at a time in Festac and its environs, the Lagos State Police Command in their wisdom set up our group to assist the police and be the eyes of the Command in the community.”

“Since we were commissioned, we have recorded tremendous achievements. We work with all the security agencies and not police alone. The day we all agreed to stop all the crimes in our area, the Local Government Vice chairman was there, the Chief Imam of Festac was there, the Christians had

Briefs Chief Degun passes on HE palace of Awujale and the T paramount ruler of Ijebuland have announced the death of the Vice Chairman of ijebu Council of Chiefs, Chief Adedotun Adedeji Kayode Degun,the Madasa of ijebuland.

Degun worked with the defunct Post and Telegraphs Savings Bank, Lafiaji, Lagos as Accounts Clerk before proceeding to the famous Fourah Bay College now University of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

On October 10,1955,he began his meritorious and recordbreaking career in the Western Region's public service as an Education Officer (Examinations) and rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary.

DPC meets Sunday Adewale (middle) with members of the Youths Vanguard during their visit to the council chairman... their representative and all the stakehold- mous. When the ‘One Million Boys’ robOdofin LGA Man O’ War who she ers in the community agreed that we bery gang came into Festac, we arrested claimed are impersonating the police have to stop the stealing, rapes, assassina- them and handed them over to the poboth in dressing and usurping their tions and all sorts of crimes that is plagu- lice.” duties. ing our community.”

Some residents of FESTAC town who According to her: “Okoro is an eduAkinbinu alleged that the council chair- spoke to The Guardian accused the LGA cated, trained and disciplined police man had always fought any police officer boss of usurping the powers of the Area officer. There is no way he would enposted to Festac who refuses to be used Commander. courage trailers to drive against one for his political gains.

Debunking the allegation of violation of way or encourage the habit of taking “The former Divisional Police Officer human rights against the Area Combribe because he knows the implica(DPO) of FESTAC town, Mr. Usman mander and the youths by Ayodele, a tion of such nefarious activities.”

Ndambabo, had issues with the Local businessman and resident of FESTAC, Al“The Man O’ War of Amuwo-Odofin Council chairman. He has never worked haji Mustapha Bello said the allegations LGA are impersonators. They wore Mosmoothly with any police officer posted was false, adding that if there is anyone bile Police uniform, belt and beret. to Festac area. Our group paid him a cour- guilty of such offences, it was Ayodele.

They also use Mobile Police jack knives tesy visit after the police inaugurated us “I have been residing in FESTAC for over and usurped the duties of policemen. and he received us very well. We took 20 years. I have seen several Area ComIn most cases, when they commit group pictures and he was happy with manders come and go, but Okoro is excrimes like collection of bribes and perthe group but he wanted to use us for his ceptional. He inculcated discipline on his form illegal duties, people in FESTAC political gains, which we declined. policemen. Under him, crime rate in FES- think it is Nigerian Mobile Police men “He has urged us to remove the word po- TAC has reduced drastically. Residents of because of their dressing. They are imlice from our name and be on his payroll FESTAC now sleep with both eyes closed. personators,” she disclosed. which we declined. He boasted that he The fierceness at which his policemen The chairman in a statement by his would sponsor and buy us official vehifoiled the attempted murder or assassina- spokesman had accused the Youth cles if we could become his group but we tion of the owner of Young Shall Grow Vanguard of allegedly engaging in nerefused. He has been calling us hoodlums Motors increased our confidence in him. farious activities. because he knows we are formidable and We cannot forget so soon the way and According to him: “It seems there is no that we are doing the right thing. Since manner he investigated the murder of end in sight in the destructive and newe started assisting the police, crime rate Cynthia Osokogu with the culprits arfarious activities of the Amuwo Odofin in Festac and its environs has dropped. He rested and charged to court.”

Policing Youth Vanguard that was set knows he cannot fight us because almost “What I feel is that the chairman is fram- up by the Area ‘E’ Commander, ACP all our members are graduates and intel- ing up these unfounded allegations Dan Okoro. The group was seen attackligent people. What we are doing in FESagainst them because the disciplinary ac- ing council officials, Neighborhood TAC is giving joy to the residents,” he said. tion of the FESTAC Police Boss is prevent- Watchers of Amuwo Odofin Local He continued: “He has been peddling all ing him and his men from oppressing Council and also terrorizing passers by sorts of lies against the Area Commander and witch-hunting FESTAC residents,” he and traders recently at Alakija in because of us. He has written several peti- declared.

Amuwo Odofin Local Council.” tions against him, but because the police When contacted, Lagos State Police Pub“What baffles me the most is that the officer is doing the right thing, he has not lic Relation Officer (PPRO) Ngozi Braide, a police attached to Festac Police Station succeeded. If any incident happens in Superintendent of Police (SP) debunked was just watching the drama, refusing Amuwo Odofin, our chairman would call the various allegation of Ayodele against to give us protection.”

OP Messa and not the police. He believes Okoro, stressing that Ayodele is only givHe further alleged that the youths he can do without the police, which is not ing Okoro a bad name in order to hang also damaged and vandalized Local possible. We have picture evidence of him.

Council projects signposts during the where the chairman welcomed us. Our She condemned the excesses of Amuwo March 2014, environmental sanitation contribution to police has been enorexercise.

Lagos assures on competitive tariff policy for water

By Gbenga Salau HE Lagos State government has assured that a T tariff policy that will be acceptable to all stakeholders in the water services sector in the state will soon be put in place.

At a workshop organised by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, on designing affordable tariffs for water supply and wastewater management services held in Lagos recently, the state governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), said different stakeholders in the water services sector and their varying needs and objectives, many of which pull in different directions, demand a high degree of consensus in the determination of a tariff policy.

The governor, who spoke through his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mojisola Rhodes, while flagging off the event, said: “It is in view of this that this workshop is a welcome development as it provides a platform for Government Policy makers, Service Providers, Investors and even the consumers to

discuss issues that are of interest to the various groups.”

He added that incorporating these objectives into a comprehensive tariff policy has provided a foundation upon which the water services infrastructure can be developed in a sustainable and affordable manner.

The workshop, according to the governor, will also develop the key elements of a Tariff Policy that will create a conducive environment for growth and instill confidence in all stakeholders.

He further stated that at the inception of this administration, the government identified the need to ensure the availability of water supply and wastewater management service delivery as a key indicator of socio-economic development.

In pursuance of this objective, the state government developed a roadmap that included the development of necessary infrastructure, the enthronement of key governance structures and the promotion of private sector investment in water supply and wastewater management.

“What is now incontestable is the fact that the delivery of water supply services is a capital intensive and at the same time financially viable venture. We have realised that unlike many other household commodities, a purely competitive market for potable water supply service delivery through a piped network cannot exist.

Demand for potable water will most likely continue to outstrip supply.

From the perspective of government, private investment is necessary to drive the growth of the sector such that the sector is self-financing and therefore sustainable and enduring”, The Executive Secretary of the commission, Mrs. Tanwa Koya, had earlier stated that the commission is responsible for ensuring proper delivery of water supply and sewerage (waste water management services) in Lagos State.

She also called on stakeholders to make use of the commission’s website, toll free lines and complaints boxes, which were recently unveiled for further information.

ELTA Peers Club (DPC) D will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, April 13, at No. 15A, Awosika Street, off Governor Road, Ikotun Lagos at 3.00p.m. For more enquiries, call 08034034698.

Ogbakor Ikwerre meets HE general meeting of OgT bakor Ikwerre (Lagos) will hold on Sunday, April 13, at Club 1919, Nigerian Railway Compound, opposite AP Filling Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos at 3.00p.m.

Rose Nnadozie for burial HE death has occurred of T Deaconess Rose Nnadozie.

She died on March 22, 2014 and will be buried on Saturday, April 19, 2014 in her hometown, Umuawa Alaocha of Abia State.

She is survived by husband, Dickson Nnadozie and children: Uchenna Nnadozie and Ikemba Nnadozie among others

Nnadozie

Mabadeje, 66, for burial UNERAL rites for Princess FMabadeje, Abosede Esther Badejoko who died at the age of 66 begin on Tuesday, April 15, with a Christian wake at Oba Alfred Babington Obafuwa Ashaye’s Palace, beside Church of the Lord, Aladura Headquarters, Ogere-Remo, Ogun State, at 4.00pm. Funeral service holds on Wednesday, April 16, at 10.00am at the Diocese of Remo Central, OgereRemo Circuit, Methodist Church of Nigeria to be followed by interment at the Church Cemetery. Reception is at Oba Alfred Babington Obafuwa Ashaye’s Palace.

Mabadeje

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

16 Friday, April 11, 2014

Police uncover two new baby factories in Imo • Parade pregnant teenage girls, medical doctor over alleged missing twin baby, among others From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri OR the officers and men of the Imo State Police Command, it was a period to celebrate successes recorded recently following the arrests of alleged criminals ranging from operators of two baby factories, rescued teenage victims, suspected murderer of a nursing mother, suspected medical doctor who is questioned over the missing baby to car snatchers.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Abdulmajid Ali, who paraded the suspects on Tuesday in Owerri, through the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Enwerem, disclosed that on March 7,the two baby factories were uncovered in

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Amuzi, Ahiazu Mbaise, Local Council of the state, operated by one Mr. Dominic Ahejuonu, while four pregnant teenage girls, Miss Chioma Obioma (19), from Bende, Abia State, Miss Chinyere John (18) from Avu, Owerri West Local Council of Imo State, Miss Chioma Obasi (19), from Umunoha, Mbaitoli Local Council and 23-year-old Miss Jenifer Muse, from Obubra, Cross River State were rescued from the factory.

In the same vein, in another location, another baby factory in the area was stormed by the police, according to Ali, while the proprietor, Malachi Ufomadu, ran away on sighting the police, but a girl said to

Imo State Police Commissioner, Abdulwajid Ali be the matron of the factory, Miss Chinonso Ufomadu, 17, and three pregnant girls believed to be waiting for delivery and possibly sale of the babies were arrested. They are Miss Peace Daniel, 19, from Akwa Ibom State, Miss Nmesoma Elewachi, 21, from Bende,

Abia State, and Ogechi Chigozie, 20, from Eziukwu Aba, Abia State.

The Medical Director of Rosana Hospital and Maternity, Umudibia, Nekede, near Owerri, Dr. Alex Ejiogu, was also paraded for allegedly stealing one of the twins delivered by Mrs. Eberechukwu Peter in his hospital last week. He was paraded for allegedly selling the missing twin boy, declaring one to the mother after a caesarean operation.

Franklin Njoku, 18, of Ngor Opkala Local Council of Imo State, the Commissioner said, was apprehended for allegedly killing a fouryear- old girl, Gloria Eze, after luring her to the bush and then hung the deceased’s lifeless body on a

palm tree.

He said a 32-year- old Chidi Egeolu, from Orlu, Imo State, was paraded for the murder of a widow, Chukaodiri Nzerem, 24, in her room in Njaba, Imo State, last week, dispossessing her of her three-monthold -baby.

Others paraded included Anyaegbu Tochi from Mgbala, Agwa, Oguta Local Council, for alleged snatching of a Honda Salon car and replacing it with a fake registration number, Uma 202 AA, on April 5, and Chimobi Duru, said to be a member of Anyaegbu’s gang.

Onyeka Okoye, 27, from Ituku Agwu, Enugu State and his gang, now on the run, stole the defunct Power

Holding Company Nigeria (PHCN) and Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL) cables and a Mercedez Benze car, 608 number XL -122 –GGE. Also on April 5, Jude Esomchi, 35, from Enugu State, a staff of Jonkey Filling Station, Agbala, Owerri North Local Council of Imo State and John Aguoha from Egbu, also in Owerri North Local Council, but resides in Lagos were arrested for alleged stealing.

The police boss thanked Imo people who volunteered information that led to the arrests, adding that the suspects would soon face the full weight of the law.

He promised to give criminals in the state a hot chase.

Why we declared five suspects wanted over murder of two lawyers • Police vow to unravel the mysteries behind the killing ‘By Odita Sunday OLLOWING investigations that have been stepped up in connection with the recent gruesome murder of two lawyers, Dafiogho Egwuono and Samuel Ekwaghanju on Thursday March 27, 2014, on a lonely Oil Company Service Road at Ozoro, the Delta State Police Command boss has explained why five persons were declared wanted by them.

Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, Mr Ikechukwu Aduba told The Guardian that the command had deemed it necessary to declare the suspects wanted following the mysterious circumstances in which the victims were stained.

He said the suspects, if intercepted, would aid the police in their investigation. The suspects declared wanted are one Chucks SNU, Obeji SNU, Kelvin SNU, Kaya Morgan and Shakara.

“This most dreadful and bloodletting gang, earlier led

by Kelvin of Kokori now on trial at Abuja and one Jonathan Okoli aka GSM presently in our custody, from evidence at our disposal, have been responsible for series of armed robberies and kidnapping escapades which have occurred within Delta State for the past two

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years. This includes the kidnap in 2013 and eventual killing of the former Deputy Governor of Anambra State and two others at Agbor after collection of ransom, the attack of a federal legislator, Ndudi Elumelu and the killing of an escort detail along Ughelli Road, in 2012,” he said.

Other alleged criminal records of the wanted persons, according to Aduba, are the kidnapping of a High Court Judge in Edo State in 2013, whose fingers where chopped-off, the 2013 prison escort ambush leading to the death of a prison personnel and the release of three awaiting trial detainees and the kidnapping of the son of the Delta State Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

“It must, however be noted, albeit in passing, that against the backdrop of the resolution of Delta State branch of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), persuading lawyers from the State branch to steer clear from cases of kidnapping, bearing in mind the witty saying that he who rides on the back of a tiger may end up in the tiger’s dining plate, ironically, the assassinated lawyers are the defence counsel to some of the arrested members of the dreaded gang some of whose escapades are highlighted above, currently undergoing

trials.”

“They have also filed a motion for a writ of hebeus corpus seeking the release from police custody of some of the arrested members of this blood-thirsty gang.”

“It is further noted that parties had joined issues in the later application for the aforesaid writ at Ozoro High Court, and for which Ruling was fixed at 12noon of 27/3/2014, at the instance of the deceased counsels,” he said.

Aduba added: “While in-

vestigation is coming up apace, the questions/issues that readily call to mind and begging for answers are: What could be the reason(s) for the application for a stand down of the Ruling of 27/3/2014 to 12noon by the deceased counsel? The Lexus Jeep driven by the Counsel was unscathed, bereft of any dent or bullet holes that may give rise to reasonable conclusion of coercion. The road, where the incident occurred is a lonely Oil Company Serv-

ice Road, leading to a wellhead and miles away from the road leading to the Court.

The deceased lawyers were shot at close range on the foreheads.”

“At the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, some of the questions, issues and mysteries raised above will be demystified and unravelled there and then, we may conveniently draw up a conclusion.

“Once again, we want to reiterate our strict stance on the

ethics of our profession and reassure the good people of Delta State that the Command will never succumb to the temptations of extra judicial killing or be a party to same, but will rather remain undeterred or discouraged by any act of blackmail. We will continue relentlessly in our present efforts to ensure that the evil of kidnapping and violent crime is consistently fought head-on no matter whose ox is gored,” he declared.

Group decries youths’ exposure to pornography

By Ujunwa Atueyi

the disease and early marriage, adding that the influx HE Good Living Initiative (GLI), a non-governmental of pornographic materials organization based in Lagos into the markets, stalls and has decried the high level of homes, have contributed to the prevalent rate of the disexposure of youths and ease, which have caused unschool children to pornotold hardship to victims. graphic materials.

“If youths watch pornoThe Executive Director of the organization, Mrs. Sussie graphic materials, it stimuMetu, stated this during sen- lates their sensitive parts and they engage in sexual activisitization visit to Commuties to practise what they nity Secondary School, viewed,” she noted.

Eguhuo in Ishiellu Local The Executive Director reCouncil of Ebonyi State. She gretted that the various noted that exposure is dangerous as the society battles video and print censorship with the Human Immunode- bodies in the country were not living up to their responficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome sibilities, as they allow uncensored materials into the (HIV/AIDS) scourge.

She spoke on the dangers of market.

“It is disheartening to see

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children watching films dominated by erotic scenes, as majority of films in the country mostly contain such scenes.

She noted that these days, most television stations in the country show films meant for adults as early as 4.00p.m. when many children are glued to television sets in their homes.

“Another issue that needs to be corrected is men urinating indiscriminately in open places in the full glare of children instead of urinating in hidden places to avoid exposing their genitals.

She advised the students to shun pre-marital sex due to its inherent dangers but concentrate on their studies to

achieve their life ambitions.

A Director in the organization, Rev. Joseph Agbo, advised young girls in particular to protect their virginity as it is their pride that would make them more valuable before their husbands.

“They should resist all pressure from their parents and guardians to engage in early marriage, noting that it would debar them from achieving their life ambitions.

He advised them to educate their parents on the dangers of early marriage and engage in meaningful ventures that would sustain them till they are ripe for marriage.

Kaduna govt gives N163 million to Muslim, Christian groups From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief S part of efforts to sustain peace and unity in Kaduna State, Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero has distributed financial assistance worth over N163 million to 366 groups comprising Muslim and Christian organisations.

The assistance was meant to support various religious bodies to carry out their activities as well as assist with building of places of worship and learning centres.

Speaking during the presentation of cheques to the representatives of the religious groups, Yero said that his administration would not relent in sustaining lasting peace that would lead to reintegration of the diverse groups in the state.

According to him: “We are assisting religious groups

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because of the importance of religion in ensuring peace and harmonious coexistence among our people. Religious leaders must not forget their roles as leading lights and they must preach the true gospel of God without adding their own personal opinions, because we have observed that some preachers add personal opinions to the Word of God.” The governor explained that one of the most important objectives of his administration was to engender lasting peace in Kaduna State, stressing, “from today, we are going to ensure that the people always mix, whatever we are going to do in this state, we must sit together as brothers irrespective of tribe or religion, the principle of our administration is to promote the

Yero reintegration of our people.

Whether we like it or not, God has already brought us together and we must tolerate one another because we must live together.”

He, however, cautioned the people in the state to desist from carrying out reprisal

attacks because “if anything happens and we say we must revenge and then the other people say they must also take vengeance, the situation will never end”.

“We must be patient and always support government in its efforts to bring those that are behind criminal activities to justice.”

Besides, Yero also said the state was expecting N7 billion from the Federal Government as its share of compensation for the 2011 post election violence.

According to him: “Kaduna was the worst hit in the violence. Both Muslims and Christians suffered losses and it is the aftermath of that crisis that is still following us due to reprisals and vengeance.”

“We have been following the Federal Government and it has now completed

its verification exercise and came up with over N7 billion as compensation to victims in Kaduna. We are not the only state that has not been paid. I have been assured that the fund is in the 2014 budget, which has not been passed. We shall continue to pursue this money until it is paid.”

The governor, however, argued that the compensation is not paramount in the agenda of his administration, adding: “The most important thing for us now is how to forestall a reoccurrence because no amount of money can bring back our loved ones that had been killed.”

The benefiting religious groups from across the state received the cheques, which were distributed by the Governor, Deputy Governor, Nuhu Audu Bajoga

and other political office holders.

The representative of the Jama’atu Nasrul Islam (JNI) shared cheques to Christian groups while the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna Chapter, distributed cheques to Muslim Groups.

Some of the beneficiaries included Salamatu Mosque Sardauna Crescent Kaduna, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Kaduna, Dogon Dawa Juma’at Mosque, Kwakwa Mosque Committee and Madrasatul Iftahul Islam.

Others were: St. Mary’s Catholic Church Fadan Kaje, ECWA Church Gwari Road, Bishara Baptist Church Tsaunin Kura, Anglican Deanery Wusasa Zaria and Salama Health Ministry and Gospel Kujama.

Friday, April 11, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

17

Business WTO reviews six free trade agreements HE Committee on Regional T Trade Agreements, on Wednesday, reviewed six Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) and the enlargement of the European Union to 28 member states with the accession of Croatia.

The committee concluded the oral discussion on such RTAs between Chile and Malaysia; Canada andJordan; Canada and Panama; Korea and Turkey; Central America (Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala) and Panama; European Union ,Bosnia and Herzegovina; based on factual presentations prepared by the WTO secretariat.

In its introduction, Malaysia said this is its first RTA with a Latin American country, and noted that its bilateral trade with Chile had risen by 76 per cent since the implementation of the RTA. Chile said that both countries are already taking part in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.

It said it wants to expand economic relations with a dynamic region like Southeast Asia. The United States noted that Chile has several RTAs not yet notified to the WTO and hoped these would be notified shortly.

Canada said this RTA will help strengthen commercial links between the two countries. Jordan said that the RTA, by giving it a transition period to implement tariff cuts, recognizes its status as a developing country.

The United States said Jordan has a number of RTAs not yet notified to the WTO which it hoped would be notified soon.

Canada views RTAs as a means for establishing a level playing field for Canadian producers saying that this RTA would allow Canadian companies to participate in government procurement in Panama, including construction projects related to the expansion of the Panama Canal.

It said the RTA also contains a non-binding chapter on labour rights recognized by the International Labour

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Chief Financial Officer, FBN Holding, Wale Ariyibi (left); new Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Adebayo Adelabu; former Lagos State Commissioner for Establsihment and Training, Jide Sanwoolu; and Group Head, Retail Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Jide Adeola, at a dinner in honour of the new CBN deputy governor, in Lagos. PHOTO: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

‘Disruptions in Nigeria, other nations to cut OPEC’s output’

By Roseline Okere HE U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has projected that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil production would fall by 0.2 million barrels per day in both 2014 and 2015, as a result of supply disruptions in Nigeria, Libya and Iraq.

However, the world petroleum and other liquids supply would increase by 1.4 million bpd in 2014 and 1.3 million bpd in 2015, with most of the growth coming from countries outside OPEC. EIA said that unplanned crude oil supply disruptions among OPEC producers averaged 2.6 million bpd in March 2014, 0.3 million bpd higher than the previous month. Libya continues to experience swings in its production, contributing to changes in the

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OPEC disruption estimate.

It noted that unplanned disruptions in Iraq escalated in March, averaging nearly 0.4 million bpd, as a result of attacks on the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline.

EIA expects that OPEC surplus capacity, which is concentrated in Saudi Arabia, will average 2.3 million bpd in 2014 and 3.6 million bpd in 2015.

It expect the United States and Canada to account for much of this growth. “Projected world liquid fuels consumption grows by an annual average of 1.2 million bbl/d in 2014 and 1.4 million bpd in 2015. Countries outside the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), notably China, drive expected consumption growth”, it said.

According to the global watchdog, the combination of increased non-OPEC total liquids supply and OPEC non-

crude supply would exceed world liquids demand growth over the next two years.

It noted that forecast of nonOPEC supply growth also contributes to an increase in global surplus crude oil production capacity from an average of 2.1 million bpd in 2013 to 3.6 million bpd in 2015.

EIA expects global consumption to grow 1.2 million bpd in 2014 and 1.4 million bpd in 2015.

It stated: “Projected global oilconsumption-weighted real GDP, which increased by an estimated 2.3 per cent in 2013, grows by 2.9 per cent and 3.4 per cent in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

“Non-OECD countries account for all of the expected consumption growth in 2014 and nearly all of the growth in 2015.

China is the leading contributor to projected global consumption growth, with con-

Chamber decries lingering business environment crises

By Femi Adekoya ITH Nigeria still ranking W very low on the ease of doing business, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the Federal Government to urgently address infrastructure challenges and real sector’s growth retarding fiscal and monetary policies .

Specifically, the chamber raised concerns over the pressure being mounted on the naira and its implications for inflation, interest rates, and the operating costs for businesses in the economy.

According to the LCCI, there is a limit to which managers

of the nation’s economy can sustain the indices without addressing the fundamentals of revenue leakage and good fiscal measures in the country.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, yesterday, during the chamber,s first quarter review of the economy, LCCI’s President, Remi Bello noted that though economic performance as measured though the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the period remained positive at 7.7 per cent, the sector’s operators remained concerned about the impact of the growth on business performance and the welfare of the Nigerian

people.

“Virtually all business segments are bothered about the harsh operating environment, which has not abated, even as we post impressive growth figures. The power situation is still bad, many of our roads are still in deplorable state; the railways rehabilitation is progressing rather slowly.

“The refineries are still underperforming; unemployment level is still high at 24 per cent [with youth unemployment at a terrifying 54 per cent], poverty is still very pervasive at 61 per cent incidence. The summary is that we have not made much progress on the

key fundamentals of development despite the positive GDP growth rate”, he lamented.

Bello added that increasing pressure on the naira has attendant effects on the activities of the private sector as well as the economy, therefore advocating the stimulation of the economy to address the needs of the masses.

He said: “The reality of the current economic and business conditions is that unemployment crisis is escalating; profit margins (especially in the real sector) are declining because of productivity challenges; consumer demand is weak; interest rates are prohibitive; and mortality rate of small businesses remains high.

sumption increasing by 400,000 bpd in 2014 and 430,000 bbl/d in 2015.

“However, China’s economic and oil consumption growth rates have moderated com-

pared with rates before 2012, when annual GDP growth exceeded nine per cent and oil consumption growth averaged almost 800,000 bpd from 2009 through 2011”.

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Friday, April 11, 2014

THE GUARdIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

BGL, South African firm seal regional market expansion pact

By Faith Oparaugo GL Plc of Nigeria and B Vunani Limiteda Financial Services Group listed on Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Alternative Exchange (AltX), have signed a cooperation agreement to enable both organizations to jointly originate and execute cross-border transactions across their various business units throughout Africa.

Basically, the agreement, which both companies signed recently, will also seek to co-invest in business ventures or assets with clear exit strategies across Africa.

According to the Managing director of Vunani Limited, Butana Khoza at the agreement signing ceremony held in Lagos on Tuesday, “It is fitting that Vunani is signing this cooperation agreement in the week that Nigeria is deemed to have become the largest economy on the African continent. The process to find a strong strategic partner in Nigeria started more than a year ago and we are extremely excited to have found a good strategic partner in BGL Plc. “Vunani has aspirations to be a strong pan-African financial services group and that would be very difficult to achieve without access to

Africa’s largest economy. It is also apt that BGL has similar aspirations and our cooperation will not be limited to South African and Nigerian transactions”.

Butana noted that “this strategic alliance with BGL would allow us to access opportunities across the spectrum of our respective business segments; the immediate opportunities being in asset management, corporate finance, and stockbroking. We envisage this partnership unlocking significant opportunities for our respective clients and business opportunities for our respective groups.”

Also speaking, the Group deputy Managing director/Chief Executive Officer of BGL Plc, Chibundu Edozie said: “The emergence of Africa as a powerful investment destination and the continued opening up and development of the continent’s financial markets, has encouraged us to internationalise our operations with plans for a footprint in key growing African Markets and also in developed Western Markets. In line with this strategy, this agreement with Vunani will help strengthen our origination and distribution capabilities in Southern Africa.

General Manager/Head, Listings Sales and Retention, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mrs. Taba Peterside (left); Managing Director, Chams Plc, Demola Aladekomo; Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Haruna Jalo-Waziri; and Chairman, Chams Plc, Ayodeji Richards, at the Chams’ Facts Behind the Figures presentation on the floor of NSE on Wednesday.

Schneider Electric spends €1.1b on research, development

By Roseline Okere CHNEIdER Electric, a globSagement al specialist in energy manwith operation in Nigeria, has invested €1.1 billion in 2013 in Research and development (R&d), representing nearly five per cent of its yearly revenue.

According to the company, more than 12,000 employees are directly involved in research and development or technical engineering activities in 26 countries and at more than 70 sites.

The company said that its R&d strategy is based on two pillars, which are the consolidation of its global leadership in critical technologies and fast paced market-driven innovation to leverage these technologies into segment specific products and solutions.

It noted that as part of the company’s transition towards solutions, Schneider Electric keeps evolving its R&d processes for efficiency and agility.

The company’s Francois Ribeyron, who is in charge of the company’s d5X Responsible Marketing, said that R&d has helped the company to build global energy software, which assist in the control of energy in skyscrapers.

Ribeyron, who briefed journalists at a customers project site - Tower Majunga, the soon-to-be third tallest skyscraper in Paris La defense district, is considered a suc-

cessful business case for energy efficiency and energy management system applications.

According to him, Schneider Electric has been the project partner tapped to deploy the energy management solutions that shall make the edifice a comprehensively energy-intelligent prototype – done with the application of its SmartStruxure Solution.

He said: “Schneider Electric provide the electrical distribution and digital solutions and services designed for investors, owners and endusers of Majunga Tower.

“Smart meters have been deployed all over the building and this will enable occupants to monitor their energy consumption as well as generate much-needed real-time data that can guide them improve on the energy efficiency sphere”.

The data center for the build-

ing, he said, will collect facts on frequency of occupancy of spaces, the energy usage of each floor and offices and will even include the carbon footprints of occupants.

The company’s Vice President, Customer Strategy and Solution Marketing, Jo Hart, told journalists before the start-off of the just concluded Paris Marathon in France, that the company is actively involved in research programmes with industrial partners to develop technology to boost energy efficiency.

Hart put the company’s revenue as at december 2013 at €23.6 billion and net profit of €1.9 billion.

Speaking on the company’s performance, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, JeanPascal Tricoire, said: “We delivered solid results in a challenging environment in 2013.

We grew three per cent out-

side Western Europe, expanded our margin by 0.3 point at constant currencies and scope and achieved record free cash flow. This reflects the strength of our business model and our capability to adapt to a volatile environment.

“We also filled a major technology gap in our portfolio with the acquisition of Invensys, which further enhances our capability to integrate power, automation and software to deliver complete efficiency solutions to our customers.

“We shall now focus on integration of these businesses, capitalize on our technology innovation in products and solutions and optimize efficiency across the company.

We see significant opportunities for growth and improving the return of our investment.”

LCCI decries lingering business environment crchallenges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 These conditions call for policy choices that would stimulate the economy, even at the risk of inflation. In our view, boosting economic activities would increase output and invariably lead to job creation. The fiscal authorities also have a critical role to play in revamping the economy; but regrettably, the effective-

ness of fiscal policy has been weakened by corruption and inadequate institutional capacity”.

Bello also urged government to address the security situation in the country stating that the situation had become a key factor militating against investment inflows into the country.

“The lingering security situation has led to the economies of many of the affected states suffering major setbacks with

consequences for investment and job losses; many investors, especially SMEs, are relocating to other states while others have actually left the country. Also, inventory and stocks of many companies have been trapped in some locations in the affected states while many firms, especially in the consumer goods sector have lost up to 30 per cent of their sales as they can no longer access most part of the Northern

WTO reviews free trade agreements CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 Organization (ILO). Panama said that its trade with Canada has risen by 125 per cent since the entry into force of the RTA, and that Canadian investment into Panama has risen by 31 per cent. It said that it has become one of the most dynamic countries in the region through its trade liberalization policies.

The United States noted that Panama has a number of RTAs still not yet notified to the WTO and hoped these would be notified soon.

To Korea ,this RTA shows that the two countries have chosen trade liberalization over protectionism in dealing with the economic crisis. It said that negotiations to extend this RTA to services are at an

advanced stage. Turkey noted that the RTA provides a transition period for phasing in the tariff cuts.

The United States expressed regret at the substantial carveout of the agriculture sector by both Korea and Turkey.

Chinese Taipei said it will be submitting follow-up questions related to technical barriers to trade. Canada said it will be reviewing responses to its questions while the European Union said it had no follow-up questions.

Honduras, speaking also on behalf of Guatemala and Nicaragua, said that their trade with Panama has increased substantially since the entry into force of the RTA. Panama said that this RTA is part of an ambitious regional integration programme. The

United States said it hoped that the parties to this RTA would notify RTAs that have not yet been notified to the WTO. The European Union said this RTA is part of its Stabilization and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and related to efforts towards EU accession.

Speaking as a WTO observer, Bosnia and Herzegovina said that the RTA promotes economic reforms that would help it in acceding both to the European Union and the WTO. It said that 60 per cent of its trade is with the EU, and that the RTA provides for a five-year transition period for it to cut tariffs. The United States said that the RTA showed a relatively low level of agricultural tariff cuts by

Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The committee also reviewed the enlargement of the European Union to 28 member states with the accession of Croatia. The European Union, also on behalf of Croatia, said that the EU accession represented enormous efforts on the part of Croatia.

It said that as part of its EU accession, Croatia’s schedule of concessions in the WTO was withdrawn on 4 July 2013.

Since then, the EU had been consulting with a number of members, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Uruguay, which have submitted claims for compensation. Uruguay confirmed that it has been meeting with the European Union regarding its claim for com-

Friday, April 11, 2014 19

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Weekend

Garlands for Nigerian Civil Service

Arts & Culture P. 28

Odeyemi, Babawale, For

promoting culture is rewarding

Autowheels P.44

2014 Toyota Highlander hugs the family

Business Travels P.46

FAAN accuses AIC of locking down Diplomatic Car Park at Lagos Airport

20 WEEKEND Friday, April 11, 2014

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Reminiscences, regrets as stakeholders The Nigerian Civil Service clocked 60 recently, precipitating an elaborate celebration and reminiscences of the good old days. But the event also provided an opportunity for a critical appraisal, reports ANTHONY OTARU

Vice President, Namadi Sambo arriving at the venue of the event held in Abuja.

AST week, the Federal Civil Service Lcelebrate Commission (FCSC) rolled out the drums to its 60th anniversary in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The two-day event drew participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). It also attracted dignitaries, including Vice President Namadi Sambo, State Governors, National Assembly members, past and present Heads of Service, former chairmen of the FCSC, representatives of the country’s 36 states and the FCT. Permanent Secretaries and diplomats were also there.

Besides celebrating the robust policies and strategies that produced a virile Civil Service (CS), with the traditional core values of meritocracy, discipline, impartiality, professionalism, accountability and efficiency, it was also a time for deep reflection on the service’s current state.

The event turned out to be more of a celebration of the past more than the present, as many argued that the incursion of the military into governance in Nigeria, especially between 1966 and 1978, laid the foundation for the current decadence in the civil service. That notwithstanding, the onus is now on the civil servants to take responsibility.

The first female Chairman of the FCSC, Deaconess Joan Ayo took a swipe at critics opposed to the celebration. She noted that the 60th anniversary was important, not only for the commission, but also for the civil servants.

She said: “Despite some daunting challenges and criticisms, the commission is still the greatest employer to date. Between 2011 and 2014, a total of 8,504 Nigerians were employed by it, while no less than 112,000 staff members of the federal government are still in service. So, it is necessary to celebrate the commission’s 60 years of existence as it remains the gateway into the service as well as the gateway for exit.”

Ayo also said that the commission was not only celebrating its past and present, but also interested in identifying where things went

wrong.

“Today, we have a lot of our founding fathers here with us, who have contributed to the growth of this nation,” she said. “Other prominent civil servants are also here. They have contributed immensely to the upliftment of this nation. We are celebrating them. But for the public service, Nigeria would have long been broken into pieces. It is the public service that has stayed for the country both in times of troubles, war and peace.”

Indeed, several allegations of fraud, corruption, indiscipline, political interference and tribalism have been leveled against the CS. Which is why it has continued to receive knocks from both within and outside government circles. Interestingly, even the core officers in Federal, State and the local government workforce are part of the critics condemning the soaring rate of corruption and unemployment in the land.

For instance, according to the FCSC website, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2012 arraigned three staff members of the FCSC before Justice Maryam Anennih of the FCT High Court, on a 12-count charge bordering on fraud, conspiracy

to commit fraud, forgery and fraudulent conversion of funds of the commission to the tune of over N109 million.

The accused persons, Hassan Mohammed Tukur, Babatunde Abisuga and Mohammed Ndakupe pleaded not guilty to all the 12 charges preferred against them.

Also, in February 2014, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Buka Goni Aji said that 240 Civil Servants were quizzed in 2013 by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), over fraud allegations. Aji however stressed that the number of letters received by his office from the anti-graft agencies inviting senior officers for investigation had reduced, attributing the reduction to the various reforms put in place by his office to curb acts of corruption.

Yet, the House of Representative’s Committee on Public Accounts on October 29, 2013 said it uncovered the sum of N11.2 million meant for hosting an International Conference in the FCT by the FCSC, but which was paid into the personal bank account of a staff of the commission. The Committee’s chairman, Solomon Adeola Olamilekan directed the commission to produce the unnamed staff.

Despite some daunting challenges and criticisms, the commission is still the greatest employer to date.

Between 2011 and 2014, a total of 8,504 Nigerians were employed by it, while no less than 112,000 staff members of the federal government are still in service. So, it is necessary to celebrate the commission’s 60 years of existence, as it remains the gateway into the service as well as the gateway for exit

Allegations relating to jobs-for-sale also point to the indiscipline and corruption that have characterized the service. Again, the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-government Affairs, Employment, Labour and Productivity informed the media that dead civil servants were still signing employment letters.

Addressing the committee being chaired by Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta on the issue, Ayo said: “The two employment letters tendered by Mrs. Odey and Idachaba were mere photocopies.” Recall that Mrs. Rose Odey and Idachaba Tyani blew the whistle on the alleged N250, 000 paid for fake jobs in Federal Ministries.

The introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, [IPPIS] in 2006 by the federal government has been applauded as one of the best ways of corruption.

The IPPIS, which presently has 292 MDAs on its platform, has saved the nation about N139 billion since it was introduced.

At a recent workshop organised by a federal University, the Director of IPPIS, Mrs. Nana Mede said: “Contrary to some reports, the application of this platform is not meant to take people’s jobs nor go after ghost workers alone.

Rather, it is designed to ensure that the records of all employees of government are brought under a central database.

“Before now, government had expressed worries about the high personnel costs of its workforce. It was difficult to plan, manage and make effective budgeting. Through this medium, wastages are cut down; it promotes effective planning and decision making.”

Not too long ago, there was a reported case of N32 billion Police Pension scam. According to the report, the Head of Internal Audit at the Police Pension Office, Mr., Adeyemo Julius Adebolu narrated before a High Court of the FCT how N14 billion meant for pensioners across the Federation vanished overnight.

Adebolu said he never received any vouchers for the payments of the funds, which the EFCC

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appraise Civil Service at 60 said was stolen by seven civil servants. The antigraft agency told the court that the accused persons succeeded in pilfering about N32 billion meant for retired Police Officers.

And to drive home the point, Sambo, who was represented by the Supervising Minister of the National Planning Commission and Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda said: “The deepening of democratic values have sometimes been misunderstood by Civil Servants. They presently flout public service rules, which have amounted to indiscipline. It has also failed to assist government to find lasting solution to corruption.”

Sambo equally charged civil servants to go back to the basics of their core values stressing, “you must be more responsive to government and the people of Nigeria on policy formulation and implementations.”

Also in his goodwill message, Aji called on the civil servants to shun criminality and age falsification, a habit which “has not only tarnished the image of the service, but has also made it impossible to create vacancies for promotions visà-vis recruitment.

Aji also said: “As we go ahead with the implementation of the IPPIS, in line with government’s transformation agenda, my office in collaboration with the Office of the Accountant—General of the Federation and the Federal Civil Service Commission,[FCSC], has discovered a total of 1, 050 cases of age falsification.

And because we are determined to continue to promote our officers as at when due, their names have been collated. I can assure you that in a few weeks’ time, we shall retire them.”

Speaking on the topic: The evolution of the Public Service of Nigeria, a Former Head of Service and Chairman, Presidential Committee on Civil Service Reforms, Alhaji Adamu Fika said: “Our spoils system has now led to deaths, just as it did in the U.S (United States) more than a century ago. The spoils system in force in America then, in which politicians shared out all the posts among them, led to a disappointed applicant assassinating U.S President James Garfield in 1881.

Immediately this happened, the entire U.S system got the message and acted decisively to restore the merit-based service in place of the one based on patronage. But here in Nigeria, even when, before our very eyes, almost two dozen applicants were trampled to death in a frenzy to get jobs that had reportedly been shared out among politicians, no one is getting the message.”

Similarly, in his lecture titled: The Imperative for Prudential Competence Fruition in the Nigerian Public Sector, a Professor of Public Policy, Constantinos Berhutesfa Constantinos, who was represented by Richard Levin said: “Nigeria is saddled with unpredictable resource flows and have undermined the allocative and operational efficiency of the public sector at the federal, regional and local levels. The state inherited a public service, characterized by weakness in the administrative and working systems, hence, it lacked effectiveness, efficiency and ethical behaviour in performance and service delivery.”

According to him, despite the federal system and the decentralization, the districts enjoyed little fiscal or administrative autonomy to respond to the local needs of their constituencies.

Cross section of guests at the event.

He stressed: “Significant institutional weaknesses in the vertical and horizontal independence of the judiciary and capacity deficits, prevailed across Nigeria’s justice system, including areas such as law making, law execution and enforcement; the inability of the revenue collecting institutions to fulfill their expected roles because they were entangled in a web of complex and out-dated practices, characterized by inadequate numbers of skilled staff and opportunities for and incidences of corruption.”

Also in a goodwill message, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Ayim Pius Ayim urged civil servants to ignore political interference and influence.

But despite the numerous challenges facing the service, there is a consensus that all is not yet lost. To this school of thought, the CS could still be turned around to bring about rapid social-economic development Nigeria yearns for.

Fika said that in an attempt to chart the way forward for an effective revitalization of the Nigerian Public Service, “there is the need to reposition the service to conform to the norms and ethics that were envisaged by the founding fathers of this country.”

According to him, this can only be achieved by restoring a merit-based civil service, devoid of corruption, patronage, inefficiency and impartiality. He said: “There is need for attitudinal change in the running of our public affairs in order for us to begin the process of change. The future of this nation must be entrusted, as it was in the past, into the hands of selfless people – politicians and civil servants – who will, in word and deed and through self—sacrifice, lead us by example and who will always exhibit leadership functions in the discharge of public responsibilities, and purely for public interest and for the public good.”

Ayo suggested that the only way to reduce unemployment in the country is for wealthy Nigerians to establish industries that would employ the youths. “I am appealing to rich and wealthy Nigerians to join government in reducing the unemployment situation in the country by establishing companies across the country.” She said, Constantinos further stated: “The change management process is something imposed on the civil service without sufficient internalization and taking into account the context in which the organizational transformation is supposed to take place’’

Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Deaconess Joan Ayo According to him, the civil service reformists have to be aware that people may accept change or comply with what is happening, but information technology has to win people’s minds and hearts if change is to be effective.

In his goodwill message Senate President, David Mark said that if the CS keeps to its constitutional mandate, there would be no room for lawlessness and other anti-social behaviors, Represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Helen Esuene, Mark promised that the legislators would continue to support the CS with robust legislation that would reposition the service for the good of the country, Although the CS is bedevilled with several challenges, they could be surmounted provided that all stake holders in government, private sector, traditional institutions and religious bodies agree to imbibe the culture of discipline, and love for the nation.

Giving a brief history of the commission, Ayo said: “The Public Service Commission came into existence on the 1st of April, 1954 under the

There is need for attitudinal change in the running of our public affairs in order for us to begin the process of change. The future of this nation must be entrusted, as it was in the past, into the hands of selfless people – politicians and civil servants – who will, in word and deed and through self—sacrifice, lead us by example and who will always exhibit leadership functions in the discharge of public responsibilities, and purely for public interest and for the public good

provision of section 174 of the Nigeria Order-in – Council, which predates the independence of the country with the sole functions to employ, promote and discipline new crop of Nigerian Civil Servants.”

Ayo stated that the Gorsuch Commission, among other terms of reference, was given the responsibility of looking for a machinery for “regulating, selecting and promoting candidates for posts, the filling of which is not subject to the approval of the Secretary of State [for colonies], to enhance public confidence in the neutrality and professionalism of the Public Service Commission, The Commission , she added, finally recommended that serving officials must relinquish their membership of the Recruitment Body, be appointed in their places.

She said: “The name of the Public Service Commission however changed with the promulgation of the 1979 Constitution under section 140 b, from Public to Federal Civil Service Commission, since the Constitution was fashioned under a Federal structure, This position was further strengthened under section 153 of the 1999 constitution, establishing the Federal Civil Service Commission and section 158 granting independent powers to the commission to ‘exercise its powers to make appointments or for disciplinary control over persons, which shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or persons.”

“The earliest pre-independence reform efforts focused on the fundamentals of modern administration notably, the organization and structure of the Public Service, grading and remuneration of posts as well as the promotion of the ethos of integrity, professionalism, political neutrality, loyalty and discipline. From the early 1960s to 1970, attention shifted towards consolidating the Public Service’s organizational foundation, correcting perceived anomalies and responding to employee grievances on grading remuneration and service conditions.”

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BusinessRound-Up AKABUEZE:

A Huge Chunk Of The Informal Sector Is Still Uncaptured In GDP Data

In association with

NIGERIA YET TO BECOME AFRICA'S HUB

By Dara Rhodes IGERIA is the largest economy in Africa but N with many Nigerians living on less than two dollars a day, the country still has a long

way to go.

Nevertheless, the country’s Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala believes that this change is noteworthy as it will have a psychological impact on foreign investors. While this is without a doubt significant for the country, According to Lagos State, four billion naira is spent on food everyday by consumers in many believe that it won’t replace South Africa Nigeria’s commercial capital, but only 10 per cent of this produced in the state. This as a hub anytime soon. highlights one of the several business opportunities discussed at the Economic Summit “In terms of Marketing Nigeria as an investthat ended yesterday. CNBC Africa’s WOLE FAMUREWA caught up with Ben Akabueze, ment destination for example, certainly Nigethe state’s commissioner for economic planning and budget and started by ria steps up into a different league, so from asking him how the state is supporting investments in agriculture. that perspective it is significant,” Michael Lalor, Lead Director of the Africa Business Centre at EY told CNBC Africa NE WAY we are supporting investThe size of the economy stretched by more ments is by simply putting out this than three-quarters to an estimated 510 billion data and trying to size up the market. dollars for 2013. According to the rebased figbasis better off even though that means they Beyond that, the government is doing the So walking in partnership with the institute ures, the country’s agriculture sector conbit that it can do by trying to promote agri- for democracy and leadership in Peru, we are come into the tax net which is something that a tributed 112.26 billion dollars, the culture by land allocation for agriculture. working on a fairly ambitious program in La- lot of them dread. In 2007, we had only 500,000 manufacturing sector contributed 34.8 billion We have large tracts of what we call desiggos and we are hoping to migrate a lot of peo- people in the tax net in Lagos that number has dollars, the real estate sector contributed 40.9 nated agriculture land available for alloca- ple from the informal to the formal sector. We grown to 4.5 million. For it to get to 4.5 million billion dollars, telecoms and informations tion to serious farmers, not people who reckon the informal sector is probably about means that we are now capturing people in the services sector contributed 44.3 billion dollars take the land and want to sit on it and try to 70 per cent of the economy in terms of ties and informal sector. We reckon that there is still at and crude petroleum and natural gas conleast three million people that ought to be in do something else. We provide extension engagements. tributed 73.56 billion dollars. there that are not there and these are mostly in services and in ministry of agriculture, you “Bear in mind that the base year that they How are you supporting the growth of the in- the informal sector. So we are engaging work won’t believe this, but we have seasoned were using for their previous calculations was through advocacy and believe it or not, beneath formal sector in Lagos State? professionals, world trained, knowledge1990, so you are talking about a big gap since First of all, in the informal sector, there is a lot that veneer of informality lies a lot of formality. able and they can help people with develAll those, you call informal sectors, in those their 1990 and some fundamental shifts in the of dead capital. A lot of them own property oping their business plans for this.

Nigerian economy. The biggest leap has been that is not registered, because their businesses trade associations, between themselves, they’ve in the service sector,” Lalor explained.

But are these move attracting large scale in- are not registered properly. They can’t leverset up some kind of identification system, The structural transformation of the economy vestments into the sector? age to expand their businesses, because of the they’ve set up some kind of financing system. led to diversification away from the oil sector Well, we are seeing it, maybe not in crop Most of them still borrow to do their businesses informality and the fact that they are operatresulting in the non-oil sectors as the key drivfarming. Given the limited land that we ing below the radar, they can’t access useful in- but they borrow very steeply. If they formalise, ers of GDP growth. Service sector such as the have in Lagos, we understand that there is formation that is available to help them, new they can access more despite what we call high only so much of that land can be devoted methods to do their business. This is all part of interest rates, high interest rates are still tiny rel- Telecoms, financial services, FMCG that were to agriculture. So, many people don’t really what we are trying to do. If the access to fiative to what finance costs those informal opera- not included in the rebasing exercise in 1990 think about Lagos when they think about tors. The numbers keep growing, 18 months ago, have contributed significantly to the economy nance can improve, they can leverage the reover the past years. agriculture. There are certain commodities sources that they have and at the end of the we were still at three million in terms of tax, its “The fact that Nigeria was going to overtake where we have comparative advantage. day, what matters is whether they are on a net gone to 4.5 now.

South Africa was widely expected so it’s not Rice for instance which requires mash been a surprise per se. When you compare land. Large tracts of the land in Lagos are conducive for that and that’s why in the both economies, you have to keep in mind that last five years, we have moved from cultiNigeria still faces large infrastructure chalvating 20 hectares to now 550 hectares and lenges,” Samir Gadio, Emerging Markets Stratethat’s growing. We set up a rice mill and gist at Standard Bank told CNBC Africa. currently it’s operating way below capacity Gross infrastructure deficit continues to hurt because there is not enough paddy to feed Nigeria as it cuts across all the sectors of the the mill. economy and according to experts, more than 18 per cent of consumer revenue came from so- 14.2 billion dollars is required to fill the infraBy Wilhelmina Maboja cial benefits, and 15 per cent from entrepreneur- structure gap in the country. Thus, South I’d like you to reflect on the recent rebasing of the Nigerian economy GDP and the isHE Business Confidence Index rose by .09 in- ial returns. Majority of consumer revenue Africa remains ahead in this area. sues that it threw up, looking at the oppordex points to 92.7 in March this year, said the however came from employees, at 58 per cent.

“In Nigeria, institutions are weaker, in terms “The South African consumer is under prestunities that it’s emphasizing to policy South African Chamber of Commerce and Indusof financial sophistication, Nigeria still trails sure on various fronts. Private consumption exmakers as they tackle the informal sector try.

South Africa even though its banks are relain Nigeria?

The South African Chamber of Commerce and penditure is by far the largest part of demand in tively developed by African standards, so it’s the economy – about 46 per cent in 2013 – and is First of all, I commend the effort in trying Industry (SACCI), which released the report on therefore of special importance,” the report ex- not a given that Nigeria will become the main to get a current and more accurate GDP Tuesday, explained that the index had fallen entry point in Africa,” Gadio concluded. plained. numbers for the country but the truth is back by 1.4 index points in February 2014, after that the informal sector is not that easy to having shed 1.4 index points in January this year. “The other demand components are from measure and therefore in spite of the ef“The 91.7 average for the first quarter of 2014 is abroad: exports at 23 per cent, fixed capital forforts that have been made, I’m personally 0.4 index points better than in the fourth quar- mation and spending on inventories at 14 per convinced that there is still significant acter average of 2013, but still 0.8 points below the cent and consumption by the government at 17 tivity in the informal sector that is not average of 92.5 for the first quarter of last year,” per cent.”

SACCI added that as a result of South Africa’s SACCI said in its report. measured but progress is being made. Its The report added that only two of the thirteen economic output failing to be in line with job part of what we are doing in Lagos, why do people remain in the informal sector? Em- sub-indices used to compile the index had nega- creation, consumers have resulted in either borrowing more debt or reverting to strike action. pirical research has shown that it’s because tive month-on-month impacts in March 2014.

This is to either maintain or enhance their curThe sub-indices include municipal services, they find the cost of formalisation more rent living conditions. manufacturing, exports and imports. than the benefits of formalisation. When “A serious issue at stake is whether the conyou create a situation where the benefits of Consumer patters and constrains have also sumer will be able to service debt and repay formalisation including the cost considera- been a significant feature in the index’s shift, loans. It is clear that the consumer is in a worse with SACCI noting that more income was obtions thereof, is higher than the cost of it, People gather at Balogun market two days before Christmas tained from social benefits than from entrepre- position than a few years ago and finds it diffiyou will see more people migrating from in central Lagos 2013.

PHOTO: Reuters cult to remedy the situation,” said SACCI. neurial returns. the informal sectors to the formal sectors.

O

S.AFRICA’S MARCH BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX UP 0.9 POINTS T

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INTERVIEW

SOLA DAVID-BORHA

Stanbic IBTC Doubles Net Profit In 2013.

Stanbic IBTC doubled its net profit for the 2013 financial year, with PAT coming in at 20.7 billion from 10.1 billion in 2012. Despite these strong numbers, financial analysts are predicting lower interest income for Nigeria’s commercial banks in 2014. Sola David-Borha spoke to CNBC Africa’s ESTHER UGBODAGA to unpack the numbers and share her thoughts on the outlook for banking in Nigeria.

E are very pleased with the results and what we have continued to do, is grow our revenue and keep our costs as low as possible. Our personal and business bank continued to acquire new clients and they actually crossed the one million customers mark so that the focus has been growing the top line and keeping costs contained.

W

teria would enable us support the right businesses going forward.

Okay, the market is expecting the Q1 results for banks and other sectors to be out sometime in May or perhaps late April. What can you tell us about how things are changing for the group this year and what guidance can you give investors for performance?

As soon as investors or the markets saw this reWell, we are very positive about Q1 sults, I assume they were expecting a higher div- despite the challenges of foreign exchange, idend, 10 kobo is what Stanbic IBTC holdings is volatility, a bearish stock market and also furproposing for stakeholders but from what we ther tightening as we’ve seen with the private heard the markets were actually expecting sector CRR going up to 15 per cent. We expect higher. Why isn’t Stanbic IBTC Holdings paying to see improved profitability, and increase in higher than 10 kobo per share? our revenues on the back of growing our balin 2013, we actually paid 80 kobo, this is made ance sheets. up of an interim dividend of 70 kobo and a final year dividend that has been declared of 10 kobo Now for the SME sector, I know you talked per share. You’ll recall we went into the holdabout that, but let’s talk about what your exings company structure in 2012 and as a result pectations for loan and deposit growth in this of this, the subsidiaries paid dividend to the holdings company after the year end. The holding company can only recognise the dividend in the subsequent year and that’s why going forward, we are going to be having an interim dividend that is larger than the final year dividend.

Okay, what’s your view on how to moderate funding pressure which we saw pronounced in the Q4 of 2013 for banks?

The only solution is growing your retail deposits and for us, that is a key focus. Ensuring that we continue to acquire retail clients, growing our current account and savings account because we expect that the monetary policy tightening will continue and therefore, given the volatility we have seen in the public sector deposits, we place very low reliance on them. Our public sector deposits is just at about 7 per cent of our total deposits so our strategy to mitigate this risk is to grow our retail deposit base.

Talking about that, it also seems to be a key strategy for other banks that I have also spoken to, what will Stanbic IBTC Holdings differently?

What is going to give you an edge as you compete in that space too?

We have a clear focus as to the type of clients we are pursuing. In the SME space we would like to bank business that belong to our value chain, that transact regularly on their account and we are focused on serving these customers, addressing their short term liquidity needs and also in terms of helping them grow, providing the support they need from a financial advisory perspective and also in terms of capacity building. We have a long term focus in working these clients and ensuring that we can provide our end to end offering to each one of these clients.

Now, let’s talk about the economy. There is always a call on banks to increase real sector financing as well as consumer credit to support the growth of the economy. Where is your appetite strongest at the moment taking into account that we’ve just seen the GDP rebasing and we can now see how the economy is structured clearer? Would that change your appetite in anyway?

It continues to be focused on the retail sector and that is both our individual consumers and our SME’s. We believe that growth is going to come from this segment. The rebasing of the economy for instance which has increased per capita income is an opportunity to help many individuals and small owned businesses grow.

We believe that our focus and our selection cri-

space will be in 2014?

Well if you look at our 2013 numbers, that segment was about 42 per cent of our loan and deposit and this year we expect to grow that further to about 50 per cent.

in the rest of our businesses, are such that we believe that we will always be well positioned irrespective of how the markets move.

I was speaking to a bank CEO yesterday and he said that now Nigerian banks have realized that We are going to have the MPC meeting some- there is no free money out there and that those time in May, for many analysts and I suppose days of high interest rates on treasury bills are the banks, there is still a lot of uncertainty, so over and banks now need to focus a lot more on the economy. What difficulties do you see in many questions still being asked about the this space in 2014? policy decision especially as it affects the naira. Does this make you nervous in any way We have always believed in doing the hard work required to grow a sustainable business. in terms of perhaps what a CRR hike or any We have never gone down the route of easy other policy decision that could affect your money. So we’ve had to work had and we conearnings? tinue to work hard at growing our client base Well, the reality is, the first committee meet- and having real clients who are transacting ing actions were fairly moderate so we will with us and who are banking with us. That has not be surprised if there is some further hike always been our focus and it will continue to be to ensure further tightening. The capabilities our focus and we have made steady progress in we have internally both in our markets and implementing this strategy.

SEGUN OLOKETUYI

Wema Bank returned to profitability in its 2013 full year earnings swinging from a loss of 5 billion naira to a profit after tax of 1.5 billion naira. The bank also recorded substantial growth in total assets. CNBC Africa’s ESTHER UGBODAGA spoke to the bank’s CEO, Segun Oloketuyi about its achievements.

T’S quite an interesting story for Wema Bank, you’ve been on a journey back to profitability, tell us what it’s been like and how you were able to achieve your current growth? Tough one, I’ll say. We started this journey way back in June 2009. I came on board with my team of new management, the bank didn’t have capital, of course, long history of losses and we set in motion a three phase plan to re-orientate things in the bank, to re-energize things in the bank as it were and at the end of the day, close of year 2013, we were able to return to profitability. Of course, we did this on the back of low recovery, on the back of the sale of our low performing loans, we did it on the back of two capital risks in the period of 2009 to 2013. So we then have a re-capitalised bank, we have a bank when we then were able to set up contemporary infrastructure to drive our business, a bank where we have made a lot of investments in people, a lot of investments in our process re-engineering. Really what you see in the 2013 results, is the beginning of the fruit of the labour that has gone into this in the last four years.

I

I’m looking at some of your indicators year on year growth from your 2013 earnings total assets of 25 per cent, customer deposits of 25 per cent and loan and advances of 34 per cent.

‘

One thing that stands for Wema Bank as a major strength, is the loyalty of our customers.

,

Now I’m particularly interested in your customer deposits, during those years of losses and of course trying to return back to profitability, Wema Bank was in the news many times, for obvious reasons, what was customer loyalty been like and of course many customers have remained loyal to the bank. How were you able to keep that loyalty?

We packed our program to investors and to our customers. A lot of what we did was actually have a lot of engagement with our customers to let them know what we want to do as a new team in the bank. One thing that stands for Wema as a major strength is the loyalty of our customers.

Because regardless of what has happened, all

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NIGERIA SURPASSES S.AFRICA AS CONTINENT'S BIGGEST ECONOMY IGERIA overtook South Africa as Africa's N largest economy after a rebasing calculation almost doubled its GDP to more than $500 billion.

Gross domestic product (GDP) for 2013 in Africa's top oil producer was 80.22 trillion naira, or 509.9 billion dollars, the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics said, up from the 42.3 trillion estimated before the rebasing.

The new figure shrank Nigeria's debt-to-GDP ratio to 11 per cent for 2013, against 19 per cent in 2012, statistics chief Yemi Kale told reporters in the capital of Abuja.

Most governments overhaul GDP calculations every few years to reflect changes in output, but Nigeria had not done so since 1990, so sectors such as e-commerce, mobile phones and its prolific "Nollywood" film industry - now worth 1.4 per cent of GDP, Kale said - had to be factored in to give a better picture.

Growing attention from foreign investors was forcing Nigeria to more accurately calculate its statistics, including GDP, Kale said, adding that the base year would now be recalibrated every five years, in line with global norms.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country with 170 million people, has been growing as an investment destination owing to the size of its consumer market and growing capital markets.

The jump in the official GDP figure ranks Nigeria as 26th biggest economy in the world, up from 33rd before the rebasing, Kale said. It comes at a time of rising investor interest in the African continent's growth potential and expanding middle class.

Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told Reuters last week that billions of dollars of foreign and domestic investment were envisaged for this year, including 1.5 billion dollars in agriculture.

But political risks as Nigeria approaches what will be hotly contested elections next February remain a concern, as do multiple security headaches, especially an insurgency waged by Boko Haram, an Islamist sect, in

Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala believes that this change is noteworthy as it will have a psychological impact on foreign investors.

the under-developed northeast.

VANITY Analysts said the recalculated GDP would raise Nigeria's profile, but change little on the ground.

"Is the money in your bank account more on Sunday than it was on Saturday? If you had no job yesterday, are you going to have a job today?" asked Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Lagosbased consultancy Financial Derivatives.

"If the answer to those questions is 'no', then this is an exercise in vanity," he added, though he said the new figure was more accurate.

By Wilhelmina Maboja ENYA’S beer market continues to thrive K and improvements to the country’s local brands have turned them into the more favoured tastes.

“Generally we’re seeing one major player, that’s East African Breweries. The second largest player, Keroche Breweries, is actually increasing capacity and by the end of this year they’re going to have about a million hectolitres in capacity. That’s going to be about 10 per cent of the market, but a very significant step from where they’re coming from,” Eric Musau, research analyst at Standard Investment Bank, told CNBC Africa.

“Then you have on the other end the informal brewers, [and] they account 30 to 40 per cent of the market. The figures are not really very clear, but they’re not very well regulated, and their sophistication is still low but it’s a segment that could potentially become something depending on how things pan out.”

Musau added that most of the competition in Kenya’s beer industry has been in the top end of the market. Companies such as East African Breweries, alongside their wide range of products and covering almost every price point, have made it difficult for other major players to enter the market.

“If you are looking at it in this context, you’re really looking at SAB Miller, which has a very strong presence in Tanzania, Uganda as well as South Sudan,” Musau explained.

“We think they are still very interested in

KENYA’S TASTE FOR LOCAL BEER BRANDS ON THE UPSURGE the Kenyan market, but they want to come in in a way that is going to be sustainable for them in terms of gaining sufficient market share, and in a way that would not cause instabilities in the market at least in terms of maintaining profitability.”

Despite the new dynamics that international brands add when entering the country’s beer industry, Kenya is making strides in regulating its unregulated beer market. Government in particular has encouraged the segment to move into the formal beer market, particularly in terms of packaging and paying taxes.

The Illicit beer trade in Kenya has also reduced in the past five to 10 years due to the introduction of local high quality and affordable products.

Local brand Senator Keg played a significant role in the illicit beer trade elimination upon its introduction to the market, and has 100 per cent duty remissions, making it considerably affordable for the lower end of the market. “[The ilicit beer] market has generally been covering the lower end of the market, but we think with better regulation, we could see better quality products coming in and probably the margins of regional brewers [increasing], so we think this is something that could potentially change, but it’s been very slow in coming,” said Musau.

MANY NIGERIANS SHRUGGED OFF THE GDP NEWS 'M not really impressed. I don't feel it in my year from an estimated 1,437 dollars in 2012, "I pocket," said Richard Babs-Jonah, 47, a small poverty and inequality widened. farmer, rubbing his thumb against his index and "We need to work hard on infrastructure, govmiddle fingers to signify cash, before fumbling in his pocket for small change to buy traditional 'suya' - spicy grilled meat served at roadside barbecues.

"It's not the masses who are rich. Those controlling the economy, those with government contracts, get all the money," he added, expressing the common view that Nigeria's economy is rigged in favour of a handful of well-connected oligarchs.

Though GDP per capita rose to 2,688 dollars last

ernance, corruption and building a social safety net," Okonjo-Iweala said. "Inequality has been rising."

Services replaced farming as the biggest sector, worth 41.9 trillion naira, compared with 17.6 trillion naira for farming. Most services growth came from telecoms and real estate.

Nigeria's annual GDP growth for 2013 is expected to come in at 7.41 per cent after the rebasing, compared with about 6.5 per cent in 2012, Kale said.

Foaming beer.

PHOTO: Getty Images

NIGERIA VS SOUTH AFRICA IGERIA'S taking the title of Africa's biggest By every measure, South Africa has a more sophisticated, developed and diversified N economy will fuel a longstanding rivalry economy, with advanced financial markets, with South Africa.

South Africa currently represents Africa at the G20, as well as in the "BRICS" group of the most powerful emerging economies, which also includes Brazil, Russia, India and China. Nigeria may argue that it should join those clubs too.

It will also enliven competition for investor capital at a time when South Africa faces challenges such as striking workers and high current account and budget deficits.

Despite its roaring growth of recent years and now a bigger GDP, Nigeria still trails South Africa in basic infrastructure - power and roads - necessary to lift its people out of poverty.

Its mobile telephone network is one of the least reliable in Africa, internet quality is poor, roads are potholed and its ports and airports clogged by bad infrastructure and obstructive officials. The power grid provides barely four hours a day.

President Goodluck Jonathan's suspension in February of respected central bank chief Lamido Sanusi after Sanusi had questioned massive oil revenue leakages at the state oil firm reinforced Nigeria's reputation as a byword for corruption.

South Africa, by contrast, is seen as one of few African destinations where the rule of law safeguards investments. the headwinds you’ve gone through, that brand is still seen as strong and reliable?

Very strong and reliable. We have behind us, 68 years of solid history. A lot of these customers have been with us in our good days, so of course in the bad days, they didn’t abandon us and we were lucky to have on board a management that was also able to convince them that the bad days were over.

banks Our customers today are largely retail customers. Now our strategy for the bank, we have a project called Leap. Project Leap is actually to leverage all that we have as strengths, we leverage our brand, we leverage our people, we leverage our technology, to ensure that we actually come out from being a free player as it were, to being a major player and a major player focusing on retail and focusing Let’s talk about your strategy going forward. on SME. A lot of product development, the There’s so much competition especially in the platform we have, have developed technologiretail space, we see the tier one banks now cally, so its helping us in achieving that. We struggling with the tier two banks in that currently slightly less than two per cent of the space. So what is your strategy and what will market. Our strategy is to double that market be a key strength for Wema bank? That edge share in the next three years. that you would probably have over other

while Nigeria relies heavily on oil. But investors say South Africa cannot afford to be complacent.

"South Africa was historically the 'go-to' country for investment in Africa. However, the reality is that other regions are increasingly asserting their economic voice," said

S.AFRICANS NEED CAUTION WHEN INVESTING IN GLOBAL PROPERTY MARKET

BY Thando Matutu LACK of investor confidence in African A markets has led to numerous South Africans blindly investing in global property

markets.

"Over 80 per cent of South Africans who invest offshore lose their money," Scott Picken, founder and chairman of International Property Solutions, told CNBC Africa.

“We have [therefore] developed Global Property System. People make mistakes of using emotions and their feel. They should use their numbers, figures and research before making informed and educated decisions.”

Picken added that America’s property market was therefore far better to invest in as opposed to Africa’s and Europe’s markets.

"European population is on the decline. Population aging will [consequently] influence the fundamentals of the property market in Europe,” he said.

South Africans nonetheless seem to perceive Europe as a property investment prospect for profit, and Picken added that a decline in the rand sometimes prompts South Africans to buy foreign property.

He explained that some African countries seemed to lack law infrastructure, deeming more reluctance from South Africans to invest in property in them. However, the economic development shown by African countries, such as Nigeria’s GDP growth forecast of 6. 7 per cent, has raised foreign interS.Africa president with Nigerian counterpart, Goodluck Jonathan. est in the continent.

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VisualArts In Ile-Ife, archaeological exhibits herald fresh face of 60-year-museum Stories by Tajudeen Sowole hE revered city of Ile Ife has stressed its staT tus as one of the centres of ancient African civilisations, as a new exhibition, titled Ife Archaeology and Material Culture In Retrospect, opened at the city’s National Museum, Osun State.

The show replaces inaugural set of works that opened the museum in 1954 just as the event, held last week, provided the Federal Government an opportunity to disclose that the city may soon get a UNESC0O world heritage city status.

The government also pledged a yearly financial support for the state’s popular festival, Osun Osogbo.

Present at the opening were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II; the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Titilayo Laoye Tomori, who represented the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, high Chief Edem Duke; Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman; and scholar, chairman of Ife Board, Prof Muhib Opeloye.

The works on display inside the 60-year-old museum include sculptures of figures and households as well as tools made in bronzes, stones, beads and terracotta. While some of them are dated to nearly a thousand years, others are as ancient as 12th and 15th century.

Duke premised the new show on what he described as “the cultural and tourism statements of the Federal Government” as well as “the vision and mission of the NCMM.” he argued that the richness of the works in the museum offer a broad research opportunity for visitors and scholars, who have interest in “cultural history of the Yoruba.”

Disclosing that the Federal Government has proposed to the United Nations Cultural and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) a world city heritage status for Ile Ife, Duke hoped that if the international recognition is granted, the city and indeed, Osun State, would “enjoy in-

flux of tourists from across the world.” Already, the state boasts of the country’s most recognised yearly festival, the Osun Osogbo. The minister also disclosed that Federal Government would start giving Osun Osogbo a yearly financial support to boost the state government’s efforts.

Aregbesola noted that the new show stresses the importance of Ife “as the centre of civilisation.” The city, he stated, has always offered “rich materials in sculpture, painting and memorablia objects that speak to us and inspired us about the future.” he, however, warned that it is not enough to have rich cultural objects on display in a museum, proper preservation through regular maintenance is as important.

“I call for discipline and proper maintenance of the museum.”

In his welcome address, the D-G, Usman, agreed that the city of Ife has a revered place in the world as one of the richest custodian of ancient art, culture and civilisation. he cited the European and US touring show, Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria as evidence of the city’s enviable culture and art status. In 2010, Dynasty and Divinity... opened at Foundacion Botin in Santander and Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Madrid, Spain; shown as Kingdom of Ife: Sculptures From West Africa at the British Museum, UK., and moved to houston, Richmond and Indianapolis, U.S. in 2011 and berthed in Nigeria, a year after.

On Ife Archaeology… Usman stated that specifically, the show “brings to focus the journey of Ife clay, stone and bronze technology.” he traced the period of the works on display to historians’ estimation of “about 800AD and 12th 15th century.”

Usman explained that the archaeological content of the theme pays tribute to “outstanding heroes of Ife archaeology and material culture.”

Indeed, Ife boasts of memorable archaeological discoveries of great cultural objects courtesy of British colonial era and controversial archaeologist, Leo Frobenius. But it is ironic that the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, according to an observer, currently has no archaeology department. The chairman of the

(Front row), Hon Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke (left); D-G, NCMM, Mallam Abdallah Yusuf Usman; and Prof Muhib Opeloye during the opening of Ife Archaeology and Material Culture In Retrospect…Recently exhibition, Prof Opeloye, who also acknowledged the contributions of individuals such as Frobenius, K.C Murray and former D-G of NCMM, late Omotoso Eluyemi, faulted the resting of OAU’s archaeology section and urged the institution’s authority to revive it.. “We appeal to the OAU authority to resuscitate the Department of Archaeology of the school that was rested in the 1970s.”

With the efforts of architects, K.C Murray who was Supervisor of Antiquities, Malin, the builder and Bennard Fagg, a government archaeologist, the national museum, Ile Ife began its journey in

For Achebe, a memorial honour from 2nd Anambra Festival of Art and Books hE 2nd Anambra Book and CreativT ity Festival, which recently held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was dedicated to the memory of Chinua Achebe.

Painter and the Acting Director, Anambra Book and Creativity Festival, Chuu Krydz Ikwuemesi, stated that activities of the event included art exhibitions, roundtables, workshops, lectures, and a commemorative conference.

The festival, which debuted last year, he noted, improved in the second edition, particularly in the art exhbition section.

“As this 2nd edition of the festival was dedicated to the memory of Chinua Achebe, a son of Anambra State and one of the brightest jewels of the human race, there are a collection of drawings and paintings by four artists deriving from selected moments in Things Fall Apart, Achebe’s evergreen work.”

The exhibiting artists included Ikwuemesi, Chijioke Onuora, George Odoh, henry Mujunga, a Ugandan artist, Tony Nze, Matthew Ebere, Walter Okpogor, Catherine Okananwa, Juliet Uwaila, Chinwe Onwuasoanya, and Nkem Udeani.

Ikwuemesi explained that in the fashion genre, “the only designer, young and daring, Enyinnaya Ezekwem, has produced works full of promise.” he described the designs as including “what ought to be in a manner that

inscribes fashion as fine art.”

On the craft section of the event, the director said the works “interrogate the line separating art from craft and also reaffirms the role of craft and econo-art in heritage promotion and

economic development.”

From the literary segment, authors whose works were on display include Osita Amakeze and Nduka Echezona, two young authors, who have had their first works of fiction

and pottery published. Professors Damian Opata, Ben Obumselu, Chimalum Nwankwo, Ola Oloidi, Frank Ugiomoh, Dr Peter Ezeh, among others, were said to have had presentations.

Acting Director, Anambra Book and Creativity Festival , Chuu Krydz Ikwuemesi (left); Chief Justice of Anambra State, Justice Pete Umeadi and other participants during the festival

Ahead of the gathering, Ikwumesi stated: “The exhibition is thus a mixed bag in a positive sense, for the simple reason that it parades masters and burgeoning artists and writers. The event, thus represents a platform for instrumental dialogues at various level, dialogues that beget new relationships, new networks, new goals, new horizons and new achievements. And this is the fundamental essence of ANBUKRAFT: to create an annual festival and celebration of creativity which the people can look up to every year with a sense of pride and enthusiasm. For a state like Anambra, the imperative of such a need cannot be overemphasised.

“When a state that begot Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chinua Achebe, Christopher Okigbo and array of other creative and highly illustrious people comes to be imaged as a land of violence, kidnap and crass mercantilism, it becomes a cause for concern for Anambra people and others committed to the advancement of the human spirit. Whether the issues of violence and mercantilism are exaggerated or not should be argued elsewhere, and we must acknowledge that Anambra is not an isolated case. In the last few years, violence has become cheap in parts of Nigeria and kidnapping has become a lucrative business. While such a situation is a big challenge to tourism in Nigeria. “

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Revue For Odeyemi, Babawale, promoting culture is rewarding

By Kabir Alabi Garba OTH are natives of Osun State. One hails from B Ile-Ife. The other is an indigene of Inisa near Osogbo. But professional life-wise, they are miles apart.

While Chief (Dr.) John Agboola Odeyemi has lived an accomplished life as an accountant, industrialist and philanthropist, Professor Tunde Babawale has an intimidating profile of a scholar of international repute and quintessential administrator.

And one major trait common to them is love of their roots as reflected in their records of contributions to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage of humanity.

On April 3, 2014, the Natural History Museum (NHM) of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife acknowledged this contribution and honoured the two personalities with the Natural History Museum Award for their “distinguished contribution to the preservation and conservation of African Cultural Heritage.”

The occasion was the maiden edition of the annual lecture of NHM named after chief Odeyemi having facilitated the museum’s link with Leventis Foundation that eventually completed the building of the antiquity home 34 years after it was abandoned among other services.

The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Bamitale Omole would later reveal this deep connection between Chief Odeyemi and the museum.

Coincidentally, the lecture was also conceived to mark Odeyemi’s 75th birthday. Born on April 4, 1939, Prof. Omole described Odeyemi as a “worthy friend, philanthropist and supporter of the Museum in particular and the university in general.”

Naming the yearly lecture after him, Prof.

Omole insisted, “is a very welcomed initiation and development in recognition of the immense contributions of Chief Odeyemi to the nation and most especially his love for nature, culture, together with his unalloyed love and philanthropic support for Obafemi Awolowo University.”

The VC chronicled Odeyemi’s specific contributions saying, “he singlehandedly built and equipped a Museum of Antiquities for the Institute of Cultural Studies. Apart from this, Chief Odeyemi through Chief Odeyemi through Chief Izioma Philip Asiodu (CON), the current President of Nigerian Conservation Foundation facilitated the Museum’s link with Leventis Foundation that eventually completed the Museum building that was earlier abandoned for almost 34 years. Not only that, he also donated the only field vehicle in the Museum at the commissioning of the new building in 2011.”

The objectives of the museum whose design, according to Prof. Omole, has been adjudged the 8th Architectural Wonders of the World, include: conducting research into vast natural and cultural history of Nigeria; serving as repository of natural and cultural objects in Nigeria; creating scientific awareness on natural and cultural resources of Nigeria, and thus facilitating an information-retrieval system for use by stakeholders; and providing identification services on natural history and cultural objects to user groups especially in Archaeology, Agriculture, Veterinary and Human Medicine and Pest control.

Prof. Babawale

Chief Odeyemi

enrolled as a student on sandwich course in Accounting at The College of Commerce and Technology, Wednesbury, Staffordshire, England. He won the Rubbery Owen Prize, for the ‘‘most distinguished student of the year’’ and ‘‘outstanding performance of the year’’ in 1965 and 1966 respectively.

He had a brief stay with Coopers and Lybrand in Birmingham between 1967 and 1969 before returning to Nigeria to join JKN Limited as an Accountant/Administrative Manager in October, 1969.

Through hard work and dedication, he rose to become Chief Executive of the Company in 1982, the position he occupied till date. He is also the Chairman and Chief Executive of JAO Investment Company Limited. Not only that, he serves on the board of many companies such as EMZOR: Pharmaceutical Limited; Kinley Securities Ltd (Stockbrokers) and Cutler Hammaer Nig. Ltd.; Chairman of Eco Bank Nig. Ltd (from September 2006 – March 2010); Chairman Refuge Insurance Ltd.; Obafemi Awolowo University Investment Company Ltd. (from January 2007 – December, 2012); and Multimalt Limited.

He was also a director of Oasis Insurance Plc.; Sowsco Well Services Ltd.; and Kajola Integrated Investment Company Ltd.; Lead Bank Ltd.;

Federal Saving Bank; Fleet Technologies Ltd.; Spring Life Assurance and KJL Micro Finance Bank Ltd., Osogbo.

Industry-wise, Chief Agboola has served as President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry; past President of NACCIMA and was chairman, Nigerian Accounting Standard Board 1990-1995 and past President, Ife Development Board (1995-2004). He was a member of the National Political Reform Conference, February – July, 2005; member of the Committee on the Assessment and Monitoring of the Millennium Development Goals, June 2005-October 2006 and was founding member of UNESCO Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He was given a merit award by the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria in 2005; awarded Doctor of Science in Business Administration (Honoris causa) by Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife in December, 2007. He was also given a special award by the Federation of Construction Industry for his contribution to the infrastructural development in Nigeria in June 2009 and appointed member of the Council of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, and Osun State in September 2009. He was conferred Patron of the Nigerian

HIEF John Agboola Ololade Odeyemi (the C Obasewa of Ife, Bobajiro of Iloko-Ijesa, member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), Fellow and Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) started his elementary education in 1946 at St. Paul’s Anglican School, Aiyegbaju, and Ile Ife. He proceeded to St. Peter and Paul Catholic School, Ile Ife where he finished and obtained his Standard Six Certificate in 1954. Later trained as higher elementary teacher at St. Leo’s College, Abeokuta between 1956 and 1959. After a brief stint as teacher at St. George’s Secondary Modern School, Oyo and St. David’s Modern School, Ile Ife between 1961 and 1963, he left for London on October 1, 1963 and

DG of NCMM, Malam Yusuf Abdallah Usman (right); Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin; and Dr. Sunny Kuku… at the event

Union of Journalists, Osun State Council in August, 2010. He was also appointed patron, Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers Foundation in October, 2011. Recognizing his enormous contribution to his fatherland, Chief Agboola was honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria as member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2005; by Osun State Government with the State Distinguished Merit Award for Philanthropy and Community Development in 2007 and by the Ile-Ife Community with Distinguished Merit Award in 2008. In April, 2012, the Ooni of Ife honoured him by naming one of the new towns being created after him as Agbo Odeyemi Town.

Chief Odeyemi’s love for his motherland opened windows of economic opportunity to young men and women seeking venture into the business and commercial ventures in the ancient city of Ile-Ife. He has made his mark in the area of selfless philanthropy. Often done quietly and noiselessly and he is not relenting.

He built, equipped and donated a building for the Museum of Antiquities to the Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He played a significant role in the linkages that led to the securing of the financial sponsorship from the Leventis Foundation for the completion of the abandoned Natural History Museum building. As part of his philanthropic gestures and his vision for the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, in 2011, he donated a field vehicle to this Museum. In a bid to foster entrepreneurship development in youth, Chief Odeyemi sponsored the First Student Trade Fair in this University, in February 2006 –Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE).

POLITICAL scientist, who has also distinA guished himself as an astute culture administrator, Prof. Gabriel Olatunde Babawale, in the last seven and a half years as the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), has lifted the profile of the culture agency nationally and globally.

In fact, the volume of activities that CBAAC has undertaken under Babawale’s leadership is so intimidating that the Federal Government has begun to appreciate the need to always enlist the service of technocrat to man strategic sector of the national economy such as culture.

But his efforts and contributions are being acknowledged appropriately from within and outside Nigeria.

For instance, Prof. Babawale was the 2012 recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Award of University of Texas at Austin, United States of America.

April 3, 2014 conferment of Natural History Museum Award became the newest feather to his crowded cap of medals for his meritorious service to his fatherland.

Born October 4, 1961, at Inisa-Osogbo, in Osun State, South West Nigeria, Tunde Babawale had his post-primary education at Inisa Grammar School from 1973-1977. As an undergraduate and postgraduate student at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1977 to 1985, he distinguished himself as a versatile academic having to his credit two prestigious academic honours: Scholar, University of Ife, 1983-84, and Departmental Scholarship Grant for Best Graduate overall performance, at the Department of International Relations, 1983/84 session.

As a distinguished academic whose intellectual engagement traverses Nigeria, Africa and the world, Babawale began his career in teaching, research and scholarship during his National Youth Service 1981-82 as a teacher at the Government Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa State. He was subsequently appointed as an Assistant Lecturer at the Adeyemi College of Education campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1985, where he made significant contributions to the develop-

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Delegation of Edo North traditional rulers on a visit to the palace recently

Rare values that define Oba Erediauwa of Benin kingdom

By Usman Abudah IS Kingdom stretches across H many borders on the coasts of Nigeria, historians have details in the archives in their various thesis, but as today in the political details of Nigerian history, his domain is defined as the South Senatorial District of Edo State.

A closer definition in the acceptance of politicians and traditional rulers, he is amongst the first eleven of Nigerians whose stance on the nation remaining as one indivisible political entity, he can’t be faulted.

His personality is supreme: This, a caller at the palace would see, feel and wonder what is the magic wand that creates this inexplicable situation.

The moment a visitor crosses the main gate that ushers one into the vast compound, one notices the air of traditional exuberance.

On a day, the upper class palace chiefs dress in immaculate white flowing robes with original coral beads on their necks and wrists and the khaki uniformed palace errand males with bronze bangles round their legs, one is further enhanced into a trance.

In his inner palace where visitors are ushered in to have a direct audience with His Majesty, the picture further reflects a solemn atmosphere where he is seated at the edge, dressed in his attire for the day and how this is decided is another secret within the palace traditional format, but the proceedings are breath taking.

To the left side of visitors inside the chambers are seated the senior chiefs and to the right are other chiefs, but at the two edges to the Oba’s seat are usually the senior ones. To his right is a collection of the Khaki uniformed palace operatives called the “Omo ada”.

Here is revealed an absolute pledges of loyalty: whether people on courtesy calls or complaints are announced, the announcer would start with “Oba a tope e” and a chorused “Ise” would follow when he asks a question, the interpreter would echo it to whom it is directed, here is revealed His Royal Majesty’s modernized exposure through which the caller now realizes that he is

before a schooled, exposed and experienced royal father: he is although very aged now, but his questions and discussions touch all spheres, be it political, economic and cultural on any part of the country and on any government level.

This reminds one of his service as a Federal Permanent Secretary, then as a Commissioner in the State Executive Council before his coronation as Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin.

This writer has been opportune on occasions to witness courtesy proceedings and one can conveniently reveal here that His Majesty has a pronounced pattern of cracking jokes, some could be very tickling, some hard facts, sometimes un-expected, but factual and down to earth, very revealing and send strokes of pain that has to be absorbed, this in totality, unveils the role of an un-biased father, who would tell an erring son or subject the home truth.

By traditional demands, his age is never to be mentioned even as his crowning is being celebrated now, (he was crowned on March 23, 1979) and he is still waxing strong, alert and current on any topic.

Oba of Benin

His subjects are absolutely loyal, including non-natives residing and doing business in his domain: his contact points are universal.

In the time past, there was this claim that the heir apparent cannot see his father. But this has been proved wrong as the Crown Prince, Ambassador Eheneden, after retiring from the Foreign Service as Nigerian’s Ambassador to various countries is back home in Benin City and he visits the palace and sees his father as often as he wants.

As Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa CFR, Oba of Benin is celebrating his peaceful and progressive reign that has unified the state more than ever before he merits this season of his.

Unfortunately, there is a disturbing phenomenon within the state, where there are some few traditional rulers who wouldn’t take a cue to tutor themselves and emulate the traditional pattern of governance of Oba Erediauwa towards enhancing their various domains.

Instead, they are periodically involved in randy immoral activities, very unbecoming of the royal institution: some get involved in skirmishes at female hostels at higher institutions of learning, some get their cars impounded within and are made to pay ransom money before being allowed to go home.

By traditional and religious formals, royal fathers can marry more than a wife and this ought to satisfy their randy untidy misbehavior: being a youthful royal father is not an acceptable reason to be randy. Most painful, some don’t even sustain their imperative communal palace meetings.

Certainly these problems can be traced to their un-effective click of advisers or elders. But shouldn’t they on their own learn the ropes?

The Oba of Benin and few other responsible royal fathers are a worthy team to be emulated.

• Abudah, a cultural journalist and founder of Afenmai Heritage and Cultural Studies, wrote in from Benin City

ment of his department in particular and the institution in general. In 1991, he was appointed Lecturer Grade 1 by the University of Lagos, where he got to the peak of his academic career with his appointment as Professor of Political Economy in 2005 (backdated to 2002).

He was the founding, and until recently Managing Editor of the reputable UNILAG Journal of Politics. He was voted the Best Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, by the students in a University conducted survey, for the 2003/2004 academic session.

Professor Babawale is a member of many learned and academic associations and societies, some of which include: Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Historical Society of Nigeria, and the Third World Forum among others.

After twenty-four years of distinguished scholarship, Tunde Babawale was invited in August 2006 by the Federal Government of Nigeria to serve the nation as Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation.

Less than four years after his appointment, he transformed the 34 year-old centre into a world class art and culture agency with international appeal and global reckoning. He has attracted to the Centre valuable institutional patronage and enormous goodwill.

As a quintessential and an outstanding administrator, Babawale has to his credit the organization, hosting and coordination of seven international conferences for experts, students and scholars of Africa on African Diaspora Studies (Trinidad and Tobago, 2006; Republic of Benin, 2007; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2008; Brasilia, Brazil, 2009; Abuja, Nigeria, 2010; Salvador, Bahia Brazil, 2011; and Missouri, USA, 2012).

Indeed, following the successful organization and hosting of two international conferences in Brazil in quick succession in 2008 and 2009 respectively, Tunde Babawale helped in the opening of a new chapter in NigeriaBrazil relations by facilitating the signing of an MOU between the two countries in Abuja, Nigeria on March 15, 2010.

As an exemplary scholar and researcher, Tunde Babawale is prolific.

His books and articles, published in reputable scholarly journals, are very topical, and of contemporary significance. He has contributed to knowledge in form of monographs, authored books, edited and co – edited books, chapter contributions to books, articles in learned local and international journals, papers presented and published in learned local and international conference proceedings, and public lectures. His contributions in these numerous outlets total over 120.

At the last count, he has published to date a total of 21 books and seven monographs.

His two-volume book titled: Nigeria in the Crises of Governance and Development (2006) is considered a laudable x-ray of Nigerian politics, governance and administration.

His analysis of issues of contemporary significance in his book Urban Violence, Ethnic Militias and Challenge of Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria (2003) brought to the fore the complexity and social reality of the management of diversity in contemporary Nigeria.

Consequent upon his contributions to scholarship and significant accomplishments as an outstanding public administrator, Babawale has received numerous recognitions, awards and honours. The most significant of these include: Scholar, University of Ife, 1983 – 84; Departmental Scholarship Grant for Best Graduate Overall Performance, Department of International Relations, University of Ife 1983/84 Session; Distinguished Leadership Role Model Award for Outstanding Leadership Qualities and Inspiration to Younger Generation by National Association of Nigerian Students

(NANS) in 2006; Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Outstanding Leadership Merit Award in 2008; the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Award for participating in the International Visitor Leadership Programme on ‘Cultural Heritage Preservation’, 2008; Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWUN) State Merit Award, 2009; National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) Corporate Arts Patrons Award, 2009; Obafemi Awolowo University Alumni Association Excellence in Public Service Award; Pan-African Society for Music Education in Africa (PASMEA) Merit Award in recognition of contribution to the development and growth of Music Education in Africa, 2010; 6th Akwaaba African Travels Award for Excellence and Individual Merit for Monumental Contributions to African Cultural Renaissance, 2010; and Ibadan Cultural Studies Group and Toyin Falola Annual Conference Award for Africa and African Diaspora Excellent Leadership, 2011.

HE real lecture had Director T General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Malam Yusuf Abdallah Usman as guest speaker. Entitled Preservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Development, the lecture lifted the intellectual content of the occasion that paraded distinguished personalities from all walks of life including two other award recipients — Chief Philip Chikwuedo Asiodu and Dr. Anastasios Paul Leventis in recognition of their roles in the realization of the museum’s objectives.

Malam Abdallah canvassed huge investment in cultural industries “to generate new and indigenous forms of employment and exports in order to aid in the diversification of economies, and to reinforce the expansion of cultural confidence and ties with overseas communities.”

The culture administrator also emphasized the need to strengthen consultation between governments and cultural industries in order to align government policy on culture, trade, industries, tourism, education, intellectual property protection and other sector.

According to Abdallah, to preserve traditional community values and associated local and indigenous knowledge, our basic educational system should be made to accommodate teaching and transmission of this heritage.

Efforts, he said, should be geared towards recording and documenting indigenous languages as means to support their systematic incorporation into school curricula and encourage publishing in indigenous languages.

Underscored also was the need to build capacities in cultural areas through education and training in the arts, administration, heritage management and cultural entrepreneurship.

VC of OAU, Prof. Omole

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30 ARTS Friday, April 11, 2014

Film Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana are top contenders

By Shaibu Husseini (who was in Johannesburg, South Africa) HE jury of the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) led T by its President, Steve Ayorinde on Wednesday at an all glam event held at the prestigious Emperor Palace Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa, announced the 2014 AMAA nominations. The nods for the AMAA’s, which is roundly regarded as the biggest reward system for filmmakers working in and around the African continent and Diaspora comes in advance of the 10th edition of the award ceremony, which holds annually, every April, since 2004 (with the exception of two editions that was held in Abuja and Lagos) in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

As soon as curtain fell on the nomination event that had popular Nollywood actor Segun Arinze as compere and that was spiced up with musical performances by a South African gospel band and the Limpopo star KCee, it was clear that the nods favoured filmmakers from South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. Films made by practitioners from these countries led on the nomination grid.

It turned out a good outing for practitioners of the Nigerian movie industry dubbed Nollywood. Compared to some of the previous editions where Nigeria always struggle to pull vital nominations, Nollywood practitioners didn’t do badly on the nomination grid of the AMAA’s this time around. Movies from Nollywood kept featuring as the AMAA jurors announced nominations at the event that attracted celebrities from Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Namibia and South Africa, including representatives of the government of South Africa and Namibia. There was a powerful delegation from Malawi, led by Mrs. Edith Akridge, daughter of the Malawian President Joyce Banda.

Notable Nollywood director Teco Benson, first time feature film director Chika Anadu and Nollywood actor turned producer and director Desmond Elliot gave the Nollywood industry something to cheer about as Benson’s crime thriller Accident and Elliot’s biopic movie Apaye fetched 6 nominations each while Anadu’s B for Boy grabbed a record 5 nominations. Apaye, starring Clarion Chukwurah and Kanayo Kanayo and shot in the Niger Delta area was nominated in the production design category, in the make-up, costume, in the best Nigerian feature film category and in the leading actors category. Two of the movies leading actors- Kanayo Kanayo and Clarion Chukwurah were nominated.

Also Benson’s Accident was nominated in the best Nigerian feature category, in the edit category, in screenplay, for the leading actress (Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha) and in two of the big categories—best director and best film. Anadu’s B for Boy secured nominations in the best Nigerian feature, screenplay, leading actress and first feature film by a director categories. Observers consider Anadu’s nominations ‘huge’ for a first feature film director and producer. Nigeria also had two short films-

Udoka Onyeka’s Living Funeral and Tope Oshin Ogun’s New Horizon in contention in the short film category. While Daughters of the Niger Delta, a documentary on the Niger Delta question featured in the documentary category.

However, it was films from South Africa that clearly dominated. For instance, Jamil X.T Quebeka’s Of Good Report garnered 13 nominations including nomination for best film and best director. The movie is also in contention for the best sound, best edit, best soundtrack, leading actor, promising actress and support actor and actress category. Two other South Africa films — The Forgotten Kingdom and the part drama, part musical film Felix secured eight nominations each, followed by another South African entry Once Upon a Road Trip, which had an impressive showing on the nomination grid.

Ghana’s The Good Old Days, Potomanto and Northern Affairs also put Ghana in the lead in terms of nominations. The Good Old Days series was directed by the legendary Kwah Ansa, while Potomanto and Northern Affair was directed by two of AMAA’s laureate Shirley Frimpong Manso and Leila Djansi respectively.

Other countries that had good nominations are Kenya, Mali, Cameroun, Mauritius, and Malawi. The award also attracted entries from countries Like Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuala and Cuba all of which are competing in the Diaspora category.

Over 48 countries reportedly sent in entries for this edition of the festival while over 457 films were entered in all for the 10th edition of the AMAA’s.

According to Ayorinde, the AMAA screening panel received 457 films comprising 156 short films, 190 feature films, 25 animations and 86 documentaries including features, shots and documentaries from the Diaspora. Ayorinde who announced that the Jury would not give award in the category of films by an ‘African filmmakers living abroad’, because the films entered in that category were inadequate also disclosed that the main award where winners will be announced will come up in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Earlier in an address of welcome, Chief Executive Officer of the AMAA’s Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, enjoined filmmakers in the continent to unite and promote the best in Africa through their works. She thanked all those who have stood behind the AMAA brand, including the Bayelsa State government who has supported the hosting the awards from inception.

Also speaking, the Director General of Bayelsa State Tourism Development Agency Mrs. Ebizi Brown congratulated AMAA for the success story it has become.

She called on filmmakers in Africa and beyond to come and shoot their movies in Bayelsa adding that the state is ready to host a great 10th anniversary edition of AMAA.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on Investment, Mr. Cyril Akika and Nollywood Actor and Chairman Governing Board, Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Mr, Kanayo O. Kanayo at the AMAA nominations event in South Africa last week

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan (left); President Joyce Banda’s daughter, Edith Akridge; Special Adviser on Investments, Bayelsa State, Cyril Akika; and Nollywood Actor, Ramsey Noah at the AMAA 2014 nominations event

List of nominees Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film Haunted Soul – Kenya Siriya Mtungi – Tanzania Dialemi - Gabon New Horizon – Nigeria Nandy l’orpheline – Mali Living Funeral – Nigeria Phindile’s Heart – South Africa Best Animation The Hare and the Lion – Burkina Faso Thank God its Friday – Morocco Leila - Nigeria Khumba – South Africa The Brats and Toy Thief – Mozambique Best Documentary Hamu Beya- The Sand Fishers – Mali Portraits of a Lone Farmer – Nigeria/Denmark Kushaya Ingagasi – South Africa Daughters of the Niger Delta – Nigeria Sincerely Ethiopia – Ethiopia Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language The forgotten Kingdom – South Africa B for Boy – Nigeria Omo Elemosho – Nigeria Onye Ozi - Nigeria Ni Sisi – Kenya Best Diaspora Short Passage – Bahamas Heaven – USA Tickle Me Rich – Trinidad and Tobago

Red - USA Best Diaspora Documentary Finding Samuel Lowe: From Harlem to China – USA/CANADA Freedom Summer - USA No Bois Man, No Frad – Trinidad and Tobago Through the Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People - USA Best Diaspora Feature Tula The Revolt - Curacao AZU - Venezuela Kingston Paradise – Jamaica Retrieval - USA Achievement in Production Design Northern Affair - Ghana Of Good Report – South Africa Ni Sisi - Kenya Good Old Days: Love of AA - Ghana Apaye – Nigeria Achievement in Costume Design Good Old Days: Love of AA – Ghana Apaye - Nigeria Omo Elemosho – Nigeria Ni Sisi - Kenya The Forgotten Kingdom – South Africa Achievement in Make-Up A Mile From Home – Nigeria Apaye – Nigeria Once Upon A Road Trip – South Africa Felista Fable - Uganda Potomanto -Ghana Achievement in Soundtrack Once Upon A Road Trip Onye Ozi

Felix B For Boy Of Good Report Accident Potomanto Murder at Prime Suites Achievement in Visual Effect Omo Elemosho Best Child Actor A Mile From Home Omo Elemosho Tobe Oboli – Brothers Keeper Secret Room Lebohang Ntsane – Forgotten Ni Sisi Kingdom Of Good Report Hlayani Junior Mabasa – Felix Achievement in Sound Best Young/ Promising Actor Felix Evelyn Galle Ansah – Good Old Days: Northern Affair For the Love of AA Nothing For Mahala Petronella Tshuma – Of Good Report Of Good Report Tope Tedela – A Mile From Home The Forgotten Kingdom Kitty Phillips – The Children of Achievement in Cinematography Troumatron Once Upon A Road Trip Shawn Faqua – Lagos Cougar Best Actor (Supporting Role) Good Old Days: Love of AA Of Good Report Desmond Elliot – Finding Mercy The Forgotten Kingdom Thapelo Mofekeng - Felix The Children of Troumaron Yomi Fash-Lanso – Omo Elemosho Achievement in Editing Aniekan Iyoho - Potomanto Tshamano Sebe – Of Good Report Of Good Report Best Actress (Supporting Role) Accident Vinaya Sungkur – The Children of Once Upon A Road Trip Troumaron Potomanto Patience Ozokwo – After the Proposal Felix Achievement in Screen Play Marie Humbert – Potomanto Barbara Soky – Brothers Keeper B For Boy Lee-Ann van Rooi – Of Good Report Of Good Report Best Actor (Leading Role) Accident Zengo Ngqobe – Forgotten Kingdom Potomanto Kanayo Kanayo - Apaye Felix Best Nigerian Film (endowed by Mothusi Magano – Of Good Report Bayelsa State government) Joseph Benjamin – Murder At Prime Apaye

Suites Adjatey Annan – Potomanto Majid Michel – Brothers Keeper Best Actress (Leading Role) Uche Nnadili – B for Boy Linda Sokhulu – Felix Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha – Accident Clarion Chukwura - Apaye Uche Jombo, Rodriquez, Monalisa Chinda and Daniella Okeke – Lagos Cougar Joselyn Dumas – Northern Affair Best First Feature Film (by a director) Roberta Durrant – Felix Chika Anadu – B for Boy Andrew Mudge – Forgotten Kingdom Harrikrishna & Sharvan Anenden – The Children of Troumaron Dilman Dila – Felista’s Fable Joyce Mhango Chavula – No More Tears Best Director Harrikrishna & Sharvan Anenden – Children of Troumaron (Mauritius) Shirley Frimpong Manso – Potomanto (Ghana) Andrew Mudge – The Forgotten Kingdom (South Africa) Jamil X.T Quebeka – Of Good Report (South Africa) Teco Benson – Accident (Nigeria) Best Film Children of Troumaron – Mauritius Potomanto – Ghana The Forgotten Kingdom – South Africa Of Good Report – South Africa Accident - Nigeria

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Literature Arrow of God@ 50: The Children’s Carnival in Abuja

By Florence Utor line with the 8-city celebrations of IonNAchebe’s Arrow of God@ 50 in Nigeria, Abuja Thursday, April 3, 2014 had more than its share of the commemoration with a most memorable Children’s Carnival held at NTA Arena, featuring drama sketches, quiz and dance dramas centred around Arrow of God. Although the carnival commenced about an hour behind schedule, all the 10 schools that qualified for the knock-out phase of the quiz competition turned out in large numbers, with over 350 students in attendance, led by their various teachers.

After the welcome address by National organizing Committee (NoC) chairman, Dr. Wale okediran, who was represented by mallam Denja Abdullahi, event chairman, Hon. Prof. Chudi uwazurike, commended the Achebe Foundation and the NoC members for celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic writer, Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God, especially with the inclusion of secondary schools.

He stated that if the moribund reading culture is to be improved upon, recourse must be taken to the grassroots, which is the primary and post-primary stage of education.

Dr. Jerry Agada, former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and ex-minister also lent his voice to the clarion call, saying, “We must catch them young.” As a seasoned educationist, he could not have felt more at home, as he was surrounded with students. other guests in attendance included oroton Douglas, represented by mr. michael Afenfia, NTA managing Director, Chief Ifeanyi Ileogbunam amongst several other dignitaries. out of the 10 schools that came for the final stage of the quiz competition based on the celebration text, Arrow of God, Peace and unity School, Suleja, could not participate on the grounds of late arrival to the venue. School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada emerged first in the quiz competition with Regina Pacis, Abuja, a girls’ school, and Government Secondary School, Lugbe as the first and second runnersup respectively. The School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada also come first in the drama performances of Arrow of God, with Government Secondary School, Garki and Regina Pacis, Abuja, emerging second and third respectively.

During a brief interlude, Chukwuemeka obiobasi, Ikeogu oke and other Abuja-based

School children performing at the Abuja Carnival artistes thrilled the audience. While obiobasi, a fast-growing young performance poet gave life to Isaac ogezi’s ‘The Warrior’s Homecoming’, a tribute to Achebe, oke read two poems from his children’s poetry collection, Songs of Success.

Perhaps, one of the greatest highlights of the carnival that almost saw the audience spring to its feet with trepidation was when the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada was performing a dance drama about oduche’s imprisonment of the royal python in the novel. A box was dropped with some violence on the ground, with the lid flinging open to the let the royal python out. With bated breath, the audience saw the royal python,

slither out of the box and made its escape, albeit drawn by a thin, almost invisible thread by one of the dancers, to the thunderous ovation of the fear-gripped audience who had thought it was a real python. For young post-primary school students, it was no doubt an ingenious theatrical stunt that would not fail to leave a lasting impression in the minds of the audience.

The carnival was brought to an end after the presentation of awards and certificates of participation to schools by Chief Ileogbunam and other dignitaries. Credit must be given to the Halima usman-led Local organizing Committee and the NoC members who are mostly based in Abuja and its

Dibie’s Scarcast: When pain inspires creativity

By Ijeoma Opara omE of the most beautiful “S works of art have often been born out something lacking”, so said Jenim Dibie, author of Scarcast, who read poems from her first anthology of poetry. The book reading, which took place at Quintessence, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, witnessed a gathering of art lovers to listen to heartwarming readings from Scarcast, a collection Dibie invested so much poetic purpose.

According to the poet, who went philosophical, “Greatness is born out of pain. The person who invented the telephone had a deaf wife; michael Angelo and other great artists I have read about had either been depressed or went through some hard times. They had a pain in their lives.

“When one is in darkness, they are looking for a way to find the light and in a bid to

find the light, they find themselves writing or drawing.

Basically, pain inspires creation”.

The graduate of pharmacy, who didn’t go through any formal literary class but was inspired to write

Dibie

beautiful poems that connect with the everyday life, said the inspiration to write was inborn. “I wanted to be an artist (painter) but since I can’t find myself doing it, I needed a way to express myself and so I started writing.

“If you read my poems they are very visual. I can write about everything love, pain and beauty. Some of my poems are about my personal life, but then I observe a lot because of my inward nature.

I observe more than I talk and so I put it all in writing”.

While speaking on how she settled on the name Scarcast,

which is not an English word, she said, “I formed the word myself from ‘Scared-outcast’, which means someone who doesn’t fit in, like a white horse in the midst of black stallions; the person is special but doesn’t fit in and because of that the person starts segregating herself to form her own world.

She, however, noted that literary appreciation in Nigeria is poor, but then that it is growing, adding, “There are a lot of art forums promoting arts; reading is not in our culture but then we are getting there.

Reading should be something that one will enjoy. You get to know of countries and cultures you might never get to see just by reading”.

Singer Aduke entertained guests by strumming on her Guitar. Like Dibie, Aduke said she is inspired to write songs from everyday experiences in Nigeria, noting, “Nigeria is very inspiring; from traffic to bad governance, everything about life. I like to sing about life, reality, love, hope, giving, things that people can identify with”.

environs. one could not fail to commend the patience of the competition judges, messrs Jide Atta and Spencer okoroafor and mrs.

Joan orji. Immense gratitude also goes to our various sponsors who have made the 8 City Literary Fiesta to be a reality.

The next stop for the celebration will be the university of Lagos, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 where Professor Charles Larson, Emeritus Professor of Literature from Washington DC, u.S. will be the keynote speaker to be supported by other eminent Nigerian scholars.

Arojah Royal Theatre takes The Killing Swamp to theatre festival in Korea BuJA-BASED Arojah Royal Theatre compaA ny will participate next month at the Chuncheon International Theatre Festival in South Korea starting from may 3 – 10. Dr. onukaba Adinoyi-ojo’s play The Killing Swamp; it’s based on an exciting dramatization of the last moments of Nigeria’s most illustrious son, Ken Saro-Wiwa. To realise this theatrical dream, according to the Artistic Director of Arojah Royal Theatre, mr. om’oba Jerry Adesewo, his theatre company was appealing to all art patrons and lovers to help support the theatre company with funds so it could successfully showcase Nigeria’s artistic mettle.

The company will perform The Killing Swamp at the 16th Chuncheon International Theatre Festival in South Korea in three cities - Chuncheon-si, Pyeonyang and Suwon/Seoul on may 3, 5 & 8 respectively. out of the five plays submitted to the organisers, Dr. onukaba Adinoyi ojo’ The Killing Swamp was adjudged the best. This is the first international engagement Arojah Royal Theatre will undertake; Adesewo is, therefore, upbeat about Nigeria’s chances as ambassadors on the world stage. He is also appealing for support in form of advert placement and goodwill messages in its brochure together with outright donations.

For further enquiries on how to support: www.arojahtheatrengr.com and email at arojahtiata@gmail.com.

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36 ARTS Friday, April 11, 2014

Amazing World of Architecture ... Unusual gift for Ajayi at 60

By Gbenga Salau TO celebrate the 60th birthday of Sir (Arc) Gabriel Ajayi, a book, Amazing World of architecture, was launched in Lagos last week. The 232page book, which was written by Mrs. Oluneye Oluwole and described by the reviewer, Professor Sidi Osho, as a compendium, provided insight into what architecture is and who the celebrant is as well as his contributions to architecture.

The event was chaired by Professor Felix Fagbohungbe who paid glowing tributes to the celebrant, and highlighting some of the attributes that stand him out as one of the finest architects in Nigeria.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, stated that his presence at the event was not by accident because he had known the celebrant for many years, and described him as a very wonderful person who epitomizes all that is good in Ekiti people.

Also, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State and Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Kayode Fayemi was enthralled by his accomplishments. He commended the trail-blazing achievements of his kinsman, saying it was another feather to the cap of Ekiti State people.

Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi (OFR), the Asiwaju of Ile-Ife, who was Father of the Day, asked Ajayi, in his goodwill message, to hold on tenaciously to his industry, good name, honesty, loyalty and sincerity of purpose.

Amazing World of Architecture, written and published by Oluneye Oluwole, Chief Executive Officer of My Heritage Books, validates Architect ’Dipo Ajayi as a guru in architecture, arts and nature lover, and an unrepentant romantic!

The book, reviewed by Prof. Sidi Osho, the pioneer and immediate past Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, was endorsed by Architect Umaru Aliyu, the President of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), as an inspiring documentation of architectural data in the annals of architecture in Nigeria.

Osho underscored inspirational and motiva-

tional bent of the book, saying “it reveals the life story of one of Africa’s finest architects and tells the story of grass to grace.”

He praised author’s ample use of illustrations such as photographs, arts works, sculptures, in cast and metals, wood, showing insight into his personality telling stories of village life and showcasing his experiences.

Former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Tunde Lemo were among other guests at the event.

Ajayi said growing up it was tough as he faced a lot of challenges because a lot of Ekiti people lack financial strength though they are highly educated. He said his father, a soldier, had five wives. So he grew up in a polygamous setting.

“So, it was very tough surviving in a polygamous setting but it made me very clever. I concentrated on my studies and God helped me to come out with Grade One at the West African Examination Council.”

On who influenced him most between his father and mother, he said, “It was my mum who passed values, discipline and the fear of God to me. I studied a lot of her character, which helped me in my endeavours. She is still very active at 98. She started going to school at the age of 80 (adult education). She believes so strongly in education, as the only liberator from the shackles of poverty.

“And that is why I have also encouraged my children too to embrace education. By the grace of God, they are responding to training. My first son is an architect. I have another one who is a chartered accountant and others are still aspiring to study law and medicine.”

He stated he dreams, sleeps and eats architecture, adding, “Although it is a very demanding profession, I tell people that there is nothing you don’t have time for once you organize and prioritize your programmes.

“I don’t have regret studying that profes-

Ajayi displaying the book launched at his 60th birthday celebration in Lagos recently sion. It is very fulfilling. We were the tested hand in Ife. And Ife is an environment to learn architecture. So I survived through trading and teaching in secondary school. I am also grateful to government because they gave us bursary and loans in those days. I combined this with what my parents could raise and I was able to survive seven years.”

The Spatial Design Consults boss, however, thanked God for keeping him alive and healthy at 60, saying, “I feel fulfilled and I pray that God will still continue to grant me good health and ability to help others.”

Moving forward, he said, would be to leave a legacy behind because he wants to be seen as somebody who left something behind for humanity. “This is very important and I pray that God will give me the strength and

Living well according to Ngodo

By Bayo Ogunmupe HE book with the subtitled, Handbook of Practical Guide to Understanding, Principles, Concepts and Applications of Wellness, written by Vincent Stacy Ngodo, is best begun from its foreword by the physician Dr. Emma Nwigwe, director of Physiotherapy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku, Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. Nwigwe defined Wellness as a state of being healthy. To be healthy, he avers, is a state of having good health, not likely to become ill or sick.

This phenomenon of wellness is likened to the story of an elephant and the blind man. Some of today’s mode of describing wellness are: you are what you eat. All you need to be upbeat is an hour’s walk every day. Even so, you need a positive mental attitude to keep well and healthy.

Our people take to all manner of jogging, nutritional supplements in a feverish attempt to be well.

However, this book avers that keeping well is holistic rather than piecemeal or adhoc. This book has taken a holistic road to the vast untapped field of wellness. The benefits of digesting this volume include an insight into the problems of maintaining a state of wellbeing in our dog eat dog society.

The rat race has propelled us into the limbo of instant wealth and its pursuit thereto.

Wellness also imparts the health

T

training, quality education and the orderliness that produces absolute physical and mental wellbeing. On offer here, is the wisdom with which we can achieve real happiness in addition to good health and longevity. As a guide, the publication will reshape reader’s understanding of wellness principles, its health elevating practices and body enhancing exercises.

This book also has anti-aging wellness products with spiritual and emotional self-appraisals. It preaches a new orientation and awareness of how to avoid premature death. The book has 12 chapters and 217 pages. The most significant issue of its first quarter is happiness. Surrounding happiness are many possibilities. We are aware that with exercise, fitness and nutritional meals, we can achieve good health and fitness.

But we still need wisdom to enable us enjoy this for any length of time.

But our mental and psychological wellbeing is essential to our fitness and happiness. We now know our immunity is influenced by our thoughts, attitudes and mental magnitude. Distress, anxiety and tension weaken our immune system, leaving us more susceptible to illness and melancholy.

A vital step in healing is in loving yourself. If you love yourself, you will listen to yourself. Ngodo teaches that Bernard Siegal in his book: Love, medicine and miracles,

said that t h e attitude of love towards one self is the single most important factor in healing and staying well. He said that inability to love oneself becomes a neglect of oneself and such people are among those often prone to illhealth.

People at peace with themselves and their immediate environment don’t usually get sick. However, it is noteworthy that ‘at peace’ isn’t suppressing feelings. People who never share their problems with others, who neglect their own needs are among those most likely to become sick. Lack of emotional outlets are a common theme among cancer patients.

Healing treatments offered here in this book integrate the inner and the body, mind and spirit to function as one for the purpose of wellness and happiness. Exercise and diet by themselves will not bring out good health, though

resources to do that.”

Ajayi stated that life has taught him to embrace God in time of good, as every situation is temporary, noting, “I established Spatial Design Consults, an architectural design and construction company in 1987 after a brief stint with the Lagos State Development Property Corporation as a senior architect.

“Today, through dint of hardwork, we have become a household name and some of our works are scattered all over the place. Now, we are trying to ensure that we influence the lives of the next generation. We are collaborating with Nigerian universities to provide hostels such as residence places for some students.”

they do help. The real healing lies in the consciousness behind our actions.

This attitude is nourished by wellness education and lifestyle.

It has been said that in becoming a husband, a man loses his liberty in the pursuit of happiness.

But this man also married in order to gain greater happiness.

However, wellness is the route to happiness.

But the journey to wellness is powered by exercise, fitness, nutrition and lifestyle.

Those choices determine wellness while that gains you happiness. Unfortunately most luxuries, the so-called comforts of life power, material wealth and luxury are hindrances to happiness and well-being.

Actually, nothing can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt and has a clear c o n s c i e n c e .

A person ages or deteriorates in wellness with time. Memory requires more oxygen. Thinking and creativity slow down. It is only aerobic exercise that slows down the deterioration of human physique. Exercise enables people maintain mental and physical flexibility. The principles of wellness in chapter six aver reverence for life, orderliness to gain longevity and happiness.

Maintaining balance in everything we do gives us happiness. In order to achieve success, health and happiness, we have to plan our lives. We have to create time for recreation in order to attain wellness. We are solely responsi-

ble for our own happiness. No one outside of us can grant us happiness. Individual wellbeing and world peace go together. We cannot be happy in a disorderly environment.

Thus to be happy, we have to expand wellness beyond individual well-being. You have to take responsibility for your life. You account for whatever you do in order to attain happiness.

Wellness isn’t about quick fixes. It is a process, a journey but not a destination. You have to forever persevere on the pathway to wellness and happiness. Lifelong health education is the only route to wellness and happiness.

Illness is the feedback that we have to change our lifestyle in order to gain good health. The atomistic viewpoint like the scientific method sees disease as the sum total of various components of ill-health. By taking them apart and analyzing them independent of each other they are removed through healing and medicine. However, the holistic viewpoint sees health as an integration of all areas of our lives.

These approaches make for the modalities for healing and wellbeing.

The author, Vincent Ngodo read Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He added another degree in biomedical diagnostics, which enabled him to practice his creative ideas at his Vosan Wellness Resort and Resource Centre in Enugu. He has organized fitness programmes and workshops in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Port Harcourt. Ngodo is emerging as a dependable expert in wellness and Human nutrition.

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ArtHouse TKNG auction holds tonight

five days of preview, TKMG holds its art auction AFTER tonight at Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Legend in the making awards

in the making awards is part of Unveilmania’s objecLTheEGEND tives to promote youths with pop culture in Nigeria. first ever awards set to reward, encourage and uplift Nigerian upcoming/fast rising artistes so as to continue to kick on their legendary hustles in the music industry, Legend in the Making Awards will be coming up on 19th of this month, by 4:00 PM at Rita Lori hotel, Babs Animashaun, Surulere.

Battle of the Titans Comedy series hits Lagos FRIENDLy comedy series titled, The Battle of the Titans A Comedy series where top comedians from UK will go head to head with top comedians from Nigeria to separate the boys from the men is scheduled to take place in Lagos at the Oriental Hotel on April 20. The event will start off with a short drama sketch, which will define the essence of our Centenary year Celebration then followed by a DJ battle, Nigeria vs UK. The highlight of the show will be the Comedy Battle of the Titans still engaging team Naija vs team UK.

Bloggers to hold conference soon

IGERIAN Bloggers would be coming together for a conferN ence geared to bring together both aspiring and veteran bloggers to share experiences, network, brainstorm ideas and start a movement that would have mutual benefits for all attendees.

Participants are advised to come along with their laptops to 38, Ogundana Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, at 12 noon; on April 22. The event is supported by, Entrepeneurhunt, Toperant and Toonifique Company.

Dualiity continues to show till moth end

SAAC Iken Emokpae’s exhibition of paintings titled Duality at The Wheatbaker Ikoyi, Lagos continues until April 30th, 2014

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Rita Dominic becomes face of Keystone Bank’s product Storie by Florence Utor WARD-winning actress, Rita A Dominic, will be the face of Keystone Bank’s soon to be launched exclusively-forwomen account, the Keystone Bank Pink Account.

Head, Brand Management, Keystone Bank, Omobolanle Osotule, said that “the bank’s Pink Account is a current and savings account for women that are resourceful, innovative and glamorous.

“The account is primarily designed for the empowerment of women with entrepreneurial drive and career inclination, to actualise their financial independence, lifestyle and domestic needs.

“The Pink Account will create avenues for women to network and share ideas through periodic networking events, seminars and workshops, which will be anchored by Rita Dominic as the ambassador of the project.”

Osotule explained that the choice of Rita Dominic as the face of the Pink Account “was predicated on her profile as a thoroughbred professional, a dedicated and consummate actress, and a celebrity with role model credentials and of course, because of her entrepreneurial drive.”

Speaking on the project, Rita Dominic said she was excited about the idea of an account for women to make them financially independent as entrepreneurs, mothers and caregivers.

“I am also excited about the

fact that the bank considers working with me to promote this laudable project to other women in different strata of the society’s ladder.

“I am aware that the Pink Account, as a project, will cater to the empowerment need of professional and working class women, self-employed female entrepreneurs, female lecturers, actresses, musicians, women in uniform and even female politicians and society women. This account is truly for women,” she added.

Rita Dominic

Ayo Ni O Church rehearsing for their choir day, which comes up on April 25

Art collectors, stakeholders gather for the Macleod the recent traFnyOLLOWING ditional naming ceremoof their new born babies, the Nike Art Gallery Lagos has concluded arraignment to host Lagos-based artist, Chief (Mrs.) Josephine ObohMacleod and her Scottish husband, Norman.

According to the Managing Director of gallery, chief (Mrs.) Oyenike Monica Okundaye, the couple are being celebrated for their contribution to the growth of creativity in Nigeria and also to thank God for the recent blessing of the family with twin babies — Allison Ebosephen and Norman Obuluosa Macleod.

For these reasons, and many more, the gallery has wrapped up plans to fete the family in what would be an evening of undiluted art fun and entertainment. The programme that was earlier scheduled for March, but postponed due to logistic reasons, will now hold tomorrow. The venue of the event is the popular Nike Art Gallery, on Oba Elegush Road, Ikate Lekki Lagos, starting from 2pm.

It is definitely going to be gathering of who is who in the art within and beyond Lagos State. Expected to be at the event are royal fathers, friends, members of the diplomatic corps, family and loving fans of the family, Apart from the mini art exhibition being organised as part of the programme, also slated to entertain guests as part of the thrill

are the Nike Cultural Troupe, as well as talks and commendation on the works of the couple.

Oboh-Macleod, who holds the chieftaincy title of Adolor of Emu Kingdom, is a widely travelled studio artist and art prompter. She started her active art involvement in 1990, when she returned to Nigeria and established her famous furniture making factory, which later dovetailed into career and involvement in arts, especially visual arts.

Her various involvements in arts also saw her exporting Nigerian arts and artifacts to

United State of America and United Kingdom among other countries. She was also at a time a partner in an Gallery, Art African in located Timbuktu, Guildford, Surrey, UK. She is the first female association member of Universal Studio of Arts (USA) while her husband, Norman Core, is a past chieftain and honorary piper to the Lagos Caledonia Society. The couple has been involved in many art events as well as featured in several Lagos in outing State. Expected at the event are prominent collectors, artists, journalist, culture

stakeholders and enthusiast.

A statement on the event by the Nike Gallery, said, “We want to celebrate this woman and the husband for their involvement in Lagos art circle. There were able, for a long time to remain resolute despite challenges of life. Now that they are blessed, we fill it is a lesson that people should learn that live is not all about roses but can show many faces. We witnessed how they have contributed in the art by encouraging artists.

And that is why we are packaging this event.”

The Macleod (second left) and (first right) with Nike Okundaye and some other guests at a function

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ExecutiveBrief

EDITION 302

In association with TRIPPLEA ASSOCIATES LIMIED

Joe Attueyi: Cross Professional Trendsetter DWC Drilling Nigeria Limited was founded to invest in the Oil and Gas services sector, the organization focuses on supporting indigenous operators (including marginal field players), and has also served International Oil Companies operating onshore. Joe Attueyi, the Chief Executive Officer of the organization is a multi disciplinary professional. A chartered accountant by training, Joe has excelled in operations, Project Management in the oil and gas industry, and has consulted for International Oil Companies (IOC). He was the founding Managing Director of Shebah Exploration and Production; an Indigenous oil and gas company that successfully acquired interest in a producing asset from a major IOC. In this interview with Nnamdi Nwokolo, Mr. Attueyi, a Harvard Business School alumnus, spoke on the Focus of a CEO. OU are a Chartered Accountant and a major player in the oil Y and gas industry, how did it happen? I graduated from the University of Nigeria with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Upon graduation from the university, I did my one year compulsory youth service with NNPC, and I was among the few that was retained. I left NNPC to join Ashland oil Company now Addax. In 1992, Conoco came to Nigeria and I was among the pioneer staff in Accounting for 3years. Something interesting happened. I came to work one day, and the Management decided that my skills are better used in operations than in Accounting. Surprisingly, I never knew an accountant can be transferred to operations. I learnt the ropes from the ground, up and by 2001 i became General Manager Operations. In 2002, Conoco was merging with Philips; I realized that some of our assets have become marginal. I left and with some other investors we bought Conoco’s interest and I became Managing Director of sheba E & P. From there, I became the Chief Executive Officer of DWC drilling Nigeria Limited.

What’s your assessment of the Nigerian content act?

Local content has become very topical, and most countries are enacting laws to make it mandatory for all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry. It is the development of local skills, technology transfer, and use of local manpower and local manufacturing. It is a step in the right direction. A lot of indigenous companies are benefiting from the act. We are a fully fledged indigenous company; it’s very interesting because when we joined the industry, it will be shocking for someone to say I’m an indigenous Company. I don’t think anybody imagined it possible or thought about it. But today, there are indigenous companies in all facets of oil and gas operations. SEPLAT for example, an indigenous company is being quoted in the Nigerian Stock Exchange & London Stock Exchange. It has become a very important issue due to the fact that in this day and age, every country would like its citizens to capture the commanding heights of its economy and thus assist to keep its wealth within its borders, as well as providing jobs to the ever increasing population.

Do we have the capacity to drive the act in the industry?

This is 50yrs of Nigerians working in the oil and gas industry and at least 30yrs of working in major departments for IOC’s. If I’m General Manager for Conoco Philips, why can’t I be General Manager for my company? Historically, Nigerians have paid their dues in the industry and can compete favourably globally. The point is that the human talent, experience, skill, and the knowledge are within reach locally. The major challenge is access to capital. This is because the business is capital intensive and high risk. We have the experience in Nigeria.

An arm of your organization is among the few Onshore Drilling companies, how has it been? The area is not very good and I will tell you why. The challenge of the oil and gas industry especially the onshore drilling sector, until recently when the IOC’s started divesting, most of the onshore assets were owned by Joint venture Companies. So before they’ll drill a well, they’ll go through the approval process which takes up to 18months if you are lucky. It’s a big challenge.

A lot of noise has been made about shortening the circle because everybody knows it’s a problem. As a responsible organization, we’ve been recognized for Value-Addition to Clients, support of indigenous operators’ unique needs and world class corporate governance. We are carving a niche for ourselves in the industry.

About DWC drilling company limited: DWC is an onshore drilling Company. We’ve accomplished turn key projects in the industry.

We provide the whole scheme of services for a company that has onshore assets. However, my background is exploration and production so; there are professionals that run the land rig business with a separate office. DWC E&P basically produces marginal fields that have proven reserves. We are committed to ensure that all applicable regulatory health, safety and environmental protection

requirements are complied with and that adequate resources are provided to ensure the health and safety of our employees as well as the preservation of the environment. The ultimate goal is zero accidents.

Do you have foreign Technical Partners?

The story of technical partnership is stories of years ago. The human capacity/ capital to run oil and gas company are really available in the country. What is really missing is the financial capability. We don’t have and we don’t need foreign technical partnership. When we bought Conco’s interest in OML108 and started Sheba E and P, Sheba was technical partner to an indigenous oil company. So, the knowledge and skill to produce oil and gas is more than available.

the fear of failure will always be there because it could fail, the fear was real. If it fails, what happen? This fear really stops people from going into entrepreneurship.

Advice to young Nigerians on the Critical factors for business success: It may surprise you that you need integrity above every other thing. If you take away the issue of God and chance, the first thing you need to succeed in life and business is integrity. You can’t make it in a sustainable manner if you are associated with underhand dealings and not accountable for other people’s funds.

People must be able to write a cheque for you to pursue bigger projects. But they won’t do that if you are not trust worthy. Young people tend to think that get rich quick leads to quick success because of the get rich quick syndrome in our system, but it’s not true. To succeed, you must develop the right virtue of integrity.

What drives you?

Somewhere in my life trajectory, I developed a strong relationship with God, and it’s been my driving force because it speaks to peace. I believe that things work together for my good. I believe that God has put me in place to make a difference in the lives of people. I try to impact in people’s lives.

What can government do differently to help the industry?

There’s a lot government needs to do. They should pass the Petroleum Industry Bill that has been pending at the National Assembly. We are in a high risk, high reward industry. People want to know what the fiscal regime is. When you put a law like the PIB and its hanging for a long time, Your focus is supporting local companies, what is the success you paralyze investment. I rate? don’t think our politician The challenge of indigenous Companies that have marginal understand that. fields is that only about 7 out of 20 are in production. Some of They shouldn’t their challenges are technical; in the nature of the field have started it if they’re working. If you don’t have a field with proven they don’t reserves that production test have been carried out, it will want to do be more difficult to raise funds. It doesn’t matter who is it.

The running it. What we do with our experience with IOC lack of and indigenous companies is to let them know the clarity type of assets they have and with our network give is havthem direction to go. Some work, some don’t. ing a negHow do you deal with funding?

The issue of funding is very difficult. This is part of the challenge most local industry players’ encounter. If you need to go out of the country to look for funding, you need integrity, if someone will write a cheque of 100million dollars, he needs to be sure that you have a ative track record of delivering on your commiteffect ment. The question foreign fund providers on will ask is, can I trust you with my money and the can you deliver on target. We have dealt with industhat with our integrity. We promise what we try. can do and we deliver our promises.

Entrepreneurial Phobia: When I ventured into entrepreneurship, the fear of failure was there. I had a good job, was on top of my game. From the time I became manager, every promotion I got was to take over from an expatriate. It gave me opportunity to work globally. When you leave all that and jump into the unknown,

Joe Attueyi For Advertisement and Enquiries Call Nnamdi on 08025070837 or E-mail:editor.executivebrief@trippleagroup.com

Work/life balance: I preach; that’s my spiritual balance. I’m a private person really. Time with my family and time in church helps me to relax.

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EXECUTIVE FINANCE Jeremy Vohwinkle, OU may have had your annual physical Y exam and taken your car in for scheduled service this year, but what about your annual financial check-up? If you were on a long road trip, you’d stop occasionally and look at the map to see if you were headed in the right direction, wouldn’t you? An annual financial check-up serves the same purpose.

It’s an opportunity to review how you’ve done financially over the past twelve months and make sure you’re still headed in the right direction. A good time to do your annual financial check-up is before the end of the year so you can take advantage of any tax-saving strategies, but if you can’t fit it in during the busy holiday season, plan on doing it as soon after the New Year as possible.

Identify Your Goals The first step in your financial check-up is evaluating your financial goals.

Evaluate Changes in Your Personal Situation Have changes in your personal situation taken place in the last year or do you anticipate any major changes in the near future? A job change, divorce, adding a baby to your family, retiring, buying a house, getting married, or moving can alter your income and your lifestyle significantly. You may need to adapt your budget, your spending, your savings, and your investments. Having time to plan for these changes in advance will make the transition much smoother.

Protect Your Assets Next, evaluate your protection of your assets. Review your homeowner’s insurance,

Winning at Work

How to do an Annual Financial Check-up? health insurance, auto insurance. Don’t forget to protect the greatest asset of all - your income earning ability - with long-term disability insurance.

Prepare for the Unexpected Review your will, and if applicable, your estate plan. Have any changes taken place that requires updating?

Evaluate Your Investment Performance Calculate the return on each of your stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Are you satisfied with their performance compared to the rest of the market? If you don’t believe the investment will recover its losses, it may be time to sell the dogs.

Evaluate Your Debts How are you doing on controlling and paying down debt? Evaluate your Debt To Income Ratio. It’s difficult to get ahead and invest when too much of your income is going to interest payments on debts. How’s the interest rate on your mortgage? Should you consider refinancing? Even a small dip in rates can make a big difference over the life of your mortgage, but you have to consider closing costs to see if it’s worthwhile.

Review Your Retirement Plans How are you doing on your retirement funds?

Are you contributing the maximum to your plan? This is one of the best tax-reducing strategies available.

Don’t lose the Lesson

ERHAPS the P most notable single trait that all highly successful people have in common is persistence. Unlike most people, high achievers don’t let roadblocks, bumps in the road and naySayers slow them down. They don’t give up. It’s a theme we’ve all heard many times stories of people having to overcome one hurdle after the next in order to achieve great things. Not coincidently, one of the other things that play a big role in the journey of most high achieving people is failure. In fact, some of the most spectacularly successful people you will ever encounter have also had some of the most spectacular failures.

These two things are connected, of course, and represent the most significant difference between these individuals and the rest of the world. Unlike high achievers, most of us are afraid of failure. We see it as a negative and painful thing - something to be avoided at all costs. And all too often we get so afraid of failing that we stop even trying.

If you’ve fallen into this trap, it’s time to take a page from those people who have reached the pinnacle of their careers. Don’t fear failure, embrace it. Instead of running from it, stop and pick it up. Shine a bright light on it and examine it

closely. Learn from it. Then try again, this time with the knowledge that you’re a little wiser than before.

There’s a great quote, often (incorrectly) attributed to the

Customer Service Bob Selden recently traveled on a regional train in Australia. When booking my ticket I asked “What’s the difference between first and second class?” The booking clerk’s response was “Oh, there’s a bit more leg room in first class” This experience reminded me of a presentation I once attended that was given by the General Manager of a major five star hotel. He often asks his new employees, “What’s the difference between our 10,000 a night rooms and a 5000 per night room at another local hotel?” He knew he was in trouble if the employee responded “500”. The difference between service and satisfaction is not “more leg room”. Nor is it “5000”. The difference is the feeling of sat-

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Dalai Lama: “When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” Great words to live by. Don’t be afraid of failure. Be afraid of not learning from it.

Good luck!

Customer Service Vs Customer Satisfaction: What’s The Difference? isfaction one experiences as a result of the service provided.

“Leg room” and “5000” may well be accurate facts about the service, but they are not how the client feels about the service. As a service provider, how does one start developing this feeling of “satisfaction”, by developing a personal relationship? There are at least three elements that lead to the development of a personal relationship between client and service provider: the effective use of personal space; making a personal connection and making the service experience memorable for the client.

Take three experiences that exemplify this approach.

EXECUTIVE HEALTH

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Maintaining Your Heart Health

By Susan Hutson HE ability to maintain your heart health is T directly related to the overall well-being of mind, soul, and body. Here are some practical ways in which this can be achieved.

1. Reduce the intake of fat- Although a certain amount of fat is required as part of a well balanced diet, it is healthy to reduce one’s intake of fat, and be considerate of the type of fat that is consumed. Saturated fat in particular affects blood cholesterol level and is found in dairy products such as cakes, cookies and pastries. It would be wise to switch to food that contains mono saturated fat such fruits and nuts. Polyunsaturated fat in regulated amounts help to moderate cholesterol, as such salmon, sunflower oil and Soya oil will help to maintain a healthy heart.

2. Consume less salt- The consumption of salt in high levels is linked to high blood pressure.

The recommended daily intake is approximately 6 grams a day.

3. Exercise regularly- Making time to exercise regularly enhances heart function and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It is prudent to introduce 30 minutes of moderate exercise into one’s daily routine.

4. Be on a weight watch- Not only does this lead to obesity, but it also adds additional stress and strain on the heart. Furthermore, this leaves you feeling drained and lethargic which negatively impacts self image and confidence. Measures that can be taken to achieve this include taking in more fruit, vegetables, unrefined carbohydrates such as cereal and pasta, and soluble fiber that is found in food such as oats and beans.

5. Stop smoking- Taking active steps to quit smoking is one of the most important measures one could take towards maintaining a healthy heart. This dramatically reduces the

Winning Strategies

By Pamela Turton HEN we access and examine our core beliefs, we are able to bring about more rapid positive change in our lives, as our beliefs about ourselves (and others) drive much of our behaviour. The beliefs you hold about yourself can be very benevolent and motivating ones, for example you may believe that you are hard-working. Your unconscious mind will do its best to help you prove it by always applying yourself to any task you are faced with. There are also beliefs which limit us and hold us back from behaving the way we really would like to be.

Think of a habit or behaviour you dislike about yourself. E.g. I am untidy, not good in the morning, not good at exams etc. You may now be saying that surely these behaviours are about one’s character and cannot be changed. True, a lot of our behaviour stems from our natural traits and tendencies; it’s also true that a great deal of it is learnt behaviour. And in order to behave in a certain way, we have to believe that that is how we are.

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likelihood of having heart and respiratory diseases, emphysema, and cancer. Furthermore, those who have already suffered a heart attack can reduce the chances of a second occurrence by quitting smoking.

6. Couple a lifestyle change with dieting- It is integral that the measures captioned in this article be woven into one’s lifestyle and not be looked at as burdensome, or distasteful “must do”. Such a change in lifestyle increases self confidence, moral, energy levels leaving the individual concerned more confident and content.

7. Keep a tab on one’s bill of health - It is wise to monitor one’s health status. Regularly maintain your body mass index, cholesterol levels and blood pressure level are advisable. This facilitates early detection of issues thus making treatment easier and more effective.

In conclusion, it must be said that a healthy lifestyle is the very essence of having contentment, and tranquility in one’s life. Thus, it is vital that we strive to be more health conscious not only for our heart health and personal wellbeing, but also out of concern for those whom we cherish the most.

The Key to Personal Development and Success are your core values.

Notice the details in the picture, including any sounds, and any feelings in your body that come with it.

Empowering Beliefs Now focus on something you like about yourself, enjoy doing and believe you are good at.

Get pictures when you are doing that feel-good thing. Again notice what is going on in the picture, any sounds and feelings that accompany it.

When did you start to believe that?

Start with the limiting belief. If you could guess, when was the first time you believed that you behaved like that? Just go with the first memory, image, voice or feeling that comes up in response to that question. Do the same for the empowering belief you have about yourself, noticing details, sounds and feelings.

When swapping a ‘bad’ belief for a ‘good’ belief: Think of something you want to change; Get a picture or movie So, for simplicity we in your mind of being that will call our beliefs way; focus on what is going on Limiting Beliefs and and the feelings that you expeEmpowering Beliefs. We rience; now get a picture of a will consider later how time when you were behavany belief can work in ing or feeling in an opposite positive or restricting way. Focus on the details and ways - we just need to be feelings. Click your fingers to aware of how they conclear your mind. Bring the trol our behaviour, and first, limiting picture back in make them work for our your mind; focus until it is and others’ benefit. Beliefs really vivid and strong. Now in themselves are neutral, imagine you have a remote neither good nor bad nor control to shrink that piceven right nor wrong; it is ture until it is very small. the effects they have on Click your fingers and our behaviour which can quickly put the empowerbe positive or negative, liming picture on the screen in your iting or empowering. mind, Turn up the colours, volume, feelings until it is bright, vibrant, loud and ‘full-on felt’ Limiting Beliefs in your body. Have fun playing and practising Think of something you dislike and want to this technique; start with something trivial change about yourself. For example, you and work up to more significant change. may believe that you have a tendency to be Emotional Freedom Techniques, or EFT, are overweight and eat too much. Or you may also a simple and powerful way to access and be frightened of something to the point that release emotions attached to limiting beliefs it holds you back, such as fear of flying, com- and replace with feel-good beliefs through a mitment in a relationship or a phobia etc. series of tapping on the acupressure points of Get pictures of you behaving that way. the body.

Action is the foundational key to all success. -Pablo Picasso

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Friday, April 11, 2014

AutoWheels

Toyota Highlander

2014 Toyota Highlander hugs the family

By Dele Fanimo F you ever thought Toyota Motor Company IHighlander has exhausted its bay of tricks on its models, check out the 2014 model.

For those who feel it’s the dead end for the designer of this model, a peep at it with added passenger space, sleeky outlook will erase any doubt that it’s a leader among crossovers that have three rows of seats, which seats six to eight people.

Big crossovers are essentially alternatives to minivans. They exist to carry kids and their gear to school, sports and other activities.

Passenger space and easy entry and exit are top considerations.

The Highlander rates high on both. Sliding second-row seats make it easy to adjust leg room and get in and out of the rear seat. My test car had second-row captain’s chairs and held six. A bench seat raises capacity to seven.

The front seat is very spacious. It has tons of storage, with a big bin in the center console, cup holders, map pockets and a shelf under the instrument panel.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2014 Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize crossover offered in LE, LE Plus, XLE and Limited trim levels. Eight-passenger seating is standard on the LE, LE Plus and XLE, while seven-passenger seating (featuring second-row captain’s chairs instead of a threeperson bench) is optional on the XLE and standard on the Limited. Note that the related Highlander Hybrid is reviewed separately.

The base LE gets things started with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler, cruise control, a rearview camera, a height-adjustable driver seat, a sliding and reclining 60/40-split second-row seat, a 60/40-split third-row seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 6.1-inch central touchscreen and a six-speaker CD sound system with an auxiliary audio jack

and an iPod/USB interface.

Picking the LE Plus gets you foglights, a flip-up rear hatch window, an adjustable-height power liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, upgraded upholstery with synthetic leather (“SofTex”) accents, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a leatherwrapped steering wheel, satellite radio and HD radio.

The XLE boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, roof rails, keyless entry/ignition, leather upholstery for the first and second rows (SofTex for the third), an upgraded driver information display, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 110-volt power outlet in the second row, retractable second-row sunshades, driver voice amplification for communicating with rear passengers (“Driver Easy Speak”), an 8-inch central touch screen and the Entune App Suite with mobile-app inte-

gration (compatible Smartphone required).

Finally, the top-shelf Limited comes packed with 19-inch wheels, LED running lights, ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory functions, a four-way power passenger seat, dual secondrow captain’s chairs with a table in between, a blind-spot monitoring system with rear crosstraffic alerts, rear parking sensors and a 12speaker JBL audio system.

The Limited offers two exclusive options packages. The Driver Technology package includes automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, a collision mitigation system with automatic braking, a lane-departure warning system and Toyota’s Safety Connect telematics. The Platinum package starts with the Driver Technology package and adds a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row captain’s chairs.

Optional on both the XLE and Limited is a rear-seat entertainment system with a 9inch display and a Blu-ray player. As noted, the XLE is also eligible for the second-row captain’s chairs, though if you want them to be heated, the Limited’s the only way to go.

There are no factory options on the LE and LE Plus.

Powertrains and Performance The base Highlander LE starts with frontwheel drive and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is rated at an unimpressive 22 mpg combined (20 city/25 highway): barely better than the much stronger V6.

Optional on the LE and standard on all other trims is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque in this application. The transmission is again a six-speed automatic, but you can specify either frontor all-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive V6 configuration is rated at 21 mpg combined (19 city/25 highway), while the AWD V6 drops a tick to 20 mpg combined (18 city/24 highway).

A properly equipped Highlander V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Safety The 2014 Toyota Highlander comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, a driver knee airbag, a front passenger seat-cushion airbag and full-length side curtain airbags. A rearview camera is also standard.

The Limited trim gets a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, and its optional Driver Technology package adds a frontal collision warning and mitigation system (with automatic braking), lanedeparture warning and Toyota’s Safety Connect telematics (emergency assistance, stolen vehicle location and automatic collision notification). Unfortunately, these items are unavailable on lesser Highlander trims.

Friday, April 11, 2014 AUTOWHEELS 45

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Toyota recalls more than six million vehicles worldwide OYOTA Motor Corp, the T world’s largest carmaker, called back more than 6 million vehicles to fix a range of safety defects in one of the biggest recalls in automotive history.

The company found five types of safety hazards in vehicles including some of its top sellers such as the Camry sedan, RAV4 sport utility vehicle and Corolla cars, according to a statement today. The carmaker isn’t aware of any injuries or fatalities linked to the defects, it said.

The recall, Toyota’s secondbiggest since late 2012, is a setback for President Akio Toyoda, who has spent years trying to restore the company’s reputation for quality after the 2009-2010 recall crisis it faced over unintended acceleration. Scrutiny of safety practices in the auto industry is rising as U.S. regulators investigate General Motors Co. (GM:US) for its handling of deadly ignition-switch flaws that the company knew of as far back as 2001.

“Something is wrong,” Koji Endo, an analyst at Advanced Research Japan in Tokyo, said by telephone. “They may even need to review their production process. Even if the problem is with the suppliers, Toyota should be responsible for it.”

Though details weren’t available for precise calculations, Endo estimated that the recall could cost Toyota about 60 billion yen ($588 million) to 70 billion yen, or 10,000 yen per vehicle.

7 Years Even amid mounting scrutiny of their safety processes, it’s not uncommon for carmakers to take years to recall vehicles. Toyota first identified one of the five problems

in today’s recall back in 2007, it said in an e-mail. The one that came to light most recently emerged last year, it said.

Toyota fell 3.1 percent to close at 5,450 yen in Tokyo after the announcement, dragging down the benchmark Topix index, which declined 2.1 percent.

The recalls involve 6.39 million vehicles, some of which are being called back for more than one issue, pushing the total tally to 6.76 million, the company said. The Toyota City, Japanbased carmaker recalled 7.43 million vehicles in October 2012 to fix power-window switches on models including its Camry and Corolla cars.

Toyota last month admitted to wrongdoing and agreed to reviews by an independent monitor who is assessing its safety reporting practices as part of a $1.2 billion settlement, the largest criminal penalty ever imposed in the U.S. on an automaker. Toyoda, 57, has pledged to improve the company’s recall process after calling back more than 10 million vehicles for problems that led to sudden acceleration.

GM Grilling Lawmakers last week drew parallels to Toyota’s unintendedacceleration recalls as they pressed CEO Mary Barra on GM’s handling of flawed ignition switches that the company has linked to at least 13 deaths.

The largest U.S. automaker is being fined $7,000 a day for failing to fully answer questions about the flawed part in cars including the Chevrolet Cobalt.

In today’s recall, about 3.5 million of the vehicles — more than half in North America — are being called back to replace spiral cables that may prevent driver’s-side airbags from deploying. Models involved include RAV4, Corolla, Yaris,

LAGBUS withdraws 200 buses for refurbishment

By Dele Fanimo GAINST the backdrop of A criticism trailing the dilapidated buses managed

by LAGBUS Limited, the company has grounded over 200 buses for refurbishment Besides, according to the Managing Director of the transport firm, Babatunde Disu, the company was tinkering with fare increase in the near future.

Art a training programme for maintenance staff me,mbers of the company with the theme; Achieving Sustainability through Preventive Maintenance, Disu said the company deserved to increase its fares but was still working out certain modalities since the scheme was not for profit making alone.

He said, “We do deserve an increment in price but we noticed that if we do that, it would also affect the price of tomato. You would not believe the effect it would create if we increase our fares.

Also, molues, other buses and trucks conveying vegetables would want to increase their own fares.

“So, it is a whole gamut of things that we need to recognise but we are managing it as it is but I am not promising that we are not going to increase our fares. I cannot tell if we are going to increase soon.”

The maintenance manager, Sola Oni, said the company had grounded over 200 buses in the various depots across the state for overhaul.

“The buses you see grounded at our various depots are being overhauled. Presently we are overhauling 220 buses and it is a massive exercise. If you go to our depots at Bolade, Tollgate, Keffi and Ikorodu, you will find buses at various stages of preparation,” she said.

Oni lamented the dearth of spare parts for the buses as well as the slow pace at which they were being cleared at the ports.

“We have challenges of spare parts. You know we do not produce spare parts here in Nigeria and we have to rely on the ones coming in from abroad and that can take time because when it even arrives, there is a period of time it takes to clear at the ports,” she said.

Speaking on the importance of the programme, she said the programme was not just a corrective measure but also a preventive one.

She said at least 50 maintenance employees were being trained for better performance.

“This particular training involves the mechanics, workshop assistants and service advisers. Electricians and vulcanisers will be trained separately,” she said.

Highlander, Tacoma and Camry that were produced from April 2004 to December 2010.

Seat Rails Another 2.3 million vehicles are being called back to inspect and replace the front seat rails of three-door models. Springs that lock these rails may break if the seats are frequently adjusted back and forth, the company said.

The models involved with this issue, which could lead to seats that move in the event of a crash, were built from January 2005 through August 2010. The vehicles are the Ist, Vitz, Belta and Ractis in Japan, and Scion xD, Urban Cruiser and Yaris in other markets.

Toyota also will fix noisy and potentially unstable steering column brackets on about 760,000 vehicles globally. The remaining safety campaigns are to replace windshield wiper motors of about

160,000 Ractis vehicles in Japan and the engine starters of about 20,000 vehicles in Japan and Hong Kong.

“This is Toyota being more active in calling back vehicles to ensure quality,” said Takaki Nakanishi, a Tokyo-based analyst for Jefferies Group LLC, who has a hold rating on the company’s shares. “The number is big, but the faults are minor and not critical.”

Big Recalls Among other big recalls in automotive history, Ford Motor Co. called back more than 14 million vehicles in 2009 for a faulty cruise-control switch that could cause a fire, according to the U.S. Transportation Department’s website.

In 1996, the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker recalled 7.9 million vehicles for defective ignition switches that could short circuit and cause fire. GM called back 6.7

million vehicles in 1971 to fix mounts that may cause the engine to lift and loss of vehicle control.

Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, has instituted a three-year freeze on new car plants to tilt the company’s priorities to quality and efficiency after the 2009-2010 recalls.

Following its crisis, Toyota said it improved procedures that had been too dependent on decision-making in Japan and didn’t give regional operations the autonomy to make fixes. The carmaker also formed a global quality group that Toyoda has chaired.

This is the second major global recall for Toyota this year. A recall of 1.9 million Prius hybrids in February covered more than half of the models sold since its debut 17 years ago. The company has updated software in Priuses to fix glitches that could cause them

to lose power or shut down and stop.

Toyota Apology “We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and concern brought by this recall announcement,” the company said today in an e-mailed statement. “Toyota has rededicated itself to strengthening its commitment to safety and quality. In part, that means refocusing on putting customers and people first, by listening better and taking appropriate action.”

Recalls haven’t slowed down Toyota’s earnings. The company has forecast profit for the year ending March 31 will surge to a record 1.9 trillion yen. Toyota also has set a target of selling an unprecedented 10.32 million vehicles in 2014 after leading GM and Volkswagen AG (VOW) in global auto deliveries for a second straight year in 2013.

Regional Director, MNET West Africa, Mrs. Wangi Mba-Uzowkwu (left), Representative of the Winner of 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, Uche Edochie and Head, Media department Hyundai Motor Limited, Mr. Timehin Tairu, at the presentation of the car won by ace actor Pete Edochie, recently.

Coscharis partners Chinese firm on auto assembly plant

By Adeniyi Idowu Adunola N line with the new IGroup, Automotive Policy, Coscharis in conjunction with a Chinese firm, JiangSu Yoylong Automobile has voted $55 million to establish auto assembly plant in Lagos for the production of over 14,000 vehicles every year.

Briefing the newsmen in Lagos, after the two firms signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the project, the Group Managing Director, Coscharis Group, Josiah Samuel, said the project began about three years ago, but could not be realised due to some factors, adding that the new auto policy which was rolled out by the Federal Government had provided the idea.

He said despite Nigeria being the largest auto market in Africa, the country currently relied heavily on imported vehicles to meet its demand.

“A total of about 400,000 vehicles (100,000 new and 300,000 used) were imported in 2012. According to him, as the seventh most populous economy in the world, with a growing middle class of over 38 million and a potential vehicle market of one million vehicles yearly, the Nigerian automotive industry, with its current assembly of only commercial vehicles, will definitely not be able to handle the needs of Nigerians.

He said the automotive Industry is a very important sector of any country, there is always a need for the movement of people and goods from one place to the other, hence the need for mobility.

“The population of Nigeria is about 170millin of which 54 per cent is in the working class group showing that the demand for automobile, specifically cars and buses is on the increase. The largest portion of the vehicles sold the country is imported therefore, there is the need for additional Automobile Assembly Plants in Nigeria.”

According to the GMD, Coscharis Motors, as one of the leading indigenous auto dealer in Nigeria, was willing and ready to support in developing the Nigerian Auto

Industry in meeting its potentials, hence its proposal to move once again to set up an Automotive Plant of world standard in Nigeria.

He said the Chinese firm, had agreed to serve as the Original Equipment Manufacturer and the technical partner for the project adding that the company has also concluded an agreement with another Chinese auto firm, DongFeng Design Institute Company Limited, for the design and management of the project including its general oversight.

While giving insight on the project, Samuel said “Extensive work is already ongoing on the project; the assembly plant design and layout is already in place; our partners are here today to finalise discussion so

that we can move on to the next phase of the project.

“We have sighted a piece of land of more than 14 Hectares that is readily available for sale; negotiation is on-going on it, when acquired, it will be dedicated for the CKD Assembly plant.”

He added that the plant would be churning out 18 units of buses per day, amounting to 4,680 units yearly; and 37 units of passenger cars, pickup and multipurpose vehicles per day, which would add up to about 9,620 units annually.

He, however, called for a legislation to back up the new auto policy, saying “we are hoping that the legislation will take care of the policy.

You must protect your own thing so that it can survive.”

European shares rebound as auto stocks rally The euro zone’s blue-chip “outperform” from “market UROPEAN shares Euro STOXX 50 index also perform”.

E rebounded on edged up by 0.1 percent to Andrea Williams, who is a Wednesday, led by gains in automakers, although some traders said that caution ahead of the European earnings season could curb the market’s progress.

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index rose 0.4 percent to 1,337.91 points in late trading, bouncing back after falling to its lowest level in more than a week in the previous session.

3,181.74 points.

The STOXX Europe 600 Automobile & Auto Parts Index was the best-performing equity sector in Europe, rising 1.3 percent as Volkswagen and Porsche both benefited from an upgrade by the brokerage Bernstein.

Bernstein raised its rating on Porsche and Volkswagen to

European equities fund manager at Royal London Asset Management, also highlighted strong U.S auto sales figures published at the start of April as boding well for the sector generally.

“The U.S. car numbers were very good and pricing is becoming less of a problem for the European carmakers,” said Williams.

THe GUArDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

46 | AVIATION BUSINeSS Friday, April 11, 2014

Quote of the week

AviationBusiness

“Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect.”

— Captain A. G. Lamplugh, (British Aviation Insurance Group, London, 1930’s) ibeuwaleke2012@yahoo.com 08033151041 (SMS only)

FAAN accuses AIC of locking down Diplomatic Car Park at Lagos Airport Stories by Ibe Uwaleke

• AIC says FAAN is flouting court order

eDerAL Airports Authority Faccused of Nigeria (FAAN), has the promoters of AIC

men to personally take possession of the land in dispute between his company and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, arrived at about midday.

Dati further stated that he (Akande), used his personal car to block the entrance to the car park which led to a traffic gridlock at the entrance of the Arrival Hall of the airport for a long period, adding that it took the intervention of Aviation Security

Ltd, Chief Harry Akande to have again ‘taken the law into their hands by locking down the Diplomatic Car Park of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

According to the release signed by the aviation group spokesperson, Yakubu Dati, Akande, who he said came in a convoy of cars with several

officials to bring the ugly situation under control.

According to Dati, ‘the thugs Akande brought along were still loitering inside the park,

as at the time of this report thereby constituting a security risk at the airport. They also parked a bus loaded with barbed wire within the premises of the disputed land,” the spokesman added.

The statement further stated that the ‘Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, as a responsible entity, will continue to protect the interest of the Nigerian people within the ambits of the law, no matter the level of provocation’.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police, MMA Command has

Debunked the claim that the General Manager of A.I.C Limited, Chief Niyi Akande was arrested and detained by the Commissioner of Police.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, Mr. Chuks enwonwu said that Chief Akande was not detained stressing that he only had a chat with the commissioner of police. enwonwu stated that the issue had been resolved, noting that the rumour of the arrest and detention of

Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom (in white and black stripe native dress, centre) and his entourage, inspecting Akanu Ibiam International Airport Terminal building, Enugu, under construction, … on Monday PHOTO: BY IBE UWALEKE

Akande were mere speculations.

But Gbenga Akinyemi, AIC spokesperson and personal assistant to Chief Harry Akande, insisted on Wednesday that the general manager, Niyi Akande was arrested and detained by the Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, Mr. Waheed Salau.

Disclosing this development to newsmen at the parcel of land at MMIA, Lagos, he said that the ‘Commissioner of Police had earlier invited Niyi, Akande and himself to his office only for them to get there and the Commissioner ordered his men to arrest and whisk Chief Niyi Akande away to an unknown destination’.

It was discovered that Harry Akande, the business mogul was on ground at the parcel of land on Wednesday where he barricaded the entrance to the car park with his car for over fours hours thus preventing cars to go in and out of the land which left most of the car owners confused as per what next to do.

Akinyemi however complained that FAAN was breaching the existing court order of a Federal High Court given by Justice I.M Buba on July 12, 2013, preventing both parties in the suit from making use of the land.

According to him “You are aware of what we have gone through in the past two years regarding the act of lawlessness being embarked upon

by FAAN, the vehicles parked here are not supposed to be here and it was against an existing order of the Federal High court given by Justice I.M Buba on July 12 2013.”

“This was served on the Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police and FAAN. Inspite of that, FAAN broke into the fence and allowed people to be parking their cars here illegally and we have complained to our lawyer and are here to ensure that the order of the court is complied with,” he added.

Allegation of instability in aviation sector a ruse, says official He spokesman for aviation T agencies, Mr. Yakubu Dati has debunked the allegation that three director’s general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) were changed within a period of three years.

Dati was reacting to a statement credited to a former DC10 pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways, Capt. Dan Omale that such a change carried out by former Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah was “unprecedented anywhere else in the world” adding that “with such a high turnover of the heads of the

NCAA, instability in the system becomes inevitable and it is now showing.”

In his reaction, Dati declared: “Now a quick look at that statement shows that it is false. Dr Harold Demuren was the director general NCAA until 2012. Ms Oduah met him in that position and he continued in that office until 2012 when his statutory final year tenure ended. No substantive director general of NCAA was appointed until early last 2013, when Capt. Fola Akinkuotu was appointed director general of NCAA by the president. So, where are

Getting rid of aerophobia “More than anything else, the sensation of flying is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost ~ if you can conceive of such a combination.”

— Wilbur Wright (1867-1912)

the three directors-generals that were changed? As a matter of fact, Capt Akinkuotu, the second director general was only recently removed.”

Dati also denied that Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and licences for chartered operations were issued to loyalists of people in government saying particularly that only persons or organisations that met the stringent standard requirements were given the approval to operate.

“Aviation is not an industry you just gate crash because of its capital-intensive nature and stringent safety and security requirement. So, even if you are a so-called ‘loyalist’, and you do not have substantive capital base, you cannot make headway in the aviation industry.

“Moreover, records show that in the past three years, not more than five companies

were issued new AOCs. The aviation industry here is a small one, such that the players know one another,” he said.

He alleged that some charter operators had formed the habit of collecting foreign registered aircraft with foreign crew and would not pay them.

He said on some occasions, the Ministry of Aviation had to wade in to save the reputation of the federal government and the Nigerian aviation industry.

To save the country from further embarrassment, he said the Ministry of Aviation had to issue the directive that all foreign registered aircraft operating in the country’s airspace should re-register with the NCAA, adding that many charter operator were not comfortable with such policy.

On the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) reassessment of Nigeria’s CAT 1

safety status concluded in Lagos last week, Dati said the federal government had done enough in the aviation industry to merit the retention of the certification.

Dati alleged that Omale and his co travellers have resorted to paranoid self-serving media attacks because they were not allowed to operate foreign registered aircraft illegally in Nigeria, adding that such acts of impunity belongs to the past and would never happen again in the sector.

“He runs Prime Air which is unlicensed as a commercial carrier but operates commercial charter flights. This is very dangerous under the radar activity which violates and downgrades the integrity of the Nigerian aviation safety records. Simply put, it is like operating kabu kabu service in the air,” Dati

alleged.

The Aviation Parastatal spokesman also alleged that Omale’s company wanted to import foreign registered aircraft without due process and when he was stopped he heightened his media attacks at his real and imagined enemies.

“They just refused to submit to the five steps of obtaining AOC. This was the old order in civil aviation where aircraft from other jurisdiction are brought to the country and start operating. The clap down by NCAA on these risky and illegal activities made people like him to unleash attacks on those they believe stopped their illicit activities.

In aviation, most criticisms are motivated by self-interest; not to reposition the sector for better performance. We don’t expect him to exhaust his angst,” Dati also said.

Friday, April 11, 2014 AVIATION BUSINESS 47

THE gUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

Delta Airlines relocates key business flights • To join Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow Terminal 3 Stories by Ibe Uwaleke ELTA Air Lines and Virgin D Atlantic Airways have marked another major step forward in their partnership as Delta relocates some of its key services to join Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow Terminal 3. The move comes as both airlines start flying their new and aligned summer schedules that offer customers more choice and flexibility while reducing onward transit times.

Delta moves its arrival and departure terminal for several important business markets including its London to New York-JFK, London to Boston, and new London to Seattle services to Heathrow’s Terminal 3. The move enhances convenience and a seamless customer experience. For example, on the world’s most important business travel market between London Heathrow (Terminal 3) and New York JFK (Terminal 4) Delta and Virgin Atlantic will now operate from the same terminal and make it easier for customers to manage their travel plans including any last minute flight changes. The two airlines have also introduced a dedicated New York to London schedule with the customer in mind.

“From the outset of our partnership with Virgin Atlantic we have been committed to putting the customer first and creating more competition on trans-Atlantic routes,” said Ed

Bastian, Delta’s president. “The co-location of our key business flights with Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow is another step forward in delivering against these commitments. Together we are offering new routes and more flights this summer and making a real difference for customers.”

The new routes announced by Delta and Virgin Atlantic include Delta’s new West Coast service between Seattle and London Heathrow which commenced flying on March 30, 2014. And in co-operation with Virgin Atlantic, Delta will also operate a second daily service between London Heathrow and Detroit Metropolitan Airport effective June 2, 2014. The service will be particularly appealing to corporate customers needing an early morning arrival into London while offering more schedule choice for customers between London and the U.S. Midwest.

The two airlines’ summer schedule includes a total of 32 peak daily nonstop flights between North America and the U.K.. Of these, 25 flights will operate between London Heathrow and popular U.S. destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington.

Delta and Virgin Atlantic also provide a competitive offering for the New York to London travel market. It is designed with business travelers in mind and offers a total of nine daily nonstop flights. The schedule includes departures

Virgin G-Veil every 30 minutes during the early evening peak and then hourly until 22:30 from New York-JFK to London Heathrow.

From London Heathrow to New York-JFK there is a spread of seven daily flights including two late afternoon and early evening departures. These services will be complemented by two daily nonstop flights between New York’s Newark airport and London Heathrow.

“Today marks another impor-

tant step in our joint venture with Delta. We’re really pleased to welcome Delta customers into our home at Terminal three to enjoy a shared experience of our award-winning Clubhouses and industry-envied customer service. Virgin Atlantic

craft in Lagos, the management of the Nigerian Civil Aviation authority (NCAA), has explained the reason for the emergency landing and why there should be no cause for alarm.

In a statement issued yesterday by its deputy general manager, public communications, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, the agency said: “NCAA wishes to set the records straight as regards erroneous and uninformed reports being peddled around concerning the Overland Airways incident.

“Overland Airways, operating with ATR 72 aircraft with Registration no. 5N-BPE on scheduled service from Ibadan to Abuja departed as scheduled in the morning of 7th

Engr. Adeyileka, Acting DG, (NCAA)

April, 2014. Fifteen minutes after take off, the Pilot-inCommand (PIC), Capt.

Modalitso Kadzeya heard a pop sound on the right wind shield at an Altitude of 140ft.

“It is however instructive to note that the wind shield heater was on at that time. The Pilot according to Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) promptly switched it off. At Altitude of 150ft, it was noticed that the crack had widened. The PIC immediately descended to 120ft and the crack stopped progressing.

“To uphold the rule of safety as demanded by the regulatory authority, NCAA, Capt.

Kadzeya made a professional air return to Lagos where all the 38 passengers and 4 crew members on board disembarked safely.

“While on ground, the

Maintenance Engineer made an on the spot physical assessment of the damage. He observed that only the outside and middle layers of the wind shield were affected. The defect was instantaneously entered into the Tech Log and subsequent to regulations he was directed to forward a Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR) to the Authority.

In conclusion the statement said: “The NCAA wishes to reiterate that the regime of zero tolerance on safety is still subsisting and want to assure all the passengers that our airspace is safe and secure. We have provided an enabling environment for all our air operators to pursue their flight operations by ensuring comfort for passengers while full compliance with the rules will not be compromised.”

we’re confident our joint venture is the best trans-Atlantic offering in the marketplace,” said Craig Kreeger, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO. The airlines’ customers benefit from a high-quality and complementary travel experience with customer service being an absolute priority.

NAHCO MD checks in passengers in London-bound Virgin Atlantic

Nigerian Aviation NCAA clears air on Overland Airways incident THE Handling Company Plc, NAHCO Aviance, has reiterat-

early Monday FbyOLLOWINg emergency air return made an Overland Airways’ air-

prides itself on seamless journeys for our customers and we can now extend that to Delta’s New York, Boston and Seattle customers through an enhanced flying schedule and smoother connections.

Couple these factors with our on board experiences and

ed its commitment to excellent service delivery and would spare no effort to make the customers happy.

Speaking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday where he personally offered service as the number one passenger service staff of the company, the managing director of NAHCO Aviance, Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun–Ojo, said this is just the beginning of greater things to come as the new NAHCO is set to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders.

The event, which was part of the activities marking the Company’s 35th year

anniversary, saw Oluwasegun-Ojo personally handle the check-in formalities of a London-bound Virgin Atlantic passenger Mr. Michael Olusesi.

The exemplary display was memorable, especially coming from such an unexpected quarter.

The MD who later explained that unknown to him the passenger was a professional accountant ephasised that in itself was significant since it showed that what an‘able’ can achieve, a so-called disable can also achieve.

“We need to show concern to passenger A as we will do to passenger B,” OluwasegunOjo said.

According to Oluwasegun-Ojo who spoke immediately after

the event, “Excellent service delivery is the hallmark of NAHCO Aviance. My role today is an affirmation of that.

It also shows that we as a company will do anything possible to make our customers happy. I will do this over and over again if the situation calls for it because the task of supporting our clients is not only for the men on the ground, but a collective responsibility”.

He said there was need to engage on this kind of experience often as the perception a customer has after being served stays with him after.

He then enjoined all stakeholders in the industry to emulate the display as it will help in boosting morale and efficiency among staff.

NAHCO Plc’s Head of Business Development and Marketing, Mr. Sanya Onayoade, (left), Managing Director, Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun-Ojo and Passenger Services Manager, Mr. Oludaisi Akinbogun with a Virgin Atlantic traveler, Mr. Michael Olusesi (in wheel chair) during the company’s optimization of passenger service in commemoration of 35 years anniversary.

48 | Friday, April 11, 2014

THE GUARDIAN www.ngrguardiannews.com

FridayWorship

By Afis A. Oladosu

In the Name of the Almighty, the Beneficent the Merciful “Indeed, He will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

(Qur’an 13:11) RETHREN, it appeared officers of the B National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had the above Divine ministration in mind when they set about the task of rebasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) index of the Nigerian economy.

Thus they issued a proclamation that Nigeria now has the best economy in Africa. The proclamation did this to me: it reminded me that to live in this city is to be assaulted, and constantly, too, by news and events which makes sense only to those whose sense of “sense” usually makes men and women of wisdom insensate.

It was last Sunday that the news broke.

But it was not last Sunday that the mill had been put to work to ‘work’ this out.

In other words, arguments which informed the proclamation that the Nigerian economy now ranks 26th in the world, include the fact that an exercise of similar nature was last carried out in 1990.

There was, therefore, the need, and an urgent one for that matter, to re-measure the pressure in the factory of the Nigerian economy. Lack of accurate GDP index, the NBS pundits opined, had led to the assumption that the Nigerian economy is second-rate in comparison to others in Africa including that of South Africa, Botswana and Egypt (particularly before the overthrow of the dictator, Husni Mubarak),

“Surely, the religion with Allah is ISLAM,complete submission”... Qur’an 3:19

On our new ‘Gross Domestic Poverty’ index among others. Again “rebasing the GDP” equally became necessary because the process usually “enables analysts, investors, and policy makers make informed decisions about the most appropriate infrastructure, initiatives, and investments to implement for the country.”

Thus the data was released on Sunday by the NBS. In doing this it recalculated the value of the GDP based on production patterns in 2010.

It increased the number of industries to be measured to 46 from 33 and gave greater weighting to sectors such as telecommunications and financial services.

Consequently “the revised figure makes Nigeria the 26th-biggest economy in the world!”

Thus dear brethren, by “rebasing” the GDP, our country suddenly became the “United States of Nigeria”. Our nation’s economy instantly overtook that of South Africa. All these have occurred, you must remember dear sister, on paper! All these have occurred, dear brother, courtesy of the inimitable power conferred on the statisticians to make figures speak. All these have occurred sequel to the magic wrought by the unknowable data in the hands of economists in the corridors of power.

Hurray! The Nigerian economy is now deemed to be ‘better’ than that of some countries in Latin America

whose economy remains a source of envy for other third world economies.

Our economy is now deemed to be better than that of Malaysia, which has long been a producer of home-made cars since over a decade now.

But we must pause and ponder another data which says 61 per cent of Nigerians live on less than a dollar per day. So what are we saying? To be circumspective of data and statistics, particularly those ones on the Nigerian economy, is to be wise in a season in which folly pays.

But whether the data is right or wrong does not actually matter. I am of the view that it is of no use to the ordinary Nigerians should the NBS go to town tomorrow with the declaration that the Nigerian economy has overtaken that of the United States. I thought the real issue of concern to Nigerians is who would intervene to put smiles on their haggard and grief-stricken faces.

Brethren, travel across the land and you would come across able, employable but unemployed Nigerians travelling round our cities in search of jobs that are not available. Just before Barack Obama won his second term, the unemployment rate in the US economy was about 7 per cent. Such a rate was considered unhealthy for the American dream. The unemployment rate in this country today hovers above 23 per cent. If you doubt this cast your mind back to the tragedy of the recruit-

ment into the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). Yet this economy has been given a clean bill of health!

Brethren, travel round our cities and you would realize that the new GDP is actually an acronym for new Gross Domestic Poverty (GDP) index.

Brethren, if you remember you provide road for your car, electricity for your home, health for members of your family and security for your neighborhood all by yourselves, you would come to the conclusion that the Nigerian economy has only overtaken others in Africa in negative terms.

On an academic visit to Malaysia a couple of years ago, I could not but wonder, face to face with wonders in the city of Kuala Lumpur, how many years it would take my country to reach the milestone the Malays have attained in infrastructural development. The road network in Kuala Lumpur reminded me of the ones in Washington D.C. The transport system in Perak calls to question the engineering wizardry of those Americans who put together the wonders you would behold as a firsttimer in New York City. I spent a year in the Asian land and not for once did we have power outage.

Brethren, I was equally in Cairo the other day and was enchanted by the mileage Egyptians have achieved in electricity generation. I consequently

wanted to know the source of the magic. Brethren, Cairo has gone beyond 40, 000 megawatts mileage; Nigeria is still battling with achieving the 10,000 threshold. Yet your economy has been declared the best of all.

Brethren, I was told that in successful economies the rate of inflation is never allowed to go above 2.0 per cent because once it does the economy is in crisis. Ask your neighbour about the inflation rate in our economy presently. It is above 10 per cent, yet Nigeria still de kampe!

Brethren, in 2010, the exchange rate of the dollar to the Malaysian Ringit was one to three. In that same year, a dollar was exchanging for around N150 to N155 in this country. Today, in 2014, the exchange rate of the dollar to the Malaysian Ringit remains ratio one to three; the exchange rate of the dollar to the naira has jumped to N170, yet our economy is now better than that of Malaysia!

By saying the Nigerian economy is now the best in Africa, does this not call attention to the possibility that there has been a deliberate policy on the part of successive governments in this country to keep the citizen in penury? In other words, if the statistics spurned by the NBS is true, does it not stand to reason that all those who have presided over this country for the past two decades should be arraigned in a court of law for criminal collusion and pauperization of the Nigerian masses? Or how else might we make sense of the ‘nonsense’ in the argument that the reason most Nigerians are becoming poorer and poorer by the day is that Nigeria as a country is getting richer and richer by the hour. But this is talking from reason; remember we are in a season of unreason.

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MarketReport EQUITY MARKET SUMMARY

AS AT 10-04-2014

PRIMERA AFRICA www.primera-africa.com

Friday, April 11, 2014 MARKET REPORT

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MARKET INDICATORS

AS AT 10-04-2014

51

PRIMERA AFRICA

NSE’s market capitalisation slides by N15 billion

By Helen Oji qUITY transactions on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), yesterday took a sliding profile, occasioned by price losses incurred by major blue-chip companies, as market capitalisation fell by N15billion.

Specifically, at the close of trading yesterday, the Allshare index (ASI) dipped by 48.40 basis points or 0.12 per cent to 38,969.26 from 39,017.66 points recorded the previous day.

Also the market capitalisation of the listed equities dropped by N15 billion to N12.517 trillion from N12.532 trillion recorded Wednesday.

Investors traded 256.934 million shares worth N3.724 billion in 4181 deals against 290.968 million shares valued at N4.309 billion in 4248 deals.

Further breakdown of yesterday’s trading indicated that Mobil Plc topped the losers chart, dropping N4.95 kobo to close at N120.05 kobo, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc trailed with a loss of N1.31 kobo to close at N68.49 kobo.

Zenith International Bank, Oando Plc and Nigerian Breweries declined by N0.85 kobo, N0.84 kobo and N0.55 kobo respectively to N21.25 kobo, N16.04 kobo and N150.85 kobo.

West African Portland Company lost 0.50kobo to close at N108.00 per share.

TransNational Corporation

E

and UAC-Properties shed 0.12 kobo to close N3.55 and N25.00 per share respectively.

Skye bank also dropped 0.11 kobo to close at N3.49 per share.

On the contrary, Forte Oil Plc led the gainers table, growing

by N11.40 kobo to close at N122.70 kobo, Nestle Nigeria Plc followed with a gain of N2.90 kobo to close at N185.00 while Cadbbury Nigeria Plc increased by N2.25 kobo to close at N77.00.

Other stocks that recorded price appreciation are Guinness, UACN, CAP, adding 2.00, 1.92 and 1.79 kobo to close at N190.00, N59.00 and N37.75 per share.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria and National Salt Company of Nigeria also garnered 0.45 and 0.40 kobo to close at N9.48 and N11.90 per share.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated recorded the highest volume of activities, exchanging 31.605 million shares worth N410.882 million in 100 deals, Zenith Bank followed with account of 29.699 million shares valued at N631.624 million in 287 deals while Skye Bank traded 22.361million shares cost N76.726 million in 156 deals.

Diamond bank took fourth position, recording 19.591 million shares valued at N132.452 million in 85 deals while GTBank Plc traded 13.759 million shares worth N373.901 million in 351 deals.

Chams Plc records 115.3% profit growth

By Bukky Olajide HAMS Plc- an identity C management and payments transaction compa-

What Happened?

The NSE All-Share index decreased by 12bps (0.12%) and closed at 38,969.26. This represents a year-todate performance of - 5.71%. Market Capitalisation also depreciated 0.12% to close at N12.517 trillion.

Total value traded decreased 13.57% to N3.72 billion and total volume traded decreased 11.70% to 256.93 million units.

Where?

At the close of trading, the banking sector represented 60.26% of the total market value traded, while the breweries sector represented 16.70%. The Top 5 stocks as a % of total market value traded were: ZENITHBANK (16.96%), NB (13.73%), ETI (11.03%), GUARANTY (10.01%) and NESTLE (6.70%)..

On a volume basis, the Top 5 most traded stocks for the day were: ETI (31.61m), ZENITHBANK (29.70m), SKYEBANK (22.36m), DIAMONDBNK (19.59m) and GUARANTY (13.76m).

ny, has announced that its total assets grew by 22.9 percent to N10.7 billion, compared to N8.7 billion in 2012 for its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2013.

It also declared a strong revenue growth of 21.3 percent from N2.84 billion in 2012 to N3.44 billion in 2013 while growth in net profits was up by 115.3 percent to N188.5 million from N87.5 million the previous year Also, earnings per share stood at N0.07, more than twice what was recorded in the corresponding period as shareholders’ funds improved by five per cent to N4.7 billion (N4.5 billion was recorded in 2012).

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director of the Company, Ademola Aladekomo, said:“We are pleased with our financial performance in the year 2013, as it confirms that the various initiatives we a putting in place are bearing fruits.

To reposition from a loss position in the last three years to profitability is quite commendable and we are confident that things can only become better for us. More gratifying is the fact that we have sustained our top line growth trajectory, an indication that we have continued to increase our market share and

This enabled us to achieve a net profit of N732.3 million (profit margin of 23.3 per cent).

You can see that we have a very profitable core business, and this is why we have set targets for ourselves to restructure our non-core operations. remain competitive”.

The Group Deputy Managing Director, Olufemi Williams believes that the prospects for the business are solid, especially in the Group’s core business.

In his words: “the bulk of our revenue comes from identity management, which is our area of specialty. You will observe that the performance of the company itself was better than what was recorded at the Group level. For instance from a revenue figure of N3.1 billion, the company generated an operating profit of N846.1 million, representing a margin of 27 per cent.

“This enabled us to achieve a net profit of N732.3 million (profit margin of 23.3 per cent). You can see that we have a very profitable core business, and this is why we have set targets for ourselves to restructure our non-core operations”, he said.

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ISSUE

Thoughts on Amalgamation A lecture delivered April 4, 2014 at Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Okpuno, Awka (in affiliation with Nnamdi Azikiwe University). It was the 9th Pope John Paul II memorial lecture.

By Tony E. Afejuku ET me begin this lecture, part of a three-day event, which has the broad theme of “The Nigerian Project: the politics, the Lproblems, the challenges and prospects,” with a fitting mandatory preamble. This subject fits our present times. The organizers, obviously, gave it some deep thought.

But why was I selected to be a speaker here, I being not a full-fledged Catholic? At best, I am a border-line Catholic, a fringe one who is no longer a communicant, who ceases being so centuries ago despite protestations from my family and friends who are staunch Catholics.

I understand, however, that I was selected solely for academic consideration, for the flavour I was expected to bring to the seminary and to share with the seminarians and faculty of Pope John Paul II Major Seminary. Of course, this is my first time of coming to this seminary and of meeting the faculty members, specifically Rev. Fr. Linus Okika, Ph.D., Dean of Philosophy, who crafted and signed my invitation letter after I gave him my consent in a telephone conversation.

I savour the moment, yet I am experiencing the streams of trepidation on account of my imagining him wanting to re-convert me. After all, I am the beloved of the Son and Sun of God and of the world, who is ever present for sinners like us.

Now I must not fail to acknowledge the role of Prof.

Amaechi Nicholas Akwanya for my journey here. We know ourselves by reputation, as members of the same academic, literary community. Our first physical meeting here feels me with pleasure, which, I am certain, is also his pleasure as well. His English Department at University of Nigeria, Nsukka and mine at University of Benin, both have a lot of scholarly pleasure to share at least on account of our ambidextrousness. And we shall continue the sharing now with this lecture, which I have been allowed the privilege to entitle “Thoughts on the amalgamation of Nigeria.” My preamble terminates here.

2014 marks one hundred years of Nigeria, our Nigeria, our dear country, and one and only country that is really very, very dear to many of us, as a centenarian. In fact, so important, so significant, so fundamentally crucial is 1914 to us as Nigerians that our Abuja democrats and political decisioners, many of whom are pseudo-democrats and outright anti-democrats, decided to mark in colours richer and more enduring than gold and diamond the year more than worthy of remembrance in more than one hundred different ways, in and outside Abuja.

And the event of this lecture is certainly one of these different ways. After all, the seminarians here are Nigerians, who equally must be movingly involved, patriotically and nationalistically, in the affairs of their country and its cause to attain and gain salvation - politically, religiously, philosophically, economically, educationally, culturally, scientifically, technologically, and medically.

It should be stated urgently from the outset that the Abuja celebration which ended with an award/dinner night on Friday, 31 February, 2014 cannot be said, rightly or wrongly, to be a “grandiloquent celebration” of success that it should have been. The “Editor’s Notebook” (pages 2 and 3) of The Guardian newspaper of Wednesday, March 5, 2014 tendered persuasive reasons why the Abuja event was at best a “grandiloquent celebration of mediocrity.” How greatly correct was the newspaper’s summation. Did not the Abuja event mirror significantly, fundamentally and painfully so, the mediocrity that truly, truly has been our lot since the Lord Fredrick Lugard amalgamation of Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria on the 1st of January, 1914?

The Lord Lugard amalgamation proclamation of 1914 pertinently began as follows: You are all aware that His Majesty’s Government, after mature consideration, arrived sometime ago at the conclusion that it would be to the great advantage of the countries known as Southern and Northern Nigeria that they should be amalgamated into the one Government, conforming to one policy and mutually co-operating for the moral and material advancement of Nigeria as a whole. (Qtd. in The Guardian 2) Some highly revered royal personages of different indigenous ethnic nationalities that consisted of the royal council of five that assisted Lord Lugard in the onerous task of the amalgamation were Paramount Ruler Dore Numa of Warri Kingdom, Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, Paramount Ruler Henshaw of Calabar Kingdom, Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate and Emir of Kano Emirate. In the President Jonathan just celebrated centenary of the amalgamation, I do not recall that the highly distinguished royal personages of the great kingdoms, sultanate and emirate were on the roll of honour. Perhaps there is not a historian of note of the amalgamation in the presidency. But let us accept this as a subject for another academic occasion and enterprise. What is of relevance and interest now is the force and impact of Lord Lugard’s words quoted above.

As far as I am concerned, Lord Lugard meant well when he and his superiors and cohorts conceived the idea of amalgamating Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria, two different “countries” consisting of distinctly diverse nations/ethnic nationalities into one country called Nigeria as we have it ever since, thanks to his lover (and later wife) Flora Shaw, who aptly coined the name “Nigeria” in 1898. The focus/thesis of the amalgama-

Prof. Afejuku tion proclamation, which should be to unite the two “countries” into “the one Government, conforming to one policy and mutually co-operating for the moral and material advancement of Nigeria as a whole” was a positively well thought-out one regardless of the eventual outcome of the unification which has gone into record books as amalgamation as so proclaimed

by Lord Lugard. In tendering what I am tendering in this regard I am aware of what several scholars and writers especially from the South of our country have said about the “real” motive of Lord Lugard and his superiors in the British Colonial Office regarding what Gordini G. Darah recently called the “Drama of the Amalgamation” in which Lord Lugard, the “ruthless destroyer and conqueror of native peoples who opposed British Colonial rule” was clearly at the centre of political gravity. (The Guardian, Sunday, March 16, 2014 page 26). In his lengthy but robustly couched piece Gordini G. Darah succinctly stated that the amalgamation was, to all intents and purposes, effected to advance British interests rather than those of the ruthlessly suppressed natives and their heroes in the “countries” that were amalgamated. To put it another way, and simply so, Lord Lugard and company’s motive and conduct in the “saga of the amalgamation” were not at all altruistic. And ill-usage must be the rightful name to call the treatment they gave the ill-used natives.

Many scholars, including historians and researchers of Nigerian history and events generally, are likely to be in perfect agreement with Darah (and Itse Sagay, whom Darah alluded to with distinction), but a question I wish to tender is this: Who is the conqueror, anywhere in this world, who has gone out of his way selflessly, in the real sense of the word, to let the interests of the conquered one(s) supersede his? In fact, do the interests of a conquered people not matter to the conqueror only when they advance his own and those of his acolytes and cronies who constitute his cohort of fellow-farers? Indeed, who is the possessor of the coin of vantage on any matter or issue who does not use it to pursue and advance his own whims and caprices and interests unselfishly? And our leaders and their political parties, over the years since our political independence in 1960 up to now, have they not evinced the same characteristic we accuse the British amalgamators of? Have our so-called leaders, politicians as well as soldiers, not eviscerated the oppositions and opponents over the long, long years, before and after independence, up to now? Have they ever been unarguably magnanimous in their dealings with one another in different camps and schools of thought or with those from distinct ethnic nationalities who they ever mistrust, un-trust and illtrust? Is our national story ever since not a story about repetition and a linked chain of interpretations of repetition of mistrust, un-trust and ill-trust? These are huge questions that need simple answers. But I am merely shifting the nozzle of my gun before its nourishing noxious gases nourish those they must nourish.

A most senior colleague, a distinguished first genera-

tion Nigerian writer, dramatist and poet, in the person of J.P. Clark, who was among those honoured in the bogus centenary celebration already referred to in the opening lines of this lecture, queried amalgamation in his poem entitled “The Sovereign” published in the poems 1958 – 1998 thus: It was never a union. It was at best An amalgamation, so said in fact The foreign adventurer who forged it: Four hundred and twenty three disparate Elements by the latest count. (147) When J.P. Clark was receiving his centenary award in Abuja, he obviously forgot that he wrote the above-quoted lines (and others) in which we are told that the union of un-related units called “Nigeria” is no union at all, but a mere amalgamation of a failed amalgamator. Now with our one and only J.P. Clark’s acceptance of his award (certainly an eloquent and enlightened testimony to his literary distinction and greatness), has the amalgamation succeeded after all in forging our union, our unnatural union, as cloned by the colonial amalgamator of Nigeria into a “sovereign” state? Our dear, dear J.P.’s nouvelle cuisine is one we must savour, whether or not our respective criticisms of what transpired in Abuja savour of fair or foul jealousy.

Now, regardless of what our thoughts are on the amalgamation of 1914, I earnestly wish to submit that if our eventual inheritors of British power had utilized their authority and power truly in line with Lord Lugard’s wish to make our diverse ethnic nationalities conform to one policy and mutually cooperate for the moral and material progress of all, Nigeria would not have been what it is today. And it does not really matter if we were yanked together as an artificial creation of a newfound-country whose denizens and citizens have been called and known as Nigerians since 1914. Some of us who know some history, and who follow happenings in other places know that many countries of the world today are artificial creations.

America, I mean, the United States, is one such country. Also, nearly all the countries in the Americas are artificial creations.

The same thing applies to Europe. How many countries in Europe qualify, in the strict term of putting it, as natural unions or natural countries? And are they not going on, running on, wrestling on, boxing on, battling on and swimming on as if they were natural countries and natural unions?

If we have failed as a country, it is not, strictly speaking, because of the amalgamation of 1914. Even if we put the blame squarely on the British over-lords who put Southern Nigeria at a disadvantage by making Northern Nigeria the masculine partner in the marriage of the two “Nigerias” in order primarily to advance British interests as has been argued time after time and again and again, by Southern Nigerian academics, intellectuals and political gladiators in the main, what has prevented us over these long unifying years from surmounting our challenges?

And why is it that Southern Nigeria has not all these years risen in true oneness and unity to possess and control the dynamics of the times despite the cleverness, intellectualism and educa-

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of Nigeria tion of its citizens? Or why, to take the question to Northern Nigeria, the ruling class from there all these years has been too blind to use political power to cement Nigeria in order to reduce different kinds of tensions, conflicts and traumas, that we have experienced over the years, and which have contributed a great deal to the crossroads the country is currently at, cross-roads of cross-trees ill-fastened together in our adventure or misadventure of country-hood and nation-hood, no thanks to the crossgrained minds of the political gladiators from the North, from Northern Nigeria? Simply, the inability of Northern Nigeria to employ positively the advantage Lord Lugard bequeathed it has driven us to where we are now. All the current political, economic, educational, religious, cultural, social, medical problems, which consist of the collective disease we rightly can call the Nigerian disease result from the failure and poverty of leadership and not necessarily from the error of fusing together disparate ethnic nationalities. Ours is an un-profound ironical and at the same time classical case of unattractive brightness of black leadership born, bred and groomed in well-fitting robes that debase their wearers, who pollute everywhere.

And did Southern Nigeria not cook its own goose? To what political goal and advantage did its highly educated and intellectual political class put or focus, its bearing? If the members truly wanted to wrest political power and authority from the British colonizers, did they go about the matter in such a manner that would have forced the British masters to re-think the policy of divide-and-rule, which blunted the sharp knife Southern Nigeria used eventually in the battle-field of tact and intellect? Did Southern Nigerian gladiators of power not willfully allow their education and intellect to fail them? Did they not carry their bearing in such a manner that drove fear into the British suppressors who wanted to be in a position to always make their advantage hold sway in amalgamated Nigeria?

Looking at it from hindsight, is it not unbelievably ironical that Southern Nigerian patriots and nationalists could not realize that their intellectualism and education only served the purpose of denigrating them in the eyes of Lord Lugard and company? Perhaps if they had adopted a different strategy, Nigeria of now would not have been Nigeria of now. But we can only now make this statement as we are hereby doing within the context of perhaps and if.

Now we wish to remark that had Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe, for example, allowed their intellectualism and education to prevail over their regional, ethnic and political differences, would Southern Nigeria not have wrested the leadership of Nigeria even after the British had left? And would Nigeria not 100% and even above 100% different from what it is today?

Would we have been dwelling on the question of the national conference the way we are going about it now? Would we today have been contesting and debating the need to negotiate and re-negotiate Nigeria? Would the indomitable amalgamator not now be rolling in his ineluctable grave as his beloved amalgamated Southern and Northern Nigeria are battling to no longer seriously live together in one indivisible Nigeria meant to guarantee the South and North mutual co-operation that was envisaged to advance them as one country morally and materially?

These questions (and others here) are not to be taken as rhetorical questions. They are meant to provoke and stimulate further thoughts, stir and advance more debates on the subject of the amalgamation of Nigeria.

Writing in his natural health column in The Nation newspaper of Thursday, March 20, 2014, page 55, Femi Kusa, among other scintillating topical matters meant to buoy and build up our spirit, morally and otherwise, in these immoral times, stated as follows: I always say I am familiar with what cocoa money did to the economy of the Western Region of Nigeria’s First Republic. It built Nigeria’s first skyscraper, the 25-storey Cocoa House in Ibadan. It built skyscraper Western House on Lagos Island. It set up the rubber plantations and farm settlements. It built Nigeria’s first housing estates in Ibadan (Bodija Estate) and GRA in Ikeja, Lagos. It built the University of Ife, the world’s biggest university in terms of land mass. It funded free, primary school education, it built the industrial estates in Ikeja, Apapa, Ilupeju, Yaba, Matori, etc. Cocoa money also provided Western Nigeria a television station, the first in black Africa and Liberty Stadium, in Ibadan, Nigeria’s first modern stadium. But for the military take-over of government in 1966, cocoa money was to have built a sea port at Ilaje, in Bariga, suburb of Lagos. Who knows what would have become of Epe, Badagry and other coastal towns in the region? What can we point out petrol subsidy money has done in terms of a performance ratio analysis?

When the state eulogizes and enthrones common thieves and non-performers as our role models, it only helps to remind one striving for nobility of spirit of some of those spiritual teachings which have helped me to maintain sanity in these times without over-grazing, jagging rapidly from anger or sadness or both.

I have deliberately quoted this long passage because it graphically mirrors what governance is and means in all ramifications.

It also captures the true meaning of politics as far as we understand politics to mean wealth distribution and infrastructural development. Clearly, when Lord Lugard conceived the thought of amalgamating Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria in order to give the amalgamated country moral and material advancement, what Obafemi Awolowo did in and for Western Nigeria was what the British over-lord had in mind.

Awolowo’s style of governance and politics gave Western Nigeria some good measure of “nobility of spirit” and enhanced the moral and spiritual education of young minds of Femi Kusa

and other people in the Western Nigeria of their days, which Femi Kusa recalls with ample nostalgia. Certainly Femi Kusa would wish for those halcyon years to be re-born or to be reentered into. Alas! How impossible this wish must be in these times of Nigerian Alarics of our affairs! (By the way, ancient history records Alaric (370-410) as the king of the Visigoths who plundered the Byzantine Empire (395-399) and thereafter the Western Roman Empire (401-410), pillaging and sacking Rome in 410. Will the current lords of Nigeria end up sacking Nigeria the way Lord Lugard and company could not or did not mean to despite their stiff, heavy hand in the governance of pre- and amalgamated Nigeria? The thought of what is going on in the governance and politics of Nigeria must imbue any sane mind with the emotions of anger and sadness.

But my glaring interest in the quoted passage and my principal reason for inserting it in this lecture and for focusing on it at this length must be made manifest at this point by way of re-stating and underscoring what I tendered earlier about the extravagant inability of Southern Nigerian politicians to put their sound education and intellectualism to efficient use for the moral and material benefit of Nigeria. Had Nnamdi Azikiwe backed Obafemi Awolowo or had Obafemi Awolowo backed Nnamdi Azikiwe at critical political times of amalgamated Nigeria, the developmental wonder and other benefits of material and moral advancement highlighted in the quoted passage would have been matters of foregone conclusions long ago. And the peace of really good governance, equity, sustainable development, cultural, educational, economic, scientific and religious progress would have since been the lot of us all – minority or majority ethnic groups, Moslem or Christian, rich or poor, elites or the masses. Even if we probably had not climbed up the same ladder of progress or advancement as the Europeans, we certainly would have gone far, far beyond our present stage of extraordinary disgrace as a nation, a country and a people. And there would not have been the need for Femi Kusa to remind us of Obafemi Awolowo’s moments of vision which should remain contemporary with us. But all this may rightly be regarded as a mere exercise in theoretical conjecture.

Yet, it should be noted that without objective, we cannot dream dreams and we cannot see what we wish to see or choose to. Or, in other words, we cannot conceive or imagine endearing terms. One term of endearment we must learn to cultivate is forgiveness. If we learn to forgive one another’s transgressions of whatever kind or colour and brace up to face squarely our destined challenges the longed-for time of high expectations by one and everybody will come in the true spirit of democratic vision, politics and governance. But the longed-for time, it seems, is still far away and from us.

When will the average Igbo man learn to trust the average Yoruba man and vice versa? When will the Itsekiri man trust the Ijaw man and the Urhobo man and vice versa? When will each other forgive each other’s transgressions of yesterday or of years of yore? When will the average Hausa man learn to accept that every Nigerian be allowed to practise his/her faith without hindrance in an amalgamated Nigeria that allows each group to preach its own national culture in the true spirit of a heterogeneous society that should cement our union without the fear of any ethnic group nursing the bogey of assimilation or of shedding its natural characteristics? Who is that present day bogeypolitician whose mannerism or political thought underscores the fear of absorption of one ethnic group by another and the nationalistic vacillations of its leaders that strikingly illustrate what happened in the First Republic?

In fact, the consequences of what happened in the First Republic still plague modern Nigeria. As bodacious as Obafemi Awolowo was to the Western Region primarily on account of his unparalleled achievements there, as splendidly captured in the lengthy passage already quoted, he was unacceptable to the majority of people in the Eastern Region for the wrong reasons.

For example, there was the general feeling that he mastered the victory of the Federal Government during the civil war with his anti-Igbo philosophy. The allegation gains ground till this day.

Chinua Achebe’s There was a Country lends credence to the allegation and accentuates the political disagreement between the Igbos and Yorubas, which began in the tempestuous fifties and sixties of ethno-regional bickering and wars. It is high time the ill-trust between the two major ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria wore itself out. The unnecessary rivalry and the persecution mentality must stop in the spirit of inter-nationalist and inter-patriotic spirit and close alliance with each other in order to move our amalgamated country forward unswervingly in order not to stultify and disunite perpetually the minds of young Igbos and Yorubas and of all our sensibilities in this country that we must make to work.

This land is the land flowing with milk and honey that we must keep on allowing to flow with milk and honey.

Everybody, peasant or no peasant, must benefit from this flow of milk and honey, and every one of us must work to achieve this goal. All those whose greed and whose corruption are working against this goal or are likely to work against it must be stopped somehow and anyhow.

Should our amalgamated Nigeria be re-negotiated as some persons are advocating? No. Once we take care of the greedy and corrupt leaders at all levels, we need to nurse or know no further fear. Balkanizing Lord Lugard’s amalgamated Nigeria will not solve any problem of greed, corruption, injustice and further immoral ills and flaws in the system. Bad leadership anywhere in Itsekiriland, Isokoland, Langtangland, Gwariland, Kanuriland, Ogoniland – in any land – would create common problems as we are currently experiencing every-

where, lending credence to the tale about the irony and tragedy of repetition, the repetition compulsion in Nigerian politics, as I called it recently in my Nigerian Tribune column. Dr. Jonathan is the first Southern Nigerian minority president of amalgamated Nigeria. In what way or ways is he truly different from the “majority” rulers, civilian or military, before him? Which ethnic group dominates Federal appointments in Southern Nigeria today? Answer. It is his Ijaw ethnic group. Why can he not be the exemplary Federal leader the country for once should have or has been yearning for to advance us morally and materially? The trouble with Nigeria is squarely that of leadership, as Chinua Achebe candidly said it in his small but powerful book on our social and political problems which he aptly entitled “The Trouble with Nigeria.” Our problem is not the amalgamation of the amalgamator. Our problem is the problem with Nigeria and the problem is the leadership, I dare say again. Our problem is the problem of crass leadership as everybody knows. And this crass leadership is compelling amalgamated Nigeria to head towards the crater of a volcano. As B.F. Skinner, in his Harvard College Lecture in 1959 observed, “The difference between rats and people is that when a rat gets shocked at one end of a maze, he never goes there again” (Qtd. in Michael Kahn 93). Nothing ever shocks the average Nigerian. It is worse when he or she is a politician/political leader.

Wrongly, the majority ethnic groups have been accused of mesmerizing us with Mesozoic kind of leadership.

Tafawa Balewa, Gowon, Babangida and Abacha even though are Northern Nigerians, are not members of the big ethnic groups in the North. They, like Jonathan from the Niger-Delta of Southern Nigeria, are ethnic minorities. So it is a political lie to say that amalgamated Nigeria has been marooned all these years essentially by Northern leaders of a dominant majority ethnic group. This, however, is not to suggest that the dominant ethnic group does not (or did not) give the ethnic minority leaders solid ethno-regional backing.

It should be clear by now that my call is for us to remain as an indivisible amalgamated Nigeria. The generation of people who are now at the age of fifty, for example, must let the generation of those who are now twenty and below to imbibe the culture and consciousness of an indivisible Nigeria they grew up in and ruined by poor diseased leadership, which the British colonizers did not envisage for us. The young generation must be taught and organized to be part of the great army to build and re-build our amalgamated country to be the moral and material country to advance Nigeria, Nigerians, the world and its citizens. Nigeria must be transformed from its current poverty-stricken, wretched and barren leadership state into a real state of wealth and of wealthy generation and generation and generation. Our young generations must be well educated, well learned and well trained to be in real possession of the inheritance we bequeath them as we prepare to bow out of reckoning. This is their task as it must be ours before we depart.

With the perspective I have tendered in this lecture, many antagonists there are who are going to label me a colonialist or a post-colonialist inspirer and critic. But to so label me is to misinterpret this lecture and my over all enterprise. This, however, is not to suggest that I am offering here any apology for my perspective. My stand-point is for the continued support for a perpetually amalgamated Nigeria. I so state and so underscore it without qualms. We came a very, very long way. Our universal recognition as amalgamated Nigerians must continue despite the odds, despite our challenges and despite what happens elsewhere. We must reach the Holy Grail of: moral and material advancement of Nigeria in the spirit and vision of Nigerianism as Nigerianists, worthy leaders and the worthily led. Very committed academics, intellectuals and patriots of all categories and classes must unite to take Nigeria to this Holy Grail. They must unite and disarm the old order.

And here, as a final statement, I must appropriate Chinua Achebe’s words: “A man who does not lick his lips, can he blame the harmattan for drying them?”(61) •Afejuku, a Fellow of the Literary Society of Nigeria (FLSN), is an international scholar-poet, and professor of English and Literature

Prof. Afejuku

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Sports Ahead Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

Ahead 2014 NFF Election

Amadu assures of due process, pledges NFF’s total support for Super eagles

AFN names Maurice Greene as relay co-coordinator ultiple Olympics and M World Championships’ gold medalist, Maurice Green, was yesterday named as team Nigeria’s track and field relay coordinator by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). the federation’s Secretary General, Olumide Bamiduro, said Green’s contract with AFN begins at the Mt. Sac Relay in California later this month and terminates after the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Africa Athletics Championships in Marrakesh, Morocco in August 2014. in his acceptance letter to AFN, Greene said he is excited at the prospect of working for team Nigeria and that it is his own way of giving back to Africa.

Born 39 years ago in Kansas City, Kansas, united States, Greene is a retired American track and field sprinter, who specialized in the 100 meters and 200 meters.

He is a former 100 metres world record holder with a time of 9.79 seconds.

During the height of his career (1997–2004), he won four Olympic medals and was a five-time World Champion.

His laurels include three gold medals at the 1999 World Championships, a feat which had previously only been done

by Carl lewis and Michael Johnson and has since been equaled by three others.

Remita Cup event begins tomorrow He 2014 Remita Corporate t Champions Cup opens Saturday, April 12 with two

games at the popular Onikan Waterfront Stadium and a colourful ceremony to mark the event considered the icon of Corporate Nigeria sports competition. the 2014 edition is in partnership with Remita, the onestop e-payment, e-schedule, epayroll and e-collection solution services of SystemSpec limited. in the opening game, NeM insurance and Nestle plc will battle for a place in the last four, as the tournament is strictly knock-out with winners progressing to the next round.

Games followers give NeM insurance the advantage based largely on the tough back line they are known to parade in past Corporate Games competitions.

But this does not consign Nestle to push-over status, especially in the wake of their depth of preparations ahead of the tournament.

Skye Bank, the most illustrious side in the Bankers Games sector of the Corporate Games, is pitched against an equally ranked insurance Games champions, leadway Assurance. Both sides would look to confirm their rating as the best in their respective sectors, with leadway Assurance counting on their 2009 emergence as insurance Games champions.

By Alex Monye itH the Nigeria Football W Federation (NFF) preparing for its election to usher in a new board for the federation on August 25, NFF Secretary General, Musa Amadu, has promised that the federation would ensure due process is followed in the preparation and conduct of the polls.

Speaking on the achievements of the present Aminu Maigari board since it came to power, Amadu told the Guardian yesterday that the federation has succeeded in making Nigerian football great again, adding that the Super eagles was on a downward spiral after winning the Africa Nations Cup in

Green

Ahead Brazil 2014 World Cup

Esin cautions Keshi over Mikel, Moses, others

By Alex Monye ORMeR Super eagles star, FCoach etim esin, has called on Stephen Keshi to tread with caution when picking players for the 2014 World Cup. esin, who advised the coach to treat all the players equally, said it would be unfair for Keshi to take John Mikel Obi and victor Moses to Brazil and shun notable Nigeria players like ikechukwu uche and Osaze Odemwingie, who play regularly for their clubs. urging the ‘Big Boss’ to set aside sentiment when making his final decision on his squad for the World Cup, esin admitted that Mikel and Moses are two of the best players Nigeria currently has. But he opined that the eagles gaffer still has to understand that there are other players equally skillful enough to make Nigerians proud in Brazil.

He begged Keshi to give all the players equal opportunity in the fight for selection ahead of the World Cup. He said: Although Moses and Mikel are not playing regularly for their clubs, they are still gifted footballers and the issue of using them for the World Cup is left for Keshi to decide.

“But i would also like the eagles’ boss to also extend his hand of fellowship to players like Osaze Odemwingie and ikechukwu uche, who play

regularly for their clubs. “in the game of football, a coach should avoid using personal affection to pick players. Keshi should focus on selecting players with commitment and zeal to die for the country on the field of play when playing in the world cup. every Nigerian player invited for the World Cup preparation should be given equal chance to fight for shirt. “the eagles technical crew should guide against making particular players believe they have automatic shirts to the World Cup to avoid disunity to the team.’’

Also speaking on the issue,

former Super eagles Coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, advised Keshi, to remain steadfast and committed to Nigeria’s success at the 2014 World Cup. Onigbinde, who condemned the frosty relationship between Keshi and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said “the issue is that some people in NFF are not comfortable with Keshi leading the country to its fifth appearance at the World Cup. “You can’t have it all rosy when handling a huge national assignment like the World Cup. “Although, they are your

employers, you owe Nigerians a duty to do well in Brazil.” the former national team coach told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was unfortunate that were plans by some people to put their personal interests above national interest. “the issue at hand is a national one and should be treated with utmost good fate devoid of self-serving,” Onigbinde said. the Modakeke high chief, who asked Keshi to handle the situation with maturity, refused to comment on the issue of appointing a foreign assistant for the team.

Proprietress, Kids Court School, Dr. Abimbola Ogundere (left); Manager, MSME Banking Unit, Diamond Bank, Femi Eribake; a guest and Mr. Banji Ogundere during Kids Court’s maiden inter-house sports competition in Surulere, Lagos…recently.

1994.

He said under Maigari, Nigeria regained its position in Africa and the international arena by winning the Nations Cup and the FiFA under-17 World Cup last year, adding that the outstanding performance of all the national teams in their various engagements was as a result of the financial and moral support given to the teams during preparations for the championships.

Amadu, however, pledged that the NFF would go the extra mile to give Super eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, the maximum assistance to succeed in the World Cup, stressing that the eagles’ success in the Mundial Coupe would justify the effort made by the NFF to ensure Nigeria rejoined the elite football playing nations of the world. ‘’the NFF is preparing for the general election to usher in new executives to the board on August 25. A committee has been set up to organize the election.

“We promise to organize the best FiFA standard election. As you can see, the present NFF board, led by Alhaji Aminu Maigari, doesn’t have course not to return to the Glass House to handle affairs of football in the country.

Nigerian boxers depart for IABF World Youth Championship leveN Nigerian junior boxe ers and two coaches yesterday departed for Sophia, Bulgaria, to take part in the international Amateur Boxing Federation World Youth Championship, which started yesterday and will end on April 25.

Secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Olusola luke, who disclosed this in lagos, said the boxers were selected at the last National Youth Festival held in Abuja based on merit. they include Kazeem isiaka, Oladimeji Salami, Aliu ibrahim, Muyideen Oyakojo and Henry effiong, while Oluwaseun Alani, Mutiate Adebayo and Celina Agwu are also on the list. the two coaches are tony Komyewachie and Adura Olalehin, while luke is the leader of delegation. the team departed the Murtala Mohammed international Airport last night on a turkish Airline flight and are expected to arrive in Sophia today.

Meanwhile, president of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, General Kenneth Minimah, who is also Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, has charged the team to do well at the championship.

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UEFA Champions League

Bayern Munich’s striker, Mario Mandzukic (left) makes a header in front of Manchester United goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match in Munich…on Wednesday.

Man Utd goal was a wake-up call, by Robben RJEN Robben admitted A Bayern Munich got the wake-up call they needed when Patrice Evra handed Manchester United a shock lead in their Champions League quarter-final second leg clash.

After the France left-back put the visitors ahead with a superb second-half strike at Munich’s Allianz Arena, the Bavarian giants hit back just 69 seconds later through a diving Mario Mandzukic header.

Thomas Muller then tapped Bayern into the lead before flying Dutchman Robben slotted the hosts

third to keep the defending champion on course for the May 24 final in Lisbon.

“They scored the first goal so of course it was a tricky tie, but in the end 3-1 is a very good result,” the former Chelsea winger told Sky Sports.

“I think it was very important we scored straight after they did. It was crucial today. It looked like a wakeup call because the first 10 minutes of the second half were a disaster the way we played.

“We were so slow, we were not there and you cannot do that in the Champions

League - you will be punished. That’s what they did, but it was a wake-up call and we scored three goals.

“We wanted to attack and play our football. They were there for the counter-attack - they are very dangerous with great players up front who are very quick.

“We had to be careful. In the first half we controlled the game, in the second half we were very, very bad and we got punished, but fortunately we turned it around.”

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said: “I knew it would be tough.

Win over Barca is to keep us on course, says Simeone Getage. up a semi-final showdown TLETICO Madrid coach, “We’re not thinking about A Diego Simeone, preferred against bitter rivals Real that (the Champions League not to get caught up in the Madrid, with holders Bayern euphoria of his side’s historic Champions League victory over Barcelona, pointing out they have won nothing yet.

Atletico’s fairytale season continued on Wednesday when they reached the semifinals of the European Cup for the first time in 40 years after Koke’s early strike earned them a 1-0 second-leg win over Barca and a 2-1 aggregate triumph.

That win keeps Atletico on course for a memorable trophy double this season as they also lead the Primera Division standings heading into the final six games.

The Rojiblancos have not won the league since 1996 while they have never been crowned champions of Europe, but despite being within touching distance of achieving something very special this campaign, Simeone is determined to keep his feet on the ground.

He told AStv: “I’m happy because we did a good job, the guys had a very good game and this has given us enthusiasm, joy for our fans and the desire to continue working hard. “(But) we haven’t won anything yet, it was an important game but we need to use it to continue improving.

“We need to be calm because there’s a long way to go and we know that we have a very tough game coming up. Above all the fans need to enjoy an historic moment because it’s not easy to get to the semifinals.”

Today’s draw could throw

Munich and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea the other possibilities.

Any of the three would be a mouthwatering prospect but, with Simeone having no control over who they are paired against, the Argentinian is only focused on this weekend’s Primera Division derby against

draw). We’re thinking about the Getafe game and then we’ll prepare for whoever we face,” he said.

“We’re not in a situation where we can choose, we’re ready for whoever we’re drawn against and the aim is to continue being competitive like we’ve been up to now.”

‘United can attract players’

ANAGER David Moyes M insists his transfer targets will still want to come to Manchester United even though he cannot offer them Champions League football.

United crashed out of Europe’s top club competition with a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Given that United are seven points adrift of the top four with five matches left, their chances of qualifying for next season’s tournament through the Premier League are very slim.

But Moyes is confident that the lure of playing for such a historically successful club will be enough to persuade the top players to come to Old Trafford during this summer’s much-needed re-building exercise.

“My focus is on getting a side together to get back in the Champions League,” the United manager said.

“We’re looking to spend the right money on players who are available and it’s not anything to do with Champions League.

“Any players we’ve quietly

discussed it with are more than happy to join Manchester United. They know it’s not a long-term thing.”

The need for reinforcements in defence became clear at the Allianz Arena when United conceded less than a minute after taking the lead through Patrice Evra’s stunning finish.

“It’s the sort of thing you learn as a schoolboy -once you score a goal, make sure you don’t concede,” the Scot said.

“You get into position and do your job. We had concentrated so fabulously well throughout the game.

“The players had done tactically well. Their positioning was good and they did their jobs.

“For us just to give it up on that moment, the goal up, was really disappointing.”

Moyes’ task was not helped by two glaring misses from Wayne Rooney, who played with a pain-killing injection in his injured toe.

Moyes defended his decision to select the player even though his injury was clearly inhibiting him.

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SPORTS Friday, April 11, 2014

ITTF African Junior Championships

Nigeria wins silver, bronze, as Egypt dominates team events GYPT continued its domE inance of the ongoing International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) African Junior Championship, but Nigeria yesterday fought hard to win two silver and a bronze medal in the team events of the competition.

The tournament holding in Cairo has more than 10 countries from the continent in attendance, with the host claiming the top spot in all the events.

In the teams’ event of the junior and cadet divisions, Egypt won all the gold medals at stake, leaving two silver medals for Nigeria in the girls’ category and a bronze in the mixed doubles.

To pick silver, Nigeria fell 3-1 to Egypt in the final of the junior girls’ team event and also lost to the Egyptians in the cadet girls with the same margin.

Another opportunity for Nigeria to play in the final was also stopped by the hosts, when the quartet of Esther Tosin Oribamise and Olasunkanmi Oginni, as well as Ajoke Ojomu and Joseph Osendukwu were beaten in the semifinal of the mixed doubles event.

In the doubles event, Nigeria could not move beyond the quarterfinal stage, as the Egyptians again stopped them from advancing.

On the medal table so far, Nigeria is second to Egypt, Tunisia and Congo Brazzaville closely following the West Africans.

Reacting to the pattern of results in the championship, a table tennis analyst, who pleaded anonymity, was not surprised with the outcome of proceedings at the tour-

nament, saying, ‘The Egyptians are just reaping the result of investing in youth development.

“As long as I will want to commend the present board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) with their efforts to focus on grassroots, I want to say that what we are witnessing in Egypt is as a result of the long years of neglect of youth development by previous boards of NTTF. “What Egypt is achieving today in table tennis is not magic but conscious and sincere efforts to groom talents that will rule the game. So for us, we are not dazed by the performance of the country and we just hope that NTTF will remain focus and continue with what they are doing,” he said.

Meanwhile, the singles event of the championship served off yesterday with the preliminary matches.

The finals of all the singles will climax the competition, which ends today in Cairo.

Team Nigeria’s Joseph Osendukwu and Ajoke Ojomu in the mixed doubles event of the on-going ITTF African Youth Championships in Cairo… on Wednesday.

Glo Nigeria Premier League

Respite for Obuh, as Rangers beat Nembe City 3-0 OACH John Obuh yesterC day morning got a little respite from his worries when his team, Enugu Rangers, beat Nembe City 3-0 in their rescheduled Glo Premier League Match Day 1 fixture at the UNEC Stadium, Enugu.

Obuh was given a threematch ultimatum by a wor-

We are ready for 2014 Ibile Games, MOC assures HE Main Organising ComT mittee (MOC) of the Lagos State Sports Festival, tagged

Sports Minister, Tamuno Danagogo (left), receiving a souvenir from Globacom’s Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Jameel, in Abuja… yesterday.

Danagogo thanks Glo, calls for more private sector support IGERIA’S Sports MinisN ter/Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has called on all well meaning Nigerians, multinational organisations and private companies to collaborate with the government in the development of sports through sponsorship.

Speaking yesterday in his Abuja National Stadium office when a delegation from telecommunications outfit, Globacom, led by the Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Jameel, paid him a courtesy call, the minister lauded Globacom’s giant steps in the sponsorship of football in the country, noting that the company has regularly contributed to enrich the social development of the entire citizenry.

He used the occasion to canvass for support from other private organizations, noting that the current trend worldwide was for private organizations to collaborate with the government to develop sports, as government could not do it alone.

According to Danagogo,

sports offer a ready-made and flexible platform that could be adapted to a wide variety of objectives by companies seeking to develop successful Corporate Social Responsibility.

The Minister further urged Globacom to continue in its effort to take sports to the next level, pledging that the NSC would evolve strategies to promote greater collaboration with the company.

Earlier in his remarks, Jameel had stated that Globacom had made football sponsorship its second business in Nigeria; hence it would continue to be in the forefront of its sponsorship.

“As an integral part of the NSC, Globacom is aware that football runs through the veins of Nigerians and in order to identify with Nigerians, we decided to go into football sponsorship and this we have been doing since 2003,” he said.

He pledged the company’s continued loyalty to the goals and aspirations of the NSC, revealing that the company would soon unveil a blueprint aimed at garnering support for the senior na-

2014 Ibile Games, which holds between April 30 and May 10, says it is putting finishing touches to its preparation for fiesta.

The MOC chaired by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi, has such subcommittees as technical, Protocol and Ceremonial, venue and Facilities, Media and Publicity, Medical, Marketing and Sponsorship, Security as well as Torch Tour.

The multi-sports fiesta will have teams from schools and Local Governments and Development Areas (open) competing for honours.

In a statement issued by the Media and Publicity Subcommittee of the games, the MOC

says it has been working tirelessly to midwife a games of international standard.

Events to be competed for in the festival include squash, tennis, ayo, kokowa, basketball, weightlifting, powerlifting, gymnastics, darts, handball, wrestling, badminton, athletics, taekwondo, boxing, chess, volleyball, scrabble, swimming, karate and judo. Others are cricket, kung-fu, football and table tennis. venues for the festival are Rowe Park Sports Complex, Yaba, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Jubril Martins Memorial Grammar School, Iponri, Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Cricket Oval, Race Course, Onikan, University of Lagos Sports Complex, Yaba, Agege Stadium and the knock-up hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

ried management of Enugu Rangers following the team’s unimpressive beginning to the 2013/2014 season.

The game had commenced on Wednesday, but witnessed 78 minutes before heavy rain forced the remaining 12 minutes to be shifted to yesterday morning.

On Wednesday, Meshack Chukwubuikem had opened scoring for the Flying Antelopes inside the opening quarter and the hosts led by that lone strike into the break.

Nigerian international, Christian Obiozor, who came on as substitute, made it two for Rangers on 58 minutes but the game was forced to a stop by the heavy downpour in the 78th minute.

After consultation, the match officials then decided to shift the concluding 12 minutes to yesterday.

On resumption on yesterday morning, Rangers came out faster from the blocks and netted a third goal through Obiozor with just a minute to regulation time.

The win takes Rangers to ninth position on seven points, while Nembe City are bottom of the table with no points but have three outstanding matches.

Rangers will on Sunday be guests to Dolphins at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt, while Nembe City will host Bayelsa United in Omoku, a boundary town between Rivers and Bayelsa states.

Urhobo College, others battle for Warri tennis clinic’s laurels vER 300 children drawn O from various schools in Warri and its environs are currently doing battle in the ongoing Warri Tennis clinic.

The clinic, a youth development exercise meant to teach children the basic techniques in tennis, is taking place at the Shell Club, Ogunnu, Warri. It is being organized by Iso-Black Concept, a Lagos based outfit.

The participating schools include Urhobo College Effurun,

Principal, Babcock University Schools, Elder Gabriel O. Fasanu (left), Yellow House Captain, David Anigbo, a parent, Olufemi Alonge, Administrative/Human Resources Officer, Imuzeghe John Kelly and Assistant House Mistress, Yellow House, Edna Agbonfioror at the school’s First Inter-House Sports Competition in Lagos…recently. PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI.

Yonwuren College, Our Lady’s High School, Hussey Boy’s Model College , Federal Government College, Warri, Benchill Schools, Ugborikoko Secondary School, Igbudu Primary School, Orhuwhorun High School, Adagwe Secondary School, Eruemukohwarieri, Good Shepherd’s Boy‘s Schools, Oyede and SnappsFGC- Warri.

Others are Cambridge International School, Majesty International School, International Unity School, Twin Fountain School, Government College Ughelli, Delta Careers Nursery/Primary School, Great Grace Montessori School, Deen Foundation School, Eagle Height International School, Kingdom Heritage Model School, Edulyn College, Seat of Wisdom School, Crestview School, Cradle Schools, Richland Schools, Unique International Schools, NNPC Staff School and Heroes Academy.

Some of the parents, who accompanied their children to the clinic, are Olorogun Donald Ovberedjo, Kingsley GborHohwo, Mrs. Yekovie, Michael Akoubodo, Chief Joseph Jemine Akpieyi Otuedon, Mrs. Imonitie, Dr. N. Adams Yusuf, Mr. Orieke Amos, Mrs. Esther Eyeoyibo, Mr. Eyegbanren Amaju, (Engr.)

Kingsley Nwabuisi, Mr. Ben Ichibor Dr. (Mrs) Omon- Irabor C.O, Dr. Faith Tuoyo, Engr. Ojelade O.A, Mr. Onome E. Jeroh and Mr. Ojelede Emma.

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Friday, April 11, 2014 | 63

GolfWeekly

By Eno-Abasi Sunday HE opening ceremony of T the 3rd Kids Golf International (KGI) All Africa Junior Golf Championship tournament tees off at noon on Sunday, April 13, 2014, at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938. The occasion would also witness the launch of the new Kids Golf Digest magazine. Still within the context of the opening ceremony, will be a parent and child tournament. The novel exercise, which will open the fun-packed week, will also serve as part of practice round of the championship, which ends on April 17.

The four-day exercise, will feature participants thus: In the boys category, there will be competitors from 19-23; 15–18; 13–14; 11–12 and 9–0 year olds. They will all play 18 holes while and 7 to 8 year olds will play nine holes.

In the girl’s category, they would be classified into the following: 19–23; 15–18; 13–14; 11-12 year olds will play 18 holes while and 9 –10 and 7–8 year olds would play nine holes.

However, boys and girls under six year of age would play flag golf format with a max of 40 strokes. And for the entire field, all standard golf rules for tournaments

would apply in addition to the course local rules, which would be clearly written on the reverse side of the scorecard.

According to an itinerary released by organisers of the cadet championship: “Checking in and registration for the tournament would start at 2pm tomorrow and participants who are yet to pay can make payment of their entry fee then.

The entry fee is N25, 000 for those playing 18 holes, (that is age category 9 to 10 boys and above) and N10, 000 for those playing nine holes, (that is age 9 to 10 yrs Girls and below). It is free for 6

years and under.

A release endorsed by Chairman of KGI, Oba Dokun Thompson, said that, “Immediately after the opening ceremony would be the parent/Child Charity Tournament, which is a nine hole alternate stroke event between child and parent.

There would be two starting points from Hole 1 and Hole 10. Kids who are registered to play in the tournament and not participating in this event can use the opportunity to practise on the course.

“The tournament proper would commence on April 14, 2014 for the next three days and the tee time would

Olateju wins 7th Edition of Tournament From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja ApTAIN of IBB Golf and C Country Club, Abuja, Debo Olateju has emerged overall winner of the Joe Kyari Gadzama golf Tournament.

He returned to the clubhouse after carding a total of 70 net.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), David parradang, who performed

the tee-off, in his remarks praised Gadzama’s efforts in sustaining the sponsorship of the tournament, which is its 7th year.

“This is the 7th edition of the annual J.K Gadzama Golf Tournament. Gadzama has become an institution in golf as he is in the legal profession.

The event has been a regular feature in the IBB golf club’s calendar. And by this tourna-

ment, he has continued to contribute immensely to the development of golf in the country.”

Speaking in the same vein, former Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission (NTDC), Olusegun Runsewe noted that the tournament has become an important event in the club’s calendar because it was an individual’s

contribution to golf development.

The celebrant, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), noted that the tournament has been a vision he had when he began to play golf, adding that having served at the various committees in the club before he became captain, he felt it was time for him to appreciate and give something to the club out of his income.

be 8am each day. The fourth day, Thursday April 17, 2014 would feature Nigeria vs International match play. participants for this event would be selected based on performance at the previous 3-day stroke play of the championship. “participants are encouraged to avoid slow play as this could attract penalty strokes. Also parents or guardians can caddie for their kids but Ikoyi Club cad-

dies are available at a cost of about N2000 per day. Each participant is allowed only one caddie and the players are not to be spoken to, except their caddies.

The tournament, a counting event for World Amateur Golf Ranking, will feature boys and girls from age five to 23 as at August 31st, 2014. It is staged in partnership with the host club and with support from the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF).

Oyinlola, others for 3rd Fumman tourney HE 3rd Fumman Golf T Tournament, a one-day tourney tees off tomorrow at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, Oyo State. The tourney is one of the events organised to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the club.

The annual tourney sponsored by beverage manufacturing firm, Fumman Nigeria Limited, is expected to attract over 80 golfers from across the country. prominent among the dignitaries expected at the event are the immediate past president of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) and ex-governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye

Oyinlola, who is a single handicapper. Captains of Ilorin, Ibadan, Ikoyi, Ikeja, and Ada golf clubs are also expected.

Furthermore, veteran golfers like Chairman, MicCom Cables and MicCom Golf and Country Club, Ada, Tunde ponnle, Akin Oke, Willie Egba, David Bolanta, Layi Oyedele, Oladokun are also expected to participate in the one-day t o u r n e y .

The ceremonial tee-off of the tournament, will be jointly taken by the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fumman, Olayiwola Adeyemi and former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala.

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Friday, April 11, 2014

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Olamide Bakare VER the decades, the fight against corruption has more or less become a political slogan of every government that had come and gone. In one way or the other, past and present governments have vehemently, in their own term, fought the ancient devil of corruption plaguing our country. They often restate their determination in winning the battle against the unrepentant corruption monster. Unfortunately, this monster has consistently defied every tactic and stratagem deployed against it. Ironically, this embattled corruption is not a personality; rather, it is a system set up by the people in high places that encourages corrupt practices and fosters all forms of fraudulent acts within and outside the system.

You would recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was established in 2003 during Obasanjo’s administration with a view to fighting financial offences.

Unfortunately, despite high profile corruption cases which the commission has been able to exhume over the years, none of the culprit has ever been brought to book, even under undeniable evidences. Yet, billions of naira is being lavished on the commission yearly in the course of executing its statutory obligations. For instance, $1.7 (N283.6 million) has been earmarked for the EFCC in the 2014 budgetary allocation for the execution of its statutory obligation. Sadly, just as past money had gone down the drain without accountability, it is not uncertain that this would not go in the way of the past. Even, if the governed would demand for accountability, it would not even bother the government, having been comfortable with the placidity often displayed by the governed over the years on related issues. It is sad that government’s financial crime fighter is not immune from financial crime.

Imagine a government whose activities have been charaterised by profligacy and mindless dissipation of public funds. Yet, it is claiming to be fighting and winning the war on corruption. The reports of the various committees that were set up with a view to investigating mind-blowing scams in the oil and gas sector never saw the light of the day. Sadly, it was reported that over N5 trillion had disappeared without any trace. When the government saddled the Nuhu Ribadu-led Petroleum Task Force with the mandate to fish out the perpetrators of the staggering fraud allegedly committed, most concerned Nigerians were not taken aback when the fact-finding report suffered irreviveable political suffocation on arrival. This is so because government is fond of paying lip service to the fight against corruption.

My heart bleeds, and I believe so would many other concerned Nigerians, when the National Assembly discovered that the fuel subsidy scam under President Goodluck Jonathan had caused Nigeria a colossal loss of $6.8 billion in three years.

Imagine the kind of massive socio-economy development such money would have added to the lot of the masses if it weren’t embezzled by high officials. The rot that has eaten deep into the operating system of the NNPC cannot be overemphasised. Little wonder their books are too sophisticated to be audited. Even the technical know-how of the EFCC and the professionalism of the ICPC in financial crime are inadequate to audit the NNPC accounts. What an official corruption! Although President Jonathan has ordered a forensic investigation on the missing $20 billion (N3.3 trillion), it is undoubtedly certain that no culprit would be found. Or should I say it is pessimistically certain that no one would be punished for it. Yet, billions of naira would be legislatively squandered on the fact-finding committee.

It is quite worrisome that President Jonathan did not see the necessity of him suspending the erstwhile Aviation Minister, Stell Oduah, so that thorough investigation could be carried out on the N255 million bullet-proof cars scam. However, Mr. President did not hesitate to suspend the CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, in order to investigate the alleged financial recklessness allegation leveled against the Kano Prince. In fact, the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Samuel

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Official corruption: Bane of Nigeria’s development

Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Lamorde Ukura, has told Nigerians that 20 expert auditors have been saddled with the fact-finding mission on the mystery surrounding the missing oil money. That is another device to keep us talking till the burial of the matter.

What an official corruption! Little wonder the abject poverty plaguing the masses.

Still on the up and downstream sector, not less than $700 million was frittered away on the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) on our moribund refineries. Yet, none of it has ever performed optimally over the decades.

Under President Jonathan, his administration has set aside a whopping sum of $1.6 bil-

lion on TAM with a view to upgrading three of our refineries to be operating at maximum capacity. Yet, the same refineries have been auctioned to the highest bidders. The Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries have gone as far as Mr. President is concerned, though NUPENG has vowed to resist the move.

Is not absurd that a government that finds it very difficult to be paying N18 minimum wages for its work force can afford to be feeding lions in the Aso Rock Zoo with a colossal sum of N34.5 million for the wild animal’s feeding allowance for the year? When did human beings turn to lions? In fact, the sum of N14.5 million has been

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Nevertheless, going by the many unresolved high profile corruption cases since President Jonathan assumed office, it is not difficult for any patriotic Nigerian to know that official corruption in high places has been the root cause of all manners of woes bedevilling Nigeria. Well, all hope is not lost yet. 2015 general election would be another golden opportunity, or should I say “diamond opportunity”, for the suffering masses to put end to the executive, legislative and judiciary robberies that have rendered them impoverish over the years budgeted to buy just two animals at the expense of hungry and dying Nigerians. Pitiful!

The power sector is another harbour of corruption by high and higher corrupt officials. The billions of dollars that had gone down the drain in that sector are unimaginable. Yet, the epileptic power outrage has more or less become a second nature of the sector. According to the Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprise, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, the FG would be spending N401 billion to settle the PHCN labour liabilities.

Yet, the same company has been auctioned as part of the transformation agenda of President Jonathan. Transformation indeed! By the way, is not illogical that the same government that has been bragging of constant power supply has earmarked $1.3 million (N218.3 million) for generator fuel at the Aso Villa. So, the presidency also uses generator? What a shame! What an official corruption!

While countless Nigerians are walloping in hardship, the presidency is busy spending public funds on frivolity with impunity. Billions of dollars is being lavished on presidential comfort every year while hardship is biting hard on the masses. Imagine a government that claimed to be sensitive, yet could afford to squander N2.1 billion to upgrade furniture. That was the taxpayers’ money that has been wasted on the Vice President Namadi Sambo’s furniture and lounge. What a callous government! Is not an affront to our national dignity that a humongous sum of N1.6 billion is being budgeted to purchase a new presidential aircraft while the country does not have national carrier? The purchase of the new jet would be the 11th Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) which will gulp about N9 billion yearly to maintain according to experts’ projection. What an official corruption!

Space would not permit me to chronicle other reckless and unimaginable wastefulness perpetuated by past and present government.

Nevertheless, going by the many unresolved high profile corruption cases since President Jonathan assumed office, it is not difficult for any patriotic Nigerian to know that official corruption in high places has been the root cause of all manners of woes bedevilling Nigeria. Well, all hope is not lost yet. 2015 general election would be another golden opportunity, or should I say “diamond opportunity”, for the suffering masses to put end to the executive, legislative and judiciary robberies that have rendered them impoverish over the years. Any civil servant that steals small money will rot in jail, because he lacks the financial strength to win justice to his side. But those that steal billions will go scot free, because he has the money to feed every barking dog and roaring lion. The ballot box, for now, remains the only legitimate weapon at the disposal of the masses to end this madness.

• Bakare is of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos.