Fri 02 Aug 2013

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Friday, August 2, 2013

Vol. 30, No. 12,636

N150

www.ngrguardiannews.com

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), his Benin Republic counterpart, Yayi Boni, and some Nigerian children, at a ceremony marking the country’s 53rd independence anniversary in Cotonou… yesterday.

PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

Fresh controversy over registration of APC From Bridget Chiedu Onochie and Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja ESPITE the registration of D the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the new party has fresh hurdles to overcome.

• APGA to sue Fashola, demands N20b damages • Rival APC flays INEC, says acronym unavailable The obstacles are from the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and a political group that has APC as its acronym, African People’s

Congress.

APGA yesterday directed its lawyers to sue Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, alleging that he mis-

chievously dragged it into the merger of the three parties that formed the APC. The three are Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria

Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

It said that Fashola planned to cause confusion in APGA through a newspaper advertisement he placed yesterday, congratulating APC on being registered.

APGA expressed shock on the

Mugabe’s allies claim victory, rivals label polls as ‘sham’ - Page 9

use of its logo in the advert along with those of the other two parties.

Addressing the media yesterday on the issue, the National Chairman of APGA, Victor Umeh, demanded that Fashola should within seven days do a retraction in an advertorial, removing its logo in all the newspapers where the earlier publication appeared yesterday.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

2 NEWS

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi (left); Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki and his Foreign Affairs counterpart, Olugbenga Ashiru, during the briefing of diplomats by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peace Resolution of Security Challenges in the North in Abuja… yesterday.

Senate panel decries heavy police presence at EFCC From Anietie Akpan, Calabar HE Chairman of the SenT ate’s Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Victor Rampyal Lar, who represents Plateau

South, yesterday warned against the large number of policemen in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to him, 700 of about 1,250 members of staff at the EFCC are policemen.

He said: “What that also means is that as it is now, the policemen take their pay from the Police Force and also take allowances from the EFCC.” This, he noted, is

against the law.

They, according to him, have blocked or stagnated graduates that were trained and employed as cadets for the commission because right now, all the heads of departments at EFCC are policemen. This, he noted, has affected the cadets’ promotions and opportunities.

The senator, who is also the Vice Chairman of Special Duties Committee, said it was

unfortunate that the seconded policemen had hampered the career growth of trained detectives who were genuinely employed by the commission.

Lar, who is also a member of the Senate Committee on Power, added: “This state of affair has dampened even the enthusiasm of the international donor agencies because it is like funding another agency. The EFCC

detectives can perform much of the work, which the policemen are saddled with at the commission.

“There is no law that says it must be the police. Section 4 of the Police Act says that they are empowered to arrest, investigate and prosecute. You can have a few of them for the purpose of arrest, but to have 700 of them is definitely unacceptable.”

APGA to sue Fashola, demands N20b damages CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 He added that the governor must be made to pay damages of N20 billion for allegedly causing confusion and attempting to steal the supporters of the party through the advertorial.

Umeh noted that while his party had congratulated APC on scaling INEC’s registration hurdles, it would resist any deliberate attempt by the new political grouping or its officials to deceive its members and cause confusion in the APGA. He said that Fashola as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) could not claim to be unaware of the fact that APGA was not among the three parties that merged into the APC. According to him, unlike the three parties that merged, APGA was never involved in any convention where it decided to dissolve into the APC. Umeh added: “Of course, the clear intention of this advertorial is to give the impression that APGA is now part of the new APC and that

APGA is no longer a political party. Coming from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria like Fashola, it shows that the governor knows the implications of what he has done, and this we will not accept from him and the APC. “He is also aware that at no time did any APGA official appear in any meeting where merger talks were held. He is also aware that we recently made it clear to Nigerians that APGA was never part of the merger talks and will never be part of it. But surprisingly this morning (yesterday), mischievously our logo has been so fraudulently included in these advertorials with an intention to deceive all the supporters of APGA in Nigeria and the world that we have now become part of APC. “The INEC yesterday while announcing the registration of APC named the parties that merged as CPC, ANPP and ACN. Accordingly, INEC has withdrawn the certificates of these three parties.

How could a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is also a governor of a state, go and insert

Our error our story yesterday entitled “Shameful five minutes ItotoNhave Nigeria’s busiest airport”, Dickson Lee was reported been kidnapped on July 16, 2003. He was actually kidnapped July 16, 2013.

The error is regretted.

APGA logo in such a publication?

“Politics of confusion must be avoided in Nigeria. We must do things within the law. The merging political parties are clearly known because ACN, CPC and ANPP had separate conventions where they agreed to dissolve into APC. We want the APC to pursue politics within the approved decorum; they should know that it is not by force to join a merger.”

Declaring the African People’s Congress’ stand on the lingering struggle for the ownership of the authentic APC acronym, its chairman, Chief Onyinye Ikeagwuonu, said: “As long as our case is in court, the acronym, APC, is not yet available as the process of registration, which ends with a judicial review, is still ongoing.

“Nigerians must note that INEC fully acknowledged that we were the first to apply with the name, APC, and are fully in court with us over our move to upturn the decision to deny us registration.”

According to him, INEC’s decision to go ahead with the registration of the All Progressives Congress was tantamount to a breach of the rule of law.

Claiming that the African People’s Congress fully complied with registration re-

quirements, he wondered what was the rationale behind INEC’s refusal to register the party but rather went ahead to do so for a group, whose acronym was similar to theirs.

He, therefore, wondered what would become of the registered APC, if the court judgment was delivered in favour of the African People’s Congress.

He said: “What will happen to INEC and the merger parties when the court gives judgment in our favour and reinstates our right over the APC acronym?”

Ikeagwuonu alleged that with the ‘purported’ registration of the All Progressives Congress as a political party, it became obvious that Attahiru Jega and his officials at INEC had succeeded in plunging the country’s democratic process into chaos.

On the 2014 Anambra gubernatorial polls, Ikeagwuonu said that following due consultation with the party’s legal team across the country, “we must send out this clear signal that the African People’s Congress is going on with its preparations for the election as we are hopeful of the positive outcome of our action in court and nobody can stop our candidate from participation.”

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

3

News Oshiomhole briefs Jonathan on Edo, FAAN crisis From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja OVERNOR Adams OshG iomhole of Edo State yesterday briefed President Goodluck Jonathan on the recent row between the state government and the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that led to the closure of Benin Airport.

The governor, who along with his Kaduna State counterpart, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero and Adamawa State Deputy Governor, James Bala Ngillari also condoled with the President and his wife, Patience on the recent death of First Lady’s foster mother, Mrs. Charity Obah, told State House correspondents that the crisis that occurred at Benin airport was completely misunderstood.

Nnamani links violence to infrastructure deficits Senate President, FfiedORMER Ken Nnamani has identithe lack of critical public infrastructural services as one of the reasons responsible for varied crimes in the country.

Nnamani, in a speech at the inauguration of the Governing Council of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) recently in Abuja, noted that while the ‘factors behind insecurity in several parts of the country are complex and multifaceted, however, experts agree that one of the proven sources of social discontent is a sense of alienation that comes from lack of access to essential public services.’

Nnamani, who is the chairman of ICRC board, cautioned that the failure of government to fulfill its obligations to its citizens portends grave danger for the polity, ‘because the inability of the citizenry to have access to the vital infrastructural and utility services that make life worth living is a potential source of social discontent and societal instability.’

Fidau prayers hold today for Odunewu HE eight day Fidau prayers T and lectures for the veteran journalist Hadj Alade Odunewu, who died on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at the age of 85, will hold today at 3 p.m. at the Island Club, Lagos.

Odunewu whose pen name was “Allah De”, was also so popular as editor and columnist who wrote for leading newspapers, which included the Sunday Times and The Guardian.

Odunewu

Former Lagos Deputy Governor, Abiodun Ogunleye (left); former Lagos Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale; Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola; his Deputy, Adejoke Orelope Adefulire and others, at the formal inauguration of All Progressives Congress (APC) flag in Lagos… yesterday.

Task force foils plan by terrorists to regroup From Nkechi Onyedika, John Okeke (Abuja) Njadvara Musa (Maiduguri) with agency report N a collaborative effort, the Iterday Defence Headquarters yesin Abuja said that the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of Nigeria, Niger and Chad had foiled plans by some terrorists to regroup.

In the same vein, the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State yesterday alerted residents of an impending plans by terrorists to massively launch “attacks and bombings” in Maiduguri metropolis and other neighbouring communities any moment from now till the end of Ramadan in the state.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security in the North has assured that ceasefire pact with the Boko Haram sect would be announced soon.

In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the explosions in Kano metropolis which killed and injured many people.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the crackdown was disclosed in a statement by Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information.

The MNJTF, a joint operation of three African nations namely: Nigeria, Niger and Chad, was established in 2011 to ensure security and inter nations’ cooperation.

The statement said the plan by some terrorists, who relocated to Niger Republic to remobilise and re-arm insurgents with the aim of carry-

• JTF warns of plot to attack Maiduguri, others • Dialogue panel assures of Boko Haram ceasefire • CAN condemns Kano killings ing out fresh attacks on some Nigerian communities had been foiled.

It said that the leader of the group who had fled Nigeria when the terrorists’ camps were destroyed, was reportedly recruiting fresh hands and training them for renewed terrorist activities in Nigeria.

The statement said, “The intention of the group is to focus its attacks on some towns around the NigeriaNiger Republic border.

“Intelligence operatives of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) had been on the trail of the leader until he was eventually arrested in Karanga, Niger Republic last Saturday with the cooperation of Nigerien forces.’’

The statement added that his other accomplices were later picked up in other villages in Nigeria, adding that they were currently being interrogated.

In a statement, the JTF ’s spokesman, Lt.-Col Sagir Musa yesterday in Maiduguri also reminded residents to be “very cautious” and report any suspicious movement, actions and abandoned objects in public places; particularly those in polythene bags and other sacks to the nearest security checkpoints for immediate action.

It reads in part: “Accordingly, the security task force requests members of the public to be more concerned and

vigilant about happenings in and around their immediate environment.

The JTF further reminded the people that although curfew has been reviewed from11 p.m.- 6 a.m. daily, checks are continuously been conducted throughout the night in order to ensure safety, security of lives and property as well as consolidating on the successes recorded so far in our collective fight against terrorism.”

The Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Taminu Turaki (SAN) who gave the assurance yesterday during an interactive session with the diplomatic community, said that the major challenges confronting the committee were issues of establishing contact and maintaining confidence with the members of the sect He added: “ We have engaged the Boko Haram sect on critical dialogue and very soon a ceasefire pact will be signed and peace will return.

“The most challenging is the issue of dialogue, trying to establish contact and building confidence because most of them are afraid to come out, but because of what the committee has done, most of them have started to show up and we are at the point of trust .”

On the committee’s finding so far, the chairman said, “Because we do find things at the point of writing our

report, so when we begin writing our reports, we definitely make findings and it is at the basis of these findings that we draw our conclusions and it is from these conclusions that our recommendations will follow. Nigeria will certainly see what our recommendations will be when we submit the document.”

He also maintained that the tracking of an insurgent group like the Boko Haram is a gradual process, noting that the government has a will to end the problem.

He said :“The issue of terrorism is not something you solve within a day, particularly the kind of terrorism we have in Nigeria where you have a lot of elements masquerading into it, so it is something that has a lot of dimension.

“We are trying the best we can and this is something we have to approach holistically not only on the side of what the committee is doing, but even what the government, security agencies, and religious leaders are doing and well-meaning Nigerians are doing.”

Speaking of the Kano attacks, the CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor also expressed grief over a report that 16 Christians were last Sunday handcuffed and burnt to death by members of the Boko Haram sect within the precinct of a church at Biu

in Borno State.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Oritsejafor noted that with the bombing of the Pentecostal Church, the killing of non-indigenes of Christian faith in Kano and the 16 Christians burnt to death in Biu, the Federal Government should consider the handshake to the Islamic militant group as having extended beyond the elbow.

According to him, the Boko Haram sect is becoming more unrepentant while these latest killings of nonindigenes and Christians in their places of worship have further stirred the sensibilities of the people.

He added: “With this continued attacks on innocent Nigerians who are largely non-indigenes and churches in the northern part of the country for four years by the Boko Haram sect, the need for an all-round strategy to rein in the Islamic insurgents has become more imperative now more than ever before.”

It continued, “We in CAN commend officers and men of the special forces for taking extra-ordinary steps to protect the lives and property of innocent Nigerians.

“The Police and the State Security Service (SSS) should do the same and in addition sharpen their investigative skills. As it is, we would not be wrong to think that those who buy the extreme ideologies of the Boko Haram sect have infiltrated the ranks of all the security arms of the nation as intelligence sharing and management seem thwarted by agents of the sect within the system.”

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

4 NEWS

Balarabe Musa critically ill, flown abroad From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief ORMER civilian governor of FtionKaduna State and opposileader, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, is critically ill and has been flown to Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE) where he was billed to undergo an operation yesterday.

The former governor was initially said to have been admitted at Jiniya Hospital in Kaduna where the medical personnel told the family that the hospital could not undertake the operation and advised that he be flown overseas.

To that end, Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, arranged for his immediate movement to a specialist hospital in Dubai last Sunday ahead the surgery. Musa’s son, Malam Kassim Balarabe Musa, told The Guardian that his condition was getting better, adding that when he was admitted in Jiniya Hospital around March, surgery was recommended but the hospital does not have the facilities to carry it out.

“So, he was asked to go outside the country for the operation,” he added. “But my father does not have the money to go abroad for the operation. Later, the Governor of Kaduna State came to our rescue and sponsored the treatment in Dubai. By the grace of God, very soon he would undergo the operation and be treated.”

He noted, however, that the father, being a farmer and a strong man, did not take the

necessary rest when he was discharged from the Kaduna hospital but was still going to farm, adding: “It is not easy to have a big family and you stay at home, not working. I feel that is why he normally goes to the farm even when he is sick.

“Despite that he was still having pains, he went to the farm because he did not have the money and had to work for it. I know he hardly shares his personal problems with others, and would not ask people for assistance. We prayed to God to intervene and the intervention came through the governor.

“You know, if you want to make sacrifice, you definitely have to suffer and face some challenges, especially when you are in opposition and are a critic. He doesn’t have any work than farming.

“Even as his son, I am facing challenges. Since I graduated with a First Class degree in Communication Technology, I am yet to get a meaningful job for myself to support the family.”

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State (right) and others during the immunisation of children at the launch of pentavalent vaccine in Calabar… yesterday.

NUJ Lagos, FCT to picket Daar Communications over unpaid salaries

By Terhemba Daka, Abuja HE Lagos and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) councils of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have concluded

T

IGP tasks zonal commanders on escalating crime rate From Karls Tsokar, Abuja S reports continued to pour A in of rising wave of criminal activities across the country, the Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, has tasked zonal commanders and officers in charge of police formations in Nigeria to rise up to their responsibilities.

At a meeting in Abuja yesterday with Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police (AIGs) in charge of zones and formations across the country, Abubakar charged the commanders, “wake up from your perceived slumber and address the issue of insecurity frontally.”

TheGuardian SATURDAY, August 3, 2013

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

Now that

APC is ‘born,’ what are its prospects and challenges, especially in the Anambra Nov 16 governorship election?

As the National Assembly takes over the duties of crisisridden Rivers State House of Assembly, some believe the move was hasty, while others say it was apt. But how is it going to work?

‘How I Met The Man of My Dreams’ Want a relationship that could lead to something permanent?

Read Love Connections on Love & Life page.

The Guardian On Saturday...you simply can’t put it down!

plans to picket Daar Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower broadcast stations, over 15 months salary arrears to workers.

Disclosing this after an emergency meeting with the NUJ National Secretariat in Abuja yesterday, the two councils resolved to proceed with the proposed industrial action following the failure of the media organisation to settle all outstanding salaries as agreed at a meeting between the union and the organisation in Abuja, with its Chairman, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, presiding.

A statement by the chairmen of both councils, Deji Elumoye and Chuks Ehirim re-

spectively, stated that the picketing became imperative to safeguard the welfare of their members while also protecting the journalism profession.

The councils wondered why a foremost and viable media organisation like Daar Communications should owe workers as much as 15 months salaries without regard to condition of service of journalists in the establishment.

They further regretted the organisation’s non-chalance to workers’ well-being as shown by the outcome of a meeting Dokpesi held recently with them in Alagbado, Lagos, adding that they have no option to the planned industrial

FAAN reconciles N15m alleged tax default

By Wole Shadare and Chika Goodluck-Ogazi HE Federal Airports AuthorT ity of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has resolved the issue of outstanding tax payment with the Edo State Government after its Managing Director, Mr. George Uriesi, visited Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City on Wednesday.

According to FAAN’s Spokesman, Mr. Yakubu Dati, FAAN was up to date with its remittance of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) for Benin Airport up to June 2013 as the authority pays the state government directly from the Benin Airport as soon as salaries are paid. Receipts

for such monthly payments were made available for verification, he said.

He explained that what the state sends yearly for payment is shortfalls in such monthly payments, arrived at after reconciliation of accounts with FAAN’s consultants. And from that, the only outstanding payment was for 2011, which amounted to about N15 million, a cheque for which he said was ready.

Dati regretted that the Edo Inland Revenue Service did not exploit all official avenues to resolve the issue of taxes before taking actions that inconvenienced airlines, passengers and other airport users.

Female councillors, legislators to write First Lady on Rivers’ crisis From Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt EMALE council executives FStateand legislators in Rivers are making plans to write the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, regarding the political crisis in the state.

The move became necessary due to the negative effects of the crisis on the indigenes’ psyche, the crippling of economic activities in the state as well as for peace and security, head of the forum and Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Council, Maureen Tamuno, said.

Noting that the elected grassroots women played vital roles during the 2011 presidential

election that brought President Goodluck Jonathan to power, the forum said the state does not deserve the ugly political happenings within it.

Therefore, it wants the First Lady to continue to advocate for peace in the state.

It also appealed to President Jonathan, the Senate, House of Representatives and elders of the state to intensify efforts at restoring peace, warning that the continuous stay of the Police Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu, could further destabilise the state.

It further appealed to the women and youths in the state to avoid being used as pawn to achieve illegal political ends.

Ondo seeks FG’s assistance in flood control From Niyi Bello, Akure HE Ondo State GovernT ment is seeking the assistance of the Presidency’s Ecological Department in its planned massive clearing of river courses in the state to avoid excessive flooding as predicted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the current rainy season.

Disclosing that last year’s flood was averted in the state because of early preventive measures such as the channellisation of river courses and clearing of drainages, the Commissioner for Environment, Sola Ebiseeni, said the same measures were being employed as the rains return.

Ebiseeni, who spoke while inspecting the ongoing clearing and widening of the Ala River bank in Akure yesterday, stressed that the project would gulp billions of naira, therefore the recourse to the Federal Government for preventive rather than remedial aid, which cannot account for lost lives.

Security men bar journalists from Ombatse inquiry From Msugh Ityokura Lafia ECURITY operatives yesterSticularly day barred journalists, parthose from the private print media, from covering proceedings at the judicial commission on Ombatse killings currently sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Some journalists had arrived at the venue of the tribunal at the state Magistrate’s Court on Shendam Road but were denied entry into the premises by some stern-looking policemen and State Security Service (SSS) officers, whose men were killed recently by the Ombatse cult group. No reason was offered.

Meanwhile, more security personnel have been deployed at the venue following an attack on relations of most of the witnesses at the commission, the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Shehu, said. However, findings revealed that fears, occasioned by the withdrawal of the Ombatse council from proceedings, led to the beefing up of security.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

NEWS | 5

FG inaugurates panel on road surveillance From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja HE Federal Government T has put the asset base of road infrastructure in the country today at about N3 trillion.

The Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, who disclosed this yesterday while inaugurating Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action Against Road Abuse in Abuja, said infrastructure is the key to realisation of the transformation agenda as power, road and the railway are very critical to the development of any economy.

Yuguda, who noted that over 90 per cent of movement of freight and passengers in the country are done by road, said this development puts heavy pressure on the roads.

He decried the high level of abuse of the roads, stressing that government would intensify action on the construction of weighbridges across the country.

Niger revokes road contracts in nine councils From John Ogiji, Minna IGER State government has N announced revocation of the contracts for the construction of roads in nine local councils.

About 90 kilometers of roads, under the government’s 10kilometre per local council programme, are affected. The local councils where the road projects are affected include Rafi Shiroro, Gbako, Magama, Bosso, Katcha, Agaie and Mariga.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Mr. Adamu Jagaba, said the initial contract sum for each of the projects ranged from N300 million to N800 million.

According to Jagaba, the contracts were revoked because the contractors exhibited high degree of incapability to execute them, adding that arrangements have been completed to rearward the jobs to more serious contractors.

Adeniran blames Ekiti PDP crisis on external forces From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head, South-West Bureau, Ado-Ekiti) ORMER Minister of EducaFDemocratic tion and chieftain of Peoples Party (PDP) in Ekiti, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, has blamed the lingering crisis rocking the state chapter of the party on external forces.

Adeniran, who spoke with journalists yesterday in AdoEkiti, expressed his support for consensus arrangement to select the party’s standard-bearer in the 2014 governorship election.

Ekiti PDP has been in crisis since the Makanjuola Ogundide-led State Executive Committee announced a committee to work out template for a consensus candidate among the over 24 aspirants seeking the ticket of the party.

Adeniran, who expressed dissatisfaction with the dimension the crisis has assumed, appealed to all warring factions to sheathe their sword and embrace peace to ensure the success of the party at the next election.

An alleged fraudster/operator of illegal universities, David Lornmen (middle), being arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja…yesterday.

PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Nigeria recorded $8.9 billion foreign investment in 2012, says minister From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja

• To probe sack of Nigerian acting Gambian CJ

INISTER of Foreign AfM fairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, yesterday disclosed that the

minister said the direct investment in 2012 was far higher than the USD6.1 billion recorded in 2011.

According to him, the ministry has adopted the strategy of focusing attention on economic diplomacy by attracting huge investments into the country in the last two years, a decision, he said, has a salutary effect on the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ashiru explained that to achieve this, the ministry formed strategic partnerships with a number of countries in order to support the investment drive.

He named United States of America, Britain, Germany, China, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Canada and a few other countries as partners for the direct invest-

country recorded $8.9 billion Foreign Direct Investment inflow in 2012.

He also said the ministry was investigating the circumstances surrounding the sack of the Nigerian acting Chief Justice of Gambia, Joseph Wowor, who was alleged to have asked for bribe.

The minister also reiterated that Nigeria would take appropriate measures to ensure the rights of Nigerians are protected in view of the £3000 pound bond slammed by the British government on Nigerians seeking to travel to the United Kingdom.

Briefing members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the

ments.

Giving a breakdown of the investment inflow, Ashiru said the General Electric Company of U.S. is investing over $1.0 billion in the construction of a factory in Calabar, Cross River State capital, to manufacture gas turbines for the power sector, not just for the Nigerian market but throughout Africa.

The minister said with the support of the German government, the Siemens of Germany would also establish a local manufacturing factory in Lagos for production of small and medium scale gas turbines for the power sector in Nigeria.

He spoke on financial inflow of 65 million Euro for the 30 megawatts Kiri Dam project in Adamawa; financial inflow of 50 million Euro for the 20 megawatts Yola solar power

station and another financial inflow of 1.5 billion Euro for the 450 megawatts Gombe coal-to-power station.

From China, he said “apart from the involvement of China in the development of infrastructure and other construction activities, it has granted a soft loan of $500 million for the construction of a light rail in and around Abuja”.

In answer to a question on the campaign by foreign countries on legalisation of

Arthur Nwankwo lauds verdict on deregistration of parties From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu LDER statesman and leader E of the People’s Mandate Party (PMP), Dr. Arthur Agwuncha Nwankwo, has hailed the pronouncement of the

Saraki’s office confirms receipt of EFCC invitation From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja HE Office of Senator T Bukola Saraki has confirmed receiving, yesterday, an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), days after a newspaper (not The Guardian) alleged that the former governor shunned the agency’s invitation.

According to a statement signed by Bamikole Omishore of Senator Saraki’s Media Office, “We confirm the receipt of the invitation from the anti-graft body on behalf of Senator Bukola Saraki, who is currently out of the country on a lesser Hajj, performing his religious obligations.

“However, the senator will be more than happy upon his return from Saudi Arabia to honour the invitation and assist the EFCC in its investigations, just as he has done in 2011 and 2012 on the same matter.”

The statement continued: “We unequivocally maintain that the pages of newspaper are not the appropriate way to notify any Nigerian of an invitation to assist with an investigation prior to a written notice and duly delivered to our office.”

Saraki’s office, in an earlier statement, had emphasised that the senator had not received any letter of invitation from EFCC. “When on Monday the said

We confirm the receipt of the invitation from the anti-graft body on behalf of Senator Bukola Saraki, who is currently out of the country on a lesser Hajj, performing his religious obligations. paper wrote that the agency intends to invite Saraki for investigation on his tenure as governor of Kwara State and investigation into Societe Generale Bank Nigeria Ltd (SGBN), we did not think it was on the pages of newspapers that a professional organisation like the EFCC will invite people.

“Nevertheless, Saraki immediately directed his office workers in Abuja, Ilorin and Lagos, who are currently on recess, to report to work to

gay, Ashiru said “foreign countries, which legalised gay should not impose such negative values on us. Majority of Nigerians are against it. It is not part of our culture, tradition, religion and laws. We shall stand firm to oppose it.

We shall not interfere in the affairs of other countries and they should not interfere in ours”.

On the Nigerian-Gambian judge, the minister clarified that the country would not defend any Nigerian who break

make sure they were on ground to receive any invitation, and neither did we receive an invitation nor a visit from the EFCC officials on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

“For the avoidance of doubt, those who have been keen observers of this unfolding drama will recall that the agency had conducted an investigation in 2010, 2011 and 2012 without finding the senator wanting.”

Federal High Court, Abuja, on de-registration of political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to Nwankwo, the verdict is an indication that the legal profession may be the crucial organ to reclaim the destiny of the country from the jaws of political dictatorship.

The court, in a suit filed by the Fresh Party, was said to have ruled on Monday that INEC had no powers to de-register any political party in the country without recourse to the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The court added that though Section 228 of the Constitution vests the National Assembly with the powers to enact the Electoral Act, it does not confer on it power to direct INEC to de-register any political party that failed to win a seat in either the state or National Assembly elections.

Nwankwo, in a statement in Enugu yesterday, said the pronouncement of the court, even in the midst of political pressures and executive racialism, was cheering news for a system that had become notori-

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

6 | NEWS

Police meet school heads over security From John Akubo, Dutse O counter any possible atT tack on schools in Jigawa State, the state police command has been meeting with Senior Secondary School Principals to brainstorm on measures to avert such incident.

This is coming against the backdrop of current security challenges in some neighbouring northern states where some schools were attacked and scores of students lost their lives, specifically in Yobe and Borno states, as well as the recent stealing of computers and stationeries in some schools in the state.

Delta warns erring doctors From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba ORRIED by the lackW adaisical attitude of doctors employed by the Delta

Secretary, Linguistic Association of Nigeria and Chairman, Governing Council, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi, Prof. Andrew Haruna (right); Special Guest, Prof. Emiritus Ayo Bamgbose, and founder of Dr Bukar Usman Foundation, Dr. Bukar Usman, during the presentation of award for meritorious services in Nigerian languages to Usman at the 50th anniversary of the West African Languages Congress (WALC) held at the University of Ibadan on Tuesday.

WHO urges paternity leave, Nigeria laments dropping breast-feeding rate

State Hospital Management Board, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara has warned that erring doctors risked being sacked.

Otumara told reporters in Asaba yesterday that some doctors who engaged in unprofessional conduct have been fired from the service, saying not even the threat of being taken to the court by such doctors will deter the state government from instilling sanity in the system.

Rep flays attack on Agatu villages From Joseph Wantu, Makurdi

From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja HE World Health Organisation (WHO) in Abuja yesterday made a fresh call for a law to enable a father take time off work to be with his wife and new baby.

The call is coming as the Federal Government raised the alarm that the rate of exclusive breast-feeding is again dropping, putting the infant child at the risk of killer diseases.

Speaking at 2013 World Breast Feeding Week flag-off in Abuja by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. A. L. Mbene, who represented Country Director, stressed that WHO supports paternity

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• Breast-feeding, effective way of saving child, says UNICEF leave as a deliberate way of assisting the mother and child during the infant stage.

He said: “Though rare, we think that the time has come for it across the world. We also support the establishment of crèches in offices where mothers can go and feed the baby.”

At the occasion, Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu lamented that the rate at which mothers obey the exclusive breast feeding policy was dropping and called for urgent attention to support mothers and the children to optimal exclusive

breastfeeding practices.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week has as theme: “Breastfeeding support: Close to mothers.”

He said: “Too often a time, it has been observed that in the course of exclusive breastfeeding, there is always a sharp decline in sustaining the tempo a few weeks by mothers after delivery. This sharp decline underscores the importance of the theme, which emphasises breastfeeding peer counseling as a cost effective and highly productive way of reaching large number of mothers more

Naval chiefs seek effective laws for Gulf of Guinea states From Anietie Akpan, Calabar AVAL Chiefs and Coast Guards of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) have called for an effective legal regime for maritime law enforcement in the gulf.

Their resolve was stated in a communiqué at the end of the first Gulf of Guinea Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Conference (RMACC) yesterday at the Tinapa Lakeside Hotel.

The communiqué which was read on their behalf by Rear Admiral Raphael Osondu, the Director of Plans, Naval headquarters, Abuja, at the end of the three-day conference also called for collaboration for development of capability for effective response and capacity for maritime domain awareness

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coverage within individual and common sea areas of member GoG states.

While expressing the willingness of members to facilitate the designation and establishment of national focal points of contact for information sharing on maritime domain awareness in each member state of GoG by December 2013, they sought for the establishment and activation of a common maritime information sharing mechanism through the establishment of Inter-Regional Coordination Centre by March 2014.

They stated the desire to initiate the integration of maritime domain awareness efforts through equipment and procedural interoperability by December 2013 and

the resolve to establish centres of excellence on capacity building for maritime domain awareness in the Gulf of Guinea.

They said, “in line with the foregoing, we the undersigned express the will to: develop basic capability for maritime domain awareness in each member state. Conduct combined annual exercises among navies and coast guards in the GoG. “Invite regional bodies, regional mechanisms, friendly navies and other stakeholders to partner with the GoG navies and coast guards in their desire to improve maritime domain awareness capacity and response capability among the GoG states and to sustain the RMAC conference annually”.

frequently. The period when mothers do not visit a healthcare facility is the time when a community support system for mothers is essential. Trained peer counselors, readily available in the community become the lifeline for mothers with breastfeeding challenges. The key to best breastfeeding practices is continued day-to-day support breastfeeding mother in her home and community.

“With continuation of training peer counselors and in addition to those already trained in most communities across the country, I have no doubt in my mind that Nigeria is on the track of ensuring early initiation of breastfeeding within 30 minutes after delivery and promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. This, if adequately followed with the introduction of adequate and safe complementary foods at the six months of life and continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond, the suboptimal infant and young child feeding practices resulting to malnutrition will be averted.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also described breastfeeding as the most effective and inexpensive way of saving a child’s life.

UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Geeta Rao Gupta said: “But with less than half of all children under six months benefitting from exclusive breastfeeding, strong leadership in promoting the prac-

tice is essential.

“There is no other single health intervention that has such a high impact for babies and mothers as breastfeeding and which costs so little for governments. Children who are exclusively breastfed are 14 times more likely to survive the first six months of life than nonbreastfed children. Starting breastfeeding in the first day after birth can reduce the risk of new-born death by up to 45 per cent.

“Breastfeeding also supports a child’s ability to learn and helps prevent obesity and chronic diseases later in life.

Recent studies in the United States and United Kingdom point to large health care savings resulting from breastfeeding, given that breastfed children fall ill much less often than non-breastfed children,” Gupta said.

According to UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, “Apart from the benefits to the baby, mothers who breastfeed exclusively are less likely to become pregnant in the first six months following delivery, recover faster from giving birth, and return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner. Evidence shows that they experience less post-partum depression and also have a lower risk of ovarian and breast cancers later in life.”

In a bid to boost such low rates UNICEF and the National Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health in May launched a “10m2of Love” campaign to locate, register, certify and publicise breastfeeding rooms in order to raise awareness and support for breastfeeding.

OUSE of Representatives H member representing Agatu/Apa Federal Constituency, Hon. Adamu Entonu, has condemned the recent attack on two villages in Agatu Local Council Area of Benue State by gunmen just as he described the attack as inexcusable, inhuman and unwarranted.

The lawmaker in a statement by his media aide, Attah Edeh, reiterated the need for those engaged in the incessant attacks on the Agatu/Apa Federal Constituency to have a rethink and embrace the peace pact brokered by governments of Benue and Nasarawa states. Entonu added that peaceful coexistence would enhance social economic development of the two areas.

Group tasks Jonathan on poor infrastructure in S’South From Anietie Akpan, Calabar GROUP, the South-South A Consolidated Forum (SCF), has urged President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the region.

The group said this was necessary, to address the problems of decayed infrastructure and under development in the region.

The group which spoke through its President, Chief Dick K.L. Harry while addressing newsmen in Calabar yesterday emphasised the need for government to show commitment in improving the lot of the region that produces the wealth of the nation.

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

Borno urges govt to recruit more policemen From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri ORNO State government B has called on the Federal Government and the Police Service Commission (POSC) to recruit and train more policemen, while their welfare, logistics and accommodation are fully provided and equipped to overcome the security challenges being faced by the Police and other security agencies in the country.

Addressing the Assistant Inspector of Police (AIG), Mr. Edgar Tam Nanakumo, on Wednesday at the Government House, Maiduguri, the Deputy Governor, Zanna Umar Mustapha, declared that the lives of policemen and other security personnel could have been “saved and protected” from the four-year Boko Haram insurgency that torched several police stations in the Northeast sub-region.

NMA set to battle quacks in Bauchi From Ali Garba, Bauchi HE Nigerian Medical AssociT ation (NMA) in Bauchi yesterday vowed to flush out quacks in medical profession in its current anti-quackery efforts’ drive in private health institutions across the state.

Chairman of the Anti-Quackery Committee of the association, Dr. Abubakar Abdulrahman, noted that it is to a culture of the profession that doctors are supposed to have the highest level of medical and specialised education.

“There is dynamism in the medical profession; especially doctors and it’s because of the dynamism involved; the doctors once they finish their national youth service and get jobs elsewhere, they go anywhere to further their education”, he said.

Enugu council election holds November 2 From Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) HE Enugu State IndependT ent Elections Commission (ENSIEC) yesterday restated its commitment to continue to enthrone democracy at the grassroots, just as it fixed November 2 for the conduct of the 2013 local council elections in the state.

The state Chairman of ENSIEC, Dr. Boniface Eneh, who announced this while issuing notice of the elections to stakeholders and leaders of political parties in the state, said the Commission intends to improve on the conduct of the 2011 council elections.

Manager, Marketing, NLNG Abdulkadir Ahmed (left); President, Nigeria LP Gas Association, Dayo Adeshina; LPG Dept, Petroleum Product Marketing Company, Betty Ugona; MD, NLNG, Babs Omotowa; COO, OANDO Downstream, Olaposi Williams; GM, Commercial, Patrick Olinma and Mohammed Buba at the External Stakeholders’ Forum organised by NLNG in Abuja…yesterday

Govt earns N6.7tr from Shell in five years From Gordi Udeajah (Umuahia) and Sulaimon Salau (Lagos) HE Federal Government T may have earned about $42 billion (N6,720 trillion) from the operations of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the last five years.

The Country Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director, SPDC, Mutiu Sunmonu, disclosed this yesterday while launching the company’s 2013 briefing notes and the new “Let’s Go” campaign in Lagos.

Sunmonu, who highlighted the company’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy in the past years, said the “Let’s Go” campaign is a clarion call on all Nigerians to join Shell in doing great things that impact positively on the nation.

According to him, Shell’s sister company, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Nigeria Limited (SNEPCo), which operates in the deep offshore water, has also contributed in excess of $25 billion to the government in the last five years (2008-2012).

He stated that the Federal

• ‘Nigeria loses 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily’ Government receives about 95 per cent of the revenue after cost from the SPDC operated joint venture.

Poised to work in line with the zero gas flare initiative of the Federal Government, the oil multinational said it has commenced gas-gathering projects to cover about 90 per cent of the associated gas produced from its facilities.

The facilities, estimated to gulp about $6 billion, are expected to be completed by 2014/2015.

“In 2012, SPDC committed to two big capital projects (Forcados Yokri and Southern Swamp) that is expected to gather an additional 35 per cent of gas flare by 2014/2015, thus taking the SPDC joint venture flaring intensity to below current global average.

“These projects, when completed, will make more gas available for use in Nigeria power stations and industries, and will extend associated gas gathering (AGG) coverage to more than 90 per cent of the associated gas produced. SPDC estimates the entire AGG programme will

Edo CP tasks students on exam malpractice From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City S a way of improving stanA dard of education in Nigeria, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Folusho Adebanjo, yesterday said his Command was ready to ensure that anyone caught in examination malpractice faces the wrath of the law.

Adebanjo, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Moses

Eguavoen (DSP), said this at a workshop organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) while presenting a paper “Criminal Content and Consequences of Examination Malpractices Among Students”, said there was no better time than now to discuss the issues since most examinations have become characterised by “fraud, cheating and malpractice”.

He said: “Under the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17

Section 16, Sub Section A-D, the law provides that: any person who in anticipation of, before or at any examination, fraudulently or with intent to cheat or secure any unfair advantage for himself or any other person or in abuse or his office procure, sell, buy, or otherwise deal with any question paper intended for the examination, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years”.

cost over $6 billion when completed.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the House of Representatives Downstream Petroleum Resources Committee, Mr. Dagogo Peterside, said in Umuahia, Abia State capital, that Nigeria lost about 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to pipeline vandalism, describing the scenario as very worrisome.

Peterside disclosed this when members of his committee, on oversight functions in the state, paid a courtesy call on the state Governor Theodore Orji. He thus urged the governor to assist in addressing the trend by causing a round-the-clock security patrol along the pipeline route.

He said one of the consequences of pipeline vandalism has been a drop in rev-

enue allocation and indicated that his committee was exploring the use of budgetary provision to ensure hitchfree operation of the Aba NNPC petroleum products distribution depot.

Governor Orji told the committee that his government took the worrisome matter serious, adding that those who engaged in kidnapping, had, after being dislodged from their nefarious activities, gone into pipeline vandalism.

The governor lamented that since then, allocation to the state from oil derivation dropped but asserted that his government was doing all things possible to check it drastically.

Sunmonu, commenting further on the Let’s Go campaign, said it is intended to demonstrate Shell’s contri-

bution towards a better future for Nigeria and its people.

He said the Shell’s message in the adverts are built around gas, health, education and job creation, “and we believe that this ‘life’ issues will enable Nigerians to relate better to the challenges of a secure energy future”.

The campaign, which would be running on newspapers, bill-boards, television and radio stations, is described as the Shell’s first advertising of its type in Nigeria since the corporate identity campaign about a decade and half ago.

Sunmonu said, besides the theme being country-specific, the campaign is also Nigeria content-compliant. He added that a Nigerian agency produced all the materials using Nigerian models in locations around the country.

Plan to end frequent Gombe, Yobe boundary disputes underway From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo TRATEGY to end frequent Sbetween boundary disputes the border communities in Gombe and Yobe states are being worked out by the leadership of the National Boundary Commission (NBC).

Among the plans revealed by the Yobe State Deputy Governor, Abubakar Aliyu, who visited Gombe State yesterday, was the resolve of the leadership of the boundary commission to embark on sensitisation visits to all the boundary communities in the two states.

If this is done, Aliyu observed, the exercise would

go a long way in dousing the tensions of disputes that have existed between the various communities that shared common boundaries in both states.

Optimistic that such measure would help mediate between the neighbouring states on the boundary problems, the Commission, he said, has mandated them to visit and sympathise with victims of the recent boundary disputes that led to massive loss of lives and property between the communities along Gombe/Yobe border.

He vowed that the Commission and the leadership of both states would not live

any stone unturned to find permanent solution to the incessant boundary disputes, which are on the verge of sowing seeds of discord among the people.

In his reaction, Gombe State Deputy Governor, Mr. Tha’anda Rubainu, stressed the need for the people of the two affected states to sustain the age-long cordial relationship that has been existing between them, as that, according to him, would continue to promote rapid growth in the two states.

Rubainu emphasised the need for the two states to come together to showcase the cultures they share in common, instead of feuding.

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WorldReport U.S. kidnapper, Ariel Castro, gets 1000 years jail term for rape, others OR kidnapping three Fcaptive women and holding them for a decade in his Ohio home, Cleveland in United States (U.S.), Ariel Castro was sentenced to 1000 years in prison with no chance of parole yesterday.

Judge Michael Russo imposed the hefty sentence, which is ostensibly life in prison, for an aggravated murder charge laid after Castro – 53-year-old – forcibly terminated the pregnancies of one of his captives.

The judge also imposed stiff penalties for hundreds of others charges, including rape and kidnapping.

He imposed the prison sentence after an emotional court hearing at which one of Castro’s victims, Michelle Knight, 32, said the former school bus driver put her through a life of hell.

“I served 11 years of hell. Now your hell is just beginning,” Knight said of Castro in a statement read to the court.

Castro pleaded guilty last week to hundreds of criminal charges to avoid the possibility of the death penalty.

Amanda Berry, 27, Gina DeJesus, 23 and Knight, all went missing from the west side of Cleveland between 2002 and 2004. They were discovered on May 6 after neighbours heard Berry’s cries for help from Castro’s home.

Wearing leg shackles and dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit, Castro listened to her testimony without expression.

Amanda Berry, 27, Gina DeJesus, 23 and Knight, all went missing from the west side of Cleveland between 2002 and 2004. They were discovered on May 6 after neighbours heard Berry’s cries for help from Castro’s home.

The kidnapper admitted at the hearing yesterday that he was a sick man but said he is not the monster described by prosecutors.

Castro delivered a rambling statement to the court that he made no excuses for his behaviour, which he said was “wrong.”

However, during the hearing yesterday, U.S. police described the harrowing scene

in the Ohio home when they rescued the three women who were kidnapped and repeatedly raped over the course of a decade.

Castro claimed he had acted on impulse as a result of sexual addiction.

He had pleaded guilty after prosecutors agreed to take the death penalty off the table in a deal that will see him spend the rest of his life in prison with no chance of parole.

Knight, who was snatched off the street in 2002 at the age of 20, said death would have been “so much easier” for her tormenter.

Castro said that he still couldn’t understand why he held the three women captive, but insisted “there was harmony in that home.”

“I am not a monster. I was

sick,” Castro said, insisting he was addicted to sex and pornography.

He also insisted the women were lying when they said he beat them, declaring, “I am not a violent person.”

“Most of the sex that went on in the house, probably all of it, was consensual,” Castro claimed.

“There was times they would even ask me for sex, many times. These girls were not virgins.”

More than 92 pounds (42 kilos) of chains were found in the filthy, darkened home where the women were kept in locked rooms with boarded up windows.

Even more horrifying were the stories the thin, pale and bruised women told upon their release.

“The damage that was done was a life sentence,” psychiatrist Frank Ochberg testified.

The case came to light after Amanda Berry, 27, managed to escape with her six-yearold daughter by calling out to a neighbour for help through a locked front door on May 6.

Snowden gets Russian asylum, leaves airport NITED States’ (U.S.) U wanted intelligence leaker, Edward Snowden, yesterday left the Moscow airport where he was marooned for five weeks, after Russia granted him one year’s asylum in a move that risks infuriating Washington.

Snowden slipped out of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport in a cloak-and-dagger operation overseen by his Russian lawyer but unnoticed by the hordes of media trying to follow his every move.

The former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor was whisked away to an undisclosed location, leaving

his lawyer to reveal that Snowden had received temporary asylum in Russia just two weeks after making an application.

“Snowden has left Sheremetyevo airport. He has just been given a certificate that he has been awarded temporary asylum in Russia for one year,” lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told AFP. A spokeswoman for Sheremetyevo confirmed he had left the airport after 2:00 p.m. (1000 GMT). A grainy still image published by Rossiya 24 television showed a young man with a rucksack – apparently Snowden – about to get into a car outside

Mali to announce election result today ALIANS will know the reM sults of a first round of voting in the nation’s crunch presidential election today, a day later than expected.

No explanation was given for the delay, announced by the presidency’s Twitter account yesterday, but an official from the ministry of territorial administration said vote-counting had not been completed following Sunday’s polls.

“The law allows us until Friday for the publication of interim results and we have not quite finished counting. It is tedious work,” the official said.

The crucial election came after a disastrous March 2012 coup ousting president Amadou Toumani Toure,

which left one of the region’s most stable democracies crippled by political crisis and led to an Islamist insurgency.

As hardline Al-Qaeda allies took control of the country’s vast north, and threatened to extend their often violent rule, former colonial power France launched a military offensive to drive out the Islamist fighters.

The election is seen as key to the country’s recovery.

Initial results showed on Tuesday that former prime minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita had taken a comfortable lead, and interior minister Moussa Sinko Coulibaly said there would be no need for a second round vote on August 11 if the trend continued.

Tunisian leaders, opposition hold talks to defuse crisis UNISIA’S leaders started T talks yesterday with opposition and civil society repre-

President Bashar al-Assad talking with Syrian soldiers during a visit to Daraya, a former rebel bastion now mainly under government control, southwestern of the capital, Damascus…yesterday. Assad, who is increasingly confident after his forces inflicted two major defeats on rebels, repeated during the visit that he was sure of victory.

PHOTO: AFP

Mugabe’s allies claim victory, rivals label polls as ‘sham’ S results of Zimbabwe’s A election were being collated yesterday, President Robert Mugabe’s allies declared that the veteran leader had romped to victory.

However, Mugabe’s rivals rejected the claim and branded the vote a “sham.”

A top member of Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party told Agence France Presse (AFP) that Mugabe had trounced Morgan Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic Change in Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

“We have romped (to victory) in a very emphatic manner,” said the party member

Britain expresses concern who asked not to be named.

“We have won all of them, including the presidential and parliamentary.”

But the claim was swiftly slapped down by Tsvangirai, bidding for a third time to end 89-year-old Mugabe’s 33year rule of the troubled southern African country.

“It’s a sham election that does not reflect the will of the people,” he said, pointing to a litany of alleged irregularities.

“In our view this election is null and void,” he added. “This election has been a huge

farce.”

“The shoddy manner in which it has been conducted and the consequent illegitimacy of the result will plunge this country into a serious crisis.”

Meanwhile, Britain said yesterday it was concerned that Zimbabwe had not enacted important electoral reform before Wednesday’s vote and by reports that large numbers of voters had been turned away.

“We are also concerned by the late publication of the

electoral roll,” a spokesman for the British Foreign Office told Reuters. “Any judgment on the credibility of elections will need to take these factors into account.”

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said the count has been completed and results are now being collated from the first vote since bloody polls in 2008 led to an uneasy power-sharing deal between Tsvangirai and Mugabe.

Tsvangirai stopped short of claiming victory himself, a move that could have enflamed tensions in a country where political violence is common.

sentatives to try to defuse the country’s latest political crisis, prompted by last week’s murder of an opposition lawmaker.

The talks came as supporters and critics of the government continue to hold street protests every night after breaking the Ramadan fast, particularly in Bardo Square outside parliament.

President Moncef Marzouki, a secular ally of the ruling Islamist Ennahda party, met with leaders of the Republican Party, who are demanding “a national salvation government” led by

an independent, a video released by the presidency showed.

“The rescue of Tunisia lies in the formation of a national salvation government headed by an independent and consensual personality whose members will not stand in the forthcoming elections, with a programme to combat terrorism and political violence” said Maya Jribi, a Republican leader.

Marzouki did not comment.

Mohamed Hamdi, member of the Democratic Alliance, called for “a government of skills” and a team of leading political figures to support it, particularly in drafting a new constitution.

Court upholds Berlusconi’s sentence for tax fraud TALY’S top court yesterday Itence confirmed a prison senfor former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in the first ever definitive conviction in a tumultuous career of the billionaire tycoon.

The court upheld a tax fraud sentence of four years in prison of which three years are covered by an amnesty, even though Berlusconi is certain to be granted community service or house arrest instead.

Italy yesterday braced for the imminent verdict in the

case that could see the scandal-tainted former prime minister booted out of parliament and put under house arrest.

Dozens of police officers blocked off the road in front of Berlusconi’s Rome residence ahead of the landmark ruling, which could upset the coalition government in the eurozone’s third largest economy.

Supporters and opponents of the billionaire tycoon staged small demonstrations in different parts of Rome.

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Politics Let’s have referendum on a new Constitution, says Babalola Whether the powers that be would listen or not to wise counsels from patriotic Nigerians and genuine stakeholders in the struggle for a people-driven constitution is definitely another ball game. This however has not stopped this group of Nigerians, among whom is Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), a constitutional lawyer, with over 50 years in practice and an elder statesman who witnessed the good old days and the hope the 1960 independence offered, from crying out loud that the on-going constitutional amendment could only lead to a dimmer future for the country, unless the exercise is halted and a new and people-driven constitution is put in place. He spoke with ABIODUN FANORO on this and some other national issues.

HY is Nigeria perpetually in crisis of constituW tion making?

I happened to be one of the lucky Nigerians in England when Nigeria got independence in 1960.

We had gone to England with the British Passport.

While we were there, Nigeria became independent.

This gave us the option either to retain our British Passport or to take the newly independent Nigerian Passport. We were all very proud of Nigeria. People,Whites and Blacks, looked at us with admiration and envy. In England then, there was unemployment, opportunities were few, the Nigerian currency was stronger. In the face of this reality, we asked ourselves, why do we want to stay in England when we had the new Promised Land that is Nigeria. That was why we opted for the Nigerian Passport. Prior to independence, our leaders, great men like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo or Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello etc had met several times at the historic Lancaster London, where they agreed on a constitution that would allow each component part of Nigeria to develop at its own rate. This implied that each of these recognized components would develop along its own culture, along its different value-system, along its distinct economic opportunities, its educational aspiration and its religious belief or value-system.

The same constitution, which they arrived at, would allow these regions to develop along the line of their differences in a united polity called Nigeria.

That was the genesis of the famous world “Unity in diversity.”

Western Nigeria was the most advanced, educationally, economically and in other spheres of life.

The region was lucky to have a great man like Awolowo. The region was forging ahead in every good thing and other regions were following.

There was a healthy competition in terms of development to the extent that the World Bank reckoned that at the pace with (Nigeria) was moving, Nigeria, Brazil and India would soon catch up with the developed world. Indeed, Brazil and India had caught up; sadly Nigeria has remained at the starting point, because the military, which came shortly after independence, destroyed everything that was achieved immediately after independence. The foundation for development, which the independence constitution laid, was brutally destroyed.

Since then, the country has been groping in the dark, the wheel of progress began by the Western Region and progressively followed by the remaining region has remained halted due to our failure to pattern our constitution along the line and culture of true federalism, which our independence leader after painstaking discussions, arrived at.

Ever since, it has been one step forward three or more years backward.

It is about 14 years that the military has vacated power for a democratic rule. Why have we not been able to put our house in order since?

The easiest to do is to destroy while the most difficult thing to do is to build. Many years of destruction have led to a situation where all the ethnicnations’ stakeholders would have to sit down to work out a constitution that would suit the country again. We have never had this opportunity again.

Babalola The 1999 constitution was not made by Nigerians (ethnic nationalities). It was far different from the one our founding leaders bestowed on the country at independence. What they handed over to us was a true federal constitution, but the current one is nothing but a unitary constitution. One consequence of this defective 1999 constitution is the fact that it has impaired the development of the country, using the tool of regionalism or the component structures. Today, what you have is that the component states go to the Federal government in Abuja with Cap in hand to collect monthly allocation that are tragically too small for any meaningful development. Most of these states after paying salaries of workers as well as for other essentials have nothing left for any tangible development. Also, nothing is left to create as well as promote employment. That is why today, you have millions of unemployed youths roaming all our major towns and cities. Every year, several thousands of graduates – from tertiary institutions are added to these millions. This is apart from ethnic and religion related violence that spring up every day to threaten the corporate existence of the country. You see, we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder.

We are not under a colonial rule, why is it then that our leaders cannot summon the courage, wear the banner of patriotism and take the bold and decisive step to right this wrong?

Well, some people like Prof. Ben Nwabueze, former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi have all joined me to advocate for a Sovereign National Conference. I am also aware that many ethnic-nationality groups as well as several civil society-groups, have at different occasions made similar calls. But tragically, we have been told by those who are benefiting from this defective document and system that those of us who are advocating are just a tiny minority. However, many discerning Nigerians have continued to seek to know where and when they conducted the referendum that put advocates of a new constitution in the minority. The problem is that the few who are benefiting from this lop-sided constitution do not want a change.

What they are interested in is a cosmetic amendment to this so-called federal constitution. They won’t touch the most important defects in the

constitution. Among these important areas are whether or not we truly need a presidential system of government, do we want bi-cameral legislature, should we reduce the number of the legislatures, should our legislatures be on parttime basis, should we reduce the number of the states in the country, should we return to regional or zonal federalism etc. These are some of the important issues begging for a roundtable discussion. Trust our legislators, they would not touch those areas. They are no-go areas that may sooner than later consume the polity. Till today, what our legislators are addressing are peripheral, they have left out the substance. Until the substance is addressed, we will continue to drift to a level when it might be too late for any rescue.

Many of you elder statesmen are also fathers to the president. Many Nigerians who believe that you cannot knock on his door and he would not open are wondering why all of you are shying away form telling the president a spade is a spade.

I do not think the President (Goodluck Jonathan) is not aware of the opposition to the present constitution, he is quite aware of it. I am also aware that those who are very close to the President, especially those from his region, have been very vocal on this issue. Though I am not privileged to know the view of the president on this, but I am of the view that he is being careful on matters like this. Having said that I am of the opinion that many of us, including the President want this country to remain as one indivisible and prosperous country, but the problem is what modalities do we need to run the country in such a way that the mass poverty starring all of us in the face would be a thing of the past. What modalities do we need to make the country to be run in a manner that it would develop rapidly and catch up with the rest developed countries as envisaged by our founding leaders over 50 years ago. Could we truly continue with these modalities that have grounded the regions or the component structures where no meaningful development can take place and where these components cannot meet the basic needs of the people? Must we continue with modalities that do not allow the different peo-

ple to be governed or run their affairs in accordance with their tradition and culture? I, as an individual have on many occasions sent articles and letters to the Presidency before now.

However, most Nigerians know my position on the 1999 Constitutions and on many national issues, especially the “National Questions.”

Apart from my letters, there have been groups and individuals that have visited the President on issues like this. So the President is never claiming not to be aware that people and groups have visited him to express concern about the future of the country if it continues like this.

What lessons are there for Nigeria in the political upheaval unfolding in Egypt?

It is only a stupid man that would want a military coup in Nigeria. I will never vote for a coup in the country. I want to have a hand in how I am governed. It is the coup of 1966 that has brought us to where we are now. We all know what it takes to engage in war. We don’t want war again in this country. Yes, the Americans have predicted that by 2015 Nigeria may not exist again. Yes, it is a prophecy, but tragically enough everything seems to be moving towards the direction of the prophecy, especially with the ways and manners our politicians are conducting themselves and conducting the affairs of the country. We therefore need to plead with them to be sensible. Let us have a referendum on whether or not we need a new constitution. If the powers that be are not favourably disposed to having a Sovereign National Conference, then let us take the middle road or a viable alternative, which is having a new constitution.

What is your take on 2015, the election year?

There appears to be too much political bitterness in the preparation towards 2015.

Politicians seem not to have learnt from the mistakes of the past. They seem to be arming themselves for feared battled, not battle for the people but a fierce battle between themselves for their own selfish interest. This certainly would not be good for the country. Take for instance, the case of the (Nigerian) Governors’ Forum’s election where the conduct of do or die was dangerously displayed. That 35 governors could not conduct a free, fair and credible election leaves much to desire. It is clearly a bad omen of what 2015 holds for the country. When governors who as leaders are supposed to be shining examples in the display of virtues and high standard morality now begin to call white, red and black, yellow just for their selfish interest, then what do you expect school children to do? When governors who day and night openly profess that they are Christian or devout Moslem would tell people that elected them that there are conditions or occasions when five is higher than 12, then something is fundamentally wrong with our leaders and the governed must begin to turn to God to deliver them from leaders like this. As I said before, if 35 governors could not conduct an acceptable election or would not accept the results of election involving just 35 people, I wonder what would when 125 million Nigerians are involved.

Notwithstanding, your stand on the review, what is your position on six years single tenure?

I am certainly for that arrangement. For one thing this arrangement would reduce the cost of conducting elections in the country. If we continue with the present arrangement of four years of two terms, in 12 years we would have three elections, whereas if it is 6 years of a single tenure we would have only two elections. This would save a lot of money for the country in billions. This planned arrangement would enable the occupier of the office, be it the office of the president or the governor, to perform. He or she would not be looking for a second term. He would concentrate on his job, instead of spending the last two years of four years to prepare for another election. Governors and President as a matter of fact knowing that they have only one opportunity would be spurred to perform so that they could leave legacies that would cast their names in gold.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

POLITICS | 11

‘APC, hope for vibrant democracy’

By Abiodun Fanoro, Seye Olumide, Tunde Akinola (Lagos), AlemmaOzioruva Aliu (Benin City), Joseph Wantu, (Makurdi) and Isah Ibrahim (Gusau) ORE reactions from eminent Nigerians have continued to M trail the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a welcome development for the country’s nascent democracy.

Some of the personalities included; former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, Convener, Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER), Ayo Opadokun, former Minister of State for Education Dr Jerry Agada, Action Congress of Nigeria’s candidate in the 2013 governorship election in Ondo State Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a presidential aspirant under the National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2011 General Election Francis Onabis.

Others were Zamfara State Acting Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakka, Senator Domingo Obende and the member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Samson Osagie.

Babangida described the registration of APC by INEC as a welcome development, noting that the registration would promote vibrant political activities in the country.

The former military leader argued that the two party system remains the best for the country. “I strongly believe in two party system and I think that is the best.”

Babangida spoke yesterday in Minna, Niger State shortly after his investiture as a Fellow of the International Institute for Leadership and Governance by the, Chairman, Governing Board of the National Examinations Council, Dr. Paddy K. Njoku.

“I have always been and I will continue to be a strong believer of two party system in the country. I have said it severally just like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) itself (has said) that the coming on board of APC, is a welcome development and with the registration of the party, we will now have vibrant political associations in the polity and Nigerians would have the choice to join any political party of their choice,” he stated.

He however said that it is now left for the various political parties participating in the 2015 General Elections to try and convince the Nigerian electorates, particularly the ordinary people about what they intend to do for not only the people, but for the country. The parties should try to talk to us what they intend to do for us and for the country in general.

On how the outcome of the 2015 elections would be with the coming of APC, Babangida said: “People like us who God has not given the ability to predict correctly about the future has nothing to say about tomorrow. But I think it is a good development, the registration of APC.” Opadokun while describing the registration of the new party as a “welcome development” in the nation’s political system warned its leadership not to dash the aspirations of Nigerians whose place so much hope on the new party.

According to him: “I salute the courage, sagacity and the endurance of the leaders of the party, who eventually succeeded in constituting themselves into a strong force. This is the first major merger in the country, what we had during the First and Second Republics were mere alliances but this would be the first merger with a fundamental dimension.”

He added that with the registration of APC, parties would now have to contest for political space ideologically “the new party will provide a credible challenge to the shenanigan that is going on at present.”

Dismissing insinuations that APC might not be different from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Opadokun said, “Based on my knowledge of the leaders behind APC, I believe that they would not only present credible leadership but they

Babangida

Opadokun

will also provide a much more serious understanding of how a modern state can be governed. Some of them in their current states have done the Nigerian nation proud. There are sufficient and practical evidence of their participation in developmental politics.”

He added that the registration of the new party would also afford Nigerians credible opportunity to make alternative choice as to who they want to govern them for a particular period of time.

Urging Nigerians to stop grumbling silently, the CODER convener noted that this is the best opportunity for the people to make change “what we need to do is to reject Greek gift from politicians during elections and vote for the right party.”

Opadokun enjoined Nigerians not to get carried away with the registration of APC. According to him: “This is the first hurdle, the party leaders have done their part. It is now left for the people to ensure that they vote and ensure that their votes count.”

Akeredolu in his comment noted that the registration has helped to put a soothing balm on the pains that resulted from the apprehensions that followed the registration of the party.

In his view, the registration is the reward for resilience, remarkable sacrifice and patriotism on the part of the leaders of the defunct parties.

“The coming into being of this new political platform portends something very good for our democracy. Amidst the continual socio-political occurrences of disquieting proportions this singular adherence to constitutional provision by INEC is capable of deepening our democratic experiment in spite of its progression in fits and starts.

“The easy charge of dictatorial tendencies liberally leveled by members of the ruling party and direct beneficiaries of bad governance against the notable leaders of these erstwhile political parties, a lie espoused by the unwary, is now buried in the ashes of trepidation and anxiety on the part of visionless politicians.

“I congratulate all party leaders who made enormous sacrifices to make this dream a reality. I felicitate with all members of the party in the country, especially in my dear Ondo State, on this milestone. I seize this opportunity to admonish all our members to remain steadfast and be focused. Our people need us, more than ever before, to free them from the shackles of oppression and impunity. We cannot afford to rest until the final victory is won,” Akeredolu said.

Onabis said the registration was a victory for the progressives and a defeat for the conservatives who in his view were out to scuttle the merger. He stated that the registration of APC showed that INEC could still be trusted with conducting the next election if the commission does away with external influences.

Onabis in a statement signed by his media aide Ayokunle Oloye in Lagos said the emergence of the new party signaled victory for true democracy and the Nigerian voters.

He said Nigerians should expect a new era of politicking that will usher in progressive development in the country. In his view, the new party will give Nigerians values for their electoral votes.

“The APC is a government in waiting because Nigerians are tired and yawning for a change, a change that would lead to good governance and economic prosperity of our country, the registration is a pointer that we are very close to a Nigeria of our dream,” he said.

He described the birth of the party as a hope to democracy.

“We are now sure that this democracy would make headway, if the power that does not want APC could fail, then no power would be allowed to subvert our democracy.

The Edo State born politician commended the leaders of the new party for their courage and doggedness to ensure the party was not killed in formation.

“I congratulate our leaders Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and General Muhammadu Buhari for their steadfastness and energy to build this formidable platform that would give birth to the new Nigeria the people have been waiting for.”

Onabis called on all the stakeholders to put aside their ego and personal goals and come together to find solutions to the many problems the ruling PDP has plunged the country into.

“This is time to go back to our wards and local governments and mobilise voters ahead of 2015, we must all accommodate others members in our new political family to ensure outstanding performance at the polls” According to Agada, the registration of APC would in the long run benefit the masses as the two dominant parties; PDP and APC because of the necessity to gain the support of masses would now be compelled to review and make them peopleoriented.

The former minister however insisted that PDP both in Benue State and at the national level were not afraid of the new party noting that it would rather force them to work harder to ensure their victory in the 2015 elections.

“The registration of APC is a welcome development there is no doubt that it will make our party to be on its toes, the two parties will now have to articulate their manifestos towards attracting the people and which ever party that wins the next election will know that it has work hard to deserve victory”.

Also reacting, the Benue State chairman of the just dissolved Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Abba Yaro said the registration has added more value to the nation’s democracy.

Yaro who was optimistic that the new party would dislodge the ruling PDP in many states and at the national level in the 2015 elections, further noted that with this new party, Nigerians now have the opportunity to make a choice between the PDP and the APC bearing in mind their experience under the PDP. In her reaction, a woman activist in the state, Josephine Akaazua urged other political parties to follow the example of the merged parties and fuse together to make them stronger and more politically relevant.

Wakka in a statement issued in Gusau by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, described the development as a victory for democracy in the nation.

While rejoicing with the progressives and true Nigerian democrats for the birth of the new political party, the Acting Governor enjoined Nigerians to embrace the new party, which he said is the only party that could defeat the PDP.

I have always been and I will continue to be a strong believer of two party system in the country. I have said it severally just like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) itself (has said) that the coming on board of APC, is a welcome development and with the registration of the party, we will now have vibrant political associations in the polity and Nigerians would have the choice to join any political party of their choice

Akeredolu

Jega

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

12

TheMetroSection ‘Most Wanted’ armed robber confesses...

• ‘I vowed to pay back police for sending me to jail over minor crime’ .By Odita Sunday LEADER of a notorious robbery gang that had been terrorising Lagos and states in the South West, was yesterday arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, (SARS), Lagos.

The Guardian gathered that the suspect, identified as Abiodun Ogunjobi, aka, ‘Abbey Godogodo’, met his waterloo when operatives of SARS who have been on his trail for a long time, ambushed him in his home at Egbeda area of Ibadan, Oyo state for three weeks before they finally got him, recovering two Ak47 rifles and 10 fullyloaded magazines.

The Guardian further gathered that ‘Godogodo’, as he is fondly called, was behind the July 7, 2013, gruesome murder of seven persons at O4 Hotel, in Ajah area of Lagos where his gang also killed the owner of the hotel, one Olanrewaju Subair.

They also went on to the kill two other security guards at a popular hotel, along Apapa Road, Ebute-Meta area of the state on the same day.

Police sources said, Godogodo narrowly escaped arrest on July 14, 2013 when he and members of his gang engaged SARS operatives in a shoot-out along Eko Bridge, Lagos Island, after they killed two policemen at Ebute-Ero and Ajao Estate respectively.

Five members of his gang were reportedly gunned down during the encounter, while Godogodo who was said to often boast of his charms and two other gang members escaped alive.

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The suspect

A police source who spoke to The Guardian on the condition of anonymity described Godogodo as an armed robber in the South West who has coordinated several bank robberies in Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and Osun states.

According to him: “ He is the biggest and the most notorious armed robber we have in the South west in the past 14 years. We arrested him 11.00am today in his mansion at Olowu area of Egbeda LGA Ibadan Oyo State and recovered two AK47 rifles and 10 loaded AK47 maga-

zines in his house. Godogodo has killed over 50 policemen and many other civilians. His most recent activity was at Ajah, where he killed the owner of 04 Hotel and six others few weeks ago and two other policemen.

He has also led several bank robberies in Kwara, Ogun, Oshun, Ekiti and Oyo states. We have been arresting many of his boys and recovered many rifles from them, but he kept on recruiting more to replace those arrested. Our officer, Abba Kyari changed his strategy

Justice underway for parents of clubbed schoolboys .By Odita Sunday HIS matter is a serious “T matter, I have taken over investigation.”

With these words of Lagos State Police boss, Alhaji Umar Manko, parents of Ifechkwude Nwainokpor and Kazeem, schoolboys who were clubbed to death by members of a vigilante group in Badagry, may now heave a sigh of relief and expect justice.

Manko said he was personally heading investigation into the matter and blamed the DPO of Badagry police station, Mohammed Dankoli for tagging the late schoolboys armed robbers.

He has, however, ordered the immediate arrest of the policemen spotted in the video clip on You Tube which showed vividly how the innocent duo were killed by the vigilante group in the full glare of police personnel.

“Actually the Divisional Police

The late Ifechukwude Officer (DPO) did not present the matter to us the way it happened. When we started asking questions, we discovered that the two people who were killed were not armed robbers as alleged contrary to what the DPO told us. When we saw the video clips and watched the way those boys were killed, we told ourselves that we would be failing in our duties if we fail to bring everyone involved to justice,” Manko said.

He has mandated a senior police officer in charge of Maroko Police Station in Victoria Island whom he described as ‘an upright man’ to superintend the trial of all civilians and police-

men fingered in the matter.

According to him: “Initially, the matter was sent to the State’s Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), but they were not moving at the pace I expected them, so I decided to take over the matter personally. I have brought the best hands in my command together under the leadership of DPO of Maroko police station whom people have discovered to be an upright police officer.”

“He and his team would be supervised by me and we would ensure that people do not take laws into their hands next time. We have one suspect in custody already and we will get the others. I will not tolerate impunity by anyone.”

“The DPO would face administrative disciplinary action for now even before investigation commences. I have ordered the arrest of those police team that were spotted in the video and if they were found guilty, they would face trial. ”

Govt deploys policemen to Ladipo Market over leadership tussle

By Tope Templer Olaiya HE Lagos Government yesterday drafted a combined force of armed soldiers and mobile policemen to Ladipo Auto-parts Market, Mushin, to enforce compliance with the newly appointed Baba Oloja leadership on the traders.

The presence of the security agents prevented many of the traders who had gone to the market for the weekly sanitation exercise from performing the exercise. Their shops were locked while they stood on the road discussing the latest development.

The traders, mostly from the

T

southeastern states, have refused to recognise the new Baba Oloja as the leader of the market, insisting that Igbo traders comprise over 99 per cent of traders in the market, accusing the state government of bullying and intimidation, instead of resolving the crisis amicably.

The President-General of Ladipo Auto Central Executive Committee, Mr. Ikechukwu Animalu, said the policemen were brought to the market to impose Alhaji Oki on the traders. Animalu said they heard the hint that the soldiers, policemen and

members of OPC would take over the market.

“We will not recognise him.

If he wants to lead the market, he should wait for my tenure to expire and then contest for the leadership of the market. We have always elected our leaders, not by imposition of the government,” he stated.

He disclosed that he immediately alerted the Area ‘D’ Commander, Mushin and the state command of the development, adding that the matter was being investigated.

He, however, advised the traders to remain calm.

and focused on him because without getting at him, his gang will continue to regenerate. This is a great victory to the Nigeria Police, Lagosians and South West in particular,” The source stated.

Meanwhile, when newsmen interviewed the the 36-year-old suspect, who is a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, he confessed being a notorious armed robber but he said he had no regrets for his actions. “ I started robbery in 1996 and in 1999 I was charged for fighting and I spent more than seven years in prison. My prolonged stay in prison for minor crime of fighting hardened me and I vowed to pay back the police for that injustice. After I was released I went to Katanguar, in Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos to meet my friend Odun, who was arrested by the police recently at O4 Hotel in Ajah.

“Odun was an armed robber then and we started operating. We worked with several other gangs and I invested loots of my money in arms buying. I also built five houses in Ifo, Ilaro, Ikorodu and Ibadan. I usually kill policemen and take their rifles because policemen have killed several of my boys and taken most of my rifles from them.”

“I have no regrets for all I have done,, I have no advice for young people who want to become armed robbers like me. I have three children from three women. The police should take all my property,” the suspect said.

The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Umar Manko has ordered for his treatment before he would be tried at the court.

Briefs Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate holds investiture/induction tomorrow HE Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate will tomorrow T hold the investiture ceremony of Venugopal Jajoo as the sixth President (2013-2014) and induction of office-bearers at Hotel Victoria Palace, 1623, Saka Jojo Street, off Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos at 6.30p.m.

Royal Father of the Day is Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Guest Speaker, Mr. Kole Jagun while Guest of Honour is Dr. Onaolapo Soleye.

Catholic Archbishop of Lagos marks first anniversary HE first year anniversary of His Grace, Alfred Martins, as T Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, holds on Sunday, August 4, at Holy Cross Cathedral during the 10.30a.m. Mass.

A short reception follows at the same venue.

Agape Worship Centre holds crusade GAPE Worship Centre will hold a two-day crusade with the A theme: “ “With God, All Things Are Possible” as theme is billed to start on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, at 5.00p.m. daily at New Page Plaza, 26, Alhaji Kosoko Road, Ojodu - Berger Bus-Stop, Lagos.

Host is Dr. David Odi.

Church begins special programme EVOLUTION Fire Christian Ministry Incorporated yesterday R began its special programme. It will end on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the church auditorium, 1, Bankole Close, opposite Taram Filling Station, off Ojodu Abiodun Road, Ojodu Berger, Lagos. Host is Prophet Emma Nwazua.

Lagos to host 10th WAGGGS Africa regional confab

By Ujunwa Atueyi HE World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the largest voluntary movement committed to the development of girls and young women in the world, has concluded arrangement for its 10th Africa Regional conference in which Nigeria will be hosting for the first time.

The Chief Commissioner, Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Dame Christie Tobi, who made the announcement recently in Lagos, said issues bothering women empowerment and capacity building would be discussed at this year’s conference which will be held in Lagos from Sunday , August 11 to Saturday, August 17, 2013.

With the theme: “African Young Women: Soaring Towards Excellence”, Tobi said the Chairman of Africa Union, Dr. Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma, would deliver the keynote address.

All the activities would take at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, except the opening ceremony, which holds at the Nigerian Union of Teachers Pavilion in Ikeja on Monday, August 12, at noon.

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Briefs Breastfeeding summit holds August 5 S part of activities to mark A this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, Colostrum International, a non-governmental organization (NGO), is organising a national breastfeeding stakeholders’ summit/award hold on Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6, at Best Western Hotel, Bar Beach Waterfront, Victoria Island at 9.00a.m. daily.

A statement by the Project Coordinator, Colostrum International, Dr. (Mrs.) Bunmi Ogundimu, said, “the summit is expected to draw concerned stakeholders to deliberate on the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding, particularly on the sharp decline in breastfeeding and child- rearing

NIMR holds workshop HE yearly workshop of the T Molecular Biology and Biotechnology division of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) holds from August 12 –August 16, at the Institute’s conference room.

Ajibola chairs SCCF IGERIA’S first female ProN fessor, Prof (Mrs.) Adetowun Ogunsheye, has advised the Federal Government to implement the policy that could protect the right and care of Senior Citizens . She spoke during the investiture of the former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK), Prince Bola Ajibola as the Chairman of the Senior Citizens Care Foundation (SCCF) in Abeokuta,Ogun State.

She added that whenever there is crisis in any country, people always seek the advice of the elders, but this same elders are neglected constitutionally.

Ajibola said he would try his best to champion the cause of the elderly .

The event was witnessed by former Director-General,Voice of Nigeria (VOA), Aare Taiwo Allimi, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Chief Executive 0fficer of SCCF, Mr. Jide Taiwo and a director, Mr. Tony Awe.

Ezeigbo for burial today HE death has occurred of Dr. T Ugwumsinachi Modecai Ezeigbo. He died in Athens, Greece, at 60.

A statement by his son, Mr. Ugwum Ezeigbo Jnr., said there was a service of songs at the Assemblies of God Church, Surulere, Lagos, on Tuesday and another service of song held yesterday at Okaiga, Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North, Abia State.

He will be buried today after a funeral service at 10.00a.m.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Ezeigbo, a national executive member of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, three children and other relations.

Ezeigbo

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2 , 2013

Rotary Int’l president-elect commissions Majiyagbe House

By Isaac Taiwo HATa glamour and a day to remember for the Rotary International President 2002-2003, PRIP Jonathan Majiyagbe, who was honoured as the first African Rotary International President with a house built at Rotary Centre, Ikeja and named after him. It was commissioned by the Rotary International President-Elect, Gary Huang, who is on official visit to Nigeria.

The commissioning was witnessed by past District Governors, Rotary Presidents and members of Rotary Clubs and Rotaracts.

Huang said he was elated to be in Nigeria because of the

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first African Rotary International President, who emerged from Nigeria, whom he described as his teacher.

“Today, I have the honour to commission the house dedicated to the past Rotary International President, PRIP Jonathan Majiyagbe, who happens to be my teacher.

“Rotary in Nigeria has many good opportunities and potentials with a country of 167 million to produce more than 6,000 Rotarians. With a population of 23 million in my home country, we have produced 23,000 Rotarians.

“I can see the future of Rotary in Nigeria that it is great. Already, you have the

Huang (second right), Adeluyi (left), Majiyagbe and others at the event PHOTO: ISAAC TAIWO

Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke immunizing a child at the launch of Pentavalent Vaccine in Calabar ...yesterday

privilege of having produced a Rotary International President and we are sure of having more good leaders coming from this nation to lead our Rotary World,” he said.

Commenting, Majiyagbe said his desire was to mobilize Rotarians in Nigeria to form more Rotary Clubs and donate more into Rotary Foundation to assure Rotary International that Nigeria merits a Regional Office, be detached from Zone 20 and be a Zone.

“There is need for a Regional Office in Africa as we have it in Brazil and other countries.

It is better for Africans to manage Africa, according to former President Julius Nyerere, who said: “Foreigners can do so much, but local people would do more.”

“The challenge is to create more clubs in different dialects and local languages to have more members. The ball is in our court to expand Rotary in Africa,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, the District Governor (2013-2014) District 9110, (Lagos and Ogun), Olugbemiga Olowu described the occasion as ‘feeling of happiness’ more so as the building was named after the first black past Rotary International President, Majiyagbe.

“He has been an inspiration to us and we want to emulate him in his humanitarian works. It is also a height of happiness for all Rotarians of this District to have the Rotary International President elect to commission this building.

“We are all happy to honour both PIRP Jonathan Majiyagbe and the Rotary International President- elect, Huang,” he said.

TheGuardian SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2013

Why Fight Against Corruption Under Jonathan Is Not Working The EFCC, under Ibrahim Lamorde, is getting too cold for comfort. The heat, which kept the Commission in the headlines, appears to have vanished with Farida Waziri. What has become of EFCC’s high-profile corruption cases?

INTERVIEW:

Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola, former Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) blows hot on 2015. Hear him: “I think we have talked enough about corruption in this country and I have seen a lot of lip service to the war against corruption. We are proposing that the issue of corruption should be at the centre stage.

It should be in the front burner of the electioneering come 2015.

Nigerians should come out en masse to demand, as a matter of right, that any politician asking for their votes must sign an undertaken or covenant that they are going into government house to fight corruption and the battle must be won.”

BUSINESS:

IBRU CENTRE:

Why Government Is Foot-dragging on Power Sector Reform

Oritsejafor And CAN Have Failed The Christian Community –– AYODELE

The Guardian On Sunday is new, fresher, bolder; a delight to behold and more importantly, reader-friendly! Book a copy today.

TheGuardian

14 | THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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 Alade Odunewu (1927-2013) W

HEN he turned 80 a few years ago, he had the fortune of being celebrated for a life of excellence by professional colleagues, young and old. In his many decades on the frontline of journalism profession and public service, the summary seemed to be, Hadji Alade Odunewu, Allah-De, was a pillar and a role model with very few equals.

A man of distinction who gave journalism his all, he earned accolades and the richly deserved description as “the leader”. Upon his death, not much can be added to the torrents of tributes that attended that 80th birthday. “A voice of wisdom; informed commentator; a leading light of the drive to enhance media professionalism; a man of serenity, vision and determination; an enduring lesson in single-minded pursuit of an objective. A man of essential decency, quiet decency, sardonic wit, great mentoring skills. A man of honour”. Even in death, the seasoned journalist remains larger than life.

As a columnist of note, Odunewu’s tool was satire and, with it, he brilliantly lampooned the follies of his era and exposed the foibles of those who pursued vanity. His mastery of the genre was legendary, enough to label him the dean of Nigerian satirical writing.

Diligence, hard work and resolve took him through the ranks in the newspaper industry. He was editor, managing editor, columnist, editor-in-chief in various organisations including the Nigerian Tribune (1956-57); Daily Service (1959-60); Allied (1960-64). He became Editor of Sunday Times in 1964 before being promoted Editor of the Daily Times between 1964 and 68, editor-in-chief from 1968-1969 and as chief executive of the publications division of the conglomerate before he went into public service. He served as a Commissioner in Lagos State.

In public service after his professional days, he distinguished himself in various capacities, becoming a principal actor in the continued search for a greater Nigeria while he also worked hard for what was “noble, fair and just” in his profession. His contributions to journalism even in later years as a columnist for The Guardian and through the Nigerian Press Council and as chairman of the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) are indelible. Nigeria has lost one of her best.

Herbert Unegbu (1924-2013) ERBERT Unegbu, the celebrated journalist, who died recently, aged 88, was an uncommon patriot who deployed his pungent writings, a product of daring principles, in the service of his country. Barely three years ago too as Nigeria celebrated her golden independence anniversary, Unu Habib (his pen name as a columnist) remained his bluntest in his views about the non-negotiability of the unity of a country he served creditably in various editorial capacities.

Admirers have appropriately praised him for a life of fearlessness, forthrightness and incorruptibility in his chosen profession.

Such was Unu Habib’s domination of journalism that a renowned contemporary of his, Peter ‘Peter Pan’ Enahoro, described him as “one of the three best informed political journalists in Lagos in the late 1950s and 1960s, ranking after MCK Ajuluchukwu and Bisi Onabanjo.” He made his mark in journalism, having served as News Editor, Daily Times and Editor, West African Pilot (one of the chain of newspapers of the late statesman, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe). His exit from the Pilot in controversial circumstances (the crisis of 1964 federal elections which provoked a stalemate in which President Azikiwe and Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa were the key actors over formation of government) negatively affected the newspaper, illustrating Unegbu’s singular influence. He became head of news of the Biafra Broadcasting Corporation at the declaration of Biafra and the civil war.

Being a federal civil servant, he got re-absorbed into service after the civil war and remained there until his retirement.

Unegbu practiced alongside the likes of Ajuluchukwu, the late Bisi Onabanjo of ‘Aiyekooto’ fame, Olu Adebanjo, Laban Namme, the present Akran of Badagry, Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi, Babatunde Akran, Alex (now Igwe) Nwokedi, Peter Osugo, Peter Obe – with his candid cameras, Peter Enahoro, Emmanuel Adagogo Jaja, Olu Fadairo, Sonny P. Chu Okongwu and many others. Unu Habib maintained one of the brightest, best informed and most widely read columns and in his selfless service to promote societal values, he wrote sincerely and authoritatively.

The colonial masters found him uncompromising in editorials and columns in the Pilot, but then Unu Habib was a more unrepentant critic of the new native political overlords. Three qualities marked out Unegbu among his generation of journalists: guts, independent-mindedness and unparalleled nationalistic pride.

He was one of a kind.

H

Olateju Oyeleye (1924-2013) R

ENOWNED engineer and pioneer of television broadcasting and management in Nigeria and co-founder of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Olateju Oyeleye, who died recently at the age of 89 was a perfect gentleman and one of that breed of Nigerians, for whom integrity was all.

Hence his entire life was a study in selfless patriotism.

In 1958, Olateju Oyeleye co-founded the Nigerian Society of Engineers with his friend, G. O. Aiwereoba in London. Teju Oyeleye took the position of Secretary-General while Chief G. O. Aiwereoba was president. He was later president from 1976 to 1977. The Nigerian Society of Engineers remains the largest body in Africa that accredit students and graduate engineers.

In 1959, he was hired by the newly established Western Nigeria Television and Broadcasting Services (WNTV-WNBS) as a Development Engineer. Being the first television station in Africa, Oyeleye had a lot to do. The skill needed to do that job at the time was lacking but Teju was chosen among a few other engineers to perform the task.

Airing in black and white, with programmes aired from four o’clock to midnight, the television station grew rapidly from Oyeleye’s arrival. As WNTV-WNBS expanded from city to city, his brilliance, as a matter of fact, was instrumental to the company’s success. From his initial position as Development Manager, he rose to the position of Chief Engineer and eventually General Manager in 1966. He therefore became the first Nigerian General Manager of the first television station in Africa.

From the television station, in 1973, Teju Oyeleye moved to Total Nigeria Limited where he not only distinguished himself as an engineer but also as a manager. Several of the subsidiaries he set up have grown significantly in size. The Nigerian Gas Cylinder Manufacturing Company, which he founded, was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Teju Oyeleye didn’t acquire wealth, the many positions he held in several organisations and the opportunities therein notwithstanding. As in many areas, he chose the path of honesty and integrity. That tribe of men and women of integrity has been sadly depleted by his death.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

15

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Shell blames 21 per cent slide in earnings on operational challenges in Nigeria

By Roseline Okere SSESSED pangs of A unsavoury business environment in Nigeria may have hit the bottom line of Royal Dutch Shell,, leading to a decline in the company’s global turnover in second quarter of 2012.

The oil giant said in its second quarter 2013 report yesterday, that its underlying Current Cost of Supply (CCS) earnings were $4.6 billion for the quarter, representing a 21 per cent decrease in CCS earnings per share from the second quarter of 2012.

Shell said its results were undermined by a number of factors – but they were clearly disappointing.

Chairman of the company, Peter Voser, said in a statement, that oil theft and disruptions to gas supplies in Nigeria were causing widespread environmental damage, and could cost the Nigerian government $12 billion in lost revenues per year.

Besides, Voser said high exploration charges, adverse currency exchange rate effects and unabating security challenges assailed its operates in Nigeria, imparting on the company’s global earnings.

“We will play our part, but these are problems Shell cannot solve alone.

Our cash

flow pays for Shell’s dividends and investment in new projects to ensure affordable and reliable energy supplies for our customers, and to add value for our shareholders.

“Higher costs, exploration charges, adverse currency exchange rate effects and challenges in Nigeria have hit our bottom line. These results were undermined by a number of factors – but they were clearly disappointing for Shell“, Voser said.

He said that the company made substantial improvements to its portfolio in the last few years.

“Today, Shell is rich with new investment opportunities and is capital constrained – the opposite position to where the company was in the middle of the last decade.

“Shell is investing in new capacity worldwide, to generate profitable growth for shareholders. In the next 18 months we expect to see five major project start-ups, which should add over $4 billion to our 2015 cash flow. “ We’ve embedded rigorous portfolio management into Shell, to improve our capital efficiency and refresh the portfolio for growth. We have completed some $21 billion of divestments in the last three years and some $4 billion in the last 12 months

alone, with more to come,” he added.

He disclosed that the company is entering a new phase of more substantial portfolio change, which will lead to a higher rate of divestments in the coming years.

According to him, the company recently launched strategic portfolio reviews in

both Nigeria onshore and North America resources plays, which will lead to further focus and divestments there, as Shell continues to shape the company for the future.

He noted that Shell’s strategy is to deliver sustainable growth in cash generation through the business cycle,

underpinning competitive dividends and returns.

“We are not targeting oil and gas production volumes; rather we are focusing on financial performance.”

“Shell’s sustained investment in new growth projects will drive our financial performance. Dividends are Shell’s main route for return-

ing cash to shareholders and we have distributed more than $11 billion of dividends in the last 12 months. So far this year, we have repurchased more than $3 billion of shares, and we are on track for $4 billion to $5 billion of share buybacks in 2013. This underlines our commitment to shareholder returns,” he said.

Vice-President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Wole Ogunpehin (middle) flanked by the Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of the S.R Vietnam in Nigeria, Ta Huu Thinh (left) and the Vice-President, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, Dao Quang Phu, when a Vietnamese trade delegation visited the chamber, in Lagos, on Tuesday.

MTN’s first-half turnover rises on forex gain TN Group Limited (MTN), M Africa’s largest wireless operator, said first-half headline earnings per share would be 20 per cent to 25 per cent higher following a foreign currency exchange boost.

The mobile-phone service provider made a currency gain of about 1 billion rand

($101 million) during the six months through June, compared with a 1.5 billion rand loss in the previous year, the company said in a statement yesterday.

The increase came as a result of lower net finance costs at some of its subsidiaries, the Johannesburg-based compa-

ny said. MTN declined to comment further in an e-mailed statement.

The shares rose as much as 1.7 per cent to 188.46 rand, the highest in more than two weeks, and traded 0.8 per cent higher in Johannesburg.

“It’s likely to be a subsidiary with debt, such as Nigeria,”

Bpi Capital analyst Kate Turner-Smith said in a phone interview.

“Translating Nigeria’s finance costs into South African rand at current rates could result in the foreign exchange gain.”

The Nigerian naira has appreciated 18 per cent against the South African currency over

the past 12 months, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Nigeria accounted for about 28 per cent of MTN’s 2012 revenue. The company will report first-half financial results on August 14, it said.

Net finance costs were 4.16 billion rand in the year

through December, an increase of 2.58 billion rand on the previous year, MTN said in a statement in March.

At the time, the company said the Syrian pound had declined more than 60 percent over the year and resulted in a loss of 1.51 billion rand related to the dividend payable.

DPR reads riot act to LPG operators, audits facilities

By Roseline Okere

T is no longer going to be business as usual for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) operators in the country, as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has set new guidelines for effective distribution of the commodity.

The DPR said that default-

I

ers of the guideline may spend between two and three years in prison.

To ensure compliance, the DPR has unveiled plans to commence facility audit of LPG operators from next m o n t h .

According to the agency, every depot handling LPG shall henceforth establish well-equipped and functional laboratory for prod-

uct re-certification before and after receipt.

It said that all custody transfer facilities and refilling plants should install a weighing scale which must be calibrated once a month in the presence of DPR representative.

“It shall be an offence for any depot to operate with unapproved meter.

Register shall be kept for all such exercises. Facilities and plant operators shall furnish DPR with the planned programme timetable of such activities and should request for approval to carry out this exercise”, it added.

The DPR said facility audit shall be conducted yearly on all facilities to ensure compliance with operat-

ing procedures and standards.

“Preventive maintenance schedule of critical equipment shall be prepared and submit to the DPR for monitoring purpose every year”, it said.

It also stated that every depot shall conduct safety fire drill at least once every month and register kept for the exercise.

“In all gas installations and depots, serious consideration should be given to the design construction and layout to minimise the possibility of outbreak of fire.

“Adequate provisions must be made for fire fighting equipment for rapid extinction of any fire at its

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

16 BUSINESS

FCT councils share N1.94 billion revenue From: Terhemba Daka, Abuja

HE six area councils of T the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received a total revenue of N1,94billion from the federation account in June; representing a shortfall of N276,5million (about 12.5 per cent) over the N2,21billion received by Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali Area Councils for the month of May 2013.

Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, who made this known at the meeting of the FCT Area Councils Joint Account Allocation Committee held yesterday in Abuja, said the area councils received N147.62 million from excess crude.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, FCT John Chukwu, Akinjide gave the breakdown of the allocations from the Federation Account as: Statutory Revenue Allocation, N1.024 billion; Value Added Tax, N682.48 million; N56.77 million from Subsidy Reinvestment and E m p o w e r m e n t Programme (SURE-P) and N25.54 million being refund by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

The area councils had in

the preceding month, received N1.059 billion from VAT, N821.59 million from statutory revenue, N250.35 million from excess crude and N56.77 million from SURE-P. The FCT area councils Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), according to the minister, approved the transfer of N892.46 million to the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) for the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries in the six area councils.

Other statutory transfers approved by the Committee include: N95.04 million for the FCT Area Councils Pension Board (ACPB) being 15 per cent pension fund, N89.93 million for LEA Teachers Monetisation Entitlement, N44.27 million for health insurance contribution, N30.87 million being contribution to sanitation in the six area councils, and N19.37 million for the FCT Area Councils Service Commission being one per cent training fund.

The Abuja Municipal Area Council topped the revenue distribution for the month of June, receiving N176.81 million as against N199.85 million paid in the preceding month.

Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils got N132.45

million and N128.72 million, respectively, compared to N157 million and N169.12 million received for

the month of May 2013.

The FCT Area Councils Joint Account Allocation Committee also distributed

N113.77 million, N113.09 mil- Abaji, Kuje and Kwali had lion and N99.22 million to received revenues of N138.59 Abaji, Kuje and Kwali Area million, N151.35 million and Councils.

N138.61 million for May.

Director, Administration and Human Resources, Raw materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Chris Okpalefe (left); Director-General, Professor Walter Peter Onwualu; and Chief Research Officer, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Christopher Adebabgo, at the stakeholders meeting to sign the documents on the schemes and conditions of service of Federal Research institutions, Colleges and Allied Institutions in Abuja, on Wednesday.

DPR reads riot act to LPG operators, audits facilities CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 initial stage. The general layout of facilities should be such that adequate fire fighting access exists”, it

stated.

The DPR said that henceforth, the life span of every LPG cylinder is 10 years.

Therefore, refilling plants

should take note of this to avoid unsavory consequences.

It explained that the manufacturing date of every

cylinder is closes at the top of the handle.

“It is coded alpha numerically as follow, A or B or C or D and some two digit num-

bers. For instance, DO6.

The D stands for fourth quarter and the O6 stands for year 2006.

Also LPG storage tanks have their manufacture and expiring dates printed on a name plate plate placed on the shell of the tank.

Speaking at the yearly general meeting of the DPR and LPG operators yesterday in Lagos, Operations Controller, Lagos Zonal Office, Gbenga Koku, said that plant owners must follow due process to obtain all requisite approvals before the commencement of any upgrade or modification of plant.

Koku stated: “The department wishes to

reiterate its advice to LPG plant owners who continue to sell products to unlicensed distributors and bulk end users despite directives against this practice”.

He stressed that henceforth, violator of the DPR regulation, which stipulates selling and distribution of any petroleum product to licensed company only will be severely sanctioned.

“To reduce the risk of fire at LPG facilities, operators should adhere to various design considerations and requirements such as layout, spacing, and distance specification for vessels, drainage, and containment control, which will help to limit the extent of fire damage in time of accident,” he added.

Dike becomes CITN president ARK Anthony Chidolue M Dike has emerged the 11th president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), succeeding John Femi Sunday Jegede.

Dike’s appointment came at the end of the institute 21st yearly general meeting, held recently in Lagos, where delegates unanimously endorsed him.

Other officers elected at the meeting included Dr Teju Somorin, vice president; Chief C.I Ede, deputy vice president; and Adesina Adebayo, honourary treasurer.

The new president, a seasoned tax administrator and chartered accountant, is currently the Director of Tax Policy in the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Oyo State.

Dike had variously served the institute as Chairman of Student Affairs and Examination Committee; Dean of both the International Taxation and treaties; and Oil, Gas and Solid Minerals faculties; and Vice-President.

THE gUaRDIaN, Friday, august 2, 2013

BUsINEss

Nigeria, afDB to tackle infrastructure challenge

By Chijioke Nelson HE Federal government and the african Development Bank (afDB) may have charted a new course to improve the nation’s infrastructure gap at a high-level policy dialogue in abuja.

The forum, which was targeted at moving Nigeria’s transformation agenda forward, put the infrastructure gap at the forefront of the agenda, as other stakeholders who converged made their inputs.

In a statement from the bank, the meeting, which was tagged “the Davos-style dialogue,” had broad stakeholder representation from the private sector, academia, government, development partners and civil society.

“This unique platform provided an opportunity for

T

the drivers of the Nigerian Transformation agenda to come together to discuss structural transformation and highlights of the Infrastructure action Plan (IaP) and also to deliberate on the way forward in terms of implementation, financing and sustainability,” the statement said.

Nigeria’s IaP estimated that Nigeria would require $350 billion over 10 years for its implementation, while the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, presented by the National Planning Commission, projected a $2.9 trillion investment in infrastructure in the next 30 years to bridge its huge infrastructure gap.

The forum, organised by afDB Nigeria office, had in attendance the VicePresident and Chief

Economist of the bank, Mthuli Ncube and other senior officials like Janvier Litse; steve KayizziMugerwa; Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi okonjo-Iweala; Ministers for National Planning, shamsudeen Usman; Trade and Investment, olusegun aganga; and agriculture and Rural Development, akinwunmi adesina, among others.

Perhaps, in a move to position effectively towards addressing the infrastructure challenge, the bank recently commissioned its experts in energy, transport, water supply and sani-

tation, agriculture, and forestry to begin hands-on training to implement a solid approach to track climate finance flows in the banks’ funded development projects.

Climate finance concerns resources channeled by national, regional and international entities to support climate change mitigation and adaptation projects and programmes, to ensure that implementing agencies are more accountable in development projects.

The bank noted that as significant amounts of climate finance are being mobilised globally, development partners have noted that exist-

ing tracking systems could be enhanced to embed transparency, accountability and capacity to track and report on climate finance flows, and unify tracking and reporting procedures across all multilateral development banks .

It explained that new methodology is a significant milestone and supports better project design by raising awareness about adaptation and mitigation at the conceptual and operational levels; improved tracking and assessment of results; more transparent tracking and reporting; and clearer tracking and accounting of donor pledges.

Fashola promises speedy completion of light rail project agos state governor, Lyesterday, Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the state government was accelerating work on the first phase of the state`s light rail project to ensure speedy delivery.

Fashola told newsmen after inspecting ongoing work at the various project sites that contractors were working round the clock, to achieve the objective.

He said that work had reached an advanced stage on the construction of the sub-stations and tracks for the eventual take-off of train services had already been laid.

The governor urged residents to be patient as the government was doing everything to deliver the project.

The News agency of Nigeria (NaN) reports that some of the sites inspected by Fashola included the Iganmu-orile-Mile 2 and abule-osun sub-stations.

Fashola, in company of other government officials, also inspected rehabilitation work at the Mile 2 Jetty and ongoing work on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. ``We had promised on the rail project that the section from Costain to Mile 2 would be completed by the

end of July. ``Progress has been made clearly, we have not finished but you can see that the rail project has advanced,`` he said.

The governor said the project, when completed, would not only move people from place-to-place conveniently, but also create jobs and other economic opportunities for residents. according to him, the state government is rehabilitating no fewer than four stateowned ferries to complement services already being provided by private operators.

He said that when the repair was completed, it would provide subsidised ferry services to residents and boost the state`s inter-modal transport system. on the 10-lane LagosBadagry Expressway project, the governor said contractors were accelerating work, to ensure speedy completion.

He said that the concrete meant for the drainage works had already been cast and asphalting on the road would start from september.

The governor urged residents to support the government by paying their taxes.

skye Bank unveils customer service charter, pledges sustainability, accountability

By Helen Oji s part of its strategy to a enhance sustainable customer partnership and accountability in its services, skye Bank Plc has unveiled a Customer service Charter. speaking at the launch of the charter in Lagos on Wednesday, the group Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the bank, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, described the charter as the bank’s contract with its customers to demonstrate its commitment to providing quality customer service

through its people, processes and systems.

He explained that the charter was designed to enable the bank leverage its knowledge, products, seamless processes and top of the range technology to deliver exceptional services that would make the bank remain competitive to the customers.

Describing it as a pacesetting and industry-defining innovation, the skye Bank boss pointed out that the introduction of the charter would enhance processes to meet commitments made to

customers by the bank, transparency , as well as improve its over all services.

He submitted that the services offered by the bank are guided by a set of principles that define its character and culture, adding that these principles are the fundamentals on which the charter was established.

“This charter outlines the type of service we aim to provide, how customers can contact us to give us feedback, especially on areas of improvement and how they can partner with us for continuous service improve-

Durosinmi-Etti ment”, he said.

Durosinmi-Etti who noted

that customer service remained the key differentiator in the financial services industry all over the world, said the charter became imperative because “today’s customers are more sophisticated, discerning and more demanding than ever before.”

He described the introduction of the charter as a milestone in the bank’s customer service journey, adding that the bank has employed the services of professional accountants and auditors to enhance effectiveness and sustainability of the project.

17

FMDQ set to commence operations on the Exchange

By Chijioke Nelson HE Nigerian financial marT ket is set to witness a revolution with the launch of FMDQ oTC Plc, a project, which is pioneered by the Financial Markets Dealers association (FMDa).

FMDa, an association of the treasurers of banks and discount houses in Nigeria, started the move to create a selfregulatory organisation in 2009, with the primary purpose of deepening the interbank oTC market trading in various securities and products and thereafter, promoted the formation of FMDQ oTC. The company received the licence of the securities and Exchange Commission (sEC) as a self- regulatory organisation to organise and provide oversight on the over-TheCounter (oTC) market at the nation’s bourse in November last year. according to the Chairman of FMDQ oTC, aigboje aigImoukhuede, FMDQ oTC will add considerable value to the Nigerian financial market by focusing on areas including enhancing market integrity, market liquidity risk, improving systemic risk management, risk management products for fund managers, pension managers, corporate treasurers and international participants in the oTC market. FMDQ will also raise awareness of opportunities in the Nigerian market.

“This is an auspicious time for FMDQ oTC project to commence operation given the policy objectives of the sEC, CBN, DMo and the Federal government to develop the Nigerian financial market as a reference point in africa and catalyst for growth for the real sector,” he said.

FMDQ oTC will provide issuers, investors and endusers of financial market products with world-class market governance for capital transfer.

The subscribers to the company’s shares are banks, discount houses and the Nigerian stock Exchange through its subsidiary NsE Consult.

FMDQ oTC will organise the oTC market and standardise the operations, practice and business conduct of its members and their representatives with a view to protecting investors and the public interest.

The immediate focus is the Nigeria inter-bank markets money, repo, foreign exchange, treasury bills and bonds and will further address governance structure and single operating platform, aggregating pre-trade and posttrade data to promote transparency. according to a source, it will also promote international best practices (including straight-Through-Processing (sTP)) in clearing and settlement arrangements for oTC products, among other things. already, analysts are expecting FMDQ oTC to focus on minimising settlement failures on all transactions on its platform, regular examination of market participants, supervision of market conduct, identifying and investigating potential market failures and establishment of effective dispute resolution systems.

18 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

Market crash pushes China to record loss OUR years after China’s Fglobal growth helped lead the economy out of a recession and won the admiration of luminaries from billionaire George Soros to Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, the nation’s stock market has lost more money for investors than any other in the world.

The Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP), which doubled in 10 months through August 2009 as the government poured $652 billion of stimulus into building roads, railways and housing, has tumbled 43 per cent from its high, destroying $748 billion in market value.

Only Greece’s ASE Index (ASE) has fallen more in percentage terms. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the benchmark gauge of American equity, erased all of the losses from the worst recession since the Great Depression and has gained 68 per cent since the China peak, reaching a record this month.

China looked unbeatable in 2009, surpassing Germany as the world’s third-largest economy and growing six per cent in the first quarter while the U.S. shrank four per cent.

Templeton Emerging Markets Group Executive Chairman Mark Mobius, who oversees about $53 billion, said in July 2009 that China’s stock market could be larger than America’s in three years.

Now, China is poised for the weakest expansion since 1990 as the government orders more than 1,400 companies to close factories.

“The Beijing consensus as endorsed by some western observers as an alternative to the market economy is indeed a sham,” said Hao Hong, the Hong Kong-based head of China research at Bank of Communications Ltd., whose forecasts for stock losses have proved prescient.

“Now we are all paying for it.”

While the country contributed most to the global economy’s rebound from the 2008 financial crisis, growth is slowing as the Communist Party reins in an unprecedented $1.6 trillion lending boom in 2009 that helped send home prices to all-time highs and left local governments with record liabilities.

Premier Li Keqiang is trying to transform China, where percapita incomes are 88 per cent lower than in the U.S., into a consumer-led economy from an exporter reliant on a managed currency.

Chinese companies dropped out of the ranks of the world’s 10 biggest by market value for the first time since 2006 last month. They claimed five of the top spots when Soros, the billionaire former hedge fund manager, and Stiglitz, who won the Nobel prize for economics in 2001, endorsed the nation’s economic policies in 2009. Soros declined to comment. Stiglitz didn’t reply to an e-mail and a phone call seeking comment.

The country’s stock market is like a “dead animal,” Carter Worth, the New York-based chief market technician at Oppenheimer & Co. who pre-

dicted the end of the Shanghai Composite’s rally as it peaked on Aug. 4, 2009, said by phone on July 23. While the index doesn’t have the same downside as four years ago, the likelihood of gains is low, Worth said.

For all of its destruction of wealth, the China bear market is dwarfed by the Great Crash when the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 89 per cent from a peak in 1929 to a low point in 1932, according to data compiled

by Bloomberg. More recently, Japan’s equity market as reflected in the Nikkei 225 Stock Average, lost 63 per cent of its value between 2000 and 2003.

The Shanghai Composite, comprised of mainland-listed shares restricted to local investors and qualified foreign institutions, rose 0.2 per cent to 1,993.80, paring its 2013 drop to 12 per cent, after the ruling Politburo pledged to stabilise growth while pressing on with economic reforms.

PetroChina Co. (601857), which was the world’s largest company by market value as recently as March 2010, has declined 11 per cent this year, and the Beijing-based energy producer is now ranked 10th at about $238 billion.

The MSCI China Index of stocks available to international money managers has lost 9.4 per cent in 2013.

Greece’s ASE Index, which has a market value of $59 billion, has dropped 4.5 per cent, bringing its slump since

A investor looking at the electronic board on the Beijing Stock Exchange,, yesterday August 2009 to 64 per cent.

The S&P 500 advanced 18 per cent since the end of December. The gauge added $6.4 trillion of market value during the past four years as companies from Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) to Chevron Corp. climbed to records.

The Shanghai measure is valued at 10.7 times reported earnings, down from 29 times at the peak in 2009. The index, which traded at a 59 per cent premium versus the S&P 500 four years ago, is now 34 per cent cheaper, the biggest discount since Bloomberg began compiling the weekly data in 1997.

“Sentiment from China can go from one extreme to the other,” Gigi Chan, a Singapore-based money manager at Threadneedle Asset Management, which oversees

about $111 billion, said by phone on July 25. “Investors were very excited, extrapolating the high growth rates quite far out into the future.

It’s turned out not to be the case.”

China’s stock market swings have whipsawed investors for at least two decades. Merrill Lynch & Co. and Bear Stearns Cos. were among the first U.S. securities firms to open Shanghai offices in 1993 as the benchmark index surged to an all-time high in February of that year.

James Cayne, Bear Stearns’s chief executive officer, kept a red motorbike built by Ek Chor China Motorcycle Co. in his office after helping the company list shares in New York. By December 1994, both the Shanghai Composite and Ek Chor had lost about half

their value.

The nation’s equities are “not for the faint-hearted,” Wellian Wiranto, an investment strategist at the wealth-management unit of Barclays Plc, which oversees about $217 billion worldwide, said by phone from Singapore on July 25.

Mobius says he’s still bullish on Chinese stocks as the economy expands at a quicker pace than most major countries. While Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Barclays and China International Capital Corp. reduced their 2013 growth forecasts to 7.4 per cent – the slowest annual rate since 1990 – that’s still four times faster than the 1.8 per cent median estimate for the U.S. among 79 economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

19

Weekend

Between SMEs and high cost of credit

Revue P. 28 Autowheels P.43

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Coping with rush of summer travel

THe GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

20 WeeKeND

Private sector groans, jobs disappear

Job Applicants

One key component of the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda, is the development of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). According to senior government officials, for Nigeria’s economy to flourish and create jobs, the SMEs must grow, and rapidly too. However, BUKKY OLAIDE, CHIJIOKE NELSON and FEMI ADEKOYA observe that the high cost of loans and harsh monetary policies are steadily sending the SMEs out of business.

He new fad being mouthed at different fora, about how to make Nigerian graduates employable, is the need for universities to embrace entrepreneurial studies. Check out, as well, most comments by senior government officials when they discuss President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda. It’s about how important it is for Small and Medium enterprises (SMes) to flourish, in order to generate employment and bring about a robust economy. When government delegations jet out of the country in search of foreign investors, they talk about all kinds of incentives.

The reality, however, is that the business environment in Nigeria is among the harshest in Africa. Government’s policies are inconsistent. Infrastructure, across the board, are inefficient. The cost of doing business in Nigeria is very high. Statistics from the private sector indicate that the so-called SMes are steadily going out of business, one after the other. The jobs are vanishing and new opportunities are hard to come by. Fresh graduates, with the requisite “entrepreneurial skills,” do not have access to funds for take-off because the banks are unwilling to take long-term risks. Those who now have unfettered access to bank loans, according to stakeholders, are traders with quick turnover rates, importers, oil marketers and market speculators.

The current interest rate on loans, which peaks at 48 percent, is considered one of the highest in Africa. According to industry analysts, commercial banks charge between 18 and 35 percent, while microfinance banks charge between 30 and 48 percent.

The 18 percent benchmark, according to a source, is for the civil servants, while the 24 to 30 percent range is for businessmen and manufacturers. Microfinance banks charge up to 48 percent. The rates are this high be-

T

cause of the various hidden charges built into loans.

Some African countries are also in the high interest rate group. They include: Guinea (22 percent), Sierra Leone (17), Gambia (14 percent), Zimbabwe (14.58), Liberia (13.42), Tanzania (12) and Sudan (11.80 percent).

Conversely, some of those with low interest rates are: Lesotho (10.43 percent), Djibouti (10.61), Mauritania (9), Mozambique (9) Rwanda (7), Swaziland (5), Gabon (5.75) ethiopia (5) South Africa (5), Cameroon (5.75) and Ivory Coast (3.75).

Recently, the Central Bank of West African States urged West African banks to lower interest rates. According to Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Governor of the Central Bank of the States of West Africa, a low interest rate regime is the only way for the economies of the respective countries to grow.

In Nigeria, finance houses are supposed to serve as an alternative means of financing the manufacturing sector. But their charges on loans are exorbitant and considerably higher than those of conventional deposit money banks.

To Mr. eze Onyekpere, a legal practitioner, having a regime of high interest rates in a country in need of rapid economic growth and development and which also aspires to be one of the 20 biggest economies by the year 2020, is a complete contradiction.

High interest rates, he insisted, discourage lending and borrowing, which in turn, reduce the roles banks play in providing and allocating credit to the private sector, to enable it create the

wealth needed for the economy to grow. His words: “When credit available to the private sector is reduced, it affects its ability to create jobs. As such, the high interest rate contributes directly to the high unemployment rate in the country. Also, the disconnect between the lending and deposit rates creates a notorious disincentive to savings.”

According to him, companies that borrow from domestic banks at high interest rate find themselves with very high production costs and would be unable to compete against products of companies that got their credit at the low end of the single digit. When this high interest rate is contextualized with other factors militating against production, such as poor infrastructure, he further explained, “then it would be clear that we have an explosive mix that discourages production and makes our products and services uncompetitive.”

Reasons for high interest rates However, the Finance Houses Association of Nigeria has listed some reasons why interest rates are high. It declared, for instance, that the cost of obtaining funds for finance companies is far higher than that of banks, which have access to savings and current account deposits, unlike finance companies that are only allowed to take tenor “borrowings.” It also stated that the turn-around time for transactions with finance companies is faster than that of the banks, with associated risks, which are compensated for by higher interest rates. The transaction dynamics for finance companies’

The CBN does not share our position on the need to shift ground and from all indications, if anything is going to come out tomorrow, it might be increment. There is always a trade-off in any economic policy. It all depends on where the policy is directed. But the high cost of credit for a very long period of time has not at all helped the real sector. Already there is low level of credit growth to the private sector, due to high interest rate and sustaining the benchmark rate now would be counterproductive, since the MPR has far reaching consequences on market rates

operations, it noted, do not give them the luxury of insisting on conventional collaterals like the banks.

Besides, finance companies’ transactions, it explained, are mainly retail in nature, with minimal returns per transaction. A lot of transactions would have to take place for them to earn some appreciable income, which also comes at a high cost. More importantly, it noted, finance companies leverage on the banking system to fund their major operations, and since they must also make their margin, they have to charge higher interest rates.

Mr. Olayinka Odutola is the Director General of the Association of enterprise Risk Management Professionals. According to him, interest rate is a function of many factors, such as the risk of default; cost of capital; infrastructure; inflation; tenor or maturity of the facility, that is, the loan and macroeconomic developments among other factors.

He explained that risk is the chief determinant of all the factors, “because the moment the lender lends his money, there is a risk that the money may never come back.”

This risk of default, he observed, must be factored into the transaction from the beginning.

His words: “What makes default risk relatively higher in Nigeria, when compared with many other countries in the world, is that as at today, there is no serious punitive measure to deal with recalcitrant debtors.

The law is very soft when dealing with debtors and the creditor, usually the banker, suffers and wastes too much time chasing the unwilling debtors. Some recovery cases last as long as one decade and by the time judgment is finally delivered, the amount in contention would have lost total value.

He continued: “These experiences have made a lot of the stakeholders in the lending business to ask the courts to be delivering judgments on bank debts expeditiously. The

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

WEEKEND 21

under soaring interest rates

Sanusi

implication is that, since the banks know from the beginning that they are taking very high risks by lending, they tend to factor in this risk; to compensate for the loans that may ultimately not be repaid.

“Infrastructure deficit is another problem plaguing the nation. The implication is that, as long as this situation remains, the cost of doing business will be higher in the country when compared with that of its peers. This dearth of infrastructure will indirectly affect lending cost, as part of overall cost of doing business, since the lenders also pay heavily for power and so on, to attract the funds they lend customers. It is one of the reasons why imported goods will always be cheaper and more patronized than their local counterparts, and this situation will remain until there is a radical change in the infrastructure situation in the country.

“It is this same reason, that is, increased cost of capital, amongst other factors, that accounts for the high rate paid for borrowing from Micro-Finance banks in Nigeria. Since MFBs source their deposits from customers at a relatively higher interest, they tend to also give out loans at higher rates, in order to make a reasonable margin that can sustain their operations. Added to this is the hitherto lack of confidence in the MFBs. Hence, customers who deposit money in the MFBs usually demand for higher interest rates to compensate for the risks taken. And when MFBs take these deposits at a high rate, they are bound to lend at even higher rates, after factoring in other operating costs.

“The tenor of facilities granted by banks also determines the rate of interest chargeable. Long-term facilities in Nigeria usually attract higher rates, just because of the dearth of long-term sources of fund. Banks generally shy away from lending for the long term in Nigeria because of paucity of long tenured funds.”

Again, from a comparative point of view, the benchmark interest rate (MPR), which ultimately determines interest rate chargeable by banks in Nigeria, is still very high (It was retained at 12 percent at the last MPC). If commercial banks could pay as much, it is obvious that by the time they factor in other costs, the interest rate would have shot up drastically. For its part, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) always painstakingly determines the MPR rate, based on its macroeconomic targets, among other consideration. It cannot just fix the rate by fiat in a bid to reduce it.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has been complaining about the high interest rates, insisting that the credit situation in the country remains a major problem for investors in the economy, as retail lending rates remains well above 22 per cent. It reasoned that by the time all the other charges are summed up and added to the main interest rate, everything would have shot up to 30 percent. And for somebody who is into agriculture, the LCCI argued, it would be almost impossible for him or her to survive with such a high rate of interest.

According to Chamber’s President, Mr. Goodie Ibru, many small and medium scale enterprises still have difficulties in accessing credit even at this high rate. He said: “Many are frightened to take loans because of the high interest rate. The tight credit situation is a major inhibiting factor to the capacity of domestic enterprises to take advantage of the robust Nigerian market. Our Business Confidence Survey corroborated this position for the second and third quarters of this year.”

The LCCI also bemoaned the tight monetary policy and the channels of fund, which it described as very limited. It stated: “If you are not having long term loan at an affordable rate, you cannot operate in the real sector, and we need the real sector to transform our economy. What we are seeing, currently, is that, our economy is short of production, not with goods mainly. Trading or what we call rent-seeking act as a broker – make your money through the bank or fly to China, bring in some consumer goods, pay the customs and get them into the

Jamodu

Muda market, make your money and go away.

“All these activities are not adding much value to the economy and even to people’s lives. That is why, despite all the good economic fundamentals that are mentioned, we still have a very high rate of unemployment and a very high rate of poverty.”

For manufacturers under the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the rising cost of accessing cheap funds from Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), has among other factors, continued to hamper business growth in the country.

Specifically, the Ikeja branch of the association recently urged the Bank of Industry (BoI) to address the issue of surcharges associated with loan disbursement to manufacturers in the country. Some of the issues border on mortgage debenture, collateral mortgage agreement, personal guarantee, professional fees, interest rate, appraisal fee, commitment fee, and monitoring fee.

Chairman of MAN, Ikeja branch, Isaac Ade Agoye, lamented the plight of member firms in the course of doing business in the country. He said: “We believe that if manufacturing is made easy and less cumbersome by way of accessibility of loans, manufacturers will obviously be encouraged and this could act as a stop-gap measure for militating the high rate of unemployment. We have the capacity to do it. All we need is encouragement.” He noted that manufacturers pay as much

What makes default risk relatively higher in Nigeria, when compared with many other countries in the world, is that as at today, there is no serious punitive measure to deal with recalcitrant debtors. The law is very relaxed when dealing with debtors and the creditor, usually the banker, suffers and wastes too much time chasing the unwilling debtors. Some recovery cases last as long as one decade and by the time judgment is finally delivered, the amount in contention would have lost total value

Ibru

as 21.125 percent interest on BoI loans.

Ibru however expressed the chamber’s position on bank charges and fiscal policies this way: “We reiterate our call to both fiscal and monetary authorities, to work together to ease the credit conditions, especially for the small and medium scale enterprises and more importantly domestic businesses.

Unlocking the Nigerian credit market at this time is critical to stem the gradual crowding out of domestic entrepreneurs by foreign investors. The current tightening of monetary policy is inhibiting domestic production and encouraging imports. The outcome of the last Monetary Policy Committee meeting of the CBN portends even more difficult times ahead for investors in the economy as far as cost of funds is concerned.”

The Director –General of the LCCI, Muda Yusuf, while expressing disappointment over the lingering high MPR, said: “I personally, have given up on the issue. The CBN does not share our position on the need to shift ground and from all indications, if anything is going to come out tomorrow, it might be increment. There is always a trade-off in any economic policy.

It all depends on where the policy is directed. But the high cost of credit for a very long period of time has not at all helped the real sector. Already, there is low level of credit growth to the private sector, due to high interest rate and sustaining the benchmark rate now would be counterproductive, since the MPR has far reaching consequences on market rates.

Stakeholders, business communities and civil society organisations have commented, lamented and condemned the prolonged effect of the policy stance, seeking for a human angle to bend the assumed economic theory, with no success.

The regime of high interest rate has turned several manufacturing plants to sole distributors of the product they previously manufactured, because costs associated with financing outweighs that of power and security put together.

Industrialists now rout for importation than producing locally, due to the obvious- cost of production.

The latest CBN Economic Report for May, showed mixed developments in banks’ deposit and lending rates during the period of review. The report noted that with the inflation rate at nine per cent at end of May 2013, most rates, with the exception of the lending rates, were negative in real terms.

Besides demand deposits, interbank call, the average savings and the six-month tenor deposit rates, which rose by 0.75, 0.99, 0.43 and 0.02 percentage point to 1.59, 12.23, 2.25 and 7.17 per cent, respectively, all other deposit rates of various maturities fell from a range of 4.89 per cent and 7.94 per cent to a range of 4.78 per cent and 7.76 per cent.

The widening disparity between interests payable on deposits and loans recently attracted criticisms from stakeholders. The CBN is being accused of complicity by keeping silent over the issues. They were of the view that the CBN, as the regulator, should aggregate all charges associated with borrowing from banks and make them public, to enable borrowers get adequate information before seeking any loan.

Is the future uncertain?

An Abuja based Development Consultant, Jide Ojo, said: “It is foolhardy for anybody to save money in this kind of economy.

Even when deposit is fixed with interest rate between five per cent and 7.5 per cent, the high inflation rate ravaging the country would have wiped off its value on the deposit when the customer decides to withdraw in three, six or 12 months.

“We had expected that in 2013, the entire lending process and procedures set by financial institutions would have been simplified and made investor-friendly, if we are to forge ahead in the development plans.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Forthright Securities and Investment Limited, Ashogbon Bode recently said: “the implication of the high rate of interest on loan is tantamount to economic and social sabotage. There is no genuine investor or entrepreneur that can obtain a loan from the system at the current rate for any productive venture.”

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

ExecutiveBrief In association with TRIPPLEA ASSOCIATES LIMITED

EDITION 273

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT INFOTECH4DEXECUTIVES CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE EXECUTIVE FINANCE hambers & Gates (Legal practitioners) is a duly registered C firm of Solicitors based in Victoria Island Lagos. They are specialists in Corporate/Commercial law and Real Estate. They also provide Secretarial and Legal Advisory services to corporate organizations. The firm has a diversified client base as they represent individuals, as well as small, medium and large size businesses, and non-profit organizations within and outside the shores of Nigeria. Olamide Olaleye is the Managing Partner of the Firm. Upon graduation from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and Nigerian Law School Olaleye, started his work experience with Ogunsanya & Ogunsanya. He is widely travelled and his areas of strength are in Business Law, Real Estate, and International Trade. In this interview, Barrister Olaleye spoke on a wide range of issues.

Background Our firm-Chambers & Gates is a duly registered firm of solicitors based in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Our scope of legal services includes: Corporate and Commercial Law; Formation and registration of companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships, Non Governmental Organizations (N.G.Os), joint venture

Olamide Olaleye

Leadership Is All About Influence businesses, and foreign businesses in Nigeria; Drafting and review of contracts and agreements for all kinds of corporate and commercial transactions; Issuing of legal opinion and advising on various legal and regulatory requirements for the successful operation of businesses in Nigeria such as importation of foreign capital; obtaining business permits, resident permits, business licenses, and expatriate quotas, etc. We are also involved in Real Estate Consulting; Provision of legal advice and due diligence research and report on the acquisition of properties, sales and leases; Perfection of land title documents; Property management including tenant acquisition and eviction and ensuring legal compliance with state and federal laws on property conversion, payment of tenement rates, and other provisions of the Land Use Act and property financing, development, and Mortgage related transactions.

mitment to timely problem solving will provide you with ongoing value and peace of mind. We are dedicated to providing our clients with high quality legal work, and we go the extra mile to ensure that our advice is practical and surpasses the expectation of our clients. We also ensure that our work is performed on time and is tailored to our client’s budget.

Specifically we try to: understand our client’s goal; provide strong business, legal and practical insights and go the extra mile to provide the legal services required in due time

Unique factors that stand your organization out: Our Lekki Golden Acres is a special project aimed at providing savvy investors with the opportunity to buy genuine underpriced plots of land directly from indigenous land owners within the Lekki-Epe area of Lagos. Lekki Golden Acres is situated in Lekki Phase II, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos. It consists of ten (10) hectares (150 plots) of undeveloped land selling at a discounted price of N6.5 million per plot* (land in the area is Experience in the indus- selling at N12 - N18 million per plot). Lekki Golden Acres is right try beside MTN Y’Hello estate and there is the LSDPC - Oba Elegushi Chambers & Gates is a Housing Estate (90 units of blocks of flats) estate built by the firm of about 14 solicitors Lagos State Government on the adjourning street selling for with offices in Lagos and N29.5 million per flat. There is also the Mobil Co-operative Estate Abuja. The firm is man(already sold out) and other completed buildings few yards aged by seasoned partaway. We always create a Win-Win situation for all our clients by ners. You can be rest going the extra mile to find great land investment opportuniassured that we will ties and cutting out all middle men by speaking directly to the always dedicate the nec- indigenous land owners with good root of title-Government essary time and human Gazettes or Certificate of Ownership. We always do our due diliresources required to gence, and we are absolutely certain of the genuineness of all achieve your goals. We our land transactions. look to being part of your team to successfully What are your Focus/Projections for the organization? manage all your legal We want to create an environment in which different cultures issues and grow your can interact in a positive way to create a competitive advantage, business. We offer 24hrs and we will be united by our commitment to our core values. access to all our clients Since its inception, our Firm has been governed by its core valseven days a week. You ues. They shape the culture and define the character of our comcan communicate with pany. They guide how we behave and make decisions in fulfillus primarily via email ing our obligation of building a better, stronger and more and also by telephone durable company for future generations, protecting the brand, when necessary. We meeting our commitments to stakeholders, acting with an meet with clients and owner mentality, developing our people and helping improve respond to all enquiries communities and the global environment. We intend to and service requests dur- become an outstanding company, whose true measure is in the ing the week (Mondaysheight of our ideas, the depth of our excellence, the length of Fridays), however we do our patience and the breath of our sympathy for the environschedule meetings over ment. the weekend whenever it is necessary to do so.

Leadership Philosophy: A staff of the firm will Leadership is about influence, I’m a student of leadership, I also be directly assigned believe in the saying that if you are a leader and you don’t have to every client with the followers, you are just taking a walk. It’s about the number of primary responsibility of people that you duplicate yourself in; it’s about the heads you advising on the service are able to raise up. In this organization, we have no boss, all of requested and respondus are colleagues. That’s why when you come in, there’s no tening sharply to every issue sion. That is leadership. A boss demands for respect but a leader as they arise. earns the respect and confidence of his subordinates. People follow you because of what you have to offer. This is lacking in our What has been your body polity, do we have selfless leaders in the country; do we biggest challenge and have leaders that can imbibe great virtues in people; do we have how do you cope with leaders that are passionate about the educational system; or the funding especially in the housing deficit? Where are the leaders? The problem of Nigeria real estate sector where is not human capacity of natural resources; it is the problem of you are a player? leadership. We still have a long way to go because we lack good The biggest challenge to leadership. enterprise development in Nigeria is policy incon- Advice for upcoming entrepreneurs: sistency. It does not pro- The most important thing is that there’s no short cut to success mote business. It stifles because success is as a result of so many factors. Honesty, persebusiness development. verance, integrity and hard work are all key factors for success Imagine a situation to be achieved. Luck is when opportunity meets preparedness. where a new governHard work doesn’t kill rather it sharpens someone to be able to ment revokes the certifi- meet the challenges of life. It’s not when a man falls that matter, cate of occupancy issued but his ability to get up each time he falls. The problem with by the previous adminis- Nigerians is that we don’t want to fall and we want to be at the tration. It’s a big chaltop always. The road to success is very thorny because there’s no lenge because you have short cut to success. The youths should try to plan their lives to start all over again. well because he, who fails to plan, plans to fail.

The major challenge in this industry is funding. What drives you?

The industry is capital I love what I do and I derive pleasure in what I do. I have a phointensive and you need a bia for failure. We should ask ourselves, what is the essence of lot of funds to compete life; what are your values; is it to make life better than we met it favourably. Other envior to let people know that we can make a difference in our own ronmental factors little ways? The driving force is passion for God and humanity, include power, transand by the Grace of God, I love God with all of my life. For whatportation etc. We were ever I am or what God will make me to be, I owe it to Him and I able to overcome some need to give it back to him. The major way I do that is to influof these challenges ence my society positively. because of our firm com-

For Advertisement and Enquiries 08025070837 08156388800, E-mail:editor.executivebrief@trippleagroup.com

THE GUARDIAN, August 2, 2013

24 | EXECUTIVEBRIEF

Executive Management

By John J Matthews perational excellence is a retail buzzword that often gets glossed over. Retailers talk the talk, but often miss on walking the walk.

Operational excellence has a singular focus: the customer.

The customer is treated as a privilege, not a right, and their patronage needs to be earned daily. Every process, step, or task that is executed in the store, must have the customer in mind. The art of execution is a discipline that elevates the retailer in the eyes of their customers as not a place to visit on occasion, but rather a place to seek out.

This “cult-like” persona that a retailer can achieve with its patrons requires that the entire staff is in lockstep alignment to cater to the needs of the customer. This level of execution applies to all facets of the operation from service to merchandise to cleanliness to everything.

Create an “overachieving” mindset with your staff and the energy that permeates to your customers will be contagious. This attention to detail and putting the customer first, will enable the retailer to ride out even the worst economic storms. Execution is precision and an attention to

detail that is second to none.

O

Management Sets The Tone: It all begins here. If management is engaged 100%, this mindset can permeate and cascade throughout the entire team.

Operational excellence has a fighting chance and the art of execution can be flawless. A management staff that is “in it” at only 80% conveys this to the staff and if the staff is only capturing 80% of the 80%, operational excellence quickly deteriorates. Management is the driver - success is led by example.

Pay Attention To Details: Why sweat the details, because that is where the customer is converted from occasional patron to passionate ambassador.

Knowing their name, staying in stock on merchandise, neat and kept displays, cleanliness on all levels, a smile from your staff - all executional details that create a customer for life.

Customers have options - look for the proprietary details that you can communicate and execute on in order to lock in your customers.

tomer base is quite another item all in its own. Going to your customers and making their experience with your store all that more convenient for them, will solidify their admiration for you. While you may not be set up to delivery or provide mobile services on a regular basis, going the extra mile in one-off situations may be the “event” that captivates a neighbor or town. The goal is to make the customer experience as memorable and effortless as possible.

your competition will be shak- guests in your home and your relationships with them will ing in their boots. run deep. If you view cusAppreciate Your Patrons: Lastly, tomers as interrupters to your the art of execution is built on daily routine - “damn, I need one premise: the customer is a to take care of this customer” privilege, not a right. Cater to and they will, in turn, treat treating your customers as

your store like the commodity you project. The more customers that you can transform into ambassadors for your brand will translate into ongoing success for many years to come.

Customize Your Suggestive Sell: Link items together for your customers that help them to “connect-the-dots” with regard to their needs, not yours. A retailer that masters the art of suggestively selling in a fashion where the customer feels empowered to say “yes”, is a winning scenario for both. I am not suggesting some rote recital of “would you like some fries with that” but rather a customized interaction with a Go To The Customer: Making customer that addresses their the effort to overachieve in your store is one thing, taking exact needs. Create this mutuyour execution to your 3-mile ally beneficial relationship radius and cultivating your cus- with your best customers and

INFOTECH4DEXECUTIVES

By Martin Kerr hether your business is a small flower shop or a large multinational, mobile technology is improving your business through hundreds and even thousands of different ways. These include benefits in processes, product development, communication, marketing through various means.

As this mobile hardware becomes increasingly important in businesses it only makes sense to consider mobile device protection. A 2013 AT&T small business technology study showed that over 85% of businesses used smartphones and over 80% used some sort of tablet for different purposes. These statistics are only the tip of the iceberg as large corporations use hand held mobile devices for various tasks including inventory control, shipment tracking, employee sales tracking and other more specified uses. In this article let’s consider specific ways that mobile technologies can improve different aspects of your business.

W

The Art of Execution

Improving Your Business with Mobile Technology

eras and bar code readers:Instant email and SMS messaging: Speech to text GPS and SMS: Dropbox app instant cloud storage and syncing: Office Suite for documents on the go: Skype for communication on Wi-Fi networks worldwide. Barcode Scanners/RFID These commercial machines are seen at large commercial warehouses and retail outlets. They are used for inventory control and tracking and have greatly increased inventory management for major corporations since their invention. The new RFID’s or radio frequency identification tags are a somewhat recent addition, which allows even more rigid control on inventory. An RFID is placed on an item and transmits a radio signal that allows the company to track its whereabouts through the entire process from manufacture to consumer’s door.

Mobile POS Machines Also relatively new there are a Smartphones number of mobile POS (point One of the largest collections of of sale) machines and hardtechnologies that are pushing ware devices that attach to businesses is simply the iPhones, iPads, and other advancement of smartphones Android devices, turning and their increasingly power- them into micro cash regisful computing capabilities. ters for small businesses, Smartphones have grown from including swipe readers for simple browsing and email debit and credit cards. devices to true powerhouses of mobile computing.

Mobile Wi-Fi spots Comparatively powerful cam-

Need instant access to multiple devices in your company’s arsenal and not just your Smartphone? These handy devices, usually no larger than a flash drive, create a WiFi hotspot in order to connect all your devices while travelling. This is great for Sales and Marketing departments for presentations etc.

Mobile Tablets Tablets have skyrocketed in functionality and correspondingly have done so in sales as well, led by Apple and its innovation in its iPad series. Current tablets include 7-10” and are virtually as competent as mid-range laptops. These tablets have also seen their mobile capacity commandeered for business applications as cash terminals; Sales department replacements of laptops, and computer terminals throughout businesses for information services.

By using these mobile technologies to your advantage you can grow your business while still being able to better keep track of its growth.

While you are growing, these hardware devices will be indispensable in keeping the company on the right track.

Be sure to remember mobile device protection as most of these devices are expensive and should be taken care of with the help of proper mobile device protection.

Customer Experience

By Donna Stevenson An effective customer satisfaction strategy should incorporate three key dimensions of performance - focus, measurement and, environment. And to build this culture, management can implement five steps to move their organization from one that does not take a proactive approach to one that is totally focused on loyalty from a profitable customer base. In each of the five steps, customer service and satisfaction practices are outlined, measurement tools and techniques and the complementary environment (organization structure and roles) are described. As practices, in each step, are implemented successfully, new practices are added, from subsequent steps, which will help to continuously improve the connection to the customer. The practices become more integrated as the organization moves through each of the steps, bringing more players in to the value chain (suppliers, employees, shareholders, and distributors). Emphasis and assessment move from individual to team performance as organizations progress through the steps.

Step 1: Minimize Hassles Practices associated with this step are implemented to control the customer as opposed to servicing them. Actions taken are not about the customers but rather about minimizing the cost of servicing them. The organization is volume and cost driven so customer service actions are about fixing problems, reducing errors and backlog, reacting to complaints. Management is focused on short term results so has a low tolerance for mistakes. They believe customers buy from them because of brand recognition, their reliability and their responsiveness to purchase requests.

The organization is internally focused and has a small number of employees with direct customer interface. Employee jobs are highly segmented and customer segmentation is

Build a Customer-Focused Culture into their performance goals and compensation awards

based on locale or product basis.

Step 2: Manage Discontent The voice of the customer is part of the culture. The management may be volume and cost driven as well as those companies in Step 1 but they include the voice of the customer in their business plans at the business unit level. They work to make the interaction easy targeting 'best in class' status. Customer preferences are taken into consideration for product and service changes.

The organization is a place where people and process changes are made and developed to improve the relationship with the customer and reduce dissatisfaction. Although management gives short term results priority, there is consideration given to long term results during the planning stage and customer satisfaction goals are set during annual planning activities.

Management utilizes customer data to improve internal processes and systems and train employees on how to deliver good service. They communicate service and satisfaction results to all employees and solicit input and feedback from suppliers on best ways to improve. The customer base is segmented based on a combination of volume, types of products purchased and location.

Step 3: Link Employees with Customers The culture is one of customer pleasing where employees work on building relationships with their customers, increasing trust, interest and involvement levels. Unique order and delivery options are available and systems and processes are designed to enable customers to interact with employees easily.

In this step, management has graduated to targeting specific customer segments.

Customer satisfaction is believed to be positively linked to profits, so employees are encouraged to help customers.

Management has customer satisfaction targets incorporated

Action is the foundational key to all success. Pablo Picasso

and strategic and business plans are affected by projected future needs of customers.

Team and individual performance is measured. Total channel management allows for sharing of information across functions and levels within the organization and out to its valued suppliers. Supplier relationships are leveraged through joint work and distribution processes as well as product development.

Customer segmentation is based on 'best' customers as opposed to the number.

Step 4: Promote Community In this step, there is a high level of customer touch where their future needs are anticipated and employees are focused on delighting them. A sense of community is promoted between employees and their customers as well as between customer groups.

Management is focused on being seen as the 'best' and they continually interact with customers to create buzz about their products and services. Strategic and business plans incorporate satisfaction targets with customer and employee input sought during the process. These targets drive insourcing and outsourcing decisions where supplier relationships are developed and maintained based on their commitment to customer service. Competitor performance is regularly captured and the data built into annual plans. Customer satisfaction performance is integrated into all reward and recognition and compensation programs so employees think like business owners and have full authority and accountability for delivering on customer satisfaction.

Customers are segmented in many different ways and product and service customization is provided to top customers.

These organizations may even have preferred programs and hot lines for these top customers.

26 ArTS

THE GUArDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

revue Open Door Series… Loud in London ITH Lagos, Ogun and Osun states sucW cessfully logged in its kitty, the Open Door Series Project WS79 train arrived London on Saturday, July 20.

It was a week after the July 13 take-off at the Freedom Park, Lagos, where the 2013 project officially marked the 79th birthday of the grand inspiration behind it, Prof.

Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka aka WS. At the Africa Centre located in the market hub of the Convent Garden, Central London, about 200 guests, mostly children, teenagers, youths in their early 20s as well as a handful of adults gathered to witness the presence of the project on an international stage.

Billed for 3pm; the hall had been full by 2pm, with the ‘birthday boy’ and his wife, Folake, seated and receiving endless stream of young admirers, who seemingly could not believe their luck of sharing moments and space with the ‘lion of the literary turf’, an African Icon and global Citizen. But there was WS, sitted calmly waiting for the 3pm take off. He was soon joined by a surprise guest, the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Ibikunle Amosun resplendent in her beauty and charm.

Mrs Amosun had on July 14 at the Ogun State Cultural Centre, Kuto-Abeokuta played host as well as mentored the 79 finalists in the Essay competition that heralded the WS79 project. And there she was, flanked by Alhaja Adeola Kareem, the financial director of the organising company, Zmirage Multimedia Company.

It was inspiring for the organisers and the guests that Mrs Amosun would extend her generous support of the project to London.

The event took off with a ‘drum call’ parading three talking drummers, who thrilled with their deft manoeuvring of the drum strings. In the trail of the drum libation came successive entertainment shots including a solo contemporary dance by a teenager, Nathaniel; a wind duet on sax and trumpet featuring the Ogunjobi siblings; and another dance duet by choreographer, dancer, Stanley Amah and white female partner, among others.

The heart of the proceeding was the Youth Summit, which like the Nigeria version, had select youths speaking on the theme of the 2013 WS79 project, Memoirs For Our Future.

Shortly before the summit, Mrs.

Teenage dancer, Nathaniel, entertaining guests

Summit speakers with Prof. Wole Soyinka. Mrs Olufunso Amosun, wife of Ogun State governor, is right of WS while Mrs. Folake Soyinka is left.

Amosun, as she did in Abeokuta a week earlier, mentored the gathering of young and old on the significance of education and cultural patriotism. She encouraged the young people to always dream quality dreams, especially about their future, and to pursue such dreams even if in consultation with their parents. She urged parents to always be available to guide their children and wards towards realisation of their dreams and desires. The pursuance of wealth and economic survival, should not be allowed to prevent parents from performing their role of properly educating their children/wards; or of mentoring them to be good, patriotic citizens, reasoned Mrs Amosun.

She said Ogun State, where her husband is political head, has deliberately flagged education as pivotal to its developmental agenda; reminding that of the 36 states of the Nigeria federation, Ogun has the highest vote for education in every budgetary year. She drew instant applause for this.

Before the audience, that included their parents, teachers and others who had obtained tickets online to be part of the event, the young ones spoke about the future they envisaged; the tomorrow they desired; and the sort of progressive society they wished their parents — the adults, the political, economic and society leaders — would bequeath to them.

HrOUGH poetry, short story, extempore T speeches, the young Africans in the Diaspora, asked, among others, for a society that cares for the well-being of its children;

a nation that gives quality education, health and environment to its young ones; a society where religious and political tolerance thrives, a world where racial differences dissolve such that terrorism, extremism and violence are alienated; a universe where the young ones are given the opportunity to dream their dreams, realise their desires and are free to explore the depth of the many possibilities that their talents and acquired skills could push them.

Essentially, the young ones urged the adults to make the world a livable place for them. They demanded a qualitative living space that is untainted by religious and political strives and the varied, many factors that lead to abuse of the young ones and the mortgaging of the future; their tomorrow.

Impressed by the submission of the young summiteers, the South African High Commissioner, who was a special guest said his hope on the bright future of the continent was rekindled by the depth of thought by ‘the children of our continent’.

He said the Open Door Series Project WS is the sort of “meaningful, educational programme” that most countries of Africa needed to continue on a steady path to progress that take the interest of the young ones into consideration. “ As I sat here listening to these bright young people, ‘I was thinking that if we can do this kind of programme in South Africa for a lot of our disillusioned young men and women, we may be able to easily resolve some of the problems we have currently in the country, and on the continent”, said the Ambassador.

The lot fell on Professor Wole Soyinka to speak for the rest of the older folks, especially to assure the young ones, that the adults have heard their yearning; and would work harder and conscientiously to ensure that the sanity of the world is preserved to ensure that the young ones grow into a society that is sane, and caring for the young.

The Nobel laureate accomplished this task in a mentoring tenor that was however, captured in a Question and Answer session.

Before the mentoring, Soyinka had formally presented the book, That the Future May Live — a collection of the winning essays in the past editions of the Open Door Series since 2010 when the programme was birthed as Project WS76 to mark the 76th birthday of the Nobel laureate.

The book also containing rare photographs of Soyinka in his younger age, as well as an introduction by him, and comments by some of the key operatives of the Project WS, is published by Bookcraft Ibadan for the Zmirage Multimedia.

In his presentation, Prof. Soyinka stressed on the importance of young people committing their thoughts and desires to permanent form in the form of publications.

He encouraged them to always document their observations and experiences through writing as this would serve as part of their literary assets in the future. This, he said, was the way he started his own literary career.

In the no-holds-barred session, the young ones were encouraged to fire questions at the Special Guest of Honour, WS. And bearing a very calm and relaxed poise, the Nobel laureate treated each question to the details. He joked with the young ones, counselled them, and threw endless jive at adults, especially parents, who behave irresponsibly to the detriment of the interests of their children; and ostensibly the future.

O a question, on what the society could T do to make the world conducive for the ‘tomorrow’, Soyinka urged the young ones to tap inspiration from the presentation of the young Pakistani lady, Malala, who recently gained global attention through a presentation she made before the United Nations Youth Assembly, where she campaigned for compulsory education for the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

ARTS 27

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

...Loud in London CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 girl child. Malala herself had fallen victim to some religious extremists, in her Mingora, Swat district of Pakistan, who violently attacked her for defending girls’ right to education. For her bold, daring moves, she was targeted for punishment by the Talibans. But on her 16th birthday, the UN invited her to address its Youths Assembly, where also two prizes — National Malala Peace Prize and the International Childrens’ Prize — were named in her honour.

Prof Soyinka said young people all over the world should use the Malala template to ask for educational, and other human rights from their parents, and governments.

To another question on how the young ones could contribute to the fight against corruption, WS tasked them to find a creative way to question the source of sudden wealth by their parents, saying, the young ones can challenge their parents against corruption by creatively asking Daddy or Mummy, “where they suddenly acquired the huge money to send you on holidays in Dubai; or to buy that expensive cars or acquire mansions. That way you will be making a valid contribution and ensuring that your parents do not destroy your future”.

To yet another question bothering on identity, especially for an African child in the Diaspora, Prof Soyinka urged parents to make extra effort to expose their young ones to their historical and cultural roots.

He also urged the young ones to be inquisitive about the cultural backgrounds of their parents. You must ask questions from your parents, he said, adding: “And you must insist on their (parents) providing you with cogent answers about your cultural root.”

To another question on his role in the current political imbroglo in Rivers State, especially the statement he was purported to have made in respect of the Nigeria First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan. Prof Soyinka reinforced his conviction earlier expressed at a press conference in Lagos, that the First Lady was complicit in the crises in the state; he said she had no constitutional political role in the affairs of running the state, and thus cautioned her not to dabble into affairs of the state.

He urged the President to rein in his wife, whom he restated is a “mere domestic appendage” to the president. He said, contrary to what his critics and adversaries might think, he did not regret using such expression to describe the President’s wife; afterall, Mr Thatcher, husband of the former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, was “an appendage to Mrs Thatcher, the Prime Minister; just as Mr Bhutto was an appendage of Mrs Benazir Bhutto, the former Pakistani prime Minister.

On the best form of government he coud recommend for African nations, Soyinka said with the complicated nature of the uprising in Egypt, one had to be careful about recommending a particular system of government. He said ultimately, the people have to determine what is best suitable for their political needs. He affirmed the old conclusion that the worst form of democracy is better than the best of military government. But he urged that elected political leaders must ensure at all times that the will of the people triumph.

The London wrap of the WS79 ended on a celebratory note with the young people giving WS a resounding applause for the goodness he did them by personally making an appearance at the event.

Lagos on Saturday July 13 – WS’ 79th birthday — where the finalists that emerged from the over 245 entries submitted from all over the country in the Essay Competition publicly wrote the essay on the theme Memoirs For Our Future. The tour continued to Ogun State on Sunday July 14, where they were hosted and mentored by the ‘birthday boy’ Wole Soyinka and his wife, Folake, at their Ijegba Republic home located in the forested part of Ibara, Abeokuta. The finalists were also formally hosted by the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun at his residence.

The winners of the competition were unveiled in the presence of the governor, who handed out the various prizes; he also showered various gifts on the winners (including computers, phones etc) as well as gifts on all the finalists. Later, the finalists joined by 500 other students from various schools in Ogun State were hosted to a mentoring session by the First Lady, Mrs. Amosun.

The 79 finalists drawn from 23 states of the country continued their road tour to Osun State on Monday, July 15, visiting major sites, including the Osun Grove, a UNESCO-certified World Heritage Site.

Later, they joined 500 other students from various schools in Osun State at the Centre for Black Heritage and International Understanding Osogbo for an afternoon of cultural expression and educational mentoring featuring debates, poetry, drama, music, and drama — which was graced by the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Titilayo Laoye Tomori and the wife of the Governor, Alhaja Aregbesola, who formally handed the trophies to the five winners in the competition, and as well mentored the gathering of about 600 students on the importance of Education, Patriotism and Nation Building.

On the morning of July 16, the First Lady hosted the finalists to a lavish Breakfast reception at her residence, where the Deputy Governor used the occasion to mentor the finalists on the importance of their cultural heritage. She stressed on unity and love among the students — given that they had been drawn from different parts of the country. She admonished them that differences in tongues, religion and culture should never be a barrier in their relationship, which the programme afforded them. You must resolve to help build our nation by sharing love, idea and understanding”, she told the finalists shortly before they departed the state.

Scenes from the programme

Wunmi Oluwatunmininu, one of the speakers

— Culled from Culture Dispatch Young saxophone player thrilling guests

RODUCER of the series, Lilian AmahP Aluko assured that the Africa Centre event marked the beginning of the formal launch of the Open Door Series Project WS annual Essay competition on the international stage.

Significantly, it was the flag off of the Project WS80 designed as a year-long programme to mark the 80th birthday of the Nobel laureate next year, which she said would be “bigger, grander and involve a lot more programmes and people from across the world”.

The WS79 road tour had flagged off in The Summit speakers

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

28 ARTS

Literature How knowledge of oral literature, folklore enhances technological advancement, by Without a systematic interpretation of the sciences and knowledge encoded in oral literature and folklore, Nigeria cannot make progress in her quest for economic and technological advancement as envisioned in President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda and Vision 20-2020. Achebe made the point in 1983 when he said that Nigeria cannot expect to become developed in economic and technological terms until the country makes a rendezvous with its ancient civilizations and traditions of accomplishments which are curated and transmitted in oral literatures and media

As the second conference of Nigerian Oral Literature Association (NOLA) opens on Wednesday next week at University of Ibadan Conference Centre, chairman of NOLA and folk narrative expert, Prof. Godini G. Darah draws attention to the importance of oral tradition and how harnessing its potential can enhance Nigeria’s quest as a developed nation

By Anote Ajeluorou Uniqueness of Second NOLA Conference HE first conference was held in December 2010, where the Nigerian Oral Literature Association (NOLA) was inaugurated.

Part of the inspiration for NOLA derived from our experience at the conferences of the International Society for the Oral Literatures of Africa (ISOLA) where many Nigerians are active.

Many African nations have their national associations of oral literature, being their own platforms for initiating research and documentation and for implementing the global thoughts and themes from the ISOLA conferences. Our Association was set up to meet this national need for Nigeria. The first Conference had the theme of “Fifty Years of Oral Literature Research in Nigeria”. It enabled us to survey the academic and publishing terrain to know the scholars and institutions that were still active. The conference revealed that many experts and institutions had either withered away or become inactive.

In the interval of 30 months, NOLA has done extensive networking with old and emerging researchers and investors in Nigeria’s vast oral heritage. Our outreach efforts have broadened the thematic and technical perspectives on oral literatures and popular culture manifested in the 600+ languages in the country. Nigeria hosts about 40% of the 1,500 languages in Africa and is therefore the busiest site of oral literature. This is reflected in the omnibus theme for this year: “Documentation and Safeguarding of Nigerian Oral Literatures and Traditions”. The 13 sub-themes cover all genres, practices, media, and technology of oral creativity and transmission across the millennia. Besides the verbal artists, we are focusing on performances and communications that are dependent primarily on oral media such as telephones, television, festivals, entertainment, comic art and stand-up comedians, narratives of diverse forms, music, mythologies, ideologies, religions, biographies, memorabilia, political and journalistic reportage, proverbs, idioms, and their metaphorical representations, video film, Nollywood, Kannywood and their kindred traditions. Over 60 papers are expected.

On conference theme, Documentation & Safeguarding of Nigerian Oral Literatures & Traditions On currency of oral traditions, the answer can be found in the explanation above. Naturally, some traditions of oral and folk art become old-fashioned and obsolete when their purposes or patrons cannot be sustained. But new forms and stars are always emerging to fill new tastes and functions. Even old forms like the Yoruba oriki, the Hausa zambo, or the Urhobo udje or Isoko opiri minstrelsies are constantly being refurbished and renewed for diverse, multi-lingual audiences as we witness in rap and hip hop music and stand-up comedies. In place of the moonlight setting, storytelling has moved into other cyber spheres such as cable television featuring Super Story, K-TV, Disney World, Africa Magic, Nollywood, mobile phones, multi-media tablets, facebook, twitter, blog, and millions of animated cartoon narratives. As Chinua Achebe said, humanity recreates itself through stories.

Choice of venue, University of Ibadan

T

Dark Dawn!

By Kayode Steve Adaramoye

ocultic power in tornadic furore gush, gush, gush strange cryptic thread into occlusive tapestry woven strange cock on mystery tree crowing horror at dawn bellicosity on belligerent cloud shooting spears of trouble into depth roaring village dawn in uproar rampage on roof tops gruff voices leaking roofs rain of horror in reign choking us in pain of ugly rainbow in dim dark dawn!

The first conference took place at the Kayriott Hotels and Suites, Effurun, Delta State. It was jointly hosted by the Urhobo Studies Association based at the Delta State University, Abraka, and the Udje Heritage Centre, my own documentation outfit. The choice of the University of Ibadan for the second conference is very apt because it was there that Oral Literature Scholarship in Nigeria was cradled in the 1950s. Professor Kenneth Onwuka Dike inaugurated the radical scholarship of African History as the pioneer Direct-General of the Institute of African Studies, and the first African Vice-Chancellor of the university. The disciplines of History, Anthropology, and Linguistics created the first open space for research and documentation of oral knowledge sites such as epics, myths, legends, stories, poetry, rituals and religious ceremonies, and other improvised art forms typical of oral societies. The Dike generation included Saburi Biobaku, Ade Ajayi, Bolanle Awe (Yoruba History), Obaro Ikime, Tekena Tamuno, Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa, and A.E. Afigbo on Niger Delta and Igbo history. It was at the Institute of African Studies that Professor J.P. Clark began the recording and translation of his monumental The Ozidi Saga; Professor Wande Abimbola did much of his work on Yoruba Ifa divination system at the institute. So did Robert Armstrong on Idoma theatre.

Oral Literature courses were started at Ibadan by Professor Oyin Ogunba (now the late), who taught and later employed me at IleIfe. The zenith of Oral Literature scholarship was reached with Professor Isidore Okpewho, the foremost epic scholar in the world. He trained the largest corps of students and researchers.

Professor Olatunde Olatunji globalised studies on Yoruba poetry from Ibadan. In the words of J.P. Clark, Ibadan is also the “running splash” cradle of Nigerian notable creative writers who have exploited oral and folklore resources to give African aesthetic identity to scribal literature. Among them are Achebe, Christopher Okigbo, Wole Soyinka, Chukwuemeka Ike, Flora Nwapa, Elechi Amadi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Kole Omotoso, Femi Osofisan, Tanure Ojaide, Niyi Osundare, Odia Ofeimun, Emevwo Biakolo, Harry Garuba, Nduka Otiono, etc.

Urgency of oral tradition in a modern world But there is always the urgency to record, document and safeguard genres of intangible cultural heritage. This is the mandate of UNESCO Conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.

Regrettably, Nigerian governments do not fund documentation and safeguarding. Government implements economic injunctions from the World Bank but neglects those on culture, which is the foundation of sustainable development and modernisation. Without a systematic interpretation of the sciences and knowledge encoded in oral literature and folklore, Nigeria cannot make progress in her quest for economic and technological advancement as envisioned in President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda and Vision 20-2020. Achebe made the point in 1983 when he said that Nigeria could not expect to become developed in economic and technological terms until the country makes a rendezvous with its ancient civilizations and traditions of accomplishments, which are curated and transmitted in oral literatures and media.

Again, urgency is a necessary remedy against perishable wealth such as oral heritage whose libraries are human beings. Perhaps, Ahmadou Hampate Ba of Mali has the final word: “Every old person who dies in Africa is like a library destroyed by fire”.

Oral tradition in modern Nigeria writing To answer the question further, I will attach the 60+ topics and paper presenters to give you the range of subjects and spread of institutions. Twenty Professors are expected including Emeritus Professor Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa (the Academic Guest of Honour), Tanure Ojaide from North Carolina, U.S., Chris Wanjala from Kenya, Abuja-based Lindsay Barrett (poet, broadcaster, essayist, columnist and biographer) Olu Obafemi from Jos, Odia Ofeimun of all seasons, Olusegun Adekoya from Ile-Ife, Ademola Dasylva (Ibadan and chair of the Organising Committee), Michael Nabofa (Niger Delta University, Yenagoa) Abba Aliyu Sani from ABU, Nduka Otiono from Canada, Asabe Kabir Usman (Usmanu Danfodiyo, Sokoto) Ben Egede (Ekpoma) Afam Ebeogu and Chinyere Nwahunanya from Uturu, Sophia Ogwude (UniAbuja), James Obitaba and Joseph Enuwosa from DELSU, and Nkem Okoh (UNIPORT).

Other distinguished communication specialists are Kunle Ajibade, Editor-in-Chief of The News magazine who will examine stories and rumours about June 12, 1993 crisis and Tim Akano of New Horizons Computers will deliver a lead paper on prospects of digital technology and cultural documentation. The potentials of social media in promoting good governance are the focus of the paper by D. Patrick Akpoghiran of Western Delta University, Oghara. Radical literary theorists and discourse avatars include Dr. Sunny Awhefeada and Godfrey Enita (DELSU), Okey Okwechime (UNIBEN) Mark Osama Ighile, John Iwuh, Ofure Aito, Ferdinand Mbah (RUN), Anya Egwu (Covenant University, Ota), Segun Omosule (Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye), Solomon Iguanre (Babcock University) and Daniel Omatsola (UniAbuja).

Women rock the cradle and are the first poets, storytellers, and teachers. About 20 women professors and scholars are expected.

Besides Sophia Ogwude and Asabe Usman, there are Leticia Nyitse (Benue State University, Makurdi) Felicia Ohwovoriole, Bosede Afolayan, Philomina Ofuafo and Joy Omoru (UNILAG), Emy Emerhi and Enajite Ojaruega (DELSU), Flora Dairo and Eunice Uwadinma-Idemudia (RUN), EstherJamgbadi (UNIBEN), Linda Onwuka (FUPRE), Bridget Anthonia Yakubu (NOUN), Aghogho Angela Okune (Abuja), Abigail Nabofa and Abigail Tanu (Niger Delta University, Yenagoa).

Training of oral experts As Okigbo wrote in one of his poems, in the sphere of creative scholarship, old stars depart and new ones emerge to spread their lustre. The NOLA conference is an opportunity to celebrate established scholars and to inspire younger ones to step out into the arena to display their skills. Thus among the paper presenters are aspiring academicians who are involved in current research and interpretation of novel forms of oral literature and popular culture. Some of them are Dr. Alfred Mulade, Dr. Ojevwe Akpojisheri, Peter Omoko, Alex Omoni, Moses Darah, Godwin Ivworin, Martins Tugbokorowei, Henry Unuajohwofia, Stephen Kekeghe, Florence Ovweriavwose, Okofu Ubaka, Eyituoyo OvieJack, Uche Okuwanye, and Stella Toremi. Surely, the conference promises to be a dance of the forest of oral literature scholars, folklorists, and communicators.

Government dignitaries expected are High Chief Edem Duke, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation; Dr. Barclays Ayakoromo, the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), and Dr. (Mrs) Mbanaefo, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism and Development Commission. The highlight of the Conference will be the presentation of the Nigerian Journal of Oral Literature under the editorship of Professor Olusegun Adekoya of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. * Professor G. G. Darah (President, NOLA; he is also Professor of Oral Literature and Folklore, Delta State University, Abraka, former President, Nigerian Folklore Society (NFS), 1988-1995, former member, Nigeria-UNESCO Committee on Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage and former member, National Commission for Museums and Monuments

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

ARTS 29

VisualArts

Edosa Ogiugo, during one of GFA’s group shows

Ogiugo dreams big market for Nigerian art abroad

By Tajudeen Sowole OCUMENTING factors that have led to the D recent, perhaps, unprecedented increase in appreciation of contemporary Nigerian art, at home and abroad, will be incomplete without mentioning the contributions of Edosa Ogiugo.

He is one of the artists, whose managerial connection has been invaluable to the promotion of Nigerian art. The painter and former president of Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA), over the years, has served as a link for the country’s recent exploit in the UK market.

When he emerged president of the guild, in 2008, his mission was to take the art of members beyond the shores of Nigeria. Though his effort did not yield the desired results during his tenure, he, however, ensured that the process and the eventual realisation of the dream outlived his tenure.

Arguably one of the frontline painters in the middle generation of Nigerian masters, Ogiugo showed a passion that helped push for a new awakening for Nigeria art.

His long relationship and experience with the UK dates back to his, pre-GFA membership.

This much became an asset during his tenure as president. As a member of The Fine Art Trade Guild, UK, Ogiugo, though based in Lagos, maximised his experience to reflect so much quality on his canvas as well as shared managerial knowledge with his local guild.

Currently shuttling between Lagos and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, holding him down for a chat during his short, but ‘hurried’ visit to Lagos recently was very challenging. Though, no interview held, he agreed on an online interview.

“It’s always a gradual process and patient build-up,” Ogiugo recalled, as he reflected on effort that contributed to the rising profile of Nigerian art during our chat.

His membership of the UK guild, he explained, “has exposed me to foreign artists in the art business.”

He noted that what it is essential to churn out quality work. “This is crucial to breaking into the international scene,” he revealed.

Shortly after GFA made its formal presence known on the Nigerian art scene in 2008, it generated controversy bothering on its suspicious formation as a parallel professional body to challenge the Society of Nigerian (SNA).

The heated atmosphere soon disappeared as

the guild brought on to the scene, a fresh breath. It started with the group’s maiden show titled, Threshold, held at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, same year, and followed it up with an induction ceremony described as ‘unique’ art event ever organised in the country. There was ‘high taste and class’.

In 2010, the guild added another show, Crux of Matter, to mark Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary.

By the time Ogiugo completed his tenure as president in 2011, plans were already afoot to take the guild for its maiden show in the UK. The exhibition eventually held at Cork, London, earlier in the year. Titled, Transcending Boundaries, it was promoted by UK-based Aabru Art, a longtime admirer of Ogiugo’s art.

The Guardian gathered that the show offered art connoisseurs in UK opportunity to see such a large gathering of contemporary African art.

Indeed, the visitors might have been stunned by the fact that art from the continent has always been viewed from ‘ancient windows’ for a long time, just as ‘conceptual’ or ‘contemporary’ art has blurred the real creativity outputs from the continent.

In fact, a visitor to the show said, “prior to the

From the Horse series of Edosa Ogiugo

opening, what the community of largely white audience around the venue of the show ‘knew as African art was its close links with ancient or naïve expressions in immature forms.’

As laudable as the effort of the GFA show was, it’s also disturbing that in the 21st century, some sections of the west still see African art through the prism of ancient rendition. This suggests that contemporary Nigerian artists, despite the high quality, which their art exude, have not been reaching out enough in Europe.

Ogiugo traced the misconception to long years of artists’ laid-back attitude. He was, however, quick to note that the entire state of the nation, in the past three decades, did not encourage art appreciation as expected, despite relative effort and resilience of artists.

“The gap between the state and the citizens has been huge,” he argued, and suggested, “we need a structured system.”

But artists cannot wait forever for government to get it right. “Thank God for his favour and angels He has positioned for us to achieve this breakthrough.”

About five years ago, African artists started attracting attention via the London-based auction house, Bonhams’ yearly sales, Africa Now.

The last two editions of the auction had featured special sections for GFA members.

What is the chance of Nigerian artists sustaining their gradual romance with the U.K art market?

Again, Oguigo tapped into his experience and understanding of the UK market, perhaps, as a member of the Trades Guild. “It’s a very fresh start, which has great potentials if we can have collaborations from public and private efforts. I mean there are models we can adapt so we can have a natural flow.”

Despite being in the age of contemporary art contents, it does appear that traditional rendition such as painting and sculptural works in the regular formats are being excluded, gradually, from ‘contemporary practice’.

In fact, the changing art landscape suggests that contemporaneity or conceptual art is being redefined by the trend, which, most often gets artists exploring some unusual materials in creating art.

Typically, most of such art are best suitable for museum pieces as against the regular collections.

For Ogiugo, who is among the artists holding on tightly to the traditional form of creating art, “the Nigerian art space needs proper education /interaction.”

He stressed that such forum will offer an opportunity to “expose those who are manipulating” the public’s perception of art.

A piece of art, he argued, should be self-explanatory and not be confined to or determined by the volumes or ‘sermon’ the artist can write.

“Think of what they create, when nobody is there to explain it.” He asked: “Can it stand the test of time as real art?”

He described a section of the Nigerian art community as being “gifted in urban planning skills and interior decoration contents,” and advised such artists to define their identity and “not deceive themselves.”

Oguigo possesses one of the most resilient strokes on the scene, rendering themes such as dance and equestrian figures. Having explored the streetscapes in the 1990s, the last 10 years of his canvas appears to be shared, more loudly, between frenzy lady dancers, mostly in traditional Nigerian attires and the strength of horse. While the dances are the artist’s expression of highlighting and promoting the cultural values of Nigerian women, the equestrian, he explained, satisfies his admiration of the strength of horses across species.

“Horse is sure a strong, powerful, functional, but intelligent animal.” More importantly, “it is a good drill for tasking an artist’s draftsmanship skill.”

He described horses’ movement as graceful and elegant such that they are irresistible to capture for the canvas. “I just love to capture those moments.”

In giving impressionism a broader texture, Ogiugo’s art emphasises the strength of lines, particularly in his capturing of highly mobile subjects.

He traced his passion for drawing horses to 1990, when he visited his wife’s family in Sapele, Delta State.

He recalled how he was ‘challenged’ to draw and paint horses two years later by Roman Akar.

Twenty years after, Oguigo, who graduated from the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, disclosed that there is still much to explore in drawing and painting horses. “I don’t think I have done my best yet of the horse subject.”

Art galleries are losing more spaces, and artists, particularly those at the Universal Studios of Arts, as well as others in National Theatre Annex, are endangered.

Is art not really business enough or capable of adding values to the economy, given the drastic changes in urban renewal?

Ogiugo, who has a studio at the National Theatre Annex, noted that this disconnect could be corrected by upgrading facilities in public space.

He said, “professionals like us need to be heard by those who think they are doing us a favour, so, we can have a more robust or better planned urban centers” Apparently referring to the recent issue about re-development of the National Theatre’s landmass, Oguigo challenged the government on the need to make the process an all-inclusive one. “They pretend to want to restore the National Arts Theatre space without carrying stake holders along. “For the records I am not against restoration of the master plan, but bring it to the open or can a hotel be Nigeria’s National Theatre? Another Government

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

30 ARTS

Lanre Olagoke breathes charity, entrepreneurship, with Art Alive

By Tajudeen Sowole

ITH the homecoming of United Kingdom-based artist and gallery owner, Lanre Olagoke, Nigerian artists, who are still struggling to have creative outlets in Europe, may now heave a sigh of relief.

Olagoke, who runs three art galleries in the UK, is currently in Lagos with the hope of adding works from Nigerian artists to his collection, which is replete with British and other European artists. Well, his interest also cuts across the arts and culture sector.

W

Lanre Olagoke

By Mufu Onifade T was a black Monday — June 3, 2013. On that day, corrosive fog blurred the weather of art patronage in the country wit h the passing on of Chief John Sunday Edokpolo, leaving behind, pains in the hearts of his loved ones including Nigeria artists. Indeed, his exit is a deep gorge of vacuum in Nigerian Art. That morning, the news erupted in the air like a volcano, disrupting the peace of the day. By the time the smoke of the ‘rumour’ dissipated, it became a daunting reality, a reality still being deliberately treated by all with a string of doubts.

Is this how death operates? No premonition, no preparation, no predictability. Just death!

How could a man who had given out so much beneficial commissions to Nigerian artists and was still in the process of extending the frontiers of his patronage just take a stroll out of existence?

To keep in shape and remain in good health, he never joked with his routine exercise. He played lawn tennis every morning before embracing the day’s activities. How then could such an active life terminate untimely – only at 66?

Edokpolo was the one teaching many artists he encountered, the secret of good living. He preached that all work and no play make Nigeria artists dull individuals. He told everyone that good food was essential. His message was that no reasonable man should joke with fruits. Now the same man just took a walk into non-existence!

Death, how cruel you are! One night, Edokpolo paid a visit to the doctor’s; the next morning, he was gone! Life and its many mysteries!

The patron has now become a great loss to his family and business associates, but a greater loss to Nigerian artists.

Edokpolo’s ebullience and untir-

I

Olagoke is not happy that despite his long years in art business, no single Nigerian artist is in his collection.

In his short stay, he has visited the Artists’ Village at the National Theatre, Iganmu. And is surprised at the ‘enormous’ talents that abound in the country.

According to him, “I was so stunned that I had to immediately alert BBC to come over and do a feature on the arts and culture professionals here.”

While awaiting the BBC feature, Olagoke appeared to have started his own short documentary, perhaps, to aid the whole concept of promoting arts and culture sector of his fatherland.

Footage of the video shows the abandoned building of the defunct ‘National Arts Gallery’ and its vicinity, featuring some culture workers.

Still on promoting Nigerian art, Olagoke’s major future project is what he disclosed as a museum of contemporary and ancient art, designed to link the creative works at home with others from overseas. “I see a lot of prospect in using art to bring creative people abroad back home. So, I have plans to establish a Museum of African Arts in Diaspora,” he explains. “The museum will be located in Nigeria.”

Apart from supporting professional artists, Olagoke’s Art Alive also has a trust section. In UK, the Arts Alive Trust, he reveals, uses art as empowerment for prison inmates. Similar model of supporting artists, he explains is his goal for Nigeria.

The three galleries and the trust section, he says, have an army of artists to cater for.

“Artists abroad, which we support, are over

ing joviality, at times, betrayed his strict and disciplined mien. An oil and gas magnate, with a strong hold in real estate, he was expected to be all over the place without having time for himself and family, but not Edokpolo. He knew how to battle stress and dispel tension.

One moment, he was stern in dishing out instructions and in the handling of his business tentacles.

The next, his light-hearted jokes seized the air like the sweet scent of an alluring perfume. At that point, everyone wanted to be with him – to share jokes and banters.

He thoroughly relished making people laugh as he depended heavily and confidently on his grasp understanding and vast knowledge of the diversity of Nigeria’s cultures and languages. His grip on languages also extended beyond Nigeria. He spoke French impeccably.

Simultaneously, he radiated good laughs. He laughed gregariously at his own jokes and those of others.

Edokpolo was an art patron extraordinaire. He was a commissioner of awe-inspiring art pieces and had a stunning collection ranging from paintings to sculptures – wood, ivory and bronze. His sustained interpersonal relationship with artists had stretched beyond and above mere collection. He took special interest in the well being of the artist. He held a personal belief that only emotional stability of the artist could take him to the peak of his creativity and career. He had demonstrated steady financial aids to some artists. Benin-based artist, Amos Odeon was a living witness.

He told the story of how his sight was almost devoured by cataract, which rendered him inactive.

When the story of the artist’s state of health reached Chief Edokpolo, he was swift in attacking the disease: he underwrote Odion’s medical bill to save the sight of a skilled master artist. He did not stop there; he commissioned the artist to produce 13 massive works at a

250.”

At home, he already has some artists who will benefit from the initiative due to the fact that he wants to protect the confidentiality, he doesn’t want to mention their names for now.

As an artist, his work roves much around abstract impressionism.

One of the works titled, Hope, according to him, depicts despair of ‘today’ and respite of ‘tomorrow’.

“The suffering of the present time, which is not compared with the Glory that is about to be revealed exist in every aspect of life.”

However, Olagoke might encounter challenges in his art here.

Reason? The Nigerian art market is not so print-friendly.

This should be eye-opening for the artist who plans to sell, for example, the print of his Hope at a price that is higher than original Lanre Olagoke’s Hope, a print copy from Limited editions. paintings of some well-known signatures in the country.

Carnaby Street Kingly Court, have been in It would be recalled that in the past, sevexistence 2011. eral attempts have been made by artists, The artist’s bio says he was born in Longalleries and promoters to promote prints. don in 1962. At four years old, his family Such efforts were unsuccessful, despite the moved back to Nigeria. He returned to the high quality of the reproduction.

UK at 19, and started revisiting home, “My prints are in high quality; lithograph where he picked his love for art, which acmaterial”, Olagoke boasted when he was tually began from an early age. briefed about the history of prints in NigeMost important to his career, he says, is ria. Giclee print – widely regarded, as having the experience have acquired as an aphigh texture quality has not made any difprentice to late Ben Enwonwu. “‘I first met ference to change collectors’ hard-line attiProfessor Ben Enwonwu in 1985-87 and betude here. came an apprentice under the great man,” Olagoke says his three galleries situated in he says.

go! This intervention did not only save the artist’s sight, it also facilitated and accelerated his career back on the track of productivity.

Commissioning! That was an area where Edokpolo outclassed other Nigerian art patrons. He took delight in commissioning good artists to produce paintings of massive sizes and sculptures of gigantic volume. A 24 feet x 6 feet painting produced by Abayomi Barber titled Barber’s Panorama is a typical example of such rare massive sizes in his collection.

Other monumental works in his collection include Toyin Alade’s Inheritance Menu, Bimbo Adenugba’s Onidodo Onimoin-moin and Ekasa: Myths and Realities; Mufu Onifade’s Festival and Carnival, Bruce Ono-

Chief Edokpolo

brakpeya’s Eru, Amos Odion’s A Dove of Peace Heralding the Truth With the World in His Hands, Bisi Fakeye’s Virgins of Ila Orangun, Monday Akhidue’s Mysterious Mint, Sam Ajobiewe’s Elegance: Ovia Maidens and many more.

Some of the works were recently showcased at the exhibition of works from Chief Edokpolo’s collection titled, Ambassador’s Nite 2: Rare and Large.

The show was specifically designed to present massive works in his collection to the public. He had done similar shows twice earlier to promote Nigerian artists. The maiden edition held in 2008 while the second was Treasures, a commemorative show in celebration of Nigeria’s Independence anniver-

sary in October last year.

One of such works shown at Ambassador’s Nite 2 was a massive painting titled Inheritance Menu by Toyin Alade. The painting ravages the minds with utter display of the destructive after-effect of bequeathed inheritance. This sets the rich thinking and pondering.

Alade’s mastery of figures and fluidity of strokes capture various cliques of the affected family scrambling for items of inheritance.

They employ different tactics and various means including spiritual fortification, conspiracy and legal action. Like most of the works he commissioned, the title was Edokpolo’s idea, but the execution was that of the artist.

Activating the thoughts of the patron, Bimbo Adenugba’s Ekasa: Myths and Realities was another commissioned painting — a direct portrayal of what many consider to be mere myths, but which has manifested into realities in the family lineage of the Edokpolo’s.

The myth: In the traditional Benin Kingdom, when the coronation of an Oba (king) takes place, an Ekasa dance is staged by youngsters (all males) in their teens, each bearing an Ekasa (a swordlike object). If the Oba dances out to receive Ekasa from any of the dancers, that dancer will grow to become rich later in life.

The reality: Chief Edokpolo’s father was a 17-year-old boy during the coronation anniversary of Oba Akenzua II. The young Edokpolo danced in the midst of his Ekasacarrying peers when the Oba danced out and received his Ekasa.

Edokpolo later grew to become the richest man in Benin before he passed on!

Stories of those unbelievable myths and daunting realities accruing from Ekasa are thus chronicled in Adenugba’s expressionistic painting, which he rendered with the tenets of naturalism.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

In association with

Events TAKE HEART

BRIDAL PACKAGE Date(s): 07/08/2013 Location: 57A, A.J. Jose Marinho Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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A HUSBAND'S WIFE Date(s): 10/08/2013 Location: Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Promoter: M.IKAZ A Husbands wife is a drama filled story of a husband going through midlife crisis and his wife having to deal with it. How far will a man go to reclaim his youth The play takes the audience through the dramatic journey of this couple. It carries a strong message while it effortlessly exhibits witty humor.

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Lindsay Lohan ordered by court to attend therapy Lindsay Lohan has been ordered by a court to attend therapy sessions following her release from rehab. LiLo was snapped leaving the Cliffside Malibu Rehab Center in California on Tuesday (July 30) after completing her court-ordered 90-day stint.

The Liz & Dick actress looked ‘healthy and in good spirits’ as she made her exit from the facility - but it seems she will now undergo further treatment.

According to TMZ, a letter from Cliffside Malibu - which was sent by founder Richard Taite - recommended to a judge that following her release, she would need three 50-minute sessions a week for the next 16 months.

Taite concluded: “If these sessions are not required by the court and attendance verified once a month to ensure accountability, it is a set up for almost certain failure.”

The judge has agreed to the conditions and Lohan will have to prove that she has obeyed.

Diplo accuses Flo Rida of ‘ripping off’ video

Diplo has accused Flo Rida of ‘ripping off’ his video for track Butter’s Theme. The producer took to Twitter after Flo Rida premiered the promo for his Pitbull collaboration Can’t Believe It, which features a number of scantily-clad ladies showing off their behinds.

Diplo - real name Thomas Wesley Pentz - could obviously see some striking similarities between his promo and Flo Rida’s latest clip, tweeting the rapper: “yo @official_flo ur a f**k ass f**kboi for ripping off my video.”

At first, fans thought Diplo was referring to his Bubble Butt video, with the hitmaker clearing up the confusion by posting a link to Butter’s Theme, along with the caption: “Not even bubble butt lol he ripped off this video.”

He then continued his rant: “I’m goin to go toilet paper the trees in front of flo-rida mansion if you want u can ride or die with me. Also bring eggs.”

Jennifer Aniston denies delaying wedding

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Jennifer Aniston has denied that she and fiancé Justin Theroux have postponed their wedding. The Hollywood star told Glamour magazine that she wanted to “clear up” speculation in the press that they had put back their nuptials.

She said: “We just want to do it when it’s perfect, and we’re not rushed, and no-one is rushing from a job or rushing to a job.

“And, you know, we already feel married. We have yet to set any dates.

“There have been no cancelled weddings. There have been no postponed weddings. There have been no arguments about where to get married. Just clearing all that up.”

And Jen went on to praise Justin for his potential as a dad.

“I know Justin, for instance, has extremely amazing paternal instincts,” she declared.

“Because (growing up) he had to sort of become the parent. I think when you have to become the parent when you’re a younger person, you learn those instincts.”

Aaron Taylor-Johnson confirms Avengers talks

The star of Kick-Ass could be graduating from the tonguein-cheek graphic novel adaptation to a mega-budget Marvel Studios movie, he has confirmed. Aaron TaylorJohnson admitted in an interview with Collider that he had met director Joss Whedon to discuss the role of Pietro Maximoff (aka Quicksilver) in The Avengers 2.

He said: “I feel really flattered and honoured that they came to me for that role.

“I sat down with Joss, I think he’s awesome, I sat down with the guys at Marvel and they’re also great. I think it’d be interesting.”

And the 23-year-old also spoke to MTV directly about the role in more detail.

“The thing to think about is he’s an abandoned child, him and his sister are abandoned in Eastern Europe.

“There’s more character aspect that I’m interested in than the power aspect... you’ve gotta have something that you can relate to.”

36 ARTS

ThE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

Theatre

By Florence Utor OW does one capture the life and eccenh tricities of one of Africa’s celebrated literary icons on stage? That must have been the thoughts of many when Renegade Theatre, in partnership with MUSON, thrilled guests at the Agip Recital hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Staged recently to celebrate the 79th birthday of Wole Soyinka, the play, Eni Ogun, reveals Wole Oguntokun’s deft manipulation of the stage to achieve theatrical excellence.

Though the hall was half-empty on the Saturday show, it was intriguing that the hall didn’t feel that vacant as the cast ignited the stage with their whip-smart and marvelous performance.

In his seventh series of the ‘Season of Wole Soyinka plays’, in the month of July, which is the birth month of the Nobel Prize winner, Oguntokun dared to capture the life and Olarotimi Fakunle, as older Soyinka during rehearsal times of Soyinka on stage.

The interesting part of the piece was the way he captured the significant parts of the writer’s life such as his childhood, political ambition and of course, his literary flair.

The cast tried as much as possible to portray their roles effortlessly, as they drew in the audience so warmly to the celebration of the art of storytelling.

This choice of cast, costume and props such as the use of recorded voices, traditional songs and other embellishment brought the celebrated character to life.

Notwithstanding the flamboyant use of vocabulary, which is attributed to the Nobel Laureate, Oguntokun was able to set a light mood with his satirical characters such as the cunning soldier Odejimi (Kola Fagite), who ranted on the potency of his magic to destroy hitler, his classmate Iku (Precious Anyanwu), the prefect of his secondary school who bullied and confused him with his ambiguous words, Ezeoba (Austin Onuoha), and the Grace Eniola, as Soyinka’s mother during rehearsal tyrant who almost sent him to jail.

The drama, which was based on the three books of the Nobel Laureate, Ake: The years of childhood, Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years and You must set forth at dawn, chronicles the history of Nigeria.

Travelling through series of narrations, the audience is able to catch a glimpse of the life and style of the professor.

Divided into two parts, the first, which focused on his childhood days, and the latter part presented the fast paced events of the writer’s adult life with such remarkable ingenuity. Characterised by his relationship ration for secondary school.

This was followed by the humorous scenes with his strict father who was also the head Teacher Samuel Ayodele Soyinka, popularly of his grandiloquent prefect, Ezeoba, his known as SA, and his ‘Wild Christian’ of a other classmates, especially the infamous mother, Grace Eniola, played by Jumoke Iku, who were caught by the Principal stealBello, the first part of the play revealed a sub- ing a chicken. The comical presentation of tle part of the writer especially with the death the case by Iku to the principal further elicited peals of laughter from the audience. of his beloved sister, Folashade.

An interesting part of the play was the initi- Perhaps, the strongest character of the play ation of Soyinka in his teens played by Joshua was Jumoke Bello, who actively portrayed Alabi to the revered deity ‘Ogun’ by his grand- her role as a political activist. her singular father Pa Adatan (Amos Olutokun) in prepa- and epic towards women empowerment

When Oguntokun told Kongi’s story in Eni Ogun and influential part of the Ransome-Kuti family was clearly depicted.

One of her comical roles was the way she stopped one of her husband’s guests from eating all her husband’s meals by serving him ginger ale and orange scotch daily.

Olarotimi Fakunle who was the main narrator of the night and also played the adult Wole Soyinka was another key character in the play.

Through his narration he raised thought provoking questions on the lackadaisical

and selfish leadership that have plagued the country for years. Despite his strict disposition, he amused the audience with his naivety at the Paris airport on his way to London.

Through series of chants, the actors dramatised the roles of the past leaders of the country, reliving their deeds and actions during their tenure as heads of state in the defunct military regimes and the democratic era. The civil war was not excluded from this dramatic scene.

University of Abuja holds conference on Achebe hE Department of English and T Literary Studies, University of Abuja in collaboration with Road Safety will organise Abuja International Conference on Language and Literature, with the theme, Chinua Achebe: From Prologue to Epilogue. The 2013 conference wlll celebrate the late Chinua Achebe as the greatest writer of his time and the founding father of African literature whose thematic pre-occupations bestride African experiences, both during the colonial era and after independence; and whose style derives from African oral narrative tradition.

The conference will hold from Thursday, October 10 - 12, 2013.

Sub-themes for the conference include Chinua Achebe: Life and

times; Achebe and his literary muse; Achebe and literary influence; Achebe and his literary career; The pre-occupations of Achebe novels; Achebe as a poet; Achebe as an essayist; The art of Achebe’s short stories; Achebe’s writings for children; Achebe as a historian; Achebe in politics; Achebe in Exile; Achebe in racism; Achebe and pan-Igbo struggle; Achebe the democrat; Gender question and Chinua Achebe; Achebe and his audience; Achebe’s literary sons and daughters; Achebe and his critics; The language of Chinua Achebe; Phono-semantic issues in Achebe’s writings; The stylistics of proverbs in Achebe’s works; Socio-linguistic dimensions in Achebe’s writings; Socio-pragmatic issues in Achebe’s writings and Achebe and gender/critics.

Participants should submit electronically abstracts of not more than 200 words to: achebeconfab2013@yahoo.com, vickysylvesterm@yahoo.com and profeffiokuwattba@yahoo.com not later than August 10, 2013. Papers should get to Convenor/Conference Secretary not later than August 30, 2013.

Keynote speakers at the conference include Prof. David ker: Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria; Prof.

Ibrahim Bello Kano: Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; Prof. J.O.J Nwachukwu-Agbada: Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria; Prof. Olu Obafemi: University of Illorin, Illorin, Nigeria; Prof. Umelo Ojinmah: Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria; Prof. Mary Kolawole: Kwara State University, Nigeria and

Prof. Akachi Ademora-Ezeigbo: University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Guests speakers will be Senator Uche Chukwumerije: Chairman, Senate Committee on Education and Prof. Michael Thelwell: University of Massachusetts, U.S.A. As a way of immortalizing Achebe, conference convener, Prof. VM Silverster has solicited the support of well meaning Nigerians to help sponsor the building of a Chinua Achebe Library/Reading Room in the English Department of the university.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, May 17, 2013

ARTS 37

...The buzz in town

One-on-one with Chief Zebrudaya

Showblast

VER the years, Chika Chukwunonso Okpala popularly known as chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo Alias 4:30, has remained relevant in the Nigerian entertainment sector. Born in Nnobi Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, the comic actor with special English language is a living legend in comedy business.

From stage performance to the Lighter Mood Show on radio, Masquerade and New Masquerade on television plus countless commercials and product endorsement, Zebrudaya’s foray into the make believe world has transverse for decades.

Catching a big fish is always a herculean task but my meeting with Chief Okpala was easy and humourous. The Ugbene 1, AbakpaNike Enugu residence of the humour merchant was very calm when the reporter walked into the compound that equally sheltered Zodiak Brains Films Limited, with ultra-modern audiovisual studio owned by the veteran comedian.

Earlier in life, young Chika had nursed the ambition of becoming an accountant, but along the line, things changed.

“I would have been an accountant but my interest in drama and a kind of brain wave took me out from accounting to acting.

Then I was a student of Prince Memorial High School Onitsha, a secondary commercial college of note and was doing very well in book keeping. That was why my father insisted that I will study accounting and I was working very hard to achieve it before fate struck,” he recalled.

However, Okpala’s involvement in Dramatic Society of the school ignited his passion for acting; that was where he started

O

Today, Zodiak Brains Films is my outfit where I do different productions. Infact comedy transformed my life in its entirety; it gave me wife, children, wealth and fame

‘

I would have been an accountant, but my interest in drama took me to acting

‘

By Chika Onwukwe

Stories by Chuks Nwanne

taking the old man’s role.

“We used to hold end of the year performances and I see my self playing old man’s role in the drama series to the excitement of the audience. As a result of this accolade, my interest was growing stronger and during holidays my school master’s brother, who run’s a mobile cinema, takes me to different communities where we do film shows against my fathers wish. But when the war came, things changed.”

Chief Zebruidaya actually made several attempts to join the Biafran Army, but was chased away because of his age.

“You don’t know what war is. How can a little boy like you clamoring to join the army? War is a serious thing and bullets don’t know your age. If it was before the war, we take you as boys company and from there you develop yourself but for now go home don’t waste your life,’ the recruitment officer said to me. I felt bad and went home disappointed.”

Since his attempt to join the army failed, Chief Okpala joined forces with other young chaps, who were rejected by the soldiers, to form Two Cities Play House, a theatre troupe comprising Nnobi and Awka-Etiti students, who came back from different secondary schools around Onitsha as a result of the war.

“The late professor Ogonna Agu was the leader of the troupe and equally wrote their script, while I typed the scripts and featured prominently in the plays. We started rehearsal and thereafter called some notable people to showcase what we have done; we got a pass mark and continued. We also applied to certain sections of the army to entertain them at weekends and they gave us approval” Along the line, some of the actors grew to army height and were recruited into the army, including the leader and writer Prof. Agu. “It was a big blow to us. We went to military formation severally asking them to release our writer for us so that we keep entertaining them but they declined telling us they can’t let him go. However, before then, we had performed at the Army Headquarters at Akabo near Owerri, where top officers were thrilled by our performance.”

By the time the war ended, life became tough in the East.

“My father lost everything he laboured for at Ahoda Port-Harcourt and couldn’t go back there. He rather advised us to find something doing in order to help our younger ones.

Then I accompanied Prof. Agu to Enugu where his in-law was living.”

In Enugu, Opkala identified with the International Red Cross Society and later worked as a messenger at Nnobi during the war.

“God may have it I was made the kitchen supervisor; it gladdened my heart because I have secured my stomach at least. They also gave us foodstuff, which I usually send to my people in the village.”

Another opening came up at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC).

“They called it food for work, that is you are being paid with food items after rendering your services. Our duty was to clean the university Library that was abandoned during the war; it was the brainchild of Ministry of Rehabilitation.”

According to Chief Okpala, drama was equally introduced in the project by the ministry, with the aim of comforting people that came back from the war.

“I joined the drama group without hesitation, hence we started rehearsals. It was there that I met Professors T.U. Nwala and Emeka Okpala, who are the leaders of the group. It was at this point that I got accommodation elsewhere; brought some of my siblings from the village to stay with me. I was making little money from different jobs I was doing,” he quipped.

For Zebrudaya, meeting an old friend changed his life.

“One day on my way to rehearsal, I met somebody who told me that there was a more serious rehearsal going on at the British Council ran by broadcasters. When I got there, I met Prof. Agu and he was happy to see me join them. It was also at that place that I met Late James Iroha (Gringory Akabogu), who was the stage director of their show and also a producer in East Central State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) at that time. He was running his own show on radio; he encouraged me to work with them. They double casted me in the theatre group and took me

to radio house where we started the Lighter Mood Show, it was this show that gave birth to Masquerade when television came out.

Then in 1984 it was baptized New Masquerade.”

Their rehearsals at the British Council intensified featuring prominent people in the broadcast industry such as Osita Okeke, who later became Aviation Minister; Paddy Akpa and others. It was called Hilltop Art Theatre Show. When we presented the show to then Administrator of East Central State, Mr. Ukpabi Asika, he was excited. He then took us to Kaduna where we performed at the army week that year.”

The trip was a sort of turn around for Okpala; it was his first time of ridding on a train.

“We travelled by white train, which I have never entered before. At Kaduna, we were lodged at Hamdala Hotel, a five star hotel for that matter; I was given a room as small as I was and people came to serve me. I told myself, ‘for drama, all these are happening to me.’ Later on, we were brought to Dodan Barracks then the seat of power to perform. That was when I told myself that something great is behind this drama and I will remain in it all my life,” he noted.

Later, Obi Egbuna came back from Europe to open writers workshop in Enugu, where he started teaching young people how to develop scripts, how to enter into character properly and so on. He also took them round the country for different performances.

“Later on, they grouped us and I found myself in James Iroha’s group and I became the first Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo alias 4:30 on television. It was Chief Josaphat Okoroigwe Nwogbo alias 4:30pm on radio and I was the forth person to play that role on radio but became the first on television.

Within that period I was able to do my first degree and master’s degree in mass communication at the Enugu State University of science and Technology (ESUT). Today, Zodiak Brains Films is my outfit where I do different productions. Infact comedy transformed my life to its entirety; it gave me wife, children, wealth and fame,” he enthused.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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SHOWBLAST

Struggle for spots, as the family dance begins ITH the level of fame and W fortune enjoyed by past winners of the Maltina Dance All (MDA), it is not surprising that National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, was besieged by thousands of budding dancers, who stormed the audition seeking nods to be part of seventh season of the family dance. Talent dancers struggled to impress the judges in their quest to be selected on behalf of their families to gain access into the Maltina Dance Academy.

At the end of the long hours of competition, eight finalists emerged to be part of the main battle for N6 million prize, including a brand new car and the highly coveted title of Nigeria’s number one Dancing Family.

However, the huge turnout and skill exhibited by contestants further confirmed Lagos, as the undisputed African major talent hub. The eight dancers, who were unanimously picked by the judges are Blessing Ekpo, Gloria Idundun, Promise Enweribe, Peter James, Aniebet Emmanuel, Emmanuel Ibeotuche, Jackson Obinna and Ekwerre Elijah. They will however undergo comprehensive medical screening, which is ongoing, which medical fitness result will ultimately be the basis for the selection of their family considering the highly physical and mental rigours of MDA competitive dance competition.

As expected, the Lagos audition was highly entertaining and indeed in consonance with this year’s Maltina Dance-All theme, The Evolution. Contestants across all ages displayed high level of dance techniques, which made it a bit challenging for the judges to pick winners.

Day 1 witnessed contests from ages 5-12 and 30 and above, who contested for prizes ranging from brand

new Home Theatres, Flat screen television sets and Blackberry Smartphones. For the 5-12 year category, Sunday Dolapo, a 10-year-old pupil of Kingsplace Secondary School, emerged overall winner, while Bankole Olamide, 11 and Ibukunoluwa Agbedo, 10, took the second and third positions respectively. For the 30 and above category, 35 year-old Mrs. Oluwakemi Adetula emerged overall winner, while Mr. Rasheed Balogun, 31 and Ibrahim Rasak, 42, came second and third respectively.

The second day was indeed intense as dancers from ages of 13–19 and 20–30 battled it out.

At the end, for the 13–19 year category, Tolu Okelowo, 19, Daniel Bernard, 17, and Daramola Oladimeji 19, came first, second and third respectively. For the 20-30 year category, Gloria Idundun, 24, Aniebet Emmanuel, 22, and Austin Ashor, 22, equally occupied the first, second and third positions respectively.

Commenting on the Lagos audition, a member of the panel of judges, Bimbo Obafunwa, confessed that it was a very tough exercise, adding, “As usual Lagos is always very rigorous; the contestants have shown that they really want to be in the Maltina academy.

What we have seen so far shows that a great degree of dancers in Lagos appreciate Maltina Dance-All and want to be a part of it. Because there were so many good dancers, it was somewhat challenging picking winners but eventually we were able to select just eight dancers.

We looked at their versatility, the strength of the dancer, stamina, skill acquisition, transition from one move to the other, charisma when they come on stage and most importantly the ability to entertain and keep the audience going and of course the spirit of evolution”.

Timeout With Tee A Live in Abuja FTER successfully hosting A the Lagos edition of the show last December, one of

firmed for the Abuja concert.

Guests can look forward to popular artistes such as Nigeria’s pioneer stand up co- Banky W, Iyanya, Kcee and medians and award winning Emma Nyra who are set to act, Tee A, has finally unveiled thrill them with their hit plans to stage the Abuja leg of songs and hilarious skits the gig, Tymeout With Tee A- Live from comedians Basket Edition Abuja Concert.

Mouth, Bovi, MC Abbey, According to the comedian, Headmaster, Princess and the second live edition of his others. famous TV show Tymeout TymeoutWith Tee A- Live has With Tee A will hold on Sunwon numerous awards in day August 11, 2013 at Congress Nigeria and abroad with a hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. loyal fan base of millions of “We’re putting only the best viewers all over the contitogether, to make sure guests nent and beyond. enjoy a fantastic concert experience,” said Tee A. The concert, he noted, will also include thrilling live performances, comedy skits, interviews, giveaways and a lot more exciting surprises.

“The Lagos edition was a massive success with the support of our fans and partners. The feedback we got was impressive and we are just as eager to replicate the success in Abuja. Abuja, get ready to have a great time.”

Meanwhile, a number of Alist musicians, actors and celebrities have been conTee A

The eight contestant selected from MDA Lagos audition

With Afropolitan Vibe, Bantu lights up Lagos with live music n June 21, the World O Music Day was celebrated all throughout the globe. But back home, one show that caught the attention of music lovers in Lagos was the Afropolitan Vibes concert staged at the Freedom Park.

Conceived by Nigerian musician and activist, Ade Bantu, the monthly gig saw the dreadlocks-wearing artistes entertain the gathering alongside his 11-piece band, with other acts on parade.

The June edition featured the crown prince of Afrobeat, Seun Kuti, the soulful sister Ego and Germany-based Abiodun.

The amphitheatre at Freedom Park was filled with guests, who came together for a free night of Afropolitan vibes and dance.

The show, which started at about 8pm, was opened with Bantu’s timeless beats, which instill a sense of melancholy of the Lagos of times past.

Abiodun brought the crowd to their feet, as they went wild to his R&B stage thumping beats. Abiodun’s hip motions, sound and good looks left the ladies swooning and everyone in the crowd wanting more.

With the momentum building and energy rising, Ego mounted the stage with fire cracking rendition of Lagbaja’s Kokobilo; the transformation to old school Lagos was complete. Ego went on to

Thirsty 4 U… A new sound from Ash Hamman E came into limelight H with Immmaqul’8, his defunct hip-hop music group,

Something, the popular show on Dubai’s One’ national television, Ash is a brand ambassador and official face of Carrera eye glasses, and as well as ambassador of Hennessy / Hennessy Artistry, Puma amongst other brands in the

before leaving for Dubai, where he honed his music skills. After many years abroad, the Nigerian born singer, songwriter, dancer and entrepreneur, Ash Hamman, who was raised in the U.K. and U.S., did tried a launch back to his mother land, Nigeria, in 2011 when he released a single titled Body and Soul, featuring General Pype.

Amazingly, 2012 was a silent chapter in Ash’s anticipated return to Nigeria, but the artiste maintained a steady rise and rise in his career abroad.

However, the acclaimed Dubai’s king of R ’n’ B’s self-titled album, Ash Hamman that was released 1n 2012, clinched the first position among the fastest selling albums in the Middle East Africa. Aside from being the first Nigerian act to be interviewed on Twenty Ash Drum

Middle East Africa.

The artiste recently came home to drop his latest single Thirsty 4 U. Surprisingly, the yet to be released video of the song, which would be hitting the airwaves in August 2013, was leaked and it’s presently generating buzzes in Dubai as the video left much to imagine.

Apart from Ash the artiste, his business sense has projected his record label and entertainment coy, I.M.Q- Immaqul’8 Entertainment, as the next big thing in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He performed live during one of the editions of Miss World beauty pageant grand finale held at London’s Alexander Palace and has also shared the stage with the likes of Akon, Usher, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Montell Jordan and other superstars. Among his hit tracks are Phases Come and Go, I’m in love with You, featuring Sway of Konvict, I’m sorry and others.

serenade the audience with a soulful and bone chilling rendition of her power ballet Bia Nulu and Cobhams produced Fall In Love from her debut album.

Perhaps, Bantu is inspired by the beautiful voice of Ego, as he sang No More No Vernacular. The band subsequently dedicated a medley of songs to a fallen hero, Fatai Rolling Dollar, who the band and the crowd honored with a united celebration of his life. The entire audience sang along, hugged each other and swayed to She Go Run Away, Won Kere Si Number Wa and Se Me Jeje.

Just as guests thought the night could not get any better, Seun Kuti strolled casually onto the stage, with a swagger that was fit only for a prince. His causal approach did not fool his audience whose patience was rewarded by the expert trumpeting of Colonial Mentality, one of Fela’s classic tunes and Seun’s African Soldier.

Aside the World Music Day showpiece, the music project had in the past, featured top artistes such as General Pype, New York based Singer Siji, Aduke, Ara, Jimi Solanke, Yinka Davis, Ghanian drummer & singer Ekow Alabi, and Beautiful Nubia.

With Afropolitan Vibes, Lagosians now have a show to watch out for every month. They are also sure of scintillating performances and of course good music from an authentic African band.

THE GUARdIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

ARTS

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SHOWBLAST Ultimate clubbing in Garden City the build up to the FderROM maiden edition of the GulClub Ultimate, with no-

gig, to an amazing sound and laser show within the hall, which was further complitable Nigerian stars on parade, mented by death defying many anticipated that the stunts and performances from event would be a bang. Indeed, an aerial acrobatic group from anyone present at the groove the USA, who prepared the held last Friday in Port Harcrowd for a series of breath takcourt would attest to the fact ing illusions and performances that it was perhaps the most by the powerful magician, entertaining event in that part Zeeto Peller and his gorgeous of the country this year. assistant, a non-stop mix of dj Employing a powerful combi- Humility and dj Kelvin, Club nation of technology, creativUltimate Port Harcourt, it was ity, organised professionalism indeed the experience of a lifeand an overriding desire to time. reinvent the Nigerian party exAnd not to forget the ever perience, the brand created ready and ever spontaneous what is without a doubt a new host of the night denrele Edun, level of consumer engagement who held the city of Port Harwith the introduction of Club court spellbound with his Ultimate in Port Harcourt. amazing personality and From the construction of a charm on the red carpet; he giant ship at the entrance of was awesome. the Aztech Arcum, venue of the

Yaw, Denrele and Afolayanat the Gulder Club Ultimate party in Port Harcourt

AMVCA 2014… organisers call for entry O doubt, the level of success N recorded at the maiden edition of the AfricaMagic Viewers’

movie task that was presented by the housemates.

This year, a total of 28 awards Choice Awards (AMVCA), must in 26 categories will be have spurred MultiChoice and awarded ranging from acting AfricaMagic to make an early and directing to scriptwriting call for entry ahead of the secand cinematography, with 9 of ond edition billed for 2014. The those categories being voted AMVCAs were created to acfor by the viewers. Other areas knowledge and celebrate the in which honours will be given contribution made by Pan are editing, make-up, sound, African filmmakers, actors and lighting, including the most antechnicians in the success of the ticipated of the whole cerecontinent’s film and television mony, the Industry Merit industry.

Award and the Trailblazer of The official announcement of The Year Award. the 2014 AMVCAs was made reLast year, the two awards were cently on Africa’s biggest reality given to veteran Nigerian actor show, Big Brother Africa. In the Olu Jacobs and Nigerian actress show, Big Brother invited 2013 Ivie Okujaiye respectively.

AMCA award winners, Ghanaian “It is a pleasure for us to anactress Jackie Appiah and direc- nounce the launch of the sector Akin Omotoso, to judge a ond AfricaMagic Viewers’

Choice Awards after the resounding success of the first one. AfricaMagic is committed to recognising, nurturing and rewarding the excellence and artistry that exists within our movie and television industry,” M-Net Africa Md, Biola Alabi said.

Alabi stated that, “the number of entries and the significant response we received last year is proof that the AMVCAs are contributing by recognizing, acknowledging and rewarding the hard work that goes into this ever-expanding industry.”

Speaking on the project, the CEO of MultiChoice Africa, Nico Meyer noted that, “MultiChoice Africa is delighted to be a partner in the second edition of the AfricaMagic Viewer’s Choice

Awards. Our association with the awards is a show of our commitment to growing Africa’s talent, the entertainment and movie industry with quality local programming allowing Africans to take ownership of their achievements. We are certain that once again this year, the continent will celebrate its rising stars. We look forward to the emergence of powerful stories and Africa’s unsung heroes.”

The inaugural AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards ceremony took place in Lagos on 9 March 2013. Sponsored by Amstel Malta, the ceremony was broadcast live from Lagos to dStv and GOtv audiences in more than 50 countries across the continent.

Abuja hots up for WED Expo AVING successfully pulled H together the best and brightest brains in the wedding industry in what has been described as the biggest exhibition in West Africa in Lagos earlier this year, WEd Expo is set to up the ante as it makes its debut in Abuja.

The free to attend event, which had the record of over 40,000 guests and 150 ex-

hibitors at the past two editions is set to stage a grand exhibition in Abuja by introducing two more options to exhibitors which are: sharing a booth with another exhibitor at fifty thousand Naira and getting an economy standard booth at eighty thousand naira. The idea is o make exhibiting easier for intending wedding vendors. Booths are

also already selling at a discounted rate for early buyers.

The exhibition is billed to take place on October 19 and, at M&M Event Center (Beside Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja), 900 Herbert Macaulay Way, Abuja.

Meanwhile, the past edition, which was held from March 21 to 24 this year at the Landmark Village, Victoria Island, Lagos

Lifetime Achievement Award for Elegant Stallion OR her role in setting the Fishing pace for the already flourNigerian music indus-

Achievement Award. Conceived by the U.S.-based organisation, the project is try, Image Awards of the dedicated to promoting unity Nigerian Reunion Corporaamong Nigerians both at tion recently presented the El- home and in the diaspora, as egant Stallion, Onyeka well as projecting the image Onwenu with a Lifetime of the country.

Onwenu (middle) receiving her award at the event

The award ceremony, which was held in Houston, Texas, on July 6, had the cream the la crème of the Nigerian society in the U.S. in attendance.

In her acceptance speech, an excited Onwenu said, “I’m really honoured to receive this award today. This is a testament to the fact that my works have had a profound impact here in the U.S. I’m greatly encouraged to continue to strive to contribute my own quota towards the growth and development of Nigeria through my gifts and talents. I’m proud to be identified with the Image Awards of the NRC. ” Onwenu, one of Nigeria’s foremost divas, was honoured alongside other Nigerians including Trybe Records label CEO and artiste, El dee da don and Chido Nwangwu, CEO of USAfrica.

had in attendance exhibitors drawn from the makeup industry, bridal accessory retailers, photography, video studios, wedding planners, decorators and dress-makers among others.

Ahead of the Abuja event, organisers are also introducing a promotion for the month of August called the Exhibitor 20/20 Buddy Promo. Speaking on the initiative, the founder and publisher of WEd magazine, Akin Eso noted that, “the Exhibitor 20/20 Buddy Promo for August is when two exhibitors decide to book together in August and get to share 20% extra discount which is; they get 10% each on top the already discounted rates. Also for every vendor an exhibitor refers the exhibitor gets 20% of what the new exhibitor pays in advert credit.”

Over 50 wedding vendors already booked to exhibit at the event, which promises to be the largest consumer exhibition to happen in Abuja.

According to Eso, the goal for the extra two options and the buddy program is to encourage more small businesses to have the opportunity to expand their businesses as participating in WEd Expo for a wedding business is definitely a dream come through as the business will never regret those two days.

Encomuim White Gig returns S part of its 16 anniversary, A Encomium Weekly, Nigeria’s foremost society magazine

risen to become the celebrity journal to beat, earning accolades as the most respected and awards company, has an- magazine in its category. nounced plans to stage the The annual White Gig is White Gig event. Unveiling slated for the middle of Auplans, the publisher of Engust, while details of the comium, Kunle Bakare assured event will be announced on a that this year’s event would later date. leave guests speechless.

“You can be sure that the 6th event in the series will be the biggest, classiest and grandest white party ever,” he promised.

Since its launch in 2007, The White Gig has become one of the most anticipated events in Nigeria, with celebrities and well wishers clad in dazzling all white garbs. In the past, the show has hosted celebrities such as Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Genevieve Nnaji, Otunba Gbenga daniel and many others.

Founded in May 1997, Encomium Weekly has steadily Bakare

Star parade for Bowler Hats HEAd of Bowler Hats Bash A holding tomorrow at Niteshift Coliseum, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, notable stars and celebrities have indicated their readiness to grace the event, which promises to be a fun-filled evening of comedy, music and more.

Leading entertainers expected to thrill at the grand gathering include Limpopo exponent, KCEE, Solidstar, Okey Bakassi, Gbenga Adeyinka, Basorge Tariah, AY, African China, Mr. Raw Nwanne, Segun Arinze, Bovi, Elenu and AB Cowboy.

Meanwhile, the trio of ddon, d’Lectura and Charles Inojie will anchor the groove.

Other talented acts expected at the bash, which opens at 5pm with a red carpet reception include Klint d’ drunk, Bigiano, Mr. Patrick, Elder O, Austino Milado, kid sensations, TJ Sax and OzzyBoscoWonderkid, MC Abbey, Acapella, Rugged Pastor, Igos, Ajebo, MC Ice, danni B, Alincology, Benjy d’ Joke, Gabby, Nero The Sexy dancer, Kolina, Moran Cee and others.

Musician cum radio personality, dJ Stramborella will be on the wheels of steel dishing out hit songs for all

to savour at the anticipated evening of high-wired fun, relaxation and networking.

Award winning African Heritage Band, will also be on the Coliseum’s big stage to entertain guests.

According to Contacts Communications, promoters of the gig, Bowler Hats Bash, was conceptualised to further enliven the nation’s thriving entertainment atmosphere.

“BHB has been designed as a special and fun filled evening of comedy, music and more with Nollywood, music and comedy stars in huge attendance... It’s a proudly and original Nigerian concept.”

Elaborating on the project, coordinator, Azuh Amatus, stated that BHB is a free event, but strictly by invitation only, noting, “It’s a classy and exclusive show and the dress code we expect from our teeming guests, both male and female, is a bowler hat of any colour with a trendy attire.

Aside music, comedy, BHB will also afford our invited guests the opportunity to relax, unwind, interact and network. It’s strictly a Bowler Hats Affair; so come partying with your bowler hats on”.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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ArtHouse Compiled by Florence Utor

Star parade at Royal Academy’s movie release ENEVIEVE Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, Monalisa G Chinda, Beverly Naya, Uru Eke, Uti Nwachuwkwu, Bobby Obodo, Alex Ekubo and Bishop Ime Umoh will be part of the unveiling of Weekend Getaway and Desperate House Girls, which Royal Arts Academy is set to release into the market.

The launch will hold today at Terra Kulture by 4pm. The movie, which has already been screened in cinemas nationwide, enjoyed a successful run. It was produced by Emem Isong, Ini Edo and Monalisa Chinda and directed by Desmond Elliot.

With AMC, more African stories on screen soon K-based African Movie Channel (AMC), dedicated to the best U movies and series from Nigeria’s Nollywood, and the best from the rest of Africa, has arrived in Nigeria.

Book enthusiasts at Rainbow Book Club Book-of-the-Month event discussing Chimamanda Adichie’s new novel, AMERiCANAH for its July edition in Port Harcourt city. The Port Harcourt Book Festival (formerly known as Garden City Literary festival) will hold from October 21 – 26, 2013 in Port Harcourt and will attract a gathering of book lovers from across the globe preparatory to its World Book Capital events programming next year

MTN Project Fame West Africa season six: Fun, excitement at opening gala

By Florence Utor T was an evening of fun, excitement and very good performances last weekend, as the musical reality show, MTN Project Fame West Africa, unveiled the 16 contestants, who will vie for honours in this year’s contest.

The expectations that surrounded the opening show and gala were not unmet.

Select contestants treated the audience to songs by Alicia Keys and other popular artistes. Remarkably, Iyanya and Praiz, two popular artistes and alumni of the reality show, graced the stage to stir memories of how they were nurtured into super-stardom on the same platform.

Iyanya and Praiz did justify their current rating. Nollywood artiste, Olu Jacobs, amongst other industry giants, spanning telecommunications, oil and gas, manufacturing, media and the rest, were most thrilled as they kept applauding the Project Fame season

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one graduates, all through their performances.

Six among the new contestants gave a foretaste of what is to be expected in the coming weeks.

Staring eviction in the face, Gbemisola, Veronica, Daniel, Niniola, Olawale and Johnny needed to convince the panel of judges that they deserved a place in the academy.

While they took turns to make a possible last impression through various renditions from popular artistes, only four of them got the judges’ nods to join the other 12 contestants. Veronica and Daniel could not deliver such masterstrokes that would have given them the ‘heads up’ to be part of this year’s academy.

Gbemisola, Niniola, Olawale and Johnny joined the academy.

The contestants are Blessing, Simon Ekechukwu, Omolayo Babawale, Janet Ayoka, Gbemisola Rowland, Johnny Drill Ighodaro, Niniola Apata, Immaculate Patience, Henry

McJohn, David Crentsil, Roland Ricketts, Leonard Massaquoi, Oluchi Isreal, Jimoh Lucky, Olawale Ayodele Ojo and Margaret Cephas.

Speaking to some of the contestants, their enthusiasm was visible.

Henry McJohn, who almost made it into the academy, last year, through the wild-card entry, could not hold back his joy. He said, “I’m so confident and I believe I will justify my selection into the academy.”

Roland Ricketts said he is going to prevent past disappointments. He suffered on the show. Evicted on the opening night of last edition, the Microbiology graduate, from Abuja, is determined to make an impression this year.

Meanwhile, the wildcard entry is still open. Organisers of the musical television reality show academy encourage interested youths to visit project fame’s portal or upload videos of their renditions via youtube for a chance to be part of the on-going academy.

Interestingly, Project Fame has retained the trio of popular music producer, TY-Mix, Ghanaian music legend, Bibie Brew and German-Nigerian Afro hip-hop veteran, Ade Bantu as judges. For the academy’s faculty, actress Joke Silva, Mrs Ige, Choreographer Kaffy and Ben Ogbeiwi hold the reins, as 10 weeks of scintillating and breathtaking performances, both live at the studios and on national television stations, begin.

The channel’s official launch holds on August 11 at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Lekki. Top media and Nollywood celebrities are expected to be at the classy event to be hosted by Teju Babyface, with Andre Blaze anchoring the red carpet.

In seven years of its operation, when it launched Europe’s first channel, it has pioneered the online digital distribution of Nollywood movies and drama series at full-screen DVD quality and through its online On-Demand channel, and a partnership with British Telecom (BT) on its BT Vision Download Store.

The 24hour African movie channel is already notable TV platforms such as StarTimes in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique; TopTV in South Africa, Smart TV in Ghana; Zuku in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and Continental Digital in Tanzania.

Again, Seaman’s Schnapps to sponsor Osun Osogbo Festival HE yearly Osun Oshogbo Festival has been scheduled to start T on August 8 with a stakeholder’s presentation forum at Osogbo. It will end with the festival’s grand finale procession and royal reception events on August 23. Custodians of the festival announced programmes for the yearly cultural event at a mediabriefing recently in Lagos last Tuesday.

In his own address, chairman, working committee for the festival, Chief Popoola Bolarinwa, said the purpose of the festival was to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of Osogbo.

He added that with the endorsement of UNESCO and the continuous listing of the festival on its annual calendar of events, the festival continues to attract global attention.

He concluded by stating that Osun State has put a stamp of authority on the festival as a veritable source of tourism development and cultural attraction.

Joseph Benjamin (first from left) and Adora Oleh (first from right) with some of the newly unveiled 16 contestants participating in the sixth season of the music reality show, MTN Project Fame West Africa.

Eghosa Imasuen named Kachifo’s COO

By Anote Ajeluorou N a move widely seen in the literary circle to be radical and refreshing and a break from the norm, innovative publishing outfit, Kachifo Limited, owners of the Farafina imprint, has announced Benin City-based medical doctor and author, Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). The announcement was made by his predecessor, Yona OyegiunMasade, who will now be Managing Editor.

There was a certain buzz of excitement about two weeks ago when Imasuen first made the announcement to a group of literary enthusiasts at Freedom Park, Lagos at a Champagne Party in memory of late Chinua Achebe. Ever playful and jovial, Imasuen had said medicine no longer paid and he was moving onto something more exciting and rewarding, too. Oyegun-Masade’s announcement

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this week is final confirmation that Imasuen would have to relocate to Lagos for his new job, a city he frequents with keen regularity for his literary interests.

Imasuen was born on May 19, 1976, and grew up in Warri. He has had his short fiction published in online magazines, and has written articles for Farafina magazine. His first novel, To Saint Patrick, an alternate history, murder mystery about Nigeria’s civil war, was published by Farafina in 2008 to critical acclaim.

He was a member of the ‘9 Writers 4 Cities Book Tour’ that was concluded in early June 2009; it was a book tour that gave Nigeria’s literary space a huge boost, as it eventually saw the emergence of other book-stimulating events. A medical doctor, Imasuen graduated from the University of Benin, Benin City in 1999 – and has lived in Benin City with his wife and twin sons. His second novel, Fine Boys, a story

chronicling the voices of Nigeria’s postBiafra generation, is now available internationally on Amazon Kindle and in local bookshelves.

So, what would Imaseun’s new portfolio bring to the table of Nigeria’s book lovers? No doubt, he has distinguished himself as a writer of promise on the local turf, especially in an age when Farafina and other local, innovative publishing players overtly only take on published authors from outside Nigerian shores. He proved to be the exception to that infamous rule when Farafina accepted to published To Saint Patrick in 2008, although it was a poorly edited book.

Indeed, a myriad of problems beset the publishing industry, especially fiction publishing where Farafina has made a name for itself. Would Imaseun look the way of local writers and give them opportunity the way he had it? In era of new media and ebook (Fine Boys first appeared in Kindle edition), what

new frontier would Imasuen take Farafina? Also, Farafina was not always in major book exhibition and festival grounds.

Importantly, how available would Farafina books be in the few bookshops across Nigeria? His first novel, To Saint Patrick long ran of circulation and no new copies were printed.

While Imasuen and Farafina probably felt happy that the first print run ran out, a measure of complacency set to create a gap in circulation. Presumably, pirates might have moved in to fill the gap if the novel had been a school text, luckily or unluckily, it was not.

So, while congratulating Imasuen, he should be aware that he has his job cut out for him in towing the towering path of Christopher Okigbo, as author and book administrator, as pathfinder!

New Kachifo COO, Imasuen PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

Executives Finance

By Eric Moy f you are looking forward to your retirement being funded by the government, you are going to have a rude awakening when the day of your retirement comes around. Worst for many people is that they made no financial planning for retirement and are counting on getting a social security check every month to support them through their retirement years. If you don’t want to find yourself in the same situation, you need to start planning for retirement needs now to ensure comfortable retirement years to come. No matter how old you are or how much you can afford to put aside, start planning for your retirement.

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The first step to making your retirement dreams come true is to think about what you want your retirement to look like. Do you picture yourself on a pink sanded beach in Bermuda; or on a cruise ship island hopping Greek Islands; or maybe traveling the small towns of the United States in a RV? You may only have ten years until retirement day or maybe it’s only five.

Whatever your time frame, its never too late to start your retirement investment planning and to give your money the time it needs to work for you to help make your retirement dream come true.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are ready to start your retirement planning: 1. Calculate how much money you’ll need when you retire. This part of retirement planning depends on large part how you want to live during your golden years.

2. If your employer offers a 401K plan, include that in your retirement savings plan portfolio. Contributions made to your 401K plans are pre-tax and that’s the big

Success Strategies

By Faith Monson n my experience, both as a Isales success coach and as a professional in Corporate America, too many people sit back and wait for someone else to be their champion, missing important opportunities.

You can learn to be your own best champion, and in the process, learn to create your own luck by following these four steps.

Step #1: Know your own worth. Give yourself regular pep talks reminding yourself of major accomplishments, positive outcomes and clever ways you’ve handled challenging situations.

Internalizing a realistic and positive sense of self-worth will strengthen your feelings of personal power and enable you to stand up for yourself when necessary and use that power when the situation calls for it.

Step #2: Avoid emotional responses to workplace drama. Sooner or later, you

Financial Planning For Retirement Security advantage in making your money grow.

When possible, contribute the maximum dollar amount you can to get the best “match” from your employer. There are some negatives with 401K plans, so be sure you know the terms of the plans you want to enroll in.

3. Some people plan their retirement by investing in a traditional IRA. With this type if retirement savings plan, you have complete control over your retirement planning - but again, there may be limits on the contributions you can make.

4. In an uncertain economy, many people use their retirement saving plans as a bank account to draw money whenever they need it - or cash it out when they lose a job or need money for a house or financial emergencies. If at all possible, leave your retirement account alone to let it grow. Find other way to finance you day-to-day living expenses.

5. Diversify, diversify, and diversify. Every retirement plan should be diversifies to spread out the risk so that all your investments aren’t in one basket. If we learned anything from the recent setbacks in the economy, it should be never put all your money in one type of investment.

6. If you worked for a company that went bankrupt, your pension may still be secure.

Do your research to find out if you have a pension you can rely on during retirement and figure that money into planning for retirement needs.

savings accounts, and having to delay the start of their retirement or downgrade their projected retirement lifestyle. If you want to keep your retirement on track and grow for you, but your are not sure where to find the

best retirement plans to invest your money, get some retirement planning advice from a retirement planning expert and then make informed decisions to put the best retirement savings plans to work

The current downturn in the economic condition, many people are nervous about investing their money in riskier, and potentially higher return investments. Instead, they are leaving their retirement monies in secure but low interest paying bank CDs or

Champion Yourself to Success!

will be questioned, disparaged or misunderstood. The person who seems to be working against you may be truly nasty, or might just be clueless. Observe, listen and collect information until you have a clear idea of the situation and your options.

Review your findings and ideas with your coach or a trusted friend (outside the organization). Create a plan of action and work your plan, steering clear of angry rants or snide remarks.

Step #3: Create your own information pipeline. Many people are frustrated in the workplace because necessary questions aren’t being answered or company promises haven’t been kept. Even worse, it’s not uncommon to have a vague (or non-existent) job description and a boss who isn’t around when you need input. Empower yourself to be able to do a great job despite these obstacles by creating your

own network of knowledgeable people inside and outside the company who can help you understand the culture, the industry, the players and the politics so you can function effectively.

Step #4: Be prepared to act on your own behalf. When something goes wrong or doesn’t happen as promised, you can’t always count on your boss or the Human Resources people to straighten it out for you. Be a squeaky wheel and don’t sink into despair. Create a plan of what you would like to see happen, and present your plan, making sure to spell out why it’s in the best interests of your boss/company to do so. Have a backup plan in mind so that if the company says “no” and the situation is intolerable, you know what your next moves will be. Champion yourself for your best career outcomes, and see how “good luck” seems to magically appear!

Executives Health

By Joel Travers King eginning your eye exercise program may seem like a difficult and daunting task.

But, from a positive point of view, it does not have to be a challenging undertaking.

When it comes to change, fear and anxiety are hindrances that serve as stumbling blocks, preventing us from achieving our goals. If you have been accustomed to wearing your glasses or contacts for a long time, it’s understandable that this departure from traditional methods of vision improvement would be viewed with some apprehension and anxiety, due to a fear of the unknown. Therefore, if apprehension and anxiety are holding you back from even beginning your vision improvement program, here are some tips that show you how to overcome fear and anxiety.

B

Fear of being ridiculed for choosing a natural vision improvement program, a path less travelled in the field of vision improvement, may cause you to become a little apprehensive. You may be worried or concerned that your friends and family may ridicule you or even accuse you of being crazy for performing eye exercises. Turn this negative into a positive.

Use this negative situation to your advantage. Become so determined to succeed at your vision improvement goals that it makes your friends and relatives admire your dedication and steadfastness to the program. As you continue to persevere with the techniques, they will develop a respect for you. As your natural eyesight continues to improve by leaps and bounds, your friends will see the positive results: reduced dependency on glasses, greater visual independence.

Their attitude to you will be become more positive and they may actually want to start doing what you are

Exercises to Improve Eyesight How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety doing. Another alternative is to choose a private practice area where you can perform the techniques in the privacy of your own home free of distractions.

Think of a fear as a lesson that once learned would lead to something positive and rewarding; something that helps you to grow in life.

Often, we underestimate our abilities to accomplish tasks in life that seem daunting from outward appearances, but they are actually easy, once we set our minds to doing them. As you gain experience and practice, what appears to be a daunting task, becomes easier as the fear begins to diminish and eventually disappears. You may say that doing the task is easier said than done. In this case, before doing the task, think of something very pleasant and enjoyable. It could be a favorite hobby or activity such as a trip to your favorite vacation spot, a front row seat to your favorite basketball, or other sports game, or even a musical concert. Think about the joy and the excitement you felt on those occasions.

So, whenever you think about the task, replace the negative emotions with the positive emotions of joy, happiness

and excitement you felt as you remembered those happy occasions. However, if you don’t believe in yourself, chances are you won’t be able to do it. Therefore, think positively about your ability to accomplish the task and then visualize yourself succeeding at doing it.

Take for instance, some people who have never driven before, have fear or anxiety about driving. But once they start taking driving lessons and getting behind the wheel, gaining experience and practice with driving in safe areas, driving appears easier as the fear begins to disappear. In terms of beginning a natural eye exercise program, the fears are often unjustified because a program of exercises to improve eyesight is actually quite easy and fun. Let’s make a comparison with Yoga. While Yoga is very beneficial in terms of relieving stress and anxiety and improving our overall health, it requires an abundance of energy and flexibility to perform some of the poses; disciplines that a lot of people find quite challenging to keep up with.

A natural vision improvement program on the other hand consists of easy and sim-

42 ARTS

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

Film Filmmakers task new NFC Boss Stories by Shaibu Husseini from the South East production FtryILMMAKERS zone of the Nigerian motion picture indushave called on the new Managing Director of Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr. Danjuma Dadu, to quickly and dispassionately address some of the problems confronting them in the business of filmmaking.

Held at D’Matel Hotel, Enugu, the forum attracted participants, which included actors, producers, makeup artist, marketers, exhibitors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, editors, production and set designers and others, from Enugu, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abia, Ebonyi, Edo, Delta and Anambra states.

The list, which was endless, only re-echoed the litany of request earlier canvassed for by filmmakers in Lagos and Kano during similar interactive forum by Dadu and his team, with filmmakers.

At the forum, participants were elated that Dadu was visiting the zone.

To them, the zone has trailed behind the scheme of things, including: having dwindled or no access to government intervention funds, participation in domestic and international film festivals, (through nomination and or sponsorship); participation in domestic and foreign short training and capacity building for filmmakers and more.

Others are the establishment of Motion Picture Practitioners Council of Nigeria — MOPICON, the National Film Fund and the establishment of the Nigerian Film Corporation Zonal Office for the zone, which they said was long overdue.

It was very obvious that, filmmakers within the zone anxiously awaited meeting with Dadu.

In a welcome address, on behalf of his colleagues, Steve Eboh commended NFC for the forum.

For Eboh, nothing short of charting a way forward for film production activities within the zone should be the focus of the interactive forum.

Expected effects of these will rob off on the volume and quality of film production activities within the zone.

On behalf of his colleagues, Eboh stressed the need for government to consciously and deliberately attempt and bring to fruition, the MOPICON Bill, and eliminate the undue attention given to individuals who purport to represent filmmakers.

Strengthening existing film agencies like the NFC, participants averred should be empowered and its establishment law, reviewed.

Piracy, effective distribution of movies and the establishment of cinemas (complexes) also dominated discussions during the forum.

Predominantly, Internet and ICT piracy came under review, with a call on NFC to liaise with other relevant agencies to save filmmakers from ‘high tech’ pirates who are bent on bringing film producers to their knees.

Prominent film and video marketer/exhibitor, Prince Sir Ossy Okeke Oguno, aka Ossy Affasson, called for the establishment of a campus of the National Film Institute (NFI) in the zone.

He cited Awka as the appropriate location for the NFI campus.

To him, NFI campus in the zone will cater for the capacity building and training needs of filmmakers within the zone.

Again, he aligned his call for the establishment of an office of NFC in the zone, and that filmmakers from across the production zone will support and participate in all NFC programmes that are mounted within the zone for the sustainable growth of the film industry.

Chief Pete Edochie (OON) was more emphatic on the needs for the zone.

According to him, a production zone that accounts for over 85 per cent of films produced in Nigeria cannot be neglected.

He called for the adequate representation and participation of filmmakers in the centenary celebration of Nigeria.

Edochie suggested that every state should be made to produce two films, one in the native language, and the other in English.

The films would then be screened during the

centenary celebration to further bond Nigerians as a united people.

Nigeria’s culture, he said, was “no dance in raffia attires” but a collection of all that make up the entity called, Nigeria, captured in the various movies shot in various locations in Nigeria.

Filmmakers, Edochie stressed should therefore be part of the centenary celebrations, because according to him, filmmakers have fought the consistent reflection of foreign cultures on the ways Nigerians do things, and are equally contributing in no small measure to boosting the image of Nigeria, domestic and foreign, apart from providing alternative home

entertainment.

Responding to the plethora of issues, Dr. Dadu was firm and poised to ensure that the Enugu Production Zone was adequately catered for in NFC operations.

Dadu announced the immediate establishment of a zonal office of the Corporation to cater for the entire region.

That aside, Dadu assured that adequate attention would be given to training filmmakers within the zone.

Seminar and conferences will be part of the training for filmmakers, Dadu further said.

The federal government, Dadu averred had done and is still doing so much to boost the

fortunes of the Nigeria film industry.

He told participants that Mr. Labaran Maku, the nation’s Information Minister, was doing much to ensure that the MOPICON Bill, NFC Act (Review), Film Villages Establishment Act, National Film Fund, and the National Film Policy (Review) receive urgent government attention.

The establishment of an Advisory Committee, to advise the NFC on her programmes/projects is to come on stream soon.

Also, multimedia centres in Enugu, Abuja, Lagos and Kano are in the pipeline, under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) concept.

To check and arrest the prevailing bickering and foster cooperation and understanding among filmmakers across the country, Dadu said, the NFC would initiate the setting up of a database for industry practitioners.

The database will have the register of all filmmakers in the country including guilds and associations. The Register will no doubt enhance the smooth takeoff of the proposed Motion Pictures Practitioners (MOPICON).

Dadu called on practitioners to exercise maximum restrain and control over the volume of film produced yearly, in order to enable them recoup their investments. Film production, Dadu said should also be viewed from the business point of view, especially against the background that job opportunities are provided during the several film shootings and production facilities across the country.

The Enugu parley brings to an end the threelegged interactive chats organised to evaluate the pulse of filmmakers across the country and re-engineer the operations of the NFC in line with emerging policy thrust of the Federal Government in making film (creative business) an alternative to Oil and ICT in terms of revenue generation and employment creation.

The Zonal Director NFVCB (South East Zone) Mrs. Lizzy Uwaezuoke attended the Interactive Forum.

In Jos, ISFF throws up fresh talent for Nollywood HERE was no award for animaT tion at the just held International Student Film Festival (ISFF). There was also no award for the over 20 documentary films entered for the maiden edition of the festival, which held at the National Film Institute (NFI), Jos, Plateau State and facilitated by the World Bank Step B Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography and their tripartite partners the NFI, the University of Lagos and the University of Jos. Similarly, none of the short commercial films entered by the students drawn from within and outside Nigeria met the required standard and there was also no award for the short commercial film category.

The jury, chaired by the distinguished Professor of Theatre Arts, Irene Isoken Agunloye, were of the opinion that while none of the entries in the animation categories met the expected standard, the subject matters of several of the entries received in the documentary category were inadequately treated and back grounded and in some cases, the documentary films did not reflect the thematic overview of the festival, which is — Moving Images: Talking Peace. This was why none of the entries in that category was worthy of any award at the festival, which held between June 18 and 21.

But the jury, whose other members include Professor John Sani Illah and Professor Sam Kafewo, was impressed with the quality of works in the other competitive categories.

According to the jury, films that

were seen suggested that cinema was alive among student filmmakers — Films that were completed with scope and verve and films that were illuminating, enlightening, humorous, serious, tragic and compelling.

The jury also remarked that it was deeply affected by some of the themes the student-filmmakers explored and that they were particularly affected by the intimacy to the medium and social truths the students captured and shared through the films.

This was why the jury, in its published statement, said it was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the ISFF is strategic to the emergence of motion picture practitioners.

The jury also felt that the number of entries received — 108 in all — 62 short films, 14 documentaries, three animations, eight commercials and 11 music videos for the first edition of a student film festival is adequate evidence at this preliminary stage of the institutionalisation of the festival, and enthusiasm on the part of student and the status of academic programmes in the participating institutions.

It was on that premise that the jury recommended that the partnership that has brought about the festival “must not only be allowed to grow but must be nurtured to attract other stakeholders for its sustainability.”

In all, the jury was able to identify the most outstanding films, and technicians nominated in the other five categories of the ISFF. Mariam Kwaranga short film on the effect of the civil disturbance titled, Forlorn,

was voted the best short film of the festival. Mariam is a student of the NFI. Samuel Bature’s engaging and wellhelmed music video, Let it Rain, picked the crest for best music video of the festival while Kevin Luther King Jnr was recognized for his effort in the musical Beauty is too Small.

He got the crest for cinematography. Danniela Esua Ameh, a student of the NFI turned out the only student filmmaker who returned home with two awards.

She got the best directing crest for her effort in the short film Kenyan.

The short film was also adjudged the best in soundtrack.

But it was not all awards at the festival, which climaxed with a closing ceremony that was chaired by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Danjuma Dadu, and witnessed by top mass communication, theatre and film practitioners and scholars such as Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, Dr. Teddy Hamakyough, Dr. Victor Ayedun Aluma, Dr. Abayomi Daramola, Dr. Ifeoma Amobi, Hajia Lantana, Dr. Diran Ademiju-Bepo, Dr. Edward Ossai and President of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artist (SONTA) Professor Sonny Ododo.

There were daily master classes on editing, directing, cinematography and acting for the screen as well as a plenary session chaired by the visiting President of Marwah Studios Complex, India Dr. Samdeep Marwash.

The plenary session preceded a keynote address delivered by foremost film scholar and former Managing Director of the NFC, Dr.

Hyginus Ekwuazi.

Some of the participant students, who spoke with The Guardian, said the festival provided ample space for students to engage with and experience new trends in the art of filmmaking. Esther Ijah, a student from Nassarawa State University, said she learnt a lot from interacting with some industry professionals and scholars that the festival attracted. “I was able to meet with some film critics, and encouragingly, now I understand their thought pattern and what it takes to critique a film.”

Victoria Appiah, a student from Ghana who said she was inspired by the success of the festival to work on a short film, which she will enter at the second edition of ISFF thanked the organisers for facilitating such an important event that has in no small measure helped in stimulating their creative capacities.

“I thoroughly enjoyed myself in Nigeria and in Jos particularly.

And Jos is a damn peaceful place. I thought I would come and see people fighting and chasing after one another. But the kind of peace here is what I have not felt in any other part of the world. I would like to come here for the second edition,” Appiah said.

But Appiah has some advice for the festival directors — James George of the NFI and Dr. Tor Iorapuu and the ISFF team. “They must communicate the existence of such an important festival roundly next time and they must start on time so that schools can be able to prepare.”

43

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

AutoWheels Automobiles with high consumer rating

Porsche Boxster

Tesla model s

Honda Civic hybrid

Ford Mustang

HE analysts at T Consumerreports.org have earned a lot of respect from car buyers over the years.

United States automakers especially are praising their standards since American cars have taken two of the top three scores ever in recent rankings.

Here are cars that topped different categories from the venerable consumer agency.

Top MPG for small Sedans: Honda Civic Hybrid It’s not the sexiest accolade, and the numbers have been beaten by Honda itself with its 2014 Accord Hybrid, yet the 2013 Civic Hybrid has claim to best fuel economy among 2013 small sedans.

For many drivers, it isn’t about style or performance; it’s about getting to work and back —or taking the kids

to school — on a small amount of fuel.

The Civic and the Accord by Honda get the job done at a reasonable price.

Highest Scoring American Sports Car: Corvette Z06 At the other end of the spectrum is the American sports car. With price tags topping six figures when opting for the performance package, the fantastic 505 hp V8 and style of a 2013 Corvette Z06 do not come cheap.

It easily took the prize in the Consumer Reports as the top U.S. sports car in the company’s last rankings.

The Z06 also topped the list for fastest 0-60 time among cars tested, clocking in at 4.3 seconds.

Apparently, they didn’t get their hands on a Porsche 918 Spyder, which can reportedly

pull off the feat in 2.8 seconds.

Highest scoring car, ever: Tesla Model S There has been an innumerable amount of buzz surrounding the rise of Tesla Motors, but no news was quite as explosive as the Model S scoring 99 out of 100 on the Consumer Reports test. It gets its own category because it is the highest-rated car of all time with respect to these rankings.

Why did the electric car not get a perfect score? The Model S’s range foiled the company’s quest for perfection.

Testers could “only” cover around 200 miles in the 85 kWh battery model, they had at their disposal.

Most capable of avoiding an accident (Braking): Porsche Boxster A Porsche will always top

lists for performance and general excitement, but this Boxster scored biggest on safety features.

Specifically, the base-model 2013 Boxster, the only Porsche that starts below $50,000 could test when going 60 mph.

The Boxster pulled off the dry-braking feat in 112 feet, just topping the Mercedes SLK250 and the Porsche Panamera on the list.

Most fun to drive, muscle cars: Ford Mustang Does science have a place in car rankings? When it came to the Consumer Reports “Most Fun to Drive Muscle Cars,” science took a back seat to child-like thrills and excitement. In the muscle car department, it was Ford’s iconic Mustang in this case.

The 2013 model.

The GT Premium Coupe sports the 5.0 L V8 with 420 hp on 390 lb-ft torque that might invoke the most allout joy. It’s not economical by any stretch, but that’s the point. It’s the most fun to drive.

Most comfortable U.S. car: Chrysler 300 V6 Have U.S. automakers forgotten the comfort factor? The Chrysler 300 didn’t, according to Consumer Reports’ rankings of most comfortable U.S.-made ride.

Reviewers described it as “a stately ride” full of luxury and muscle, while noting its value as exceptional in the category. It’s simply more comfortable taking a spin in the 300 S (pictured) than any other competitor. The car looks like a million bucks, but starts at $33,145.

Top full-size Sedan, any country: 2014 Chevy Impala Chevy roared into the news this week, as Consumer Reports put the 2014 Impala at the top of its full-size sedan list for the world.

Chevy’s 2014 Impala scored 95 out of 100, giving it the third best score of all time.

It beat German, Japanese, and American competitors, giving a U.S.-made car the top spot on the list for the first time in two decades.

Testers told Fox Business, “The Impala’s performance is one more indicator of an emerging domestic renaissance.” U.S. automakers would second that motion.”

Every category has its downside. For the best sports car, fuel economy will be lacking.

For the most efficient car, style sometimes takes a back seat.

Lagos to reduce links on highways to ease traffic gridlocks

By Taiwo Hassan S part of the efforts to solve traffic gridlocks in Lagos State, the Ministry of Transportation has concluded plans to start blocking some highway links in the state as from tomorrow.

According to the ministry, the move to carry out the scheme, known as “Expanded Return Look” initiative, was borne out of incessant traffic gridlocks caused by motorists making U-turn along the highways.

Speaking at the pilot test of the scheme in Lagos, the Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, said his ministry was trying to achieve further reduction of traffic gridlocks in the state, especially the

A

time motorists spend on the roads.

According to him, Governor Babatunde Raji Fasola’s administration has been developing various master plans that are aimed at improving transportation in the state, adding that the next stage is to commence the blockage of some identified links along the highways to ease traffic passage.

At a test run of the plot scheme at Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja, on Tuesday, Opeifa explained that his ministry chose the particular location because of the frequent traffic gridlocks along the Ikeja road, which sometimes, extend to Maryland bus stop.

He said that henceforth, all

motorists would now make a U-turn at the Police College bus stop or Customs FOU to connect to either Ikeja or Maryland.

He however implored the residents of Ikeja and its environs to reason with the government on the new initiative, pointing out that it was meant to bring lasting traffic solution to the area.

“It is called ‘Expanded Return Look’ concept. It is the same thing that we have under the bridge in Jibowu, Yaba. Under it, it is a similar thing.

“You see that two motorists are making U-turn and they don’t meet each other. It is like turning a round about into half. We just blocked the U-turn and stop every left turn. Where you have two left

The new constructrated demarcation at the front of the police college, in Ikeja, Lagos turns, we will block it.

Bank Anthony way to Joel “The only route left for He continued “We have Ogunnaike. Likewise, we have motorists to turn now is the blocked the link at Joel blocked the link from Ikeja to Police College or Customs Ogunnaike to Ikeja. We have Ola Ayinde street. All a long FOU bus stop,” Opeifa added. blocked the one at Mobalaji the Ikeja road.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

44 AUTOWHEELS

Coscharis diversifies into car rental business Stories by Taiwo Hassan NDIGENOUS auto company, Coscharis Motors- the sole dealer of BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar and MG in the country, in partnership with Sixt AG Germany, has announced the re-introduction of Sixt-Rent-A -Car into the country.

According to Coscharis Group, the new partnership with the German-based company was aimed at improving the nation’s tourism and logistics industry in the country.

Besides, the re-entry of the German car rentals outfit has further fuelled the stiff competition in the nation’s car rentals service sector.

Speaking at the official launch and debut of the SixtRent-A-Car in Lagos, the President and Chief Executive Officer, Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, said the company’s reentrance into the country’s auto business has shown that Nigeria was endowed with lots of business opportunities.

He noted that Nigeria has once again showed to the

I

world that it was the ideal destination and hub for foreign investors, in spite of the inclement economic climate.

Maduka, who was represented at the occassion by the company’s Managing Director, Josiah Samuel, said that the German-based company had initially entered

Secures German auto firm’s franchise into the nation’s auto rental services sector in 2008, when Virtual Travel Network and Management Service Limited acquired the franchise licence, in partnership with Coscharis Motors, but the partnership could not be sus-

tain due to some inadequacies, and it led to Coscharis Motors to pulled out in 2009.

Subsequently, Maduka said that Travel agency lost the Sixt licence in 2011, because it could not keep to the Sixt’s corporate identity standard.

Some of the Sixt vehicles on parade

Luxury bus owners elect new exco HE Managing Director T and Chief Executive Officer of Dan Dollars Motors Limited, Sir. Dan Okemuo, has been elected as the new National President of the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBION), the umbrella body of luxury bus operators in the country.

Okemuo was elected at the fourth bi-yearly general meeting of ALBON held at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, few days ago.

He succeeded the former President, Prince Ejike Okoli.

Also elected into the new executive committee of the association is Prince Emeka Mamah, who is the first Vice-President.

Mamah is the Managing Director of Ifesuinachi Group, which owns a fleet of long-distance buses.

Elected second VicePresident is Chief Sabestine Udemba, Chairman/ Chief Executive of Chiemexie Motors Nigeria Limited.

The Secretary of the association in the last executive committee, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ABC Transport Plc, Frank Nneji, retained his position in the new administration, just as one of the founders of the association, Chief Vincent Obianodo, is to continue in his capacity as the Treasurer.

Chief Obianodo, is the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors Limited.

The position of Financial Secretary went to Chef

Anthony Ekwosimba, Managing Director of Ekwos Associates West Africa Limited.

A statement issued in Lagos by the Executive Secretary of ALBON, Barrister Raph Eke, said the new National President was grateful to all members at the general meeting for the peaceful exercise, and thanked them for finding him worthy of leading them.

He also pledged this commitment to the ideals of the association.

The founder of the Coscharis group of companies, said that his company moved in to acquire the Sixt-Rent-A-Car franchise in far away Germany, adding that his company is now a ‘one-stop shop’ for all auto mobility and logistic business in the country.

According to him, Sixt-Rent A-Car was founded in Munich, Germany about 100 years ago.

“The company is the oldest and most prestigious car rental company in all of Europe and the world with about 225,000 fleets at its disposal.

He continued: “May I say that there are other companies trying to or have been providing this service; the question then is, why Coscharis mobility and SixtRent-A-Car company? As our testimonies speak for us, we are known for excellence in any service we venture into and this will not be an exception as we have all what it takes to make your trip pleasurable and fun. We are now a one-stop shop for all your mobility solutions.

“Our standard cars are for you; our premium cars are ready for people of your class. No other company offers premium cars for rent.

If you can’t buy that Range Rover! That Jaguar! That BMW, you can now rent it, enjoy and have fun,” he added.

Maduka said the company’s branch network would be key to the delivery of optimum services being crave for in the sector, since Coscharis is located in all regions of the country.

“Our company is always ready to promote the image of the country by providing outstanding services that meets international standard. The coming of Sixt will not only guarantee our customers of that international touch, but will go a long way in telling the world that Nigeria is really moving forward,” he added.

Representative of Sixt-RentA Car, Philip Grunner said the company is a renowned internationally company that renders good quality auto services for customers at low rental rates.

“Today, Sixt is present in over 120 countries in all continents and is a major player in car rentals in Germany, Austria, Switzerland & Israel, by offering the finest vehicle selection in the market. We rents cars from over 4,000 locations globally and own the world’s largest premium limousine fleet and purchases over 200,000 vehicles yearly. Furthermore, we’ve got 114,000 leasing contracts worldwide. Clients can choose from small compact cars, convertibles, SUV’s, vans and trucks to the largest BMW fleet in the world; always at affordable prices,”

Our company is always ready to promote the image of the country by providing outstanding services that meets international standard. The coming of Sixt will not only guarantee our customers of that international touch, but will go a long way in telling the world that Nigeria is really moving forward

Indigenous automakers laud Anambra govt’s patronage of Made-in-Nigeria vehicles HE Nigerian Automotive opment of the domestic auto use of home-made buses, the order for armoured vehicles mendations, the Managing provide after-sales support.

Speaking during the presenT governor has not only been from the United States, Director of National Trucks M a n u f a c t u r e r s industry.

Association (NAMA) has comThe security vehicles fitted living up to expectation, but instead of buying that which Manufacturers (NTM), Kano, tation, the governor said that mended the Federal, State and Local governments for their patronage of Made-InNigeria vehicles.

The body also lauded the move by the Anambra state government for procuring 250 units of Innoson brand of (pick-up) patrol vehicles, stating that the feat was a testimony that indigenous vehicle manufacturers are on the right tracks.

The vehicle manufacturers who made these assertions in Lagos through their umbrella body (NAMA) said the vista of opportunities by government’s patronage of locally made in Nigeria vehicles, has further shown that if all hands are on deck, the country’s automotive sector could compete favourably with her counterparts in the developed countries.

The body described the gesture by the Anambra state government for procuring the pick-up vehicles from the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited in Nnewi, as worthy of emulation by other states and the Federal Government.

They said that Governor Peter Obi has demonstrated his belief towards the devel-

with sophisticated security gadgets were presented to 177 communities, as well as registered vigilante groups and markets, for crime-fighting, in Anambra state few days ago.

Only last month, the governor also distributed no fewer than 200 units of Innoson brand of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to traditional leaders in Anambra, following the satisfactory performance of refuse compactors produced by the Nnewi plant last year.

Backed with strong aftersales support, all the vehicles are said to be operating in various parts of the state without hitches.

Executive Director of NAMA, Arthur Madueke, said that Anambra state government has demonstrated through the vehicles’ acquisition that indigenous automakers could thrive in the country, in spite of the harsh operating business environment.

Madueke stated that as the chairman of the committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the mass transit programme of the Federal Government makes an impact on the local auto industry through the

has also been showing examples to his colleagues in other states.

Recalling that two years ago, when the Enugu State Government procured refuse compactors and mass transit buses from Innoson, NAMA called on other sates, including Anambra, to take a cue from the patronage, the Executive Director said that Obi has since then been leading the way on the purchase of locally made vehicles.

It was also learnt that the governor plans to purchase 500 buses for schools in the state and an undisclosed number of vehicles for official use.

“That is why we are commending him and urging those who are still in the habit of looking outside when there are auto plants in many parts of the country that make from cars to buses and from trucks to armoured vehicles, to look inward. For instance, the governors of some states in the SouthWest would visit Proforce Limited in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, and confirm that the company makes top quality armoured vehicles, but the next day, they would place an

is made at home”, Madueke remarked.

He also lauded the Federal Government’s Buy-Nigeria policy, but urged it to be more consistent in its patronage of Nigerian-made automobiles, even as he alleged that ministries, departments and agencies of government have been disregarding the presidential directive to look inward.

Echoing Madueke’s com-

Innoson pick-up patrol vehicles

Ibrahim Bayero, argued that the auto industry would bounce back to buoyancy, if all governments’ purchases are channelled inward, as Obi has demonstrated.

He said that buses, pick-ups, and tractors made locally do better in the country than fully built imports, because of the familiarity of the former’s manufacturers with the local environment, as well as their ever readiness to

the vehicles for each town would be restricted to the benefitting community and be used for security purposes only.

He warned against the use of the vehicles to provide escort for politicians and other nonsecurity related activities.

The governor also presented cheques worth over N250 million to all the towns in the state for the payment of 10 vigilante people per town and for the fuelling of the

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

AUTOWHEELS 45

Acura’s NSX: The “Next Big Thing” CURA, the luxury vehicle diviA sion of Japanese automaker Honda Motor, has just tweeted the first teaser picture of an NSX second generation prototype.

This new NSX is a hybrid-electric supercar and a revival of the first generation Acura NSX. Acura is planning on putting out the NSX to the market in 2015.

Will this sleek new electric car turbocharge Honda and Acura moving forward, or will competitors like Porsche, Nissan Motor, and Audi make the new Acura NSX slam the brakes?

Honda’s revamping of the Acura brand and the NSX’s appeal to consumers will be a catalyst for Honda’s stock moving forward. Even if the NSX doesn’t sell as well as other competitors, the car itself will probably drive customers to buy other Acura or Honda cars.

The NSX can help Honda compete better The original first generation NSX was a lot different than the planned second generation redesigned NSX supercar.

However, Clement D’Souza, associate chief engineer at Honda of America, underscored the importance of the first generation NSX: The first NSX redefined the

sports car world and this car will hopefully do the same, with new technologies that will cascade down to other models in the Acura line.

Honda has a good foundation to build upon from the success of the first generation NSX, and is currently overhauling the luxury Acura brand.

Acura sales in the United States were up an encouraging 14 per cent in the first four months of 2013.

But Acura is “only” ranked fifth in the United States among luxury brands, behind BMW, Toyota’s Lexus brand, Mercedes-Benz, and General Motors’ Cadillac.

And although the Acura team is most likely not planning on directly competing with Porsche and Ferrari, the more affordable NSX supercar will appeal to more consumers and give Honda a new front to compete with the likes of Nissan, Audi, and Porsche.

Honda shares have done fairly well in the past few months due to a weaker Japanese yen and a robustly strong automotive market: Sure, an NSX supercar will probably not be the first model a budget-conscious family or consumer.

Analysts estimate the NSX will cost somewhere in the $120,000-$200,000 range to compete with Audi’s R8.

The Nissan GT-R, a comparable model to the NSX, runs at about $110,000. Porsches are priced expensively since they are very high-end, high quality

sports cars. So, the NSX might have some difficulty competing with Nissan if its price is much above $120,000. And, people with a lot of discretionary income to spend on a high priced car aren’t offered much of a reason to not buy a snazzy Porsche and get an NSX

instead.

But, as we will see in in the next point, the NSX itself might not be the biggest piece to Honda’s puzzle.

Acura’s NSX will possibly not only take some market share away from Nissan, Audi, and Porsche, but will also give

Honda leverage in selling its other brands.

The NSX would probably ride the coattails of the electric car revolution and have a larger impact than its numbers might originally suggest.

The NSX might give Honda leverage.

Any car company could cut a deal with Zipcar right now to bundle in car-sharing service along with the purchase of some other vehicle.

Or they could use their existing service centres and build a brand-specific car-sharing service that would function like a “subscription” to BMW on top of your purchase.

The recurring revenue could help offset some of the ups and downs of car sales, too, and couples nicely with service. You go in, pick up your SUV, and leave your electric

vehicle for a tuneup.

The time has come for this idea to go mainstream. The future of the car could well be small, cheap-to-operate electric vehicles for the workaday commute and a sports car or SUV whenever you want one.

Doesn’t that sound great?

And one last thing: if the electric vehicle doesn’t have to solve all your transportation problems, it can be slightly less capable, and thereby cheaper. Which would be nice for those of us who drive 2003 Volkswagen Golfs.

Acura NSX

An overview of global transport system’s future ERHAPS the biggest worry P you hear about electric vehicles is “range anxiety.”

And yet, on the “vast majority” of days, people in the United States and other developed countries drive fewer than 50 miles, averaging around 30 miles. Which is to say: For almost all commuters, it doesn’t make much sense to buy a huge car with a range of 400 miles.

And yet, we do. And that has major climate and energy impacts.

Consumers have had alter-

native transportation for years. So, why do people buy seven-passenger SUVs with four-wheel drive in California, when they usually carry a single passenger in 70 degree weather on a highway?

People buy cars for their peak (imagined) need. If you can imagine that one day you’ll drive more than a handful of people to somewhere, then (if you can afford it) you might choose a massive sport-utility vehicle.

Which is why, I think one

piece of BMW’s electric vehicle announcement today is so significant. When you buy the new BMW i3, you can bundle it with access to “a conventional auto like the full-sized X5 SUV for several weeks a year.”

In other words, you can rightsize your commuting vehicle without losing peak capacity.

As far as I’m concerned, bundling car ownership and access is one of the great possibilities in alternative transportation. And I hope the other car companies get in on

it.

The amount of steel and glass moving down the highways would go down. The energy required to send these behemoths would be reduced.

And consumers would still get what they want, maybe even *more* of what they want.

One further thought: When we talk about electric vehicles, we tend to assume that the entire business model and system around them has to remain static. But why?

Ford F-150 to get natural gas engine option ORD Motor says its most Fpickup, popular vehicle, the F-150 will be offered with a compressed natural gas engine starting in the 2014 model year, giving contractors and vehicle fleet owners the potential for big savings in their annual operating costs.

Though customers will pay about $10,000 more to buy the CNG version of the F-150, they could see a payback on their investment in as little as two to three years because natural gas prices are so much cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel, according to Kevin Koswick, Ford’s director of North American fleet, leasing and remarketing operations.

The reason, of course, is the huge growth of fracking in the United States, which has unlocked abundant supplies of inexpensive natural gas.

CNG sells for an average of $2.11 per gallon of gasoline equivalent, and as little as $1 in some parts of the country.

The national average for unleaded regular gasoline is $3.66.

For fleet owners, that can make a huge difference in

Ford F-150 Limited their business. AT&T, for example, is deploying 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles by the end of 2018, including 650 F-350 chassis cabs with CNG engines it purchased recently from Ford. Those alt-

fuel vehicles have helped AT&T avoid purchasing 7.7 million gallons of gasoline over the past five years, and reduce the company’s CO2 emissions, said Jerome Webber, AT&T’s vice presi-

dent of global fleet operations.

Automakers have been offering large heavy-duty trucks that run on natural gas for some time, but Ford is the first manufacturer to offer a

natural gas version of a halfton pickup. Ford will now have eight commercial vehicles with a CNG option, including its Transit Connect van and wagon, popular with taxi fleets. Ford is on track to

sell 15,000 CNG-prepped vehicles this year, a 25 percent increase over 2012. After the F-150 is added, that growth rate should accelerate, the company says.

The F-150 with a 3.7-liter V6 engine will be available this fall with a $315 factoryinstalled, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, pistons and rings so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems. Customers would then choose a Fordapproved vehicle modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors.

The conversion is expected to cost about $8,000 to $10,000, said Koswick.

The CNG tank, pressurized to about 3600 psi, typically rides in the bed of the pickup, although Ford said some suppliers have found innovative ways to store it underneath the vehicle, ensuring owners get the full use of the pickup bed.

The CNG F-150 can get up to 750 miles on one tank of gas, depending on the tank size selected. The F-150 averages 23 miles per gallon on the

46

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

BusinessTravel Coping with rush of summer travel

Firstnation’s Airbus A319 aircraft

By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi F there is a period, when most people Ition, around the globe travel for holidays or vacait is the summer time. It is a season for enjoying various sites and activities, in most places in the world. Therefore when it comes to summer or winter holidays, everyone wants to do something that will really take the stress off them and give them fair amount of rest and mental peace. For those who travel at this time see it as an opportunity to relax after spending a good deal of time with their jobs.

However, to ensure that you enjoy a nice trip that is relatively stress free by air in summer, you may need to travel where schedules permit at periods of passenger traffic.

Most people in Nigeria want to go abroad for their holidays as a change to freshen up. There are many places that people can visit to make their holidays memorable in Nigeria, especially for those that do not have enough money to travel abroad.

These places are not hard to find, just make adequate research on tourism in Nigeria, to enable you identify very popular touring locations that would fascinate you.

And for people coming from outside the country, some world’s top airlines come to Nigeria, hence all these offer cheap flights to Nigeria and thereby avail themselves of doing adequate study in choosing the right tourist destinations. It is also a good idea to get advice from a good and reliable tour operators that will aid and advice people into the best deals and not only help them find cheap flight to Nigeria but also give them advice about other

Taking a summer holiday may seem out of reach at the moment for some people with the high cost of virtually everthing. However, flights may not have been affected by price increases as one might think, and in fact, most airlines have increased flights to meet summer rush travel, as a result, ticket fares can be incredibly cheap. costs. Consequently, intending travellers can get an idea of how much they will need to spend on food, or perhaps on accommodation.

Taking a summer holiday may seem out of reach at the moment for some people with the high costs of virtually everything. However, flights may not have been affected by price increases as one might think, and in fact, most airlines have increased flights to meet summer rush travel, as a result, ticket fares can be incredibly cheap.

Most airlines like Saudi Arabian Airlines are ready to meet the summer challenges by operating additional flights to popular domestic and international destinations.

Meanwhile, United States (U.S) airlines’ planes are expected to be full this summer as a record number of travellers make international flights, the industry association airlines for America reported on Wednesday. In its annual summer forecast, the trade group for major U.S. airlines estimated that 179.4 million passengers would fly on their planes inside the USA from June to August, largely unchanged from last summer.

However, the group predicts that 26.8 million people will travel on international flights, surpassing last summer’s record of 26.3 million

passengers. At the same time, airlines are holding down the number of seats they make available to try to meet the number of fliers.

As a result, planes will be packed pretty much daily.

The group estimated that each day, U.S. airlines would carry an average of 2.24 million travellers around the world for a total of 206.2 million passengers for the summer. And although that’s more than last summer, it’s 5 per cent below the all-time summer high of 217.6 million passengers in 2007.

When traveling by air, remember that summer is the most popular time of the year for travel. Having already covered the fact that summer is the busiest time of the year at airports, it is important that you understand what this should mean to you. You must get to the airport earlier than usual in order to get through the longer lines at check-in, security, and the gate. You should try and keep a good attitude, no matter what comes your way, and understand that airline employees are likely stressed from dealing with so many passengers. You can be one less person that contributes to the atmosphere of frustration and discontent.

As international travel is expensive and time

consuming, there are many ways on how you can save money. Many airlines have different fares for weekly and weekend travel. If you are planning to break your journey midway, some airlines offer free stopovers while others charge a fee, Sometimes, direct and nonstop flights are expensive than the ones with one or more stops.

Travel agents are a good source to get great deals. They can help you find deals with more than one airline and can offer tickets for discounted prices. They have access to almost all airlines and have the expertise to search for the cheapest tickets in the market.

Start a trip folder and put airline, hotel and car rental reservations in it. Should you encounter a problem with any of these services, you will be able to quickly locate your copy of your reservation. Also include a list of airline telephone numbers. If you miss a connection or are faced with a weather delay, it may be quicker to rearrange your flights by calling the airline rather than waiting in a long line with everyone else from your flight.

During the summer, you may be tempted to board the airplane dressed in shorts and a tank top. Although it may be 90 degrees outside, you might feel like you’ve stepped inside a freezer when you board the plane. Wear the lightest pair of pants you own. Bring a lightweight long-sleeved shirt you can put on if you get cold. If you are wearing sandals, bring a pair of socks to put on during the flight. If you are worried about being too hot when you get to your destination, bring a change of warm weather clothes in your carry on bag and change when you get off the plane.

Firstnation acquires two modern Airbus A319 aircraft

By Wole Shadare IRSTNATION Airways has acquired two modern Airbus A319, with registration number 5N-FND and 5N-FNE. The airline stated that the two aircraft are younger fleet and part of a nine aircraft programme, which the delivery is historic being the first sets of A319 to come on Nigerian register.

According to FirstNation, the Airbus A319 has the same optimised cabin cross section as the A320, which is the widest single aisle fuselage on the market and set the standard for passenger cabin comfort.

It noted that the A319 has proved its versatility

F

to enable airline around the world like British Airways, Lufthansa, Iberia, Air France, South African Airways, American Airways, Delta Airlines, Virgin American Airways and others benefits from range option and versatility.

The airline said it will re-launch service this August 2013, with the domestic routes in Nigeria, between Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to offer premium passenger experience.

The aircraft are installed with AFIRS 220 iridium satellite global communication equipment, one of the very few aircraft with this state of the art Satellite Navigation (SATNAV)

equipment operating in West Africa.

The SATNAV provides crew reliable voice and simultaneously connect to aircraft systems analyzing performance in-flight. This allows the airline to track aircraft system performance inflight from ground.

It added that the advanced SATNAV system supports the airline flight operations quality assurance oversight, stressing that Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is actively encouraging Airlines to upgrade their fleet with this equipment.

FirstNation Airbus A319’s cabin layout is in two class of twelve-business class legroom pitch of

42 inches and the rear cabin in comfort class with legroom pitch of 32 inches. The aircraft offer the widest seat pitch for regional operation within West Africa today. The Airbus A319 registration 5N-FND is named “FAITH” while 5N-FNE is “ENDURANCE”, the airline stated.

The airline has reinforced its management with appointment of Engineer John Brady an Irish as chief engineer in addition with the appointment of Engr. Rolando Gatchalianas as quality manager. The airline is currently undergoing several refresher programmes and drills in readiness for world class relaunch month.

BUSINESSTRAVEL | 47

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

S’African Airways, JetBlue, announce codeshare plans

By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi OUTH African Airways (SAA) and JetBlue Airways has announced a bilateral codeshare agreement to seamlessly connect the carriers’ networks via New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The agreement is pending both United States (U.S.) Department of Transportation and South African Department of Transport regulatory approval. The partnership – an expansion of an interline agreement first inked in 2010– allows customers to purchase a single ticket combining SAA and JetBlue-

S

Emirates increases flight services to Amsterdam

By Wole Shadare MIRATES, one of the world’s fastest growing airlines in the world has disclosed plans to serve Amsterdam with a second daily non-stop flight from 4th December 2013. The airline’s Boeing 777-200LR aircraft will add capacity of more than 3,700 seats a week in both directions.

The new daily service will complement Emirates’ popular Airbus A380 flight to Amsterdam, which commenced last August, less than two years after the launch of the route with a Boeing 777.

The second service will feature 266 seats in a three-class configuration - eight seats in First Class, 42 in Business Class and 216 in Economy Class. Flight EK149 will leave Dubai at 1610hrs to reach Amsterdam at 2040hrs. The return flight EK150 will depart Amsterdam at 2210hrs, and will arrive in Dubai at 0740hrs the next day.

“Our decision to add another daily service to Amsterdam is a direct result of a surge in customer demand. The enhanced capacity and schedule will offer our customers more choice when travelling between Amsterdam and Dubai and onwards to a multitude of destinations in the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Far East and Australasia,” said Hubert Frach, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West.

“Emirates’ value proposition to travellers is exceptionally appealing, with more access and connections through our perfectly located hub in Dubai, and unsurpassed standards of luxury and sophistication in air travel.

Amsterdam has also proven to be a strong market for First Class and Business Class travel, so there is no doubt that growth remains a key objective for Emirates in the Netherlands,” said Frach.

All classes of the Boeing 777200LR aircraft will be equipped with Emirates’ award-winning ice entertainment system with up to 1,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, including movies, television programmes, games, audio books and music from across the world.

operated flights and enjoy day-of-travel conveniences such as one-stop check-in and baggage transfer.

JetBlue intends to place its “B6” code on South African Airways-operated flights between the U.S. and both Johannesburg, South Africa, and Dakar, Senegal, as well as on connecting flights to select destinations beyond Johannesburg, including Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Tickets will be available for sale at a later date, pending regulatory and government approvals.

The fastest way to more of South Africa and southern Africa, SAA flies nonstop each day between New York and Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport

and daily from Washington to Johannesburg via Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport.

SAA has had a similar arrangement in place with JetBlue since 2011, placing its ‘SA’ code on JetBlue-operated flights from its U.S. gateways to top destinations including Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida.

“South African Airways’ partnership with JetBlue has been a successful one from the start, and so we’re pleased that it has now grown into a bilateral codeshare arrangement, providing our customers with even more convenient booking and travel options,” said Manoj Papa, SAA’s acting

General Manager, Commercial.

“Our customers have raved about the ease of travel on both airlines. It was only fitting that we expand the partnership and introduce the JetBlue code onto SAA flights and into the African continent.

“We are excited to expand our successful relationship with South African Airways through this new codeshare via Washington and JFK, where JetBlue is the number one domestic airline,” said Scott Laurence, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and partnerships.

“South African Airways has been a terrific travel partner for JetBlue, consistently delivering a great experience for our customers. We look

forward to working with them to offer even more travel options in the years to come.”

SAA is one of the world’s most awarded airlines, recently named Best Airline in Africa for the 11th consecutive year at the World Airline Awards presented by Skytrax. With fully-flat bed seats in Premium Business Class, industry-leading legroom in Economy Class, sumptuous cuisine and award-winning, complimentary South African wines, SAA provides an in-flight experience designed for pure comfort. Individual audio/video entertainment systems deliver a surplus of first-run movie and music choices.

Via its Johannesburg hub, SAA links

the world to most cities and destinations across southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, including South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Known for its award-winning customer service, JetBlue offers codeshare customers connecting to/from SAA flights a premium experience that includes allleather seating, unlimited free snacks and drinks, plus the most legroom in economy class (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) and the freest live entertainment of any U.S. airline. JetBlue operates one of America’s youngest airline fleets, with 187 Airbus A320 and EMBRAER 190 aircraft.

E

A hotelroom

Namibia to market tourism assets at Akwaaba market NE of Africa’s most O unique destinations Namibia is set to expand its appeal to more travellers this time in West Africa. The Namibian Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Namibian Film commission will be showcasing at the only international Tourism Expo in West Africa that takes place in Lagos yearly.

Namibia with its wild skeleton beach, the famed national parks and picturesque city of Windhoek offers a composite blend of attractions that appeal to the adventurous, the sedentary and the urbane shopaholic the types that have been flying out of Nigeria in huge numbers recently.

West Africa with a population of over 270 million, people have two of the fastest growing economies in the world in Ghana and Nigeria.

Nigeria with over six million international passengers generates over $1.25 billion from flight tickets yearly.

Today almost all the leading African and Middle East airlines are increasing flights into Nigeria with the rapid rise in passenger figures.

Ethiopian Airlines is the king over the Nigerian skies with daily flights into Lagos, Abuja and now Enugu. Its sister airline Asky, has flights into Lagos and Abuja. Kenya Airways flies twice into Lagos and is about to start Abuja flights. Emirates flies twice a day to Lagos and soon to Abuja, Etihad and Qatar are all hauling huge figures from the ever growing travellers.

Nigeria with 167 million people, have only 15 million passengers yearly, which is less than 10 per cent of its population. So the trend will be upward in the coming years.

Air Namibia flies to Ghana

and will soon start flights to Lagos and Akwaaba provides a huge opportunity for Namibia to reap from the huge West African travelling public who patronise South Africa and Dubai as first choice of regional destinations.

Namibia now joins The Gambia in planning big for Nigerian travellers at Akwaaba.” As you are aware The Gambia Day has always been a very important activity for The Gambia on Akwaaba “ this is according to Adama Njie, the Director of Marketing for the Gambia Tourism Board. The Gambia celebrates The Gambian Day at Akwaaba African Travel market that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria yearly. The preparation for this year’s edition is in high gear. The Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Mrs. Angela

Colley-Iheme. is a permanent fixture at all major tourism event in Nigeria winning friends for the country. She was the special guest of Honour at The Abuja Bantaba event early July.

The Gambia as part of its strategic plans had planned a study tour of Nigeria by its tourism technocrats to further understand the market.

According to a position paper by The Gambian authorities, the Nigerian market is important to the growth of Travel and Tourism in The Gambia. In The Gambian context, tourism is considered a strategic sector and the engine that drives the economy. Therefore, to increase the arrival numbers during the green season the adopted strategy is to promote sub regional tourism where Nigeria is identified as an important market.

This

decision was as a consequence of a strong participation in and attendance to Nigerian travel shows, increased travel industry, increase in Nigerian Banks and collaboration with Nigerian regional airlines and media. Today Nigeria is the fastest growing market for the Gambia, having registered over 8000 arrivals by air alone in 2011. The Nigerian market is a “high end” and “high spending” visitors (higher than most of our traditional European Markets), with only 3 hours flying time (far less than travelling from Lagos to Victoria Island).

There is therefore a huge opportunity to increase the local economy exponentially through the half million of not only the visitors who cross the border (Nigerians included) but also for those who come by the available daily flights from Nigeria.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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FridayWorship

By Afis A. Oladosu In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful “And marry, among women, those with whom you are pleased…” (Q4:3) UMAN history appears constructed on some fault lines along which successful generations have always had to struggle. Such is the history of female infanticide in the pre-Islamic era. Such is the history of the murder of twins during the pre-modern era in certain parts of the world. Such is the history of slavery for which almost all human civilisations are culpable. The recent brouhaha on marriage to the minor appears to be one of such fault lines.

Brethren, when the controversy broke out close to two weeks ago, my initial reaction was to shrug it off. I thought there were more fundamental issues confronting this nation now than for us to dissipate energy over practices, which are still legal in certain parts of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

I have since become wiser. I have since become attentive to the fact that the issue at stake concerns my younger compatriots, Muslims and non-Muslim girls, who are made to lose their innocence before they know what it feels to be a woman.

Thus the question kept intruding my wakefulness: what does Islam say about marriage to the minor? The question became so urgent and important that it side-stepped my initial plans to reflect on the last 10 days in Ramadan.

Brethren, two main verses of the Quran are often cited to back the

H

“Surely, the religion with Allah is ISLAM,complete submission”... Qur’an 3:19

On marriage to the minor in Islam claim that Islam supports marriage to the minor. These are: “And for those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubt (about their periods), is three months; and for those who have no courses (they are still immature) their iddah is three months likewise… “And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry (other) women of your choice…” (Quran 4: 3).

Muslim scholars have tried to clarify which category of women the Quran refers to, in the first verse, as “those who have no menstrual courses” and in the second verse, as the orphans.

They are in agreement that the first verse was revealed with particular reference to women undergoing divorce processes. Among the latter are those the Quran describes as “those who have no menstrual courses”.

This is often seen as referring to the minors who are already in marital contract “since one who is not married could not have been divorced and cannot therefore observe the waiting period – iddah” (Q65:5). (See the exegeses of Imam al-Qurtubi, Shaykh al-Alusi asnd Imam AlShinqiti among others). There is also

a consensus of opinion among exegetes that the second verse which talks about orphans was revealed to regulate and impose order on an otherwise oppressive order which thrived on the exploitation of helpless young girls who, consequent upon the death of their parents, had to come under the care of guardians.

But that is where the consensus stops. In other words, I am not inclined to a reading of these two verses, which would now make marriage to the minor the norm not an exception. I guess it would be an unwarranted elasticisation of the Quranic principle which came to address a specific situation when we begin to say that given its apparent negative social implications the latter should be invoked in order to validate a practice which is fast becoming arcane.

In other words, dear brethren, the same way the above verses were revealed to regulate divorce processes and the treatment of the orphans in early Muslim history, there are verses that were also revealed to regulate treatment of slaves at a time slavery was in vogue. Would it then be valid today for a Muslim to keep his fellow compatriot in bondage under the assumption that there are verses that

provide rules and regulations on the same in the Quran?

The point I am making here is this: the above two verses should not in any way be seen as establishing a social order in which marriage to the minor would become the norm and an “Islamic” injunction. Rather, the verses should be read with fidelity to their historical circumstances.

They were revealed at a time in Arabia when, as was the case in certain cultures all around the world, marriage to minors was allowed.

Cultural practice is, therefore, responsible for the marriage of alRasul (s.a) to Aisha (r.a) and for the marriage of Ali (r.a) at 17 to Fatimah (r.a) at 15.

Thus marriage to the minor is not necessarily a religious act but a cultural transaction that may be done away with by any given society. Its permission and regulation by Islam should also not make it so exclusive to Islam such that its disapproval by the Nigerian society would now constitute an infraction of the religious right of the Muslims the same way legislation against driving against the traffic should not become an erosion of somebody’s religious right.

In other words, if it was pleasing to the father of an Egyptian girl to marry

out his daughter who is aged 13 to a Nigerian politician because such an act is ‘Islamic’, it would also be “Islamic” for the Nigerian nation to say that such a marriage cannot be consummated in this country. Both scenarios are possible and permissible as far as Islamic law is concerned.

The principle guiding that in Islamic jurisprudence reads: “al-Aslu fil-ashya al-Ibahat”- the foundation upon which (lawful) matters (in social interaction) is built is their permissiveness”.

Brethren, we must not, however, forget that it was not in all cases that young girls in Arabia willingly acquiesced to marriages contracted for them by their fathers. Early Muslim history shows that while Aishah consented to marriage to al-Rasul, Umm Kulthum, the daughter of Abubakr, the first Caliph, refused to marry Umar, the second caliph who had proposed to her through Aisha. This happened while she was less than 10 years old. (See Al-mughni Vol.9, page 404).

There were countless other minors who refused to marry their elderly suitors and whose refusal were approved by al-Rasul. There were also minors who opted out of marriages entered into by their fathers before they reached the age of discernment.

Such is the case of the wife of Thabit ibn Qayss (r.a) among many others.

Brethren, the Almighty has not prescribed a particular age at which girls and boys could marry the same way he has not legislated on the age at which they could begin to drive cars.

This is because these matters are better left to the exigencies of human societies.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 01/8/2013 PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

50 CAPITAL MARKET

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 01/8/2013

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Union Bank records N48.1b earnings in six months

By Bukky Olajide NION Bank of Nigeria Plc U has recorded gross earnings of N48.1 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2013 up five percent from N46.0 billion in the first half of 2012, just as the Group recorded gross earnings of N56.2 billion yesterday reported results Profit before tax stood at N11.6, which represent an increase of 54 percent, with the Group posting a PBT of N9.8 billion during the

same period.

The bank recorded profit after tax of N11.3 billion, up 52 percent from N7.5 billion while the group’s profit after tax stood at N9.4 billion.

Earnings Per Share for both the group and the bank also witnessed improved performance, with the bank recording 67 kobo in the first half of 2013 as against 44 kobo in the first half of 2012 while the group recording 64 kobo, against 56 kobo in the first half of 2012.

Customers’ deposits with

the bank stood at N456.9 billion at the end of secondquarter 2013. The bank’s Shareholders’ Funds at the end of second-quarter 2013 were N183.1 billion, up from N171.7 billion at December 31, 2012. The bank’s total assets stood at N826.7 billion while group’s total assets stood at N970.7 billion.

The bank’s net loans and advances increased 12.4 percent in the first half of 2013, from N137 billion as at December 31, 2012 to N154 billion as at June 30, 2013.

Operating expenses improved significantly for both the group and the bank, with the group recording N29.5 billion in the first half of 2013, down 17 percent from N35.5 billion in the first half of 2012, and the Bank recording N23.9 billion, down 23per cent from N31.2 billion in the first half of 2012.

Reacting on the performance, Group Managing Director of Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa, said, “In the second quarter of 2013,

Union Bank stayed the course of profitability. We are pleased with this continued profitability as we manage the many elements of our Transformation Programme and work hard towards achieving our goal of building a reliable, customer-focused institution”.

Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Oyinkan Adewale, said, “building on our first quarter performance, we are happy to report improved profitability for the second quarter of 201.

“Our second quarter profitability was buoyed by a combination of cost management measures and certain non-recurring items”.

During the period, the bank’s transformation programme continued in earnest with investments in technology, upgrade of infrastructure and strategic recruitment. Strategic hires during the period include a highly experienced Head of Operations and Information Technology.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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Opinion On the issue of early marriage

By Disu Kamor

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girl came to the Messenger of Allah (SAW), and reported that her father had forced her to marry without her consent. The Messenger of God gave her the choice between accepting the marriage or invalidating it. The girl said: Actually, I accept this marriage, but I wanted to let women know that parents have no right to force a husband on their child (IbnMajah).

Historically, what is called child marriage, minor marriage or teenage marriage has been with us since time immemorial – in both religions and cultures. Around 50BC Cleopatra married her 10-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII; Mary (AS), the mother of Jesus Christ (AS) probably got married to a 90 year-old Joseph when she was only 12 or 14 years old (Catholic Encyclopaedia). In the Muslim book of hadith, Aisha (RA), the third wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was by her own account only a teenager at the time of her marriage to the prophet (SAW). In more recent time, due to the 1371 plague in Europe, the average age at marriage for men was 24 and 16 for women. From the Indian 1921 census report, there were over 600 brides in India’s majority community in the age group of one to 12 months alone!

Currently in Africa, South Africa and Tanzania have the lowest allowable age of marriage for females at 12. All European countries allow marriage for females at 16 (except Turkey 17), in the United States there is no clear law prohibiting early marriage; in most of the states teenagers of 16 or 17 years of age only need to fill out a parental consent form to have their marriage recognised while younger brides and grooms (14 or 15 years of age) only need to show the written consent of both parents. These early marriages are not necessarily illegal and outlawed according to the norms and standards of their time and societies, and surely the people did/do not necessarily have difficulties accepting such marriages as normal. Rather various examples seem to strongly suggest that there is no place in the world at some time where the practice of

the minor’s marriage was wholly abandoned.

The controversy surrounding the alleged marriage of the former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima of an Egyptian teenager who is believed to be 13 years old however has to it different interesting dimensions. Senator Yerima is revealed as a veteran for minor marriages. He is reported to have recently divorced a 17 year-old he married only three years ago and there are suggestions that he could have taken undue advantage of the vulnerability of the family of his alleged child bride for whom he is said to have paid the whooping sum of $100,000.00 as dowry – the little bride’s father is reported to have been his driver in Cairo. If all these information are pulled together and proven to be facts, it will be easy to recognise that the marriage can be anything but conscionable and informed nor akin to one contracted between consenting parties. Not surprisingly, very strong opinions are being expressed for and against the actions of the senator.

According to the UN Child Summit Declaration of 1990, the later Declaration of 2002, and the Child Rights Act 2003 the child is the one under 18. Thus in the language of these instruments, any marriage between a young man or a young woman of up to 17 in age are considered to be “early”. When questioned on the issue, the only excuse the senator used to justify his actions is the example of Aisha’s (RA) marriage to the prophet, stating that he has not acted against the Sharia. The senator’s attempt to graft this important historical event on his own peculiar situation and exploit it as a theological explanation is both shameful and flawed. On November 22 2006, ministers, politicians and scholars from almost 50 Muslim states gathered for two days in the Moroccan capital of Rabat for the first Islamic Childhood Conference, and called for amongst other things “measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against girls and all harmful traditional or custom-

ary practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation”.

The Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Egypt, the highest religious body in the (Sunni) Islam, recently released a new manual on the rights of children. The manual states in part; “Marriage in Islam is regulated by certain rules, namely, children must reach puberty and maturity so that they can get married”. In Islam it is certainly possible for a father to get his daughter married to someone who he thinks is suitable for her. However, marrying a young teenager under the somewhat shoddy circumstances surrounding the senator’s wedding is something totally different. To say that these marriages are valid is not to say that he should go ahead and make them. In Muslim law, on attaining puberty and (emotional, psychological, mental) maturity, even in that instance, a marriage only becomes permissible; not mandatory by any interpretation.

The fact that the old practice of child marriage was not of Islam’s creation as shown above, that some great Muslim jurists of the past disapproved it on the authority of the Quran, that the law in many Muslim countries does not allow it, go to show that people considering doing it must weigh their fantasies on the scale of their conscience.

But such a weighty matter must not only be left to individual’s conscience, the society should reject the notion that a teenage girl is simply fit for marriage only because she is biologically able to bear children. Using the societal problem of prostitution as an excuse for marrying off young children is all about fixing the mirror, not fixing the reflection Nigerians see in the mirror. Since Senator Yerima swore an oath to uphold the laws of this country, and if his actions violated any aspects of our law, it should be seen that he is held accountable to the law he contested and swore to uphold. This would be the right thing to do.

It leaves much to be desired that a Nigerian senator, not for the first time, is carving out a reputation for himself as targeting vul-

nerable minors for marriage. It is condemnable when such a trait is found amongst ordinary citizen, but more damaging when someone with the senator’s political office and credentials continues to show utter recklessness and disregard to the safeguards of the practice. Hopefully, this shocking episode will be the Senator’s last and will not become the order of the day amongst our political class who should have the courage to tell Senator Yerima to leave these kids alone to concentrate on their studies.

Lastly, anyone listening to or reading some of the materials coming from the women civil society groups will mistakenly assume that the UN Child Summit Declarations and Child Rights Act 2003 are only about minor marriage while they are not. With so much zeal and great fervour, their protests definitely show how easy it is to get onto the wrong side of a good argument. These protesting mothers should focus their energy and channel their resources on ensuring that children are empowered to resist possible exploitation by adults for marriage or any other exploitative purposes, while lobbying to see that the national laws protecting their overall rights and welfare in the country are strengthened. Too many children in the country do not have access to food and education – a dysfunctional state of being in our country that has forced many into the detestable trade of prostitution (a wrong premise that some are exploiting to support the call for child marriage); fight against the greater evil of the sale of children, child mortality, child prostitution, child pornography, female circumcision, forced exploitative labour and the killing of children on the spurious allegation of witchcraft by charlatans should all be part and parcel of laws and measures that will protect children rights, welfare and give them the education and skills they need to confront any exploitative or cruel situation they confront. These are the battles that require all of us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to fight and win on behalf of our children.

• Kamor is Director of Media and Communications, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria. This article, with slight modifications, was first published on Saturday, May 15, 2010.

Trends, intrigues in appointing NDDC board

By Naboman Idumesaro

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NE of the major challenges facing the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan today is that of appointing a new Board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the interventionist agency set up by an Act of the National Assembly in order to overcome infrastructural deficiencies in the nine oil producing states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. Since its inception in 2001, four representatives from three out of the nine states have chaired the board in line with alphabetical criteria stipulated in section 2(1) (b) of the Act. These have been Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (Abia), Ambassador Sam Edem (Akwa Ibom), AVM Larry Koinyan (Rtd.), who did not complete his tenure, and the incumbent Chairman Dr. Tarilah Tebepah (Bayelsa). By the same token, the top three executive positions of the Commission, i.e. the Managing Director (MD), Executive Director Finance and Administration (EDFA) and Executive Director Projects (EDP) have been rotated amongst what is referred to as the “big four”, made up of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers State by reason of their quantum of oil production. This trend has been in complete agreement with section 12(1) of the Act which reads “There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production”.

The strategy followed by previous administrations in making these appointments produced Managing Directors from Delta and Rivers States, Executive Directors (Projects) from Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, Executive Directors (Finance and Administration) from Delta and Bayelsa States. The present board, which is chaired by Dr. Tarilah Tebepah, to complete the tenure of the Larry Koinyan-led board, has Dr. Christian Oboh (Rivers) as Man-

aging Director, Engr. Edikan Eshett Eshett (Akwa Ibom) as Executive Director Projects and Mr. Lambert Konboye (Delta) as Executive Director Finance and Administration. In establishing credible parameters for appointing a new board this year, one of the first challenges for President Jonathan will be how to share the three executive positions amongst the “Big Four”. Based on the criterion that was followed at the inception of the current board, it appears that Cross River will take the Chairmanship as supported by section 2(1) (b) of the Act. For the three Executive positions however, Akwa Ibom State looks good for the position of Managing Director, Bayelsa State looks ripe for the position of the Executive Director (Projects) for the first time and Rivers State is most likely to produce the Executive Director (Finance and Administration). It has been the convention that one of the “big four” will be left out of this deployment of offices and this time around it appears that it is the turn of Delta state to suffer this fate. This postulation is informed by the trend of how these offices have been shared amongst these four states for the past twelve years in line with section 12(1) of the enabling Act. Many knowledgeable observers are wondering how Mr. President, who is very conversant with the intrigues of the political class, will handle this selection process. In the past, appointments to these offices have been beclouded by political considerations to the detriment of professional competence. It is a well-known saying that in the previous board appointments, it is “Who you know and who speaks for you that matters”. As a consequence, highly competent candidates have been disqualified simply because they did not have political god-fathers.

Many observers believe that is a trend that President Jonathan wishes to correct in keeping with the objectives of his transformation agenda. The process followed in the appointment of a new Controller-General of Immigration confirms his willingness to do what is right in making public appointments, In that case, when persons who should have been dismissed were recommended by the powers that be, he openly rejected the rec-

ommendations and due process led to the appointment of an appropriate candidate.

Information gleaned from within the Commission has revealed that some of the staff members have set up lobby groups to put pressure on the Presidency to consider them for these important positions. A serving Director from one of the “big four” states, who is gunning for the Managing Director’s job, argues that as operators of the system, they will be in a better position to clean and sanitize the problems in the Commission, but many observers believe that many incumbent staff members, and serving directors, are actually responsible for creating these problems. In another development, an inside source has alleged that a prominent politician from one of the “big four” states is putting pressure on the Presidency to appoint his junior brother as the Executive Director (Projects). Such an appointment would certainly leave the presidency open to accusations of inappropriate behaviour because it would contravene normal Civil Service Procedure. In the event that he was given the appointment of Executive Director Projects, he would be expected to give directives to all directors, deputy directors and assistant directors, who are already his seniors and in addition to this, it is doubtful if the candidate has the competence and experience that the position requires.

All genuine stakeholders from the Niger Delta, and Nigerians in general, are hoping that the new board will be made up of a team of men and women who have the competence and capacity to transform the Commission and actualize the dreams of reversing the infrastructural deficiencies that once ravaged the region. They are hoping that President Jonathan who is himself from the Niger Delta and has experienced the deficiencies and devastation that justified the creation of the NDDC will appoint a board that can help the agency to fulfil its mandate to a greater extent in the future than it has done in the past.

• Idumesaro, a public affairs analyst wrote from Yenagoa in Bayelsa State.

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

Opinion Confronting inter-regional disparities (2)

By Ayo Teriba • Continued from yesterday N the contrary, the output disadvantage of the Southeast is mitigated by the fact that south easterners’ income from involvement in wealth creation in all the five other regions and in the Diaspora far exceeds the value of wealth generated within the region. The strong home bias of the average south easterner ensures that huge fractions of such wealth are repatriated to the region with the consequence that Southeast ranks third in consumption spending per head after the Southwest and the North-central, ahead of the Northwest, Southsouth and the Northeast, although total consumption in the region still ranks fifth, only ahead of the Northeast. Southeast consistently remains third in both food consumption per head and non-food consumption per head. The relative rankings of the other four regions do not need to be qualified as they remain fairly consistent across output and consumption measures.

Confronting interregional divergence The 2012 growth patterns may persist into the medium term as the current outlook of global commodity prices remain favourable for food and agricultural raw materials. Crop production and trading and commerce will continue to contribute the most to Nigeria’s growth in the foreseeable future. With oil price already a little above US$100, oil sector growth is likely to remain intermittent in the medium term. In the absence of a national interregional redistributive policy, rich regions will continue to get richer, just as poor regions get poorer. Residents in the poor regions might eventually lose hope, become restive, engage in activities that may threaten peaceful interregional coexistence, and undermine growth in the country. Sustenance of growth in the country can only be assured through peaceful redistribution of growth from rich to poor regions. Otherwise, violent redistribution of the pains and anguish of penury from poor to rich regions will be inevitable, breach the peace among regions, and the country will be the worse for it.

Rail transportation and regional development Investing in fast and efficient rail links between rich and poor regions is the win-win national redistributive strategy that

O

could bring resource-poor regions closer to needful inputs, ensure benefits of growth are more evenly distributed across regions without hurting any of the resource-rich regions, ultimately eliminate interregional growth disparities, and ensure the peaceful coexistence that is required to sustain growth.

Nigeria therefore needs to approach the nationwide rail development with a much stronger sense of urgency.

The recently released ‘Mid-Term Report of the Transformation Agenda (May 2011–May 2013): Taking Stock, Moving Forward’ did say that, “The Federal Government in a bid to turnaround the railways nationwide, articulated a 25-year strategic vision for the rail sector, with milestones to be implemented in three stages.

The broad targets of the rail sub-sector are the completion of the rehabilitation of the existing narrow gauge and construction of new standard gauge rail lines, and construction of extension to link all state capitals and commercial centres. Currently, feasibility studies are on-going to create additional corridors for the standard gauge rail system. The studies are expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year and their reports will amongst others consist of Outline Business Cases which will be made available to potential investors for the development of tracks under Public Private Partnership.”

The Federal Government does seem to have the rail sector development on its radar. The only problem is that the 25-year timeframe does not reflect the strong sense of urgency that an appreciation of the likely impact on states, regions and sectors, and industrial clusters would impose. 25 years? Not five years?

Full economic revival of the six regions depends critically on the development of a fully functioning rail sector. Every region will gain tremendously from fully functioning rail transport system.

Train terminuses have historically been known to open up new markets, which propelled the growth of major Nigerian cities and triggered the emergence and growth of regional industry clusters across Nigeria. Since the collapse of the rail transport system in the 1980s, the markets surrounding the terminuses have either declined or died altogether, all major Nigerian cities, except Lagos and Abuja, have declined markedly, regional industrial clusters are dead; in the absence of rail transport, only parts of Lagos and Ogun states have sufficient proximity to the ports to sustain industry clusters. Revival of cities and industries

requires a fully functioning rail transport system. Metal ores and coal production can only thrive in the presence of rail transportation. Nigeria can extract additional growth by exploiting these two minerals that abound in the Northeast and the Southeast respectively.

With 160 million people to move across 36 states and the FCT, spread over 774 local government areas, annual crops, livestock, forestry, fishery, petroleum products, and solid minerals output in excess of 440 million tonnes, with an even larger volume of merchandise imported through the airports, seaports and land borders, the business case for the Nigerian rail sector should be more than obvious. The developmental impact is no less compelling. Competitiveness in manufacturing and broader industrial activities depends very critically on the existence of a transport cost reducing fully functioning modern rail sector.

Growing long term savings represented by the pension fund assets need long term investment vents which are currently absent in Nigeria. Opportunities for investing these funds in the rail sector will be in the long term interest of the savers and the country. Government can issue rail bonds, or even levy rail specific taxes to provide part of the required funding, in addition to funds that could be contributed by joint venture partners and public-private-partners.

Stronger national economic intelligence apparatus is urgently required Nigeria needs a strong national economic intelligence apparatus like the defunct National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC) to, amongst other things, provide the foresight required to ensure that regional growth divergence is prevented on an ongoing basis rather than cured. The NEIC Act should be amended, rather than repealed as being contemplated by the Senate, to give the agency more powers to provide insight, oversight, and foresight on matters of urgent national importance in line with the original vision for the agency when it was created in 1994. The National Assembly, the Presidency, and the National Economic Council alike should rely on such an agency to clarify their vision and thinking on the best ways to ensure a more inclusive national economic growth trajectory.

• Concluded.

• Teriba, a consultant on economics research, is CEO, Economic As-

The tortuous journey of Abia at 22

By Ndukwe Ugbuaja

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Y August 27 this year, Abia State will be 22 years old having been created out of the old Imo State by Ibrahim Babangida administration. Scientifically, the age of maturity for human being is 12 years old, but at 12, Abia State is crawling. Successive governments in the state ran its affairs of the state with impunity and recklessness especially during the military era. But they did not do it without the collaboration of some civilians from the state who often served as fronts for the military boys to loot the state. Under the guise of businessmen and government contractors, they registered phony companies and government contracts were awarded to them and fund released to them. At the end, no contract would be executed and nobody would ask for the refund of the public fund already paid to them.

That was the kind of leadership provided for the state for more than a decade. The hope and expectation of the people for a change in the status quo with the inception of democracy in the country in 1999 was never a dream come true.

This was because the same characters that connived with the military leaders to impoverish and under-develop the state for almost a decade ploughed the looted funds into the politics of the state and hijacked the political leadership.

So nothing changed in terms of leadership style, aside of change from military rule to civilian democracy. Desperate to recoup after years of military rule, some politicians served as conduit pipe to siphon state resources and to suppress the people. Between 1999 and 2007, there was no sign of governance in the state, especially in the area of infrastructural developments. But government in the state ranked top in the promoting unnecessary political controversies to attract undue attention from the public; and in the area of media propaganda.

Decayed infrastructures begging for govern-

ment attention were abandoned, while government officials built their business empires and those of their family members, converting government assets into family assets at will.

The state-owned newspaper was destroyed and its printing press was used to establish an anti-government private-owned newspaper in Lagos. Voodoo politics was also introduced in the state and Mother Excellency took charge of taking government decisions, while her son the godfather governor became the ceremonial leader of the state. A suburb in Bende council area of the state became a Mecca of sort for politicians seeking appointment into the government. Political thugs were groomed under the guise of security outfits to harass perceived political opponents all in a bid to create a leeway for Mother Excellency and his son to have a field day. Nobody dared ask question or criticise government policies or actions, which were in most cases anti-people.

By the time the second term of the government expired in 2007, the state was left worse than it was met in 1999 in terms of decayed infrastructure, absence of access roads, a health sector in shamble as residents sought medical care in neighbouring states. The state of education was pathetic and the rate of examination malpractices was at the peak as special centres which encourage examination malpractices became dominant in the state. The state debt profile was as high as N29.9 billion.

No foundation was laid for the incoming government to take off. The civil service meant to drive government’s policies was bogged by petty and clannish politics, encouraged by the government. The state capital Umuahia remained the same glorified village it was upon its creation in 1991.

Coming into the office as governor in 2007, Chief Theodore Orji, a seasoned public servant came with a vision and blueprint on how to transform the state. But his predecessor on whose party’s platform Orji was elected, has a

different agenda which was the maintaining of the status quo in the state. For almost four years of Orji’s first term, Mother Excellency and his son were calling the shots in the government. Stifled and hounded on many fronts, Orji was just a figurehead and the system at the national level encouraged the situation. Having seen it all in government as Chief of Staff for eight years, Governor Orji tarried for the best time to strike and liberate the state from the menace of godfatherism, a feat he achieved before the 2011 general elections, after due consultations with the people on what they wanted. The state breathed air of freedom. And since then, Orji’s government has been in hurry to cover lost ground. It is no doubt a daunting task, but the government has remained resolute. Today in the state, there is no incessant political crisis especially in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Brothers do sit down now and discuss the way forward for the state. A new Government House befitting of a state capital of 22 years old is under construction. So also is an ultra-modern International Conference Centre, New Workers Secretariat, and so many other giant developmental strides in different sectors of the state including the civil sector that has been reformed and repositioned for effective performance. The kidnapping menace that nearly crippled activities in the state is now a thing of the past. That is why the state has remained the most peaceful state in the country today and has become a haven for prospective investors. There is also steady power supply in the capital and its environs courtesy of the power evacuation from Ohiya power station by the state government in partnership with the Federal Government.

It is obvious that since the creation of the state 22 years ago, it is the present government that is laying solid foundation for the development of the state. And in the face of this obvious fact, some misinformed and hired armchair critics who were part and parcel of the poor leader-

Coming into the office as governor in 2007, Chief Theodore Orji, a seasoned public servant came with a vision and blueprint on how to transform the state. But his predecessor on whose party’s platform Orji was elected, has a different agenda which was the maintaining of the status quo in the state.

For almost four years of Orji’s first term, Mother Excellency and his son were calling the shots in the government. Stifled and hounded on many fronts, Orji was just a figurehead and the system at the national level encouraged the situation. ship that bedevilled the state for more than a decade plus were now expecting the present government to use resources and funds realised in the past six years to tackle accumulated decayed infrastructure of more than a decade. This is without raising eyebrow or asking questions on what happened to the funds that were accrued to the state since its creation that were obviously mismanaged by successive governments before now.

The Abia liberation paved way for the solid foundation laid by the present government and what is paramount is sustaining the situation and improving on it to ensure that the dark years of political godfatherism and looting spree will not find its way back to the government of the state. So ahead of 2015 general elections, all hands must be on deck to ensure that people of questionable characters will not find their way into the Abia Government House. They are already jostling for the seat, but when the time comes, the people will make their choice. They are wiser now, and the present government has set a pace that the incoming government must follow to make great impact.

• Elder Ugbuaja, a community leader wrote from

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

GLOBAL STOCKS | 53

S&P 500 climbs above 1,700 on stimulus bets, economy

Some stockbrokers on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange... yesterday NITED States (U.S.) stocks U rallied, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index above 1,700 for the first time, after central banks vowed to maintain stimulus and data on global manufacturing beat forecasts.

All 10 S&P 500 main industries advanced. MetLife Inc. rose 4.8 percent on betterthan-estimated operating earnings. Procter & Gamble Co. gained 1.5 percent after posting profit that topped analysts’ estimates.

DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. jumped 6.2 percent as earnings surged. Exxon Mobil Corp. slid 2.3 percent as profit fell for the first time in four years.

The S&P 500 rose one per cent to 1,702.93 in New York.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 121.80 points, or 0.8 percent, to a record 15,621.34.

Trading in S&P 500 (SPX) stocks was 3.9 percent above the 30-day average during this time of day.

“The tone from central banks is that the economy is a little better, but has not reached the escape velocity yet without monetary support,” Michael Vogelzang, president and chief investment officer at Boston Advisors LLC, which man-

ages $2.6 billion, said by phone. “As long as there is strong accommodative policy, the market can go up a lot. The market is driven by Fed policy and good corporate earnings.”

The Fed said yesterday that persistently low inflation could hamper the economy and pledged to keep buying $85 billion in bonds every month.

The statement came as data showed the U.S. economy grew more than projected in the second quarter.

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said today that recent economic indicators signal that the euro region is through the worst and reiterated that officials plan to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future.

Three rounds of bond purchases by the Fed, coupled with improving earnings and economic growth, has helped propel the S&P 500 up more than 150 percent from its bear-market low in 2009.

Speculation about the Fed’s monthly bond purchases has whipsawed stocks since May, when Chairman Ben S. Bernanke first indicated policy makers could begin reducing the stimulus this year if

the job market continues to improve.

Investors poured $38.1 billion into exchange-traded funds listed in the U.S. last month, the most since December 2008 and the fourth-highest inflow ever, according to data compiled

by Bloomberg since 2000.

Almost $30 billion of the deposits went to funds that buy and sell American equities.

The benchmark index gained 5 percent in July, its biggest monthly advance since January. The gauge is trading at 15.4 times estimated earnings, compared with an average valuation of 13.9 times profit over the past five years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Manufacturing in the U.S. expanded at the fastest pace in more than two years as orders and production jumped, according to the Institute for Supply Management’s factory index.

Separate reports overseas showed manufacturing grew more than forecast in China and Europe.

In the U.S., applications for unemployment insurance payments declined by 19,000 to 326,000 in the week ended July 27, the fewest since January 2008, the Labor

Department reported today in Washington. The median forecast of 50 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for 345,000.

Labor Department data tomorrow may show U.S. employers added 185,000 people to payrolls in July, as the jobless rate fell to 7.5 per cent from 7.6 per cent, according to Bloomberg surveys of more than 80 economists.

Some 40 companies in the S&P 500 report results today.

Of the 373 companies in the gauge to have already reported quarterly results, 73 per cent have exceeded analysts’ profit estimates and 56 percent have beaten sales projections, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX), or VIX, slipped 4 percent to 12.91 today. The equity volatility gauge reached its highest level this year in June and has since fallen 37 per cent.

Companies whose growth is most tied to economic swings led today’s rally. The Morgan Stanley Cyclical Index rose 1.7 per cent. The Dow Jones Transportation Average surged 2.6 per cent to a record, while the Midcap 400 Index and the Russell

2000 (RTY) Index for smaller companies hit all-time highs, climbing 2.1 per cent and 1.2 percent, respectively.

The KBW Bank Index (BKX) rallied 1.9 per cent as all its 24 members gained. Bank of America Corp. climbed 2.4 percent to $14.94.

MetLife jumped 4.8 per cent to $50.76. The largest U.S. life insurer said earnings, which exclude some investment results, were $1.44 a share.

That beat the $1.33 average estimate of 20 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

Procter & Gamble rose 1.5 per cent to $81.48. Earnings beat analyst forecasts, giving Chief Executive Officer A.G. Lafley some breathing room as he works to turn around the company he rejoined two months ago.

DreamWorks (DWA) climbed 6.2 per cent to $26.28. The independent film studio run by Jeffrey Katzenberg reported a 75 percent surge in profit, driven by the hit movie “The Croods.”

Industrial companies rose 1.5 per cent as a group.

Quanta Services Inc. jumped 3.7 to $27.81. The biggest U.S. power line contractor exceeded analysts’ estimates for a ninth straight quarter, according to data compiled

by Bloomberg. The company boosted its full-year forecast.

Yelp (YELP) Inc. soared 22 per cent to $50.94. The company, whose website compiles consumer-business reviews, said second-quarter sales climbed 69 percent to $55 million, topping the $53.3 million average analyst prediction compiled by Bloomberg.

Sturm Ruger & Co. increased five per cent to $53.40.

The largest publicly traded U.S. firearms maker said second-quarter net income jumped 79 percent as revenue surged 50 percent to $179.5 million.

CBS Corp. gained 3.3 percent to $54.60. The owner of the most-watched U.S. TV network said second-quarter profit rose 11 percent, spurred by higher rates from pay-TV systems and new Internet streaming agreements.

Exxon Mobil (XOM) dropped 2.3 per cent to $91.60. Secondquarter profit fell as crude oil prices declined along with returns from its gasoline and diesel manufacturing business.

Brent crude futures, a global benchmark, averaged $103.35 a barrel during the second quarter, down five per cent from $108.76 a year earlier.

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

Sports Lulu canvasses NFF’s support for Keshi From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja ORMER President of the FFederation Nigeria Football (NFF), Sani Lulu Abdullahi has advised Nigerians to lend their support to Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi, as he strives to return the senior national team to its prime position in world football after so many years in the doldrums.

Lulu said in Abuja yesterday that what the Eagles’ chief coach needs now is advice and understanding from the NFF as he aims to move the team forward, rather than doing things that could distract him from the task ahead.

The former NFF president faults those that blame Keshi for not stopping the players’ protest in Namibia over the $10,000 match bonus, stressing that even as the coach of the team, he has his limitations when it comes to such matters.

Lulu advised the football federation to always embrace a more transparent way of handling such issues and be ready at all times to tell the players the true position of things in order to avoid such open confrontations.

“In recent times, I have heard comments directed at Coach Keshi, which I find very unfair to him. The young man has achieved so much

within a short time and should be given all the necessary support. I want his detractors to leave him alone, so that he can concentrate on rebuilding the Super Eagles for us.

“Even as he is the Chief Coach of Eagles, Keshi has his limitations. It is the responsibility of the NFF to provide an enabling environment for the players to thrive. If any agreement has been reached with the players, it must be honoured. If there is any problem, the authorities should either make sacrifice or sit down with the team for discussions “I remember that before our 2010 World Cup qualifying match against Uganda, we played a friendly match against Tanzania and after the match, the players attempted to hold us to ransom over bonus, but I resisted because there was no prior agreement. They could not succeed on that because there was no prior agreement.”

“At the 2008 Nations Cup in Ghana, when Eagles qualified for quarter-finals, there was no money to pay their bonus.

NFF had no money and the NSC too could not raise any money for us. I had to rush back home to borrow N30 million from my personal account to go and settle their bonus. I did this to motivate the players. This is sacrifice.

Akpabio, Elegbeleye set for Uyo 2013 NWC closing ceremony OP dignitaries, including T Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio and the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeleye are expected to grace today’s closing ceremony of the Uyo 2013 National Weightlifting Championship today.

President of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Chibudom Nwuche confirmed yesterday that the duo would be at the Ibom Hall, Uyo, venue of the closing ceremony.

Nwuche promised the closing ceremony would be a glamorous one, even as he expressed satisfaction with the way the weeklong competition has gone.

“We have had a wonderful championship. Given the short time we had to plan, I think we have done well. I am particularly impressed with the turn out of the states. 20 states are featuring in the championship and that is by all standards a good turn out,” Nwuche said.

Meanwhile, Plateau appears

set to emerge champions of the championship, as it leads the medals’ log with only few weight categories yet to be decided.

Plateau has 20 gold, while

Swimmers at the final of the women’s 4x200-metre freestyle relay swimming event in the FINA World Championships at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona yesterday. No Nigerian qualified to compete in the world’s elite swimming competition.

PHOTO: AFP.

Lewandowski, Klopp disagree over cheat claim ANCHESTER United tarM get, Robert Lewandowski says that he feels ‘cheated’ by current club Borussia Dortmund.

The 24-year-old striker, who has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich this summer, is expected to stay for the final year of his contract at Borussia Dortmund.

But, speaking to Polish newspaper, Rzeczpospolita, Lewandowski says he feels cheated by members of Dortmund’s management.

Lewandowski said, “if someone says something, he should keep his word. I’m not saying it’s only about the transfer, but other things we have discussed with man-

agement and that has not materialised.

“It turns out that words spoken straight into my eyes were untrue. No matter how hard I will train and what I will do, the feeling that I’ve been cheated will still be there.

“Maybe that word is too much, so for now I will say I’m disappointed.”

Lewandowski featured in Dortmund’s German Super Cup win against Bayern Munich at the weekend.

Meanwhile, coach Juergen Klopp said yesterday he saw no reason for concern after his top striker Robert Lewandowski accused club bosses of failing to keep their word for blocking a move to

Bayern Munich.

“For me what he does is a thousand times more important than what he says because what he does needs no interpretation,” Klopp told reporters ahead of tomorrow’s first-round game against lower-tier SV Wilhelmshaven in the German Cup. Lewandowski, whose contract runs out in 2014, had desperately wanted to move to treble winners Bayern but the club refused to sell him to their biggest league rivals, who have already poached the talented Mario Goetze from them.

Klopp said a meeting would be held with Lewandowski and his agent to clear the air.

NNL panel says no proof of inducement in Zamfara’s withdrawal HERE was no foul play in the T withdrawal of Zamfara United from the 2012/2013 Nigeria National League (NNL), the five-man panel set up by the NNL board has said, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The panel was set up to investigate if any form inducement led to the withdrawal of the team from the league as alleged by some concerned individuals. The panel was also charged with the responsibility of unearthing any match-fixing or foul play in all the games already played this season.

And after what it described as thorough investigation of the allegations, the panel, led by Emmanuel Ochiagha, told the league board in Abuja that there was no truth in the allegations.

• Second tier league resumes tomorrow Ochiagha said that after going through the submissions and the evidence of both parties, there was no proof that the team withdrew to accelerate the promotion of a particular club, as alleged.

“After going through all the submissions, both the petition and the defence, we came to the conclusion that there was no proof of any induced withdrawal on the side of Zamfara United.

“There was also not any form of match fixing, details of which will be made public by the NNL board,” the chairman said.

Zamfara United in June withdrew from the league’s ‘Division A, due to ``financial difficulties.’’

However, three clubs in the NNL alleged that the unexpected withdrawal of the Zamfaraowned club was a plot to accelerate the promotion of a particular club.

Ochiagha said recommendations were made after the committee had received 15 oral testimonies, four written petitions and four text messages, within the 14 days of its meeting.

“The committee received submissions and evidence during our 14 days of meetings, we received 15 oral testimonies, four written petitions, four text messages, as well as 13 hours of recorded audio testimonies.

“It will interest you to know that all our proceedings are recorded, for the avoidance of doubt. And we are very confi-

dent that our recommendations will help in correcting the flaws in the administration of our leagues and other leagues in this country,” he added.

Ochiagha commended the petitioners and all those that testified before the panel for giving useful guidance during the investigation.

Responding, the Chairman of NNL, Emeka Inyama, said that the board would go through all the reports and the findings would be made public in five working days.

Inyama said the board would not delay because the integrity of the committee was at stake, adding that he believes they had done a good job.

The NNL boss also revealed that the league would resume week 29 matches tomorrow at the various centres.

Arsenal gives Kenny Sansom guidance for personal problems RSENAL says they are givA ing support and guidance to former England full-back, Kenny Sansom, who is reportedly homeless and fighting alcoholism.

Sansom, 54, told The Sun that he has struggled with personal problems for several years.

“We are aware of Kenny Sansom’s situation and have been providing him with ongoing support and guidance,” said an Arsenal spokesperson.

Sansom spent eight years with Arsenal, playing in 314 matches. He said, “I am in a bad way. Arsenal are trying to help me, but I have got to try to help myself.”

The 54-year-old, who is the second most capped England full-back in history behind Ashley Cole, is reported to have been living on the streets and spending his time drinking and gambling.

Former Arsenal and England striker, Ian Wright told BBC Sport: “Of course you’d wish Kenny well. He’s a legend, not only at Arsenal but also at Crystal Palace. I worked with Kenny last season on a couple of radio shows and he was in good form.

“But it doesn’t surprise me that it’s happened because Kenny has had certain personal problems in the past and you just hope he’s OK. “Just because you’re an international world-class footballer, it doesn’t mean you can’t fall on hard times. You can only wish him well and hope everything works out for him.”

56 | SPORTS

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

Uneasy calm in Warri Wolves over N50m sponsorship deal

By Gowon Akpodonor RISIS seems to be brewing C within the top hierarchy of Warri Wolves Football Club over a sponsorship deal of N50 million the team’s management renewed earlier in the year with ULO, a conglomerate of companies, which is into construction, energy and power.

The Warri-based club shocked many football loving Nigerians on Wednesday by dismantling Premier League defending champions, Kano Pillars, 3-0 in one of the quarterfinal matches of the Federations Cup in Ilorin.

The win has now given Wolves a semi-final tie against Akwa United, which defeated Heartland FC 5-4 on penalties. Warri Wolves is one of the leading teams in the on-going Globacom Premier League.

The Guardian learnt yesterday that some top management officials of the club allegedly believe that one of them knows more about the N50 million than he has told the board.

In a ceremony held in Abuja in March, the Executive Chairman of Delta Sports Commission, who also doubles as the State FA Chairman,

Amaju Pinnick, was said to have been presented a Zenith bank replica cheque of N50 million by the chief executive of ULO Company, Uche Luke Okpunor.

At the occasion, Okpunor, a football enthusiast, was said to have pledged the organisation’s commitment to take Warri Wolves on a playing tour of Europe at the end of the on going season. He was also said to have promised that his organization would present a brand new bus to Warri Wolves if the club finished within the top three in the on-going Globacom Premier League.

However, with the second stanza of the league already in progress, ‘nothing has been heard’ about the N50 million, thereby forcing some top officials of the club to suspect foul play somewhere.

While some are pointing accusing fingers in the direction of Pinnick, thinking that he might have collected the money, others are said to be accusing the management of ULO Company of not living up to their promise.

“We don’t know the true picture of things regarding the N50 million sponsorship deal because we are hearing different things every day and there are doubts here and there,” a

club official told The Guardian yesterday.

Attempts by The Guardian to speak with Pinnick on the issue yesterday were unsuccessful, as he refused to pick his calls, but one of his aides said the money in question had not been paid by ULO Company.

According to the aide, the issue may spark a legal battle between Warri Wolves and ULO from next week if nothing concrete is done ‘before this week runs out.’

“It’s like the matter may be heading to court very soon because many people are thinking that our chairman (Pinnick) has already collected the money. As we speak, Pinnick is facing serious battle with ULO Company in his bid to collect the money. We don’t really know where the problem lies. I just hope they will resolve it amicably,” the aide stated.

Efforts to reach Okpunor through his mobile phone on the issue were unsuccessful.

Lagos journalists lament trend in corporate sports promotion AGOS-BASED sports jourLexpressed nalists on Tuesday concerns over the new trend in corporate pro-

2013 Federation Cup Fall-Out

Enyimba is still work in progress, says Aigbogun • Meets Lobi Stars in Benin, Wolves/Akwa clash in Bauchi

By Christian Okpara NYIMBA’S Technical E Adviser, Paul Aigbogun was among the happy fans at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, on Wednesday after the ‘Peoples Elephant’ defeated hard-fighting Nasarawa United by a lone goal to berth into the semifinal of the Federation Cup. But while the other fans and admirers of the Aba club danced round the stadium in celebration of their team’s recent success in a competition they have won three times, Aigbogun walked straight to the dressing room, apparently thinking of ways to make the team’s attack shaper than it was on Wednesday.

The consensus opinion at the MKO Abiola Stadium was that Enyimba would have won more comfortably if the attackers were more accurate in execution of their strikes.

Some fans of the club attributed the low score line to the absence of ‘old soldier’ Emeka Nwanna, who was not registered for the Federation Cup. But Aigbogun does not buy that excuse.

“We are still working on the team,” he told The Guardian.

Aigbogun believes that the success or failure of a team is determined by the sum of their performance at the end of the season, adding that Enyimba would come good when it matters most.

“We, as a team, are trying to

get the best possible performance from the players and I can say that we are on course to achieving that. The team is a work in progress,” the former Warri Wolves gaffer said.

The coach refused to be drawn on the possible position of the team at the end of the 2012/2013 Globacom Premier League season, saying, “we are still working on the lapses of the players, but at the end of the season we hope to be where our supporters want us to be.”

On the recent upsurge in the fortunes of the club, Aigbogun said the team owes their successes to their management, which has provided the conducive environment for the players and coaches to do their best.

“As things stand I cannot tell you what where we would be at the end of the season, but I know that if the management continues with this kind of support and God being on our side, we will be successful.

“We want to do well both in the league and the Federation Cup hence we have decided to increase our work rate and do our best. At the end of the season, we will find out if our best is good enough.”

On the Federation Cup semifinal clash with Lobi Stars, Aigbogun refused to be drawn on the likely winner of the tie, saying, “what is more important is that we get our team ready to take on any opposition.

“We will go back home to

Enugu Rangers and Warri Wolves battling for possession during a recent 2013 Globacom Premier League game.

review our performance here and plot the way forward from there.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday disclosed that Enyimba will clash with Lobi Stars of Makurdi in one of the semi-finals at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, while Warri Wolves, which stunned Premier League defending champions, Kano Pillars 3-0 in Ilorin, would be up against giant-killers, Akwa United, at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, B a u c h i .

Both matches come up on August 21.

motions, which, they said, is contributing to the decline of the domestic football industry and tantamount to a disservice to the nation.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Lagos State Sportswriters, Fred Edoreh, the association said, “over the years, a number of blue chip corporate organisations, especially in the telecommunications and banking sectors, have been promoting interests in foreign football clubs to the detriment of the clubs in the domestic league.

It is an act that can even affect other business sectors and professions negatively.”

Edoreh said Lagos journalists recognised the prerogative of the companies to take business decisions that would drive their commercial interests, but he noted that “it is the duty of Nigerian businesses to protect local industries such as sports just as we have been asking government to protect the local textile industry and other manufacturing concerns. It behooves also on companies operating in Nigeria to commit to protecting and promoting the local sports industry as a matter of public and national imperative.”

He further observed that the

Golden Penny wheel chair tennis clinic ends in Abuja HE second edition of the T Golden Penny Noodles Player/Coaches Wheelchair Tennis Clinic came to an end in Abuja at the weekend with no fewer than 20 new potential champions discovered.

National Wheelchair Tennis Coach, Frank Tarmena, boasted at the end of the clinic that would ensure that Nigeria

extends its dominance of Africa in the sport, urging more support for the sport.

The attracted over 300 players and tennis enthusiasts, including the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Sani Ndanusa, who is also the Nigeria Tennis Federation president.

Nigerian Football Professional League (NFPL) is receiving a fresh impetus through the on-going reforms instituted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) through the League Management Company, adding, “it will not be proper for this initiative to be killed by just profit considerations at the expense of national growth.”

While assuring that sports journalists have recharged their commitment to the projection of the domestic sports scene, especially the domestic leagues, Edoreh urged corporate organisations in the country to understand that their support for the development, promotion and growth of the local sports scene would produce a win-win situation for all stakeholders that would positively impact on their businesses and the nation would be the better for it.

Ondo, Osun dominate taekwondo event of Southwest U-17 tournament NDO and Osun states conO firmed their superiority in the taekwondo event of the

Players fighting for points during a recent wheelchair basketball game. Coach Tarmena says Nigeria will continue to dominate wheelchair games in Africa

Southwest Zone Two of the National Sports Commission (NSC)-organised U-17 tournament, which will be concluded today at the Akure Township Stadium.

In the female category of the taekwondo event, host – Ondo garnered the highest number of medals to be the overall winner, while Osun achieved same feat in the male category of the event.

The three-day championship is hosted by Ondo State, with teams competing in handball, basketball, volleyball and taekwondo. Three states made up of the zone Ondo, Ekiti and Osun jostle for honours at the competition.

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

SchoolSports NASCOM to train games masters, may provide sports equipment for schools Stories by Olalekan Okusan S part of its efforts to popuA larise Rhythm N’ Play in schools across the country, National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) is planning to train games masters as well as provide sports equipment for schools.

According to the Board Secretary of NASCOM, Ohimai Godwin Amaize, the Rhythm N’ Play campaign has been structured around three implementation components.

He said, “the first being the registration of school children into Rhythm N’ Play Sports Clubs. Second is the training of Games Masters nationwide. These Games Masters will then train others in the various zones across the country and go into the schools to engage the school children in inter-club and inter-school competitions and other sporting activities.

The third component is the distribution of sporting equipment to school children by the Games Masters.”

The body, however, has continued to intensify registration of students for the programme across the nation.

The Rhythm N’ Play campaign, which was by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja recently, is an exciting youth-friendly campaign aimed at enhancing mass youth participation in sporting activities and age grade competitions.

NASCOM created the programme and it will be its flagship campaign to drive and revolutionise grassroots sports in Nigeria and the campaign will rely heavily on the use of music, celebrities, volunteers, new media and other elements of pop culture to amplify and realise its objectives.

Pupils in a demonstration during an inter-house sports tournament in Lagos

AFN, NSSF yearn for more support for athletics in schools S the Nestle/ International A Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Kids’ Athletics programme took off in Nigeria last week, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), believe there must conscious efforts to support athletics in school beyond the usual inter-house sports

competitions.

Nigeria became the first country in Africa that the Nestle/ IAAF Kids’ Athletics programme will be launched and with this exercise, AFN and NSSF said the initiative must be supported across the country.

AFN President, Solomon Ogba said, “athletics being the mother of all sports has lost its pride of place because we neglected the very owners, the children. As well al know, you cannot separate the child from play, knowing that 80 per cent or more of their play constitute more of running, jumping, throwing, and handling, which are the core part of athletics. It is on this note that IAAF in her wisdom went into partnership with Nestle International to discover, promote, popularise and

develop athletics starting from grassroots.”

He added, “this partnership is expected to go a long way to produce future Olympians that will represent our nation in the nearest future. With this partnership our erstwhile dwindling athletics fortune over the years will be a thing of the past. I am using this medium to appeal to corporate bodies and state government to invest in grassroots athletics, as this is the sure way of enhancing the security and future of our children by being grounded in a well planned career in athletics.”

For NSSF President, Ibrahim Muhammad, schools, games masters, sports co-ordinators, and other stakeholders need to embrace the Nestle/IAAF Kids’ Athletics programme

as a way of developing the sport in the country.

He said that the Nestle/IAAF project would bring back the “run” experience to the schools raising a total healthy kid.

“It is our believe that this project will encourage an average child to run, jump, hop, throw clap and smile during day time. All this will come together to give birth to healthy kids prepared for a healthy lifestyle and also the discovery of budding talents that abound in our schools who will become Olympians and set our flag flying and our anthem singing in the future,” Mohammad said.

He promised that the federation would mobilise it officers to encourage mass participation of school pupils in the programme.

“I hereby call on school sports masters, head teachers, parents and teachers association to encourage their children and wards to embrace this programme,” he said.

The initiative aims to encourage school-age-children to develop positive physical, health and social skills by engaging in sporting activities while, at the same time, enhancing the development of future athletes.

The programme, which is expected to reach over 200,000 primary school pupils in the country beginning July 2013 until September 2014, comprises competitive athletic events to be organised among primary schools in Ibadan, Ilorin, Owerri, Kano, Asaba and Gombe.

Kayrom Lee’s holiday swimming, table tennis clinics begin on Monday S part of its efforts to a sports retreat organised to 6.00 p.m every day. such energy to what would their health.

A She defined sports ‘‘as phys- enhance unearth the hidden tal- recently to intimate parents “Introducing sports to ents in school pupils, partner on activities lined up for ical activities or a particular

Athlete in action during the take off of the Nestle/IAAF Kids’ Athletics Programme in Lagos…last week

to National Sports Commission (NSC) zone 1, Kayrom Lee would commence intensive holiday coaching clinics in swimming and table tennis for kids at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, on Monday.

The firm based inside the arena formerly known as the Liberty Stadium said, during

their wards during the holiday, that the clinics would be divided into two sessions.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Romoke Ayinde, the first part of the clinics would commence in the morning between 8.00 a.m and 11.00 a.m, while the evening session will hold from 3.00 p.m

activity that someone does in order to stay healthy and make the body stronger,’’ adding that the major derivation for kids is to have a good health apart from taking it as a means of livelihood in future.

“Children by nature are hyperactive, it will be beneficial to allow them to channel

them at this level will afford them regular exercises, which will improve functioning of heart, blood circulation and digestion,” Ayinde noted.

She urged other interested parents to purchase registration forms from the firm’s offices located within the stadium.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

58

Heroes Of Making Olympics, World Cup squads, Just like his peers, Abiodun Baruwa, Member of Order of Niger (MON), took to football in his primary school. Unlike his peers, who preferred being outfield players, he pitched himself in between the goal posts. As time went by, his little heroics accompanied by acrobatic displays stood him out. And in the course of his sojourn in school sports, he won a silver medal with the Lagos State Academicals team, won the Principal Cup with Igbobi College in 1988 and the All Nigerian University Pepsi Cola Cup with Yaba College of Technology 1990. He went on to win the Nigerian League and FA Cup twice with professional clubs in Nigeria, won the Austrian League as well as the Olympic football gold medal. Before calling time on his professional career, Baruwa, who was in the Nigerian squad to the France “98 World Cup, had plied his trade in Switzerland, Austria, Wales and England. The CEO/founder of BRW Sport Management Ltd, United Kingdom, who was embroiled in an age scandal in 1996, in this chat with ENO-ABASI SUNDAY, said representing Nigeria in both the 1996 Olympic Games and at 1998 World Cup, were the highest points of his football career.

A

BIODUN Baruwa, Member of the Order of Niger (MON), belongs to the exclusive band of boys, whose childhood passion was never threatened by either parent, especially when he was learning the ropes.

That in part, accounts for his dogged ability to compete for shirt or the right to stand in between the sticks for his schools, club sides and ultimately Nigeria.

For the Atlanta Olympics gold medallist, the journey to the zenith of goalkeeping was not without challenges of tempestuous nature, which he had to surmount in order to carve a niche for himself.

Dark-skinned Baruwa got into goalkeeping right from Zumratul Islamiyal Primary School, Tinubu, Lagos Island, where he had his primary education. As he grew in education, his interest in goalkeeping also grew and that explains why he continued playing that part at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos State, where he earned the West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate on completion of his secondary education.

“Omo Alhaja (Alhaja’s son)” as Baruwa was fondly by his schoolmates and friends, recalled how it all started thus: “I attended Zumratul Islamiyal Primary School, Tinubu, Lagos, Island, where I started playing football. Luckily, my parents did not have any issues or kicked against my doing that as they both supported me, especially my mother. From there, I moved on to Igbobi College, Yaba, where I had my secondary education. I later got admitted to the Yaba College of Technology, Yaba.”

During his teething years in the business of goal tending, Baruwa did not really have a goalkeeping legend to look up to as an idol. That, however, did not stop his fledgling career from a d v a n c i n g .

“As a school boy, I enjoyed football and did not take part in any other sport apart from football, so I knew right from start that I was cut out to play football. What also helped matters for me was the fact that, as I said earlier, my parents loved the idea of me playing football and they were very proud of me,” he stated.

One of the earliest rewards he got for his devotion to the round leather was in 1988, when he won the Principal Cup with Igbobi College in 1988. He also won a silver medal with the Lagos State Academicals team, as well as, won the All Nigerian University Pepsi Cola Cup with the Yaba College of Technology in 1990.

“Yes, I can tell you that whatever we did for our schools or state in those days was for the love of this game of football,” said Baruwa, who hails from Lagos Island, Lagos State.

Baruwa “I never saw anyone as a challenge to me when it comes to being in goal, all I wanted was to improve myself and my game in whatever team I found myself. At a point, a point in my career, I began nursing the ambition of playing for Nigeria. I am very happy to say that it eventually happened because I was invited to the national U-23 team and the Super Eagles purely on merit and nothing else.”

That Baruwa was a famed short-stopper in his days in the domestic league is not in doubt.

That in part explains why some of the best clubs in the country sought his signature in those days.

For instance, in 1986, he was with the Eko Hotel Football Club before moving to African Alliance Football Club the following year. National Bank Football Club of Lagos was where the Igbobi College old boy spent his 1988/89 seasons, before moving on to Stationary Stores of Lagos, with whom he won the FA Cup in 1 9 9 0 .

From 1991 to 1993, Baruwa was helping Kano Pillars stop goal-bound shots before Iwuanyanwu National of Owerri came calling.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Ibadan, paid his wages from 1994 to 1996. Whilst there, he helped them cart home the League trophy and the FA Cup in 1995 as also finished as African Champions Cup finalist in 1996.

During his early days in 3SC, he played second fiddle to Shorunmu, but with the latter’s departure to Basel in the Swiss League, Baruwa, naturally replaced him as the first choice keeper. His exploits, there helped the club win both the FA Cup and the Premier League and

Willy Bazuaye, who handled the U-23 team was inclined to include him in the Atlanta “96 Olympic Games men’s football qualifiers.

However, a 1996 CAF Champions League match between 3SC and Zamalek of Egypt remains a memorable match in Baruwa’s club football history. In that encounter, 3SC had beaten Zamalek 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan but lost by the same margin in the return leg at the Cairo Stadium. The Egyptian club eventually won the trophy 5-4 on penalties.

Having had his fill of the domestic scene, it was time to ply his trade internationally and he did not waste time in signing for FC Scion of Switzerland, when they came calling. He was there for a season (1997-1998) before joining S K Strum Graz, where he played his club football from 1998 to 2001. In his first season at the club, he won the Austrian League title.

In 2003, Baruwa laced boots for Barry Town FC in Wales, and joined Dagenham & Redbridge FC for the 2003/2004. In the 2004/2005 seasons, he was with Hornchurch F.C. both in England.

Baruwa, who prefers to consign very low moments in his football career to the trash can of

history, even though they were still part of the game, was one of the favourites to step in as Eagles número uno keeper in the event of Peter Rufai’s retiring from the squad in the wake of the team’s conquest at the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 1994.

But within this period, the trio of Ike Shorunmu, Alloy Agu and Wilfred Agbonibvare, were also in great shape setting the stage for an epic fight for the goalkeeper’s shirt in the team. Many saw Baruwa as a potential first choice keeper after the trio of Shoromu, Agu and Agbonibvare were, in a manner of speaking, eased out of the team and Dosu, who held sway after the threesome had exited, was involved in an auto crash, after Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Lagos in 1997.

But despite all the permutations, Bora Milutinovic, then Eagles’ manager thought otherwise and so rather than hand Baruwa a starting role at France ’98, he elected to recall Rufai alongside Willy Okpara. This effectively buried Baruwa’s prospect at the tourney and indeed the Super Eagles.

Looking at his brief sojourn with the national

My greatest achievement remains representing my dear country in both the 1996 Olympic Games and at 1998 World Cup as well as representing Africa in Portugal against Europe. Added to this, the game of football has taught me so many things in life including respect for other people, be they opponents or teammates. It has also taught me how to carry myself as a role model to the younger ones. Basically football made me who I am today

59

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

School Sports career highs of Abiodun Baruwa

Joseph Dosu, Baruwa and Emmanuel Babayaro teams, two matches still remain evergreen in Baruwa’s memory. These were the 1998 World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Harambee Stars of Kenya.

“The match against Kenya remain memorable because it was there that we got the ticket to the France “98 World Cup. The other match was the match between Nigeria’s U-23 team and their Zimbabwean counterpart, which the Nigerian team got the ticket to become one of Africa’s representatives at the Atlanta “96 Olympic G a m e s . ” Baruwa’s football career was smooth sailing until the match against Zimbabwe, which nearly took the wind away from his sail and destroy his reputation. Had the Zimbabweans had their way, Nigeria would definitely have been prevented from winning the Olympic football gold medal in Atlanta “96.

Having been called up by handlers of the U-23 squad, Baruwa featured in the Olympic qualifiers against Zimbabwe and that was where trouble started. After the encounter, which was restricted to players under the age of 23, though with about three over that age, Zimbabwe promptly protested to FIFA. In their protest, they included a match programme from the 1991 Nigerian Challenge Cup final in which Baruwa played for Kano Pillars. The programme rendered Baruwa’s birth date as February 7, 1969. That birth date effectively meant that Baruwa was 27 years old then, hence, ineligible to feature in a match for those under the age limit, having been registered not as one of the over aged players.

The Nigerian FA, in its defense, maintained

that the said match programme was not an official document of the FA. Consequently, the FA could not vouch for its authenticity nor could it be held responsible for the veracity of the programme’s contents.

It also noted that FIFA’s Article 20 submitted that only players’ international passports could serve as the authentic documents for age verification. Since Baruwa’s passport bore November 16, 1974 as his birth date, he was deemed eligible for the U-23 team. Consequently, the Olympics Games Bureau headed

by CAF’s President Issa Hayatou threw out Zimbabwe’s protest on April 22, 1996 on grounds of insufficient evidence.

Meanwhile at the Atlanta Olympics, Baruwa, Patrick Pascal, Ndubuisi Ndah and Jonathan Akpoborie graced the alternate list. That notwithstanding, when the Nigerian team went ahead to win the men’s football event, each of the 18 players in the squad got a gold medal, some including Baruwa, without kicking a ball. Back in the country, the Sanni Abacha-led government rewarded them with N1m each and national honours.

In explaining why he was not fielded at the Olympics, Baruwa said he fell ill during the training camp in Tallahassee, Florida. And even though he declared himself fit, the team doctors felt otherwise, and communicated their position to Bonfere Jo, who dropped him to the bench all through the Olympics.

Asked what fielding adults as cadet footballers has, in his opinion, done to the advancement of Nigerian football, the retired goalkeeper preferred to wax philosophical in-

Uche Okechukwu (right, back row), Mutiu Adepoju, Baruwa, Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West and Daniel Amokachi and other members of the Super Eagles, pose before a shot in the 1990

sisting that, “fair play is very important in modern football, so we should give the right people the opportunity.”

On why the number of Nigeria footballers that ply their trade in many top-flight leagues across the world was dwindling, he said football was developing at a very fast pace across the globe and so for Nigerian players to keep pace with the trend, there must be enormous investment in youth development programmes.

“If you look around the world these days, there are too many talented footballers out there, so we need to invest in youth football.

This is important because most clubs buy only very young people nowadays. I am sure some of our young players will get through to play in big clubs soon,” he stated.

He also thinks that the absence of seasoned football academies in Nigeria is affecting the quality of youth footballers that the country was churning out.

He added, “the people running football in Nigeria must make it compulsory for all premiership teams to have standard football academies otherwise they should not be registered to play in the Nigerian Professional League. The reason why most big clubs all over the world succeed is because they have academies, where they groom young players for future use and for sale.”

Commenting on the current state of the Nigerian football and what should be done to bring back spectators to our stadia, he said sports authorities must think up strategies that would reverse the trend and enable us to once again have jam-packed stadia. Apart from ensuring that the players are well catered for, “the supporters too must be factored into whatever plans they have for sports development at all levels.”

Three players from the 1994 golden era of the Super Eagles, have made it to managerial positions in the team they once played in.

They include Augustine Eguavoen, Samson Siasia and Keshi. But it beats the imagination of many why the country has not been unable to build on the achievements of that s q u a d .

But Baruwa is of the opinion that perennial

Baruwa with wife and child

inconsistency in policies and high turnover of leaders in the football house was to blame for the situation. So with this kind of scenario, what does the future hold for football development in the country?

“We need to go back to the basics and invest heavily in infrastructures and youth development. Every professional club in the country must be made to invest in youth development, most importantly, establish youth teams. In fact, if a club is incapable of running a standard football academy, then there is no need having such team in the first place. Once clubs have their youth teams in place, a league should also be established for them too,” he advised.

On how his participation in sports early in life has affected his world-view and what has been his greatest achievement from sports participation, he responded, “my greatest achievement remains representing my dear country in both the 1996 Olympic Games and at 1998 World Cup, as well as, representing Africa in Portugal against Europe. Added to this, the game of football has taught me so many things in life including respect for other people, be they opponents or teammates. It has also taught me how to carry myself as a role model to the younger ones. Basically football made me who I am today.”

Baruwa, is chief executive officer (CEO) of BRW Sports Management Limited, an outfit he has formed to contribute his quota to improving the fortunes of talented young Nigerians, who may not have the kind of opportunities he had.

“Part of what we are out to do is to represent all these young talented African players all through their career, both on and off the field. We also intend to open a state-of-the-art football academy in Lagos, for all these young people from all over the country because we intend to give them a focus in life from very young ages. These are things we did not have, but were only lucky to get to where we reached.”

Asked what informed his decision to begin studying to become a FIFA-licenced player agent, he said, “I realised while I was playing that not too many good agent were representing African players, especially Nigerians. This coupled with my experiences with agents during my playing days, informed my decision to embark on this process.”

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THE GUArDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

GolfWeekly

Bashir Bakare (left) Vincent Torgah (shielded) and Edet Umoh walk off the 18th green of Ikoyi Club 1938 after a tourney while a caddie (right) returns the flag stick to its place

PHOTO: ENO-ABASI SUNDAY

Glo Africa Tour rouses interest, excitement among Nigerian pros, says Makalemi

By Eno-Abasi Sunday BVIOUSLy exhilarated by O the good tidings brought their way by the inaugural Glo West Africa Tour, tour professionals in the country under the aegis of Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria (PGAN), are eagerly anticipating the tee-off of the resultant Glo Africa Golf Tour.

Senate President, David Mark, had while speaking at the grand finale of the Glo West Africa Tour at the Otukpo Golf and Country Club, Akpegede, Otukpo, Benue State, said that Chairman of Globacom Nigeria Limited, sole sponsor of the Tour, Dr. Mike Adenuga, has accepted in principle to make the championship a continental affair as against the regional c h a m p i o n s h i p .

Mark, who was the chief host of the grand finale had said: “The Glo Golf Tour West Africa as a tournament has helped expose our Nigerian players and give them an opportunity to compete and bond with their peers from other African countries, as players from Ghana, Senegal, Cameroun are also competing in the tournament.

“Most importantly, it shows that Globacom is investing heavily in golf in the country and that is what we want other private companies to do because government alone cannot fund sports in the c o u n t r y . ” The new five-legged Glo Africa Golf Tour is expected to tee-off at the Ibori Golf and Country

Club, Asaba, Delta State on October 24th and end at the Otukpo Golf and Country Club, Otukpo on December 8, 2013.

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian yesterday, Director of the PGAN, Festus Makalemi said, “at the moment, we are trying to put our house in order in readiness for the Glo Africa Golf Tour, which will be more successful than the Glo West Africa Tour. I

can tell you authoritatively that all tour professionals in Nigeria are looking forward to the teeo f f .

“Expectedly, the participation in this edition will be greater than last year’s because the scope has been widened.

Already, we have started making contacts with pros from the other countries that are going to participate in the tour,” he s t a t e d .

In last year’s outing, two Ghanaian golfers, Emos Korblah and Vincent Torgah, who hold dual tour cards from Nigeria and Ghana, won three of the four events between them. This led many to question the commitment of Nigerian pros to their profess i o n .

But Makalemi, one of the four veteran players that played in that edition and ended up win-

ning N1m through a raffle draw for veterans players said the not-too impressive showing by Nigerian pros was due to pressure on them.

“There was a lot of pressure on our boys during last year’s event. But I can say they have learnt their lessons and are prepared to show their strength when the event tees off. right now, they are eager to play and show who they truly are,” the

director stated.

On what Globacom’s sponsorship has added to the Nigerian Tour, Makalemi said, “most importantly, it has set a standard for professional golf in the country, created a lot of awareness about it as we’ll as rekindled the spirit of competition among our members. Like I said earlier, they are now very eager to play and win.”

He said PGAN was scouting for

250 to vie for honours at 2nd Software Solutions invitational tourney

By Eno-Abasi Sunday FTEr a successful debut last A year at the 9-hole Ikeja Golf Club, the Software Solutions Limited (SSL) Annual Golf Tournament is set to make a return to its birthplace.

And unlike the maiden edition, which featured 200 contestants from a select club from around the country, the second edition will see over

250 golfers drawn from different parts of the country exchange swings. This will also include a handful of invited professionals.

According to sponsors, apart from the tourney providing an atmosphere for attendees to have fun and keep fit, is also aimed at bringing together world-class information technology solution providers, business partners and their

clients in a relaxed environm e n t .

It would also provide a unique opportunity to gain key insights and mindshare in a gathering of people who are responsible for driving Information Communication Technology (ICT) investment in Nigeria.

Invited professional would lead the proceedings in this edition as they get into the fray

on Tuesday, August 20th, while invited ladies from Dolphin Golf Club, Ikoyi Club 1938, Sagamu Golf Club, Ibadan Golf Club, would have their way the following day, Wednesday, August 21.

Day One of contest for gentlemen golfers will follow this.

And they will be joined in action by invited ladies from IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja, Benin Golf Club, Port

Harcourt Club (golf section) and Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba.

The grand finale of the event comes up on Saturday August 24. Apart from being men’s Day Two, it will also feature a presentation dinner at the club house, where winners of the week-long tourney would be presented with their trophies and prizes.

Ibori Club to create new bunkers, expand greens From Hendrix Oliomogbe, Asaba BOrI Golf and Country Club, Irevealed Asaba, Delta State, has plans to toughen and improve the general playing conditions at the club.

Captain of the club, Daniel Mayuku, while speaking recently at the club in the wake of the 1st Delta Open Golf

Championship, which featured described the one-week fiesta as a huge success.

He used the opportunity to inform that that efforts are in top gear to create new bunkers and expand the greens to improve the standard of the play on the course.

Architecturally, bunkers serve many purposes; they help dictate the strategy of the golf

holes, provide character and are of immense aesthetic value. In fact, the whole look and feel of the golf course changes so dramatically depending on what style of bunkering is chosen, that the bunkers might be considered the key design feature on most golf courses.

Mayuku thanked Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for his

unfettered support to the development of Golf in the state even as he advised youths to shun violence and idleness.

He urged them to try their hands on golf for a better future calling on corporate organisations and governments to commit more resources to golf.

Nigeria and Ghana’s number one rated golfer, Emos Korblah

won the professional Category of the event while the Odoh brothers emerged second and third. While the younger Odoh, Andrew of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja finished second his elder brother, Martin of Minna Cantonment Golf Club finished the 72-hole contest in third place take the third position.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, August 2, 2013

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TheGuardian

Friday, August 2, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Oshagbemi Oluwatosin HE issue of Nigeria’s fast-rising population, T despite being the topic of public discourse in recent times, still hasn’t received the attention it deserves from appropriate quarters. But population explosion in itself remains a relevant phenomenon to many countries around the world today.

In 2011, the world’s population hit 7 billion, with China in all its demographic splendor accounting for a fifth part of the figure. Future projections show that India, another mega nation from Asia, is set to take over from China as the most populous country come 2028. The world population is expected to have crossed 8 billion by then, fuelled largely by Asian and African populations as Western countries such as Britain and the United States appear to have found a way to effectively control the growth of their populations.

If this is not so much a Nigerian problem then, why fret?

Well, here’s one reason: The Nigerian population is up 268 per cent from 1960. In the time it took us to grow from 56 million to about 170 million, Britain added a little over 5 million; representing a 10 per cent increase in its population from 1963.

Of the 170 million strong population, 68 million-plus are youths; a fair proportion you would say when considering that 50 per cent of Ugandans are under the age of 15. However, the pace of growth in the coming years is set to follow an even more explosive trend, dictated by an army of virile youths. So it is logical that the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), a U.S-based non-profit organisation suggests the Nigerian population would be hitting 400 million by 2050.

These mind-blowing projections bring a couple of challenges to the fore, the biggest of them being; how do we deploy our shrinking pool of resources to sustain this expanding population?

It is no secret that our dependence on petroleum and natural minerals as a nation is legendary. This again clearly evidenced by the report of the National Bureau of Statistics which indicates that the export of mineral resources made up 84 per cent of Nigeria’s total export trade in 2012, while oil accounted for 69.2 per cent.

The same oil resource that took wind out of the sail of Agriculture, our mainstay in the good old days, is now set to dry up in the next few decades; when our population hopefully should be closing in on the projected 400 million mark.

Maybe we need a detailed visual representation to understand the impact empty oil wells might have on our future. Maybe we don’t. But for a layman like me to grasp the picture, I only need to take oil out of the revenue equation and double the current population figure. What obtains leaves nothing to be desired at all.

Experts are divided on chances of the country’s future prosperity, and this has often snowballed into a doom versus boom debate. Indeed, while some are being realistic, making predictions on the back of our history and antecedents, others stay optimistic, pointing to our potentials and a brighter future ahead.

Skeptics believe we can’t keep up with the current 3.2 per cent growth rate quoted by the National Population Commission. They fear that our narrow economic structure will not hold against a surging youth-driven population, thereby leading to an increase in the percentage of the active population that is actively unemployed or at best underemployed. And quite rightly so, they fear the swelling numbers of jobless and uneducated youths would further raise the entropy level of a country that already contends with the menace of terrorism and tribal wars in the north; and oil theft, piracy and kidnapping in the south.

In the face of a rapidly growing population, the current fiscal model encourages governments at all levels to depend on revenue generated from the petroleum sector. The sharing formula, which ensures revenue trickles from the Federal Government down to the local governments and wards has led to a sort of redundancy. Many states rely chiefly on the hand-outs in form of allocations to run recurrent and capital expenditure, hence their economies do not develop at the same rate with the population size.

If Lagos State, which generates huge revenue internally finds it challenging to match the needs of its population, how successful will those states that depend largely on allocations do same within the limits of its resources?

I recall how in 2008, the Lagos state government introduced the Bus Rapid Transit system

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Nigeria’s growing population: A blessing or a curse?

Festus Eze Odimegwu, Chairman, National Population Commission (BRT) to enhance public transportation system while trying to place Lagos at par with other mega cities around the world. The introduction was also to help put the ghosts of the ragged-looking Molue buses to rest. It was a thing of pride at the time to see the system exude such level of organisation and efficiency and it instantly came to represent the face of an emerging mega-city.

Countries such as Brazil even sent officials to come and understudy the system with a view to replicating the success in it major cities. For young guys like me, it became hip to commute around the city in large comfortable blue or red buses – symbols of mod-

ern Lagos; in a similar fashion to what was obtainable in other modern cities around the globe.

But fast forward to 2013, just five years on, the BRT system appears to have lost its sparkle. Is it still as effective as it was in its first year? That’s a topic for some other discussion. Today, the buses – most of them – have become the same ghosts they were acquired to replace. Today, the 49-sitting, 99-standing era is back, even though BRTs are still in town.

The instinctive thing to do will be to put this on poor management. While I agree mismanagement may have played a part, this decline in quality also largely correlates with the fact

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that the Lagos metropolis grows by 672,000 people every year according to state data. That means more people using the same facility that was designed for fewer, thereby putting a strain on available infrastructure. The same dilemma faces education, housing and commerce.

In the light of this, the lamentation of the Lagos State government has been placed on record. The Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze has been quoted as saying each time the state rolls out services, more people arrive, and this makes it difficult to cope.

The country’s rapid population growth, however, does not completely translate to predictions of chaos. For every realist who thinks our resources are fast shrinking and doomsday is calling, there is a balancing group of opposites, who believe we are on the verge of an economic revolution. This group of people believes we can grow our economy using human capital as a resource. They count on our numbers not as a weakness but as strength. There is a potential to tap into, which they believe, is the strength of our human capital.

As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria remains the focal point for crusaders of the Africa rising project. They are quick to point out the huge retail market and an expanding labour force as they preach the gospel of demographic dividends to local and foreign investors.

I know for a fact that they do not speak lies.

Truly, a lot of opportunities abound for business, whether in manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, technology, real estate, or the service industry. These sectors may not all be where they ought to be, but they have, at least, shown there is room for tremendous growth.

Indigenous entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Oba Otudeko and Jim Ovia, just to mention a few, have built vast business empires and gone global despite starting from the scratch. There has also been an increase in average disposable income in the last decade despite the scourge of unemployment; and foreign businesses are seeking ways to enter the local market, while local manufacturers are making strategic long-term plans, either setting up infrastructure or expanding already existing capacity to enable local production.

Agriculture is another goldmine that can and should be harnessed. A country that can depend on its local food production to sustain its population has a higher chance of surviving in the future. And we cannot learn to self-sustain if we continue to depend on other countries for what we need. What we do need is to stop creating jobs for others by learning to consume what we produce. We need to eliminate the culture of exotic consumerism now more than ever.

According to the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who spoke at the 2013 AGRIKEXPO, Nigeria currently spends N1.7 trillion annually to import food. That figure represents a third of the 2013 annual budget altogether. So what if we get things right, get agribusiness to be attractive to our teeming youth population again, and keep a sizeable chunk of this sum in the economy?

The current dispensation is making an attempt to reignite the Agriculture sector, which is quite commendable. Meeting the target of a sustainable agro economy is doable. At the moment, only about 44 per cent of land available for arable farming is being cultivated. We still record a high volume of wastage annually due to an inefficient value chain, and the requisite manpower is available. There’s little the country needs to lead an agricultural revolution.

While encouraging local food production, the government should also be looking at boosting the informal economy, which provides livelihood for a majority of those in the lower class. Our ability to fix the power sector will play a central role to making this obtainable as well as creating a more diversified economy.

It’s just not enough to embark on endless foreign direct investment drives.

Indeed for a rapidly expanding population like ours, there are possibilities and then there are threats. Maybe we need to consider implementing policies that will help put the current population growth in check, but the truth remains that we are not yet beyond redemption. Rather we have an array of opportunities to latch on to. The perceived threats will begin to manifest if and when we fail to make these opportunities count. Only then will our blessing turn into a curse.

Oluwatosin is a PR executive with C&F Porter Novelli, Lagos. @tosynosha